Chapter 82
Chapter 82
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Paeng Mun's Unease
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gansu Province's eastern Xihua.
That place, bordering Yeon Kingdom, served as Zhao Kingdom's main camp. It lay a hundred li from the neutral zone where the two nations had fiercely clashed for years.
Troops began flooding into the area.
Starting with the forces that had left camp for the Guizhou battle, followed by those stationed in northern Gansu—altogether, an army exceeding 150,000 strong.
Among them were Ghost Valley and the Hwangbo Family.
"Impressive."
Hwangbo Tae-jin couldn't hide his admiration as he surveyed the vast encampment. From the massive twenty-zhang-high walls to the watchtowers rising everywhere.
It resembled an impregnable fortress.
"I'm worried this might spark all-out war."
Hwangbo Tae-jin shook his head at his aide's words.
"The Southwest King is merely parading his forces to flaunt his power before the world. He won't let it escalate to full-scale war."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Though he's pushed aside the Crown Prince, he hasn't claimed the throne yet. Starting a reckless war could give the Crown Prince's faction a chance to grab him by the throat. Do you think the Southwest King is unaware of that?"
"Then we don't need to worry about all-out war."
"Full-scale war would be the worst scenario for us too. If it breaks out here, we'd be the only ones among Zhao's myriad martial clans left holding the bag."
"Indeed."
Hwangbo Tae-jin scanned the surroundings. Spotting Ghost Valley's demons heading to the left flank of the camp, he narrowed his eyes. His gaze fixed on the Ghost Valley Lord's retreating figure, gleaming with a chilling light.
'Namgung Jang-cheon—that brat you could have easily killed, yet spared. You'll have to explain yourself.'
He knew.
The Ghost Valley Lord hadn't given his all in the battle against the Namgung Family.
It might not be true, but he was convinced of it.
Just then, a Hwangbo Family warrior came running.
"Patriarch! They've assigned us that spot!"
The warrior pointed to the right side of the camp.
Compared to other areas, exceptionally large and clean tents stood in neat rows.
A satisfied smile crept across Hwangbo Tae-jin's lips.
"Our family deserves treatment like this."
* * *
Atop a mountain peak overlooking Zhao Kingdom's encampment, a man stood yielding to the wind. It was Namgung Jang-cheon, who had trailed the Zhao army from the Red River.
He calmed his eyes as he gazed down at the boundless Zhao camp.
'It's on another scale from Qin's camps. The rumors are true—Zhao pours the most gold into its military among the three kingdoms.'
What they called a camp rivaled a decent city. Especially the walls encircling it like a screen along the river—merely looking at them choked the breath.
'A sudden thirst...'
Gulp gulp!
Namgung Jang-cheon pulled out his waterskin and quenched it. Then he turned his gaze northwest. Verdant mountains stretched endlessly where his eyes landed.
Beyond them lay the neutral zone, and then Yeon Kingdom's territory.
'Does Yeon's Southern Legion have any masters who can handle the Ghost Valley Lord or Hwangbo Tae-jin? If not, they'll be overwhelmed.'
Namgung Jang-cheon looked back at the Zhao camp.
Just then, troops were entering from the west. An endless horde—at the sight, he drew a low breath.
'The Southwest King means business. This puts Yeon's Southern Legion in peril...'
* * *
Southern Legion.
Into the camp, busy fortifying defenses, strode over a hundred burly men.
Warriors of the Hebei Paeng Family.
Family head Paeng Mun led them at the fore.
The first to greet them was Paeng Mu-wi. Upon hearing his family's warriors had arrived, he had rushed over with his deputy.
Paeng Mun halted and eyed the approaching Paeng Mu-wi. His gaze held more disappointment than joy.
"You've arrived, Patriarch."
Left General and Southern Legion Commander though he was, before the family head, even Paeng Mu-wi had to bow his head. The traditions of a centuries-old martial house carried that much weight.
"Why didn't you inform me first? Should I learn of matters tied to our family's fate from others?"
"The situation at the time didn't allow it. My apologies."
Paeng Mu-wi couldn't lift his head in shame. Paeng Mun stared silently before letting out a quiet sigh.
"You must have suffered greatly."
"...No."
"What do you mean no? It's written all over your face. Still, glad you're safe."
"..."
Paeng Mu-wi's eyes reddened, tears spilling. Paeng Mun placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Before coming here, I met His Highness the Crown Prince. There, I swore to share his fate. Now you must lead us well."
"Fear not. The Great Prince is here. Trust in him alone—not me—and all will be well! Let us go pay respects to the Great Prince at once."
As they walked together, Paeng Mun asked about Yi Hwan.
"Rumors painted him as utterly worthless before. Yet I hear His Highness the Crown Prince means to appoint him Golden Army commander. What sort of man is this Great Prince you've seen? Can we truly trust and follow him?"
Heh!
Wiping tears, Paeng Mu-wi flashed his signature grin.
"You'll know soon enough. Heh heh heh."
* * *
"This lowly one, Paeng Mun, pays respects to the Great Prince."
"Come in, Patriarch."
Yi Hwan inwardly marveled at the bowing Paeng Mun. Watching him felt like facing a towering wall.
Even in his own era, the Paeng family head had been like this.
Paeng Mu-wi boasted.
"Our Paeng Family's unparalleled master! Any thorns in the enemy ranks, our Patriarch will handle them all!"
"I look forward to it."
Tea arrived shortly, and talk began.
Amid the chatter, Paeng Mun felt unease toward Yi Hwan.
'Nothing special or extraordinary about him. So why does the Left General praise the Great Prince so?'
A master's greatest gift was reading people. Even average ones could gauge potential from aura alone.
Yet Yi Hwan emanated nothing noteworthy. His light tone and air, unfit for his station, bred not just unease but outright disappointment.
Instead, those who caught Paeng Mun's eye were Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae, introduced as Yi Hwan's guards.
'Like typhoons on the verge of bursting.'
Then Yi Hwan asked abruptly.
"Do you happen to know why Daye Fortress fell?"
"My regrets, but nothing is known of their demise..."
Yi Hwan felt disappointed. A shot in the dark, hoping the Paeng head might know.
Paeng Mun asked.
"You know of Daye Fortress?"
"Oh, just in passing."
"You must fancy martial history. Few even in the jianghu know of it. But why the curiosity?"
"They called it the mightiest power through the ages, yet it vanished like dust without records. Only two hundred years ago, no less."
"Great Prince."
Go Mi entered.
Conversation halted naturally as all eyes turned to her.
"Ghost Valley's demons have doubled since the Guizhou battle. Reports say numerous unaffiliated martial artists are heading for the Zhao camp."
"Regular troops?"
"Some forces departing Gansu just joined the enemy. No others spotted yet."
"Well done."
As Go Mi left, Paeng Mun asked.
"Ghost Valley is in the Zhao camp?"
"Oh, forgot to mention. Not just them—the Hwangbo Family too. So the Paeng Family has much work ahead."
Paeng Mun's face grew grave.
His family alone here, yet two powerhouses in the enemy ranks.
As Paeng Mun moved to ask more, Yi Hwan stood.
"You must be weary from the long journey. Rest now. Operational details via the Commander tomorrow."
"Understood, Great Prince."
Yi Hwan withdrew, leaving Paeng Mu-wi and the deputy. Paeng Mun asked outright.
"You said he'd relay operations through you. Does that mean the Great Prince commands the legion over the Commander himself?"
"Yes. Approved by the Crown Prince's Palace. We generals agree he's more fit than I."
"Hmm."
"You distrust the Great Prince?"
"If my eyes don't deceive, the Great Prince is..."
Paeng Mun trailed off. Paeng Mu-wi grinned.
"Patriarch, you've already made a grave mistake."
"Mistake? What do you mean?"
"You should never have sided with the Second Prince. The world thinks they'll oust His Highness the Crown Prince, but not in my eyes. His Highness has our Great Prince. He's hidden his power till now—see his true face, and you'll admit I'm right."
From "our Great Prince," Paeng Mun realized anew how Paeng Mu-wi viewed Yi Hwan.
"Good grief."
Paeng Mun couldn't help a wry smile.
Paeng Mu-wi wasn't one to blindly trust anyone. Rough and steadfast-looking, yet suspicious and slow to bond. For such a man to act lovestruck...
Paeng Mun grew serious.
"How strong is the Great Prince, militarily?"
"Even I don't know precisely. But as I said, he's concealed his power—and what he hides likely surpasses imagination."
"Come now. You follow blindly without knowing his strength? Too fanatical!"
"Just wait and see."
Paeng Mun was dumbfounded by Paeng Mu-wi's stubbornness.
Then.
A general entered.
"Commander, suspected Zhao scouts climbing the western gorge. Permission to eliminate?"
"Numbers?"
"About fifty."
"Is that so?"
Paeng Mu-wi pondered briefly, then turned to Paeng Mun.
"Perfect timing. Show them our family's might properly."
"Very well."
Paeng Mun eyed his family's elites.
"No need for many. Send five."
"Yes, Patriarch."
To the general, Paeng Mun said.
"Will you guide our men?"
The general asked, stunned.
"Truly just five?"
"More than enough."
"..."
* * *
Namgung Jang-cheon lingered on the peak overlooking the Zhao camp.
No need for extra vigilance—unless they climbed deliberately, no risk of detection. But trouble arose.
'Packed plenty of rations, yet...'
They were gone.
Even martial artists couldn't ignore hunger. Hunting meant fire and smoke, impossible. Namgung Jang-cheon pondered.
Solution came quickly.
'No raid today—descend to a city, procure food first. Rumors say one's near Yeon's Southern Legion. Head there.'
Namgung Jang-cheon descended northwest. En route, scanning the Zhao camp, he spotted Ghost Valley demons not far off.
The Valley Lord was absent, likely in a tent.
'An opportunity, perhaps...'
Anticipating clash with the Ghost Valley Lord, Namgung Jang-cheon sped through the woods. How far had he gone?
Figures ahead.
Zhao warriors.
Namgung Jang-cheon's eyes flashed upon seeing two Ghost Valley demons among them.
'Scouting already? The two nations might clash soon.'
He considered detouring but decided to tail them. Same direction—no need for the long way.
Whoosh!
A gale aided him.
The shaking woods masked his presence effortlessly. Half a day later?
A massive gorge appeared ahead, like the earth had sunk.
The Zhao troops plunged in without hesitation.
Namgung Jang-cheon followed stealthily.
Deeper and wider than from above. Sheer cliffs on both sides—no escape without wings.
"Yeon bastards must've spotted our army's moves by now. Safe to go this deep?"
"Unneeded worry. They know troops gathered, but not we'd scout this fast."
"With those gentlemen here, what worry?"
The warriors nodded toward the Ghost Valley demons.
To them, the impassable walls were reassuring shields.
At the gorge's end.
"Damn, they're quick."
Figures emerged from the forest cloaking the entrance.
"Yeon scum!"
"Shit!"
Clang clang clang!
Zhao troops drew swords in unison. Ghost Valley demons stepped forward.
Yeon side advanced too. Hebei Paeng Family warriors.
Namgung Jang-cheon hid in the woods, eyes alight with interest.
'Hebei Paeng Family in Yeon's camp. This'll be a fine fight.'