Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: The Prelude to War Rises
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A man in a blue robe bowed deeply before Jo Gwang.
“It was indeed the martial artists of Yeon Kingdom, Your Highness. We pursued them to the end, but they slipped into the military camp... I apologize.”
“There’s no need to apologize. Raise your head.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Jo Gwang sank deeply into his chair, his gaze steadying.
“We got badly beaten by just two of them.”
“They were masters who had reached a considerable level. Even while chasing them all the way to the Yeon Kingdom camp, we couldn’t close the distance at all. And one of them was carrying the other around his waist.”
“Was our intelligence wrong? Weren’t we told there were no martial experts of that caliber in the Yeon Kingdom camp?”
“Either the intelligence was off, or they’re recent additions. In any case, once battle begins, we should strengthen security for our key generals.”
“Of course. But only for our side’s generals. You understand?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The martial artists withdrew, leaving only Pa Pa behind.
“Pa Pa.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“To end this war with minimal losses, we need to take out the enemy commander as quickly as possible. Prepare your most capable men.”
“No need to worry. I’ve already selected the best ones.”
“Good. By the way, how’s the mood among the Southwest King’s generals?”
“They’re all rattled by the commander’s sudden death, but none seem to suspect us.”
“Well done. I need rest now—go.”
“Then rest well, Your Highness.”
Once Pa Pa left, Jo Gwang uncorked a bottle of liquor on the desk and brought it straight to his lips.
Gulp, gulp!
Thud!
“The board is set. We’ll end this swiftly and decisively.”
* * *
The next morning.
Yi Hwan immediately summoned the key generals to the command center. Paeng Mun, the head of the Paeng family, was also present. Since he bore the most critical role, Yi Hwan treated him on equal footing with the generals.
Yi Hwan swept his gaze over them before speaking.
“The enemy commander is dead.”
“What?”
The room erupted in murmurs.
Paeng Mu-wi asked,
“How did you know that, Great Prince?”
“I went out to scout the enemy lines and learned it by chance. From this moment on, we switch to full alert status.”
One general asked,
“With their commander dead, won’t they delay the attack?”
“The one itching to fight us has seized full command in his place. And of course, he’s the one who killed the commander.”
“Who is it?”
“Crown Prince Jo Gwang of Zhao Kingdom.”
The room buzzed loudly again.
Yi Hwan turned to Paeng Mun.
“Family Head.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“I’m thinking of assigning capable warriors to guard our key generals... Is that alright?”
“As you wish, Great Prince.”
“Thank you.”
Yi Hwan then turned to Jeong Cheon.
“The enemy will target the commander and General Jeong first. I’ll assign my own retainers to guard you, General Jeong, so in close combat or chaotic melee, don’t stray far from them no matter what.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
Yi Hwan fixed his gaze on Paeng Mu-wi.
Paeng Mu-wi grinned and said,
“I’ll be fine.”
“Be careful. You’ll be their top priority, replacing the commander. You might even face the strongest martial artist in their camp.”
“No worries! I’ll bring you the head of Zhao’s Crown Prince instead!”
Yi Hwan appreciated Paeng Mu-wi’s rough edges. Ever since he slew the warriors sent by the Second Prince to kill him, Yi Hwan had fully accepted Paeng Mu-wi as one of his own.
Clink.
Yi Hwan drained his teacup and stood abruptly.
“Then return to your posts at once.”
“Yes!”
“Understood!”
* * *
Leaving the command center, Jeong Cheon headed straight for his tent.
His mission was to hold the central defense line of the camp and decide on reinforcements for each line based on the situation—a vital role.
Jeong Cheon recalled Yi Hwan from the meeting and smiled faintly. He looked up at the sky and murmured,
“Watch over us, General.”
Lately, he’d been thinking of Hwang Ho often. The man had even appeared in his dreams several times.
“We’ll protect the Southern Legion with the Great Prince, no matter what.”
The Southern Legion, more precious to Hwang Ho than life itself. Jeong Cheon vowed to defend it come hell or high water—for Hwang Ho’s sake too.
It was then.
Whoosh!
With a gust of wind, two men in white robes landed behind Jeong Cheon. They were warriors of the Sword King’s lineage.
Jeong Cheon halted and turned to them.
“The Great Prince’s orders: protect the general.”
‘Impressive fellows.’
Jeong Cheon liked their bearing and smiled warmly.
“Pleased to work with you.”
* * *
Shhh!
The rain fell in fits, lightening then intensifying.
The Southern Legion warriors, now on full alert, stood ready at their assigned positions against the enemy assault.
Paeng Mun and the Paeng family warriors were positioned at the camp’s highest vantage, to observe the battlefield and engage any enemy martial artists as per Yi Hwan’s plan.
Paeng Mun’s gaze toward the southwest was far from optimistic.
‘It’s too flimsy to call a strategy. I wonder if this can really hold them off.’
He still didn’t fully trust Yi Hwan.
Just then, warriors stepped forward from behind. They were the ones assigned to guard the generals.
Paeng Mun addressed them sternly.
“Stake the pride of our clan on this: the general you’re assigned to must not die. Understood?”
“Yes, Family Head!”
“Understood!”
“I wish you all good fortune.”
“Take care, Family Head.”
The warriors departed for their assigned generals. Paeng Mun watched their retreating figures, his gaze steadying once more.
‘Why this unease?’
The source was Yi Hwan, of course.
If Paeng Mu-wi held full command, he’d have voiced his own thoughts without restraint. He was confident it would be better than Yi Hwan’s plan.
“Family Head, look over there.”
A warrior pointed left. Paeng Mun turned naturally, spotting Yi Hwan emerging from the command building in full armor.
Paeng Mun glanced at the red dragon emblazoned on the ink-black armor’s chest, then studied Yi Hwan’s face. A flicker of admiration crossed his eyes.
‘Where does that composure come from?’
One thing he admired about Yi Hwan was precisely that calm demeanor.
It couldn’t be faked.
‘Please let it not be bravado...’
It was then.
Boom, boom!
Two red signal flares burst in the southwest sky. Even through the rain, they dyed the heavens crimson for a long while.
The signal for the enemy attack.
Paeng Mun’s eyes burned with resolve.
‘This war is our family’s war too. I’ll show Crown Prince His Highness what the Paeng family can do.’
* * *
Boom, boom!
Jo Gwang stared at the fading red signal flares staining the sky. His pupils reflected the crimson glow.
“They’re properly prepared, as expected.”
“They won’t be able to stop us even knowing.”
“Of course not.”
If Yi Hwan wore Yeon Kingdom imperial armor, Jo Gwang donned Zhao Kingdom’s. Where Yi Hwan’s bore a red dragon, Jo Gwang’s featured a yellow dragon—legendary divine beasts symbolizing their emperors.
Qin Kingdom used a blue dragon.
Jo Gwang gazed at the yellow dragon embroidered on his chest, steeling his determination.
‘Soon, I’ll topple the Southwest King and soar with you once more.’
His resolve firm, Jo Gwang called out lowly to those behind.
“Entire army. Advance at full speed.”
“Full speed!”
“Full-speed advance!”
Boom, boom, boom!
With the drums, the Zhao Kingdom army’s pace quickened dramatically. Leading were over a hundred martial artists.
Behind them, some two hundred Blood Ghosts were arrayed.
It revealed Jo Gwang’s intent to seize momentum from the outset.
Yet the key experts among the martial artists who came with him, including Pa Pa, were all clustered around him.
Perhaps that was why.
Not a trace of anxiety showed on Jo Gwang’s face.
‘I’ll end it before tomorrow’s sun rises.’
“Your Highness! Look at the sky!”
At Pa Pa’s cry, Jo Gwang looked up. His eyes gleamed.
The black clouds blanketing the sky were parting, revealing a piercingly blue firmament.
In contrast, the northeast sky remained darkly overcast.
“An auspicious omen!”
“Don’t rely on the heavens! We’ll crush Yeon Kingdom with our own strength!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Though he said that, Jo Gwang’s heart grew calmer.
* * *
Yi Hwan climbed to a hill behind the camp.
It offered a wider view than the watchtower, perfect for observing the enemy’s approach.
Rain still fell, but clouds were clearing from the southwest sky onward.
Half the sky bathed in sunlight, the other shrouded in dark clouds—a bizarre, mystical sight. Normally, the side receiving sunlight first would cheer it as heaven’s favor.
The Zhao forces were probably doing so now.
‘Their morale must be sky-high.’
It was then.
Boom, boom!
Two more signal flares lit the sky—this time blue.
“They’ve already reached the gorge. Much faster than expected.”
To Cheol Mu-ok’s words, Yi Hwan replied calmly.
“One or the other. Either they’re desperate enough to rush like this, or brimming with confidence that they outmatch us. Or both.”
Then Go Mi spoke.
“About what I said before... I take it back.”
“You mean not to kill the Crown Prince?”
“Yes. Now that he’s leading the enemy, eliminating him first is best if the chance arises.”
“Easier said than done. His strongest martial artists will be right beside him, no doubt.”
“Sorry I couldn’t provide intel.”
“No helping it. Don’t worry about it.”
Yi Hwan glanced north and east of the camp in turn. Allied troops emerged from the forests.
The first heading to the gorge was Paeng Mu-wi’s unit.
“Let’s head down too.”
“Yes.”
* * *
The Zhao army advanced on the Southern Legion at a formidable pace. Strangely, none of the ambush forces Yi Hwan had layered in multiple rings stirred.
Someone voiced suspicion.
“Isn’t it too quiet? I figured they’d have ambushes by now.”
“If they realized through intel they’re at an absolute disadvantage, they wouldn’t dream of splitting forces with ambushes. They’re probably set up in defensive formations around the camp, waiting for us!”
“Hearing it, that makes sense.”
The skeptic nodded.
This scene repeated across the Zhao army. Thus, no general scouted the forests along the approach to the Southern Legion.
Every Zhao general was united in confidence: even if ambushes lurked, overwhelming force would crush them.
Crown Prince Jo Gwang was no different.
He passed half the gorge without a hint of doubt at Yeon Kingdom’s inaction.
Pa Pa said,
“The enemy’s too quiet, Your Highness.”
“The only thing they can do is concentrate their whole army for a cornered-rat defense. The battlefield won’t be this mountainous terrain but their main camp—so advance without fear.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The Zhao force, nearing two hundred thousand strong, was a grand army fit for total war. Indeed, it wouldn’t be odd if full-scale war between Yeon and Zhao erupted right here.
That was exactly what Jo Gwang wanted.
‘Before that scheming Southwest King fully seizes the court, I must sow chaos. Not just crush the Southern Legion—push north to provoke Yeon Kingdom’s imperial palace.’
He recalled his meeting with the Southwest King before coming here.
‘The Northern Legion suffered irredeemable humiliation from Yeon Kingdom’s Southern Legion. Go, Crown Prince, and restore our nation’s honor.’
Jo Gwang had gladly accepted.
The Southwest King hoped he’d die on the field, but Jo Gwang turned it into opportunity—and seized it.
‘If it escalates to total war, the military won’t have time to consolidate under him. That’s when I pull units and generals not yet tilted his way to my side.’
Indeed.
Jo Gwang had planned for total war from the start.
“Heh heh heh.”