Chapter 87
Chapter 87
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Cut Off the Snake's Head
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Crown Prince's Palace.
Gwan Ji-baek had come looking for Yi So early in the morning.
He spoke in a grave tone.
“The reports indicate that the Zhao Kingdom's forces number nearly two hundred thousand. That's far too many troops for a mere border skirmish.”
“Nearly two hundred thousand?”
“Yes, that's correct.”
Even Yi So was taken aback. Two hundred thousand was an army beyond even his expectations.
“Then why hasn't the youngest reported this to me?”
“He either hasn't grasped the full picture yet, or there's some other motive at play.”
“He couldn't possibly be unaware of such a massive buildup. So there must be another agenda...”
Yi So's gaze grew heavy.
Gwan Ji-baek continued.
“Crown Prince Jo Gwang has joined the Zhao Kingdom's camp. It seems the Southwest King sent him hoping he'd meet his end on the battlefield.”
“If the goal was to eliminate the Crown Prince, would they send so many troops? They'd have ordered reckless assaults with minimal forces instead.”
“Indeed. That's what makes me suspicious. Could the Southwest King of Zhao be aiming for all-out war?”
“Even after pushing aside the Crown Prince, he hasn't ascended the throne yet. Would he risk full-scale war in that position? One misstep, and he could lose the power he's all but grasped. I doubt it.”
“Then...”
The two exchanged words in a tense atmosphere. But Gwan Ji-baek, who had come with only the intelligence in hand, was completely unaware that Jo Gwang had seized control of the Zhao Kingdom's camp.
It was because Yi Hwan hadn't informed him.
Frustrated, Yi So shot to his feet.
“I need to see the Prime Minister. Whatever their intentions, we need reinforcements now. We must hurry.”
Gwan Ji-baek followed after Yi So.
“The fastest to mobilize would be the Northern Legion. Geographically, it's the closest.”
“Is its commander one of ours?”
“He's neither side's man—a textbook soldier through and through.”
“A textbook soldier... That might be for the best. At least he won't make political calculations.”
“Exactly.”
Yi So's steps quickened with unease. His heart raced even faster.
‘Why hasn't he reported this until it's come to this? Why!’
Self-reproach gnawed at him.
He'd dismissed it as just another local skirmish, no different from before, and hadn't paid it much mind himself.
Perhaps the self-reproach stemmed from his own shortsightedness.
* * *
Yi Tae-ji, the Second Imperial Prince, was seething with rage after Paeng Mu-wi's betrayal and the Hebei Paeng Family's defection.
Mun Chi-yong, his strategist, had barely escaped execution after repeated blunders, saved only by the pleas of close aides, and was now rotting in prison.
For now, a former Junior General was filling his role.
* * *
“The Zhao Kingdom's army numbers a staggering two hundred thousand. Rumors are circulating that this goes beyond mere border clashes—it's poised to escalate further.”
Yi Tae-ji's eyes flashed at the report from the man in blue robes who had taken Mun Chi-yong's place as strategist.
“Is that true?”
“Yes. Intelligence agencies have confirmed it and notified the court. The ministers are gathering soon to discuss countermeasures.”
“I see.”
A meaningful glint flickered in Yi Tae-ji's eyes. The blue-robed man pressed on.
“If reinforcements are delayed, the Southern Legion could be in peril. Should it fall and the enemy press on with further ambitions, it could turn into full-scale war.”
“Foolish talk. No matter how war-hungry the Southwest King of Zhao is, launching all-out war before claiming the throne is reckless. One slip, and he'd shoulder all the blame and fall from power himself. Why gamble like that? There must be something we don't know.”
Yi Tae-ji sank deep into his chair, tapping his fingers.
‘It'll never come to full war. No reason to aid the Southern Legion then. They refused to follow me anyway.’
His lips curled into a slow smile.
The blue-robed man was curious about Yi Tae-ji's thoughts but held his tongue.
“If the ministers approve aid, the closest forces are the Northern Legion and Central Army, right?”
“Geographically, the Central Army is nearer, but the rugged terrain means it'll take time to reach the Southern Legion. That makes the Northern Legion the most likely choice.”
“Bring writing materials.”
“Yes.”
As the blue-robed man stepped out to fetch them, Yi Tae-ji smiled coldly.
‘I’ll make them regret rejecting my hand with rivers of blood tears.’
* * *
“The enemy's vanguard is coming into view.”
Cheol Mu-ok pointed southwest.
One ridgeline was turning pitch black. It was the Zhao Kingdom's vanguard.
“They're fast.”
“Faster than expected—by at least one double hour.”
“Moon Lord.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“Fire the signal flare.”
“Understood.”
Piiiuu! Boom!
A yellow signal flare burst into the sky.
Go Mi asked,
“Are we really letting their vanguard pass unharmed?”
“Let them sink deeper into delusion a bit longer.”
“Pardon?”
“We held back our ambush forces to make the enemy think we're hunkering down in a desperate last stand at the main camp. That's why their vanguard advanced a full double hour faster. They'll be off guard until our camp comes into view. Once they pass Twin Rock Pass, we sever their waist.”
Yi Hwan continued calmly.
“A snake without its waist can only bite—nothing more to fear.”
Yi Hwan descended the ridgeline.
Go Mi followed, pondering his words.
‘Does he mean to annihilate their vanguard and kick off the war that way?’
In any war, the vanguard tied directly to army morale. History's great conquerors had almost always entrusted it to their most trusted men to open the campaign.
Clench.
‘We must annihilate them no matter what!’
Go Mi's fists tightened.
* * *
Boom!
“Yellow signal flare, General.”
“Then we wait.”
“Is it really all right to let their vanguard through? Twin Rock Pass leads straight to the main camp.”
To his subordinate's worried question, Jeong Cheon replied firmly.
“It's the Great Prince's order. We follow.”
“......”
The key generals already knew Yi Hwan's plan. They just hadn't informed the lower officers and warriors. Per Yi Hwan's command, of course.
We start by cutting the snake from the waist.
Flames ignited in Jeong Cheon's eyes.
‘Risky, but success would turn the tide in one stroke. A bold stratagem.’
Many generals had voiced concerns, but Jeong Cheon fully endorsed Yi Hwan's plan.
It carried risks, but success would minimize casualties—the optimal path. He'd always favored such approaches.
But with the tide against them now, he agreed with Yi Hwan's daring. That's why he'd volunteered for this spot instead of his original central defense role.
Jeong Cheon gazed at the opposite woods.
Paeng Mu-wi's unit lay in ambush there, showing no movement. In truth, Paeng Mu-wi endorsed Yi Hwan's plan as absolutely as Jeong Cheon did.
I will follow the Great Prince's orders without question.
Recalling Paeng Mu-wi's words, Jeong Cheon smiled faintly.
‘Turning a man like that to his side—that's the Great Prince's talent too.’
Jeong Cheon called out softly to those around him.
“Suppress all sounds!”
“Suppress all sounds!”
Moments later, the Zhao Kingdom's vanguard finally entered view.
Jeong Cheon watched the leading general and surrounding martial artists. Right behind the general were hundreds of Blood Ghosts and Black Tiger Squad members.
Twitch.
Jeong Cheon's brow arched slightly.
‘They loaded heavy forces into the vanguard to seize momentum from the start. But even that's within the Great Prince's expectations.’
* * *
Paeng Mu-wi and Paeng Mun watched the Zhao Kingdom troops pass right in front, eyes gleaming.
[Quite a few strong ones.]
[The bastards poured power into the vanguard, just as the Great Prince predicted. Impressive, right?]
[What is?]
[Everything's unfolding exactly as he foresaw, without deviation.]
[Battle hasn't even started. Focus.]
Paeng Mun kept it brief.
Yi Hwan's predictions so far—strong vanguard forces and rapid advance—weren't extraordinary.
‘Battle's the real test. Succeed in cutting off the snake's head as planned, or we'll face their full army at the inescapable main camp...’
That was Paeng Mun's greatest worry.
[Patriarch, time to prepare.]
[Got it.]
Paeng Mu-wi turned to Paeng Mun. Their gazes locked for a moment.
[Don't get hurt, Patriarch.]
Zing.
Paeng Mun felt a tremor in his chest.
[You too—stay safe.]
That was when it happened.
Rustle!
Yi Hwan appeared from behind with faint footsteps. Paeng Mun and Paeng Mu-wi rose quietly and bowed. Though silent, they were stunned.
They'd never expected Yi Hwan to enter the battlefield personally.
Yi Hwan quenched his thirst with liquor from Cheol Mu-ok and passed the flask to Paeng Mun.
[One sip before we begin.]
[Yes.]
Paeng Mun took a swig and handed it to Paeng Mu-wi, who drained the rest with his characteristic rough grin.
Smirk.
Yi Hwan patted Paeng Mu-wi's shoulder and stepped slightly forward.
The enemy's vanguard was beginning to show its tail. Once that passed, blood-soaked battle would commence.
‘My first fight in this armor?’
The armor embroidered with a crimson dragon.
Its original owner had once dreamed of rampaging across the world in it. But the dream shattered, vanishing into eternity.
‘I’ll make your dream come true.’
Yi Hwan slowly drew his sword.
Shing.
On that signal, all drew their weapons silently. A timely wind shook the woods, swallowing even the faint metallic clinks.
Go Mi lightly kissed her drawn blade.
Her ritual before an important fight. Then Yi Hwan turned to her.
[Stay close.]
[Yes, Great Prince.]
* * *
In his own era, Yi Hwan had been terror incarnate to enemies. His merciless, brutal strikes instilled more fear than the grim reaper.
The Western Depot's Poison Palace had massacred two thousand palace guards overnight on charges of eyeing the Central Plains. Over half had surrendered, morale broken, but Yi Hwan executed them all.
A ruthless measure to leave no future threats.
‘Time to start again.’
Now, Yi Hwan sought to return to that self. His resolve marked the true beginning of this new life.
Wuuung!
With a resonance, Yi Hwan's sword turned blue.
Paeng Mu-wi and Paeng Mun watching from behind widened their eyes in shock.
Sword aura, unmistakably—yet they'd never seen it dye the blade like that. Paeng Mun's gaze even trembled.
‘Am I seeing wrong?’
Yi Hwan turned back.
All eyes were on him. His heart suddenly pounded. A feeling he hadn't known in ages.
‘It's been a while, this thrill.’
Yi Hwan slowly raised his sword.
The blue blade extended a foot, gleaming brilliantly.
“Entire army, follow me.”
* * *
Yi Hwan soared into the air.
Five streaks of light shot from his body, piercing the enemy commander's.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
“Argh!”
Sword aura left the blade next, slicing another enemy commander's waist.
Thwack!
“Gaaah!”
“Charge!”
Waaah!
The Southern Legion's warriors surged ferociously at the enemy.
Almost simultaneously, a force burst from the opposite woods. Jeong Cheon led, flanked by Sword King lineage youths.
Clank-clank!
Cheol Mu-ok switched to his greatsword from the start.
In close-quarters melee like this, killing as many as possible was best.
Go Mi moved at Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok's side. She seemed weaker next to such powerhouses, but she was an elite master herself.
Clench!
Teeth like bamboo shoots pressed her lips.
‘I won’t be a burden.’