Chapter 16
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Translator: MJK
Chapter: 7.1
Chapter Title: The Subjugation
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While pondering the best approach, Wang Sam came to see him.
"What brings you here?"
An Hoe looked puzzled.
He sensed something different about the man—unlike his usual demeanor.
And it seemed An Hoe wasn't mistaken, as Wang Sam cautiously opened his mouth.
"I'd like to know your thoughts on supporting the subjugation of Red Bear Stronghold."
"Supporting the subjugation?"
An Hoe stared at him in surprise.
Taking down a mountain stronghold the size of Red Bear would require at least three thousand soldiers.
Add in the mercenaries, and that number would swell even further.
Backing an army like that would demand an enormous sum of money.
"You think the subjugation will succeed."
"Yes. I believe it will be a resounding victory."
In truth, few were optimistic about the Red Bear operation.
Especially merchants like them, wary of the latest rumors.
Red Bear was no small fry—their size and strength had earned them the moniker of the Green Forest itself.
Naturally, most expected the campaign to merely halt their expansion, nothing more.
Yet Wang Sam was convinced it would be a major success.
An Hoe was intrigued.
"May I ask why you think that?"
"White Wolf has joined the subjugation."
"White Wolf?"
"Ah, of course Young Master wouldn't know. He's been active in the southern regions for the past five years. Rumor has it he learned his arts from a legendary eccentric of the previous generation and has reached the Superlative Realm."
"Hm! So a master of that caliber is taking part?"
"Word is he's connected to the Juyang City Lord."
"Ho?"
Wang Sam went on to share news of three Peak Realm experts joining as well—not quite White Wolf's level, but renowned nonetheless.
He'd heard the rumors while gathering intel at An Hoe's request and decided to take the gamble.
If this investment paid off, the An Family Merchant Group could expand its influence across the south in a big way.
An Hoe, fully aware of that, thought for a moment before speaking.
"How do you plan to provide support?"
Wang Sam's face lit up at the question.
He could tell An Hoe was on board.
"With provisions. We've already lined up suppliers specializing in dry goods while preparing shipments for the clan, so getting everything ready won't be an issue."
"And with the windfall from this trading run, funds won't be a problem."
"Exactly."
"Very well. We'll supply the provisions. But I want to go as the one in charge."
"!!!"
Wang Sam looked stunned, then his expression hardened.
"Young Master, the blade of war spares no one—not even allies."
Once war began, friend and foe alike faced death and suffering without mercy.
It stripped away distinctions like "me" and "us," pushing humanity to its limits.
Even handling rear-line provisions wasn't entirely safe.
After all, disrupting supply lines was one of the most devastating tactics in the art of war.
"Do you think I don't know the horrors and brutality of war? I have no intention of charging into the fray, so don't worry too much."
"Mm."
Wang Sam realized he couldn't change An Hoe's mind.
Regret washed over him the moment he accepted it.
He never should have brought it up—he'd put the young master in harm's way.
Seeing Wang Sam berate himself so harshly, An Hoe hesitated briefly before picking up the sword at his side.
"I said not to worry for a different reason."
"??"
Wang Sam gave him a puzzled look, but it quickly turned to shock.
-Shing...
-Crack!
As An Hoe drew his blade in a fluid motion, a gust of sword wind sliced through a tree branch beyond the window.
"S-Sword wind!"
-Clack
As Wang Sam gaped in astonishment, An Hoe sheathed his sword with a smile.
He could only stare, dumbfounded.
Sword wind was a feat only Peak Realm masters could achieve.
It meant An Hoe had reached that realm himself—something that left Wang Sam reeling.
No thirteen-year-old boy should have accomplished such a thing.
"To think he's achieved this level of harmony in his martial arts too!"
His reaction wasn't as extreme only because he'd already glimpsed An Hoe's true potential.
Had he not, he might have denied the evidence of his own eyes.
"That should convince you not to oppose me leading the effort, right?"
"...How could I? Do as you wish, Young Master."
"Hahaha. Thank you."
Wang Sam shook his head unconsciously as An Hoe let out a hearty laugh.
The more he learned, the less he truly understood this young master—a realization that hit him today.
Chapter 7. The Subjugation.
White Wolf, Yi Jun.
Originally from the military, he'd answered Juyang City Lord's summons out of an old connection.
But that wasn't the only reason.
"The Mi Family has lost their minds!"
He'd learned from the City Lord that the Mi Clan dreamed of usurping the royal throne.
When he heard they were backing Red Bear Stronghold too, he threw himself into the subjugation without hesitation.
"Thank you for coming."
"Not at all. My hometown nearly fell into chaos—how could I stand by?"
White Wolf didn't come alone.
He brought his son and ten first-rate warriors he'd trained himself.
His involvement drew other southern experts into the fold.
Three Peak Realm masters—who rarely stirred for fame alone—joined up.
Over twenty first-rate warriors followed, along with more than a hundred others.
In the end, the mercenary force numbered one hundred fifty-three.
White Wolf naturally took command, appointing four vice-commanders.
His son and the three Peak masters filled those roles.
Each led thirty mercenaries, who in turn selected three squad leaders of ten under them.
"Impressive. Truly different caliber."
General Jang Su, overall commander of the subjugation, marveled at how quickly White Wolf organized the mercenaries.
True to his military background, he'd established a clear chain of command in moments.
After observing for a bit, Jang Su frowned at another group.
It was the provision convoy.
Supplies were vital—couldn't be stressed enough.
Not only was a civilian merchant handling them, but the man in charge was a boy who hadn't even reached the age of majority.
When Jang Su first heard, he'd exploded in rage.
"Are they insane? Sending a child to lead during a war?!"
His subordinates had calmed him down.
"He's no ordinary boy, sir. He's from the Jang Clan."
"Jang Clan? The one I know?"
"Yes, one of the Five Great Families of Hebei."
"You're sure? Why would a scion of that house be running a merchant group?"
"Well..."
After a moment's hesitation, the lowest-ranking officer spoke up.
"Word is he was eliminated early from the successor selection. The merchant group was founded by his mother."
"Hah. Unbelievable."
Jang Su shook his head in disbelief.
Whatever the details, the boy was indeed a Jang Clan heir, so he couldn't dismiss them outright.
A few cautious subordinates piped up.
"Even if he weren't from the Jang Clan, we shouldn't turn them away."
"Thanks to them handling provisions, we can focus on the subjugation without worry."
"Especially now, with the Mi Clan up to who-knows-what. We need to keep troops for inner castle defense, and their help makes that possible."
The An Family had hired not just their own warriors but extra mercenaries for the supply run.
Their force was substantial enough that Jang Su nodded reluctantly.
"Fine. Let them proceed. But plant one of our own in there, just in case."
"Understood."
His men accepted the order without complaint.
Jeong Chil, the lowest-ranking officer, looked glum—he knew he'd drawn the short straw.
"Jeong Chil reporting."
"I'm Jang Hoe. Welcome aboard."
Jeong Chil joined the An convoy with ten soldiers.
An Hoe welcomed him warmly—unlike others who bristled at official oversight.
Jeong Chil inwardly sighed in relief.
He'd braced for the Jang Clan heir to be the trickiest to deal with.
His experience with the Mi Family Clan—another of the Honam Five Great Clans—had soured him on such elites.
Yet this young master was showing genuine goodwill.
And it wasn't just surface-level.
"I trust Officer Jeong. Please lead well."
Treated like a longtime confidant, Jeong Chil was at a loss.
An Hoe's friendliness stemmed from ties forged in his past life.
"So you were an officer here originally."
An Hoe regarded him with wonder.
His previous life had been chaos, bandits rampant everywhere.
Jeong Chil linked up with the An merchants while helping fend off raiders targeting their caravans.
His skills weren't exceptional.
But as a military man, he was practical to a fault—earning major credit in repelling those thieves.
That paved his way into the An Family.
"A man of great talent. Smart, diligent—perfect as a guard for my son."
An Yeong had recognized his worth and secured a first-rate martial art for him to learn.
Sure enough, within a year, he'd proven himself.
Achieving first-rate in mere months.
"His talent was sharp, but his quick wits stood out most."
Though he had a stubborn streak.
An Hoe figured that's why he'd left the military.
"Despite solid experience, he never rose above the lowest ranks."
That led him here, An Hoe thought with a smile.
Knowing Jeong Chil's timid diligence well, An Hoe openly backed him.
At first, Jeong Chil was flustered, but soon deeply grateful.
"I'm the one who's thankful. My Subduing Demon Sword Art is nearing Minor Accomplishment anyway—perfect timing."
Was it from butchering nearly a hundred foes days ago?
After gorging on blood-soaked slaughter, his inner demon had quieted, only to stir toward new growth.
For An Hoe, on the cusp of subjugation, it was welcome news.
Minor Accomplishment in Subduing Demon Sword Art would boost his true energy efficiency.
Though the mental strain would double—a non-issue for him.
Handing reins to the new officer sparked chatter around camp.
"Well, what'd you expect?"
"Wondered why the young master was slacking off. Dodging Madam's nagging, huh?"
"Better this way. No sense having him bungle it."
"Mercenaries are grumbling about it too."
"Officer Jeong's diligent, at least. Doesn't look down on us merchants."
"Some mercs complain he's too rigid."
"Rigid? These guys aren't here to play."
"They took top coin—time to earn it!"
The An Group's hires had demanded premiums—fifty percent over usual, double for first-rates—chasing war profits.
Internal gripes abounded.
But given the provisions' scale, they had no choice but to pay up and grit their teeth.