Chapter 186
Chapter 186
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 186
Chapter Title: Geom-gak Subjugation Assembly
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The Tang Clan had assembled a force of about ten elites for the subjugation of the Sichuan Wolf Stronghold.
Among them were Yang-hui, Baek Heon-so, and Chui-dal.
"Will this be enough with just this many? It feels a bit too small."
"No helping it, Brother Hui. We got a letter."
"A letter? From who?"
Tang Gun wore a bitter expression.
"From the Nine Sects. They told us to send around ten people skilled in poisons and unique arts."
If you looked at it positively, it was a reasonable request—they'd handle the main fighting while the Tang Clan provided support and backup.
But in truth, it was likely the Jin Clan Manor wary of the Tang Clan drawing attention after their standout performance.
'They still don't know we've already joined hands behind the scenes. Lord Jin laid the smokescreen well.'
It was only natural to assume a close relationship after treating Jin Yeong-gil.
The fact that it wasn't the case was thanks to Jin Yeong-gil blatantly acting like he wanted to hire all the Nine Sects and build ties, keeping their eyes elsewhere.
"Well, no need for us to step up too much anyway. We're right in the middle of intense training as it is."
That was why only three out of the dozen or so Baek clansmen at the Tang Clan had come.
They'd been given spirit pills from the Tang Clan, swallowed them on the spot, and ordered to focus on consolidating their energy.
"Brother. Do I really have to go?"
Seeing Chui-dal grumble made him feel oddly annoyed.
This guy—was he getting more slippery by the day?
"Where the needle goes, the thread follows, you punk."
"Ah, I wanted to take a spirit pill too! Can't you let your little brother have a taste without getting all sour about it?"
"You little shit? Who're you raising your voice at!"
"Everyone else got one—why not me! Just me!"
Yang-hui was debating whether to flick him on the forehead when—
"Brother! I'm thrilled! I'll make my mark on this righteous expedition alongside you and spread the Baek Clan's name far and wide!"
Baek Heon-so declared his ambitions. That shut Chui-dal up.
Chui-dal shot Baek Heon-so a cold, resentful glare, while Baek Heon-so grinned back with eyes full of rivalry.
"Hm. What a heartwarming sight. Friendly rivalry is always a good thing."
Whether it was truly friendly was debatable, but anyway.
They chatted idly as they traveled and soon arrived at the rendezvous point.
A wide clearing at the foot of the mountains. The trail leading right ahead snaked into treacherous terrain.
"You're here. This is the entrance to the Geom-gak Mountains."
Dozens of martial artists had already gathered in the clearing.
Nun-clad women with fresh-shaven heads and bamboo hats.
Taoist robes dyed sunset orange with blue clouds.
Black-clad Taoists embroidered with lines of light.
Emei, Qingcheng, and Dian Cang Sects.
'About twenty ronin as well.'
Of course—for large-scale subjugations like this, hired ronin always tagged along separate from the main forces.
You needed errand boys for the grunt work.
"The Tang Clan has arrived."
"You're late."
"My apologies. I'm the Tang Clan's young leader, Tang Gun."
It was still before the appointed time, but Tang Gun apologized anyway.
Introductions followed.
"I'm Gyu-hwa of Emei."
"Seong-pung, first-generation disciple of Qingcheng."
"We've met before. Neung-o, first-generation disciple of Dian Cang."
Gyu-hwa—the nun who would later be called the Emei Divine Maiden.
Seong-pung would also make a name for himself down the line.
'Odd that I've never heard of Neung-o, who stands out the most.'
Well, life was a journey full of variables anywhere, anytime.
All told, there were about seventy of them.
More than enough force to subjugate the Sichuan Wolf Stronghold.
"You've arrived."
Little Manor Lord Jin Dal-bong was there too, unbeknownst to them.
The large number of ronin made sense now—it included his escorts.
Discussions for the subjugation began immediately.
"The Sichuan Wolf Stronghold is a mountain bandit lair we estimate has over fifty members."
"And they're far too impressive for mere bandits."
A powerhouse among the Green Forest's Seventy-Two Strongholds, also known as Sichuan's Supreme Stronghold.
Even with three of the Nine Sects and the Tang Clan, it wouldn't be an easy opponent.
The reason was simple.
"Sichuan has always been a land for fugitives since ancient times, and Geom-gak in particular is a hideout for criminals."
"There must be at least ten fiends who fled after committing great crimes and joined the stronghold."
"Word has probably reached them by now. If the bandits go into hiding to avoid us, it'll drag things out—so a swift, decisive strike is essential."
Yang-hui took in the proceedings and quietly stepped back.
'It's obvious the Nine Sects folks will hash it all out themselves.'
He had no say anyway. Even if he spoke up, it probably wouldn't be heeded.
Besides, it was more efficient to wait for their conclusion, then decide whether to object or accept.
"Hey there. Looking forward to working with you all for a bit."
One of the ronin blinked as Yang-hui sidled up and struck up a conversation.
He clearly hadn't expected such a friendly approach.
"Ah, yes. Likewise, young master."
"What's your name?"
"Yeong-hong. They call me Twin Hand Swords, though it's an empty title."
No wonder he carried two swords—dual-wielding specialist.
"Then I'll call you Brother Yeong. Call me whatever you're comfortable with."
"I-is that okay?"
"Of course! We're all brothers under heaven."
"Got it, Brother Baek."
He didn't quite dare call him "little brother," it seemed.
Well, it was customary for travelers in foreign lands to brother each other anyway.
"Come on, let's chat while they meet. Everyone gather 'round! Little Rang, Chui-dal, you too."
The ronin were awkward at first, but soon they were chuckling away.
"Haw haw haw, Brother Baek, you're a real character."
"I get that a lot!"
"Confidence for days!"
"A man who cowers anywhere isn't worth his salt!"
"By the way, Brother Baek, is that hawk on your shoulder tamed?"
"Looks like a spirit beast at first glance—truly wondrous."
Yang-hui stroked Won-woo's head as he replied.
"His name's Won-woo. We crossed paths by chance."
Won-woo puffed up his wings and crowed proudly.
-Kkeeaaah!
"Ack! You punk, don't screech like that from my shoulder—it's hurting my ears!"
"Haw haw, that bird's got a mighty cry."
"Boil him up nice and tear off those legs... Sorry, Brother Baek. Joke went too far."
Yang-hui laughed it off casually at the apologetic ronin.
"What're you on about for something like that? If men can't trade jokes without getting mad, they're petty small-timers!"
"Haw haw haw!"
"What a bold spirit, Brother Baek!"
Chui-dal and Baek Heon-so watched Yang-hui with wonder.
He'd once been a beggar of heaven and earth, sometimes showing a frivolous side, but Baek Mu-ryang had raised his sons to conduct themselves like heirs of a famed house.
The great young master of a prestigious clan, no less.
Yet here he was, mingling effortlessly with ronin—a truly unusual sight.
'Well, thinking about Brother's personality, it suits him perfectly with ronin.'
'As expected of my brother. Treating everyone without airs—he's the epitome of magnanimity!'
Chui-dal and Baek Heon-so's thoughts, respectively.
"Brother Hui. When did you slip away? Come here a moment."
Tang Gun's call came amid the lively banter.
"What's up, Brother Tang?"
"The strategy talks are dragging. Thought your input might help, so I called you over."
Seemed like they'd finally granted speaking rights after a long wait and summoned him right away.
Yang-hui scanned the group and asked,
"How far along are we?"
"Swift encirclement and annihilation. The broad strokes of the plan are set."
"But filling in the details is the issue."
Seong-pung of Qingcheng looked mildly displeased, though faintly.
'Must be annoyed I was chatting with the ronin. Makes sense—Qingcheng's known for its lofty demeanor.'
"Encirclement and annihilation. Sounds good. Why not just execute it?"
"Young hero. The Geom-gak range stretches over 250 li. We can roughly pinpoint the stronghold from civilian reports, but even reaching it will be arduous."
Gyu-hwa of Emei explained patiently and gently.
Seong-pung followed curtly.
"We haven't even scouted the terrain yet—how could we encircle the lair? I'd advise thinking deeper before speaking, young hero."
He'd been rebuked.
It was a problem solvable on the spot without much thought, but he'd said it lightly anyway.
Yang-hui glanced at Tang Gun.
Their eyes met, conveying his intent.
"Taoist Seong-pung."
"What?"
"Here."
"What's this?"
"A map."
"What?"
Seong-pung unrolled the tightly wound paper.
His eyes nearly bulged out.
The map detailed the Sichuan Wolf Stronghold's location, surrounding terrain—everything.
Even sentry posts and shift times.
The complete intel on the stronghold.
"How did you...?"
Won-woo on his shoulder lifted his head and cried out.
-Kki-haha!
For some reason, it sounded smugly triumphant.
Yang-hui smacked his head immediately.
-Kki-ek!
Won-woo fluttered to the ground like a kite with a snapped string.
"Sorry. He's not fully tamed yet."
"...I see. Anyway, how was the map made?"
"From a scout. We prepared it in advance."
A lie. Won-woo had flown out and mapped it, but he had no intention of revealing such a strategic asset to outsiders beyond the Tang Clan.
Still, this called for a bit of an excuse.
"You knew about the subjugation ahead of time?"
"Not exactly, but I'm traveling with renowned members of the Nine Sects, aren't I? Coming from a humble clan, I had to prepare thoroughly to be of any help."
Surprisingly, none of the Nine Sects folk found it suspicious.
People from lesser clans going overboard to impress them was all too familiar.
"Your clan must excel at gathering intelligence."
Neung-o met his eyes as he started to demur politely.
"Impressive, young master."
The same steady expression as always.
'This guy—I thought he was a later-generation disciple, but he's first-generation.'
Not as extreme as A-du's mismatch, but he looked about ten years younger than typical Dian Cang first-gen disciples.
Rare, but it happened sometimes—age and seniority not aligning.
And those cases always shared one trait.
Exceptional talent.
The kind previous generations would break rank for to take as disciples.
'Alright, let's test the waters.'
"One suggestion, if I may."
"Speak, young hero."
"Since we'll be fighting together, how about a quick spar to sync our movements beforehand?"
Coordination was key in group battles—a solid point.
Yang-hui sweetened it further.
"I've often heard how Emei, Qingcheng, and Dian Cang martial arts are peerless. I've always dreamed of witnessing them. Especially Dian Cang, being in Yunnan—hard to meet your members. Isn't the Four-Day Sword Technique renowned?"
"......"
He'd meant it as flattery, but Neung-o's reaction was off.
What was with that look?
This guy, always so consistent...
'Feels like catching a rat when the cow backs up. Right now.'