Deungyonggok watched his subordinates charging at the Hwanggeum Family in formation, convinced of their victory.
“More, keep going in!”
Deungyonggok shouted in excitement. From atop the hill, he could see the Hwanggeum Family’s warriors splitting apart, their faces full of discontent. Why bother forming ranks if they were going to flee at the first sign of trouble?
From above, it looked as if the Hwanggeum Family’s warriors were helplessly being pushed back.
“Young Master Ong, what do you think? Aren’t we strong? If you underestimate the Heukdo, you’ll pay the price! Just ask Botaam!”
Deungyonggok, fired up, shouted at Ong So-hu. Ong So-hu reluctantly nodded.
“By the way, isn’t Hyeongsanpa coming? We’re putting on quite a show over here!”
Deungyonggok shouted as he looked northwest. From that direction, there were neither crashing sounds nor rising smoke.
Ong So-hu felt uneasy. Of course, there was no way Hyeongsanpa’s forces would come from that side.
“It looks like they’re regrouping. They’ll be here soon.”
“Haha! Not that we need them, anyway! We alone are more than enough!”
Deungyonggok laughed heartily. There was no doubt that Jusampa was strong.
Heukdo and Sapa were characterized by having few Chujeoljeong-level masters, but plenty who had reached Jeoljeong.
Deungyonggok himself, the head of Jusampa, wasn’t at Chujeoljeong yet. He was at the peak of Jeoljeong, close to the threshold.
The reason was that safety couldn’t be guaranteed, and they practiced martial arts with a rapid internal energy accumulation method. That made it easy to reach Jeoljeong, but difficult to step into the enlightenment stage of Chujeoljeong.
“So that’s why Botaam fell.”
Botaam, a sword sect comprised solely of women, was both closed off and had few members. No matter how strong their leader, the Geomhu, was as a Chujeoljeong-level master, there was no way she could withstand the flood of Jeoljeong-level warriors.
And now, the Hwanggeum Family was on the verge of the same fate. Ong So-hu smiled inwardly.
“Press on! Break through to the Main Hall and let all of Central Plains witness Jusampa’s might!”
“Yes!”
Deungyonggok led the charge. His exclusive weapon, the Gyorongpyeon (※\8\0), was in his hand. He swung the weapon, made from the sinews of a Gyorong, all over the battlefield. The Gyorongpyeon had all its scales reversed, making it vicious—one blow would tear away all the flesh.
It was clear that Jusampa was overwhelming the Hwanggeum Family. The formation was being pushed back unilaterally. And yet, Deungyonggok felt something was off.
“Watch out for that flail!”
“If you’re spent, withdraw on your own!”
Even as the Hwanggeum Family’s warriors were being pushed back, they responded calmly, fighting in sync and with plenty of Jeoljeong-level masters. Even at a glance, there were more than fifty Jeoljeong-level fighters.
“Did they have this much strength?”
He knew the Cheonryuyuseong Sword was moving across the field. He didn’t know its accomplishments, but this much result in such a short time was impressive.
Of course, compared to Jusampa, who dominated Jeolgang, they were clearly at a disadvantage.
“Push in as far as you can! Move in!”
Deungyonggok shouted as he swung his Gyorongpyeon. The whistling of the flail cutting through the air was sharp. They were fighting well, but couldn’t land any significant blows.
Frustrated, Deungyonggok pushed even further forward. It seemed he’d have to personally open a path.
But Deungyonggok hadn’t realized yet that the formation was gradually growing longer and narrower.
The only one who sensed the oddity was Ong So-hu, who was at least a little clever. He slowed his pace as he watched Deungyonggok dash ahead.
Ong So-hu closely observed the way the Hwanggeum Family’s people were standing. It looked like they were forming small groups, making standard martial formations, but those formations seemed to be shaping into something else. He was only half certain, but from afar, it would have been clear.
And that suspicion was enough to alarm the sensitive Ong So-hu.
“This is strange.”
Ong So-hu’s eyes flashed cunningly. It was Gyo to Samgul, as the saying went: A clever rabbit digs three holes. One must always have a backup plan.
It would be great if Jusampa won, but he needed to prepare for the possibility of defeat as well.
Ong So-hu moved forward, facing the advancing wave of Jusampa warriors. Some Jusampa men looked at Ong So-hu with puzzled eyes as he retreated from the battlefield, but soon enough, the appearance of Hwanggeum Family warriors forced them to draw their swords.
***
Gwak Jindo was watching the battle in the Main Hall, observing the fighting in the southeast. Since outsiders were attacking the family, he thought he would be joining the battle, but Gold-necked Hwan had ordered otherwise.
— Sir, please take command of the troops. If there are soldiers but no commander, it’s like having a flag but no pole.
Of course, Gwak Jindo was dissatisfied, but the Cheongmu Commander who had accompanied him could only obey Gold-necked Hwan’s instructions.
When he heard how the command authority was obtained, he couldn’t believe it. They’d gotten it through a bold negotiation with Geomjon, one of the Chiljon. But since the words came from Biyeon-gak, he had to believe it.
The formation Gold-necked Hwan ordered placed a hollow in the central area, with the left and right wings a half step back from the center. This meant the left and right wings and center would continue to grow farther apart, and from the sky, it would look as if a deep pit had been dug.
— Is that kind of formation even possible in a fight between martial artists?
– Yes.
Few among the warriors had experience with large-scale battles.
Of course, Gwak Jindo had experienced a large-scale war twenty years ago, during the Majyo’s South Sea raid, when he earned the nickname Namhae Samgaek, but usually, in martial arts wars, the highest master would just charge in and slaughter, and that would be the end.
At first, he thought the shape of the formation wouldn’t have much bearing on the outcome.
But now, Gwak Jindo was realizing the importance of command. This wasn’t just a formation, but a strategy and tactics that made a difference.
“The left and right wings are out of balance. The right wing needs to move up.”
Gwak Jindo relayed instructions as he watched from above. Soon, the blue flag on the right flank waved, and the right side’s advance finally caught up.
Jusampa’s momentum was formidable, so everyone couldn’t advance at the same speed; Gwak Jindo had to keep adjusting.
“I thought only elders of the Old Factions could devise such large-scale battle strategies.”
Yeo Sangwoo Elder was impressed. The Murim Alliance’s Cheongmu Unit was doing well, but the effect of the formation was clear.
By dividing the formation precisely, there was less chance of friend and foe becoming mixed, and in such organized fights, the efficiency of those who were disciplined and in sync was much higher.
If the sound of clashing metal filled the air and there was an enemy to kill before you, everything else would vanish. The Heukdo were specialists in such chaotic, rule-less brawls.
Normally, such wildness would have overwhelmed any half-baked rules on the battlefield, but the formation Gold-necked Hwan constructed was different.
“I’m amazed to be watching my own disciple at work.”
“To be honest, just for this ability alone, I’d want to bring him to the Murim Alliance. Few people give such bold orders to martial artists. Even those called strategists in the Central Plains are still martial artists at heart.”
The Murim Alliance’s warriors had received the command of absolute defense from Cheongmu Captain Cheon Jiak, or rather, from Gold-necked Hwan.
That was an order to focus solely on defense unless a kill was certain. For warriors who loved to swing their swords, it was a rather cruel order.
But the result was that casualties were overwhelmingly higher on Jusampa’s side.
Murim Alliance warriors would swap out with the rear when they tired, but Jusampa’s men had no such support.
“We’re starting to be pushed back. When are those reinforcements coming?”
Gwak Jindo asked irritably.
They had fought well, even with inferior numbers, but the numerical disadvantage was insurmountable.
The steadfast balance of the Murim Alliance’s left and right wings and the center was beginning to falter. Yet Yeo Sangwoo Elder watched the southeast hill without a hint of anxiety.
Then Yeo Sangwoo Elder spoke.
“Now.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, two small shadows sprang from the top of the hill and quickly grew enormous.
“They’re taking their sweet time.”
Gwak Jindo frowned. Yeo Sangwoo Elder gave a wry smile. There were few in the Central Plains who would say that after seeing the famed Flying Wood Crane and the one known as Manroe Gangun.
***
Vice-Captain Seong Yubeom of the Cheongmu Unit glanced back. On the left wing of the Main Hall, a red banner was fluttering. That meant no further retreat would be tolerated.
“For a Hwanggeum Family warrior, you’re pretty good!”
That was why Seong Yubeom was fighting three Jusampa experts at once. The sound of swords clashing and the resulting shockwaves echoed constantly.
Seong Yubeom said nothing. Speaking during a fight was a waste.
Seong Yubeom was mid-Jeoljeong, while the three Jusampa masters were at the entry level of Jeoljeong. He was outnumbered, and wounds were beginning to appear on his body. None were fatal yet, but it was proof he was being pushed back.
Worse still, the troops under his command were losing cohesion. Cheongmu Captain Cheon Jiak, who was holding the center, had said:
— That strange Young Master said reinforcements would arrive when things got dangerous.
What on earth was that supposed to mean? If an ordinary brat had said it, he would have given them a scolding, but Gold-necked Hwan was no ordinary child—he was the one who’d gotten command from the Murim Alliance Lord.
Maybe it was because he’d heard that from Gold-necked Hwan. As Seong Yubeom swung his sword, the thought “Isn’t this getting dangerous?” kept nagging at his mind. The sense of danger only grew.
But this time, it felt truly dire. He was fighting for his life, but all he could see around him were still Heukdo bastards.
Even trying to withdraw quickly in such a lopsided battle could spell disaster.
“This really is dangerous.”
The moment that thought flashed through his mind, a thunderous crash sounded from behind.
From far back, the crackling sound grew louder. It was like listening to thunder.
“What’s that sound?”
Was this the reinforcements? Seong Yubeom wondered. He hadn’t asked exactly what kind of reinforcements were coming. He’d just assumed they’d come from the Murim Alliance or be dispatched by the Hwanggeum Family.
Then a lightning-shaped mark appeared on the ground. With every swing of the sword, a thunderclap echoed, leaving traces of lightning. To Seong Yubeom’s knowledge, there was only one sword technique in the Central Plains like that.
Kangroe Sabre Art. And the one who wielded it was Manroe Gangun.
“…Elder Kang?”
As he spoke, he saw small flying daggers curving through the air. The daggers seemed to swim through the sky, yet found their marks precisely at the throats of Jusampa warriors.
Those mysterious daggers that disappeared without a trace—the moment he saw them, he knew it was Elder Mok Hyeonhak.
The elders of the Murim Alliance were true Chujeoljeong masters. Even the Cheongmu Captain was a high-level Jeoljeong expert.
When two Chujeoljeong-level experts arrived, the situation on the battlefield was bound to change completely.
“The elders are here!”
Now, the other warriors besides Seong Yubeom recognized the elders’ identities and cheered.
Conversely, the Jusampa fighters, struck by the surprise assault, were thrown into chaos. Jusampa had no formation, so once they collapsed, it happened in an instant.
Some tried to escape using lightness techniques, but ended up clashing in midair as they collided.
The three Jeoljeong masters blocking Seong Yubeom’s way also tried to escape in shock, but all fell to a single thunderclap.
Behind their collapsing corpses stood a man with his white hair tied in a knot. That was Manroe Gangun Elder himself. In a flash, he sped off in search of other foes.
Seong Yubeom looked back. The banners on the left, center, and right wings had all turned white.
The color of the banner signified that a counterattack was authorized.
Seong Yubeom shouted to his men, who had been focused solely on defense.
“You’re now permitted to kill the Jusampa bastards as you please! Kill as many as you can!”
The Cheongmu Unit warriors surrounded the center all at once. It was like the mouth of a loosened pouch being drawn tight.
“Uwooooo!”
“Kill them!”
The Cheongmu Unit cried out in unison. In the face of two Chujeoljeong-level masters, the tide of battle shifted instantly.
No, they said only a few elders were being sent, but here were the two chief elders.
He knew the Lord was interested in Gold-necked Hwan, but he hadn’t expected this much.
Either way, with such reliable reinforcements, their spirits soared.
***
Immediately after the elders had finished their work, Gu Johum asked,
“Young Master, what now…”
The three top disciples of Hyeongsanpa waited for my orders.
“Wait a moment.”
At my words, Gu Johum spoke firmly.
“Young Master, please speak comfortably. We are no longer Hyeongsanpa men, but loyal warriors of the Hwanggeum Family, aren’t we?”
He was several years older than me, but seemed disappointed that I still used formal speech.
There was no need for unnecessary politeness. In my past life, I was much older than these men, so I felt no discomfort.
“Alright then.”
“Thank you.”
Gu Johum and the other four internal guards bowed to me.
“Our task will arrive soon.”
I looked at the dark stairway below the Geumjeongwon. I thought the time was near. Just when I felt any further delay would be a disappointment, someone came quickly from afar.
That small shadow was Myeong Jaehee. She ran at a swift pace, not raising a single cloud of dust. It was quite a sight. Of course, I could do it too, but I’d never looked back while running.
“So that’s the Murim Alliance’s Secret Steps ?”
Gu Johum remarked from behind as he watched.
“So it’s quite famous.”
“It’s a technique created by the famed Mok Hyeonhak Elder of the Flying Wood Crane lineage, so it has some renown. Few have actually seen it, though. They say it’s unrivaled in secrecy, and it certainly seems so.”
I see. Flying Wood Crane Mok Hyeonhak—I’d never heard of him. That meant he had no connection to my family in my past life. I didn’t even know that Gwak Jindo’s nickname was Namhae Samgaek, so there was no way I’d know this either. But there was no need to ask. I’d find out when the time came.
Myeong Jaehee climbed the high stairs in a single bound and stood before me. She had a black leather pouch hanging from her waist, utterly unsuited to her fluttery maid outfit.
The eyes of Gu Johum and the four guards swept across Myeong Jaehee’s face. She glanced at them, and all five blushed.
Ignoring their interest, Myeong Jaehee turned to me and spoke.
“Looks like the elders have all been dealt with.”
“Yes, they’re taken care of. And on your side?”
“They’re at Hwasugak.”
The guards, including Gu Johum, seemed puzzled by our conversation.
What I’d asked of Myeong Jaehee was to track where the lesser traitors—those other than Hyeongsan’s agent among the Hwanggeum Family elders—were gathering.
Hwasugak was a hall close to Geumjeongwon, so it seemed they were gathering there. It was where Geumhwa Cheong lived, but nothing much would happen there.
The ones Myeong Jaehee had tracked were the Hyeongsan side-disciples assisting the traitor elders of the Hwanggeum Family. They were waiting for three Jeoljeong-level warriors of Hyeongsanpa who would never arrive.
Myeong Jaehee could have handled them all herself, but Gu Johum and the others wanted to take care of Hyeongsan’s people personally. Whether their motive (8008) was guilt or revenge, it was none of my business.
“You know where Hwasugak is?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then go.”
At my words, the five hesitated.
“…Aren’t you coming, Young Master?”
“I have something to do here.”
“Then we should assist you…”
“It’s alright. This is something I’m better off doing alone.”
As I spoke firmly, they accepted it. They bowed and sped off toward Hwasugak. Watching them, it was clear their skills had improved remarkably. It hadn’t even been a month since Gwak Jindo had assessed their martial arts.
As I watched them leave, Myeong Jaehee’s voice reached my ears.
“You’ve rescued your loyalists.”
“I suppose so.”
“Now that your loyalists are gone, may I ask?”
“Go ahead.”
She patted the pouch at her waist, the one that hung down to her thigh.
“What do you need these for?”
After a moment’s thought, I answered.
“To catch a rat.”