Return of the Mount Hua

Taking a walk is best on a day like this. (1)

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“…Dowi.”

Namgung Myeong’s murmured words escaped like a groan.

He had never imagined this. That his nephew could fight like that.

Of course, Namgung Dowi was an exceptional talent. Even setting aside familial affection, it was an objective fact. Few in the world would deny it.

But the Namgung Dowi he saw now was not the one he had known until this moment.

“You are…”

Swish!

Suddenly, a sharp harpoon darted towards Namgung Myeong’s face. He quickly turned his head to dodge it and swiftly thrust his sword forward, plunging it into the heart of the assailant. He bit his lip.

He had let his guard down for a moment. This was unacceptable.

“Daeju! The-There is more!”

“I know!”

There was no time for sentiment. Especially not to feel pride in Namgung Dowi.

He swiftly scanned his surroundings.

The pirates that had spread out were now swarming like ants that had found prey, having heard the situation here.

It was a despairing sight, but Namgung Myeong did not waver.

‘This was always the expected outcome!’

If he had held back out of caution for what might follow, he would have never reached the Black Dragon King.

They would kill the Black Dragon King.

Only by having that one target and charging forward recklessly could they come this far.

“Hold on! No, pierce through! Even if a sword is stuck in your back, move forward!”

“Yes!”

Namgung Myeong gripped his sword tighter.

Life means nothing. A humiliating life is more dreadful than a miserable death. That’s why he came this far.

But the moment he saw Namgung Dowi fighting like that, another mission was born in Namgung Myeong’s heart.

‘At least Dowi…!’

Biting his lips tightly, Namgung Myeong channeled his energy into the sword, and soon a white aura emanated from the blade.

“Ooooooo!”

The emitted white sword energy swept away the enemies standing in front all at once.

“Pierce through!”

Bloodshot, Namgung Myeong’s eyes flared.

❀ ❀ ❀

At the same time.

“We have information that Namgung clan is heading to the Yangtze River. By now, they would have encountered Surochae!”

“Others, including Hwasan’s Vice Sect Leader, are also in pursuit!”

“Per Tang Soso’s orders, members of the medical corps have been dispatched for support. Simultaneously, we received a report that some of the Tang clan’s teams are moving toward the Yangtze River!”

“We are unable to establish proper contact with Jongnam! We will try to contact them again!”

Listening to the flood of reports, Tang Gunak’s expression grew heavier.

‘In the end…’

The reports spoke of ‘predictions,’ but he could be certain.

By now, Namgung clan would have recklessly charged towards Surochae without thinking of the aftermath.

Just as Namgung Hwang crossed the Yangtze River, ignoring all advice around him.

Tang Gunak knew better than anyone here the characteristics of those belonging to the Five Great Families. There was no way he wouldn’t know.

People often describe the Hebei Paeng family as explosive, but that’s just a comment on their temperaments. When it comes to making decisions, the most extreme and bold family is undoubtedly Namgung clan.

Tang Gunak quickly clenched and loosened his fist.

People say that history repeats itself, but he didn’t expect the same thing to happen again so soon.

Is this the fault of Namgung clan? Or is it the fault of those who failed to prepare despite the potential for this to happen?

Or is it…

“We’ve been completely outmaneuvered.”

At that moment, Im Sobyeong muttered with a grim face.

“…Nokrim King.”

“Knowing the enemy and knowing oneself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles… It’s such an obvious saying that it hardly qualifies as strategy.”

Im Sobyeong appeared calmer than expected, though he seemed a bit despondent.

But Tang Gunak could tell. Even with his face hidden by a fan, the deep sense of humiliation was evident in his eyes.

“It was Sapaeryeon who knew Namgung better than us.”

Tang Gunak remained silent. This was precisely what he had feared the most.

This was clearly a deliberate act.

Sending the small fry to Anhui was a ploy, knowing it would draw Namgung clan there.

And taking advantage of that gap, they had anticipated that Namgung would never back down from an enemy like Surochae heading towards Anhui.

It was incomprehensible when taking the hits one after another, but now it all made perfect sense.

Tang Gunak’s face twisted slightly.

‘Have I been this incompetent?’

He had been unable to respond to such an obvious move. He never claimed to be exceptional, but he had lived thinking he wasn’t incompetent, yet now he was filled with self-doubt and self-loathing.

At that moment, Hyun Jong, who had been silent, spoke.

“It isn’t just that.”

“…Alliance Leader.”

“We must stay calm. Jang Ilso didn’t only know Namgung. He knew that Cheonumaeng would have no choice but to act this way. He knew us better than we knew ourselves.”

“…”

“From our perspective, it was a conclusion reached through numerous conflicts and negotiations, but to him, all of that…”

Hyun Jong couldn’t finish his sentence. The sigh that followed was filled with resignation and bewilderment.

Im Sobyeong’s grip tightened on his fan.

“…You are right.”

There was no choice but to acknowledge it now. Even if they hadn’t taken a fatal hit yet, the fact remained that since Sapaeryeon began crossing the Yangtze River, the entire world had been playing into Jang Ilso’s hands.

The evil enemy who has leisurely set up camp in Zhangjiajie.

“We need to think. What exactly is he aiming for?”

Im Sobyeong gritted his teeth so hard it made a sound.

“What’s done is done. But if we continue to miss his objective, we will have to bear unimaginable damage.”

“…Aiming for?”

Tang Gunak’s voice was rougher than usual.

“Isn’t it obvious? He’s drawing them all into Gangbuk.”

“And then?”

“Also, he intends to tie up the forces of Gupailbang and Five Great Families that were supposed to come to Hubei for support.”

“…And then?”

“And then what?”

“So, you’re saying his goal is merely to consume the forces of Hwasan, Namgung clan, and some of the Tang clan?”

Tang Gunak’s mouth shut involuntarily.

“That’s…”

“Are you saying he’s risking Surochae and the Black Dragon King’s life for that?”

In truth, it’s not something to be dismissed as mere fluke…

Depending on the person, evaluations might differ, but if he could topple the forces of Hwasan, Namgung clan, and Sichuan Tang clan in exchange for Surochae, it would indeed be considered a gain. Especially if Chung Myung and Five Swords are included in Hwasan’s forces.

But everyone here knew that such a thing would never happen. As long as Chung Myung is there, the worst imaginable scenario would never occur.

“Even though he lost one arm, the Black Dragon King is an indispensable force in Sapaeryeon, which lacks absolute masters. Jang Ilso is not foolish enough to sacrifice such an asset for an uncertain gamble.”

Tang Gunak couldn’t help but agree with this statement. Im Sobyeong continued.

“Jang Ilso’s actions so far have been unpredictable and incomprehensible. And it’s not simply because his schemes are profound.”

“Then what is it?”

“It’s because that damned bastard has been continuously engaging in battles that only incur losses since the beginning of the war.”

Tang Gunak’s face hardened momentarily.

It felt as if a sudden hole had been punctured in a lump in his chest. The thought that had been making his head feel stifled was now coming out of Im Sobyeong’s mouth.

“While it’s not a great help, the sheer numbers cannot be ignored. Yet he deliberately threw such troops into a deathtrap and also sent Surochae, one of their strongest forces, into the same place. What has Sapaeryeon gained in return?”

No one could answer, their faces stiffening.

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

At most, the lives of civilians and chaos in Gangbuk.

That only causes psychological damage and doesn’t significantly impact the forces of Gupailbang or Cheonumaeng.

To put it bluntly, it suggests that Jang Ilso has been making nothing but absurdly bad moves so far.

Does that even make sense? Jang Ilso?

“…Then what is he aiming for?”

“I don’t know. Of course, it’s impossible to know. However…”

Im Sobyeong spoke as if spitting out the words.

“What I can be sure of is that he is not the kind of person to engage in actions that result in losses. So, naturally, to overturn the losses he has incurred so far…”

It was at that very moment.

“Alliance Leader!”

Bang!

The door burst open as if it had exploded, and someone rushed in urgently. Such occurrences were so frequent that the senior members of Cheonumaeng weren’t particularly surprised.

But at the new report, all the leaders immediately stood up from their seats.

“Maninbang! Paegun Jang Ilso has made a move!”

In that moment, the suffocating tension hit like the icy wind blowing through the canyons of the Northern Sea. Everyone in the meeting room lost their words and focused their gaze on the reporting person.

Among countless stares, Im Sobyeong squeezed out his words.

“At such a moment…”

A single drop of cold sweat trickled down his pale and gaunt cheek.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Hmm.”

A low nasal sound echoed.

The hem of a luxurious garment brushed softly.

The red robe, embroidered with black silk thread, was so splendid that it seemed more suited for a lady’s palace gown than a warrior’s robe.

With Myeonlyugwan* atop, from head to toe, the figure was dazzling and magnificent.

White, long fingers slowly lifted the beads hanging in front of the crown. The clinking beads made a clear, crisp sound.

“What a beautiful weather.”

As the beads were lifted, a pale face and red lips were revealed.

Sapaeryeon’s leader, Jang Ilso. He looked up at the clear sky and nodded. He seemed to be in a very good mood.

“Yes, it’s a wonderful weather, isn’t it?”

Swish.

With a flick of his fingers, the lifted beads fell back down smoothly.

“Taking a walk is best on a day like this. This time, we’ll go a little farther… which makes it even more enjoyable, don’t you think?”

Jang Ilso glanced back at those standing behind him.

Unlike his relaxed demeanor, they were armed with intense determination and tense anticipation.

“Yes, Ryeonju!”

“Hahaha.”

Jang Ilso chuckled briefly, then turned his head to look ahead. The vast land of Gangbuk stretched out before him.

“Everyone, keep up well. If you’re not careful, you might get lost.”

Jang Ilso’s steps moved forward slowly.

His feet, clad in red silk shoes, were lifted leisurely and then quietly placed down.

Tap.

Just one step, but by no means a small one.

“It’s a pity we don’t have any instruments. Scream. Singing would be nice too. Anything is fine. Those kids far away should know we are coming, right?”

Jang Ilso’s red lips curled into a sinister smile.

“Because that would make it… more fun.”

Draped entirely in red, Jang Ilso led Sapaeryeon from the front. His figure resembled a drop of blood on the tip of a black sword.

Their destination was, of course, Gangbuk.

A forbidden land that had never been permitted for them until now.

Next chapter >>>

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*면류관(冕旒冠) – is a type of crown traditionally worn by the emperors of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as other kings in the East Asia. It’s often pictured on illustrations of Jang Ilso.

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