Return of the Mount Hua

I can’t afford to lose it. (1)

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As Ho Gamyeong slowed his pace and looked back, the sight of Sapaeryeon’s troops following him came into view.

Defeat.

It was an undeniable fact. Although they had inflicted significant damage on the enemy, the losses they themselves had suffered were substantial. With their initial objectives unmet, there was no way to deny that they had been defeated.

Yet, strangely, Sapaeryeon’s warriors trailing behind him didn’t resemble a band of beaten men. Instead, they exuded a sense of cold determination and an eerie resolve.

Ho Gamyeong understood the source of that cold, determined gaze.

‘We may have lost, but Paegun hasn’t. That’s what they’re thinking.’

It was a foolish notion, really. Sapaeryeon’s defeat was inherently Jang Ilso’s defeat. There was no escaping that judgment, no matter how it was spun.

But at this moment, that delusional excuse was serving its purpose, at least for the followers of Sapaeryeon. The air was thick with a confidence that should not have been possible after such a loss.

Perhaps…

Ho Gamyeong’s eyes drifted to Jang Ilso, who was walking ahead of him.

‘Did he anticipate even this?’

What if Jang Ilso had acknowledged his mistake and punished Ho Gamyeong? It would have clearly demonstrated a commitment to reward and punish, but it would also have confirmed that this battle had been an irrevocable failure.

Maybe that’s why Jang Ilso refused to admit defeat, instead using force to suppress any dissent. Even going as far as to crush Cheon Myeon Susa in the process.

Right or wrong, it was clear that Jang Ilso’s actions had made a strong impression on those who had been steeped in defeat.

“Ryeonju.”

Ho Gamyeong, fully aware of this, cautiously called out to Jang Ilso. Although Jang Ilso hadn’t held him accountable, Ho Gamyeong couldn’t ignore the weight of his own actions.

Jang Ilso glanced at him, a fleeting look over his shoulder.

“Is there something you wish to say, Gamyeong-ah?”

“Ryeonju. About Cheon Myeon Susa…”

“Ah.”

Jang Ilso waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting away a bothersome insect. He didn’t seem to think the matter was worth further discussion.

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t do anything too severe, did I?”

“He’s a man who understands the tides of fortune, but he’s also one who doesn’t forget grudges. He’ll remember this and…”

“And one day, he’ll seek revenge, is that it?”

“…Yes.”

Jang Ilso let out a soft chuckle.

“One day, you say. Such idle talk, Gamyeong. Do you really think he has the time for that?”

“…”

“It’s not just him. We don’t have that luxury either. Tales of distant future hold no value.”

Jang Ilso’s long, narrow eyes narrowed further, a chilling aura gathering at their edges.

“What matters is the present. Or rather, what comes next.”

Ho Gamyeong nodded heavily. It was true that Cheon Myeon Susa wouldn’t forget what happened today, but he wouldn’t be able to act on it anytime soon. The battle had cost him too many of his followers.

“But that doesn’t mean the problem is resolved, Ryeonju.”

“Hmm?”

“From what I’ve gathered, the Sun Palace Lord harbors a deep grudge against Cheon Myeon Susa. This could…”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

Jang Ilso clicked his tongue in a display of disappointment.

“So narrow-minded. This is why people speak poorly of the Evil Sects.”

“But shouldn’t we do something to address this?”

“Why bother? Just leave it be.”

“Ryeonju…”

Ho Gamyeong knew he wasn’t in a position to speak so openly to Jang Ilso. But despite that, he couldn’t hold back his words because he believed this issue was truly critical.

They had already lost key figures like Mangeum Daebu and the Black Dragon King. Now, Haomunju and the Sun Palace Lord were crucial to Sapaeryeon’s strength – assets they could not afford to lose.

If the Sun Palace Lord couldn’t suppress his grudge and started opposing Cheon Myeon Susa, it was likely that Cheon Myeon Susa, already humiliated by Jang Ilso, would direct his fury towards the Sun Palace. 

If the two of them were to harbor mutual resentment and begin to clash, it could lead to the serious rift within Sapaeryeon, threatening its very existence.

“Sapaeryeon could end up divided and in chaos.”

At Ho Gamyeong’s concern, Jang Ilso turned his gaze to him with a curious expression.

“Hm, Gamyeong-ah.”

“Yes, Ryeonju.”

“Don’t disappoint me.”

“…”

“I don’t blame those who fail. But I can’t stand the sight of those who become worthless under the weight of their failure.”

Ho Gamyeong’s head bowed slightly in acknowledgment.

“Division, grudges…”

Jang Ilso murmured, a deep smirk spreading across his red lips.

“Such things are meaningless now. The only thing that matters is who survives, who seizes control, who…”

He trailed off for a moment, turning to look back. His gaze was fixed on Mount Wudang, faintly illuminated by the first light of dawn.

“The time has come to bring this to an end. Both me and him must fight with everything we have left.”

“Ryeonju.”

Jang Ilso chuckled softly.

Though he spoke of ending things, it was clear that he was acknowledging that there was no time left to waste, no room for any further delay.

“There’s nothing to worry about. The arrangements have been made. Though we suffered a disgraceful defeat… we managed to secure what we absolutely needed.”

For a moment, a flicker of confusion crossed Ho Gamyeong’s face.

Something they absolutely needed? Had there been such an objective?

But Jang Ilso showed no intention of clarifying that mystery, simply smiling to himself, lost in thought.

‘I might have been wrong…’

Perhaps so. But…

‘Just because I was wrong doesn’t mean you were right. Isn’t that so?’

A dark, ominous shadow clouded his pale eyes.

‘We’ll meet again soon enough.’

But next time, they wouldn’t both walk away alive. The only thing left was the final battle, where only one would survive.

❀ ❀ ❀

“No, why are they…”

Moyong Wigyeong stared in bewilderment at the retreating Sapaeryeon.

On one hand, he felt a deep sense of relief that the battle was finally over, almost wanting to cheer for that fact alone. But on the other hand, he couldn’t understand why they were withdrawing so easily, which filled him with unease.

‘Should we pursue them?’

It was the first thought that sprang to mind as soon as he saw them retreating, but Moyong Wigyeong quickly shook his head.

The forces that remained here hadn’t yet regrouped with the core units from Hwasan or those who had climbed the cliff. To engage in a reckless pursuit now could backfire, leading to a devastating counterattack.

“Military… advisor.”

Unable to settle his chaotic thoughts, Moyong Wigyeong called for Im Sobyeong. He hesitated slightly as the word ‘advisor’ still felt unfamiliar on his tongue.

“Are they really retreating?”

Unlike Moyong Wigyeong, whose confusion was evident, Im Sobyeong appeared remarkably calm.

“You can see it with your own eyes, can’t you?”

“But… why? They aren’t in such a dire situation that they need to retreat like this.”

“War is all about morale. And those Sapaeryeon’s bastards… if nothing else, they’re perceptive. They’ve likely realized that the higher ups intentionally sacrificed the forces on the cliff.”

“…”

“Continuing to fight would only lead to unnecessary casualties. It’s more strategically right to retreat and regroup.”

“Then… is there a chance that perhaps…”

Moyong Wigyeong, about to ask another question, shook his head instead. What he wanted to ask was whether this situation could lead to an internal conflict within Sapaeryeon. But it seemed unlikely that anyone within Sapaeryeon would have the strength or influence to stage a rebellion against their leader after such a crushing defeat.

“No, but even so, does this make any sense? If they retreat like this, they’ll have to lose a lot as well.”

Moyong Wigyeong was, after all, the head of a powerful family. He wasn’t someone without the ability to see the bigger picture. Im Sobyeong responded to his concerns.

“You’re right. They’ve swallowed poison in this battle, a poison so deadly that there’s no antidote.”

“That’s exactly my point. So why…”

“Do you know how a poisoned man wins a fight?”

Without waiting for Moyong Wigyeong to answer, Im Sobyeong continued.

“By driving a blade into his opponent’s throat before the poison takes him down.”

“But… even if he wins, wouldn’t he still die? If there’s no cure for the poison, how can that be considered a victory?”

Im Sobyeong glanced at Moyong Wigyeong.

He wasn’t confident he could explain this in a way that would make sense. Moyong Wigyeong might not understand that there are those in the world who don’t value their own lives very highly. That sometimes, people are willing to throw their lives away, laughing as they do so, just to destroy something – or someone – important.

“But one thing is certain.”

Im Sobyeong exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the retreating Sapaeryeon’s forces – or perhaps on someone beyond them.

“They don’t have much time left. Soon… they’ll stake everything on one final, all-out assault. A full-scale attack with no retreat.”

Moyong Wigyeong’s face turned pale.

They were retreating now, but after hearing Im Sobyeong’s words, it no longer seemed like a simple withdrawal. It felt more like the receding tide before a massive tsunami crashes down on the shore – a precursor to an even more devastating onslaught.

“B-But, looking at the situation, aren’t we at an advantage? We’ve inflicted heavy damage on them this time.”

“Maybe.”

Im Sobyeong’s response was lukewarm, his eyes darkening with a sense of foreboding. Moyong Wigyeong widened his eyes, staring at him intently.

One question was consuming Im Sobyeong’s thoughts.

‘Why?’

Removing Hwasan Geomhyeop Chung Myung, from the equation might have seemed like the correct strategic choice in a localized sense. Perhaps it made sense in that context.

But did Jang Ilso really need to take on that role himself?

Ho Gamyeong’s intentions were clear, but could it be said that Ho Gamyeong’s goals perfectly aligned with Jang Ilso’s? What, then, was Jang Ilso truly trying to achieve through all of this?

Crack.

Im Sobyeong’s fan slowly crumpled under the pressure of his grip.

‘Ho Gamyeong… and Jang Ilso.’

No matter the outcome of the battle or what they intended to gain, Im Sobyeong was painfully aware of one thing.

The most disgraceful performance in this battle was his own.

‘Whatever you’re aiming for… it won’t be the same next time.’

A cold flame of determination flickered in his eyes.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Cult Leader.”

The Blood Palace Lord slowly turned around. Despite the bandages once again wrapped around his face, there was still a lingering, vivid sense of unease and displeasure.

“Is it truly acceptable for us to retreat like this?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“…Once might be excusable, but if we show such weakness a second time, the reputation of the Cult will be severely tarnished. If they dare to underestimate us…”

The Blood Palace Lord remained silent. The subordinate who had spoken hesitated, biting his lip before continuing.

“Moreover, if it becomes known that you entered the enemy’s territory without orders… without any prior agreement, and then withdrew without a word, it could strain our relationship with Sapaeryeon- Guh!”

Suddenly, the Blood Palace Lord’s hand shot out, clamping around the subordinate’s throat. The subordinate’s face contorted in pain, which was evident even through the crimson bandages.

“You talk a lot for someone so insignificant.”

“L-Leader… Cough…”

“Do you even know what immortal energy is, you worthless worm?”

Thud!

The Blood Palace Lord shoved the subordinate away, letting him crumple to the ground where he gasped for breath. His eyes bore into the subordinate with barely contained fury.

‘Damn it.’

On a second thought, the subordinate’s words weren’t entirely wrong.

‘What should I do…?’

His mind began to spiral with conflicting thoughts when suddenly, an unfamiliar voice cut through the air, chillingly close to him.

“Utterly pathetic.”

A shiver ran down his spine as the voice came from right beside him.

The Blood Palace Lord quickly snapped his head in the direction of the voice, his heart pounding.

And then…

“You… who are you?”

His voice, laced with shock, escaped his lips. Fear and confusion welled up in his eyes, visible through the narrow slits in his bandages.

Next chapter >>>

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WHAT DID JANG ILSO GAIN? WHO DID THE BLOOD PALACE LORD MEET? It’s always only questions.

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