LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 176
Chapter 176
Destiny
The Tangma Extermination Army reached Shandong within ten days.
They could have arrived faster using their martial arts, but conserving their strength was crucial in case they had to fight. They moved meticulously on horseback.
Surprisingly, the two allied forces encountered no conflicts during those ten days.
The lack of clashes despite belonging to different factions indicated strict discipline and control. Additionally, each individual being a selected warrior implied a certain level of self-restraint.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
A cool breeze blew across the vast Shandong plains.
“The air is different.”
With different regions come different terrains, and different terrains bring different climates.
The Shandong wind carried a peculiar moisture, feeling slightly salty despite the distance from the coast.
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Mok Bi.
Mok Bi’s face was oddly stiff.
“Does this place bring back old memories?”
“Pardon?”
“You mentioned Guanil Valley was in Mount Tai. Does it remind you of Guanil Valley?”
Mok Bi gave a bitter smile.
“It would be a lie to say it doesn’t. It’s a strange feeling.”
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
“That bond is already severed. You should start getting used to forgetting it, even if it’s difficult now.”
“I’m trying.”
Yeon Hojeong slapped Mok Bi on the back.
Smack!
“Ouch! That hurts!”
“Brace yourself.”
“I’m already tense without you saying that! Ow, your strength is ridiculous.”
Yeon Hojeong’s expression turned a bit serious.
“We’ve synced our movements over months, but the Tangma Army could suffer casualties.”
Mok Bi’s face grew serious as well.
“The enemy’s power is formidable. Even without mastering martial arts, a thousand trained swordsmen are a significant threat.”
“Exactly. Moreover, they aren’t divided like we are.”
“That’s right. I’ve heard the Corridor Brigade has a history of over ten years. Few bandit groups have grown that much over such a period. If they fight as one, they’ll be stronger than expected.”
Yeon Hojeong surveyed the Tangma Army.
“Your role in this battle is to protect our allies, not to kill the enemy.”
Mok Bi nodded.
“Understood.”
“Who in our main force excels at close combat and defense?”
“Okcheong is excellent at defense, and Cheok Gang excels at close combat.”
“I’ll assign them to you. Secure the highest ground before the battle begins. Once you have the advantage, focus on eliminating the enemy. Got it?”
“Suppressive fire first, then annihilation fire. Understood.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
Mok Bi looked at Yeon Hojeong in surprise.
“That’s unexpected.”
“What is?”
“You saying ‘I’m counting on you’… It doesn’t seem like something you’d say.”
Yeon Hojeong laughed.
“No matter how much combat experience one has, if they haven’t moved with large forces, they’re inexperienced. And those inexperienced ones are now our allies. Of course, it’s crucial.”
“…Allies.”
Mok Bi looked around at the assembled Tangma Army.
Most of the soldiers were already well-known masters in the martial world.
The warriors, each with different ages and personalities, were exuding significant discipline under Moyong Woo’s strict control.
‘Impressive.’
Mok Bi looked at Moyong Woo.
Standing in the distance, Moyong Woo overlooking the Shandong land looked like a picture.
‘Not only is his martial prowess exceptional, but he also has a remarkable ability to command his subordinates.’
Mok Bi now understood how difficult it was to control people.
The Myeolsagun comprised less than fifty soldiers. Yeon Hojeong made them undergo real combat from the start to maintain control.
Despite this, there were moments during the training period when control was lost. Yeon Hojeong patiently interacted with them, naturally shaping them into elite soldiers.
‘Does that mean his ability to lead a group is superior to Yeon Hojeong’s?’
Mok Bi shook his head internally.
That wasn’t certain yet. However, he couldn’t deny the ability to command five hundred strong-willed soldiers within a few days.
‘Stop thinking unnecessary thoughts. We’re here to annihilate the enemy. Focus on accomplishing the mission.’
As Mok Bi steadied his mind, Yeon Hojeong approached Moyong Woo.
“Are we moving immediately?”
“Yes.”
“From now on, it’s a race against time. As it’s the first real battle, be mindful of controlling the soldiers.”
Moyong Woo glanced at Yeon Hojeong.
“Did you feel the same?”
“What?”
“Nervous.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Of course. I was worried about losing even one man in the first real battle.”
“Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the Myeolsagun.”
“They were highly skilled, and we were lucky.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes shone.
“But casualties can happen anytime. Stay alert.”
“I’m prepared. But the nerves are still there.”
Moyong Woo took a deep breath.
“Alright, let’s go.”
“Good.”
Neigh!
Two powerful horses neighed and stomped their hooves. The Tangma Extermination Army soldiers tightened their reins.
Rumble.
Descending the slope, the Tangma Extermination Army charged with frightening speed.
Several notable sects were scattered throughout Shandong. Thanks to the official notice from the Martial Alliance, they received high-quality fodder and meals at any sect they stopped by.
Five days passed like that.
The Tangma Extermination Army, having reached the center of Shandong, halted at the Jinan branch of the Beggars’ Sect.
“Their location has changed.”
“Changed?”
“The Corridor Brigade, which was hiding around Zhangqiu until a few days ago, has disappeared. They have reappeared near Dongying.”
Dongying is a county in Shandong, adjacent to the East Sea.
“Why did they suddenly move? The upper management said they would stay for about a month.”
“We don’t know the exact reason yet. However, there is a risk that the villages near Dongying might be raided by the bandits.”
“Damn.”
“I sent Beggars’ Sect members to the area just in case, but we haven’t received any contact yet.”
Moyong Woo looked at Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Hojeong spoke with a firm expression.
“There’s no harm in being cautious, but something feels off.”
At that moment.
“Commander.”
They turned their heads.
Standing there was Jegal Ahyeon. As it was a public place, she addressed Yeon Hojeong formally.
Jegal Ahyeon spoke.
“You said the Corridor Brigade’s power is significant, right?”
“Indeed.”
“There is a quite famous faction near Dongying.”
Moyong Woo tilted his head.
“Is there a famous sect in Dongying?”
“Not a sect, but a caravan. The Haeryong Caravan is based in Dongying.”
“…!”
“It might be a good idea to contact the Haeryong Caravan. They would surely help.”
“Or.”
Everyone looked at Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes deepened.
“Their target might be the Haeryong Caravan.”
Jegal Ahyeon spoke with a hint of disbelief.
“The Haeryong Caravan is one of the largest in Shandong. If they were targeted, it would be a huge deal. Would the Corridor Brigade really do that?”
“It’s not impossible.”
“Why?”
“You can tell by the Commander’s reaction.”
Moyong Woo blinked.
“My reaction?”
“Did you know about the Haeryong Caravan?”
“Of course.”
“Then why didn’t you think of them when you heard the Corridor Brigade was heading to Dongying?”
“That’s because…”
Moyong Woo was flustered.
“They are more of a commercial group than a martial faction…”
He couldn’t finish his sentence.
Jegal Ahyeon’s face showed surprise.
“See? That’s the usual reaction. Even if it’s a famous caravan or market, unless it’s a martial faction, most people don’t give it much thought.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.
“In other words, it’s not strange for the Corridor Brigade to target the Haeryong Caravan.”
“But the Corridor Brigade is just a bandit group. Do they really have the foresight to…?”
“Whether they have the foresight or not, the important thing is that there’s a possibility.”
Moyong Woo shouted.
“Tangma Extermination Army, prepare to advance!”
Neigh!
The soldiers quickly mounted their horses, tension evident in their eyes.
Even going to annihilate a mere bandit group made them nervous. Any self-respecting martial artist might scoff at this.
This was a testament to how well Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Woo had instilled the power of the Corridor Brigade in them. The fact that the Corridor Brigade had built their power steadily over ten years was enough to make them a dangerous organization.
“Let’s go!”
Rumble!
The five hundred fifty soldiers charged with terrifying speed.
Jegal Ahyeon rode alongside Yeon Hojeong.
“If they really target the Haeryong Caravan, it will be a disaster!”
Yeon Hojeong looked at Jegal Ahyeon.
Jegal Ahyeon shouted again with a worried face.
“The Haeryong Caravan is a central part of Shandong’s commerce! If they fall, Shandong’s trade will crumble, and the Shandong martial world will be shaken too!”
The rise and fall of a faction could shake an entire region.
That’s the way of the world. A small wind from the south could turn into a storm in the north.
The world has always changed like this. The martial world is no exception.
“We must stop them at all costs.”
“Absolutely!”
How long had they been running?
“Commander!”
Moyong Woo shouted.
“Urgent report! A group of about 150, suspected to be the Corridor Brigade, is heading towards Hwaun-ri, southeast of Dongying!”
“Where is the main force of the Corridor Brigade?”
“About
five ri (two kilometers) from the Haeryong Caravan!”
Yeon Hojeong gritted his teeth.
‘Damn those bastards, making things complicated.’
This was also a bandit strategy.
It was a malicious tactic to divide any pursuing forces. The black factions wouldn’t attack, and the white factions, valuing chivalry, wouldn’t allow civilian attacks.
“We’ll head to Hwaun-ri!”
Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Woo’s eyes met in midair.
The gaze of two leaders bound by an inexplicable trust.
“We’ll join you as soon as we’re done!”
Yeon Hojeong bowed his head.
“I obey the command!”
A short order and a definite answer.
Seeing the exchange and actions of the two, Mok Bi felt his heart race.
As if they had been working together for a long time.
As if they had always planned it this way, like a lord and his vassal.
Their seamless commands and responses had a reassuring effect on those who witnessed them.
Wooooong!
A pure white energy surged from Yeon Hojeong’s body.
Hwaaak!
A fierce and powerful energy spread in all directions. It was an overwhelming force.
Yeon Hojeong shouted.
“Myeolsagun, prepare for battle!”
Chirr!
At the resounding roar, all Myeolsagun soldiers drew their weapons.
Moyong Woo and the Tangma Army were taken aback. The relaxed aura they had shown until now had turned into a fearsome ferocity.
The immense spirit emanated by fifty elite soldiers.
It was the overwhelming military spirit of Myeolsagun, forged through countless real battles and bloodshed, which the Tangma Army currently lacked.
“Let’s go!”
The Myeolsagun broke formation and charged towards Hwaun-ri with terrifying speed.