Chapter 1306: Who The Hell Is That Guy? (Part 6)

"What's the situation?"

"It seems that the battle hasn't started yet."

Ho Gakmyung's eyes gleamed coldly.

It was already time for the battle to begin.

Yet, the fact that nothing had happened yet meant they stopped in front of the canyon.

And stopping meant they were hesitating and contemplating.

"...The distance?"

"At this speed, we'll arrive at the canyon within a stone's throw!"

"Within a stone's throw..."

Could it be that they hadn't properly identified the location of the main unit where Ho Gakmyung was?

"No way."

Even if others might make such a mistake, Im Sobyeong would never make such an error.

Although Jang Ilso never had the true intention of really catching him, Im Sobyeong led the ragtag group of Nokrim and stood against him as equals.

If Im Sobyeong had pledged allegiance to Jang Ilso, Ho Gakmyung would have done whatever it took to seat him in a key position in the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

Im Sobyeong's abilities were excellent to that extent. Someone like him wouldn't make a mistake in such a simple calculation.

So then...

"Do they intend to break through that canyon?"

Ho Gakmyung pondered with half-closed eyes.

Even if the internal conclusions were unknown, it was clear that they were contemplating that path. Was that possible? Leading the Southern Island?

"How much have their numbers decreased?"

"We can't accurately assess, but it seems that the Southern Island Sect has suffered losses beyond thirty percent."

"Beyond thirty percent."

In military terms, an army that loses over thirty percent of its forces is no longer considered an army.

Because morale plummets to the ground the moment they lose thirty percent of their forces, making it impossible to continue fighting.

Of course, it's not applicable to Southern Island's forces, who have undergone special training for decades.

However, even so, leading a weakened Southern Island through the canyon would be an extremely reckless task.

So it would be common sense to take a detour... Ho Gakmyung's face stiffened.

He hoped they would take a detour.

He wanted them to stay in the south a little longer.

If that happened, they could catch up with them before they escaped Guangdong.

So, he carefully adjusted his pace and pushed them toward the cliff.

If they had common sense, they would have already taken a detour. But the fact that there was still no movement meant someone was advocating for the canyon route.

And it was too obvious who that someone was.

'Who the hell is that guy?'

Was Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword trying to break through the canyon amidst all this?

A place that was blocked off like a wall?

"That... that's impossible."

The one reporting spoke with an astonished expression.

"Isn't that place called the 'Fallen Ghost Gorge' because even ghosts avoid crossing it? No matter how formidable they are..."

"Ha ha ha ha."

At that moment, Goyang's thick mocking laughter interjected.

"You must have a lot of patience to drag something like that around."

Instantly, the face of the one reporting turned red with embarrassment.

Ho Gakmyung glanced at Goyang and asked.

"Do you have a different opinion?"

"There's no way he won't break through."

Goyang licked his lips.

"A narrow canyon, defenses that seem impenetrable?"

"..."

"That's from our perspective. It doesn't look that way to him. He will definitely break through."

"Even so, is it necessary? It will only result in more casualties."

"You're talking nonsense, Commander. Are you testing me? Or is it because you can't think straight due to exhaustion?"

"Such impudence to the Commander..."

Ho Gakmyung raised his hand slightly to restrain the agitated reporter. It wasn't because he thought Goyang's words were worth listening to; it was to prevent the useful subordinate's neck from rolling off in a place like this.

"Go on."

"You seem to think that the Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword has some expertise in the art of war."

"...I won't deny that."

Ho Gakmyung nodded.

This would be acknowledged by anyone who had encountered Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword.

Though it may seem like he moved instinctively without much thought, upon closer inspection, there was a reason for each of his actions.

He didn't just look ahead and then move.

He was able to anticipate two moves, three moves, even dozens of moves ahead.

This wasn't an overestimation. It was now a common perception of Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword.

"But that's a misconception."

"Misconception?"

Goyang asserted.

"He doesn't know anything about military tactics. He's not someone who bothers to learn such things."

Ho Gakmyung furrowed his brow.

"In the same sense, Paegun doesn't know how to wage war. However, he can lightly toy with those who have studied the art of war in depth. Do you know how that is possible?"

"Well?"

"It's not about knowing military tactics; it's about knowing what the opponents are aiming for."

Ho Gakmyung's expression stiffened slightly.

"That would be in the realm of experience, intuition, and maybe what we would call instinct. People like us say he has extraordinary senses, but people like you never end up like that. There must be a reason for losing." [not clear]

Ho Gakmyung let out a bitter laugh.

"So, are they going to break through?"

"Yes. Because you don't want them to. Even if you avoid the immediate damage by being led as the opponent wishes, in the end, you'll fall into a bigger pit. He knows that."

"It might be true. But..."

Ho Gakmyung narrowed his eyes and said firmly.

"If that's the case, then I may have overestimated Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword."

"Hmm?"

"If you have to choose between losing an arm and losing your head, you should choose to lose the arm. Offering your neck thinking you can avoid the opponent's knife aimed at your arm is the act of a fool."

Goyang laughed grimly.

"Certainly, that's true. But even after repeatedly sticking out his neck, he's survived until now. That's why he's Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword. If he had always chosen the obvious path, he would've been at most a talented junior in Shaanxi by now."

It was a valid point.

And Ho Gakmyung knew it.

This statement applied equally to Jang Ilso. If Jang Ilso had always accepted Ho Gakmyung's advice, he would never have become the Paegun he is now.

Mount Hua Sect and Paegun. Both were individuals who defied his common sense.

"So, the conclusion is clear."

Ho Gakmyung made a decision and shouted, lifting his head.

"Increase the speed! Full power ahead."

"Yes!"

The speed of those running together became even faster.

Goyang looked at Ho Gakmyung, as if surprised.

"Are you leaving no room for reserves?"

"If he's truly prepared to break through the canyon..."

Ho Gakmyung said as if chewing the words.

"I must turn that place into his grave. There's no death more disgraceful for him than being buried in the land of Myriad Manor."

"Hehe, that's good too."

Instead of responding, Ho Gakmyung locked his face in deep thought.

'If he really chooses to force his way through, this is where the decisive battle will take place.'

If he broke through this gorge, they could only watch as he escaped Guangdong. If that happened, Ryeonju would definitely learn about him.

Before that happened, he must kill him here, using any means necessary.

From Ho Gakmyung's eyes, a fierce determination emanated.

'I will absolutely kill you here, Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword.'

* * *

"Hoo."

Namgung Dowi exhaled, catching his breath carefully.

'I feel like I'm going to throw up.'

Just looking at it made his stomach churn.

Anyone who had experienced even a bit of battle would know how dangerous this terrain could be.

The canyon was barely wide enough for three people to stand shoulder to shoulder.

It meant that with a single swing, one could face the enemy right in front.

It was wide to go alone, but narrow for two.

And in front of the canyon, about fifty people are forming a defensive line. Judging by their determined gazes, none of them were to be taken lightly.

Namgung Dowi had to jump in there with his own two feet.

Relying only on his sword.

'This is insane.'

His insides were churning, but he kept involuntarily chuckling.

Watching the crazy actions of Mount Hua Sect, he felt a mix of absurdity and secret admiration.

Perhaps the reason Namgung Dowi was standing here now included that admiration.

He, too, wanted to become like them.

But facing situations where he had to act like them, he realized what that meant.

They must have endured immense pressure and mental conflicts while committing those insane acts. 

'If successful, a hero.'

Namgung Dowi grabbed his cherished sword with all his might.

'If failed, a fool with no second chance.'

Again, a chuckle escaped.

When Mount Hua Sect rescued the Namgung Family from Plum Blossom Island, it was an exceptionally heroic act.

But what if they had been brutally defeated by the Evil Tyrant Alliance while advancing towards Plum Blossom Island?

They would have become a laughingstock.

Everyone would have scoffed at the Mount Hua Sect and spat on their graves.

One could question whether people would mock those who sacrificed their lives for righteousness.

But people don't praise failed righteousness.

They just click their tongues and criticize them for being foolish.

Namgung Dowi was in a similar situation. If he failed to break through here and died, he would be evaluated as the worst head of the Namgung family in history.

Perhaps he might be ridiculed for ruining the revival of the family with his own hands, receiving curses for generations to come.

'I'm not in my right mind either.'

There was a boiling sensation in his stomach.

He was sure that if it were the Namgung Dowi of the past, he would never have been able to move forward in this situation.

Faced with the burden of protecting the family, he might have turned around and fled, or he would have aimlessly sought Namgung Hwang.

But now Namgung Dowi stood here of his own will.

Wouldn't this alone be considered progress?

Even though his hands were trembling with nervousness, he was standing here. 

'I wonder if Father felt like this?'

Perhaps now he was standing at the same starting point as Namgung Hwang heading towards Plum Blossom Island. At that moment, Chung Myung's voice came from beside him.

"Are you prepared?"

Namgung Dowi realized a bit late that the question was directed at him.

Now that he thought about it, everyone else's attention was focused on him.

'What should I say?'

He could boast. He could talk about his calm reflections, or he could express his determination. But none of those were Namgung Dowi's choice.

"I... I'm scared to death."

Everyone blinked with awkward expressions at his words.

However, Chung Myung seemed quite satisfied with that answer, smirking.

"That's enough."

Chung Myung nodded and turned his gaze to Baek Cheon.

"Sasuk."

"Yes."

"This bastard is worth using."

"He was originally quite useful."

"...Sasuk. It seems like the words got a bit twisted, but I have to say you were originally a nice person."

"Oh, really?"

"...Let's just choose one. Either one."

At Yoon Jong's words, Baek Cheon sighed deeply and then turned his gaze to Namgung Dowi.

"Sogaju-nim. Well..."

"Yes!"

Namgung Dowi nodded decisively.

"I'll take the vanguard."  [leading/front position]

A gentle smile appeared on Baek Cheon's lips.

"Don't overdo it."

"..."

"There are many who want to take the vanguard. Don't push yourself too hard."

Jo Gol immediately snorted, and Yoo Iseol's shoulders twitched.

Even Hye Yeon subtly pushed his head forward.

Namgung Dowi said firmly,

"The vanguard is mine. I won't yield."

Baek Cheon let out a deep sigh.

'Only fools are here.'

Briefly glancing at Namgung Dowi, Baek Cheon nodded.

"Understood. Then, please make it clear."

"Yes!"

Baek Cheon swept over everyone.

Some were burning with determination, while others trembled in fear.

However, regardless of the emotions they harbored at this moment, there was only one thing to do.

Baek Cheon's determined gaze headed toward the canyon beyond the bushes.

"Let's go!"

"Taaaaah!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Namgung Dowi drew his sword and rushed forward. Others, driven by the same fierce spirit, also charged towards the enemies, shouting with determination.

"Haaaaah!"

At the sudden onslaught, the enemies, who were setting up their formation, looked up in unison.

"They're coming!"

"It's them! Hold your ground!"

"They're breaking through!"

They weren't just standing their ground without a plan; they had already prepared countermeasures based on how the enemies fought.

"Shields!"

Thud! Kwoong! Kwoong!

From behind a large wooden structure, a shield laid horizontally was raised. It was a shield made entirely of thick and heavy iron. It was so massive that even a group of ordinary soldiers would find it impossible to lift, let alone raise. These shields were firmly anchored into the ground.

Blocking Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword through martial arts was impossible.

However, penetrating through these thick shields wouldn't be an easy task for Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword either!

"Spear!"

Behind those holding the shields, others wielding spears in a crouched stance advanced. The moment Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword paused, the sharp spear blades would mercilessly pierce his body.

Unfortunately, the person who charged toward the solid formation wasn't Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword Chung Myung.

"Haaaaaaah!"

With a tremendous battle cry that felt like it would burst eardrums, a momentary white brilliance filled the air.

The dazzling light instantly flew over the firmly planted shields.

"What... what the...?"

Those holding the shields widened their eyes in disbelief.

Kwaaaaaaaang!

A massive explosion, as if a meteorite had fallen, resonated. People and shields were tossed into the air. Namgung Dowi, who had forcefully crushed a corner of the enemy's defense with his sword, shouted as he pounded the ground.

"Anyone who stands in the way will die! I am Namgung Dowi of the Namgung Family!"

Though it wasn't certain whether his voice reached the Yangtze River, it seemed like it would surely touch the heavens.