Chapter 1328: Nothing Escaped (Part 3)

Kwaaaang!

Kwaaaang!

The sound of artillery echoed through the gorge, reaching even the narrow field where visibility was limited. Despite the narrow field of view, it was not difficult to grasp what was happening outside and how the events were unfolding.

One of the elders from the Southern Island, struggling to deflect the projectiles with a body weakened by poison, was struck head-on by a flying shell, bouncing off into the canyon. Witnessing the gruesome scene, one of Ho Gakmyung's subordinates clenched his fist unconsciously.

'As expected.'

His gaze turned toward Ho Gakmyung beside him. In such a situation, any strategist would feel a shiver. However, Ho Gakmyung showed no signs of excitement, focusing intently on the unfolding events before him.

At times like this, he couldn't help but admire Ho Gakmyung. Was it because he presented a brilliant strategy? No, that wasn't the reason. Upon reflection, the strategy itself wasn't particularly outstanding—it was a basic tactic to project firepower at those escaping from confined spaces.

The true brilliance lay in the meticulous preparation for what might come after the enemies entered the canyon. If it were someone other than Ho Gakmyung, they might have thrown all available forces into the canyon—those cannons and archers. Or perhaps they would have deployed every available force to overwhelm the enemies, creating more chaos within the narrow terrain.

However, thinking back, in the narrow and winding canyon, the efficacy of archery would be limited, and firing cannons would be impossible. Instead, they would become hindrances in the confined terrain filled with allies.

Even if they fortified the heights above the canyon, firing cannons from such heights was impossible. Even shooting arrows, by the time they reached the ground, their impact would diminish, ultimately resulting in wastage.

If those passing through the canyon were ordinary soldiers, arrows without internal energy might still have some effect. However, against trained martial artists with no internal energy imbued in the arrows, they would be useless.

Thanks to the useless forces outside the canyon, the current enemies were suffering severe damage. Of course, it wasn't entirely without consequences, but superficially, the damage from a single volley of arrows and artillery seemed more significant than the harm the enemies suffered within the canyon.

"Commander!"

Another subordinate tentatively opened his mouth.

"D-Did you anticipate all these situations and strategically position them?"

Ho Gakmyung furrowed his brow slightly. The subordinate, realizing his mistake, quickly lowered his head. This was not the time for casual questions, and he clearly made a blunder, knowing that.

However, at that moment, Ho Gakmyung spoke.

"Exploit the enemy's weak points."

"…Pardon?"

"That's the basics."

Ho Gakmyung's gaze remained focused on the enemies. Attacking the enemy from advantageous terrain and targeting their weaknesses were basic principles of strategy.

While others concentrated on the immediate situation, he focused on what lay beyond.

"When you say weak points…?"

But the subordinates did not fully grasp his words. What did weaknesses have to do with the current situation?

The weaknesses were the lack of practical combat experience and the small number of opponents. However, it seemed the subordinates failed to see the connection between this situation and the enemy's weaknesses.

"What problem arises when they enter the canyon?"

"We… haven't experienced it, so…"

"No."

Ho Gakmyung quickly interrupted.

"The issue is the lengthening of the siege."

"Then, with fewer numbers attacking at once, it becomes difficult to utilize our strength fully."

Ho Gakmyung's eyes twinkled again.

"Think before you answer. The head was assigned to think. The advantageous side in the confrontation between two smaller numbers in the canyon has already been proven. This gorge is not advantageous terrain for us."

"I… I was foolish."

"Their siege has lengthened, and we have only one advantage."

Ho Gakmyung's gaze focused on one place— Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword, currently blocking Goyang's pursuit along with Yoo Iseol.

"The point is, he can't exist in two places at once."

"Ah…"

"The absence of a weakness is the presence of a strength. Conversely, the absence of a strength is the presence of a weakness. The moment Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword ceases to exist, their weakness is exposed."

"…"

"Thoroughly targeting the enemy's weaknesses is the basic principle of strategy."

"Then, did you anticipate that he would be in the rear...?"

"No."

"What?"

"It doesn't matter which side. If he were in the front, it would have been impossible to inflict damage with those arrows and shells, but in turn, Goyang would have thoroughly plundered the rear."

"Ah..."

"It's just reversed now. Since he is at the rear, the Blood Sword Sect can't exert its full power, but it allows us to break through the front."

Finally, those who understood Ho Gakmyung's thoughts nodded unconsciously. Listening, it seemed like common sense, yet no one here had thought of the obvious except Ho Gakmyung.

Ho Gakmyung closed his eyes slightly. The reason he conveyed this story wasn't to teach them but to remind himself and gather his thoughts once again.

"I don't need fancy tactics."

No, to be honest, he didn't know how to employ fancy tactics. If Jang Ilso were here, he would have employed entirely different methods. Perhaps he would have demolished the cliff in an unimaginable way, burying the enemies in an instant, or he might have overturned the ground, crushing them.

But that was something only Jang Ilso could do. Ho Gakmyung couldn't come up with such methods. Therefore, he adhered thoroughly to the basics, digging in with a relentless focus.

"This war is a war of attrition."

How Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword interpreted this war was beyond knowing, but in Ho Gakmyung's judgment, it was a thorough war of attrition.

So instead of making an impossible move, he decided to wear them down thoroughly. By steadily reducing one person after another, eventually even a formidable opponent like Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword would be entangled in the net he had set.

Ho Gakmyung's gaze turned to Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword. There was a weariness on his face.

'Of course you know, right?'

Ho Gakmyung doesn't overestimate himself. He doesn't think Chung Myung is unaware of what he is aiming for.

However, the reason Ho Gakmyung didn't hesitate was because there exists a saying, "Numbers do not matter in front of a few" (衆寡不敵).

Even if you know, there are things you can't stop. Even if you notice, there are things you can't interfere with. That's why it's said that the result of a war is predetermined before it starts.

A war that cannot be won.

Entering it himself was the limit of Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword, a weakness that those who called themselves righteous had no choice but to bear.

Ho Gakmyung glanced at Chung Myung. His two dark, fluttering eyes suddenly cooled down.

Now was not the time to be intoxicated with a sense of victory. He had to make the next move before that guy moved.

"Nothing has changed."

Everything still existed smoothly within his awareness.

Chung Myung bit his lip, unable to overcome his anger.

'Ho Gakmyung.'

He glared fiercely at the distant figure of Ho Gakmyung. In his thoughts, he wanted to break through immediately and cut that guy's throat. However, the cunning old fox never allowed him such a close distance.

The hostility that Chung Myung felt toward Ho Gakmyung began to take concrete form at this moment. Originally, Chung Myung's explosive power and the sharp change of thought were the worst match for those who carried out their duties without being swayed by the situation.

'Damn!'

Chung Myung glanced back. Although the Southern Island Sect was desperately resisting, it was just a matter of holding out. However, it wasn't easy to withdraw. The moment those guys rush out to chase the enemy, they would be exposed defenseless to the pouring attacks of those who haven't been able to escape the canyon yet.

'I don't have enough swords!'

A sword that doesn't just hold on, but can move alone and cut down enemies...!

Chung Myung immediately pulled Yoo Iseol's shoulder. When Yoo Iseol looked at him with surprised eyes, Chung Myung shouted as he moved back toward the rear.

"Go quickly and help over there, Sago!"

"Sajil!"

"Go!"

Only then did Yoo Iseol see the situation clearly. She could understand why Chung Myung pushed her away. The side that needed help now was not Chung Myung, but right over there.

However...

Chung Myung's legs, moving forward with force, seemed to flinch for a moment. It was something that could no longer be completely hidden.

Both were in danger. Neither could be let go.

Then, where to go...

"I told you to go!"

Chung Myung shouted loudly, glaring at Yoo Iseol, who was caught in confusion. The situation was uncertain, as no one knew when Goyang would charge again.

As Yoo Iseol looked into the eyes of her determined Sajil, she clenched her fist until blood came out.

She knew.

Because she had learned. Because she had received teachings. Because she had reflected on them.

In a situation where either side could not be chosen, Yoo Iseol knew all too well where the one holding the sword should run.

Her teachings now felt as sharp as a dagger. It was painful to realize that she could never turn away from what she had learned.

With a deep breath, Yoo Iseol turned her body. And as if trying to shake off the remaining regrets, she shot off at a dazzling speed.

Observing this, Chung Myung gave the same order to Tang Pae.

"Go and help together!"

"Yes!"

Without uttering a word, Tang Pae also rushed backward.

Chung Myung, who had sent the two ahead, stared at Goyang. Goyang slowly approached, flicking the sword in his hand.

"I thought you'd at least say thank you."

"That would probably be something I would say to myself." [not sure]

"Hehehehe."

A triumphant light flashed in Goyang's eyes.

It wasn't a wrong statement. The fact was that he gave them time to regroup, but it wasn't necessarily disadvantageous for Goyang. What reason would he have to object to leaving behind wounded prey that had separated from the herd?

He had no idea about the situations of the others. The only thing that caught his attention was Chung Myung in front of him.

It showed. The moment the wounded leg convulsed. The sight of the tightly bandaged side reopening and bleeding again.

That was all. The entire body was covered with countless minor injuries, and even the bruises looked dark and swollen.

Already, there must have been quite a bit of blood spilled.

In this situation, even the best martial artist in the world would not be able to exert even a quarter of their true strength.

A short breath escaped from Chung Myung's mouth.

Honestly, it was getting a bit tough now.

Either he had bled too much, or the world was blurry. Even the hand holding the sword didn't have much strength. Familiar with pain, only the sense of powerlessness that came at the end of exhaustion had never become familiar.

But still, he had to fight.

"It's a tiresome thing."

Goyang approached with a mocking laugh.

"To know that you should withdraw but not be able to withdraw."

"... "

"Even though you clearly know that it's a path to death."

Open mockery poured out, but Chung Myung just laughed lightly.

"Do you know why you're weak?"

"What?"

At the unexpected question, Goyang squinted his eyes. Smirking, Chung Myung spoke.

"It's because you ran away when you wanted to run away."

"... "

"Reason why I'm strong is simple. When I wanted to run away, I didn't."

That could be said at any time.

They don't know. What it means to be strong. What he truly wanted.

Even now, Chung Myung was still chasing him.

The one who had never backed down once. The one who was stronger than anyone in the world.

"... Nonsense, save it for hell."

Goyang, accompanied by the members of the Blood Sword Unit, rushed forward like a torrent.

In front of Chung Myung, who ran forward without stepping back, the back of the one he had always admired seemed very far away.