160.The Murim Alliance Council and Strategic Coordination with Cheonuhoe

The key figures of the Murim Alliance had gathered. At the center sat Lee Do-hyeon, the Alliance Leader, with representatives from each sect and faction encircling him. The purpose of this meeting was clear: to devise a strategy to defend against the advancing Imperial forces.

Lee opened in a grave tone.

"The Imperial army possesses overwhelming cavalry and excels in long-range warfare. If we engage them on open plains, our losses will be severe. We must lure them into the mountains."

The leader of the Hwasan Sect nodded in agreement.

"I concur, Alliance Leader. But mountain terrain cuts both ways. Even if we are familiar with it, there is a risk of our forces becoming fragmented. How do you intend to deploy troops effectively?"

Lee pointed to a narrow section of the map.

"We'll make use of the cliffside pass. If the Imperial army attempts to move through this narrow trail, we can station our elite warriors along the path to obstruct their advance and sow confusion. From the high ground surrounding the path, we can restrict their movement with coordinated long-range strikes."

The representative of the Kunlun Sect voiced concern.

"But what if they refuse to enter the pass? If they're wary of an ambush, this plan could fall apart."

Jeong Ho-rim responded calmly.

"We'll deploy the local guides and mountain dwellers to serve as decoys. They're familiar with the terrain and can subtly direct the Imperial forces into the designated area."

The head of the Songshan Sect spoke hesitantly.

"This tactic carries a dangerous risk. If the enemy avoids the cliffside pass, our scattered troops may become vulnerable to concentrated assault."

Lee answered with measured composure.

"That risk is accounted for. We'll position reserves behind the forward units to prepare for contingencies, and our scouts will monitor every movement the enemy makes."

After thorough discussion, the leaders of the Murim Alliance ultimately agreed to Lee Do-hyeon's strategy. Each sect began to assign troops and prepare for the defense and tactical luring centered around the narrow pass.

Lee closed the meeting with firm resolve.

"This strategy is for our survival. Against the might of the Imperial forces, we cannot win with strength alone. Only unity, adaptability, and precise execution will carry us to victory. I ask each of you to fulfill your role."

After the alliance meeting ended, Lee Do-hyeon convened privately with his closest allies from Cheonuhoe.

Baek Wolhui smiled playfully.

"Commander~, sounds like things went smoothly with the Alliance. But now comes the hard part—it's up to us to fine-tune the real plan."

Lee nodded.

"Indeed. While the Murim Alliance handles the broader deployment, Cheonuhoe will form the core of this operation. We'll lead the diversion and defend the pass where it matters most."

Han So-yeon spoke in a quiet voice.

"The Imperial army is large and powerful. But if we control the terrain—if we make them climb the narrow paths—we can divide and scatter their strength. The question is how long we can delay them."

Cheong Unjin responded firmly.

"Our strength lies in our individual prowess. Against a numerically superior force, we must strike swiftly and asymmetrically—hit and fade, confuse and exhaust."

Baek Wolhui added with a teasing grin.

"Then I suppose my job is to be the bait, right? I'll rattle their pride just enough to make them chase us straight into the pass."

Jeong Ho-rim nodded.

"I'll coordinate with the locals to monitor their route and provide real-time intel. With that, we can shape their movements and control the flow of battle."

Lee Do-hyeon concluded, his voice resolute.

"Our advantage is our flexibility and the strength of each individual. We must not get swept up in their momentum. This battle is more than a fight for our survival—it's a fight that will shape the fate of Murim itself."

Baek Wolhui laughed lightly.

"Commander, don't make it sound too heavy. We'll win—then we drink. That's the real reward."

Lee smiled in return.

"Then you're buying the first round after victory. But until then—stay focused. We will win this."

As Cheonuhoe and the Murim Alliance finalized their preparations, the stage was set for the clash against the Imperial army. This chapter highlighted the depth of strategy and cooperation, raising the anticipation for the imminent battle to come.

***

Chapter : The Might of the Imperial Army

Inside the grand strategy hall of the Yuan Imperial Palace, the commanders of the imperial forces convened. Confidence radiated from their faces, and every word they spoke was laced with unwavering conviction.

"No matter how powerful these so-called Murim warriors may be, their strength is limited to individual prowess," the Supreme Commander declared, his tone brimming with certainty."Our forces are overwhelming. With the charge of our cavalry, the firepower of our archers, and the precision of our tactics, it's only a matter of time before they are subdued."

His adjutant nodded in agreement."That's right, Commander. Ours is the army that conquered the world and built this vast empire. No matter how proud the Murim may be of their independence, they are nothing in the face of the imperial might."

Another general added with a smirk,"Besides, they're a fractured group. Internal strife plagues them, and all they care about is competition among the strong. In contrast, our forces move as one, united by a singular purpose. This battle—it's already won."

The commander pointed to the map spread before them and issued his orders."Encircle the Murim forces in this region. Overwhelm them with sheer firepower. Even if the terrain is mountainous and familiar to them, it makes no difference. We will drive them out and place this land fully under imperial control."

In the camps of the imperial army, morale surged. Cavalrymen boasted of their unstoppable charges, certain of their superiority over the scattered warriors of Murim.

One cavalryman chuckled,"Those Murim folks think they're something special. But once we charge, let's see how long they last."

Another soldier chimed in,"Exactly. Our long-range weapons will be their worst nightmare. Even if they hide behind trees or mountains, our archers will cut them down."

A third nodded confidently."In the end, they're no match for us. This battle is merely another chance to demonstrate the power of the Empire."

Back in the palace, new reports only fueled their overconfidence.

"Murim cannot compete with the Empire. They are but a handful of skilled fighters struggling to protect their small domains. But the Empire—we are the rightful rulers of this land. Their resistance is a meaningless delay."

The Supreme Commander raised his voice before the entire army."Remember this—the Empire is the master of this land, and we are its shield and sword. No matter how fiercely the Murim resist, they are powerless before our might. This battle will teach them their place."

The troops erupted in cheers. Their morale soared sky-high, and preparations for the campaign were carried out with ruthless efficiency.

Yet, unbeknownst to them, the Murim warriors had long anticipated this arrogance. Lee Do-hyeon, the Murim Alliance, and Cheonuhoe had studied the strengths of the imperial army and were laying the groundwork to dismantle them.

The confidence of the imperial forces was undeniable. But what awaited them was not merely a defense of territory—it was a calculated, deliberate challenge aimed at shaking the very core of their pride.

The battle to come would not be a simple clash of brute strength, but a monumental collision of strategies, decisions, and the will to defy overwhelming power.