Chapter 1306
What the heck is this guy? (6)
“How’s the situation?”
“It seems like the battle hasn’t started yet.”
Ho Gamyeong’s eyes gleamed coldly.
There was still time left even after the battle had already begun.
Yet, the fact that nothing had happened yet meant they were standing still in front of the gorge.
And standing still meant they were hesitating and contemplating.
“…Distance?”
“At this pace, we’ll arrive within an hour!”
“Within an hour…”
Was there a possibility that they hadn’t properly identified the location of Ho Gamyeong’s main force?
‘No chance.’
While others might make mistakes, Im Sobyeong would never make such an error.
Though Jang Ilso might not have had any intention of actually capturing him, Im Sobyeong still commanded the formidable forces of Nokrim and stood against them as equals.
If Im Sobyeong had pledged allegiance to Jang Ilso, Ho Gamyeong would have done whatever it took to place him in a key position within Sapaeryeon.
Im Sobyeong’s capabilities were undoubtedly exceptional. Someone of his caliber wouldn’t make a mistake in such a simple calculation.
So then…
“Are they planning to break through that gorge?”
Ho Gamyeong muttered, his eyes half-closed in thought. While the internal decisions of their enemies remained unknown, it was clear they were deliberating over that path.
Is it really possible? Especially while leading Haenam?
“How much have their numbers decreased?”
“We can’t pinpoint it exactly, but it seems Haenam has suffered losses beyond what they can afford.”
“Beyond what they can afford…”
In military doctrine, once an army loses thirty percent of its forces, it’s no longer considered a viable fighting force.
Losing thirty percent of your forces crushes morale to the point where continuing the fight becomes impossible. Of course, one can’t apply conventional military standards to Haenam. They are the elite among elites, having undergone specialized training for decades. Nevertheless, leading Haenam, who has suffered such losses, through the narrow gorge would be an incredibly reckless endeavor.
‘So, it would be common sense to take a detour….’
Ho Gaemyeong’s face stiffened.
He hoped they would take the detour. That way, they could stay in Gangnam a little longer. If they could do that, they might catch up to them before they escaped Guangdong.
That’s why he carefully controlled their pace, driving them towards the cliff. If there was common sense, they would have taken a detour already.
But the fact that there’s still no movement means someone is insisting for going through the gorge.
And it’s painfully obvious who that someone is.
‘What the heck is this guy?’
Is Hwasan Geomhyeop really planning to break through that gorge amidst all this?
A place blocked off like a wall?
“That, that’s impossible,”
the reporter replied, visibly flustered.
“Isn’t that place called a Valley of Fallen Spirits because even ghosts would be deterred from crossing it? No matter how formidable they are…”
“Khahaha.”
A deep, mocking laugh interjected.
“You must have remarkable patience to drag such creatures around as your subordinates.”
For a moment, the reporter’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Ho Gaemyeong glanced at Goe Ryang and asked.
“Do you have a different opinion?”
“There’s no way he won’t try breaking through.”
Goe Ryang licked his lips.
“Such a narrow canyon, seemingly impenetrable defense line?”
“……”
“That’s from our perspective. He doesn’t see it that way. He’ll break through, no doubt.”
“Even so? It’ll only lead to greater losses.”
“What a predictable response, commander. Are you testing me? Or is it that your head is too clouded with fear to think clearly?”
“How dare you speak so disrespectfully to commander!”
Ho Gamyeong raised his hand slightly to restrain the infuriated subordinate.
It wasn’t because he thought Goe Ryang’s words were reasonable, but to prevent useful subordinate from losing his head if this situation continued.
“Continue.”
“You think Hwasan Geomhyeop has some expertise in warfare, don’t you?”
“…Can’t deny it.”
Ho Gamyeong nodded.
This would be recognized by anyone who had experienced Hwasan Geomhyeop.
Though it may seem like he acts solely on instinct, in reality, there are reasons behind all of his actions when carefully examined.
He doesn’t just move forward without considering the consequences.
He knows how to plan several moves ahead, not just one or two, but even dozens.
It’s not an exaggeration. It’s now considered a common understanding regarding Hwasan Geomhyeop.
“But that’s a misconception.”
“A misconception?”
Goe Ryang explained.
“He doesn’t know anything about tactics. He’s not the type to bother learning something like that.”
Ho Gamyeong frowned.
“In the same sense, Ryeonju doesn’t bother with tactics either. But he easily manipulates those who have deeply studied how to wage wars. Do you know how that’s possible?”
“Hmm?”
“It’s not about knowing tactics, it’s about knowing what their opponents are aiming for.”
Ho Gamyeong’s expression hardened slightly.
“That’s an area that could be called experience, intuition, or even instinct. People like us might say the guy’s intuition is extraordinary, but you guys never end up like that. There must be a reason for defeat.”
Ho Gamyeong let out a bitter laugh.
“So, are they going to break through?”
“Yeah. Because you don’t want them to. If they’re led as their opponents want, they may avoid immediate losses, but ultimately they’ll fall into a bigger trap, and he knows that.”
“Indeed, that might happen. But…”
Ho Gamyeong narrowed his eyes and stated assertively.
“If that’s the case, then I must have overestimated Hwasan Geomhyeop.”
“Hmm?”
“Given the choice between losing an arm and losing one’s head, it’s only right to choose to lose the arm. Offering your neck, hoping to dodge the sword aimed at your arm, is the act of a fool.”
Goe Ryang chuckled bitterly.
“Indeed, that’s true, but… despite repeatedly offering his neck and still surviving to this day, it’s because he’s Hwasan Geomhyeop. If he had always chosen the obvious path, by now, he would have been just another mediocre master in Shaanxi.”
It’s a valid point. And Ho Gamyeong knows it well. This applies equally to Jang Ilso. If Jang Ilso had always heeded Ho Gamyeong’s advice, he would never have become Paegun Jang Ilso.
Hwasan Geomyeop and Paegun Jang Ilso. Both are beyond his understanding.
“In that case, there’s only one conclusion,”
Ho Gamyeong declared, lifting his head and shouting.
“Speed up! Full force ahead!”
“Yes!”
The speed of those running together increased even more.
Goe Ryang looked at Ho Gamyeong in surprise.
“Are you not leaving any room for backup?”
“If he’s truly prepared to break through the gorge…”
Ho Gamyeong said as if chewing on the words.
“I must turn that place into his grave. There’s no death more shameful for him than being buried on the land of Maninbang.”
“Haha, that’s also good.”
Instead of responding, Ho Gamyeong’s face hardened as he delved into his thoughts.
‘If he truly chose to break through, this is where the showdown will happen.’
If Hwasan Geomhyeop manages to break through this gorge, he will have to watch him escape Guangdong.
Before that happens, he must kill him here, no matter what it takes.
A fierce determination glinted in Ho Gamyeong’s eyes.
‘I will definitely kill you here, Hwasan Geomhyeop.’
❀ ❀ ❀
“Hu.”
Namgung Dowi took a deep breath, feeling like he might vomit.
‘Just looking at it makes my stomach churn.’
Anyone who has experienced even a bit of battle knows how dangerous this terrain can be.
The gorge is barely wide enough for three people to stand shoulder to shoulder.
It means one sword swing horizontally can engage the enemy right in front of you.
Too wide for one, too narrow for two.
And in front of the gorge, about fifty people have set up a camp.
Judging by their determined gazes, none of them are to be underestimated.
Namgung Dowi must now jump in there by himself.
Relying solely on his sword.
‘It’s madness.’
Though his insides churned, a wry smile kept creeping onto his lips.
Watching Hwasan engage in madness, Namgung Dowi felt a mix of incredulity and a secret admiration for their audacity.
Perhaps, within the reason why Namgung Dowi stood here now, there was also a hint of that admiration.
He too wished to be like them. But when faced with situations where he had to act like them, he realized the immense pressure and inner conflict they must have endured while committing such reckless acts.
‘Success makes you a hero.’
Namgung Dowi tightened his grip on his beloved sword.
‘But failure… Does it turn you into a mere fool?’
Once again, a wry smile escaped him.
Rescuing Namgung clan from Maehwado was an undeniably heroic act.
But what if they were to fall mercilessly under the blades of Sapaeryeon while advancing towards Maehwado?
They would have become objects of ridicule. People from all of Gangho would have scoffed at Hwasan and spat on their graves.
Perhaps, one could question whether they would ridicule those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of righteousness. But people do not praise failed righteousness. They simply wag their tongues in folly and condemnation.
Namgung Dowi would be no exception. If he were to fail to break through them here and died, he would be remembered as the worst head in Namgung clan’s history.
He might even face generations of ridicule as the fool who destroyed the family’s revival with his own hands.
‘I’m not exactly in my right mind either.’
He thought, feeling something boiling inside him.
He dare say, if it were Namgung Dowi of the past, he would never have been able to move forward in this situation.
He might have fled under the weight of the family’s burden or sought Namgung Hwang without knowing what to do.
But now, Namgung Dowi stands here of his own will. Isn’t that progress in itself? Even if his hands tremble with tension, he is still standing here.
‘Did father feel this way too?’
Perhaps only now has he reached the starting point where Namgung Hwang headed for Maehwado.
Then, Chung Myung’s voice came from beside him.
“Are you ready?”
Namgung Dowi realized a bit late that the question was directed at him.
Come to think of it, everyone else’s gaze was also focused on him.
‘What should I say?’
He could boast if he wanted to. He could also speak calmly about his thoughts, or express his determined will.
But none of these options were Namgung Dowi’s choice.
“…I’m scared to death,”
he uttered. At his words, everyone blinked with blank faces.
However, Chung Myung seemed quite satisfied with that answer, grinning to himself.
“That’ll do,”
he nodded, then turned his gaze to Baek Cheon.
“Sasuk.”
“Yes?”
“This bastard seems useful.”
“He’s always been useful.”
“…Sasuk. It seems like your words got twisted, but you were originally an okay guy.”
“Oh, really?”
“…Let’s just stick with this one.”
At Yoon Jong’s words, Baek Cheon let out a deep sigh and then turned his gaze to Namgung Dowi.
“Young Lord. Then…”
“Yes!”
Namgung Dowi nodded firmly.
“I will take the lead.”
A gentle smile played on the corner of Baek Cheon’s lips.
“Don’t overexert yourself.”
“…”
“…Those who want to take the lead are plentiful.”
Jo Geol immediately snorted, and Yu Iseol’s shoulders twitched. Even Hye Yeon subtly pushed his head forward.
Namgung Dowi stated firmly,
“I will take the lead. I cannot give in.”
Baek Cheon let out a deep sigh.
‘They’re all real fools.’
After briefly glancing at Namgung Dowi, Baek Cheon nodded and said,
“Understood. Then please make sure of it.”
“Yes!”
Baek Cheon scanned everyone. Some were filled with determination, while others were trembling with fear.
But at this moment, regardless of their emotions, there was only one thing to do.
Baek Cheon’s determined gaze pierced through the bushes towards the gorge.
“Let’s go!”
“Yaaah!”
Without hesitation, Namgung Dowi drew his sword and charged forward.
Others followed suit, their faces filled with determination as they stormed towards the enemy.
“Haaaah!”
In an instant, the pouring force and shouts caught the attention of the enemies entrenched in the gorge.
“They’re coming!”
“It’s them! Defend your positions!”
“They’re breaking through!”
They weren’t just sitting idly by, merely holding their ground against the onslaught.
“The shields!”
Thud! Clang! Clang!
Behind the massive logs, shields laid on their sides were lifted.
These shields were made of thick, heavy iron, solid enough that even several soldiers rushing together couldn’t lift them.
As the shields were firmly planted into the ground, it became apparent that stopping Hwasan Geomhyeop with mere brute force was futile.
However, penetrating through those thick shields was no easy task for Hwasan Geomhyeop!
“Spear!”
Behind the shield-bearers, those skilled in using spears crouched low and advanced.
The moment the sword of Hwasan Geomhyeop halted, sharp spearheads would mercilessly pierce through his body.
But, unfortunately, the one charging towards the formidable formation wasn’t Chung Myung.
“Ha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a!”
With a deafening roar that seemed to shatter eardrums, a brilliant white light surged momentarily.
That dazzling light swiftly soared towards the firmly planted shields.
“What, what…?”
The shield-bearers widened their eyes in disbelief.
Kwaaaaaang!
A colossal explosion resounded as if a meteor had crashed.
People and shields were thrown into disarray.
Namgung Dowi, who had shattered a section of the enemy’s defense with his sword, pounded the ground and shouted.
“Anyone who stands in the way will perish! I am Namgung Dowi of Namgung clan!”
It seemed like his voice would reach as far as the Yangtze River, if not further, echoing in the sky.
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