Return of The Mount Hua – Chapter 1306. What the hell is that guy? (6)
Editor: Hoamzz
Co-Translator: Xoxo
“What’s the situation?”
"It seems the battle hasn’t started yet."
Ho Gamyeong's eyes gleamed coldly.
The battle should have already begun by now.
Yet, the fact that nothing has happened means they've stopped in front of the gorge.
And their halt meant they were deliberating and hesitating.
"...The distance?"
"At this pace, we’ll arrive within one quarter-hour!"
"One quarter-hour..."
Was there a chance they hadn’t accurately identified the location of Ho Gamyeong’s main force?
'Impossible.'
Others might, but Im Sobyeong would never make such a mistake.
No matter how much Jang Ilso had no real intention of capturing him, Im Sobyeong still commanded the ragtag bandits of Nokrim and stood on equal footing against them.
If Im Sobyeong had sworn loyalty to Jang Ilso, Ho Gamyeong would have done whatever it took to place him in a key position within Evil Tyrant Alliance.
That’s how exceptional Im Sobyeong’s abilities are.
Someone of his caliber wouldn't make a mistake in such simple calculations.
Then….
"Do they mean to break through that gorge?"
Ho Gamyeong sank into thought, half-closing his eyes.
Though he couldn't know what conclusion they had reached internally, it was clear they were contemplating that path.
Was it truly possible? Even while leading Hainan Sect?
"How much have their numbers decreased?"
"We can't get an exact figure, but it seems Hainan Sect has suffered losses exceeding two-tenths."
"Two-tenths.”
In military strategy, army that lose more than thirty percent of their strength are no longer considered an army.
The moment they lose thirty percent of their troops, morale plummets and they can no longer fight.
Of course, Hainan Sect cannot be measured by ordinary military standards.
In military terms, they were elites among elites who had received specialized training for decades.
But even so, leading Hainan Sect through that gorge after sustaining such losses would be an act of sheer recklessness.
Therefore, taking a detour would be common sense…. Ho Gamyeong’s face stiffened.
He had hoped they would take a detour.
He hoped they would linger a little longer in the southern region.
If so, he could catch them before they escaped Guangdong.
That was why he had carefully controlled the pace, driving them step by step toward the cliff.
If they had any common sense, they would have already taken a detour.
Yet the fact that there's still no movement means someone was insisting on heading for the gorge.
And it was all too obvious who that someone was.
'Just what is he?'
Does Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword really plan to break through that gorge?
A place blocked off like a wall?
"T- That's impossible."
The reporting subordinate exclaimed with his face pale in disbelief.
"Isn’t that place called ‘Falling Ghost Gorge’ because even ghosts fall to their deaths there? No matter how extraordinary they are..."
“Kuk, kuk, kuk, kuk.”
Go Yang’s mocking laughter cut through.
"You must have extraordinary patience to drag fools like these around as subordinates."
The reporting man's face instantly flushed red with shame.
Ho Gamyeong glanced at Go Yang and asked.
"Your thoughts differ, it seems?"
"There's no way he won't break through."
Go Yang licked his lips.
"A narrow gorge, an impenetrable line of defense?"
“….”
"That's how it looks to us. To him, it doesn't seem that way. He’ll definitely break through."
"But why force it? It will only increase casualties."
"You speak the obvious, Advisor. Are you testing me? Or is the blood not circulating to your head because you're panting too hard?"
"Such disrespect to Advisor-nim...!"
Ho Gamyeong slightly raised his hand to restrain the agitated subordinate.
Not because Go Yang's words were worth hearing, but to prevent a still-useful subordinate's head from falling here.
"Go on."
"You all seem to think that Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword has a decent grasp of military strategy."
"...I won't deny it."
Ho Gamyeong nodded.
Anyone who had faced Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword would acknowledge this.
He seemed to act instinctively without thinking, but when carefully analyzed, all his actions have their reasons.
He doesn't just look ahead.
He could see two steps, three steps, even dozens of steps ahead.
This wasn't an overestimation. It was safe to say that this was the common sense about Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.
"But that’s a misconception."
“Misconception?”
Go Yang declared.
"He knows nothing of military strategy. He's not the type to bother learning something like that."
Ho Gamyeong furrowed his brows slightly.
"Likewise, even Bangju know nothing of the art of war. Yet he easily toys with those who've deeply studied it. Do you know how that’s possible?"
"Why?"
“It’s not about knowing the art of war, but because they understand what their opponent is aiming for."
Ho Gamyeong's expression stiffened slightly.
“That’s the realm of experience, intuition, or perhaps instinct. People like us call his instincts exceptional, but ones like you never stop there. Because defeat always needs an explanation."
Ho Gamyeong let out a hollow laugh.
"So you're saying he'll break through?"
"Yes. Because you don’t want them to. He knows that if he simply follows the opponent's expectations, even if he avoids immediate losses, he'll eventually fall into an even bigger swamp."
"That may very well be true. But…"
Ho Gamyeong spoke with narrowed eyes as if declaring.
"If that’s the case, then perhaps I’ve overestimated Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword."
"Hm?"
"If one must choose between losing an arm or losing one's head, naturally one should choose to lose the arm. Only a fool would offer their neck trying to avoid the sword aimed at their arm."
Go Yang sneered.
"That’s true.… but he's Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword precisely because he's survived until now despite repeatedly offering his neck. If he had only ever chosen the obvious and safe path, he would be at best nothing more than a promising young master from Shaanxi by now."
That's right. And Ho Gamyeong knew it.
This applies equally to Jang Ilso.
If Jang Ilso had always accepted Ho Gamyeong’s advice, he would never have become Paegun he is today.
Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword and Paegun. Both transcend his common sense.
"Then there's only one conclusion."
Having reached his conclusion, Ho Gamyeong raised his head and shouted.
"Increase speed! Go at full force!"
"Understood!"
The subordinate running alongside him doubled their speed.
Go Yang looked at Ho Gamyeong as if surprised.
"So you’re not leaving any reserves?"
"If he’s truly decided to break through the gorge…"
Ho Gamyeong spoke as if spitting out words.
"Then I must turn that place into his grave. There’s no death more humiliating for him than to be buried in the land of Myriad Man Manor."
“Kukuk. That sounds good.”
Instead of responding, Ho Gamyeong remained deep in thought with a hardened face.
‘If he truly chooses to force his way through, this is the decisive point.'
If they allow him to break through the gorge, they’ll be forced to watch him escape Guangdong.
If that happens, ryeonju will inevitably learn of his existence.
They must kill him here before that happens.
By any means necessary.
A chilling killing intent flickered in Ho Gamyeong's eyes.
'I will definitely kill you here, Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword.'
* * *
"Huu."
Namgung Dowi took a deep breath to steady himself.
'I feel like throwing up.'
Just looking at it made his stomach churn.
Anyone with even the slightest experience in battle could see how dangerous that terrain was.
The gorge was barely wide enough for three people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder.
This meant that a single horizontal slash could deal with any enemy in front.
Too wide to go alone, too narrow to go in pairs.
And in front of that gorge, about fifty enemies were stationed.
Judging by the fierce light in their eyes, not a single one of them was ordinary.
Namgung Dowi now must step into that place willingly.
Relying solely on his sword.
'This is madness.'
His stomach was churning, yet laughter kept slipping out of his mouth.
Whenever he had seen Mount Hua’s madmen perform these kinds of insane acts, he had felt a mix of absurdity and admiration.
Perhaps part of the reason Namgung Dowi was standing here now was because of that admiration.
He wanted to become like them.
But when he finally faced a situation where he had to act like them, he realized something.
Just how much pressure and mental conflict they must have overcome to commit to such madness.
'Succeed and you're a hero.'
Namgung Dowi gripped his beloved sword tightly.
'Fail and you're an irredeemable fool?'
Another involuntary laugh escaped.
The act of Mount Hua rescuing Namgung Family from Plum Blossom Island was an extremely heroic act.
But what if they had fallen miserably under Evil Tyrant Alliance's blades while advancing toward Plum Blossom Island?
They would have become laughingstocks.
The entire world would have mocked Mount Hua and spat on their graves.
One might question whether people would really mock those who sacrificed their lives for chivalry.
But people do not praise failed Righteousness.
They merely click their tongues and call them fools.
Namgung Dowi was no different. If he dies here unable to break through them, he'll be judged the worst gaju in Namgung Family history.
Perhaps he would be remembered for generations as the fool who single-handedly destroyed the family's hopes for revival with his own hands.
'I'm not in my right mind either.'
He felt something boiling inside him.
He could guarantee that the old Namgung Dowi would never have pushed through in this situation.
The weight of protecting his family would have made him turn and flee, or he would have run to Namgung Hwang after being paralyzed by indecision.
But now Namgung Dowi stands here by his own will.
Couldn't this alone be considered progress?
Even if his hands trembled nervously, he was still standing here.
'I wonder if Father felt this way too?'
Perhaps, at long last, he was standing at the same starting point as Namgung Hwang who had once marched toward Plum Blossom Island.
Just then, Chung Myung's voice was heard from the side.
“You ready?”
It took Namgung Dowi a moment to realize that the question was directed at him.
Come to think of it, everyone’s eyes were on him.
'What should I say?'
He could put on airs.
He could speak calmly about his resolve, or declare his desperate determination.
But Namgung Dowi chose none of these.
"…I’m scared to death."
Everyone blinked in bewilderment at his words.
But only Chung Myung grinned as if perfectly satisfied.
"That'll do."
Chung Myung nodded and turned his gaze to Baek Cheon.
“Sasuk.”
"Yes."
"This bastard's useful."
"He was always usable."
“…Sasuk, that phrasing’s a bit off. You should say, ‘He has always been reliable.’”
"Ah, really?"
"...Let's stick to one or the other. Just one."
At Yoon Jong's words, Baek Cheon heaved a sigh and turned his gaze to Namgung Dowi.
“Sogaju. Then….”
"Yes!"
Namgung Dowi nodded firmly and said.
“I’ll take the vanguard.”
A faint smile appeared on Baek Cheon's lips.
“Don’t overdo it.”
“….”
“There are plenty of people who want to take the lead.”
Jo-Gol immediately snorted, and Yoo Iseol's shoulders flinched slightly.
Even Hye Yeon subtly leaned forward.
Namgung Dowi said firmly.
“The vanguard is mine. I won’t yield.”
Baek Cheon let out a deep sigh.
'Really, nothing but idiots here.'
Baek Cheon looked at Namgung Dowi briefly before nod and said,
“Sure, then make sure you do it right."
"Yes!"
Baek Cheon’s gaze swept over everyone. Some burned with fighting spirit, others trembled with fear.
But no matter what emotions they carried in their hearts at this moment, there was only one thing to do.
Baek Cheon’s firm gaze turned toward the gorge beyond the bushes.
"Let's go!"
"Taaaaaaat!"
As soon as the words fell, Namgung Dowi drew his sword and charged forward.
Not wanting to be outdone, others also charged at the enemies while shouting,.
“Haaaaat!”
The martial artists of Evil Tyrant Alliance holding their positions all raised their heads in unison at the flood of battle cries and shouts.
"They're coming!"
“It’s them! Hold your ground!”
"They're breaking through!"
These men weren't just mindlessly holding their positions without any countermeasures.
They had heard endlessly about how their enemies fought and had already made countermeasures.
"Shields!"
Kung! Kuung! Kuung!
From behind the large wooden barricades, they lifted shields that had been laid to the side.
These shields were made entirely from thick heavy iron.
So massive that ordinary soldiers couldn't even lift them even with several people, let alone maintain a stance.
These shields planted firmly into the ground all at once and stood firm.
They couldn’t stop Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword with their martial skill alone.
But even Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword wouldn't find it easy to pierce these thick shields!
"Spears!"
Behind the shield bearers, people armed with spears lowered their stances and braced their weapons.
The moment Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword’s sword stopped, those deadly spear tips would pierce his body without fail.
But unfortunately, the one charging at their formation was not Mount Hua Chivalrous Sword, Chung Myung.
“Haaaaaaap!”
With an ear-splitting battle cry, a pure white light suddenly soared skyward.
That dazzling light flew in one breath over the firmly planted shields.
"Wh- What...?"
The shield bearers’ eyes widened in shock.
Kwaaaaaang!
A deafening explosion erupted as if a meteor had fallen.
People and shields went flying together.
Having collapsed a section of the enemy's defense line with a single stroke, Namgung Dowi stamped the ground and shouted,
"Anyone who stands in my way will die! I am Namgung Dowi of Namgung Family!”
A voice that seemed certain to reach somewhere in the Heavens, if not the Yangtze River.
Consider supporting me by subscribing on Patreon for 5$. The Patreon membership for Mount Hua and Infinite Mage is the same. The benefit:
Advance chapters of Mount Hua : 76
Advance chapters of Magic Realm Convenience Store Worker : 10 Chapters
|Note
Thank you for the chapter """