Chapter 105 The Suicide Squad (7)

Chapter 105: The Suicide Squad (7)

#Chapter 105: The Suicide Squad (7)

It had been five days since the battle for Jeomchang Mountain began.

Despite losing seven or eight hundred men, the Ten Demon Clan refused to give up.

They managed to fend off each enemy assault, but their unease grew as time dragged on.

The reason was simple: no true master like the Bloodline Elder they’d seen on the first day had appeared.

In other words.

‘Just as expected of those demonic bastards, they’re grinding down their manpower.’

It meant the Ten Demon Clan was planning a war of attrition.

To do that, they were conserving their masters.

They probably sensed our supply situation was dire.

The problem was, even knowing their intentions clearly, we had no choice but to be dragged into it.

When they come charging in with weapons, you can’t just not fight, can you?

Because of that, the entire garrison grew more exhausted by the day.

All supplies, including weapons, were depleted.

Long ago, the Green Dragon Sect had run out of poison and hidden blades, long since replacing them with blades carved from coins and iron chopsticks.

Swordsmen and dagger-wielders faced the enemy with weapons missing teeth.

The most pressing problem, of course, was food.

A master could endure without eating for half a month, but that was literally just enduring.

It was difficult to muster proper fighting strength.

In desperation, they hunted wild beasts, but that wasn’t enough to feed over a hundred men properly.

Developing a technique to convert internal energy into calories was indeed urgent.

The one silver lining was that Baekgong Baek had returned today.

For reasons unknown, his return was delayed by two days beyond expectations.

Seeing him emerge from the pavilion, his presence felt so reassuring I nearly called him “Dad.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

If only he hadn’t dismissed all those bloody battles with just that one phrase.

It stung a little, but what could I do?

That’s just the kind of person he is.

Anyway.

Upon his return, North Palace White did not reclaim command of the defense force.

“Jumchang Mountain is a mountain imbued with the spirit of the Silent Dragon Sect. I believe it is right for Master Inhyunjin to continue leading the defense.”

This was an extremely wise choice.

For several days, Master Inhyunjin had led the defense force exceptionally well.

True to a Taoist who’d devoted his life to cultivation, he might lack strategic acumen, but as a leader, he was truly outstanding.

And honestly, what exactly did that old man, North Palace Baek, ever show us?

Sure, he was the main architect of victory in the Great Southern Campaign, but that wasn’t a victory won through command; it was merely capturing the Southern Heaven Palace Lord by force.

And that was achieved by overwhelming numbers, mobilizing the Black Coral.

Being skilled in martial arts doesn’t automatically mean one is a good commander.

Of course, the return of the absolute master greatly boosted the defense force’s morale.

For in the martial world, a master of the Hua Jing realm commanded a majesty akin to the heavens themselves.

But that wasn’t the only good news.

Waaah!

The Red Dragon Sect had successfully brought in supplies.

Filled with the hope of finally being freed from hunger, they dashed out in a single bound.

Though he’d kept his distance from Jik-il all this time because of the constant talk about taking him as a son-in-law, right now, he could even give him a kiss on the cheek.

Marrying the petty-minded Jik-hwa? He’d rather die.

“Good work.”

“It was nothing.”

Despite the respectful greeting, Jik-il shrugged as if it were nothing, but it couldn’t possibly be nothing.

The Red Blood Brigade, which had been fifteen, was now down to thirteen, and the bodies of the Jik-il brothers were covered in wounds.

It was only natural.

Even with the secret passage, it only connected to the entrance of Jomchang Mountain.

To reach that point, they had to pass through the enemies surrounding Jinchang Mountain; a fierce battle was unavoidable.

It would have been difficult even unarmed, let alone moving while carrying a load as heavy as a person on their backs. How exhausting it must have been.

In fact, it was remarkable that the Red Dragon Sect had completed their mission with only this level of casualties; it was something to be proud of.

As if sensing that hardship, Master Inhyeon patted Jikil’s shoulder.

“You’ve endured much. The Red Dragon Sect’s achievements will never be forgotten.”

“Not at all, Master. Our comrades at the Fortress also fought with their lives on the line. It’s right to call this a shared achievement.”

“Heh heh, the Red Dragon Sect Leader must feel truly secure. To have such an outstanding grandson.”

“You flatter me. And this…”

Jik-il, who had been receiving praise, pulled a red envelope from his robe.

“What is it?”

“It’s a condolence letter that arrived with the supplies. It seemed important, so I kept it separate.”

“Understood. You must be tired. Rest now.”

Jik-il gave a small bow and left.

And then.

“Oh my…!”

In-hyeon Jin-in’s eyes widened like lanterns as he opened the letter.

It was almost certainly bad news.

‘Could it be?’

I considered the worst possible news that could come in this situation and quickly reached a conclusion.

It must be that the main force dispatched from the capital was delayed.

Then.

The crucial question was how long the delay would be.

‘A week. Any longer would be impossible.’

No matter how skilled the defenders were, they were still human, and their limits were clear.

Unless the entire garrison was armed with K-2 automatic rifles, they couldn’t hold out for more than seven days.

That remained true even with North Palace Baek joining them.

Because the Ten-Armed Formation also had masters of equal skill.

If Mun Sang’s order was to hold out for more than seven days, it even seemed wiser to hand over the fort.

But the situation was more serious than I had anticipated.

“…So the forces that departed from the Ten-Armed Formation are heading for Hanjung.”

“Wow…”

This is maddening.

* * *

Hanjung is in danger.

That meant.

The main force from the city that was supposed to come to Jeomchang wouldn’t be arriving.

Even if it was difficult, they had to defend Jeomchang, which could be reclaimed later. They couldn’t let Hanjung, located directly above the main city, be taken.

Of course, with the help of their ally, the Jeongdo Alliance, they could hold Hanjung if they just bought time.

The real problem was Jianchang falling into the hands of the Ten Armies first.

Knowing this, Mun Sang also urged retreat.

An hour after confirming that shocking news.

Having seemingly composed himself, In Hyeon Jin-in came out and called for Baek Gung.

I thought he intended to exchange opinions first before informing everyone…

“I entrust everyone to you.”

What kind of nonsensical thing was he spouting?

Even Bukgung Baek, who rarely showed emotion, couldn’t hide his surprise.

“…You intend to sacrifice yourself.”

“Indeed.”

At Inhyeon Jin-in’s calm reply, Bukgung Baek asked in a slightly angry voice.

“I consider it a dog’s death.”

“We cannot let our ancestors witness the mountain gate burning to ashes so futilely. And twice, no less.”

“…….”

Bukgung Baek’s gaze turned to me.

It meant, ‘Do something about it.’

‘Anyway, they always make me handle the difficult stuff.’

I was the one who worked part-time at a cell phone store in a past life. I was confident I could persuade them.

“They’re not wandering spirits after death. How would gentlemen who’ve been dead for hundreds of years know the mountain gate is burning?”

Smack!

“Ow!”

“You haven’t changed a bit, not then or now.”

“No, I’m telling you, it’s all superstition…”

“Do you need another hit to snap out of it?”

“Wah! This is so frustrating I can’t stand it.”

Ghosts don’t exist in this world.

“If the Master says he’s staying? Won’t the disciples stay too? Are you going to kill all these kids with futures stretching out before them? And.”

“……”

“Do you think the mountain gates won’t burn down just because they stay? All the disciples of Mukeong Hall here combined are only thirty. Thirty. They won’t last even half an hour.”

“But couldn’t they show the spirit of Jeomchang?”

“No!”

What good would showing that do?

I nearly shouted in momentary fury.

As I stood alone, fuming and trying to calm my emotions, Inhyeon Jin-in spoke with a small smile.

“Do you know what one learns first when grasping the sword of Jomchang?”

“Is it not chivalry and the Way? I’ve lived and breathed in Myeongryongdang for years. How could I not know that?”

“You haven’t forgotten.”

“If we die here, will chivalry and the Way be preserved?”

“If we die, the city will surely be avenged. Then wouldn’t the people living in Yunnan be spared from living under the Ten Demons’ rule?”

“Even if we flee now, the city will inevitably retake this place.”

“But the timing might be delayed.”

For a moment, he was speechless.

Because Inhyeon Jin’s words were a hundred times right.

Considering Mun Sang’s cautious nature, it was highly likely he would only move once the northern threat was completely eliminated.

During that time, the people of Yunnan would undoubtedly suffer all manner of hardships under the Ten Demon Clan.

But if the Silent Dragon Sect were annihilated here, that would change everything.

They would move as swiftly as possible to punish the Ten Demon Army.

Only then could the honor of Guryongseong be preserved.

Finding no further words to persuade him, I looked at Baekgung Baek.

He sighed and shook his head.

“There’s no way.”

Judging from our years together, that was his way of saying give up.

“We have no choice but to slaughter every last one of those Ten Demon Clan bastards outside.”

Somehow, he’d given up in a strange direction.

Then again, I’d been thinking along similar lines myself.

‘Why can’t things ever be easy?’

How could I just stand by and watch the Black Dragon Sect, where my grandfather dedicated his life, disappear?

He said to In Hyeon-jin, who was staring wide-eyed in shock.

“We live together, and we die together. There’s no such thing as some living and some dying.”

I wonder if he understands this as martial arts communism.

* * *

The moment he left In Hyeon-jin’s quarters, Bukgung Baek lit a huge bonfire right in the middle of the courtyard.

And then.

“All comrades of the Nine Dragons Fortress, come forth!”

He summoned the entire garrison.

Since the order to retreat from the main fortress had been issued, continuing the fight required everyone’s consent.

Shortly after the entire death squad gathered, Baek of the Northern Palace began his impassioned speech.

“…Those who wish to flee, leave Jianchang Mountain immediately. I promise no blame will be cast upon you.”

Of course, I had already set the stage to make escape impossible, just as I advised.

He said he wouldn’t blame them, but anyone fleeing in that atmosphere would be buried alive, not just in Nine Dragon Fortress, but across the entire martial world.

‘I never knew that man had such charisma.’

He might not be as good as me, but for a gentleman who spent his whole life drinking, suddenly displaying that kind of charisma…

A crisis truly moves even Baek Gung.

Leaving the death squad behind, listening to Baek Gung’s impassioned speech.

I headed deep into the innermost part of the bunker to retrieve the trump card I’d saved for the very end.

* * *

The next day.

Having devoured all remaining rations, the death squad began preparing for battle as soon as the sun rose.

Preparing for a fierce battle, they bound headbands around their heads.

They inspected the poison and weapons supplied yesterday.

Each sharpened the edge of their weapon to a razor’s edge.

Half an hour passed like this.

Rumble.

From the deepest part of the bunker, a group emerged.

Two hundred and ninety-eight in total.

They were the warriors of Nantian Palace, captured as prisoners during the last Great Southern War.

They had been imprisoned in the Brain Prison. We brought them out, promising freedom if they could break through the Ten Demon Formation’s lines.

In other words, we offered them amnesty on the condition they become human shields.

The prisoners from the Southern Heavenly Palace accepted my proposal.

After all, the moment the Ten Demon Formation occupied Pointing Spear Mountain, they too would have faced certain death.

Though their martial arts might have weakened from lack of training, they were still sufficient to bolster our depleted numbers.

Taking prisoners without upper command’s permission was madness, but what wouldn’t one do to survive?

Whatever happened later, surviving today was paramount.

That’s why the entire death squad agreed to utilize the Namcheongung prisoners.

Soon after, the warriors of the Jianchang Mountain branch handed each of them a vial.

It was the antidote to the Green Dragon Sect’s permanent poison, the Wujihuan.

After all the prisoners had taken the antidote too.

“Let’s go.”

Rumble.

We began our descent down Jianchang Mountain.

With the single-minded resolve that defeat meant death.