Chapter 347: Gathering
A vast, desolate plain.
One!
Hyah-!
Two!
Hyah-!
Over five thousand infantry thrust their spears in unison to the command.
Advance-!
Kwoong. Doodoodoodoo!
As the crimson banner rose, two thousand cavalry charged as one.
A force of seventy thousand strong.
Each soldier’s eyes burned fiercely, their military discipline seemed solid, and their morale soared high.
These were the elite troops, the Golden Army, cultivated by General Jo Myeong-san at the cost of his entire fortune.
Yet, even facing such a formidable force— —Jo Myeong-san could not steady his nerves.
The shock of being betrayed by Gung Yu-ryong, a subordinate he trusted more than anyone, was immense.
‘He still has a long way to go.’
He knew that even the elite forces of Chilcheon were no match for the Lion Clan.
The opinions voiced at yesterday’s meeting further unsettled Jo Myeong-san’s mind.
‘General, you must conscript more troops. No matter how elite the Golden Army is, they stand no chance against over six thousand martial artists from the dark sects.’
‘What good will it do to bring in men who have never held a sword in their lives?’
‘If the royal guards collapse, the nation is finished. We must bolster our forces, however slightly, to have any chance of victory.’
‘…Receiving aid is acceptable, but conscription is out of the question.’
‘But…!’
‘A nation can only exist with its people. I did not raise an army to guard an empty land devoid of anyone.’
‘…….’
‘I’ll take your advice as loyal counsel. Now, you may withdraw.’
