Chapter 209: I Need to Change the Plan (3)
So-mu rushed to his office at the Bureau of Military Affairs.
There, Advisor Jin Yoo-so stood waiting for him.
“You should have made yourself comfortable. Please, have a seat here.”
Sitting opposite So-mu at a small table, Jin Yoo-so said, “I have heard the details from Vice Commander Seol Pung. You have worked hard in Chengdu, General.”
“Excluding the complications, that is.”
“Hmm. By complications, do you mean your daughter crippling the prince of Po? Or you breaking into the banquet hall and turning it upside down?”
So-mu couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eye. A soft sigh escaped his lips.
“I have no excuse.”
So-mu peeked at her reaction. As expected, a knowing smile played on her lips.
“It wasn’t a complication. Rather, because of it, our most critical issue was resolved, which makes it a success. We can resolve the minor issues as we go. I will report the matter to Min-gong myself, so do not worry.”
Judging by how she was smoothing things over, she undoubtedly had another favor to ask. Although she was on his side, she was a sly woman.
With no choice but to nod, So-mu asked her to get to the point.
“Isn’t everything ready now? The supply lines are secure, and I heard General Yue Fei, who promised support, is ready to march.”
“If only things went according to plan… We resolve one problem, only for another to arise.”
Seeing her sigh, So-mu wore an expression that said ‘I knew it.’
“Tell me what it is.”
“While you were away in Chengdu, a crisis arose in the martial world.”
Having just returned, So-mu was out of the loop.
“A crisis in the martial world? It has been quiet for some time.”
“The Wulin Alliance, which had agreed to aid us in the battle of Luoyang, says they can no longer participate.”
Their target was Luoyang, commanded by Wanyan Hui. Even with all their forces mobilized, victory was not guaranteed. The Wulin Alliance was an indispensable asset.
“They wouldn’t have changed their minds without a good reason.”
Jin Yoo-so took a breath and replied in a dark tone, “The Divine Demon Cult is besieging the Shaolin Temple. They are currently facing off after an initial clash. The Wulin Alliance has no choice but to deploy reinforcements there.”
The Shaolin Temple was located on Mount Song, south of Luoyang, within the territory of the State of Hui. For them to target that location at this specific time…
So-mu felt a headache coming on.
“Anyone who attacks Shaolin must be prepared to suffer immense losses. For the Divine Demon Cult, which has been quiet for years, to step forward and launch such a risky campaign is highly suspicious.”
As the pillar of the orthodox sects, the Shaolin Temple was no easy target.
Mount Song possessed terrain highly advantageous for defense, and it was fortified with all kinds of mechanisms and formations. If they mobilized all their lay disciples in the region, their defensive strength would be astronomical.
Even when many other sects fled to the State of Hui’s territory, Shaolin had held its ground out of pride.
Years ago, the military of Hui had considered attacking the temple but abandoned the plan, realizing the losses would far outweigh the gains.
Jin Yoo-so nodded in agreement with So-mu’s words.
“What is visible on the surface is likely not the whole truth. According to our intelligence network, Mahyul, who retreated from Hangu Pass, did not return to Luoyang.”
The Hui general, Mahyul. The man So-mu had faced during the defense of Hangu Pass was highly cunning.
If he was involved in this, it was not a matter to be taken lightly.
“How long has Shaolin been besieged?”
“We cannot be precise, but we estimate it has been at least fifteen days.”
Crossing his arms, So-mu fell into thought.
After a moment of silence, his gaze turned toward the strategic map on the wall.
“Destroying Shaolin is no easy feat, but if the Divine Demon Cult is willing to accept some losses, it is possible. However, the fact that they have maintained the siege for over fifteen days without ending it suggests another motive.”
“Yes. What you are thinking is likely correct, General. It is highly probable that this is a trap.”
As So-mu extended his index finger, two marker flags on the table rose into the air and embedded themselves into the map on the wall.
“The first goal is to draw in the Wulin Alliance. If the hidden forces of Hui ambush them alongside the Divine Demon Cult, it will result in a disaster. Since the Wulin Alliance Leader is the Abbot of Shaolin, he has no choice but to go.”
“I agree. Since we need the Wulin Alliance’s strength, we cannot afford to stand by. However, conducting an operation within enemy territory is highly risky.”
So-mu wore a bitter smile.
“So, you plan to send me into enemy territory this time.”
Jin Yoo-so smiled brightly and replied playfully, “While you and the Wolf Fang Squad are the best suited for this, how could I dare order the supreme military commander around?”
“You certainly have a knack for getting people to work for you without causing offense. In any case, the Mahyul I faced is not an easy opponent. He will surely anticipate our response and prepare for it.”
“Yes. We must prepare for both offense and defense just in case. Therefore, it would be best to deploy a small, elite force.”
So-mu nodded.
“We should first meet with the Wulin Alliance directly and assess the situation.”
“Yes. I have already arranged that, expecting you to say so. The representatives of the Wulin Alliance will arrive tomorrow. We will hold a military council then.”
A look of satisfaction appeared on So-mu’s face. He was pleased with her efficiency in handling all the troublesome preparations beforehand.
“Let’s do that. We will discuss the details tomorrow.”
***
Early the next morning.
So-mu was inspecting the military camp, a rare occurrence.
Ordinarily, he would have been buried in administrative work, but thanks to the Advisor’s help the previous night, he had some free time.
Stopping by the infantry training ground, he watched the soldiers with a pleased expression.
Regardless of their unit, the soldiers’ skills were improving rapidly by the day.
‘They are doing well. But they still have a long way to go.’
He could not afford to be complacent. The total military strength of the State of So, including the garrisons at Hanzhong and the passes, was only slightly over fifty thousand.
It was about half the force of the State of Po, and only about thirty percent of the State of Song.
Compared to their population, it was a very small army. However, by keeping the military small, the State of So was able to maintain a large working population, fueling unprecedented growth and prosperity.
‘Though our numbers are small, a single soldier of our State of So can match five from any other nation.’
Furthermore, they were exceptionally brave. This was the foundation that allowed their small nation to survive.
So-mu turned back, feeling satisfied.
There was still about an hour left before the military council with the Wulin Alliance.
He walked out of the camp and headed toward the palace.
Despite the early hour, the streets were filled with energy. He had only walked a short distance from the palace entrance when he heard a voice.
“Ah, General!”
It was a street vendor who looked to be in his thirties. He was missing his left eye, a scar running across the empty socket.
A faint smile appeared on So-mu’s face as he walked over to him.
“You seem to be doing well, Squad Leader Jo Mu. I see you’ve put on some weight.”
He was a soldier who had left the army due to injuries sustained in battle. He had used his discharge pension to set up a street stall.
“It is an honor, General, that you remember my lowly name. Please try some of this. Peach Blossom Tea is the best in the morning.”
Peach Blossom Tea, with its floating petals, had a lovely aroma and helped clear the mind.
Receiving the cup, So-mu slowly sipped the tea, enjoying a moment of peace.
“The aroma is wonderful.”
“Isn’t it? I personally selected only the best-blooming petals.”
“Petals… Spring has already returned.”
“Yes. You will be marching out before this spring ends, won’t you, General?”
So-mu tilted his head slightly.
“Hmm. Did you know?”
“I didn’t serve in the army for nothing. I can tell just by looking at how sharp the kids look lately. You must return victorious, General.”
If even a retired soldier noticed, the State of Hui had likely gathered the information as well. Therefore, they had to prepare for all possibilities.
“With that kind of intuition, why did you join the infantry and suffer like that? You should have been a strategist.”
As So-mu spoke, his gaze drifted elsewhere.
Noticing his strange behavior, Jo Mu looked around and asked, “Is there something nearby?”
So-mu finished the Peach Blossom Tea in one gulp and handed the cup back.
“Yes… my daughter.”
It was only for a brief moment, but he had clearly seen a massive tiger slip past a corner in the distance. Four children were riding on its back.
“Pardon? So-so?”
“Yes. I must go.”
Curious about what they were doing in the palace so early in the morning, he decided to follow them.
So-mu concealed his presence and tailed the children.
Since the Mountain Lord’s senses were sharper than even those of a Flower Realm master, he maintained a safe distance. If the beast noticed him and ran over to play, his cover would be blown.
‘Where are they going so early?’
After following them for about fifteen minutes, they arrived at a deserted outer area of the palace.
The children riding the tiger entered a quiet, secluded pavilion.
Behind So-so, who held the leash, walked Baek-sang, Yeong-yeong, and Yang So-cheong.
Curious, So-mu completely concealed his presence and leaped onto the roof of the pavilion.
A moment later, his daughter’s voice drifted from below.
“Sister So-cheong. Are you really going to join Shadow Gate?”
“Yes. Please accept me. I want to be with you all.”
“Hmm… Then you must bow to me three times first.”
Judging by the silence that followed, they were conducting the initiation ceremony.
A few minutes later, his daughter’s voice sounded again.
“My mom said a sect needs a clever Chief Administrator. From now on, Sister So-cheong is the Chief Administrator of our Shadow Gate. Hehe.”
“Alright. And you two are the Right Guardian and Left Guardian, correct?”
“Yes, Sister.”
“I look forward to working with you, Sister…”
Listening from above, So-mu let out a silent chuckle in disbelief.
His daughter was building her own force without anyone knowing. He couldn’t help but worry about what she would grow up to be.
But one question remained.
‘Did that gloomy fellow really permit all of this? Hard to believe.’
Who would ever look at these children and think of them as assassins? Though they carried the name of Shadow Gate, its past reputation was entirely gone. They had merely inherited the martial arts and the name.
Just then, the door of the pavilion opened on its own.
As if she had expected it, So-so’s voice rang out.
“Chief Administrator Sister, you haven’t met our Sect Leader yet, have you? He has arrived.”
The Shadow King, Baek Ri-hyeon, had arrived.
Unable to contain his curiosity, So-mu quietly made a small hole in the roof and peered inside.
Surrounded by the children, the Shadow King looked utterly flustered.
“Chief… Administrator?”
“Yes, Sect Leader! I invited her. Didn’t I do well?”
The Shadow King stood with his mouth open, unable to speak for a moment.
Whether he approved of it or not didn’t matter. According to Shadow Gate’s tradition, the Deputy Sect Leader had the authority to recruit members, and rank was determined by martial strength. Even though she didn’t know martial arts, it was automatic for the girl, who ranked fourth in the hierarchy, to become the Chief Administrator.
After a moment, he let out a deep sigh.
“Sigh. Do whatever you want. I am curious to see how far this goes.”
“Hehe. Thank you!”
Then, Yang So-cheong cupped her fists and bowed to the Shadow King.
“Chief Administrator Yang So-cheong greets the Sect Leader. Do you feel discomfort in your left chest and shoulder?”
Baek Ri-hyeon looked surprised. Indeed, the wound he had received from Silver Flower Granny’s Fiendish Demon Soul-Rending Claw had not fully healed.
“Hmm. How do you know that?”
“The red spots on your Mizong acupoint and the bluish tint on your lower lip indicate that poison is accumulating. You should seek treatment before it is too late.”
He knew that as well. The poison, unable to penetrate his Flower Realm body, was pooling under his skin. He had intended to visit Chief Mo Cheong at the Hall of the Medical Sage but had been delaying it.
Yet, she had identified it simply by looking at his face. Baek Ri-hyeon inspected Yang So-cheong with a look of surprise.
Despite her young age, she possessed vast knowledge and an extraordinary presence.
It seemed the Deputy Sect Leader hadn’t recruited just anyone.
“You are quite skilled. But where did you…”
Baek Ri-hyeon suddenly froze mid-sentence. At the same time, his gaze snapped toward the ceiling.
After staring at it for a moment, he turned his gaze back as if nothing had happened.
Hidden on the roof, So-mu let out a sigh of relief. Although he hadn’t been discovered, the Shadow King’s senses were truly worthy of the leader of assassins.
‘By the way, that fellow looks tough on the outside, but he is completely soft inside. If I tell Seo-hwa later, she’ll laugh herself to tears.’
Who would ever look at him and see the Shadow King who had terrorized the martial world? Watching him stand helpless before the children was highly amusing.
Turning back, Baek Ri-hyeon walked away, as if he had no further business.
The moment So-mu saw his back, his eyes widened. He had to bite his lip to suppress a burst of laughter.
Embroidered on the back of the Shadow King’s black robes was a single rabbit.
‘Oh no!’
Realizing his slip, So-mu quickly leaped away.
If word got out that the Great General was spying on others, it would be a major embarrassment.
A heartbeat later, the roof where he had been standing shattered as a massive hole was blown through it.
Boom!
Soaring onto the roof, Baek Ri-hyeon looked around. Contrary to his expectations, not even an ant was in sight.
‘Did I hear wrong…?’
Unable to comprehend it, he stood there for a long moment, scanning his surroundings, before vanishing into the shadows.