Chapter 210: I Need to Change the Plan (4)
Distinguished figures gathered in the military council room of the Bureau of Military Affairs.
On the left sat eight key figures of the military, and on the right sat six representatives of the Wulin Alliance, facing them.
Sitting at the seats of honor were So-mu and Advisor Jin Yoo-so.
Since Jang-yang was focusing entirely on domestic administration, he had delegated all national defense matters to these two.
Once all preparations were complete, So-mu spoke.
“Thank you for traveling a long distance to get here.”
The elders of the Wulin Alliance cupped their fists in return. Among them, Abbot Jeong Myeong, the Wulin Alliance Leader, replied.
“We are truly grateful to the military for offering their support. We were at our wits’ end on our own.”
“There is no need for thanks. Since the Wulin Alliance has also promised to assist us in the future, we will cooperate as much as possible.”
It was a subtle reminder to cooperate fully in the upcoming battles once this matter was resolved.
Even though he was facing the Wulin Alliance Leader, a figure of supreme authority in the martial world, such a tone was only possible because So-mu was the Great General and the military’s top commander.
Abbot Jeong Myeong had no intention of arguing with him.
“Amitabha. The righteous world that Min-gong wishes to create aligns with the values of our orthodox sects. We will gladly join forces with you at any time.”
So-mu nodded in satisfaction and glanced to his left. It was now the Advisor’s turn.
Nodding, Jin Yoo-so picked up a pointer and gestured to the map on the table.
“As you know, Mount Song, where the Shaolin Temple is located, is not far from Luoyang, where the main army of Hui is stationed. Furthermore, the movements of the army led by Mahyul have become unclear. They did not return to Luoyang after the battle at Hangu Pass…”
Representing the Wulin Alliance, Advisor Zhuge Su-yeong spoke.
“This is indeed a serious situation. We were also highly concerned about the intervention of the Hui military. Although our Wulin Alliance has not officially participated in wars between states, the State of Hui will want to extinguish this spark before it grows.”
“To them, the orthodox sects are a thorn in their side, especially since they conflict with the state-sponsored Divine Demon Cult.”
“Exactly. In your opinion, Advisor, what would be the best approach?”
Zhuge Su-yeong asked for Jin Yoo-so’s thoughts. She wanted to see her cards first, but Jin Yoo-so was not an opponent who could be easily manipulated.
“We must first know the Wulin Alliance’s objective to plan our approach. Even if we drive away the enemies besieging Shaolin, the same situation will repeat. What is your plan?”
“We intend to evacuate the Shaolin Temple until the State of So reclaims Luoyang. We plan to help the monks escape.”
“What is the escape route?”
“They will have to enter the State of So through Hangu Pass or Wu Pass.”
Jin Yoo-so smiled and moved her pointer across the map.
“As you know, to do so, they must pass through the outskirts of Luoyang, which is surrounded by flat plains. It is ideal terrain for cavalry.”
If they were careless, they could easily be wiped out by the Hui cavalry. It was a terrifying prospect.
Zhuge Su-yeong guessed from her smile that she had prepared another option.
“Is there another route?”
Jin Yoo-so remained silent and looked at So-mu. So-mu then called upon a general.
“Admiral Jeok Wun.”
Everyone’s gaze turned toward the general.
Soul-Reaping Sword Jeok Wun. Once the absolute master of the destroyed Paeryeok Sect and the chief of the Yonggang Water Bandit Fortress, he was recruited by So-mu during the Battle of Xiangyang.
He bowed to So-mu with a expressionless face.
“Yes, General.”
So-mu looked at the Wulin Alliance elders on the right and said, “He is the Admiral of our State of So’s navy. Since he comes from the martial world, some of you may recognize him.”
A few elders who recognized him cupped their fists and greeted him.
“I have been wanting to greet you since earlier.”
“Congratulations on becoming the Admiral, Great Hero.”
Jeok Wun cupped his fists in return, expressing his pleasure.
“It is an honor to meet the pillars of the orthodox sects.”
Once the greetings were finished, So-mu continued.
“Tell us your thoughts, Admiral.”
Nodding, Jeok Wun stood up and placed his finger on the map.
“Traveling by land would be a grueling journey, but it will be much easier if we use the waterways. Our fleet will sail deep along the Yellow River to Houjin County to transport them.”
It was a plausible plan, but Zhuge Su-yeong still had one question.
“Houjin County is much closer to Mount Song than Luoyang is. If we can break the siege, retreating won’t be difficult. However, this operation is only possible if our navy can overwhelm the Hui navy.”
Admiral Jeok Wun spoke with confidence.
“Do not worry about that. According to our scouting reports, the Hui navy is no match for ours.”
Most importantly, the number of ships was incomparable. This was because So-mu had destroyed all the warships under construction at Mengjin Port the previous year and recruited the shipwrights.
While the State of So had built one hundred and fifty warships at the Weishui Ferry, the State of Hui had not even managed half that number.
“This is very reassuring. In that case, there is no need to travel by land. Now, the key is how to get the monks out of Shaolin.”
Advisor Jin Yoo-so replied as if she had been waiting for the question.
“Since they cannot receive supplies and must move stealthily, a small, elite force would be best.”
“I agree. Our Wulin Alliance has recruited three hundred masters from various sects. How many will the military send?”
Silence fell over the room.
Everyone’s gaze turned to So-mu, who sat at the seat of honor.
With his fingers interlaced, he replied calmly, “Myself and twenty members of the Wolf Fang Squad will join.”
The Wulin Alliance was sending three hundred men, yet the military was sending only twenty. It was an absurdly small number.
One might have expected disappointment, but the elders of the Wulin Alliance showed no such sign.
A single man who possessed the combat power of an entire army was joining them. The Wulin Alliance had wanted So-mu’s participation from the very beginning.
Abbot Jeong Myeong pressed his palms together with a bright expression.
“Amitabha. With the Great General helping us in person, we have nothing to worry about. Thank you very much.”
So-mu nodded, maintaining his serious expression.
“We know little about the Divine Demon Cult, and we have not determined how many masters they possess.”
Even with such distinguished masters, they could not afford to be complacent. Zhuge Su-yeong’s eyes flashed as she asked, “Indeed, we must not let our guard down. Do you have a suggestion, General?”
After some thought, So-mu cautiously offered his opinion.
“I was thinking of inviting an outside expert to help us.”
The moment he finished speaking, someone on the Wulin Alliance side flinched. It was Elder Mu Jin, renowned as the foremost sword of Wudang.
“Could it be…”
“Yes. If you all do not object, I will ask for my wife’s help.”
The elders of the Wulin Alliance knew exactly who she was.
The former leader of the Demonic Cult who had reached the absolute peak of demonic arts, the Jade Flower Goddess Yeon Seo-hwa. She was once the top name on the Wulin Alliance’s assassination list.
The elders whispered among themselves, exchanging nervous glances. Although she had retired from the martial world, receiving the help of a former demon leader felt highly awkward.
However, the quick-witted Zhuge Su-yeong quickly made a decision.
“It feels as though we have gained a massive army. Her assistance will be of great help.”
“It is not yet confirmed. I still have to convince her.”
Zhuge Su-yeong’s eyes flashed.
She had realized that the Great General was wary of his wife. If they could win her favor, it would make obtaining So-mu’s help much easier in the future. This was highly valuable information.
“I hope the discussion goes well.”
So-mu nodded with confidence.
With the outline of the operation established, the rest was merely adjusting the details.
Since they were a small force, there was little preparation needed.
After thirty minutes, the council concluded without any further issues.
***
Leaving the Bureau of Military Affairs, So-mu walked to leave the palace. He intended to return home and speak with his wife.
Reaching a quiet, deserted path, he sensed a faint presence behind him drawing closer.
“Are you really going to ignore me?”
A familiar, deep voice. He didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was. Abbess Golden Peak, leader of the Emei Sect.
Along with Heo-gyu of the Beggars’ Sect, she was one of the few people with whom he could speak comfortably.
“You know I am busy with official duties. Why did the leader come in person instead of sending elders?”
Turning to his left, So-mu saw Abbess Golden Peak clutching her prayer beads with a knowing smile.
“I came to see my friend’s face after a long time. And to demand an explanation.”
“An explanation? For what?”
“For your daughter beating up our Emei disciples and running away.”
So-mu looked confused.
“I heard they only got a bloody nose. My daughter also had scratches on her arms from those nuns.”
“Yes, it was a minor incident. Three of them suffered broken arms, and one had a broken ankle. And another… forget it, why bother speaking of it.”
“…”
So-mu simply stared at the sky instead of replying.
Watching him, Abbess Golden Peak burst into laughter.
“Do not worry about it. They were a pack of bullies who tormented other disciples, but they have behaved themselves since that incident. It was for the best.”
“Hmm. Glad to hear that. By the way, didn’t you say Emei had a child born under the Heavenly Fiend Star?”
“We did. She is currently in meditation to suppress her killing intent.”
In truth, it was secluded meditation rather than simple reflection. Hwa-ryeong, filled with venom, had requested it herself. Since she was their secret weapon for the martial arts tournament next year, she had no choice but to grant it.
Once this crisis was over, she intended to assign her to temple administration.
“You had better keep a close eye on her. I encountered a Heavenly Fiend Star long ago, and he was nothing short of a slaughter demon.”
“We are doing so. By the way, where has our youngest gone?”
So-mu knew exactly who she was referring to.
The third-generation Emei disciple his daughter had brought home—the child who had carried the darkest expression.
“Yeong-yeong?”
“Yes. Since she is our disciple, I planned to take her back with me.”
Although he couldn’t interfere in the matters of another sect according to the rules of the martial world, he had no intention of sending her back.
“Yeong-yeong is doing very well right now. So if you plan to take her back, give up. I won’t allow it.”
Abbess Golden Peak looked at him in disbelief.
“What…? That child is a disciple of Emei. Are you going to ignore the customs of the Jianghu?”
“I am not a member of the martial world, so I do not need to follow its rules.”
She let out a dry laugh. She had not expected So-mu to be so stubborn.
“So that is how you’re going to play it?”
“She is a child who would be unhappy there. Making others unhappy is not a teaching of Buddhism, is it?”
“How can you judge that?”
So-mu smiled.
“Have you ever seen that child smile before?”
Abbess Golden Peak could not reply. Yeong-yeong was famous within Emei for never smiling.
“Does she smile now? Yeong-yeong does?”
“Yes, every day. She has a family now, and friends.”
She remained silent for a moment.
After walking in silence for a short while, a warm smile finally appeared on Abbess Golden Peak’s face.
“It must be the Buddha’s will. I cannot go against it.”
“Haha. A wise decision. Since you’ve come all this way, join us for a meal at my house. My wife’s cooking is quite good.”
Abbess Golden Peak flinched, her eyes widening.
“I have no wish to die of indigestion. I must depart.”
So-mu suppressed his laughter as he bid her farewell.