Novel Martial Artist Lee Gwak - chapter 337
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chapter 337
Disaster comes without warning (3)
The vast plains, as far as the eye could see, were covered with ripe rice. Whenever the wind blew, the rice rippled in a breathtaking display.
Autumn was now nearing its end. The day to harvest the rice was not far off.
Because of this, the Dragon Heaven Valley paid special attention to protecting the Hwangwon Plains. Losing Hwangwon Plains to the Jade Heaven Alliance would be a disaster.
That’s why they were especially careful with the supplies sent to Hwangwon Plains.
The Dragon Heaven Valley had built a small fortress at the northernmost tip of Hwangwon Plains and stationed martial artists there. Since the plains were open on all sides, the fortress could efficiently monitor and respond to anyone approaching Hwangwon Plains.
People called the fortress in Hwangwon Plains the Hundred Eyes Fortress.
The Hundred Eyes Fortress was built solely for defense. The fortress’s storerooms were always stocked with enough food, water, and weapons to last at least a month. In case of an emergency, dozens of messenger birds were on standby to immediately relay news to the Dragon Heaven Valley.
The person in charge of Dragon Heaven Valley was An Pyeong-san, the “Thunder Blade of Chaos.”
An Pyeong-san was a highly respected martial artist in Dragon Heaven Valley, renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship. Moreover, his keen judgment of situations and leadership skills earned him the complete trust of the valley’s lord, Muk Jin-myeong.
There were many in Dragon Heaven Valley stronger than An Pyeong-san in martial prowess. However, none matched his combination of martial and strategic acumen. That’s why he was entrusted with defending the critical stronghold of Hundred Eyes Fortress and Hwangwon Plains.
Under An Pyeong-san’s command, over a thousand martial artists were stationed at the fortress. Although they numbered a thousand, their daily consumption of supplies was enormous. Without regular replenishment, severe problems would arise.
An Pyeong-san was a martial artist in his late forties. Deep wrinkles lined his forehead, and his eyes, shadowed with intensity, gave him a formidable presence.
Flap! Flap!
Messenger pigeons flew in relentlessly, their urgent reports spilling out one after another:
“The vagrants heading to the western military camp were ambushed.”
“The supply convoy bound for Ochosan was plundered.”
“This is a disaster!”
“They’ve been attacked…”
As he listened, a deep furrow formed between An Pyeong-san’s brows.
It had been a while since they fought with the Jade Heaven Alliance, but this was the first time supply convoys had been ambushed one after another.
“Does the Jade Heaven Alliance have enough strength left to ambush our supplies?”
Just as the Dragon Heaven Valley operated intelligence networks to gauge the enemy’s capabilities, the Jade Heaven Alliance did the same. Spies were deployed on both sides to monitor movements. However, Dragon Heaven Valley had not detected any signs of these attacks beforehand.
Either there was a problem with Dragon Heaven Valley’s surveillance network, or the Jade Heaven Alliance had bolstered their forces without their knowledge. Either scenario was a serious threat to the Hundred Eyes Fortress.
The Hundred Eyes Fortress was just a small fortress.
Although it housed many people, it was hastily constructed and had a weak foundation. Without timely supply deliveries, it could easily become isolated. While there were emergency supplies, they wouldn’t last long if isolation were prolonged.
An Pyeong San spoke.
“Have you informed the main valley?”
“Yes! I’ve already sent a messenger bird, so they will know soon.”
His deputy, Ma Yeon-ho, replied.
Ma Yeon-ho was a martial artist in his early thirties, known in the Dragon Heaven Valley for his swordsmanship. An Pyeong San trusted him greatly for his calm and composed nature.
“That’s good. What do you think? Will the Jade Heaven Alliance launch a full-scale offensive?”
“Cutting off supplies would be the first step before launching a full assault. Their full-scale offensive will likely follow soon.”
“Hmm!”
An Pyeong San grunted.
He had already suspected as much, but hearing the worst-case scenario from someone else was never pleasant.
“Our own supply convoy was likely targeted too?”
“It would seem so. There’s nothing special about the force coming here.”
“Hmm!”
“That’s why I said we needed to increase the troops escorting the supplies, but this has happened.”
Ma Yeon Ho’s expression turned bitter.
He had never been keen on hiring vagrants to transport supplies.
Vagrants were unlikely to have a sense of responsibility and were not particularly strong. As a result, he had long since given up hope that their supplies would arrive safely.
That’s when it happened.
“Lord of the Fortress!”
A martial artist hurriedly entered the room.
An Pyeong San furrowed his brow.
“What now?”
“The supplies have arrived.”
“What?”
“The vagrants have safely transported the supplies.”
“Is that true?”
An Pyeong San looked incredulous.
Supplies headed elsewhere had all been raided, but it was hard to believe that the supplies coming to Hundred Eyes Fortress had arrived safely.
“Who transported the supplies?”
“The Black Wind Squad. They’ve been here a few times already.”
“Let’s go out and see.”
An Pyeong San quickly hurried outside.
Ma Yeon Ho and the martial artist who brought the report followed him.
When they arrived at the storehouse of Baekan Fortress, martial artists were already unloading supplies from the wagons.
On one side, members of the Black Wind Squad, covered in blood, were resting.
An Pyeong San asked them.
“Who’s in charge?”
“I am, Lord An!”
Lee Chi Sang raised his hand.
An Pyeong San approached him.
“What happened?”
“We were attacked on the way.”
“I know that. What I mean is, how did you manage to bring the supplies here safely? Other convoys were completely wiped out.”
“We fought desperately.”
“Desperately?”
“Yes! Most of our companions died, and only we survived.”
“What about the enemy?”
“We defeated them.”
“Is that true?”
“Are you doubting us now?”
Suddenly, Lee Chi Sang’s voice grew louder.
He was upset by An Pyeong San’s tone, as if he was constantly doubting them.
At that moment, Ma Yeon Ho grabbed his sword.
“Insolent, who are you raising your voice in front of?”
“F-forgive me! I lost my temper…”
Intimidated by Ma Yeon Ho’s aura, Lee Chi Sang bowed his head.
An Pyeong San raised his hand to restrain Ma Yeon-ho and asked,
Enough. Have you identified who attacked you?”
“Yes! They were vagrants like us.”
“Vagrants?”
“Yes! They were from a group called the Mad Wolf Squad. Not only them, but the White Spear Squad, the Ghost Howl Squad, and others were also involved.”
“So that’s how it is.”
An Pyeong San finally showed an expression of understanding.
Ma Yeon Ho also loosened his grip on his sword and spoke, “So the Jade Heaven Alliance has also hired vagrants.”
“Right! They’ve realized that it’s more efficient to use vagrants than to move their main forces. Things are going to get more complicated.”
“We need to inform the Dragon Heaven Valley quickly and plan a strategy.”
“Go send a messenger bird immediately.”
“Understood.”
Ma Yeon-ho hurried off.
An Pyeong-san turned to Lee Chi-sang.
“You’ve had a hard day. I’ll arrange for a place for you to stay.”
“Thank you.”
Lee Chi-sang bowed and signalled for his Black Wind Squad to follow.
Exhausted, the group staggered after him. Their bloodied clothes and wounds told of their narrow escape.
“Hmm!”
An Pyeong San grunted suddenly.
A particular man caught his eye.
He was at the very back of the Black Wind Squad. Like the others, he appeared exhausted, but there was something irritatingly persistent about him.
It felt like a feather tickling his temples.
There was nothing concrete, but he felt that he should not just overlook it.
“That…”
As An Pyeong San hesitated to call out to him, the man had already disappeared into the distance.
“Tsk!”
An Pyeong San clicked his tongue in frustration, but he wasn’t disappointed.
After all, the Black Wind Squad would be staying here for a while. Even if he didn’t want to, he
would meet the man again.
The mystery could be solved later. The important thing was to devise a strategy.
“The total offensive of the enemies is not far off.”
The winds of troubled times were blowing.
They needed to prepare measures to withstand the storm.
***
Lee Gwak thought An Pyeong San’s senses were quite sharp.
He tried to blend in with the other Black Wind Squad members so as not to arouse suspicion. The others didn’t suspect him, but only An Pyeong San sensed Lee Gwak’s out-of-place aura.
This proved how profound An Pyeong San’s cultivation were. His presence naturally exuded the atmosphere of a master.
Reaching such a state was not easy at all.
Lee Gwak didn’t know how many experts of An Pyeong San’s level were in Dragon Heaven Valley, but he felt the depth of its strength once again.
The accommodations for the Black Wind Squad were near the fortress walls.
The quarters were cramped and dirty. The stench indicated it wasn’t a place for a long stay.
It wasn’t used exclusively by the Black Wind Squad but was a common area for vagrants transporting supplies, which is why it wasn’t well-maintained.
Lee Chi-sang stole a glance at Lee Gwak.
He was perceptive.
He had realized long ago that the name Lee Jin Moon was an alias. In fact, anyone in the Black Wind Squad could have noticed that, but no one dared to show they knew.
They did not want to provoke Lee Gwak and invite trouble.
Lee Gwak was an unknown master. The vagrants knew well how dangerous it was to cross someone like him.
While they did not know why Lee Gwak had entered the Hundred Eyes Fortress in disguise, they did not think he meant them any harm.
In fact, during their journey to Hundred Eyes Fortress, Lee Gwak had never once forced them to do anything or spoken in a threatening manner. This made them even more wary and cautious.
They realized.
It was better not to question or show any interest in his activities, for their own safety. However, there was one thing they needed to ask.
“Sir, what do you plan to do?”
His tone was extremely cautious.
“I thought I’d take a look around inside the fortress, if that’s okay?”
“As long as you’re just walking around inside, it should be fine. Being part of the Black Wind Squad, you’re free to roam around Baekan Fortress.”
“Then I’ll take a short walk outside.”
“Yes!”
Lee Chi Sang responded politely.
No one in the Black Wind Squad thought Lee Chi Sang’s demeanor was odd.
Lee Gwak left the quarters of the Black Wind Squad and walked alone through the streets.
The Hundred Eyes Fortress reminded him of the Seize Fortress.
The Seize Fortress was a fortress built by the Jade Heaven Alliance on the border with the Celestial Demon Troupe, a fortified city always preparing for war with the Celestial Demon Troupe.
The person in charge of Seige Fortress was the leader of the Shadowless Squad
,Seo Jong Myeong.
Seo Jong Myung was holed up in Seige Fortress, preparing for war with the Celestial Demon Troupe.
Although it couldn’t compare to Siege Fortress, Hundred Eyes Fortress still had a similar atmosphere and readiness.
The martial artists walking the streets of the fortress were all armed, and their tension was palpable.
They too had sensed the aura of war that was swirling around the Hundred Eyes Fortress.
While the more experienced martial artists maintained their composure, the faces of the new recruits clearly showed their nervousness.
Lee Gwak paused to look at their faces before climbing up a nearby watchtower. Normally, access to the watchtower was restricted, but the martial artists, thinking Lee Gwak was part of the Black Wind Squad, readily allowed it.
This showed how much the martial artists of Hundred Eyes Fortress appreciated the Black Wind Squad’s successful transport of the supplies.
From the watchtower, the surrounding landscape was clearly visible.
The endlessly sprawling golden fields danced in the wind.
Lee Gwak looked around for a moment, then his gaze fixed on the north.
Somewhere beyond the vast horizon, the main forces of the Jade Heaven Alliance were likely stationed.
“Ban Cheon Sang.”
Thinking of him, Lee Gwak’s brow furrowed deeply.
The leader of the Demon Squad, Ban Cheon-sang, was known for his cruel nature and lack of mercy, a close confidant of the Main Court’s leader, Ink Blood Guest Nam Il-geuk.
Although Lee Gwak had never seen Ban Cheon-sang in person, he was well aware of his notorious reputation. At least anyone associated with the Jade Heaven Alliance would know of Ban Cheon-sang.
His presence meant the Jade Heaven Alliance was determined to win the fight against Dragon Heaven Valley.
It was unknown which other experts from the Jade Heaven Alliance had joined him, but one thing was certain.
If a clash occurred, it would not end until a victor was decided.
It would be either the retreat of the Jade Heaven Alliance or the destruction of Dragon Heaven Valley.
Whichever side lost would undoubtedly suffer a devastating blow.
Many would die, and their blood would turn the golden fields red.
A sunset red like blood was already casting its glow over the golden fields.
Lee Gwak’s face, too, was tinged with red.