Return of the Sword Emperor - Chapter 63

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 23: Bifeng Ridge (1)

“Is everything prepared, Uncle?”

Jo Sa-eung handed water to Jo Geuk, who had just returned from a period of bustling activity, and posed the question.

“Yes, everyone’s in position. The moment those bastards show themselves, we can encircle them instantly. I’ve set traps throughout the area just to be safe.”
“Will it be enough?”

Jo Sa-eung, who understood the caliber of Heukgol Chae’s bandits better than anyone, asked with a worried expression.

“Don’t worry. It’s true that the Taepdu and Pyosa of Taecheong Transport are exceptionally skilled, but we can handle them well enough. This isn’t something I’ve only done a time or two—I know their capabilities better than anyone.”

Jo Geuk, who had clashed with Taecheong Transport countless times before, spoke with confidence.

“Taecheong Transport has mobilized significantly more Pyosa than usual.”
“So have we. We’ve brought every man we could muster. We’ve received support from the Sanchae we’ve brought into the fold. And since even the old fogeys have stirred themselves, don’t worry too much.”
“Carelessness is absolutely forbidden. You know as well as I do that our fighting strength is not what it once was.”
“Damn it! If we’d only lost men to those Jeongmu Maeng bastards, we wouldn’t have had to drag every able body we could find.”

Jo Geuk’s frustration boiled over.
Though he tried to hide it in front of his nephew, the thought of the men lost while pursuing Jeongmu Maeng’s intruders left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Then news arrived that the guests waiting below had finally come.
Jo Geuk’s face brightened.

“They’re finally here. At least we have them. I was worried sick when Damhon was shattered, but in a way, you could say this is a blessing in disguise.”

Those approaching with an ease that contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere around them were the Hobeop Yu Baek of Madoryeon, who had come to lend support at the Chongchaejoo’s request, and a handful of Heukwoldae members who had barely survived the clash with Milkgeom Dan.
Though their numbers were small, in terms of pure fighting strength, they were the most formidable. Yu Baek’s arrival in particular was nothing short of a godsend.
Before Jo Geuk could say a word, Jo Sa-eung was already rushing toward them.

“It is an honor to receive you, Hobeop.”

Jo Sa-eung bowed with unflinching courtesy.

“Ah! Young Chongchaejoo.”

Yu Baek, who was receiving hospitality from Chongchaejoo Jo Yang that defied all description, regarded Jo Sa-eung with equally benevolent eyes.

“From what I can see, you’ve prepared rather thoroughly.”

Though the strategic formation built by a gathering of common bandits was beneath contempt, he saw no reason to show it.

“We fall far short. Please observe closely, Hobeop.”

Jo Sa-eung prostrated himself with an obsequiousness that bordered on excessive. Watching this display, Yu Baek could not quite suppress an inner sneer.

‘Tsk, they say he’s a disciple of Nok Rim Tu Wang, yet here’s a fool like this becoming Chongchaejoo. He’ll be easy to handle.’

Yu Baek patted Jo Sa-eung’s shoulder while imagining a future in which Nok Rim, juggling between Jeongmu Maeng and Madoryeon, would finally turn to his side.

“Don’t worry. Taecheong Transport may have built itself quite a reputation, but when all is said and done, they’re nothing but frogs in a well.”

Jo Sa-eung, his face alight with gratitude, bowed his head once more.

“Thank you.”
“But when are they supposed to arrive?”

It was Jo Geuk who answered the question.

“Based on their departure time, I’d estimate they’ll arrive in roughly two hours or so.”
“You didn’t send an informant ahead?”
“I did not.”
“Why not?”
“I was worried that releasing an informant might attract the Taepdu’s attention. Besides, they must pass through here regardless.”
“I see.”

Yu Baek nodded slowly, as if understanding, then turned his body around at a measured pace.

“The scenery here is quite beautiful, though.”

As Yu Baek marveled at the picturesque landscape surrounding them, Jo Sa-eung quickly echoed his sentiment.

“The scenery of Bifeng Ridge here is counted among the most beautiful in the entire Jeonggang Mountain region.”
“It certainly appears so. It’s a shame, though—to see blood spilled in a place like this.”
“Wouldn’t you say that has its own aesthetic appeal?”

At Jo Sa-eung’s words about aesthetic appeal, a cold gleam flickered deep within Yu Baek’s eyes.

‘This one…’

The thought crossed his mind that what appeared on the surface might not be the whole truth.

* * *

Behind Yu Seollan’s radiant smile, only the sound of swaying reeds filled Nowon Plain.
The Taepdu standing beside Mae Gunsan all wore expressions of utter disbelief.

“You’ve come to help us? Would it be appropriate to ask for a more precise explanation?”

Mae Gunsan posed his question calmly, and it seemed he already had some sense of what she might say.

“Heukgol Chae is targeting Taecheong Transport.”

A look of disappointment crossed Mae Gunsan’s face. It was the answer he’d suspected, though he’d held out a faint hope it might be otherwise.

“I appreciate the goodwill of Jeongmu Maeng, but we’ve already assembled sufficient forces to prepare for their attack. As always, we’ll attempt negotiations first. If we can’t reach a compromise at an acceptable level, blood may well be spilled—but I don’t believe the damage would exceed what Taecheong Transport can endure.”

Mae Gunsan conveyed his refusal in a grave tone.
The pride of being the finest transport company in all the realm was not so light as to lean upon merely three martial artists from Jeongmu Maeng.

“So the Taepdu is confident that Taecheong Transport can handle them?”
“Of course.”

Mae Gunsan nodded as if the answer were obvious.

“It won’t be. Not easily.”

A flash of displeasure appeared at the corners of Mae Gunsan’s eyes for the first time at Yu Seollan’s firm tone, though his experience was too seasoned to let such feelings show openly.

“You’re not dismissing us, surely. So there must be a reason?”
“Heukgol Chae is waiting for Taecheong Transport at Bifeng Ridge. Were you aware of that?”
“I suspected as much. It’s a place we must pass through regardless.”
“They’ve deployed every force they can muster at that location. Even other Sanchae have sent reinforcements.”

At the mention of all their forces, Mae Gunsan’s brows drew together sharply. He had prepared his own defenses, yes—but he hadn’t anticipated that Heukgol Chae would commit such overwhelming strength.

“In the worst case, I’m prepared to pay five times what we’d normally expect. I suspect they’ll be satisfied at that rate.”

At Mae Cheong’s words, Yu Seollan exhaled slowly and shook her head.

“No. This is not a situation that can be resolved with money.”
“What…do you mean?”

Mae Gunsan’s eyes sharpened with sudden intensity.

“I trust you understand why Heukgol Chae is going so far to target Taecheong Transport.”
“To seize the position of successor, is it not?”
“Precisely. What matters is that other forces have become involved in this succession struggle.”

Yu Seollan’s gaze swept across Mae Gunsan and the Taepdu before continuing.

“Jo Sa-eung of Heukgol Chae, who seeks the successor’s seat in Nok Rim, has Madoryeon backing him.”

At the mention of Madoryeon, not only the Taepdu but Mae Gunsan himself stiffened in shock.

“Is this…truly fact?”

Mae Gunsan asked, maintaining the utmost composure.

“It is.”
“Madoryeon?”
“Those vile creatures!”

The Taepdu’s faces blazed with unconcealed fury, yet beneath their anger lurked a palpable dread.

“Now that Madoryeon is involved, the transit toll becomes irrelevant. They will likely attempt Total Annihilation to conceal their own presence.”

The moment the words Total Annihilation left Yu Seollan’s lips, the very air of the reed field froze solid.
Mae Gunsan’s hands clenched into fists of their own accord.
The Taepdu’s faces drained of all color, replaced by an expression of utter terror.

“Yes, that’s…that’s quite possible. If Madoryeon is involved, then the toll is no longer the issue.”

Mae Gunsan’s voice trembled almost imperceptibly.

“Indeed. That is why we have come. To save Taecheong Transport from ruin and prevent Nok Rim from falling into Madoryeon’s hands.”

At Yu Seollan’s words, Mae Cheong erupted in protest.

“With merely this handful of people? If Madoryeon’s involvement becomes known, shouldn’t Jeongmu Maeng itself dispatch proper forces?”
“Hold your tongue.”

Mae Gunsan hastily moved to silence Mae Cheong’s rudeness, yet Yu Seollan showed no great displeasure. The objection was, after all, entirely reasonable.

“Would it not be wise to halt the transport journey here and turn back, or postpone it until the succession struggle concludes?”

Yu Seollan’s measured counsel darkened the faces of Mae Gunsan and the Taepdu.

“How are we to trust your words?”

Before Mae Gunsan could render his judgment, Ja Chung—a Taepdu whose expression had grown rigid—suddenly raised his voice.

“Do you have proof that Madoryeon is involved? And frankly, I cannot even trust that you hail from Jeongmu Maeng.”
“Ja Chung!”

Mae Gunsan cried out in alarm, but Ja Chung’s outburst had not yet run its course.

“Is your mention of Madoryeon intended to block our transport journey? What if you yourselves….”
“Can’t you stop this?”

Mae Gunsan snapped, his voice crackling with fury, cutting off Ja Chung mid-sentence. Only then did Dokgo Jin—who had been silent until now, content to observe the passing landscape—step forward for the first time.

“It seems you’re suggesting this is orchestrated by those who compete with Heukgol Chae.”
“Ah, is it not?”

Ja Chung’s voice came out thin and wavering.
Mae Gunsan’s roar had unsettled him, but it was the explosive presence radiating from Dokgo Jin’s entire being that had crushed him into silence.

“You needn’t believe me. Once we reach Bifeng Ridge, everything will become clear. At that point, belief will be forced upon you whether you wish it or not.”

His tone was emotionless, stripped of any feeling, yet far more chilling than any explicit warning.

“So the decision stands—we proceed regardless.”

Yu Seollan watched as the Taepdu who had been debating dispersed, and the Pyosa and porters began hurrying their departure preparations. Her smile was bitter.

“I cannot fathom why you ignore our warning.”

Namgung Ho spoke, his expression edged with irritation.

“They haven’t ignored it. If they meant to ignore us, they wouldn’t have deliberated so gravely in the first place.”

Namgung Ho’s face clouded with incomprehension at Dokgo Jin’s words.

“That’s precisely what troubles me. If they deliberated, they should naturally have concluded in favor of avoiding the danger. Instead—”
“A transport company abandoning its journey out of fear of bandits? No self-respecting transport house would accept such a decision. Especially not Taecheong Transport. The title ‘Premier Transport of All Under Heaven’ didn’t appear out of nowhere.”
“Pride and reputation hold value only to the living. Moreover, we made clear this is no mere matter of bandits—Madoryeon is involved. That they would still choose this course is nothing but recklessness. Taecheong Transport will inevitably fall to ruin because of their thoughtless decision.”

Namgung Ho held that certainty, but Dokgo Jin knew the outcome would be otherwise.

‘Even before I returned to the past, Taecheong Transport remained the Premier Transport of All Under Heaven. Despite being annihilated on Bifeng Ridge, all while ignorant of Madoryeon’s involvement.’

True, as Namgung Ho said, they had struggled greatly for a time.
The personnel committed to this passage over Bifeng Ridge exceeded half of Taecheong Transport’s total strength—which made it almost inevitable.
Yet Taecheong Transport had ultimately weathered the crisis and emerged with even greater renown than before.

‘That was when they didn’t know of Madoryeon’s existence. But now they know Madoryeon lies in wait. And still they choose to press forward with the transport journey…’

Separate from Taecheong Transport’s continued fame as the Premier Transport of All Under Heaven, even Dokgo Jin could only sigh at their reckless resolve.
There was something more than mere conviction in a Pyosa’s creed—a madness, almost.

“What are we to do now, Captain?”

Namgung Ho directed the question toward Yu Seollan.

“Why ask what should be obvious?”
“Pardon?”

Namgung Ho’s face had gone blank with confusion. Yu Seollan flicked his forehead with her finger and clicked her tongue.

“The best course was to dissuade them through warning, but that’s become impossible. So naturally we choose the next best thing. And you’re wrong about one thing—Taecheong Transport won’t fall. Not while we’re here.”

Before Yu Seollan had even finished, Mae Gunsan appeared before Milkgeom Dan.

“So you’ll proceed with this, after all.”

There was a note of reproach in Yu Seollan’s tone, and Mae Gunsan’s smile twisted with bitterness.

“That’s how it stands. We’ve deliberated at length, but our conviction is firm—a transport house must honor its commitments to clients under all circumstances.”
“Even when your lives are at stake?”

Mae Gunsan, who had hesitated for a moment, nodded heavily.

“That is the way of a Pyosa.”

From Mae Gunsan’s demeanor, Yu Seollan understood that further persuasion would be pointless.

“A moment ago, you said you’d come to help us.”
“We did.”
“And now? Even faced with a decision that strikes you as madness, can you still stand with us?”

Behind the evenness of her words, Yu Seollan caught something desperate in Mae Gunsan’s gaze.

“Of course. Ideally, we would have turned back the transport journey entirely—but even if you press ahead, we have no intention of abandoning you.”
“I—thank you.”

At Yu Seollan’s pledge, Mae Gunsan’s face flushed with emotion and he lowered his head.

“And please, don’t worry too much. We’ve already broken the edge of the Madoryeon’s blade.”

Yu Seollan smiled with easy confidence at the memory of Damhon and Heukwoldae laid to waste—unaware that a master even greater than Damhon had already joined their ranks.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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