The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 87

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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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Enemy Dragon Martial Emperor, Chapter 87

Chapter 87 — Cut Off the Snake’s Head

Crown Prince Palace.
Gwan Ji-baek sought out Yi So early in the morning.
He spoke in a grave tone.
“A report has come in that the Zhao Kingdom military forces are approaching two hundred thousand. That is far too many troops for what we can regard as a localized engagement.”
“Two hundred thousand? You’re certain?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Yi So was taken aback. Two hundred thousand was an army of such scale that even he had not imagined.
“Then why hasn’t the youngest reported this to me?”
“Either he hasn’t grasped the situation yet, or there is some other intention at work.”
“There’s no way he could have missed such a massive mobilization. So there must be another intention here……”
Yi So’s eyes grew heavy and distant.
Gwan Ji-baek continued.
“It appears that Crown Prince Jo Gwang has joined the Zhao Military Encampment. It seems the Western Marquis sent him hoping the Crown Prince would die on the battlefield.”
“If the goal were to eliminate the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t send such massive forces. He’d give orders for a reckless battle with minimal troops instead.”
“Precisely. That point troubles me as well. Do you think the Western Marquis of Zhao actually intends to provoke a full-scale war?”
“Even having pushed the Crown Prince aside, he hasn’t ascended the throne yet. Would he risk a full-scale war in such a precarious position? One misstep could cost him all the power he’s already seized. I don’t believe that’s his game.”
“Then……”
The two exchanged words in grave silence. But Gwan Ji-baek, who had brought this intelligence, had no idea that Jo Gwang had seized control of the Zhao Military Encampment.
Yi Hwan had not informed him.
Growing restless, Yi So rose from his seat.
“I must meet with the Chancellor. Whatever the enemy’s intention, we need reinforcements now. We must act quickly.”
Gwan Ji-baek followed Yi So.
“The Northern Army can move fastest. Geographically, they are nearest.”
“Is the General-in-Chief of that force on our side?”
“He’s neither one nor the other — a man of typical military temperament.”
“Typical military temperament…… That’s better, actually. At least he won’t let political calculations cloud his judgment.”
“Indeed.”
Yi So’s pace quickened, his unease mounting. His heart raced ahead of his feet.
‘How could he not report such a situation! How!’
Self-reproach cut through him.
He had regarded it as merely another localized skirmish no different from what came before, and had not paid it much attention himself.
Perhaps the self-reproach stemmed from his own complacency.

* * *

Yi Hwang-ja, Yi Tae-ji, burned with fury in the wake of Peng Wu-wei’s betrayal, followed now by the Peng Clan’s own defection.
Advisor Mun Chi-yong narrowly escaped execution after a series of blunders and the full weight of Yi Tae-ji’s rage, saved only by the pleas of those close to him — and now sat confined in prison.
His post was temporarily filled by a man who had once served as a senior military official.

* * *

“The Zhao Kingdom forces number two hundred thousand, it’s said. Judging by how things are unfolding, there’s talk that this will expand beyond localized warfare into something larger.”
At the report from Cheong Po-in, who had taken the advisor’s post in Mun Chi-yong’s stead, Yi Tae-ji’s eyes gleamed.
“Is this true?”
“Yes. Intelligence agents have already confirmed it from multiple sources and reported it to the court. I hear ministers are gathering soon to discuss countermeasures.”
“Is that so?”
Yi Tae-ji’s eyes flashed with meaning. Cheong Po-in went on.
“If reinforcements are delayed, the Southern Army could be in danger. Should the Southern Army collapse and the enemy advance further, seeking more, we could find ourselves in a full-scale war.”
“Foolish talk. No matter how much of a warmonger the Western Marquis of Zhao is, he hasn’t even ascended to the throne yet. A full-scale war at this moment is reckless. One mistake, and he could lose all the power he’s already grasped — he’d fall from grace entirely. Why would he take such a dangerous gamble? There must be something we don’t know.”
Yi Tae-ji sank deep into his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully.
‘It will never escalate to full-scale war. And if it doesn’t, there’s no reason for me to help the Southern Army. They’ve refused to follow me anyway.’
His lips slowly curved upward.
Cheong Po-in longed to know what Yi Tae-ji was thinking, but dared not ask.
“If the ministers decide to send reinforcements, the nearest forces would be the Northern Army and the Central Army, correct?”
“Geographically, the Central Army is closer, but the rough terrain means it will take considerable time to reach the Southern Army. The Northern Army, then, would be the most likely candidate.”
“Bring me brush, ink, and paper.”
“Yes.”
As Cheong Po-in stepped out to fetch the writing materials, Yi Tae-ji’s smile turned cold.
‘I’ll make her weep with regret for refusing my hand.’

* * *

“The enemy vanguard is coming into view.”
Cheol Mu-ok pointed toward the southwest.
A ridge in the distance had turned black—the vanguard of the Zhao army advancing across it.
“They’re faster than expected.”
“A full hour ahead of our estimates.”
“Wol-ju.”
“Yes, General.”
“Fire the signal flare.”
“Understood.”
Whoosh! Bang!
A yellow signal flare burst across the sky.
Go Mi spoke up.
“Are you certain it’s wise to let their vanguard pass through unimpeded?”
“Let them remain under that delusion a while longer.”
“Sir?”
“By not moving the forces in ambush, we’ve led them to believe we intend to meet them head-on with our main encampment arranged in a Backs-to-Water Formation. That’s why the vanguard could push forward a full hour faster than usual. They’ll remain careless until our main force comes into view. Once the vanguard passes through Ssangbawi Pass, we cut the snake at its waist.”
Yi Hwan continued with perfect calm.
“A serpent with its waist severed can do nothing but bite—there is nothing left to fear.”
Yi Hwan descended the ridge.
Go Mi followed, turning his words over in her mind.
‘Is he saying he will annihilate the enemy vanguard and begin this war there?’
In any conflict, the vanguard is tied directly to the morale of one’s own forces. Thus, the great conquerors of history had most often entrusted the vanguard to their most trusted lieutenants, beginning their wars there.
Clench.
‘They must be utterly annihilated.’
Go Mi’s fists tightened with fierce determination.

* * *

Bang!
“Yellow signal flare, General.”
“Then we hold position.”
“Is it truly prudent to allow the enemy vanguard to advance unchecked? Once they pass Ssangbawi Pass, they’ll be upon our main encampment.”
To his aide’s anxious question, Jeong Cheon answered with unshakeable firmness.
“It is the General-in-Chief’s command. We follow it, and that is all.”
“…….”
The senior officers had already been briefed on Yi Hwan’s strategy, but he had instructed them to keep it from the junior commanders and soldiers below. This was Yi Hwan’s explicit order.

We will begin by cutting the snake’s waist.

Flames kindled in Jeong Cheon’s eyes.
‘It is dangerous, but if it succeeds, we seize the entire tide of war in one stroke. A bold plan indeed.’
Many officers had voiced their concerns, yet Jeong Cheon aligned himself absolutely with Yi Hwan’s strategy.
Though it carried risk, he believed it was the optimal plan—one that would minimize casualties if executed successfully. Jeong Cheon had long favored strategies that prioritized the minimization of loss.
But given how the tide now turned against them, he had come to embrace Yi Hwan’s boldness. It was why he had volunteered for this position instead of the defensive role he was originally assigned—guarding the center.
Jeong Cheon gazed toward the opposite forest.
The unit under Peng Wu-wei lay in ambush there, still utterly motionless. In fact, Peng Wu-wei shared Jeong Cheon’s absolute conviction in Yi Hwan’s design.

I will do exactly as the General-in-Chief commands.

Recalling those words, Jeong Cheon smiled faintly.
‘And to think he made such a man his own—that too is the General-in-Chief’s gift.’
Jeong Cheon called out softly to those around him.
“Kill your presence!”
“Kill your presence!”
Moments later, the vanguard of the Zhao army finally began to appear on the horizon.
Jeong Cheon watched the commander ascending from the front and the martial artists around him. Behind Jang Su were hundreds of Blood Ghost members and the Black Tiger Brigade.
A tremor.
Jeong Cheon’s eyebrows rose slightly.
‘They’ve committed considerable forces to their vanguard to seize momentum in the opening engagement. Yet even that, the General anticipated.’

* * *

Peng Wu-wei and Peng Mun watched the Zhao army passing directly before them, their eyes gleaming.
[There are quite a few strong ones among them.]
[The dogs committed heavy forces to their vanguard exactly as the General predicted. Impressive, isn’t it?]
[What do you mean?]
[The General hasn’t been off by a hair’s breadth in his predictions so far.]
[The battle hasn’t even begun yet. Stay focused.]
Peng Mun fell silent.
So far, Yi Hwan’s predictions had proven accurate only on minor points—that the enemy vanguard would arrive with considerable strength and at a rapid pace.
Merely anticipating that much could hardly be called remarkable.
‘The real test is the battle itself. If we succeed in cutting off the snake’s head according to the General’s strategy, perhaps. But if we fail, we’ll face the full enemy force right at our own encampment. With nowhere left to flee……’
This was what troubled Peng Mun most.
[Patriarch, perhaps it’s time to prepare.]
[Understood.]
Peng Wu-wei turned to face Peng Mun. For a moment, their gazes locked together.
[Do not be wounded, Patriarch.]
A sharp resonance.
In that instant, Peng Mun felt a vibration in his chest.
[See that you aren’t wounded either. Be careful.]
Then it happened.
A soft rustling.
Yi Hwan appeared from behind, his presence preceding him. Peng Mun and Peng Wu-wei rose quietly and bowed their heads, their breathing stilled, yet both were visibly startled.
They had never expected Yi Hwan to take to the battlefield himself.
Yi Hwan took the wine Cheol Mu-ok offered and wet his throat, then passed the vessel to Peng Mun.
[Take a sip before we begin.]
[Yes.]
Peng Mun drank and handed the bottle to Peng Wu-wei, who drained what remained and wore his characteristically gruff smile.
A grin spread across his face.
Yi Hwan patted Peng Wu-wei’s shoulder reassuringly, then moved a step forward.
The enemy’s vanguard was slowly revealing its tail. Once that tail had passed, a bloodstained battle would begin.
‘Is this the first battle I fight in this armor?’
Armor embroidered with a red dragon.
The man who once owned this body had dreamed of wearing this armor, of ranging freely across the realm. But that dream shattered, and he vanished beyond eternity.
‘I will realize your dream for you.’
Yi Hwan slowly drew his sword.
A soft sliding sound.
With that as the signal, everyone quietly unsheathed their weapons. A timely wind swept through the forest, swallowing even the faint ring of metal.
Go Mi brought the blade to her lips, pressing it lightly.
It was a ritual of her own before any crucial battle. Then Yi Hwan turned to look at her.
[Stay close. Don’t stray from my side.]
[Yes, General.]

* * *

In his own time, Yi Hwan was terror incarnate to his enemies. His merciless hands, which knew no forgiveness, inflicted a fear upon them greater than the Grim Reaper itself.
The Potala Palace of Western Tibet had massacred two thousand palace guards in a single night, accused of coveting the Central Plains. More than half had lost their will to fight and surrendered, but Yi Hwan refused to accept their capitulation and slew them all.
It was a cruel measure to leave no lingering threat.
‘I begin again.’
Now Yi Hwan was returning to who he had been then. His resolve carried the weight of signaling the true commencement of his newly granted life.
A deep resonance echoed forth.
With the sound, Yi Hwan’s sword began to glow blue.
The eyes of Peng Wu-wei and Peng Mun, watching from behind, widened in astonishment.
It was unmistakably Sword Energy, yet he’d never seen Sword Energy dye the blade itself like that. Peng Mun’s gaze trembled especially.
‘Have I misread what I’m seeing?’
Yi Hwan turned to look behind him.
All eyes were upon him. His heart suddenly quickened—a feeling he hadn’t known in far too long.
‘It’s been a while since I felt this thrill.’
Yi Hwan lifted his sword slowly.
The blade, now a brilliant blue, stretched forth roughly a foot and blazed with radiant light.
“All troops—follow me.”

* * *

Yi Hwan launched himself skyward.
Five streaks of light exploded from his body, piercing through enemy commanders.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
“Argh!”
Following that, the Sword Energy released from his blade cleaved through another enemy commander’s waist.
Crack!
“Aaaahhh!”
“Charge!”
Roaaaahhh!
The warriors of the Southern Army surged forth in a ferocious assault.
At nearly the same moment, a contingent of soldiers erupted from the forest ahead. Jeong Cheon led the charge, flanked by youths of the Sword King Lineage.
Clang-clang!
Cheol Mu-ok switched to his broadsword from the start.
In close combat like this, sheer killing power was everything.
Go Mi moved within arm’s reach of Yi Hwan and Cheol Mu-ok. Her companions were so formidable that she seemed diminished by comparison, yet she herself was a master of considerable skill.
Crack!
She pressed her teeth against her lower lip.
‘I will not be a burden.’

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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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