Chapter 30
Ihwan’s Strategy
Northern Ravine.
The place Ihwan had chosen for retreat was a high and steep ridge at the end of the ravine.
He had once passed through the area while out walking and had taken note of the surrounding terrain, which made it an ideal spot to fall back to.
Warriors climbed up the ridge one after another.
Standing side by side with Hwangho, Ihwan looked southwest. Behind the retreating allied forces, the Jo Kingdom’s army was closing in like a black tide.
“This is no longer a minor skirmish, is it?”
“Indeed. I don’t understand what they’re thinking. Up until now, they’ve been more reluctant than us to escalate the conflict.”
Memories of the palace surfaced in Ihwan’s mind.
‘If Jo Kingdom knows about the turmoil in the Yeon Kingdom’s royal court, it’s plausible they’d make a move.’
But nothing was certain yet. For now, his priority was to minimize casualties and find a way to repel the enemy.
At that moment—
“What is that?”
The warriors murmured among themselves.
Flashes of light erupted repeatedly from the rear of the retreating forces. Every time the flashes occurred, enemies fell in sprays of blood.
Hwangho muttered in awe.
“The Peng Clan’s martial strength is truly something else.”
“It’s not the Peng Clan. Those are my escorts.”
“…Excuse me?”
The ones responsible for the commotion were none other than Cheol Muok and Gongsontaek. They were felling the Jo soldiers relentlessly, protecting the rear of the retreating army.
‘If they’re from the Mu Clan, this level of power is to be expected.’
Knowing the martial prowess of the Sword King Cheol Muwang, Ihwan wasn’t particularly surprised.
But the others were. Even the warriors of the Peng Clan and the Yeongho Clan, who had just reached the ridge, couldn’t hide their astonishment.
“Charge!”
“Keep going!”
They shouted to their comrades who hadn’t yet made it up the ridge.
Peng Muwi glanced at Yeonghochung.
“I’ll go help.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“‘Really’? This isn’t the time for politics. Those are warriors of the Yeon Kingdom. We can’t just watch them die.”
Swish!
Peng Muwi leapt into the fray, his clan’s warriors following.
‘Since when did he care about other warriors?’
Yeonghochung shook his head, watching Peng Muwi run ahead. Then he muttered to his own men.
“Assist the retreating forces!”
* * *
With help from the Peng and Yeongho Clans, the warriors managed to shake off their pursuers and regroup.
But the Jo Kingdom’s army was still advancing in overwhelming numbers.
Cheol Muok and Gongsontaek returned to Ihwan’s side.
“Apologies. We were delayed after a quick trip to the market.”
“Well done.”
Hwangho thanked them sincerely.
“Thank you. Many lives were saved thanks to you.”
“We only did our duty, General.”
The two then stood behind Ihwan, who looked down at the Jo army gathering below.
“Encircle them!”
“Move!”
As expected, the Jo forces began forming a siege. The Yeon soldiers quickly adjusted and formed their own defensive perimeter.
Ihwan turned to Hwangho and spoke calmly.
“Given the steep terrain, they won’t climb easily. Don’t waste strength needlessly. Just watch carefully and respond when they begin to waver.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“In that case, I’ll get some rest.”
Ihwan climbed up onto a rock at the back of the ridge and called out.
“Cheol Muok, a word.”
Cheol Muok stepped up.
“We’ll need to go somewhere together tonight.”
“Are we going to the enemy’s main camp?”
“So you guessed. Then I assume you also know what needs to be done.”
“If you want to kill a snake, cut off its head.”
Cheol Muok had read Ihwan’s intentions exactly.
It was true. Ihwan intended to assassinate the Jo Kingdom’s chief strategist. At present, it seemed the surest way to end this war.
Gongsontaek spoke cautiously.
“I’ve heard that the Jo strategist is closely tied to the Jo royal family. If he dies… wouldn’t that risk a full-scale war?”
“If it comes to that, so be it.”
“…Yes. If it comes to that.”
“There’s still time before we go. Rest up.”
“Understood.”
Gongsontaek walked off, tilting his head in thought.
If it comes to that, so be it.
‘Kind of cool, honestly.’
* * *
Yeonghochung stared at Cheol Muok and Gongsontaek.
He couldn’t get the scene from the earlier pursuit out of his mind—the overwhelming destruction those two caused.
‘It was hard to believe even as I watched it. Just who are those two?’
Just then, Peng Muwi approached.
Yeonghochung asked immediately.
“Do you know who those two are?”
“I only know they’re the prince’s guards.”
“The prince’s guards shouldn’t be that strong. At that level, they’ve likely already reached peak mastery.”
Peng Muwi furrowed his brow.
“But he is a prince. Isn’t it possible he’d have such guards?”
“I say this because it could become a serious issue.”
“What issue?”
“If the prince, with such formidable warriors, continues supporting General Hwang, our own goals will become extremely difficult. Even now, the way our men are looking at them… it’s like they’re gazing at legendary heroes.”
“That’s because you hurt the prince’s men!”
“Is that really the point right now?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? That incident strained our relationship with the prince!”
“What are you talking about—”
“Enough! Let’s drop it.”
Yeonghochung looked dumbfounded as Peng Muwi turned on his heel and walked off.
‘What the hell is with that guy…’
* * *
Whoooosh!
In the howling wind, Hwangho and Jeongcheon stood overlooking the Jo army, exchanging serious words.
“I still don’t understand why we chose this place for retreat. You know better than anyone how difficult this terrain is.”
“To be honest, it felt like I was possessed. It just seemed right to follow the prince’s judgment.”
“….”
“Why didn’t you object?”
“To be honest, I felt the same.”
They looked at each other and let out a wry chuckle. Then Jeongcheon asked,
“He said he’d find a solution, right?”
Hwangho silently nodded.
Jeongcheon looked at the rock where Ihwan was lying.
Was he asleep? Ihwan hadn’t moved at all.
“He was smiling.”
“What do you mean?”
“The prince. Even as the Jo army surged in like a black tide, he smiled. Even a battle-hardened warrior like me felt a chill run down my spine… But he looked like a completely different person.”
“I felt the same. To be that calm and cold on the brink of battle—it still gives me goosebumps.”
Just then, a servant brought them tea. They each took a cup.
Jeongcheon changed the subject.
“I don’t think we need to worry about the prince’s relationship with the Left General.”
“Did you learn something?”
“The warriors of the Yeongho Clan injured members of the Black Tiger Unit under the prince’s command. In response, the prince visited the Peng camp and delivered a brutal punishment.”
“That happened?”
“Yes. I heard he even cut off the culprits’ arms. If he were conspiring with them, he wouldn’t have gone that far.”
“That’s a relief. I was hesitant to report their relationship to the Crown Prince’s palace… but I suppose we can keep watching a little longer.”
“I think that’s for the best.”
As they talked, night fell deeper. No moon, no stars—just pitch-black darkness.
Jeongcheon spoke again.
“You should eat something.”
“I’m fine.”
“In that case, I’ll go check on the prince.”
* * *
Most martial artists are vulnerable while meditating or training their internal energy, and they often rely on trusted allies to stand guard.
But Ihwan’s method was different.
His cultivation allowed him to circulate energy sitting, lying down, or even walking. That was the wonder of his technique.
Clink.
Finishing his session, Ihwan picked up the wine bottle beside him and drank.
“You’ve finished?”
Jeongcheon approached.
“What’s the enemy’s status?”
“No major movement. But why are you sweating so much?”
“It’s hot.”
“….”
Jeongcheon tilted his head.
It was quite cool at night in the mountains—how could he be sweating from heat?
“Did you come up because you had something to say?”
“I wanted to ask something.”
“You’re curious about my plan?”
“Yes. If it’s not too much, I’d like to hear it now.”
“Even if you’re curious, wait a few more days.”
“……”
Ihwan stood up. Seeing him rise, Cheol Muok quickly climbed up the rock.
“General Jeong.”
“Yes, My Lord?”
“Do not tell anyone I’ve left this spot. Except General Hwang.”
“Are you… going somewhere?”
“I’m not running, so don’t worry.”
Ihwan turned to Cheol Muok.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir.”
He leapt behind the rock. Cheol Muok followed immediately.
Jeongcheon stared after them in disbelief, eyes wide in the darkness.
He rushed to find Songhoe, who happened to be on his way up.
“Do you know where the prince is going?”
“Apologies. I don’t.”
“Even you weren’t told?”
“He rarely tells me unless it’s truly urgent.”
Jeongcheon was filled with questions.
‘Where could he possibly be going at this hour…?’
* * *
It was a silent night—no chirping insects, no rustling leaves. Just suffocating tension.
Even the Jo army, though they had surrounded the ridge, was on edge.
After all, the Yeon Kingdom was known for ambush tactics. No one knew when they might charge down.
Time passed slowly.
And just before dawn, Ihwan and Cheol Muok returned.
Seeing him safe, Songhoe let out a breath of relief.
“No trouble?”
“All quiet.”
“Give me some wine.”
“Here.”
Ihwan downed a bottle in one go. There were bloodstains on his hand and cheek. Cheol Muok looked the same.
“You’ve returned, My Lord.”
Hwangho and Jeongcheon approached.
They, too, looked relieved to see him unharmed. But before they could speak, Ihwan cut in first.
“I need a nap.”
“….”
* * *
The next morning, after a night of tension, both sides remained still.
Hwangho and Jeongcheon came to Ihwan.
After finishing breakfast and sipping tea, Ihwan made a shocking statement.
“I killed the Jo Kingdom’s chief strategist.”
“…!”
The words were so unexpected that both generals widened their eyes.
Ihwan spoke with absolute calm.
“No need to worry. I made it look like a natural death. They won’t suspect us. That means this won’t escalate into a full-blown war.”
Still, the generals were in disbelief.
“You really killed him?”
“It was the only way out of this situation.”
“Did you choose this retreat spot with that in mind from the beginning?”
“Yes. This place is perfect for buying time. As expected, the enemy didn’t push hard, which gave me the opportunity I needed.”
“…Wow.”
Hwangho looked conflicted. Killing the enemy strategist was a massive accomplishment. But it also came with risks—like potential escalation.
Jeongcheon, however, was more excited.
“If it looks like a natural death, the odds of escalation are low. As long as no unexpected variables appear, you’ve done something incredible, My Lord.”
He was visibly thrilled.
The Jo strategist had been the nemesis of the Southern Legion. Thousands had died because of his schemes, and some neutral zones had even been lost to Jo.
And now Ihwan had killed him.
If not for the surrounding eyes, Jeongcheon might’ve laughed out loud in celebration.
“One question.”
“Go ahead.”
“If the Empress and Second Prince wanted control of the Southern Legion, couldn’t they just use their influence to replace the strategist? Why send someone like Peng Muwi?”
“You knew?”
“I heard from the Crown Prince’s palace.”
It was something Ihwan had wondered about as well.
Hwangho hesitated, then answered.
“Even the Empress and Second Prince can’t interfere in military appointments easily—especially someone as high-ranking as a chief strategist. Doing so recklessly could provoke resistance from the entire army.”
“Then how do they plan to remove you and take over the Southern Legion?”
“If someone else wins more trust from the warriors than I do, it’s possible. The other option is my death, but the former is the more likely path.”
“If it were me, I’d prefer the latter.”
Hwangho gave a bitter smile.
“Perhaps. But if an assassination is discovered, the backlash would be immense. So the safer option is to have someone else earn the army’s support.”
“Then we’ll have to ensure Peng Muwi doesn’t achieve any merit.”
Ihwan nodded silently and stood up. As he stepped forward, Hwangho and Jeongcheon instinctively moved to flank him.
Watching from nearby, Songhoe’s eyes grew misty.
He had spent a long time with Ihwan in the Southern Legion. But never had he seen Hwangho and Jeongcheon show such deference.
At least in that moment, Ihwan looked like the true chief strategist of the Southern Legion.
Just then—
“The enemy is retreating!”
“They’re pulling back!”
Cries rang out. The Jo army, which had encircled the ridge, was retreating.
“That was fast.”
Ihwan’s indifferent murmur made Jeongcheon burst into laughter.
“Hahaha!”
