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**

As a Martial Alliance Support Warrior, we were essentially part of the Cheonryong Association.

However, given that I had spent nearly a month away in another location, I fully expected to face criticism…

To my surprise, the regional commander of the Guangdong front, Dragon of the Earth Command (배산), greeted me with a broad smile.

“Was the journey difficult?”

“…I apologize for being late, Command.”

“Oh! To say you are late when you have returned for a greater mission! That makes no sense!”

The Dragon of the Earth Command flung open the tent flaps, leaving only a single lantern to illuminate our faces.

“I’ve heard about your deeds on the way here. No, that sounds weird—who in the Cheonryong Association wouldn’t know what you’ve done? Everyone knows about the work you performed.”

“…….”

“You’ve personally dealt with the hostile forces infesting our territory, and that effort is immeasurable! The association leader was overjoyed to have a capable warrior like you back as our support warrior!”

The Dragon of the Earth Command beamed.

“Moreover, you also returned all the spoils you acquired to their rightful owners… Is that not a monumental contribution? Late? What late? You came here while fulfilling what the Cheonryong Association ought to have done—it’s gratitude, not tardiness! The association leader even mentioned that a reward was prepared just for you.”

A heavy pouch of coins was placed on the table.

Caught off guard by such treatment, I hesitantly asked, “Still… I did break military law, didn’t I? Isn’t it odd to receive a reward for this?”

“The leader of the association has one principle he clings to despite the pressures from the landlords: do you know what it is?”

“I do not.”

“Fair compensation for just deeds. This reward is rightfully yours for what you accomplished.”

The Dragon of the Earth Command, 배산, spread a map wide.

“I want to commend you even further, but… I must, unfortunately, discuss work matters. It’ll be beneficial for both you and me. First, let’s confirm identities. Does the list we received still match the number of people?”

“It matches. No one is missing.”

“Excellent. Now look here. This is our current location. We are handling a portion of the Sado Clan’s forces surrounding Guangdong. This side is the present front, and it keeps changing frequently.”

I looked at the map. I could recognize the term Sado Clan written on it.

The size of the Sado Clan was so colossal that it was incomparable to the Cheonryong Association. The disparity in power was somewhat perplexing.

“It’s amazing that the Sado Clan is this huge yet not pushing us back.”

“There’s the money that comes from the fertile plains, but their chaos is also hindering them.”

“…What’s happening inside the Sado Clan?”

“What is happening? To be precise, there’s not just one ‘what’s happening.’ For them, ‘what’s happening’ is a daily occurrence.”

배산 stroked his beard.

“The Sapa factions. That’s essentially the Sado Clan. They are tangled with various large and small Sapa sects. But here’s the thing: Sapa and Zhengpai (righteous sect) are fundamentally different, aren’t they? For Sapa, their own interests and survival are paramount. Honor and virtue mean little to them. It’s all about the money they can grab right now.”

“……”

“If it weren’t for the presence of the Sado Clan Master, their discipline would have collapsed long ago. They constantly monitor each other. They reluctantly conform under the Sado Clan’s orders, but they are famous for omitting the most crucial individuals from their lists to prepare against betrayal. Losing them in a war would mean losing their land to others.”

“…They really keep a watch on each other, don’t they?”

“Did you not see them on your way here? They are like parasites. A group that cannot be controlled. They will bow deeply in front of a strong opponent, but most will immediately turn on someone weaker than themselves. I personally respect the Sado Clan Master, despite her endless wars with us. She tames such a group while trying to maintain at least some semblance of virtue… she’s deserving of respect, without a doubt.”

“That’s a generous assessment.”

“The war has been going on for over ten years now. We’ve been fighting continuously. If there were things we didn’t know about each other, wouldn’t that be strange? Just as we know them well, they know us well too. In a way, it’s such a… complicated relationship.”

배산 cleared his throat to shift the atmosphere.

“Now then, Warrior. Look at the front lines. And see where we are currently aiming. Did you notice the condition of the soldiers on your way here?”

“…They all seemed exhausted and starving.”

“That’s correct. But it’s not simply due to the war. Supplies are lagging. The reason for that is this mountain fortress.”

His finger pointed to a rise in the center of the road.

“This is the transportation hub leading to the front. It’s currently under Sapa control. It’s a strategic chokepoint. Being elevated, it’s also an ideal spot to monitor surrounding events. It’s right at the center of the supply route. If we don’t pass through this road, the supply team will have to take a longer, rougher route which is significantly less efficient.”

“…….”

“The trouble began precisely ten days ago when three hundred warriors attacked the fortress. Though they caught us off guard, we resisted fiercely. However, the forces in front were annihilated due to one warrior.”

배산 sighed.

“Sky Ghost Dong Bang-hyang! He’s the one who took the fortress. Have you heard of him?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“He’s a Master of the Sapa. He’s known to possess unparalleled skills. He’s rumored to wield a massive blade as big as himself, striking fear like a ghost. Masters above the peak level are exceedingly rare among the Sapa, but he’s one of them.”

“Was there no master to oppose him?”

“…Honestly, the lack of personnel is an issue. The front is vast, and we also lack peak-level masters. Each of them is stationed in far more critical regions, making it awkward to call them over. If they leave, the Sado Clan will sense it and pounce on the openings like wolves. That’s why I can’t act. My very presence keeps the enemy from acting recklessly. Everyone knows that we are the balancing point.”

“…Hmm.”

“I have a request for you. The name Mukseong! It’s now a very famous name throughout the Cheonryong Association! You’re the one who single-handedly took down hundreds of the Sapa’s ants, aren’t you? Hmm? I’ll provide you with soldiers. Recapture the fortress and reopen the supply route.”

I stared at the map intently. Three hundred. I repeated that number in my mind and asked, “What’s the exact number of the enemy?”

“…If we’re being specific, there’s a gathering led by Dong Bang-hyang and his aides. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume there are around ten peak-level masters with him. Given how famous he is, the rest won’t be easy either. Let’s say they’re top-tier and second-tier.”

“Is there a possibility of support?”

“None! I can assure you of that. Following the capture of the fortress, the Sado Clan has been heavily monitoring movements. Over thirty were sent. Since no information has reached them, it’s evident that Dong Bang-hyang’s maneuvers are unilateral and likely unknown to the Sado Clan. Even if they do send reinforcements late, it’ll be after we’ve already moved.”

The Dragon of the Earth Command slammed his hand on the map.

“We’ll set the operation to be executed in two days. I’ll provide sufficient soldiers, so reclaim the fortress. With over four hundred warriors of the Cheonryong Association against Dong Bang-hyang, it’s a task within our capability…”

“I’m fine with the soldiers.”

“Eh?”

Three hundred warriors of the second-tier level. Ten peak-level masters…

And one super-peak master.

That’s not particularly intimidating.

“I’ll act tonight.”

“What’s that…?”

“The fortress recapture…”

I calmly told him in response to his stunned look, “We’ll be fine on our own.”

…

The original plan.

To gain significant merit in order to attract the Sado Clan Master’s attention.

And now an opportunity lay right in front of me. It would be better to not move with an army to make a name for ourselves.

The less assistance we receive, the more noticeable and famous we would become.

I relayed our plan to my group. They accepted it calmly.

“Three hundred? It seems like a lot, but…”

“Honestly, they should fall easily.”

“Ryeong-ryeong. Sua is listening.”

“Oh no!”

Six masters at the Martial Arts stage.

Among the hidden top-tier masters of the Sapa… with Sua included…

That totals at least three peak-level masters.

The advantage was definitely on our side. This was a group capable of not just recapturing but also overwhelming our opponent.

I looked down at Sua. Our eyes met, and before I could say anything, she shook her head.

“Dad. Hmm. No way.”

“…Is it not okay?”

“No way. I’m coming along. I already fought those bad guys in actual combat! I’m used to blood. I know what I can do. So… if you try to leave me behind, I will be mad.”

“…….”

Is it a problem if my daughter is too clever?

With her logical rebellion, I sighed. Ultimately, after deciding on her participation, I split the team into separate groups.

People who would protect each other in times of need.

“Seol-ran and Baekma will coordinate together.”

“Baekma? Sure, that works.”

“Me too! I feel secure with Seol-ran. Even if she is the enemy.”

“Oh ho.”

“Dan-hwa and Ryeong-ryeong, please stay together as usual.”

“Trust me to handle it.”

“I’ll do my best!”

The rest of the party was similarly paired.

“Hwaryn and Bai Hyun will pair up, while Narin and Gwang-yang will team up. And Sua and I will work together.”

“Understood.”

“Thank you. Sister.”

“A tiresome relationship…”

“Don’t pretend to dislike it. I know you like it deep down.”

I also gave words of encouragement to the members of the Sapa who were not named.

“I want to give these folks a proper real combat experience. But I don’t want any sacrifices. So, while keeping an eye on the potential situations, I appreciate the Sapa members for watching our backs.”

“That’s a Sapa request. What’s your fee?”

“Is there something you want?”

“Hold me.”

“Profit?!”

Sua’s eyes lit up. I was taken aback but also found her cute, so I hugged her briefly.

Soo-ryun, satisfied, placed her hands on her hips.

“There’s nothing to worry about. The girl will watch over everything.”

“Thank you, Soo-ryun.”

“What are you saying? I’m the one getting something valuable here.”

“Profit!! Profiiiiit!!!”

“Little sister, you’re too close.”

I didn’t forget to explain the operation. To be honest, it wasn’t much of an operation at all.

While the two teams block the two gates on the fortress, we would subdue and annihilate from the inside.

I entrusted those two to the Demon Cult’s members. And there were solid reasons for that choice.

Dealing with the Sapa’s ants was, of course, a part of real combat. However, it couldn’t be called complete real combat.

Now we were entering the battlefield.

Where if you don’t kill, you get killed.

“I will suppress whoever I can, but that’ll only apply to those who don’t resist.”

Those with swords drawn are prepared to kill each other.

Naturally, I…

I wouldn’t take this lightly.

“Anyone who charges at us…”

It will be true battle. Blood being shed, flesh being torn apart…

Such a brutal stage would unfold before those unaccustomed to violence.

Still, it had to be shown. To those who had not yet experienced it.

If you live by the sword, you’ll eventually face such experiences. Thus, it was better to get used to it sooner rather than later.

Living in ignorance until meeting it by accident unprepared could lead you to lose your life in such cruelty.

“Kill them all.”

Only by getting accustomed to blood can one protect their own life.

Isn’t that the world of martial arts?

 

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