Into the Scent of the Sword (1)
The next morning, Gal Saryang and I met with Jong Cheonrak, the leader of the Cheongungdan.
Jong Cheonrak was visibly surprised to see Gal Saryang.
“I had no idea you were the strategist for this mission, Gal.”
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Gal Saryang’s demeanor was more respectful than before. Having been demoted to a regular soldier, he now ranked below Jong Cheonrak.
Yet, their gazes toward each other were warm. Jong Cheonrak had always respected Gal Saryang, and Gal Saryang was grateful to Jong Cheonrak for supporting him to the end among the three key figures.
Jong Cheonrak climbed into the carriage with Gal Saryang.
“We’re pressed for time, so let’s discuss the details on the way.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
The two of them boarded the carriage first.
At that moment, a warrior from the Cheongungdan approached me. He introduced himself as Yang Ho.
“I’ll be personally escorting you both.”
When a strategist joined a mission, dedicated warriors were assigned to protect them. Their role was to ensure the strategist’s escape if necessary.
“If anything happens, please follow my instructions.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Then, please get in the carriage.”
As I climbed in, the carriage set off immediately, followed by the mounted warriors of the Cheongungdan. The Cheongungdan was originally a large organization with a thousand members.
For this mission, Jong Cheonrak and thirty elite members were mobilized.
In the moving carriage, Gal Saryang asked, “I heard this mission is top secret.”
“That’s correct.”
Jong Cheonrak’s response was what Gal Saryang would have given in the past. Typically, the strategists of Jeonguigak, who knew the mission details, would lead the operations. In that sense, this mission was unusual.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t disclose the mission details yet. I’ll inform you once we reach our destination.”
“Understood.”
A hint of sympathy flickered in Jong Cheonrak’s eyes as he looked at Gal Saryang. He was well aware of Gal Saryang’s situation from the rumors.
‘Why didn’t you leave the alliance?’
It was the question Jong Cheonrak wanted to ask. He couldn’t understand Gal Saryang. If it were him, he would never have stayed in the martial alliance after such humiliation.
Even though Gal Saryang had lost his power and influence within the alliance, Jong Cheonrak wasn’t the type to change his attitude based on someone’s circumstances.
Jong Cheonrak was genuinely glad to see Gal Saryang again and tried his best not to hurt his pride.
Knowing this, Gal Saryang was also careful in his interactions with him. However, there was one thing he wanted to know.
“Knowing our destination would greatly aid the mission.”
“Normally, that would be classified, but considering our past relationship, I’ll make an exception. We’re headed to the Sword Scent Forest in Junggyeong.”
“The Sword Scent Forest!”
In the past, the Sword Scent Forest in Junggyeong was one of the three sacred sites of the Blood Heaven Sect.
“Thank you for telling me.”
“No, it’s reassuring to have you on this mission, Gal.”
“You’re too kind.”
Listening to their conversation, I felt a wave of nostalgia.
I remembered the first time I met Jong Cheonrak. It was before he became the leader. Back then, he was deeply skilled in archery. What impressed me wasn’t his archery, which was said to be the best among the younger generation, but the clarity in his eyes, like a well-crafted arrowhead.
As a young man with unruly hair, he had approached me with a large bow slung over his back.
“I’ll become the best in the martial world with this bow. One day, I’ll defeat you, the greatest under heaven.”
That connection had continued, leading him to become the leader of the Cheongungdan.
Thank you for staying loyal, Cheonrak.
After about an hour of conversation with Gal Saryang, Jong Cheonrak dismounted from the carriage to ride on horseback.
Gal Saryang and I spread out a map to analyze the route to Junggyeong and the surrounding situation. Although we only knew the destination, there were still things we could do. We identified the shortest route and checked the martial alliance branches that could provide support if issues arose. Being prepared made a significant difference compared to scrambling for solutions in a crisis.
While studying the map, Gal Saryang suddenly asked, “This is your first mission, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Yet you don’t seem very nervous.”
“Because you’re with me, sir.”
“You have a way with words.”
“I meant it. With someone who once led the entire martial alliance by my side, what is there to fear? Ah, is that another answer that could be misunderstood?”
Though he wasn’t visibly smiling, I could tell Gal Saryang was amused. Building rapport and trust with him, even little by little, was crucial.
Then I asked, “You’ve been on many missions like this, haven’t you?”
“Indeed.”
“Which mission do you remember the most?”
I was genuinely curious. What battle stood out the most to him?
Was it one of the battles against the Black Path Thirteen Alliance? Or perhaps a fight against the Blood Heaven Sect? Maybe it was the day they tracked down and killed the Demon Sect leader?
But his answer was unexpected.
“The New Dragon Operation.”
It was a term I had never heard before.
“What kind of mission was that?”
He only smiled, offering no explanation.
The New Dragon Operation?
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t recall it. If the operation name had a location, I might have guessed, but with a cryptic name like that, I was at a loss.
What kind of mission was it?
That night, we set up camp.
Several campfires were lit, and a perimeter was established.
I personally prepared Gal Saryang’s sleeping area, laying down soft leaves and placing a blanket on top.
“The night air is chilly, so make sure to cover yourself with the blanket.”
“You should use it.”
“No, sir. I’ve trained in martial arts, so this cold doesn’t bother me. It’s for you.”
“Thank you.”
I was glad to finally be able to take care of him, even if it was something I couldn’t do in a past life.
“Isn’t this hard for you?”
“Not at all. It’s refreshing to be out here again.”
During the war against the Outland Demons, he had moved with me, strategizing together. I took it for granted and never considered that he might be struggling.
Looking back, it must have been tough for him. Moving with martial artists without knowing martial arts himself. Even with horses and carriages, it must have been exhausting. The war lasted a very long time.
Then Jong Cheonrak approached with a bottle of wine.
“Care for a drink?”
“Sounds good.”
The two shared a drink.
Jong Cheonrak looked at me and asked, “I heard you learned martial arts?”
“Yes, I studied my family’s martial arts.”
“If a fight breaks out, don’t get involved.”
“Understood.”
I, too, hoped nothing of the sort would happen.
Leaving them to their drinks, I moved a little distance away. Yet, their conversation still reached my ears.
Through their exchange, I realized Jong Cheonrak hadn’t changed at all from his younger days. He was the epitome of a loyal warrior.
He was someone I needed, but not someone who would come easily.
In fact, he was harder to win over than Gal Saryang. His loyalty wasn’t to a person but to the martial alliance and the martial world. It would be reassuring if he were on my side, but I had no intention of forcing him.
As I sat there, Yang Ho, our escort, called me over. A few warriors without night watch duties were gathered, sharing a drink.
Being elite and disciplined, they enjoyed a certain freedom.
They offered me a drink as well.
“It’s cold, have a drink.”
“Thank you.”
They also handed me hot soup. Being seasoned campers, the spicy broth was quite good.
“Delicious.”
“Glad you like it.”
The warriors of the Cheongungdan were skilled archers. But they didn’t only use bows; they were also trained in basic swordsmanship and carried swords.
“Have you learned swordsmanship?”
“Yes.”
“It’s rare for a strategist to know martial arts.”
They all nodded in agreement.
“I’m still new to being a strategist.”
They each chimed in.
“Still, a strategist is a strategist.”
“Indeed.”
“One day, you’ll lead us. Remember us then.”
Though said in jest, their sincerity was clear. I felt a surge of emotion, understanding the hearts of warriors in the field. Just a year ago, they were my subordinates.
“I won’t forget.”
“Don’t just say it! Promise!”
“Haha. I’ll remember.”
The time spent with them was enjoyable.
From a distance, Gal Saryang glanced over at me.
Once we were completely out of Hubei Province, Jong Cheonrak gave orders to his subordinates.
“Disperse and regroup at the destination!”
With over thirty people moving together, it was bound to attract attention, no matter how careful they were. It was common practice to disperse and regroup at a predetermined location.
At that moment, Gal Saryang stepped forward.
“Leader Jong.”
“Yes, Strategist Gal?”
“I recommend we move together without dispersing.”
Jong Cheonrak seemed a bit surprised by the unexpected suggestion.
“Moving such a large group will draw attention. If information leaks, the enemy might catch on and escape.”
“That’s possible.”
“May I ask why?”
“I don’t know the specifics of this mission, but if it involves the Demon Sect, we should proceed with extra caution.”
“Are you suggesting this operation might be a trap?”
Of course, Jong Cheon-rak was likely thinking the trap was set by the Demon Sect.
Gal Sa-ryang didn’t bother to mention the possibility that the trap could have been laid by the Martial Alliance itself.
“Yes. If that’s the case, we’ll be picked off one by one.”
“Hmm.”
“I have a bad feeling about this. Please trust my instincts.”
Jong Cheon-rak fell into thought. He knew Gal Sa-ryang better than anyone. There were more than a few battles won thanks to his strategies.
“Even if it is a trap, moving together will minimize the damage.”
“Understood. I’ll follow your lead.”
Fortunately, Jong Cheon-rak didn’t insist on his own way.
We moved without splitting our forces.
A day passed, then another.
The incident occurred on the fourth day, just before dawn.
I awoke suddenly, my instincts alerting me to danger.
Ahead, the campfire was nearly burnt out.
It was the time just before sunrise, when the vigilance of the guards was at its lowest.
I heightened my senses to scan the surroundings. There were subtle movements all around us. It wasn’t just one or two.
I glanced at the guards on duty.
One in each direction, with two in the center.
The movements were so stealthy that they hadn’t noticed the approaching threat yet.
The enemy drew closer, ready to strike.
“Enemies!”
At my shout, everyone sprang to their feet. The guards on duty reacted first, swiftly drawing their bows and releasing arrows.
Thwip, thwip, thwip!
As expected of the elite of the Martial Alliance, they were incredibly quick. Despite the sudden ambush, they didn’t panic, and their arrows found their marks.
Those who had been sleeping were no different.
In the blink of an eye, they were up, arrows nocked, and firing at the enemy.
Thwip, thwip, thwip, thwip, thwip!
In an instant, dozens of arrows filled the air.
The difference between attacking first and being attacked was significant. Especially for us, who relied heavily on archery. If we lost the distance, we’d be at a severe disadvantage.
The ambushers, having lost the element of surprise, left behind a dozen bodies and retreated. Though their ambush failed, their retreat was anything but ordinary.
“Don’t pursue! Strengthen the defenses!”
The guards spread out, reinforcing our defenses.
Thanks to our swift response, we suffered no casualties.
There were nine enemy bodies.
We examined the corpses but found no clues. No tattoos, no belongings. Even their weapons were unremarkable.
This could only mean one thing.
“They’re from an elite organization.”
Whether assassins or another group.
I joined the others in inspecting the bodies, looking for signs they might have taken the infamous drug, Bulhoe Malyongdan. Thankfully, they hadn’t. If they had, and started to go berserk before dying, even the elite of the Heavenly Bow Unit wouldn’t have been able to handle it.
Gal Sa-ryang approached Jong Cheon-rak and asked quietly, “What exactly is this mission?”