991——————==

Soul of the Evil God (사신지혼)

The declaration of war was marked by the Arasa Empire’s attack on Mibal Fortress. I had previously requested Belov to mobilize the Arasa Empire’s army! With our Transference Gate activated, elite troops from Arasa stationed thousands of miles away could quickly attack Mibal Fortress at the northernmost tip of Liaoning Province.

Simultaneously, in the south, Abe no Seimei had manipulated a force of 50,000 troops from the Tokugawa Shogunate to besiege Donglaifu, which is located at the southern tip of Goryeo. While they hadn’t begun attacking yet, they had sent a letter of surrender to the Lord of Donglaifu.

And the main force led by General Hwang Yeon, with his whopping 240,000 troops, was on the way –

” Your Highness, I’ve heard General Hwang Yeon will be striking the border area of Lianshan. Is that correct?”

I asked Mangnyang to confirm. He responded promptly.

” Yes, Your Majesty.”

I had been stationed in Luoyang, conducting meetings to receive reports, so Mangnyang couldn’t exactly treat me casually; the atmosphere was quite solemn. I wasn’t a huge fan of this vibe, but there was no helping it.

” That area is primarily populated by the Yao and Zhuang ethnic groups. They are generally friendly towards the Han people, so we should have a smooth passage. There are no significant defensive structures in the area.”

” And beyond Lianshan lies Jinzhou, right? I believe after taking Jinzhou Castle, the plan is to attack Anshan Castle. Is my memory correct?”

” Indeed.”

” Hm… What about the defenses of Jinzhou and Anshan?”

Instead of Mangnyang, Zhuge Bu, who was standing nearby, answered clearly.

” Starting from Jinzhou, we’ll be at the true front line with Goryeo, so we can expect fierce defenses there. Additionally, according to the scouts’ reports, 50,000 Goryean troops have gathered at Jinzhou, anticipating this deployment.”

” ……”

It was clear that the mind games between us had already begun in earnest.

‘ As expected of the Master of the Twelve Joules… this won’t be easy.’

I asked Zhuge Bu.

” Lord of Inner Imperial Pavilion, wouldn’t 50,000 be quite insufficient to handle our 240,000?”

” Not in open fields, but in city defense, having a numerical advantage doesn’t always guarantee victory. Even with a fourfold advantage, it’s not easy to breach their defenses.”

” What do you think is the reason Goryeo hasn’t gathered their whole army at the border?”

” I’m not sure. According to General Hwang Yeon’s report, they have a main force of 120,000 stationed at a region called Sinyiju.”

” Sinyiju?”

” It’s relatively close to the border, so Goryeo might consider it more inland.”

That name was unfamiliar to me. I vaguely remembered hearing about the geography when I lived in Goryeo, but I didn’t know much. It seemed clear that they planned to defend more deeply within their territory instead of leaving the entire border open.

As I pondered this, Deung Gwak spoke up.

” Your Majesty! Please reconsider your personal involvement in this campaign. If you were to come to harm, the very foundation of this empire would crumble.”

” I won’t be taking reckless steps. Is it really such a problem for General Hwang Yeon to follow behind and support the area he’s attacking? Especially with 100,000 elite guards accompanying me.”

” Goryeo is an unpredictable nation… Given General Hwang Yeon’s skills, isn’t it better to let him deal with such hazardous foes?”

I noticed that Deung Gwak seemed quite anxious.

‘ He’s right; that guy staked everything to turn the tide overnight. If it collapses now, it would be a disaster…’

I waved my hand dismissively.

” Enough. It’s already decided, and I won’t hear further arguments.”

” ……”

” I heard that the Arasa side has begun attacking Mibal Fortress in northern Goryeo. What’s the situation there?”

” I was informed that they commenced the siege from early this morning, but no further details have emerged yet.”

” That makes sense.”

Despite saying that, I had a gut feeling they’d take Mibal Fortress before the day was out.

‘ Elite guards selected from the Arasa Empire have arrived. They operate artillery and gunmen that are on par with Western powers, so taking down a fortress should be a piece of cake.’

According to the battle plan, Arasa was to capture Mibal Fortress and, moving southward, our main forces would target Jinzhou and Anshan sequentially, launching a rapid offensive to cross the Yalu River in the shortest time possible. If Dongyoung could draw attention away in the south, they wouldn’t concentrate their forces solely on the north.

I stood up and shouted.

” Then I’ll send the army out after waiting for a day and using the Transference Gate! All ministers, remain vigilant to adapt closely to the unfolding war!”

” Long live the Emperor!!”

After concluding the meeting, I gathered with my companions. I then spoke to Zhuge Yulong.

” Do you really think the Master of the Twelve Joules won’t send the clan of Dan into battle?”

My anxiety was centered on the clan of Dan. In a straightforward troop battle, it seemed our forces would undoubtedly win, but the clan of Dan possessed incredible power that could turn the tide in an instant. If peak experts and sorcerers with immense martial prowess showed their might on the battlefield, it would be quite troublesome.

” Yes. At least until reaching Sinyiju.”

” What makes you so sure?”

” Just as we are wary of the Master of the Twelve Joules, he is equally wary of us. Revealing hidden cards from the get-go is a rookie move. He won’t deploy superhumans until we’re considerably pushing the Goryean troops back.”

” Hm.”

” Besides, it’s generally frowned upon in warfare to recklessly deploy peak experts. This has been an unspoken agreement since ancient times.”

” An unspoken agreement?”

Zhuge Yulong nodded knowingly.

” As you might be aware, peak experts possess the ability to easily deal with hundreds of troops. They truly embody the saying ‘One flag can take down a thousand.’ Utilizing them effectively could make it child’s play to assassinate battlefield commanders. Such figures have existed throughout history. However, in wars between nations that have martial societies, deploying those superhumans has been mutually restrained out of convention.”

” Why is that?”

” Because of the existence of the Celestial Realm and the Demon Path.”

As he spoke, Zhuge Yulong’s eyes grew cold.

” A super expert capable of changing the tides of a war would undoubtedly be on the verge of Absolute Realm, drawing the attention of the Celestial Realm. They dislike the balance of power in this world shifting chaotically—if they notice, that country could become a target of their disdain.”

” Hmm!”

” Additionally, if the opposing side uses such a super expert to wreak havoc on common troops, naturally, the nation faced with that threat would reach out to the ‘darkness.’ Human sacrifices to unleash wicked curses or summon terrifying existence have been common occurrences, and when that happens, war becomes the least of the issues. All sorts of chaotic beings could flood out.”

” ……”

” Since ancient times, this has often happened, leading to a tacit agreement among Eastern nations. Excessive martial power shouldn’t be thrown into wars unless absolutely necessary, and even then, only minimal survival and defense should be the goal… or it would only be a case of asymmetric forces responding after the opponent has escalated first.”

” I see…”

As I nodded, Zhuge Sha sneered.

” Well, while it’s termed an agreement, throughout history, any nation that could secretly use martial experts has done so and gotten away with it. The Celestial Realm isn’t always peering into the earthly realm; if you use martial artists discreetly, who’s going to stop you? In places hidden from sight, it’s quite common for martial artists to shape the outcomes of battles. However, the larger the war, the more the likelihood of attracting the Celestial Realm’s gaze.”

” ……”

Mangnyang fanned himself with a fan.

” In that sense, it’s also quite risky for you, Baek Woong, to act openly. The Celestial Realm may focus on you significantly.”

” Didn’t I already garner attention when I made my offering during the Ritual of the Water Spirit?”

” That’s a different story. If the Emperor, who holds the world’s supremacy, gains Absolute Realm powers, the level of attention will change entirely. Moreover, having the Master of the White Lotus Sect under your control, you’re certainly being watched closely.”

” … So, does that mean I can’t easily use the Master of the White Lotus Sect or the Dharma Guardian’s powers in this war?”

” Baek Woong, what’s crucial in this war is [who strikes first].”

Mangnyang waved his fan gently.

” As the war progresses, it’s natural for both sides to utilize their full strength. When that time comes, the importance of ‘justification’ will become paramount.”

” Justification.”

” And the role of our strategists is to incite the Master of the Twelve Joules to first extend his hands towards employing superhuman power. From that moment onward, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, the Dharma Guardian, and our powerful allies will be able to unleash their strength. Our goal is to ensure that you won’t have to fight directly.”

” Understood.”

In the midst of conversing with my companions, a thought struck me.

” Hm… So then, are the troops currently training with the Sword Demon excluded from battle?”

” You could say that. They are to be strengthened to enhance potential, rather than being expended in this war.”

” ……”

” You look puzzled. Do you dislike using Seo Mun-hye in this manner?”

At Mangnyang’s blunt remark, I flinched and sighed.

” Honestly, yes. Continuously supplying her with Spirit Power to awaken the blood of the Giant Race… that means pushing her further away from her humanity.”

For three months now, I had been steadily channeling Spirit Power into Seo Mun-hye, following the strategists’ plan, instilling the hope that awakening the Giant Race’s blood within her would give rise to her powers. Indeed, according to that theory, strange abilities had begun surfacing in her; although she hadn’t fully awakened, she had already demonstrated physical capabilities surpassing those of many peers.

If I continued this for a year, Seo Mun-hye might regain the bloodline powers of her former life and utilize the strength of the Giant Race. However, I felt uneasy knowing that I was using her as a tactical resource. Mangnyang remarked,

” Seo Mun-hye herself agreed to this, and the Sword Demon, her only blood relative, also consented. They are fully aware and in agreement, so you don’t need to feel guilty.”

” Hmm…”

” However, if the war takes a bad turn, you might have to exert yourself to awaken Seo Mun-hye and send her into battle. Be prepared for that.”

” … Understood.”

Exerting myself meant that until now, I had only infused her with Spirit Power within a range she could endure, but now I might need to funnel immense energy at once to prompt her awakening. However, I had delayed this, fearing she might end up dying from shock.

Mangnyang smiled brightly.

” Don’t worry too much. I believe this war will be won easily.”

” ……? Once the Master of the Twelve Joules fully mobilizes, it won’t be easy.”

” True, but once he mobilizes…”

With a strange smile, Mangnyang continued.

” In any case, rest today while watching the progress of the war.”

” Understood.”

” Also… it seems Zhuge Yulong has something to say.”

” ……”

For some reason, Mangnyang didn’t refer to Zhuge Yulong as ‘father.’ Even after regaining all his memories, perhaps the tensions from receiving them through Obsidian hadn’t been completely resolved. Nonetheless, Zhuge Yulong seemed indifferent, saying to me,

” Follow me.”

I trailed Zhuge Yulong to a separate palace, where an unexpected figure awaited.

” … Sagong Lin!!”

What is she doing here?!

Upon seeing me, Sagong Lin greeted me with a respectful bow.

” I greet Your Majesty.”

What’s going on?

When I glanced at Zhuge Yulong, he spoke up.

” Since we’re here, I feel it’s time to discuss her.”

” What are we discussing?”

Zhuge Yulong stared intently at Sagong Lin before saying,

” Lin-a, aren’t you feeling a bit afraid and suspicious about coming to the Imperial Palace with me?”

Sagong Lin hesitated for a moment before replying.

” Yes, I am. I’m wondering why my master suddenly sought me out…”

” The reason is… it’s finally time to make use of you.”

” ……?”

Sagong Lin stood there with a confused expression, uncertain of what he meant. Then Zhuge Yulong gradually cast an illusion technique, and, perhaps due to its influence, Sagong Lin suddenly slumped and fell over.

Then, after seating her in a chair, Zhuge Yulong said,

” Baek Woong, do you know?”

Zhuge Yulong’s following words made my eyes widen.

” This girl is a descendant of the Gongsun clan. I discovered her as part of the bloodline of the Gongsun clan in my quest to stand against the end of this world.”