Habuhr - 2
Gukgwang had taken in Habuhr out of sympathy, but as night approached, he began to worry about what to do next. Living alone hadn't been an issue, but now that he had someone else with him, he found it bothersome in many ways. Especially since this was a wounded girl, and Gukgwang had never spoken to a girl before that day, he had no idea how to handle the situation. He couldn't leave her to Mahwa or the other women among his subordinates either, as they would likely mock him.
When it was time to sleep, he awkwardly retrieved four thick furs from a pile of belongings in the corner. He laid one on each side of the tent and gestured clumsily.
"You sleep over there."
To cover up his awkwardness, he hurriedly lay down and turned his back to her. The sounds behind him told him that Habuhr had also settled in. However, the real issue began a little later. Up until now, she had held herself together because she had Gukgwang to talk to, but once she lay down in the quiet of the night, memories of the day's events came rushing back, and she began to cry softly. Her sobs were so faint that only someone with Gukgwang's level of martial skill would have noticed. Hearing someone sob like that left Gukgwang feeling uncomfortable. He could have used his energy to block out the sound, but he felt that was wrong, so he just lay there.
However, as the sobbing continued for over half an hour, Gukgwang's patience ran out, and he shouted, "Hey! Can't you stop sniffling already?"
At that, Habuhr seemed startled for a moment, but then her sobbing grew louder. Gukgwang realized that shouting wasn't going to solve the situation. He made up his mind and, feeling more uncomfortable than ever, acted quickly. He sat up abruptly, and Habuhr's sobbing stopped instantly, likely out of fear that he might hit her.
But Gukgwang had changed his approach. Instead of scolding her, he lay down next to her, gently wrapped his arms around her, and patted her back softly. He spoke in the gentlest voice he could manage.
"Don't be too upset about what happened earlier. There was nothing you could have done."
At this, Habuhr clung to him, sobbing even louder, but it didn't last long. Gukgwang used his inner energy to help soothe her body, regulating her true energy and calming her mind. Soon, her sobbing quieted, and she eventually fell asleep, just as Gukgwang had intended.
"…."
Gukgwang considered using pressure points to put her into a deep sleep so he could return to his own bed, but he hesitated and, eventually, he too drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, the two were still asleep, holding each other peacefully, when suddenly Mahwa burst in.
"Captain!"
With her cheerful voice, she threw open the tent flap, immediately taking in the scene. Mahwa had a soft spot for Gukgwang, so the sight of him sleeping while holding a Mongolian girl did not sit well with her. In a tone laced with thorns, she yelled, "We've received the order to move out!"
Only then did Gukgwang groggily get up. "What? Weren't we supposed to rest for about three days?"
"They've spotted retreating Mongolian remnants about 140 li (around 56 kilometers) to the northeast. Their numbers are estimated at 8,000. Orders have been given for the 4th, 5th, and 6th battalions to mobilize. The 4th battalion is leading, and Captain Gwanji has instructed our Centurion unit to advance ahead and guide the main force," Mahwa reported.
Upon hearing this, Gukgwang immediately jumped up and began putting on his armor. Still somewhat groggy from sleep, his body had yet to calm down from the usual "morning activity." Mahwa blushed deeply at the sight of the bulge in his clothing, but Gukgwang, completely unaware of her reaction, didn't give it any thought.
"I'll wait outside. Are there any other orders?" Mahwa asked, trying to maintain her composure.
Gukgwang, feeling no guilt whatsoever, gave his commands confidently. "We'll move out in one quarter of an hour. In the meantime, tell everyone to have a quick meal. Send the 1st, 6th, and 7th squads ahead to guide the main force. And since we're going far, don't bother with horse armor."
"Yes, sir," Mahwa replied before rushing out to relay the orders.
Gukgwang quickly finished putting on his armor and patted Habuhr on the head. "Stay put until I return, alright?"
Habuhr, standing by with Gukgwang's 청성검 (Cheongseong Sword) secured in its scabbard, handed it to him and responded, "Take care."
With a simple nod, Gukgwang accepted the sword and stepped outside, where his subordinates had already brought his horse. Gukgwang mounted it with ease.
"Let's go. Hey, Imchung!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Everyone packed enough provisions?"
The "provisions" Gukgwang referred to were salted and dried meats such as beef, lamb, pork, or horse meat. These could be torn apart and cooked with rice or soup, or even eaten as they were in dire situations. Jerky was an essential ration for long journeys, especially while on horseback, as it provided a hearty and easy-to-carry meal. Confidently, Imchung replied, "Yes, everything's in order."
Rediscovered Sword Control - 1
The Saruk Hundred Men Unit began moving swiftly. However, by the time they reached the location 140 li (approximately 56 kilometers) away, the Mongol soldiers had already fled, leaving only traces behind. From that point onward, Gukgwang made sure to manage his horse's fatigue as they continued their pursuit. If the horse was too exhausted when the mounted battle began, it wouldn't be able to fight properly.
After about half a shichen (roughly an hour), the sound of swords clashing and commands being shouted came from the front. Sensing that a fierce battle was taking place, Gukgwang led his men forward. They were about 6 li (around 2 kilometers) away from the advancing 6th Ten Men Unit. If they had been ambushed, the damage could be significant. There were two Ten Men Units nearby, and one more unit between them and the main forces, but the enemy Gukgwang was chasing consisted of 8,000 soldiers, even though they were remnants of a defeated army.
Gukgwang, running desperately toward the scene, noticed that the ambushing force was made up entirely of infantry. His first thought upon seeing them was: Where are the horses?
Mongol soldiers typically fight on horseback. Even though it was an ambush, some should have ridden out to block any escape routes. However, the enemy was only engaging in melee combat or shooting arrows to retaliate. Seeing this, Gukgwang realized something: Ah, of course!
Just short of the arrows' range, Gukgwang shouted, "Everyone, dismount!"
He leapt off his horse and used his light footwork technique to rush toward the enemy. As he did, he didn't forget to give orders to Imchoong. "Imchoong, take the men and drive the horses 3 li away and wait there!"
The remaining men entrusted their horses to Imchoong's 6th, 8th, and 10th Ten Men Units, then began following Gukgwang using their own light footwork techniques. However, wearing heavy armor, they couldn't match Gukgwang's speed. Gukgwang ran ahead, throwing off his cumbersome armor as he went, fully utilizing his light footwork. Those watching from behind were left speechless by the sheer speed of his movements.
The ambush consisted of about 1,000 soldiers. Four of their own Ten Men Units were already engaged in a fierce battle, but all their horses had been killed, and the soldiers were fighting in close quarters, with arrows stuck in their backs. Though they were highly skilled warriors, the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming, and several had already become corpses. Many of those still fighting were also severely injured.
As soon as Gukgwang charged into the enemy lines, he unleashed his full martial power. Given the number of enemies, he knew the fastest possible resolution was crucial. If the battle wasn't ended quickly, he feared that few, if any, of the soldiers from the four Ten Men Units would survive.
"Hiyaaah!"
With every swing of Gukgwang's sword, the energy emanating from it grew stronger, eventually transforming into a visible force. The qi that radiated from Gukgwang's sword became increasingly powerful, and the bodies of the enemies caught in its whirlwind were torn apart, flying through the air in pieces. As he fought with all his might, Gukgwang thought, Even when fighting against an army of 110,000, I didn't give it my all. So why am I pouring everything into this fight now? And the more I swing my sword, the more this strength seems to rise...
Gukgwang felt an unknown power surging from his dantian, flowing through his body's acupoints as he infused more strength into his sword techniques. Then, at some moment, he suddenly felt at ease. His movements became smoother, and the flow of true energy (jinki) became more fluid. From his sword, the Cheongseong Sword, a fiercely burning aura was emanating.
Is this Sword Control? Have I just realized it now, or is it something I had learned before, reawakening as I exert all my strength?
With a slight smile, Gukgwang thought, It's probably something I already knew...
Nonetheless, his fierce attacks did not cease, and he unleashed the full essence of the royal palace martial arts he knew, sending powerful sword energy in all directions, killing countless enemies. Blood and flesh splattered, and dismembered bodies of the enemies flew through the air. Though the enemy's encirclement had been broken, Gukgwang continued his rampage, roaring at his subordinates who were stunned by his demonic figure.
"Step back, all of you! You'll get hurt if you don't!"
Upon hearing Gukgwang's command, his subordinates retreated, carrying the wounded with them. He also shouted to the men approaching from behind, who were running toward him as fast as they could.
"Don't come closer! You'll just get in the way!"
Hearing Gukgwang's words, the subordinates hesitated, unsure whether they should follow such a seemingly insane order. But, being their commander's order, they decided to stay back, ready to help if he began to struggle. However, they soon stood frozen, watching in awe as Gukgwang fought. Now that no one was in his way, Gukgwang rampaged even more violently. His appearance was more like a malevolent spirit than a warrior. Covered in blood, he moved through the battlefield, destroying and slaughtering everything in sight.
Gukgwang swung his sword with all his might, feeling the overwhelming inner power rising endlessly within him. Despite facing an impossible battle—a fight of one against a thousand—he couldn't imagine losing. No, all he felt was the confidence that he would win. Gukgwang was able to use countless royal palace martial arts techniques that he had only ever read about but never actually practiced. As he unleashed these techniques, all his thoughts, including the confidence swelling within him, began to fade away. All that remained was the act of sending his sword toward the enemies in front of him. It was complete muneom (no thoughts).
Gukgwang's subordinates trembled in awe as they watched him not only using sword techniques but also deploying palm techniques, fist techniques, and kick techniques, all from the royal palace martial arts, as he felled the Mongol soldiers around him like withered trees. Holding the Cheongseong Sword in his right hand, he used his left for fist or palm techniques, while his legs unleashed kick techniques, killing the enemies surrounding him.
From behind, Ma Hwa, who had been calmly observing Gukgwang, spoke proudly to Imchoong beside him.
"See, I told you it's the royal palace martial arts..."
Imchoong, irritated by the royal palace martial arts boast, replied curtly, "I already told you I've never learned royal palace martial arts. But I admit, it's impressive. He can use Sword Control and even Sword Qi... I might need to learn some royal palace martial arts after all. I had no idea it was this formidable."
Ma Hwa nodded. "I feel the same. When my father insisted on teaching me royal palace martial arts, I was full of complaints, thinking it was useless because no famous masters had ever emerged from it in martial arts history. But today, I realized I was wrong... I didn't know that techniques that seemed simple could become such lethal techniques when one's martial arts reach a certain level."
Imchoong, watching Gukgwang's incredible techniques closely, clicked his tongue in amazement. "Truly incredible. What kind of training does it take to become a master of that caliber?"
Ma Hwa chuckled in response.
"Well, I wouldn't know. He's such a strange leader. He talks about why people kill, making weird moral arguments, but the moment he sees blood, he loses his mind..."
About two quarters of an hour had passed, and the battle of one versus a thousand was nearing its end. The soldiers armed with spears and swords were cut down in two even if they got close, and arrows were either blocked or deflected without causing any damage. Even when one occasionally hit, it had no effect and bounced off the demon-like figure. The Mongol soldiers were terrified. As some began to slowly retreat, they eventually turned and fled, and the rest quickly followed suit.
As the Mongol soldiers fled, Gukgwang suddenly regained his senses. He stood still for a moment, staring blankly at the blood flowing down his sword. Realizing that his subordinates were watching him closely, he hesitated awkwardly before shouting, "Pursue them and annihilate them!"
With a shout, they all charged forward. However, one person, Mahwa, did not move. Instead, he led Gukgwang's horse and, with a pale expression, approached the still-dazed Gukgwang. Mahwa took a cloth tied to the back of his saddle and handed it to Gukgwang.
"Don't stand there looking so ghastly. Wipe the blood off."
Gukgwang took the cloth, wiped the blood off roughly, and began putting on the armor that was strapped to his saddle. As he was doing so, Mahwa asked, "What's wrong with you today? Were you trying to get yourself killed? No... actually, after watching you today, I don't think there's anyone in this world who could kill you."
"Well, at first, I felt... anger, frustration, emotions like that. But after seeing so much blood, I just stopped thinking altogether. Was it grotesque?"
Mahwa replied calmly, "Not really. You didn't look that grotesque. You just looked like a demon."
Gukgwang threw the blood-soaked cloth aside.
"A demon... perhaps. This cloth is ruined. Get me a new one later."
Fully armored, Gukgwang mounted his horse.
"Let's go."
The pursuit lasted less than half an hour. They killed all the Mongol soldiers who had ambushed them, but there was a bitter taste left behind. After the chase ended, Gukgwang gathered his subordinates once again and surveyed them.
"It's all for nothing. This ambush squad was just a sacrificial pawn so the remaining 7,000 could retreat alive. But they ran into us... their sacrifice was in vain."
"What do you mean by that?"
"They were more concerned with taking down our horses than our lives. Since we're wearing heavy armor, without horses, we can't chase down the retreating enemy. They probably started the fight reluctantly after being spotted by our scouts. Their plan was to quickly finish us off and wait for their next target. But our reinforcements arrived sooner than they expected, and they couldn't defeat us easily, so their whole strategy fell apart. We lost nearly 60 horses, so we can't pursue the main enemy force any longer. We can't continue our scouting mission either, given the number of wounded."
Gukgwang paused and looked around at his subordinates, gathering his thoughts for a moment.
"Let's return. Mahwa, take ten men and protect those who lost their horses. Explain the situation to the rear commander and head back to the main force. As for the rest of you with horses, 30 of you will follow me. We may not be able to engage in direct combat, but we can still carry out the scouting mission."
Though it seemed at first that Gukgwang would return with them, when he mentioned taking 30 men to continue scouting, Mahwa objected.
"Captain, I'll stay too. If you assign someone else to lead…"
"You should go. The task of protecting the subordinates who are retreating in silence is just as important. Let's part ways here. Now, move out!"