A New Phase of the War - 2
Four days later, a force of five hundred enemies appeared at the village where Otai's troops were stationed. Otai, who revered Cheoljincheon like a god, patiently waited for the enemy to approach closer before striking. The speed at which the enemy's horses advanced felt painfully slow, and time passed, testing his limits of patience.
However, as the enemy closed in to a certain distance, they suddenly shot fireworks into the air and turned to flee. Unfortunately, the Black Wind Brigade, composed of masters from the martial world, could sense the murderous intent radiating from the Mongolian soldiers, who were eagerly anticipating their approach. Normally, when hunting, the Mongolian soldiers wouldn't radiate such a menacing aura; doing so would scare away their prey. People aren't that perceptive, so they didn't pay attention to the murderous aura while lying in ambush. However, martial artists, through continuous training, develop unusually keen senses, enabling them to detect such cues. Otai, unaware of this, made a grave mistake.
Those bastards have caught on.
"Attack!"
Thousands of Mongolian soldiers quickly mounted their previously lying horses and charged forward. Some of the soldiers quickly drew their bows and began shooting. In his desperation to push his troops forward, Otai failed to notice another firework rising from beyond the horizon. Although Otai drove his men hard, they could not easily catch up to the enemy, who had already sensed the ambush and began to flee. Yet, Otai held onto one hope as he desperately pursued them. Since they were not wearing heavy armor, their horses would bear less burden, but the enemy was clad in thick armor. While they might not tire easily, the horses would inevitably fatigue. If they continued the chase, it was only logical that the enemy's horses would tire first.
As the pursuit escalated, arrows suddenly began to rain down from both sides. Five hundred new enemies lay in ambush to the left and right. Even with a combined force of one thousand, Otai's soldiers, filled with confidence, began to engage in fierce combat. However, it was not easy to take down the one thousand armored foes. Just as they fought for a single moment, another five hundred enemies joined the fray, and shortly after, another five hundred arrived. As time passed, Otai's forces were gradually overwhelmed by the enemies skilled in martial arts.
Otai fiercely wielded his sword, but it was shattered against the blade of an enemy adorned with the Chinese character for "thirteen" inscribed on his armor.
As he silently watched the last Mongolian soldier fall to the sword of a warrior clad in black armor, the armored figure spoke. This warrior also wore black armor and a black faceguard, revealing only his cold, furious eyes. His armor had a single character, "ten," emblazoned on it.
"You idiot! You're late. What took you two hours to gather here?"
At that, a man sitting on a saddle beside him, also clad in black armor, replied lazily, with the character "seven" emblazoned on his armor.
"No Young, there's no need to be so impatient... I received the signal from my subordinates and rode hard from one hundred fifty li away."
"Hey, it took you two hours to cover just one hundred fifty li? Ask your subordinates if it makes sense to only manage thirty-eight li on horseback in half an hour. Even a passing dog would laugh at that. Kongji, you scoundrel! Can't you tell the truth?"
Unlike the venomous No Young, Kongji wore a sly smile.
Hmph, what was I doing with a Mongolian woman that I can't say out loud... I just happened to come across a really juicy one. She was so tender that I couldn't help but take my time...
"..."
No Young was at a loss for words, seemingly dumbfounded by Kongji's nonchalant attitude.
If you see a woman like that, you'll understand my feelings. Ha ha, I'm telling you to calm down... Anyway, it all turned out well, didn't it?
"It's infuriating that you were busy with women while we didn't even know how much enemy troops they had sent to hunt us down... And you went after a smelly Mongolian woman, ugh."
No Young pretended to gag dramatically and pressed Kongji.
"If we don't support each other as allies, how are we going to face the enemy? If one of us gets annihilated, it'll be like losing our lips along with our teeth. Do you understand?"
Tsk... Well, it all worked out, so let's leave it at that. By the way, how long did it take us to fight off just ten thousand? If it were me, I would've...
"That's because you brought your subordinates late. Is it enough now? Initially, I was leading just five hundred men, and suddenly ten thousand enemies poured out, and I thought my heart was going to leap out of my throat. Luckily, I sensed the danger quickly due to the murderous intent, so we didn't suffer the worst-case scenario..."
"That aside, what are we going to do now?"
"What else? We'll send the wounded back and go back to smashing the villages. The enemy doesn't have that many troops either, so it can't be more than thirty thousand. Now that we've taken care of ten thousand, we can say there are twenty thousand left. From now on, be careful. This isn't a village full of women and old folks. Got it?"
"Understood. I'll head a bit further north, so send a messenger later."
"I've been consistently sending messengers, haven't I? You better do your part!"
"Hahaha, then I'll see you next time."
Hearing the messenger's report, Cheoljincheon felt the sky collapse around him.
Otai and now Tau have fallen... Did I underestimate the enemy too much? No, sending twenty thousand in that situation was already a stretch...
As Cheoljincheon sank into despair, a warrior standing beside him spoke up.
"Don't be too discouraged. Now that it's come to this, we have no choice but to prepare for one final battle with our lives on the line."
"I think so too. Be on high alert for enemy ambushes. A direct confrontation will likely occur soon."
"Yes."
Days passed, but the allied forces did not take any significant military action. Instead, they focused on subduing the surrounding minor villages, which had completely become a military vacuum. After about a month, Cheoljincheon's patience reached its limit.
These despicable bastards. Even with military superiority, they still don't stop the slaughter of powerless villagers... I can't allow this to continue. Bring Katakui and Tekujin to me!
"Yes." After a brief pause, Cheoljincheon, having heard the report of the two warriors' arrival, commanded the armed men inside the tent. "Jubeir, you stay. The rest, go outside."
"Yes." Cheoljincheon welcomed Katakui and Tekujin along with Jubeir. Katakui and Tekujin were excellent warriors, tasked with monitoring the movements of the allied forces and managing troop deployments in preparation for any emergencies. Their judgment and response abilities were outstanding, and their martial skills were exceptional.
"What are the enemy's movements like these days?"
"There hasn't been any movement yet. It seems the enemy plans to grind us to death."
"Hm... From now on, you two will be my enemies."
The two warriors looked at each other in confusion.
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, from now on, you will secretly contact the Black Wind Brigade. And you'll tell them that you're betraying me. If they ask why, you'll say you can't serve under a leader who watches as their parents and children die."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, but what if the enemy attacks?"
"It's crucial to find out the date and time the enemy intends to attack. And we'll pretend to be on their side to gain their trust and then strike them all at once."
With a somewhat skeptical expression, Tekujin spoke up. "But that might be difficult, right? We're with the Khan, so how can we ambush the enemy? Besides, if the Khan doesn't attack quickly, the enemy will catch on."
"Right... I see. Here's what we'll do. If we engage in a conventional battle, the enemy won't be fools enough to trust your words and will likely not launch a surprise attack based solely on your claims. So, when the formal battle starts, I'll form a cluster in the center..."
As he spoke, he drew patterns in the dirt with a wooden stick.
"You'll each command ten thousand on the left and right, respectively, creating a formation that slightly encircles the enemy. With seventy thousand in the center and you two on either wing... This arrangement would be ideal for a surprise attack, wouldn't it? If we pretend to retreat, the enemy will follow us in. If you stay still, you'll naturally become encircled. At that moment, we'll launch a surprise attack from both sides."
Jubeir, who was listening from the side, interjected with a remark. He was not only an exceptional warrior but also Cheoljincheon's right-hand man and strategist who had helped him reach his current position.
"However, we need to convince the enemy of our strategy. If we don't make them understand, they won't follow the Khan's retreat."
"Exactly... That's it! We can leverage our previous experience of being surrounded and say that we chose a formation with wings to avoid being easily encircled. Then the enemy will either adopt a similar formation or continue with their usual tactics. They'll decide what to do. In any case, the enemy's leader will be in the center, so if we can annihilate the center, it will be almost like winning."
Katakui seemed to struggle with understanding and asked, "But if the enemy splits into three groups, things could get complicated…"
In response, Jubeir explained, "In that case, we can do it this way. If we place ten thousand on each wing, the enemy will likely send traitors to lead their own ten thousand on the left and right wings as well. And since Katakui and Tekujin have promised to betray us, they will probably only launch a token attack on our wings. While you're pretending to fight them, the main force will suddenly retreat, causing them to trust you and advance. At that moment, we'll take advantage of it—some will hit the enemy's wings while others will strike the backs of those who are pursuing me. That'll be the signal for the Khan's main force to attack from all sides, leading us to victory."
After hearing Jubeir's explanation, Cheoljincheon turned to the two warriors and asked, "Do you understand now?"
"Yes."
Cheoljincheon chuckled softly, "Hehe, indeed, the best way to counter a devious strategy is with another devious strategy. Don't you think so?"
General and Mongol
General Ok Young-jin smiled broadly as Major General Magil-su indicated where the Mongolian villages had disappeared on the map. It seems that humans are naturally more excited when they're doing something bad... Even though General Ok had resorted to underhanded methods, he felt exhilarated watching the women being captured one after another. The more he could devastate the villages that were left with only old men and women, the weaker Cheol Jin-cheon's forces would become. It was evident that with a little more destruction, the Mongolians would be left so ravaged that they wouldn't dare dream of conquering the Central Plains for some time.
At that moment, Zhang Jue looked at him disapprovingly before finally speaking up. "When is the enemy going to attack?"
"Why? Isn't this fun?"
"Commander, this is beyond what's acceptable. Now that Cheol Jin-cheon is starting to show his weaknesses, we should attack quickly without delaying."
Unable to contain himself any longer, General Ok Young-jin puffed out his white beard and expressed his irritation. "Shut up, you parrot! Every time we meet, you keep saying that. Don't you have any more original ideas? How many times have I told you that the battle spirit needs to be ripe? War is originally something far removed from righteousness. The one who wins is the best. It's all about deception, being deceived, and so on."
Zhang Jue stood there with a sulky face when Gong Ji entered the barracks. General Ok Young-jin greeted Gong Ji with a bright smile. "Welcome. You seem to have recovered a lot since I last saw you."
Gong Ji spoke with a somewhat embarrassed expression. "I'm sorry, Commander."
"What… you could get hit by an arrow during a fight. How's the hole in your shoulder?"
"It's much better. That Mongol used such a large bow and arrow that I really thought I was going to die."
"Hmph, the heavens must be angry at you for only choosing to do bad things."
When Zhang Jue shot back with a fierce expression, General Ok Young-jin looked somewhat puzzled. "But I can't understand how a master like you could be harmed by an arrow."
"That's not it. The guy used steel-tipped arrows, and when I heard the whistling sound along with the murderous intent, I instinctively blocked it with my arm…."
"And?"
"Oh my… that arrow pierced right through my arm and even went through my armor before embedding itself in my shoulder. If I hadn't had the premonition to dodge, it wouldn't have just been my shoulder. If I had blocked it without using my arm from the beginning, I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble pulling out the arrow..."
Zhang Jue, who had been listening to the complaints from the side, burst into laughter and chimed in. "Hahaha, that's quite amusing…"
"Stop the nonsense. Still, I managed to cut that guy in half for shooting at me, so I got my revenge."
"Revenge… From what I've heard, that guy is so skilled that you were left half-dead, and you couldn't do anything while Noh Yeong decapitated him, right?"
"Anyway, the dead are dead. If the end is good, then everything is good." While General Ok Young-jin felt reassured by Gong Ji's usual laid-back attitude, he still wore a worried expression. "You, don't push yourself too hard. The rumors have spread far and wide. You're wounded with a hole in your shoulder, yet you're still too eager for women..."
"Hahaha, Commander! It's been a long time since I could relax and enjoy myself. When else can I? Hehe, my heart longs for it..."
Zhang Jue, with a contorted expression as if he were disgusted by Gong Ji's well-known greed for women, replied, "Commander, don't worry about him. He's naturally omnivorous and doesn't discriminate."
General Ok Young-jin's demeanor relaxed a bit more. "Is that why you had a showdown with Noh Yeong?"
"What? That guy snitched on that too...?"
"Just stop. That's not what Noh Yeong said."
At that moment, a messenger rushed in and saluted General Ok Young-jin. "We have captured a Mongolian soldier. He says he has something to report to you, Commander."
"Really? Let him in."
"Yes."
Soon after, a Mongolian soldier was dragged in. "What is it? You say you have something to say?"
In the presence of General Ok Young-jin, who bore an aura like autumn frost, the soldier replied in a trembling voice. "Yes, our general sent me to offer cooperation to you."
With a slightly intrigued look, General Ok Young-jin asked, "Who is your general?"
"Yes, General Katakui."
"Katakui? Who is Katakui?"
Major General Magil-su, who was beside him, answered Ok Young-jin's question. "Yes, Katakui is a remarkable general under Cheol Jin-cheon. He's quick to assess the situation and excels at improvisation. Although he is capable of frontal assaults, he is at a disadvantage when it comes to deception."
Having gathered adequate information, General Ok Young-jin resumed his questioning of the Mongolian soldier. "So? Cooperation... what kind of cooperation?"
"Yes, General Katakui believes that Cheol Jin-cheon, who allowed your village to be attacked, is no longer fit to be a leader. Many generals agree with him. He won't hold your past actions regarding his parents' deaths against you, and he simply wishes for the safe return of his family. If that happens, he promises unconditional cooperation."
"Really? That's not bad news. However..." Despite his inner thoughts, General Ok Young-jin continued to ask various questions with a stern expression. After giving the soldier a small amount of gold and silver as a reward before sending him back, he immediately convened a meeting. General Ok Young-jin spoke excitedly to the assembled generals of the Heavenly Army. "Generals! The time has come."
The generals, who had been weary from the long wait, responded with enthusiasm, shouting in unison, "Finally, a frontal showdown?"
"That's right, generals! Day by day, their forces are weakening, while ours are growing stronger. Additionally, by divine providence, one of their excellent generals has requested cooperation."
Then, the cautious General Gwakga, the First Heavenly General, spoke carefully. "Isn't it a trick?"
"No, I've considered that possibility too, but his family is in our hands. Moreover, the nearby villages have been continuously raided, and many generals are beginning to feel dissatisfied with Cheol Jin-cheon's incompetence to protect their own families."
Gong Ji asked, "So when do we strike?"
"We need to have some discussions with the general who requested cooperation."
Then Gong Ji interjected, "Why not conduct a night raid right now? The enemy commanders who are feeling uncertain will likely surrender."
"Ha ha, you should take care of your shoulder first. How can you wield a sword in that condition?" Despite General Ok Young-jin's teasing, everyone chuckled, but Gong Ji replied calmly without changing his expression. "Even with a hole in my shoulder, it won't hinder me from killing Mongolian bastards and chasing women."
"Is that so? Then that's fortunate. Your point is valid, but there's always a possibility of unexpected situations. That's why a night raid could be risky. The enemy might leave their main camp unguarded, waiting for us to fall into a trap, and then rain arrows on us, which could result in severe losses. So we need to find out more concrete information and quickly ascertain how many generals are willing to cooperate with us before we attack."
General Gwakga asked, "So what will our actions be going forward?"
"We will launch a frontal attack as soon as we reach an agreement. If the traitors attack the rear of Cheol Jin-cheon at that moment, a riot from within will occur, and we can easily seize victory then."
General Ok Young-jin's confident words prompted General Gwakga to add cautiously, "Commander, since the time for the decisive battle is approaching, we should quickly call back the dispersed Third and Tenth Heavenly Armies."
"There's no need to rush. Blocking the enemy's retreat and dealing with fleeing soldiers is also necessary, so we don't need to bring them here just yet. We will continue with the raids on the villages through Noh Yeong, and… instruct Sun-wook's Third Heavenly Army to spread out widely about two hundred li (approximately 80 kilometers) behind the Mongolian army."
This time, Gwakga raised an objection. "I also agree with Gwangji's words. No matter how necessary it is to block the retreat, relying solely on the eight Heavenly Armies for the decisive battle may be too much to handle. It would be wise to recall at least Noh Yeong."
"Hmm, if that's the opinion of the generals… What do you think?" General Ok Young-jin asked. The deputy commander, General Ma Gil-soo, paused for a moment as if deep in thought before responding.
"I share the same opinion. In a decisive battle, the initial momentum is crucial. If we lose our momentum at the start, those who promised to betray us might take advantage of the situation and break their promises..."
"Alright. Then let's recall the Tenth Heavenly Army."
"Yes."
"We'll decide the details once a messenger arrives again."
"Yes."