Chapter 38 – The Brown Bear’s Roar (1)

Chapter 38 – The Brown Bear's Roar (1)

The first to wake in the morning was So-so. Scanning the room, she immediately began running around the barracks, shouting.

"Wake up, everyone! It's time to head to the training ground!"

The squad members rubbed their sleepy eyes, groaning as they sat up. Every face was etched with exhaustion. Having spent the night cultivating, their average sleep time was less than four hours.

"What, already?"

"I just laid down…"

Woken up completely, the squad members glared at the source of the noise.

So-so stood there, glancing at her uncles as if seeking their attention. For a child who usually wore rough military uniforms, seeing her in the vibrant Hanbok made her look entirely different.

However, most of them simply let out sighs, closing their eyes again as they mumbled.

"We saw it yesterday…"

"You should be tired of showing it off by now."

She had been waking them up like this every single morning.

So-so turned her gaze toward Hyeonjeong, who was quietly putting on her training robes. The former Mount Hua disciple was the best at humoring the child.

"Uncle Hyeonjeong, do I look pretty?"

It was the same question she had asked yesterday. Yet, without a hint of annoyance, Hyeonjeong smiled warmly.

"Yes. You are the most beautiful girl in the world, So-so. I've never seen anyone prettier in the entire Jianghu."

"Hehe! Eat this!"

So-so held out her small hand. In her palm lay a dried persimmon. It was so smudged and handled that it was questionable if it was even edible.

"Th-Thank you," Hyeonjeong stammered.

"I'm only giving this to you, Uncle."

With the child's big eyes staring up at her expectantly, she couldn't refuse. Hyeonjeong reluctantly took a bite. It should have been sweet, but it tasted strangely salty.

"It… It's delicious."

While Hyeonjeong and So-so chatted, the other squad members got up and changed into their training clothes.

A healthy sense of competition regarding martial arts achievement had quietly taken root among them. It was a natural human instinct to want to keep pace with one's peers.

Leaving the barracks one by one, So-so also went to her corner to take off her Hanbok. She couldn't wear her precious dress to the dusty training grounds. Opening her wooden storage box, she carefully placed the garment inside.

Just then, So-mu, who was sitting cross-legged nearby, opened his eyes and glanced at So-so's box. He had been curious about what she kept in there.

Stacked inside one corner of the box were all kinds of snacks: chestnuts, jujubes, carrots, and traditional pastries. It was practically enough to serve as emergency rations for a siege.

Where on earth did she get all of this? So-mu let out a silent chuckle.

In another corner lay her clothes, including her training robes, along with a small pile of copper coins. She must have saved up the pocket money she received during her excursions.

"What are you saving all those copper coins for?" So-mu asked.

So-so quickly slammed the lid shut. "It's a secret!"

Though he was curious about her purpose, he knew he would find out eventually. There was no rush.

"Well, everyone has their secrets. Do you want to play with your uncles today?"

"Where are you going, Daddy?"

"Haha. I've been busy lately since a lot of people have been looking for me. But tomorrow, how about we practice our light movement techniques together?"

"Hehe! I'd love to!"

Practicing light movement was So-so's favorite training. Running toward the entrance of Mount Jeonggun while feeling the cool wind was incredibly exhilarating. Since she was forbidden from using martial arts outside the training grounds, she always looked forward to these excursions.

Stepping out of the barracks, So-so was beaming with joy. The prospect of tomorrow's training clearly had her in high spirits.

So-mu patted her back and said, "Go have fun."

"See you later, Daddy!"

Lately, So-so had been thoroughly enjoying sparring with her uncles.

Watching her figure recede into the distance, So-mu eventually turned away. He walked in the opposite direction of the Wolf Fang Squad's training grounds.

After a short walk, he arrived at the military clinic. With the establishment of the new medical unit, this had become one of the busiest spots in the camp.

And the busiest person of all was Divine Physician Mo Cheong. He was fully engrossed in training the fifty newly recruited medics.

Entering the tent, So-mu saw several straw dummies set up, with Mo Cheong holding a large acupuncture needle and roaring at a recruit.

"You idiot! If you needle that spot, the patient dies instantly!"

"I-I apologize, Commander!"

"Your finger just murdered a man! If you make another mistake, I'll poke your eye out!"

His temper was indeed as eccentric as rumored. Suppressing a smile, So-mu waited quietly.

A moment later, Mo Cheong spotted him. The anger vanished from the old physician's face, replaced by a warm smile as he walked over.

"You are teaching them acupuncture, Elder."

"Haha. To think I would join the military at seventy and teach these rascals. The longer you live, the more you see."

"I feel bad for disturbing your peaceful retirement."

"Nonsense. You gave me the chance to redeem my life's regrets, so I am grateful. Just bring me any fool who is still breathing. As long as they have a pulse, I will send them home alive."

Just then, someone stepped into the tent.

"To send wounded soldiers home alive—there are no sweeter words than those. We are truly fortunate to have you with us."

It was General Jang-yang. He had come early in the morning due to his deep interest in the newly established medical unit.

Mo Cheong bowed deeply. "Please speak comfortably, General. We cannot allow my presence to disrupt the military chain of command."

Jang-yang nodded. "Thank you for your understanding, Commander Mo Cheong."

Turning to the waiting medics, Jang-yang patted their shoulders.

"If the soldiers at the front fight with all their might, it is because they trust you to watch their backs. Remember that you are learning from the greatest physician under heaven, and take pride in your duties."

"Yes, General!"

"Understood, sir!"

The medics responded with high spirits.

Scanning the tent, Jang-yang looked pleased. "Commander Mo Cheong, request whatever you need. We will not spare any expense when it comes to the medical unit."

"Yes, General. Thank you."

"Commander So-mu, walk with me for a bit," Jang-yang said.

Nodding to Mo Cheong, So-mu followed the General outside.

The two walked in silence until they reached a quiet, secluded path. Once they were alone, Jang-yang spoke.

"You have done well. No matter what task I give you, you always exceed my expectations. You never cease to amaze me."

"I merely did what was necessary, General."

"In any case, something strange has been happening lately."

So-mu had an inkling of what it was, but he feigned ignorance. "What is it, General?"

"Since yesterday, beggars have been coming to our camp gates, delivering detailed intelligence on the Hui Dynasty."

"Beggars delivering intelligence? That must be the Beggars' Sect."

"So it seems. The information is incredibly detailed and valuable, but it is hard to trust it blindly. Our corps has never provided them with any support."

"As you know, there are a few martial artists in our Wolf Fang Squad. Moreover, I heard the Hui Dynasty is hostile toward the Beggars' Sect."

"Ah. So if Hanzhong falls, they will suffer as well. If we can utilize this intelligence, our operational capabilities will increase exponentially."

"It seems like a positive development, General."

"Still, we cannot afford to be careless. They requested to meet with the commander of the Wolf Fang Squad directly."

"Me, General?"

"They claim they have information that must be delivered to you personally. It is likely due to the squad's reputation. Meet with them and discern their true intentions."

"Understood."

"They said they will contact you once you enter the marketplace. And there is one more matter I wish to discuss with you."

The other commanders were currently overwhelmed with implementing the new policies. So-mu nodded immediately. "Please speak, General."

"Due to the recent influx of refugees, public order has been deteriorating. I hear there are even organized groups committing kidnappings and human trafficking."

Wherever people gathered, crime was bound to follow. Especially in a border city, criminals exploited the wartime chaos. But since So-mu had never paid attention to such matters, this was news to him.

"Should we deploy the troops to investigate and sweep them out?" So-mu suggested.

"I considered that. But if the government soldiers start patrolling the streets in force, it will only panic the civilians."

So-mu fell into thought. He knew nothing of urban administration, but then a figure who understood the ecosystem of the back alleys perfectly came to mind.

"I have an idea, General."

"Tell me."

"We have someone in our squad who is highly experienced in these matters. If we let him loose to clean up the Hanzhong underbelly, the problem might solve itself."

Jang-yang's face brightened, and he clapped his hands. "Hahaha! That is a brilliant idea! If one of our own can reign over the streets, the issue will be resolved in one swoop. But can he manage it alone?"

Il-gwang had ruled the back alleys of Baiyang County even before he learned martial arts. Now, he was strong enough to crush average first-class masters.

So-mu was more worried about the criminals than about Il-gwang.

"He will be fine, General."

* * *

Clad in his military uniform, So-mu strolled through the central market, quietly observing his surroundings.

Despite the early hour, the streets were bustling with life. Food stalls were filled with patrons curing their hangovers, while others enjoyed a quiet cup of tea to start their day.

Ahead of him stood a massive three-story pavilion. Recently constructed, it was a multi-purpose complex called the Dawa Citadel. A wealthy merchant had connected three separate three-story pavilions using covered bridges. The complex housed tea shops, taverns, and restaurants, as well as a performance hall capable of hosting hundreds of spectators for acrobatics and plays.

The city had changed dramatically since his last visit. The rapid transformation of Hanzhong was truly remarkable.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"What are you looking around for?"

It was Heo-gyu of the Beggars' Sect. Having already sensed his approach, So-mu replied calmly, "I didn't expect the Central Plains to change like this."

"Since Hanzhong is holding strong and the population is growing, it is only natural for wealthy merchants to invest here. Now that Kaifeng and Chang'an have fallen, this place will become the cultural heart of the empire."

"Then perhaps the Beggars' Sect should invest here as well?"

"While our sect values poverty, we still need operating funds. To be honest, our Sect Leader emptied the treasury to secretly purchase a property nearby. Haha."

"Then Hanzhong definitely cannot be allowed to fall. Is it nearby?"

Heo-gyu pointed toward a two-story pavilion that occupied a sizable plot of land to the right. Inside, several merchants were organizing stacks of paper.

Focusing his vision, So-mu noticed something suspicious. Beggars were hovering around, secretly slipping items through the window frames.

"It is our secret branch. We sort and sell information here. Of course, any intelligence on the Hui Dynasty is forwarded to the military. If you need to reach me urgently in the future, come here."

So-mu nodded. "I doubt you called me here just to show me this."

"Sharp as always. It's about your request. It's not confirmed yet, but we've located a place where the Shadow King might be hiding."