Chapter 45 – Guardians of Hanzhong (3)

Chapter 45 – Guardians of Hanzhong (3)

*Slash!*

It was the sound of Jang Jin-sang's head flying into the air. A single drop of blood dripped from the blade of General Jang Yang's sword, which was raised high toward the sky.

Jang Yang's eyes locked onto the merchant's minions. In that same instant, a furious roar erupted from his throat.

"Behead all these parasites of Hanzhong!!!"

The soldiers, already burning with rage, did not hesitate. The sound of swords unsheathing echoed through the clearing like a tempest.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

The gang members brought by Jang Jin-sang drew their concealed weapons. However, they were inside a military camp. The sight of a mere hundred thugs attempting to fight back against the garrison was pathetic.

From all sides, the soldiers charged. Leading the assault, as always, was the Wolf Fang Squad.

Among them, Cheong-hae was the fastest. Leaping off the ground, he glided three zhang through the air, landing directly in the center of the enemy ranks.

*Thud!*

The moment his feet touched the dirt, he spun on his left foot. As his sword qi carved a crescent path, three heads flew into the air.

*Slash!*

His sword flashed once more, piercing two thugs in a straight line. By then, the rest of his squad had arrived, commencing the execution.

*Slash! Thrust!*

Screams of the thugs echoed through the camp. Among the watching citizens, not a single one showed any sympathy.

About twenty zhang away, the captain of the Wolf Fang Squad watched the skirmish from the roof of a barracks.

"If you still haven't reached a decision, feel free to watch a bit longer. As for me, it's time to join."

So-mu was alone on the roof. Only he knew to whom he had spoken.

Leaping from the roof, he glided through the air and dropped directly into the melee. These were the monsters who had tried to traffic his daughter. Even though it had ended in a failure, he could never forgive them.

Landing on the ground, he sprinted forward. Wherever his silhouette passed, the heads of his enemies fell like autumn leaves in a gust of wind.

Jang Jin-sang's subordinates fought desperately, but it was futile. The skirmish was over in minutes, without a single soldier falling.

The human trafficking ring that had plagued Hanzhong had foolishly delivered itself to the military camp, allowing the garrison to eradicate them in one fell swoop.

Once the situation was resolved, the townspeople began to leave one by one, their faces filled with relief.

As the camp quieted down, Jang Yang called So-mu and Il-gwang over.

"Let's walk for a bit."

The three strolled aimlessly along a path cutting through the camp.

When they were out of earshot, Jang Yang spoke in a weary voice.

"You both did well."

Il-gwang, still agitated, asked, "General, what will happen to the children and women who were already taken to the imperial court?"

"What can we do? How can we save those poor souls?"

Jang Yang's tone remained calm, but So-mu, walking beside him, could see clearly that the general's hands were trembling. He was merely acting composed; in truth, he was furious.

Fired up with indignation, Il-gwang growled, "We should just overthrow the Emperor and everyone else while we're at it."

So-mu shot Il-gwang a warning look. It was a sensitive, treasonous statement. However, instead of reprimanding him, Jang Yang only offered a thin smile.

After a moment, the general changed the subject.

"What should we do with the remaining gangs in the city?"

So-mu answered quietly, "Wherever people live, such men will exist. Since these remaining thugs were not involved in the trafficking ring, we can put them to use."

"If you have a plan, let's hear it."

"Why not place them under the supervision of the garrison and organize them into a security patrol force?"

"A good idea. But these are men who have spent their lives tormenting others. We must test if they are capable of helping people."

"Leave it to Il-gwang. Give him a bit of time, and they will become completely different men."

Jang Yang looked at Il-gwang.

"I believe in your ability, of course. But you are injured. How can I send you back out there?"

Il-gwang's face brightened.

"Do not worry, General. Within five days, I will turn them into the most upright citizens in Hanzhong."

"As expected, you are reliable. Since you are doing this, I would like you to handle more than just public order."

"Just say the word, General. I will prepare it."

"As the city's population grows, space is becoming scarce, and houses are built close together. If a fire breaks out, it will be a disaster. I want your men to handle fire prevention and response to accidents as well."

"Understood. However, if we are to go that far, they will need a source of income."

"Though they will not be regular soldiers, they will be paid wages from the surplus funds of our legion."

For thugs who had hit rock bottom to receive government wages while helping the townspeople—there could be no greater motivation.

"Leave it to me, General."

"We will need to construct watchtowers and prepare firefighting equipment. The military will fund these expenses. As for the name… it would be best to call it the Military Patrol Post."

Proud to have earned the general's trust, Il-gwang thumped his chest confidently.

"I will see to it without fail."

As General Jang Yang paid close attention to every detail of his people's lives, Hanzhong was rapidly transforming into the greatest city in the central plains. Indeed, it was already well on its way.

However, So-mu had other concerns. Having executed the family of Jang Jun, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, it was certain that a crisis would eventually descend upon Jang Yang. He pondered the matter, but could find no immediate solution.

Just then, So-mu's gaze shifted forward. A military runner was sprinting toward them, looking frantic.

"G-General!"

Seeing the man panting for breath, it was clear that something major had occurred.

"What is it?" Jang Yang asked.

"An urgent message!"

The runner handed a crumpled slip of paper to Jang Yang. The corner of the paper bore the small mark of the Beggars' Sect.

As Jang Yang read the dispatch, his expression shifted rapidly. A moment later, he turned to the runner.

"Summon all the commanders immediately. As quickly as possible."

"Yes, General!"

Jang Yang looked back at Il-gwang.

"You need not participate in the upcoming battle. Focus on the task I gave you."

It was a battle. Though Il-gwang did not know the details, he felt a pang of regret that he could not join the fight.

However, he had no intention of disobeying the general.

"Understood, General."

* * *

The commanders gathered quickly in the war room. The intelligence from the Beggars' Sect was highly time-sensitive. Even Chief Physician Mo Cheong of the newly formed medical unit was present.

Jang Yang pointed to a wall map with his baton.

"We have received intelligence that a raiding force from Chang'an Fortress has set out. Six thousand infantrymen are heading toward Gaochuan Town, while a cavalry force of two thousand is marching toward Tangxiang Village."

Raids by the Hui Dynasty were a frequent occurrence. They funded their entire military supply chain through plundering.

The issue was that the villages Jang Yang mentioned lay right on the border. The enemy was pushing deeper with each passing day.

Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong asked, "Do you intend to intercept them, General?"

"Indeed. It is an excellent opportunity to protect the people and reduce the enemy's numbers. Commander Kwak Cheol, how much time do we have?"

Kwak Cheol, who was in charge of the legion's intelligence, answered, "Though the Beggars' Sect sent the information with the utmost urgency, it still took time to reach us. By distance, we have four days before they reach Gaochuan Town. However, the force heading to Tangxiang Village is cavalry; they will arrive tomorrow."

"Even if we make a forced march to reach Gaochuan Town in time, Tangxiang Village is a problem."

The legion's only cavalry was the hundred horsemen led by Commander Han Baek. Not only was it uncertain if they could arrive in time, but they were far too few to face two thousand enemies.

Examining the map, So-mu spoke for the first time.

"The Wolf Fang Squad will handle Tangxiang Village."

Jang Yang looked concerned.

"Even for your squad, you would have to run day and night. Will you be alright? Even if you make it in time, you will have to fight two thousand cavalrymen while exhausted."

None of the commanders present truly understood the full extent of the Wolf Fang Squad's capabilities. With their lightness techniques, a single day was more than enough time to cover the distance.

"It won't be a problem," So-mu replied.

"I will trust you then. I will personally lead the force to Gaochuan Town. Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong and Commander Wi Jin-cheol, select three thousand elite soldiers and prepare them. We march in two hours."

"Yes, General."

"The remaining commanders will stay to defend Hanzhong."

"Understood."

Jang Yang pointed to a section of the map.

"The field medical unit will also march. Chief Physician Mo Cheong, establish a medical camp ten li from Gaochuan Town."

"Yes, General. Not a single wounded soldier will die on my watch."

"Good. We have no time to lose. Move out."

Since time was of the essence, the briefing ended quickly.

So-mu headed straight to the Wolf Fang Squad's barracks. Because of the recent commotion, the squad members had gathered to chat.

Standing at the entrance, So-mu took a quick scan of the room and called out, "We're marching!"

The squad members were not surprised. They had likely received a heads-up from Il-gwang.

"No need for heavy armor. Light combat uniforms will do."

"Yes, Captain."

"We are already prepared."

"How long will it take?"

There was no time to waste.

"Our destination is Tangxiang Village. Half a day should be enough. We depart immediately…"

So-mu trailed off, a look of bewilderment crossing his face. His gaze fell upon So-so.

"Why are you wearing a combat uniform?"

So-so had stripped off her training clothes and was currently changing into a small combat uniform.

Pulling up her trousers, So-so shouted, "I want to go too!"

So-mu spoke gently, trying to coax her. "The place we are going is dangerous. I'll buy you a gift when I return."

"No! I'm going!"

She was clearly determined.

However, a battlefield was no place for a child. So-mu stepped forward, picked So-so up in his arms, and said, "I will take you when you are a bit older. I will return quickly, so wait for me here."

She didn't answer, pouting heavily. But So-mu couldn't afford to linger. Patting her back, he gently set her down. Seeing her jutting lower lip, she was clearly upset.

"I'll be back soon. Just wait a little bit."

It pained him, but he had no choice. So-mu gave his daughter's head a final pat and turned to lead his men.

"Time is short. Let's move."

Left alone in the barracks, So-so paced back and forth, her frustration refusing to die down. Pouting like a little sparrow, she grumbled, "It's not fair. They always leave me behind."

She was not a child to give up easily. After a moment of deep thought, So-so strapped her scabbard to her waist.

Stepping out of the barracks, she saw the distant black figures of her squad members fading into the distance.

But who was So-so? She was the sole disciple of the Sword Saint, the strongest master in the martial world. In the Wolf Fang Squad, none could match her save for Il-gwang and Cheong-hae. Though her legs were short, she was more than fast enough to keep up with their pace.

Leaping forward, So-so sprinted, chasing after the shadows of the Wolf Fang Squad.