Chapter 67 – Becoming One (1)

Chapter 67 – Becoming One (1)

“They lied to me!”

Having heard that General Jang-yang was returning to Hanzhong, So-so had rushed back in a hurry.

Sprawled on the floor of the Wolf Fang Squad's tent, she was cursing Sama Gang in her mind. Had she known it would be like this, she would have played a little longer before returning.

In truth, the volunteer army's intelligence had been correct. It was just that So-so's lightness skills were so fast that she had easily outrun the returning army.

“Sigh… I'm so bored.”

Rolling around the tent, So-so suddenly opened her personal chest. She picked up the tung flute So-mu had bought for her. She could not forget the beautiful melody played by Great Hero Yu Jeong of the volunteer army.

“How did he play it?”

Pressing her cherry-like lips to the mouthpiece of the flute, she began to blow. Naturally, no sound came out. She tried again and again, but the result was the same. She suddenly grew petulant.

“Hmph…”

Just as she was determined to make a sound no matter what—

Creeeeak!

The tent door opened, and her father and uncles walked in. Having just returned from the battlefield, they all looked like disheveled beggars.

With a scowl on her face and hands on her hips, So-so marched over. So-mu, squatting down, asked in surprise, “Daughter, are you angry?”

“Hmph. Did your training just end?”

There was no way they had spent over ten days on basic recruit training.

As expected, she was holding a grudge. So-mu stroked her head and said, “Some things came up. My good So-so, you understand your father, right?”

“No?”

“Really?”

So-so also felt a bit guilty. She didn't want him to find out that she had secretly followed them.

“Well… it depends on how you behave, Father!”

She answered reluctantly with a pout, which looked incredibly adorable. So-mu quickly picked up his daughter, patted her bottom, and said, “Haha. Our So-so is all grown up now.”

“Father, do you know how to play this?”

She held up the tung flute. Having lived his entire life clutching a sword, So-mu had never had the leisure to learn a musical instrument.

Still, he had to try. The legendary Sword Saint failing to play a simple flute was a embarrassing thought even to himself.

He set So-so down and reached out his hand.

“Of course. Let me try.”

His daughter looked up at him with wide, expectant eyes. If he failed, it would become a dark history he could never erase. He couldn't help but feel nervous.

Taking a deep breath, he took a proper stance and began to blow.

Though he was playing the flute in his mind, not a single sound came out. Choosing between splitting a mountain with his sword and playing this flute, he couldn't decide which was harder.

So-mu grew desperate. Tears began to well up in the child's eyes, threatening to spill over.

He couldn't give up here. Closing his eyes, he focused his mind. After a brief moment, the flute finally responded.

Woooong!

At last, a single, low note echoed. So-mu, filled with joy, looked at the child.

“Play more.”

Having avoided the worst-case scenario, he didn't want to risk any more attempts.

“This is a child's flute, so it doesn't fit me well. Do you want to learn the flute?”

“Yes, I want to learn!”

Seeing So-so nod eagerly, So-mu fell into thought. He had been worried about raising his daughter to be a mere brute who only possessed monstrous strength. He had to find an opportunity for her.

“Then I will find a good flute teacher for you.”

“Hehe. Thank you~”

Overjoyed, she wrapped her arms around So-mu's waist and cheered.

Since he had made up his mind, he wanted to find the best possible teacher. Although he knew a few martial artists skilled in music, he couldn't ask them since he had left the Jianghu.

‘I must find one in Hanzhong. I must find one before the battle begins.’

Once the enemy attacked, she would surely try to climb the city walls to fight. It was a good opportunity to divert her interest elsewhere before that happened.

Washing his tired body and changing into his military uniform, So-mu headed to the war room first.

A few commanders had already arrived. Perhaps because the fierce battle had ended, everyone's expressions were much brighter. However, the way they looked at him was unusual.

“I saw you in a new light this time.”

“Even Xiang Yu's momentum couldn't match yours.”

“You did an outstanding job. I feel so reassured having you on our side.”

Slaying five enemy generals and holding the front line without regard for his own safety made him the undisputed hero of the battle.

As the Changmu Guard Commander, So-mu held a rank comparable to a commander. Although the veteran commanders could have been jealous, there was no sign of it. Their praise and encouragement were sincere.

“How can my contribution compare to yours, Commanders? We held our ground because everyone did their best.”

Commander Wi Jin-cheol nodded with a pleased expression.

“I am proud to have discovered you in the sword infantry. Go ahead and become the greatest general of the Song Dynasty.”

Just then, Jang-yang and Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong entered the war room. The commanders stood up to greet them.

“You have all worked hard. Since everyone is exhausted, let's keep this brief.”

“Yes, General.”

Seated at the head of the table, Jang-yang got straight to the point.

“We have bought ourselves at least fifteen days. A large number of refugees have gathered due to this battle. What is the situation?”

Commander Jin Lip replied, “I checked the Gunsunpo before coming here. The shelters we prepared in advance still have room, and the relief grain is sufficient, so there shouldn't be any issues for the time being.”

“That is a relief. Once the siege begins, it might turn into a prolonged war, so Commander Baek Mun-hwi, secure as many supplies as possible in advance.”

“Understood, General.”

“One concern is that Hanzhong might fall into panic. To hold out for a long time, everyone must maintain their daily routines as usual.”

Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong asked, “Do you have a plan?”

Jang-yang stated his opinion without hesitation.

“I would like to host a cuju tournament sponsored by the army.”

Cuju. A team sport where players kicked a leather ball to score points. Twelve players formed a team, and they won by kicking the ball through a hole suspended in the air. It was one of the most popular sports in the country.

However, proposing a tournament right before a major war seemed somewhat out of place.

“Will that be alright?”

“Maintaining tension is good, but too much of it can be toxic. In times like this, isn't it better to encourage everyone to remain calm and undisturbed?”

After a brief reflection, the commanders nodded in agreement.

“That is a brilliant idea. It will boost the soldiers' morale.”

“What if we host it at the drill ground so the citizens can watch as well?”

Jang-yang's face lit up.

“A wonderful idea. We will also permit merchants to set up stalls if they wish. It will turn into a fine festival.”

Commander Wi Jin-cheol asked with a smile, “How shall we organize the teams? If there are too many participants, the tournament will never end.”

“Hmm. Each commander will serve as a team captain and recruit their own members. There are no restrictions on participants, whether they are civilians or soldiers. However, only one member of the Wolf Fang Squad may join each team.”

If the elite members of the Wolf Fang Squad formed a single team, no one would be able to match them. For the sake of fairness and fun, it was best to distribute them among the teams.

Commander Jin Lip looked at Chief Physician Mo Cheong and asked, “Will you be participating as well, Chief Physician?”

“How can an old man with a bent back run around? If anyone gets hurt, I will tend to them.”

Smiles appeared on everyone's faces.

“Including the Adjutant, there are seven team captains. We need one more team to make the brackets even.”

Jang-yang thought for a moment and replied, “Have Centurion Il-gwang form a team. That will make eight teams in total. I will award five silver coins to each member of the winning team.”

Five silver coins was a significant sum, equivalent to more than half a year's pay for a common soldier. The commanders' faces flushed with excitement at the prospect of the festival.

The military meeting had never ended on such a bright note. The commanders quickly dispersed, eager to recruit the best players first.

So-mu walked out silently without a destination. Although he was interested in the cuju tournament, he lacked motivation. A match was only fun when there was a worthy opponent to spark one's competitive drive. What joy would there be in crushing everyone using the physical superiority of the Sword Saint?

Jang-yang, who had followed him out, remarked, “I used to enjoy cuju in my youth. It is not as easy as it looks. No matter how skilled an individual is, there is a limit if the team members cannot coordinate their minds and bodies. That applies to you as well.”

“Thank you for the advice.”

“If you don't do your best, your team won't even reach the finals. My bodyguard will be participating this time.”

So-mu could not hide his surprise.

‘Sal-wang…? How unexpected.’

If Sal-wang was playing, So-mu couldn't afford to slack off.

“Which team is he on?”

“Commander Gwak Cheol will recruit the logistics soldiers. Since they lack combat power, Sal-wang will play with them.”

“Then I shall do my best as well.”

“By the way, you look troubled. Is something on your mind?”

So-mu replied with a faint smile, as it was no secret.

“I promised to find a flute teacher for So-so, but I don't know where to start looking.”

A warm smile appeared on Jang-yang's face.

“Haha. It is hard to find an instrument that brings as much peace and leisure to the mind as the tung flute. Once the tournament is over, I will order the administrator to find the best master for you.”

It was somewhat surprising for a general who held rules as absolute to make such an exception.

“How can I mobilize soldiers for a personal matter?”

“It is for our army's sake. Right before a war, it is far more beneficial to send administrative staff than to have the fiercest warrior of Hanzhong wandering the streets in distress. Hahaha.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I assure you the soldiers will gladly volunteer to help you. Hahaha.”

After chatting for a while, the two parted ways.

After considering where to go, So-mu arrived at the recruits' barracks. Coming back here after a long time brought back old memories.

He saw eleven recruits standing guard. The soldiers jumped to attention, startled.

“C-Captain So-mu?!”

“W-what brings you here…?”

The most discussed topic among the recruits was the captain of the Wolf Fang Squad. They had witnessed his martial prowess firsthand during the canyon battle. To them, he was a living legend and a hero.

So-mu patted the shoulder of a nervous recruit and asked, “Is it your rest period?”

“Yes, Captain!”

The recruits stood stiffly.

So-mu scanned the barracks. The soldiers who spotted him were whispering from a distance.

He didn't want to disrupt their rest. The recruits standing guard right in front of him would make a full team.

“I heard a cuju tournament is being held. Would you guys like to play with me?”

The recruits looked at one another in disbelief. Playing cuju with the Wolf Fang captain? There was no greater honor. It would be something they could brag about for the rest of their lives.

Without hesitation, the recruits welcomed the offer with open arms.

“Y-yes, Captain!”

“We will do our best!”

The recruits' fighting spirit was ignited.

“Since we don't have much time, practice a bit. I will tell Commander Wi Jin-cheol to excuse you from training.”

* * *

At the headquarters of the Gunsunpo.

The constables had been busy lately handling the influx of refugees and maintaining public order, leaving them exhausted. At the head of the office, Commander Hwang Gae-chil lay sprawled on a chair, sweating.

A moment later, the Gunsunpo officers suddenly jumped to their feet. A familiar figure was entering the headquarters.

“U-Uncle Il-gwang?!”

“Uncle, welcome!”

Il-gwang strode inside and roared in a booming voice, “Gae-chil! The time has finally come to show the world the might of the Gunsunpo!”

Perched on Il-gwang's broad shoulder was a small sparrow.