Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 159

9. Red Dragon King Lee Yung-mu

1

“Has it not been found yet! Have you still not located them!”

Inside the Prime Minister’s office within Taehwa Palace, a series of loud shouts erupted.

Hwangbo-gwang gnashed his teeth, glaring at the elite guards kneeling before him. They were, in fact, masters of the Salmak [a secret assassin organization], disguised as guards.

The trouble had begun five days prior.

Hwangbo-gwang had devised a plan to lure out those attempting to rescue the Emperor, using Jo Won-gi’s exile as bait.

He had known beforehand that disgruntled forces hiding in Daeryang were constantly seeking an opportunity to rescue the Emperor.

He also intended to eliminate the Emperor and Empress simultaneously, and Jo Won-gyun, eager to ascend to the throne, had agreed to this plan.

However, the operation had gone awry during its execution.

Despite making thorough preparations and setting a trap, they had not only failed to pin the blame on their enemies but had also lost the Emperor!

‘Damn it, if I had known this would happen, I should have just killed him in the Imperial Palace!’

He had been careless, assuming that killing the Emperor, who was practically in a vegetative state, could be done at any time. And Jo Won-gyun’s insistence on choosing a specific location had been the root of the problem.

“Find the Emperor quickly! If that living corpse falls into Jo Won-rak’s hands, it will be the end of me and your Salmak!”

Hwangbo-gwang, having urged the Salmak masters to leave, sat down and let out a deep sigh.

However, he had no time to catch his breath.

“The Crown Prince is looking for the Prime Minister.”

Jo Won-gyun had recently been appointed as the new Crown Prince after deposing Jo Won-gi.

Of course, this was thanks to the active support of the ministers who backed him.

“Very well, I shall go to the main hall soon.”

In the main hall, the officials were gathered in large numbers.

This was because news of the Yemaek Expeditionary Force’s defeat had recently arrived.

However, Jo Won-gyun had a more pressing matter than that.

“Prime Minister, have you found out the whereabouts of the escaped Jo Won-gi?”

“I regret to say that we have not yet found him. We will find him soon, so please do not worry.”

Crack!

Jo Won-gyun gripped the armrest of his chair as if he would break it.

The veins on the back of his hand bulged and threatened to burst, but he took a deep breath.

He had barely managed to suppress his anger.

Losing his temper here would not bring back the missing Emperor, and it was also important to come up with a plan regarding the defeated Yemaek Expeditionary Force.

“How many of the defeated soldiers have been recovered?”

“About 200,000 have returned to Yeongwon Fortress. The problem is that we have lost a large number of weapons and military supplies…”

There was still some leeway in terms of manpower.

There were 300,000 central troops remaining in Daeryang and major cities, and if needed, more could be conscripted.

There was also no major concern about military provisions.

By exploiting the vast granaries of the south, they could secure as much military provisions as they needed.

The problem was military supplies such as weapons.

“Hmm, I must immediately order Gyeongdeokjin to expedite the production of military supplies.”

At Hwangbo-gwang’s words, Jo Won-gyun nodded.

“Gyeongdeokjin is a city where all the best workshops in the world are gathered, so there should be no problem with the production of supplies. More importantly, has the analysis of why our army was defeated been completed?”

In terms of military strength, the Yemaek Expeditionary Force should never have lost.

Not only did they have a numerical advantage, but they had also secretly deployed a legion of over 100,000 Jiangshi [reanimated corpses controlled by magic].

Therefore, he thought there must be another reason why the Yemaek Expeditionary Force had been defeated.

“As a matter of fact, we have received a message from a spy we sent to Yemaek. According to the spy’s report, a man called the king of the northern continent came to their aid, leading armored giants.”

“What did you say? Armored giants!”

“Yes, their number is said to be around one hundred.”

Jo Won-gyun also knew about the armored giants called ‘Gigantes’.

When these massive steel behemoths, over 10 meters tall, moved, the ground would rumble as if an earthquake had struck.

As a substitute for what they could not get, Jo Won-gyun’s faction had also requisitioned Gigantes from merchants from the northern continent and sent them to the Yemaek Expeditionary Force.

However, it was said that Luke, the king of the north, had brought more than three times the number of Gigantes that they had requisitioned.

“The armored giants are a problem, but the northern barbarian king is also very skilled in magic, and our side’s Taoists were no match for him.”

Hwangbo-gwang omitted the story of Guigokja’s death.

His alliance with the infamous Guigokja was as much a secret as the mobilization of the Jiangshi legion.

“It is said that the northern goblins that appeared in the capital some time ago were also sent by that barbarian king.”

“Tch! He should be taking care of his own land across the sea, why is he interfering in the affairs of another country?”

“What else would you expect from a barbarian? They are ignorant of morality and blinded by greed. They must be planning to use Jo Won-rak as a puppet to swallow this entire empire.”

“Ugh! How infuriating…!”

Just as Jo Won-gyun, enraged by Hwangbo-gwang’s plausible words, was about to slam his hand on the hilt of his sword, the door of the main hall burst open, and a low-ranking official in charge of communication between the central and local governments rushed in.

“T-terrible news, Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

“What terrible news is it?”

Hwangbo-gwang asked, speaking for Jo Won-gyun.

“100,000 Yemaek troops have crossed the border and invaded our country. According to the messenger’s report, their target is Daeryang.”

“What? These barbarians have gone completely mad!”

Hwangbo-gwang wore an astonished expression.

They might have been lucky enough to fend off the attacks of the Jiangshi and the Yemaek Expeditionary Force.

But to dare to invade the Song Empire, and even try to occupy Daeryang?

His face flushed red, and he immediately issued an order.

“Tell Lee Si-baek, the lord of Yeongwon Fortress, to immediately seal the border. And send 30,000 Pyo-gi troops as reinforcements right away!”

While the 30,000 Pyo-gi troops and the border guards bought time, Hwangbo-gwang planned to lead the central elite troops himself and crush the Yemaek army.

However, the low-ranking official stammered as he continued.

“T-that is impossible… Lord Lee Si-baek of Yeongwon Fortress and the nearby lords have surrendered to the Yemaek army, and the border has already been breached.”

“What!”

The officials in the main hall, including Hwangbo-gwang, were shocked.

If Yodong Fortress was the center of defense against the Song Empire’s army, Yeongwon Fortress was the key base for preventing the Yemaek army’s invasion.

But for Yeongwon Fortress to surrender without even firing a single arrow!

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, we must immediately execute Lee Si-baek and the surrendered lords’ nine generations to set an example! And we must quickly dispatch troops to stop the Yemaek army at the gates leading to Daeryang!”

“The Prime Minister’s words are absolutely correct!”

“Quickly execute the traitors and annihilate the enemy!”

At Hwangbo-gwang’s words, the officials in the main hall agreed in unison.

Just as the main hall was in chaos and confusion, like a bustling marketplace, the door creaked open again, and an elderly general clad in red armor entered.

Splendid armor that looked like fish scales.

A cloak with a red dragon that seemed ready to ascend to the heavens embroidered on a black background.

Clang! Clang!

Every time the large general took a step, the sound of metal echoed.

The strange rhythm, combined with the mountain-like pressure emanating from the elderly general, silenced the noisy main hall in an instant.

“Your subject, former Commander of the Imperial Guards and Red Dragon King Lee Yung-mu, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

He raised his right hand to his chest, and it was none other than Lee Yung-mu, the best martial artist of the Southern Continent and the de facto head of the military.

As Lee Yung-mu gave his military salute, Hwangbo-gwang interjected, sounding displeased.

“Red Dragon King, who has voluntarily resigned from his post, what brings you to the main hall?”

Lee Yung-mu had not been on good terms with Jo Won-gyun since he had taken over the regency.

A parachute-appointed Prime Minister from the outer family and a long-time de facto head of the military.

It was inevitable that conflicts would arise.

This reached its peak when the Yemaek Expeditionary Force was formed.

When the position of Grand Commander of the Expeditionary Force, which he had naturally expected to be his, was taken by a nobody named Gwan Chang, Lee Yung-mu, feeling his pride wounded, resigned from his post and withdrew.

“Wouldn’t it be better for you to remain in seclusion and train your juniors? Or perhaps change your grandchildren’s diapers.”

As Hwangbo-gwang mocked him, Lee Yung-mu calmly retorted.

“I wanted to live comfortably while changing my grandchildren’s diapers, but I have no time to rest because of the incompetent fools who have ruined 600,000 troops.”

“W-what did you say!”

Regardless of Hwangbo-gwang’s face turning red, Lee Yung-mu turned his gaze to Jo Won-gyun and calmly spoke his words.

“Your Highness. I have heard the news that Yemaek has crossed the border and invaded our country.”

“So?”

Jo Won-gyun asked, twitching his eyebrows.

As the de facto head of the military, it was understandable that he was quick with information.

But what did that have to do with his appearance in the main hall now?

He was already a recluse who had resigned from his post.

Lee Yung-mu looked at Jo Won-gyun with piercing eyes and said,

“How can I rest at home when the ruthless barbarians are trampling on our country’s mountains and rivers? Please allow me to lead the army and stop them!”

Lee Yung-mu had been the most loyal subject of the Song Empire since the previous Emperor’s reign.

Whenever there was a foreign invasion, he would always lead the army to suppress them, and he had never lost a battle, earning him the nickname of the Ever-Victorious General.

There was no way he would stand idly by while Yemaek, with whom he had fought for dominance over the Southern Continent for a long time, invaded.

‘If Lee Yung-mu steps forward to stop the Yemaek army, there could be nothing more reassuring. But this man has always been displeased with me.’

After a moment of contemplation, Jo Won-gyun gestured for Hwangbo-gwang to come closer.

When he approached, he asked with a look if he could trust the Red Dragon King.

Hwangbo-gwang, activating the ring he had received from Arsen that blocked sound, whispered in his ear.

“Honestly, based on the surveillance so far, I think we can trust his words.”

Lee Yung-mu was the number one target of surveillance for Jo Won-gyun’s faction.

Therefore, Hwangbo-gwang had planted spies around him in multiple layers and kept a constant watch.

As a result, he had confirmed that during the past month since he had retired from the military, he had remained at home, not meeting any particular individuals or contacting any forces.

“And as long as he believes that the Emperor is with us, he will never betray us.”

‘Indeed…’

Lee Yung-mu’s greatest strength and weakness was his loyalty to the Emperor.

His loyalty was almost blind.

That was why Hwangbo-gwang and Jo Won-gyun had kept him in check but had not yet eliminated him.

As the two were whispering, Lee Yung-mu suddenly drew his sword from his waist.

Swish!

The startled guards of the main hall quickly surrounded Lee Yung-mu and pointed their swords at him.

However, Lee Yung-mu, unconcerned, took off his helmet and then used his sword to cut off his topknot [traditional hairstyle for men in East Asia].

Then, he respectfully offered the severed topknot to Jo Won-gyun.

Hwangbo-gwang could not help but be surprised by this.

In the Song Empire, it was said that the body, hair, and skin were received from one’s parents, and one did not cut their hair carelessly.

Especially warriors were not allowed to touch their hair, even if a sword was at their neck.

This was due to customs and pride, but also because there were Taoist techniques that used a person’s hair to control them.

Therefore, offering one’s hair was tantamount to entrusting one’s life and death to another.

‘Is this man serious?’

While Hwangbo-gwang was wondering, Lee Yung-mu, who had respectfully offered his severed topknot to Jo Won-gyun, thumped his chest and said,

“It is true that I have been displeased with Your Highness. However, now it is more urgent to stop the enemy than to prioritize past feelings. If I fail to stop the enemies, then cut off my head like this severed topknot!”

‘Hmm…’

Hwangbo-gwang’s eyes gleamed ominously at those words.

He had just come up with a good idea.

He told Jo Won-gyun his thoughts, and Jo Won-gyun made a decision.

“Very well. I entrust General Lee Yung-mu with 100,000 elite troops, so show those eastern barbarians who dare to be ignorant of their place a taste of their own medicine!”

“I am deeply grateful, Your Highness!”

Lee Yung-mu bowed countless times to Jo Won-gyun.

Thus, Red Dragon King Lee Yung-mu’s departure was decided.

On the eastern wall of Daeryang.

Hwangbo-gwang, who was watching Lee Yung-mu’s departure in the distance, had a sinister smile on his lips.

It was the typical smile of a villain plotting a scheme.

There was one reason why Hwangbo-gwang had agreed to Lee Yung-mu’s request to go to war.

It was because he had found the perfect opportunity to cut off Lee Yung-mu’s head.

Lee Yung-mu, the supreme master of the Southern Continent.

He was a figure who could not be killed in a head-on confrontation.

Even if all the top masters of the Hwangbo family and the Black Shadow Unit were deployed, there was no guarantee of success.

However, it was only difficult and troublesome, not that he could never be killed.

Even a tiger, the king of the mountains, could be hunted and killed by humans much weaker than itself.

Anyway, Hwangbo-gwang, who had been watching for the perfect opportunity, replaced the commanders of the expeditionary force with his own henchmen.

His intention was to make them lose in battle or die together.

It was fine if Lee Yung-mu died in battle, or if he was defeated and returned.

He would just cut off his head as promised.

“Hehehe. Lee Yung-mu! You will never survive this battle.”

Hwangbo-gwang’s voice, sinister yet triumphant, flowed from his lips as he gazed at the distant expeditionary force.

2

The advance of the Yemaek army and the rebel army was smoother than expected.

This was because the Lord of Yeongwon Fortress, who was thought to be the first gateway across the border, had surrendered, leading the nearby lords and generals.

King Biryu had already been informed by a spy, but he kept it a complete secret.

He did not tell Luke, nor Jo Won-rak, who led the rebel army composed of Song Empire soldiers who had surrendered in Yodong Fortress and martial artists from the Pyogi Army.

He only told them the truth just before entering Yeongwon Fortress.

“Why didn’t you tell us in advance?”

Jo Won-rak asked, his tone tinged with resentment.

He was worried that King Biryu’s mind had changed after leading the war to victory.

Then, Luke, who was next to him, stepped in and said,

“It seems that His Majesty did so with the intention of boosting the morale of the soldiers, so don’t be too resentful.”

“Morale, you say?”

“That’s right. Although the justification for the advance lies with the rebel army, the reality is that many are wavering.”

The rebel army had risen with the justification of overthrowing Jo Won-gyun’s faction, who had insulted the envoy and abandoned the way of the martial world.

Most of the martial artists responded to this justification, but the military officers from the noble families or powerful clans did not.

As long as Jo Won-gyun’s faction held the supreme justification of the emperor, they were afraid of being criticized as traitors who had brought in foreign forces.

According to the law of the Song Empire, those who rebelled against the imperial family would have their nine clans exterminated [a severe punishment affecting the extended family].

“Moreover, they haven’t won the hearts of the common soldiers either. There must be many who joined the rebel army simply to survive.”

Deep down, many probably thought that if they remained prisoners of the Yemaek, they might be treated as slaves, and they followed out of fear that they might be killed if they did not.

The heavy steps of such officers and soldiers became much lighter the moment they saw the wide-open gates of Yeongwon Fortress.

The fact that the generals guarding the important border were defecting one after another made it seem that the Third Prince Jo Won-rak had not only justification but also the upper hand.

A successful rebellion is not a rebellion.

It will be recorded in history as a revolution.

“We have a long way to go to Daeryang, so it would be a problem if we lose our strength from the start.”

“I see. I failed to consider that in advance.”

King Biryu and Luke’s party, who had entered Yeongwon Fortress, received the utmost hospitality from Lee Si-baek.

After letting the soldiers rest for a day, they set off for Daeryang again the next morning.

The military force, which had been joined by Lee Si-baek’s troops, marched with great dignity.

There were no particular difficulties.

The generals and lords they encountered on their march were either frightened and ran away or did not dare to respond.

The power of the Yemaek and Symphonia armies was frightening, but above all, the sight of the Jiangshi [reanimated corpses] that the rebel army had put forward made them lose the will to fight.

The rebel army publicized the Jiangshi they had with them like this:

“These Jiangshi were originally good people of Song, created by the immoral Jo Won-gyun and the powerful relative Hwangbo-gwang in league with Guigokja!”

“Jo Won-gyun’s faction cruelly killed them and even took away their rest, using them as tools of war!”

“We do not use them as weapons. We will simply return them to their hometowns, as the old Taoists did.”

“Do not block the path of the dead seeking rest! Those who do will be regarded as part of Jo Won-gyun’s faction and punished!”

In reality, the rebel army only marched and did not use the Jiangshi in battle.

Simply spreading the atrocities of Jo Won-gyun’s faction everywhere with the Jiangshi in front had a considerable effect.

The rebel soldiers were happy that there was no fighting, but there were also those who found it boring.

“Ah, it’s no fun! Your Majesty, at this rate, we’ll just keep marching and it’ll be over.”

Shirley, who was riding in a trailer with Luke, said with a bored expression.

“War isn’t always about blood and clashing swords. Sometimes a city can fall with just a word, and sometimes just taking one more step can make the enemy flee.”

“But I want to fight strong people. Haa, can’t someone pick a fight with me?”

According to what she had heard from Hwangbo-sung, there were many skilled martial artists and generals in the martial world and military of the Song Empire.

Among them, there were quite a few Sword Master-level experts, so she had been looking forward to it, but instead of fighting, only flies were buzzing around!

Shirley’s boredom ended on a plain about 100 li [approximately 50 kilometers] away from Daeryang.

An army of 100,000 was blocking their path, which was on a different level from the Song Empire’s army that had been running away until now.

A scout who had gone out on reconnaissance hurriedly returned and reported.

“Your Majesty, there is a red dragon flag in the enemy camp!”

“What!”

At the mention of the red dragon flag, Biryu, Jo Won-rak, and even Hwangbo-sung were startled.

Only Luke was tilting his head.

“Is there a problem?”

At his question, Hwangbo-sung replied with a stiff expression.

“My lord, the red dragon flag is only raised when Red Dragon King Lee Yung-mu goes to war. It is a symbol that represents him in the military.”

“Red Dragon King Lee Yung-mu? If that’s him, he’s definitely the strongest martial artist in the Song Empire…”

“Yes, he is so loyal that he is called the guardian of the Song imperial family. He is also the greatest master in the history of the Southern Continent in spear techniques.”

“Lee Yung-mu…”

A strong competitive spirit arose in Luke’s eyes.

When he first came to the Southern Continent, he had heard stories about Lee Yung-mu.

He was also the strongest in the Northern Continent.

He had thought that he would like to face him someday, but he never expected to meet him here today!

Unlike Luke, who was excited, the rebel army was greatly agitated.

“W-why is General Lee Yung-mu on Jo Won-gyun’s side…”

“Isn’t it because His Majesty the Emperor is in Jo Won-gyun’s grasp?”

“Anyway, does that mean we have to fight the Red Dragon King?”

“D-damn it. If we lose here, it’s over!”

“Our good days are over.”

It wasn’t just the rebel army that was agitated.

The Yemaek army, centered around the Muklin Ghost Cavalry, also showed signs of great tension.

They had also heard so many rumors about Lee Yung-mu that their ears were sore.

And the generals who had actually fought him were frowning with a look of having eaten shit.

The only ones who were not shaken were the Symphonia Kingdom army.

They did not know who Lee Yung-mu was, so they just looked ahead calmly.

While the allied forces were generally in disarray, a general in red armor holding a spear rode forward from the enemy camp.

“I am Lee Yung-mu, the general of the Imperial Guard and known as the Red Dragon King! You rebels, listen carefully to my words!”

Lee Yung-mu’s cry echoed loudly throughout the entire allied forces, consisting of the rebel army, the Yemaek army, and the Symphonia army.

Even ordinary martial artists could amplify their voices with internal energy.

However, Lee Yung-mu, a supreme master, was on a different level.

Even though he was almost 1 kilometer away from the allied forces, his voice shook the entire vast plain like thunder falling from the sky.

“Ugh. That old geezer is a real monster!”

Lenard, who covered his ears with his hands, frowned deeply.

His head was throbbing that much.

Among the ordinary soldiers who heard Lee Yung-mu’s cry, many fainted and collapsed, and even knights and officers staggered while covering their ears.

“I don’t know what your intentions are in coming this far, but if you advance any further, my spear will not forgive you!”

Boom! Boom!

King Biryu, who looked around at Lee Yung-mu’s cry, clicked his tongue and grabbed his bow.

“Tsk, we can’t just leave him be.”

It would be a problem if their morale was broken before the fight even started.

Just as he was about to draw his bow at Lee Yung-mu, Jo Won-rak, who was barely holding onto the reins, stepped forward to stop him.

“Your Majesty, please wait! I will try to persuade him.”

“…Do you think he can be persuaded?”

At Biryu’s question, which came a beat late, Jo Won-rak replied,

“But shouldn’t we at least try?”

He wanted to avoid a meaningless clash.

Even if they fought here, it would only be the people of the Song Empire who would be sacrificed.

The majority of the troops, both allies and enemies, were young people of the Song Empire.

Luke supported his intention.

“I also think it’s not a bad idea to try to persuade him.”

“Hmm, if that’s the case.”

Biryu looked very skeptical, but he did not oppose it to the end.

As he lowered his bow, Jo Won-rak rode his horse towards Lee Yung-mu.

Clatter! Clatter!

When Je Gal-hwi and the Imperial Guard escorts tried to follow, Jo Won-rak waved his hand.

“You stay here.”

“It’s dangerous, Your Highness!”

“It’s okay. Going together will only raise suspicion rather than help…”

Despite Je Gal-hwi’s pleas, Jo Won-rak went alone to Lee Yung-mu.

Lee Yung-mu, who wondered who would dare to come at him from the enemy camp, recognized Jo Won-rak’s face and made a dumbfounded expression.

“Third Prince?”

“Haha! It’s been a while, General.”

Lee Yung-mu looked at the allied forces and frowned, saying,

“This is absurd. Je Gal-hwi, what is he doing not escorting His Highness?”

Protecting the imperial family was the primary goal of the Imperial Guard.

Lee Yung-mu was the general of the Imperial Guard, and Je Gal-hwi was one of the subordinate generals he had led.

Even though their camps were divided, he was furious that they were not following what he had taught them so thoroughly.

“Hmph, whether General Je Gal is by my side or not, the General can take my head whenever he wants, can’t he?”

That was true.

If Lee Yung-mu decided to, even ten Je Gal-hwi’s could not stop him.

“Knowing that, you came before me? Don’t you know that there are those in the imperial palace who are eagerly waiting for your head to be delivered?”

“Of course, I know. But if the General truly intended to take my head, he would have already done so.”

Before being a martial artist, Lee Yung-mu was a general who protected the country.

For victory, he could have devised tactics such as ambushes or surprise attacks, and he could have done despicable acts such as assassinations.

If Lee Yung-mu had decided to eliminate Jo Won-rak with such thoughts, he would have taken action before he even got here.

But the fact that he had not done so meant that he did not yet have the intention to kill Jo Won-rak.

Jo Won-rak looked at Lee Yung-mu with sincere eyes and said,

“General, I am not waging war for my personal greed. I made this unavoidable decision because I want to restore everything to normal.”

“It may be an unavoidable decision for Your Highness, but war is a matter between nations. Even if Your Highness wins the succession war with the backing of the Yemaek, do you think they will willingly withdraw?”

They would surely demand a price.

Whether it was land or treasure, it would be entirely borne by the people of the Song Empire.

Even after rescuing the emperor, Lee Yung-mu was standing on Jo Won-gyun’s side and blocking the allied forces to prevent national loss.

“General, do you know that Jo Won-gyun’s faction has immorally created Jiangshi?”

At Jo Won-rak’s question, Lee Yung-mu nodded calmly.

“I have already heard the rumors.”

“Then you must also know that they are making the Emperor a puppet and manipulating state affairs. Yet, do you still intend to stand on their side?”

“Do not judge my loyalty as you please. I intend to stop the foreign enemies first, and then catch the thieves who are eating away at the country and disrupting the laws.”

At Lee Yung-mu’s words, Jo Won-rak made a dumbfounded expression.

“Y-you mean you’re going to do that alone?”

“Do you think I can’t do it?”

At Lee Yung-mu’s confident attitude, Jo Won-rak could no longer persuade him.

That was the extent of Lee Yung-mu’s confidence.

“I understand your intentions, General. However, I have no intention of backing down either.”

Jo Won-rak spoke a few more words with Lee Yung-mu, but he turned away without achieving anything.

Lee Yung-mu, watching him return to his camp, couldn’t help but be inwardly impressed.

‘The Third Prince was a typical scholar… I didn’t expect him to have such resolve.’

The fighting spirit emanating from Lee Yung-mu was difficult for even seasoned generals to withstand.

Yet, Jo Won-rak, who seemed like a mere scholar, had handled it well.

Not only that.

He had confidently declared a challenge and returned after saying everything he wanted to say.

Looking at him now, Jo Won-rak seemed more suitable to ascend the throne than Jo Won-gyun.

He had probably grown a lot through this incident.

‘He might have grown even more now.’

Lee Yung-mu smiled faintly.

He didn’t know what the future held, but he was very pleased with the growth of Jo Won-rak, one of the princes he had favored in the past.

3

“I am sorry. I failed to persuade him.”

“No, you did enough.”

Although he had failed, Luke thought Jo Won-rak’s attempt at persuasion was commendable.

Many soldiers had seen Jo Won-rak go to persuade him in person.

The soldiers were greatly moved by the dignified appearance of the Third Prince, and the unrest had calmed down considerably.

King Biryu was also proud of his son-in-law, who had shown a greater capacity than he had expected.

“Then, I guess we’ll have to break that stubborn old man.”

“King Luke, will you step forward yourself?”

Biryu asked.

There were many strong individuals in Yemaek as well.

There were the Jo-ui Seonin [Martial artists who have reached the pinnacle of their art], who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, and many skilled Taoists.

King Biryu himself was considered the strongest archer in Yemaek.

However, compared to the young king before him, they were all lacking.

He had seen him fight Guigokja, but the aura that emanated from his body felt like he was a stronger person by one or two levels, or even more.

“Of course. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time.”

*Swoosh!*

Luke, drawing the sword from his waist, spoke with a smile on his lips.

Just as he was about to step forward, an Orion [A type of large, humanoid war machine] suddenly stood up nearby and began running towards Lee Yung-mu.

“That is…?”

“Judging by the emblem, it’s Sir Shirley’s unit. It seems like a puppy that doesn’t know the fear of a tiger.”

Hwangbo-sung, frowning, shook his head.

He turned to Luke and asked,

“Shall I contact her to return immediately?”

“No, let’s watch for now.”

Luke was surprised that he had been preempted, but he decided to observe.

He liked Shirley’s display of spirit, and he was confident that he could save her if she was in danger.

*Thump, thump, thump!*

“Hmph, no matter how skilled you are, you can’t beat a Gigant [Another term for a large, humanoid war machine] with your bare hands!”

Shirley, who had been bored with the monotonous march, was itching for action.

She maximized the output of her hero-class Gigant Orion and charged towards Lee Yung-mu.

She planned to make a name for herself by turning the old man, who was supposedly an absolute master and the best spear master, into jerky in one go.

“Huhu. An armored giant, is it?”

A huge Gigant was coming towards him, and the battle axe it was wielding was flying towards him.

However, Lee Yung-mu was not flustered in the slightest.

He slightly adjusted his spear and struck the Gigant’s battle axe with the shaft with terrifying force.

*Clang—!*

“Whoa!”

Shirley’s Orion, which had passed by Lee Yung-mu, staggered as if it were about to fall.

Luke, who was watching the scene, couldn’t help but exclaim.

‘Amazing! He used the opponent’s rushing force to suppress them!’

When riding a Gigant, the rider’s aura or strength can be amplified through the core engine.

Adding the weight of tens of tons, its power cannot be ignored, no matter how strong the opponent is.

Yet, he had suppressed such tremendous power with his bare hands!

It was clear that the title of the strongest master in the Southern Continent was not an empty boast.

“Tch, is this what it means to be a Destroyer-class expert?”

Shirley, who had barely regained the Gigant’s balance, immediately turned around to launch a counterattack.

However, Orion did not move as she wanted.

The ground that Orion was standing on was very muddy.

In the short time she had been standing there, she had sunk up to the Gigant’s ankles.

“W-what is this?!”

“Hahaha. I haven’t been idle while you were coming.”

While waiting for the allied forces to arrive, Lee Yung-mu had his soldiers plow up the plains and soak them with water.

Although the number of rebels was large, their main forces were the Yemaek’s Muklin Cavalry and the Gigants from the Northern Continent.

Both of them boasted rapid mobility on the battlefield.

He had taken measures in advance to tie their feet.

“No matter how powerful a metal lump is, if it can’t move, it’s just a target for artillery.”

Lee Yung-mu, leisurely riding his horse, passed by Orion and swung his spear.

The aura that burst from the tip of the spear shattered the leg joints, and Orion sank into the mud.

*Waahhhhh!*

The 100,000 soldiers of the Song Empire cheered at Lee Yung-mu’s martial prowess and strategy.

As their cheers grew louder, Shirley’s face flushed red.

“Ugh! That’s unfair! It’s unfair!”

Shirley opened the hatch of the Gigant, which had become immobile, and ran towards Lee Yung-mu with her halberd.

When the small girl wielded a heavy spear and emitted a strong fighting spirit, Lee Yung-mu showed an interesting expression.

“You know how to handle a spear quite well.”

Lee Yung-mu spoke fluently in the common language of Rodisia.

However, Shirley had no time to be surprised by that. What was truly surprising was something else.

*Clang, clang, clang, clang!*

‘He’s, he’s blocking all my attacks with the tip of his spear!’

Shirley was amazed by the incredible sight of Lee Yung-mu simply moving the tip of his spear to block all the halberd attacks that were flying in from all directions, creating a fierce storm.

He was simply receiving her all-out attacks as if they were a child’s play!

“It’s rare to see someone who can handle a spear this well, even in the martial world… Won’t you surrender? Then I will take you as my disciple.”

“Don’t make me laugh!”

Shirley’s halberd, flustered, was momentarily imbued with hyper aura.

She had used her strongest move to break through the frustrating situation, and she had unknowingly entered the realm of a master or higher for a moment.

However, Lee Yung-mu’s movements were faster.

His eyes widened at the flashing aura, and he thrust his spear like lightning.

*Thwack!*

“Cough!”

Shirley coughed up blood and flew far away.

If she crashed into the ground like that, she might be seriously injured, or even die.

At that moment, Luke, who had appeared in the air, caught her and landed on the ground.

“Healing!”

He used healing magic to immediately treat Shirley’s injuries and handed her over to Hwangbo-sung, who had approached him.

‘No, when did he…?’

Luke, who was surprised, sent a fist salute to Lee Yung-mu, following the customs of the Southern Continent.

“Thank you for sparing our troublemaker.”

“I just didn’t want to kill her.”

Just now, Lee Yung-mu had struck Shirley with the back of his spear, not the blade.

That was why she had flown away with internal injuries instead of being pierced through.

“But you appeared earlier than I expected.”

At Lee Yung-mu’s words, Luke pointed to Shirley, who was slumped over, unconscious.

“I could have appeared even earlier than this.”

When the allied forces arrived, Lee Yung-mu sensed an unusual aura in the enemy camp.

There were many strong individuals in the enemy camp, but those mediocre beings did not catch his eye.

Only one.

The aura of a strong person, hiding a great power like a dormant volcano, was something he had felt a long time ago.

It was when he had faced off against the Sword Saint, Yeon Ga-ram.

‘I heard that the king of the Northern people had dealt with Guigokja, but… I didn’t expect it to be this much.’

Lee Yung-mu, facing a strong person who seemed similar to himself, could not afford to be complacent.

So, he decided to launch a preemptive attack.

“If you’re confident, try blocking my attack!”

Lee Yung-mu, jumping off his horse, thrust his spear at Luke with lightning speed.

The tip of the spear was imbued with an aura that was over two meters long.

*Whoosh! Bang-!*

A cloud of dust rose between the two men with a roar that sounded like an explosion.

When the dust settled, the two men could be seen stepping back a few paces.

A draw.

Neither Lee Yung-mu, who had attacked first, nor Luke, who had quickly blocked it, had gained an advantage.

Lee Yung-mu’s eyes widened as he saw a golden aura emanating from Luke’s sword.

“Golden Spirit Sword? Could you be the successor of the Sword Saint?”

“No, actually, this is the original.”

The Sword Saint Yeon Ga-ram, who had mastered the Golden Spirit Sword.

The origin of his swordsmanship was the Gold Sword.

Luke, smiling, quickly charged forward and swung the Gold Sword.

*Clang! Clang! Clang-!*

The sharp trajectories drawn in the air focused on Lee Yung-mu.

The ground and sky shook with the fast and powerful sword strikes that were like a meteor shower.

The generals and soldiers of the Song Empire and the allied forces watched the fight with wide eyes.

“L-Lee Yung-mu, the Great General, is being pushed back!”

“Just who is that man?”

Exclamations of shock and admiration flowed from the surroundings, but Luke was inwardly frowning.

Lee Yung-mu was blocking all of his attacks.

The fact that he was only defending and not attacking seemed to be an intention to gauge his swordsmanship, not because he was being pushed back.

*Kuaang!*

The moment a thunderous roar erupted, the positions of Luke and Lee Yung-mu were reversed.

At the same time, a thin stream of blood flowed down Luke’s forehead.

“Oh, I’ve been had.”

“I’m the same.”

Blood was also seeping from Lee Yung-mu’s side.

They had exchanged blows while crossing paths.

“It seems like we’ve had enough of a probing battle, so let’s start attacking properly.”

“Come at me anytime.”

As the two men changed their stances with serious expressions, a storm-like fighting spirit rose from their bodies.

*Kukwakwakwakwa!*

The battle between Luke, who had risen to become the strongest knight of the Rodisia Continent by defeating Arsen, and Lee Yung-mu, the strongest master of the Southern Continent, had begun in earnest.