Emperor Of Steel [EN]: Chapter 163

The Decisive Battle of the Red Pine Forest

From morning, Daeryang was in an uproar.

This was due to a series of murders that had occurred in various residential areas, including the slums.

In Daeryang, a city with a large population, murders were not uncommon, but the problem was the rumors that accompanied them.

“Is it true? Did Hwang Bo-gwang really poison the capital?”

“Yes, in the next neighborhood, two strong men guarding the well died last night. They say it’s a poison that turns you into a Jiangshi [a type of Chinese hopping vampire or zombie] if you drink it. You must never drink well water!”

“Come on, don’t joke around. How can there be such a poison?”

“That’s because you don’t know. Don’t you know about the Jiangshi that appeared in the slums last time? It was rumored to be a plague, but it was actually because of the poison that Jo Won-gyun released!”

At first, people were skeptical of these rumors spread by the Hao Mun disciples at dawn.

However, the situation changed when people who drank well water in some areas suddenly lost their vitality and died.

Moreover, when the corpses of those who died suddenly from this strange disease turned into Jiangshi and rampaged, the controversy exploded.

“Did they really release a poison that turns people into Jiangshi?”

“It’s true! You know Jang, the fabric merchant in the next neighborhood? His old mother drank well water and suddenly died, but during the funeral, she suddenly got up and bit her daughter-in-law to death.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“It’s true, I saw it with my own two eyes! If it weren’t for the passing warriors, things would have been much worse.”

These testimonies poured out from all over.

Moreover, not long after, strange figures presumed to be Jiangshi appeared on the streets and committed indiscriminate killings.

While this was happening, for some reason, the imperial palace and government offices were doing nothing.

Fortunately, the situation did not worsen significantly because the warriors of the Hao Mun and Zhuge families stepped in to quickly deal with the Jiangshi that appeared.

They not only dealt with the Jiangshi but also, through the monks of the Sejon Church and friendly hermits, taught the people how to cope.

“Everyone, never drink well water!”

“If you need water, collect rainwater, or if not, be sure to boil it before drinking!”

“The corpses of those who died from the strange disease or were bitten by Jiangshi must be cremated!”

Hwang Bo-yoon and Zhuge Shin experimented by feeding the contaminated water to chickens and dogs and found that boiled water was safe.

However, the poor were still exposed to danger.

This was because the prices of clean water and firewood had skyrocketed after the coping methods were made known.

The Hao Mun stepped in to provide relief, preventing the worst-case scenario, but they could not stop the rising anger of the poor.

“You crazy bastards! Why are you poisoning perfectly good wells!”

“Even the Red Dragon King [referring to Yi Yung-mu] turned against Prince Jo Won-rak, so they must be out of their minds. They’re not going to hand over Daeryang easily, are they?”

“Does that mean they’re going to kill innocent people too!”

“Haven’t you heard the rumors? They’re the vicious bastards who used Jiangshi as weapons during the conquest of Yemaek. They don’t even see us poor people as human beings.”

The public sentiment quickly boiled over like a volcano.

But it wasn’t just the public sentiment that had become so ominous.

The dining hall inside the Central Army barracks located in the capital.

“What’s going on! It’s mealtime now, why is it so deserted?”

The military officer in charge of the meal distribution was sweating profusely at the roar of the general who had come to inspect the dining hall.

“Th, that is, for some reason, no one has come to eat since this morning.”

“What? Are these guys daring to refuse the provisions given by His Majesty!”

“It seems that there are rumors that something strange has spread in the water, so everyone is feeling uneasy.”

It wasn’t as if all information from the outside was blocked inside the barracks.

The soldiers were also hearing about what was happening outside. Moreover, the Hao Mun was deliberately spreading information to the troops.

“Do you think that’s an excuse? They say it’s okay if you boil the water!”

‘Damn it, what am I supposed to do when they refuse to eat even then!’

The military officer frowned inwardly at the general’s anger.

Currently, there was a subtle rumor circulating within the barracks.

“They say the Crown Prince is trying to turn the entire Central Army into Jiangshi!”

Normally, they would have dismissed it as absurd nonsense.

However, rumors were spreading that Hwang Bo-gwang’s faction had created Jiangshi and used them in the war, and with Yi Yung-mu having turned to the rebel army, the current war situation was very unfavorable, so they couldn’t help but be suspicious.

Even ordinary people, if turned into Jiangshi, would have combat power comparable to that of a martial artist.

If the Central Army soldiers were turned into Jiangshi, they would become an even stronger force.

“Immediately summon the entire army! Those who do not eat will be punished according to military law!”

Thus, the Central Army soldiers were forced to eat.

Naturally, they couldn’t feel at ease, and their uneasy feelings soon turned into resentment and anger towards Hwang Bo-gwang’s faction.

“Damn it, if I become a Jiangshi, I’ll bite Hwang Bo-gwang and his lackeys to death first!”

“Don’t talk nonsense. If you become a Jiangshi, you have to fight as they tell you to.”

“Yeah, if you’re going to kill them, you have to kill them before you become one.”

Just as ominous stories were circulating among the soldiers, a military order was issued from above.

At first, they thought they were going to stop the enemy advancing towards Daeryang.

However, the Central Army was heading not outside the capital but to the city of Daeryang.

“What the hell happened?”

“They say there’s been a riot in the slums.”

“A riot?”

“Yes, the people have started attacking the government offices and the imperial palace.”

The reason they rose up was because of the imperial guards that Hwang Bo-gwang had released.

At first, when the imperial guards appeared, they thought they were trying to resolve the Jiangshi situation, albeit belatedly.

However, the imperial guards left the rampaging Jiangshi alone and arrested those who were spreading rumors, and even those who fought against the Jiangshi or taught coping methods, which was an absurd act.

Moreover, if they refused to be arrested, they were summarily executed on the spot.

Naturally, the enraged public sentiment had no choice but to explode.

“Let’s catch and kill the evil spirits who are trying to kill all the people of the capital!”

“Let’s drag out Jo Won-gyun and cut off Hwang Bo-gwang’s head!”

At first, the government offices near the slums were attacked and set on fire.

However, when even ordinary people who had lost their relatives to the Jiangshi joined the riot, government offices throughout the capital and the residences of high-ranking officials who sided with Hwang Bo-gwang were attacked.

Those who had seen blood in this process did not easily calm down.

Hwang Bo-yoon and Zhuge Shin spread rumors that added fuel to the fire.

“Prince Jo Won-rak’s rebel army is just around the corner!”

“The reason His Majesty the Emperor collapsed was because Jo Won-gyun tried to poison him!”

“They say His Majesty has escaped from Jo Won-gyun’s clutches and has been rescued by the rebel army!”

“The reason General Yi Yung-mu turned to the rebel army is because he received orders from His Majesty!”

“The real traitors are in the imperial palace!”

As the situation became so serious, the Central Army, following the imperial guards, also stepped in.

Even the private soldiers of the Hwangbo family and the ministers joined the suppression.

However, the unrest did not subside easily.

More than half of the people of Daeryang had participated in the uprising, and the warriors of the Hao Mun and Zhuge families were at the forefront, giving them strength.

Not only them, but also the literati who had been watching until now and the martial arts sects located in the capital also rose up with swords and bows.

Many people were already aware that Hwang Bo-gwang’s faction had been cornered.

No one wanted to be sacrificed in their last struggle.

Waah! Waah!

Jo Won-gyun clenched his fist with a stiff expression at the rough shouts coming from afar.

The ministers inside the main hall were immersed in heavy silence.

Less than half of the ministers were present in the vast main hall.

Some had run away with quick wit, and some had been caught by the rioting people and suffered a miserable fate.

Except for the ministers who had been brainwashed, those who remained were probably thinking of sneaking away.

That’s how bad the current situation was.

If Jo Won-rak’s army were to invade while a large-scale riot was taking place in the capital, everything would be over.

‘Can I really survive if I run away?’

‘It would be better to cut off Jo Won-gyun or Hwang Bo-gwang’s head and offer it up…’

‘Damn it, there’s no way that’s possible!’

While some ministers were sighing deeply, Hwang Bo-gwang entered the main hall.

As if to indicate that the situation was unusual, he was wearing armor instead of his usual ornate silk official robe.

“How is it, Prime Minister?”

At Jo Won-gyun’s question, Hwang Bo-gwang bowed and replied.

“The imperial guards and the Central Army have annihilated the rioters. So, please calm your heart.”

Hwang Bo-gwang, having reported this, turned to the ministers and said.

“Now that the unrest has subsided, you should all return to your respective government offices and resume your duties.”

“It still seems noisy outside, though?”

At a minister’s question, Hwang Bo-gwang scoffed and retorted.

“Hmph, it’s just the shouts of the soldiers who are suppressing the remnants. So, there’s no need to be afraid.”

Hwang Bo-gwang, having sent out all the ministers who were inwardly uneasy, spoke to Jo Won-gyun with a serious expression, unlike before.

“Your Highness, the Central Army has sided with the rioters.”

“As expected… I thought that would happen.”

Hwang Bo-gwang had also previously won over the Central Army commanders.

However, they alone could not completely control the soldiers.

They had almost completely split and defected to the people’s side, led by the lower-ranking officers.

“There is no doubt about the loyalty and skill of the imperial guards we have under our control. If we had time, we could suppress the riot. But now we have to leave the capital. Jo Won-rak’s forces have reached the vicinity of Daeryang.”

“Kuh!”

Excluding the troops that Yi Yung-mu had taken, there were 100,000 imperial guards and 30,000 Central Army soldiers stationed in the capital.

However, with the 30,000 Central Army soldiers siding with the rioters, even the imperial guards were wavering.

In this state, they could not possibly hold out in Daeryang.

The internal rift was more fatal than the external attack.

“We have to escape as originally planned, but I’m worried about being caught from behind, Prime Minister.”

According to the plan, the people of the capital were supposed to drink the poisoned well water and become Jiangshi, and die together with the allied forces.

If that happened, the allied forces entering the capital would suffer serious damage, and they would be able to build up their strength in Luoyang, the base of the Hwangbo family.

However, the Jiangshi operation had failed before it could even take effect properly.

It seemed that the ones who had messed things up were the ones who had taken the Emperor away.

There were some who had been caught, but now there was no time to properly interrogate them and root them out.

If they lingered here, they would be caught by Jo Won-rak and Yi Yung-mu.

“There is still a way to avoid being caught from behind.”

“Surely… you’re not suggesting we burn down the imperial palace?”

Jo Won-gyun frowned and asked.

“Unfortunately, we have to. That’s the only way to buy time right now.”

The Song Empire’s imperial palace, Taehwa Palace, had also been burned down during the Rebellion of the Eight Kings in the past.

It was the last desperate act of Cho Yeo-mun, the King of Cho, who was driven to the brink and did not want to hand over power to Emperor Jinjong.

Jo Won-gyun, who knew this fact well, couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

He felt like he was becoming like Cho Yeo-mun, who was remembered in history as a traitor of all time.

“Tch! If that’s the only way, then there’s nothing we can do.”

Jo Won-gyun made a decision.

He had no intention of being captured by Jo Won-rak here.

Soon after, Jo Won-gyun and Hwang Bo-gwang selected only the elite of the imperial guards and escaped the imperial palace through a secret passage.

They left some soldiers behind to buy time so that the rioters could not pursue them.

Whirr! Whirr!

“Fire! Fire!”

“The imperial palace is on fire!”

Immediately after they escaped the imperial palace through the secret passage.

The Taehwa Palace, which had continued its history for over 500 years since the Rebellion of the Eight Kings, was once again engulfed in flames by those who had not abandoned their dirty greed.

Luke was now leading only the Symphonia Kingdom army and was ambushing in the Red Pine Forest to the west of Daeryang.

When they were almost reaching Daeryang, he had received a message from an informant of the Zhuge family who had infiltrated the capital that Jo Won-gyun’s faction might abandon the capital and flee.

Therefore, Luke left the occupation of Daeryang to Yemaek and the rebel army, and he himself led his troops and hurried here to capture Jo Won-gyun’s faction.

“Your Majesty, do you really think they will come this way?”

Count Lenard asked with a worried face.

The highlight of this war was, without a doubt, the capture of the Song Empire’s capital.

Capturing the enemy’s capital was like ending more than half of the war.

However, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed that he was missing out on the operation that would bring the greatest merit and had come to this remote place.

“I think they will come.”

However, Luke’s thoughts were firm.

If they had intended to defend the capital, they would have come out to intercept them at least once to buy time.

However, there was no sign of that at all while advancing towards Daeryang.

“Hah, I hope so.”

Lenard, who had witnessed the duel between Luke and the Red Dragon King Yi Yung-mu a few days ago, was in a state of excitement.

He also wanted to have a great duel against a life-or-death opponent.

According to Hwang Bo-sung, there were many masters in the imperial guards and the imperial family’s personal guards of the Song Empire.

Among them, there would be those who had reached the pinnacle of mastery, if not as good as Yi Yung-mu.

‘Please, I hope just one of them gets caught.’

It was then that Lenard was inwardly praying and licking his lips.

Thud thud thud!

The ground shook violently, and dust rose in the distance from the direction of Daeryang.

Lenard immediately took out an artifact with Hawk Eye magic from his pocket and examined the area.

‘They’re here!’

His face brightened.

The place where the Symphonia Kingdom army was currently ambushing was on the path from Daeryang to Luoyang, where the Hwangbo family’s main residence was located.

Although it was not an official road, Luke predicted that they would use this path because it was the shortest route to Luoyang, as they were in a hurry.

And that prediction was correct.

‘His Majesty’s words were right.’

Just as he was making an inwardly impressed expression, Luke sent a message magic used at short range into the minds of each commander.

“We’ll draw them in completely before attacking. As per the previously mentioned plan, do not kill their leader; capture him if possible. Understood?”

‘Yes, Your Majesty!’

The Symphonia Kingdom soldiers hidden on either side of the Red Pine Forest responded in unison, pounding their chests.

Whoosh!

The moment Luke cast his magic, the presence of the troops hidden in the forest vanished as if they were ghosts.

Thud thud thud!

A large, magnificent carriage appeared, escorted by elite Imperial Guards in their splendid armor.

The Yellow Dragon Flag, symbolizing the Imperial Family, was planted on the roof. Inside were Hwangbo Gwang and Jo Won-gyun.

However, Jo Won-gyun seemed displeased, his mouth agape.

“Damn it, I, the son of the Emperor, never thought I’d be forced to flee like a whipped dog because of these commoners, after they burned down the Imperial Palace.”

‘Is it really because of the commoners…?’

Hwangbo Gwang was certain that there were instigators behind the people.

‘I knew there were suspicious individuals active in the capital… I underestimated them too much.’

Hwangbo Gwang had previously received a report from his subordinate about spies secretly operating in the capital.

However, he was too busy with the Yemaek subjugation [a military campaign against the Yemaek tribe] at the time and overlooked it.

Frankly, he was arrogant, thinking that a few spies couldn’t possibly harm him, who had control over the martial world and the Imperial Family.

But he never imagined that they would expose his plot to release assassins from the Salmak [a notorious assassin organization] and spread the Jiangshi [a type of reanimated corpse] virus in the wells.

They were likely the same group that rescued the Emperor, or at least they were working together. They were definitely connected to Lee Yung-mu.

In any case, things had gone wrong because of those rat-like individuals, and Jo Won-rak’s allied forces were advancing faster than expected, forcing them to hastily escape from Daeryang.

As a result, they couldn’t properly secure the Imperial Palace’s precious treasures or the brainwashed subordinates.

“Think of it as temporarily entrusting them to the rebels. We can reclaim them later.”

Hwangbo Gwang was confident that he could make a comeback.

Although things had gone awry, he believed that he could reverse the situation with Arsen’s help.

The reason he hadn’t actively sought his help until now was because he thought the price he would have to pay for his assistance would be enormous.

Moreover, after seizing control of the court and ousting Jo Won-rak, he didn’t feel the need for him as much.

‘Seeing how things have turned out, he’ll surely mock me and demand a huge price… but it can’t be helped. Reversing the situation is the priority.’

Just as Hwangbo Gwang was inwardly grinding his teeth, Jo Won-gyun, who was tired of being annoyed, asked a question.

“By the way, Uncle, how is the preparation for the relocation to Luoyang going?”

Luoyang was the capital of the Jin Dynasty, the dynasty before the Song Empire.

As such, it had a large population and well-established infrastructure, including the Jin Dynasty’s city walls, Imperial Palace, and various government buildings, making it suitable as a second capital.

The reason they were heading to Luoyang wasn’t just because the Hwangbo family’s main residence was there.

“I have already contacted the main family and made all the necessary preparations. As soon as we arrive in Luoyang, we will hold the Crown Prince’s enthronement ceremony.”

Having lost the Emperor and Daeryang, the tide had turned against them.

Therefore, Hwangbo Gwang planned to quickly enthrone Jo Won-gyun as Emperor and then gather the forces that followed them.

Soldiers being conscripted from the provinces and martial arts experts forcibly recruited from the martial world were all being gathered in Luoyang.

Once their forces and troops were assembled, they would launch an expedition to recapture the capital.

“We also plan to borrow troops from the Kalmyks in the western highlands. The Kalmyks are a barbarian tribe as powerful as the Khitans, with a formidable military force.”

“Whatever the case, hurry as much as possible. I want to avenge the humiliation inflicted by the rebels as soon as possible.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

Just as the two were conversing, the carriage suddenly stopped.

“What’s going on?”

Hwangbo Gwang, who had leaned out of the window, asked, and Wang Cheong, the Left General of the Imperial Guards, approached and reported.

He was the second-in-command of the military and the strongest master after Lee Yung-mu in the Imperial Family.

“There is a dense Red Pine Forest ahead. Shall we scout it?”

Hwangbo Gwang glanced ahead and nodded.

“Scout it as thoroughly as possible.”

Even though they were fleeing in a hurry, they couldn’t neglect reconnaissance.

In particular, the Red Pine Forest had a large area and was densely packed with red pine trees tens of meters high, making it perfect for a fire attack.

Although the Imperial Guard soldiers were the Song Empire’s best elite, they would suffer heavy losses if caught in a fire attack in the forest.

As soon as Hwangbo Gwang gave his permission, Wang Cheong issued an order. Then, about ten cavalrymen at the front rushed towards the Red Pine Forest.

The cavalry, who were usually trained for this kind of task, carefully searched the forest.

After about thirty minutes, they returned and reported that the forest was safe.

“What about the sorcery?”

At Hwangbo Gwang’s question, the Imperial Guard officer who had gone on reconnaissance replied.

“The Imperial Palace sorcerer who accompanied us has scouted the area, and he said there were no traces of sorcery being used.”

This was a measure taken in case soldiers were hidden using sorcery.

Although the Imperial Palace sorcerer was less skilled than Guigokja, he was one of the best in the Song Empire, so if he said there was none, then there was definitely none.

“Tsk, we don’t have time, we should just go…”

From behind, Crown Prince Jo Won-gyun grumbled impatiently.

Ignoring it, Hwangbo Gwang gave the order to move again.

Then, a procession of 30,000 soldiers, 2,000 cavalry, and hundreds of carts and carriages began to enter the Red Pine Forest.

‘Hehehe, that level of sorcery can’t detect my magic.’

Luke stood atop a red pine tree that was easily over 100 meters tall.

He was watching the Imperial Guard procession entering the Red Pine Forest.

They weren’t fools either, and they had done a preliminary scout.

Skilled masters with keen senses and a sorcerer had entered the Red Pine Forest and thoroughly examined it.

However, Luke had prepared for this by using 8th circle magic on the entire Symphonia Kingdom army, creating a considerable level of concealment magic.

This magic perfectly concealed their appearances and sounds, as well as the tense aura the soldiers were emitting. Even if a Sword Sage-level master had come, they would have found nothing.

“Hehehe, just a little more, just a little more, come in!”

Luke waited until they were completely inside the Red Pine Forest before giving the order to attack.

– Attack!

The first to respond to his message magic were the Gigant units at the front and rear.

The riders, already aboard their mounts, injected mana into the control magic stones, moving their massive bodies.

Kiiiiing!

Woo-oong!

The sharp and majestic core engine sounds erupted simultaneously in the quiet forest.

Breaking through the branches, the Gigants revealed their massive bodies and began to charge towards the enemies.

Thump thump thump!

“W-what is it?”

“It’s an armored giant! An armored giant has appeared!”

The Imperial Guard soldiers were shocked by the sudden appearance of the Gigants.

They had thoroughly scouted the area and never imagined that enemies would be hiding in the Red Pine Forest.

Especially not armored giants from the Northern Continent.

Crash!

Boom!

The Gigants that charged at the front and rear of the Imperial Guard attacked mercilessly.

Some Gigants were using greatswords to send soldiers and their horses flying, while others were swinging massive axes or maces, turning them into a bloody mess.

Some even uprooted large trees to swing or rolled boulders.

“Kuaaaak!”

“Keek!”

No matter how elite the Imperial Guard soldiers and officers were, they were not skilled enough to face armored giants with their bare bodies.

There were some generals who had reached the peak of their skills, but they were positioned in the center of the formation due to their status.

Therefore, the units at the front and rear of the formation were swept away helplessly by the initial surprise attack.

“Stop them! Don’t retreat!”

Belatedly, the generals and masters of the Hwangbo family tried to step forward.

However, they had their own opponents.

Earl Lenard and Shirley, along with the high-ranking knights, charged in with the Blood Band warriors.

“Hehehe! Where do you think you’re going in such a hurry!”

“Ohohoho! Do you know how long Shirley has been waiting for you old men? You’re going to have a lot of fun with me from now on, so be prepared!”

The Symphonia high-ranking knights had even given up their Gigants to their subordinates or comrades for a more thrilling battle.

Closing the distance in an instant, they each charged at a seemingly suitable opponent and engaged in close combat.

Whoosh— Bang!

Shirley’s halberd fell towards an Imperial Guard general wielding a spear.

“Kuh! How can such a small girl be so strong!”

The general, who had blocked the powerful blow, was pushed back and looked bewildered.

Shirley may look small and thin, but as a half-dwarf, her strength was far greater than that of human knights.

“Hohoho, I am Shirley, the beautiful girl master of the Symphonia Kingdom.”

“Beautiful girl, my foot! You’re just a skinny little runt!”

The general, who was fluent in Northern dialect, retorted, and Shirley glared at him with narrowed eyes.

“What did you say? Runt?”

“Don’t get cocky just because you succeeded in a surprise attack! I am Jo Yang, the Thousand Commander, a member of the Imperial Family’s collateral line, and I have mastered the Imperial Family’s Ascending Martial Arts and spear techniques…”

“You’re ugly and talk too much!”

Shirley, who was getting annoyed, infused her halberd with aura and swung it.

The general, who had identified himself as Thousand Commander Jo Yang, dodged Shirley’s attack and launched a sharp counterattack.

It was no lie that he had mastered the Imperial Family’s Ascending Martial Arts; his spear thrusts were quite fierce.

However, Shirley did not back down and continued to fight back.

‘If I can’t even beat this loudmouth, I’ll never be able to beat that old man called the Red Dragon King!’

Shirley, who was inwardly frustrated by her complete defeat against Lee Yung-mu, gritted her teeth and swung her halberd.

Clang clang clang!

Clack clack clack!

Next to Shirley, who was fighting Jo Yang, Earl Lenard was fiercely exchanging blows with Wang Ssang, the Right General of the Imperial Guard.

Wang Ssang was the cousin of Left General Wang Cheong, and as the third-in-command of the Imperial Guard, he had stepped into the realm of the transcendent.

In the terms of the Rodisia Continent, he was between an upper-level and top-level Sword Master.

With a little more practical experience and enlightenment, he would have reached the top-level Sword Master.

For Lenard, who had recently reached the upper-level Sword Master, he was a difficult opponent.

However, he pushed his opponent relentlessly with an all-out offensive, disregarding defense.

‘Kuh, what kind of guy is this?’

Right General Wang Ssang was bewildered as he continuously parried the greatsword that Lenard was swinging.

It seemed like there would be many openings since his opponent was attacking all-out, but he was too busy blocking to find an opportunity to counterattack.

This was the result of Lenard, who had often sparred with Luke, learning how to face stronger opponents.

‘Hehehe, His Majesty said that when facing an enemy stronger than yourself, you should use any means necessary to prevent them from using their full strength.’

You must create a situation where a strong enemy cannot use their full power to win.

This was the advice Luke gave to the Sword Masters of the Symphonia Kingdom at the end of their sparring sessions.

Following this advice, the Sword Masters of the Symphonia Kingdom, including Hwangbo Sung, had developed their own methods.

Some studied combined attacks with subordinates or comrades, while others studied methods to buy time by defending thoroughly.

Although it seemed somewhat cowardly, war was not a sparring match, so they each developed the best methods they could.

Among them, Earl Lenard had developed a method of seizing the initial momentum with a surprise attack and pushing forward with an all-out offensive.

It was called the Beast Sword because the trajectory of the sword followed the instincts of a beast.

Of course, there were flaws in this method as well.

If the opponent was stronger than he thought or was skilled in defense, the offensive was likely to fail.

However, Wang Ssang, whom he was facing now, was right on that borderline.

There wasn’t much difference in skill between him and Earl Lenard, and the martial arts he had mastered were more focused on offense than defense.

Having lost the initial momentum, he was constantly on the defensive without being able to show his strengths.

‘Hmm, everyone is fighting well.’

Luke, who was standing on a tree, glanced around the battlefield and smiled.

His subordinates were performing better than he had expected.

Frankly, riding a Gigant doubled their combat power. They could easily face opponents one or two levels stronger than themselves.

But for some reason, Earl Lenard and Shirley, along with the high-ranking knights he had brought, had requested to fight with their bare bodies without Gigants.

Luke couldn’t help but hesitate for a moment.

If nothing else, the martial arts of the Southern Continent were superior to those of the Northern Continent.

This was because the Southern Continent had a world of martial artists called the Gangho Murim [a community of martial artists].

Unlike the Northern Continent, which focused on the military and the possession of powerful weapons, the martial artists of the Southern Continent, who had developed and trained their martial arts centered around families and sects, were bound to be more skilled.

There were also many Ascending Martial Arts and far more masters at the peak.

However, in the end, Luke granted his subordinates’ request.

He couldn’t keep them by his side like hothouse flowers forever.

To develop to a higher level, it was more effective to engage in life-or-death battles than sparring.

But he wasn’t just worried.

He believed in the teachings he had imprinted on his subordinates’ bodies through sparring.

‘But I don’t see Hwangbo Sung. Where did he go?’

At first, Luke was puzzled because he couldn’t see Hwangbo Sung, who had been with Lenard and the others.

So he scanned the forest and found him in front of the most magnificent carriage with the Yellow Dragon Flag, and his eyes lit up.

There was a high probability that his half-brother was there.

‘Was it Hwangbo Gwang? The one who tried to kill Hwangbo Sung by trapping him in order to take control of the family…?’

Hwangbo Sung, who had almost died from his half-brother’s scheme, had completely forgotten his family and pledged his loyalty to Luke.