Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 1098

“We greet the Unparalleled One.”

At Yongseon Jin-in’s greeting, the Taoists of Mount Hua bowed their heads in unison.

Namgoong Seung shook his head.

“I appreciate the greeting, but the Young Alliance Lord is your superior. You must not forget that.”

“Ah, I apologize.”

Moyong Gun smiled and said,

“It’s alright. I’m just called the Young Alliance Lord. Now that we’re at war, the strong should be treated with respect. The elders of Mount Hua have not made a mistake.”

“But Young Alliance Lord, it is precisely because we are at war that hierarchy is even more important.”

“Isn’t there something more urgent than that right now?”

Moyong Gun asked Yongseon Jin-in.

“What are the enemy’s current movements?”

Yongseon Jin-in bowed his head and said,

“According to the scouts, they are stationed about fifty miles away. They are reporting from as far away as possible, as they could be discovered if they get too close.”

“I see.”

Moyong Gun turned his head to the left.

“Jongnam has blocked the left path.”

“That is correct.”

Yongseon Jin-in’s face was serious.

“Their movement speed is quite fast. And they have destroyed every village they passed through. Nearby sects have tried to attack them several times, but none of them have been able to inflict any significant damage on the enemy’s cavalry and were annihilated.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

The killing intent was so sharp that Yongseon Jin-in flinched involuntarily. Even though they were both supreme masters, Moyong Gun’s aura sent a chill down his spine.

‘He’s incredible. He’s become even stronger in the meantime.’

Being called the Young Alliance Lord doesn’t necessarily mean he will become the next leader of the Martial Alliance.

Now was wartime, and even the life of the Martial Alliance Leader was uncertain, let alone the Young Alliance Lord. The future was unpredictable, and there was a chance that the Martial Alliance could collapse and a new organization could be formed.

Even so, it was clear that Moyong Gun’s talent was greater than anyone else’s. Aside from that transcendent monster, Yeon Ho-Jeong, Moyong Gun was the master who represented the next generation of the martial world.

At the age of mid-thirties, his martial prowess surpassed even the Mount Hua Sect Leader. At least in terms of martial power and talent, he was more than qualified to be the second-generation leader.

Moyong Gun, who had briefly lost his composure at the news of civilian deaths, regained his calm with a short, deep breath.

“Although we have a large force here, it would be a disaster if the enemy’s cavalry were to bypass our martial forces and head south.”

“Of course.”

Yongseon Jin-in reached behind him. Then, one of Mount Hua’s top disciples brought a large map.

It was a map of Shanxi. It was almost the size of a map of the entire Central Plains, a treasure jointly created by Mount Hua and Jongnam.

“Even if the enemy is formidable, there are clear limitations to cavalry. Although there are many side roads, there are also many paths that horses cannot traverse. If we exclude all those areas, they will likely attempt a central breakthrough.”

“Hmm.”

“In fact, they are coming straight down. They are probably planning to strike the capital of Shanxi in one go and cause chaos.”

Moyong Gun nodded, but he didn’t completely trust Yongseon Jin-in’s words.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Yongseon Jin-in, but he wanted to consider all possibilities.

“This may be a rude question. I hope you will understand, Jin-in.”

“I will accept it without any misunderstanding, so please speak freely, Young Alliance Lord.”

“Is it possible that Mount Hua’s sword formation is less effective in the mountains or remote areas than on flat ground?”

Yongseon Jin-in shook his head.

“I understand why you ask that. It’s because we have stationed our forces in front of the plains when facing the cavalry.”

“That’s right.”

“Mount Hua’s sword formation, as well as Jongnam’s, is not affected by terrain. However, the important thing is that we must annihilate the enemy in this battle.”

Not just annihilation or destruction, but annihilation.

It meant that they would kill every single cavalryman without leaving a single one alive.

“Compared to northern Shanxi, there are many people living in the central and southern regions. It is regrettable that we could not prepare in advance and send Mount Hua’s swordsmen to the north, but the deed has already been done, and the enemies are rapidly advancing south.”

“In other words, we can’t allow the enemies to slip through the side roads and cause chaos near the capital.”

“Exactly. We are currently evacuating civilians, but they live in the martial world without being related to it. Even if there is nothing more precious than a human life, how futile would it be to lose one’s home in a battle?”

Yongseon Jin-in’s eyes flashed.

“We will meet the enemy here and annihilate them all.”

They would not let the enemy escape the front lines.

That will was admirable, but Moyong Gun could not think that Yongseon Jin-in’s and Jongnam’s judgment was wise.

Of course, Mount Hua and Jongnam, the two pillars of Shanxi, were full of confidence. Although the enemy numbered ten thousand, they also had Mount Hua, Jongnam, and countless affiliated families. The sects of Shanxi that had not branched out from Mount Hua and Jongnam also participated.

Their number reached six thousand. Adding the two thousand troops of the Martial Alliance, the total force was eight thousand.

Furthermore, they were fighting with a geographical advantage, having secured familiar terrain. They had every reason to be confident.

However.

“Since you said you would listen without misunderstanding, I will be frank. Mount Hua and Jongnam’s will is admirable, but your tactical judgment was not good at all.”

The elders of Mount Hua hardened their faces.

Yongseon Jin-in calmly asked,

“Why do you say that?”

“The mindset of not letting a single cavalryman pass is something that should remain just that—a mindset. Throughout history, no tactician has ever chosen to face cavalry on a plain. That is because the plains are where cavalry is most powerful.”

“Of course, we know that. However, that is the tactic of ancient nations that did not properly train in martial arts. Unless horses are taught martial arts, the cavalry will easily collapse in the face of a martial artist’s relentless attacks.”

Moyong Gun looked around.

Yongseon Jin-in, as well as the elders of Mount Hua and the leaders of each sect, were all nodding.

Moyong Gun sighed.

“Then, let me ask you. How many of you have actually experienced combat with cavalry?”

Only a few leaders of small and medium-sized sects raised their hands.

There had been several instances where some northern nomadic tribes had invaded Shanxi. They had experience fighting them.

“The hit-and-run tactics of the nomadic tribes are different from their tactics. Their numbers are also different, and their individual martial prowess is worlds apart.”

“But Young Alliance Lord.”

“Decisively, the Three Teachings are skilled in sorcery that our Central Plains martial world cannot even imagine. They use bizarre techniques such as forcibly overlaying the souls of the dead onto the bodies of the living, or regenerating limbs that have been severed.”

“……!”

“And they even sent cavalry in the initial battle. Those who know strategy and tactics know better than anyone the importance of the initial battle. Many organizations send their best elites from the start of the war to win the initial battle.”

“…….”

“Throughout history, it is forbidden to underestimate the enemy in any way. Even if you devise a plan from the enemy’s perspective, you cannot guarantee victory in war. This time, Mount Hua and Jongnam’s response was clumsy.”

The faces of the Mount Hua elders, which were already stiff, became even stiffer.

Of course, they knew that Moyong Gun’s words were correct. However, their pride as the leaders of Shanxi, along with Jongnam, was stronger than that of the other Nine Sects.

Moreover, the leaders of the small and medium-sized sects were present. They couldn’t be happy to hear that they had made a wrong decision.

Even in the midst of that, Yongseon Jin-in remained calm.

“Then, Young Alliance Lord, how do you think our forces should move?”

“You must stay here.”

“Yes?”

Everyone looked at Moyong Gun in surprise.

Moyong Gun no longer sighed. The battle was imminent. As a commander and the Young Alliance Lord of the Martial Alliance, he had to manage his expression.

“You must have divided your forces and formed sword formations according to the terrain while stationed here. Now that you have already designated this place as the battlefield, if you suddenly change your tactics and charge out, you could suffer even greater losses.”

Yongseon Jin-in, who was about to say that the swordsmen of Mount Hua had that much flexibility, blushed. He had seen Namgoong Seung, who was standing behind Moyong Gun, clicking his tongue.

Moyong Gun spoke forcefully.

“We all know how powerful Mount Hua is. However, all wars must assume the worst.”

“I understand. Then…”

“We will move.”

“Yes?”

“The two thousand troops of the Martial Alliance will engage the enemy first. After that, Mount Hua and Jongnam will fight the enemies who break through us.”

Yongseon Jin-in was startled.

“That won’t do! The warriors of Shanxi must protect Shanxi! We are grateful for the support troops from the Martial Alliance, but we cannot concede the first battle to the support troops!”

It wasn’t just about pride.

It was also a matter of morale. The morale of the Shanxi troops, who were burning with the will to fight the enemy, was considerable. They would be greatly flustered if the Martial Alliance engaged the enemy first.

“Please urge the unit commanders to maintain that morale. There must be a reason why Mount Hua chose this place as the battlefield. It’s not just for annihilation, but to maximize the use of sword formations and unit operations, isn’t it?”

“Of course, but this is…”

“Battles in war must be conducted in the most rational way, excluding merit or pride.”

“……!”

“Fortunately, all the troops who came with us are experienced in field battles. We don’t know the level of the enemy, but since our army’s response is quick, we will be able to ensnare the cavalry in some way.”

Namgoong Seung nodded.

“If things don’t go well, we can always retreat after fighting a bit.”

“That’s right. We are not trying to annihilate the enemy, but to find out their level and lead them to the optimal situation. So, please prepare accordingly in Mount Hua.”

Yongseon Jin-in, who had been quietly watching Moyong Gun, nodded.

“I understand what the Young Alliance Lord is saying. We have taken this battle too lightly.”

Relief appeared on Moyong Gun’s face. He was glad that Yongseon Jin-in had understood his words clearly.

“Before we receive the next information, I will briefly devise a plan regarding the operation of the Martial Alliance troops. Until then, please instruct the Shanxi troops to rest properly.”

“Understood.”

After sending away the leaders, Moyong Gun took a deep breath.

Namgoong Seung frowned and said,

“I was thinking of going and saying something.”

“No. It’s enough that the Sect Leader understood.”

“Those people are frustrating. Their will to not involve civilians is good, but the enemy is not stupid, so they won’t just let it happen.”

“Thinking from the enemy’s perspective is as difficult as scooping water from a lake to fill the sea for someone who has never done it before.”

“It would have been a disaster if we hadn’t come.”

“That’s something we won’t know unless we face it directly.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes turned to the west.

“I need to send someone to Jongnam while preparing the plan.”