Chapter 200

Chapter 200
## Chapter 200: Hunt the Phoenix (2)

Information regarding the total collapse of the Shandong Evil Clan traveled with incredible speed.

The moment they received word that their primary stronghold had been overrun and occupied by the North Sea Ice Palace, the Evil Clan’s auxiliary units pivoted instantly. Despite having the Blood Slaughter Cult nearly within their grasp, the necessity of reclaiming their ancestral lands from the northern invaders became their absolute priority.

This sudden withdrawal placed the local Shandong martial forces—who had been acting in concert with them—in a difficult position. A portion of these fighters chose to follow the Evil Clan to assist in the reclamation, while the remainder stayed behind to help the Righteous Heaven Alliance finish off the Blood Slaughter Cult.

Meanwhile, in a modest settlement located roughly a hundred li from Phoenix Mountain:

The Righteous Heaven Alliance had successfully funneled the fragmented elements of the Blood Slaughter Cult toward the mountain. They achieved this by forming a massive cordon alongside the stubborn Shandong martial families, who, despite their deep-seated distrust of the alliance and the cult’s constant baiting, refused to abandon the field.

As night fell, the upper echelon of the alliance convened within the largest of the many tents pitched across the plains.

“I truly did not anticipate such power from the North Sea Ice Palace.”

Elder Gyobang of the Hanam Divine Fist, acting with the full proxy of Alliance Leader Left Wing Swordsman, let out a heavy breath.

“I could fathom the decline of the Hebei Pang Clan—they have been fading for years—but I never imagined the Shandong Evil Clan would fall in such a pathetic display.”

“To hunt the Blood Slaughter Cult, the Evil Clan moved a vast majority of their masters and elite shock troops away from their base. They were likely defenseless against an incursion from the North Sea Ice Palace.”

Yeong Ho-pyeong shook his head, his expression clouded with sympathy.

“Is it confirmed? Have all the Evil Clan units moving toward Phoenix Mountain turned back?”

The question came from Elder Yong Cheon-bong of the Falling Moon Blade, a man who had built his reputation in Shandong before joining the alliance. He directed his query at Baek An, the Wingless Squad Leader, who sat next to Yeong Ho-pyeong.

Because it was a fledgling coalition, the Righteous Heaven Alliance suffered from many gaps, particularly in its intelligence gathering. Currently, the Wingless Squad of the Yeongho Clan served as the alliance’s primary sensory organ.

“Every member of the Evil Clan has retreated. However, a significant number of Shandong martial groups are maintaining their southward push to keep the Blood Slaughter Cult pinned. Nevertheless, the weight of that pressure has undoubtedly thinned.”

“That is only natural given their main support has vanished. It is concerning, though. We had them trapped perfectly; now, a gap might open for them to slip through.”

While the ruin of the Evil Clan was tragic, Gyobang’s primary fear was that they might lose the chance to wipe out the Blood Slaughter Cult—a plague they had worked so hard to corner on Phoenix Mountain.

“There is word that reinforcements from our own headquarters are taking a northern route to join us. They lack the raw numbers of the Evil Clan, but they will bolster our lines.”

The mood in the tent lightened at Yeong Ho-pyeong’s announcement.

“When did this report reach you?”

Gyobang asked. Yeong Ho-pyeong gave a slightly sheepish grin and gestured toward Baek An.

“I was informed just moments before this meeting began.”

The leaders turned their attention to Baek An. Unfazed by the scrutiny, the squad leader spoke with a level voice.

“The update arrived very recently. While bringing more families from the main base, the Clan Lord learned of the disaster involving the Evil Clan…”

“The Sword Empress has arrived.”

An announcement from outside cut off Baek An’s briefing.

“Ah! Let her in immediately!”

Gyobang rose quickly, his face brightening.

Neung So-hwa walked into the command tent, accompanied by Hwang Ye, Seo Yo-ryeong, and two senior elders.

“We welcome you.”

Gyobang offered a deep bow of respect, which Neung So-hwa returned with grace.

“We have arrived later than intended.”

“Think nothing of it. We have only just begun our deliberations. Please, take your place.”

Gyobang invited Neung So-hwa and her elders to be seated.

“I understand the Evil Clan’s reinforcements have pulled out,” Neung So-hwa noted.

Gyobang’s face fell slightly. “Indeed. With their home in ruins, they had no alternative.”

“How does this affect the plan to storm Phoenix Mountain?” Hwang Ye inquired.

Though she appeared to be in middle age, Hwang Ye was actually over sixty. As the junior sister of the previous Sword Empress and a high elder of the Sword Pavilion, she commanded respect even from the highest alliance leaders.

“That is the very topic we are here to resolve.”

At Gyobang’s nod, Baek An signaled a subordinate. A large, detailed map was spread across the central table.

“This is the terrain of Phoenix Mountain. The Wingless Squad suffered many losses to complete this survey.”

“The Wingless Squad…?”

Neung So-hwa asked, prompting Yeong Ho-pyeong to puff out his chest with pride.

“They are the intelligence branch of the Yeongho Clan. The Clan Lord sent them specifically to facilitate the destruction of the Blood Slaughter Cult.”

“I see. The Yeongho Clan’s dedication to the peace of the martial world is truly commendable.”

Yeong Ho-pyeong’s posture straightened even further at the Sword Empress’s compliment.

“You are too kind. Eradicating the Blood Slaughter Cult is a service to all under heaven. We are merely doing our duty.”

A few leaders, Gyobang included, caught the slight arrogance in the phrase “service to all,” but the moment passed without comment.

“Squad Leader Baek, if you would.”

Baek An stepped toward the map.

“Phoenix Mountain is split into three primary zones. The Blood Slaughter Cult has fortified this northernmost point. It was an old bandit camp they have reinforced. While the structures themselves are not impressive, the natural geography acts as a formidable rampart, making a direct climb very dangerous.”

“Is the northern sector our only target?” Neung So-hwa asked.

“Not quite. Only about half their strength is concentrated there. The rest are distributed throughout the mountain’s various ridges.”

“What are their total numbers?” Yong Cheon-bong asked, leaning over the map.

“We estimate roughly two hundred.”

“That many? I believed we had thinned their ranks more effectively.”

“They appear to be receiving constant replacements for their casualties.”

“Filthy rats! They are as difficult to kill as they are to find,” Yong Cheon-bong spat in frustration.

“I was told a new contingent of the Blood Slaughter Cult has arrived recently,” Hwang Ye said, looking directly at Baek An.

“Correct. About a hundred individuals. Our assessment is that they are elite.”

“How elite?”

“They far surpass the standard cultists. In fact, compared to our own clan’s shock troops…”

Baek An stole a quick glance at Yeong Ho-pyeong before finishing.

“To be blunt, they appear to be superior.”

Silence fell over the room. The realization that these new enemies outclassed the Yeongho Clan’s best warriors was a harsh blow to those who thought they were merely cornering trapped prey.

“Their current coordinates are here, though they shift positions daily.”

Baek An pointed to the eastern side of Phoenix Mountain.

“To be clear, tracking this specific group cost the Wingless Squad many lives. They are incredibly sharp and highly skilled; getting close to them is a lethal gamble.”

Neung So-hwa shared a significant look with Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong. She was certain this was the group the Lowly Sect had mentioned—the killers sent by the Blood Slaughter Cult to assassinate her and the Sword Pavilion’s leadership.

The two elders nodded, their faces grim with the same realization.

“The Sword Pavilion will take responsibility for that group.”

“Pavilion Lord!” Hwang Ye and Seo Yo-ryeong exclaimed in shock.

“However, I have one requirement.”

“State it,” Gyobang said, his voice tense.

“You are aware of the reports that the Blood Slaughter Cult is specifically targeting the Sword Pavilion.”

“Yes. The Beggars’ Sect confirmed it when they revealed the Lowly Sect were merely puppets of the cult.”

“We are convinced that this new group on the mountain is the weapon meant for us.”

“It is a strong possibility.”

“The risk is that there may be other hidden threats. I do not say this out of pride, but the Sword Pavilion will not fall to those numbers alone. The cult knows this as well.”

“We saw no evidence of other hidden masters,” Baek An interjected as respectfully as he could.

“This is not a criticism of the Wingless Squad’s bravery. But if there are operatives even more skilled than those you tracked, would your agents even know they were there? And if they did find them, would they live long enough to report it?”

Baek An opened his mouth to argue but found he had no logical rebuttal.

“What is it you need then?” Gyobang asked.

“A force to protect our rear.”

Gyobang’s tension eased at the modest request. “We can certainly provide that.”

“As the Squad Leader noted, the enemies here are exceptional. With unknown variables in play, the Sword Pavilion must be able to focus entirely on the front,” Neung So-hwa explained.

Gyobang realized she had someone specific in mind. “Who does the Sword Empress wish to have as support?”

After a short silence, Neung So-hwa turned to Yeong Ho-pyeong.

“I am aware the Yeongho Clan has contributed their best warriors to the Righteous Heaven Alliance.”

“That is true.”

“I request that the Yeongho Clan serves as the rear guard for the Sword Pavilion.”

Yeong Ho-pyeong wavered for a moment, looking to Gyobang for guidance. After a brief nod from the elder, Yeong Ho-pyeong answered enthusiastically.

“We shall do it. Though we may not match your prowess, we will defend your back with our lives.”

“I am grateful.”

The alliance leaders quickly ratified the plan, and the atmosphere grew much lighter. The council continued to plan the siege of Phoenix Mountain for some time. Despite the loss of the Evil Clan, the presence of the Yeongho Clan and the Sword Pavilion’s elite coordination gave them such confidence that they began to speak as though the cult was already defeated.

—

“…Everything has proceeded as intended.”

Ya Hul-jae nodded with a satisfied air as Deputy Golden Command Leader Dam Dong finished his report.

“I was wondering how to force a confrontation between Elder Yi’s children and the Sword Pavilion, but they have walked into it of their own accord.”

“Indeed. They chose that deployment even with the knowledge that we are hunting them.”

“A classic display of arrogance. Then again, for the Sword Pavilion, such confidence is to be expected.”

“They even guessed we had a hidden backup plan. Clever, though ultimately futile,” Dam Dong added.

Ya Hul-jae and Ya Hul-hun shared a cold laugh at Yi Geuk’s observation.

“It is quite funny—of all the groups to trust, they chose the Yeongho Clan.”

“Within the Righteous Heaven Alliance, they are seen as the most capable. They are the only ones the Pavilion would deem reliable enough to watch their backs.”

“Were you prepared to sacrifice the Yeongho Clan if necessary?” Ya Hul-hun asked.

“No. Even if we have to let the Sword Empress escape for now, we cannot risk our connection to them being exposed.”

Ya Hul-jae turned his gaze toward Yi Geuk.

“Ensure the Yeongho Clan has a plausible reason to retreat from the front lines when the time comes.”

“Understood. We will lead them away with a bit of coordinated maneuvering; they will follow the bait. Meanwhile, the units on Phoenix Mountain will keep the Shandong forces occupied and the alliance distracted, leaving the Sword Pavilion completely isolated.”

“What if we triggered a fight between the Righteous Heaven Alliance and the Shandong martial groups?” Ya Hul-hun suggested.

Ya Hul-jae and Yi Geuk looked at him, intrigued. “How? They are allies for the moment.”

“In the heat of battle, identities are blurred. We can dress our men as Shandong fighters to attack the alliance, and vice versa. The resulting chaos will be impossible to control.”

“A brilliant strategy. Many of the alliance units are already under our influence. If we have them strike the Shandong families, the confusion will reach a fever pitch. We can just claim it was a tragic accident afterward.”

With Yi Geuk’s endorsement, Ya Hul-jae gave his approval.

“Proceed with it. We might as well use the opportunity to thin out the weaker factions of both groups. When does the offensive begin?”

“The morning after tomorrow.”

“Ample time. By the way, has Elder Yi arrived?”

“He has.”

“Send him in. It has been quite a while since our last meeting; we have much to discuss.”

“As you wish.”

As Dam Dong exited, Ya Hul-jae raised his tea cup slowly.

“Our meeting is fast approaching, Sword Empress.”

As he pictured Neung So-hwa from their brief encounter at the Twin Swords Piercing Heaven’s base, a chilling grin spread across his face.