Translator: Nox
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Siege on the Move
#1
The next morning, Peng Hyeon-do meditated by the stream.
His saber rested beside him.
Qi flowed cleanly now — smoother than before.
The wound on his ribs had sealed.
But the memory remained.
<He was good.>
Too good.
He needed to be better.
Behind him, Mo Seo-hwa approached silently.
“You improved.”
“I had to.”
She sat nearby.
“You’re not afraid of death?”
“I am.”
“Then why keep provoking it?”
He opened his eyes.
“Because fear isn’t what kills you. Hesitation is.”
She said nothing.
But her eyes softened.
#2
Back at camp, Jeongga Yeong-yeong organized the ledgers.
“Prices for iron have increased,” she muttered.
Jin-hyeon peeked over her shoulder.
“Still planning to set up a forge in Peng territory?”
“Yes. We’ll need blacksmiths and trade routes.”
“And protection.”
She smiled faintly.
“We have that now.”
#3
The group continued their journey — now deeper into contested lands.
Hyeon-do stood atop a moving wagon, scanning the hills.
“Bandits?”
“No,” Seok-hyeon said. “Too quiet.”
That worried him more.
Silence meant intent.
Organization.
Then he spotted it—
A smoke signal.
Zhegall code.
“Warning flare?”
“Level two,” Seok-hyeon confirmed.
“Prepare to halt. Defensive formation.”
The caravan shifted quickly.
Guards took positions.
And just in time.
A new group approached.
But not bandits.
Not mercenaries.
A detachment from the **Iron Horse Clan** — a mounted warrior sect infamous for surprise raids.
Their leader raised a hand.
“We’re here under Sado-Ryeon contract.”
“Which means?”
“You’re the target.”
#4
The Iron Horse riders formed ranks.
Spears. Hooves. Mounted archery.
A mobile siege.
Hyeon-do tightened his grip.
“Formation Seven. Hold the center.”
Team 13 moved like clockwork.
Yi Baek raised his halberd.
Seok-hyeon began controlling flow with signal talismans.
Jin-hyeon rained arrows from the rear.
Mo Seo-hwa prepared poisons and antidotes.
And Hyeon-do stood at the front.
[Thunder Fang – Tri-Strike!]
Lightning crackled.
He charged.
And the battlefield lit up like a storm.
【End of Chapter 30】
