When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 188
Chapter 188
The next day, Baek Giha, his expression lighter than before, declared war against the Ju Clan to the other Clan Heads.
The young successor of the Yeo Clan, having hurriedly concluded the inauguration ceremony, also arrived at White Stone Pavilion with the Yeo Clan Head’s seal, as the Yeo Clan couldn't be excluded from this war.
Since they were mobilizing their entire army, the preparations took longer than expected.
But since all the Clan Heads agreed that they couldn't give the Corrupt Dragon any more time…
They decided to launch a swift attack, even if their preparations were incomplete, even if it meant sending their elite warriors first.
After the decision was made, everyone in White Stone Pavilion was busy with the preparations, but the most anxious among them was Youngchae.
“My lady, please reconsider. Take me with you.”
“Youngchae, I would like that, but someone has to assist Father when he returns.”
“It doesn’t have to be me. Youngsun and Youngmoo will be back when Mother returns, so they can help the Elder.”
“But what if Mother’s return is delayed? Your help is crucial here, carrying out the plan with Father and Mother. I’ll leave that to you.”
Seeing that Youngchae was still unwilling to give up, Sehwa smiled slightly. “Are you worried about me?”
“Of course! How can I not be?”
Youngchae’s gaze darkened.
“You went to the Ju Clan territory to rescue Madam Cheon and the young masters, and after you returned, you immediately left for the Human Realm. And then you went to the Ju Clan’s inauguration ceremony…”
Youngchae had been so worried about Sehwa that she hadn't been able to sleep properly.
It would be better to be by Sehwa's side, acting as her shield, than to stay here and worry.
“I won’t be a burden! I’ll stay out of your way if you tell me to, I’ll hide underground if you tell me to, I’ll climb a tree if you tell me to… and of course, I’ll fight if you tell me to!”
Sehwa’s expression turned slightly troubled. She understood Youngchae's concern.
But the vanguard was meant to breach the Ju Clan’s barrier and launch a swift attack. So, no one was bringing any attendants.
She couldn't be the only one with a maid.
‘And Father will need help explaining the situation to the exiled Ju Clan members when he brings them back…’
Just as she was hesitating, she heard footsteps approaching.
“Why don’t you take her with you, my lady? It’s your first battle. Everyone will understand.”
“Elder Simjung!”
Elder Simjung looked much thinner than when she had first met him, but his complexion and expression were much brighter.
Youngchae’s face lit up at his support.
The old elder approached Sehwa and knelt. “Elder! What are you—”
“I just came from asking the Clan Head for reinstatement.”
“!”
“I know he must be worried, leaving White Stone Pavilion like this. And I have no excuse for my past actions.”
“Elder…”
“So, if you’ll permit me, I’d like to offer you my vassalage.”
“Elder! Vassalage?! That’s—”
“This isn’t just for you, but for our Clan Head as well. It would ease his mind, knowing he has someone he can trust completely watching his back, especially with the heavy burden he carries.”
“Then you should ask Clan Head Baek, not me.”
“No, he would be a hundred times happier if I became your vassal than his.”
“?”
“I’m certain, knowing our Clan Head, so please don’t worry.”
“But…” Sehwa hesitated, “you’ve served the Baek Clan for so long, you’ve been his guardian since he lost his parents. How can I accept your vassalage?”
A vassal contract was no different from a slave contract.
It was an agreement of absolute obedience, where one had to follow every command, even if it meant death.
Except for Choi Jangmyung, who had no choice, there was no need to make others her vassals.
“I understand your concern. But you and the Clan Head are about to face a crucial battle,”
Elder Simjung said in a calm, low voice.
“I can no longer say with confidence that there are no traitors within the Baek Clan, not after what happened. I didn't even know the extent of the Ju Clan's influence within our clan. So my vassalage will serve as a warning to them.”
His eyes met Sehwa’s.
“If they see one, they’ll wonder if there are others. It will make them hesitate, make them more cautious, create openings.”
His eyes were clear and sincere, unlike before.
“I will not miss those openings and expose them all. So, please allow me to be your vassal, if only for a short while, so I can protect you and the Clan Head, who will be facing the greatest danger while fighting the Ju Clan.”
Just then, a clear voice spoke, “My lady, please accept Father’s offer.”
It was Baek Hyoseong, Elder Simjung’s daughter.
“Lady Hyoseong, you can walk now?”
“Of course! Thanks to your healing, Lady Sehwa. Thank you again.”
Baek Hyoseong’s belly was noticeably round now, thanks to her having used all her spiritual power, even shattering her Core, to protect the child in her womb.
“But why did you come all the way here? You could have sent for me.”
“How can a vassal summon her master? I also wanted to offer you my vassalage, but my father beat me to it.”
“!”
Baek Hyoseong smiled softly at Sehwa’s surprise. “Please, don't worry about our pride. We’ve faced death, what do we have to lose?”
Elder Simjung agreed, “That's right. All we care about is protecting the Baek Clan and the other Five Clans, so you and the Clan Head don't have to worry about anything.”
“So please accept our vassalage.”
“Please.”
Sehwa, looking at the father and daughter kneeling before her, smiled wryly and helped them up.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your vassalage.”
She quickly explained, so they wouldn't misunderstand, “I understand your intentions. But those who are deterred by vassal marks are those who would gladly sacrifice others for their own gain, like Elder Jaehyun and Jae Munju.”
“......”
“I don’t want those who prioritize their own interests over the safety of their clan and the balance of the Mystic Realm, those who would betray us without hesitation, to remain in the new era.”
Sehwa’s crimson eyes gleamed.
“So, I’m asking you for a different kind of service. Without vassal contracts, those who are wavering will reveal their true colors while we’re away. It might be even more chaotic than Elder Simjung’s plan to expose them by making them cautious. But I’m asking you to identify and eliminate them all. Every single one of them, including those who are waiting to see which side will benefit them more before deciding to betray us. Please, restore order to the Baek Clan so that we can entrust our backs to you. Can you do that?”
Elder Simjung, finally understanding her intentions, smiled.
“Of course. As you wish.”
“Thank you.”
“But I still have one request. I understand about the vassal contract, but how about taking Youngchae with you?”
Baek Hyoseong gestured towards Youngchae.
“I would be the most suitable person to explain the situation to Elder Myoungyoon when he returns. After all, I experienced the body switching firsthand.”
“But Youngchae has never been to war—”
“Neither has Lady Sehwa.”
Baek Hyoseong’s hand gently covered Sehwa's, which was resting on Youngchae's shoulder, her gaze warm.
“War is… different from what you might imagine. There will be times when you’ll need comfort.”
“Of course, the Clan Head will be with you, but what if he can’t always be there for you? Youngchae can offer you support.”
“Of course! I will! I’ll make sure you’re safe, my lady, both physically and mentally!”
Youngchae exclaimed excitedly.
“Please take her with you. We won’t be able to rest easy knowing you’re going into battle without anyone to attend to you.”
With Elder Simjung adding his voice to the request, Sehwa, unable to refuse, smiled wryly.
On the day of their departure, the sky was clear and blue.
Five thousand warriors, selected from the Six Clans, assembled to march towards the Ju Clan territory.
Despite the thousands of warriors gathered, an eerie silence filled the air, not even the rustling of leaves could be heard.
Baek Giha stepped forward and slowly scanned the ranks of warriors, his gaze meeting each of theirs.
Only after he had seen every face, every eye, did he speak. “Warriors of the Six Clans.”
The elite warriors’ gazes sharpened, their attention focused on Baek Giha.
“You’ve already heard everything from your Clan Heads. This battle will be different from before. With Divine Beasts on both sides, it will be a difficult fight. Many will lose their lives.”
But, he added, “You know, better than I do, how important this war will be in the history of the Mystic Realm, how long the story of our first step into a new era will be told.”
Before stepping out here, he had felt a flicker of doubt.
But now, standing before his warriors, he was the leader of the Six Clans, the victorious commander of the ten-year war, his earlier hesitation gone.
“Let’s restore order to the Mystic Realm and leave our mark on history. We need your strength to usher in a new era for future generations.”
He looked at the warriors, who were still silently watching him, and asked, “Will you join me?”
At his words, the warriors stomped their feet.
Thump. Thump.
Those holding bows struck the ground with the ends of their bows, those holding spears with the tips of their spears, their feet pounding the earth rhythmically.
Five thousand warriors wasn’t a large number, but…
Their spiritually empowered stomps shook the earth as if an earthquake had struck.
It was as if they were answering him in unison.
They weren’t afraid.
They were ready.
They would gladly follow him.
At this moment, all differences—clan, age, true form—were forgotten, their hearts and minds united.
A smile touched Baek Giha’s lips as he watched them, his voice lighter than before as he shouted, “Go and tell the entire Mystic Realm! We will defeat the coiled serpent!”
The sound of a war horn echoed through the air, following his words.
“Victory will be ours!”
And so, on a clear day, as the north wind heralded the arrival of winter…
Five thousand warriors marched towards the Ju Clan territory.
At the forefront of the army, riding side by side, were Baek Giha and Sehwa, their pristine white and crimson robes a stark contrast to the grim-faced warriors following them.
And among them, her face bright with excitement, rode Youngchae.
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