Chapter 98, The Northern Swamp and Devil Mist

Translator: StarReader

 

Daoist Han Shan, accompanied by Sun Baihong, Han Pingshan, Li Shuo, and other Grandmasters, along with tens of martial group leaders, led government troops and over ten thousand disciples to disembark at the western Cave Mountain’s Northern Swamp.

 

Li Shuo cast a glance at the tall, thick reeds within the swamp. This western island in the Vastest Lake bore heavy moisture.

 

After another night, frost clung thickly to the reeds’ stalks and leaves like a thin snowfall. Though the reed bed stretched for miles in yellowed expanses, the ice made it damp and resistant to fire attacks.

 

The sight of this vast swamp caused everyone’s expression to darken. In the martial world, it was known that one should avoid forests and swiftly pass mountains, lest they fall into ambushes. This sprawling Northern Swamp, with reeds taller than people and densely packed, hid its secrets well; entering such a labyrinth could lead to immediate danger.

 

Even hiding thousands of pirates within this swamp would be effortless. Without mounts, seeing beyond a hundred paces was impossible. Only swaying reeds hinted at what lay hidden inside. Moreover, due to transport limitations, few groups had brought horses on board.

 

“Daoist,” Li Shuo gestured toward the endless Northern Swamp, “This is the infamous Northern Swamp of Western Cave Mountain. Its dense reeds make it perfect for ambushes. Government troops have attempted to clear it many times but always retreat defeated before reaching the Whale Gang’s headquarters atop Misty Peak. How do you propose we proceed?”

 

Daoist Han Shan’s face was grave as he stared into the distance. “This swamp is too perilous, Daoist. Are there other paths leading to Misty Peak?”

 

After a moment of astonishment, one of the junior leaders spoke up. “There’s an option to land on Four Dragon Mountain in the southeastern direction. But that area is treacherous, filled with steep valleys and cliffs, perfect for ambushes. It’s just as dangerous as the Northern Swamp. And there’s also Little Mountain, a vast marsh where you can wade through but could easily get stuck in the mud. Are any of you willing to lead your forces there to try?”

 

Daoist Han Shan calmly replied, “The landscape around Four Dragon Mountain and Little Mountain is too risky compared to the Northern Swamp.”

 

The leaders exchanged glances, falling silent as they realized each route to Whale Gang’s Misty Peak stronghold was fraught with danger.

 

Daoist Han Shan had spent years studying West Cave Mountain Island, knowing it intimately. Compared to the rugged terrain of Four Dragon Mountain and Little Mountain, the Northern Swamp seemed like the safer option.

 

A water army officer stepped forward, addressing the group leaders. “There’s no need for concern, gentlemen! Our alliance boasts five Grandmaster experts. Whale Gang has only one Grandmaster, Scholar Liu Hong, whom we vastly outnumber. Even if it were Liu Hong himself, he wouldn’t dare face our five Grandmasters head-on.

 

“We have three thousand water soldiers and ten thousand martial disciples,” the officer continued. “Most are above third-rate level. While Whale Gang claims to have tens of thousands of pirates, half of them are recent recruits with barely a year of training. Their true elite forces are negligible. Plus, our court’s troops have repeatedly clashed with the Whale Gang and know where their main grain storage is located.

 

“The Vastest Lake is vast indeed, but only Misty Peak has suitable caves for storing food for tens of thousands. The smaller islands are too small to defend or store food due to the high humidity levels. Our court’s troops have tried before without success.”

 

Governor Zhao’s pre-battle instructions were clear: their forces had a numerical advantage, and by pushing forward steadily and destroying Whale Gang’s grain supply, they would secure victory. Even if Whale Gang fled, their grain storage couldn’t be moved.

 

The minor leaders nodded in agreement at this persuasive argument.

 

Daoist Han Shan scanned the room, his gaze falling on each leader. “We have a significant advantage with five Grandmasters and ten thousand disciples. We should send an advance team of disciples to scout the Northern Swamp for any ambushes while the main force prepares behind them.” He asked, “Who among you is willing to take this responsibility?”

 

The leaders turned as one, gazing into the distance. Venturing into the treacherous Northern Swamp as the vanguard of the alliance was a risky task. Losing even a few hundred disciples could mean the annihilation of a medium-sized group.

 

These were loose alliances between groups from the Wu Region, none subordinated to the others, so no one wanted to take on that risk alone.

 

Daoist Han Shan scanned the leaders, shaking his head. He paused on Manager Liu and Han Shu, asking, “Will Heaven Falcon Group’s thousand disciples lead the vanguard?”

 

Manager Liu sighed inwardly. With Han Ya absent, he had little influence but bowed in agreement, “Our Heaven Falcon Group’s elite thousand will lead the vanguard into the Northern Swamp.”

 

Ah Chou hid amongst the disciples, avoiding notice. He’d been to Han Mountain Daoist Temple with Su Chen before, feeling uneasy about Daoist Han Shan and his colleagues.

 

“Good,” Daoist Han Shan nodded approvingly. “But you’ll still need a Grandmaster to command you. Without one, you could fall prey to Liu Hong.”

 

Han Pingshan stepped forward calmly. “I’ll go. I can’t let Heaven Falcon Group’s disciples take on that risk alone.”

 

“Brother Han is truly noble and just, a true hero of the Wu Region!” the leaders exclaimed.

 

“As Wu Region’s top Grandmaster, Brother Han’s strength is undeniable,” they agreed. “His greatsword excels in defense. Even if surrounded by pirates or facing Liu Hong, he can hold out until reinforcements arrive.”

 

Han Shu hurriedly thanked him. “Thank you, Uncle Han!”

 

“Since Elder Brother Han is willingly volunteering to lead, you shall head the vanguard of a thousand Heaven Falcon Group disciples, entering the Northern Swamp to scout for any ambush. If you encounter enemies, do not panic; our reinforcements will swiftly arrive. If there are no enemy forces in the Northern Swamp, we’ll quickly march through and assault the Whale Gang’s stronghold at Misty Peak.” Daoist Han Shan instructed, then turned to his personal disciple, “Jingshi, you’re familiar with this island’s terrain. Accompany Elder Brother Han to prevent getting lost.”

 

“Yes, Master!”

 

Amidst the distinguished group of first-rate Daoists and experts at Han Mountain Daoist Temple, a middle-aged Daoist stepped forth to accept the mission—one of the remaining four personal disciples, Daoist Qingshi.

 

“Good,” Han Pingshan nodded, “Having Daoist Qingshi along will make navigation easier.” He then led the charge with a thousand Heaven Falcon Group disciples, followed by Deputy Chief Steward Liu Rufeng, Han Shu, and Qingshi, into the Northern Swamp to scout ahead.

 

The Heaven Falcon Group’s advance was smooth. They swept through the swamp meticulously, leaving no inch unexplored, but found no signs of pirate ambushes.

 

Han Pingshan dispatched a scout to report back to Daoist Han Shan and the leaders that they could proceed. Some leaders voiced their confusion: “Strange, this swamp is perfect for ambushes. Why hasn’t Whale Gang set any traps here?”

 

“It’s likely because Whale Gang realizes our forces are too strong. They’ve probably recalled all pirates to defend Misty Peak,” someone suggested.

 

“This works in our favor; we can swiftly navigate through the Northern Swamp.” One of them urged, “Come on, dawn is breaking. Let’s not waste time!”

 

With no major ambushes detected, the leaders felt reassured and pressed on.

 

Daoist Han Shan ordered his spies, instructing Han Pingshan, the esteemed Grandmaster, to continue leading a thousand Heaven Falcon Group disciples, pushing forward as vanguard for the main force. The subsequent main force, under the guidance of various Grandmasters, leaders, hall leaders, elders, and first-rate experts, entered the Northern Swamp, aiming to swiftly traverse this treacherous terrain.

 

…

 

As dawn broke, the army had ventured several miles into the Northern Swamp, about halfway through their journey. Suddenly, a thick fog rolled in, engulfing the entire area within mere moments.

 

“It’s a fog!” someone exclaimed.

 

“Look, it’s heading straight towards us!” another cried out.

 

Panic spread among the martial disciples. The pungent mist disoriented them, and no one understood what was happening. They halted, turning to their leaders for guidance, too terrified to proceed further. Before, even amidst the tall reeds, they could at least see a hundred zhang away, discerning skirmishes or pirate sightings. But now, this peculiar fog had blanketed everything within sixty meters, rendering them virtually blind.

 

The leaders, guiding their respective groups of disciples through the expansive reed beds, were taken aback by this sudden, suffocating mist. They exchanged uneasy glances, murmuring:

 

“Cough… Where did this dense fog come from?”

 

“What are we to do now?”

 

“No, this is the White Lotus Society’s Devil Mist! Years ago, I once faced off against their disciple in Lou County and witnessed a portion of this array. But it was only half a mile wide then, not like this one that stretches over five miles across the Northern Swamp!” exclaimed a small leader suddenly.

 

“White Lotus Society?”

 

“How did they team up with the Whale Gang? With their help, the Whale Gang’s power would be doubled!”

 

The White Lotus Society, entrenched in Lou County, kept to itself and rarely interfered in the Wu Region’s martial affairs, ranking outside of the five major groups. Yet, that didn’t mean it lacked influence. Quite the opposite; it was formidable, with a profound foundation rivaling the five major groups. Its low profile and seclusion in Lou County over the past few decades kept it off the public radar.

 

The society mastered numerous devil techniques and arrays. The Devil Mist Array was one of its deadliest. When activated, it concealed lethal intent within its haze, with danger lurking close behind.