[Chapter 50]
The atmosphere in the Director's office had grown tense.
A look of bewilderment was evident on Taekyung's face.
"What, what do you mean?" he stammered.
Crack!
Yeon Hojeong crushed the teacup in his hand. Even though he shattered it with his bare hands, not a single scratch appeared on his palm.
Taekyung, intimidated by such a threatening act, involuntarily swallowed his saliva.
"At first, I was somewhat puzzled," Yeon Hojeong began, opening his hand.
Clink, clink, clink.
Fragments of the broken teacup fell to the floor.
"Typically, when planting a spy in another organization, three rules are followed. First, choose an inconspicuous place. Second, an inconspicuous position. Third, an inconspicuous personality."
Taekyung's eyes wavered.
He was a man so well-trained that he could maintain his composure even if lightning struck before him. But now, he couldn't.
The Grand Duke openly called him a spy. The intensity in the Grand Duke's eyes was as fierce as lightning and as hot as lava.
It was hard to tell if it was murderous intent or dignity. The moment the teacup shattered, so did Taekyung's composure. And Yeon Hojeong's murderous aura timely infiltrated the cracks of his broken spirit.
"A first-class spy strictly follows these rules. People don't suspect someone inconspicuous to be a spy. Countless organizations in the martial world have walked the path to ruin because of such spies."
"…!!"
"But a top-class is different," Yeon Hojeong said, pointing at himself with his thumb.
"A top-class spy exhibits completely opposite traits. They have a noticeable personality, hold a noticeable position, and linger in noticeable places."
"…!!"
"When trouble arises, they're the kind of person everyone suspects but also the kind with many ways to avoid suspicion. They know once they dodge the arrow of doubt, they'll never get caught."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
Taekyung couldn't return the smile.
"You're unique, though. Not first-class, nor easily classified as top-class. You don't have a noticeable personality, yet you work in a critical position within the organization."
"Gr-Grand Duke! If you're mistaking me for a spy…"
"Mistake? I'm certain."
"…!"
"At first, I was also confused. This guy doesn't seem to belong to the prominent families, so where from? Were there others aiming to take over our main house besides the prominent families?"
Taekyung clenched his thigh without realizing.
'Prominent families? What are they? Were they also targeting this place?!'
Even at this critical moment, he was gathering new information. If he managed to escape, he would instinctively remember what to report to his allies.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Didn't the head of the Moyong family tell you? That they've joined hands with the prominent families?"
"…?!"
"Your skills are quite famous. It seems you're a well-cared-for spy. If caught, it's easy to cut ties and deny everything, right?"
"…!!"
"The Moyong clan… quite interesting. Aiming for a stab in the back? In the end, the main house was just watching the public sentiment, unaware of the struggle among the sharks."
Only now could Yeon Hojeong deduce what had happened in the past.
Both the Moyong clan and the prominent families had their sights on the Yeon family.
It wasn't a separate aim. The Yeon family wasn't a clan that one organization could swallow whole. Especially not when it was one of the seven great martial families with many enemies.
That's why the prominent families and the Moyong family joined forces. They planned to bring down the Yeon family and tear the Kangso province in half.
The former leader of the Yeon family opposed the business proposal until the end.
So, the prominent families stepped in. If a family wouldn't be swayed, they'd overpower it and take control, the most barbaric yet effective choice.
What was surprising was the choice of the Moyong clan.
The silent destruction of the prominent families was likely the handiwork of the Moyong clan.
A family that had recently achieved the glory of being the number one family under heaven.
Of course, the Moyong family alone couldn't have buried it. However, it was certain that the Moyong family played a leading role. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called the number one family under heaven.
In the end, everyone was outplayed by the Moyong clan.
"That's how the world is. Whether it's the dark path or the righteous path, the colors may differ, but the outcome is the same. The good suffer, and the wicked prosper."
"…"
"Considering that, isn't the head of the Moyong family truly remarkable? You don't seem like a good guy either, but what kind of trust did he give you to risk your life like this?"
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
"Why? Did he promise you a view of the world by his side once he conquers it?"
Cold sweat ran down Taekyung's neck.
"I, I don't understand what you're saying, Grand Duke…"
"I thought so," Yeon Hojeong declared, glaring at Taekyung.
"Dismissed!"
Whoosh.
Taekyung was startled.
He hadn't noticed him there before. Gadeuksang stood in the corner of the Director's office, in front of a shadowy bookshelf, arms crossed.
"I didn't want to get involved in another family's quarrel," Gadeuksang said.
"But your actions were so vile that I lost all desire to collect the commission."
Yeon Hojeong extended his hand. Gadeuksang handed him a neatly folded letter.
Taekyung's eyes shook violently.
'How could this be?!'
That letter was sent to the Moyong clan through the Tongcheon group.
The problem was that it wasn't sent in the name of the Yeon family. Having served as the Director of the Yeon family for quite some time, he had also turned a few members of the Tongcheon group into his people.
"It was written in code. Quite complex, but not difficult to decipher."
Taekyung felt darkness closing in.
Anyone else might not have known, but for the Open Sect, codebreaking was a quick task. The larger the organization dealing with information, the higher the level of its codebreakers.
The Open Sect was at the pinnacle of the white path information network. A massive group that possessed countless top-tier codebreakers.
Yeon Hojeong waved the letter.
"Let's end this tiresome act. Haven't you been hiding your true feelings so long that your facial muscles are about to paralyze?"
Indeed, it's true.
Once the coded letter was exposed, there was no point in denying it. Even without the letter, Taekyung had already failed to manage his expression in front of Yeon Hojeong.
"Damn it."
Taekyung sighed deeply.
"How did you know?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled. He had been certain about the spy, but he hadn't expected such a ready confession.
"What do you mean, how did I know?"
"I'm curious about what made you suspect me."
Yeon Hojeong snorted dismissively.
"Do I really need to think about it? I'm not a fool; it's obvious at a glance."
It was a statement that would make most people living in the martial world seem like fools.
Taekyung gave a bitter smile.
"You have no intention of telling me."
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't. Even if he did, his past wasn't credible enough to be believed.
"It's more anticlimactic than I thought. I expected you to deny it until the end."
"Even if I did deny it until the end, would you believe me?"
"Of course not."
"That's why I confessed."
It was a strange thing to say, at least to Yeon Hojeong's ears.
"I misjudged you. I thought you were just a pretender, a lowly warrior desperate to become a clan leader."
"The act worked well, then."
"It was an impressive act. As a strategist aiming for greatness, I failed to see through the heart of a young man. It seems I still have a long way to go."
Yeon Hojeong felt a subtle pride in his voice.
'Just as I expected.'
Taekyung's eyes deepened.
"You wouldn't have acted alone, so the Yeon family head must know too."
Despite years of service, he still referred to him as the Yeon family head without hesitation.
At least his shamelessness was first-class. Not many spies could pull that off.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"My father doesn't know."
"Why lie in this situation?"
"That's what I'm saying."
Taekyung furrowed his brows.
'The clan leader doesn't know?'
He scrutinized Yeon Hojeong's face closely.
"…Is that true?"
"If you've caught a fish, you start by scaling it, not by wasting time with jokes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled coldly.
Realizing the implication of that smile, Taekyung suddenly understood.
"You… Your ambition to become the clan leader was real!"
"I wouldn't expect a fake act to work in front of someone who's been a spy for nearly ten years."
Taekyung sighed softly.
"My arrogance led to this situation. To be fooled by a facade even though I saw the essence."
Regardless of any help received, Yeon Hojeong was the protagonist of this affair.
In other words, he caught the spy and proved his ability. He didn't tell anyone for that reason.
While sighing, Taekyung also felt a sense of joy.
'What a fool!'
The clan leader doesn't know?
Even if he knew, there would be a way out, but if he didn't know, it would be even easier. Taekyung couldn't help but inwardly scoff at Yeon Hojeong's greed.
Yeon Hojeong stood up.
"Thank you for being the stepping stone for my future."
Taekyung glared at Yeon Hojeong with venomous eyes.
"You'd better be careful. People with too much greed always make mistakes where they least expect it."
"Those lacking greed do so as well."
"They say the dog under the butcher's table gets the bone, and it seems to be true."
"I don't think it's worth listening to a spy like you."
Yeon Hojeong pointed to the door with his chin.
"Will you walk out on your own, or do you need to be dragged out?"
Shortly after, Taekyung was surrounded by warriors and led to the prison.
Watching his back, Yeon Hojeong said,
"Mr. Huga."
"Speak, sir."
"Tell my father. We'll take care of the rest, so he should resolve his worries."
* * *
The solitary cell door screeched open.
Thud!
Taekyung fell into the cell, a space so cramped it could barely fit one person lying down.
The eyes of the Law Enforcement Chief were fiercely wrathful.
"I never expected you to stoop so low."
Taekyung, with his back turned as he entered, stared only at the wall. His posture seemed almost transcendent.
"How dare you play us with such shameless audacity?"
"…"
"Have you nothing to say!"
"…"
Taekyung remained silent.
The Law Enforcement Chief, seething with anger, threw out a cold remark.
"You won't die a peaceful death."
With that, he slammed the cell door shut.
Bang!
The steel door made a violent noise as it shook.
And so, Taekyung was left alone in the cell, with only the faint moonlight seeping through.
"…"
How much time had passed?
Taekyung, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, finally spoke.
"Listener."
To his surprise, a voice came from outside the small window.
"Speaker."
"…"
"Xuantian, Haotian."
"Haotian."
Clink.
A small, dark key came through the window.
It was too dark to see where it fell. Taekyung groped the floor and finally found the key.
'It's done.'
Now it was easy. He used the key to feel the wall opposite the door.
'Bottom left point, three up, two right.'
No matter how well-made a prison, there was always a gap between the stones.
But Taekyung wasn't looking for just any gap. He needed to find a metal hole that the small key fit into perfectly.
Click. Click-click.
It was difficult to insert in the darkness.
Sweat trickled down his forehead. He had practiced countless times unseen, but now, in the actual situation, it wasn't as easy as before.
'Whew.'
He calmed his mind as much as possible and tried again.
Moments later.
Whoosh.
Astonishingly, the middle of the floor sank in.
The ground had collapsed without a sound. Taekyung let out a cry of triumph as he entered the opening.
Swoosh.
After Taekyung went in, the floor returned to its original state.
The solitary cell was now empty.
Chapter 50: The Winds of Change (5)
The atmosphere in the Director's office had grown tense.
A look of bewilderment was evident on Taekyung's face.
"What, what do you mean?" he stammered.
Crack!
Yeon Hojeong crushed the teacup in his hand. Even though he shattered it with his bare hands, not a single scratch appeared on his palm.
Taekyung, intimidated by such a threatening act, involuntarily swallowed his saliva.
"At first, I was somewhat puzzled," Yeon Hojeong began, opening his hand.
Clink, clink, clink.
Fragments of the broken teacup fell to the floor.
"Typically, when planting a spy in another organization, three rules are followed. First, choose an inconspicuous place. Second, an inconspicuous position. Third, an inconspicuous personality."
Taekyung's eyes wavered.
He was a man so well-trained that he could maintain his composure even if lightning struck before him. But now, he couldn't.
The Grand Duke openly called him a spy. The intensity in the Grand Duke's eyes was as fierce as lightning and as hot as lava.
It was hard to tell if it was murderous intent or dignity. The moment the teacup shattered, so did Taekyung's composure. And Yeon Hojeong's murderous aura timely infiltrated the cracks of his broken spirit.
"A first-class spy strictly follows these rules. People don't suspect someone inconspicuous to be a spy. Countless organizations in the martial world have walked the path to ruin because of such spies."
"…!!"
"But a top-class is different," Yeon Hojeong said, pointing at himself with his thumb.
"A top-class spy exhibits completely opposite traits. They have a noticeable personality, hold a noticeable position, and linger in noticeable places."
"…!!"
"When trouble arises, they're the kind of person everyone suspects but also the kind with many ways to avoid suspicion. They know once they dodge the arrow of doubt, they'll never get caught."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
Taekyung couldn't return the smile.
"You're unique, though. Not first-class, nor easily classified as top-class. You don't have a noticeable personality, yet you work in a critical position within the organization."
"Gr-Grand Duke! If you're mistaking me for a spy…"
"Mistake? I'm certain."
"…!"
"At first, I was also confused. This guy doesn't seem to belong to the prominent families, so where from? Were there others aiming to take over our main house besides the prominent families?"
Taekyung clenched his thigh without realizing.
'Prominent families? What are they? Were they also targeting this place?!'
Even at this critical moment, he was gathering new information. If he managed to escape, he would instinctively remember what to report to his allies.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Didn't the head of the Moyong family tell you? That they've joined hands with the prominent families?"
"…?!"
"Your skills are quite famous. It seems you're a well-cared-for spy. If caught, it's easy to cut ties and deny everything, right?"
"…!!"
"The Moyong clan… quite interesting. Aiming for a stab in the back? In the end, the main house was just watching the public sentiment, unaware of the struggle among the sharks."
Only now could Yeon Hojeong deduce what had happened in the past.
Both the Moyong clan and the prominent families had their sights on the Yeon family.
It wasn't a separate aim. The Yeon family wasn't a clan that one organization could swallow whole. Especially not when it was one of the seven great martial families with many enemies.
That's why the prominent families and the Moyong family joined forces. They planned to bring down the Yeon family and tear the Kangso province in half.
The former leader of the Yeon family opposed the business proposal until the end.
So, the prominent families stepped in. If a family wouldn't be swayed, they'd overpower it and take control, the most barbaric yet effective choice.
What was surprising was the choice of the Moyong clan.
The silent destruction of the prominent families was likely the handiwork of the Moyong clan.
A family that had recently achieved the glory of being the number one family under heaven.
Of course, the Moyong family alone couldn't have buried it. However, it was certain that the Moyong family played a leading role. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called the number one family under heaven.
In the end, everyone was outplayed by the Moyong clan.
"That's how the world is. Whether it's the dark path or the righteous path, the colors may differ, but the outcome is the same. The good suffer, and the wicked prosper."
"…"
"Considering that, isn't the head of the Moyong family truly remarkable? You don't seem like a good guy either, but what kind of trust did he give you to risk your life like this?"
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
"Why? Did he promise you a view of the world by his side once he conquers it?"
Cold sweat ran down Taekyung's neck.
"I, I don't understand what you're saying, Grand Duke…"
"I thought so," Yeon Hojeong declared, glaring at Taekyung.
"Dismissed!"
Whoosh.
Taekyung was startled.
He hadn't noticed him there before. Gadeuksang stood in the corner of the Director's office, in front of a shadowy bookshelf, arms crossed.
"I didn't want to get involved in another family's quarrel," Gadeuksang said.
"But your actions were so vile that I lost all desire to collect the commission."
Yeon Hojeong extended his hand. Gadeuksang handed him a neatly folded letter.
Taekyung's eyes shook violently.
'How could this be?!'
That letter was sent to the Moyong clan through the Tongcheon group.
The problem was that it wasn't sent in the name of the Yeon family. Having served as the Director of the Yeon family for quite some time, he had also turned a few members of the Tongcheon group into his people.
"It was written in code. Quite complex, but not difficult to decipher."
Taekyung felt darkness closing in.
Anyone else might not have known, but for the Open Sect, codebreaking was a quick task. The larger the organization dealing with information, the higher the level of its codebreakers.
The Open Sect was at the pinnacle of the white path information network. A massive group that possessed countless top-tier codebreakers.
Yeon Hojeong waved the letter.
"Let's end this tiresome act. Haven't you been hiding your true feelings so long that your facial muscles are about to paralyze?"
Indeed, it's true.
Once the coded letter was exposed, there was no point in denying it. Even without the letter, Taekyung had already failed to manage his expression in front of Yeon Hojeong.
"Damn it."
Taekyung sighed deeply.
"How did you know?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled. He had been certain about the spy, but he hadn't expected such a ready confession.
"What do you mean, how did I know?"
"I'm curious about what made you suspect me."
Yeon Hojeong snorted dismissively.
"Do I really need to think about it? I'm not a fool; it's obvious at a glance."
It was a statement that would make most people living in the martial world seem like fools.
Taekyung gave a bitter smile.
"You have no intention of telling me."
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't. Even if he did, his past wasn't credible enough to be believed.
"It's more anticlimactic than I thought. I expected you to deny it until the end."
"Even if I did deny it until the end, would you believe me?"
"Of course not."
"That's why I confessed."
It was a strange thing to say, at least to Yeon Hojeong's ears.
"I misjudged you. I thought you were just a pretender, a lowly warrior desperate to become a clan leader."
"The act worked well, then."
"It was an impressive act. As a strategist aiming for greatness, I failed to see through the heart of a young man. It seems I still have a long way to go."
Yeon Hojeong felt a subtle pride in his voice.
'Just as I expected.'
Taekyung's eyes deepened.
"You wouldn't have acted alone, so the Yeon family head must know too."
Despite years of service, he still referred to him as the Yeon family head without hesitation.
At least his shamelessness was first-class. Not many spies could pull that off.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"My father doesn't know."
"Why lie in this situation?"
"That's what I'm saying."
Taekyung furrowed his brows.
'The clan leader doesn't know?'
He scrutinized Yeon Hojeong's face closely.
"…Is that true?"
"If you've caught a fish, you start by scaling it, not by wasting time with jokes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled coldly.
Realizing the implication of that smile, Taekyung suddenly understood.
"You… Your ambition to become the clan leader was real!"
"I wouldn't expect a fake act to work in front of someone who's been a spy for nearly ten years."
Taekyung sighed softly.
"My arrogance led to this situation. To be fooled by a facade even though I saw the essence."
Regardless of any help received, Yeon Hojeong was the protagonist of this affair.
In other words, he caught the spy and proved his ability. He didn't tell anyone for that reason.
While sighing, Taekyung also felt a sense of joy.
'What a fool!'
The clan leader doesn't know?
Even if he knew, there would be a way out, but if he didn't know, it would be even easier. Taekyung couldn't help but inwardly scoff at Yeon Hojeong's greed.
Yeon Hojeong stood up.
"Thank you for being the stepping stone for my future."
Taekyung glared at Yeon Hojeong with venomous eyes.
"You'd better be careful. People with too much greed always make mistakes where they least expect it."
"Those lacking greed do so as well."
"They say the dog under the butcher's table gets the bone, and it seems to be true."
"I don't think it's worth listening to a spy like you."
Yeon Hojeong pointed to the door with his chin.
"Will you walk out on your own, or do you need to be dragged out?"
Shortly after, Taekyung was surrounded by warriors and led to the prison.
Watching his back, Yeon Hojeong said,
"Mr. Huga."
"Speak, sir."
"Tell my father. We'll take care of the rest, so he should resolve his worries."
* * *
The solitary cell door screeched open.
Thud!
Taekyung fell into the cell, a space so cramped it could barely fit one person lying down.
The eyes of the Law Enforcement Chief were fiercely wrathful.
"I never expected you to stoop so low."
Taekyung, with his back turned as he entered, stared only at the wall. His posture seemed almost transcendent.
"How dare you play us with such shameless audacity?"
"…"
"Have you nothing to say!"
"…"
Taekyung remained silent.
The Law Enforcement Chief, seething with anger, threw out a cold remark.
"You won't die a peaceful death."
With that, he slammed the cell door shut.
Bang!
The steel door made a violent noise as it shook.
And so, Taekyung was left alone in the cell, with only the faint moonlight seeping through.
"…"
How much time had passed?
Taekyung, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, finally spoke.
"Listener."
To his surprise, a voice came from outside the small window.
"Speaker."
"…"
"Xuantian, Haotian."
"Haotian."
Clink.
A small, dark key came through the window.
It was too dark to see where it fell. Taekyung groped the floor and finally found the key.
'It's done.'
Now it was easy. He used the key to feel the wall opposite the door.
'Bottom left point, three up, two right.'
No matter how well-made a prison, there was always a gap between the stones.
But Taekyung wasn't looking for just any gap. He needed to find a metal hole that the small key fit into perfectly.
Click. Click-click.
It was difficult to insert in the darkness.
Sweat trickled down his forehead. He had practiced countless times unseen, but now, in the actual situation, it wasn't as easy as before.
'Whew.'
He calmed his mind as much as possible and tried again.
Moments later.
Whoosh.
Astonishingly, the middle of the floor sank in.
The ground had collapsed without a sound. Taekyung let out a cry of triumph as he entered the opening.
Swoosh.
After Taekyung went in, the floor returned to its original state.
The solitary cell was now empty.
Chapter 50: The Winds of Change (5)
The atmosphere in the Director's office had grown tense.
A look of bewilderment was evident on Taekyung's face.
"What, what do you mean?" he stammered.
Crack!
Yeon Hojeong crushed the teacup in his hand. Even though he shattered it with his bare hands, not a single scratch appeared on his palm.
Taekyung, intimidated by such a threatening act, involuntarily swallowed his saliva.
"At first, I was somewhat puzzled," Yeon Hojeong began, opening his hand.
Clink, clink, clink.
Fragments of the broken teacup fell to the floor.
"Typically, when planting a spy in another organization, three rules are followed. First, choose an inconspicuous place. Second, an inconspicuous position. Third, an inconspicuous personality."
Taekyung's eyes wavered.
He was a man so well-trained that he could maintain his composure even if lightning struck before him. But now, he couldn't.
The Grand Duke openly called him a spy. The intensity in the Grand Duke's eyes was as fierce as lightning and as hot as lava.
It was hard to tell if it was murderous intent or dignity. The moment the teacup shattered, so did Taekyung's composure. And Yeon Hojeong's murderous aura timely infiltrated the cracks of his broken spirit.
"A first-class spy strictly follows these rules. People don't suspect someone inconspicuous to be a spy. Countless organizations in the martial world have walked the path to ruin because of such spies."
"…!!"
"But a top-class is different," Yeon Hojeong said, pointing at himself with his thumb.
"A top-class spy exhibits completely opposite traits. They have a noticeable personality, hold a noticeable position, and linger in noticeable places."
"…!!"
"When trouble arises, they're the kind of person everyone suspects but also the kind with many ways to avoid suspicion. They know once they dodge the arrow of doubt, they'll never get caught."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
Taekyung couldn't return the smile.
"You're unique, though. Not first-class, nor easily classified as top-class. You don't have a noticeable personality, yet you work in a critical position within the organization."
"Gr-Grand Duke! If you're mistaking me for a spy…"
"Mistake? I'm certain."
"…!"
"At first, I was also confused. This guy doesn't seem to belong to the prominent families, so where from? Were there others aiming to take over our main house besides the prominent families?"
Taekyung clenched his thigh without realizing.
'Prominent families? What are they? Were they also targeting this place?!'
Even at this critical moment, he was gathering new information. If he managed to escape, he would instinctively remember what to report to his allies.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Didn't the head of the Moyong family tell you? That they've joined hands with the prominent families?"
"…?!"
"Your skills are quite famous. It seems you're a well-cared-for spy. If caught, it's easy to cut ties and deny everything, right?"
"…!!"
"The Moyong clan… quite interesting. Aiming for a stab in the back? In the end, the main house was just watching the public sentiment, unaware of the struggle among the sharks."
Only now could Yeon Hojeong deduce what had happened in the past.
Both the Moyong clan and the prominent families had their sights on the Yeon family.
It wasn't a separate aim. The Yeon family wasn't a clan that one organization could swallow whole. Especially not when it was one of the seven great martial families with many enemies.
That's why the prominent families and the Moyong family joined forces. They planned to bring down the Yeon family and tear the Kangso province in half.
The former leader of the Yeon family opposed the business proposal until the end.
So, the prominent families stepped in. If a family wouldn't be swayed, they'd overpower it and take control, the most barbaric yet effective choice.
What was surprising was the choice of the Moyong clan.
The silent destruction of the prominent families was likely the handiwork of the Moyong clan.
A family that had recently achieved the glory of being the number one family under heaven.
Of course, the Moyong family alone couldn't have buried it. However, it was certain that the Moyong family played a leading role. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called the number one family under heaven.
In the end, everyone was outplayed by the Moyong clan.
"That's how the world is. Whether it's the dark path or the righteous path, the colors may differ, but the outcome is the same. The good suffer, and the wicked prosper."
"…"
"Considering that, isn't the head of the Moyong family truly remarkable? You don't seem like a good guy either, but what kind of trust did he give you to risk your life like this?"
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
"Why? Did he promise you a view of the world by his side once he conquers it?"
Cold sweat ran down Taekyung's neck.
"I, I don't understand what you're saying, Grand Duke…"
"I thought so," Yeon Hojeong declared, glaring at Taekyung.
"Dismissed!"
Whoosh.
Taekyung was startled.
He hadn't noticed him there before. Gadeuksang stood in the corner of the Director's office, in front of a shadowy bookshelf, arms crossed.
"I didn't want to get involved in another family's quarrel," Gadeuksang said.
"But your actions were so vile that I lost all desire to collect the commission."
Yeon Hojeong extended his hand. Gadeuksang handed him a neatly folded letter.
Taekyung's eyes shook violently.
'How could this be?!'
That letter was sent to the Moyong clan through the Tongcheon group.
The problem was that it wasn't sent in the name of the Yeon family. Having served as the Director of the Yeon family for quite some time, he had also turned a few members of the Tongcheon group into his people.
"It was written in code. Quite complex, but not difficult to decipher."
Taekyung felt darkness closing in.
Anyone else might not have known, but for the Open Sect, codebreaking was a quick task. The larger the organization dealing with information, the higher the level of its codebreakers.
The Open Sect was at the pinnacle of the white path information network. A massive group that possessed countless top-tier codebreakers.
Yeon Hojeong waved the letter.
"Let's end this tiresome act. Haven't you been hiding your true feelings so long that your facial muscles are about to paralyze?"
Indeed, it's true.
Once the coded letter was exposed, there was no point in denying it. Even without the letter, Taekyung had already failed to manage his expression in front of Yeon Hojeong.
"Damn it."
Taekyung sighed deeply.
"How did you know?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled. He had been certain about the spy, but he hadn't expected such a ready confession.
"What do you mean, how did I know?"
"I'm curious about what made you suspect me."
Yeon Hojeong snorted dismissively.
"Do I really need to think about it? I'm not a fool; it's obvious at a glance."
It was a statement that would make most people living in the martial world seem like fools.
Taekyung gave a bitter smile.
"You have no intention of telling me."
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't. Even if he did, his past wasn't credible enough to be believed.
"It's more anticlimactic than I thought. I expected you to deny it until the end."
"Even if I did deny it until the end, would you believe me?"
"Of course not."
"That's why I confessed."
It was a strange thing to say, at least to Yeon Hojeong's ears.
"I misjudged you. I thought you were just a pretender, a lowly warrior desperate to become a clan leader."
"The act worked well, then."
"It was an impressive act. As a strategist aiming for greatness, I failed to see through the heart of a young man. It seems I still have a long way to go."
Yeon Hojeong felt a subtle pride in his voice.
'Just as I expected.'
Taekyung's eyes deepened.
"You wouldn't have acted alone, so the Yeon family head must know too."
Despite years of service, he still referred to him as the Yeon family head without hesitation.
At least his shamelessness was first-class. Not many spies could pull that off.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"My father doesn't know."
"Why lie in this situation?"
"That's what I'm saying."
Taekyung furrowed his brows.
'The clan leader doesn't know?'
He scrutinized Yeon Hojeong's face closely.
"…Is that true?"
"If you've caught a fish, you start by scaling it, not by wasting time with jokes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled coldly.
Realizing the implication of that smile, Taekyung suddenly understood.
"You… Your ambition to become the clan leader was real!"
"I wouldn't expect a fake act to work in front of someone who's been a spy for nearly ten years."
Taekyung sighed softly.
"My arrogance led to this situation. To be fooled by a facade even though I saw the essence."
Regardless of any help received, Yeon Hojeong was the protagonist of this affair.
In other words, he caught the spy and proved his ability. He didn't tell anyone for that reason.
While sighing, Taekyung also felt a sense of joy.
'What a fool!'
The clan leader doesn't know?
Even if he knew, there would be a way out, but if he didn't know, it would be even easier. Taekyung couldn't help but inwardly scoff at Yeon Hojeong's greed.
Yeon Hojeong stood up.
"Thank you for being the stepping stone for my future."
Taekyung glared at Yeon Hojeong with venomous eyes.
"You'd better be careful. People with too much greed always make mistakes where they least expect it."
"Those lacking greed do so as well."
"They say the dog under the butcher's table gets the bone, and it seems to be true."
"I don't think it's worth listening to a spy like you."
Yeon Hojeong pointed to the door with his chin.
"Will you walk out on your own, or do you need to be dragged out?"
Shortly after, Taekyung was surrounded by warriors and led to the prison.
Watching his back, Yeon Hojeong said,
"Mr. Huga."
"Speak, sir."
"Tell my father. We'll take care of the rest, so he should resolve his worries."
* * *
The solitary cell door screeched open.
Thud!
Taekyung fell into the cell, a space so cramped it could barely fit one person lying down.
The eyes of the Law Enforcement Chief were fiercely wrathful.
"I never expected you to stoop so low."
Taekyung, with his back turned as he entered, stared only at the wall. His posture seemed almost transcendent.
"How dare you play us with such shameless audacity?"
"…"
"Have you nothing to say!"
"…"
Taekyung remained silent.
The Law Enforcement Chief, seething with anger, threw out a cold remark.
"You won't die a peaceful death."
With that, he slammed the cell door shut.
Bang!
The steel door made a violent noise as it shook.
And so, Taekyung was left alone in the cell, with only the faint moonlight seeping through.
"…"
How much time had passed?
Taekyung, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, finally spoke.
"Listener."
To his surprise, a voice came from outside the small window.
"Speaker."
"…"
"Xuantian, Haotian."
"Haotian."
Clink.
A small, dark key came through the window.
It was too dark to see where it fell. Taekyung groped the floor and finally found the key.
'It's done.'
Now it was easy. He used the key to feel the wall opposite the door.
'Bottom left point, three up, two right.'
No matter how well-made a prison, there was always a gap between the stones.
But Taekyung wasn't looking for just any gap. He needed to find a metal hole that the small key fit into perfectly.
Click. Click-click.
It was difficult to insert in the darkness.
Sweat trickled down his forehead. He had practiced countless times unseen, but now, in the actual situation, it wasn't as easy as before.
'Whew.'
He calmed his mind as much as possible and tried again.
Moments later.
Whoosh.
Astonishingly, the middle of the floor sank in.
The ground had collapsed without a sound. Taekyung let out a cry of triumph as he entered the opening.
Swoosh.
After Taekyung went in, the floor returned to its original state.
The solitary cell was now empty.