[Chapter 54]
"Master, a message has arrived from Huangfeng Pavilion."
Huangfeng Pavilion was an intelligence organization directly operated by the Moyong Clan. Given its creation during the clan's active period in Liaoning Province, its history and loyalty were remarkable.
"What does it say?"
"It's undetermined."
"What?"
"A massive information blockade has occurred across Jiangsu Province. The agents of Huangfeng Pavilion cannot penetrate this barrier."
Moyong Jun's eyes deepened.
"A massive information blockade? Across the entire Jiangsu Province?"
"Yes."
"Jiangsu is vast and expansive. Even with the Yeon Clan's formidable power, how could they enforce such a large-scale information control? And in such a short time?"
"Our investigations suggest it's impossible with the Yeon Clan's power."
"Of course. It would be impossible for any of the Seven Great Clans. Even if two forces combined their strength, it would be difficult."
"Indeed."
"They couldn't have accessed Tongcheon Pill either."
"That's correct. Unless our agents physically enter Jiangsu Province and make direct contact, there is currently no way to reach them."
"In other words,"
Moyong Yeonhwa spoke in a cold voice.
"It means someone is assisting the Yeon Clan. A group specialized in handling information."
"With an operation of this scale, it must involve one of the top organizations."
"Then…"
"Gaebang, Heukmun, Sangui Gweol. It must be one of these three."
Gaebang was the pinnacle of the white path information network, while Heukmun was a major player in the black path. Sangui Gweol was an information trading group that moved strictly by money, providing information worth the price paid.
"It's not Heukmun."
"The least likely. Heukmun's intelligence capabilities are the lowest of the three. Moreover, given the characteristics of the Yeon Clan's leader, it's unlikely they reached out to Heukmun."
That was a mistake.
The intelligence power of the black path martial world often surpassed that of the white path. That was the driving force that allowed the powerless to survive until now.
It was just not known to the world. Even Moyong Jun, the hero of the world, could be ignorant of areas outside his interest.
"Then that leaves Gaebang and Sangui Gweol."
A palpable tension covered Moyong Yeonhwa's face.
"Either one is dangerous."
"Indeed."
If Gaebang was the one assisting the Yeon Clan, it would be a significant event.
Despite appearing free-spirited and lax, Gaebang has always revered the chivalrous path. They place even greater importance on maintaining a righteous heart when dealing with information.
While most sects have a history of corruption at least once, Gaebang never has.
Naturally, Gaebang's influence is contested even among the Nine Orthodox Sects. Having the highest authority among them means they can significantly impact the white path martial world.
If Gaebang is deeply involved in this scheme of the Moyong Clan, it complicates matters considerably.
What about Sangui Gweol then?
Not at all better. In some ways, Sangui Gweol could be even more dangerous than Gaebang. They would sell information to anyone for the right price.
This means that groups opposing the Moyong Clan could also obtain information about this incident if they paid enough. Of course, it would require an astronomical sum.
If it's Gaebang, the danger is immediate; if it's Sangui Gweol, it's a headache.
"This has become interesting."
Even in such a critical situation, Moyong Jun did not lose his composure. Instead, he stroked his beard with an intrigued expression, as if he found the current crisis amusing.
"Yeonhwa."
"Yes, Father."
"I heard that Hugae also joined the last meeting of the junior masters."
"That's right."
"Do you think Hugae has formed any friendships with the Yeon Clan's children?"
Moyong Yeonhwa pondered for a moment before shaking her head.
"It's unlikely. If anything, they're probably on guard."
"On guard?"
"Yes. The Yeon Clan's eldest son, Yeon Hojeong, was excessively fierce and impulsive at the meeting. He almost killed the leader of the Namgung Clan's swordsmen."
"Hmm, I've heard about that. Quite the formidable young man for his age."
"It was Hugae Gadeuksang who stopped him. Yeon Hojeong seemed to take a liking to Hugae, but given Hugae's nature, it's more likely he developed an aversion rather than affection."
Moyong Jun nodded.
"Then it's even more likely that Gaebang has joined hands with them."
"Yes."
Anyone would be wary of a dangerous faction. If Gadeuksang was observing the Yeon Clan through Yeon Hojeong, then Gaebang is likely responsible for this information control.
"Regardless, a problem is a problem. Ah! It's disconcerting to be confronted so abruptly."
"Indeed."
That's when it happened.
"New contact from Huangfeng Pavilion!"
"What is it?"
"The Yeon Clan's eldest son has left Jiangsu Province!"
Moyong Jun's eyes sparkled.
"Where is he headed?"
"Hanam."
"…Hanam?!"
The Yeon Clan is located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province, and Hanam is to the northwest.
It's unclear when he moved, but even if it was from the time contact was lost, it was an incredible speed.
"Why Hanam, especially so quickly in this situation?"
Urgency flickered across Moyong Yeonhwa's face.
"We must make contact first."
"Of course, but…"
Moyong Jun furrowed his brows.
'Why Hanam, that's the question.'
Without knowing the other side's situation, even conjecture was difficult.
Lost in thought, Moyong Jun spoke.
"Contact the Ming Family immediately. Inform them of our situation. Tell them we must make contact with the Yeon Clan's eldest son before he does something rash."
"Yes!"
* * *
*Panting heavily*
"Already out of breath?"
"That's… that's easy for you to say… *cough*!"
"Take a moment to catch your breath. For a successor of the Open Clan, you sure lack stamina."
Ga Deuk-Sang burst out in anger.
"You, sir! You ride a horse everywhere!"
"Didn't I tell you to ride one as well?"
"A ragged beggar on a horse? Would that not spread rumors about the Open Clan everywhere?"
Indeed, Yeon Hojeong had gone too far.
The two had sailed to the central region of Jiangsu Province and from there, they had rushed all the way to the northern part by land.
Time was the issue. It took them a mere five days to reach the northernmost part of Jiangsu Province, running all day except for the bare minimum of sleep and rest.
Moreover, they hadn't slept at all for two days while crossing from Jiangsu to Hanam. Ga Deuk-Sang wasn't just being melodramatic.
Yeon Hojeong said nonchalantly,
"Think of it as endurance training."
What kind of madman calls this brutal ordeal endurance training?
Ga Deuk-Sang collapsed right there.
"I can't go on! Even if you beat me to death, I can't! Just kill me now!"
"Is it that hard?"
"Are you picking a fight now?"
"Just half a shichen more."
"Get ready, you lunatic! One of us is going to the afterlife today…!"
"Let's rest a few days at the inn. We have to wait anyway."
"…The inn?"
"Eat as much as you want. It's on me."
Ga Deuk-Sang swallowed hard. He hadn't eaten properly since they started this journey.
"If it's too hard, rest here for a few days."
"…Damn it."
Ga Deuk-Sang rose vigorously.
"If you lie to me again, I'll chop your teeth with an axe blade. Understand?"
Heheheh!
"Let's go together, come on!!"
After running for another half shichen, the two arrived at Shangqiu in Hanam.
Shangqiu was a county close to Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui. There was a considerable transient population in the east of Hanam.
The two entered a quiet inn a little away from the center of the county.
As soon as Ga Deuk-Sang sat down, he ate as if he was possessed. He didn't care if people stared.
The faces of those watching Ga Deuk-Sang were filled with discomfort. A filthy beggar had come in and was scooping up food with his bare hands.
But they couldn't ask the owner to kick Ga Deuk-Sang out.
Thud!
"Ah, please set that axe upright. If it falls, someone could get seriously hurt."
"My apologies. Please continue with your meal."
"Right, I should. While we're at it, could you serve us another dish?"
The young man calmly set the fallen axe against the wall.
A young man, who must have been in his early twenties, had placed an axe as big as a human body next to him.
His menacing aura was no joke. The fact that he could lift such a heavy axe with one hand, despite his slender frame, made him even more intimidating.
Thus, the people ate their food with faces full of discomfort.
*Belch!* "That was a good meal."
"Finished eating?"
"I've eaten so much, I feel like I might burst."
"You ate twelve jin of pork, and it wasn't an exaggeration."
I can't count how many plates were cleared. Yeon Hojeong, too, had a large appetite due to his high activity, but Ga Deuk-Sang was on another level.
Now that he had some leisure, Ga Deuk-Sang looked around.
"By the way, did you pick a place a bit out of the way?"
"You never know what might happen."
"True. But even for a remote place, there are quite a few people here."
"Have you never been to this neighborhood?"
"I stopped by once a long time ago. It was just a brief visit, so my memory is hazy."
"I see."
Ga Deuk-Sang's face turned serious.
"So, how long do you plan to stay here?"
"Until our counterpart arrives."
"Without a set time?"
"It won't take long. If the Open Clan has controlled the information well."
"Don't worry about that."
"No concerns then."
"Indeed, the Moyong Clan must be anxious, not knowing our situation. And now that the Young Master of the Yeon Clan has appeared in Hanam, they'll try to make contact by any means."
"We still don't know which of the two families will approach first."
The Moyong Clan and the Myeong Clan.
The Moyong Clan had settled in Hunan Province, and the Myeong Clan in Xuchang, Hanam.
Ga Deuk-Sang's eyes grew cold.
"I still don't understand."
"What don't you understand?"
"I saw for myself that the Moyong Clan is involved, but…"
"Would I have tasked you with investigating the Myeong Clan for no reason?"
"Well, there's that."
Ga Deuk-Sang leaned back in his chair.
With his arms crossed, he looked at Yeon Hojeong with a hint of suspicion.
"Why do you look at me like that?"
"Aren't you going to tell me yet?"
"Tell you what?"
"About the Myeong Clan. Why they're attacking the Yeon Clan, and how you found out in advance. Isn't it about time you told me?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"I believe the outcome is more important than the process. Once we achieve a satisfactory result, I'll tell you."
Ga Deuk-Sang's gaze turned icy.
Yeon Hojeong's gaze was just as cold. The way they looked at each other was anything but warm.
After staring at Yeon Hojeong for a while, Ga Deuk-Sang stretched.
"Ah! Now that I've eaten, I'm sleepy. Where's the room?"
"I've paid in advance. I'll stay a bit longer, so you go ahead."
"Alright then."
"Take a bath and get some rest."
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
With that, Ga Deuk-Sang quickly went into the room provided by the inn.
Yeon Hojeong sipped his tea and looked out the window.
'Peaceful.'
It was now the full bloom of spring. The wind was gentle, and the sky was clear.
However, Yeon Hojeong's gaze was as dark and cold as the weather was bright.
'I deliberately came with Hu-Gae, and we rushed here. If the Moyong Clan knew this, they must be in a hurry too.'
Moreover, it was a region far from Hunan.
'I could have sent a subordinate, but I didn't give them time to think. Moyong-Jun wouldn't move without at least seventy percent certainty.'
That was his way even during his time as the leader of the martial alliance. As a result, the Black Emperor City suffered greatly fighting alone against the Saeum Sect.
In other words.
'The probability of the Myeong Clan approaching is very high.'
The corners of his mouth kept trying to rise.
The Moyong Clan was certainly an enemy. But the enemy he wanted to crush first was the Myeong Clan.
In other words, his attack was aimed not at the Moyong Clan but at the Myeong Clan. After all, if the Myeong Clan was shaken, the Moyong Clan would become desperate too.
'...'
Just thinking about the Myeong Clan made his killing intent rise.
Yeon Hojeong gripped his thigh to control his murderous intent and slowly closed his eyes.
Six days later.
"Are you the Young Master of the Yeon Clan?"
"And who might you be?"
"Your tone is as fierce as they say."
A young man in his mid-twenties frowned.
"I'm from the Myeong Clan. There's someone who wants to see you, so make some time."
Yeon Hojeong laughed brightly.
"I'll have to make time, even if I don't have any."