[Chapter 60]
Whoosh. Zzzzrrrrr!
A cerulean sword wind split the rock in two.
Upon seeing the cleanly cleaved face of the rock, a satisfied gleam finally danced across Moyong Jun's face.
"Now, that's more like it."
The rock's cut surface was eerily smooth. It seemed as if water dropped upon it would not scatter but simply slide off.
'With this level of skill, I can advance years ahead of schedule.'
The Moyong clan had many secret techniques.
Though the sword was their mainstay, the Moyong were a clan that also possessed countless martial arts of no lesser strength. In fact, only half of the clan leaders throughout history were swordsmen.
But the Moyong clan had its own hidden technique, just like any prestigious family.
The Absolute Sword Technique, a skill that no one has yet mastered. It was discovered by the clan leader two generations ago, interpreted by the previous one, and now Moyong Jun, the current clan leader, was learning it.
The Merciless Heavenly Thunder Form.
It was an invincible sword technique that utilized an ancient divine power known as Thunderous Might. Its aura and power were indescribable. Merely reading the technique's formula could send shivers down one's spine, such was the profound impact of this martial art.
With this technique…
If one could master such a high-dimensional martial art, reaching the exalted realm of the Saintly Thirteen Seats would be imminent. At most, it would take around ten years.
"Huff. However, this technique does consume a significant amount of internal energy. I must increase the density of my Qi…"
Moyong Jun pondered deeply as he gazed at the split rock.
His contemplation was interrupted.
"Clan Leader."
Moyong Jun's brows furrowed.
It was a critical moment. He did not wish to be disturbed by anyone right now.
'It can't be helped.'
Once concentration is broken, it's hard to regain it. Moyong Jun replied with a calm voice.
"What is it?"
"A letter has arrived from the Open Faction."
Moyong Jun's eyes flashed.
'The Open Faction?!'
What business would the Open Faction have with him?
'There is one.'
Yes, there is.
It must be related to the Yeon family. Otherwise, there would be no letter from the Open Faction to the Direct Faction in these times.
'It must have been the Open Faction who aided the Yeon family.'
The mere fact that a letter had arrived was enough to confirm his suspicions. He felt so certain that he thought he didn't even need to read its contents.
'Ha! This means I must act sooner than planned.'
Moyong Jun inwardly clicked his tongue.
'They should have just not sent a letter. Yeon Clan Leader, you've hastened your own demise.'
Nevertheless, since the letter had arrived, he had to read it.
"Hand it over."
"Yes."
Moyong Jun unfolded the letter.
His heart, which had been filled with tranquility…
…began to stir with waves of emotion as he read the letter.
Thump, thump, thump!
Sword marks appeared all around where Moyong Jun stood.
Zing. Zing.
His body emitted a pale blue lightning, flickering on and off.
It was the unconscious manifestation of the Thunderous Qi. It meant that Moyong Jun was deeply shocked.
"…What is this?"
His face remained expressionless, but he was visibly shaken.
The letter was filled with numerous details.
The problem was that each piece of information was shockingly unexpected, enough to startle even Moyong Jun, who was usually unflappable.
He read the name signed at the end of the letter.
"Yeon Hojeong?!"
It was shocking.
Given the nature of the content, he had his doubts, but he never expected the letter to be from Yeon Ga's eldest son, not the clan leader himself.
With a heart pounding in anticipation, he mulled over every word of the letter.
The spies you sent were thoroughly 'enjoyed'. But really, if you're going to send spies, at least make them swear an oath of silence. What confidence led you to send them so carelessly? If you plan to send more, make sure they are ones who know how to keep their mouths shut.
The words were loaded with meaning.
He had anticipated the capture of the spies. But the following words gave him pause.
Send someone who can keep a secret? What exactly did those fools divulge?
Even in haste, to send the entire intelligence network of a prestigious house… Of course, it doesn't seem like it was a direct request from the clan leader. But tell me, what were you so eager to confirm through me?
This was the turning point. From here, Moyong Jun realized something was going terribly wrong.
'Do they know about the alliance with the prestigious house? How?'
He hadn't informed the spies of that. It was natural. The fewer people knew about this part, the better.
But how did this man find out? How could he be so certain?
And the most striking part was this.
Thinking about it, it seems the clan leader is too greedy. Not just the main house, but it seems like you want to bury the prestigious house as well. Not just becoming the foremost family under heaven, but do you also aspire to be the leader of the martial world?
Snap.
Unknowingly, he had applied pressure to his thumb. The edge of the letter he was holding tore slightly.
The foremost family under heaven. The leader of the martial world.
He couldn't overlook these words because they were, in fact, his dream and goal.
Of course, it was a dream anyone could aspire to. The problem was that he had been strategizing for a long time to reach the pinnacle.
The letter seemed to say:
Everything has been exposed, my friend.
Well, that's fine. I respect the pursuit of dreams by any means necessary. I am such a person myself. So let me make you an offer.
I've heard you're not yet of age. To speak to a martial senior nearly fifty years old in such a manner, how audacious.
But Moyong Jun wasn't bothered by the tone. The content of the letter was far more shocking.
You sent spies, but I understand. However, those who are actually sharpening their knives are different. I have no intention of forgiving the prestigious house. It seems the clan leader has made a decisive move, but since things have come to this, let's bury the prestigious house together.
Let's bury the prestigious house.
It was a provocative and thrilling statement.
Beyond Yeon Hojeong's audacity, the thrill of that statement was immense. For him, who was actually aiming to be the foremost family under heaven, the prestigious house was the biggest obstacle.
Why else would he consider burying them with bad rumors rather than using force? It was the best strategic option, but if he had the power, he wouldn't have needed such a strategy.
Thus, Yeon Hojeong's letter was as shocking as it was enticing.
Let's bury the prestigious house. Let's blow away the foremost family of this era.
Honestly, I don't think you'd trust me based on just this letter. I find it hard to trust the clan leader entirely myself. That's why I sent it directly. The sooner we meet, the better.
Apart from everything else, I'm impressed by such a person.
A letter that lifts and drops a person. If I didn't know better, I'd mistake him for an old veteran who's been rolled around in the martial world.
The fact that he wants to meet in person suggests he has confidence. It might indeed be Yeon Hojeong himself, not someone impersonating him.
Come to Hanam. I'll be accumulating evil deeds against the prestigious house. As someone renowned for your wisdom and strategy, you must know that delaying a decision will be a loss for everyone.
Moyong Jun closed his eyes.
'To accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious house…'
To accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious house.
That single phrase made him rapidly reassess the reputation of Yeon Hojeong he had heard in the world.
'Is there such a person?'
How long has it been since he admired a junior to this extent?
He had never felt such admiration for his daughter. She had only made him proud, never truly surprised him.
If he had to choose, it would be Moyong Woo, the youngest of his siblings. But even Moyong Woo was a target of caution, not someone who could match his capabilities on an equal footing.
'Yeon Clan Leader… what an astonishing development! When did you raise such a monster behind that impassive face?'
To some, it might just be 'merely' a letter.
But Moyong Jun read countless things in this letter. That was why he held Yeon Hojeong in high regard.
'The Yeon Clan Leader is not someone to be underestimated, is he? Ha! There are indeed many remarkable people in this world.'
Moyong Jun chuckled without realizing it.
Having so many worthy opponents was both exhausting and exhilarating. He began to wonder if the rumors about the Yeon Clan Leader might not be true after all.
"Call the Chief Steward and Yeonhwa."
Shortly after, Moyong Yeonhwa and Ling Jiezhao appeared.
Moyong Jun handed them the letter with a smile.
"This is a letter from Yeon Hojeong. Read it."
After reading the letter, the expressions on their faces turned grave.
"How could…?!"
Ling Jiezhao spoke with a face that couldn't hide his astonishment.
"How did the eldest son of the Yeon family come to know of this?!"
He muttered to himself, unaware. Such a reaction was unimaginable, considering his usual demeanor. The shock was that profound.
Meanwhile, Moyong Yeonhwa remained silent. Her serious expression suggested deep contemplation.
Moyong Jun inquired.
"Yeonhwa, what are your thoughts?"
"Before I share my thoughts, Father, there's something I want to ask you. I think I can only share my thoughts after I have an answer to this question."
"Ask away at any time."
"What are the chances that this is a trap?"
Moyong Jun stated decisively,
"Absolutely none."
"I thought so too."
"Did you think otherwise?"
"It's either absolutely none or definitely a trap. I thought it meaningless to consider any intermediate probability."
Moyong Jun smiled.
"Then, what do you think?"
"Let's go."
Ling Jiezhao looked at Moyong Yeonhwa in surprise.
Moyong Yeonhwa smiled.
"It seems you had already made up your mind before calling us, hadn't you?"
"Haha."
"In this letter, there's not a single tremor in its stroke. Is it overconfidence or arrogance? Neither. Behind this letter lies the intent that even if this agreement falls through, it doesn't matter."
"Well observed."
Moyong Jun folded his arms behind his back.
"That guy clearly holds a winning hand against the main house. Even the spy incident proves it. With the Open Faction backing him, if he decides to blow it up, the main house will inevitably suffer damage."
"It won't be shaken. There might be some scratches, though."
"The main house must ascend to the pinnacle of the martial world. There's no need to take unnecessary risks. At least, not right now."
"You're absolutely right. Oh! And there's one thing that bothers me."
"What is it?"
Moyong Yeonhwa furrowed her brows.
"To accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious house… What does that mean?"
Moyong Jun's eyes sparkled.
'Not yet to that extent, huh.'
Indeed, even now, it's remarkable. Judging by the rate of growth, his daughter could catch up to his wisdom within the next five years.
'So, does that mean Yeon Hojeong is already on par with me?'
That remains unknown. There could be a strategist by his side.
Regardless, it had been a long time since he was this surprised and intrigued.
People say Moyong Jun is hard to face.
But that wasn't the case. Moyong Jun wasn't just a clan leader who sat on his throne ordering subordinates around. If necessary, he was a man of action and breadth, willing to cross tens of thousands of miles.
That drive and breadth were about to be exercised after a long time.
"Hanam… It's a suitable distance for an outing."
* * *
"It's been three days now."
"Indeed."
"The prestigious house must be starting to suspect."
"Most likely."
"…Are you truly planning to go alone?"
"My martial arts are at a transitional phase. It's not a bad opportunity."
"Where does this boundless confidence come from?"
"Experience."
"You're quite bold for someone so young."
"Just keep an eye on the Dark Assassins."
"Don't worry. They won't escape, even if they come back to life. Ha! Now that I think about it, I've become a criminal too. Kidnapping, detention, it's all the same, isn't it?"
Thud.
Yeon Hojeong rose from his seat.
"I'll be leaving soon."
"Master Yeon."
"Speak."
Gadeuksang, with trembling eyes, saluted Yeon Hojeong with respect.
"Please take care of yourself."
"You too."
Clunk!
Yeon Hojeong opened the door and stepped out into the world.
The thick veins on his hand holding the axe twitched.
"Which one of them shall I start with?"
It was the first step in the plan to annihilate the prestigious house.