[Chapter 61]
"Master of the house, a guest from the Open Faction has arrived."
"Let them in."
After a moment, Cheolgon-gae entered the master's chamber.
Even Cheolgon-gae, known for his slyness, dared not act cunning in front of the master of the Yeon Clan.
"It's Cheolgon-gae. I believe this is our first meeting."
His face was so dirty it seemed like the grime could start dripping at any moment. Yet, there was no change in Yeon Wi's expression.
"Yeon Wi here. Pleased to meet you."
A brief greeting, yet it carried an immense dignity.
Cheolgon-gae felt a prickling in his throat.
'Incredible.'
He felt as if he was facing a divine sword. The pressure was immense.
'The Judge's Sword. They say he'll rise to the ranks of the Sacred Thirteen of Seongcheon in ten years. Seems the people's talk wasn't an exaggeration.'
One shout to split the sea, a steel-like sword technique to chase away evil.
This was said about Yeon Clan's master, Yeon Wi. Today, his fearsome nickname seemed to hold no exaggeration.
"I have urgent matters to attend to, so I'll only discuss what I've investigated so far."
Yeon Wi's eyes sparkled.
It hadn't even been a fortnight, yet Cheolgon-gae seemed to have discovered something.
"Please, go on."
"Take a look at this."
From his ragged clothes, he respectfully presented a neatly folded letter.
Despite his beggarly appearance, the letter he brought was of exquisite quality.
Yeon Wi's eyes shone as he unfolded the letter.
"I intended to investigate up to Zhejiang, but due to time constraints, I've only compiled information on Jiangsu for now."
"These forces listed here?"
"Yes. They're all in league with the prestigious families. The further right they're listed, the deeper their ties with the families."
Yeon Wi's eyes gleamed as he quickly scanned the letter.
"The Ancient Sword Chamber?!"
"A familiar force, isn't it?"
"Don't tell me they've also joined hands with the prestigious families?"
"More precisely, it seems they've received a hefty sum from the families. There's evidence they've been reporting on the Yeon Clan's movements."
Yeon Wi felt a sense of defeat.
The Ancient Sword Chamber had dealings with the Yeon Clan. More than half of the weapons used by their warriors were crafted there.
'So quietly, our main house has been crumbling.'
Cheolgon-gae spoke up.
"That's why I've come to ask directly."
"What do you mean?"
"There must be pawns of the prestigious families in Zhejiang as well. But I think investigating them won't be meaningful."
"Why do you think so?"
"Because the Moyong Clan has already reached out to Zhejiang."
"…"
"In fact, the Zhejiang branch is making a huge profit from maritime trade. Even the prestigious families wouldn't dare to meddle with Zhejiang."
"I see."
"Yes, I thought it would be better to delve deeper into the forces of Jiangsu rather than investigate those as well. That's why I came in person."
Yeon Wi nodded.
"Your judgment is sound."
"Shall we start immediately?"
"Before that."
Yeon Wi handed him a letter.
"Send this to my son."
"Ah, to the young master?"
"Yes. Sorry to trouble you."
"Ha! No worries. It's not like I'm the one working."
Cheolgon-gae stuffed the letter into his clothes and suddenly asked, as if he remembered something,
"By the way…"
"If it's about food, I've already arranged it. Head to the guest hall, and they'll guide you."
Cheolgon-gae licked his lips. Does this man really take me for a beggar?
"It's not that. Did you receive any letters from the young master?"
"Nothing besides the news that he's arrived in Hanam."
"Ah…"
Cheolgon-gae was genuinely flustered. Hadn't he told his own father? Wasn't this too much?
Yeon Wi's eyes flashed.
"Has something happened to him?"
"Eh? No, that's not it…"
"…"
"Can't be helped. I'll tell you."
Cheolgon-gae cleared his throat repeatedly as he relayed the current situation at Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Wi's eyes wavered.
"The prestigious families?!"
"Yes, that's right. That's why he's even involved with the Moyong Clan."
Yeon Wi was astounded.
He could overlook not being informed. After all, things must be chaotic.
But the very idea was preposterous. Joining hands with the Moyong Clan to strike at the prestigious families? What kind of nonsensical strategy was that?
'This is serious.'
On reflection, this was a grave issue. A misstep could lead to war between clans!
"If we provoke the Moyong Clan head rashly…"
"Eh, I had the same concern."
"Hm?"
"He's actually on his way."
"…?!"
"Moyong Clan head Moyong-gun has truly set out from Hanam."
Cheolgon-gae elaborated a bit more.
All the information about the events Yeon Hojeong had faced had been passed to the Open Faction. It was natural since they were moving together with Hugaee.
"Um."
Yeon Wi's eyes brightened.
"Now that I hear the details, I understand what Yeon Hojeong is aiming for."
Of course, he couldn't know the specifics.
He didn't even know how they found out about the prestigious families' involvement. And now, that person had even captured the intelligence network of the families.
When he heard that part, he felt dizzy for a moment. He thought that, with their rough temperament, they had finally caused a disaster.
But after hearing the sequence of events, he understood how Yeon Hojeong planned to confront the prestigious families.
The only concern was…
"They're drawing in the prestigious families?"
"Yes. And that… might be very dangerous."
Cheolgon-gae hastily added, as if realizing something.
"Of course, the Open Faction has dispatched experts to surround the area, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"I understand."
"Yes?"
"I said I understood."
"Ah… yes."
"You've done well. Stop by the guest hall and have a meal before you go."
Cheolgon-gae scratched his head awkwardly. He had said he would leave soon, but he couldn't refuse a meal that was offered.
"Well, then I'll shamelessly take up the offer for a meal. Heh!"
With that, Cheolgon-gae left.
Yeon Wi immediately called for Shinmo.
"Did you call for me, master?"
"How many of the Chang-eung forces are currently outside?"
"All of the Chang-eung forces are within the house."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
Shinmo asked with a puzzled look.
"What's the matter, if I may ask…?"
"Head to Hanam."
Yeon Wi's eyes turned cold.
"Take all of the Chang-eung forces to Hanam to protect Yeon Hojeong. If necessary, you may break your seal."
* * *
The bustling whispers of the crowd filled the air.
In Hanam, the historic city of Gaebong was alive with activity.
Its proximity to the capital of Jeongju meant that the flow of people was immense. The streets were crowded by day and just as lively by night.
As people walked through the marketplace, their laughter and chatter were punctuated by furtive glances towards a particular sight.
"How much for this?" one asked.
"Two… two nyang," came the hesitant reply.
"Only two nyang for this?"
"Yes, yes!"
"So cheap? That can't be right."
"Ah…"
"Selling too cheaply won't leave you any profit. Here, take five nyang and give me that as well."
"Wow! Th-thank you!"
A young man walked away, smiling as he purchased some food.
His hair was freely untied, and his neatly dressed appearance was striking. Tall, with a physique and attire that resembled a scholar, he was a handsome figure.
But what he carried on his shoulder was far from ordinary.
'Is that an axe?!'
'It looks like one, but…'
'Good heavens, I've never seen such a huge axe! It seems unusable even in war.'
'Can a person even lift that?'
'He doesn't even change expression; how strong must he be?'
The young man proudly bore a massive axe on his shoulder.
It was neither a sword nor a spear, but an axe of incredible size.
The handle was as long as a spear shaft, six feet in length, and notably thick. The blade was particularly impressive, seemingly twice the width of an average man's shoulders.
It was almost the size of a human torso, overwhelming in size and presence. The unlikeliness of the bearer only added to its imposing nature.
In Gaebong, where the transient population was high, martial artists were common, and people were not easily intimidated or impressed.
But this young man was different. His appearance alone demanded attention.
Yeon Hojeong looked around.
As he suspected, he stood out.
'This is different from the underworld.'
In the back alleys of the underworld, all sorts of weapons were carried by all sorts of people. Some wielded giant scissors, while others carried ten swords at a time like madmen.
While both the underworld and the righteous path were spread throughout the Central Plains, Hanam was home to Shaolin and prestigious families. There was no place for underworld martial artists.
Perhaps that's why the stares he received felt so novel.
'It's time to leave after having a look around.'
It had been three days since he left Sanggu, and now he had arrived in Gaebong. He had spent four days wandering the marketplace. Naturally, the prestigious families had taken notice.
'One, two… six.'
He had felt the 'eyes' watching him since yesterday.
The number had grown from one to two, and now there were six. And it had stopped increasing at six.
'The pot is heated.'
Carrying his food, he left the bustling central streets of Gaebong and strolled through a quiet bamboo forest.
It was the only place free from the passage of people, and the scenery of the bamboo forest was pleasant.
Crack.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
From afar, he heard the rustling of bamboo leaves. It was unclear whether it was the wind or a person brushing against them.
'They've caught up.'
His walk was restrained, showcasing a mature refinement. It was different yet strangely similar to that of the Am Sa Da.
'Am Sa Da…'
Yeon Hojeong thought of Myeong Onji.
The martial arts of the Golden Gang Yeoksa, who had broken down the gates of his family, and Myeong Onji who had learned them.
'Could any of these men have learned that martial art?'
The martial art that hardened the body. The art that turned the entire body into an armor-like fortress, drawing out formidable defensive power and divine strength.
'Maybe it's time for another… Hm?'
A sudden thought made Yeon Hojeong tilt his head.
'How strange.'
When Myeong Onji had unleashed that martial art, he had lost his mind. He had opened the killing intent without restraint because he was so enraged.
But why?
Now that his mind was calm, recalling Myeong Onji's martial arts from that time gave him a strange sense of déjà vu.
Was it because it was the martial arts of the Golden Gang Yeoksa who had come to destroy his family?
Rather than that, there was a strange feeling.
The more he thought about it, the more it faded like the memory of a dream.
The familiarity of Myeong Onji's martial arts puzzled Yeon Hojeong.
'…'
Lost in thought, Yeon Hojeong chuckled to himself.
'With enemies right in front of me, what am I doing at ease?'
He entered the bamboo forest and found a large rock.
Thump!
He set down his axe and sat on the rock, beginning to eat his rice ball.
It was well-made, with just the right amount of seasoning, making it very enjoyable to eat.
As he ate the rice ball, he suddenly thought of Yeon Jipyeong.
'Are you hungry? Eat a lot. I'll bring more tomorrow.'
Yeon Hojeong smiled unwittingly.
"You rascal. While your brother is far away, wrestling with vagabonds, can you even swallow your food?"
He wanted to say that jokingly. If Yeon Jipyeong heard it, he would probably sulk and kick the ground.
Thinking of his brother reminded him of his father.
The deep affection felt beyond his stern face.
'If the world dares to call my son a madman, I will place that world under my sword.'
'Father.'
He felt inexplicably happy.
It was a feeling he had never experienced during his time as the Black Dark Lord. Back then, he had comrades-in-arms but no family.
Now it was different. He had a family for which he had longed for decades, not the back alleys of the underworld. Having a place to return to made his heart feel secure.
Smiling as he thought of his family, Yeon Hojeong spoke in a calm voice.
"This is my first meal of the day. Wait until I finish eating."
Bang! Thud!
Suddenly, the rice ball in his hand disappeared. An arrow had flown, and knocked it out of his hand.
Yeon Hojeong grumbled.
"This rice ball always seems to suffer."
He descended from the rock and faced forward. There, ten men stood before him.
The middle-aged man in the center asked.
"Are you Yeon Hojeong?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"Yes. I am Yeon Hojeong, the eldest son of the Byuksan Yeon family."