[Chapter 87]
"Such an event occurred?" he inquired with a raised brow.
"Yes," she affirmed, her voice steady.
The middle-aged man gazed out the window, his stature not particularly tall, his build ordinary.
Yet, his aura was anything but. It was as if he was a cloud, seemingly light but carrying the weight of a hidden resolve.
He was more a scholar than a warrior, one who wielded knowledge as his sword, sharpening wisdom to chase after righteousness.
He was none other than the head of the Zhuge Clan, Zhuge Wenhu.
Zhuge Ayan asked calmly, "Father, should the head of the house intervene? Even if it's your daughter, overstepping bounds is forbidden, isn't it?"
"…"
"However, I wish to inquire about this particular matter."
"…"
"What are your thoughts on this arranged marriage?"
Zhuge Wenhu turned to face Zhuge Ayan, his eyes deep with a tinge of bitterness.
"What parent under heaven would wish for their child to spend a lifetime with someone they do not desire?"
"…"
"Yet, some pillars of our clan have rotted. Despite noticing the signs, I excused it as busyness and let it slide. My failure to act then still haunts me."
"…It's in the past now."
"Yes, it's passed. However…"
Zhuge Wenhu closed his eyes, a hint of self-reproach shadowing his gentle features.
"It was merely my greed."
"…"
"What has crumbled can be rebuilt. The issue lies in the time it takes to rebuild. The martial world may seem peaceful, but beneath it lies a law of cause and effect, ever ready to erupt in violence and death."
"Cause and effect…"
"I did not wish to see the clan fall during my time. But perhaps that too was just an excuse. Witnessing the recent events in the noble houses, I've come to realize the obvious truth: excessive ambition inevitably leads to ruin."
Zhuge Ayan questioned, "Do you harbor ambitions, Father?"
Zhuge Wenhu nodded as if it were a given.
"Of course."
"…I see."
"I don't believe having ambitions is wrong. The mistake lies in not acknowledging them honestly."
His gaze shifted.
"I was foolish. My desires nearly led to your unhappiness."
"Not at all, Father."
"The leader of the Yongdu Sect is right. I intend to reject the proposal from the Nangong family."
Zhuge Ayan's eyes wavered.
"For the time being, the Nangong family won't be able to oppose us. Given the magnitude of the recent incident, they too must lay low."
"…"
"Focus on your studies without worry."
Zhuge Ayan stood up with a smile.
"Father."
"Speak."
"Do not bear all burdens alone."
Zhuge Wenhu laughed heartily.
"You're a decade too early for such concerns. Continue to strive and improve."
"Yes!"
"Oh! By the way…"
Curiosity sparked in Zhuge Wenhu's eyes.
"Did you deliver the Socheon Elixir to Yeon Hojeong?"
Zhuge Ayan's face twisted at the memory.
"I did. Thinking about it still grinds my teeth."
"What happened?"
She recounted Yeon Hojeong's reaction without missing a beat.
"Such outrageous behavior! I was so close to giving him a piece of my mind."
Zhuge Wenhu's eyes curved in amusement.
"Ayan."
"Yes?"
"Do you, perchance, have feelings for the eldest son of the Yeon family?"
The question struck like a bolt from the blue.
Zhuge Ayan shook her head vehemently.
"No! No! Who would fancy such an uncultured brute!"
"Are you not lacking in refinement yourself?"
"Father!"
Zhuge Wenhu chuckled.
"I asked just in case. Your reactions are quite telling whenever he's mentioned."
"What about my reactions? What!"
"Your mother was similar to you at your age. She's probably scolding me just as much now."
"Not at all!"
"Then what is Yeon Hojeong to you?"
Zhuge Ayan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Um… an annoying pest who stirs curiosity… an old soul in a young body? Just a friend."
Zhuge Wenhu's expression turned wry.
"An interesting assessment."
"He defies definition. He's quite unique. I find myself wondering what trouble he's getting into when he's out of sight."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Understood."
"Why are you laughing?"
"Just felt like it."
"…You're being cryptic! Don't get any strange ideas!"
Zhuge Wenhu looked out the window once more.
The drifting clouds seemed so peaceful.
'Ayan has grown up.'
Zhuge Ayan protested,
"Whatever you're thinking, it's absolutely not true!"
* * *
Emerging from the medical quarters, Yeon Hojeong and his companions took to the mountain trails.
Though the well-trodden paths would have been easier, Yeon Hojeong's fame posed a problem.
Rumors spread quickly, igniting and dispersing in an instant, cooling as swiftly as they flared.
But the immediate issue was his blazing renown in Hanam, attracting many who sought even a word with him.
Thus, they chose the mountain paths. It took longer, but it spared them the hassle.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason.
A misty haze rose from Yeon Hojeong, seated in meditation.
'At last, it works.'
The Black Tortoise energy surged, purging all impurities from his damaged meridians. The mountain air cleansed his mind through his breath, bringing clarity.
The White Tiger energy opened naturally, healing the residual shock in his bones and muscles. The Vermilion Bird energy, like a blazing fire, circulated clean blood throughout his body.
Day by day, his condition improved. The chest wound from Mingcheon's sword was nearly healed.
His recovery was remarkable.
He had been anxious about the slower-than-expected healing, but in a few days, he had rapidly returned to normal.
'Why is this happening?'
It was good to be healed, but the reason eluded him.
'I'm aware of the difference between my past and present body. Even considering that, the recovery was slow. But once my body was somewhat better, the healing sped up.'
A sense of unease clouded Yeon Hojeong's face.
'This isn't good.'
Whether a phenomenon was good or bad, knowing the reason was essential to prepare accordingly.
'Is it because I lack the Azure Dragon energy?'
For a brief moment, he summoned three of the Four Divine Beasts' energies, much sooner than planned. This accelerated his combat abilities and martial strength.
But it also left him in an unstable state. He had refined each energy, but harmony was yet to be achieved. Without the Azure Dragon energy, complete harmony of the Four Divine Beasts was impossible.
Yet, the inexplicable phenomenon made him consider even the Azure Dragon.
"Hoo."
Yeon Hojeong sighed and stood up.
"Let's continue to refine. Eventually, I'll find the answer."
He knew intuitively that it wasn't something to be resolved by delving into it right away.
It was unsettling, but he had to shake it off. It was better to spend the time on more productive endeavors.
'I need to refine my martial arts.'
Yeon Hojeong recalled facing the masters of the noble houses.
'I could overwhelm them at a moderate level. Even before summoning the Vermilion Bird energy, I could withstand dozens of exchanges with Mingcheon.'
The noble houses' martial arts were a forced twist of the Four Divine Beasts' techniques. They were powerful but fraught with serious flaws.
'There were many weaknesses.'
Facing them, Yeon Hojeong thoroughly dismantled the counterfeit Four Divine Beasts' techniques.
In truth, the Four Divine Beasts' techniques weren't meant to be countered. There are no absolutes in the world, but in terms of technique, the Four Divine Beasts' techniques were almost invincible.
It was only because he hadn't yet drawn out the Yellow Dragon energy that he could exploit the minute weaknesses and completely dismantle them.
The transformation of his vital energy played a significant role. In the presence of the true successor of the Four Divine Beasts' techniques, the counterfeit energies were defenseless and dissipated.
In essence, Yeon Hojeong's ability to overpower the numerous masters of the noble houses lay in the martial arts he was mastering.
'I've grown stronger, but there's still a long way to go.'
He needed to become stronger, to grow more.
At the very least, he had to regain the martial prowess he had during the era known as the Black Abyss.
Yeon Hojeong unfolded from his meditation posture and picked up his axe.
"Yangheum."
"Yes, Young Master!"
"Where is Clan Leader Shin?"
"Ah, the Clan Leader went down to the village for a bit."
"To the village? Why?"
"That, we're not quite sure…"
It was then.
Shinmo walked up from the base of the mountain.
"Clan Leader Shin."
"Ah, have you finished your cultivation?"
"Yes."
"How's your body feeling?"
"Perfect. Fully recovered."
"That's fortunate."
"It's not important right now. What do you say? The weather's cooled down, shall we spar a bit?"
A look of perplexity crossed Shinmo's face.
"Um, Young Master."
"Hm?"
"I'd like to discuss again the matter we talked about before."
"Discuss? What matter?"
"About accompanying you, Young Master."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"As I said before, I'm just going to experience the world. I no longer need the help of Changyeongdae."
"As you know, Young Master, the martial world is dangerous. We can't predict what dangers may arise."
"If you're afraid to draw blood, you can't call yourself a warrior."
"Still…"
"Besides, you all belong to the main house. You're part of the main house's martial force, so you can escort me, the Young Master, but once the mission is over, you should return and do your duty."
"…"
"I don't know the details, but the situation at the main house isn't great. It's probably very busy. So go back and help my father. That's your duty."
Shinmo sighed.
"Then, could we at least leave two teams…"
"No. Stop worrying about me and focus on what you need to do in your position."
Protecting the clan's Young Master was indeed their duty.
But Yeon Hojeong firmly refused.
He had the confidence to survive in any environment, but he didn't want his actions to harm the clan.
After some thought, Shinmo made up his mind.
"Understood. Then we will return to the clan."
"Good. I'll send a separate letter to my father."
Yeon Hojeong tapped the axe blade.
"Are we done? Then shall we have a match?"
"Just one more thing, please allow us to accompany you for this one last matter."
"What last matter?"
Shinmo pulled out a letter from his robe.
Yeon Hojeong looked at the letter curiously.
"We've received a message from Gaebang."
"Let me see it."
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled as he unfolded the letter.
Tension shadowed Shinmo's face.
"Considering who the other party is, there must be a reason they're holding onto the departing Young Master now. It doesn't feel like good intentions."
"…Moyong Clan Leader."
Indeed, the sender of the letter was Moyong Jun.
A look of indifference settled on Yeon Hojeong's face as he folded the letter.
'After all, things weren't completely settled.'
He had to meet them at some point. It was easier now that they had reached out first.
'If I wait, they'll strangle themselves.'
Yeon Hojeong slung the axe over his shoulder.
"Let's prepare to descend the mountain."