[Chapter 96]
Namgung Shin's eyes were filled with honest admiration as he beheld Yeon Hojeong.
"Are you Yeon Hojeong?"
"Do you know of me?"
A chilling aura emanated from the swordsmen standing behind Namgung Shin.
Namgung Shin was the last direct descendant among the eight great elders of the Namgung clan. His status was on par with the clan leader.
Yet, the young man's tone was unbearably insolent, ruffling the swordsmen's feathers.
But Namgung Shin, unconcerned, nodded.
"Of course, I know you. That massive axe you're carrying is a dead giveaway. Plus, the energy you exude unconsciously, it's not something a youth would possess."
Surprisingly, Namgung Shin seemed pleased. His face was full of pure admiration and joy.
"They say you faced the greatest clan alone, and indeed, you are a remarkable talent. The nickname 'Beksanhojang' suits you well."
Beksanhojang?
'How ridiculous.'
From 'Stormbringer' to now 'Beksanhojang,' the martial world's flair for dramatic titles was something to behold.
"Ah, my apologies. I've introduced myself without even giving you my name. I am Shin of the Anhui Namgung clan."
Yeon Hojeong blinked.
Namgung Shin licked his lips.
"Never heard of me?"
"I generally don't take interest in others."
It was not something one should say to a senior in the martial world, especially since Namgung Shin was older than even the clan leader.
The swordsmen's gaze grew colder, their aura intensifying.
Namgung Shin laughed heartily.
"What a spirited young man. Yes, a man should have such courage."
"Regardless, I must be on my way. Please step aside."
"Before you go…"
"…?"
"That person at your side, is it Myeong Heorim?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled.
'How did he know?'
But it made sense; the Namgung clan was a core force in the martial alliance. They would know about Myeong Heorim heading to Anhui.
"Indeed."
"Just as I thought. The young hero who exposed the true face of the notorious Myeong clan has even captured the fugitive son. Your fame will shake the great rivers and mountains once more."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head, clearly annoyed.
"Please, step aside. I'm in a hurry."
"Haha! Of course. We intended to capture him first, but it's a shame. Though, who catches him doesn't really matter, as long as he's caught."
Namgung Shin glanced at Myeong Heorim regretfully and stepped aside.
"Make way."
Thirty swordsmen lined up at the sides.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
'Impressive.'
The aura on both sides was formidable.
This was no ordinary military force; surely, they were among the best combat units of Namgung.
But to Yeon Hojeong, it was irrelevant. He walked on.
Then, it happened.
"However, young man."
Yeon Hojeong stopped.
"I heard you gave my nephews quite the beating."
"…"
"Don't worry. They deserved it. Hyun was involved in a scam, and Sanghwa behaved frivolously, showing pettiness that even children would be ashamed of."
"And?"
"And… well."
Namgung Shin's smile remained.
"I can understand those two incidents, but there's another matter that even I find incomprehensible."
Yeon Hojeong turned around, frowning.
"Speak plainly, what is it you want to say?"
Namgung Shin nodded.
"Since you're being straightforward, I'll skip the formalities."
His face, previously full of smiles, suddenly turned stern.
"You're acquainted with the girl who's to be Hyun's bride?"
Yeon Hojeong quickly thought of someone.
"Jegal Ayeon?"
"Yes, Jegal Ayeon. That girl."
"Acquainted… I wouldn't say we're close."
"Haha, don't try to slip away with such words. Honestly, I don't care how close you are to Jegal Ayeon, but the situation is rather delicate."
Namgung Shin frowned.
It was an awkward matter to meddle in, but he couldn't avoid it, as both an elder of the clan and an uncle.
"You may not know, but our family has sent a matchmaker to the Jegal clan for Jegal Ayeon."
"I'm aware."
"You know? Then this will be quick."
Namgung Shin spoke coldly.
"Do not meet with the eldest daughter of the Jegal clan again. She is to be the wife of our clan's heir."
Yeon Hojeong couldn't help but smirk.
Namgung Shin's eyes deepened.
"Why do you laugh?"
It was laughable.
The Jegal clan seemed to be considering rejecting the marriage proposal from the Namgung clan. Yet, the Namgung clan was telling him not to spread rumors about their potential bride.
'Either way, they knew.'
What mattered to Yeon Hojeong wasn't the marriage between Jegal Ayeon and Namgung Hyun.
'They knew I was here.'
This matter was supposed to be known only to Moyong Jun and himself, at least on the surface.
The Namgung clan had also dispatched troops to capture Myeong Heorim? That was possible. But it didn't prove that this meeting was a coincidence.
'Moyong Jun.'
It was an obvious ploy. It seemed certain that Moyong Jun was behind this.
Because even if he knew, there was nothing he could do about it. There was no evidence, and there was no need to cause a stir over baseless rumors.
And the same went for the Namgung clan.
Yeon Hojeong shrugged.
"Don't worry. I never intended to meet her first. She sought me out."
That was fortunate.
Fortunate, but the words left a sour taste. If Yeon Hojeong had feelings for Jegal Ayeon, it would be a headache for the Namgung clan, but the reverse was also true.
"So, don't strain your eyes over it."
A faint blue energy rippled from the swordsmen's bodies.
It was the Changgung Energy. All of them had mastered the Namgung clan's ultimate martial art, the Changgung Energy.
And they had all mastered it deeply. The waves of energy pressing in from both sides were astonishingly powerful.
After staring at Yeon Hojeong for a while, Namgung Shin's smile returned.
"You may be arrogant, but you don't seem like a liar."
If necessary, he would act.
"I'll trust your word. Please be careful in the future."
"Don't worry. I have no desire to ruin someone's marriage."
"Haha, such an understanding young man."
Namgung Shin raised his hand.
At the same time, the energy flowing from both sides subsided.
"Sorry to have detained you. You may go now."
"Take care."
"Indeed. Ah! One more thing."
Namgung Shin's face scrunched up.
"Have you seen a master archer around here?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
"Archery?"
"Indeed. You may or may not know of Anhui Blood Palace, the demon who annihilated the Golden Sword Sect five years ago. It's said that this demon has recently shown up near Mount Paektu."
"…!"
"While it's regrettable that you captured Myeong Heorim, the Anhui Blood Palace must be apprehended by us."
Namgung Shin scratched his head.
"Not far from here, I saw traces of a violent struggle. I didn't inspect closely, but the archery was tremendous, infused with Qi Gong. It must be the martial arts of the Anhui Blood Palace."
"…"
"Weren't you waiting to capture Myeong Heorim? Did you not feel such a powerful Qi force?"
Yeon Hojeong replied nonchalantly.
"I haven't seen it. I only arrived yesterday."
"Is that so?"
Namgung Shin licked his lips.
"Understood. If you happen to see anyone suspicious carrying a bow, inform the local branch."
"I will."
"Then, be on your way. Congratulations on capturing Myeong Heorim."
"I wish you good fortune."
With that, Yeon Hojeong distanced himself from the Namgung clan's forces.
How far had he descended the mountain?
"Huff huff! Ye, Yeon Hojeong?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes widened.
"Branch Leader Socheong?"
"Cough! Huff huff! Just, give me a moment to breathe…"
Socheong collapsed on the spot, gasping for air.
Behind him stood Baek Hyang, silent and serene.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes shone.
"Mu… Baek Hyang?"
Baek Hyang looked at Yeon Hojeong without a word.
Her eyes were unfocused, and the aura of nihilism emanating from her was as dark as it gets.
Panting, Socheong said,
"Th, this young lady asked to find Yeon Hojeong, so I brought her. Huff! Huff!"
Yeon Hojeong set down Myeong Heorim.
"I didn't expect you to find me so quickly."
Baek Hyang, who had been staring blankly at Yeon Hojeong, bowed her head.
"I've come to say goodbye."
"Goodbye?"
"I'm returning to Gwanilgok."
Yeon Hojeong licked his lips.
"To become that bride or something?"
"No."
"…Then?"
With an expressionless face, Baek Hyang uttered a chilling statement.
"To eradicate them with my own hands."
"…!"
Yeon Hojeong's face hardened.
"Gungcheon brother said you would protect me. But Gwanilgok is strong, and they will try to capture the runaway bride at all costs."
"Is that so."
"Yes. I may not know the martial world, but if it's not a renowned sect, they can't stand against Gwanilgok."
"So, you'll eradicate them all by yourself?"
Baek Hyang's eyes grew even darker.
Beneath that deep darkness lay a subtle rage and murderous intent.
"I hate them. All those who could be called family are dead, and they will try to capture me no matter what."
"…"
"It's better to eradicate them all."
Such venom.
It's not easy to make such a vow. After all, wasn't Gwanilgok her home?
Yeon Hojeong looked into Baek Hyang's eyes.
They seemed to absorb all the light in the world. That's how dark and deep they were.
'It's not just because of this incident.'
The recent bridal competition was just a trigger; she must have hated Gwanilgok already. Of course, that's just speculation.
"Can you handle it alone?"
"I'm familiar with the terrain there. There are many masters, but none superior to those who participated in the competition."
"It will still be a tough fight."
"…"
"It might be a battle you can't return from, right? That's why you came to say goodbye."
"…Yes."
Baek Hyang bowed her head again.
"Thanks to you, Gungcheon brother passed away peacefully. I owe you a debt, so I wanted to say goodbye, in case it's the last time."
Yeon Hojeong sighed.
"I advised you to live life proactively, yet the very person is heading off to die."
"I don't want to die."
"Hm?"
"I don't want to die. But unless I eradicate them, it's not really living."
"…"
"They are that toxic."
"So, this is also an unavoidable choice?"
"…Yes."
"Is that so?"
His response was somewhat sly.
Yeon Hojeong suddenly put his arm around Baek Hyang's shoulder, causing her to flinch.
"Look here, Mu… no, Baek… ah, forget it! From now on, you're Mokbi. I'll call you Mokbi."
"Wh, what?"
"I have a good idea, would you like to hear it?"
"…A good idea?"
Yeon Hojeong looked off into the distant mountain ridge.
His eyes settled deeply.
"Shall I give you one piece of advice for the world you're about to face?"
"…?"
"If you're going to dirty your hands, it's better to do it yourself. But if it's a troublesome matter, it's okay to leave it in someone else's hands."
"What? What do you mean?"
"It means you don't have to feel uneasy if you can't do something you need to. Especially if the opponent deserves to die."
Yeon Hojeong spoke to Socheong.
"Branch Leader. Bring Myeong Heorim here. I have something to discuss with this friend."
"Huff huff! Me, should I carry him?"
"Please."
"Huff huff. Ah, understood."
Yeon Hojeong turned to Baek Hyang with a smile.
"Have you ever heard of the 'Way of the Murderous Path'?"