[Chapter 97]
In the shadowed foothills of Mt. Palgong, Namgung Shin received a clandestine piece of intelligence from the Open Faction. It was concerning the demonic path sect, Anhui Blood Palace, and those who thrived within its dark embrace.
Upon reviewing the detailed information from the Open Faction, Namgung Shin immediately requested military support from the Namgung family headquarter. The exact extent of their power was unknown, but it was clear that their might was on a different scale compared to the average minor sects.
Secret sects unknown to the martial world. Mysterious organizations.
Such sects were more numerous than one might think. Like hermits as numerous as grains of sand, there were many sects that remained hidden from the public eye.
Sensing an extraordinary situation, Namgung In, the head of the Namgung family, sent two elders and three military units for reinforcement.
With such forces, any ordinary minor sect could be swept away within half a day. It was a clear indication of how seriously Namgung In regarded this matter.
It was a necessary response, as the Anhui Blood Palace had been responsible for the annihilation of the Golden Sword Sect.
The Golden Sword Sect was a faction praised by all. In the northern regions of Anhui, their reputation even surpassed that of the Namgung clan.
Having obliterated such a sect, it was only right for the Namgung clan, known as the champions of Anhui, to seek vengeance. Yet, even after five years, not a trace of the Anhui Blood Palace had been found.
Amidst this, the Open Faction provided such tantalizing information.
It was an opportunity that could not be forsaken. Namgung In saw this as a chance to not only renew the atmosphere of Anhui but also to engrave the family's prestige across the land.
The source was the Open Faction. With such irrefutable proof, there was nothing to hesitate about.
Thus, the forces of Namgung marched towards the main stronghold in Guanil Valley, towards the towering Mt. Taishan.
* * *
In the midst of turmoil, I sealed my core, lest my spirit leap forth. Now, transport me as I am.
"Your efforts are commendable."
The tone of the agent from the Yellow Wind Pavilion shifted.
It was warranted. Myeong Heorim, once counted among the Twin Dragons and Three Peaks, had mastered even the demonic arts. What more need be said of his martial prowess?
Yeon Hojeong subdued such a master without inflicting a single wound. A feat of awe-inspiring might.
"Convey this to the head of the Mo family."
"Speak, and I shall relay."
"The gift you sent was well received. Tell them to anticipate mine in return."
"Is that sufficient?"
"Ample."
"Understood."
"You've toiled hard. Now, take your leave."
"Farewell."
With the departure of the Yellow Wind Pavilion's agent, Yeon Hojeong made his way to the main hall.
"Hm? You're still awake?"
Mokbi sat awkwardly in a corner of the room.
"Sleep eludes me…"
"You've hardly slept these past days, have you? And food?"
"…"
"You haven't eaten either?"
"I had no appetite…"
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"Let me ask you."
"Yes?"
"Do you intend to join the martial world?"
The question was pivotal.
Yeon Hojeong hoped Mokbi would join him. Beyond their shared past, her strength was desperately needed.
But if she chose not to enter the martial world, he was prepared to let her go cleanly.
Regrettable, but necessary. It is better to seek out those with potential than cling to one without the heart for it.
Mokbi shook her head.
"I haven't decided yet…"
"You're mistaken."
"Pardon?"
"You must decide now. It's imperative."
"Why? Why must I?"
"Because I am a martial artist."
"…"
"You've learned martial arts, but to call you a martial artist is ambiguous. You've no conflict with any sect or warrior of the martial world. If you wish, you could settle in a village and tend to the fields right now."
"…"
"But if you follow me, the story changes. I am a martial artist. And I'm struggling to prevent a calamity that will befall the world."
The world, a calamity.
Grand words indeed. Anyone else might have been met with scoffs.
But Mokbi did not mock him.
Yeon Hojeong's expression was earnest. His voice, carried on the air, was filled with strength and dignity.
An atmosphere that could not, should not be ridiculed.
"I need strength. The power to protect everyone. It's not a peace that can be achieved by my strength alone. But I won't impose the future I know upon the world. They wouldn't believe it anyway."
"I… I am…"
"If you desire an ordinary life, I will help you in every way I can. I have that much ability."
It was a choice forced upon her by others.
But such was reality. By joining hands with Yeon Hojeong, she would fall into the world of martial demons.
A perilous world where one's life could end at any moment. Where minor disputes could escalate into full-blown sect wars, where pride could cost lives, and assassinations could occur without any prior enmity.
And yet.
A world bound by many things, yet simultaneously unbound by anything. A world where heroes lay down their lives for minor kindnesses, and even sworn enemies could find forgiveness.
If she chose an ordinary life, there would be no need to accompany Yeon Hojeong any longer.
But to live in the martial world, she could stay by Yeon Hojeong's side. At least for a while.
"I know I'm forcing a harsh choice upon you, who hasn't even lived a proper life yet. But it must be done. I believe you can make this choice, reflecting on the life you've lived so far."
Mokbi looked up at Yeon Hojeong, her eyes trembling.
But only for a moment.
Her unfocused gaze gradually sharpened, and the trembling in her eyes soon found stillness.
With a deep breath to steady her heart, Mokbi spoke in a low voice.
"I am an archer. I've learned the basic arts and letters, but the fact that I am an archer remains unchanged."
"Is Guanil Valley your enemy?"
Despite the abrupt question, Mokbi's response was immediate.
"An enemy, indeed. Sufficiently so."
"I won't ask why. It's not my place. But I'll ask again. Can you live in this world with the power your enemies have given you?"
It was a first.
Mokbi showed something akin to a smile for the first time.
"Without lifting my hand, relying on others to do harm?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"What does it matter?"
"It means nothing. Such things."
"Ha ha."
A delightful retort. Yeon Hojeong laughed without reservation.
"So, is there a world fit for an archer?"
"Whatever the reason, my life has been about striving for the best. And the life that suits me isn't one of tilling fields and reading books."
Yeon Hojeong extended his hand with a smile.
"I will persuade you. So that you never leave my side, so that you can always be with me."
Mokbi took his hand.
"Just don't kill my curiosity. Not that you could if you tried."
Mokbi, hand in hand with Yeon Hojeong, rose to her feet.
Rumble.
"Ah…"
Mokbi's face flushed red.
Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
"Before you choose your life, manage your insides. A martial artist must always maintain their best physical condition, no matter the situation."
"I understand."
"And you, how long has it been since you bathed?"
"…Do I smell?"
"I thought you were a wild person."
Her neck flushed red. Indeed, since leaving Mt. Palgong, she had been too preoccupied to bathe.
"Let's eat first, then wash thoroughly, and sleep as if dead. You've worked hard."
"No."
"Do you drink?"
"Alcohol?"
"You can't, I see. Never mind, then. Just order food."
"No, no. I'll wash up first and come back."
"As you wish."
Mokbi opened the door and stepped out, pausing to look out the windows lining the corridor.
The cloudless sky seemed incredibly refreshing. Birds, unbound by anything, flew in flocks across the sky.
As Mokbi gazed blankly at the birds, a slow flush crept up her cheeks.
Memories of a past life, brief yet intense, branded into her soul like a seal, surfaced.
Acknowledged for her prodigious talent, she spent her life honing martial arts to an almost torturous degree. She never wished to kill, yet lived trembling under the oppression of those who demanded it.
But that wasn't the life she desired.
She yearned for freedom, for a humane existence. She loathed the elders who declared that without becoming a noble archer, her life held no value, threatening death on the spot.
Eventually, her resentful siblings perished, and she, ignorant of the world, was left alone.
The loneliness was suffocating. She dreaded stepping out into the world, wishing instead to retreat into any mountain and live with nature.
Yet, she couldn't.
Such a life, she sensed, would lead to ruin.
Though she felt on the verge of losing her mind to despair and solitude, she knew she had to smile and move forward to see a future.
'Brother, sisters, I'm sorry. But I will try to live earnestly just this once.'
She felt guilty for surviving alone. Yet, she wouldn't stop.
Mokbi took a deep breath and forced a bright smile.
"I'll live splendidly, more than anyone else."
Just then, Yeon Hojeong called out as he opened the door.
"What are you doing, you rascal? Stop spreading your stench in the hallway and go wash up."
Mokbi let out a shriek without realizing.
"Be quiet!"
The next dawn.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Good, let's get moving."
"But where are we going?"
"I was planning to meet someone in Zhejiang, but first, we're heading home."
"Home?"
"Yes, home. We'll eat a warm meal, rest well, then regroup and head out."
"Ah…"
"What? Are you itching to draw your bow already?"
"No, it's just… going home."
"Don't worry. Our father may be a man of few words, but he's kind. And you'll get along fine with my gentle sibling."
"Ah, okay."
"And another thing…"
Yeon Hojeong glanced at the recurve bow slung over Mokbi's back.
"Has the bowstring stretched a bit?"
Mokbi nodded.
"My inner power has grown significantly recently, so I might have misjudged my strength."
"Hmm, is that so."
Yeon Hojeong didn't bother to ask how her inner power had increased.
He suddenly looked at his own axe.
The blade was filled with rough scars from exchanging devastating blows. It was fortunate that the shaft hadn't broken.
And at the end of the shaft.
There was no ring. He'd need to acquire 'that' item separately, but there might be something suitable available.
"We'll need to stop by the blacksmith on the way. It's time to prepare in earnest."
There was still much lacking.
Not only martial arts but also weapons were not yet fully assembled. The preliminary work to counter the Saeum Sect hadn't even begun.
It was time to start.
The first step to thwart the frenzied advance of the Saeum Sect, or rather, the Fanatical Three Sects.
The Emperor of Darkness, who once ruled the underworld, now disguises himself as the Guardian of Beiksan, preparing for the future. A family he never had before and comrades met much sooner than expected will give wings to the tiger's back.
A history being written entirely differently from the past.
Yeon Hojeong fervently prayed that the new history he was creating would lay the foundation for a peaceful future.