Chapter 658: Hands Off
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 658: Hands Off
The meeting didn’t begin with personal matters; it started with business.
Yuri provided a summary of the events in the North. She was careful with her words, omitting what needed to be kept secret and relaying only what she could to Moyong Hi-ah. Of course, that was Yuri’s responsibility, not mine.
Rustle.
Moyong Hi-ah pored over the organized report several times. The only sound in the room was the crisp rustling of paper between her fingers. After staring at the letter for a long while, she finally spoke.
“I’ve heard the report.”
Even as she spoke, her eyes remained fixed on the parchment.
“First, I would like to express my condolences for the tragedy in the North.”
“Thank you for your kind words…”
Yuri replied, but I could hear the tremor of tension in her voice. It couldn't be helped. When acting in this professional capacity, Moyong Hi-ah was one of the most intimidating people one could face.
Thud.
Moyong Hi-ah set the letter down and finally looked Yuri in the eye.
“However, condolences aside, I have many questions for you, Acting Palace Lord. May I begin?”
“…Yes.”
This was where the real ordeal started.
“Thank you for your understanding. Then, let’s discuss the contract we established before this operation began.”
Her voice dropped an octave. For someone who was, at best, at the Peak Realm, her sheer presence was staggering.
“In the contract, you stated that upon completion of the task, we would be granted exclusive trading rights with the North. Is that agreement still valid?”
“…It is.”
Moyong Hi-ah nodded slowly.
“In that case, you also stated that trade would commence within three months of the job’s completion. Is that still feasible?”
‘Hm?’
My eyes widened. ‘She secured a contract like that?’
I knew she had obtained exclusive rights, but it seemed she had also set a razor-sharp deadline. She was certainly thorough.
Hearing those words, Yuri’s expression darkened.
“…Regarding that specific clause, there are complications. It will be difficult to meet that timeline.”
Starting trade within three months—even if it was written in stone, she was admitting it was impossible now.
‘Of course it is.’
It was obvious. The war wasn't over; it was still ongoing. From the looks of it, they would win and clean things up soon enough, but even that would take months. After that, rebuilding the Ice Palace, replenishing their ranks, and stabilizing the region would take at least a year. To ignore all that and demand trade in three months was absurd.
“I see.”
Moyong Hi-ah nodded lightly. She must have already read the situation in the letter and expected this answer.
“Then, in your opinion, Acting Palace Lord, when do you believe trade will be possible?”
“At the very least, by this time next year…”
“Please be precise. You said the same thing when we signed the initial contract.”
“...”
They looked similar, save for their hair color, but the aura they projected was worlds apart. I could see Yuri floundering, completely overwhelmed by Moyong Hi-ah’s intensity. Yuri had her own clever streaks, but she was clearly outmatched here.
“We can begin by next autumn.”
Summer had turned to autumn. It was a reasonable adjustment. However…
“So, you are saying the timeline has been extended by several months.”
There was no reason for our side to simply roll over and accept that.
“The situation in the North is regrettable, but this constitutes a breach of contract. Rather than voiding the agreement, I believe we should renegotiate the terms. Do you agree?”
Before Yuri could even respond, a new document was already on the table. When had she even pulled that out? No, wait.
‘When did she prepare that?’
It clearly wasn't drafted just now. Judging by the state of the paper and the dried ink, it had been ready for days. In other words…
‘…She predicted this from the moment she set out?’
She knew it couldn't be done in three months. Moyong Hi-ah had anticipated the delay and had already prepared the revised contract.
‘What a fearsome woman.’
Whatever happened, I made a mental note never to get on her bad side.
Renegotiating a contract was never simple, and as the conversation progressed, Yuri tried to find some way to push back. But…
“Thank you. Then let’s conclude the matter as such.”
“…Ye—yes…”
By the time the discussion ended, Yuri looked completely drained, her face pale. Moyong Hi-ah, on the other hand, looked as composed as she had at the start. Just watching from the sidelines made me break out in a cold sweat. The way she systematically cornered her opponent was enough to make me shake my head in awe.
“I’ve prepared a residence for you, Young Lady. The escorts who accompanied you will also be directed there.”
‘Oh right, those guys.’
Come to think of it, Yuri’s escorts had been left here. I’d left them behind because they were a nuisance, but it seemed Moyong Hi-ah had taken "good care" of them.
‘…So, Yuri has to stay here until at least next autumn.’
The Palace Lord may have sent her here for refuge, but in the end, she was no different from a hostage. Now there was a legal justification to hold her until the contract was fulfilled. This also gave the Palace Lord a reason to prioritize trade with the merchant association the moment the war ended.
In short, Yuri was now a leash. Moyong Hi-ah said as much with a sharp, professional smile.
“…Th-thank you.”
With nothing left to say, a weary Yuri nodded, and the meeting concluded. She followed a servant out of the room. Seeing this, I nudged Woo Hyuk, signaling him to follow her. Woo Hyuk obeyed without a word.
“I will take my leave now.”
Moyong Hi-ah pretended not to see Woo Hyuk's bow, completely ignoring him. Her attitude was so unusually sharp that I didn't even dare to point it out.
After the two left, a heavy silence fell over the room. For a few seconds, it felt like an eternity.
“Hoo…”
Moyong Hi-ah let out a soft sigh, and the oppressive atmosphere eased. Her stiff expression relaxed slightly as she looked at me.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“…Sort of?”
“Looking at this, it doesn’t seem like you had a good trip at all.”
What on earth had the Palace Lord written in that letter to make her say that? I felt a cold sweat threatening to break. Was my expression that obvious? Moyong Hi-ah looked at me and allowed a small, knowing smile to form.
“It’s fine. I’ve known for a while that wherever you go, Young Master, things are never ‘normal.’”
“…That sounds a lot like an insult.”
“It is. It wasn’t a compliment.”
“Uh, right… okay.”
I let out an awkward laugh. “Where did Lady Mi go?”
“The Leader said she had some business to attend to for a few days. She’ll probably be back by tomorrow.”
Business, huh. Considering the timing, it was a busy period for Lady Mi.
‘The Dragons and Phoenixes tournament is coming up soon, after all.’
A merchant association is busiest not during the festival itself, but right before it. They had to finalize contracts and preparations now to maximize profit, so it wasn't strange for Lady Mi to be on the move.
“And… even without that, she’s likely busy because of the rumors.”
“Rumors?” I asked, catching her meaningful tone.
I’d heard about this earlier. During my conversation with Beomdong, I’d overheard whispers of ‘rumors.’
“The Alliance Leader came to visit as well. I heard that was the problem. Is something going on?”
“Ah…”
At my question, Moyong Hi-ah paused for a moment before speaking. It was exactly what I had suspected.
“A group calling themselves the Demonic Cult has recently emerged, causing a massive stir in the Central Plains.”
Instead of being surprised, I couldn't help but smirk internally. ‘Looks like they’re doing a good job.’
It seemed they were properly carrying out my orders. The progress was a bit faster than I expected, but this wasn't a bad thing.
“They say it’s a cult founded by a master no one has ever heard of, someone called the Heavenly Demon… I heard they attack both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions without discrimination.”
This was also within my expectations. In fact, I had told them to run wild to spread the word. If anything, the news had traveled slower than I thought. Up to this point, everything was fine.
But then…
“There is a rumor that the identity of this Heavenly Demon… is the Dishonored Venerable, one of the Three Venerables.”
‘…What?’
That, I had not expected. That part was definitely not in my plan. Where did that rumor come from?
Before I could even process it…
“Hm?”
A questioning voice came from behind me.
“...”
I felt a sudden, piercing gaze boring into the back of my head. I swallowed hard.
‘…I’m screwed, aren’t I?’
Definitely. That man—the Dishonored Venerable—immediately started suspecting me the moment she said it. He didn't even hesitate. How cruel. I mean, I did do it, but shouldn't he at least doubt it for a second?
‘Dammit, who was it?’
Where did that rumor originate? It was a rumor that shouldn't have spread—at least not yet. Who leaked it?
‘Could it be the Unyielding Demon?’
He was the most likely candidate, but I dismissed it. He wasn't foolish enough to spread this prematurely. Then who?
‘I have no idea.’
I couldn't figure it out now. Besides, this wasn't the time for a brainstorming session.
“Young Master?”
“The Dishonored Venerable… I doubt that’s possible.”
For now, playing dumb was the priority. Moyong Hi-ah nodded as if she agreed.
“Yes, I think so too.”
Her gaze shifted slightly—towards the Dishonored Venerable, who was sitting right behind me. Did she realize he was there? I didn't think so.
‘She’s probably just looking because a descendant of the Bi Clan is here.’
The Xi'an Bi Clan was the birthplace of the Dishonored Venerable, Bijuu. With a member of that bloodline sitting right here, she wouldn't dare speak ill of him.
“…I doubt one of the Three Venerables of the Orthodox Faction would ever do such a thing.”
“Right, of course not.”
The Dishonored Venerable smirked. It was the first time he had spoken since we arrived.
“I doubt such a great man would do something like that…”
He calls himself a great man. I barely managed to keep my face from twitching.
“By any chance, do you know why such a rumor started?” the Dishonored Venerable asked Moyong Hi-ah.
“Regarding the source, there is a theory that someone intentionally spread it, but…”
Moyong Hi-ah’s tone suggested she didn't buy that theory. Did she mean it wasn't an intentional leak? Then what was it?
As if on cue, Moyong Hi-ah continued.
“…There is information that the martial art he used when he killed an elder of the Wudang Sect was a unique art used by the Dishonored Venerable.”
“...”
“The information isn't confirmed… but they are investigating based on the fact that the one called the Heavenly Demon displayed power on par with the Three Venerables.”
I nodded slowly as I listened. Ah, I see.
‘So it’s my fault. Haha, dammit.’
It seemed my rampage had caused a problem. Goddammit. This is a mess. I thought I wouldn't get caught because the Heaven Destruction Art doesn't look particularly distinctive to the untrained eye.
‘It seems someone saw it.’
To have noticed the connection, there must have been another elder nearby, or…
‘They found some kind of trace…’
They had discovered something.
‘I’m dead.’
I had to think fast, hiding the cold sweat trickling down my spine. Was the spread of the information the problem? No, not really.
‘Who cares.’
It's not like my actual identity was revealed, so I couldn't care less about the public rumor. The problem was…
‘That man can't find out.’
At the very least, the man himself couldn't be allowed to confirm it.
‘His gaze hurts.’
The Dishonored Venerable was already staring holes into me. I couldn't turn my head. If I looked back now, it was over.
So, what should I do? I thought for a moment and came up with the only logical solution.
‘I have no choice.’
In times like these, there was only one move. I had to use my ultimate technique.
‘Run.’
I was escaping. With that thought, I stood up abruptly.
“Young Master?”
“Something urgent came up. See you later.”
“What? So suddenly? Young—!”
Moyong Hi-ah tried to call out to me, her voice urgent. But I was already gone.
“…Huh?”
Moyong Hi-ah was left bewildered. He was really leaving? After they had just reunited?
“This bastard, seriously…!”
Moyong Hi-ah clenched her fists and ground her teeth. ‘We weren’t even done talking…!’
She hadn't even had a chance to bring up the Sword Phoenix yet. Why did he disappear in such a hurry?
Just as Moyong Hi-ah was trying to calm her boiling temper…
“Then I’ll be going too. See you later!”
Tang Soyeol, who had been nervously watching from the back, quickly bowed to Moyong Hi-ah and vanished after me. That was even more annoying.
“…Both of you, I won’t let you off the hook when I catch you.”
Moyong Hi-ah, determined to give them a piece of her mind, barely managed to steady her breathing. And then she realized something. She was now alone in the room with an incredibly uncomfortable person.
“...”
Embarrassed by her outburst, Moyong Hi-ah straightened her posture and looked at the young man remaining before her. He was a handsome young master with black hair, black eyes, and gentle features.
‘The Dragon Warrior.’
The blood relative of the Dishonored Venerable—Bi Eejin.
Although they were both part of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes, they had never actually spoken. She only saw him as a friend because he was always with Gu Yangcheon. He was also someone Moyong Hi-ah found vaguely unsettling.
‘…He has a strange atmosphere.’
He didn't seem to have built a wall around himself, yet he appeared entirely indifferent to others. His gaze, which held no interest in anything, made his black eyes seem bottomless. Her instincts were screaming at her. She shouldn't treat him lightly.
An inexplicable anxiety kept Moyong Hi-ah silent. In that heavy discomfort, she watched the Dragon Warrior.
‘Why isn’t he leaving?’
For some reason, Bi Eejin remained seated. Now that his companions had left, it would have been natural for him to follow.
As Moyong Hi-ah wondered about this, the Dragon Warrior spoke.
“Tell me.”
“…Yes, Young Master Dragon Warrior?”
“Snow Phoenix, was it?”
The Dragon Warrior smiled. It was a gentle-looking smile, but it felt inexplicably chilling. Amidst that unsettling feeling, he said something completely unexpected.
“Seeing as you seem to enjoy making deals, would you like to make one with me? I’ll offer a decent reward.”
“…What kind of deal, so suddenly? If it’s about what we just discussed regarding the rumors…”
“Ah, not that. That’s an obvious matter; I can find that out on my own.”
“Pardon?”
He wasn't asking about the Dishonored Venerable? Then what on earth did he want?
“I’m asking because you seem like a trustworthy person. I’d like you to find some information for me.”
“…Information?”
“It’s nothing much.”
As he spoke, the Dragon Warrior’s expression shifted.
“I’d like to ask for some information regarding the Yama King.”
He was still smiling, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. At that sight, Moyong Hi-ah felt a chill run down her spine.
* * *
I fled the merchant association as if the building were on fire. I picked up speed to put distance between us, but my eyes kept glancing back.
‘…Why isn’t he following me?’
I thought he would chase me down and grab me by the scruff of the neck, but contrary to my expectations, the Dishonored Venerable didn't pursue. That was even scarier. It felt like he was saying, I’ll see you later.
‘Goddammit.’
To think such a rumor had spread. This was becoming a headache.
“…Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue and shook my head. Ah, whatever. If I get caught, I'll just deny everything. What else can I do? ‘What’s he going to do if I just say it wasn't me?’
I decided to keep it simple. My plan was basically to dare him to prove it. Alternatively, running away for a few days was an option, though it would only make things more awkward later.
Pat, pat.
I dusted off the dirt that had settled on me during my hasty exit.
“Hmm.”
I looked around and saw that the streets were packed. The festival season was approaching, so the city was swarming with people. I could see that the proportion of martial artists in the crowd had noticeably increased.
‘Their levels are high, too.’
I spotted not only first-rate masters but occasionally even Peak-level martial artists. Most of them were likely here for the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.
‘Seems like there’s a lot of interest in this year’s tournament.’
It was only natural. It was the first tournament in years, and the prizes were extraordinary.
‘There will be famed swords and elixirs, but…’
The most important thing here was something else entirely.
‘The revival of the Heavenly Dragon Army.’
The direct subordinate unit of the Alliance Leader—a group of masters who represented the Murim Alliance. That was the Heavenly Dragon Army. After an incident caused its temporary disappearance, its revival had been announced alongside the tournament. It was a massive honor to be part of its new beginning. For those martial artists who live and die by their reputation, it was an irresistible temptation.
And this was also a crucial part of my plan. I had to make use of that Heavenly Dragon Army, one way or another.
‘There’s less than a month until the tournament, so I should start preparing.’
It was annoying to have to get moving the moment I arrived, but there was no time to hesitate. I decided to first check on the task I had assigned. I was just about to go find the Unyielding Demon again when…
Thud!
“Kyaa!”
Someone bumped into me and fell. I looked down and saw it was a woman. Naturally, I just stared without offering a hand.
The woman picked herself up and hurriedly bowed her head.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you hurt?”
As she bowed, the heavy scent of incense filled my nostrils. I wrinkled my nose. It was a pungent, cloying smell. Others might not mind it, but it was a scent I thoroughly disliked.
At the same time, I caught a glimpse of the woman’s face through her veil. My eyebrows twitched.
‘Haha.’
I recognized her and smirked. It was a familiar face.
The woman was undeniably beautiful. If Wi Seol-Ah or Namgung Bi-ah were women that every single man would stop to look at, this woman was someone ninety out of a hundred would stare at. Her mature aura and alluring eyes were striking, and her voluptuous figure was designed to set any man’s heart ablaze, but…
‘Look at this.’
The women around me were all so exceptional that a beauty of this level couldn't possibly catch my eye. The reason I was surprised was different.
‘She’s still quick to act. Sending that wench right away.’
The woman’s title was Bihyeonhwa. She was a member of the Murim Alliance’s Investigation Team, famous for using honey traps to extract information.
Which meant she was a spy sent by the Murim Alliance—and by Beomdong, no less.