Chronicles of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 11: Encounters at the Inn
The flurry of snow ceased as if it had all been a lie. Two days later, as dusk began to settle, Yeon-hoo and his group crossed the western mountain range of Habuk and entered Sanseo Province.
Yeon-hoo, who hadn't properly washed in days, planned to enter the city for some much-needed rest, considering his companions.
"We'll cover the expenses," the envoys volunteered, and so they took the grandest, most lavish inn in town.
After a hearty meal with fine liquor, everyone retired to their rooms. Yeon-hoo tilted his teacup toward Yun Hoe.
"The envoys seem utterly smitten with you, my lord."
"You think so?"
"Yes. At first, it looked like they were just terrified into obedience. But watching them on the journey here, their gazes and expressions brim with admiration. So, if I may ask once more... what exactly did you do to them?"
Yun Hoe was still intensely curious about that point.
Yeon-hoo took a silent sip of tea.
Clink.
"Just a little intimidation."
"...Pardon? No, how do you intimidate someone so thoroughly that even the fearless envoys of the Penalty Department cower like that...?"
"Some people don't blink even with a blade at their throat, while others beg for mercy at a single word."
"Heh..."
Yeon-hoo gave a faint smile at Yun Hoe's incredulous expression.
"May I ask you something in return?"
"Ask away."
"Why haven't you left my father's side, Commander?"
"What do you mean by that...?"
"With your abilities, powerful families like the Jang would have extended generous offers."
Yun Hoe's face hardened suddenly. He closed his eyes and fell silent for a moment.
Yeon-hoo waited patiently, gazing indifferently.
After a pause, Yun Hoe opened his eyes and spoke.
"To be honest... it was more because of the young master than the lord. He was dearer to me than my own life. Many families did reach out, but each time, thinking of his face made their offers feel like blades aimed to kill me. I had no choice but to refuse."
At the mention of his deceased brother, Yeon-hoo's eyes darkened heavily—perhaps even a touch gloomily.
"Was my brother that great?"
"He was. Back then, I truly believed he would lead our Iron Blood Family and Northern Murim to heights no one had ever reached."
"You were mistaken."
"..."
"Someone that great shouldn't have died."
"At that time, the young master was still suffering severe aftereffects from his injuries in the battle against the Wall Thunder Family, barely able to move."
"No matter the circumstances, dying makes one incompetent."
"My lord..."
"Enough. It's time to rest."
Yun Hoe started to say more but rose cautiously.
"Sleep well. I'll come for you in the morning."
As Yun Hoe left, Yeon-hoo opened the window.
Whoosh.
A sudden blast of cold wind clawed at his face. Yeon-hoo lifted his gaze to the fragile crescent moon hanging precariously in the night sky.
Everything happened because of this worthless brother of yours, so you must never resent Father.
His brother's voice echoed in his mind like a hallucination.
He had resented his brother even more than his father—not for being exiled because of him.
'I hoped my brother would see me off. That might have made me a little sadder.'
When leaving the family estate, his brother never showed. That wound and lingering regret hurt Yeon-hoo more than departing the clan itself.
Whoosh.
Another gust tousled his hair across his face, snapping him from his reverie. He cast his eyes toward the distant market street.
Even at this late hour, it bustled with people. Revelers' raucous laughter mingled with the seductive giggles of courtesans, filling the air with clamor.
Yeon-hoo despised such scenes.
'Wonder if I can sleep tonight.'
As he reached to close the window, his idle gaze fixed on the inn across the way. He froze upon spotting a woman leaning out her window, engrossed in the street below.
Early twenties, perhaps? Her beauty was beyond words like "icy jade bones" or "flower-like visage"—a peerless allure. Her occasional smile, flashing white teeth, could melt even a stone Buddha's heart with its explosive charm.
'Incredible beauty.'
Then it happened.
She looked his way. Their eyes met across the void.
"Hello!"
She beamed and waved.
Yeon-hoo's brow furrowed slightly.
Should he greet her back? Or ignore her?
He chose the latter.
Clink!
Closing the window, Yeon-hoo lay on the bed and began his endless war with insomnia, now fifteen years strong.
"That bastard..."
A young man glared at Yeon-hoo's window, growling. He looked like a lion in human form—fierce enough to intimidate most with a mere glance.
He was in the room next to the woman's who had waved.
"Ignoring the lady's greeting?"
Then—
Creak.
She opened her window again.
"Getting excited again."
"Ahem. You saw it, didn't you? That punk ignoring your noble greeting."
"A strange woman suddenly says hello—he might've been startled. Enough. If you cause trouble like before, I'll really send you back this time."
"Aren't you angry, miss?"
"Nope. Not at all. So go to sleep."
"...Yes."
"See you in the morning."
Clink!
As she closed the window and vanished, the young man reignited his fiery glare across the street.
Grrr.
Then—
Creak.
The window opened, and Yeon-hoo appeared. Coincidentally, their eyes locked.
Yeon-hoo noted the youth's murderous stare and said indifferently,
"Hey, big guy. That's not how you look at people."
"Hey, big guy? Ha... look at this bastard."
Profanities flew.
Then Yeon-hoo spotted a hand flickering behind the youth. It struck his occiput squarely.
Thwack!
"Gah!"
The youth clutched his head and vanished from the window. Another young man appeared in his place—strikingly handsome, exuding an extraordinary aura of refinement.
He cupped his fists toward Yeon-hoo and bowed slightly.
"My companion was too rude. I apologize on his behalf. I'll discipline him properly so this never happens again. Good night."
He bowed repeatedly and closed the window.
Clink!
A chill draft whispered from above.
"What should we do?"
It was Cheol-u.
"Leave it."
"He insulted you, my lord."
"If we killed everyone like that, how many would survive in this world? Enough. Go sleep—we leave at dawn."
"...Yes."
As Cheol-u turned, Yeon-hoo called him back.
"Cheol-u."
"Yes?"
"From now on, we live lives utterly different from the past. That means you and I must learn to suppress our wild instincts. Remember that."
"Understood."
"And how long will you keep worrying about me?"
"It's a habit..."
"Fine. From now on, don't concern yourself with guarding me."
"...Yes."
Cheol-u departed. Only after the next room's door opened and closed did Yeon-hoo turn his gaze to the night sky.
The sharply curved crescent moon pierced his eyes like an enemy's blade.
'No sleep tonight either.'
"Now I see... that guy's no ordinary fellow."
Maeng Ho rubbed his head, peering through the window crack at Yeon-hoo.
"Took you long enough."
Bukgung Cheon sipped tea leisurely from behind him.
Maeng Ho turned. "Did you sense it from the start, young master?"
"Why else would I step in and apologize?"
"Scared of that punk?"
Thwack!
"Gah!"
"In the jianghu, one wrong word can cost your head. Reckless fools like you who spout whatever comes to mind don't last long. I just saved your neck."
"You're right."
Thud!
"Ugh."
"Be more careful with words and actions. One more stunt like tonight... you know."
"...Yes."
Bukgung Cheon drained his tea and flopped onto the bed.
"I'm sleeping. Go to your room."
"Yes. Good night."
"Remember what I said."
"Yes, yes. I'll etch it in my heart and bones."
Whoosh!
A gust of palm wind struck Maeng Ho's forehead.
Thwack!
"Argh."
"Fix that sloppy attitude too."
"Ugh..."
Thud.
As Maeng Ho shut the door, Bukgung Cheon closed his eyes to sleep. About fifteen minutes passed.
He opened his eyes, rose, and grabbed the liquor bottle on the table.
Gulp, gulp.
He downed it straight, then collapsed back onto the bed. But again, less than fifteen minutes later, his eyes snapped open.
'Damn it...'
He reached for the window but paused. Peering out, he saw Yeon-hoo still staring at the night sky.
Bukgung Cheon withdrew his hand and watched through the gap. A wry smile tugged at his lips.
"Doesn't look like the type to savor the night... Is he suffering insomnia like me?"
Habitually, he reached for the bottle—but it was empty. He stared blankly at the ceiling for a moment.
Suddenly, he bolted up, donned his robe from the wall, and grabbed his sword.
Clink.
Then—
"Brother, can't sleep again?"
A clear feminine voice drifted from next door.
A bitter smile returned to Bukgung Cheon's lips.
"Just getting some air."
"I'll come too."
"I need to think alone. Go to sleep."
"Okay. Don't go far."
"Got it."
Turning toward the door, he glanced across through the window gap.
'He's gone in?'
Confirming Yeon-hoo's window closed, he leaped onto the roof.
Whoosh!
The winter wind, laden with biting cold, lashed his body mercilessly. Bukgung Cheon closed his eyes and surrendered to the night air for a moment.
You are the noble one destined to rule Southern Murim. Be cautious in every word and deed. Show mercy and benevolence to your followers, but instill terror and death in all who block your path...
His father's voice echoed like a hallucination. Bukgung Cheon scooped handfuls of snow and smeared it across his face.
Splat!
The chill spread through him, but the voice lingered.
'Damn it...'
It was the cause of his insomnia.