Chapter 143 - The Northwest Murim's Declaration of War
A mountain peak overlooking Wall Thunder Manor, shrouded in mist that blended mystery with an eerie chill. There, a single man sat, yielding his body to the wind.
Whoosh!
As a fierce gust swept past, brushing away the hair covering his face, Noegeom's features emerged. Since leaving Wall Thunder Manor for this place, he had been immersed in training, unseen by anyone.
Whoosh!
Another brutal wind clawed at his body, and Noegeom exhaled deeply, opening his eyes.
"Hoo!"
For a fleeting moment, a sharp glint flashed in his pupils before vanishing. Those eyes were now profoundly deep and serene, incomparable to what they had been in the past. Was it a testament to the grueling nature of his training? Through parched, pale lips came a murmur.
"I've finally mastered all the secret ultimate techniques of our clan. Now, if I just hone them through real combat..."
A shadow of hatred settled into his tranquil gaze. With it came the face that surfaced in his mind: Wi Yeon Gwang, lord of the Northwest.
"Brother!"
The clear voice from behind instantly banished the hatred from Noegeom's eyes, as if it had never been there. A girl climbed up, carrying a basket. Though she resembled the icily cold Noegeom, her beauty was so breathtaking it could be called peerless. She was his younger sister.
A smile crept across Noegeom's lips. But soon, a spark of interest lit his eyes.
Seobaek emerged from behind the girl.
"What brings you here?"
"Curiosity. Looks like you wrapped up early today."
"My training ends today."
"Really? Congratulations."
Noegeom sensed something off in Seobaek's expression—darker than usual. Seobaek, who never lost his smile, was grim now.
"Something wrong?"
"Plenty. Way too much..."
Seobaek sat beside Noegeom and pulled a bottle from the basket the girl had brought, uncorking it.
Gulp, gulp!
"Drinking on an empty stomach..."
The girl, Noeyeong, frowned delicately and proffered a piece of meat with her chopsticks. Seobaek casually opened his mouth and took it.
Watching this, Noegeom's gaze shifted subtly.
She's not for the likes of you. Harbor any funny ideas, and I might just test my training's results on you.
Overreacting much over a bite of meat.
Gulp, gulp!
"Brother, eat before it gets cold."
"Right."
"Then I'll head down."
Seobaek watched Noeyeong descend the mountain, narrowing his eyes.
"Peerless beauty with sharp instincts... The perfect bride material."
"Dream on."
"A catch like me wouldn't make a fine groom?"
"Care to test that here?"
"Just kidding."
"Even jokes like that—don't say it again."
"Fine, eat up. She must've risen at dawn to prepare this for you."
"How'd you know?"
"Next room over, clattering away since dawn—how could I not? Anyway, what's your plan now?"
Noegeom didn't answer right away. Seobaek eyed him oddly and pressed.
"You're not rushing off to take Wi Yeon Gwang's head, right?"
"Mastering the essence doesn't mean it's over. Real combat comes first to make it truly mine."
"Plenty of that ahead. You'll get sick of it soon enough."
"What do you mean?"
Gazing into the distance, Seobaek continued.
"War's coming. Northwest Murim's about to ally with the Blood Clan. Once they do, Wi Yeon Gwang's response is obvious—no need to guess."
"That's why you're like this?"
"Bit of everything."
Noegeom caught Seobaek dodging and didn't pry further. Seobaek appreciated that about him.
"Made up your mind?"
"About what?"
"Don't play dumb."
"..."
Truth be told, Noegeom knew exactly what Seobaek meant. His decision was set, but voicing it felt awkward. Still, it couldn't be delayed.
"Don't worry. I've already resolved to serve him as my lord."
"Wise choice. And you're lucky. No one else like our lord in this world. Worlds apart from scum like Wi Yeon Gwang."
"One question?"
"Shoot."
"How strong is he?"
Seobaek chuckled.
"Stronger than anything you can imagine. Some question if he only fights weaklings because he wins too easily... But it's not them being weak—it's him being that strong."
Noegeom recalled Yeon-hoo. No one had left such a searing impression since their first meeting. Not even Wi Yeon Gwang, once his lord, or the stellar masters of Northwest Murim.
"Fate's a funny thing, huh?"
"What?"
"You and our lord. Not only did he spare the man who came to kill you—he wants you under his command."
"..."
"Let's head down."
"Not done eating."
"..."
Yeon-hoo silently watched Noegeom bow his head before him.
"Training's done?"
"Yes."
"Congratulations. So, off to claim Wi Yeon Gwang's head right away?"
To the same question from Seobaek, Noegeom replied calmly.
"I need real combat to perfect it. So, I have a request."
"Speak."
"If I join operations, my sister will be alone. Should anything happen to me..."
"You vowed to serve me as lord?"
"Yes."
"Then she's Iron Blood Family now. No needless worries."
"...Thank you."
"I'd like to see your skills. All right?"
"Yes."
Yeon-hoo glanced at Cheol-u.
"You'll test him."
"Understood."
As Cheol-u rose and fixed on Noegeom, the latter stood too. They headed out, returning after some time.
Yeon-hoo checked their faces first. Cheol-u was impassive, but Noegeom's breathing was ragged.
"Well?"
"Enough to entrust with vital tasks."
Noegeom stared at Cheol-u upon hearing that. Cheol-u furrowed his brow.
"Losing to me doesn't make you weak. Be proud—you've earned it."
"..."
Yeon-hoo stepped in.
"I'm forming a special mission unit for unique tasks. Cheol-u here will lead it, of course."
"What do I do?"
Yeon-hoo eyed Cheol-u without answering. Cheol-u spoke.
"Vice commander."
"He impresses you."
Cheol-u nodded silently.
"Good. From today, you're vice commander of the special mission unit. Accept?"
"I'll give my all."
"Make it work, you two."
"Understood."
"Yes!"
Days later.
A declaration lay in Yeon-hoo's hand. As expected, Wi Yeon Gwang's war proclamation.
The deadline was one month, per White Night Cartel's iron rule. Two demands: Withdraw Northern forces from north and south garrisons a hundred li back, and annex the buffer zone territories into Northwest Murim.
It wasn't just land. It brazenly claimed the two iron mines in the Northern buffer zone.
Nor was that all. The Southern Defense Army's sector extended fifty li west as buffer—fertile soil ripe for bountiful harvests. Currently neutral, whoever claimed and farmed it would reap massive gains.
The North could never accept.
Sinhwi gave a wry smile.
"As expected, terms we can't swallow."
"They've got justification too. Those lands were Northwest's two hundred years ago."
"Reclaiming the past... White Night Cartel won't object much."
Fwoosh.
The proclamation crumbled to ash in Yeon-hoo's hand.
"Decided while 'considering'?"
"Not yet."
"Better hurry. A month's long or short—flies by."
Yeon-hoo lifted his teacup, downing the still-scalding brew in one gulp.
Thud!
"Tell the others?"
"Commanders' meeting tonight—announce then."
"Me?"
"I've business elsewhere."
"Where? Gonna tell me?"
"Gwan Baek, Red Wolf Corps leader. Meeting him. If gambling pays off, it's like gaining a million troops. If not..."
Yeon-hoo trailed off, unwilling to entertain negatives.
"You met him once?"
"Briefly. Good vibes on my end... Hope he feels the same."
"Be careful. We'll hold here. Leaving now?"
Yeon-hoo nodded silently and turned to Cheol-u.
"Cheol-u."
"Yes."
"With me."
"Understood. I'll prepare horses."
As Cheol-u reached for the door...
"My lord, Jo Chung here."
Jo Chung's voice drifted from outside.
"Enter."
Cheol-u opened the door, and Jo Chung entered, holding neatly folded black robes.
"My wife had these martial robes made for you. Humble work, but please accept."
"Thanks. Tell her I appreciate it."
Cheol-u took the robes and handed them to Yeon-hoo, who unfolded them there.
"Oh ho."
Sinhwi let out an exclamation.
The robes were resplendent. Glossy black silk, with gold-threaded dragon embroidery on the shoulders.
Jo Chung said, "She infused them with wishes for your wisdom and strength like a dragon. So grateful you accept."
"Finest I've seen."
"Th-thank you, my lord."
Yeon-hoo shed his old robes and donned the new ones. Did they call this an emperor's aura? He exuded regal majesty.
"Perfect for the trip."
"Exactly."
Jo Chung, thrilled his gift pleased Yeon-hoo, returned joyfully to his wife.
Moments later, Yeon-hoo and Cheol-u stepped out. Jo Yeong, passing ahead, spotted him and bowed.
"Training end early?"
"No, sir. Lunch, then back to it."
"Keep at it."
"Yes. But... where to?"
"Business."
Yeon-hoo patted Jo Yeong's shoulder and headed for the back gate, not the main. After a few steps, he paused and turned.
"Jo Yeong."
"Yes?"
"Come along?"
"...Really?"
"Eat on the way. Hurry."
"Yes! Just changing—"
"As is."
"Ah... Yes, sir!"
Ecstatic, Jo Yeong flew over with lightness skill. Cheol-u chuckled softly.
"Fetch Noegeom."
"Him too?"
"He's holed up training—time for some fresh air."
"Understood."