Northbound (1)
The Northwest Murim's declaration of war against the North. One might expect the world to turn upside down, but surprisingly, it didn't.
Everyone knew that the two forces had waged war for years before entering a truce just recently. From the perspective of the common folk, there was nothing strange about them clashing again.
But that view was limited to those ignorant of the truth. The White Night Cartel and the other six great families, aware of the deep involvement of the Blood Clan and the Golden Merchant Group, saw the situation as gravely serious.
Somewhere in the Central Plains.
On a river that wound lazily around sheer cliffs below, sunlight sparkled on the water, creating a breathtaking vista. Atop the cliff overlooking that river stood a massive palace hall reaching toward the heavens. There, two men—one in white robes, the other in blue—stood side by side.
They were Han Song, lord of the Ghost Family, and his eldest son, Han Seom.
Han Song looked much the same as ever, but Han Seom's eyes now gleamed with a far deeper, more serene intensity than before.
"The Northwest Murim's declaration of war against the North has been confirmed. They've also formed an alliance with the Blood Clan, and the long-suspected connection between the Blood Clan and the Golden Merchant Group has been proven true."
"Wi Yeon Gwang, that worm worse than vermin, has stirred up trouble again with his vile greed."
"The North may not escape this crisis. Even the Northwest alone would be a handful, but with the Blood Clan and Golden Merchant Group joining in..."
"I've heard the Blood King and his Blood King Army are in the North. It's an absolute disadvantage, no doubt, but they won't fall easily."
"Even so... the enemy's forces are overwhelmingly powerful."
Han Song was about to reply when a light footfall approached from behind, revealing a peerless beauty.
It was Han Yu-hwa. Her jade-like skin gleamed with luster, a sign she'd fully recovered from the injuries sustained en route to the White Night Cartel.
Han Song's cold eyes softened in an instant.
"What brings our princess here?"
"Father, what if others hear?"
"Who would dare object to me calling my princess by her title?"
Since Han Yu-hwa's severe injury and recovery, Han Song's love for her had only deepened. How could it not, when she'd faced life and death right before his eyes?
Han Yu-hwa smoothed her furrowed brow and met his gaze squarely.
"You have something to say to your father, don't you? Speak, then."
"We must aid the North."
"...!"
Han Seom stepped forward. "Yu-hwa, that matter..."
Han Yu-hwa cut him off. "If not for the North's lord, this girl would no longer be of this world. Even if her life was spared, she couldn't have lived whole—and Father knows that better than anyone."
It was true. At the time, Han Yu-hwa's condition had been dire; had treatment been delayed, she'd have been crippled at the least. No one knew this better than Han Song.
"The North's lord is no different from a lifesaver to this girl. So please, help the North. We must ensure they don't fall to greedy villains like Wi Yeon Gwang."
"How could I not understand your heart? Your father is deeply grateful to him as well. But this requires utmost caution—let's observe a bit longer."
"Father!"
Han Seom interjected. "Enough, Yu-hwa. You know how grave this is. Wait until Father decides."
Han Yu-hwa bit her lip and turned away. "I'll wait."
Han Song watched her retreating figure, his eyes settling into quiet resolve.
"Don't mind her, Father."
"My son."
"Yes, Father."
"I want to hear your thoughts."
"I..."
Han Seom trailed off, brow furrowing. But he soon continued.
"Whether we intervene is Father's call. Regardless, shouldn't we at least warn Wi Yeon Gwang? The Northwest hasn't apologized for what happened with Yu-hwa. Use this chance to send a letter demanding they hand over the culprit—with a warning of consequences if they refuse."
"Hm. Prod at his nerves, you mean?"
"Yes. He knows better than anyone who we are; he can't simply ignore us."
"Hm."
Han Song nodded silently, accepting the logic.
"Not punishment—demand they hand him over. If we're prodding, do it properly."
"..."
Surprised by Han Song's escalation, Han Seom asked gravely, "And if they refuse?"
"That would give us ample justification to intervene, wouldn't it?"
"Then..."
Han Seom's eyes widened.
Gazing north, Han Song continued. "How could we claim to be heirs of the Ghost Family if we forget a debt of gratitude?"
* * *
Jo Yeong felt like dancing for joy.
Though not a mission, traveling with Yeon-hoo alone filled him with endless excitement and delight.
[Control your expression.]
[I'm trying.]
Even Cheol-u's transmission couldn't wipe the grin from Jo Yeong's face.
Meanwhile, Noegeom's impassive expression showed no change. But inwardly, he was thrilled too.
Yeon-hoo had sought him out first. To Noegeom, that meant trust.
Rumble.
Thunder echoed faintly from distant skies, though the sun blazed high. Dark clouds soon rolled in, unleashing rain.
Patter. Pour!
"Sunset's near, my lord. Shall we enter the city?"
"We press on."
"...Understood."
Yeon-hoo seemed leisurely, but he was in a hurry. Meeting Gwan Baek sooner would allow more time to prepare for what followed.
Thus, for two days since departing, they'd camped rough, heading northeast.
Though weary, Jo Yeong and Noegeom followed without complaint.
Two more days brought a majestic sight.
"Whoa..."
Jo Yeong gaped like a child, eyes wide. Noegeom, too, stared, chest swelling with awe.
Beyond white foam crashing against cliffs stretched an endless, vast sea.
Overwhelmed by nature's grandeur, both—seeing the ocean for the first time—lost themselves in it.
"Rest here a moment."
"Yes, sir!"
Jo Yeong dismounted nimbly, unpacking feed and food. Noegeom helped.
Inexperienced but serving Yeon-hoo and Cheol-u, they did their clumsy best.
Yeon-hoo quenched his thirst with Jo Yeong's offered liquor, gazing at the sea.
'Why did our ancestors neglect the ocean?'
This sea was firmly Northern territory, ruled by Northern Murim for centuries.
Yet Yi Yeom and his forebears had ignored it. The navy existed only nominally, to counter pirates.
'Sailing south from here would cut travel time far shorter than overland...'
Yeon-hoo envisioned warships leading a southern advance.
Then—
"My lord, suspicious figures approaching."
Jo Yeong, feeding the horses, called softly.
Cheol-u flashed to his side, then turned to Yeon-hoo.
"Pirates, it seems."
"Numbers?"
"About a hundred. What now?"
"Coming this way?"
"Yes."
"Then we wait."
"Understood."
"Noegeom, Jo Yeong."
"Yes."
"Sir!"
As they approached, Yeon-hoo issued orders.
"Circle back stealthily and burn their ships. No engagement."
"Understood."
"Yes, sir!"
Noegeom and Jo Yeong vanished over the ridge toward the sea.
Cheol-u smirked. "They're thrilled."
"No wonder. Neither's left home since returning."
Yeon-hoo drained his liquor and joined Cheol-u.
Below, about a hundred pirates were landing.
"If we let them go, coastal folk suffer. Shouldn't we wipe them out?"
"To uproot them, find their base first. Lure them here by letting them spot the horses at the ridge end."
"Understood."
Cheol-u led the horses to the ridge top. The pirates veered toward them.
In this era, horses rivaled gold in value. To money-mad pirates, four sudden mounts were a jackpot.
Snap!
Yeon-hoo broke a twig. No need to draw steel for pirates.
But then—
Whistle! Thud thud!
"Argh!"
"Urk!"
Pirates screamed and fell amid slicing winds.
Yeon-hoo and Cheol-u turned left.
From dense woods a hundred paces from shore, dozens of riders charged like gales.
Yeon-hoo's eyes flashed at the massive blood-red banner: a fanged wolf's head.
"My lord, the Red Wolf Corps."
"Things just got easier."
Boom boom!
Explosions roared from the sea. Flames and black smoke billowed from the pirates' ships.
Cheol-u smirked again. "Fast work."
Yeon-hoo stepped forward.
"Shall we?"
"Yes, my lord."