Chapter 169 - The Summons from Seomunhoe
A few days later, emissaries arrived from Baekya-beol. They introduced themselves as members of the Elder Council.
Yeon-hoo met them in the grand hall and sat facing them.
A middle-aged man performed a fist salute and bowed his head slightly.
"First, congratulations on your victory. You've accomplished something truly monumental. The Sovereign and the cartel's leadership are immensely impressed."
"Thank you."
"Please accept this first."
As expected, what the middle-aged man handed over was the summons order. Yeon-hoo silently reviewed its full text.
"The timeline seems awfully tight."
"This is a matter requiring the Sovereign's personal attendance, so it couldn't be helped. As you know, things are rather busy."
"Who could be busier than me?"
"……."
"Delay it by five days."
"That's difficult. Once issued, the order cannot be altered without the Sovereign's permission."
"Then I won't attend. As you all know, the nation is still unstable so soon after the war. What good is it if my lord leaves his post in such times?"
"……!"
"Escort the emissaries."
"W-wait a moment!"
The middle-aged man, who had been wearing a troubled expression, soon smiled and continued.
"Given your circumstances, what choice do we have? The Sovereign will surely understand. Do as you wish."
"Thank you. You must be tired from the long journey, so rest for today. Escort the emissaries to their quarters."
"Yes."
The middle-aged man and his entourage left the hall with Cheol-u, heading toward the guest pavilion.
After walking some distance, the middle-aged man casually asked Cheol-u,
"Any resistors left?"
"All suppressed."
"So you've fully pacified the region?"
"Yes."
"Oh ho……."
The others couldn't hide their surprise. Rumors had spread that the North, despite annexing the Northwest, was struggling with resistance forces.
"What of the Wi family?"
"The survivors are all safe."
"What do they plan to do?"
"Ask my lord directly later if you're curious."
Moments later, the emissaries entered the guest pavilion. Upon reaching their quarters, Cheol-u gave them warnings.
"No going outside after dark. Drink as much as you want if needed, but rowdiness is strictly forbidden, so keep that in mind."
Irritated by Cheol-u's tone, the middle-aged man shot back sharply.
"Are you threatening us, the cartel’s emissaries?"
"Not a threat, nor a mere request."
"……What?"
"Disobey, and heads roll—that's my lord's iron rule, no exceptions. Best etch it firmly in your minds. Farewell."
As Cheol-u withdrew, the emissaries entered their rooms and immediately revealed their anger upon sitting.
"They annex the Northwest and act like nothing can touch them. Refusing an order issued by the Elder Council Chairman himself……."
"He seems even more ferocious than the rumors. Honestly, watching him gave me chills down my spine the whole time……."
"We should stay cautious while here. That Yeon-hoo, and even the one escorting us……they all seem ready to bite at any moment."
"Hmph! No matter how savage, what can they do to us, the cartel’s emissaries? Enough with the needless worries—call the maids for drinks!"
"Yes."
One attendant stepped out, and the middle-aged man sank into a plush chair, closing his eyes.
Make sure to follow his route when heading to Baekya-beol with him. Do that, and you'll get double upon return.
He recalled the man from the Golden Merchant Group who had visited the cartel on business and handed him a massive bill of exchange with that plea.
An assassination, perhaps?
Anyone would think the same. Yet he couldn't refuse—the amount was staggering. Enough to live lavishly forever, and double more upon success.
When Yeon-hoo asked for five more days, he'd pretended to relent only to ensure they'd depart together for Baekya-beol.
Assaults between the Eight Great Families are off-limits even for the cartel. So I haven't broken any rules.
The middle-aged man justified himself to himself as he awaited the drinks.
* * *
On a night with a full moon rising.
Yeon-hoo reviewed troop deployment maps in his quarters. Annexing the Northwest Murim had completely reshaped the borders, necessitating a full reorganization of forces.
To that end, he'd assigned Yun Hoe, former Northern Legion commander, to the northern regions long plagued by barbarian incursions. Ma Ui Tae, former Southern Defense commander, was tasked with guarding the south of Shaanxi Province. The remaining areas fell to Bae Yeom, former Southwest commander, alongside surrendered Northwest units.
They've probably all arrived by now.
Yeon-hoo smirked faintly, recalling Yun Hoe and Ma Ui Tae's tearful gratitude. Their emotional displays lingered in his mind, oddly stirring him.
Tak!
He flung the windows wide open. A chill wind cleared his somewhat fatigued mind in an instant.
"On the roof again today?"
"It's comfortable here."
It was Cheol-u's voice. Since settling in Wall Thunder Manor, he climbed onto the roof each night, ever vigilant against potential assassins, just like old times.
Knowing Cheol-u wouldn't listen otherwise, Yeon-hoo let it be. The difference now: two more guards. Baek Mu Yeong on the opposite wing's roof, and Seobaek atop the tallest watchtower for long-range threats.
Whoosh.
The cold wind clawed at Yeon-hoo's body. He silently surveyed Wall Thunder Manor's grounds before closing the windows.
Tak.
Lying on his bed, he sought sleep, but as always, nightmares jolted him awake. The cold sweat soaking his body was now routine.
"Hoo……."
Breathing raggedly, Yeon-hoo stared at the ceiling. Faces from his nightmares flashed by, tormenting him. His blurred gaze trembled faintly at the last—a woman's.
You are a demon.
Damn it…….
* * *
"The emissaries?"
"Drank till dawn and still sleeping."
At Cheol-u's words, Yeon-hoo peered outside through the window. The sun had long risen.
"Why delay the date?"
"Just felt like it."
"……Pardon?"
"Didn't sit right, just following Baekya-beol's orders blindly. Not pride, but……you know."
"Ah, yes."
In these moments, Yeon-hoo seemed less an impeccable sovereign and more an ordinary man. Cheol-u rather liked this side of him.
"So, departing in five days?"
"Tomorrow. Prepare accordingly."
"……Just me?"
"Take Baek and Jo Yeong—that's it."
"As lord of two forces now, shouldn't you bring more fitting escort?"
"Worried about eyes on us?"
"……Frankly, yes."
"Enough. Since when do we care about prying eyes? And this isn't a joyous trip—better go quietly and return quietly."
"Understood. Rest well."
"On your way, tell Lady Dongbang I want to see her."
"Yes."
As Cheol-u left, Yeon-hoo sank into his chair, eyes closed. Fatigue clung unusually today. Sleepless nights from nightmares weren't new, but last night's had been vividly cruel.
You are a demon.
The woman's wail echoed relentlessly, as if screaming right beside him.
Right……maybe I was a demon back then.
Times when killing was survival. When he'd cut down all obstacles to his desires. Before that woman's eyes, he'd slain her companions.
Past sins, yet shadows that haunted him eternally.
"My lord."
Yeon-hoo opened his eyes. Dongbang Ri entered.
For a split second, her face overlapped with the nightmare woman, then vanished.
"Come in."
Dongbang Ri sat opposite, scrutinizing his pallor. Seemingly normal, yet weary, she asked cautiously,
"You look tired."
"Slept poorly last night."
Yeon-hoo downed a bowl of cold water and asked,
"How's your training?"
"I've mastered most of the forms you gave me. Patched the weaknesses exposed in battle…… Could you check when you have time?"
"After Baekya-beol. And this……."
Tak.
Yeon-hoo pulled a few sheets from his bosom and placed them on the table.
"Two new sword forms. A step above the previous ones."
"……!"
Dongbang Ri's eyes widened like a girl's, sparkling.
"Master these perfectly, and I'll be worthy to stand by your side?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like going to Baekya-beol…… Honestly, my current skill would just hinder you."
"……."
Yeon-hoo hadn't realized Dongbang Ri felt so downcast. He briefly considered taking her, but steeled himself.
"Reach ten-star level with these, and you won't hold me or the others back."
"……Yes."
Yeon-hoo watched her tuck the papers away, then winced inwardly. Her eyes had reddened slightly.
Too harsh.
The "won't hold back" bit must have stung.
"I'll master them gratefully. Farewell."
As Dongbang Ri rose to leave, Cheol-u returned from preparations. He glanced at her hurrying figure, then at Yeon-hoo.
"Your wording was a bit much."
Cheol-u had overheard entering.
Yeon-hoo had no retort.
"The emissaries request an audience."
"Let them in."
"Yes."
As Cheol-u exited again, Yeon-hoo sank deeper into the chair, gazing blankly at the ceiling. The nightmare woman and Dongbang Ri's images crossed, muddling his thoughts. He bolted up and flung the windows open.
Dongbang Ri's retreating figure caught his eye. She was fleeing as if escaping.