Entering the White Night Cartel
'Impressive.'
Yeon-hoo marveled at the majestic sight of the White Night Cartel unfolding before him. Sheer cliffs rose like razor blades, encircling the mountainside in a natural screen, while grand halls dotted the landscape in perfect harmony with the rock faces, blooming like flowers.
"Is this even possible by human hands?"
The sheer scale and grandeur left even Cheol-u—who rarely betrayed his thoughts—staring in awe.
"Every time I come here, I can't help but bow my head in reverence."
Yun Hoe turned to Yeon-hoo. "What do you think, my lord?"
"It seems like the perfect stronghold for any faction."
"……."
Yun Hoe's eyes gleamed with admiration, tinged with a flush of embarrassment. While they were simply captivated by the spectacle, Yeon-hoo was assessing it from an entirely different angle. That embarrassment soon gave way to satisfaction.
He's different, indeed. This man...
Meanwhile, Yeon-hoo scanned the cartel's every corner. The halls perched midway up the mountainside were shielded by near-vertical cliffs serving as natural barriers. The stairways leading there were so narrow, steep, and tall that a single expert could hold off ten thousand foes.
His gaze lingered on one spot, sharpening with interest. A massive white fortress flew a banner several times larger than the others. Even a first-time visitor would instantly recognize it as the abode of the Great Earth Sovereign.
I wonder what the world looks like from up there.
The Great Earth Sovereign, enthroned in absolute power, surveying the jianghu. And the countless experts at his side—what did they make of the martial world?
Watching over it, more like. They've earned that right, at least until now. But...
Yeon-hoo calmed his swelling chest and turned his eyes elsewhere. The path to the main gate teemed with people—a sea of humanity. Most were martial artists, but hardly any carried weapons. They had already surrendered them at the first checkpoint city.
"Anyone still armed is likely a major figure in the jianghu. Of course, even they must disarm before crossing the gate."
"The Great Earth Sovereign must be quite the coward."
"My lord... please mind your words. You never know who might be listening."
"Understood."
As Yeon-hoo flashed a sly smile at the aghast Yun Hoe and stepped forward, a clear voice rang out from behind.
"I couldn't agree more."
It belonged to a stunning woman in snow-white robes, her hair braided into twin tails cascading to her waist. She grinned at Yeon-hoo, revealing teeth like ivory.
"Telling martial artists to disarm is like asking them to leave an arm behind. But what can you do? It's the iron rule of the Great Earth Sovereign himself."
Before Yeon-hoo could respond, she flashed a cheeky smile and melted into the crowd.
Yeon-hoo chuckled softly.
A thieving beauty...
"That woman's got nimble fingers."
"You saw?"
"Yes. She lifted something from five different pouches over thirty paces. Why let her go?"
"Stealing my arm would be fair trade for this, don't you think?"
Yeon-hoo tossed whatever she'd taken from his pocket to Cheol-u.
Clink.
Cheol-u caught a money pouch embroidered with floral patterns.
"You'll be alone while we're inside. Buy some clothes with it, eat a proper meal, and feed the horses well."
Cheol-u was inwardly impressed. He'd seen the woman target Yeon-hoo's pouch, but missed Yeon-hoo lifting hers in return.
Of course. Fooling my eyes is child's play for him.
He peeked inside. She's loaded quite the haul.
The modest pouch brimmed with gold. A bracelet studded with gems lay among it.
"Enough gawking."
"Yes, my lord."
Yeon-hoo headed for the gate. As they drew nearer, the crowd parted. Different paths led to different entrances based on sect and status.
Soon, two warriors approached.
"We'll escort you from here."
They seemed to know who Yeon-hoo was.
Did they circulate sketches? Or is there a traitor in the family colluding with the cartel?
No one here should recognize his face. Yeon-hoo followed them, noting that warriors from the Sword Family, Geomga, and Wall Thunder Family were taking separate routes to the gate.
Moments later, he halted before an enormous gate.
The warrior bowed politely. "You must disarm. And only one may enter with you."
"I came in haste and forgot my invitation. Is that alright?"
"Yes. We were simply ordered to escort you."
That confirmed it for Yeon-hoo. Someone in the White Night Cartel was watching him.
He unbuckled his sword and handed it over without protest. Yun Hoe did the same.
Clink.
"Wait here."
"Travel safely."
Leaving Cheol-u behind, Yeon-hoo and Yun Hoe passed through the gate. Beyond lay a desolate expanse, accessible only to a select few.
[Something feels off. It's too quiet for a sixtieth birthday celebration...]
As Yeon-hoo prepared to reply via transmission, a middle-aged man in a blue robe appeared ahead with several warriors.
"We greet the Protector."
The escorting warriors bowed and stepped aside.
The blue-robed man, addressed as Protector, cupped his fists toward Yeon-hoo and inclined his head slightly.
"You're the young master of the Iron Blood Family, yes?"
"I am."
"Protector Na Tae-bo greets the young master."
"Yeon-hoo."
A protector of the White Night Cartel was a heavyweight, yet Na Tae-bo treated him with utmost courtesy.
"Due to circumstances, I couldn't escort you straight to the grand hall. I hope you'll forgive the delay."
"All eight families?"
"The seven excluding Wall Thunder."
"Why the exception?"
"As you're aware, in connection with the murder of the Great Earth Sovereign's envoy, Wall Thunder has been summoned directly to the Punishment Hall."
"If it's proven to be their doing, what punishment awaits?"
"My apologies, but that's a matter for the Great Earth Sovereign's will alone..."
Na Tae-bo trailed off, and Yeon-hoo pressed no further.
Things have escalated beyond expectations.
His scheme had worked perfectly, lifting his spirits. Picturing Wi Yeon Gwang's twisted face, he asked calmly, "Where to, then?"
"There's a place reserved for the esteemed guests of the eight families. I'll take you there now. You lot, dismissed."
"Yes, Protector!"
"This way."
Under Na Tae-bo's guidance, Yeon-hoo and Yun Hoe began ascending the dizzyingly steep cliffside stairs. Yeon-hoo kept a sharp eye on his surroundings.
Traps and ambushes everywhere... Even top experts wouldn't dare climb this.
Then, glancing left on impulse, his eyes gleamed.
About twenty paces away, another stairway led up where Wi Yeon Gwang climbed with a middle-aged man, guided by what looked like a cartel enforcer.
Their gazes locked across the void.
Yeon-hoo met Wi Yeon Gwang's flashing glare with a cold sneer.
[Guard that ugly thing on your shoulder well. I'll claim it soon enough, old man.]
[Remember how your precious brother died, brat. You'll join him shortly.]
[I'll wait as long as it takes. Heh heh heh.]
Wi Yeon Gwang, whom others dared not even look in the eye, found no quarter in Yeon-hoo. Instead, Yeon-hoo provoked him further.
[They say your daughter is a rare beauty? Once I conquer the Northwest Murim, maybe I'll take her as a concubine.]
Wi Yeon Gwang's pupils trembled violently.
Yeon-hoo sneered again at the quaking eyes.
[Look forward to it. I'll show you how I'll dismantle your Northwest Murim. And just so you know... the suffering I'll inflict will be hundreds of times the pain your kind brought Northern Murim.]
Wi Yeon Gwang's blood ran cold. Ever since learning of his father and brother's deaths at Wall Thunder's hands—and witnessing countless Northern Murim warriors fall to their invasion—Yeon-hoo had embedded a blade of vengeance in his heart. Even if his father and brother had forsaken him, as son, brother, and last heir to the Iron Blood lordship, it was an inescapable fate.
* * *
The quarters they were shown to were a modest annex. A small garden and pond lent it charm, but it paled beside the surrounding structures, serviced by just one maid.
"Even so, this is..."
Yun Hoe flushed with anger.
"Upset over the poor reception?"
"I can sleep on the ground, but for my lord to suffer such insult? Unacceptable!"
"From their view, I'm not yet lord of Northern Murim. Nor am I head of the Iron Blood Family. Be grateful they let us in at all."
Then the door opened, and the maid entered. Late teens, perhaps? Her bright eyes and porcelain skin were striking.
"I've brought tea."
As she set down the tray and turned, Yeon-hoo called out.
"I need liquor more than tea..."
"They're preparing a table now. Please wait a moment, and I'll serve it."
"Make it strong."
Once she left, Yeon-hoo flung open the window. The humble annex boasted a breathtaking view. Perched so high, it took in the distant city, the broad river bisecting it, and snow-swept plains.
Whoosh.
A biting wind clawed at his face, but Yeon-hoo surrendered to it, gaze lost in the horizon. Yun Hoe watched in silence.
How long passed? A deep voice drifted from outside.
"It's Protector Na Tae-bo. May I enter?"
"Come in."
Yeon-hoo closed the window and sat. Na Tae-bo entered—accompanied by Cheol Gun-ak, the secret agent.
He cupped his fists and bowed slightly. "Secret Agent Cheol Gun-ak."
"Yeon-hoo."
"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like you to accompany me to the Punishment Hall."
Yun Hoe interjected. "What's this about?"
"We have further questions regarding the envoy incident. The envoy mentioned you were at the scene."
As Yun Hoe bristled, Yeon-hoo cut in. "If I must go, let me have a drink first."
"……."
"I'm not running. A drink won't hurt."
Na Tae-bo looked mildly flustered, but Cheol Gun-ak smiled faintly.
"Very well. I'll wait outside."
Cheol Gun-ak exited promptly. Na Tae-bo followed, frowning subtly.
"Guts or folly..."
"What?"
"That brazen attitude—demanding a drink before complying with a secret agent's summons. Even the eight family heads wouldn't dare, let alone someone not even seated as lord..."
Na Tae-bo's brow furrowed deeper. But Cheol Gun-ak wore a curious smile.
To think someone has captivated my heart at first sight...