Unexpected Cancellation
“It better be nothing serious……”
In front of the Punishment Hall's main gate, Yun Hoe waited anxiously for Yeon-hoo to emerge. It had already been half a shichen since Yeon-hoo had entered with Cheol Gun-ak—a time that was far from short—yet there was still no sign of him.
Yun Hoe trusted Yeon-hoo, but he couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. The Punishment Hall was no place for a single misspoken word. Its chief was infamous across the world for his meticulous and unforgiving nature.
Just then, as the steadily falling snow turned Yun Hoe's hair white, Yeon-hoo finally pushed open the Punishment Hall doors and stepped out. His expression was as impassive as ever. Yun Hoe let out a sigh of relief and hurried over.
“How did it go?”
“They called me as a witness, so I just answered a few questions and left.”
“But it took this long?”
“The trial was interesting, so I watched for a bit.”
“Watched……”
Yun Hoe was momentarily speechless. The heads of the eight great families dreaded any entanglement with the Punishment Hall above all else, yet Yeon-hoo claimed he'd stuck around because it was interesting. Honestly, it felt like a bit much bravado.
'A little boasting never hurt.' Yun Hoe hurried to catch up with Yeon-hoo, who was already striding ahead.
How long had they walked like that? Suddenly, elite experts from the Cartel leaped out from various spots, darting off in haste. Among them were masters displaying lightness skills so extraordinary they astonished even Yeon-hoo. They were all heading toward the Great Earth Sovereign's palace.
“You must be tired, my lord. Let's head back.”
A short while later, the two entered their quarters. A maidservant greeted them.
“You have a guest.”
At her words, Yun Hoe glanced at Yeon-hoo.
[Jang Family Lord seems to have come.]
Yeon-hoo strode straight inside. Jang Cheon, seated at a table in one corner of the room, rose as he entered.
“I heard you went to the Punishment Hall.”
“They summoned me regarding the envoy incident.”
“They didn't suspect us?”
“Wi Yeon Gwang pushed hard, but since we didn't do it, what's there to worry about?”
As Yeon-hoo took a seat, Jang Cheon sat back down and continued.
“It looks like the grand banquet—combined with the Great Earth Sovereign's sixtieth birthday—will be canceled.”
Yeon-hoo was inwardly surprised. A cancellation now, of all times?
“Reliable information?”
“Yes. I heard it from someone well-connected within the Cartel. They said unavoidable circumstances have arisen. I pressed for details, but even they didn't know.”
“So we just head back like this? Or do we at least get to see the Great Earth Sovereign's face?”
“We'll have to wait a bit longer to find out. That aside……”
Jang Cheon trailed off. Yeon-hoo could guess what was coming and cut in first.
“There was something precious in that carriage. A gift for the Great Earth Sovereign, perhaps?”
“Exactly.”
“I'll make sure it reaches him properly. You went through a lot to obtain it. I won't forget Uncle's efforts for the good of Northern Murim.”
“……”
Just then, the maidservant brought in tea.
'Hit right where it hurts.' Jang Cheon stared at the rising steam, suppressing his rising irritation. Part of him found it absurd enough to draw a hollow chuckle.
“Uncle.”
“Speak.”
'Calls me 'Uncle' so smoothly when it suits him. Sly fox.'
“Once we're back, how about summoning the heads of each family and key figures for a meeting?”
“If you wish it, just issue the order. But why hold a meeting?”
“I'll explain then. I'm grateful for your ready agreement, in any case.”
“……”
'Agreement? When did I agree?' Jang Cheon felt another blow, his head throbbing.
“You think they'll all come if I summon them?”
“Hard to say. Even when the previous lord called assemblies, some families often skipped out.”
“Is that so?”
Yeon-hoo turned to Yun Hoe.
“Compile a list of no-shows and find out why. We need to know the reasons.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Jang Cheon's eyes flickered for an instant at the word my lord from Yun Hoe's lips—his carefully masked inner thoughts betrayed.
'Yun Hoe, you bastard……'
But it passed in a flash. He quickly regained his composure, and the maidservant's entrance with more tea smoothed over the awkward tension.
At that moment—
“Are you in?”
Na Tae-bo's voice drifted in from outside.
“Come in.”
Na Tae-bo opened the door and entered. Jang Cheon rose to greet him, but Yeon-hoo merely lifted his teacup without standing.
'This is the Cartel's headquarters, no less. Such arrogance before the Chief Protector—a grave position—will become a dagger in your back one day. Heh heh heh.' As Jang Cheon smirked inwardly, Na Tae-bo spoke.
“I've come to inform you that the grand banquet has been canceled.”
Yeon-hoo, already briefed by Jang Cheon, showed no particular reaction. Na Tae-bo, unaware of this, couldn't hide his puzzlement at Yeon-hoo's calm demeanor. Wouldn't anyone be shocked or disappointed?
“Can we at least see the Great Earth Sovereign?”
“Regrettably, no. To avoid any misunderstanding, the heads of the other seven families won't see him either.”
“By the Great Earth Sovereign's will?”
“Yes. Then I'll take my leave.”
“One more question.”
“Ask.”
“I brought a gift for the Great Earth Sovereign. Could the Chief Protector deliver it for me?”
Na Tae-bo gave a faint smile.
“The Great Earth Sovereign has strictly forbidden accepting gifts. This applies equally to the other seven families. I'll convey your sincerity when the chance arises.”
As Na Tae-bo withdrew, Yeon-hoo leaned back deeply in his chair and sipped his tea.
'Sending away the heads of the eight great families who've come from afar…… Is there truly such a pressing matter, or is this to teach us manners?'
Clink! Yeon-hoo set down his cup. Yun Hoe asked,
“When do we depart?”
“Now that it's canceled, we should leave immediately.”
“Understood. I'll prepare.”
“Bring the Dragon's Eye Jade first.”
“Yes.”
Yun Hoe fetched the Dragon's Eye Jade from the cabinet. Yeon-hoo held it out to Jang Cheon.
“What's this……”
“The Great Earth Sovereign refuses gifts, so naturally, it goes back to its owner.”
'Return it?'
Jang Cheon had already let go of any attachment to it. Even hearing from Na Tae-bo that no gifts would be accepted, he hadn't expected it back.
'Why did I assume I couldn't have it back, as if it were obvious? It's rightfully mine……'
Only then did Jang Cheon realize he'd been subconsciously overawed by Yeon-hoo's presence and aura.
'Ridiculous. Me, Jang Cheon, cowed by some young punk like a frightened child……'
Feeling toyed with, he schooled his expression and tucked the gold box containing the jade into his bosom.
“I should escort you back, but I have a stop to make, so I can't.”
“Fine.”
“See you at the main estate, then.”
As Jang Cheon bowed and rose, Yeon-hoo called him back.
“Uncle.”
“More to say?”
“Had I not returned, you would have become lord of Northern Murim…… So I'll ask one thing.”
“Ask.”
“Tell me the future for Northern Murim that you dreamed of.”
'What's he scheming with this……'
Jang Cheon sensed he shouldn't answer hastily. He paused, crafting a suitable response.
“Others merely pushed me forward; I've never sought to be lord myself, so I have no answer for you. As one of Northern Murim and the lord's house, what I naturally hoped for was…… a Northern Murim so powerful that none of the seven families could trifle with it.”
“Is that right? Seems I've misunderstood Uncle's loyalty to Northern Murim. Understood. We'll meet at the main estate.”
“Yes. Then.”
As Jang Cheon stepped out, an uneasy feeling clung to him. Moments ago, Yeon-hoo's gaze had pierced him like it saw straight through his soul—an illusion, perhaps, but chilling.
'Terrifying eyes that raise gooseflesh. Yet they feel strangely familiar.'
Walking toward his quarters, deep in thought, Jang Cheon suddenly halted, his eyes sharpening. A face surfaced in his mind: the Great Earth Sovereign of the White Night Cartel, gazing down from the absolute throne.
'That's why it felt familiar……'
A being who choked the breath from him with thought alone. Yeon-hoo's gaze just now eerily mirrored the Great Earth Sovereign's quiet scrutiny from years past in the Cartel.
Pfft.
'Must be lack of sleep these past days. Seeing the Sovereign in a mere youth's eyes……'
Jang Cheon resumed walking. But after a few steps, he stopped again. Far ahead, Northwest Murim's lord, Wi Yeon Gwang, approached.
'His face says the Punishment Hall didn't go well.'
Reading the thick anger on Wi Yeon Gwang's features, Jang Cheon veered left subtly, then gave a wry smile.
'Why avoid him?'
Changing course, he strode on. As they neared, Wi Yeon Gwang sneered.
“Bowing your head to that brat, eh?”
“What do you mean……”
“Everyone thought Jang Family's lord would be Northern Murim's new master. But seeing how things are turning out, I guess not.”
'Why do you care?'
Jang Cheon replied coolly.
“This hardly seems the time to meddle in others' affairs.”
“What?”
“Focus on the trial instead. Killing the Great Earth Sovereign's envoy could bring disaster to Wall Thunder Family. I'll be going, then.”
Jang Cheon gave a slight nod and passed by.
“You're the one fretting needlessly. Think I can't expose your conspiracy? Watch and see how this ends……”
“Looking forward to it.”
With a farewell, Jang Cheon headed to his quarters. Then, Wi Yeon Gwang's transmission voice slithered into his ear.
[Think you and that brat will make it home safely? Heh heh heh.]
Jang Cheon didn't respond. But he couldn't ignore it. Wi Yeon Gwang was crueler than most and followed through on threats.
'That reckless kid might bring calamity on me too. Better hurry our departure.'