The Woman Targeting Yeon-hoo
Baek Mu Yeong stared fixedly at the inn across the street for a long while. But nothing out of the ordinary happened until morning.
Am I wasting energy on nothing?
Fatigue was setting in.
I should at least circulate my qi before we depart.
Baek Mu Yeong sat cross-legged on the floor and began his meditation. Moments later, when he opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashed in his pupils before fading away.
Already this effective...
Baek Mu Yeong marveled. In truth, he had just used the breathing technique Yeon-hoo had devised, and the results were astonishing. Not only was the time required much shorter, but the effects were far superior. His fatigue vanished completely, and he even felt a surge of newfound strength—like an illusion, yet utterly convincing.
This will be a tremendous boon to the entire North.
That was when it happened.
Thud. Thud.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway.
"Great hero."
It was a woman's voice. Likely one of the Jujakjeon members.
"What is it?"
"You plan to leave early this morning, so you should eat now."
"Understood. I'll come down shortly."
As the footsteps receded, Baek Mu Yeong glanced once more at the opposite inn before stepping out of his room.
Two hours later, Baek Mu Yeong departed the inn with the Jujakjeon. Before resuming their journey, he checked the inn across the street again, but it was too early—the doors remained firmly shut.
Let it go.
Any other time, he might have pursued it, but now was the moment to follow Yeon-hoo's orders to the letter.
Cha So-ryeong approached.
"We'll ride straight through to evening without rest today, so even if you're tired, I ask for your cooperation."
"Understood."
The group set off once more. As before, Baek Mu Yeong brought up the rear—and eyes watched him intently.
It was Hwangtae. He stepped out from the inn, narrowing his eyes at the receding figures of Baek Mu Yeong and the Jujakjeon vanishing into the distance.
Something about that guy rubbed me the wrong way...
Hwangtae wasn't one to trust hunches. He acknowledged only what his eyes could see and acted accordingly—that was his ironclad rule. Yet now, he was utterly ensnared by the warnings of instinct and gut feeling.
"What are you staring at?"
Garak sidled up beside him. Hwangtae replied in his usual impassive tone.
"There was a suspicious fellow."
"Suspicious? You mean that guy over there?"
"He watched my room all night."
"Which means you watched him all night too... Was he that formidable?"
"I don't know if he's formidable, but my gut feeling was off—that much is true."
Slap.
Garak placed a hand on Hwangtae's shoulder.
"This isn't the time to waste mental energy on irrelevancies. And we certainly can't stir up needless trouble. You know that without me saying it, don't you...?"
"I know."
Whoosh!
Hwangtae roughly shook off Garak's hand and stormed back into the inn. Garak watched him go with a cold smile.
You'll never escape my grasp, Hwangtae.
Garak glanced back at Baek Mu Yeong and the Jujakjeon, but they had already vanished from the streets.
Regret flickered in Garak's eyes.
What a shame. To miss a chance to see the world's greatest heroine, Cha So-ryeong, right in front of me.
Moments later, Garak too returned inside.
And after just a few breaths' time?
From the top floor of the inn where Baek Mu Yeong and the Jujakjeon had stayed, a woman appeared at the window. Her striking black hair fell in three tiers. It was the very same woman who had gone to the Blood Clan to draw Yeon-hoo's likeness for Jeokhon.
Just two people? Not even worth the effort.
She gazed down coldly at the inn where Hwangtae and Garak stayed, lifting the teacup to her lips. Steam rose, whitening her icy eyes.
"I'll kill him myself. You're nothing but hunting dogs chasing prey..."
Mountains change their garb with the seasons. Though sleet mixed snow and rain fell, it was still too early for true winter, and the peaks flaunted their vibrant autumn leaves in a riot of color.
Yeon-hoo gazed at the mountains that ringed the Iron Blood Family like a folding screen to the north, exhaling softly.
How about staying with us at the main house?
No, my lord. I'm content here.
Janghan's words from his brother's grave lingered in his mind. He wanted to offer the man comfort out of gratitude, but Janghan had refused so adamantly there was nothing for it.
Yeon-hoo calmed his expression as he recalled the letter his brother had left behind.
That was when it happened.
"It's me."
Dongbang Ri's voice rang out. Yeon-hoo composed himself and took his seat.
"Come in."
Dongbang Ri opened the door, carrying a tray with a teacup. Songhak followed behind her.
"Some fine tea arrived, so I brought it over."
"You could have had the maids handle it."
"They're all busy training."
"My thanks."
Yeon-hoo turned to Songhak. As the young man sat, he spoke.
"Most of the herbs Young Master Yuk listed were available from the city apothecaries, but the two most crucial ones will take time."
"The millennium hwasuo and gongcheong seokyu, I presume."
"Yes. They're the kind that drive martial artists mad... But we might procure them quickly."
"Continue."
Songhak took a breath before going on.
"While stationed at Baekya-beol, I once saw a ledger of stored items. It noted one unit each of millennium hwasuo and gongcheong seokyu."
"You're certain?"
"Yes. They were so rare, I remember clearly. As such... only the Great Earth Sovereign and the Elder Council Chairman have access to Baekya-beol's treasury. Perhaps ask the Great Earth Sovereign directly?"
"Hm..."
Yeon-hoo furrowed his brow and sipped his tea. To gain such potent intelligence, he would have to impose on So Mu-baek—but he worried it might cause issues.
I can repay the favor manifold later.
Yeon-hoo wasn't one to dwell on dilemmas.
Clink.
"I'll write a personal letter. You'll deliver it yourself."
"Understood. I'll prepare writing materials."
As Songhak left to fetch brush, ink, paper, and stone, Dongbang Ri asked,
"Will the Great Earth Sovereign grant the request?"
"We'll see."
"If only we could deploy eagles... it would help immensely."
Dongbang Ri trailed off and rose.
"Please, come in."
Sinhwi entered.
"Pour me a cup too, family head."
"One moment."
Even Dongbang Ri stepped out, leaving Sinhwi to sit across from Yeon-hoo, cracking his neck side to side.
Crack.
"Rough training?"
"Starting over on cavalry tactics is killing me. But fortunately, most have sharp wits and quick uptake, so teaching them is rewarding enough. Heh heh heh."
"I was just about to discuss this... How about expanding the Blood King Army?"
Sinhwi bared his teeth in a grin.
"We really are in sync."
"Great minds, then."
"Up to thirty thousand? They'd be inferior to the current force, of course, but the Blood King banner alone would more than compensate. No issue there."
"Do it. But don't slack on the other cavalry training."
"Naturally. Speaking of, any word from the Sword Family yet?"
"Not yet."
"Looks like they think they can handle Hwangha Suryeon alone. Otherwise, they'd have requested alliance ages ago. Works in our favor, no?"
"It does, but..."
Yeon-hoo thought of Sword God Bukgung So and smiled faintly.
"A bit of pride is necessary."
"True. The world's Sword God begging for aid? Only if the entire Sword Family's on the brink of collapse. Anyway, isn't it time to drive out Hwangha Suryeon's forces lurking south of the northwest?"
"We watch how the Sword Family plays it. If they retreat, we're back to square one."
Just then, Songhak returned with the writing materials. Yeon-hoo dashed off the words swiftly, his script rivaling a master calligrapher's despite the apparent haste. Sinhwi and Songhak couldn't hide their awe.
Songhak clicked his tongue.
"Masterful calligraphy, my lord."
"The guy's not just strong in martial arts—he's got talents aplenty. Heh heh heh."
Songhak started to speak but held back. The Blood King was still too terrifying a figure for casual banter.
Tap.
"Deliver this to the Great Earth Sovereign."
"Yes. I'll depart today. Ah, any messages for the others?"
"Convey your own pleasantries."
"Understood. I'll take my leave."
As Songhak withdrew, Dongbang Ri returned with tea. Sinhwi asked her,
"Didn't you say you were forming an all-female combat unit?"
"No suitable talent yet. It'll take time."
This was Yeon-hoo's biggest headache at present. He wanted an all-women force to handle roles men couldn't adequately fill. But viable candidates were scarce—barely ten after rigorous selection.
Dongbang Ri ventured cautiously,
"What if the warriors we've selected stay with me for now? Since they'll serve together, building bonds early seems wise..."
"Same thought here."
Sinhwi raised a hand in agreement. Yeon-hoo eyed Dongbang Ri.
"I overlooked that. If you wish it, family head, so be it."
"Yes."
Dongbang Ri's heart raced. She had awaited this unit's creation more than anyone—not for command, but for the official title it meant. It signified her formal place in the Iron Blood Family.
That was when it happened.
"My lord, it's me."
Jo Yeong's voice came from outside.
"Enter."
Jo Yeong opened the door and handed Yeon-hoo a letter.
"From Commander Ma."
Geomga and Hwangha Suryeon forces are gradually building up with Cheokbyeok at the center.
A great battle seems imminent. Regarding post-battle cleanup of the surrounding areas, I seek your will first.
Commander Ma Ui Tae.
Yeon-hoo passed the letter to Sinhwi, who read it and smirked meaningfully.
"Heaven's on our side after all. What's the play?"
"No direct intervention, but we take the gains."
Yeon-hoo took up the brush again, penning a lengthy response across several sheets before handing them to Jo Yeong.
"Send this to Commander Ma at once. Prepare duplicates against mishaps."
"Understood."
As Jo Yeong left, Yeon-hoo rose.
"Time for breakfast. Join us, family head."
"Gladly."
[I think I'll sit this one out?]
Sinhwi stood, sending a casual transmission as he rose. Yeon-hoo's brow twitched faintly.
[Idle fantasies are bad for your health.]
[Is it really idle?]
[I'm not interested in women.]
[Everyone says that before falling in love.]
[Fancy a spar?]
[I'll shut my mouth, my lord.]