Jeongcheong's Malice, and the Suspicious Strangers
Yeon-hoo had already confirmed information about Jeongcheong through the commanders of each unit beforehand.
'So there are quite a few guys like him, huh?'
He had been told that there were many with temperaments similar to Jeongcheong's. They'd caused major disturbances several times because of them, but since there was no solid basis to refute their claims, they'd simply been overlooked until now.
No sooner had Yeon-hoo sat down than he asked Jeongcheong directly.
"You said you've never once participated in combat?"
"As I mentioned before, those in charge of law enforcement and execution are not deployed to battle. This is guaranteed by law."
"I never made such a law, nor did I permit it."
"That's how the laws of our Northwest stand. Moreover, didn't my lord himself say, right after the war ended, that he would respect the laws and customs of our Northwest?"
"Of course we must respect them. But surely flawed laws and customs need to be changed—fairly for everyone."
"……."
"And you keep saying 'our Northwest, our Northwest'…… Is 'Northern' still so unfamiliar to you? Or should I take it as refusal to accept it?"
"……My apologies. It's become a habit…… I'll correct it swiftly."
Yeon-hoo turned to the middle-aged man.
"Looking at the roster, each unit has over two thousand non-combat personnel…… Don't you think that's too many?"
"If you command it, I shall obey."
"Send them sequentially to the front-line units as soon as you return to your posts. Only after sweating and suffering alongside the warriors there will they begin to understand their hardships, even if just a little."
"As my lord commands."
Jeongcheong's expression changed in an instant. As he opened his mouth to speak, Yeon-hoo continued first.
"How can those who enforce military law do so fairly if they can't even grasp the warriors' plights?"
"Wise words indeed. We'll proceed immediately upon return."
Yeon-hoo stared straight at Jeongcheong. Jeongcheong swallowed the words that had risen to his throat.
"I've been mulling over what you said two days ago. Honestly, your attitude—refusing to yield even an inch before me—irritated me at first. But looking back, not a single word was wrong."
"I'm deeply honored by your kind view."
Jeongcheong bowed his head. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes directed at the floor.
'He's not completely stubborn after all.'
"We need talents like you. The more who have the courage and backbone to speak their minds—even before their lord—the stronger our North will become."
Jeongcheong felt unexpectedly pleased. It was especially gratifying coming from Yeon-hoo, whom he saw as an adversary in his struggles.
That was when Sinhwi entered.
Jeongcheong, who had subtly lifted his head, happened to meet Sinhwi's gaze and immediately bowed again. Having been overwhelmed by his aura two days prior, just looking at him made Jeongcheong's chest tighten with chill.
'Why is the Blood King…….'
The good mood vanished, replaced by an inexplicable unease.
Sinhwi spoke to the middle-aged man.
"Everyone probably knows, but I have almost no one around me who offers straight talk. Probably because of that fearsome title, Blood King……."
Sinhwi trailed off, staring at Jeongcheong. Then he continued right away.
"I'd like to place this fellow in the Blood King Army…… That alright with you?"
"If the Blood King desires it, of course we must send him!"
Jeongcheong doubted his ears.
'What, what did he say?'
"Grateful for your ready acceptance."
"No need for such words. If you need anything else in the future, just say the word. We'll do our utmost to assist in whatever we can."
"Appreciated."
Sinhwi turned to Yeon-hoo with a faint smile. Yeon-hoo, still fixing Jeongcheong with his gaze, said,
"No need to return to your unit—just head straight to the Blood King Army."
"……!"
Jeongcheong's throat clenched shut. With his head bowed, he saw only the hall floor, but it felt like the heavens themselves were crumbling.
'The Blood King Army…….'
Yeon-hoo pressed on.
"It'll be too lonely and tough alone, so transfer those who share his views to the Blood King Army as well."
"As my lord commands."
Jeongcheong inwardly cursed the middle-aged man, who was too busy bowing to notice. At the same time, he regretted all the frequent arguments they'd had.
The middle-aged man was a close aide to Bae Yeom, the overall commander of the assault troops, and had briefly worked for Jeongcheong's family back in the Northwest Murim days. Back then, as heir, Jeongcheong had held a position the man couldn't casually challenge. Because of that history, Jeongcheong had always resented his new superior and often clashed with him over separating personal grudges from official duties.
Thus, Jeongcheong could only see this as the man eagerly casting aside the thorn in his side that he'd long endured.
'This isn't it…….'
Yeon-hoo addressed Jeongcheong, who still hadn't lifted his head.
"I expect you to improve the culture of my dear Blood King Army for the better. Think you can manage it?"
"……."
"No answer?"
"……I'll do my utmost."
Suddenly transferred to the terrifying Blood King Army, Jeongcheong tossed and turned all night from boiling rage. But come morning, he steeled his resolve, even harboring a venomous determination.
'Fine. Spreading my will in a tiger's den like the Blood King Army isn't so bad.'
Kwak!
'Just watch. I'll show you how I remake the Blood King Army…….'
The next morning, Jeongcheong headed to the Blood King Army with Sinhwi. Though he'd hardened his will and grinned defiantly, the warriors who'd come with him trailed behind like men who'd lost their country, on the verge of tears.
Four days passed. Still, no sign of Jeokhon or the Blood Corpses.
Hwangtae had locked his door tight, spending the time reviewing his martial arts. Even when Garak knocked several times, he got no response.
Today, too, Garak knocked on Hwangtae's door.
Knock knock.
"Hey, how long you planning to hole up like this?"
"Don't disturb me. If you're bored, go take a stroll."
Garak chuckled and turned away. He left the inn and headed north toward the marketplace.
In the four days staying in the city, he'd found a frequent haunt: a teahouse in the northern part of town.
Perhaps familiar now— as Garak entered, a middle-aged beauty greeted him warmly.
"Back again."
"Can't help it when the scent of your tea lingers in my mind from the moment I wake."
"I see. The usual, then?"
"Yes."
Garak eyed the woman's slender waist and hips visible over her clothes, then cast his gaze afar. Perched high, it offered a panoramic view of the city.
'Screw the grand cause—who wouldn't want to live easy in a place like this…….'
Chirp chirp!
Unnamed birds squawked overhead. Garak looked up at them. Normally mere pests, today they seemed to add a touch of poetic charm.
Then, someone entered the teahouse.
Garak glanced idly, then returned his eyes to the birds.
Jo Yeong flared his nostrils at the thick, stimulating tea aroma.
'Every time I come here, it feels like my mind gets thoroughly cleansed.'
Jo Yeong strode to the back garden like it was his own home.
Entering, he saw the woman's back as she boiled water.
"I'm here."
"Welcome."
The woman, already aware of him, just turned her head to greet.
"Got an early guest today?"
"Yes. Someone who's been visiting often lately. Would the young master like a cup too?"
"Always grateful."
"Then have a seat over there and wait a moment. The items you requested are all prepared, so no worries."
"Yes, ma'am."
Swish.
Swish.
The woman resumed fanning. Jo Yeong watched the coals intensifying under her fanning, then stretched his arms around his neck, tilting his head back.
Crack.
As he savored the refreshing joint pops, a glint sparked in Jo Yeong's eyes.
He'd spotted Garak sitting in one of the pavilion's corners.
'What a damn gloomy vibe.'
Then, Garak turned his gaze toward Jo Yeong.
Their eyes met for a split second.
Jo Yeong quickly looked away.
Shiver…….
A chill rose over his entire body.
'Terrifying eyes.'
In that instant of eye contact, it felt like the man was peering straight into his soul—no way he could hold the gaze.
Jo Yeong turned to the woman.
The question 'Who the hell is that guy?' rose to his throat but sank back down. Even whispering felt like it'd reach the man.
And he couldn't very well use transmission voice on the woman, ignorant of martial arts.
'Something feels off…….'
Jo Yeong wasn't one to trust hunches much. But today, he couldn't ignore it.
Then the woman stood.
Jo Yeong quickly schooled his expression into a grin.
"Thanks, I'll dig in."
"Take your time."
The woman exited the back garden promptly. Jo Yeong sidelong-glanced at Garak, but he was already looking elsewhere.
'Gotta have someone look into that guy before I head back.'
Jo Yeong decided to stop by the Iron Blood Family's intelligence outpost on the city outskirts before leaving. He brought the teacup to his lips.
Today, the once-fragrant tea tasted like plain water. He set it down with a wry smile.
Clink.
'Me, scared…… when I live rubbing shoulders with that fearsome lord and the Blood King…….'
Jo Yeong took a deep breath and sipped again.
That was when the teahouse door opened, and two men in bamboo hats entered.
Jo Yeong peered at them through the half-open door.
Once more, goosebumps erupted across his skin.
'What the hell now.'
Having two chills in such a short time, Jo Yeong focused on the bamboo-hatted men.
His eyes trembled.
'This eerie feeling is a first…….'
How to put it? They were clearly living people, yet they didn't feel human.
Momentarily obscured by the wall, the bamboo-hatted men reemerged near where Garak sat.
'Definitely bad vibes.'
Jo Yeong rose abruptly. Just then, the woman returned to the back garden.
"Done already?"
"Yes. Got to head back soon."
"I see. One moment, then."
She went inside and emerged carrying a large basket stuffed with unidentified herbs and cut branches.
Tea and medicinal ingredients ordered at Yuksoon's request. Truth be told, this was a regular spot Jo Yeong had frequented since boyhood.
Someone else was supposed to pick them up, but Jo Yeong had volunteered to see the woman too.
"Packed extra just in case—let me know if it's short."
"Thanks. See you."
Jo Yeong grabbed the basket and left the teahouse. He walked north a short way, then at a certain point unleashed his lightness skill.
Whoosh!
He dashed across rooftops at top speed.
About fifteen minutes later, Jo Yeong entered a manor on the outskirts.
"Who goes there!"
"From the lord's residence."
Jo Yeong flashed his token from his bosom and entered. He went straight to the person in charge and reported the people he'd seen at the teahouse.
Moments later, people in varied attire appeared from around the manor.
"We'll investigate and report any peculiarities straight to the lord's residence."
"No. I'll go with you."
Jo Yeong set down the herb basket and headed back to the teahouse with the intelligence agents.
As they neared, a faint bloody scent carried on the wind sharpened Jo Yeong's eyes.
The woman's face flashed in his mind.
'No way…….'
Bam!
Jo Yeong kicked off the ground, vaulted the wall.
"……!"
His eyes widened in shock.
What met his bloodshot pupils—veins bursting red—was the woman's corpse, stark naked, blood trickling from her mouth, cold as ice.