Chapter 37 - Tell Them to Watch Their Necks
Clink.
Yeon-hoo spun the treasured sword on the table this way and that as he glanced at Yun Hoe.
"Commander, what should I do?"
"The sanctity of military orders must never be violated. They should be escorted under guard or beheaded here and now, to serve as an example to all of Northern Murim."
"Is there no other way?"
"None. If you forgive them here, who knows how many more will defy orders in the future? You must deal with them decisively."
Yun Hoe's answer, as stern as an edict, drained the color from everyone's faces. Yeon-hoo nodded silently.
"Understood."
Whoosh.
Just as the treasured sword on the table lifted of its own accord toward Yeon-hoo's hand—
"My lord, may I say a word?"
Jo Chung stepped forward.
"Speak."
"They deserve punishment for defying orders, but what if you gave them a chance?"
"Continue."
"Forgive my impertinence, but could we speak privately among ourselves for a moment?"
"You want me to leave?"
"How dare I suggest such a thing? There's an empty room next door—if you'll permit it, we'll go there."
Yeon-hoo didn't answer right away. Then came the sound of someone swallowing dryly. Only then did he nod.
"One hour enough?"
"More than sufficient."
"Then do so."
"Thank you, my lord."
Jo Chung signaled with his eyes for the four to follow quickly. Moments later, once Jo Chung and the others had filed into the next room, Yun Hoe wore an awkward expression. Yeon-hoo gave a faint smile.
"You have a talent for acting?"
"It was hell. If you asked me to do it again, I'd die first. Still, if they comply willingly, we could bring the Jang Family's core forces in the southwest under your command."
"Let's wait and see."
Yeon-hoo remained unhurried. He was confident that Yang Seok and the rest would bend to his will. Of course, they might not—but he had contingencies ready. Still, drawing them in without bloodshed was ideal, so he placed his hopes on Jo Chung.
The hour passed swiftly. Soon, Jo Chung and the others reemerged. Yeon-hoo checked Jo Chung's expression first. He was smiling.
It's done.
Sure enough, Jo Chung bowed his head low.
"Please forgive their crimes, my lord. They will all serve you with utmost loyalty and have sworn to support you."
"Please forgive us, my lord!"
"Mercy, my lord!"
Thud! Thud!
Yang Seok and the others dropped to their knees, shouting in unison. Yun Hoe, watching, barely suppressed a laugh. He thought of Jang Cheon.
What face will he make when he hears this?
* * *
The tense atmosphere, thick enough to summon a bloodbath at any moment, thawed into warm harmony as if it had never been. Having melted their frozen hearts with mere words, Yeon-hoo casually broached one of his planned schemes. But first, he laid the groundwork.
"Have you all chosen your successors?"
"Yes. We have already selected ours."
"Ours as well."
"The same for us."
Everyone answered, puzzled and anxious at the sudden question about heirs.
"Have you ever sent them to fight in the war against Northwest Murim?"
"Forgive us, but not yet..."
"..."
No one could reply affirmatively. Yeon-hoo, who had known as much, furrowed his brow and paused the conversation. The mood grew heavy once more.
It was inexcusable for heirs of prominent families to have avoided frontline duty. They waited anxiously for Yeon-hoo's words.
Thud.
Yeon-hoo set down his teacup a bit forcefully.
"Why haven't you sent them yet?"
"Forgive us... their skills are still lacking..."
"We planned to train them more before deploying."
Yeon-hoo fixed his gaze on Jo Chung.
"Didn't you say you'd hired renowned masters as their martial instructors?"
"That's right. We've all done so for several years now, my lord."
"Then the instructors must be inadequate."
"..."
"Or perhaps you deliberately kept them from the front. At their age, they should have received at least one or two draft orders..."
Everyone's faces paled again at his trailing words. Refusing a draft was a grave crime—especially for influential families, whom Northern Murim punished harshly.
Yeon-hoo lifted his teacup once more.
Thud.
"Fine. I won't dwell on the past."
"Thank you, my lord."
"Our gratitude."
As they sighed in relief, Yeon-hoo asked indifferently,
"What do you think caused Northern Murim's sudden decline?"
"..."
When no one answered, Yun Hoe spoke cautiously.
"If I may... it began after the eldest young master met his unfortunate end. With the heir gone, factions vying for power opposed the main family, deepening divisions. This led to delays in deploying private troops, eroding army morale and bringing us to this point."
"I agree. That's why I've decided to establish a martial academy at the main house. I'll train all your heirs there. Only with strong successors can sects and families advance unshakeably toward their ambitions. I'll make it happen."
"...!"
"This is a favor to those who swore loyalty to me. Don't refuse."
The room erupted in shock. Even Jo Chung's eyes widened. They exchanged stiff glances but none spoke first.
In truth, they saw through Yeon-hoo's intent. It wasn't kindness—it was taking their heirs hostage to ensure loyalty. Yet none dared object. They were utterly cowed by him.
Jo Chung's ears burned red.
I thought I could feign loyalty with these fools and plot later... but this brat played me like a fiddle.
* * *
Whoosh!
The winter rain, expected to stop in a day, showed no sign of letting up after three. Elder Jo Jung-bo of Wall Thunder Manor, dispatched with a special order from Lord Wi Yeon-gwang to bring Yeon-hoo's head, sipped tea from Go Gwang and scowled.
"Still no trace of the bastard?"
"We're searching everywhere. Please wait a bit longer."
"How can you fail at something so simple? If you weren't kin, your head would be rolling already. Tsk tsk tsk."
"The storm has washed away all tracks..."
"More excuses!"
"...My apologies."
Even the fierce Go Gwang was a mere pup before Jo Jung-bo.
"This damned..."
Crack!
The teacup shattered in Jo Jung-bo's grip. Sizzle... The tea soaking his hand steamed away, veiling Go Gwang's view.
"One hall leader dead, another surrendered. If we return like this, neither of us escapes reprimand. Deploy every soldier now and find him. Understood?"
"Yes!"
"You too—join the search with your men."
"...Understood."
Then—
"Elder."
"Enter."
A middle-aged man stepped in, face grim. Jo Jung-bo scowled.
"Why the long face?"
"...Look at this."
The man handed over a scrap of cloth. Jo Jung-bo unfolded it immediately.
I don't know who you are, but I'm too busy to waste time chatting with bandit scum.
So I'm heading out first—keep up the good work.
P.S. Don't forget to tell Wi Yeon-gwang congratulations on becoming the bandit leader, and to watch his neck.
— Yeon-hoo
"Th-this...!"
Fwoosh!
The cloth turned to ash in Jo Jung-bo's hand and fluttered down. The middle-aged man spoke gravely to the elder, whose face burned with rage.
"It was tied to an arrow and shot our way... They must already know our main camp's location."
Go Gwang eyed the trembling Jo Jung-bo, wondering what it said, but held his tongue. No need to risk stirring the hornet's nest.
What could it possibly say...?
* * *
Whoosh!
As the afternoon began, three figures appeared on the deserted west end of the market street, emptied by the relentless downpour. It was Seobaek and the Noegeom siblings, who had barely escaped.
They ducked into the nearest inn.
"Damn rain soaked us to the bone."
Seobaek downed hot grain tea in one gulp and exhaled deeply.
"Whew, finally feel alive."
He eyed Noegeom and his sister. Noegeom's face was impassive as ever, but his sister couldn't hide her tension.
Same womb, yet worlds apart.
Noegeom's sister was stunningly beautiful. Even unwashed from the journey, her looks drew Seobaek's admiration.
Noegeom asked, "How much farther to Iron Blood Family?"
"Two more days. We're in Northern Murim territory now—no worries about pursuit. Let's rest, wash up, buy fresh clothes."
"I'm fine. Sate our hunger and move."
"You look exhausted."
"Perfectly fine. Don't worry."
"Not you—your sister."
"..."
"I'm okay."
"She's trained inner energy since childhood, so she can endure. No time to dawdle—push to Iron Blood Family."
"Well, if you say so."
Soon, the waiter brought their ordered dishes, and they ate. Having had no proper meal in nearly six days, they devoured in silence, chopsticks flying.
About an hour in, Noegeom idly glanced at the entrance. His eyes sharpened; he subtly drew his leaning sword closer.
Seobaek's eyes changed too. Without turning, he sensed people entering the inn.
Our pursuers?
Not sure yet.
Seobaek glanced at Noegeom's sister. Sensing the odd vibe, her already pallid face drained further.
Sneer.
Don't worry. I'll protect you.