Chronicles of the Northern Heavens Chapter 41: Our Lord is Even More Fearsome
Chairman of the Elder Council, Song Gyeom, had set out. Accompanying him were five escort warriors and one mysterious young man whose identity remained unknown.
Whoosh.
A handful of thin papers turned to ash, scattering into the air.
"The chairman of the Iron Blood Family's Elder Council... This makes for quite the tempting prey. Heh heh heh."
The lips of the man who had incinerated the papers with the Threefold True Fire curled upward. His pitch-black, serpentine pupils gleamed with a chilling malice—he was one of the blood-robed assassins.
Another blood-robed assassin spoke up. "If we target him and collateral damage occurs, it could disrupt our primary mission. Isn't the client's desire the head of Northern Murim's lord?"
"The fact that Northwest Murim has commissioned us means they've tried and failed to take him down themselves up until now. What does that imply?"
"......"
"It means he's that formidable an opponent. Which is why we must operate with the possibility of failure in mind. In that light, think of Song Gyeom as a scapegoat for if things go south. Not long ago, he was the top priority on Northwest Murim's hit list."
"Shall we move out immediately, then?"
"We wait until they've put as much distance as possible between themselves and the Iron Blood Family."
"Understood."
The two blood-robed assassins turned to leave. But standing before them like ghosts were figures exuding the stench of death. The assassins smiled in satisfaction at the sight.
"For our Blood Phantom Corps, this operation is the perfect chance to surpass the Killing Gate, which has lost its leader and teeters on the brink of collapse. No matter what, we must succeed this time to vent the resentment of living as mere seconds-in-command. Understood?!"
"Yes!"
"Move out!"
Songyeong had barely shaken off Song Gyeom's invitation to ride together in the carriage and ended up perched on the driver's seat, taking in the scenery.
'When the hell can I ditch this old man? It's killing me, playing nice when it's not even in my stars. But damn, is the view here always this stunning?'
The passing landscape unfolded like a masterpiece painting. The harmony of untouched snow and forests created a mesmerizing palette that drew involuntary sighs of admiration.
'Once the great task is done, maybe snag a pretty wife and settle here? Live it up all cozy and fun.'
As Songyeong grinned at visions of a rosy future, one of the escort warriors driving the carriage asked, "You practice fist techniques, by any chance?"
"That obvious?"
"You don't carry a sword."
"Ah... Yeah, I've dabbled in a bit of everything, but nothing worth bragging about."
"My thanks."
"What for, all of a sudden...?"
"Ever since you started attending the chairman, our entire escort detail's gotten an extra silver tael per month. I've wanted to thank you sooner, but the chance never came."
Songyeong flashed a grin. "Hold tight. Give it a little more time, and you'll be getting even better treatment than now."
"Just hearing that pumps me up. I'll count on you going forward."
"Don't count on me—count on him. He cherishes his subordinates like nothing else."
"Him..."
"Who else? Our lord, of course."
Songyeong grinned again, then lightly leaped onto the carriage roof and sprawled out, gazing at the sky.
"I'm catching some shut-eye. Wake me when we arrive."
He closed his eyes right away. And soon enough, snores rumbled out.
"Hah... Can someone really fall asleep that fast...?"
Tongue clicking in disbelief, the warrior steered toward the main road. But with the crowds thronging it, he figured they'd lose too much time and glanced at the escort captain.
"Too many people on the main road—it'll delay us. Take the side path like before?"
"Good call."
"Yes, sir!"
The warrior guided the carriage onto a detour well off the main path—a route they'd used often before when roads were jammed, so progress was smooth.
Clop-clop-clop!
As the carriage picked up speed and jostled harder, Songyeong didn't stir, snoring away steadily.
How long had they traveled like that? Piles of spilled dirt and rocks began dotting the path, forcing the speed to drop sharply.
"Halt."
At the escort captain's command, the warrior stopped the carriage.
"You two, scout ahead and check the road."
"Yes, sir!"
Clop-clop-clop!
Two escorts spurred their horses forward.
The captain called politely into the carriage. "The road's in poor shape—we need to check it out. It'll take a bit, so why not stretch your legs?"
"Very well."
Creak.
Song Gyeom opened the door and stepped out. Only then did Songyeong rub his eyes blearily and sit up.
Song Gyeom eyed him curiously. "What were you doing up there?"
"Catching some Z's."
"You can sleep there?"
"Hey, for me, this is top-tier inn."
Whoosh!
Songyeong hopped down, stretched grandly with a massive yawn, and wiped the tears from his eyes. Crunch. The crack of joints echoed through his body, and he chuckled awkwardly.
'Been slacking on training too much just to humor the old man. Gotta shape up before the lord chews me out.'
Songyeong darted into the roadside woods.
The captain called after him. "Where to?"
"Gotta drain the lizard."
"......"
In the woods, Songyeong dropped his pants and relieved himself with relish.
Spillll...
'Damn, that's a heroic stream.'
Eyes half-closed in bliss, he savored the relief. Then, he cracked one eye toward the distant woods.
'Beast?'
A faint presence prickled at him. He sharpened his senses—but nothing more registered.
'Just some wild animal, then.'
Shake-shake-shake.
Finishing up neatly, he leaped back to the carriage.
"Come have some tea."
'That damn tea again...'
Song Gyeom was obsessed with tea. He downed at least twenty cups from waking to bedtime. Even on trips like today, his escorts' top priority was gear to boil water and his favorite varieties. Rumors swirled that selling his collection could buy ten grand halls with change to spare—his love for tea was legendary.
'Gonna be a nice haul when I clean him out someday.'
"Much obliged."
The tea tasted divine in the crisp roadside breeze. Songyeong poured from a bamboo tube for the escorts as well.
Song Gyeom watched with a pleased smile. Though they'd only been together a short time, Songyeong already held great weight in his eyes.
Whoooosh!
A chill wind rattled the trees. One escort said to the captain, "The scouts are taking too long. Shall I check?"
"Go."
"On my way."
Clop-clop-clop!
Another escort galloped off. But even he didn't return until everyone had finished their tea.
The captain addressed Song Gyeom. "Something feels off. Best we head back at once."
"Hm..."
Song Gyeom furrowed his brow. The situation screamed assassins.
"We're turning back."
Song Gyeom was ice-cold rational. Assassins held no terror for him, but he had zero intention of courting unnecessary risk. That mindset had carried him this far.
Songyeong stepped forward. "Shouldn't we look for the escorts?"
"The chairman's safety comes first. You board too."
"Come on, how far are we from the Iron Blood Family...?"
"We prepare for all possibilities. Board now."
Songyeong bristled at the captain's firmness but hopped onto the driver's seat without further argument—stubbornness wouldn't help here.
That very instant—
Boom! Boom!
Explosions erupted, red smoke billowing up. The captain bellowed, "Poison smoke! Hold your breath!"
The elite escorts cut off their breathing in unison, bracing against the toxin. But the horses couldn't. The carriage team and spares alike shrieked and thrashed.
Neighhh!
Shing!
The escorts drew swords, shielding Song Gyeom. But with only two left, the defensive perimeter was far too vast.
Songyeong glanced at Song Gyeom—surprisingly calm.
'Good thing you didn't panic, old man. Would've been disappointed.'
Whoooosh!
The poison smoke killed only the horses before the wind swept it away.
Shing.
Song Gyeom slowly drew his sword.
"How dare filthy assassins stir trouble here."
Songyeong's eyes flickered. He'd pegged the old man as selfish and petty, but now that sword was out, an overwhelming, untouchable aura crushed the air around them.
'Not the head of the Elder Council for nothing.'
Whoooosh!
The wind howled fiercer, shaking the woods—but no assassins appeared. Outnumbered, neither side could strike first, locking them in eerie standoff.
Songyeong grew suspicious of their game.
'What the hell are these bastards stalling for?'
Then—
"Urk!"
One escort staggered with a choked cry. As all eyes snapped to him, he clutched his throat and dropped to his knees.
"Guh!"
Black, dead blood gushed from nose, ears, and mouth. Unmistakable poisoning.
Song Gyeom's face hardened for the first time. Gravely, he said, "Check your dantians."
"I'm fine."
The captain seemed unharmed. Song Gyeom eyed Songyeong.
"Still good here."
Fall back behind me. If things go south, seize the chance and flee. You're indispensable to the main house—survive no matter what and escape. Once safe, aid whoever becomes lord in managing Northern Murim's finances.
Songyeong's heart stirred.
'The old man... is this who he really is?'
Regret washed over him—ashamed of his prejudiced view until now.
Chuff.
"Guess I'm still miles away."
His self-mocking mutter drew Song Gyeom's gaze. Songyeong flashed his signature sly grin.
Heh.
"If I ditched you to save my skin, the lord'd beat me to death. So let's fight together."
"......!"
"I'm more scared of our lord than any assassins. Heh heh heh."
Grinning once more, Songyeong bent to grip the sword of the fallen escort, whose breath had already stilled.
Song Gyeom's eyes wavered. That sly glint screamed the young man wouldn't flee at his command.
'For Northern Murim's revival, we need this friend...'
"Haa..."
A low sigh escaped Song Gyeom's lips—
When abruptly, a whistle pierced from ahead, and a figure emerged. Deep-brimmed hat shadowing his face, clutching a long staff-like rod. Songyeong, glancing idly, widened his eyes like a child.
"Huh?"