Chronicles of the Northern Heavens Chapter 47 - Song Gyeom's Tears
Shwaaa…
In the Hero Pavilion, built by Iron Blood Sword Emperor Yi Yeom to honor the ancestors' prestige, Yeon-hoo tilted his teacup with Sama Song.
Yeon-hoo was as impassive as ever, but Sama Song's eyes gazing at him brimmed with admiration.
"Truly… you eliminated the head of the Wall Thunder Family's Elder Council?"
"Unless my subordinates filed a false report, he's probably lying behind a screen right now, sniffing incense."
"Oh ho ho."
Sama Song finally burst into an odd laugh. His face flushed with excitement as he continued.
"It's exhilarating. A huge relief. You've accomplished something monumental, my lord!"
"Aren't you worried about the aftermath, Family Head?"
"Not in the slightest. It's something you did, my lord. I simply believe and follow."
Yeon-hoo wore a faint smile. This was why he liked Sama Song. No needless complications, no overthinking—just unwavering faith and loyalty.
If everyone in the Iron Blood Family, and all of Northern Murim, were like Sama Song, he could launch his great endeavor right away.
"I wonder what that vile scoundrel Wi Yeon Gwang's face looks like now."
"His pride won't let him admit he got hit, so it'll be quite the spectacle."
"Just thinking about it sweeps away a decade's worth of pent-up frustration! I've barely slept recalling how Northwest Murim humiliated us, but tonight I can finally stretch out and rest easy."
Unlike his usual icy composure, Sama Song couldn't hide his thrill. Yeon-hoo smiled faintly once more.
That was when Yun Hoe arrived. Unlike usual, he was clad in heavy armor.
"Come in."
"Welcome, Commander."
"I came for a cup of tea before heading to the Northern Legion."
"Sit."
"Yes, my lord."
Clank, clank. The metallic jangle with every step drew a hearty laugh from Sama Song.
"As expected, Commander—you look best in full armor. Ha ha ha."
"It's habit. I feel most at ease suited up. Seeing you bolster my lord so reliably puts my mind at rest for the journey."
"Who are you telling? I'll do my utmost to assist, so lead the Northern Legion without worry."
Yun Hoe was returning to the Northern Legion. He longed to stay by Yeon-hoo's side, but with Wi Yeon Gwang having lost an elder, who knew what provocations might come? Preparation was key.
Of course, it was Yeon-hoo's will.
Yeon-hoo felt a surge of reassurance watching the two. They were his greatest pillars thus far.
"Take this with you."
Yeon-hoo pulled a slim booklet from his bosom and offered it.
"What is it?"
"A few sword forms I jotted down. Not much for commanders or captains, but it'll help centurions and above."
"My thanks, my lord."
Soon after, Yun Hoe drained his tea and departed. Yeon-hoo felt an odd emptiness in his chest.
Since returning to the Iron Blood Family, no one had supported him more steadfastly than Yun Hoe.
Sama Song asked cautiously.
"What of Jang Family Head?"
"We have a powerful weapon to imprison him. We must use it wisely."
"Use it… meaning no punishment, but some other gain?"
"You'll see in time."
"Yes."
Sama Song asked no more. He trusted that whatever Yeon-hoo decided would yield fine results.
"Let's go. Time to see the Elder Council Head."
"Yes, my lord."
Yeon-hoo headed to the Elder Council with Sama Song. Fortunately, Song Gyeom had survived the poison's spread and was resting in his quarters.
How far had they walked from the pavilion?
"Hup!"
Clang!
"My back!"
Thwack!
"Kuh!"
A shout echoed from the left woods—the Martial Academy's training ground.
Shall I take a look?
Yeon-hoo veered toward the grounds. Sama Song followed curiously.
"Frankly, I thought the Martial Academy was just for show."
"Everyone did."
"Then you truly intend to run it as intended?"
"Of course. The stronger they grow, the stronger their sects and families become—and that bolsters the main house and all Northern Murim. And one more thing…"
Yeon-hoo trailed off briefly before continuing.
"Train them young, and they're easier to wield later, no?"
"Ah… yes."
Pushing through the woods a bit farther, the training ground came into view. Jo Yeong and the others swung swords under Baek Mu Yeong's guidance, caked in mud and rain.
"Loosen your shoulders."
Thwack!
"Kuh!"
Baek Mu Yeong cracked Jo Yeong's shoulder with a wooden sword. Jo Yeong clutched it, eyes blazing with fury.
The other three were no different. Panting raggedly as they swung, they glared at Baek Mu Yeong like enemies.
"You've arrived."
Baek Mu Yeong bowed to Yeon-hoo.
"Isn't the first day too harsh?"
"Their basics are a mess. We start from scratch."
"Their internal energy?"
"From wealthy families—decent reserves. But gained through elixirs, not training. It'll take time to make it truly theirs."
Yeon-hoo nodded silently, watching Jo Yeong and the rest. Their gasping, on the verge of collapse, spoke volumes of the intensity.
"Endure like your life depends on it."
"I… think this is inefficient."
Jo Yeong finally voiced his complaint.
Yeon-hoo asked calmly.
"Why?"
"We're not lowly warriors… Starting at our level would be far more efficient."
"Why are you here?"
"To get stronger, obviously…"
"Then do as the instructor says. You'll get stronger."
"…"
"Mu Yeong."
"Yes, my lord."
"If they're lacking, tell me. I'll send them to the Northern Legion for real combat training."
"Understood."
The four froze at the mention of the Northern Legion.
"Anyone here seen real war?"
"…"
No one answered.
"You'll fight someday. If you don't want to die to an enemy's blade without swinging once, train hard."
"…"
"Keep it up."
"Yes, my lord."
Yeon-hoo patted Baek Mu Yeong's shoulder and resumed toward the Elder Council.
Soon, he reached Song Gyeom's quarters. The physician had just changed the bandages and was rising.
"Welcome, my lord."
"How is he?"
"The external wounds aren't deep. Ointment for a fortnight should suffice."
"Good work."
As the physician left, Yeon-hoo regarded Song Gyeom. In days, he seemed a decade older.
"How do you feel?"
"Lying wounded like this, I finally glimpse the hearts of warriors battling on the front lines."
"Once recovered, join me at the Northern Legion? They'll welcome you warmly."
"Very well. The moment I can walk, I'll go with you, my lord. I'll apologize for my past failings and beg forgiveness."
Song Gyeom grasped Yeon-hoo's hand.
"I have no face to show you after this."
"Nonsense… Recover quickly. I need your help."
"Worry not. Without your men, I'd be a handful of ashes wandering the underworld. Once healed, I'll serve with renewed vigor."
His earnest gaze satisfied Yeon-hoo inwardly. He hadn't expected this to yield such gain.
The Elder Council Head's backing—no stronger ally for his great endeavor.
"I'll visit tomorrow."
Yeon-hoo departed promptly.
Meanwhile, Sama Song stayed by Song Gyeom.
"I heard the pain is severe."
"Bodily pain is nothing."
"Don't take it too hard. Your guards will smile from below seeing you safe."
"Thinking of those boys breaks my heart. They endured endless criticism for feasting by my side… To fall without blooming… Haah."
Sama Song gripped Song Gyeom's hand as his eyes reddened.
"My lord avenged them. Don't blame yourself."
"What… avenge?"
"We exposed Wi Yeon Gwang's instigation through the captive, then sent men to eliminate Wall Thunder's Elder Council Head."
"Truly?"
Song Gyeom's eyes widened. Sama Song nodded with a grin.
"Would I lie? Ha ha ha. Nothing's been this satisfying in my life. Northwest Murim's humiliations make me want to dance."
Song Gyeom closed his eyes tightly. A faint tremor rippled around them.
Sama Song continued.
"You should have seen my lord's fury when you collapsed. Everyone nearby shivered."
"This old man owes him another unpayable debt atop the lifesaving grace."
Tears finally welled in Song Gyeom's eyes.
"Then recover swiftly and aid him. As I said before, he's more than worthy of being the strong lord we've longed for. With your support, he'll be a tiger with wings, roaring over the world. Don't you want to see that?"
Then the physician entered, followed by a maid with a bowl of porridge.
"From today, the medicine's bitter—eat even without appetite."
Sama Song's eyes widened.
"You haven't even touched porridge till now?"
"Yes. No matter our pleas…"
Then.
"Bring rice, not porridge."
"…Pardon?"
"Rice aids recovery more than porridge."
"Of course. Shall I prepare a meal?"
"Bring it. For quick recovery, I'll eat whatever you serve."
"Ah, yes."
The physician glanced at Sama Song with wide eyes.
Sama Song smiled.
"Bring his favorite beef too. No—I've heard the ancient Eastern Empire stewed beef bones into soup for recovery."
"Indeed. I had them simmering for when appetite returned. I'll serve at once—please wait."
As the physician rushed out, Sama Song chuckled heartily.
"Avenge the guards, and appetite returns. Ha ha ha."
"Wi Yeon Gwang won't sit idle. Truce or not, he can't raise troops, but he'll complain to White Night Cartel to trouble my lord. I must recover swiftly to prepare."
"Ah, my lord said this: Wi Yeon Gwang's pride will make him hide the truth himself."
"…!"
"My lord foresaw that and struck boldly—even into Wall Thunder's heart. So focus on healing, Elder Head."
"Ha ha ha."
Song Gyeom suddenly laughed. Tears glistened in his reddening eyes.
"This old man misjudged him. I saw a wild steppe wolf, but he's a tiger. A tiger. Ha ha ha."