Chapter 49 - I Might Become a Tyrant to Someone
Dongbang Ri's quarters were neat and modest. What caught Yeon-hoo's eye were two spirit tablets that seemed almost alive. They were of her great-grandfather and her mother.
Yeon-hoo paused before the tablets. Whoever had painted them had captured the features so vividly that he half-expected them to call his name and smile at any moment.
"You've always been like this. I knew you'd rise to greatness once you grew up, my lord."
"My great-grandfather said that?"
"Yes. When he heard you'd left the family, he was heartbroken. He barely ate or drank for nearly ten days."
Images of his great-grandfather flickered through Yeon-hoo's mind. Even in his oldest memories, the man had showered him with boundless affection.
'Grandchild, I'm sorry it took me so long to return.'
"Please, sit."
Yeon-hoo calmed his heavy heart and took a seat across from Dongbang Ri. His expression had already returned to its usual impassive calm.
"I went to the market and heard some strange rumors."
"Rumors about me?"
"Yes... well..."
Dongbang Ri explained. According to her, word in the marketplace was that he would become a tyrant if he took over as lord.
"They say your nature is so cruel that you'll kill without mercy if something displeases you—even words too vile to repeat."
Yeon-hoo listened silently, fiddling with his teacup. The aroma of tea rose with the steam, tickling his nose.
"What do you make of me, family head?"
"Do you want an honest answer?"
"Of course."
Dongbang Ri answered without hesitation.
"Honestly, I still don't know. But I believe the rumors are false."
"Some of it is true."
"...Pardon?"
"Anyone who stands in my way, I'll cut down without mercy. It might even be more ruthless than that. I'm just holding back until I claim the lord's seat."
Clink.
Yeon-hoo took a sip of tea. Dongbang Ri stared at him intently. Then she lifted her teacup with both hands, savoring the aroma for a moment. Steam veiled her face like mist around a blooming flower, beautiful and ethereal.
Yeon-hoo gazed at her in silence. A strange quiet settled between them.
Clink.
Dongbang Ri set her cup down, shattering the silence. She met Yeon-hoo's eyes directly.
"You're not planning to walk the path of a tyrant, are you?"
"I might become one to some."
"You mean those who get in your way?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for your honesty. May I ask one more thing?"
"Ask."
"Could I become part of the Elder Council too?"
"If that's what you want, it's entirely possible."
"...!"
Yeon-hoo smiled faintly at her widening eyes.
"Did you think I'd say no?"
"...Our Dongbang family has always been thoroughly shunned."
Dongbang Ri's eyes reddened, tears glistening in her large pupils.
"But there's a condition first."
"..."
"You need to become far stronger than you are now. Strong enough that not even the Iron Blood Family or anyone in Northern Murim can dare ignore you. Then the gossip will stop. Political standing comes later."
Grip.
Her ivory-white teeth pressed into her lip. She stared at Yeon-hoo through tear-filled eyes, grabbed her sword, and stood abruptly.
"I'm off to train."
"It'll be brutal... Are you sure?"
"Don't worry. I've rolled through hell to survive until now..."
Whoosh.
The rain thickened into a downpour. Gale winds battered the surrounding forest, but Dongbang Ri's eyes remained serene.
Yeon-hoo liked that gaze. He resolved to train her even more harshly.
If she endured, she would become a true expert. That alone would honor her great-grandfather and mother's love.
From the myriad martial arts in his mind, Yeon-hoo selected one suited to her—a power earned by breaking through a millennium's trials. He would pass it on.
"First, let me gauge your internal energy."
Shing.
Yeon-hoo drew his sword and held it at a slant.
"Treat me as your mortal enemy and unleash everything. Hesitate, and I won't forgive you."
"Understood."
Clang!
Dongbang Ri drew hers too. A chill aura flowed along the blade, twisting the falling rain.
'Not bad.'
He'd known she was exceptional, but not to this degree.
Rumble. Crackle!
As thunder and lightning raged, Dongbang Ri lunged. Her sword sliced through the rain with deadly intent—not ordinary at all.
But to Yeon-hoo, it was a child's swing.
Clang! Screech! Kaang!
Four clashes in an instant.
"I said treat me as your enemy."
"Hah!"
Whirr! Kaang!
Two more attacks blocked, and Dongbang Ri retreated, catching her breath.
"Haa..."
Her breath cut through the rain. Her face flushed like peach blossoms, chest heaving visibly.
"Catch your breath."
"No. I want more."
She shifted stance, mimicking his—sword slanted, steam rising from the tip.
Sizzle.
Yeon-hoo's eyes gleamed.
'She even learned that?'
It was a stance he knew: Dongbang Three Forms, the Dongbang family's secret art for heads only.
'Not bad.'
Yeon-hoo raised his sword to her eyes.
Then—
"My lord."
Sama Song's voice came from behind. Yeon-hoo lowered his sword and turned.
Sama Song rushed into the training ground.
"Forgive me. It's urgent..."
"Has Northwest Murim invaded?"
"A massive battle has broken out between the Red Wolf Corps and Northwest Murim near Takju, west of Habeop Province."
Yeon-hoo's eyes sharpened at the mention of the Red Wolf Corps. They were top priority for recruitment once he claimed the lord's seat.
"A messenger from Southern Defense Commander Ma Ui Tae is waiting in the Elder Council. You should go at once."
Yeon-hoo glanced at Dongbang Ri.
"That's all for today."
"Yes."
The leadership, already gathered in the Elder Council, rose as one when Yeon-hoo entered. Jang Cheon was there too.
He hadn't officially claimed the lordship, but the symbolic sword and status as the previous lord's legitimate heir earned him their bows.
"This way, please."
Senior Elder Heo Gwang, standing in for Song Gyeom, guided Yeon-hoo to the head seat.
Yeon-hoo sat and eyed the messenger standing in the hall. Heo Gwang called softly.
"The lord is here. What are you waiting for?"
The messenger, seeing Yeon-hoo for the first time, faltered and glanced at Jang Cheon. A nod from Jang Cheon, and he saluted crisply.
"Yes, sir!"
"Report everything to the lord."
"Well... A few days ago, a battle erupted between the Red Wolf Corps and Northwest Murim..."
The messenger spoke. Yeon-hoo listened intently. Jang Cheon's expression soured as he watched, irked by Heo Gwang's earlier deference.
'Calling him lord outright... Has the Elder Council Chairman decided to back the brat?'
Anxiety surged. If Song Gyeom truly favored Yeon-hoo, Jang Cheon would be at a disadvantage in the succession struggle.
'No. That sly old fox never sides rashly. For his own gain, he'll play neutral and weigh us to the end.'
Song Gyeom was that kind of man. But what of his confidant Heo Gwang? Without Song Gyeom's approval, "young master" was proper in this official gathering.
As Jang Cheon's mind churned, the messenger finished. Jang Cheon steadied his breath and expression, then faced Yeon-hoo.
"Sama family head."
"Yes, my lord."
"You said Heo Chang's west is neutral territory?"
"Yes. From Heo Chang westward about a hundred li has been recognized as neutral for centuries by both sides. It's neither ours nor Northwest Murim's—no intervention, no matter what happens there."
Yeon-hoo nodded silently and asked the messenger,
"The clash is in neutral territory?"
"Yes! We've issued an alert to the entire Southern Army in case they spill into our lands!"
"Battle status?"
"Red Wolf Corps pushed hard the first two days, but with Northwest reinforcements, it was a stalemate when I left."
Yeon-hoo turned to the assembly.
"You all know what the Red Wolf Corps is. Anyone have a guess why they'd clash with Northwest Murim in neutral territory?"
All looked troubled. Even Yeon-hoo had no inkling.
Then Jang Cheon stood quietly.
"Heo Chang's west is a vital point that can't fall. I'll go assess it myself."
"You'll go personally?"
"I served in the Southern Army in my youth, so I know it better than most. Give the order, and I'll leave with the messenger now."
It was unexpected. The calculating Jang Cheon volunteering personally?
Then Sama Song's transmission flowed into Yeon-hoo's ear.
Southern Defense Commander Ma Ui Tae is someone Jang Cheon has courted for years. The Southern Army has many of his people. If Jang family head goes now, who knows what he'll do to secure Ma's support. Don't allow it.
Yeon-hoo kept his eyes on Jang Cheon while listening.
Is he useful?
Relations with the previous lord were poor due to politics, but his command ability rivals Northern Army Commander Yun Hoe.
Understood.
Yeon-hoo nodded and addressed Jang Cheon.
"I appreciate the family head's willingness to go personally. But how can I send you—still unwell—to such a dangerous place?"
"I'm nearly recovered..."
Yeon-hoo cut him off.
"I planned to visit the Northern Army and then the Southern to offer encouragement. With this, I'll advance the Southern visit."
Jang Cheon's brow twitched faintly. Yeon-hoo finished.
"I'll go myself, so focus on recovery. Everyone will worry less once our precious Northwest resource—the family head—is fully healed, no?"
"...!"
The finale was a transmission.
Think of it as a nephew's sincere concern for his uncle's health.