Chapter 51 - Beware the Scent Carried on the Spring Breeze
Two hours later, Yeon-hoo departed from the Iron Blood Family, accompanied only by a small contingent led by Cheol-u and Seobaek. Baek Mu Yeong, Song Yeong, Yuksoon, and Seo-wi-ryang remained at the main estate. Yeon-hoo had issued separate orders to them.
Meanwhile, Jang Cheon watched Yeon-hoo's retreating figure as he passed through the main gate, his gaze steady and subdued. Jang Hoe smirked with satisfaction.
"This works out perfectly. We can use the brat's absence to seize complete control of this place."
"Do you think he left without knowing that?"
"...Pardon?"
"He barely escaped the trap set by Cheongryong's Hong Mun. Leaving me here after that means he has something he's relying on."
"Now that you mention it, you're right."
"We need to uncover what that reliance is first—whether it's the Elder Council Chairman or something else."
Jang Cheon still couldn't shake off his unease, which was slowly morphing into anxiety.
He must have a hidden card up his sleeve. I need to find it before he returns.
Just then, Baek Mu Yeong entered Jang Cheon's view, crossing the plaza in front of the main gate.
"That one's an instructor at the martial hall."
"Obviously one of his men."
"Yes. Despite arriving recently, the Elder Council Chairman treats him unusually well. He even issued a special order allowing free access to the Elder Council chambers—somewhere no one but the lord can enter without permission."
Jang Cheon's eyebrow twitched like a sharpened blade. He watched until Baek Mu Yeong vanished from sight, then gave Jang Hoe his instructions.
"Investigate in detail where he's from and what he's been doing. Everyone else too, if possible."
"Understood."
Jang Cheon turned his gaze back to Yeon-hoo, who had shrunk to a mere dot at the end of the straight, endless avenue.
Do you think I don't know why you're leaving me here and heading all the way to that distant place? But this time, things won't go your way, brat.
After a moment's contemplation, Jang Cheon issued another order to Jang Hoe.
"Send carrier pigeons to our people in the Southern Defense Army right now. Inform them of the situation and have them report every move the brat makes."
"Understood."
At that moment, a rustle of footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by a thick wave of musk. Turning, Jang Cheon saw Lady Jang Yeong entering.
"I'm here, brother."
"What are you staring at?"
"Just watching the thunderbolt baldhead leave."
"Thunderbolt baldhead? Then what should we call you, who's been fretting helplessly without dealing with that one pest all this time?"
Jang Cheon offered a faint smile at Jang Yeong's sharp tone.
"He's really gotten under your skin."
"He hasn't even paid me a single courtesy visit! And that's not all—the Elder Council Chairman's in cahoots with him, cutting my allowance in half and adding a new rule limiting my banquets—my one joy—to once every two months! You've done nothing while your sister suffers such humiliation!"
Was she that furious? Tears welled in Jang Yeong's eyes as spittle flew from her mouth, splattering Jang Cheon's face. He furrowed his brow. He'd anticipated her situation wouldn't be as luxurious as before, but not to this extent.
Forcing a smile, Jang Cheon replied, "Don't worry too much. Until now, I've yielded out of consideration for public eyes, pretending respect. But from here on, I'll change tactics. Trust me and bear with it just a little longer, sister."
"Brother will handle it well," Jang Hoe chimed in. Only then did Jang Yeong calm her anger and take a seat.
"Since we're together after so long, let's have a family meal."
"I've already ordered a feast prepared. Hmph! Even that old man won't complain about a banquet you host."
"Exactly. Trust me and prepare something lavish. Haha!"
Jang Cheon burst into laughter, but his eyes burned colder than ever.
Song Gyeom, so you've sided with him in the end.
After Lord Yi Yeom's death, the Iron Blood Family's finances had been managed by the Elder Council. Only its chairman, Song Gyeom, held the authority to cut Jang Yeong's funds.
If you're so eager to court death, I'll oblige. Don't resent me even in the grave.
* * *
Jang So was Jang Cheon's only son. More precious to him than life itself, the twenty-three-year-old had already surpassed the first-rate realm. Bolstered by elixirs consumed since childhood, he embodied the Jang Family's secret techniques and even Yi Yeom's martial arts, bearing the full expectations of Jang Cheon and the clan.
Many praised Jang So as the future star of Northern Murim. Yet he had a flaw: an excessively sensitive and timid personality bordering on obsession. This near-pathological sensitivity sometimes unearthed the deep-buried cruelty within him, claiming numerous victims. But all was shrouded in secrecy, and much of Northern Murim still showered him with admiration for his extraordinary talent.
Now, Jang So narrowed his eyes at the path ahead.
"Isn't that a cow dung smell?"
"Yes. Dozens of cattle are grazing in the field ahead, it seems."
Irritation clouded Jang So's face and eyes at the guard's reply.
"We need another route."
"Young master, this is the shortest path to the lord's residence. Detouring will add a full day—please endure just a bit."
"A day's delay won't matter. Do as I say."
"...Yes."
The guards eventually veered left. Compared to the original path, the forest was denser, the terrain far rougher. Most avoided such places—ideal for ambushes—but Jang So, confident in his prowess, felt no concern. Nor did he fear with the clan's ten finest bodyguards at his side. Besides, the Iron Blood Family lay nearby, the heart of Northern Murim.
Whoooosh.
The spring breeze teased the foliage. It should have been fresh and invigorating, but the lingering cow dung stench kept Jang So's scowl fixed.
Soon, entering a narrow trail through the thick woods, the odor finally faded.
"Finally, I can breathe."
"Young master, the path ahead narrows and steepens—we'll need to proceed on foot for a while."
"The ground's muddy; my shoes will get dirty. Ride as far as we can."
"...Yes."
Once Jang So spoke, it was final. No one dared object, lest they suffer his wrath.
"Escort leader."
"Yes, young master."
"Did you pack the gift for Aunt properly?"
"No need to worry. It's sealed triple-layered."
"Still, be careful. It's one of the rarest treasures in the world."
"Understood."
With the stench gone, Jang So deeply inhaled the spring air, admiring the scenery. Towering cliffs rose prominently, vibrant wildflowers blooming spectacularly—a breathtaking vista.
"What a shame. It would have been perfect with her."
Jang So voiced his regret for his absent fiancée. How far had they traveled? The horses could go no further. Rain from the day before had turned the path to muck, and the steep incline made them slip constantly.
"What a hassle. Tch."
Resigned, Jang So dismounted. What followed was absurd: one guard approached with bamboo-woven covers, wrapping them around his shoes to shield them from mud. The motion was practiced, as if routine.
"Tie them tight."
"Yes, young master."
Jang So entrusted his feet to the guard, his gaze drifting to the flowers adorning the cliffs.
Whoooosh.
A breeze heavy with floral scent swept in.
"Mmm..."
Jang So closed his eyes, savoring it. After three or four breaths, something felt off—he opened them. Simultaneously, the escort leader barked.
"Halt!"
A figure stood ahead: a handsome youth in his early twenties, long hair tied back to his waist. A flower dangled from his lips as he grinned at them.
The youth was Yuksoon.
"You've been sitting there stock-still—why stop now?"
Ptoo! Yuksoon spat out the flower, his smirk fading.
"Hey, you there."
He pointed at Jang So.
"You're Jang So, the prickly lump, right?"
As Jang So's eyes sharpened, the escort leader drew his sword and advanced.
Shing!
"You bastard! Shut your mouth!"
"Wait."
Jang So raised a hand, stopping him. He fixed Yuksoon with a cold stare.
"You've been waiting for us from the start?"
"Your thick skull turns after all. Yeah, waiting for you."
He pointed rightward with a grin.
"Knew you'd detour here to avoid the cow shit."
Shing, shing!
The guards drew in unison at the blatant admission, encircling Jang So. Yet he remained composed.
"Just you?"
"Nope."
"Nice to meet you."
The left forest rustled; Seo-wi-ryang emerged.
"Hello, prickly lump."
Killing intent flickered in Jang So's eyes at the mockery. Slowly, he drew his sword.
Sching.
The blade's gleam whitened Seo-wi-ryang's face.
"From Northwest Murim?"
"Plenty hate you beyond Northwest."
"...What?"
"More like they hate your father. Anyway, come with us for a bit."
Swish.
Seo-wi-ryang leaped down before the group. Yuksoon joined him in a single bound.
Whirl.
"What's that on your feet?"
Yuksoon grimaced, pointing at Jang So's shoes. Seo-wi-ryang shook his head.
"Should've stayed home till the ground dried. Tsk tsk tsk."
"You..."
Squelch.
Jang So leaped from his horse—but his shoe sank deep into the mud, up to his ankle.
"...!"
His eyes trembled.
Why is my body like this?
His frame, light as a feather, felt leaden—as if burdened by a massive boulder.
"Fair warning: force your energy higher, and your dantian might melt."
"...!"
"Don't believe me? Try it."
Then, the nearest guard lunged like lightning, sword flashing. But its path veered wildly; he clutched his abdomen and collapsed into the muck.
"Gahk!"
Twitching...
Jang So's eyes shook violently again. Yuksoon bared his ivory teeth in a grin.
"Should've been more careful with that scent on the spring breeze."