Chapter 66 - I'll Repay It with Interest
Songhak and Jo Yeong sat facing each other. The two had been quite close since childhood.
No sooner had Songhak taken his seat than he asked, “What on earth happened? Why are you training at the Iron Blood Clan, and who was that man just now?”
“Well, it went like this……” Jo Yeong explained the whole story.
When the explanation ended, Songhak couldn't hide his shock.
“You were taken hostage?”
“Officially, it's to train the heirs of prominent families more rigorously, but yeah, it's accurate to say we were dragged here as hostages. Honestly, our families and all the friends here supported Lord Jang's faction.”
Jo Yeong spoke with a sullen expression.
But Songhak's reaction was utterly unexpected.
“It's a brilliant move.”
“What do you mean? A brilliant move?”
“Even if I were in his position, I'd do the same. If it means tying down the most powerful families in the south without them lifting a finger, why not go further?”
“You mean that seriously?”
“Of course.”
Thud! Jo Yeong slammed his palm on the table a bit forcefully and turned his head away with a huff.
“You've changed since coming here. Hmph!”
Songhak wore a faint smile.
“How's the training?”
“You think forced training is fun? I want to run away dozens of times a day.”
“The Jo Yeong I know would've bolted a hundred times over…… So why stay, when your mouth's saying otherwise?”
“I'd need ten heads to survive if I tried. That guy's scary……”
“You mean my lord?”
“The guy from earlier.”
He was referring to Baek Mu Yeong. Songhak's eyes gleamed.
The Jo Yeong he knew feared nothing and was wrapped in arrogance.
“He must be terrifyingly strong.”
“……Yeah. Chills-down-your-spine strong, and when his eyes change……”
Jo Yeong trailed off, shuddering.
As Songhak's eyes gleamed again, he smiled faintly and said, “Then it's good for you. Might as well train hard while you're at it. Getting stronger never hurts—you or your family.”
“So, what brings you here?”
“Some business.”
Songhak rose from his seat.
“We haven't seen each other in ages—have a drink before you go.”
“A guy training every day drinking? I'm beat too, so I'll rest. See you tomorrow.”
Leaving Jo Yeong's quarters, Songhak started walking again. But he hadn't gone far before he had to stop once more.
This time, it was Jang Cheon who halted him.
Songhak started to greet him but slipped behind the building instead. Fortunately, Jang Cheon didn't notice.
'Who knew the path to my quarters would be this treacherous.'
Songhak gave a wry smile as he watched Jang Cheon. Truth be told, he didn't like him much.
The Jang Cheon he'd known since childhood spared no means for his ambitions. He lied habitually—promises made in the morning forgotten by evening—and his womanizing was notorious.
Yet he'd risen to be mentioned as the next lord because he'd amassed wealth through shady dealings and bought loyalty from countless people.
Whenever scandals linked to Jang Cheon arose, they defended him fiercely, even assassinating critics without hesitation.
Of course, all remained mere suspicions, unknown to most, allowing his ascent.
Perhaps knowing this better than anyone made Songhak less resentful toward Yeon-hoo.
Songhak thought of Yeon-hoo. His overwhelming presence was a bit much, but that inexplicable charm and deep, serene gaze left a strong impression.
'Grandfather trusts him so much, so I have no choice but to trust him too.'
* * *
Days passed.
In that time, Yeon-hoo issued an alert across the army, monitoring Northwest Murim's movements while pondering whom to send to the White Night Cartel.
He'd considered Baek Mu Yeong, Seo-baek, and Songyeong, but they were essential here, so he settled on other subordinates.
Meanwhile, with no word from Yeon-hoo, Songhak grew anxious. He couldn't stay away forever.
But he decided to wait longer. He'd explained to Song Gyeom, who only urged him to trust and wait.
Whoosh.
Songhak flung open the windows of his quarters, gazing down at the Iron Blood Clan's expanse. The Elder Council sat high, offering a full view from his room.
'Just from these few days, the warriors' expressions have changed dramatically from before. All because of him……'
He'd heard of clashes with Northwest Murim since Yeon-hoo's arrival. Astonishingly, the north dominated every one.
Yeon-hoo was at the center, inspiring the warriors to reclaim their lost confidence and pride.
The pinnacle was slaying Wall Thunder's Elder Council Leader—a figure as formidable as Wi Yeon Gwang.
When Song Gyeom first told him, Songhak doubted his ears. Who would dare invade Wall Thunder Manor and behead such a titan—and succeed?
'Wonder how that arrogant bastard Wi Yeon Gwang's face twisted. Heh heh heh.'
Songhak chuckled. Regardless of else, this was immensely satisfying—revenge for attempting to assassinate his precious grandfather Song Gyeom.
“Hm. The wind's warm today.”
Soon, he'd cast aside worries, savoring the gentle spring breeze.
His eyes lit up upon spotting Yeon-hoo walking ahead.
He instinctively straightened, then chuckled at himself.
'Overpowered, huh?'
He wanted to deny it, but it was true. From that first meeting at his grandfather's after returning, the impression lingered vividly, though they hadn't met since.
'Might as well ask while I'm here.'
Songhak took a deep breath and leaped from the window to the courtyard. Approaching Yeon-hoo, he bowed his head.
“My lord.”
Yeon-hoo stopped and turned.
Gathering courage, Songhak met his eyes squarely. “I was wondering when we might return, my lord.”
“At latest, we'll leave in two days.”
“Ah…… Understood.”
“Any discomfort?”
“This is my home—everything's comfortable. Thank you for asking.”
“Bored? Come with me.”
“Where to……”
“Testing the new weapons for the whole army.”
“Ah! Yes? Then I'll join you.”
Moments later, Yeon-hoo and Songhak arrived at the grand training ground. Key Iron Blood leaders were already there.
Around a large table stood Seo-baek and a few warriors. Songhak eyed the bows, arrows, and few swords, puzzled.
'Those bows and swords are the new weapons?'
He'd imagined something like a powerful crossbow.
“Welcome, my lord.”
Jang Cheon greeted Yeon-hoo on behalf of all. Uncomfortable with him, Songhak positioned himself behind Yeon-hoo.
“Shall we begin?”
“Yes, my lord.”
Seo-baek took a bow first—the very one proven in the Southern Defense Army.
He handed it to a nearby warrior, who nocked an arrow.
Kreeeeak…… The drawstring groaned like metal.
Yet the warrior's face was serene.
Seo-baek addressed everyone. “Keep in mind this man's martial prowess is barely low-grade.”
At his signal, the warrior loosed.
Thwip!
The arrow whistled through the air, striking the target at the field's end dead-center.
Its range far exceeded northern bows, but no one was impressed. Bows with longer range existed elsewhere.
Some even looked disappointed. Songhak felt the same.
'Long range is useless without power……'
A senior leader spoke up. “Our north has focused on power over range for a century. In mass battles, destructive force matters more than distance. But that bow just has range, right?”
“Its power is at least three times stronger than standard.”
“Three times?”
Murmurs rippled. No one believed Seo-baek.
He gestured toward the target. Two warriors dashed from the left, hauling the entire thing back.
They set it before the leaders. A senior peering closely recoiled in shock.
“Whoa! Look at that!”
“The target's thickness……”
Even Jang Cheon flinched.
The target was nearly a handspan thick—strongest wood—yet the arrowhead had pierced clean through the back.
Silent Yeon-hoo stepped forward. “Shoot it yourself.”
“Yes.”
Seo-baek drew and fired.
Thwip. Thunk!
Stone dust billowed from a boulder at the field's end. A warrior bellowed, “Penetration!”
“Pene……tration?!”
“It pierced rock?!”
Seo-baek grinned. “Power scales with the user's strength, naturally. We'll produce mainly for low- and mid-grade warriors first, then custom for experts.”
Yeon-hoo, who'd watched silently, spoke. “Already distributing to the Southern Defense Army. Full production starts soon—whole army equipped in three months max. Next.”
“Yes. Now the swords.”
Again, a low-grade demonstrator.
Soon, all gaped in awe. Some cheered and clapped.
The weakest warrior's swing hadn't splintered six bound bamboos—it sliced them like tofu.
Hooray!
“Sharpness aside, durability's three times better than standard……”
Thrilled by the reaction, Seo-baek's voice boomed.
Songhak couldn't look away.
'Brought by my lord. Martial instructors, his guards, Grandfather's favorite Songyeong…… All exceptional.'
At that moment, Yeon-hoo's back seemed vast as the sea, towering as a mountain.
As Seo-baek finished, Yeon-hoo stepped up.
“Everyone, listen.”
Excitement hushed; all focused.
Yeon-hoo scanned them slowly. “As you know, weapons cost a fortune. Clan funds can't cover it—you must step up. Songyeong.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Songyeong appeared with ink, brush, and long scroll.
Yeon-hoo continued. “No repayment now. Record every contribution precisely—I'll repay with interest later. Top donors get priority supply; leaders receive this one's finest custom sword.”
Not welcome news. The mood sobered.
Yeon-hoo had expected as much. He fixed on Jang Cheon.
'Shouldn't my uncle lead by example first?'