Chronicles of the Northern Heavens Chapter 69: Invitation from the White Night Cartel

The shadow of the great storm beginning to blanket the world was something no one could escape.

Factions across the land, from the Eight Great Families to countless others, were on high alert, straining to discern the direction the political winds would blow. Those martial clans outside the White Night Cartel and the Eight Great Families formed alliances and pacts, preparing for the war that could erupt at any moment.

In the midst of this, all eyes turned to Northern Murim.

In truth, amid the current chaos, everyone considered Northern Murim the most precarious position. It was only a matter of time before Northwest Murim violated the truce and invaded once more. Anyone immersed in the martial world harbored such thoughts.

"A total of three hundred twenty thousand nyang has come in."

Songyeong's face beamed as he reported. The sum far exceeded expectations in such a short time.

"My uncle contributed fifty thousand nyang?"

"Yes. With the Jang family head paying such a fortune, those supporting him followed suit with hefty sums."

Songyeong's voice brimmed with excitement. But Yeon-hoo could not be satisfied.

"If the witnesses hadn't died, we could've extracted far more..."

"Now that you mention it, you're right. In that light, the Jang family head's contribution isn't even that substantial. His political life hung by a thread, after all."

"He didn't pay fifty thousand nyang just for that."

"What do you...?"

Yeon-hoo took another sip of tea before continuing.

"The upheaval in the White Night Cartel must have changed his mind. In a situation where chaos is inevitable, he likely saw no reason to claim the lord's seat. If Northwest Murim invades right away, he'd bear the full ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠brunt alone."

"Come to think of it, he's not quick-witted so much as frail. Thanks to that, you've gained another opportunity, my lord. A stroke of luck."

"Indeed."

Clink.

Yeon-hoo drained the last of his tea and issued orders.

"Use the funds to start weapon production immediately. Secure as much iron as possible. Once war breaks out, even if you want it, you won't be able to get it."

"Understood."

"You're dismissed."

"Yes."

As Songyeong rose to leave, Cheol-u entered through the door.

"It seems Ak-bro has stirred up some trouble."

"Akso did?"

"Yes. I just met with the Sama family head. He said a few days ago, the Yacha King slaughtered Wall Thunder Family warriors in a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠northern city of the northwest. But among the dead were quite a few ordinary folk..."

"He wouldn't do something like that."

"Indeed. There must have been circumstances."

"We'll know when he gets here. Where did it happen—how far from our territory?"

"Not far from the front lines. If no issues arose, he should arrive by tonight at the latest."

"No mishaps will befall him, so prepare some of his favorite liquor in advance."

"Understood."

Yeon-hoo stood, brushing off his robes.

"I'm heading to the training grounds."

At that moment, Sama Song entered, a red-sealed missive in his somewhat surprised hand.

"A letter from the Cartel."

Yeon-hoo's eyes gleamed sharply.

Sama Song asked, "What does it say?"

Yeon-hoo handed him the letter. Sama Song's expression hardened gravely upon reading it.

"Will you attend?"

"Of course."

"Given the circumstances, it could be a highly dangerous journey..."

"The same for everyone, no?"

"Then when do you plan to depart?"

"Friends I'm expecting should arrive today. We'll leave first thing tomorrow. You'll come too, family head—prepare accordingly."

"Understood. I'll assemble the escort force first."

"The friends coming along are capable enough. Just prepare horses and minimal provisions. To ascend quickly, we'll camp as often as we eat."

"Understood."

As Sama Song withdrew, Cheol-u spoke.

"Who will you bring?"

"Akso and three ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠others should suffice."

"The return trip will be too perilous."

"Lack confidence?"

"Never. I'm merely accounting for even the slightest variable."

"Then we'll bring Yuksoon and Seowi-ryang as well."

"Understood."

Songyeong stepped forward. "Take me this time too, my lord. I've never been to the White Night Cartel."

"Who'll handle weapon production if you're gone?"

"Seobaek can."

"Spending money most efficiently is as crucial as making weapons. That requires you. Visit the Cartel another time."

"My lord!"

"Must I repeat myself?"

"..."

"I'm off to the Elder Council."

Yeon-hoo sat across from Song Gyeom. The elder's improved health had brightened his complexion.

"Beware Wi Yeon-gwang's schemes—exercise utmost caution."

"I shall."

"It's called a grand banquet, but the mood will be tense. Should any faction dare absent itself, it would disgrace the Cartel and the Great Earth Sovereign."

Yeon-hoo shared that concern. Even Wi Yeon-gwang's attendance was in doubt. His absence could signal an invasion.

Still, I must go. Much to gain there.

He genuinely liked Somubaek on a personal level. But that was private. As lord of the north, certain matters demanded resolution. Securing his desires would greatly aid future moves.

"I trust in you alone, Elder."

"Worry not. No matter what the northwest attempts, this old man will stake his life to hold until your return."

Song Gyeom's resolute gaze was unlike his usual frailty. Yeon-hoo considered turning the elder's loyalty his greatest gain since returning to the clan.

"The Dongbang family head comes too. I entrust the rest to you."

"No concerns there. None shall slight them. When do you depart?"

"Friends I'm awaiting. We'll leave upon their arrival—tomorrow morning at latest."

"Once more: anything can happen anywhere. Be exceedingly careful, my lord."

"I cannot die before realizing Northern Murim's dream. No worries. One more request..."

The rest transmitted via inner energy, due to the Elder Council guards outside.

Soon after, Yeon-hoo left for Dongbang Ri's quarters. Clanging metal echoed from afar—she was practicing the forms he taught.

He pushed through the woods into the training ground. Sure enough, Dongbang Ri trained amid thick sweat scent.

"You've come?"

"Am I interrupting?"

"No. I was exhausted and about to rest. Hoo."

Hot breath escaped her parted lips, brushing ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Yeon-hoo's face.

"Progress?"

"My talent's lacking—it's tough. But I must persist."

"Ask anytime you hit a wall."

"One snag already... Could you check now?"

"Not now. We'll discuss en route."

"En route?"

"A grand banquet coincides with the Great Earth Sovereign's inauguration. We leave tomorrow morning, so pack tonight."

Dongbang Ri's eyes widened round. Unaware of the event, she never dreamed he'd take her.

"Nothing more vital than broadening horizons—especially for a family head."

"Really... Can I go? The leadership might grumble..."

"If I say yes, it's yes. See you at dawn."

With that, Yeon-hoo departed. Dongbang Ri watched his back, cheeks flushing.

"The White Night Cartel..."

The White Night Cartel was every warrior's dream and sanctuary. All yearned to visit once. To attend the Great Earth Sovereign's inauguration there, no less.

She gazed skyward. Today's sun seemed exceptionally vast and fierce.

Nothing more vital than broadening horizons—especially for a family head.

She bit her lip firmly.

I'll make House Dongbang one none can ignore.

Color returned to Jo Yeong's face for the first time in ages. He headed to the market with comrades—the first outing permitted since training began.

Baek Mu Yeong allowed drink today, though with a stern warning: any trouble meant no more outings.

"Stack up the gold coins and get properly smashed—let's bend our noses!"

"Hahaha! Fresh air after so long—the scent alone's different!"

All buzzed with excitement.

"Brother Jo! Rare outing—how about a brothel? Morning erections have been killing me."

"Me too."

"My hand's callused."

"Hahaha!"

Jo Yeong chuckled, about to reply—then his eyes sharpened. Figures ahead: Akso and Baekun.

Such movement techniques exist...

Jo Yeong stared in awe. Seemingly ordinary steps, yet distance closed rapidly.

"Who're they?"

"Bad vibes..."

The youths noticed late, smiles fading.

Akso and Baekun approached within ten jang. The path barely fit three abreast—one side had to yield.

Should I step aside?

Impressed by their lightness skill, but Jo Yeong's pride balked.

[Cause trouble and no more outings—let's move.]

A youth tugged his arm. Jo Yeong yielded grudgingly.

Then Akso and Baekun halted. Baekun eyed Jo Yeong directly.

"Hey, you lot. Straight this way leads to the Iron Blood Family, right?"

Casual speech from the start—Jo Yeong's brows arched sharply. The inner demon, suppressed by fearsome Baek Mu Yeong, stirred.