Chapter 7 - The Truce Treaty
Wall Thunder Manor. One of the White Night Eight Great Families of the White Night Cartel and the ruling house of Northwest Murim— even the skies above it were dumping a blizzard.
"The snow will give the kids quite the workout."
A faint smile played on the lips of the man in yellow robes murmuring to himself as he gazed at the falling snow through the window.
Wi Yeon Gwang. The current head of Wall Thunder Manor and lord of Northwest Murim—his face looked no older than his early forties, far transcending the years etched into his features. A gift from his profound inner energy.
He set down his teacup and fixed his gaze on the handsome young man seated across from him.
Wi Cheon Hwa. Wi Yeon Gwang's son, heir to Northwest Murim, and a once-in-a-millennium prodigy watched closely even by the White Night Cartel.
Though fully grown, the gaze Wi Yeon Gwang directed at his son—precious enough to place in his eyes without pain—was endlessly warm and gentle.
"How goes your training?"
"Yes, Father. Thanks to your guidance, my progress grows clearer by the day. At this rate, I'll soon reach the level you desire."
"Of course you will."
Wi Yeon Gwang flashed a satisfied smile and lifted his teacup to his lips.
Clack.
The mirth vanished the instant he set the cup down.
"The day Northern Murim falls beneath our feet, the balance of Murim we've maintained until now will shatter, ushering in great chaos. To prepare for that day, you must grow even faster. Only then can I push forward without worry. Understood?"
"I will keep it in mind, Father."
It was then.
"My lord, it's me."
"Enter."
A neatly composed middle-aged man opened the door and stepped in. It was Strategist Yang So.
"A messenger has arrived from the White Night Cartel."
"From the Cartel?"
"Yes. He wouldn't reveal his position, so he seems to be on covert business."
A subtle furrow creased Wi Yeon Gwang's brow.
"Why would a covert agent...?"
"I'll claim official duties as an excuse, speak with him first, and probe his purpose."
"No. I'll meet him myself."
"There's no need for you to—"
"We have to meet eventually, don't we?"
Wi Yeon Gwang rose abruptly and headed outside.
Moments later, he spotted Cheol Gun-ak leisurely sipping tea and felt a flash of irritation in his eyes.
The man's failure to even glance up upon his entrance, continuing to tilt his cup so casually, grated on him.
It was then.
Cheol Gun-ak finally looked up with an "oh, there you are" expression, rising to clasp his hands in salute.
"Covert agent Cheol Gun-ak pays respects to the manor lord."
"Welcome."
Wi Yeon Gwang did not sit opposite but took the higher seat above, naturally looking down upon him. Strategist Yang So stood at attention behind.
"So, what brings you from the Cartel to our house?"
Cheol Gun-ak smiled faintly and cut straight to the point.
"Have you still not decided on the Great Earth Sovereign's decree?"
"With thousands of our warriors slain by the savage hands of Northern Murim, there can be no truce without compensation. We've already conveyed as much through the envoy squad."
"Ah... I see."
Cheol Gun-ak nodded as if hearing it for the first time, then furrowed his brow slightly before continuing.
"Then, if compensation is provided, would you agree to a truce?"
"Naturally."
"In that case, I'll arrange a meeting between the lords of our two houses."
A sneer curled Wi Yeon Gwang's lips.
"Does your side even have anyone worthy of the title 'lord'?"
"That's for Northern Murim to decide—I'm not the one to answer that... But first, I need some clarification."
"Clarification? On what?"
"Yesterday, the envoy squad delivering the Great Earth Sovereign's decree to Northern Murim was ambushed by assassins. One envoy and several guards lost their lives."
Twitch.
"Are you saying we ambushed them?"
"The surviving envoys' report states it plainly."
"What?!"
Yang So stepped forward then.
"A conspiracy! With our overwhelming advantage, why would we attack the envoys? This must be Northern Murim's ploy to escape their predicament!"
Cheol Gun-ak stared straight at Yang So and pressed on.
"Northern Murim withdrew all forces without engaging yours. That seems a clear answer to the Great Earth Sovereign's decree, doesn't it?"
"...!"
Yang So's face stiffened. Northern Murim's withdrawal was news to him.
'Those who fought to the death until now... retreating without a fight?'
Cheol Gun-ak turned his gaze back to Wi Yeon Gwang.
"Wasn't this your order, manor lord?"
"A question not worth answering."
"Very well. But the incident occurred, and the envoys have pointed to Northwest Murim. An investigation is only natural."
Cheol Gun-ak drew a plaque from his bosom and presented it.
"As a covert agent of the Cartel, I hereby summon you to the Punishment Hall. Of course, you must attend in person, manor lord."
"...What did you say?"
"The trial will commence in exactly one month at the Cartel's Punishment Hall. I trust you know the penalties for absence. I'll take my leave."
Yang So shouted.
"Hey, covert agent! Demanding the manor lord appear in person? Such outrageous treatment—how is this acceptable?!"
"An envoy bearing the Great Earth Sovereign's decree was killed. This is nothing short of a grave challenge to the Sovereign himself. Naturally, the manor lord must appear and clarify the truth. This falls under the recognized authority of a covert agent— even the Eight Great Families must comply without question. Farewell."
Cheol Gun-ak exited the hall promptly.
Wi Yeon Gwang watched his retreating back with surprising calm. But that was merely the surface.
Yang So couldn't hide his bewilderment.
Fsssh...
Smoke rose from Wi Yeon Gwang's fingertips, betraying his inner turmoil.
The hall fell into a suffocating silence.
Even Yang So could only stare at his lord in that moment, speechless.
"Strategist."
"Yes, my lord."
"Withdraw the troops."
"My lord...! A little more pressure, and we can crush Northern Murim completely!"
"Do you still not grasp the Great Earth Sovereign's intent?"
"..."
"The Sovereign commanded a truce not to save Northern Murim, but to halt our Northwest Murim's further strengthening. Defy it here, and..."
Wi Yeon Gwang trailed off. Speaking it aloud might spark a fit of rage.
Fsssh...
The smoke from his fingertips thickened.
"Opportunities abound. For now, we bide our time until the roots grow strong enough to branch out. Obey my command."
"What in the world did you do? How are those arrogant bastards frozen stiff before you?"
Yun Hoe poured out his pent-up questions.
Yeon-hoo indifferently tilted his teacup.
Clack.
"I know how to handle people."
"People vary..."
"If you're to stand with me, don't be surprised by this much. The heavens and earth might even split open."
Arrogant words. Yet to Yun Hoe's ears, they rang not as hubris but with unshakeable confidence, swelling his chest with emotion.
'He's returned as a tiger. No—something greater.'
"Commander."
"Yes, Young Master."
"An envoy from Northwest Murim may come. Prepare a liquor table."
"How can you be so certain?"
"Just a hunch."
"..."
It was then.
"It's Gwak Yang."
"Come in."
Gwak Yang entered the tent, his face etched with shock.
"An envoy from Northwest Murim has arrived."
Yun Hoe's eyes widened to their limit.
Yeon-hoo quietly regarded the envoy from Northwest Murim.
Unexpectedly, it was Strategist Yang So.
Yang So was deeply startled now. When Yeon-hoo and Yun Hoe entered together, he'd assumed Yeon-hoo was merely a guard. Yet Yeon-hoo took the seat of honor, with Yun Hoe standing at attention behind him.
Yun Hoe spoke.
"This is the one who will become lord of Northern Murim. Introduce yourself and show proper respect."
"...!"
The future lord of Northern Murim.
Yang So's widened pupils betrayed his inner shock.
Yeon-hoo added coolly,
"You won't get far acting high and mighty after coming all this way."
"...I am Yang So, retainer of Wall Thunder Manor and strategist of Northwest Murim."
"No time for staring contests. Get to the point."
"First, I must know who you are."
"Acting lord will do."
"We should observe mutual decorum. Mind your attitude and speech—make it more respectful."
"You're mistaking something... I'm holding back a lot right now. Or rather, debating whether to sever your head and tie it to a horse's tail for return."
"Striking an envoy's head is—"
"Shut up and state your business."
Twitch.
Yang So's facial muscles quivered faintly—not from fear, but outrage at the insolence.
"Cheol-u."
"Yes, my lord."
"If he utters one more pointless word, sever his head on the spot."
"Understood."
Click.
Cheol-u, standing behind Yeon-hoo, slightly drew his sword.
Even Yang So couldn't help but feel intimidated now.
He pulled a message tube from his bosom, extracted the paper inside, and unfolded it.
[Standard clauses on cessation of hostilities between Northwest Murim and Northern Murim.]
Final Clause: Upon truce establishment, both sides shall withdraw all forces from the neutral mountain region long unaffiliated with either party, including the Northern Murim legion camp site.
"What's that?"
"The truce treaty. Read it and decide."
Flutter.
The paper flew to Yeon-hoo's hand as if alive—an astonishing display of Gakgong Seopmul, but Yang So was beyond surprise at such feats. Wall Thunder Manor teemed with experts at this level.
His curiosity about Yeon-hoo's identity only deepened.
'Who is he? Who dares claim to be Northern Murim's future lord?'
Only then did Yang So realize it belatedly: Yeon-hoo's face and aura closely resembled Northern Murim's former lord, Yi Yeom.
'The eldest young master died years ago. Then... the second son exiled long ago...'
"I don't like the final clause."
At Yeon-hoo's voice, Yang So shook off stray thoughts and replied promptly.
"This region has long belonged to neither side. Naturally, upon truce, both must withdraw their forces."
The final clause demanded Northern Murim's legions vacate their mountain camp.
Whoosh.
The paper shot like an arrow, embedding in the table right before Yang So.
Thud.
Flutter...
Yang So stared at the quivering end, his own gaze unsteady.
"Tell your lord this: Northwest Murim started the war, so we claim this land as recompense for our fallen warriors. If they refuse, the truce is off. Don't forget that part."
"You think we're suing for truce out of fear of you?"
"You'll fear soon enough."