Chronicles of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 72: Those Targeting the Ghost Family
The prey has left its nest. With so few escort troops, it seems a measure to hasten their movement speed…
[abridged]
Whoosh!
The messenger pigeon report burst into flames in Wi Yeon Gwang's hand, crumbling to ash. The firelight reflected in his murderous eyes, dyeing them red.
"That insolent whelp…"
In truth, Wi Yeon Gwang had expected Yeon-hoo not to head for White Night Cartel. Knowing they were targeting him, he figured the boy would make some excuse and hole up. Yet reports said he had set off for White Night Cartel—with only minimal escorts.
It was what he'd been waiting for, but hearing confirmation made Wi Yeon Gwang feel oddly outmaneuvered in a petty game of pride.
Swish…
The ashes of the burned report scattered into the air.
"Spread the Heaven's Net."
"The Heaven's Net… my lord?"
"We've suffered at his hands more than once or twice. Word of the manor lord's death has spread far enough—how can I command Northwest Murim's warriors to follow me without slaying him? Mobilize every available force for the hunt!"
"Understood."
"Don't forget to contact the Blood Demon Unit as well."
"We've already informed them. Your subordinates will take our leave."
Wall Thunder Family's experts filed out of the grand hall in unison. Among them were top-tier masters who never stirred unless absolutely necessary.
Only his son, Wi Cheon Hwa, remained at Wi Yeon Gwang's side.
He spoke cautiously. "Father, reconsider deploying so many troops to catch him."
"Worried about the Northern invasion?"
"Since that man arrived, the North's movements have changed drastically. And they know the damage we took against the Red Wolf Corps, so we should prepare for contingencies…"
"No need for concern. The North won't strike first. By now, they're likely huddled like rats at the front lines, fearing our attack."
Wi Yeon Gwang rose, kicking aside his chair.
"If preparations to depart are complete, let's go."
"…Yes."
Outside awaited a lavish carriage and a hundred elite escorts.
As Wi Yeon Gwang walked toward the carriage, he suddenly halted and turned to Wi Cheon Hwa.
"While I'm away, lead Northwest Murim as you see fit. No better training exists—handle every matter with caution and cold precision."
"Fear not, Father. I will lead without tarnishing your honor."
Moments later, Wi Yeon Gwang departed Wall Thunder Manor, leaving Wi Cheon Hwa's farewell behind.
At that instant, dozens of messenger pigeons soared into the sky, scattering in all directions.
The signal for the Heaven's Net to begin.
* * *
A single carriage and ten riders tore down the straight, endless official road like a gale.
Each wore a bamboo hat pulled low; no clan banner flew on the carriage. Their weapons alone marked them as martial artists.
After galloping nonstop, they slowed at a city's outskirts.
"Whoa!"
The lead bamboo-hatted rider reined in, wheeling his horse beside the carriage.
"My lord, sunset approaches. Shall we enter the city for the night?"
"We can't arrive later than the other families. Press on."
"Yes."
Neigh! Thud thud thud!
As the group accelerated again, another carriage and a few riders sped past from behind.
Swish.
The bamboo-hatted riders' hands went to their sword hilts.
But the newcomers overtook them and veered straight toward the city entrance.
"Resume marching."
How much longer they rode, darkness began to fall, a sharp crescent moon rising.
As the lead rider slowed once more, a cold voice emanated from the carriage.
"Find shelter from the night dew."
"An official shrine lies ahead. Shall we head there?"
"Offering a drink to the shrine spirits isn't a bad idea. Make for it."
"Yes."
The rider signaled; two bamboo-hatted men raced ahead to the shrine.
Soon, they signaled it was clear, and the group turned toward it.
Moments later, the carriage halted. A man in deep blue robes and another in white emerged, bamboo hats low.
As they stepped out, the mounted riders dismounted in unison, tending horses and carriage before vanishing from sight.
Only the lead rider entered the shrine with them.
"I'm parched. Let's have a drink."
"Yes, my lord."
The blue-robed man removed his hat, revealing his face: Han Song, lord of Ghost Family—whom he'd brushed past with Yeon-hoo en route to White Night Cartel—and a peerless beauty in her early twenties, Han Yu Hwa.
His beloved daughter, treasured like life itself.
The middle-aged man resembling a lion was Jeong Ryong, Han Song's bodyguard captain.
Jeong Ryong fetched wine skins and rations from pouches left by his men, offering them deferentially.
"You too, have a drink."
"I'm fine, my lord."
"Who would dare target us? Drink."
"Then just a sip."
Jeong Ryong took exactly one sip and sat by the entrance, dual swords gripped in each hand.
Ready for any contingency, blades half-drawn; the exposed edges gleamed with chilling blue light.
Han Song turned to Han Yu Hwa. "Not tired?"
"I'm fine, Father. Leaving the family after so long feels refreshing."
"Haha, had I known you felt so confined, I'd have let you see the world sooner."
His gaze upon his daughter brimmed with warmth—an odd sight for Han Song, dreaded by all under heaven and the White Night Eight Great Families.
Yet everyone in Ghost Family knew how deeply he cherished her.
"Uncle."
"Yes, miss."
"Leave one side of the shrine grounds clear."
"Already ordered."
"Thank you."
Clearing one side was for her personal needs.
Without her, no such measure would be needed.
For bodyguard captain Jeong Ryong, it was his greatest concern—a potential vulnerability in crisis.
Of course, he'd assigned a female escort to guard her closely, but worry lingered.
"Family head, even now, why not hang our banner on the carriage?"
"I want freedom from prying eyes en route."
"…Yes."
This too worried Jeong Ryong. With Ghost Family's banner, who would dare approach with ill intent?
Yet Han Song shunned attention—no banners, escorts in plain martial robes.
Whoosh!
Ssssh…
Sudden fierce winds shook the forest, sounds drifting into the shrine.
"I'll check the perimeter."
"No need."
"It'll ease my mind."
Jeong Ryong stepped out, confirming escort positions, then scouted farther, eyes sharp.
Fortunately, the shrine's spot was ideal for vigilance—elevated terrain eased defense.
Plip plip.
Jeong Ryong's brow furrowed as raindrops fell.
Glancing skyward, the crescent moon had vanished; he turned back.
Low-voiced into the darkness: "Rain's coming—tighten escort radius."
"Yes."
Storms troubled escorts most—detecting foes grew far harder.
Of all places, this remote spot…
And sure enough—
Pour!
Rain poured down.
Jeong Ryong eyed the path to the shrine. Late night in such isolation—no foot traffic expected.
Then—a door creaked behind.
Han Yu Hwa emerged, female escort ghosting from shadows.
They headed left of the shrine, to high cliffs ringed by dense bamboo—safe from ambush.
Yet Jeong Ryong never relaxed. Han Song was untouchable, Han Yu Hwa skilled—but duty ingrained vigilance.
Rumble!
Crackle!
Thunder crashed; lightning webbed nearby, banishing darkness briefly.
Jeong Ryong's eyes flashed.
Beyond the fleeting light—in the gloom—he spotted moving shadows.
People.
A split-second glimpse, but certain: multiple figures.
[Captain, suspicious figures ahead.]
A transmission voice from an escort on alert in that direction—sharp-eyed catch.
Shing.
Jeong Ryong drew his swords. No inner energy expended, yet rain bent wildly around the blades.
He stared fixedly at the shadows' origin, unmoving.
But no further movement; heightened senses detected no qi.
If hiding there…
Not mere bandits—his senses would have caught them in the woods.
He glanced toward Han Yu Hwa—emerging from bamboo with her escort.
[Back inside the shrine, miss—now.]
Her expression shifted at his transmission, but she obeyed silently.
Only then did Jeong Ryong advance slowly toward the shadows.
"Hold positions."
Pour!
Rumble!
Crackle!
Lightning webbed down again.
Simultaneously, Jeong Ryong's swords slashed the air.
Clang clang clang!
Sparks erupted around him—hidden weapons, cloaked by lightning's aftermath, deflected.
He bellowed coldly into the dark.
"Do you know who we are?"
"Huhu. Think we'd come blind?"
The mocking reply echoed.
Then—
BOOM!