A Shift in Perspective (6)
The moment he laid eyes on the axe, Yeon Hojeong was struck by sheer awe. What material could it possibly be made from? Even he couldn't tell. Having shattered thousands of weapons and examined tens of thousands more, he still couldn't identify the iron used.
But one thing was clear.
It's got insane durability.
The pitch-black shaft caught his eye, so dark it seemed to swallow even sunlight. It was black beyond black. Too extraordinary to dismiss as mere ebony, it gleamed with an otherworldly luster. Yet it absorbed light all the same, evoking a profound sense of mystery in the beholder.
Overwhelming strength that would never break. At the same time, an eerie flexibility that promised to handle substantial weight. The perfect harmony of rigidity and suppleness dwelled within it. Just looking at the shaft alone sparked such thoughts.
Yeon Hojeong's gaze drifted downward.
What's that?
At the end of the shaft hung a ring larger than an adult man's fist, seemingly made of a different material. Yet its durability appeared no less than the shaft's.
It's a counterweight.
The ring served as both ornament and balance weight. He could already imagine its tremendous heft.
His eyes traveled back up. The instant he beheld the massive axe blade, his breath caught in his throat.
"I know you have a straightforward nature, young friend. But it seemed a shame to leave it plain, so I added a touch of flair."
A touch? Hardly.
The blade's width was slightly narrower than his previous iron axe. But its thickness had increased. And at the center of that enormous blade loomed a ferocious dragon head, snarling as if ready to leap free. Red and blue flame-like engravings surrounded it, amplifying the splendor.
It was a masterpiece. The ferocity of a warrior and the majesty of a warlord intertwined. Its grandeur defied description.
"A master names their own weapon, of course. But since it pained me to leave it nameless, I called it Gwangryongbu—the Mad Dragon Axe."
Gwangryongbu. Mad Dragon.
A rough name, but those two simple characters fit it perfectly. A divine weapon, the pinnacle of the craftsman's art, impervious to rust even after a millennium.
Yeon Hojeong approached as if entranced and gripped the shaft.
Heavy.
Tremendous weight and girth. Similar to his old iron axe, yet it felt thicker.
Different from the Wind Thunder Axe.
The Wind Thunder Axe had been his beloved weapon as the Black Emperor. A divine creation by the finest black path artisan.
If the Wind Thunder Axe was lightning, Gwangryongbu was wind. Cool where the former chilled, fierce where it subdued. Restrained elegance versus unbridled audacity.
It exuded unshakeable reliability, fit to protect its master in any battle. As if the god of war itself had descended, just gazing upon it set his blood aflame.
Yeon Hojeong hefted Gwangryongbu.
Whoosh.
The weight transmitted from wrist to elbow, shoulder, and his entire upper body was immense. Astonishingly, it felt lighter than his previous iron axe. Though objectively heavier, the burden on his frame was less.
Unconsciously, he circulated Bi-ra Jin-gyeol.
Hummmm!
The axe resonated. Like a dragon's roar.
The savage dragon at the blade's center seemed to bare its fangs and bellow.
Pyeon Il-gang smiled in satisfaction.
"Seems the axe takes to you as well. How is it? The feel?"
No words in the world could do it justice.
After much deliberation, Yeon Hojeong uttered a single phrase.
"It's perfect."
Pyeon Il-gang burst into hearty laughter. No need for empty praise like "amazing" or "the best." If it fit perfectly in its master's hands, that was the ultimate accolade for any craftsman.
"Knew you'd like it. Swing it to your heart's content. It'll withstand even your fiercest inner energy."
Yeon Hojeong bowed his head.
"Thank you."
"Haha, your joy is mine."
Pyeon Il-gang beckoned to Muk Bi.
"Come with me, miss."
"Pardon? Oh, yes!"
Muk Bi, too, seemed entranced by Gwangryongbu's brilliance. Startled, she followed Pyeon Il-gang while stealing glances back at it.
Yeon Hojeong carried Gwangryongbu out of the forge.
Tziiing!
Bathed in sunlight, the blade emitted a sharp gleam. Not scattering light, but drawing it in. The absorbed radiance made the dragon head and flames shimmer even brighter.
He tightened his grip on the shaft.
Creak!
The harder he squeezed, the more Gwangryongbu's ferocity seemed to surge exponentially.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"I've received a gift beyond my worth."
This was all he needed. No other axe would suffice.
He yearned to swing it right then, but the location forbade it. Sitting on a flat rock, he examined Gwangryongbu obsessively.
How much time passed?
Kka-dddddk.
The sound of a bowstring drawing pierced his ears.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
Peeiiiing!
A wooden target hurtled toward him at blinding speed.
Yeon Hojeong swung Gwangryongbu without hesitation.
Shwaaak!
Boom!
Gwangryongbu cleaved the target perfectly in half and buried itself deep in the ground. Without much force, over half the blade sank in.
He pulled the axe free. The blade, which had sliced rock and earth, bore not a speck of dust.
"As expected. Even holding that monster, you're fast."
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Muk Bi standing far off. In her hands was a red recurved bow. Like Gwangryongbu, its material was unknown.
He shook his head.
"Insane draw strength."
"I didn't infuse any inner energy into the arrow."
Yet its speed rivaled lightning. The bow's craftsmanship matched Gwangryongbu's.
Pyeon Il-gang explained.
"It's a treasure called the Hongryeon Palace. No idea who made it, but they say only peak masters can fully draw it. Rarer than Gwangryongbu, even."
Yeon Hojeong and Muk Bi bowed.
"Thank you."
Pyeon Il-gang chuckled heartily.
"No need for thanks. Just use these fine weapons well. That's reward enough."
A master craftsman had gifted priceless treasures to worthy warriors. He sought no material repayment. His only wish: to see those warriors wielding his creations dominate the world.
The two vowed to become great warriors worthy of his faith and took their leave.
"Bow feel good?"
"Amazing."
"Good to hear."
"Axe feel good?"
"What do you think?"
"Figured."
"Alright, I'll head out then. See you later."
"Where to?"
"Got business in Zhejiang. Should arrive before year's end at latest."
"Then I'll come too."
"You?"
"Why not? Can't I?"
"No reason you can't, but... won't it just be needless hardship?"
"Got a new bow—gotta test the string."
"This isn't a fight trip."
"We'll see. Feels like you'll stumble into every mess under the sun, Young Master Yeon."
"I'm not a kid."
"Just saying. If trouble hits, I'll be a huge help."
"Fine. If you're so eager for hardship, who am I to stop you."
"You sure know how to sweet-talk. Always impressive."
"I've said it a few times now, but I never pegged you for such a smooth talker. Back then, you were all gloomy—never opened your mouth except to eat."
"When was that?"
"...Must've been sometime."
"Never happened."
"Whatever. Let's ride again, then."
"Sure."
* * *
"Branch Chief."
"Don't know who it is, but tell 'em I'm busy."
"It's not that..."
"What is it?"
"A letter from headquarters."
The young man, mid-stroke with his brush, paused. He set it down and looked up.
"From the family?"
"Yes."
The youth pondered briefly and extended his hand.
"Hand it over."
"Yes."
He scanned the letter in one go. Lee Geon watched his face darken.
"Funding issues again?"
"..."
"Branch Chief?"
"Hm? Oh, no—not funding."
"But your expression's grim."
The youth smiled wryly.
"Seems my brother caught on."
"...!"
"This is the end of the line."
"...Why not send one more letter? As you know, tensions are boiling among Zhejiang's traders. Monopolizing deals with Western merchants now would turn this place into a battlefield overnight."
"True enough."
Mo Yong Woo sighed.
"But would my brother care? If they cause trouble, he'll dispatch troops immediately."
"..."
"And that's that. Everyone defying him dies."
Lee Geon sighed.
"I trust you, Branch Chief, but... would he really?"
"He would."
"..."
"That's how my brother is. He resolves minor issues through talk, but cross the line and he crushes with threats and schemes."
Mo Yong Woo's eyes deepened.
"If that fails, he draws his sword without fail. And severs the root of the problem."
"..."
"Coordination ends here. Better to aid them from the shadows. Preferable to watching innocents lose their heads to the blade."
"I... see."
Mo Yong Woo sighed again.
"Hits home how insignificant my abilities are in times like these."
Lee Geon felt inwardly sympathetic.
Your skills are more than enough, Branch Chief.
Not flattery—truth. Mo Yong Woo hadn't even reached thirty. Yet his martial prowess surpassed most major sect elders. If known, the One Dragon Three Phoenixes would revert to Twin Dragons Three Phoenixes.
And it wasn't just martial arts. His business acumen shone, and his character was gentlemanly to a fault.
Even unparalleled genius bowed under family pressure. A tragic talent unrecognized by the world—that was Mo Yong Woo.
"Branch Chief."
"Speak."
"How about... this?"
"Hm?"
Lee Geon ventured cautiously.
"Tensions are high among Jiangsu traders near Zhejiang too. And coordinating them is the Yeon family."
Mo Yong Woo's eyes lit up.
"Bi-san Yeon Family Estate."
"Yes. Their mediation has resolved much of what seemed inevitable conflict in just two months."
"And?"
"Since things are this way, to save them—why not ally with the Yeon family?"
"Absolutely not."
"Pardon?"
Mo Yong Woo shook his head firmly.
"Can't do that. It'd endanger not just the traders, but you and every warrior under me."
"...I see."
"Can't fool my brother, no matter how. Besides..."
Mo Yong Woo sighed.
"The Yeon family's reputation shakes the world lately. Thanks to their eldest son."
"True."
"He faced the Myeong family alone. But what crushed them decisively was my brother. There must be something between them I don't know."
"..."
"Even slight risk is fatal. Not now, at least."
"So... we have no choice but to abandon them?"
Mo Yong Woo shook his head.
"Shift to supporting them covertly. With my brother pressing, this branch's fate is sealed."
Just then, an urgent voice rang from outside.
"Branch Chief!"
"What?"
"Miss Yeonhwa has arrived in Hangzhou!"
Mo Yong Woo's face hardened.
"Yeonhwa... that child?"
"Yes. She's heading straight to the branch!"
Lee Geon's cheek twitched.
"...Branch Chief."
Mo Yong Woo leaned back in his chair. Bitterness crossed his face.
"It's all over."
That night, Yeon Hojeong and Muk Bi entered Zhejiang.