Chapter 126. The White Path Martial Alliance (1)
'Hm?'
Yeon Wi's eyes sharpened. Far in the distance, around a hundred experts had halted and were staring in their direction. Though quite a ways off, he recognized them at a glance.
"The Namgung family."
The sword foremost among swords, the Namgung family. They shared a somewhat awkward relationship with the Yeon family, tangled in past grudges. Yet Yeon Wi's expression remained unchanged, as always.
"What do you make of them?"
"Pardon?"
Muk Bi looked up at Yeon Wi in surprise. He nodded toward the Namgung forces with his chin.
"Their skills."
"Ah..."
Confusion flickered across Muk Bi's face.
"They seem incredible. I can feel their piercing sword qi even from here."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It's heavy and majestic."
"Well seen. Everyone who's faced the Namgung sword describes it the same way—as majestic."
In contrast, the Yeon family's sword was different. It pursued perfect orthodoxy. Thus, it was often criticized as lacking any standout strengths when only moderately mastered, but when fully refined, it was said to dominate myriad swords. Perhaps the title of foremost sword sect suited the Yeon family better than the Namgung—even if only within the righteous martial world.
"Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
The Yeon forces advanced. As they rode, Yeon Hojeong slyly maneuvered his horse next to Muk Bi's.
"Hey."
"Yes?"
"Ease up on that expression, will ya?"
"W-what's wrong with my face?"
"Looks like a black flame's lit up in your heart. Confused and lost, huh?"
In truth, Muk Bi's mind was in turmoil. She'd heard the rumors that the Namgung family had raided the An Hui Blood Bow's stronghold, uprooting the evil at its source. That meant Gwanil Valley was surely doomed to destruction. They'd done her job for her. It was what she'd intended, yet it left her strangely unsettled.
"Like I said before, no need to feel guilty or resent them for it. We just used them as pawns. Nothing more, nothing less."
"I know."
"Good, as long as you get it."
Muk Bi let out a sigh.
"I get it, but... my heart feels so strange."
"No need to force your emotions into order."
"Sigh."
As she exhaled, Muk Bi glanced at Yeon Hojeong's mount.
"It's just hitting me now, but..."
"Hm?"
"What an impressive horse."
Yeon Hojeong's steed was larger and more imposing than the other warhorses. Every step revealed its dynamically rippling muscles in stark relief.
"No choice."
The Gwangryongbu weighed precisely eighty-two geun. Riding with such a heavy weapon naturally taxed the horse's stamina. A normal man's weight might be fine, but the moment he swung the Gwangryongbu from horseback, the horse's endurance would plummet. Naturally, only the strongest, most robust warhorses would do.
"Others might mistake you for the one in charge, Young Master Yeon."
"Tch."
"I still don't get it. The Yeon family has so many advanced martial arts—why pick that ridiculously heavy axe?"
Yeon Hojeong chuckled softly.
"Who knows."
His path to wielding an axe had been mostly chance. The black path had its share of hidden masters, if fewer than the white. In the chaotic melees against them, he'd realized bare hands had limits. Then, by coincidence, he'd grabbed a spear from the ground and swung it—before he knew it, that had evolved into an axe. One might call it a talent awakened in the heat of battle.
"Whatever it takes to get stronger—that's what matters."
"That's so you, Young Master Yeon."
At that moment, Yeon Wi raised his hand.
"Quiet down."
They had already reached the Namgung forces. Namgung In stepped forward and cupped his fists in salute.
"Greetings to the Yeon family head. I am Namgung In."
Yeon Wi inclined his head in return.
"Greetings to the Namgung family head. I am Yeon Wi."
Those gathered could sense the peculiar tension between the two leaders. Namgung In smiled.
"On your way to the White Path Martial Alliance?"
"Indeed."
"We've crossed paths by chance—no need to travel separately. Shall we go together?"
"Very well."
The exchange was refreshingly straightforward. In just a few words, the two families were now traveling companions. The leaders spurred their horses ahead.
"Haha, impressive."
"...?"
"You seem even stronger than when last we met. They say the Judge Sword shakes the eastern regions—and soon, all the great river north and south."
"You overpraise me."
It was praise meant to lighten the mood. Courtesy demanded a warm reply, but Yeon Wi's response was curt. He never spoke words that didn't come from the heart. Such was his nature. Moreover, the families were bound by their children's ugly feud. This was no occasion for laughter and chatter.
Namgung In glanced at Yeon Hojeong.
"So you're the son of the Yeon family head whose fame has spread far and wide lately."
Yeon Hojeong, about to reply affirmatively, caught his father's gaze. He sighed inwardly.
"Yes."
"Haha!"
Namgung In merely burst into laughter. Hurt by Yeon Hojeong's plain response? Hardly.
'What a colossal misjudgment.'
He could tell at a glance. Yeon Hojeong was a powerhouse. His martial prowess was beyond what one could imagine for a youth just entering his thirties. Astonishingly, it rivaled—even matched—the eldest son fresh from secluded training. At least on the surface.
'With skills like that now, back then he must've looked down on all but the top masters. Playing with Cheo Sung? Now I believe it.'
Namgung In clicked his tongue.
'How could they provoke a monster like this?'
The deed was done, but it deepened his disappointment in Namgung Hyeon. Masking his thoughts, Namgung In smiled.
"The title Bi-san Tiger Lord hardly does you justice. The Yeon family's future shines bright."
"Thank you."
No false humility. Nor was he particularly talkative. Namgung In turned away. There was no more reason to speak with Yeon Hojeong.
As he did, his eyes cooled.
'Yeon family head. You've raised a monster.'
Father recognizes son? Nonsense. Surely the Yeon head had hidden his eldest's phenomenal talent, fearing it might bring calamity.
If Namgung In was shocked by Yeon Hojeong, Yeon Wi was equally stunned by Namgung Pyo.
'Remarkable.'
Undoubtedly the Namgung family's young master. Rumors swirled that he'd soon inherit the family from his father.
'That level of skill at around fifteen or sixteen... A genius.'
Though no need, Yeon Wi found himself comparing Namgung Pyo to his eldest son.
'...'
Yeon Wi shook his head. What thought had crossed his mind? Likely no one but he himself could know.
"...Hm."
Namgung Pyo let out an involuntary groan. His eyes were fixed on Yeon Hojeong.
'What the hell is that guy?'
Namgung Pyo's eyes quivered faintly.
'On par with me? At that age?'
Word was Yeon Hojeong had just hit his thirties. That made him a full decade his junior. Yet he emanated such qi. It was like staring at a volcano on the verge of eruption—dangerously captivating.
'Impossible...'
His confidence and pride as a genius seemed to shatter at the roots. As Namgung Pyo opened his mouth—
"Long time no see."
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Namgung Hyeon. The latter struggled to maintain a blank expression.
"I wanted to apologize in person, but circumstances kept us apart. Since we've met like this, let me atone for the past."
He didn't specify the incident. They both knew; no good airing it before this crowd.
Watching Namgung Hyeon silently, Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"Is it a sincere apology?"
"...What do you mean?"
"No point pretending when you have no intention of apologizing."
The group's mood chilled instantly. Namgung Hyeon's face hardened.
"If I had no intent, I wouldn't bother. My apology is genuine."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm the one at fault with age on my side, so I've nothing else to say—but don't accuse my heart of falsehood."
Sincerity laced his words. Sharp gazes turned toward Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
"Not accusing—it's fact. You have zero intention of apologizing to me."
"Are you insulting me?"
"You're intimidated."
"...?"
"I can see how thoroughly cowed you are by your brother's qi. You haven't properly opened your mouth since we arrived."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"I don't know if you're trying to assert your presence or whatever, but don't use me for your desires. No one will buy that rotten expression as an apology."
Namgung Hyeon's face twisted. Everyone who could see it did.
Namgung In clicked his tongue.
"Seems my son has soured the mood. Allow me to apologize on his behalf."
Yeon Wi shook his head.
"My son lacks manners. I apologize as well."
He turned to Yeon Hojeong.
"Show restraint."
"Understood."
With that, Yeon Hojeong turned away. Namgung Hyeon's face was a mask of utter distortion. His pent-up inferiority complex was already on the brink—and now he'd been humiliated by the one he despised most.
'That...!'
He couldn't hold back. He couldn't endure it.
Tsss.
A faint killing intent rose from Namgung Hyeon as he glared at Yeon Hojeong.
"...?!"
Everyone's faces stiffened—except Yeon Hojeong's. Yeon Wi shot Namgung In a piercing look. Namgung In bellowed,
"What do you think you're doing?! Retract that killing intent now!"
His roar carried potent inner energy. Namgung Hyeon realized his mistake in an instant. His bottled emotions had erupted, leaking his killing intent unwittingly.
Then—
Slap!
Namgung Hyeon's head snapped to the side. The blow was so fierce that blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Namgung Pyo cupped his fists toward the group.
"My apologies. My brother recently suffered a grave emotional wound. He's been prone to such lapses lately."
Namgung Pyo eyed Namgung Hyeon coldly. The latter ground his teeth.
"Just the other day, he even showed early signs of qi deviation. I brought him along for some fresh air, but it seems we erred."
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
"Early qi deviation symptoms? That explains it. I understand."
Namgung Pyo gave Yeon Hojeong a grateful look. Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"They say a single mistake is just fate's whim. I fully understand, so please don't reprimand him too harshly."
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Young Master Yeon."
"In any case, the mood's gotten too awkward. Rather than forcing this companionship, why not meet again at the Martial Alliance for some tea?"
"I agree."
The two looked to Yeon Wi and Namgung In. The family heads nodded.
"That would be better."
"Haha, my regrets."
"Then we'll go on ahead."
"Safe travels."
With that, the Yeon warriors picked up speed. Once a good distance had opened, Yeon Wi spoke to Yeon Hojeong.
"Well done."