The Price of Greed (3)
“What did you say?”
“Hoo.”
“So, you’re saying you asked him to make you the leader of an independent mobile unit?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Wi was at a loss for words for a moment.
Yeon Hojeong kept blowing on his tea. The liquid was unusually hot.
Watching his son act so nonchalantly, Yeon Wi inwardly felt a mix of exasperation and amazement.
Does he really think it’s no big deal? Does he not realize how monumental what he’s done is?
With just a few words, his son had turned an entire combat unit of the Martial Alliance into his personal direct subordinate—one he could command at will.
And the opponent was none other than the head of the Moyong family—Moyong Gun, a giant hailed as one of the greatest family heads in Moyong clan history.
“Let me ask again. Did the Moyong family head agree to that?”
“Yes. He said he’d plant someone in the unit, but it wouldn’t be one of his own people. It means he’ll station an Alliance member to report on every move the unit makes.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.
“That much is unavoidable. No matter how free the mobile unit is, it’s still under the Martial Alliance. I’m satisfied that it’s become a force immune to the political games of the White Path Martial Alliance.”
“Heh.”
“The problem is the numbers.”
“Numbers?”
“Yes.”
Setting down his teacup, Yeon Hojeong’s face grew more serious.
“What I settled with the Moyong family head was the existence of the independent mobile unit and that I would lead it. We didn’t discuss the size of the unit.”
“What are you saying?”
“Exactly. If mishandled, the unit could end up with just ten members. It might even become such a small outfit that ‘unit’ feels too grand a term.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Well, that might not be so bad. The more people to manage, the more exhausting it gets for the leader. But if it really turns out that way, it’d be like taking a hit from the Moyong family head in return.”
“……”
“Tch, that’d leave a bad taste.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“You’re truly remarkable.”
“Pardon?”
“I knew your gaze reached across the world, but I didn’t expect you to have such prowess in political intrigue as well.”
“Ah……”
Yeon Hojeong scratched his head.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s that impressive. Actual strategies and tactics where swords clash offer plenty of room to maneuver. But in the battlefield of politics, that sword just turns into a tongue.”
“……”
“Well…… that’s how I see it.”
Yeon Wi stared silently at Yeon Hojeong before shaking his head.
“Remarkable. That’s all I can say.”
“No need to praise me so much……”
“And I’ll say this upfront. I will oppose it.”
“Pardon?”
“I will oppose the creation of an independent mobile unit with you as its leader.”
Yeon Hojeong blinked.
“You’ll…… obstruct it?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s improper.”
“Father, I put a huge stake on the table just to secure this one thing……”
Yeon Wi was resolute.
“Hojeong, your talents are exceptional—in martial arts, in strategy. And now you’ve proven yourself no slouch in political maneuvering. As a father, I’m naturally proud of such a son.”
“……”
“But the existence of an independent mobile unit risks sowing chaos in the Martial Alliance’s organization. As the head of one of the Six Great Families, I cannot support its creation.”
Yeon Hojeong scratched his head again.
His father was opposing the creation of an organization that could bolster the son—and the family itself.
Yeon Hojeong hadn’t anticipated this reaction. It left him flustered, yet at the same time, it felt so characteristically paternal.
“Before that, the decisive reason I oppose the independent mobile unit is……”
“The outcome wasn’t right.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes widened.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“As a warrior trained in the Yeon family’s teachings, I produced an improper result. Isn’t that so, Father?”
Yeon Wi smiled back.
“You knew?”
“I just realized.”
“Yes, that was improper.”
The Martial Alliance’s formation was all but confirmed, yet nothing was truly set in stone.
In such a situation, Moyong Gun trying to appoint Yeon Hojeong as a combat unit leader under his watch and surveillance was abnormal enough. But Yeon Hojeong going to him and strong-arming the creation of an independent mobile unit was hardly normal either.
If it had been mere jest, they could laugh it off. But both Moyong Gun and Yeon Hojeong wielded significant influence in the martial world. Pre-arranging the birth of a new organization like this was, in itself, a mockery of the Martial Alliance.
“Your methods were excessively radical, but I understand there are times when such approaches are necessary. However, not this time.”
“To be precise, the method was unavoidable, but you had to make them abandon me. Right?”
“Yes, exactly.”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“I understand you, Father. But since I’m not you, I might resort to these methods again in the future.”
He braced for a stern scolding. It was also a warning not to get hurt later.
Surprisingly, Yeon Wi’s response exceeded Yeon Hojeong’s expectations.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“……?”
“I know you won’t cross the line. So I won’t interfere.”
Yeon Hojeong blinked.
“Father, didn’t you say you’d oppose it?”
“It deviates from what I consider proper. Of course I must oppose it.”
“Then how can you say you won’t interfere?”
“Because it’s you.”
“Pardon?”
As the conversation continued, Yeon Wi grew calmer instead.
Moistening his throat with a sip of tea, he continued.
“A son can’t be exactly like his father.”
“……”
“Unlike me, you navigate the world with rougher methods. That’s why you wield such political skills as tools for the era you’ll shape.”
“……”
“To me, it’s clearly wrong. But you don’t see it that way—and you have your reasons.”
“Yes.”
“That’s why I won’t blame you. I’ll simply live my way, as a father.”
Staring blankly at Yeon Wi, Yeon Hojeong finally burst into laughter, as if admitting defeat.
“What if I get angry at you later? I might throw a tantrum out of frustration.”
“I’ll scold you as an unfilial son.”
“That’s it?”
“If a grown man wants the rod, go ahead and cross that line.”
“Hahaha.”
Yeon Hojeong couldn’t help but laugh loudly.
“I shouldn’t turn you into a father who wields the rod on his grown son.”
“You absolutely should.”
“Don’t worry. Even if I lack shame, my survival instincts are sharp.”
Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.
“Fix that undignified speech at least. I fear what others might say.”
“It’s my personality. Respect it.”
“I can’t respect that.”
Father and son smiled at each other for a good while.
A moment later, Yeon Hojeong spoke.
“Then I’ll fight my way.”
“Do that.”
As if struck by a sudden thought, Yeon Wi tilted his head.
“By the way, why did the Moyong family head insist on a spar in the plaza of all places?”
“It means he’s deliberately setting the stage.”
“Deliberately……?”
“I proved my worth to him in front of all those experts. By now, the rumor has likely spread from the inner castle to the outer.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes gleamed.
“So it was part of the groundwork to make you the leader of the independent mobile unit?”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“And a warning at the same time.”
“A warning?”
“We finalized the deal in front of everyone. If I don’t handle Mong Ui as agreed, he’ll cross the line too.”
Yeon Wi’s expression turned icy.
“How brazen. After provoking us repeatedly, he dares warn us upon defeat.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled bitterly.
“It’s a fight where reasons don’t matter. At least not to the Moyong family head.”
“I see.”
Yeon Wi sipped his tea in silence.
It must have been frustrating. If the Moyong family head targeted him directly, that would be one thing—but he kept going after his son.
Part of him wanted to storm over and swing his sword. But he knew worldly affairs couldn’t be handled on emotion alone.
That’s why he soothed his bitter heart with tea.
“It must be tough for you too, Father.”
“Hm?”
Yeon Hojeong said in a cheerful tone.
“The groundwork is already done. The Moyong family head will make me the leader no matter what.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“I’ll just do my best. If it still fails, there’s no helping it.”
If it were a family matter, he would oppose it outright.
Because it concerned the Martial Alliance, Yeon Wi was showing his own flexibility.
That was the way of Bi-san Yeon family head, Judge Sword Yeon Wi—seemingly rigid and principle-bound, yet possessing unmatched adaptability when needed, a true grand hero.
“In any case, prepare yourself.”
“For what?”
“People will come looking for you.”
“Pardon?”
Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.
“You showed world-shaking insight when striking out, yet you overlook the obvious details.”
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
“I don’t follow……”
“Whether White Path or Black Path, martial artists live driven by their competitive spirits.”
“……?”
“You proved your martial prowess against the Moyong family head. Do you think your peers won’t take notice?”
“Eek?!”
“You already shook the world facing a prestigious clan. Now you’ve entered the Martial Alliance.”
Yeon Hojeong’s face twisted like a rotten fruit.
Yeon Wi rose from his seat.
“Reap what you’ve sown. This father won’t interfere at all.”
Yeon Wi’s words became reality sooner than expected.
The next morning, as heavy snow poured down. While Yeon Hojeong honed the forms of Sasinmu wielding his Gwang Yong Bu, and Muk Bi repeatedly drew and released the string of her Hong Ryeon Palace.
“Hm?”
Yeon Hojeong and Muk Bi’s eyes sharpened simultaneously.
“You felt it too?”
“Yes. Of course you did, Young Master Yeon.”
“I felt it. But you’re getting quicker.”
“Am I?”
“Thank Father later.”
“I’ll handle it myself.”
“Sure, sure. You’ll just shuffle over timidly and smash that shiny forehead into the air.”
“Ugh.”
Yeon Hojeong looked toward the entrance of Pa Gun Pavilion.
Moments later, a swordsman in pristine white robes arrived.
More a Taoist than a swordsman. His robes evoked a sea of clouds, his not-so-long hair loosely unbound.
Oh ho?
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.
His gaze, brimming with emptiness unlike a typical Taoist, was captivating. Though he perfectly restrained his fierce sword intent, the somber aura emanating from his entire body drew the eyes inexorably.
Thud!
Yeon Hojeong slammed his Gwang Yong Bu into the ground and asked.
“Who are you?”
“Is this the Yeon family residence?”
“And?”
“I’ve come to see the Yeon family’s eldest son, Bi-san Tiger Lord Yeon Gong-ja.”
“Who are you?”
The Taoist’s dark eyes flashed momentarily.
“I am Ok Cheong, the sole disciple of the Sword Immortal. I’ve come to request a spar with the Tiger Lord of Gangdong.”
Going full throttle right from the start. Damn.