The Price of Greed (6)
Fragrant steam rose languidly, filling the room. It was a vivid scent, yet not overpowering. Distinct in its presence, but soothing to the nerves.
Yeon Hojeong saw Jegal Munho in much the same light. The head of one of the six great martial families, hailed as the pinnacle of the martial world, residing in the vast Hubei Yungjung Mountains and carrying on the legendary legacy of Kongming Gongdong. He exuded that very impression.
Jegal Munho took a sip of his tea.
“Fine tea.”
“I'm glad it suits your taste.”
“Even the finest leaves won't yield this aroma and flavor without proper handling. You seem well-versed in the art of tea.”
“Not quite. I've brewed a lot, but I haven't delved deeply into it.”
Curiosity sparkled in Jegal Munho's eyes.
“A lot?”
“Yes.”
Brewing tea was typically a servant's task. Only for esteemed guests would one personally prepare and serve it—and even then, it was rare. Yet Yeon Hojeong claimed to have brewed plenty.
“A refined hobby.”
“It's not a hobby. I just figured it's faster to brew it myself than wait for someone else.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Haha, impatient or pragmatic? Hard to say.”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Just an oddity, that's all.”
Why was that? Was it because this young man had saved his daughter's life? Or because he was her friend? There was something oddly endearing about him. Perhaps it was his scholarly air, more like a literati than a warrior.
“The six great families are quartered in the Seven Stars Pavilion. But even there, our residences are so spread out that visits are few and far between. We've all been terribly busy, of course.”
“……”
“I've long wanted to meet you. I wished to thank you again on this occasion.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“Understood.”
An intriguing response. Not mere humility, yet it carried no discord—likely due to the innate poise in his voice. He seemed the type to cut ties cleanly and decisively. In fact, one of Jegal Munho's preferred sorts.
And he knows exactly why I'm grateful. Quick on the uptake.
The impression differed slightly from what his daughter had described. Not tense, yet the air felt rigidly formal.
“Hoho, I must be making you uncomfortable.”
“Not at all.”
“Hm? Is that right? Good, then.”
Deep wrinkles creased the corners of Jegal Munho's mouth. His face never lost its smile—a strategist’s expression designed to disarm.
Yeon Hojeong's gaze deepened.
I knew we'd meet someday, but not this soon.
The brain of the White Path Martial Alliance. Before the Saneumgyo upheaval, Black Emperor Castle had clashed endlessly with the Martial Alliance. The castle was expanding aggressively, while the alliance sought to check the rising black path forces. Collision was inevitable.
Many of his subordinates had died as a result. And from that time until his death as the Black Dark Emperor, the alliance's strategist had been Jegal Munho.
Impressive.
This was the first time, post-regression, he'd seen such refined insight. Not like his father, who prized righteousness over wisdom, nor Moyong Gun, who wielded intellect ruthlessly for personal gain. It was the embodiment of knowledge.
Thus, Jegal Munho's gaze left a profound impression.
“You're remarkable.”
“Hm?”
The words slipped out unconsciously, but Yeon Hojeong didn't hide his sentiment.
“As knowledge grows and cunning sharpens, purity fades.”
“……”
“Not for you, family head.”
“Hoho, not for me?”
His daughter's friend—a junior in the martial world—was openly appraising him. An uncommon experience. Perhaps that's why Jegal Munho was so curious about Yeon Hojeong's view.
“Tell me, what do you see in me?”
“Hard to say.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“But today, I finally understand why A-yeon and Jun are such good souls.”
“What? Haha!”
Jegal Munho burst into hearty laughter.
“So in your eyes, I seem pure and kind?”
“People see what they want to see. Maybe deep down, I hope you're that kind of man.”
“Hoho! Why hope for that in me?”
“Wouldn't it be nice, just once? A compassionate strategist shaking up the Martial Alliance.”
“……!”
“Strategists often treat subordinates like chess pieces. That's why they turn cold. Without ruthlessness, even the sharpest mind struggles to craft efficient tactics.”
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
“Rare are the kind strategists. Without sufficient strength, they can't preserve their purity or righteousness.”
Jegal Munho's expression grew peculiar.
“How did you know I've been tapped as the alliance's strategist?”
“They call you the Divine Machine Strategist. No fool would appoint anyone but the pinnacle of the Jegal family.”
“Hohoho.”
Jegal Munho could only laugh. Admiration and surprise colored his mirth.
“The rumors understated you. Hot-blooded, yes—but I didn't expect such bold words right out of the gate.”
“Was it?”
“You don't believe me?”
“To stand up to the world's top clans, one must be ready to kill without hesitation. It might seem reckless to others.”
“Hoho.”
“You wouldn't see me as some blindly passionate junior.”
Studying Yeon Hojeong quietly, Jegal Munho tapped the table lightly.
“You pass.”
“……”
“Can't be just perceptive or kind. Not purely aggressive or overly timid.”
“What do you mean?”
“You're trustworthy to lead an independent detachment.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
“Independent detachment……”
“This morning, Moyong family head announced its creation. Much talk, but the intent was clear: it will happen.”
“I see.”
“I assume he informed you first.”
“I won't deny it.”
Jegal Munho smiled faintly.
“Truth be told, I oppose it. As always.”
“……”
“But with you? It could work.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“It weighs on you.”
“Hm?”
“Moyong family head's influence is formidable.”
Jegal Munho's eyes flashed.
“Influence…… yes, far from ordinary.”
“An independent unit risks setting a poor precedent for future alliance structures. My father worries, and so do you.”
“……”
“I'll neither shine too brightly nor earn a reputation as useless. That'll be my best.”
With that, Yeon Hojeong moistened his throat with tea.
Watching him, Jegal Munho shook his head.
“I was wrong.”
“Pardon?”
“I thought you a young tiger shedding its cub fur. Now I see: a seasoned great tiger.”
“Too generous a praise.”
“Generous? My vocabulary fails to capture more.”
Jegal Munho took a sip himself. It eased some long-held worries.
“One question.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sharpened.
Here it comes.
Jegal Munho had come to ask this. Tension gripped his gaze unconsciously.
“Be clear and truthful, no lies.”
“Ask away.”
“Have you made some deal with the Moyong family?”
“……”
“Please, be honest.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“This is the third deal with Moyong family head.”
Jegal Munho's face hardened. But at the next words, bewilderment overtook the stiffness.
“And I've won all three.”
“……Won?”
“Undefeated so far. He's no pushover, so who knows when it'll break.”
Jegal Munho frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“In the past, he plotted to swallow your family whole.”
“W-what?!”
First he'd heard of it. Genuine shock crossed Jegal Munho's face.
Good.
Yeon Hojeong gauged his expression, eyes, emotions, character.
Even without being a strategist, this man is fine.
He recounted last year's events without omission: meeting Huigae at the junior gathering, allying with Moyong against the Myeong family, the near-clash with Namgung during Myeong Heo-rim's capture. Even Moyong Gun's surveillance and push to make him a useful pawn by heading a unit.
After hearing it all, Jegal Munho's face twisted in shock.
“Moyong family head…… a truly dangerous man.”
“Dangerous. And brilliant.”
“Then your deals with him?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Sitting idle isn't my style. Revenge, freedom—I confronted him.”
“Hoho, hohoho!”
Jegal Munho gazed in admiration.
“Confronted that Moyong family head? Hohoho!”
What amused him so? He laughed silently for a stretch.
“Just who are you?”
A laughing question, not expecting an answer.
“Your skills alone defy your age, and now this—crossing the central plains, entangled in every incident.”
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
“I do love stirring trouble.”
After a long look, Jegal Munho smiled.
“A pity. Such a shame.”
“……?”
“No need to be so stiff. I just gave up.”
“Not sure what you mean.”
“A-yeon.”
“……”
“You're exceptional. As a father, I'd welcome a son-in-law like you.”
“……Cough.”
“But you could be a great guest to our house, not the one to make A-yeon happy. Too outstanding.”
Yeon Hojeong smacked his lips.
“No plans for marriage.”
Jegal Munho rose laughing.
“Stay good friends with our A-yeon. If feelings grow, become my son-in-law someday.”
These folks all seemed desperate to marry off their kids.
“Today's meeting was fascinating. Thanks for your time.”
“No trouble.”
“I'll take my leave.”
“Safe travels.”
“Ah! Before I go, one thing.”
“Yes?”
Jegal Munho grew serious.
“The independent detachment might not be just one.”
“……?!”
“Besides yours, another could form.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes deepened.
“From the Nine Great Sects?”
“If Moyong family head restrains his greed.”
“……”
“Rest well.”
As Jegal Munho left Pa Gun Pavilion, Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Listen, Moyong sir. Greed risks losing your own game. Isn't it going too far?”
A dazed reply came.
“Pardon?”
Yeon Hojeong blinked. Ok Cheong stood there.
“What?”
“……?”
“Didn't you head back?”
“Must…… receive teachings.”
“Teachings?”
“……Yes?”
“Am I your master now? Why from me?”
Ok Cheong panicked.
“Y-young master Yeon yesterday clearly……”
“Lessons demand a price.”
“……Price?”
Yeon Hojeong grinned slyly. Nothing to do for days—you're in luck.
He slung an arm around Ok Cheong's shoulder familiarly.
“Your master is the Sword Immortal, right?”
“Uh? Oh, yes.”
“Master of Wudang arts! Must have profound insights.”
“Yes.”
“Beautiful. Alluring. As a Taoist, not versed in worldly ways—but why not learn the world now?”
“I-I don't quite……”
“Heh, you'll see. Shall we start?”
“Pardon? Y-yes! I'd be grateful!”
“Show me all Wudang arts, start to finish. In detail, thoroughly. So even a child grasps the essence.”