Chapter 185. The Thread Was Not Severed (3)
“Looks like the cleanup’s mostly done.”
“Yeah.”
Mo Yong Woo glanced around.
The battle at the Hae Ryong Merchant Group had been ferocious and vicious. Countless buildings had crumbled, walls shattered in places, leaving the site in ruins. It had been such a ghastly mess that even ghosts would steer clear, but now it appeared somewhat tidied up.
Yeon Hojeong turned toward the Tang Ma Army. They were scattered about, resting. Still reeling from the deaths of their comrades, a heavy gloom hung over them.
“By the way, what about that person?”
“Who?”
“The one who’s soon to become the Tang Ma Army Leader’s in-law.”
Mo Yong Woo flushed. “Y-Yeon-je!”
“Eyes everywhere. Watch your titles.”
“Ah……”
In his fluster, he’d forgotten about the people around.
“She didn’t get caught up in the fighting and die, did she?”
“Ahem! No, she didn’t.”
Mo Yong Woo pointed to one side. Following his gesture, they spotted Dang Sang-a resting with the female members of the Tang Ma Army’s third squad.
A question arose on Yeon Hojeong’s face.
“By the way, she joined a squad as a regular member?”
“That’s right.”
“Why? With her skills, she could easily claim a squad leader spot.”
“In group battles, poison and hidden weapons can wield tremendous power, in a certain sense.”
“Right.”
“But if the one wielding them lacks a ruthless temperament, even as squad leader, it’ll only sow confusion among the subordinates.”
Yeon Hojeong cocked his head.
“I thought she was the type who could step up when it counted.”
“She is, when it counts. But the ruthlessness I mean is the ferocity befitting a leader.”
“Ferocity as a leader.”
“My creed is to treat my subordinates like family. Yet for the mission’s sake, one must sometimes turn a cold shoulder.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded in agreement.
Turning a cold shoulder didn’t mean abandonment. It meant knowing when to send subordinates into perilous operations—and not neglecting duty out of worry for them.
That was Dang Sang-a’s shortfall. Unlike most of the Tang family, she was too sentimental.
“Still, she made it through in one piece.”
“She’s strong.”
Yeon Hojeong smirked.
“Proud of your girl, huh?”
“Y-Yeon Gunjang!”
“What’s the harm? If you think she’s good people, get close without fretting over what comes after.”
Mo Yong Woo cleared his throat. “I’ll handle it myself.”
Fair enough. Hearts couldn’t be forced.
Yeon Hojeong had set the stage, but from there, it was up to the two of them. No spark? Let it end. But if there was? Approach it seriously.
“Yeah, they’ll figure it out.”
Mo Yong Woo shifted the subject. “With things mostly wrapped up, shall we move out? What do you think?”
“That’s for you, the Great Commander, to decide. No word from the Alliance?”
“Not yet.”
“Makes sense—battle just ended. If nothing comes, we head back as is.”
“Agreed.”
As Mo Yong Woo turned to rejoin the Tang Ma Army, something nagged at him.
“Yeon Gunjang.”
“Yeah?”
“Is something wrong?”
“Wrong how?”
He wondered if he was prying needlessly, but Mo Yong Woo steeled himself. They were sworn brothers, after all—no harm in asking.
“Your mood’s seemed off since meeting Pa Sa Leok.”
Yeon Hojeong gave a faint smile. “Has it?”
“It has.”
“Nothing much. That bastard’s such trash, just facing him sours my mood.”
It was a rough reply. Yeon Hojeong’s speech had always been blunt, but this carried an extra edge.
“What’d he say? Or what did you grill him on?”
For a split second, Yeon Hojeong’s eyes flickered.
Is it okay?
It will be. He could tell Mo Yong Woo everything.
Of course. The man didn’t betray those he’d pledged faith to.
Yet the hesitation stemmed from the need for utmost caution.
And besides.
Yeon Hojeong admitted it plainly. Beyond his rage at the Three Sects, their colossal power had him on edge.
Truth be told, telling Father now wouldn’t cause much issue.
The reason he hadn’t? Simple. His father was a flawless patriarch. But he prized caution over boldness, and his stance on crises differed from Yeon Hojeong’s.
Even the greatest faltered before the unknown. And once rattled, they clung to familiar methods over trusting others.
That was why Yeon Hojeong hadn’t revealed all to Yeon Wi.
Mo Yong Gun’s case was different—they’d struck first, forging a natural rivalry.
Once I spill it, I might gain allies. Common foe and all. But if it risks complications, no need.
No rash moves. Not for the Murim Alliance—or all Central Plains Murim.
Yeon Hojeong trusted his call. Not the time yet.
But.
“I think it’s safe to tell you.”
“Hm?”
“You’re different from Father.”
Not a matter of trust or skill, but temperament.
Mo Yong Woo was kind, yet sharp enough to mask his heart and serve under Mo Yong Gun. And he relied on Yeon Hojeong more than Yeon Wi did.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed. Yes—their movements were pinned down. Time to loop in Mo Yong Woo. And Gadeuksang too.
“What I say now? Absolute secret. Just between us.”
* * *
“Heh heh heh.”
Mo Yong Gun let out a booming laugh.
“Never thought I’d see the day. The famed Judge Hero and Alliance Strategist gracing my humble abode in person.”
Whatever amused him so, genuine mirth laced his hearty guffaws.
Still chuckling, Mo Yong Gun asked, “Care for a drink? Sun’s up, but I’ve fine liquor stocked.”
Jegal Munho shook his head. “No need. This isn’t talk for over drinks.”
Mo Yong Gun’s eyes sharpened. Not over drinks meant no ploy to unsettle him.
“Fair enough. Then tea it is.”
“Very well.”
Mo Yong Gun glanced at Yeon Wi. “Does Yeon Family Head favor Dragon Well?”
Yeon Wi replied stiffly. “Never touched it.”
“Heh heh. With your sea trade riches, no Dragon Well? Truly unassuming.”
The words carried a barb, but Yeon Wi didn’t bite.
Mo Yong Gun’s smile deepened.
Not ordinary, indeed.
The old Yeon Wi would’ve reacted. He couldn’t conceal himself—thoughts bled into his face and eyes.
Not now. Steady gaze, unflinching posture. No joy or ire at his words.
Advanced martial arts?
No. Such change didn’t come from mere cultivation.
Yeon Hojeong, of course.
Yes. The boy’s growth was explosive. But more terrifying: at his age, political acumen rivaling old Murim veterans.
Flashy in the open, insidious in shadows.
Much of it would’ve grated on Yeon Wi’s temperament.
Yet Yeon Hojeong grew bolder, harsher. Watching it reshape the Alliance, Yeon Wi had learned.
A father growing through his son? Heh! Learning spares no one, no time, no circumstance.
Mo Yong Gun smirked inwardly.
A headache of a father-son duo.
Moments later, three cups of Dragon Well steamed on the table.
Jegal Munho admired sincerely. “The aroma’s exquisite.”
“Heh heh, the finest. Last of it—don’t waste a drop.”
“Gracious, I’ll savor it.”
Mo Yong Gun wet his throat with a sip. “So, what brings two Family Heads here?”
Yeon Wi cut straight. “A thorny issue.”
“Thorny? Heh, what vexes Alliance elites so?”
As if he weren’t one. He still seemed amused.
Jegal Munho spoke. “To the point: it concerns Tu Wang Yang Cheon.”
Mo Yong Gun’s eyes shifted.
Tu Wang Yang Cheon. A name even the Heavenly Moyong Gun couldn’t jest about.
“Yang Cheon…… Don’t know details, but such a figure spells headaches aplenty.”
“Precisely.”
“Let’s hear it.”
Jegal Munho laid out the Yang Cheon matter clearly.
Once finished, Mo Yong Gun summed up. “So, we need a proper probe. But if he catches wind, any reaction becomes a massive future threat?”
“More accurately, a threat to all Murim.”
Mo Yong Gun smiled. “Yang Cheon’s a monster, no doubt. And not alone—the whole Heavenly Thirteen Seats are.”
“Yes. Hence the problem.”
“Plus, ruthless, cruel, hounds grudges to the grave?”
“If not for that nature, we wouldn’t agonize so.”
“Heh heh, fair.”
Silent till now, Yeon Wi cut in. “Plenty of ways exist. But all mean heavy losses—and if Yang Cheon goes to ground, far worse headaches.”
“True.”
Mo Yong Gun grinned. “Why not call an Alliance council?”
“Out of the question.”
“Why?”
Yeon Wi’s tone stayed rigid. “Not a matter for Moyong Family Head’s faction to muddy.”
Jegal Munho startled, glancing at Yeon Wi.
Mo Yong Gun showed no fluster—readily conceded. “Wouldn’t be. You two aren’t ordinary, either.”
“Praise noted.”
“So, tapping my bag of tricks?”
“Yes. Even should Moyong Family Head seize great power later, Yang Cheon lingers as a worry.”
“Heh heh heh!”
Mo Yong Gun roared with laughter. “Music to my ears. Indeed. To us, he’s a shared foe.”
“Close enough.”
“Hm, probe Yang Cheon……”
Pondering, he tilted his head. “But why the worry?”
The two were inwardly startled.
“Probing such a titan means casualties. Key is staying undetected.”
Mo Yong Gun beamed. “Fool him into thinking it’s not us—problem solved, no?”