Return to Hometown (2)
“You’ve come.”
“I hope you’ve been well.”
“Haha, thanks to you.”
“May I sit?”
“Of course. But why come all the way to my quarters when we’ll meet at today’s council anyway?”
Jegal Munho’s eyes darkened subtly.
“To entrust you with a message.”
Moyong Gun smiled faintly.
“I’m already looking forward to it. Wait a moment. Even if it’s just tea, I should offer a guest something.”
A short while later, fragrant tea cups were placed between the two men. Jegal Munho didn’t touch his.
“At today’s Bonggong Council, we’ll settle all matters regarding Yang Cheon.”
“I figured as much.”
“As you’ve guessed, the direction will lean toward handing command of this operation to you, Lord Moyong.”
Moyong Gun grinned.
“Speed is one of the essentials of command, isn’t it? The one who’s already mapped out every strategy in his head is the right fit. Naturally, I expected it.”
Jegal Munho nodded.
“Let me speak frankly. Your intellect and insight are exceptional. In a way, you could be called the foremost among the Bonggongs.”
“Oh, how can you say that? My strategies might work on ordinary folk, but they’re nothing compared to the Divine Strategist Jegal’s councilor.”
“You know it, but just in case—I’ll say it again.”
A fierce light gleamed in Jegal Munho’s eyes.
“In military operations, the strategist holds ultimate authority. Even if all the other Bonggongs acknowledge you as commander, without my approval, you won’t become one.”
Moyong Gun gave a meaningful smile.
“I know. Of course, bearing that political pressure falls to you, the strategist.”
“Exactly.”
Jegal Munho leaned forward, his gaze fixed intently on Moyong Gun, burning hotter than ever.
“Just promise me one thing. That this operation won’t get tangled in the Alliance’s power struggles.”
“Haha, what a suspicious thing to say.”
“I think we’ve grasped each other’s abilities and temperaments well enough by now. That’s why I’m saying it.”
You’re more than capable of it.
It was quite rude, but Moyong Gun didn’t bat an eye.
“Has this Moyong Gun, under the wise eyes of Lord Jegal, ever been so lacking in propriety?”
“That’s exactly why it’s frightening. When a proper man acts improperly, it’s hard to counter.”
“Hahaha!”
Moyong Gun laughed, finding it amusing. Surprisingly, there was no displeasure in it—rather, it was hearty enough to hint at goodwill toward his counterpart.
Listening to that laughter, Jegal Munho thought,
He’s become even more terrifying.
In the past, Moyong Gun would counter excessive criticism with sharp retorts. But not anymore. Now, he could laugh genuinely even under biting scorn or blatant suspicion.
It was as if the world’s most venomous serpent had grown into an imugi.
What on earth turned you into such a monster?
Of course, he already knew the answer.
Commander Yeon…
More precisely, he’d been shocked by the unconventional assaults led by Yeon Hojeong and the opposition faction. But Moyong Gun wasn’t one to shrink back in surprise. Instead, he turned it into an opportunity for self-reflection.
A truly fearsome—and lamentable—man. If only he’d turned that introspective gaze toward his own character rather than political strife.
Moyong Gun said with a smile,
“Don’t worry. I may stoop to tricks when needed, but I know which stage to fight on.”
“……”
“Tu Wang Yang Cheon’s existence doesn’t concern me. But if he unites the black path and builds a massive force, that becomes a real problem.”
“Indeed. Even if you later seize the supreme power in the white path, it would still be an issue.”
“Exactly. Which means this fight is unrelated to factional interests.”
Jegal Munho, who had been watching Moyong Gun silently, nodded.
“I’ll trust you.”
“You can. And you can trust this Moyong Gun going forward too.”
“That, I can’t promise.”
“Haha, whether over mountains or official roads, as long as we reach the sea. I won’t deny my personal ambitions, but I too wish for the prosperity of the white path Murim.”
“I’ll trust you that far.”
“Hahaha!”
Jegal Munho rose from his seat.
“Lord Moyong.”
“Speak.”
“Do you know why I believe your words? Without even a seal or signature.”
Interest flickered across Moyong Gun’s face.
“Yes, I’m curious. You’re not one to swallow promises whole, so why believe me?”
“To show you my resolve.”
“Resolve…”
“Yes.”
Jegal Munho’s expression hardened.
“As strategist, I must maintain neutrality. That’s why I’ve been blocking you and your faction.”
“Haha.”
“But if even the slightest suspicion arises in this operation…”
Flash!
Killing intent flared in Jegal Munho’s eyes.
“Then you’ll feel just how vicious a strategist who abandons neutrality can be.”
Moyong Gun kept his smile, but his own gaze grew just as chilling.
Jegal Munho clasped his fists in salute.
“I’ve been rude with needless worries. Stop by my quarters tonight. As atonement for today, I’ll treat you to fine liquor.”
Moyong Gun laughed loudly.
“They say men bond through fights. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Then.”
Jegal Munho left the room. Staring at the empty chair, Moyong Gun muttered softly.
“Hah! What a guy. I brewed expensive leaves, and he didn’t even take a sip?”
It meant he was that cautious. He wouldn’t trust anything related to Moyong Gun fully.
Moyong Gun chuckled.
“Do you know, Lord Jegal? Just knowing you suspect everything about me gives me enough to drag you and all your followers into the abyss.”
Leaving Moyong Gun’s quarters, Jegal Munho summoned Jegal A-yeon.
“You called, Father?”
“Did you overhear? About Commander Yeon.”
Jegal A-yeon’s face stiffened.
“Yes. I did.”
“Contrary to my expectations, it seems Commander Yeon doesn’t plan to bring the Myeol Sa Army.”
“……It’s not an extermination mission, after all.”
Even so, Myeol Sa Army forces would be a huge asset. They obeyed Yeon Hojeong absolutely. Casual as friends in private, they reacted instantly to orders in the field.
Such trusted troops could provide psychological support even without fighting alongside.
Yet Yeon Hojeong deemed even that unnecessary.
So very you.
But worry was inevitable. The opponent was formidable, and the operation’s difficulty was high.
Seeing his daughter sigh with a complicated expression, Jegal Munho said,
“Will you go with him?”
“Pardon?”
“Will you join Commander Yeon on this mission?”
Jegal A-yeon’s eyes widened.
“I-Is that allowed?”
Her father, who’d once said he’d abuse his power to keep her out. Yet now he was saying the opposite. He rarely went back on his word once spoken, making it all the more surprising.
Jegal Munho said,
“Commander Yeon’s abilities are exceptional. His martial arts and strategy defy his age. But such men often show gaps at critical moments.”
“Ah……”
“Truth be told, I don’t want to send my daughter into danger. But resolving my greatest concern eases my mind somewhat.”
“Your greatest concern?”
“There was one.”
Light gleamed in Jegal Munho’s eyes.
“So I ask: Will you lead this perilous operation alongside Commander Yeon?”
Jegal A-yeon grinned. A hero’s smile lit her lovely face.
“I’ll complete it brilliantly and return, Father.”
* * *
“Hah! Hah!”
His breathing grew ragged. Disrupted breath hindered inner energy flow. Stamina drained rapidly, reactions noticeably slowed.
Yet Yeon Hojeong’s focus didn’t waver. If anything, facing crisis sharpened it further.
Incredible.
Woooom.
From his torn sleeve, formless sword qi emanated—the dignity of Bi-san Yeon Family’s strongest.
Monstrous martial arts!
Yeon Hojeong was certain. Among all foes from his Black Dark Emperor days—even post-regression—the one before him was the toughest.
Not in raw realm. Yang Cheon was strong, past Moyong Gun as Alliance Leader and even Saneumgyo Lord vied for world’s best.
Yet Yeon Wi instilled the worst crisis with inferior power.
Not superior combat prowess. But countering is impossible. I’ve never been so utterly overwhelmed.
Even while unleashing killing blows himself.
Yeon Wi—Bi-san Yeon patriarch, Judge Sword—had pierced his son’s arts and habits, targeting weaknesses ruthlessly.
Exploiting weaknesses. Unbefitting the white path’s virtue of uprightness.
“Do you understand?”
“Hah hah! Yes?”
Whoosh.
The sword qi around Yeon Wi’s hand vanished cleanly.
“Your practical skills are outstanding. But the black path is different. It’s rife with tricks. The petty attacks I showed today are child’s play compared to theirs.”
True. But he wouldn’t be pushed this far against any black path master.
Because it was his father. The father who’d watched, memorized every move and habit.
That’s why he never spared foes in combat, never trained before others. Keen eyes and skill could tip the scales from one glance.
“Yang Cheon stands at their pinnacle. Pray you never face him, but if you do—flee without looking back.”
Yeon Hojeong’s breathing steadied.
“Don’t worry. I’m not fool enough to grapple a foe I can’t beat.”
“Good.”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“That’s enough. Fleeing before enemies shames a warrior, but challenging the unmanageable is foolhardy.”
“Yes.”
Gazing at Yeon Hojeong, Yeon Wi sighed.
“The moment I heard you’d join this mission, I pondered what to teach you. Knowing I couldn’t sway your stubbornness.”
“……I’m sorry.”
“Regrettably, this is all a father like me can offer.”
Recognize your position. That was the black path’s way.
Yeon Wi wanted to impart exactly that to his son.
“Never overexert. Lives matter more than missions—and yours is included.”
“Understood.”
“Eat and rest well before infiltrating. Only then can you muster strength at the crucial moment.”
“Yes.”
“And…… and……”
Yeon Wi closed his eyes.
“Don’t die.”
“……”
“I can overlook your past filial failings. But dying before your parents? Unforgivable.”
“I’ll return safely.”
“I believe you.”
Yeon Wi turned and walked away. Yeon Hojeong stood rooted, watching his father’s back for a long, long time.