Return to Hometown (3)
“Uncertain?”
“Yes.”
Paeryul stroked his chin at his junior’s polite reply.
“In other words, you’ll be staying at the Alliance for the time being.”
“That’s right, Martial Uncle.”
“Hm.”
Paeryul sank deep into thought. Cheok Gang cautiously spoke up.
“Um… Martial Uncle.”
“What is it?”
“May I ask you something?”
This kid hasn’t changed a bit.
Cheok Gang had been infamous at Point Cang Mountain for his particularly belligerent nature. Yet he was always deferential to his elders and had earned a reputation as a dangerous figure among his fellow disciples. Now, having joined the Myeol Sa Army, he was receiving high praise.
For a young man his age, that was more than enough reason to become arrogant. And yet Cheok Gang remained unchanged.
Paeryul acknowledged at least that much about him.
This guy’s consistent, if nothing else.
“Ask away.”
“All the other Martial Uncles have returned to their main sects, so why have you chosen to remain at the Alliance?”
The corner of Paeryul’s mouth twitched upward.
“Why? Does it bother you to see me lounging around with nothing to do?”
“Gasp! N-no, sir! I was just genuinely curious.”
This is why you shouldn’t say things you don’t mean.
What he’d tossed out as a joke had turned his junior’s face pale as a ghost. Paeryul leaned back in his chair with a languid air.
“There’s nothing for me to do back at the main sect. It’d just be endless training.”
“Ah…”
Cheok Gang nodded, though inwardly he felt puzzled. Paeryul was a martial arts fanatic and battle maniac. He equated pursuing martial arts and training with breathing itself, and he’d fight anyone, regardless of who they were.
For such a Martial Uncle to say something like that was baffling. Cheok Gang had thought he was the type who’d never change until the day he died.
There must have been some change in his state of mind that I don’t know about.
Cheok Gang opened his mouth.
“By the way, I haven’t seen the Sect Leader. I heard there’s a council meeting.”
“Obviously.”
What could they possibly have so much to discuss?
Paeryul, who hated complicated matters from the start, couldn’t comprehend how the higher-ups handled things. Gazing lazily at the ceiling, his eyes were filled with listlessness.
As expected, there’s nothing interesting at the Martial Alliance either.
He hadn’t come here expecting some official post. He’d simply assumed that with so many unfathomable masters gathered, he could have a thrilling bout or two with them.
That was the only reason he’d come.
Yet he hadn’t had a single proper match so far. There were plenty of masters, but they all held back. Standing out wouldn’t do them any good.
They hadn’t come to fight in the first place—they’d come to claim a seat at the table.
So why am I still hanging around the Alliance? Because I can’t let go of that sliver of hope?
Paeryul smiled bitterly.
This is a heart demon, too.
What was a heart demon, really? When you felt inexplicably listless and acted out of character—that was your heart demon.
This won’t do. I need to leave the Alliance soon.
Lately, even his beloved training had become sporadic. He couldn’t tolerate his built-up skills diminishing, so he was merely maintaining them.
He didn’t even know how to advance his martial arts anymore. He’d never imagined a day like this would come in his life.
That was when it happened.
“Hey!”
Cheok Gang’s eyes widened at the voice from outside the window.
“Huh? Army Lord?”
Paeryul’s eyes lit up.
Army Lord? Yeon Hojeong?
The booming voice continued.
“Cheok Gang, you in there? Come out for a sec.”
Cheok Gang rose from his seat.
“Martial Uncle, I’ll be right back.”
“Go ahead.”
Paeryul, who had been slouched lazily, felt a sudden spark of curiosity and moved to the window.
“Gasp! Army Lord!”
“Sorry to drag you out while you’re resting.”
“No, it’s fine. But… you don’t look so good.”
Yeon Hojeong rubbed his shoulder.
“I had a match with my father. Still can’t beat him.”
“With Lord Yeon?”
“You think I’ve got another father besides him?”
Paeryul’s eyes sparkled. Lord Yeon? The Judge Sword, Yeon Wi?
A spar… between father and son, huh.
In that instant, a fierce battle lust surged up from the depths of Paeryul’s chest. He had witnessed Yeon Wi’s martial arts firsthand—the man called the Judge Sword or Judge Hero.
Once, when father and son had sparred in the Martial Alliance’s inner training grounds, Paeryul had been there.
Yeon Wi’s style was the complete opposite of what Paeryul pursued. It was a orthodox swordsmanship that upheld formality and dignity, prioritizing the elegant completion of the sword path over raw killing power. At first glance, it even seemed stifling.
But the sword force hidden within that restraint was shockingly profound. Each strike carried the weight of a thousand jun.
It was a perfected sword art that uprooted Yeon Hojeong’s extremely practical martial arts from the foundation.
And yet.
Paeryul’s gaze fixed on Yeon Hojeong.
The kid’s martial arts, which disrupted even that ironclad swordsmanship and pressed forward with ruthless killing intent, were even more impressive.
It was Yeon Hojeong more than Yeon Wi. He wanted to clash with Yeon Wi too, but with Yeon Hojeong, he craved match after match.
Not just because Yeon Hojeong’s style was practical. Watching him fight stirred an overwhelming thrill that gripped your heart and made your palms sweat.
He was innately gifted with the spirit of a gambler. And yet he also possessed the warrior’s ruthlessness to do anything to kill his enemy.
He’s just like me.
Point Cang’s martial arts were among the most practical of the Nine Great Sects. And Paeryul was one who took that practicality to the extreme.
Cheok Gang walked the same path, but not to the same depth.
I want to fight him.
The languor and emptiness emanating from Paeryul’s body vanished in an instant. His gaze on Yeon Hojeong grew hotter by the second.
“So, what brings you here… Ah! Come inside first. Let me pour you some tea.”
“No need. I won’t be long.”
“Ah, yes, sir.”
“Anyway, you busy?”
“Not at all.”
“Your injuries haven’t fully healed yet?”
“There’s a bit left, but I should be fully recovered in about ten days.”
“I see.”
Yeon Hojeong stroked his chin.
Maybe it’s a bit much after all.
The mission was to minimize allied casualties and delve deeply into the connection between Yang Cheon and the Three Sects. Even for him, there were limits to handling it alone.
In other words, he needed reliable company.
Someone highly skilled would be ideal. But more importantly, their movements had to sync perfectly.
This mission demanded exactly that.
And I can’t let it slip that I’m using White Path martial arts.
The Black Path underworld was a motley crew, so plenty used orthodox techniques. Still, it was best avoided. Drawing unnecessary attention wouldn’t help.
In that regard, Cheok Gang was perfect. Point Cang’s arts were uniquely practical, and with slight modifications, they could pass for demonic styles.
However.
Yeon Hojeong eyed Cheok Gang’s face. He’d matured somewhat from his missions, but boyish innocence lingered. His gentle eyes stood out in contrast to his rough fighting style.
Cheok Gang would dive into a sea of fire at my command without hesitation. That makes him great company, but…
Yeon Hojeong sighed inwardly.
No, it won’t work.
He’d planned to take Cheok Gang along, but seeing him now changed his mind.
He’s perfect in every way… but this kid could end up dead if things go wrong.
When Cheok Gang got heated, his vision narrowed. It could be a brilliant strength depending on the situation, but for this mission, it would be fatal.
“Never mind. I must’ve spoken carelessly.”
“Why? What’s the mission?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled wryly.
“I got an assignment. Not from the Myeol Sa Army—it’s a solo gig.”
“Huh? What kind?”
“Pretty dangerous. Involves diving into the Black Path.”
Cheok Gang’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“The Black Path?”
“Yeah. It’s solo, but I’m recruiting company. Still, you won’t do.”
“Why? Why? I’m fine! I can push through my injuries in five days if I focus. For real!”
Yeon Hojeong patted Cheok Gang’s head. Cheok Gang let out a crow-like squawk.
“There are things more important than martial prowess. It’s not about your skill, so no need to feel bad.”
Cheok Gang pouted sullenly.
“Then why’d you come all this way?”
“Heh, good question.”
Yeon Hojeong clapped his shoulder.
“Rest up for now. Don’t slack on training.”
As he turned to leave, Yeon Hojeong glanced up at the second-floor window of Cheok Gang’s quarters. Paeryul was looking down at him.
Yeon Hojeong bowed silently—a gesture of respect to his senior.
That was when it happened.
Whoosh!
In a flash, Paeryul leaped out the window and landed at the gate. Surprise flickered across Yeon Hojeong’s face.
“Senior?”
This was different from their encounter at the Alliance gates. He knew how to separate public and private matters.
Paeryul asked calmly.
“You said you got a mission?”
“Yes.”
“If even someone of your caliber calls it dangerous, it’s no ordinary task.”
“Very dangerous.”
“What kind?”
Yeon Hojeong smacked his lips.
“Sorry. Can’t say.”
This was strictly official business. He couldn’t divulge it lightly, even to a martial world senior.
“I see.”
Paeryul nodded.
“You came to Gang because you figured he’d be of some help, right?”
“Something like that.”
Puzzlement crossed Yeon Hojeong’s face. They’d met only once, with no personal ties—why was this man prying?
Paeryul cut straight to the point.
“Whatever the mission, I want in.”
“Pardon?”
“What? You think even I’m not good enough?”
What’s with this guy all of a sudden?
Yeon Hojeong suppressed his rising questions and replied.
“That’s right.”
Paeryul’s eyebrow twitched.
“In what way? You’re not saying my skills fall short, are you?”
“Of course not. But this mission requires more than just strength. In my judgment, you’re not suited for it.”
“I want to hear why.”
“There’s a separate commander, but I’m in charge of operations. I need someone who can react instantly to orders.”
Yeon Hojeong gave a wry smile.
“Could you, as a senior, charge into the jaws of death without a backward glance at a much younger junior’s command?”
Paeryul fell silent.
Yeon Hojeong bowed.
“I’ll see you later. Excuse me.”
He brushed past Paeryul and opened the gate.
That was when it happened.
“Obeying a much younger junior’s orders—even on official duty—wounds one’s pride.”
“...?”
“But if you defeat me, it’s different.”
Yeon Hojeong froze for a moment. A feral, beastly aura billowed fiercely from behind him.
“When it comes to matches, no one’s as straightforward as me. Beat me, and for this mission at least, I’ll follow your orders without question. If you say die, I won’t just pretend—I’ll die for real.”
“...!!”
“What do you say? Care for a match?”