Frontal Breakthrough (4)
“You’ve arrived.”
“Hoho, were you in the middle of work?”
“It’s nothing much.”
Jegal Munho rose to greet Moyong Gun.
“Please, have a seat here.”
“My thanks.”
A moment later, teacups were placed between the two men.
Moyong Gun grinned as he asked, “No liquor? I recall you mentioning something about treating me to a drink at your residence before.”
Jegal Munho smiled faintly. “It’s during working hours. If you could make time this evening, I’d be happy to share a cup then.”
“A pity. I have an appointment tonight.”
“Then let’s postpone the drinks for another time.”
“Very well.”
Moyong Gun asked with evident curiosity, “So, what brings you to summon me to your office? Has there been word from the Operations Team?”
“Indeed.”
Jegal Munho drew a letter from his bosom and handed it over.
Moyong Gun unfolded it and nodded shortly after. “So it begins now.”
“Yes.”
Jegal Munho’s expression grew serious. “And additional intelligence has come in.”
“What sort?”
“Do you know of Guicheol Sword Sect?”
Moyong Gun nodded. “One of the more renowned among the Black Path Thirty-Six Gates, isn’t it?”
“Correct.”
Unlike typical Black Path factions, Guicheol Sword Sect boasted a history spanning two centuries. Remarkably, their martial arts emphasized upright righteousness, defying Black Path stereotypes—though overly domineering in nature, their techniques rivaled even the White Path’s orthodox arts without shame.
“Guicheol Sword Sect has produced swordsmen of the highest caliber generation after generation, a famed house of the Black Path. In truth, their current sect leader’s prowess is said not to fall far short of the patriarchs of our Six Great Families.”
“I’m aware. His moniker is Mountain-Breaking Sword Ghost, if I recall?”
“You know well.”
“As much as needed.”
“Indeed. Unlike other Black Path sects, Guicheol Sword Sect possesses deep history and tradition. In the past, it was even called the First Sword Sect of the Black Path.”
“So, what of Guicheol Sword Sect?”
“It has been destroyed.”
Even Moyong Gun couldn’t hide his surprise at that. “Guicheol Sword Sect has been wiped out?”
“Yes.”
“Heavens! How did that happen?”
Jegal Munho’s eyes gleamed. “They were attacked by masters of unknown identity.”
“Just how elite were these assailants?”
“Details are still unclear. But estimates put their number at around twenty or fewer, and traces of fire assault remain.”
Moyong Gun shook his head. “Fire assaults are devastating, to be sure, but for a sect like Guicheol Sword Sect to fall to that alone strains belief. Their actual combat power must have been outmatched.”
“Well seen. Meaning the attackers’ martial prowess was uniformly exceptional.”
“Yet unless every one was a transcendent master, they couldn’t have toppled it without thorough preparation.”
“I agree. It suggests meticulous prior reconnaissance, superb tactical coordination, and a team of specialists who moved in perfect sync.”
Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled. “You’re sharing this now because the destruction of Guicheol Sword Sect ties into our current mission?”
Jegal Munho nodded gravely. “Yes. To be precise, the possibility is high.”
“In what way do you see it connected?”
“Yang Cheon.”
“……!”
“Their information control is extraordinary. Even with the Martial Alliance and Beggar Clan digging in, the core remains shrouded in fog. Most events linked to Yang Cheon are hard to confirm outright.”
“So the more ambiguous the incident, like this one, the higher the odds it involves Yang Cheon?”
Jegal Munho had no choice but to concede. Moyong Gun’s strategic insight and discernment were unparalleled.
“Yes. I spoke of possibility, but in truth, I’m certain Yang Cheon’s hand is in this.”
Moyong Gun stroked his chin thoughtfully. As the man offered no reply, Jegal Munho continued.
“Yang Cheon is expanding by consolidating the Black Path. But not every Black Path faction has bent the knee. Guicheol Sword Sect was one such holdout.”
“A foolish move.”
“Pardon?”
Moyong Gun frowned. “Guicheol Sword Sect is a famed Black Path house. Crushing a power like that to flaunt strength…… It may work short-term, but long-term, it’s shortsighted folly.”
Jegal Munho smiled. “I thought the same.”
“Yet everything we’ve uncovered about Yang Cheon suggests he’s not one for such blunders.”
“If Yang Cheon destroyed Guicheol Sword Sect, it wasn’t mere show of force.”
“The gains from annihilation outweigh all else.”
“Yang Cheon’s top priority now is Black Path expansion. But long-term, it’s a poor choice.”
“Yet he did it, so even long-term, it mustn’t be foolish?”
“If this move isn’t a bad play but a masterful one, what reason makes destroying it logical?”
“They were swayed.”
Moyong Gun chuckled dryly. “One of Guicheol Sword Sect’s key figures crawled under Yang Cheon’s wing.”
“……!”
“In other words, someone betrayed the sect.”
Jegal Munho’s eyes burned with intensity.
This man…… truly.
Jegal Munho prided himself on surpassing Moyong Gun in professional strategy and tactics. But when it came to reading human nature and inferring circumstances, he had to admit Moyong Gun held the edge. It was the seasoned acuity of one who had clawed through rivals for power his entire life.
Regretting the man’s talent even as his wariness deepened, Jegal Munho pressed on. “I pondered this report at length and only reached the same conclusion just before your arrival: a traitor in Guicheol Sword Sect.”
“Well discerned.”
“Likely someone versed in their ultimate arts, whose single misstep wouldn’t tarnish their reputation.”
“The sect leader’s closest aide or disciple, narrowed down.”
“My thought exactly……”
“The disciple’s the prime suspect.”
“Yes.”
Moyong Gun smiled. “Now I understand why the Strategist summoned me for this.”
Jegal Munho, gazing steadily at him, let out a sigh. “What is it?”
“It’s regrettable.”
“What?”
“If only that brilliant insight and mind of yours served the world’s greater good……”
Moyong Gun burst into hearty laughter. “Hohoho, I’m no such paragon as you imagine, Strategist. Enough flattery.”
“…….”
“Paper and brush, if you please. I must send word to the Operations Team.”
“Already prepared.”
Moyong Gun penned the letter with vigorous yet precise strokes.
“How’s this?”
Jegal Munho nodded. “Excellent. Though……”
“It’ll turn riskier faster than expected.”
“But it also penetrates deeper.”
Moyong Gun smirked. “And you, Strategist? The moment this dispatches, the Operations Team steps into hell’s maw. Your own blood kin is among them.”
Jegal Munho shook his head. “I know the dangers of this mission, as does my daughter.”
“Hohoho!”
“Moreover, right now I am not a father, but the Martial Alliance Strategist. I cannot let personal sentiment squander a golden opportunity.”
“Truly admirable.”
Moyong Gun shook the paper dry, folded the completed letter neatly, and sealed it. “Here.”
“I’ll send it at once.”
“How long until it reaches them?”
“I’ve optimized the intelligence network to the shortest route. Three days at most, six at latest.”
“Impressive speed.”
Moyong Gun rose. “Then I’ll take my leave.”
As he turned toward the office door, Jegal Munho spoke. “Family Head.”
“Hm? More to discuss?”
“Henceforth, operate from Command. We may need to act on split-second timing.”
It was also a warning against idle schemes at his residence.
Moyong Gun smiled. “I intended as much. In three days, I’ll use the Command gathering as my temporary base.”
* * *
“Yeon…… Ah, no! Third Brother! Come here a sec!”
Gadeuksang dragged Yeon Hojeong into the room.
“What’s going on?”
“Look at this.”
Gadeuksang pulled a tiny letter, smaller than his palm, from his bosom.
It was densely packed with minuscule script.
“From the Mun.”
Mun meaning the Martial Alliance, no doubt.
Yeon Hojeong read it calmly.
Moments later, his eyes wavered.
Gadeuksang smacked his lips. “Knew it was dangerous, but diving straight into the heart from the start? Never saw that coming.”
“…….”
“Hm? Third Brother?”
Looking at Yeon Hojeong, Gadeuksang jolted in surprise.
Tremble.
Yeon Hojeong’s hand clutching the letter quivered faintly. His eyes were bloodshot, and killing intent seeped from his body.
“Hey!”
Startled back to himself, Yeon Hojeong instinctively reined it in.
Gadeuksang clicked his tongue. “This damn kid, every time we meet, you’re popping off killing intent like crazy? Trying to give your Eldest Senior a heart attack?!”
“My apologies.”
“Sheesh! What’s got you like this? Something hit a nerve?”
Yeon Hojeong glared at the words Guicheol Sword Sect.
Guicheol Sword Sect.
A famed Black Path house, renowned for sword intent pure and unadorned despite its domineering might.
And there…… was an iron-blooded warrior who had fought countless battles at Yeon Hojeong’s side.
Gang Ryang!
One of the Five Divine Generals of Heukje-seong.
A man hailed alongside Divine Archer Muk Bi, Jin Yang, and others as the Black Path’s mightiest—and most vicious—master.
Gang Ryang’s swordsmanship had reached depths beyond any White Path swordsman. His realm and power fell short of Moyong Gun’s, but his sword intent surpassed even that— a true swordsman.
The greatest genius in Guicheol Sword Sect history. A lone survivor who, losing his sect, found renewed purpose under Yeon Hojeong and clashed fiercely with the White Path.
And now…… Guicheol Sword Sect is destroyed?
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes shook.
Even if history changes, the outcome remains the same?!
The Martial Alliance had formed far earlier than in the original timeline, and Yang Cheon hadn’t openly consolidated the Black Path like this. Guicheol Sword Sect had fallen, but not this soon.
In the original history, its destruction would come a decade later.
Everything had changed.
Everything was changing.
“Eldest Senior.”
“Huh?”
“Ask the kids following you to check one thing.”
Gadeuksang’s eyes lit up. He sensed this request was deeply personal.
“What? Spill it.”
“See if any survivors from the destroyed Guicheol Sword Sect. If so, get me the list.”
“……Hm, got it.”
He didn’t know the details, but it seemed best to handle it.
“You okay, though?”
Yeon Hojeong took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
The shock had passed; he was steady now. As mission commander, he couldn’t falter. A wavering leader endangered the team before the mission even began.
Gadeuksang nodded. “Good. I’ll look into that separately. As for the Alliance’s letter—what’s your take?”
“We go. But wait three more days first.”
“Three days? Why?”
“Pushing in first invites suspicion. But if they approach us, it’s natural.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed. “Trust me. They’ll come.”
Two days later.
Bam!
The inn door nearly shattered as a group in blood-red uniforms burst in.
The middle-aged leader at the fore spoke in a chilling tone. “We’re from Blood Sparrow Gate. Is the party of two men and two women here?”