Chapter 227. The Emperor's Return (2)
In front of Yeon Hojeong, who had emerged from the Muk Ryong Hall, stood Baek Seo.
"……."
The two men regarded each other with cold eyes.
Baek Seo spoke first.
"Your position?"
"Chief of the Intelligence Division."
"In three days?"
"That's right."
"Your quarters?"
"I haven't been informed."
Baek Seo shook his head as he stared impassively at Yeon Hojeong.
"Since your appointment is in three days, you're not my superior yet."
The Twelve Branch Gods under Yang Cheon held a rather unique position within Muk Ryong Bu. They didn't lead regular troops or hold administrative roles in the organization. They were simply Yang Cheon's subordinates, while also commanding their own independent units. They were undoubtedly part of the leadership, but their exact hierarchy was ambiguous. They followed only Yang Cheon's orders.
However, the Intelligence Division was poised to become the core organization of the restructured Muk Ryong Bu. And as the head of Muk Ryong Bu's most powerful faction, Yeon Hojeong's rank would naturally surpass the merely nominal Twelve Branch Gods.
"I'll show you to the quarters you'll be using from now on. Take a look around, and let me know if there's anything you need."
"Understood."
With that, the two men walked along the wide underground avenue.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Muk Ryong Bu was still bustling with noise. It was loud, but not grating on the ears.
Yeon Hojeong asked, "Is that the sound of mechanisms?"
Baek Seo didn't respond. He didn't seem like the type to engage in idle chatter unless necessary.
Yeon Hojeong smacked his lips and followed behind him.
'In any case, this mission is drawing to a close.'
The Chief of the Intelligence Division oversaw all information within Muk Ryong Bu. Once he used his position to seize all the vital intelligence and escape, it would be over.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes grew icy.
'Moyong Gun.'
Not long ago, he had received a secret letter from one of Moyong Gun's unseen subordinates. The letter contained these words:
"I have revealed myself in person. By now, Yang Cheon must have noticed. But Muk Ryong Bu will never touch me. So create a suitable pretext and come to capture me. Pretend you've been killed by my hand, then return to the Alliance."
It was a brazenly bold plan. Perhaps Moyong Gun had plotted the mission's conclusion from the very moment he assumed command of the operation.
The man was capable of that much.
'But there's a flaw in this plan.'
Yeon Hojeong frowned unconsciously.
'It means informing the enemy that the Martial Alliance has discovered Muk Ryong Bu's existence.'
Yeon Hojeong was the Chief of Muk Ryong Bu's Intelligence Division. No one would believe he had simply been killed. The moment his death was faked, Muk Ryong Bu would go on high alert.
Since Moyong Gun belonged to the Martial Alliance, it implied he was operating under the assumption that they had already uncovered Muk Ryong Bu.
'You must know that.'
Muk Ryong Bu was an organization that didn't officially exist in the world. It had shown itself in various parts of Hunan, but only a power like the Martial Alliance could detect it. The rest of the world remained ignorant of Muk Ryong Bu's existence.
In other words, the moment they realized the Martial Alliance knew of them, Muk Ryong Bu would retreat even deeper into hiding.
'You don't care if that happens.'
That could be. In truth, Yeon Hojeong himself wasn't particularly concerned about that aspect—as long as one condition was met.
'As long as the quality and quantity of the intelligence I extract is sufficient.'
The Martial Alliance was newly formed anyway. If Muk Ryong Bu hid deeper, it would buy the Alliance time to build its strength. Given the same timeframe, the Alliance—with its more solid foundation—would establish a firmer system than Muk Ryong Bu under Yang Cheon. Their consolidated power would naturally grow stronger.
'The Alliance will need to appoint a leader anyway...'
Suddenly, Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
'The Alliance Leader?'
A terrifying thought shook his mind. He unconsciously touched his lips.
'Superior operative... infiltrator commander... Hunan... Moyong...'
One hypothesis rapidly broke down into pieces, forming a vast map in his head.
'Moyong Gun wants this mission to succeed. That's why he even revealed himself to ensure our safe return. It's certainly reliable, but was it truly the best option?'
The recent incidents, Muk Ryong Bu's movements, Moyong Gun's schemes, the unnamed masters who replaced the Superior Operatives—all connected organically, yielding several conclusions.
'Not enough information. But looking at the situation...'
Moyong Gun's position, his ambitions, his past deeds. Sharp killing intent filled Yeon Hojeong's eyes.
'...Moyong Gun is the kind of man who would do anything to become Alliance Leader. And the selection is next year.'
Next year—less than three months away. Once winter's chill eased, the leadership would surely discuss appointing an Alliance Leader.
'You...'
Yeon Hojeong's eyes twitched faintly.
'Was this groundwork?'
At that moment, Baek Seo spoke.
"Calm yourself."
"...?"
"I know it's a passionate time, but we have no intention of clashing with you."
He had sensed Yeon Hojeong's killing intent. What keen senses.
It wasn't overt hostility—just a shift in his gaze—yet he had detected that subtle change.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"If you'll do that, it suits me fine."
After a moment of silence, Baek Seo spoke as if resolved.
"I've served the Deputy Leader for over ten years."
"... ."
"In all that time, there was no talent he desired this much."
It meant Yang Cheon thought highly of him.
"A lord is one, but subordinates are many. It's natural for those close to the lord's favor to incite jealousy among the others."
"I know."
"There are dangerous people in headquarters. But at least the Twelve Branch Gods have no desire to feud with you. We serve only the Deputy Leader—we don't seek to get closer to him ourselves."
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
"Idealistic. At least for you."
"Not just me."
"That monkey was different."
"Hwa Won?"
"Yeah."
"I have nothing to say about that."
Clean admission.
Baek Seo continued in a subdued voice.
"I've spoken to Hwa Won separately, so don't worry too much."
"I'm not worried. She's not that frightening."
"... ."
"I have no intention of causing trouble with you all either."
"That's fortunate."
With that, Baek Seo fell silent again.
'Tricky fellow.'
Baek Seo's martial arts were impressive. Yeon Hojeong didn't know his prowess in actual combat—you couldn't tell without fighting. But judging from his perfectly refined demeanor alone, his attainment surpassed Yeon Hojeong's current level.
That was remarkable. To reach the master realm with black path martial arts required more than mere effort.
And that restrained mindset.
'Yang Cheon is very interested in me. But in terms of trust, he can't surpass this man.'
It was only natural. Treating a recent acquaintance with such favor was already extraordinarily generous.
"Here it is."
Before long, they arrived at an eastern chamber about three hundred jang from the Muk Ryong Hall.
"The leadership quarters operate via mechanisms, like the Muk Ryong Hall."
Baek Seo turned a protruding round stone on the right side of the stone door: three times right, twice left.
Rumble.
The door opened, revealing spacious, brightly lit quarters. The stone walls made it feel austere, but it was luxuriously appointed. A massive desk and study were complemented by large adjoining rooms further in.
"Look around."
Yeon Hojeong scanned the quarters carefully. His eyes were cautious. He wouldn't stay long, but there could be hidden surveillance spaces.
'...'
His eyes gleamed.
'There it is.'
As expected. In the center of the study ceiling, where night pearls formed a circle, he sensed a faint air current. It wasn't for mere ventilation.
He glanced subtly, wary of Baek Seo, but the secret space above was substantial.
'Even I might have missed it without Azure Dragon Qi and Black Tortoise Qi.'
He had once investigated this place thoroughly in the past, but no such space existed then. Muk Ryong Bu must have added it when settling here.
And it wasn't just one.
'Three in total. None in the bedroom—central ceiling of the office and two in the corners.'
Yeon Hojeong chuckled involuntarily.
'They should've focused on the outside instead of wasting time on this nonsense.'
Soon, he emerged from the bedroom.
"All done."
"Any requests?"
"None. I can furnish it gradually later."
"Understood."
Baek Seo pulled a black iron plaque from his bosom. It bore no markings but was made of exceptional material.
"This is called the Muk Ryong Plaque. It's for accessing headquarters—only those of sufficient rank or personally approved by the Deputy Leader may possess it."
"Thank you."
Baek Seo turned to leave.
"Rest easy for three days. Be here by morning when the reorganization begins."
"Got it."
With that, Baek Seo vanished like a ghost.
Yeon Hojeong leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Three days."
A short time if short, long if long.
He looked up at the ceiling. The night pearls lit it brightly, but the cave air felt oppressively stagnant.
'Come if you dare?'
He recalled the letter's closing:
"If you have questions, come find me. Of course, Muk Ryong Bu will assign someone to watch you. I trust you can handle that much."
Yeon Hojeong laughed coldly.
'Can you handle it? Meeting me now won't end well for you.'
* * *
"Mm?!"
An unexpected expression crossed Moyong Gun's face.
"Who?"
"Paeryul, my lord. He's part of this Practical Affairs Team, the youngest elder of Jeom Cheong Pa..."
"I know that. But he sent Paeryul instead of coming himself?"
"Yes."
"Heh."
Moyong Gun's lips curved upward.
"He must be quite angry."
It was understandable. Neither Yeon Hojeong nor he were the type to let anger interfere with a mission. Nor would they stir needless conflict—if it was unbearable, they'd confront directly.
Yet he sent Paeryul as proxy.
'He has some scheme.'
Moyong Gun nodded.
"Let him in."
"Yes."
Moments later, Paeryul entered.
Moyong Gun greeted him with a smile.
"First time seeing you like this?"
"Indeed."
"Sit."
Paeryul sat silently.
Moyong Gun cut straight to it.
"So, you're here on the Practical Affairs Leader's errand?"
It could sound insulting. Though Yeon Hojeong was the leader, Paeryul was a Jeom Cheong Pa elder—far his senior.
But Paeryul showed no displeasure.
"An errand if you will, but first, something personal."
"Hm? Another issue?"
Paeryul smiled chillingly.
"Mong Ui. Do you know him?"