The Emperor's Return (5)
“What did you say?!”
The group stared at Yeon Hojeong in shock.
Yeon Hojeong remained calm. He had fully expected this kind of reaction.
Gadeuksang furrowed his brow.
“The heir of Guicheol Sword Sect... So that monkey back then was spot on?”
“That's right.”
“But why the hell?”
Yeon Hojeong wet his throat with a sip of liquor. For some reason, the alcohol went down especially smoothly today.
“Because he's a solid talent.”
“But he's from the black path?”
“There are plenty of good people on the black path too.”
“Well... I suppose that's true.”
Gadeuksang asked in a reluctant tone.
“If he's the heir of Guicheol Sword Sect, doesn't that mean he harbors insane grudge against Tu Wang Yang Cheon and Muk Ryong Bu?”
“Yes.”
“You're not thinking of using that young man to draw Muk Ryong Bu's attention, are you?”
“I hadn't planned on it specifically, but now that you mention it, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'll consider it, assuming he agrees.”
“Tch, that wasn't exactly what I meant. Anyway, it looks like you're serious about recruiting him as an ally.”
“To be precise, I was thinking of making him my man, not just part of our group.”
“A subordinate?”
“A friend.”
Gadeuksang let out a hollow laugh.
“Sometimes I really can't figure you out. No matter how decent the guy is, going out of your way for a black path successor...”
“Sorry for not mentioning it sooner.”
“Forget it. I know your style. But there's something important.”
“Speak.”
“Let's say we bring him back with us. Can we really trust that guy? Is it okay to take him straight into the Martial Alliance?”
Yeon Hojeong replied in a steady tone.
“Guicheol Sword Sect is one of the top prestigious sects in the black path. Even among the black path, they've been called a band of heroes for generations, upholding strict codes and discipline. That's why they had plenty of enemies even within the black path.”
“I know that. What I'm saying is, we might be fine with it, but that Gang Ryang guy might not be. And if he ever turns on us, things could blow up big time.”
“He's green as hell, but he knows right from wrong.”
“Don't take it the wrong way. I trust your judgment, but people can change anytime.”
Paeryul wouldn't normally say something like this. That's how much of a walking bomb Gang Ryang was to the group. Everyone probably wanted to voice it, but Gadeuksang had stepped up as the representative.
Yeon Hojeong said calmly,
“Trust me.”
Paeryul couldn't help but chuckle.
Gadeuksang smacked his lips.
“What's so funny, Senior?”
“He's pulling out his ultimate move.”
“Pardon?”
“'Trust me'—what else can you do? The kid's no dummy like you; if he asks for trust, you give it.”
It was a simple, straightforward answer.
Gadeuksang scowled.
“I'm no dummy.”
“Wanna prove it?”
“I'm not picking a fight! I'm just saying. You're looking down on people too much.”
“If it bugs you that much, spar with me anytime. I don't acknowledge anyone who hasn't proven their martial prowess.”
“Forget it.”
Gadeuksang shuddered as if utterly exasperated.
Paeryul asked Yeon Hojeong,
“Is he any good?”
“Yes.”
“With the blade?”
“He's raw, but purely in terms of potential, he rivals Dang Sang-a.”
“Ho.”
Satisfaction crossed Paeryul's face.
“I'd love to cross blades with him sometime.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“You won't be disappointed.”
“Good. I'm in favor.”
Dang Sang-a cautiously spoke up.
“If we bring him to the Alliance, are you thinking of just adding him to the group? Or recruiting him into the Myeol Sa Army?”
“Haven't decided that far yet. But even though he's inexperienced, as the heir to the black path's greatest sword sect, his skills aren't lacking. Losing that kind of force will draw attention sooner or later.”
“Better to recruit him, then.”
“That's what I think.”
Dang Sang-a nodded after a moment's thought.
“I'm for it too. It's silly for me to approve or not anyway. The only concern is this mission, but you'll handle that, right, Army Leader?”
“Of course.”
“Okay, then we're good.”
Now only one person remained. All eyes turned to Jegal A-yeon.
Jegal A-yeon, who had been calmly sipping her tea, blinked in surprise as the attention focused on her.
“Why's everyone staring?”
Gadeuksang cleared his throat.
“You in favor?”
“If I say no and throw a fit, are we leaving him behind?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head firmly.
“I want to make him one of mine, but I'm not dragging him along if it causes trouble for everyone.”
“But you'll bring him eventually.”
“Yeah, someday.”
“See? Opposing now changes nothing. If you've decided to bring him, just do it.”
“You really okay with it?”
Jegal A-yeon snorted.
“Common sense says no. Trusting you comes first, but he's still the heir to a black path prestigious sect. No matter how good he is, their paths are different—bound to be friction, big or small.”
“Probably.”
“The you I know doesn't blindly trust the white path or dismiss the black. You judge the person. But people are unpredictable, so if you're bringing him, take full responsibility.”
“Thanks.”
“Bullshit, you punk.”
Gadeuksang smacked his lips again.
“Well, that wrapped up quicker than expected. Makes sense—you're the practical affairs leader, so nitpicking your calls now would be ridiculous.”
“Being practical affairs leader doesn't mean I act alone. That's why I called everyone.”
“Hmph! Hilarious. Then give us a heads-up next time.”
“My apologies.”
“Whatever. You must've been swamped anyway.”
He stood up.
“Let's call it. We head into Muk Ryong Bu soon—rest while we can.”
“Agreed.”
The group rose one by one.
But Yeon Hojeong and Jegal A-yeon remained seated, exchanging heavy gazes.
A moment later.
“Sorry.”
“You knew, huh?”
“Yeah.”
Jegal A-yeon chuckled.
“Live like that, and one day you'll get stabbed in the back.”
“My spine chills sometimes too.”
“Not joking.”
“I know.”
She sighed and scratched her head vigorously.
“Bringing him along, I got a feel for him. Kid's got something.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. Black path or whatever, traveling with a total stranger—he was cautious. Kept his morals straight, considerate too. Got a pure side.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Yeah, that's him.”
Jegal A-yeon stared at him and asked bluntly,
“You talk like you know him well.”
“I know enough.”
“Not someone you met before.”
Yeon Hojeong just smiled. Nothing more to say.
Jegal A-yeon shook her head.
“I'll be straight. I don't think he'll cause major issues. You don't either. But problems can pop up from nowhere.”
“Moyong Gun.”
“Right.”
Jegal A-yeon's face darkened.
“He's the commander of a mission that could upend the central plains' martial world, yet he chases personal gain. Ambition aside, you can't deny his talent.”
“True.”
“What's creepier is he's gunning for you.”
“And I'm gunning for him.”
“Yeah, you're at each other's throats. But the moment you show up with Guicheol Sword Sect's heir, Moyong Gun will try to rip you apart.”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“He won't.”
“Why?”
“He knows provoking me further gains him nothing.”
“You sure?”
“Positive. Sending Paeryul Senior wasn't random.”
Revealing Mong Ui's presence to send Paeryul was a declaration of war to Moyong Gun—and a warning not to act rashly.
Moyong Gun would get it. No more poking the bear. This wasn't about crossing lines; it was about blood.
“Plus, I'm Muk Ryong Bu's intelligence chief now. After that declaration, he's prepping countermeasures. My guess? He's fortifying his family intel network airtight.”
“He's on edge?”
“He'll pretend otherwise, but yeah.”
Jegal A-yeon gave a wry smile.
“Jeez, and here I am, Jeon Gak family blood, clueless about the board.”
“You deliberately stayed out. Natural.”
She stood.
“Gonna rest. Scouting every inch on the way was exhausting.”
“You worked hard.”
“Then buy me a fancy drink later.”
“Anytime.”
“Jeong-ah.”
“Yeah.”
Jegal A-yeon's eyes wavered.
“We're on the same side, right?”
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
“You're my first friend in this life.”
“...Heehee.”
“A bit forced, though.”
“Shut up.”
“...Thus, I appoint Mu Jong-mun's Jeong as the head of the headquarters' intelligence division.”
The atmosphere was gravely solemn.
All of Muk Ryong Bu's top brass watched.
The weight was impossible to ignore.
Yeon Hojeong dropped to one knee.
“I swear before heaven and earth to give my all to the duties assigned.”
Yang Cheon smiled in satisfaction.
“Rise.”
Yeon Hojeong stood and looked up at Yang Cheon.
Yang Cheon addressed the surroundings.
“We kept the ceremony brief due to the division's disarray, but the reorganized intelligence division will operate on a whole new level.”
His heavy voice carried immense dignity.
“Mu Jong-mun's Jeong possesses outstanding intellect and martial arts equal to any. Even as a civil-martial prodigy, he volunteered for merit to stabilize our internal chaos—showing prudence as well.”
“...”
“In talent, ability, and achievements, he rivals you all. I trust there'll be no needless discord undermining the division's discipline.”
It was blatant favoritism. No need for such elaboration at an intelligence chief appointment.
But Yang Cheon did it, and the effect was profound. Most executives here vowed never to touch Yeon Hojeong. Anyone so favored by the vice leader could cost them their heads if crossed.
Not everyone thought that way, of course.
“This concludes the intelligence chief appointment.”
The executives knelt in unison, bowing their heads.
Final phase now.
The intelligence chief oversaw all Muk Ryong Bu intel. Troop deployments, finances, informant networks—all visible at a glance. He could harvest massive intel in no time.
Time to dive in.
Then Yang Cheon spoke.
“Intelligence chief stays. Everyone else, dismissed.”
The executives filed out of Muk Ryong Hall.
Yeon Hojeong eyed Yang Cheon curiously.
“Intelligence chief.”
“Yes, Vice Leader.”
“I considered telling you three days ago but held off. You weren't officially chief yet.”
“...”
“But now that the ceremony's done, it's fine. You'll learn eventually, but I didn't want needless confusion.”
“Speak.”
Yang Cheon's face grew serious.
“There's a certain force aiding headquarters.”
“...?!”
“And they're not in the central plains—they're beyond, in the western regions.”
“...Who are they?”
“A group called Saneumgyo. Ever heard of them?”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed sharply.