Conflict (2)
“Did you deliver the message?”
“……Yes.”
“Good work.”
“Young Master Yeon.”
“Speak.”
“You know Moyong Gun has crossed the line. But do we really have to go this far?”
“Is there another issue?”
“There is. Definitely. You know that too, don’t you?”
“Even if there is, we press on.”
“Young Master Yeon!”
“This is an order from the operations leader. No objections allowed.”
“……!”
“Sorry. For pulling rank like this.”
“Ah, damn it. You did the same last time—keep using your killer move.”
“…….”
“At least hear me out. He did screw up big time, sure, but our mission needs to succeed, right? No need to push so hard and turn our backs on him……”
“Hugae.”
“Speak.”
“Moyong Gun has always been like that. I knew it. And, if I may brag, I’m not the type to get blindsided by someone I’ve already sized up.”
“I know.”
“And yet, he landed a solid hit on me. Do you know why?”
“……?”
“He sees me as his biggest future obstacle. That’s why his attacks have always targeted me.”
“……Right.”
“But not this time. He put the obstacle aside for later and moved aggressively just for his own goals.”
“…….”
“Get it? If he’d aimed at me, fine. But he brought chess pieces onto the Go board and swept away the stones.”
“……So, we need to remove the chess pieces?”
“Exactly.”
“That’s what you meant by crossing the line.”
“He trusts us. Or rather, he trusts our abilities. He knows he’s the commander, but the mission’s success or failure hinges on the field agents.”
“That’s why he could pull off something like that. Knowing we’d have the talent to cover his mistakes.”
“Once, maybe. But he won’t stop here.”
“So, you’re pushing this hard to redirect his focus back to you?”
“Not just redirect—tie him down completely. Forever.”
“…….”
“It’s worth the risk, for that one outcome alone.”
“Hoo.”
“Sorry. Apologizing again.”
“Why?”
“……?”
“Why are you apologizing, Young Master Yeon? Moyong Gun’s the one who stirred this mess.”
“…….”
“I want the mission to succeed, but I fear losing allies to it. Achieve the mission and die gloriously? Bullshit. It’s high-stakes, sure, but no mission’s worth more than human lives.”
“…….”
“But Moyong Gun dragged innocents into this mission and got them killed. Without even dirtying his own hands. I haven’t said it to your face, Young Master Yeon, but that’s the work of a fiend.”
“…….”
“Do what you want. Just grant me one request.”
“Speak.”
“Don’t become an even more dangerous and vicious monster just to kill one. That’s all I want now.”
“Hugae.”
“……?”
“Sorry. I’m already turning into a more petty and ruthless beast than Moyong Gun.”
* * *
“Oh, you’ve come.”
Yeon Hojeong knelt on one knee.
“I greet the Vice Leader.”
“Come, sit before me.”
Unlike usual, Yang Cheon was drinking in his private quarters deep within the hall. Yeon Hojeong walked over with steady steps and sat across from him.
Yang Cheon teased with a grin.
“I said come, not sit.”
“You set out an extra cup and now play innocent?”
“Hahaha!”
Yang Cheon burst into laughter. Yeon Hojeong’s bold confidence was utterly endearing the more he saw it.
And it wasn’t just because of his skills.
Yang Cheon was lonely. He had reliable subordinates and the greatest fame in the martial world, but no one to truly open his heart to.
In that sense, Yeon Hojeong was a breath of fresh air. He respected Yang Cheon but never feared him.
I’ve gained a true hidden dragon among hidden dragons. Heh, after years wandering the Central Plains, my efforts finally bear fruit?
Yang Cheon smirked and lifted the bottle.
“Have a drink.”
“Yes.”
The liquor filling the empty cup shimmered a beautiful jade green.
“Fine aroma.”
“It’s called Songpungju—Pine Wind Liquor.”
“Did you brew it yourself?”
“I don’t know the first thing about brewing. It’s just a local brew from a place I know—still unknown in the Central Plains.”
“An honor.”
“Cheers, then.”
Yeon Hojeong downed his cup in one go.
Yang Cheon roared with laughter.
“Truly bold!”
“Liquor poured by my lord—why leave any?”
Yeon Hojeong picked up the bottle.
“Allow me to pour you one.”
“Good.”
Several rounds passed between them.
“Busy these past few days, eh?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Even one who earned great merit at the Martial Merit Hall is still a newbie. To fulfill my duties, I must cram all of Muk Ryong Bu into this tiny head as fast as possible.”
“Heh heh heh.”
“It was tough, but the sleepless nights paid off.”
His voice brimmed with confidence.
Yang Cheon smiled in satisfaction. Just from his words, he could tell Yeon Hojeong handled things impeccably.
“Hwan Sa was impressed. Said you didn’t rest a moment.”
“Senior Hwan Sa exaggerates.”
“Senior?”
“Yes. In official settings, perhaps not, but he’s older and has served you longer than I—so senior fits.”
“Heh heh, you get it. The more talented, the more arrogant they get, and they often fall to unexpected threats. But you’ve bent from the start, so eyes on you will soften soon enough.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“With such heavy duties, I can’t afford to act on whim. To be the pillar upholding this massive organization, I need flexible waist and knees.”
“Kuhahaha!”
Yang Cheon laughed heartily and refilled Yeon Hojeong’s cup.
“Glad you’re settling in well, anyway. But……”
“Speak.”
“You must’ve gathered much from the intel reports.”
“Yes.”
“What do you think? I’m dying to know how you see Muk Ryong Bu and where we should head.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes deepened.
You never should’ve allied with Saneumgyo in the first place.
He had mountains of things he wanted to say. To argue. That if he truly aimed to seize the world, he shouldn’t rely on aid from some shadowy organization. Wasn’t the title Tu Wang a waste?
You’ve already gone too far.
Yeon Hojeong spoke.
“Just one thing.”
“Hm?”
“As we are now, even reorganizing won’t close the gap with the White Path Martial Alliance.”
Yang Cheon’s eyes flashed.
“Why?”
“The Martial Alliance is a true federation—clear pros and cons. But one pro is so overwhelming, it burdens any enemy.”
“And that pro is?”
“Righteousness.”
“Righteousness?”
“Whatever the leaders’ true motives, they move for justice and chivalry. In other words, many sects will offer money and troops without strings, for the sake of justice and chivalry.”
“……!”
“Funds are as vital as force. They fly the banner of justice and morality, filling their coffers for free.”
Yang Cheon nodded.
“True enough.”
“Yes. And more people crave peace than conquest. Muk Ryong Bu’s growth is impressive, but the Alliance’s is no slouch.”
“…….”
“If growth matches, we’ll never surpass them.”
Yang Cheon’s face hardened.
“So, what do you propose we do?”
“Three ways.”
“Three? Tell me.”
“First.”
Yeon Hojeong raised an index finger.
“Bring in outside organizations for visible growth.”
“What organization beyond this?”
Yeon Hojeong poured all his effort into keeping killing intent from his voice.
“Saneumgyo.”
“……!”
“They support us for clear reasons. You haven’t told me them, Vice Leader.”
“Hm.”
“Whatever the reason, absorbing them would let us rival the Alliance. Even if outnumbered, overwhelming funds could win without blood.”
Yang Cheon shook his head.
“Impossible.”
“As expected?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Hojeong didn’t ask why.
“Second way, then. Though I don’t recommend it.”
“Speak.”
“Public sentiment.”
“Public sentiment?”
“Even famed masters’ porcelain gathers dust; no one’s clean.”
Yang Cheon frowned.
“Dig into the Alliance leaders’ dirt?”
“Yes.”
“Not easy. Even if possible, it’d cost a fortune. And I wonder if it’s worth it.”
“It has value—if we have the patience. Plus, we might need to spend more on the people south of the Yangtze.”
Yang Cheon shook his head.
“I know public sentiment matters. But as you say, it demands excessive patience. And while essential, it’s not decisive for victory.”
“Endure enough to make it decisive. But as I said, I don’t recommend it.”
“No. I oppose too.”
“Then only the last way remains.”
Yeon Hojeong’s face turned grave.
Yang Cheon sensed it instinctively. This was what Yeon Hojeong truly wanted to suggest.
“The last way—what is it?”
“The Martial Alliance was founded less than a year ago.”
“Yes.”
“Alliance Leader seat is vacant.”
“Yes. I hear they’ll elect next year.”
“…….”
“……You don’t mean?!”
“Yes, exactly.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled chillingly.
“Intervene in the election.”
“……!!”
“Install an Alliance Leader to our taste.”
“That’s……”
“And surprisingly, a top candidate for next Leader has arrived in Hunan.”
Yang Cheon’s eyes widened.
Yeon Hojeong raised his cup.
“How about using Moyong family head, Moyong Gun?”