Conflict (6)
“Word from Young Master Yeon.”
Gadeuksang's eyes sparkled unusually bright.
“Things are getting real interesting out there, huh?”
A moment later, after hearing his report, the group couldn't hold back their admiration.
Paeryul grumbled.
“That guy's definitely a nine-tailed fox from a past life.”
Jegal A-yeon chuckled softly.
“Bet he's sweating bullets right now. Who'd have thought Yang Cheon would drop like that outta nowhere.”
Dang Sang-a spoke with a serious face.
“What on earth happened? Yang Cheon is on the same level as my grandfather—a peerless master of his generation. For someone like that to lose consciousness and collapse...”
“Sister, I get you're curious too, but let's focus on getting home safe for now.”
“Ah...”
Dang Sang-a smiled awkwardly.
“It was just so unexpected.”
“Yeah, fair enough. When you think about it, the whole world's power balance could shift depending on Yang Cheon's condition.”
“Me... honestly, it's just pure curiosity...”
“People who change the world always start with something small like that.”
Paeryul clicked his tongue.
“Enough chit-chat.”
“Yep.”
“So, when do we move?”
Gadeuksang waved a document.
“Looks like we go when Young Master Yeon meets Moyong Gun. From the looks of it, Moyong Gun will reach out by tonight at the latest.”
“Then no later than three days.”
“Think two days from now.”
“Good. And them?”
“...Standing by.”
“Hm.”
Gadeuksang's expression soured instantly.
It wasn't just him. Dang Sang-a and even Jegal A-yeon looked uneasy.
“Um, Senior Brother.”
“What?”
“Is it really okay to just leave them like this? No offense, but what crime did those people commit? In a way, they're the victims.”
“I know.”
“If it were about risking their lives to screw over Moyong Gun, that'd be one thing... but using them like this...”
Paeryul's eyes sharpened like blades.
“Don't insult them.”
“Pardon?”
“They're not being used—they chose their own end. You're just a beggar, and neither am I nor these ladies qualified to belittle their choice.”
“...”
“Even without us, they wouldn't last a month. They knew that and joined willingly.”
“...”
“They committed countless sins in the past, but at least in their final moments, they repented. Consider it an honor to stand with them, even briefly.”
Having scolded them, Paeryul rose.
“Two days from now. Rest up till then.”
“Understood.”
With that, Paeryul left the room.
Jegal A-yeon smacked her lips.
“Now I get why Jeong brought Senior Brother along.”
“...”
“Honestly thought he was just a battle-hungry martial maniac, but I was wrong.”
Dang Sang-a nodded.
“Seems like he's someone who's attained great enlightenment beyond mere learning.”
“Right. That's why they say knowledge bows before wisdom. Really someone to emulate.”
Gadeuksang sighed.
“Frankly, I still don't get it.”
“Really?”
“Seeing this, yeah, I'm not the type to make it big.”
Jegal A-yeon smiled.
As if.
Yeon Hojeong, who could turn ice-cold when needed. Paeryul, whose life wisdom matched his battle-hardened experience. Few could match their insight and judgment.
But even harder was Gadeuksang's innate goodness.
Gadeuksang got frustrated at not keeping up, but in this brutal world, holding onto that pure heart was a thousand times tougher.
Now I see why the gang leader made this guy his right-hand man.
Those who handle information inevitably drift from righteousness and chivalry. But not Gadeuksang. He saw people over data, and because of that, he might err in judgment but always tried not to create the unfortunate.
Jegal A-yeon hoped he'd never lose that kindness.
“You lot rest too. Homecoming's just around the corner.”
* * *
“You're here.”
Yeon Hojeong headed straight for Baek Seo.
“Contact from Moyong family head.”
“...”
“Leave tonight to make the meeting on time.”
Baek Seo stared silently at the Muk Ryong Hall.
Yeon Hojeong waited patiently for his response.
Finally, Baek Seo spoke.
“Intelligence Chief.”
“Speak.”
“As you know, I can't leave. With the Deputy Leader still unconscious, I can't abandon my post.”
“I know.”
Baek Seo was one of the Twelve Branches Gods, but in a league of his own. Even acting as deputy, no one in the division would question him. That's the trust he commanded.
“If it were up to me, I'd cancel this meeting with some Six Great Families head. What use is it when the Deputy Leader's down?”
Baek Seo's gaze chilled.
“That's why I can't understand your urgency, Intelligence Chief.”
“I understand.”
Understand. Not persuading, just acknowledging.
That's what made him extraordinary, Baek Seo thought. The new chief was as fierce as any, yet keenly aware of others' positions.
Baek Seo nodded.
“I'm the Deputy Leader's confidant. Whether he takes the world or wanders the wastes alone, I follow. But you're not.”
“...”
“You're a cog in fulfilling the Deputy Leader's dream. And cogs have their uses—like me.”
“...”
“I'll guard the Deputy Leader. You do what he wants.”
Yeon Hojeong clasped his fists in salute.
“Thank you for understanding.”
Baek Seo turned.
“The physician?”
“Gui Myeong Sin Ui responded. No later than five days.”
“Faster than expected. Good.”
Baek Seo gazed at the ceiling. Even Yeon Hojeong couldn't guess his thoughts.
“I'll assign Yin, Chen, Si, Shen, and Xu from the Twelve Branches Gods.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed. Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Dog. Not just five elites—their forces meant over three hundred masters.
“With that much power, even if Moyong family head laid a trap, escaping with your life won't be an issue.”
“More than enough.”
Baek Seo turned.
“No formal orders. Depart when ready.”
“Got it.”
“Intelligence Chief.”
“Yes?”
“Safe travels.”
Yeon Hojeong, who had been watching him steadily, pulled three neatly folded documents from his bosom.
“Take these.”
“What's this?”
“Detailed info on a traitor in headquarters.”
“...?!”
Baek Seo's face hardened like stone.
“Traitor, you say?”
“Yes.”
“...Who?”
Yeon Hojeong pressed a finger to his lips.
“You'll know once you read. I've held off till now to avoid more chaos on top of the Deputy Leader's collapse.”
“...!”
“Called him to my quarters for questioning, and he showed his true colors. Fight broke out; I subdued him.”
Surprise flickered in Baek Seo's eyes.
“Subdued?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Hojeong lowered his voice further.
“Made contact naturally and lured him there. Telling you now—not just because things are chaotic, but I don't rule out more traitors.”
“...Hm.”
“The Deputy Leader's collapse might even be their scheme.”
Tzztzztzzt.
Killing intent poured from Baek Seo.
“Those bastards dare...!”
He knew it was speculation, yet couldn't contain it. When it came to Yang Cheon, composure fled him.
“I'll prepare at once. Depart within the hour.”
“...”
“After we leave, head straight to my quarters. Traitor's locked there.”
“...Understood.”
“One more time: Move fast. If there's a backup, they'll trace his last movements and bolt.”
“Right.”
“So seal all Muk Ryong Bu access the moment we depart. Grab the traitor from my place. After that... I trust you'll handle it.”
Baek Seo saluted.
“You've worked hard in the shadows. Thank you.”
Yeon Hojeong returned the salute.
“Just doing my duty.”
“One question.”
“Ask.”
“How'd you know he was a traitor?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“He was too detached from the Twelve Branches Gods.”
“...The Twelve Branches Gods!”
“A first-rate spy avoids notice in personality, role, location. But top-tier ones grab eye-catching roles in prominent spots with flashy moves.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled bitterly.
“Though calling a traitor a spy might be a stretch.”
He turned.
“Take care of the Deputy Leader.”
Baek Seo nodded gravely.
“I'll expect your successful return.”
With his back turned, Yeon Hojeong smiled wryly.
Sorry, but we won't meet again.
* * *
Splash!
“Kuhuk!”
The sudden deluge snapped Heuk Yang awake.
“Hah! Hngh!”
Pain surged from everywhere as consciousness returned. Broken ribs and collarbone locked his upper body. His right arm—torn cartilage, shattered joints—felt nothing. Dull throbs from thigh and abdomen. All from the Intelligence Chief.
Jeong!
Heuk Yang ground his teeth.
“That rat bastard dares ambush me...!”
Then—
“Me?”
Heuk Yang's heart plummeted.
“Don't underestimate rats. Some are as vicious as me.”
Heuk Yang strained his stiff neck to look up.
There stood Baek Seo, face more menacing than ever.
“Traitor Heuk Yang.”
“...!!”
“Quite the pitiful sight. Knew the Intelligence Chief wasn't ordinary, but didn't expect such ruthless hands.”
Baek Seo leaned in.
“But you know, right? Headquarters has torture experts who make his strikes feel like child's play.”
“...Gulp.”
“Atmosphere's set now.”
Baek Seo smiled coldly.
“Answer honestly, and I'll kill you quick—painful, but clean. Otherwise...”
“...!!”
“...I'll make you wish for death. Got it?”