Conflict (7)
Paak!
Yeon Hojeong's lightness skill as he raced along the official road was truly like a bird in flight. His movements were incomparably nimble, and even with a spear gripped in his hand, he moved as freely as if carrying nothing at all.
Impressive.
Su Ryong, the Water Dragon trailing behind him, inwardly clicked his tongue in admiration at Yeon Hojeong's lightness skill.
He's not even twenty yet, from what I heard... and his martial arts are already this extraordinary?
It wasn't hard to gauge an opponent's realm just from the footwork of their lightness skill. He'd heard the rumors, but it seemed this young man had truly broken through to Mujongjibyeok.
So this is what they call a genius.
Su Ryong felt a bitter taste in his mouth for no particular reason.
The world is full of monsters, they say.
Martial prowess, intellect—he had it all. A true munmu gyeomjeon, excelling in both letters and arms. And at just over twenty years old, no less. In another ten years, he might very well reach a level where he could contend for supremacy over the world.
Boring.
To top it off, his rank in the organization was even higher than the Twelve Branches Gods. They all proudly claimed to be Yang Cheon's trusted aides and were content with that. Still, Su Ryong couldn't shake the bitterness.
At that moment, Yeon Hojeong spoke up.
"We'll stay at Cheonseong Pavilion, about three hundred jang ahead. You've all worked hard traveling. We'll depart early tomorrow morning, so avoid drinking as much as possible."
Hwa Won, following behind, sniped back snidely.
"Can't we even have a drink? I can't sleep without alcohol."
Yeon Hojeong's response was the pinnacle of bluntness.
"Once this mission ends, get a physician to check you out. Your liver's probably rotted through by now."
Hwa Won's face flushed red.
"You...!"
Then Hwan Sa intervened.
"Hwa Won."
"......"
"This is the Intelligence Chief. Show some respect."
Hwa Won snorted derisively.
"Why's the great Illusion Snake acting so subservient? What, did he buy you a round or something?"
"Hwa Won!"
"Shut it! Don't butt in no matter what I say!"
Gwang Gyeon, who had been silently following, finally spoke.
"Say whatever you want—it's your mouth. But if you plan on whining about the consequences later, you'd better shut it now."
Hwa Won's face twisted viciously. They said dogs and monkeys didn't get along? In truth, these two despised each other.
"You wanna die?"
"Got the skills to kill me?"
"You fucking mutt!"
Kung!
A powerful surge of inner energy shook the entire road.
Yeon Hojeong spoke calmly.
"This isn't a pleasure trip."
"......"
"If you cause any more pointless commotion, I'll execute you on the spot, no questions asked."
He turned his head. His chilling gaze fixed on Hwa Won.
"You especially should watch yourself. I'm warning you now: the mission won't suffer without you."
Hwa Won's face burned crimson. Rage boiled within her, nearly turning her eyes bloodshot, but she couldn't bring herself to speak. She knew this madman might actually kill her.
Having swiftly quelled the situation, Yeon Hojeong resumed leading the way.
Gwang Gyeon glanced at Hwan Sa.
Pretty ruthless guy, huh?
Hwan Sa gave only a faint nod, offering no reply. Gwang Gyeon shrugged and quietly followed.
Thus, the group arrived at Cheonseong Pavilion.
Kwang!
Under the errand boy's guidance, Hwa Won stormed straight to her room. Gwang Gyeon tsked.
"That bitch—if she keeps living like that, she won't die a natural death."
Cheong Ho spoke.
"By order of the Intelligence Chief: rest in your rooms tonight. Assemble at the inn's entrance by mid-Insi tomorrow dawn."
"Got it."
"Consider the mission started now. No needless trouble—keep it quiet."
There were no formal ranks among the Twelve Branches Gods, but on joint missions, the four—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit—typically took charge. That was why these prideful, strong-willed experts quietly obeyed Cheong Ho.
Hwan Sa said, "I'll speak to Hwa Won separately. She seems the most unsettled."
"Do that."
"And the Chief?"
"He went to the top floor. Probably pulling an all-nighter."
"Understood. Let's disperse."
With that, the five Branches Gods retired to their rooms.
Alone on the top floor, Yeon Hojeong ordered simple dishes and a pot of tea.
Hm.
As he ate leisurely, Yeon Hojeong suddenly sensed a stealthy presence approaching.
He's here.
Moments later, a transmission reached his ear.
⟨Open Gang⟩
⟨Tomorrow at early Yusi, you'll meet the Moyong family head. Relay this to Huigae as is.⟩
⟨Understood. And Huigae has a message.⟩
⟨Speak.⟩
⟨He asks if reinforcements are needed.⟩
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
Reinforcements.
If things went according to plan, he wouldn't need them. But the world was unpredictable—one could never be sure of the next moment. He hadn't expected Yang Cheon to fall like this, nor Heuk Yang to approach him before that.
It never hurt to be thorough.
⟨Reinforcements approved. Request the Myeol Sa Army.⟩
⟨Understood.⟩
With that, the Open Gang agent's presence vanished. The Beggar Sect was being extremely cautious. Yeon Hojeong had his senses sharpened to the utmost, or he might have missed it. Such stealth techniques were exceedingly rare.
Reinforcements.
A wistful light flickered across Yeon Hojeong's face.
I wonder how those guys are doing.
The Myeol Sa Army. Though they hadn't been together long, he'd crossed countless brushes with death alongside them. Before that, elite training had been grueling. Approaching black path warriors recklessly would breed rebellion, so he'd taught them patiently, one by one, with utmost care. Then came the real battles. Through innumerable combats, the Myeol Sa Army—astonishingly—hadn't lost a single soul. They'd come close to death many times, but all had endured.
They must have trained hard in the meantime.
In truth, not much time had passed since leaving the alliance. But life here had been so tumultuous that two months felt like two years.
Muk Bi must have trained them well.
She seemed timid on the surface, but when it mattered, no one was tougher than Muk Bi. It was true before his regression and after. Moreover, the current Muk Bi wielded a great weapon she hadn't possessed in her days as the Divine Bow: charisma.
Father must have helped her whenever he could, despite his busyness. She's probably a completely different master now.
His heart raced. How much had Muk Bi, Ok Cheong, Paeng Manho—and the entire Myeol Sa Army—grown?
If they haven't improved much, it's hellish training the moment I return, you bastards.
As Yeon Hojeong unwittingly smiled fondly, a voice cut in.
"Hmph!"
Yeon Hojeong turned. Hwa Won was approaching from nearby.
"I thought you were some cold-blooded monster, but you can make that face too?"
Yeon Hojeong chuckled softly.
"I'm a man of flesh and blood, after all."
Hwa Won scowled. His nonchalance grated on her.
Yeon Hojeong sipped his tea.
"So, what brings you all the way up here?"
"To have a drink."
Yeon Hojeong calmly picked up a piece of meat.
"That eager to die?"
Hwa Won grumbled.
"That's why I came for permission."
"......"
"No lie. I can't sleep without booze."
"At your level, do you even need sleep? Skipping one night won't dull your skills."
"You mean that?"
"......"
"Let me be clear: I hate you. Just knowing you're ranked higher than me, a Branch God, makes me want to puke."
"I can tell from your face."
"But a mission's a mission. Gotta be in top shape, right? Who knows what'll happen."
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Fair point."
Hwa Won dropped her arms behind her back. A bottle of liquor was already in her hand.
"Mind if I sit across?"
"Suit yourself."
She plopped down, uncorked it, and chugged. Gulp, gulp—she drank like a pro. True to her word, her face relaxed almost immediately after a few hearty swigs.
Yeon Hojeong ignored her, focusing on his meal. Skipping lunch had left him ravenous.
"Hmm."
Hwa Won crossed her arms, watching him.
Yeon Hojeong asked flatly, "What're you staring at?"
"It's fascinating."
"What is?"
"How'd a kid your age turn into such a monster?"
Yeon Hojeong met her gaze. Her cheeks were flushed—she'd deliberately circulated her qi to disperse the alcohol.
"There are too many geniuses in the world for me to be called a monster."
"What a unlucky thing to say."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"Drink moderately and head back."
"I'm finishing this bottle."
"Not just a few cups, then."
"I use bowls instead of cups. No lies here."
Unlike you.
Her eyes turned sly.
Yeon Hojeong's lip curled.
"Still suspicious of me?"
"No hard proof. But I'm a twisted bitch by nature. Once I suspect someone, I stick to it till the truth shines bright."
"Sounds exhausting."
"I hear that a lot. Especially from that mutt Gwang Gyeon."
Yeon Hojeong said nothing, resuming his chopsticks.
After watching him quietly, Hwa Won smiled.
"Have a sip."
"......?"
"Doesn't that greasy stuff make you crave booze?"
"Dunno."
"If you're worried about face in front of the others, relax. My lips are sealed, surprisingly."
Yeon Hojeong eyed her inscrutably, then chuckled.
"I'll take your word for it."
He snatched the bottle from her hand and took a swig.
Hwa Won frowned.
"Ugh, strong stuff."
"Half a bottle left—how'd you plan to finish it?"
"Booze's gone now, so off to bed. That's plenty."
"Tch."
Hwa Won grumbled as she stood.
"Free starting tomorrow? After the mission, yeah?"
"Yeah. Once it's done, scatter as you like. My duty ends there."
"Good. No backing out."
"Go."
"Hmph!"
As she turned for the stairs, Hwa Won paused as if struck by a thought.
"You know, Intelligence Chief?"
"......"
"Unlike the other Branches Gods, I'm a true black path native."
"And?"
"Means I'm pretty magnanimous. Unlike those fools who forget favors but nurse grudges forever, I repay kindness too."
"What's your point?"
Hwa Won grinned broadly.
"I'll repay you for the booze someday."
"Won't need to."
"We'll see."
"Go."
Hwa Won turned with a laugh. But her back-turned face twisted into demonic fury.
You bastard. You're as good as dead.
She descended the stairs.
Yeon Hojeong propped his chin.
"......That damn bitch is begging to be killed."
Fuss...
Black smoke rose from the back of his hand.
Poison qi.