Chapter 251. The Time of the Freezing Wind (1)
The Myeol Sa Army and the practical affairs team returned safely.
Since the mission had been carried out in strict secrecy, the ordinary warriors paid little mind to their return. But the leadership was different. They were genuinely delighted at the team's safe homecoming and immensely satisfied that they had accomplished the mission successfully.
It was no small feat, after all. Infiltrating enemy territory with scant prior intelligence to extract internal information—a task with low odds of success even for top-tier spies—and a mere handful from the practical affairs team had pulled it off. It was nothing short of a triumph.
And so, Yeon Hojeong and his group returned to the Muryeong Alliance.
They had set out in late summer edging into early autumn, and now, upon their return, a biting winter wind was already sweeping down the slopes of Dae Byeol Mountain.
"You rascal."
Yeon Wi said with a smile.
"Didn't even have time to send a letter this time, eh?"
It was said in jest. They were lucky just to return unscathed from an operation where sending even a single intelligence report had been a challenge.
Yeon Hojeong replied cheerfully to his father.
"Too many pesky bugs buzzing around to bother. I tried a few times, but the surveillance was so tight I couldn't risk it."
"Glb tongue on you."
"Runs in the family."
"No injuries?"
"None."
"Good. That's what matters."
Yeon Wi strode forward and gripped his son's shoulders firmly.
"Welcome home. Truly a relief."
A rare, genuine smile softened Yeon Hojeong's face. His father wasn't rejoicing over the mission's success. It was simply the joy of his son returning whole. Even if the mission had failed, his reaction would have been the same.
That warmth eased Yeon Hojeong's heart. After a life of unrelenting tension, reuniting with family where he could finally let his guard down felt profoundly comforting.
Yeon Wi wore an amused expression.
"That said, you must've been living on your toes out there."
"Pardon?"
"At your rate of progress, I figured you'd be on par with me by now. But you're not much different from when you left."
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"You know better than to say that anywhere else, right? Reaching this realm at my age is impressive enough."
"Cheeky pup—arrogance has grown in my absence."
"Just facing facts. And honestly, even training daily, how could I dream of touching your heels?"
"Hah! Flattery now?"
"Not flattery. Your achievements deserve true praise."
In truth, Yeon Wi's martial prowess had advanced significantly since Yeon Hojeong's regression. He could sense his father's aura was far more serene and subtle now—not a regression, but a sign of explosive growth compressed to perfection, with even outward emanations under flawless control.
'Well.'
He'd been too busy for proper training. Yet his father before departure and now were markedly different. Amid his own duties, Yeon Wi had immersed himself deeply in the martial path.
Yeon Hojeong's expression grew serious.
'I do need to reflect.'
This mission had been nonstop tension. No time for cultivation, barely for sleep. But excuses aside, if he'd squeezed in moments, he'd be stronger now—though it might have jeopardized the mission.
'There were gaps, however small. Wasting them on a critical op was my failing.'
Too many foes lay ahead. Perhaps he'd grown complacent.
'Tighten up. This mindset won't cut it.'
Noting his son's hardening face, Yeon Wi spoke awkwardly.
"Just teasing. Your mission was perilous—where's the room for training? Don't dwell on it."
Yeon Hojeong relaxed.
"No, you're right. There were usable moments. With the future uncertain, I need to push harder."
"Constant tension isn't healthy. Rest deeply these next few days to recover body and mind."
"Naturally. Can't run again without proper recovery."
"Exactly."
Yeon Hojeong smiled at his father, then sobered again.
"And Father."
"Yes."
"About Moyong Gun..."
"Enough."
Yeon Wi shook his head.
"Is it so urgent you must brief me now?"
"...No, not that."
"Then save it. Your account and the official report won't match anyway. Once you're rested."
Yeon Wi smiled.
"No other thoughts—just rest. Good work."
Yeon Hojeong smiled back.
"Understood. I will."
He'd played it cool before his father, but exhaustion had indeed set in. After a thorough bath, Yeon Hojeong collapsed into bed and slept until sunset the next day—nearly thirteen hours straight.
"...Idiot."
He scratched his head.
"How long since I slept like that?"
Gurgle.
With backlog sleep cleared, hunger hit hard. What an honest body.
Yeon Hojeong rose with a wry smile.
Piiiuuung!
Thwack!
Descending to the first floor and heading to the courtyard, he heard air tearing.
'Oh?'
His eyes lit up.
Piiiuuuung!
Thud!
The twig slicing air was razor-sharp, spine-chilling.
"Hm."
Muk Bi smacked her lips.
"Not bad progress."
The twig, fired from Hong Ryeon Palace, pierced the wall—a masterful feat. Even more impressive: it was a hollow, rotten twig.
Poof.
The embedded twig crumbled to dust as controlled inner energy released.
Pride flickered on Muk Bi's face.
"With this inner energy control..."
"Impressive."
"Gah!"
Startled, Muk Bi whirled. Yeon Hojeong lounged on the bench, legs crossed.
"W-when did you get here?"
"Just now."
"Make some noise!"
"I did. Why waste energy suppressing presence?"
"Ah..."
"Focus improved. You've grown a lot."
Muk Bi flushed, embarrassed.
"Still far off. Progressing stages, but Mujongjibyeok breakthrough..."
"Oh? Dead serious about it? Breaking through Mujongjibyeok."
"Of course. I said it—reach at least your level, Young Master Yeon."
"You were smashing those stubborn Sa Hon Jo skulls like they were jokes."
"Ahem."
"Combat efficiency matches mine now? Archery's terrifying, alright."
"Just archery's nature—not me being strong."
"Father's one thing, but don't say that elsewhere. Knife in the back."
"Standards vary."
Yeon Hojeong stood.
"Anyway, eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Perfect. Training done? Let's grab food."
"Sure."
The pair left Pa Gun Pavilion for the alliance mess hall.
The Muryeong Alliance felt quieter than expected. Evening hour, plus chillier weather, kept warriors indoors.
Muk Bi grinned.
"Been a while, huh?"
"Hm? What?"
"Going for chow together. Miss the alliance cafeteria?"
Yeon Hojeong grumbled, fatigue etching his face.
"Even the weeds on the alliance walls were missed. Damn. Succeeded somehow, but ops like that don't suit me."
"For 'not suiting,' results were stellar."
"If I could snag it, proves Muk Ryong Bu's full of holes."
"New boasting style?"
"Yep."
"Annoying."
"Watch it."
Muk Bi burst into laughter. She seemed brighter than before departure.
'Good to see.'
Nature doesn't change, but smiling in joy, crying in sorrow—that's living. Muk Bi looked more human now.
Yeon Hojeong welcomed her change sincerely.
"They not summoning you? Report filed, but debrief needed."
"Father's holding them off. Attend strategy meeting in three days."
"Not urgent?"
"For now."
Urgency depends on priorities. With commander Moyong Gun yet to return, his report would paint a better picture than the team leader's.
Mention stirred thoughts of Moyong Gun.
'Not some fool dying from this mess.'
Yeon Hojeong's eyes chilled.
'Wonder when he returns. Timing'll reveal his gains.'
He was certain Moyong Gun lived—instinct, not logic. A man felled by this wouldn't have troubled them.
Lost in thought, Yeon Hojeong met Muk Bi's probing gaze. She asked lightly.
"Heard the news?"
"What news? No."
"Tang Ma Army Leader."
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled.
"What? Something happen?"
"Good news. Huge for him."
Muk Bi smacked her lips.
"Mo Yong Woo broke through Mujongjibyeok."
"What?!"
Shocking indeed.
"When?!"
"Day before we left, probably. They hushed it, but soldiers' loose lips spread it alliance-wide."
"Whoa!"
Genuine admiration crossed Yeon Hojeong's face.
"Months away, and boom—Mujongjibyeok? Incredible."
"Right?"
Muk Bi pouted slightly. Her own goal was Mujongjibyeok; reporting another's success soured her mood.
Yeon Hojeong stroked his chin, grinning.
"Picked a winner. How long since he buckled down? Already Mujongjibyeok... Heh, promising guy."
Then.
Spotting an approaching figure, Muk Bi grumbled.
"Promising future? Maybe. Past life as a tiger? Definitely."
"Huh?"
"Mention him, and he shows. There."
Yeon Hojeong looked where she pointed. Mo Yong Woo approached, smiling.
"...That smug grin's deflating my steam already."