Discovery of Fire (2)
The dinner at Pa Gun Pavilion was far less awkward than expected. Surprisingly, it was thanks to Yeon Wi.
Unlike his usual self, Yeon Wi was unusually talkative, and Yeon Hojeong responded to his father in his typical manner, steering the mood with ease. Muk Bi's expression had brightened considerably as well, and she chimed in now and then. Even Gang Ryang, who had started off stiffly scooping rice into his mouth, gradually relaxed into the atmosphere and filled his belly with a sense of comfort.
Thus ended the meal, which had lasted nearly half a shichen.
"It's even colder than yesterday. Winter must really be here."
A light breath escaped his lips, forming a plume of white vapor.
"For those who live busy lives, time always flies by. And the older you get, the faster each year seems to pass."
Yeon Hojeong deeply agreed with Yeon Wi's words.
He had perfected the Four Gods Martial Arts, ventured into the martial world, and thrown himself into the black path. Looking back, he had built Heukje-seong, and the martial artists of the world had feared him as the Black Dark Emperor, the lord of that fortress.
Truly, he couldn't fathom how the time had slipped away so quickly. Even after regressing to the past and reaching this point, time had flown by in a blur.
So much has happened.
And much more lay ahead.
As long as I don't die, that is.
Yeon Wi spoke in his characteristic gruff tone.
"A fine young man."
"Pardon?"
"That boy, Gang Ryang."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"He's short on experience, but he's honest and loyal."
"So he seems."
Yeon Wi gazed up at the sky. Snow had poured down until yesterday, but today the heavens had been clear all day. The twinkling stars were breathtakingly beautiful.
"Why didn't you mention it?"
"Mention what?"
"That the young man is the heir of Gwi Cheol Geom Mun."
"Did I forget?"
Yeon Wi spoke as if dealing with an incorrigible son.
"I only heard that his parents and siblings were killed, and his sect destroyed. Until you introduced him properly, I had no idea he was from the black path."
"Must have slipped my mind."
As if. His son was always busy, but he wouldn't make a mistake like that.
Yeon Hojeong shrugged.
"But so what? He's a good kid. Not everyone from the black path is some vile scum. You know that, Father."
"Of course I do. In truth, Gwi Cheol Geom Mun simply walked a different path from our white path, but they were renowned for their bold spirits."
"I know."
"Were you testing this father of yours?"
Yeon Hojeong waved it off.
"Don't say that. There's someone else to test—not you, Father."
"Then how about softening it to 'I wanted to see your reaction'?"
Yeon Hojeong looked at Yeon Wi.
Yeon Wi chuckled softly.
"You've never been one to show your true self since you were young. But what parent doesn't see through their child's deceptions?"
"Is that so?"
"I may have raised you too harshly at times, but I never once turned my eyes from you."
"……."
"Of course, I was greatly startled by your sudden change."
The sudden change undoubtedly referred to the moment of his regression.
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
"Hearing that, I sound like an open book."
"Anyone you've shown your true heart to would think the same."
An astute observation.
If Yeon Hojeong set his mind to deception, he could fool anyone. Even Tu Wang Yang Cheon had fallen completely for his flawless acting.
But he only did so when necessary; otherwise, he had no interest in misleading others. He'd rather smash them outright.
"Father."
"Yes."
"As you once said, I'm hot-tempered and twisted inside."
"I don't recall saying 'twisted,' though."
"Close enough."
"Hah."
"But even a foul-tempered man like me knows one thing."
"What?"
"We can divide enemies and allies by factions and sects, but even within the same group, people's true natures vary wildly."
Satisfaction flickered across Yeon Wi's face.
"Well said. It took this father nearly thirty years to realize that. You're several years ahead of me."
Yeon Hojeong wanted to disagree. If he hadn't perfected the Four Gods Martial Arts, hadn't plunged into the black path, hadn't built Heukje-seong and clashed with the white path martial world, he might have remained trapped in his prejudices forever.
That's why you're the impressive one, Father.
He swallowed the words rising in his throat.
"Not all from the black path are bad. Nor are all from the white path overflowing with righteousness."
"Indeed."
"Going forward, who knows what oddballs I'll befriend? They could be from the black path, the son of some third-rate martial hall, a fortune teller, or a beggar."
Yeon Hojeong stared straight at Yeon Wi, his eyes trembling slightly.
"Will you treat my friends—like Gang Ryang here—like your own son?"
Yeon Wi, who had been gazing steadily at him, tilted his head for a moment.
"I haven't shared true camaraderie with that boy Gang Ryang yet."
"……."
"But I'll treat him like Bi-a. From what I've seen, he's worth knowing. Though the world is unpredictable."
"……."
"I trust my son, so I'll treat his friends like my own children. But building trust in a relationship takes time and conversation."
"I understand."
"Good. As long as you get that."
Yeon Hojeong smiled again.
"That's enough."
Because he's my friend, you'll treat him like a son. But Yeon Wi was human too. Separate from that, his relationship with Yeon Hojeong mattered. In other words, he'd accept any friend brought home, but he needed time with his son as well—understand that part.
Ultimately, a way of saying not to worry.
Yeon Hojeong felt a steady warmth settle in his heart at his father's words.
Yeon Wi rose from the bench.
"We'll see in time, but I understand why you took a liking to him. Of course, for him to grow alongside you, he'll need considerable effort."
"He will."
"I'll help with the small things. If the boy accepts my guidance, that is."
"Who in the world would refuse instruction from the Supreme Master of Gangdong, the Judge Sword Hero?"
"Fine words from you."
Yeon Wi adjusted his collar.
"Your inner energy flows freely enough that the cold barely touches you, but don't linger in the chill wind too long."
"Understood."
"I'm off."
Yeon Wi headed for the main gate of Pa Gun Pavilion, likely for some official duties.
Watching his father's retreating figure, Yeon Hojeong spoke up.
"Father."
"Hm?"
"Actually……."
Yeon Hojeong hesitated for a moment.
In truth, there were many reasons he hadn't spoken of his past life until now. Even after deepening their bond, his father's personality made it hard to broach—Yeon Wi wasn't great at masking his expressions.
But now. Now that he accepted him as he was, recognized him as a warrior in his own right. Now that he promised to treat any oddball like a son, with not a speck of falsehood in his eyes.
And now that the Yeon family head was skillfully wielding the wisdom gained from political strife.
Perhaps it was time.
"You have something to tell me alone."
"……Yes."
Yeon Wi, studying his son's face quietly, smiled.
"I've known for a while. That you were hiding something from me. That secret might be your greatest one."
"You knew?"
"As I said earlier, you're easier to read than you think."
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
Yeon Wi shook his head.
"Once a secret is spoken, it's done. You must have wrestled with it on your own, but if it's truly your biggest secret, even to a parent, you must be cautious above all else."
"……."
"I won't hear it today. Think on it once more, and when you're truly convinced it's safe to bare it to this father, speak then."
With that, Yeon Wi left Pa Gun Pavilion.
Yeon Hojeong, staring at the gate his father had exited, sat back on the bench.
"Speak when you're truly convinced it's safe……."
He looked up at the sky. The stars his father loved shone especially beautifully tonight.
"Truthfully, no such conviction is needed. I know you'll believe whatever nonsense I spout."
Yeon Hojeong closed his eyes.
"I only realized it now."
Parents knew everything about their children, but children sought assurance from their parents.
I'm still far from grown.
He had risen through blood-soaked battlefields, but that was all. He had reigned as the king of the black path, yet he was still young.
At least before his father, no divine martial arts, no tactical genius piercing weaknesses, no brilliant schemes were needed.
Perhaps most of what he'd shown his father so far had been a child's petulant pride, boasting of his growth.
An opportunity.
He had long wondered how he'd regressed, why heaven had sent him back.
Until now, he'd thought it was to prevent the central plains from burning. Whether heaven truly wished that, he didn't know—but believing so eased his mind.
But now, he thought differently. His return wasn't just to stop the Three Mad Sects or the Nine Great Clans.
It was to rebuild the greatest value in his life: the trust with his rediscovered family that he'd never shared before.
"Ahem!"
Yeon Hojeong turned his head. Gang Ryang had come out at some point.
"You done eating?"
"Yes."
"And Muk Bi?"
"Sister said she'd clean up herself. Told me to head out."
Yeon Hojeong made a horrified face.
"Sister?"
"Yes."
"Why is Muk Bi your sister?"
Gang Ryang tilted his head.
"She's much older than me. Isn't that natural?"
……This guy was bolder than expected. He wasn't like this before.
"Anyway."
"Don't."
"You're my benefactor, and a year older besides."
"I said don't."
"So I figured I'd just call you brother."
Yeon Hojeong scratched his arms vigorously. Goosebumps.
Of course, back in his Black Dark Emperor days, Gang Ryang had called him brother too—but this process felt off.
"Who knows when, but until we leave, I look forward to your care."
"Fine, just drop the 'brother' thing."
"No."
He looked ready to call him brother even if the sky fell tomorrow. Once he decided, he'd die before backing down.
Yeon Hojeong sighed and stood.
"Rest well here for now."
"Huh? Where are you going?"
"Muk Bi and I have places to be."
"Places? Inside the Martial Alliance?"
"Yeah."
Yeon Hojeong gazed west. Gang Ryang felt a chill dampen his back at the coldly cooled glint in his eyes.
"……It's about time that rabid mad dog started moving."