Welcoming Guests (2)
“Has Commander Yeon arrived?”
Yeon Hojeong cupped his fists in salute.
“Greetings, Military Strategist.”
Jegal Munho gave a wry smile.
“The heavens and earth seemed to quake. I thought perhaps the troops were running drills, but that wasn't it, was it?”
As the military strategist, his role emphasized intellectual prowess, but Jegal Munho was still the head of one of the Six Great Families. His senses were as sharp as any peak master.
“But what brings you here?”
“Hoho, sit down first.”
“Yes, sir.”
Moments later, two cups of tea were placed on the table.
“I have business to discuss with Commander Yeon alone. A-yeon, why don't you step out for a bit?”
Jegal A-yeon pouted.
“I'm the military strategist of the Myeol Sa Army too, you know.”
“A-yeon.”
“Tch, fine.”
As Jegal A-yeon left, Yeon Hojeong smacked his lips.
“Is this about the Mad Faith Three Sects?”
“We'll talk about that later. It's gravely serious, but they won't invade the Central Plains just yet.”
“True enough.”
“The reason I came to see you today is this.”
Jegal Munho pulled a letter from his bosom and handed it over.
Yeon Hojeong frowned upon reading the first line.
“Western Divine Maiden?”
“That's right.”
“What is this? Some half-assed nickname slapped together?”
Jegal Munho couldn't help but chuckle.
“I've never given it much thought, but you're right—it does sound pretty slapped together.”
“Exactly.”
“As the name implies, the Western Divine Maiden hails from the West. Read on, and you'll see why she's called a 'divine maiden.'”
A moment later.
“Ho.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled—a smile tinged with admiration.
“A healer who has reached divine levels in her arts, offering them freely to the poor and afflicted... Impressive.”
“Isn't she? Though she's from the West, her spirit of service and kind nature earn her respect from all. No one dares belittle her.”
“Nothing dumber than judging someone by their skin color.”
“Hoho, well said. Beyond that, they say she's stunningly beautiful. Apparently, that's one reason she's hard to dismiss outright.”
“Hmm.”
Yeon Hojeong set the letter down.
“So what brings this remarkable woman to the Martial Alliance?”
Jegal Munho shook his head.
“It's less 'what brings her' and more that we've been inviting her since the Alliance's founding. She always refused, citing the many patients under her care.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled. Stories of upright, good-hearted people never failed to lift his spirits. He admired those who did what he couldn't—without hesitation or concern for wealth or fame.
“We couldn't very well drag her away from her patients. So we waited, and recently, she finally accepted our invitation.”
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
“But why invite her specifically? She's a rare virtuous soul worth meeting, sure, but it sounds like there's more to it.”
“Hoho, you're sharp as ever.”
Jegal Munho's eyes grew serious.
“We're planning to establish a medical institution under the Martial Alliance.”
“A dedicated healing hall for the Alliance?”
“'Healing hall' might be too narrow a term. It's broader than that. But it's not wrong, either.”
“Hmm.”
“The world is harsh. Conflicts and battles arise constantly, and the Martial Alliance stands at its center. Our warriors will suffer countless injuries ahead. We can't keep relying on hired physicians forever.”
“But doesn't the Alliance already have something like that?”
“Of course. They're all skilled healers. But they're contractors. When terms end, we renew or hire new ones.”
“So you're proposing a permanent institution under the Alliance.”
“Exactly. The leaders unanimously agree on this.”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“Blacksmiths and healers are a warrior's closest allies. But a dedicated Alliance healing hall... It's a bit odd.”
“Why? Something bothering you?”
“Not exactly. It just feels like this plan signals no intention of disbanding the Alliance anytime soon.”
Jegal Munho's eyes sparkled.
“I'm too impressed to keep praising you, but you cut straight to it. Your insight is astounding.”
“Feel free to keep praising. I'm getting used to it—feels good now.”
“Tch, you rascal.”
“Heh.”
“Many leaders shared your concern. I was one of them.”
“Makes sense. Minimizing immediate losses comes first.”
“Well seen.”
Jegal Munho's expression turned grave.
“The Mad Faith Three Sects' power is unknown. Before pondering the Alliance's future, securing as many skilled healers as possible is wise.”
“Fair point.”
Yeon Hojeong scratched his head.
“That said, the Western Divine Maiden... Is she that famous? I've never heard of her.”
“Those in the know know her. Folks uninterested in healing might not. Though given her skills and character, she's somewhat overlooked.”
“Pardon?”
Jegal Munho sighed.
“Factions exist everywhere, don't they? To the Central Plains' healing lineages, she was a thorn in their side.”
“Whoa.”
“Her arts blend Western and Central Plains medicine, surpassing our famed physicians. So they slander it as 'heretical.' That's the story.”
Yeon Hojeong scowled.
“Healers wasting energy on nonsense instead of saving lives.”
“Indeed. Her fame hasn't echoed across the land largely because of them.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Even so, the Alliance couldn't ignore local physicians outright. Clever to invite her anyway.”
“What matters to us is skill and character, not tradition or coin. Plus, she's young—perfect for growing alongside others.”
“Smart move.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
“So, what's my role?”
“You already know, don't you?”
“Escort duty?”
“Precisely.”
Jegal Munho sighed.
“As I said, she has enemies. And those eyeing her. No one's moved yet, but rumors of her coming to the Alliance might draw Muk Ryong Bu or others to attack or abduct her.”
“Then wouldn't stealth specialists be better? Sneak her in quietly.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“Pardon?”
Jegal Munho smiled.
“Why skulk when the Martial Alliance of the world can send capable folk openly?”
“Sudden confidence?”
“Hoho, most leaders think alike. Not wrong, either. Sometimes caution is key, but there are times to act boldly, risks be damned.”
Yeon Hojeong smirked.
“Showing off the Alliance's might through me?”
“One reason among many.”
“I'm not that strong.”
“Worst joke I've heard this year. And we want more than your strength.”
“What then?”
“Reputation.”
“Hmph.”
“The name of Bi-san Yeon's young lord, who stands at the pinnacle of this generation alongside Heaven-Earth Bagua Sword Moyong Woo, carries weight. It's spreading across the Central Plains.”
“Even more annoying. Expect challengers itching to test me.”
“Crush them all.”
“Easy for you to say—it's not your problem.”
“Think of it as training.”
Yeon Hojeong gave a wry smile.
“The whole Myeol Sa Army?”
“Your call. Take a few elites or the full force.”
“Departure?”
“Within five days.”
“Understood.”
Yeon Hojeong rose.
“How's Moyong Gun these days?”
Jegal Munho shook his head.
“Quiet. Laying low after that incident.”
“I see.”
“As you said, we're watching his every move. Report anything suspicious.”
“Will do.”
Turning to leave, Yeon Hojeong paused, struck by a thought.
“Strategist.”
“Hm? More to say?”
“This mission—does it have to be the Myeol Sa Army?”
Curiosity crossed Jegal Munho's face.
“Not the Myeol Sa Army? Why? Want someone else?”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
Yeon Hojeong grinned as he spoke.
Jegal Munho's face hardened.
“You sure?”
“Reputation matters, right?”
“True, but... really?”
“I have some investigating to do anyway. If no issues, I'd like them along. Okay?”
“...”
“If not, no big deal.”
Jegal Munho smirked.
“I'll trust you have your reasons.”
“Thanks.”
“Good luck again. Sorry to burden you so soon after the last tough one.”
“Don't say that. This is my choice, not just your orders.”
“Hoho, got it. Off you go—you're busy.”
“One more thing, Strategist.”
“Hm?”
“This is Myeol Sa Army HQ. Why am I leaving?”
“...Kuh!”
“Take care.”
“S-sorry.”
Embarrassed, Jegal Munho bolted out.
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
“That guy's kinda cute sometimes.”
* * *
“Hmm.”
“Hah... hah!”
Yeon Wi stroked his chin, looking down at Gang Ryang.
“Your fundamentals are exceptional. That solid foundation alone could overwhelm most masters.”
“Cough! Hack! Hah!”
“But you're too straightforward. Honesty is a virtue, yet overly predictable attacks invite counters.”
Shing.
Sheathing his blade, Yeon Wi helped Gang Ryang up.
“Hah! I-I can stand!”
“Now you're not honest. One more exchange, and you'd have blacked out.”
He stood with help, but his legs buckled.
Flushing with shame, Gang Ryang bowed his head.
“I have no face left, Family Head.”
“Hoho, don't say that. Holding out this long shows true grit.”
Yeon Wi sat him on the bench.
“Hmm, your stamina needs no work, and Gwi Cheol Geom Mun's arts are all masterpieces. I could elevate them further, but in your current state...”
Tilting his head, Yeon Wi sensed an approaching presence and smiled.
“I've got an idea.”
“Hah! Pardon?”
Moments later, Yeon Hojeong entered Pa Gun Pavilion.
“Father.”
“You're here.”
“Yes.”
“I was about to ask a favor.”
“What is it?”
Yeon Wi nodded toward Gang Ryang.
“Think you'll need your help.”
Yeon Hojeong eyed Gang Ryang.
Anxiety flickered across Gang Ryang's face, while Yeon Hojeong's twisted into a sly grin.
He knew exactly what his father wanted.
“Ho, looks like I get a taste before deployment.”