Welcoming Guests (5)
“Hm.”
Yeon Wi glanced around. Snow was falling again. He had swept it away in an instant by channeling his internal energy, yet a layer, then two, had already piled up on the ground.
“It’s really coming down.”
Sure, the snow would just pile up again anyway, so what was the point? But in the end, clearing it made walking easier. Besides, once it started, it would build up to nearly a foot deep, and leaving it would only make things harder later.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh.
Yeon Wi swept the snow once more. He had plenty of time, and nothing else to do. Plus, the repetitive motion kept stray thoughts at bay, providing an unexpected meditative effect.
How much time passed like that?
Hm?
Yeon Wi paused, then resumed sweeping.
A moment later.
“What a bizarre sight.”
Yeon Wi looked toward the main gate. Beyond the open doors stood Dang Gwan, clad in furs.
“The head of one of the Six Great Families sweeping the courtyard? Don’t you have anything better to do?”
Yeon Wi replied calmly. “I have some time today.”
“No thought of delegating to your underlings?”
“I have no underlings. And whether they do it or I do, it’s work that must be done—so isn’t it better if I handle it?”
“Fine words.”
His signature mocking tone was unchanged. His voice still dripped with sharp edges, just as before.
Yeon Wi rested both hands on the broom handle.
“So, what brings you here unannounced and unheralded?”
“Got any liquor?”
Yeon Wi smiled. “I have some excellent stuff.”
Dang Gwan snorted. “I’ll give you a chance to apologize. If it’s not good, I’ll never accept your apology.”
“Don’t worry. It’s Kongfu Jiujiu, brought straight from Shandong. They say production is only a third of last year’s. Took some real effort to procure it.”
Dang Gwan scoffed. “The so-called wine of the world, and it turns out to be Kongfu Jiujiu?”
“This batch is exceptionally fine. You’ll understand once you taste it.”
“Hmph!”
Dang Gwan strode into Pa Gun Pavilion.
“Stop sweeping and set the table. No need for appetizers.”
“Very well.”
Dang Gwan looked around.
“No sign of any presence. Heard that Western Divine Maiden was under your protection—already gone?”
He was referring to Yeon Hojeong. Yeon Wi nodded.
“Left three days ago.”
“Good riddance to that irritating bastard.”
“Hahaha.”
“Why the laugh?”
“Doesn’t that mean I’m tolerable? Sorry to my son, but surely I’m better company than that one.”
“Delusions are free, I suppose. Whether you’re truly tolerable remains to be seen—after I sample the liquor.”
“Fair enough.”
Yeon Wi set the broom aside and led Dang Gwan to the first-floor entrance.
“Come in.”
“Huff! Huff!”
Gang Ryang’s eyes were completely unfocused. That wasn’t all—his body was covered in grave wounds, each one unnaturally deep. A fraction deeper, and bones would have been severed.
“That’s enough for today.”
“Cough! Th-thank you for your hard work!”
“You did well too.”
Thud!
Gang Ryang collapsed. The pristine white snowfield was now stained crimson with blood—a scene that could easily be mistaken for a massacre.
Mo Yong Woo, arms crossed and watching from afar, clicked his tongue in amazement.
“Yeon Gunjang.”
“Call me like you normally do. No need to hide it in front of these two.”
“…Yeon-je.”
“What?”
Mo Yong Woo shook his head.
“Isn’t this a bit too brutal? You nearly killed Gang Geomja.”
Yeon Hojeong snorted.
“If he’d die from this, better off dead.”
“Heh! You’re ruthless as ever.”
“The Ghost Sword he practices seeks overwhelming, practical strength. Given his nature, unless pushed like this, he’ll never grasp its true intent in his lifetime.”
“Mm.”
“Otherwise, he’d have to learn in blood-soaked real combat. Better to take a beating from a skilled master.”
Mo Yong Woo’s eyes gleamed.
“I’ve heard your Four Gods Martial Arts are battlefield arts as well.”
“Not comparable to Four Gods Martial Arts. That’s what makes Ghost Sword impressive—purely ferocious and practical, yet its sword intent runs profoundly deep. If he devotes himself solely to the sword, he could become a powerhouse unmatched in his later years.”
“Then why push him so mercilessly?”
“Neither of us has the patience to wait that long.”
Pure Yeon Hojeong. Mo Yong Woo smacked his lips.
“Stay at the inn tonight. If we keep going like this, Gang Geomja might actually…”
Whoosh.
Gang Ryang staggered to his feet. His breathing was still ragged, but the hand brushing snow from his body carried some strength.
Mo Yong Woo’s jaw dropped. Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
“Scary, huh?”
“H-how?”
“Innate stamina aside, his Ghost King True Qi boasts near-demonic recovery when focused. In four or five days, those wounds will be like they never happened.”
“Gasp!”
Healing such vicious internal and external injuries in mere days. Mo Yong Woo couldn’t believe it.
“Hoo.”
Gang Ryang exhaled deeply. Even with his recovery, the massive blood loss left his face pale.
“Hyung-nim really shows no mercy.”
“Recover fully by tomorrow. We’ll go again. You need to learn how to fight when not at your best.”
“Yes, sir.”
The two exchanged absurd words as if it were nothing. Yeon Hojeong shrugged.
“Anyway, like hyung-nim said, better to stay at the inn tonight. Supplies are running low.”
The most delighted was not Gang Ryang, but Muk Bi.
“Great. We should’ve done that ages ago.”
“Want a bath?”
“…Y-you jerk.”
“Just asking, no need to overreact.”
“Shut up!”
The group headed to an inn in Hubei’s Joyang County. It was larger than expected, bustling with people and lively energy.
“Rest up. I’ll check the Beggar Sect branch.”
“Going alone? Wait a bit—I’ll wash up and come.”
“Nah, it’s fine. You go ahead and clean up.”
Yeon Hojeong went straight to the branch. It wasn’t far from town. The Beggar Sect’s web spanned the Central Plains, with hidden outposts everywhere.
“I’m Yeon Hojeong, commander of the Muryeong Alliance reserve’s Myeol Sa Army.”
“We were informed. Welcome from your long journey. What information first?”
“Start with the Western Divine Maiden.”
The branch head replied promptly.
“She’s currently in Shanggu County, Jiangxi Province. Seems she plans to tend patients until you arrive.”
“I see.”
“However…”
“Hm?”
The branch head frowned.
“Word’s spreading covertly that she’s heading to the Martial Alliance. The Jiangxi Healer Coalition is controlling medicinal herbs.”
Yeon Hojeong’s face darkened.
“They’re pulling this crap even with sick patients?”
“Basically, ‘If you’re sick, come to us instead.’”
“What kind of lunatics…?”
“Exactly. But the coalition spans the Central Plains with immense influence—hard to confront openly.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes grew cold.
“Jealousy’s one thing, but they’ve crossed the line.”
“Just a word of caution—if you plan to tangle with them, tread carefully.”
“I’ve seen too many cases where overcaution meant missing what needed doing.”
The branch head sighed. As rumored, Yeon Hojeong of Bi-san’s fiery temper seemed poised to give the Jiangxi healers a thrashing.
Yeon Hojeong waved it off.
“No need to worry. I’ll watch the situation and adapt flexibly.”
“Understood.”
Relief washed over the branch head’s face. Fiery temper or not, the world’s top late-generation talent couldn’t go too wild. Of course, he didn’t know the extent of Yeon Hojeong’s “flexibility.”
“Anyway, best to hurry. Thanks.”
“No trouble. Anything else?”
A smile crept across Yeon Hojeong’s face.
“Father mentioned my younger brother’s been sending updates through the Beggar Sect.”
“Ah, you mean Yeon Jipyeong Gongja.”
“Yes.”
“One moment.”
Rummaging through documents, the branch head handed over a sheet.
“He set out recently. Entered Anhui Province; likely passing through Mount Guhua into Jiangxi, then heading north.”
Yeon Hojeong’s expression brightened noticeably. From Jiangsu’s Yeon family lands to Henan’s Martial Alliance, one could cross Anhui straight into Henan. Detouring through Mount Guhua into Jiangxi screamed a visit to him.
Jipyeong.
Yeon Hojeong pictured Yeon Jipyeong. His fair, gentle face and clear, deep eyes brimmed with boyish purity and a chivalrous sense of justice.
Have you been well?
Too busy to even think of his brother. Now, two years had slipped by.
You must have grown a lot.
Less than ten days till year’s end. His brother would turn eighteen.
Wonder how much stronger he’s become.
A warm smile tugged at Yeon Hojeong as he nodded.
“Thanks. I can get updates on Jipyeong from other branches too, right?”
“Of course. Not far, and orders came from above. You’ll hear of him anywhere.”
“Appreciate it.”
“No need. Safe travels.”
Yeon Hojeong left the branch. As he walked the streets, lost in thought, passersby stole glances.
Tall frame, armored in light plate, a man-sized axe slung over his shoulder—eyes were inevitable.
“No way… right?”
“Nah, couldn’t be.”
“But that massive axe… looks heavy. Who else but the rumored Bi-san Ho-jang carries something like that?”
“Axes are trendy thanks to Bi-san Ho-jang. No way that young guy’s the real deal?”
“Y-yeah?”
They eyed him curiously but none dared approach. Yeon Hojeong remained deep in thought.
Controlling herbs…? Is the Healer Coalition that powerful?
He knew of their existence, but not their reach.
This isn’t just about the Western Divine Maiden.
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
The Alliance needs a dedicated healer division, which requires smooth herb distribution. If they control it, that’s a headache.
He sighed.
Never thought I’d worry about something like this. Better clear my head and rest tonight.
As Yeon Hojeong returned to the inn.
“Woooaaahhh!!”
A massive cheer erupted from the top floor. Looking up, Yeon Hojeong felt the world spin.
“…You kids on a field trip or what?”
From the source of the roar came three familiar auras flickering in the air.