The One Who Lights the Sacred Fire (3)
Two days later.
“Hmm.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes sank deep like a lake.
“So that’s how it was?”
“Yes, Father.”
He was managing his expression since this was a moment shared over tea with his father. But Yeon Wi had already discerned the faint frost layering his eldest son’s face.
“Sinhwa Church’s final intelligence outpost is near Heochang. Given that the third one is at Cheon Ja San, they must have at least two more places to send information in emergencies, beyond Heochang.”
Intelligence couriers who steal and exchange information operate countless outposts. Among them, the most critical are the first and last outposts. They leave the main operational ones intact but prepare several alternatives for the first and last to ensure safety. If the intelligence theft is done properly, they often maintain ten or more outposts. Four was actually on the fewer side.
“The Martial Alliance side must have judged that their existence was unknown and fortified the outposts accordingly.”
“Likely. But each outpost seemed rather makeshift. They were probably temporary setups, and over time, they’ll start building proper ones one by one.”
“Yes, that makes sense. By the way…”
Yeon Wi clicked his tongue in amazement.
“You caught every single one of those flying messenger pigeons by hand?”
“Yes.”
From Dae Byeol Mountain, where the Martial Alliance was located, through this second outpost to the third at Cheon Ja San, and then from there all the way to the final one at Heochang—he had scoured every point and returned. This went beyond mere internal energy or stamina; it was a matter of mental fortitude. Without an extreme resolve to catch them no matter what, no amount of physical prowess would have sufficed. And on the way back, he had even verified them all in reverse order.
He knew his son was ruthless, but he hadn’t realized just how tenacious he was.
It’s understandable.
His son had lived decades, only to return to the past for some unknowable reason. Yeon Wi believed his son’s confession without a shred of doubt. Regardless of how fantastical the tale sounded, Yeon Wi trusted it implicitly. And recalling those words made his son’s obsessiveness all too comprehensible.
“You’ve worked hard. Get some rest today.”
“I’m fine. This is nothing.”
“You brat, you’ve come back from such a long journey and haven’t even rested properly?”
Yeon Hojeong gave a wry smile.
“Better to sweat from my soles even if it feels like death now than to regret it in a critical moment later.”
“……”
“For now, things are quiet within the Alliance. Once Gong Gong-daesa responds soon, we can move after that.”
“Mm.”
“I’ll focus here for the time being. Please keep your eyes on the flow of political strife, Father.”
The words were a request, but the tone was firmer than ever. A terrifying presence emanated from Yeon Hojeong, who had truly set his mind to it.
Come to think of it, his son had been spreading himself too thin. Checking Moyong Gun, tending to the Myeol Sa Army, predicting the Martial Alliance’s future amid the chaos, and even watching the Three Sects’ stirrings—it was absolutely not the work of one man. Though it had been precarious, his son had held it all together to the end.
Yeon Wi’s eyes gleamed.
“I’ve burdened you too much by fussing over ‘people’ all this time. Things will be different from now on. I’ll properly monitor the political currents, so run ahead without worry.”
“Thank you.”
“But before that.”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“Unless someone’s head is about to roll right this instant, I still want you to rest today.”
“Father.”
“This isn’t an order as family head or advice as your father. It’s a request.”
“……”
“As you said, it’s better to give your all when you can rather than regret in a pivotal moment. But to my eyes, your complexion is far too poor right now.”
It wasn’t just fatigue. Was it because he was pursuing one of the Three Sects after so long? Yeon Hojeong was in a somewhat excited state. Yeon Wi could sense it all—the excitement, the killing intent, the worry, the anger, the resolve, the conflict.
“The eldest son I know is a genius who sees one or two moves ahead even in extreme excitement. But I don’t see that in you now.”
“……!”
“Rest just for today. Cool your head while you’re at it.”
“……Understood.”
Yeon Hojeong sighed.
“If Father insists, I won’t step out today.”
Yeon Wi rose with a satisfied smile.
“I hear the merchant world south of the Yangtze is stirring quite a bit. There’s a Bonggong Council meeting on that matter, so I might not return until midnight. I’ll attend the meeting and check on the Bonggong as well, so rest deeply.”
“Understood. Take care.”
“Good.”
With that, Yeon Wi left the residence.
Yeon Hojeong let out a frustrated sigh.
“Rest, huh.”
He had finally put Gi U-hui to proper use and uncovered Sinhwa Church’s intelligence outposts in the process. Now, he had to lead the construction of surveillance towers using formations around those outposts. Naturally, there was no time to rest.
But.
Yes, just for today.
He trusted his father. He trusted his father’s eyes and heart. If such a father said he was different from usual, then he was. Some gap or carelessness he himself hadn’t noticed must have been visible to his father’s gaze.
Of course, one day off wouldn’t erase the urgency, but he intended to compose himself as much as possible.
Yeon Hojeong lay down on the bed as is.
His heart pounded like thunder in his excited state. Yet once he lay down, his eyelids grew strangely heavy. Still, his mind raced on.
The political strife is handled by Father and the strategist; intelligence by Huigae; Moyong Gun by my sworn brother; the Myeol Sa Army by Muk Bi. They’re all reliable, but people are never perfect. Sooner or later, something will creak somewhere.
Yeon Hojeong bit his lip.
A single minor issue can collapse the entire organization. It’s rare, but in this situation where nothing can be neglected, I can’t afford to relax.
His head felt like it might split—it had been so long. His mind kept drifting to the Three Sects, but focusing there might create gaps elsewhere. It wasn’t distrust of others. He knew the world too well.
Of course, there was no guarantee his intervention would solve everything. In that sense, his current worries might be pointless.
After wracking his brain for a while, Yeon Hojeong sighed.
“This isn’t resting.”
He deliberately tried to empty his mind. Forcing it only brought stray thoughts endlessly. Still, he focused.
How much time passed?
“……”
Yeon Hojeong’s breathing gradually evened out. He must have been truly exhausted. His face in deep sleep looked strangely worn.
Half a day later.
Bang!
“Jeong!”
The door flew open as Jegal A-yeon burst in. Dark circles shadowed her eyes from evident hardship, but her bright gaze signaled success.
“I found it! Perfect formation from the main family… Huh?”
Jegal A-yeon frowned.
“He assigns me work and flops down sleeping? What kind of evil boss is this!”
Mid-rant, Jegal A-yeon plopped into the chair by the window. Her furrowed expression softened into blankness as she watched Yeon Hojeong.
Well, yeah.
She knew his personality. For all his talk, Yeon Hojeong wasn’t one to delegate and slack off.
If anything, he’s done the harder work himself.
Moreover, bursting in with such noise should have woken him. No, he’d have sensed her approach with his perception before she even shouted.
Yet he slept oblivious to the world, meaning his fatigue surpassed imagination.
Scratching her head, Jegal A-yeon pulled out several neatly folded sheets from her bosom.
“Tch, I worked so hard to find these. Well, it’s not super urgent anyway.”
The enemy outposts wouldn’t vanish overnight. Formations could be set up in days if the terrain fit, so letting him rest properly was best.
The enemy.
Jegal A-yeon’s expression turned serious.
Some force targeting the martial world?
She’d heard of such an organization for the first time. Of course, she didn’t blame Yeon Hojeong for withholding it until now. He and his father had their reasons for silence.
If they’re this tense, it’s no ordinary foe.
As she spun imaginings about the ‘enemy,’ a tentative voice came from outside.
“Um…”
Jegal A-yeon blinked.
“Who’s there? Oh? Jipyeong?”
“Y-yes.”
“Come in, come in.”
Yeon Jipyeong cautiously opened the door and entered. Jegal A-yeon waved with a grin.
“We barely see each other with how busy things are.”
“True. Have you been well, Sister?”
“Of course. Wow, Jipyeong’s still so sweet on second look. My bratty little brother could learn a thing or two.”
“Ahem.”
“Anyway, is Jeong sleeping? You here for him?”
“Y-yes. But he’s asleep.”
“Tell me about it. I came for something too, and he’s out cold.”
“……”
“……”
“……Ahem! Are you waiting here?”
“Huh? Yeah, obviously. Coming back later and waking him just to chase him off again sounds like a headache.”
“I-I see.”
Waiting beside a sleeping person felt oddly peculiar. Jegal A-yeon beckoned with a finger.
“Why don’t you sit too? Since we’re here, keep your sister company.”
“Y-yes?”
Yeon Jipyeong panicked. Chatting beside his sleeping brother felt wrong.
“There’s a pavilion outside. Wouldn’t that be better for talking?”
Jegal A-yeon wagged her finger side to side.
“He’s still out even with abdominal breathing. He’s deep asleep. See? Not even a hitch in his breath with you here.”
“W-well, true, but…”
“Heeey, just come sit.”
Resigned, Yeon Jipyeong sat opposite her. Jegal A-yeon smiled.
“By the way, I didn’t notice last time, but you’ve improved tremendously? If we went all out, I might even lose.”
“No way.”
“Nah. You might not feel it, but your energy feels like…”
The two conversed more easily than expected, laughing comfortably. Of course, Yeon Jipyeong occasionally glanced at his brother, lowering his voice.
Before they knew it, half a shichen had passed. In the winter mountains, sunset came swiftly. The view outside the window was already dyeing crimson.
Jegal A-yeon chuckled brightly.
“It’s been ages since I had such a fun chat. Feels like all my built-up fatigue’s flying away.”
Yeon Jipyeong smiled earnestly.
“If talking with me eases your fatigue, I’m glad too.”
“You’re a full adult now. More mature than your brother, even.”
“Ahem! N-no! Absolutely not!”
“Pfft, I can feel it.”
“Cough cough!”
“Got a nose full?”
“……No.”
Jegal A-yeon giggled.
“Come visit our place often. I’ll treat you to good tea.”
“I’ll visit frequently, Sister.”
Satisfied, Jegal A-yeon glanced at the sunset reflecting in the window.
“It’s blood-red. Like a fire somewhere.”
“Yeah.”
“Ugh, I hate fire.”
“Why?”
“Don’t you remember our first meeting? My heart method is based on wood qi, so that damn pervert nearly overpowered me with brute force.”
“Ah!”
“Ever since, fire just annoys me. They say master your divine art enough to resist fire qi, but who knows when I’ll reach great accomplishment.”
“With your brilliance, Sister, you’ll surpass anyone…”
That was when it happened.
“Exactly.”
Startled, they turned to the bed. Yeon Hojeong, now awake, stroked his chin.
“Wood and water qi are sensitive to fire… Yes, exactly. Even before divine fire.”
“Gah! When’d you wake up?”
Yeon Hojeong grinned brightly and grabbed her arm.
“Let’s go. Got a great idea.”
No time to ask where.
Whoosh!
The two leaped out the window, vanishing into distant specks in an instant.
Yeon Jipyeong could hear Jegal A-yeon’s voice fading rapidly.
“Hey, you bastard! Not once but twice… Don’t touch… I’ll kill you…!”