Conviction (4)
On that very day, Namgung Hyeon hosted a grand banquet. With the martial exhibition concluded, it was meant to gather everyone for drinks to wash away their fatigue. Yet the man at the center of it all didn't attend.
There was one other no-show: Yeon Hojeong.
The later-generation prodigies were disappointed. Regardless of the reasons, Yeon Hojeong had been the biggest topic of the gathering. Plenty of people were eager to chat with him. Still, they understood. After clashing with Chu-seong, he'd exchanged martial arts with the prodigies, and capped it off battling Myeong Horim. He had to be exhausted. Rest was inevitable.
And so, the final night of the later-generation prodigies' assembly deepened.
It was a night laced with chill. In the rear garden of his lodgings, Yeon Hojeong sat cross-legged. He was nearing the end of his meditation.
“Hoo.”
A turbid energy escaped with his exhale. He'd slain Ma Bang at Choseong-ru, overwhelmed Dang Yangseon, pressed Chu-seong, and dueled Myeong Horim. Feats impossible at his current realm.
Of course, he'd nearly perfected his grasp of Bi-ra Jin-gyeol. Thanks to the Black Emperor's insight and knowledge, his cultivation speed was beyond imagination. Even so, limits existed. He wasn't yet at a level acknowledged by the jangho.
Yet he'd seized the advantage in every bout for one reason: experience. The enlightenment forged within it was supremely profound. His elevated insight compensated for his unrefined inner energy and body.
But experience and insight couldn't replace everything.
Tremble.
Yeon Hojeong's shoulders shook mid-cultivation. Overexertion of his muscles and nerves. His mind and instincts could handle the fights, but his flesh couldn't keep up. Forcing it wrecked his body. That was why basic meditation had dragged on for over half a day.
“……Mm.”
Color slowly returned to his pale face.
'Good.'
Repairs complete. Not fully healed, but enough to move freely.
“Hah!”
Releasing his posture, Yeon Hojeong flopped back onto the spot.
'Stiff as hell.'
His whole body throbbed. Joints creaked beyond the muscles.
'Need more rigorous training. What I've done isn't enough.'
He clenched his fist. Power wouldn't fully gather. Probably needed a full day's rest.
Whoooong.
As his body weakened, Black Tortoise Qi stirred instinctively. Kidney functions activated. Other organs gradually improved.
'This'll do.'
Everything possible was done. With Black Tortoise Qi engaged, recovery would accelerate. Yeon Hojeong gazed skyward. The night sky was strikingly clear. Not full, but the moonlight brimmed, and the stars shimmered mysteriously. A sight to daze anyone.
Yet Yeon Hojeong's eyes grew colder as he stared.
“So it was the Myeong family.”
Precisely, their martial arts. His certainty stemmed from one thing: inner energy or forms might resemble, but true energy circulation was nearly impossible to mimic.
Heart methods included separate formulas and doctrines for strict transmission. True energy operation comprised over ninety percent. Each sect's method bore distinct traits. Unless same lineage, imitation was futile.
Moreover, that saber art Myeong Horim unleashed. Simple, emphasizing power and speed.
'It was originally a palm art. Not saber.'
He remembered clearly. Twenty-six years ago, the assailant's devastating palm that snapped his brother's spine.
That's why Myeong Horim's saber hadn't immediately evoked the attacker. That palm was originally Myeong Horim's saber art.
“……”
His powerless fist trembled. Recalling that moment summoned strength from nowhere.
'Ping-a.'
Something surged bitterly in his chest. Even on death's door with a shattered spine, his brother hadn't looked his way. Knew turning would reveal his position.
Yet Yeon Hojeong heard Yeon Jipyeong's cry in his heart.
'Run, brother!'
He'd scoffed at blood tears as exaggeration. Only for the ill or injured. But true grief brings them. Yeon Hojeong had wept them. Three days and nights, crimson stains lingered.
His hatred was that vast.
'Never again.'
Shhh.
The grass beneath him wilted. His venomous killing intent slaying the weeds.
'Never leave regrets again.'
Then—
“Vicious stuff.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed. He bolted up, spotting one man.
“Ah, vicious, vicious. So scary I can't even approach. Aigoo, my hand hurts.”
“Hyung……”
“……Not the vice-leader, but Huigae.”
“Ah.”
“Anyway, how about reining in that killing intent first? Came with the Jegal folks, but those two got spooked and fled to their rooms.”
Yeon Hojeong startled. Unaware he'd been leaking it.
Shhh.
The eerie air settled calmly. Gadeuksang admired openly.
“Truly impressive the more I see. Killing intent stems from will—stronger mind, fiercer intent.”
“……”
“Dunno why you harbor it, but you're remarkable.”
Yeon Hojeong rose. Still stiff, but no one to receive seated.
“What brings you here?”
“This.”
Gadeuksang hefted two hefty bundles.
“You said lunch together? But you ghosted.”
“Ah……”
“Ah? Krahaha! You make sounds like that too? The more I see, the more charming. Eh?”
Yeon Hojeong pointed to an outdoor table.
“Let's eat there.”
“Good. Brought booze too.”
He'd clearly drunk plenty already. Moonlight flushed Gadeuksang's face beet-red.
They sat.
“Where's Ping-i?”
“Partying hard now. As his brother, you know—kid's got a great personality. Everyone itching to buddy up.”
“I see.”
“Here, a cup.”
Yeon Hojeong lifted politely. Gadeuksang smirked.
“Ease up. No need for manners with a beggar.”
“Pour.”
“Hah! Don't hear 'stubborn' often?”
Yeon Hojeong filled Gadeuksang's cup in turn. No pretense from him. It felt natural. The vagabond king's freedom radiated.
“Cheers.”
“Cheers.”
They downed briskly.
“Krr, Seven Great Families must be loaded. This the famous Shao Xing wine?”
“Seems so.”
“First time. Always chugging cheap rotgut—famous stuff spins my head.”
He hawked phlegm, spat with a ptui! Leg propped, belly thumped—quintessential free spirit. Utterly likable.
“Body okay?”
“Fine.”
“Looks it. Muscles wrecked, yet settled already. Amazing.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed. Spotted the overexertion instantly. Indeed, no ordinary eye even in youth.
“Huigae's no easy title.”
“Naturally. Only the biggest beggar snags it.”
Odd phrasing. Yeon Hojeong chuckled. Gadeuksang grinned back.
“Nice smile. Don't scowl—laugh like that more.”
“When there's reason, I will.”
“Hahaha! Fair. Guess Young Master Yeon hasn't had much to laugh about lately?”
Laughter hid barbs, jokes concealed daggers. Yeon Hojeong didn't dodge.
“Who with reasons to laugh causes this mess?”
“True. Heard you trashed Tang heir yesterday?”
“That too?”
“Counted seventy-six mentions, quit. Lips flapping nonstop.”
“Seemed poorly raised.”
“Yeah. But too bold. Tangs won't sit idle.”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Doesn't matter.”
Didn't matter. Open to interpretations. Not suicidal, though.
Gadeuksang, poised for deeper probe, grinned wide and raised his cup instead.
“Another!”
“Sure.”
They drank steadily. Odd rapport. First meeting today, yet like old friends—deep, comfortable. Effortless.
Half a shichen passed.
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“Choseong-ru.”
“……”
“Innkeeper said. Owes Yeon family his life. Pass thanks if we meet.”
Yeon Hojeong smirked.
“Not squeamish mentioning it?”
“Ho? How'd you know?”
“Felt right.”
“Not 'felt.' Even villains fear live roasting. Who wouldn't?”
Yeon Hojeong silent. Gadeuksang confirmed.
'Not emotionless.'
Aware of his deeds' nature and perception. Yet this youth wouldn't bend convictions or standards. Right by his measure.
Gadeuksang stretched exaggeratedly, eyeing him.
“Aigoo, slammed booze after ages—beat. Mostly done, let's pack.”
“One request first.”
Gadeuksang's eyes widened. Request? This man didn't seem the type.
Intrigued. “What?”
“Not request—commission.”
“Commission…… We profit on info, sure. But fellow White Path—no need formalities. I'll tell what I can; spill.”
Yeon Hojeong outlined three things. Gadeuksang's face hardened.
“Serious?”
“Yes.”
“……First doable. Second easier. But third—you know the difficulty?”
“That's why commissioning.”
“……”
“Too hard, forget it.”
“Huh? Who said hard? Easy, easy! Can do.”
“True Beggar Clan.”
“Just curious. No fee—why?”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes blazed blue. Moonlit, ghostly eerie.
“Dig properly, Huigae…… You'll know without me saying.”
Learn in investigation? Gadeuksang grinned.
“Stirs challenge. Kid gloves off—you manipulate masterfully, agelessly.”
“Take as praise.”
“Beyond praise. What's your deal?”
“Bi-san Yeon family eldest, Yeon Hojeong.”
Not all, Gadeuksang knew. He stood.
“Anyway, heading out. Your requests—soon as possible.”
“Secrecy?”
“Joking? Obviously.”
“Good.”
Gadeuksang laughed, turning.
“Watch tomorrow. Wounded young beasts might bite.”
Cryptic words trailing, he vanished.
Yeon Hojeong looked skyward. Moon still there. Awkward, not full—like his icy gaze.
“……Time to run wild?”
Fsssh.
Weeds underfoot withered instantly.