Chapter 35: The Difference in Rank (1)
“So you want me to take him down?”
“That's the end result.”
“What bullshit. You're just using me to slit that bastard's throat. Anyone can see it's borrowing a knife to kill.”
“So you're just going to let him be?”
“……”
“That guy's trash. Just like you said.”
“You're trash too. If it weren't for you……”
“If it weren't for me, you'd still be wallowing in defeat, chewing on your collar.”
“Shut your mouth.”
“Your family has a reputation for clear grudges and favors. You hold a grudge against him. And I'm offering you information. Simple, isn't it?”
“……”
“What's it gonna be?”
“……Get lost.”
“I'll take that as acceptance.”
“Just one question.”
“What?”
“What's your grudge against him?”
“No grudge.”
“That's a lie even a dog wouldn't buy. I can see the killing intent in your eyes. You hate him. Deeply.”
“Contact me when he's on the move. Do it or don't—your call.”
“Hmph! What makes you think I'd trust you enough to tell me that? To me, he's just as much of an idiot as you are.”
“They say the Tang family's pride is unrivaled under heaven.”
“You slimy bastard.”
“Don't forget: you only realize a good opportunity after it's gone.”
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
“Ugh! This, this isn't a joke anymore!”
Yeon Jipyeong was practically dying.
He was experiencing a hangover for the first time in his life.
Staggering as he was, even getting up seemed like a Herculean task.
Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“Circulate your qi. You'll feel better.”
Once one's internal energy reached a certain realm, one could expel alcohol right there on the spot.
But it was still too much for Yeon Jipyeong.
“Hyung Daeho said yesterday that using internal energy to settle the stomach is for alcoholics, not martial artists.”
“So are you a martial artist or an alcoholic?”
“I'll circulate it.”
“Good.”
After half a shichen of circulation, a bit of color returned to Yeon Jipyeong's face.
“Definitely better.”
“Want some hangover remedy?”
“I do, but……my stomach's not ready for anything yet.”
“Then let's get ready to head out.”
“Ready? For what?”
“Home.”
Come to think of it, Yeon Hojeong was already dressed neatly.
He seemed fully prepared.
Yeon Jipyeong's eyes widened.
“We're not disbanding together?”
“We've had plenty of bonding time. Now it's back to our own lives and duties. We'll grab a bite if we get hungry on the way.”
“Ah……”
“The Chaeng-eungdae is ready too.”
“Th-then let me at least say goodbye.”
“Of course.”
Yeon Jipyeong hurriedly changed clothes.
Was it because he hadn't expected such a quick departure? Regret was plain on his face.
Normally, Yeon Hojeong would have given him time, but not this time. Even he was firm.
I've got a lead.
There was no need to stick around Myeong Horim any longer.
The Myeong family's martial arts matched those of the attackers.
Wonder when the contact will come.
Gadeuksang's abilities were top-notch.
Back when he was leader of the Open Gang, and even now as Huigae, it was the same.
With fewer responsibilities now, he might even handle things faster.
Until then, they'd return home and make full preparations.
His martial arts alone needed plenty of sorting out.
Hope it comes soon.
With that, Yeon Hojeong led the Chaeng-eungdae toward the outer courtyard.
“Huff! Hyung Yeon! Leaving already? At least have breakfast together!”
Having grown close to Yeon Jipyeong, he was now cozying up to Yeon Hojeong too.
But the regret on Paeng Daeho's face was genuine.
Paeng Manho felt the same.
They seemed refreshingly honest.
Yeon Hojeong said, “If fate connects us, we'll meet again someday, right?”
“Urk! Don't be so cold. After it's all over, let's grab a drink at a nearby tavern. You said you'd buy a round!”
“Sorry. Got things to do.”
“Damn.”
Paeng Daeho smacked his lips.
You couldn't hold back someone with urgent business.
Paeng Manho bared his shoulder with a serious face.
“Bruises haven't faded yet. Give me a rematch later.”
“Of course.”
“Tch.”
Paeng Daeho patted Paeng Manho's shoulder.
Paeng Manho let out a piercing scream and tumbled away.
“Oh, sorry.”
A cheerful pair of brothers.
Then, from afar, the Jegal siblings came running with Yeon Jipyeong.
“Huff huff! Wh-what? Already leaving?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?! Stay till lunch and go together!”
“Our paths diverge from the Jegal family anyway.”
What a cold one.
Regret was clear on Jegal A-yeon's face.
Jegal Jun felt it too.
“Hyung Yeon. Wait just half a shichen? Lunch together?”
The usually quiet Jegal Jun rarely spoke up.
He oddly feared Yeon Hojeong.
But after seeing a few fights, he admired him too.
His personal regret was probably as great as Jegal A-yeon's.
Yeon Hojeong ruffled Jegal Jun's hair.
Jegal Jun's eyes went wide.
“Come visit Jiangsu sometime. I'll show you around.”
“Y-yes?”
“Without your sister.”
Jegal A-yeon shrieked.
“Why exclude me?!”
“You're too noisy.”
“Ugh.”
Trembling with indignation, Jegal A-yeon spoke wistfully.
“You really have to go?”
“Got business.”
His face remained impassive.
But Jegal A-yeon read the seriousness and urgency lurking behind it.
“……Yeah, no helping it.”
After a moment's hesitation, she sighed and pulled a silk pouch from her bosom.
“Here, take this.”
“What's this?”
“Just take it.”
Yeon Hojeong took the gold pouch with a reluctant face.
Anyone would think it was filth.
“It's our family's Mingma Plaque.”
“Mingma Plaque?”
Jegal A-yeon whispered, “Our main house recently started a weapons business. We've got a branch in southeast Anhui too. Map's inside—use it if you need weapons.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
“Why give this to me?”
“Think my eyes are clogged? Spear arts aren't your real skill, right?”
She'd seen right through it.
Impressive insight.
“Don't know your main weapon, but check it out when you can. The weapons we got this summer are all top quality.”
“You sure it's okay to give this to me?”
“You saved the Jegal family's eldest daughter and son. This is the least we can do—Father would give you a fortune if he knew.”
Yeon Hojeong tucked the pouch away.
“Thanks.”
Jegal A-yeon smiled.
“See you later.”
“Maybe.”
“Fix that tone next time we meet.”
Just then—
“Hyung Yeon! Safe travels!”
“Jipyeong! I'll swing by Jiangsu later! See ya!”
“Come to my place. I'll give you a whole jar of liquor.”
Behind the Paeng brothers and Jegal siblings, countless later-generation disciples waved.
Few were bidding Yeon Hojeong farewell.
Most regretted Yeon Jipyeong's departure.
He'd clearly left a strong impression at last night's drinking.
Yeon Jipyeong waved brightly.
“See you all later!”
His regret was deep, but he didn't show it.
With bonds formed, they could meet anytime.
A smile crossed Yeon Hojeong's face.
Good.
Yeon Jipyeong had charm.
Those proud later-generation disciples wouldn't dote on him just for being young.
Yeon Hojeong sincerely hoped he'd cultivate that personal appeal well.
The Yeon brothers turned away.
Jegal A-yeon gazed wistfully at Yeon Hojeong's back.
She'd talked tough, but now that he was really leaving, he stuck in her mind.
Then—
“He was quite something, wasn't he, sister?”
Jegal A-yeon turned.
“Oh, Yeonhwa.”
It was Moyong Yeonhwa.
Her aura was calmer than Jegal A-yeon's.
“Now I see how the Bi-san Yeon family rose to one of the Seven Great Families so quickly.”
“Yeah.”
Moyong Yeonhwa watched the departing Yeon brothers too.
Unlike the later-generation disciples' pure goodwill and regret, her eyes held a meaningful glint.
Will we meet again?
Young as she was, she never missed major family matters.
Not just because she was the family head's daughter.
She'd proven her capabilities.
Either way, it's a family we must absorb. No need for lingering attachments.
She knew her father had proposed business to the Yeon family.
If Yeon Wi accepted, they'd meet once more.
If he refused……they probably wouldn't.
Partner or not, the Yeon family's future is set.
Moyong Yeonhwa glanced at a tall building in the inner courtyard.
Myeong Horim's quarters.
“They're leaving.”
Namgung Hyeon's eyes, gazing down from the window, were chilling.
“Jin-gok.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Send a letter.”
“……Understood.”
Namgung Hyeon twisted into a bizarre smile.
A grotesque expression he'd never shown anyone, not even family.
“You picked the wrong fight, Yeon Hojeong.”
At that moment, Yeon Hojeong turned.
……?!
Namgung Hyeon flinched.
Too far to make out his face.
But Yeon Hojeong's gaze was fixed right here.
Namgung Hyeon's face twisted.
“Fucking hate looking at him!”
He stormed off.
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
The group left Hapbi and headed for Chaohu Lake.
They'd eat there, then take a boat straight to Jiangsu.
The road to Chaohu wasn't far.
Or rather, it didn't feel far.
“Huff! Huff!”
“Hoo, you okay?”
“N-no, not okay.”
Yeon Jipyeong panted nonstop.
Even he, with his rigorously trained breathing from internal methods, was on the verge of collapse.
And it wasn't just him.
The Chaeng-eungdae members escorting the young master looked pale too.
Sin Mo was the only one relatively fine.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled and halted Yeon Jipyeong.
“You're still far from ready.”
“Urk. Hungover makes it worse.”
“Still? Should be gone by now.”
“It is now. I'm starving to death.”
Impressive he could feel hunger amid this.
The Chaeng-eungdae looked ready to drop and sleep, food be damned.
Sin Mo glared fiercely.
“Can't even maintain formation?!”
Yeon Hojeong chimed in.
“Yeah. At this rate, the Chaeng-eungdae name rings hollow.”
Sin Mo's face darkened.
Hearing such from the young master made his neck stiffen.
The squad members stared blankly at Yeon Hojeong.
How could anyone be so devilish?
Sin Mo bellowed.
“How dare you be rude to the Young Master! Eyes down!”
A terrifying roar.
Squad members on the brink of collapse snapped to rigid attention.
Yeon Hojeong told Sin Mo, “Don't be too harsh. First time with this kind of training for them.”
“Fatigue from hard training is their personal failing. But this lack of spirit? My fault. I apologize on their behalf.”
“It's fine. A martial artist needs that much grit. No stragglers, right?”
He meant to console, but Sin Mo's face twisted further.
The squad members looked dead.
Yeon Hojeong realized his mistake.
But oddly, he wasn't sorry.
“Looks like you can barely move. Rest here. I'll fetch food.”
“Y-Young Master, let me……”
“Captain Sin, check on the squad. We eat and go right away.”
With that, Yeon Hojeong headed for the tavern.
Sin Mo's thunderous roar echoed behind.
“Hm, this place looks good.”
Surprisingly few people around the tavern by the vast lake.
Despite it being the only one in the area.
At least orders would process fast.
Yeon Hojeong strode in without hesitation.
Screech.
Opening the tavern door, Yeon Hojeong froze for a moment.
A strand of undisguised killing intent struck his head.
“Two days, huh?”
The empty first floor.
A youth lounged by the window.
His right arm was splinted, likely broken.
Dang Yangseon.