Chapter 87. The Wind Does Not Cease (5)
“Was there really such a thing?”
“Yes.”
The middle-aged man gazed out the window. He wasn’t particularly tall. His build was average. But the aura emanating from him was utterly at odds with his unremarkable appearance. It felt vast and open like drifting clouds, yet laced with an inexplicable resolve. Less like a martial artist and more like a scholar or official—one who honed wisdom through accumulated knowledge and pursued righteousness with that wisdom.
He was none other than Jegal Munho, patriarch of the Jegal family.
Jegal A-yeon asked calmly, “Father, you’re the patriarch. Even if I’m your daughter, I shouldn’t overstep.”
“……”
“But this time, I wanted to ask.”
“……”
“What do you think of this marriage proposal?”
Jegal Munho turned to look at Jegal A-yeon. A trace of bitterness clouded his deep, thoughtful eyes.
“What parent in this world would wish for their child to spend a lifetime with someone they don’t love?”
“……”
“But several pillars of the family have rotted away. Even when I sensed something amiss, I brushed it off with excuses of being too busy. My failure to address it properly back then still haunts me.”
“……That’s all in the past now.”
“Yes, it’s passed. But……”
Jegal Munho closed his eyes. A flicker of self-reproach crossed his gentle features.
“But it was simply my own greed that went too far.”
“……”
“What’s broken can be rebuilt. The issue is the time it takes. The martial world seems at peace now, but beneath the surface, the karmic laws of the jianghu—demanding blood and death—are always poised to erupt.”
“Karmic laws……”
“I didn’t want to see the family crumble in my generation. But that was just another excuse. Watching the Myeong family’s downfall this time, I’ve rediscovered the simple truth: excessive ambition inevitably leads to ruin.”
Jegal A-yeon asked, “Do you have ambitions too, Father?”
Jegal Munho nodded as if it were the most natural thing.
“Of course.”
“……I see.”
“I don’t think harboring ambition is wrong. It’s just…… failing to honestly acknowledge it that’s the mistake.”
Jegal Munho’s gaze sharpened.
“I was the fool. I nearly made my daughter unhappy because of my greed.”
“No, Father.”
“The Dragon Head Fortress leader was right. I plan to reject the Namgung family’s proposal.”
Jegal A-yeon’s eyes wavered.
“For the time being, the Namgung won’t dare antagonize us. With such a massive incident, they’ll have to lie low.”
“……”
“Don’t worry about a thing. Focus on your studies.”
Jegal A-yeon stood with a smile. “Father.”
“Speak.”
“Don’t try to shoulder everything alone.”
Jegal Munho burst into laughter. “You’re a good decade away from lecturing me like that. Keep refining yourself, over and over.”
“Yes!”
“Ah! By the way……”
Genuine curiosity lit up Jegal Munho’s face.
“Did you give that youth, Yeon Hojeong, the Socheon Gi-dan?”
Jegal A-yeon’s face twisted involuntarily. “I did. Just thinking about it still makes my teeth grind.”
“What happened?”
Jegal A-yeon recounted Yeon Hojeong’s reaction word for word.
“It was the height of rudeness. I really wanted to smack him one.”
Jegal Munho’s eyes curved into a smile. “A-yeon.”
“Yes?”
“Do you perhaps have feelings for the Yeon family’s eldest son?”
It hit like a bolt from the blue. Jegal A-yeon shook her head furiously, nearly snapping her neck. “No! No way! Who’d fall for a guy with zero manners like that?!”
“Aren’t you lacking in manners yourself?”
“Father!”
Jegal Munho chuckled. “I asked just in case. Your reaction every time his name comes up is always so…… intense.”
“What’s wrong with my reaction? What?!”
“Your mother was just like you back then. She probably still curses me out the same way.”
“Not even close?!”
“Then what is this youth, Yeon Hojeong, to you?”
Jegal A-yeon’s eyes narrowed slyly. “Hmm…… An annoying guy who gives nothing back…… but also a curious old soul who piques my interest…… something like that? Just a friend.”
Jegal Munho’s expression turned awkward. “A colorful assessment.”
“Can’t pin it down in one word. He’s so unique. I end up thinking about him now and then when he’s not around. Wonder what mischief he’s up to next?”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“I see.”
“Why are you smiling?”
“Just smiling.”
“……That’s so suspicious! Don’t get any weird ideas!”
Jegal Munho looked out the window again. The drifting clouds seemed utterly peaceful.
A-yeon’s all grown up.
Jegal A-yeon flailed in protest. “Whatever you’re thinking, it’s absolutely not!”
* * *
Yeon Hojeong and his group left the medical quarters and took to the mountain paths. Official roads would be more comfortable no matter the destination, but Yeon Hojeong’s notoriety was the problem. Rumors spread like wildfire and died just as fast. The issue was the immediate moment.
His blazing reputation in Henan drew crowds eager for even a brief exchange. In the end, they chose the mountain trails. It took longer, but avoided the hassle.
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.
Psssh.
A faint haze rose from Yeon Hojeong, who sat cross-legged. It’s finally working.
The Black Tortoise Qi surged vigorously, purging all impurities from his damaged meridians. The mountain air he inhaled cleared his mind in an instant. His reason sharpened. Naturally, the White Tiger Qi opened, mending the lingering shocks in his muscles and bones. The blazing Vermilion Bird Qi circulated pure blood through his body.
His condition improved by the day. The chest wound from Myeong Cheon’s sword had nearly healed. Astonishing recovery.
He’d grown anxious at the slower-than-expected pace, but in just days, he’d returned to normal at breakneck speed. Why is this happening?
Recovery was good, but he couldn’t fathom the reason. I’m fully aware of the differences between my past and current body. Even accounting for that, it was slow at first. But once I stabilized somewhat, it accelerated.
A shadow of unease crossed Yeon Hojeong’s face. This isn’t good.
Whether positive or negative, he needed to understand the cause to prepare accordingly. Is it because I lack Azure Dragon Qi?
In that brief clash, he’d summoned three of the Four Gods Martial Arts energies far quicker than anticipated. Boosting his combat prowess and raw power dramatically. Leaving him unstable.
He’d refined each energy individually, but hadn’t harmonized them yet. Without Azure Dragon Qi, full integration was impossible anyway. Still, the inexplicable phenomenon made him consider it.
“Hoo.”
Yeon Hojeong sighed and rose. “I’ll keep cultivating. Eventually, I’ll find answers.”
His instincts told him it wouldn’t resolve with immediate probing. Best to shake off the unease and focus on something productive. Time to refine my martial arts too.
He recalled facing the Myeong family elites. I could overwhelm most. Even before summoning Vermilion Bird Qi, I held off Myeong Cheon for dozens of exchanges.
The Myeong arts were a forced perversion of the Four Gods Martial Arts. Powerful, but riddled with fatal flaws. Full of openings.
Yeon Hojeong had dismantled their counterfeit arts thoroughly. In truth, the Four Gods Martial Arts weren’t easily countered. Near absolute, its forms resisted counters. But as one who’d nearly mastered it—short only Yellow Dragon Qi—he exploited their minute flaws, breaking them apart.
His true energy’s transformations played a huge role too. Before the original heir and true successor, the fakes crumbled or vanished helplessly.
In short, Yeon Hojeong overwhelmed the Myeong elites because of the arts he wielded. I’m stronger, but still far from enough.
He needed more power. More growth. At minimum, reclaim the might that earned him the title Black Dark Emperor.
Uncrosing his legs, Yeon Hojeong hefted his axe.
“Yang Heum.”
“Yes, Young Master!”
“Where’s Captain Sin?”
“Ah, the captain went down to the county for a bit.”
“To the village? Why?”
“We’re not sure either……”
That was when Sin Mo climbed up from below.
“Captain Sin.”
“Ah, finished your meditation?”
“Yeah.”
“How’s your body?”
“Perfect. All healed.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Not the point right now. Weather’s cooling off—fancy a spar?”
Embarrassment crossed Sin Mo’s face. “Young Master.”
“Yeah?”
“First, let’s discuss that matter from before again.”
“Discuss? What matter?”
“Serving you.”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head. “I told you before—I’m just wandering the world. I don’t need the Chaeng-eungdae’s help anymore.”
“As you know, the jianghu is dangerous. Perils can strike anytime.”
“A warrior who fears blood can’t draw his blade.”
“Still……”
“Besides, you’re family retainers. The family’s armed force can escort their young master, but once the mission’s done, return to your duties.”
“……”
“I don’t know the details, but the family’s stretched thin right now. You’ll be busy. Go help Father. That’s your role.”
Sin Mo sighed. “Then at least two squads……”
“No. Stop worrying about me and focus on your posts.”
Protecting the family heir was their duty, true. But Yeon Hojeong refused firmly. He had confidence in surviving anywhere, but more than that, he didn’t want the family suffering for his actions.
Sin Mo pondered, then steeled himself. “Understood. We’ll return to the family then.”
“Good. I’ll send Father a letter separately.”
Yeon Hojeong tapped his axe blade. “All set? Let’s spar then.”
“But allow us to follow until this matter’s resolved.”
“This matter?”
Sin Mo drew a letter from his robes. Yeon Hojeong eyed it curiously.
“Word from the Beggar Sect.”
“Hand it over.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes flashed as he opened it. Tension etched Sin Mo’s face.
“Given the sender, trouble’s likely. But grabbing you just as you’re leaving? There’s intent behind it. Doesn’t feel benevolent.”
“……Moyong Gun.”
Indeed. The letter was from Moyong Gun.
Indifference settled on Yeon Hojeong’s face as he folded it. Of course it wouldn’t end cleanly.
He’d have to meet him eventually. Better that he reached out first—less hassle. Wait, and he’ll strangle himself.
Yeon Hojeong slung his axe on his shoulder. “Prepare to descend.”