Chapter 94
Chapter 94
Yeonghwang Yuse.
Few knew the origin of that entity.
Those who joined Yeonghwang Yuse were everywhere and nowhere. They had taken root in Xinjiang and even within the Martial Alliance, yet so few knew of them that they were, in the truest sense, elusive as ghosts.
That the treasures of Yeonghwang Yuse were piled like mountains within Heukryong Garden (Black Dragon Garden) was something even Beom Jung had only recently learned through Jin Cheong-ak.
Among Hangryong’s Four Branches, Heukryong Garden was the most secretive. Its gates were always closed, and it carried out no outward activities. It seemed that was to protect those treasures.
“……”
The Gate Master stood silent, then abruptly shifted her gaze.
At the end of it stood Namgung Pae.
He let out a hollow laugh.
“Is this not contrary to our agreement, Gate Master? If you act so, the whole world will deduce that I am the Master of Heukryong Garden.”
Beom Jung nearly replied, Had you simply kept your mouth shut, half the world would not have known, but decided against earning his lord’s rebuke.
“I have said nothing. However, by my principle of never lying to a paying client, and since I was requested to demand silence regarding Heukryong Garden, I merely inquired whether that client intended to resolve the matter.”
“A shallow ploy.”
Beom Jung did not miss the brief moment when the Gate Master’s gaze lingered on Yeo Il.
It was like a fledgling seeking praise from its mother. The sight made him uncomfortable.
To watch such absurd coyness from someone whose nature was plainly known.
Still—so a member of the Namgung Clan was the Master of Heukryong Garden? That had been unimaginable.
Jin Cheong-ak stroked his chin, appearing impressed.
“The Master of Hangryong’s branch is a man? Unexpected.”
That was the surprising part to him.
Namgung Pae blinked slowly, as though measuring the treasures sleeping within Heukryong Garden.
“In Heukryong Garden… yes, many items are stored there. Things I cherish, and that Cheon Muryeong cherishes…”
At the mention of Jeilak, the air grew heavy. Faces stiffened.
Only Yeo Il twisted her lips, brushing at her ear as though it had been sullied.
What a peculiar woman.
Beom Jung suppressed a sigh as he saw his lord hide a smile at her reaction.
“Curious?”
Namgung Pae suddenly asked, drawing something from his robes and tossing it into the air.
It flew not to Jin Cheong-ak nor the Gate Master, but to Yeo Il.
“A pass token. This is fitting. Soyo, there is something I have long wished to show you. I had hoped we might meet there at least once.”
Long wished?
After speaking, Namgung Pae crossed the bridge without another glance.
Jin Cheong-ak murmured gravely,
“I must follow.”
“Do not forget—companions are not permitted.”
Namgung Pae vanished into the shrine.
Jin Cheong-ak turned back to Yeo Il and whispered,
“Do not worry. We shall follow in secret.”
Of course, Yeo Il’s expression indicated she did not care in the slightest.
The Gate Master spoke softly to Yeo Il.
“Stay the night.”
“……”
“Seven days—or at least tonight… you will, will you not?”
Yeo Il was about to refuse, to say that once the sun set she could float away down the stream upon a leaf if necessary.
Then she saw Seol Yeong receiving treatment from the physician.
She sensed Namgung Jeok-myeong wandering near the room where he had been left behind.
Her answer was already decided.
“Very well.”
She glanced once at the radiant Gate Master and once at Jin Cheong-ak, whose expression remained unreadable, then hoisted Seol Yeong over her shoulder and returned to the room.
Sixth. If you encounter one who has lost their mind, grant one of their requests.
One high-difficulty dying wish fulfilled.
Upon reaching the fourth floor, she met the eyes of two swordsmen guarding the door. They bowed and stepped aside.
They had vacated earlier knowing the Gate Master would not harm her.
Which also meant that if the Gate Master truly lost control, nothing could be undone.
Thus, Yeo Il could not refuse the request to stay one more night.
Thud.
Still circulating his qi?
After roughly laying Seol Yeong down, Yeo Il sat before Namgung Jeok-myeong, who remained in meditation.
Cold sweat beaded upon his brow.
This was not simple detoxification. His pale complexion suggested inner demons had arisen mid-cultivation.
Even at this level, to suffer deviation during circulation.
A reminder not to neglect internal energy practice—advice meant for herself as well.
Should I assist?
She hesitated, then withdrew the thought.
Unnecessary bonds brought no benefit.
And if Namgung Jeok-myeong glimpsed her past—
Wolgeom Il-sal of Salmak was his enemy.
Instead of placing her palm on his back, she curled against the wall near the door.
Perhaps it was because this place held old memories.
No matter how she emptied her thoughts, unease lingered.
She opened her eyes again in the deep of night, when an owl cried.
The two men’s conditions were unchanged.
Slowly, she grasped the sheath beside her.
Someone stood beyond the door.
For a moment, no movement.
Then the door opened just enough for a finger to slip through.
Yeo Il sprang forward, striking the intruder’s nape with the blunt end of her sheath, forcing him to the ground and sealing his acupoints.
“Ugh.”
Pressing the sheath against his throat, she asked softly,
“Who sent you?”
“……”
“Yuyu?”
“……”
“Namgung Pae?”
“Ghk—!”
As the man’s consciousness faded—
“Release him.”
A low voice sounded from outside.
“He is Cho Iryang’s man. He means you no harm—only to observe the Second Young Master.”
Without loosening her grip, Yeo Il turned.
Namgung Pae stood there casually, long hair loose, moonlight casting his features in silver—eerily reminiscent of Namgung Jeok-myeong’s distant future.
“What is there to observe in a room where he is absent? A ghost?”
“He may have vanished in a moment’s distraction. It would suit his temperament.”
Rather than answer, Yeo Il stepped outside and struck behind the corridor.
A heavy body fell four stories below.
“That one?”
Namgung Pae leaned over calmly.
“Also Cho Iryang’s.”
At that, Yeo Il leapt onto the eaves.
Another thud.
A man staggered back, eyes rolled white, collapsing before the door.
“And this one?”
Namgung Pae shook his head.
“So you no longer intend to hide who you are. Has something changed?”
“If you do not wish to answer, then do not.”
She kicked the unconscious man over the edge.
Namgung Pae surveyed the courtyard blooming red like a midnight inn.
“Among the many crimson lanterns’ owners, there is one of the Cho family.”
“The family of Cho Iryang?”
“They are deeply suspicious. As is Cho Iryang. It runs in the blood.”
So Hangryong had long dealt with both Yeonghwang Yuse and the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
And yet they dared proclaim Salmak’s return.
It meant Yeonghwang Yuse did not care if their existence became known.
Namgung Pae glanced into the room.
“He still has not regained consciousness.”
Yeo Il shut the door, blocking his view.
He seemed surprised.
“You care for my nephew.”
She considered that, then reopened the door wide.
Namgung Pae shook his head.
“There is one thing I wished to ask, if you were alive.”
“Keep it.”
“Where is Wolgeom?”