A One-Nyang Bounty (1)
Baek So-cheon finished reporting his mission to Je-gal Hyeon at the strategic command center.
The Hyun-cheon-dae's first mission had been a success.
He had been upfront with Je-gal Hyeon about Jeong-pung and asked him to handle it unofficially. Je-gal Hyeon gladly accepted the request.
The real issue wasn't Jeong-pung's deviation—it was the Black Heaven Alliance's scheme.
"Yeom Sa-won was plotting something on his own."
"We've passed the list of names we got from them to Am-yeong-gak, so they'll handle the rest of the people who fell into the trap."
"Well done."
This was yet another clear sign of impending war. Both the righteous and unorthodox factions had been through one already. They knew from experience that wars tended to drag on into prolonged stalemates, and that information would be the key to victory.
Hyun-cheon Pavilion had sent out countless spies to gather intel, but they weren't framing people for murder to extract it.
"We're losing the information war."
"They don't care about methods or morals."
Due to the inherent natures of the righteous and unorthodox paths, they were at a clear disadvantage here.
"Ever since you told me about Yeom Sa-won, I've been keeping an eye on him."
When Baek So-cheon had returned from the Black Heaven Alliance, he'd told Je-gal Hyeon that Yeom Sa-won was more pathetic than expected.
"He's the official heir, but there's a lot of discontent within the Black Heaven Alliance. They can't openly oppose him because of Yeom Hwa-sin's watchful eye, but plenty agree he's unfit for the role."
"Maybe that's why he's pulling stunts like this in Jeol-gang Province."
"Exactly. It looks like Yeom Sa-won's desperate for some visible achievements."
"If we play him right, we might be able to spark internal strife in the Black Heaven Alliance."
"I'll look for a way in. You must be tired from the long trip—go get some rest."
"Yes, sir."
As Baek So-cheon left the strategic command center, he glanced at the Murim Seol-yeol-log posted on the wall. The top spot had changed at some point.
Black Heaven Alliance Lord
Blood Cult Lord
This was a rank update reflecting the news that he had achieved the Geum-gang Bul-goe Ji-che.
It occurred to Baek So-cheon that these rankings might actually be the most accurate right now.
Yeom Hwa-sin. Myeol Saeng.
If he could just kill those two, he could stop this war.
It was the solution only Baek So-cheon could pull off—and right now, the only way.
He returned home and collapsed onto his bed.
"This feels good."
When he was younger, he'd hated being cooped up at home even for a moment. Was it just age catching up? The place was starting to feel more comfortable.
As he lay there resting, Im Choong came by with some news.
"I'm thinking of setting up a modest gathering this evening. To celebrate Beon Saeng joining Hyun-cheon-dae and wrapping up the first mission safely. My wife's preparing drinks and food. The captain should join us—Beon Saeng would love that."
"Of course I'll be there. Mind if I bring a guest?"
"Not at all."
Im Choong didn't even ask who. Anyone Baek So-cheon brought along was fine—even the grim reaper.
"I'll be back shortly."
"Take your time. We're planning to drink late tonight."
Baek So-cheon washed up thoroughly, changed into fresh clothes, and headed out.
Cheon-geuk was crouched in the back room kitchen of Daroo Tea House, doing the dishes.
"Captain Baek and Hyun-cheon-dae are back."
At Dong-seong's report, Cheon-geuk paused for a moment before resuming.
"Everyone made it back safe?"
"Yes. No injuries, from what I hear."
"Who'd get hurt with him leading? So? Where is he now?"
"Looks like he went home."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Cheon-geuk's face. He could've stopped by first.
"Feeling let down?"
"Yeah. But it's also kinda hot, right? A guy who focuses on his work instead of chasing skirts."
"Of course. That's a real man."
Dong-seong chimed in with enthusiastic agreement, turning her mental victory into a landslide.
Then a voice from behind.
"Your skirt-chaser's here."
Startled, the two turned to see Baek So-cheon.
"Thought you weren't coming today."
"Had to wash up and change. Haven't properly bathed in days."
"I see."
Cheon-geuk turned to Dong-seong beside her.
"What're you waiting for? Close up shop."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Baek So-cheon spoke up then.
"Why close the shop?"
"Gotta have a drink."
"Drinking with the guys tonight. To celebrate joining Hyun-cheon-dae. Come with."
"Me too?"
"Yeah, I already said you were coming. What, don't wanna?"
"No, I do. Just give me a bit to get ready."
"Take your time."
Cheon-geuk brewed tea for Baek So-cheon and had him wait at Daroo.
While she prepared, he sat by the window overlooking the street, sipping tea.
The everyday bustle of the late afternoon market.
The calm before the storm lingered in his mind... but still, Baek So-cheon savored this peace.
Half a shichen later, Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk arrived home.
Beon Saeng froze at the sight of her.
"Gasp!"
Cheon-geuk, who loved teasing him, smiled.
"Why so shocked?"
"They say the best day of your life is when the reaper shows up."
It was an extension of the old joke about her veiled face and Na-sa-rin's prank where he'd nearly lost an eye, tongue, and hand.
"Lucky for you, the reaper's here as a party guest today."
Beon Saeng grinned wide.
"You look stunning today."
Not the flashy red palace attire from last time, but her simple white robes gave off a pure, innocent vibe.
"Get a good look now."
"Gasp!"
Jokes needed good timing to land, and these two synced perfectly.
"Oh, and I joined Hyun-cheon-dae!"
Beon Saeng was thrilled enough to brag even to the Assassin Alliance lord.
"Congrats. Now you're even closer to us."
"Huh?"
"Our targets are elite warriors from Cheol-geom-dan level and up. Welcome, potential client."
Another gasp from Beon Saeng, and Baek So-cheon delivered the finisher.
"As the maknae, it'll be a while before your turn. Relax."
Watching their retreating backs, Beon Saeng muttered.
"Hanging out with her's making them rub off on each other."
Im Choong's wife, Ju-ssi, had prepared a lavish spread.
It was the day Beon Saeng—who'd taught her son martial arts—had achieved his dream. She pulled out all the stops.
"Congratulations, young master."
"Thanks, sister-in-law."
"I knew you'd excel more than anyone."
He'd only just joined Hyun-cheon-dae, but Beon Saeng was already fitting in well.
Even on the trip to and from Jeol-gang Province, he'd hustled as the youngest.
Knowing a screw-up would reflect badly on Baek So-cheon, he'd thrown himself into team life harder than anyone. Plus, with his quick wit and easygoing personality, he adapted faster than most.
Everyone drank happily.
Great vibes, delicious food. Ju-ssi's cooking rivaled any master chef.
Surprisingly, Cheon-geuk was quiet around the group—stiff, unlike her relaxed teasing with Beon Saeng.
Baek So-cheon could guess why.
Here, she was aware of who she really was.
He felt the same.
Watching Im Choong oversee Chan practicing martial arts from afar, he felt utterly out of place in this peaceful routine. As an assassin, she'd feel it even more.
Baek So-cheon raised his cup to her.
"Drink."
"Sure."
They downed them.
Baek So-cheon knew from experience that dodging head-on wasn't always best. Sometimes, blunt questions beat tiptoeing.
"No desire to have kids?"
"Kids?"
"Why so surprised?"
"Shouldn't you ask about marriage first?"
"What, gotta marry to have kids?"
"Obviously. If I'm having any, it'll be after marriage."
"You think about it?"
She let out a hollow chuckle.
"As if."
Trained as an assassin from childhood, raised as heir.
"At least I've got a conscience. Not just for me—for the kid too, I shouldn't."
"Why think that? You'd make a great parent."
"Thanks, even if you don't mean it. But I don't want to make a child with assassin parents."
Baek So-cheon truly appreciated even those words. It was the biggest hole in her life, something she couldn't share with anyone—yet she'd opened up so easily.
"What about you? Want kids?"
"Makes me sorry I even asked."
"Why?"
"Same as you."
Baek So-cheon looked down at his hands. He'd fought for justice and righteousness, but they'd been stained with too much blood. He craved personal happiness, but starting a family felt impossible. He'd have to seek another kind.
They drank in silence.
As the mood warmed, a tipsy Beon Saeng burst into song. At just twenty-six, his voice carried a melancholic depth.
Caught up in the fun, he dragged a reluctant Im Choong out to sing, but Im Choong flat-out refused. In the end, Chan stepped up and demonstrated his forms.
Baek So-cheon went over and pointed out a few things for Chan to fix.
Im Choong told Chan repeatedly: never forget those words. It was Beon Saeng's celebration, but Chan got the biggest gift.
Back at the table, Baek So-cheon raised his cup to Cheon-geuk.
"Nice."
She smiled and clinked back.
"It is."
"The Ghost Spirit Third Squad we sent to Jeol-gang Province got wiped out."
Yeom Sa-won flipped the table at Won-mu's report from his confidant. The Ghost Spirit Squad was his prized personal unit.
Crash!
The serving girls froze in terror. When he raged, attendants died just for being there—not a rare occurrence.
Luckily, he'd dismissed them today.
"Get out—all of you!"
Relieved, the women scurried away.
"Report in detail!"
"Looks like Hyun-cheon-dae's doing."
"Hyun-cheon-dae? That Baek So-cheon?"
"Yes. We got intel they deployed to Jeol-gang Branch."
"How's a powerless punk pulling this off?"
"Hyun-cheon-dae's no joke—they're picked from Cheol-geom-dan and Bi-gak."
"Damn it! Should've killed him back then!"
Yeom Sa-won's face twisted viciously.
He'd truly meant to kill Baek So-cheon. But with his father Yeom Hwa-sin there to see him off, he hadn't even tried.
"We need a way to take out that Baek So-cheon punk."
"He's mostly at Murim Alliance HQ, so it's tough."
"Just grab him when he deploys like this time."
"That's... not easy. The intel's so high-level, there's a delay before it reaches us."
"What kind of intel is that?!"
Yeom Sa-won bellowed.
"To kill him, we'd need to infiltrate the Alliance and assassinate him."
At "assassinate," Yeom Sa-won thought of one person.
"Right! That assassin bitch!"
"You mean the Assassin Queen?"
"Queen my ass—just a worthless wench. Put a contract on her."
Won-mu looked troubled.
"Sal-su Yeon-maeng won't take it."
"The nerve? When I'm the client? Use my name."
"Young lord."
"Do it!"
Yeom Sa-won's voice dropped low—meaning no more arguments.
"How much for the bounty?"
"What's typical?"
"There was a contract on Baek So-cheon before—three million nyang."
"Insane!"
Even as Black Heaven heir, he didn't have that kind of cash. It'd require faction-level funding.
Yeom Sa-won thought of the opposite approach.
"Make the bounty one nyang. Perfect for a powerless punk. Use my name."
He wanted to see how they'd react. Confident they wouldn't dare refuse.
Won-mu wanted to say no. They wouldn't accept, and it could stir up trouble.
But his predecessor had tried dissuading him like this and ended up with a smashed skull. Except around his father, Yeom Sa-won treated the world as his own. Won-mu declared loudly.
"I'll put the contract in right away."