Dawn of Suspicion at Agyang Pavilion
The next morning after the incident at Agyangnu, Yi Jinpyeong heard the news while doing light training with his brothers in the serene space behind the inn. Of course, it was light only for him—it was yet another ordeal for his brothers...
Ha Gon, the young leader of Mugunjang—another Dongjeong Lake faction staying in the next room, who had come complaining about the noise only to get a few punches and end up as friends with the Yi brothers—came rushing in, panting heavily as he shouted in a frantic voice.
"Hey, you guys hear the news?!"
Yi Jinun, who had been in a daze from getting pummeled too hard by Yi Jinpyeong, turned his head with a welcoming smile.
"What news? They restarting the martial tournament?"
"Look at you stiffs. Who gives a damn about the tournament right now?! Someone died—a person died!"
The three Yi brothers stared at Ha Gon with bewildered eyes. A death was certainly big news. But in Dongjeong Lake, where fights and battles broke out every other day, was one dead body really worth this much fuss? Even if everyone was in a truce for the Dongbeonhoe event and the Open Faction's gathering.
But Ha Gon's next words shocked them all.
"A body's floated up near Agyangnu... and word is, it might be one of the Open Faction's own! Their warriors are all out in force—total chaos right now!"
"What about gender? Age?"
"No clue. That area's locked down tight. Their faces look grim—like something huge is about to blow."
The three brothers stopped training, threw on their clothes, and headed outside the inn. Rumors had already spread like wildfire; forces from Dongjeong Lake staying in nearby inns were buzzing and heading toward Agyangnu. A death among the Open Faction wasn't just any incident.
But the crowd soon hit a wall. Open Faction warriors and Dongbeonhoe enforcers had mobilized en masse, sealing off the inn district where Dongjeong Lake factions were staying.
This wasn't just a warrior zone—merchants, common farmers, and even escort caravans were locked down tight, voices of complaint rising everywhere.
"This ain't right—blocking us from going anywhere?!"
"We've got mouths to feed too, you know!"
But that lasted only a moment. Under the enforcers' piercing glares, they fell silent and bowed their heads.
Meanwhile, the number of controlling warriors kept growing. Normally, Dongjeong Lake factions wouldn't comply, but first, they were guests at the Dongbeonhoe invitation, and second, with Open Faction warriors blocking the way, no one dared act rashly.
Ha Gon from Mugunjang clicked his tongue. Glancing around, he whispered low to the Yi brothers.
"It's even tighter now. Just a bit ago, they were only sealing Agyangnu. Feels like they're herding all us Dongjeong Lake folks into one spot!"
Her ded? Locked down? He wasn't the only one feeling it. As the unexplained wait dragged on, warriors started shouting from all sides.
"Hey, say something already!"
"We're legit invitees to the Dongbeonhoe event! You can't just pen us up like this!"
"Yeah! They were holed up behind that wall over there, so if shit went down, it was their problem—why drag us into it?!"
Growing discontent. A restless mood. Yi Jinpyeong knew his worst fears were coming true. Time to move, not sit idle.
Guess I need to see what's going on myself.
He exchanged silent glances with his brothers. Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun nodded.
But Yi Jinpyeong didn't need to bother with a stealth technique.
"Make way! Outta the way!!!"
A booming voice came from behind the controlling warriors. Gasping beggars from the Open Faction rushed up, followed by Dongbeonhoe enforcers glaring around—then they pointed straight at Yi Jinpyeong.
"There he is!"
All eyes turned. Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun panicked hard.
"M-me? Us?"
A middle-aged Open Faction Taoist pushed through the crowd, striding forward. The dozens of warriors behind him looked deadly serious. Some flanked the leader, others spread out, widening the net—like they expected Yi Jinpyeong to bolt.
Ha Gon, standing with the Yi brothers, quickly backed away, acting like he had nothing to do with it.
The Open Faction Taoist stopped before the Yi brothers and spoke in an intimidating tone.
"Young master Yi. You'll come with us."
Yi Jinpyeong let out a disbelieving chuckle. What the hell was this?
Before he could respond—
"What the hell is this?!"
"Where do you think you're taking our little brother?!"
Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun stepped in front, eyes burning with resolve. No one touches him without permission—that was their unyielding stance.
The Taoist flinched at their fierce aura. These brothers had left deep impressions from yesterday's tournament feats. Their words now carried real weight, unlike before.
The Taoist stammered.
"Can't say details. Just come along—you'll see."
"'Come along and see'? Without a word of explanation? You serious?"
"We don't just go when you say go or come when you say come!"
The brothers stood firm, no give. As the Taoists' faces twisted viciously, nearby Dongjeong Lake warriors chimed in unexpectedly.
"Yeah! Open Faction acting like kings!"
"Think you're all that?!"
"Dongbeonhoe bastards! Why kiss up to the Open Faction like dogs? Aren't you Dongjeong Lake factions too?!"
Profanities flew. Frustration at being corralled, unease, rage at the high-handed treatment of the Yi brothers—it all erupted.
Ha Gon had slyly sidled back to the Yi brothers, raising his voice too.
As the mood turned ugly, the Taoists and Dongbeonhoe warriors exchanged uneasy glances.
Yi Jinpyeong, behind his brothers, smiled faintly and spoke.
"Brothers. Looks like I'm getting special treatment. Might as well go see what it's about."
His brothers hesitated; the Taoists brightened visibly. They knew a fight here could spiral out of control.
Truth was, Yi Jinpyeong had no reason to refuse. He wanted to know what happened, what they were talking about. No need to sneak—they'd invited him right to them.
But his brothers thought differently.
"Jinpyeong. Who knows what'll happen. Any other time, fine—but not now, not alone."
"Yeah. If we go, all three brothers together. No way you're going solo!"
Yi Jinpyeong, who seemed ready to follow, shrugged and crossed his arms again.
"Guess that's that."
His brothers blocked the way once more. The Taoists stared blankly at each other. Not per orders, but no choice now. Best to take him while he was willing.
The middle-aged Taoist finally nodded. The path cleared, and the Yi brothers followed toward Agyangnu.
The road to Agyangnu was lined with countless warriors glaring sharply. As the Yi brothers walked under Open Faction "escort"—not quite—the stares poured in. One thing clear: no goodwill there. Tense hostility, sharp wariness bordering on enmity.
Agyangnu sat atop the hill where Dongjeong Lake met the Yangtze—a stunning pavilion embracing the vast lake like a jewel. Once used by officials, now a spot for wealthy poets and gatherings. But rough murim folk had booted everyone out and claimed it.
Inside Agyangnu, the first sight was Open Faction elders divided into factions, glaring. No junior disciples they'd clashed with before—just the lofty figures usually on high platforms.
Hwasan’s Pung Yeon-jinin, leading this gathering; Shaolin’s Hye-gak Daesa; Ami’s Hyeonwol Satae; Wudang’s Cheonghyeon Jinin; Jongnam elder Nam Hwanggi... Yesterday they’d laughed over drinks; now icy tension filled the air. No—colder than ice, like a battle had raged.
Cheongseong’s Jemyeongseon Jangno stood red-faced in rage before one group. Opposite, Open Faction elder Bang Cheonpyo’s face was rigid with fury, eyes bloodshot red.
In the silent standoff, the escorting Taoist spoke cautiously.
"As ordered, we've brought Yi Family's Yi Jinpyeong."
All eyes snapped to him. Piercing stares. Yi Jingang and Yi Jinun tensed, swallowing hard.
As everyone reined in their excitement, Hwasan’s Pung Yeon-jinin—calmest of all—greeted them.
"Young master Yi. Come in. Sudden summons must be confusing, but given the circumstances, I hope you understand."
Bang Cheonpyo, facing off with Jemyeongseon, turned to Yi Jinpyeong.
"Young master. Sorry, actually—"
Pung Yeon-jinin cut him off.
"No one speak. Let's hear him out first, then proceed."
Yi Jinpyeong lifted his chin slightly.
"What's this about?"
"This punk! Same bullshit here?!"
"Enough."
Someone slammed the table; Pung Yeon-jinin stopped him.
"Not the time for etiquette. He seems to like straight talk—let's oblige."
Uncomfortable silence fell over Agyangnu. Yi Jinpyeong observed every face, every glance, every twitch.
Pung Yeon-jinin, calming all, fixed cold eyes on him and asked.
"Young master Yi. Where were you last night?"