#66. Waiting for the Typhoon: The Great Peng (4)
In the end, it was decided that people from the Elder Hall would step out to handle the Changgung Merchant Group. And naturally, Jin Taesan, the lord of the Outer Hall, would take center stage.
His father let out long sighs of relief now that their funds had some breathing room. The sect leader and hall lords had to reorganize Tae-eul Gate internally while mastering the Taecheong Sword Immortal's techniques, so even with the sect sealed, they couldn't afford a moment's rest. Fortunately, some elders had experience managing small merchant groups or escort agencies in the past, so there wouldn't be any major issues. On top of that, Tae-eul Gate had Wang Soso, and they could always call on Wang Geumsan for help.
Even after things had mostly settled, the elders and hall lords didn't rise from their seats. They were all itching to see the progress on the Taecheong Sword Immortal's techniques.
To that end, Hong Moon-gi ordered liquor and snacks, turning the gathering into a modest celebration while giving them a chance to check on the advancements.
And while their attention was fixed on the demonstrations, I slipped quietly out of Daehyeonjeon. I went straight to find Wang Soso.
There was something the sect leader and elders had overlooked amid the certainty of the sect sealing itself off: the Murim Alliance wouldn't let this drop so easily.
Even with Moyong Gang's endorsement and the Yongbong Assembly's recognition, Jeomcheongpa and Huashan had taken massive hits to their pride in the process. It might be one thing if it were just one person, but two had been deeply wounded. And those two were the top prodigies of Jeomcheong and Huashan, respectively.
If those sects banded together, others lurking on the sidelines would start taking interest in the Taecheong Sword Immortal's progress. Once that buzz became the prevailing opinion, Moyong Gang's distant approval wouldn't mean much.
At the very least, they needed to stall until Tae-eul Gate fully sealed itself off from the outside world.
"O-ra-beo-ni! I'm over here!"
I approached Wang Soso, who was practicing with the other disciples in the Kwaehwa Dang training grounds. In the few months since I'd last seen her, she'd shot up noticeably, already shedding her childish innocence.
Girls really do grow up fast.
She held her own against the famous beauties of the jianghu—Moyong Seol, Namgung Seonhwa, Seong Moran, and the Yongbong Assembly girls. No, with more growth ahead, her future potential was even more promising.
No wonder fathers hate their daughters' suitors so much.
Just imagining her married off to some guy made me feel like I was losing a little sister.
"Your swordsmanship has improved a lot."
"I've been working hard! Soon I might even spar over a hundred exchanges with Eunho."
"Eunho's one of the top ten among the junior brothers?"
"Exactly! So, what's this favor you need?"
"Your family must have a lot of gold bills, right?"
Wang Soso tilted her head.
"Gold bills? We've got gold toads, gold dragons, gold deer..."
"Yeah, yeah. Would one favor be okay?"
"You could ask for two. Or three!"
I held out a 100-nyang bill of exchange.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Moyong Seol recounted what had happened with Jin Sowoon.
"...Yes, I made a mistake with Young Master Jin Sowoon."
"Heh..."
Moyong Gang rarely lost his smile. His usual mischievous, jovial face always made his grandchildren feel at ease. But now, he looked like a man who'd just watched his favorite pup shatter a priceless vase.
"I'm sorry."
"Didn't you see for yourself that those Yongbong Assembly fools were in the wrong?"
Moyong Seol, who had always monopolized her grandfather's affection, found him more distant than ever.
"Tsk tsk. I went out of my way to create an opportunity for you two, and now it's all gone to waste."
"...?"
Neither Moyong Seol nor Moyong Jaehwa knew what he meant, but they didn't question it.
"Life in the jianghu doesn't always follow the scriptures."
Moyong Gang's voice was calmer than usual.
"When someone tries to step on you, you must prove you're no easy mark. And in those cases, striking even more ruthlessly can be the right path."
"..."
Moyong Seol was speechless, even if she had ten mouths. At the same time, she wondered why her grandfather was going on like this. But she couldn't ask.
"If I'd been in that situation, I would've shattered that Hwajung Mountain bastard's dantian."
"..."
"Tsk tsk. I thought a trip to the Murim Alliance might loosen you up, but you've only gotten stiffer."
"..."
"He saved your father's life. You know exactly what you did wrong, no need for more words."
"Yes. I know."
"Go apologize sincerely. Make sure there's no lingering resentment—for him or you."
"Yes..."
"And quit that Yongbong Assembly nonsense. Sticking around there will just make you rigid. Come home with me this time."
"...Understood."
Moyong Gang rose, muttering to himself.
"He mentioned some connection with that Seonhwa girl too. Hope Namgung Taeha isn't already circling her..."
Of course, Moyong Jaehwa and Moyong Seol still had no idea what he was talking about.
Moyong Seol immediately relayed her story to the Yongbong Assembly.
Ilmyeong's face darkened as he heard it.
The assembly only mandated attendance for emergency summons. They didn't do much beyond Murim Alliance branch duties and auditing the 108 Peaks, but that was because every member was too vital to their sects and the Alliance to restrict them. That's why Wudang's Yong So-a, Namgung sega's Namgung San, and the Emei Sect's Hyeon had skipped recent activities.
With Jongbyeokgi and Hwajung Mountain already out of commission, Moyong Seol's absence effectively halted operations.
"This throws our schedule into chaos."
"Sorry."
"It's fine. Everyone has their reasons."
Ilmyeong said gravely.
"No helping it. Tae-eul Gate turned out stronger than expected..."
Cheongseong's So Je-ho trailed off under Jongbyeokgi and Hwajung Mountain's sharp glares.
Jongbyeokgi's grudge ran bone-deep especially.
"That damn brat..."
Defeated in a way, by someone, and with a method no one saw coming. And Moyong Gang's appearance had dashed any chance of reversal. Now they had to worry about what he might do.
"I... I... I'll make him pay... Aagh!"
Jongbyeokgi clutched his temple as agony throbbed there. One side of his head was swollen huge, like a horn sprouting.
Dang Seohui, treating him, grabbed his hair and slammed his face to the floor again.
"Didn't I tell you to stay still? Unless you want lifelong headaches from the side effects."
"..."
Dang Seohui was the type to poison even fellow Alliance members if they pissed her off.
Jongbyeokgi ground his teeth, folded like origami.
Ilmyeong's brow stayed furrowed watching them.
The Dragon Child... is he one of the righteous ones...?
Ilmyeong felt the same chill from Jin Sowoon as when he'd first met Yong So-a.
"This might shake the jianghu."
"What do you mean?"
"We need to reassess Tae-eul Gate."
"Like hell we end it like this!"
Jongbyeokgi bolted up at Ilmyeong's words. Instantly, furious Dang Seohui jabbed a needle into his pressure point.
"Agh!"
"Didn't hear me say stay down? Craving the agony of severed muscles and bones?"
"N-no! I'll stay put..."
Jongbyeokgi quickly appealed to Hwajung Mountain.
"Hwa Jeong-san, talk some sense into her! We can't just let this slide, right?"
"..."
Hwajung Mountain sat silently, eyes deep.
"And if we don't let it slide?"
Jongbyeokgi's eyes darted at Seosa-ryeong's question.
"Report to the Alliance, obviously! Unknown origin martial arts appeared!"
"But Elder Moyong Gang already declared it authentic."
Jongbyeokgi glared at Moyong Seol.
"Hmph! Forgotten our mission? Audit and inspect without external influence. Right, Hwa Jeong-san?"
"..."
Hwajung Mountain didn't answer; Moyong Seol's eyes chilled instead.
"Think Moyong sega will sit idle?"
"That's irrelevant. The Alliance decides. Moyong sega can't ignore that."
Ilmyeong's eyes darkened as Jongbyeokgi and Moyong Seol clashed.
There was realism in Jongbyeokgi's words. If he and Hwajung Mountain pushed, Jeomcheong and Huashan would move together. Reporting today's events would draw more eyes to the techniques, and at that point, even the world's swordbreaker couldn't stand alone. Precedent was precedent.
"Hmm... You sure? That Jin gongja doesn't seem the type to take it lying down."
Seosa-ryeong toyed with her red lips with pale fingers; Jongbyeokgi swallowed involuntarily, gaining confidence.
"Just watch. I'll make it happen. If Jeomcheong and Huashan lead, others will follow."
Jongbyeokgi plotted exactly as Ilmyeong feared. His own sect couldn't stay neutral either—could they ignore the techniques that wrecked Geumgangban Pharmacy?
Then Moyong Seol glanced back. Seosa-ryeong and Hwangbo Yeon followed.
Soon, a young man entered over the wall, bundles in both hands.
"Jin... gongja..."
Moyong Seol's words sharpened Jongbyeokgi and Hwajung Mountain's gazes.
Jongbyeokgi begged Dang Seohui to release him, but she just stared at Jin Sowoon silently.
"The sect leader sent me to check if you're comfortable."
A smile on his face, posture confident. As if yesterday's desperate duel never happened.
Ilmyeong smiled too, stepping forward.
"Thanks to you, we're quite comfortable. Hope we're not imposing."
"Hosting the Yongbong Assembly is every sect's honor. Can't stay long, but please make yourselves at home."
The assembly members' eyes trembled violently. How could he speak so casually after fighting so desperately?
"Are you alright, young hero?"
"Not a spot on me that's not sore. Huashan's sword is as fierce as ever."
"..."
Hwajung Mountain glared murderously. Beside him, paralyzed Jongbyeokgi glared too—more comical than scary.
"Sorry to bother Master Ilmyeong, but I brought some grain tea."
Kwakcha—monks' euphemism for liquor.
"Heh heh, grain tea, you say?"
"One of my junior brothers is from Wang Merchant Group. I had him fetch some Geumbunmyeongju."
Geumbunmyeongju—rare brew from Wang Geumsan himself. Hefei's pride, not for just anyone.
Opening the bundles revealed five ornate bottles.
"...Figured guests should taste the local specialty."
"My thanks. I can't drink, but the others can enjoy. Tae-eul Gate owes you in so many ways."
"No need. We're all under the Alliance, right? Hahaha!"
Sowoon laughed heartily, but the men couldn't join. They felt overshadowed by the much younger man.
The women, though, eyed him sparklingly.
"Jin gongja, how are you so strong? I was shocked at Tae-eul Gate's prowess."
Seosa-ryeong's warm, flowery tone made Jongbyeokgi's face fall. She was subtly bowing out.
"..."
And handing Jin Sowoon a chance to talk techniques. He didn't miss it.
"On that note, I owe Hero Hwa thanks."
Heads tilted.
"..."
"We struggled to reclaim Taesa-jo's arts and worried how to reveal them. Public announcement risked entanglements—like today."
Ilmyeong's mouth slowly gaped.
"But Hero Hwa said he wanted to see the Taecheong Sword Immortal's forms. Perfect chance."
"Th-that... Ahem."
Hwajung Mountain was speechless. Admitting mockery would doom him.
"I overdid it, and you got hurt. The sect leader worries greatly over injuring a benefactor."
'Benefactor' flushed Hwajung Mountain red. Ilmyeong watched Jin Sowoon toss such words casually like observing a rare beast.
Jin Sowoon approached, set down a small bundle, and pushed it to Hwajung Mountain.
"...What's this?"
"We're a small sect—no elixirs or restoratives. This instead."
"...Hmph, whatever Tae-eul Gate prepared..."
Hwajung Mountain gruffly opened it, expression shifting oddly. Inside a fragrant box: a rhinoceros horn and gold-carved plum tree sculpture.
Even flashy Seosa-ryeong's eyes widened.
"Heh..."
"Got it by chance months ago. Maybe fate for this bond. Hope it buys your recovery elixirs."
"...Bond?"
"You might not know, but our old Busengdang lord was a Huashan lay disciple. Huashan's do circled back to us."
"..."
"And I messed up amid that. Imagine the sect leader's sorrow."
Hwajung Mountain was wordless; Jongbyeokgi's face boiled beside him.
"Hwa Jeong-san, toss that junk back! Why forgive over trash?"
Hwajung Mountain shot him a sharp look.
"...Shut it!"
"What?!"
"This blew up because you stuck your nose in!"
Jongbyeokgi flushed crimson.
"Heh!"
Plus Jin Sowoon had Moyong Gang's massive backing. Eccentric temper, supreme arts, huge clan—too risky an enemy for the gain.
Maybe that's why Hwajung Mountain stayed quiet: plotting escape.
Jongbyeokgi glared venomously at Jin Sowoon.
"Brat! Don't think this ends it!"
Jin Sowoon met his eyes coldly.
"I've words too. Tae-eul Gate will remember this forever."
"I'm Jeomcheong's Jongbyeokgi! Think I'm scared?!"
"...You should be. Elder Moyong Gang said he'd take you."
"Eek! Wh-what?!"
"You hindered his whimsy—pay the price. Oh, and he's sending a letter to your sect lord. Prepare for discipline."
Jongbyeokgi paled yellow; Hwajung Mountain sighed in relief.
"...Tell your sect leader this junior regrets his rudeness?"
The assembly gasped at Hwajung Mountain.
"I said he was grateful. Huashan's Divine Plum Sword adores the Taecheong Sword Immortal most, right?"
"Ahem... Yes."
"What greater praise for Tae-eul Gate?"
"Ahem... No need. Seeing your forms confirmed my thoughts."
Ilmyeong watched Hwajung Mountain chat amiably with Jin Sowoon, Jongbyeokgi's face twisting grotesquely.
Having witnessed it all, Ilmyeong felt a chill in his chest.
Frightening... fellow.
Jin Sowoon's duel ferocity wasn't just showing reclaimed arts. It was like facing a blood enemy—obsessive bloodlust.
Yet now he convincingly lied that it wasn't sincere.
Moyong Gang neutralized assembly-Tae-eul tensions. The real issues were Jeomcheong and Huashan—the biggest victims. But he'd compensated Huashan generously, invoking old ties, forcing Hwajung Mountain to relent. Jongbyeokgi alone was left worse off, no justification.
His arts are no joke, but his scheming heart is sharper.
Yong So-a's genius was untouchable talent—impressive, not terrifying. He couldn't rule. But Jin Sowoon could manipulate people with deep schemes.
The jianghu will quake over Tae-eul Gate... no, that youth.
Jin Sowoon smiled easily at the assembly.
"Rest well. I'll head back."
As he turned—
"You. Stop a moment."
Dang Seohui called; the assembly stared in shock. She never addressed strangers.
"We have unfinished business."
"Ah... that."
Jin Sowoon looked genuinely troubled for the first time.
"Forget the gold transport. Sword Immortal's letter covered it, and today's as apology."
Assembly-unknown matters. Clearly, she wouldn't side with Jongbyeokgi either.
"Th-thank you."
"But spar with me next time."
"!!"
Her spars were shows of interest.
"Today?"
"Timing's off today."
Unaware, Jin Sowoon just nodded lightly.
"Teach me a move someday."
"Promise."
Jin Sowoon exited.
"I'll go too."
Moyong Seol followed without reply. Clearly after him.
"Oh my, didn't know Seol had such initiative."
Seosa-ryeong giggled behind red lips.
"...This is awkward all around."
"..."
"..."
The once-invincible Yongbong men clamped mouths, tasting novel defeat for the first time.