To Haebuk Paenga
Murim Alliance headquarters. As I strode through the main gate, Hwangbo Suyeon and Seol Muyeong flanked me closely, guarding my sides like shadows.
"The military advisor has ordered us to escort you inside," one of the Alliance warriors said, bowing deeply with utmost courtesy and clearing the path.
I gave a single arrogant tilt of my chin and proceeded slowly toward the massive heart of the Murim Alliance.
In the office of the Cheoni-gak leader sat Jegalmugeom and a young, handsome man.
"Welcome, Yeon the Great Hero."
Jegalmugeom extended his hand toward a seat. His gaze pierced sharp as a blade, as if peering straight into the depths of my soul.
I approached without slowing my pace, plopping down boldly in the chair opposite him. Hwangbo Suyeon and Seol Muyeong took positions behind me.
"I've read your letter," I said, seizing the initiative. "Never thought the mighty Murim Alliance would come begging for 'real help.'"
My lips curled into an arrogant, venomous smirk.
Jegalmugeom's brow twitched faintly.
"We seek to borrow your extraordinary insight," he said, leaning forward slightly, his voice heavy and resonant. "The situation at Haebuk Paenga is far from ordinary."
His expression hardened coldly as he continued. "We've deployed agents from Cheoni-gak and the Inspection Department, but we've found not a single clue. It's a complete fog."
He fixed me with a deep, chilling stare. "I believe Yeon the Great Hero can uncover the truth behind this incident…"
I replied in a slow, leisurely drawl. "That commission."
Propping my chin on my hand, I eyed him sideways. "I accept."
At my approval, a faint smile played on Jegalmugeom's lips. He must have been holding his breath inside, desperate for my help.
"However." I cut in, raising a single finger stiffly. "I have conditions."
"Name them."
Jegalmugeom watched me with curious eyes.
"First." My voice was firm and icy as I declared, "Sole investigative authority."
His eyebrow twitched.
"No interference from the Murim Alliance whatsoever," I continued. "I'll search wherever I want and interrogate whomever I choose. Guarantee me full discretion in the Alliance's name."
This was pure survival strategy. If Alliance masters swarmed the investigation, breathing down my neck, my secrets could slip. Better to move alone, borrowing their power only when needed—it kept my true nature hidden far better.
Jegalmugeom closed his eyes briefly, tapping his chin with his fan in thought, then nodded. "Very well. We've already seen your methods transcend common sense. I accept that condition."
"Second." I extended another finger. "Active support."
I grinned wickedly, stretching my lips like a villain. "Manpower and intel for solving this case, of course."
I swallowed once and added the negotiation's core demand. "And the Murim Alliance covers all expenses I incur during this investigation—perfectly."
Jegalmugeom looked mildly puzzled. "Expenses… you say?"
The man who pulled the strings of the world's Murim Alliance, hearing mere talk of money. He'd expected something grander.
"Naturally. No reason to stint financial backing for operations in the Alliance's name."
He accepted coolly, as if it were pocket change.
Kukukuku! I chuckled inwardly in satisfaction. In my mind flashed Danche Ryeong's vicious "Black Curtain Acting & Minion Proxy Special Rate Sheet"—that bloodsucking queen of the underworld's merchant guild. The astronomical sums I'd nearly bled for under that capitalist viper. Now, I could bill it all legitimately, straight from the Murim Alliance's massive budget!
Milk Danga Sangdan for all it's worth. It's not my money anyway!
Outwardly, I wore the serene smile of a transcendent sage; inwardly, I cackled like a demon.
"Excellent. The deal is struck."
Jegalmugeom snapped his fan open with a tak and nodded approvingly. "We needed your wisdom precisely, so I'll spare no support I can provide."
He rose, adding, "For your trip to Haebuk, I'll assign someone to assist you and handle Alliance communications."
He turned to the young man seated opposite. "Introduce yourself. This is my nephew, Jegal Cheom, a key advisor in our Cheoni-gak."
Handsome features, an arrogant smile—the picture of a noble house young master.
Aha, a parachute appointment. I clicked my tongue inwardly, sizing him up. Nepotism in the Murim Alliance's brain trust? Blood ties were scary and gross in any world.
"Cheom. This is Yeon Woon-ryong, Great Hero, who holds full authority over the Haebuk Paenga incident."
Jegalmugeom's command rang out.
But Jegal Cheom glanced at me and subtly furrowed his brow. His eyes dripped with the haughty disdain reserved for an unarmed scholar.
"Pleased to meet you. Jegal Cheom."
He half-heartedly mimed a bow with his fan hand—rudeness incarnate, barely an greeting.
I nearly snorted in disbelief. If I were truly just a bookish nobody, I'd be fuming. But as the "Black Curtain Absolute," wrapped in this facade? An immature punk's jab wasn't worth my time.
Then.
The moment his bug-crushing gaze hit Hwangbo Suyeon behind me, his sour expression melted like magic into a beaming smile. Eyes sparkling like a boy meeting his first crush, all prior arrogance vanished. He opened his mouth in a syrupy, affectionate tone.
"Suyeon! What are you doing here?"
Folding his fan, he strode toward her, black intentions and delight oozing from his face.
"You joining this mission too? Perfect! Your big bro's on it—no worries!"
He thumped his chest boastfully. "Need help? Just say the word. I'm way more capable in the Alliance than you think!"
Grinning confidently, he wagged his tail furiously to win her favor.
But.
"……."
Hwangbo Suyeon's response was absolute zero—an icy glacier. She ignored his flashy greeting and bravado, not sparing him a glance. Her gaze locked solely on my back, her snow-white face a mask of perfect impassivity. As if Jegal Cheom were an invisible ghost in the room—thorough, flawless dismissal.
"Uh… Suyeon? Hear me?"
He coughed awkwardly, trying again with a flirtatious prod. "Long time no see—why so cold? Remember playing together at the Five Great Families' gatherings as kids?"
Whatever. Hwangbo Suyeon didn't blink, holding her silence. As he buzzed annoyingly near me, faint irritation crept into the depths of her eyes.
Damn, this guy's persistent. I marveled inwardly. Most guys' egos would shatter under that rejection, but he kept orbiting, chattering away. Same Five Great Families background, similar ages—must've crossed paths at gatherings, and he'd fallen hard for her solo.
Classic wuxia cliché: the pathetic noble playboy hitting on the heroine, unfolding live before me.
Not my problem. I watched the comedy unfold, smirking in amusement. Not an assassin after my neck—just a useful mark to bleed the Alliance's coffers.
"Ahem."
Jegalmugeom cleared his throat, reining in his nephew's spectacle. "Great Hero, depart whenever you're ready. Elite Alliance forces await."
I rose slowly, straightening my robes. "You. Guide us."
Even at my curt, haughty command, Jegal Cheom kept yapping at Hwangbo Suyeon.
"On the way out of Henan, there's this inn right away—their braised pork in fragrant sauce is insane…"
Prattling like a sycophant. For the first time, she turned to face him, ignoring him no longer.
"Oh! Suyeon, yeah? Got something to say?"
Her voice was the coldest steel. "Didn't you hear Sunsengnim order you to guide us? Ignore his words once more, and my fist won't forgive you. I'm here on official duty—refrain from personal conduct."
Her razor-sharp rebuke left him wounded, but she turned away after delivering it.
Hm… traveling with this Jegal Cheom guy—should be fine, right?
---
The vast training grounds of the Murim Alliance. Ranks of troops mobilized for the Haebuk Paenga probe stood in perfect formation—elite agents from Cheoni-gak and the Inspection Department, disciplined and ready.
"This way, Great Hero," Hwangbo Suyeon said. Jegal Cheom, somewhat chastened, haughtily opened the door to an opulently adorned top-grade carriage.
But he wheeled right back to her. "Suyeon! Ride with me! I'll tell you fun stories on the way…"
"I guard Sunsengnim. You're in the way—move."
Her refusal sliced like a blade.
"Fine? Then just listen. You'll love it…"
This guy. A real tough nut. Credit to his tenacity, headbutting Hwangbo Suyeon's iron wall without pause.
I stifled a leaking chuckle, boarding the carriage with lofty poise.
"Depart."
My heavy command echoed outside, and the carriage lurched into motion.