Chapter 42: Sworn Brothers
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 42: Sworn Brothers
Chairman Seol Un-gang was dead, killed by the Captain of the Little Snow Unit.
While it was technically an Elder being killed by a member of the Demonic Cult, no one who had witnessed the sequence of events could dare frame it that way.
The Family Heads were gathered: Baek Il-sang of the Ice Wolf Baek Family, Gwak Un-cheol of the Snow Tiger Gwak Family, Han Myeong-gwang of the Cold Blood Han Family, and Jang Un-seong of the Guardian Jang Family.
"It feels like a rotten tooth has finally been pulled," one of them remarked.
The Family Heads seemed to actually welcome Chairman Seol Un-gang’s death.
"Now that the Chairman is dead, the Elders' tyranny will finally come to a halt."
"If only the Palace Lord hadn't told us to leave him be, we would have dealt with him long ago."
"To think the nuisance of the North Wind Snow Family would be sent off like this."
Excluding the Palace Lord, Seol Baek-ho, the heads of the Five Great Families had convened.
"I have to give him credit for his decisiveness."
"I agree. To take off Seol Un-gang’s head right then and there... that was no ordinary courage."
"He must have realized the man had already become a cancer."
"His declaration that he would kill his own brothers the moment he became the Young Cult Leader was a bit unsettling, though."
Han Myeong-gwang of the Cold Blood Han Family responded to Baek Il-sang’s comment.
"Regardless, rumors about the Captain of the Little Snow Unit have begun to spread like wildfire throughout the Ice Palace because of this incident."
"What kind of rumors?"
"That he executed an Elder of the Ice Palace. That he repelled an invasion by the Demonic Cult. That he and the Young Palace Lord are... involved."
"Those don't sound like rumors; they sound like facts."
"Well, isn't that how rumors work? A mix of truth and fiction to make them more believable."
"That’s not the point. If interest in the Captain grows, doesn't that mean his influence will grow as well?"
It was true.
Whether in the Ice Palace or the Demonic Cult, the principles of 'the strongest reigns supreme' and 'the law of the jungle' were strictly observed. However, there was an even more important principle at play.
It was the culture of respecting the opinion of the majority.
Many believed the North Sea Ice Palace was led by the Palace Lord and the heads of the Five Great Families. In reality, it was different. The Palace Lord and the five heads did their best to respect the opinions of the people living within the Ice Palace.
While it was a commendable system and culture to establish...
‘Things started to go wrong when people began to exploit it.’
The prime example was the Ice Council.
The Ice Council was a gathering of retired Elders who discussed the affairs of the Ice Palace and offered recommendations to the Palace Lord. They claimed their decisions were the result of fair deliberation, but in truth, they manipulated the people to steer the Ice Palace in the direction they desired.
Everyone knew this.
However, because Seol Un-gang was essentially the second-in-command of the North Wind Snow Family and enjoyed the Palace Lord’s protection, no one could touch him.
"It might leave a bitter taste, but it’s true that we will no longer be dragged around by the Elders."
"Is it true that Seol Un-gang placed a request with the Blood Tears? Between the bandits and the constant attacks, things have felt quite turbulent lately."
"He might have been involved, or he might not have been."
They had repelled the bandit attacks and fended off the assassins of the Blood Tears. If anything, it had proven that the Ice Palace was still strong.
"Let’s stop talking about Seol Un-gang. More importantly, we must realize that once trade with the Moyong Merchant Group resumes, the Central Plains may start watching us closely again."
"With the Palace Lord’s changed attitude, we might actually reclaim our past glory."
"Forming a blood alliance with the Demonic Cult might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise."
At the words of Jang Un-seong, the head of the Guardian Jang Family, all the Family Heads thought of one person.
The Captain of the Little Snow Unit, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
Every bit of this change had begun the moment he arrived at the Ice Palace.
*
"I enjoyed my rest, little brother."
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom came to the main gate of the Ice Palace to see off Hyeok Ryeon-mu and his retinue. He was accompanied by the Little Snow Unit and the Young Palace Lord, Seol Yerin.
"It didn't exactly feel like you were resting."
"Nonsense. This older brother is very pleased to see how much you've grown—enough to casually kill an Elder of the Ice Palace."
"...Just take care of yourself."
"I'll tell Hyeok Ryeon-geuk that you're doing well."
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s expression stiffened at the mention of that name. He believed he wasn't ready to face Hyeok Ryeon-geuk just yet.
"Please give my regards to the Cult Leader, brother. And... avoid anything even remotely related to the Ten Emperors at all costs."
"Huh? The Ten Emperors?"
Hyeok Ryeon-mu gave him a strange look at the sudden, out-of-context warning. But Hyeok Ryeon-yeom felt compelled to say it.
‘Hyeok Ryeon-mu... is destined to be killed by the Blade Emperor, one of the Ten Emperors, due to Hyeok Ryeon-geuk’s schemes.’
He couldn't explain it directly, so warning him to be careful was the best he could do. This was the most Hyeok Ryeon-yeom could offer someone he could no longer stand beside within the Demonic Cult.
"I just had a dream about it."
"How dull. It looks like I won't be able to make it to the engagement ceremony. Let’s see each other if you ever actually have a wedding."
Hyeok Ryeon-mu’s gaze shifted to Seol Yerin.
"I hope my unpleasant sister-in-law stays well, too."
"...And I hope you trip on your way out and smash your nose on a rock."
"Hahaha! My, what a charming sister-in-law. See you next time. Let’s move!"
"Yes, sir!"
Whoosh—
As Hyeok Ryeon-mu and his followers departed, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom stared at his brother's retreating back.
"There’s a certain lingering sadness in your eyes."
"Hmm?"
"He seemed like a threatening older brother to me, but I suppose he’s different to you, Third Young Master."
To her, the sight of Hyeok Ryeon-mu nearly tearing off Han Seol-bi’s arms must have seemed barbaric. However, that was how he treated enemies. As an ally, Hyeok Ryeon-mu was the most reliable brother Hyeok Ryeon-yeom could ask for.
"Well, let’s just leave it at that."
For now, these were memories Hyeok Ryeon-yeom had to keep to himself.
"More importantly, I have to escort Young Master Moyong back to Liaoning, so we’ll have to be apart for a while."
Seol Yerin was dressed in black mourning clothes. The North Wind Snow Family was currently holding a funeral.
"Travel safely."
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom reached out his hand.
"It wouldn't be a bad idea to top up on some Yang Qi before I go."
"...I do feel like my balance is improving thanks to you, Third Young Master."
Seol Yerin took his hand.
Zing—
With a tingling sensation, Extreme Yang Qi and Extreme Yin Qi began to flow through their joined palms, exchanging true qi.
It was warm.
It was cold.
The two began to walk, sharing the energies they could never feel within themselves.
"Captain, please have some consideration for your subordinates' eyes."
"Squad Leader Baek! Why do you have to go and ruin the mood?"
"We’re still getting fed before we leave, right?"
"......"
Baek Mu-yong, Weizhi Young, Tae Un-seo, and Eun-bin voiced their complaints at the sight.
"I wish you'd show some consideration for my eyes as well."
Moyong Geum and his bodyguard, Jang Baek-rim, were waiting for them at the main gate.
"Looks like there's no time for a meal."
At Hyeok Ryeon-yeom’s words, Tae Un-seo’s face fell.
"Then, I'll be going."
"Yes. I hope to see you again, Young Master Moyong. Thank you for your help this time."
"Please invite me to the engagement ceremony. I’ll come running immediately."
"I will."
After saying his goodbyes to Seol Yerin, Moyong Geum turned back to Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
"I’m envious."
"Of what?"
"Oh, just things. More importantly, Captain, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you privately on the way..."
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom tilted his head curiously at Moyong Geum’s words.
*
Liaoning Province, the Moyong Family.
"Is it true that Moyong Geum went to the North Sea to open trade with the Ice Palace?"
"Yes, Young Family Head."
Moyong Cheong, the Young Family Head of the Moyong Family, was questioning his subordinate about Moyong Geum.
"And the result?"
"The Merchant Group Leader received a message saying the amount of Cold Iron stored in the Ice Palace is staggering. If the deal goes through, the Moyong Merchant Group will be swimming in gold."
"And in exchange, our Moyong Family might be framed for conspiring with the Ice Palace."
"The possibility... seems quite high."
"What is the Family Head’s opinion?"
"It seems he believes the profit takes priority."
If the Moyong Merchant Group struck it big, the prestige of the Moyong Family would naturally rise. After all, the Moyong Family—one of the Five Great Clans—and the Moyong Merchant Group shared a symbiotic relationship.
"No matter how much we need the money..."
The Ice Palace was a step too far, wasn't it?
The Outland martial factions that coveted the Central Plains were the primary targets of exclusion. Among them, the Ice Palace, along with the Heavenly Demon of Xinjiang, had plagued the martial world whenever figures known as Martial Gods appeared. Even now, there were countless sects and families that had yet to recover their former glory because of that damage.
Still, he had heard that the Ice Palace’s expansion had slowed recently, perhaps due to the bandits.
"Moyong Geum... that fellow was always the problem."
Moyong Cheong had lived his life constantly being compared to Moyong Geum. Though they were from the same family, one walked the path of the warrior while the other chose the path of the merchant. The problem was that Moyong Geum’s achievements as a merchant were far more overwhelming than Moyong Cheong’s progress as a martial artist.
It was only natural; progress in martial arts couldn't be quantified instantly. Success as a merchant, however, was shown through the visible metric of wealth. Reputation was already spreading that it wouldn't be difficult for the Moyong Merchant Group to become the greatest in the continent at this rate.
"What will you do, Young Family Head?"
"Considering the public perception of the Moyong Family, I have judged that the trade with the Ice Palace must not succeed."
But the money still had to be made.
"Gather some ronin."
"Ronin, you say...?"
"Can't we just intercept the Cold Iron and sell it ourselves?"
Diminish Moyong Geum’s achievements and cause the trade with the Ice Palace to fail. If everything went according to plan, Moyong Cheong’s own standing would rise. A plan to kill three birds with one stone was being hatched in the depths of the Moyong Family.
*
"If I may be so bold as to judge, I believe the North Sea Ice Palace will revolve around you from now on, Captain."
On the road to Liaoning.
Moyong Geum had even sent his bodyguard away to speak with Hyeok Ryeon-yeom one-on-one. Naturally, they had distanced themselves from the Little Snow Unit as well.
"I’m curious as to why you think so."
"Your decisiveness, judgment, and drive. They are all exceptional."
"I appreciate the compliment, but I don't see why you’re suddenly telling me this, Young Master Moyong."
"The fact that you hail from the Demonic Cult is quite concerning, but I believe a merchant must ignore such things to make money."
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom looked at Moyong Geum. Given the circumstances, he had already recognized that Moyong Geum was the man destined to become the Merchant King in the near future.
"And?"
"I’m saying I’d like us to have a mutually beneficial relationship. If you ever need anything from me, contact me anytime. I promise my full support."
Such a man was now making a secret, private proposal to Hyeok Ryeon-yeom.
"And in return, what would I have to do for you?"
"By the nature of its business, a merchant group often encounters dangerous situations. I would like you to help me if I ever request it."
In the end, the point was simple.
"You’re suggesting we become sworn brothers."
A member of one of the Five Great Clans seeking to build a close friendship with the son of the Heavenly Demon.
"That sounds excellent!"
"Then, from now on, you shall be my younger brother."
"Pardon?"
Based on appearance alone, anyone would have thought Moyong Geum was older. And in reality, he was. However...
‘Do you have any idea how many years I’ve lived through my past lives?’
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom couldn't bring himself to call such a young boy 'older brother.'
"Very well, big brother."
Moyong Geum readily called him 'big brother,' as if such things didn't matter. In this world, the stronger was the older brother, and the weaker was the younger.