Chapter 307
Chapter 307
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 307
Chapter Title: Don't Step Forward, Paeng Family
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Ju Tae, Kim Mu-gwan, and Park Ji-mun raced toward Hebei Province without rest after leaving the capital.
"Go find the Sun and Moon Twin Swords and issue a challenge. Find out who they are and what they're after."
It was a special order from Yi Hwan. To the three who had grown bored amid the peaceful days, it was a mission more exciting than any other.
The only downside for Ju Tae was that Cheol Mu-ok couldn't join them, and for Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun, it was parting from Park Seon-ha, even if briefly.
Fortunately, Park Seon-ha had cheerfully seen them off, telling them to come back safe without insisting on tagging along.
Days passed like that, and upon arriving in southern Hebei Province, the first place they headed was an inn.
It looked like any common inn found in a bustling market street, but in truth, it was one of Moon Pavilion's secret branches.
There, they met a warrior affiliated with Moon Pavilion.
Ju Tae asked,
"Where are the Sun and Moon Twin Swords now?"
"Two days ago, they visited the Paeng Family to request a duel but were refused. They're staying in Anpyeong, half a day's journey from the Paeng Family."
"They've been barging in like that and demanding duels up to now?"
"Yes. It seems most sects and clans they've provoked have taken the bait due to challenges to their honor and pride as martial artists. But the Paeng Family didn't fall for it and refused. Given that they're lingering nearby, they might be searching for a pretext that the Paeng Family can't refuse."
The warrior handed over a portrait sketch.
"These are the Sun and Moon Twin Swords?"
"Yes. I'll escort you there myself, but I prepared this so you could familiarize yourselves in advance."
"Did the Moon Lord contact them ahead of time?"
"Yes. She sent a messenger bird when the three of you left the capital."
"As expected, no gaps."
"Then rest easy today. I'll return at dawn."
Once the warrior left, the three began their meal. It was their first proper one since racing nonstop.
Park Ji-mun said,
"We need to be on our toes. Our actions could inadvertently undermine the Non-Aggression between Court and Martial World that His Majesty and the Great Prince have established."
"We're wearing human skin masks. What's to worry? Our martial arts aren't known in the world, so no one can identify us."
Park Ji-mun scoffed at Kim Mu-gwan's words.
"It doesn't matter for you or Brother Ju, but it's different for you. How many in the world wield Kwon-gang?"
Heh.
"I'd rather hope they're masters strong enough to force me to use Kwon-gang. I haven't gone all out once since crossing into the Central Plains."
"Still so arrogant."
"It's skill."
"Annoyingly so, as always."
Ju Tae stepped in.
"Anyway, the lord sending us means he sensed something from them, but I can't guess what. With the Non-Aggression declared, isn't this just a natural shift?"
Park Ji-mun asked in surprise.
"The Great Prince said nothing to you either, Brother Ju?"
"Nothing at all. Just to uncover their identities and aims."
"Ah, I see. I thought he'd told you everything, so I was feeling a bit slighted."
"Well, once we confirm their identities and goals, the lord will handle the rest. Come on, let's have a drink!"
* * *
On the top floor of a fairly large and ornate inn, Cha Ryong and Ban Go tilted their cups.
Ban Go chewed on a large piece of meat and said,
"What do we do? The Paeng Family bastards show no intention of accepting the duel."
"We need a pretext."
"What if we can't find one?"
"We still need to find one."
"......"
Cha Ryong drained cup after cup, then tossed a piece of meat into his mouth.
"No need to rush. We're doing splendidly right now."
"That's true. We sent a letter to the Strategist, so by now the lord knows of our great exploits too? Ki ki ki!"
"Not enough yet. To realize the lord's grand vision, we need to take down more—and stronger—masters than this."
"So after the Paeng Family, where to?"
"I'm thinking."
"A bit further north in Hebei is the Moyong Family of Liaoning Province. How about there?"
"We can decide that after wrapping up with the Paeng Family. Just drink."
"Got it. But I do have one real question."
"What?"
"Those guys following us—if war breaks out with Yeon Kingdom, whose side will they take?"
"Right now they're blustering about sticking with us, but if war erupts tomorrow, they'll likely side with Yeon Kingdom in the end. But if we build even greater fame, they might follow us to the bitter end. Martial artists pledge loyalty not to nations or royals, but to those stronger than them or who bring them gain."
"That's what the lord wants, right?"
"You could say so."
"Ki ki ki! It's getting more fun by the day?"
"Eat your food."
"Got it. Ki ki ki!"
Cha Ryong tilted his cup while gazing at the inn across the way. Dozens of warriors who had followed them north were staying there now.
Among them were not only Yeon Kingdom martial artists but also those from Zhao and Qin Kingdoms who had come during the Non-Aggression declaration.
Those ones were more likely to stick with them even if war with Yeon broke out.
Of course, for now, most were low-skill warriors who wouldn't help much.
But as their followers grew, so would the number of masters. They might even form a full faction then.
'The Non-Aggression might make things smoother than expected.'
* * *
Two days later, at the Hebei Paeng Family.
They prided themselves as the gathering of the strongest men, with no rivals daring to match them, so they kept even the main gate open at night.
In the main hall, Patriarch Paeng Mun and Chief Overseer Paeng Dal tilted their cups.
Paeng Dal asked,
"They'll come again tomorrow. We can't keep ignoring and turning them away forever. Have you decided how to handle it?"
"Still pondering."
"Among those they've beaten, some were renowned masters in their regions. If you're thinking of accepting, send me out. Entrusting it to the young ones and losing would scar the family's reputation badly."
"No, that won't do. If the chief overseer of our house steps out against such riffraff, it would blemish our reputation in itself. I'll gather intel on them first, deliberate, and decide. No rush."
"......Understood."
Paeng Mun furrowed his brow and muttered,
"No matter how I think, their movements seem utterly bizarre. They might harbor very impure motives."
"What do you suspect?"
"Can't say yet. At least we need their identities to speculate."
"The court's intelligence agencies are gathering info on them too, so their true nature should surface soon."
Paeng Mun nodded silently and sipped his drink.
Then.
"Father, it's me."
"Come in."
A young man of imposing build entered. Paeng Do-seong, Paeng Mun's eldest son and heir to the Paeng Family.
"A guest has arrived."
"A guest?"
"Yes. They say they're from the Great Prince."
"What? From the Great Prince!"
"Yes."
Paeng Mun shot to his feet.
"Have they been shown to the guest hall?"
"Yes."
"Tell them I'm coming right away and prepare the drinks hurriedly."
* * *
Ju Tae, Kim Mu-gwan, and Park Ji-mun marveled at the lavishly decorated interior, clicking their tongues.
"The Paeng Family is famed as one of Yeon Kingdom's richest—well deserved. That looks like Haedong celadon, priceless even for a king's ransom......"
"The even glaze suggests work by a master potter, and there are five of each type."
While Park Ji-mun and Kim Mu-gwan, who knew celadon's value best, admired it, Ju Tae looked indifferent.
"They could at least bring drinks while we wait. Tsk."
"How long have we been here, and you're already whining for booze."
"You know what?"
"What?"
"The Hebei Paeng Family men are as mad for drink as they are for thievery. That's why they stock all the finest liquors in the world."
"So you're drooling already?"
"Can't help it. Smack."
As Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun smirked, a cough preceded the door opening. Paeng Mun entered, and the three rose to greet him with clasped fists.
Paeng Mun returned the gesture. He had seen Ju Tae in the Southern Legion but didn't recognize him with the human skin mask.
"You're from the Great Prince?"
"Yes."
"Is the Great Prince well?"
"Who else in the world has nothing to fear? Of course he's well."
"Ha ha ha! Indeed!"
Paeng Mun laughed heartily. Having fallen completely for Yi Hwan, news of him was more welcome than ever.
Ju Tae said,
"We have matters to discuss over a drink......"
"Ah, the drinks are being prepared now. A moment, please."
Contrary to Ju Tae's hopes, Kim Mu-gwan cut straight to it.
"We heard those called Sun and Moon Twin Swords requested a duel. Are you considering accepting?"
"I've been agonizing over it. Accepting feels like being used as a stepping stone for nobodies, but refusing forever makes us look ridiculous......"
"Refuse them."
"......!"
"We plan to challenge them ourselves, so the Paeng Family needn't step forward. It wouldn't do for Yeon Kingdom's premier martial house to be exploited for their fame-building, would it?"
"Is this the Great Prince's will?"
"Yes."
Tremble......
Paeng Mun's eyes shook faintly. To think Yi Hwan cared for his family this much.
Meanwhile, watching from the side, eldest son Paeng Do-seong's eyes filled with astonishment.
'Even just standing there, that extraordinary aura—what is it?'
Just being near made breathing feel stifled.
'Does the Great Prince surround himself only with such people?'
Few knew names or faces like Cheol Mu-ok or Ju Tae's, but Yi Hwan's guards were famed across the land for their supreme martial prowess.
Never dreaming these were those rumored figures visiting in person, Paeng Do-seong could only marvel anew at Yi Hwan's prestige.
Then.
"Patriarch, the drinks are ready."
"Bring them in."
As maids entered with the tray, Ju Tae's eyes lit up. The bottles' sheen alone was exceptional.
"This was rushed, so it's modest. We have plenty more—speak if you need."
The drinking session began in earnest.
After two bottles were emptied, Paeng Mun ventured,
"Who among you will issue the challenge?"
"Not decided yet."
"Doesn't matter who. The question is whether they'll accept. If they do, we'll thrash them like dogs and expose them."
At Ju Tae's words, Paeng Mun said,
"Do you know which warriors they've beaten so far?"
"I heard they've toppled quite a few coming up to Hebei, but I have zero interest in who. No reason to care."
Finishing, Ju Tae shook an empty bottle.
"Out of booze already......"
Paeng Do-seong jumped up.
"Please wait a moment."
"Coming and going is a hassle—bring plenty. Oh, more meat too!"
"Understood."
Kim Mu-gwan smirked and asked Paeng Mun,
"When are they coming back?"
"Tomorrow."
"Then don't refuse outright—say you'll need a bit more time to consider. If refused again, they might leave for elsewhere."
"Got it. I'll do that."
"And could we borrow some swords? Our identities would be trouble if revealed."
"Our house has more than enough fine blades. Consider it done. Anything else?"
"That's plenty."
After that, the three said no more about the Sun and Moon Twin Swords.
Paeng Mun worried inwardly.
'They're underestimating them too much.'