A Brief Respite
It had been a while since I last came to Poyang Lake for a leisurely outing.
In my previous life, I had grown tired of this place. Day after day, I would sit entrenched on the top floor of Geungnakru, drinking and chasing women while staring at Poyang Lake through the windows.
Yet the feelings it stirred in me now were entirely different. Simply strolling around the lake with no particular purpose felt remarkably pleasant.
“Do you like it?”
I was not the only one. Mong Yeo-rin was smiling brightly as well, as though something delighted her immensely, stepping barefoot across the damp lakeside mud.
“Yes! It feels just like the sea!”
“It’s rather different from the sea… Hmm.”
She had probably never seen the ocean. The sight of a real sea would leave her mouth hanging open in astonishment. With that thought, I guided her toward a familiar destination.
It was an inn called Ssanghwaru that I had frequented in the past. The establishment was run by the Ssanghwa Trading Company, a mid-sized merchant group. Its reputation for cuisine was so outstanding that rumors claimed the head chef had been personally recruited from the imperial palace.
“If you wish to taste the flavors of Jiangxi, this is the place—though it is rather expensive.”
In truth, I had always been extremely particular about food. Having freely indulged in every delicacy the world had to offer, my palate had grown correspondingly refined. Even by my exacting standards, Ssanghwaru earned the highest marks.
“Aigoo! Young Master! This old one has been terribly disappointed that you haven’t visited in so long!”
The moment the kitchen staff saw me, every last chef came rushing out. It was almost comical. Despite my abysmal reputation elsewhere, within inns and pleasure houses I was treated as an honored guest of the highest order.
“We’ve actually developed a new dish recently…”
“This time we used black vinegar, a Shanxi specialty we’ve newly contracted, simmered down and aged to perfection…”
From the head chef to his assistants, they attended me like a king. We naturally proceeded to the top floor of Ssanghwaru, where several other guests were already seated. But the moment they recognized my face, they hurriedly abandoned their tables and fled.
“At times like this, a bad reputation has its uses.”
I flashed a grin at Muyoung and took my seat. The location offered an excellent view of the vast Poyang Lake spread out before us.
“Hehe, and who might this be? Perhaps the new lady from Geungnakru…”
Before the chef could utter anything unnecessary, Muyoung swiftly covered his mouth.
“She is a guest from afar. More importantly, bring the food. The best dishes you have. All of them.”
“A-all of them? Aigoo, then the ones we personally developed…”
“Yes, bring everything.”
I had no intention of holding back on expenses. Since I had come to a place I hadn’t visited in a long while, I intended to eat until my stomach was full to bursting.
“Muyoung, eat with us.”
“Pardon? Ah, no. I must protect you, Young Master…”
“Who here would dare challenge me? They’d have to be insane.”
At those words, Muyoung promptly sat down as though he had been waiting for permission.
Until then, Mong Yeo-rin had been completely absorbed in the scenery beyond the window. Having grown up only in the mountains, everything must have seemed wondrous to her.
“Do you like it?”
At my question, she nodded without even turning to look at me.
“Yes, so very much. You must be happy, Young Master.”
“In what way?”
“Being able to see such a beautiful lake every day, of course.”
“Not every day.”
Even if that were true, was it really such a blessing? It was a question I had never considered before.
While we exchanged light conversation, the dishes arrived one after another, and we began devouring them with genuine relish. Surprisingly, Mong Yeo-rin possessed quite an appetite. I wondered how such a small frame could possibly digest so much food.
It was while we were in the midst of emptying the bowls that it happened.
“Excuse me… Young Master Ju.”
“…?”
I paused with food still in my mouth and turned toward the voice. An unfamiliar man was cautiously approaching.
Muyoung rose to intercept him, but I sensed no hostility and waved him back.
“Who are you?”
The man spoke in a low voice.
“I am called Sang-baek, proprietor of Ssanghwaru. Recently our Black King…”
“Ah. One moment.”
I cut him off, stood up, and gestured for Muyoung to remain seated. Then I pulled the man into a quiet corner.
“Black King Sect?”
“Yes. I am also affiliated with them.”
It seemed Yeo Mong was handling matters even better than I had expected. To think she had already brought the proprietor of Ssanghwaru into the fold.
“So you came to greet me?”
“That is part of it, but I received strict instructions to deliver something the moment I saw you, Young Master.”
With those words, Sang-baek respectfully withdrew a letter from his robes and handed it to me. I nodded and unfolded it.
Movements of suspicious groups detected in Songak County, north of Jiangxi. Information agents have been heavily deployed to monitor their activities. Their objective appears to be the Ju family. The exact target remains unknown. Will report immediately upon discovery of any anomalous signs.
The message was brief, but clearly organized. I immediately instructed Sang-baek to summon Yeo Mong.
The Black King Sect had expanded its power with astonishing speed. They had absorbed every resource accumulated by the Haedobang and the entire intelligence network previously established by the Geumcheon Assassination Gate.
The murim has always bowed to strength. The moment the Geumcheon Assassination Gate collapsed, its agents had immediately turned toward the Black King Sect. The organization could now devour roughly seventy percent of all information flowing through Jiangxi.
“Still not enough.”
Yet Yeo Mong remained hungry. This level of success was far too meager. The fear that Woo-jin might abandon them if their power proved insufficient constantly gnawed at her mind. She needed to produce even greater results.
Upon learning of his return, she headed straight for Ssanghwaru. There were important matters to discuss.
On the top floor she found Woo-jin accompanied by another woman.
Who is she?
As she hesitated, Woo-jin gave her a subtle signal to wait. Yeo Mong obediently took a seat in the corner. Soon afterward, Woo-jin approached.
“They’re targeting the Ju family… Is this information reliable?”
Yeo Mong nodded at my question.
“It came from the inn where they were staying. The waiters there belong to our Black King Sect.”
“I see.”
I nodded. She would not speak with such certainty without good reason.
“More importantly, who is this lady? Could she be your…”
“She is not, so refrain from useless speculation.”
I cut Yeo Mong off sharply. In any case, an unknown group had entered Jiangxi territory with the Ju family as their destination. Their intentions could not be good.
“Observe their movements closely. I will strike first before they can act.”
This was the true power of information. I knew what they planned, but they did not know that I knew. I could prepare and create countless variables while they remained powerless. That was the advantage information provided.
“Understood. I will monitor them with utmost care.”
Yeo Mong bowed and promptly left Ssanghwaru. I returned to my seat as though nothing had happened.
“You seem quite busy.”
At Mong Yeo-rin’s remark, I could only offer a bitter smile. My mind was already occupied with other thoughts.
Who are they? Did they begin moving the moment I returned? Or… had they been planning this even before?
Countless possibilities swirled through my head. Nothing was certain yet. For now, all I could do was quietly enjoy this short vacation.
Mong Yeo-rin found this place utterly enchanting. The Mong Family Villa had been wonderful, but this location was equally captivating. Although being surrounded by strangers was not easy, the atmosphere and scenery were so beautiful that she forgot her discomfort.
“Oh? Who might you be?”
When she headed toward the rear garden, the guards moved to stop her. But a middle-aged woman soon emerged from within.
It was Yu Ha-rin, matriarch of the Ju family. Even at a glance, her bearing was extraordinary.
What a beautiful person.
Mong Yeo-rin was genuinely stunned. Despite her age, Yu Ha-rin’s skin was smooth and free of wrinkles, her fair complexion rivaling her own. Had it not been for her speech and mannerisms, no one would have guessed she was middle-aged.
“I-it is my first time meeting you. I am Mong Yeo-rin of the Mong Family Villa.”
She was so overwhelmed by Yu Ha-rin’s grace that she even stammered.
“Hmm? Mong Family Villa? Ah, so you are the one and only granddaughter of Lord Mong?”
Yu Ha-rin was well acquainted with the Mong Family Villa. Her maternal family, the Shanxi Yu Family, operated a trading company that supplied goods to them. Moreover, given the deep connection between the families, the matriarch could hardly be unaware.
“How lovely. Our youngest has rather high standards, doesn’t he?”
“Th-that is…”
The youngest of the Ju family naturally referred to Woo-jin. Mong Yeo-rin’s face flushed crimson.
“I-I am currently imposing upon the Ju family.”
“Is that so? I am the matriarch of this house, Yu Ha-rin. Have you heard of me?”
“The matriarch?”
Startled, Mong Yeo-rin hastily straightened her clothes. She had sensed extraordinary grace and dignity, but never imagined this woman was the matriarch herself.
“Mong Yeo-rin of the Mong family greets the matriarch of the Ju family.”
“There is no need for such formality. Ho ho.”
Yu Ha-rin laughed softly and waved her hand.
“It must be lonely being so far from home. Visit anytime. I will prepare delicious refreshments for you.”
Mong Yeo-rin nodded eagerly at the warm invitation.
This is fun.
Coming to the Ju family had been the right decision. The people were fascinating, and everything around her felt new and wondrous. Where should she explore next?
Watching her wander off while murmuring to herself, I let out a small sigh.
It was the hour when everyone had fallen asleep. Thick clouds veiled the night sky, obscuring the moonlight.
I quietly donned my night suit, covered my face with a mask, and vaulted over the Ju family wall. A message from Yeo Mong had arrived shortly after evening fell—the mysterious group had begun to move.
They acted the moment I arrived at the family.
In that case, their target was me. I raced toward the location Yeo Mong had indicated.
Songak County… It’s quite a distance from the family.
I could roughly guess what they were after.
If they truly intended to strike the family, they should have moved with far greater secrecy. Yet they’re leaving obvious traces?
A cold smile formed on my lips.
A bait to lure me out. In that case… I’ll bite.
Swish!
I increased my speed. I needed to show them exactly how dangerous a fish could be when it chose to bite even knowing the hook was there.
Without exchanging a single word with Muyoung, I headed north. But before we could reach the appointed place, we were forced to stop.
“Welcome.”
In the middle of the forest path, a woman in pure white martial robes stood alone. Even the moonlight seemed to avoid her; the area around her felt unnaturally dark.
“I have been waiting for you, Young Master.”
Her voice clung to my ears like thick syrup. It was not a human sound, but something closer to a snake flicking its tongue—chilling and repulsive.
“……”
I stared at her in silence. Beneath her polite stance, killing intent rippled across her entire body.
“This young lady is called I-eul, Lord Ju.”
“I-eul? I’ve never heard that name. Who are you?”
“The place you are heading to now will be empty. There is no one there.”
“What?”
“This was merely a ploy to draw you out.”
I-eul drew a folding fan from her sleeve. Her outer robe fluttered violently under the pressure of her energy. Then I saw it—the crimson glow burning in her eyes.
A demon.
It was the demonic qi of a practitioner of the demonic path.
“From this moment on, I shall be your opponent, Young Master.”
“Good. In any case, I have nothing to discuss with your kind.”
I maintained a calm facade, but inside I was seething. Of all times, it had to be now—when my internal injuries had not yet fully healed. Still, I had no choice but to fight.
I clenched my fists and assumed a stance. I-eul’s assault began.