Chapter 190
Returning Home
“Have you arrived?”
“How have you been?”
“Haha, thanks to you, I’ve been well.”
“May I sit?”
“Of course. But, why have you come all the way to my quarters when we could have met at today’s meeting?”
Jegal Munho’s eyes darkened.
“I have come to deliver a word of request.”
Moyong Gun smiled faintly.
“I am already looking forward to it. Please wait a moment. Even though you’re a guest, I must at least offer you some tea.”
Shortly after, a tea cup with a pleasant aroma was placed between the two of them.
Jegal Munho did not touch the tea.
“Today, at the Bonggong meeting, we will finalize all matters concerning Yangcheon.”
“I expected as much.”
“As you might have guessed, the direction will likely be to hand over the command of this operation to the Moyong Family Head.”
Moyong Gun grinned widely.
“One of the essential elements of command is speed, wouldn’t you agree? The one who has already mapped out all the strategies in his mind is the most suitable for command. Naturally, I expected this.”
Jegal Munho nodded.
“Let me speak frankly. Your strategy and insight are exceptional, Family Head Moyong. In a certain sense, you could be considered the best among the Bonggong.”
“Oh, why do you say such things? My strategies, at best, are only effective against ordinary people. They cannot be compared to the abilities of the head of the Mysterious Jegal.”
“As you know, I’ll say this again just in case.”
A strong light appeared in Jegal Munho’s eyes.
“In military operations, the strategist has the highest authority. Even if all the other Bonggong acknowledge you as the commander, if I do not give my approval, you cannot become the commander.”
Moyong Gun gave a meaningful smile.
“I am aware. Of course, it’s the strategist’s role to bear the political pressure that comes with it.”
“Indeed.”
Jegal Munho leaned forward.
His gaze, locked directly on Moyong Gun, was fiercer than ever.
“Just promise me one thing. For this operation, do not entangle it with the Alliance’s power struggles.”
“Haha, what an unfair thing to say.”
“I believe we have a reasonable understanding of each other’s abilities and personalities by now. That is why I ask.”
It was a statement that implied that Moyong Gun was fully capable of such things.
Though it was quite a rude remark, Moyong Gun didn’t even bat an eye.
“Has this Moyong Gun, as seen through the discerning eyes of the Jegal Family Head, truly been such an unreasonable person?”
“Precisely because you are a reasonable person, you are even more frightening. When someone like you acts unreasonably, it becomes very difficult to deal with.”
“Hahaha!”
Finding this amusing, Moyong Gun laughed.
Surprisingly, it was hard to find any hint of displeasure in that laughter. On the contrary, it was so hearty that it almost reflected goodwill toward the other.
Hearing that laughter, Jegal Munho thought to himself.
‘He has become even more terrifying.’
In the past, Moyong Gun would respond sharply to criticism that went beyond a certain level.
However, it wasn’t the case now. Moyong Gun had become someone who could genuinely laugh, even in the face of harsh criticism and clear-eyed suspicion.
It was as if the most venomous snake in the world had grown into an Imoogi.
‘What on earth has turned you into such a monster?’
Of course, he already knew the answer.
‘Yeon Gunjang….’
More precisely, it was the shocking assault led by Yeon Hojeong and his opposing faction that had shaken him.
But Moyong Gun was not someone who cowered in fear. Instead, he used the opportunity to reflect on his own shortcomings.
He was truly a frightening yet pitiable person. If only he had turned that self-reflection towards personal growth instead of political strife, things might have been different.
Moyong Gun spoke with a smile.
“Don’t worry. Although I may be a petty man who wouldn’t hesitate to resort to tricks when necessary, at least I know how to choose the right stage to fight on.”
“…….”
“I am not concerned with the existence of Yangcheon, the King of Duels. However, if he were to unify the Black Path and build a massive power, then that would indeed be a serious problem.”
“That’s correct. Even if, in the future, you were to seize the greatest power in the Wulin, it would still be an issue.”
“Precisely. What I’m saying is that, for this fight, it is not entangled with factional interests.”
Jegal Munho, who had been quietly observing Moyong Gun, nodded.
“I will trust you.”
“You can trust me. And you can trust this person in the future as well.”
“That, I cannot be sure of.”
“Haha, whether we climb the mountain or follow the highway, as long as we reach the sea, it doesn’t matter. I won’t deny that I have personal ambitions, but I, too, wish for the prosperity of the Wulin.”
“I will trust you only up to that point.”
“Hahaha!”
Jegal Munho stood up from his seat.
“Family Head Moyong.”
“Yes, speak.”
“Do you know why I trust your words? Even though there’s no binding agreement.”
Moyong Gun’s face showed interest.
“Indeed, I am curious. You don’t seem like the type to trust someone simply based on their word, so why do you trust me?”
“To show you my resolve.”
“Resolve….”
“That’s right.”
Jegal Munho’s expression turned cold.
“As a strategist, I must maintain neutrality. It was for that neutrality that I’ve been holding back you and your faction members.”
“Haha.”
“But if, at any moment, the slightest suspicion arises during this operation—”
Flash!
Murderous intent flared in Jegal Munho’s eyes.
“Then you will experience firsthand just how relentless a strategist’s attack can be once they abandon the value of neutrality.”
Moyong Gun did not erase his smile.
However, his gaze grew just as cold as Jegal Munho’s.
Jegal Munho then clasped his hands in a formal gesture of respect.
“I apologize for my rudeness due to unnecessary concerns. If you have time in the coming days, please visit my quarters. I’ll treat you to some fine liquor as an apology for today’s incident.”
Moyong Gun laughed heartily.
“Men form bonds while fighting, don’t they? Don’t take it too personally.”
“Of course.”
Jegal Munho left the room.
As Moyong Gun stared at the now-empty chair, he muttered quietly to himself.
“Hah! What a man. I went through the trouble of brewing such expensive tea, and he didn’t even take a single sip.”
This only proved how cautious he was. It seemed that as long as it concerned anything related to Moyong Gun, Jegal Munho wouldn’t trust a single thing.
Moyong Gun smirked.
“Do you know, Jegal Family Head? The mere fact that you doubt everything about me could be enough to drag you and all those who follow you into the abyss?”
After leaving Moyong Gun’s quarters, Jegal Munho called for Jegal Ahyeon.
“You called for me, Father?”
“Did you hear anything about Yeon Gunjang?”
Jegal Ahyeon’s face stiffened.
“Yes, I heard.”
“It seems, contrary to my expectations, Yeon Gunjang does not intend to bring along the Myeolsagun.”
“…It’s not a mission for extermination, after all.”
Even if it wasn’t an extermination mission, the presence of a force like Myeolsagun would still be a significant advantage.
Especially since Myeolsagun follows Yeon Hojeong’s commands without question. While they might act like friends in private, once the mission starts, they respond to the commander’s orders immediately.
A force with that level of loyalty could provide psychological support, even if they didn’t fight together.
But Yeon Hojeong didn’t seem to think it was necessary.
‘How typical of you.’
Yet, Jegal Munho couldn’t help but worry. It wasn’t just about the opponent; the operation itself was highly complex.
Seeing his daughter sigh with a troubled expression, Jegal Munho spoke.
“Would you like to join him?”
“What?”
“I’m asking if you want to go with Yeon Gunjang.”
Jegal Ahyeon’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Can… can I really?”
Wasn’t this the same father who had said he would use his power to keep her out of danger?
And now he was saying the opposite. It was even more surprising because he was a man who rarely changed his mind once he’d spoken.
Jegal Munho continued.
“Yeon Gunjang’s abilities are undeniably outstanding. His martial skills and strategies are far beyond what one would expect at his age. But, it’s often those very people who reveal their vulnerabilities at the most crucial moments.”
“Ah…”
“Honestly, I don’t want to send my daughter into a deathtrap. However, now that one of my biggest concerns has been addressed, I can breathe a little easier.”
“A concern?”
“Indeed, there is one.”
Jegal Munho’s eyes gleamed.
“So, I’ll ask you again. Will you join Yeon Gunjang and help lead this dangerous operation?”
Jegal Ahyeon grinned.
A heroic smile spread across her beautiful face.
“I’ll complete the mission brilliantly and return, Father.”
* * *
“Hah! Hah!”
Her breathing became erratic.
As her breathing faltered, her ability to manage her internal energy diminished. The rate at which her stamina decreased became noticeably faster, and her reaction time slowed significantly.
However, Yeon Hojeong’s focus did not waver. Instead, as he faced the crisis, his concentration only intensified.
‘Amazing.’
Whoooosh.
From within his torn sleeve, the invisible sword energy of the most powerful member of the Byeoksan family began to radiate.
‘What incredible martial arts!’
Yeon Hojeong was certain of it.
Among all the opponents he had faced—whether during the days of the Dark Emperor or after his return—the one before him was the most challenging.
It wasn’t just about the level of martial arts. In terms of sheer skill, Yangcheon was formidable, and Moyong Gun during his time as the Wulin Alliance Leader, as well as the Saeum Cult Leader, could easily be considered the best in the world.
Yeon Wi, with his martial abilities that didn’t reach the level of those masters, still made Yeon Hojeong feel the greatest sense of crisis.
‘It’s not because his combat abilities are exceptional. Yet, counterattacking him is impossible. I’ve never been driven into such a corner before.’
Even Yeon Hojeong, who was attempting to land killing blows, couldn’t touch him. Yeon Wi, the head of the Byeoksan family, had completely seen through his son’s martial arts and abilities, targeting his weaknesses with precision.
He was exploiting weaknesses—a tactic unbefitting someone who upheld fairness as a virtue of the righteous path.
“Do you understand?”
“Huff… Huff… Pardon?”
Swish.
The sword energy surrounding Yeon Wi’s hand vanished as if it had never existed.
“Your combat abilities are exceptional. But the Black Path is different. The Black Path of the Wulin is filled with all sorts of treacherous tricks. The underhanded attacks I’ve shown today are nothing compared to their methods.”
It was true.
However, no matter which master of the Black Path he faced, he wouldn’t have been overwhelmed to this extent.
Because this was his father.
He couldn’t stand a chance against his father, who had observed and remembered every detail of his martial arts and habits.
This was why one usually did not let an opponent live after a duel and why one did not train in front of others.
Anyone with a keen eye and some skill could tip the scales of a fight just by witnessing it once.
“The one who stands at the pinnacle of such tactics is Yangcheon. I hope it never happens, but if you ever find yourself facing him, don’t look back—just run.”
Yeon Hojeong’s breathing gradually stabilized.
“Don’t worry. I’m not foolish enough to pick a fight with someone I can’t defeat.”
“Good.”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“That’s all I needed to hear. While fleeing in front of an enemy is considered a disgrace for a warrior, forcing yourself to confront an overwhelming power is reckless.”
“Yes.”
Yeon Wi looked at Yeon Hojeong for a moment before sighing.
“The moment I heard you were participating in this operation, I started thinking about what I should do for you. I knew I couldn’t break your stubbornness anyway.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Unfortunately, this is all I can do for you.”
Know your place. This is the way of the Black Path.
Yeon Wi wanted his son to understand this clearly.
“Never overextend yourself. Lives are more important than the mission, and that includes your own.”
“I understand.”
“Before you infiltrate the mission site, make sure to eat and rest well. That’s the only way you’ll have the strength when it matters most.”
“Yes.”
“And… and…”
Yeon Wi closed his eyes.
“Don’t die.”
“….”
“I can overlook all your past transgressions. But I cannot forgive the sin of leaving before your parents.”
“I will return safely.”
“I believe you.”
Yeon Wi turned and walked away.
Yeon Hojeong stood there for a long time, watching his father’s back as he slowly disappeared into the distance.