Chapter 35: The Difference in Rank (1)

“So you want me to hit that bastard?”

“In effect, yes.”

“Bullshit. You’re using me to slit his throat. Anyone can see it’s murder-by-borrowed-knife.”

“So you’ll leave him alone?”

“......”

“He’s trash. Like you said.”

“You’re trash too. If not for you...”

“If not for me, you’d still be chewing your collar in defeat.”

“Shut up.”

“I hear your clan keeps its debts straight. You’ve got a grudge against him. And I intend to give you information. Simple, isn’t it?”

“......”

“What’s it going to be?”

“...Get lost.”

“I’ll take that as acceptance.”

“Just one question.”

“What?”

“What grudge do you have against him?”

“No grudge.”

“Even a dog wouldn’t buy that. I can see killing will in your eyes. You hate him. Viciously.”

“I’ll contact you when he steps out. Do it or don’t—your choice. Handle it yourself.”

“Hah! And why should I trust you? To me, he and you are the same kind of idiot.”

“I hear the Tang Clan’s pride is the greatest under heaven.”

“Sly bastard.”

“Don’t forget: only after a good chance passes do you realize it was good.”

****

“Urrgh—this is no joke.”

Yeon Jipyeong was dying.

For the first time in his life, he was meeting a hangover. From the way he wobbled, even standing looked hard.

Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.

“Do circulation. It’ll help.”

Once your inner method reaches a certain stage, you can purge alcohol on the spot. For Yeon Jipyeong, that was still a stretch.

“Brother Daeho said yesterday that using inner force to settle your stomach is for drunks, not warriors.”

“So are you a warrior? Or a drunk?”

“I’ll do circulation.”

“Good.”

After about an hour of circulation, color had returned to Yeon Jipyeong’s face.

“Definitely better.”

“Want hangover soup?”

“I do, but... putting anything in right now is...”

“Then let’s get ready.”

“Ready? For what?”

“Home.”

Come to think of it, Yeon Hojeong was already dressed sharp. He looked to have finished every preparation.

Yeon Jipyeong’s eyes went wide.

“We’re not staying for the dispersal?”

“We’ve made enough acquaintances. Now everyone should return to their lives and do the work that fits their station. If we get hungry on the way, we’ll duck into someplace then.”

“Ah...”

“The Azure Hawk Squad is ready as well.”

“Th-then let’s at least say goodbye.”

“Of course.”

Yeon Jipyeong hurried into his clothes. Maybe because he hadn’t expected to leave this soon, the regret showed thick.

On any other day, Yeon Hojeong would have given him time. Not this time.

‘I have a lead.’

There was no point crossing hands further with Ming Holim. The Ming Clan’s martial art matched the raiders’.

‘When will his message come?’

Ga Deoksang’s ability was superb—back when he was Dragon Head Union Master, and the same now as Rear Beggar. With less to be accountable for, he might even move faster.

Until then, they would return to the clan and prepare. Even just on the martial side, there was a mountain to sort.

‘Soon would be best.’

With the Azure Hawk Squad in tow, Yeon Hojeong headed for the outer compound.

“Hey! Brother Yeon! Leaving already? At least have breakfast!”

Having gotten close to Yeon Jipyeong, Peng Daeho now clung to Yeon Hojeong as well.

But the regret on Peng Daeho’s face was real. Same for Peng Manho. Frank men, through and through.

Yeon Hojeong said:

“If fate runs, we’ll meet again.”

“Ugh! That’s a cold way to put it. Don’t be like that—let’s have a drink at a nearby tavern after this is over. You said it yourself! You’d pour a cup for each man!”

“Sorry. I have work.”

“Tch.”

Peng Daeho smacked his lips. You can’t hold a ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) busy man by the sleeve.

Peng Manho bared a shoulder with a serious face.

“The bruise still hasn’t faded. Give me a chance to pay you back later.”

“Of course.”

“Heh-heh.”

Peng Daeho patted that shoulder. Peng Manho shrieked and toppled.

“Ah—sorry.”

Cheerful brothers.

Just then, the Je Gal siblings came running with Yeon Jipyeong.

“Hah—hah—what? You’re leaving already?”

“Yes.”

“Why?! Stay till lunch and go together!”

“Our routes differ from the Je Gal Clan’s.”

Cold-blooded fellow.

Regret was plain on Je Gal Ahyeon’s face. Same with Je Gal Jun.

“Brother Yeon, then wait an hour and go with us. Just share lunch.”

Je Gal Jun, usually a man of few words, spoke up for once.

He had a strange awe of Yeon Hojeong—but after a few bouts, he also admired him. In private regret, he was likely no less than his sister.

Yeon Hojeong ruffled Je Gal Jun’s hair.

Je Gal Jun’s eyes went wide.

“Come to Jiangsu sometime. I’ll show you around.”

“Y-yes?”

“Without your sister.”

Je Gal Ahyeon squawked.

“Why not me?!”

“You’re noisy.”

“Ugh.”

Shaking, Je Gal Ahyeon asked in a small, regretful voice:

“Do you really have to go?”

“I have work.”

His face stayed indifferent. But Je Gal Ahyeon read the earnestness and urgency lurking behind it.

“...Fine. Can’t be helped.”

After a brief hesitation, she sighed and drew a silk pouch from her bosom.

“Here. Take this.”

“What is it?”

“Just take it.”

With a faint grimace, Yeon Hojeong accepted the brocade pouch. To an onlooker, you’d think he’d been handed filth.

“It’s the family’s Bright-Grind Plaque.”

“Bright-Grind Plaque?”

She dropped her voice.

“The main house recently started an arms business. We have a branch in southeastern Anhui, too. There’s a map inside—if you ever head that way, stop in.”

A spark lit in Yeon Hojeong’s eyes.

“Why give this to me?”

“You think my eyes are knotholes? The Spear Art isn’t your real martial art, is it?”

Sharp, this one. Not ordinary at all.

“I don’t know what your main weapon is, but if you have time, go look. The arms we brought in this summer are all top-notch.”

“Can you really give me something like this?”

“The eldest daughter and son of the Je Gal Clan lived thanks to you. This much is profit on our side. If my father hears, he’ll try to hand you a fortune.”

Yeon Hojeong tucked the pouch away.

“Thank you.”

Je Gal Ahyeon smiled.

“See you again.”

“Doubt it.”

“Next time we meet, fix that way of talking.”

Just then—

“Brother Yeon! Safe travels!”

“Jipyeong! I’ll come to Jiangsu! See you!”

“Visit my house. I’ll hand you a whole cask.”

Behind the Peng brothers and the Je Gal siblings, many of the younger generation waved.

Few looked at Yeon Hojeong. Most of them regretted that Yeon Jipyeong was leaving. He’d clearly left a large impression at last night’s drinking.

Yeon Jipyeong waved with a bright face.

“See you next time!”

The regret was large, but he didn’t show it. They’d built bonds; they could see each other anytime.

A smile shadowed Yeon Hojeong’s face.

‘Good.’

Yeon Jipyeong had charm. Those proud heirs wouldn’t dote on him just for being young.

Yeon Hojeong sincerely hoped he would cultivate that human charm well.

The Yeon brothers turned their backs.

Je Gal Ahyeon watched his back with regret. She’d said the words, but watching him truly go tugged at her eyes again and again.

Just then—

“He’s truly something, isn’t he, Sister?”

Je Gal Ahyeon turned.

“Ah—Yeonhwa.”

It was Mo Yong Yeonhwa. Her air was calmer than Ahyeon’s.

“I think I see how the Yeon Clan of Green Mountain found itself counted among the Seven Great Clans in so short a time.”

“Don’t I know it.”

Mo Yong Yeonhwa also watched the brothers recede.

Unlike the younger generation’s pure goodwill and regret, a meaningful light rose in her eyes.

‘Will we meet again?’

Young as she was, she never missed seats where clan affairs were decided.

Not because she was the Clan Lord’s daughter—but because she had proved she had the ability.

‘One way or another, it’s a clan our main house must swallow. No need to be sentimental.’

She knew her father had proposed a business venture to the Yeon Clan.

If the Yeon Clan Lord accepted, she’d see them once more. If he refused... they likely wouldn’t meet again.

‘Whether we partner or not, the Yeon Clan’s future is set.’

Mo Yong Yeonhwa glanced at a tall building deep in the inner compound.

Ming Holim’s quarters.

“They’re leaving.”

From a window, looking down on the outer compound, Namgung Hyun’s eyes were wintry.

“Jingok.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Send the letter.”

“...As you command.”

Namgung Hyun’s smile twisted. A grotesque expression he had never shown to outsiders—nor to family.

“You picked the wrong man to provoke, Yeon Hojeong.”

At that moment, Yeon Hojeong turned his back.

‘...!?’

Namgung Hyun flinched.

The distance made it hard to read his face. But he could tell Yeon Hojeong’s eyes were pointed straight this way.

Namgung Hyun’s face contorted.

“Can’t stand the sight of you!”

He stormed away.

****

Once clear of Hefei, the party set their route for Lake Chao (Chaohu). They planned to eat there, then board a boat straight for Jiangsu.

The road to Lake Chao wasn’t far.

Or rather, it didn’t feel far.

“Huff—huff—!”

“Easy. Are you all right?”

“N-no.”

Yeon Jipyeong panted without stopping. Even with breath painstakingly trained through inner-method practice, he was on the verge of collapse.

Nor was he alone. They’d followed to escort the First Young Master, but most of the Azure Hawk members were pale as sheets. The only one more or less fine was Shin Mo.

Smiling, Yeon Hojeong steadied Yeon Jipyeong.

“You’ve still got a ways to go.”

“Urrgh. The hangover makes it worse.”

“Still? It should be gone.”

“It’s gone now. I’m starving.”

Even feeling hunger in the middle of it was impressive. Judging by the Azure Hawk members’ faces, they wanted to drop and sleep before thinking of food.

Shin Mo’s eyes sharpened.

“Form up properly!”

Yeon Hojeong added a word.

“He’s right. At this rate, the name Azure Hawk will weep.”

Shin Mo’s face soured. To hear even this from the First Young Master—his nape ached.

The members stared at Yeon Hojeong with hollow eyes. How could anyone be this devilish.

Shin Mo barked:

“How dare you show such disrespect to the First Young Master! Eyes down!”

A terrifying roar. Men who’d been about to crumple stood rigid at attention.

Yeon Hojeong said to Shin Mo:

“Don’t be too hard. This kind of training is probably a first for them.”

“If they’re spent from hard training, that’s on them. But this level of mental weakness is on me. I apologize on behalf of the squad.”

“It’s fine. If you’re martial men, you need at least this much grit. No one’s fallen behind, anyway—have they?”

Meant to soothe, it only twisted Shin Mo’s face further. The members’ faces went dead black.

Yeon Hojeong realized he’d blundered. Oddly, he didn’t feel sorry.

“You look like you can barely move. Rest here. I’ll go get food.”

“M-my lord, I—”

“Captain Shin, see to your men. We have to leave as soon as we eat.”

With that, Yeon Hojeong headed for the tavern. Behind him, Shin Mo’s thunderous scolding rolled.

“This place will do.”

Despite the great lake at its side, the tavern’s surroundings were oddly empty—even though it was the only one in the area.

In any case, the order would go through quickly. Yeon Hojeong strode in without hesitation.

Creak.

He pushed the tavern door and halted.

A strand of unmistakable killing will slammed his head.

“Two days, is it?”

An empty first floor.

By the window, sprawled loosely in a seat, sat a young man. His right arm was splinted.

Tang Yangseon.