Chapter 102

Chapter 102
Yeom Hwa-sin pushed open the door to the thatched cottage.

This was the residence of Yeop Sa-mi, the woman who constantly occupied his thoughts, and the exact location he had previously visited alongside Baek So-cheon.

Yeop Sa-mi, who was busy cooking soup over an earthenware pot in the courtyard, flinched in surprise as Yeom Hwa-sin always tended to arrive without any prior warning.

“You have arrived.”

“Have you been keeping well?”

“Yes.”

Ever since Baek So-cheon’s visit, the dynamic between the two had noticeably shifted, resulting in a softened relationship and a deepened mutual fondness.

Even so, they had still never shared a bed; had Yeom Hwa-sin demanded it, she would have had no alternative but to obey, yet he consistently limited his visits to a brief cup of tea before departing.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

“Would you care to join me?”

Yeom Hwa-sin gave a nod.

“Please wait just a moment.”

“Certainly.”

Yeom Hwa-sin seated himself on the wooden porch.

A short while later, Yeop Sa-mi emerged carrying a compact tray laden with rice and side dishes, presenting a spread superior to her previous meals. Before their relationship changed, she had refused to touch any of the food he sent, but now she willingly consumed what he provided.

A gentle warmth enveloped her form as Yeom Hwa-sin summoned a soft current of energy to keep the biting wind at bay.

That exact same warmth had gradually dissolved the bitterness and animosity she once held toward him.

Given enough time, even the most deeply resented individual could grow on someone, and ever since Baek So-cheon’s visit, Yeom Hwa-sin had treated her with kindness; yet, his persistent refusal to demand intimacy left her feeling uneasy.

Naturally, she knew better than to lower her guard, recognizing that he was a man capable of changing his mind at any second and ending her life without warning, rendering Yeom Hwa-sin an absolute mystery to her.

While eating his meal, Yeom Hwa-sin broke the silence without preamble.

“My son is dead.”

Yeop Sa-mi raised her head in utter disbelief.

Acting as though it were a matter of no consequence, Yeom Hwa-sin continued picking up his food with his chopsticks.

“Baek So-cheon—the one who came here earlier—is the one who killed him.”

“Pardon me?”

Yeom Hwa-sin lifted his eyes to look at her.

“Do you find my words hard to believe?”

“No, it is simply… so abrupt. It took me by surprise.”

He was not someone who would fabricate a tragedy regarding his own flesh and blood.

She found the notion staggering, wondering how Baek So-cheon, devoid of inner power, could have managed such a feat, or why he would recklessly eliminate the heir of the Black Heaven Alliance even if he possessed the capability.

“Would you care for a drink?”

“Do you have any on hand?”

“Yes, you provided some liquor previously.”

The Black Heaven Alliance had indeed included various spirits alongside food supplies.

She walked off to retrieve the container and poured the liquid into his cup.

Yeom Hwa-sin tossed it back in a single motion and muttered, “It aches as though my heart is being ripped apart.”

“A grief I cannot even begin to fathom.”

Yeop Sa-mi poured another cup to refill it.

In truth, Yeom Hwa-sin was masking his genuine emotions.

He himself failed to fully comprehend this psychological state.

It stemmed from no desire for her sympathy nor any attempt to present himself favorably, feeling closer instead to an urge to verify whether he retained the capacity for such agonizing sorrow.

Yet all he uncovered was an internal wasteland, where despite his ability to command physical tears at will, not a single droplet of authentic grief could be summoned.

He had secretly hoped that in the presence of Yeop Sa-mi, who bore a resemblance to his first love, some genuine sincerity might spontaneously rise from within him…

“Damn it all!”

Provoked by Yeom Hwa-sin’s sudden flash of frustration, Yeop Sa-mi rose, stepped up behind him, and pressed her face against his broad back while her gentle hands stroked his iron-wrought frame.

“Your son must have traveled to a realm far better than this one, so please do not distress yourself excessively.”

Stung by her affectionate touch, Yeom Hwa-sin abruptly surged to his feet and stormed out of the hut.

She simply watched his departure in silence, accustomed to a man who arrived and vanished entirely on his own unpredictable impulses.

Upon stepping back into the carriage parked at a distance from the dwelling, his subordinate waiting at the driver’s seat immediately reported fresh intelligence.

“A crisis has broken out among the Blood Cult operatives stationed within the Murim Alliance; Rap-sa has been killed, while Myeol Ji-ryun and Pa-jeong are both unaccounted for.”

The Black Heaven Alliance had naturally kept a close watch on Myeol Ji-ryun as well.

“What happened?”

“Every available spy is being mobilized to uncover the truth, but we received an ominous dispatch from a Blood Cult informant.”

“What does it say?”

“A message sent via Pa-jeong’s homing pigeon explicitly referenced the Alliance Lord.”

“Me?”

“Yes, claiming that the Alliance Lord exposed the Blood Cult’s conspiracy beforehand, and that you attended the sparring tournament specifically to pass their plans to Baek So-cheon in secret.”

“What?”

Yeom Hwa-sin stared blankly for a second before erupting into roaring laughter.

“Hahaha!”

Uncomprehending, the subordinate bowed low.

Yeom Hwa-sin laughed for one precise reason: an intuitive hunch.

“Rigid old traditionalists like Ak So-gun or Je-gal Hyeon would never stoop to such divisive maneuvers, meaning this bears Baek So-cheon’s signature entirely.”

From that single report alone, Yeom Hwa-sin saw right through to Baek So-cheon’s involvement.

“If that absurd report went out, it implies Jeok Pa-rap’s inexperienced disciple has likely met his end as well.”

“And Jeok Pa-rap has departed for the Central Plains.”

“He is coming personally? In that case, his mission is to recover Myeol Ji-ryun, as Baek So-cheon would never rashly murder the daughter of the Blood Cult Lord.”

Yeom Hwa-sin flashed a wide grin, exposing his teeth.

The irritation he had directed at Yeop Sa-mi had completely evaporated.

“See? Things only grow entertaining when Baek So-cheon is in play.”

Summoned by Je-gal Hyeon, Baek So-cheon made his way toward the strategic command center.

“What is the matter?”

“Word has arrived from the Blood Cult indicating that Jeok Pa-rap is journeying here personally to settle accounts.”

He had anticipated a formidable opponent, but not Jeok Pa-rap himself; regardless of who arrived, however, Baek So-cheon was prepared to meet them.

“I will take care of it.”

“You?”

“Yes, since I initiated this affair, I will see it through to the end.”

“Is that not excessively dangerous?”

“It will be fine, but ensure the meeting is arranged in an open field at high noon.”

“For what reason?”

“My engagement with Pa-jeong revealed that his techniques incorporate dark shamanic sorcery, and his master Jeok Pa-rap likely employs the same, making broad daylight the ideal setting for a confrontation.”

“A shrewd deduction; is there anything else you require?”

“The Black Heaven Alliance is undoubtedly aware of this development by now, so maintain surveillance on their movements.”

“Understood.”

Baek So-cheon’s directive focused on the Black Heaven Alliance forces, recognizing that despite rigorous vigilance, tracking Yeom Hwa-sin’s movements remained impossible.

That elusive figure could materialize outside the Murim Alliance gates at any second, lying in wait for him.

Leaving the command center, Baek So-cheon walked directly to Cheon-geuk’s Daroo Tea House.

“What brings you here?”

“Merely stopping by for a cup of tea.”

She fixed her gaze on him before asking once more.

“What is the actual reason?”

“Is it truly that obvious?”

“Indeed, because whenever you have an objective or task in mind, your expression gives it away immediately.”

“Even if I relinquish my post as Alliance Lord, I possess a straw mat and will not starve.”

“A single mat is hardly sufficient, knowing full well that I have several subordinates relying on me for meals.”

She was alluding to her four guardians, prompting the earnest Dong-seong to barely restrain himself from declaring their willingness to serve her comfortably.

As anticipated, Baek So-cheon had indeed arrived with a purpose.

“I need to ask a favor of the elder.”

Having received extensive assistance from Na-sa-rin, he could not bring himself to approach her directly without offering preparation.

“Does she harbor any specific preferences?”

“Are you suggesting I bribe her?”

“She spends all her time worrying over your well-being and instructing me to look after you properly, so I figured bringing a present was in order.”

“A sound approach.”

“What does she actually enjoy?”

Unable to provide an immediate answer, she finally grabbed her head in self-directed frustration.

“Dammit, feel free to curse me out.”

She realized she did not even know Na-sa-rin’s personal tastes.

“It is quite alright.”

“It is not, considering I profess deep admiration and respect for her yet remain entirely ignorant of her preferences.”

“You have simply been occupied.”

“Excuses will not suffice; punish me and strike me hard.”

“Just a single blow, then?”

As Baek So-cheon curled his fingers into a fist, Cheon-geuk sidestepped quickly.

“You actually would! Tell me then, do you even know what the Alliance Lord favors?”

Baek So-cheon hesitated for a moment before relaxing his fist.

“It appears we share the blame.”

“Indeed.”

At that precise moment, Seo-seong—one of the female guardians—spoke from the upper space.

“Recently, the elder has taken up painting on occasion.”

“Painting? What style?”

“Streetscapes, natural scenery, and various other subjects.”

“I was entirely unaware of that.”

“You have simply been overburdened lately.”

“Do not attempt to comfort me with that, nor look at me as though I were some clueless fool.”

Baek So-cheon chuckled softly and rose to his feet.

“Let us get going.”

“To where?”

“Where else? Now that we are informed, it is time to acquire gifts.”

Accompanied by her, Baek So-cheon visited a market emporium to purchase the finest quality brushes, ink, and paper.

During their return trip, Cheon-geuk paused at a draper’s shop to select several comfortable garments suitable for painting sessions.

When she lingered over infant attire, the shop clerk playfully suggested they resembled a young couple shopping for their daughter, causing Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk to exchange understated smiles without ever having broached the subject of marriage, instinctively aware that raising the topic might precipitate a separation.

Loaded with presents, the pair proceeded to visit Na-sa-rin.

“What is the occasion for all of this?”

“We were informed that you have developed a passion for painting lately.”

“Please wear these comfortable garments while you paint.”

“You have my thanks, Alliance Lord.”

Though the items were not extravagant, Na-sa-rin was overcome with joy.

Was it due to a financial inability to secure such things herself? Not at all—it was the profound happiness of realizing someone cared for her in such a manner, having lived a solitary life without family.

“To be entirely honest, this functions as a bribe.”

Na-sa-rin responded to Baek So-cheon’s remark with bright laughter.

“My very first bribe… at my stage in life, I suppose accepting one is permissible.”

Her words reflected a lifelong dedication marked by unyielding integrity and absolute devotion to the Alliance.

“Now, enlighten me.”

Baek So-cheon recounted the entire situation regarding Myeol Ji-ryun to both Cheon-geuk and Na-sa-rin, leaving the two women utterly stunned as they absorbed the complete background of the formation.

“So Jeok Pa-rap is scheduled to arrive at the Murim Alliance in person within a few days.”

The revelation left the women deeply shocked.

“I intend to meet him personally.”

“You?”

“Yes, because the Blood Cult is desperate to claim you, and with Myeol Ji-ryun serving as a hostage, facing him directly carries unpredictable risks.”

Jeok Pa-rap might attempt to afflict the Alliance Lord with dark sorcery to trade her for Myeol Ji-ryun.

If anyone had to confront him, Baek So-cheon was undoubtedly the correct choice.

Jeok Pa-rap represented an adversary he would inevitably encounter eventually, and initiating contact now while holding the ultimate leverage offered an ideal opportunity to test the man’s capabilities.

“Even you must exercise extreme caution.”

“What if he has mastered Hyeol-cheon-gi?”

“Unlikely, as Hyeol-cheon-gi is an exclusive technique transmitted solely to the Blood Cult Lord.”

Aware of this fact, Baek So-cheon had inquired nonetheless given their master-disciple connection.

“Then at the very least, Jeok Pa-rap has not mastered Hyeol-cheon-gi.”

“Even so, never lower your guard, as he commands formidable dark sorcery and must be avoided particularly during night hours.”

“I am aware.”

Despite Pa-jeong’s youth, Baek So-cheon had failed to perceive his presence within the shadows, meaning the disparity in power compared to Jeok Pa-rap was immeasurable and the danger indescribable.

Overhearing the discussion, Cheon-geuk queried Baek So-cheon, “Do you intend to set Myeol Ji-ryun free?”

“Yes, executing her accomplishes nothing.”

It mirrored the exact logic behind his efforts to spare Yeom Sa-won until the end, recognizing that while eliminating nuisances offered short-term gratification, it constituted an inferior strategic choice.

“However, I will not simply let her walk away empty-handed.”

“What then?”

“I shall extract what I require most urgently at present.”

“And what might that be?”

Baek So-cheon merely offered an enigmatic smile, keeping his silence and further deepening the mystery.

“My reason for seeking you out today involves a single favor.”

“State it.”

The request voiced by Baek So-cheon caught Na-sa-rin entirely off guard as something she could never have foreseen.

“Cast Seop-hon-sul upon me.”