Chapter 74

Chapter 74
Cheon-geuk stood near the opening on the upper floor of Daroo Tea House, looking out into the thoroughfare.

A party of around twenty horsemen rode swiftly by after clearing the portals of the Alliance.

Riding at the forefront was Baek So-cheon.

Terrified that his gaze might sweep over her, she instinctively ducked down, cautiously peering over the wooden edge so merely her gaze crept into view.

From behind her back, Dong-seong addressed her.

“They won’t manage to spot this room from atop their mounts.”

“One can never be certain. That fellow possesses exceptionally sharp vision.”

“Weren’t you secretly wishing Master Baek would catch sight of you?”

Cheon-geuk spun around sharply with a glare, making Dong-seong flinch in surprise.

“My apologies! I went too far with my words.”

Softening her features, she put on a teasing grin.

“You aren’t mistaken. I stood right here hoping he might see me. But reflecting on it now, it would be purely mortifying if he actually had. By the way, where did he say his destination was?”

“The Jeol-gang Branch.”

“That remote post is constantly breeding trouble.”

She remembered galloping toward Jeol-gang Province upon receiving Baek So-cheon’s call as clearly as though it took place yesterday.

Watching the vacant path where his figure had vanished, she remarked,

“Are you fretting over me?”

“In what way?”

“That I will become so infatuated that I end up neglecting the duties of the Alliance?”

Dong-seong at last shared the thought he had swallowed down until now.

“Quite the contrary, in fact.”

“You think it’s high time you took things easier. You have already dedicated the entirety of your early years to the Alliance.”

“Hmm. Are you claiming my youth is entirely gone? Fair observation. Given my current age…”

“Not at all, I misspoke yet again!”

His stiff personality made him far too entertaining to tease.

She turned her gaze once more toward the frame. Looking up into the pale, cloudless expanse, she murmured softly,

“I wonder when the skies will pour white once more.”

Dong-seong answered from a step behind.

“The snowfall was remarkably intense during this season.”

Without turning around to face him, Cheon-geuk offered a radiant grin.

“Very well, shall we start getting things in order for the twilight trade?”

Baek So-cheon and his Hyun-cheon-dae reached the vicinity outside the Jeol-gang Branch.

“Wang-ho, Beon Saeng, accompany me. The remainder of you, hold your ground right here.”

Baek So-cheon took only his eldest subordinate alongside his youngest to the secret meeting spot.

Awaiting them there stood Kang Jung-myeong, the personal aide serving Jeong-pung, who had sent the pressing message to the command center.

Baek So-cheon had sent word to him through a discreet channel to arrange this private encounter.

“Hyun-cheon-dae Captain Baek So-cheon.”

“I am Kang Jung-myeong.”

He appeared to be a standard warrior tasked with running Jeong-pung’s administrative duties and assisting his routine needs.

“What has taken place regarding Branch Leader Jeong?”

“He has turned extraordinarily quiet of late, and merely a few days ago, he showed up with trauma across his face. He insisted he had merely knocked into a wooden frame, yet the mark was unmistakably caused by a fist. Heavy bruises were visible along his forearm as well.”

A leader presiding over an official post of the Murim Alliance being physically assaulted? It sounded absurd. Even worse, the man had deliberately concealed the incident.

“He was never someone who divulged private concerns, but he has appeared weighed down by immense anguish in recent days.”

Following several additional inquiries, Baek So-cheon sent the attendant back.

“Behave without drawing any suspicion once you are back inside.”

“Understood, Commander.”

The aide departed ahead of them.

Baek So-cheon shifted his attention to Wang-ho.

“Assign scouts to probe into Branch Leader Jeong and everyone associated with him. Working alongside the Jeol-gang Branch of Am-yeong-gak, we should be capable of scrutinizing his accounts and assets.”

While he was fully capable of unraveling the situation personally, this task provided practical operative training for his squad. Though the members were veterans of varied missions in their pasts, functioning as a coordinated strike force under Hyun-cheon-dae remained unfamiliar.

There was a chance he might recover command over Bi-gak before long—both the Lord and On Byeok-hwa were anticipating such a development.

Even should that unfold, he intended to secure the Lord’s blessing to preserve Hyun-cheon-dae as an independent force—his personal detachment and vanguard unit.

“Conduct a background check on Kang Jung-myeong as well.”

It was not that he viewed the attendant as a traitor—anyone acting with ill will would never invite their squad directly into the territory. Even so, subordinate aides rarely possessed the boldness to transmit an alert alone, making it prudent to verify him.

The weightier concern pressing on Baek So-cheon’s mind was whether the Black Heaven Alliance or the sinister Blood Cult pulled the strings behind the curtains. Both factions had previously attempted to infiltrate this domain.

“For now, I shall visit Branch Leader Jeong directly.”

“Warrior Baek. What brings you to this location?”

Jeong-pung showed obvious bewilderment at the sudden appearance of Baek So-cheon.

“Did it slip your mind? Did you not insist I must drop by if ever in the area?”

“I remember extending the invite, but…”

The branch head clearly had not anticipated that Baek So-cheon would genuinely take him up on the offer.

“Take a seat, please.”

Baek So-cheon took a chair across the low table.

“I received word regarding your recent maneuvers. Are you truly assuming control over the framework of Hyun-cheon Pavilion as well?”

“The Grand Strategist granted me the position entirely out of past camaraderie.”

“Have you smoothed things over with the Lord?”

“It seems you are informed of every matter.”

“Who across the realm hasn’t caught wind of it?”

Whispers concerning Baek So-cheon’s resurgence had echoed through every corner of the central citadel. A post commander like Jeong-pung could hardly have remained oblivious to such developments.

Their exchange proceeded stiffly—not out of mutual unfamiliarity, but because Jeong-pung looked utterly distracted and worn down. The cut remained plain across his cheek, and profound unrest clung to his posture.

While they did not share an extraordinarily profound brotherhood, Baek So-cheon retained fond recollections of their earlier days together. Regardless of what predicament had ensnared the man, he hoped it would not shatter his standing.

“I believed our shared history had drawn to a close back then.”

A slight smile formed at the corner of Baek So-cheon’s mouth as he heard Jeong-pung’s remark.

“It appears our connection was far sturdier than that.”

“On what business did you arrive?”

“Merely traveling through the region. Let us share a pitcher of liquor tonight.”

“I already have a pressing obligation scheduled for this evening.”

“What about tomorrow night then?”

“…How long do you plan on remaining in these parts?”

The branch leader’s visage turned sour with obvious hesitation.

“Just a handful of days.”

“I shall send word to you.”

“Splendid. You will find me resting at the grandest inn situated near the branch office.”

“I shall see you then.”

Rather than exiting the vicinity, Baek So-cheon concealed himself within the dense foliage of a high tree branch overlooking Jeong-pung’s quarters.

Given that an old comrade had arrived after such a long absence, normal etiquette demanded that minor plans be rescheduled; postponing a reunion signaled that tonight’s engagement was of vital significance.

Contrary to expectations, Jeong-pung lingered in his quarters long past nightfall after concluding his daily duties.

He slumped over his writing table, letting out heavy sighs in plain view. There was no outside obligation at all—he simply possessed no heart to share drinks.

What agonizing dilemma could be tormenting the man to this extent?

After verifying that Jeong-pung finally departed on the road toward his private residence, Baek So-cheon slipped away to rejoin his waiting unit.

His men had already discarded the standard garments of Hyun-cheon-dae, walking about in the humble guise of wandering swordsmen and escort agency guards broken into small units—moving around as an entire troop of twenty would inevitably draw attention.

Wang-ho stepped forward to deliver the intelligence gathered alongside the Jeol-gang Branch of Am-yeong-gak.

“Nothing suspicious turned up concerning Kang Jung-myeong, who dispatched the original note. The trouble lies squarely with Branch Leader Jeong.”

“In what way?”

“He recently liquidated an astonishing sum of money from the local vault.”

“State the quantity.”

“A total of ten thousand four hundred nyang. Two banknotes valued at five thousand each, and two notes of two hundred nyang.”

Jeong-pung was not a man swayed by corruption, according to everything Baek So-cheon rememberedCheon-geuk positioned herself near the upper-story window of Daroo Tea House, looking down at the road below. A detachment of roughly twenty horsemen tore past the entrance after clearing the Murim Alliance gates, with Baek So-cheon riding at the front. Concerned that he might catch sight of her, she dropped down quickly, keeping only her eyes level with the windowsill to peer outside.

Dong-seong’s voice came from the room behind her. He remarked that no one would notice this spot from the back of a galloping horse. Cheon-geuk countered that one could never be certain, noting that the man’s perception had always been exceptionally keen. When Dong-seong questioned whether she had actually wanted Master Baek to spot her, she whipped around with a fierce glare that made him flinch. He apologized immediately for overstepping.

Softening her features, she put on a playful demeanor. She admitted that she had indeed stood by the sill hoping for his attention, though upon reflection, being seen would only have caused her embarrassment. She then asked for a reminder of their destination. Dong-seong answered that they were riding for Jeol-gang Branch. Cheon-geuk noted that such an isolated post seemed perpetually embroiled in trouble, the memory of her own journey to Jeol-gang Province at Baek So-cheon’s call still fresh in her mind.

Watching the barren pathway where the dust had settled, she asked if Dong-seong was concerned about her, teasing whether he suspected she would become so infatuated that she would abandon her duties to the Alliance. Dong-seong offered his genuine thought, remarking that it was quite the opposite and that she had already offered her entire youth to the organization, making it reasonable for her to ease her burdens. Cheon-geuk mused over the idea of her youth having already faded, playfully lamenting her years, which caused Dong-seong to panic and retract his words. His stiff earnestness always made him an effortless target for teasing. Turning back to the open frame, she stared up into the clear sky and wondered aloud when the winter flurries would return. Dong-seong remarked on how harsh the snowfall had been during the current season. Without looking back at him, she offered a radiant smile and suggested they begin preparing for the evening patrons.

—

Meanwhile, Baek So-cheon reached the vicinity of Jeol-gang Branch alongside the Hyun-cheon-dae. He instructed Wang-ho and Beon Saeng to accompany him while ordering the remaining men to hold their positions. Taking only his most senior and most junior subordinates, he proceeded toward the prearranged meeting spot.

Awaiting them was Kang Jung-myeong, the personal attendant who had transmitted the urgent missive to the headquarters. Baek So-cheon had coordinated this private encounter beforehand. The captain introduced himself as Baek So-cheon of the Hyun-cheon-dae, and the attendant identified himself as Kang Jung-myeong. The man appeared entirely typical for an administrative martial artist assigned to manage Jeong-pung’s office and aid in daily affairs.

When questioned about Branch Leader Jeong’s recent condition, the attendant explained that his superior had grown increasingly quiet, and that several days prior, he had sustained a facial wound. Though Jeong-pung claimed he had collided with a wooden frame, the injury was unquestionably the mark of a heavy blow, accompanied by visible bruising across his arm.

The idea that an official branch leader of the Murim Alliance had suffered a physical beating was startling on its own, but the fact that he deliberately concealed it was far more alarming. Kang Jung-myeong added that while the branch leader never discussed his private circumstances, he appeared consumed by immense worry of late. Following a brief line of further questioning, Baek So-cheon dismissed him, instructing him to maintain his ordinary routine upon returning, which the attendant agreed to before departing.

Baek So-cheon then addressed Wang-ho, directing him to deploy scouts to look into Branch Leader Jeong and the individuals connected to him, suggesting that they enlist the aid of the local Am-yeong-gak unit to inspect the man’s personal finances. While Baek So-cheon possessed the skill to handle such matters alone, delegating these duties offered valuable operational practice for his followers, who, despite having diverse backgrounds, were still adjusting to functioning as a unified squad under the Hyun-cheon-dae banner.

Moreover, there was the prospect of regaining Bi-gak in the near future, an outcome favored by both the Lord and On Byeok-hwa. Even should that come to pass, Baek So-cheon intended to secure the Lord’s sanction to keep Hyun-cheon-dae running independently as his personal vanguard and strike force. He added that Kang Jung-myeong should also be placed under scrutiny. This was not born of distrust, as an enemy with ill intent would not deliberately summon them to the area, but because it was unusual for an attendant to send an official alert on his own authority. Baek So-cheon’s deeper concern lay with the possible involvement of the Black Heaven Alliance or the Blood Cult, both of which had historically attempted to recruit operatives within the region. In the meantime, he resolved to face Branch Leader Jeong directly.

—

Inside his quarters, Jeong-pung reacted with visible shock upon seeing Baek So-cheon, asking what had brought him to the outpost. Baek So-cheon responded with a dry inquiry, asking if the older man had forgotten his own past invitation to visit. Jeong-pung acknowledged the offer but admitted he had never anticipated the younger warrior would actually act upon it, before urging him to take a seat.

Baek So-cheon settled into a chair across from the desk. Jeong-pung mentioned hearing the recent news regarding his companion, asking if he was truly taking over the administrative structure of the Hyun-cheon Pavilion. Baek So-cheon downplayed the development, stating that the Grand Strategist had granted him the appointment out of past affection. When asked if his standing with the Lord had been fully restored, Baek So-cheon acknowledged the rumors, noting that news traveled swiftly from the central headquarters and would naturally reach a post commander like Jeong-pung.

The rhythm of their conversation felt halting, not because of lingering unfamiliarity, but due to Jeong-pung’s deep distraction. A visible mark marred the older man’s face, and an unsettled air clung to him. Though their historical association was not exceptionally deep, Baek So-cheon retained fond memories of their time together and wished to see the man avoid ruin. Jeong-pung quietly remarked that he had assumed their connection had severed long ago, to which Baek So-cheon smiled faintly, suggesting their ties were somewhat sturdier than that.

When asked about the purpose of his arrival, Baek So-cheon claimed he was merely passing through the territory and suggested sharing a drink. Jeong-pung hesitated, explaining that he had an imperative engagement scheduled for that evening. Baek So-cheon suggested the following day instead, prompting Jeong-pung to ask with a troubled expression how long he intended to remain in the area. Upon learning that Baek So-cheon planned to stay for a few days, Jeong-pung promised to send word, and Baek So-cheon agreed, noting that he would be lodging at the prominent tavern near the branch grounds.

Rather than truly departing, Baek So-cheon concealed himself within the dense foliage of a nearby tree that directly overlooked the interior of Jeong-pung’s workspace. Given that an old acquaintance had arrived after an extended absence, ordinary courtesy would typically dictate clearing minor matters to share a table, suggesting that an unmovable obligation that night held profound weight.

Yet, as the working hours concluded and darkness blanketed the area, Jeong-pung remained entirely motionless at his desk. Through the window, he could be seen releasing heavy sighs into the quiet room. There was clearly no critical appointment awaiting him; he simply lacked the spirit to engage in casual drinking. Baek So-cheon wondered what sort of agony was tormenting the man. Once he observed Jeong-pung finally extinguish the lights and head toward his residence, Baek So-cheon slipped away to rejoin his unit.

His men had already discarded their distinct Hyun-cheon-dae garments, breaking into small contingents to blend in as independent wandering blades or private caravan escorts, well aware that twenty armed men traveling together would draw undue suspicion. Wang-ho delivered the findings obtained in tandem with the local Am-yeong-gak branch. He reported that Kang Jung-myeong showed no signs of deceit, and that the root of the trouble lay entirely with Branch Leader Jeong.

When pressed for details, Wang-ho explained that the branch leader had recently extracted a massive volume of capital from the financial exchange, totaling ten thousand four hundred nyang, divided into denominations of five thousand and two thousand. Baek So-cheon knew the man to be upright, meaning such wealth represented his entire personal accumulation over a lifetime. Liquidating that entire reserve within a condensed timeframe pointed to an acute crisis.

Confirming that Jeong-pung maintained a household and was deeply devoted to his relatives, Baek So-cheon reasoned that only an immense catastrophe would force a devoted family provider to empty his life savings so suddenly. Wang-ho noted that inquiries revealed no obvious distress within the household itself, as the family appeared to carry on their days normally. Baek So-cheon ordered his men to comb through the gambling parlors throughout Jeol-gang Province to see if Jeong-pung had been frequenting the tables, while assigning two covert surveillance operatives to monitor his movements directly and checking whether any illicit affairs were involved. Wang-ho acknowledged the directions and withdrew, leaving Baek So-cheon by the window as he recalled the strained expression on Jeong-pung’s face during their morning exchange.

—

The following day, after completing his duties at the outpost, Jeong-pung began to move. Constantly looking behind his shoulder to verify whether he was being followed, he made his way toward a timber harvesting site nestled in the nearby hills. Scattered around the clearing were dozens of bare-chested laborers disguised as woodcutters, though none possessed the demeanor of true commoners. A logging operation offered an ideal cover for martial artists, allowing large numbers to gather without raising general alarm.

Waiting within the camp was a man in his thirties named Seok-gyeon, whose features carried a distinct air of shallowness and conceit. He immediately asked if the funds had been secured. Jeong-pung replied tersely that what he had brought previously was all he had to offer. Seok-gyeon chuckled mockingly, demanding to know how they were supposed to proceed under such terms. Jeong-pung retorted that he could produce nothing more from empty hands. Seok-gyeon sneered, questioning how someone who had overseen an Alliance branch for so many years could possess such meager reserves, refusing to believe the claim. Jeong-pung insisted that he had not held the station from birth and could not conjure silver out of thin air.

Seok-gyeon’s tone grew harsh as he threatened that if the branch leader lacked the resolve to find more wealth, his past actions would simply be exposed to the public. Jeong-pung’s expression turned rigid at the threat. Seok-gyeon pressed further, asking how his kin would look upon him once the truth surfaced, and whether he could truly continue to face them as a husband and a father.

Jeong-pung ground his teeth together in silence. Feigning generosity, Seok-gyeon adopted a softer tone, proposing a compromise. He stated that if silver was unavailable, intelligence would suffice in its place. Jeong-pung questioned what kind of information he meant, and Seok-gyeon clarified that he wanted internal records pilfered from the branch archives, which could easily be brokered for cash.

Jeong-pung roared in refusal, his eyes burning with outrage as he declared he would never comply. Even when Seok-gyeon repeated his threat of total exposure, Jeong-pung cursed him vehemently. As the branch leader surged forward in anger, another figure moved swiftly to intercept him. The intervenor possessed a bare chest covered in thick hair resembling an ape’s hide, paired with striking facial features and martial prowess clearly superior to Jeong-pung’s. The other assembled fighters also possessed an aura far surpassing typical Jeol-gang warriors, easily matching the combined strength of three whole squads from the Iron Sword Unit.

Seok-gyeon continued to coax him, suggesting that once the internal secrets were sold, Jeong-pung would recoup all his lost wealth to support his household. Jeong-pung stood firm, stating he would sooner choose death. When challenged on whether he would subject his family to the consequences of his actions, the branch leader refused once more, leaving Seok-gyeon to ask what options remained.

At that moment, a calm voice drifted down from overhead, questioning what the assembly was plotting. Both men turned their attention upward to find Baek So-cheon sitting comfortably atop a stack of felled timber. The hirsute warrior yelled out, demanding the identity of the insolent intruder, which prompted the surrounding woodcutters to draw their concealed blades and form a ring around the position.

Baek So-cheon looked down at Jeong-pung, asking why he had declined their drink only to spend his evening in such a remote setting. Jeong-pung stammered, wondering how his guest had managed to track him. Seok-gyeon turned to the branch leader, asking if the newcomer was an acquaintance. Jeong-pung remained silent, fixing his gaze on Baek So-cheon in utter disbelief. The realization dawned on him that Baek So-cheon had known the truth from the start and had come intentionally.

Baek So-cheon spoke with complete sincerity, remarking that he had been tense while observing from above, fearing the branch leader might succumb to the blackmail and accept the treasonous terms. Jeong-pung answered that he was not that kind of man, prompting Baek So-cheon to reply that hearing such conviction was enough before leaping down into the clearing.

Roughly thirty armed combatants immediately closed their ranks around him. Baek So-cheon appraised the crowd, identifying the ape-chested martial artist as their leader. The inner energy circulating within their bodies carried a savage, discordant resonance, signaling practitioners of unorthodox methods—likely belonging to the Black Heaven Alliance or a faction of wandering unorthodox renegades.

Assuming that Jeong-pung had secretly arranged the ambush, the hairy fighter scoffed, remarking that the branch leader had clearly not received enough of a beating if he still possessed the courage to pull such schemes. Baek So-cheon instantly recognized that this was the very person responsible for the injuries on Jeong-pung’s body. He questioned if the man was the culprit, to which the hairy brute boasted that stubborn fools required physical punishment before they learned to cooperate.

Baek So-cheon inquired directly whether they hailed from the Black Heaven Alliance. The hairy warrior flinched in surprise, demanding to know how the intruder had deduced that. Baek So-cheon stated it was merely an educated assumption, causing the man’s expression to darken. Baek So-cheon added that the lord who previously governed their faction had already abandoned Jeol-gang, questioning which fragmented unit still dared to linger behind.

Baek So-cheon was intimately familiar with the conduct of Yeom Hwa-sin, who had conceded the territory of Jeol-gang following the matter with Shin-hwa-bang. Yeom Hwa-sin was not the type of commander to skulk about in the shadows over petty schemes; such underhanded blackmail did not match his character. Considering who within the Black Heaven Alliance remained capable of operating in such a manner, Baek So-cheon deduced the truth.

He declared that they had to be the hounds of Yeom Sa-won, noting that only the son possessed the audacity to openly defy his father’s directives. He remarked aloud that their repulsive appearance aligned perfectly with their dishonorable methods. Enraged by the insult, the hairy man bellowed for him to silence his tongue before he ripped it from his jaw, his furious reaction serving as absolute confirmation of their ties to Yeom Sa-won. Baek So-cheon turned his glance toward Jeong-pung, remarking candidly that the branch leader had managed to entangle himself with a truly wretched cur.