Chapter 76

Chapter 76
A One-Nyang Bounty (1)

Baek So-cheon concluded his formal mission debriefing with Je-gal Hyeon inside the strategic command center.

The maiden deployment of Hyun-cheon-dae had concluded with complete triumph.

He had openly confessed the truth regarding Jeong-pung to Je-gal Hyeon, requesting that the matter be resolved discreetly off the record. Je-gal Hyeon had readily agreed to the arrangement.

The central problem was never Jeong-pung’s minor straying—it was the insidious conspiracy orchestrated by the Black Heaven Alliance.

“Yeom Sa-won was running an independent operation behind the scenes.”

“The directory of identities confiscated from their operatives has been delivered to Am-yeong-gak, so their agents will quietly manage the remaining targets caught in that trap.”

“Excellently handled.”

This served as yet another blatant omen of approaching conflict. Both the factions of the righteous path and the unorthodox sects had already endured devastating war in the past. Having experienced it firsthand, they understood that armed conflicts inevitably degenerated into exhausting battles of attrition, where intelligence determined ultimate victory.

Hyun-cheon Pavilion had dispatched innumerable undercover scouts to gather information, but they never resorted to framing innocent figures for homicides merely to extract secrets.

“We are falling behind in this intelligence contest.”

“Those beasts disregard every principle of honor or morality.”

Given the intrinsic doctrines governing the righteous path against the unorthodox domain, they operated under a severe, distinct handicap.

“Ever since you provided your assessment of Yeom Sa-won, I have maintained a close watch on his movements.”

Upon returning from his prior trip to the Black Heaven Alliance, Baek So-cheon had informed Je-gal Hyeon that Yeom Sa-won was far more incompetent and miserable than rumors suggested.

“Although he stands as the appointed successor, brewing hostility festers across the Black Heaven Alliance. The elders cannot voice blatant rebellion because of the intimidating presence of Yeom Hwa-sin, yet countless members privately consider him entirely unworthy of the position.”

“Which likely explains why he concocted such reckless stunts across Jeol-gang Province.”

“Precisely. It appears Yeom Sa-won is ravenous for visible achievements to bolster his stature.”

“If we manipulate his insecurities properly, we might instigate a disastrous rift within the Black Heaven Alliance itself.”

“I shall search for an opportunity to exploit. You must be weary from the long trek.”

“Understood, sir.”

Leaving the strategic command center, Baek So-cheon cast a quiet gaze toward the Murim Seol-yeol-log displayed upon the masonry wall.

At some unknown point, the pinnacle ranking had altered.

MURIM RANKINGS
1st: Yeom Hwa-sin
Black Heaven Alliance Lord
2nd: Myeol Saeng
Blood Cult Lord
(Ak So-gun has dropped to 3rd)

This updated ranking reflected the recent revelation that he had mastered the formidable Geum-gang Bul-goe Ji-che.

It occurred to Baek So-cheon that these listed standings might currently represent the most accurate truth of the martial realm.

Yeom Hwa-sin. Myeol Saeng.

Were he able to simply assassinate those two monsters, the encroaching cataclysm of war could be averted.

It was an audacious resolution that solely Baek So-cheon possessed the capability to enact—and presently, the solitary remedy available.

Returning to his residence, he collapsed heavily upon his mattress.

“This is true comfort.”

Throughout his younger years, he despised being confined indoors even for a fleeting moment. Was advancing age finally softening him? The simple quarters felt surprisingly welcoming and peaceful.

While he remained resting, Im Choong stopped by with an invitation.

“I am organizing an informal gathering later this evening. We wish to commemorate Beon Saeng formally joining Hyun-cheon-dae and finishing our initial operation without harm. My wife is preparing wine and an array of dishes. It would honor us if the captain joined—Beon Saeng would be overjoyed.”

“I will certainly attend. Would you mind if I brought a companion along?”

“Not in the slightest.”

Im Choong showed no curiosity regarding the guest’s identity. Anyone accompanying Baek So-cheon was welcome—even if it proved to be the Grim Reaper incarnate.

“I will step out for a short while first.”

“Please take whatever time you need. We intend to drink deep into the night.”

After washing thoroughly and dressing in pristine garments, Baek So-cheon departed.

Inside the rear kitchen of Daroo Tea House, Cheon-geuk was crouched low over a basin, washing dishware.

“Captain Baek and the members of Hyun-cheon-dae have safely returned.”

At Dong-seong’s report, Cheon-geuk paused her hands for a heartbeat before steadily resuming her scrub.

“Did everyone arrive without injury?”

“Yes. According to the reports, not a single person was wounded.”

“Who could possibly come to harm under his leadership? Where has he gone now?”

“He appeared to head straight for his quarters.”

A brief shadow of disappointment crossed Cheon-geuk’s face. He might have visited here first.

“Are you feeling slighted?”

“Somewhat. Though isn’t it strangely appealing? A warrior who prioritizes his duties over pursuing women.”

“Naturally. That is the mark of a true man.”

Dong-seong gave his enthusiastic backing, immediately securing her emotional justification.

Right then, a familiar voice drifted from behind.

“Your woman-chaser has arrived.”

Startled, both spun around to discover Baek So-cheon standing there.

“I assumed you had no intention of visiting today.”

“I needed to bathe and change my attire. I hadn’t properly cleaned myself in days.”

“I understand.”

Cheon-geuk turned toward Dong-seong beside her.

“What are you standing around for? Shut down the shop.”

“Right away, ma’am!”

Baek So-cheon interjected with a questioning look.

“Why shutter the establishment so early?”

“To share a drink, obviously.”

“I am drinking with the men tonight to celebrate an induction into Hyun-cheon-dae. Come accompany me.”

“You want me there?”

“Indeed, I already informed them you would come. Unless you are reluctant?”

“No, I would like that. Just allow me a moment to prepare.”

“Take your time.”

Cheon-geuk prepared fragrant tea for Baek So-cheon, leaving him to wait within the main parlor of Daroo.

While she readied herself, he leaned beside the street-facing window, slowly sipping the brew.

The ordinary rhythm of the late afternoon bazaar played out beneath him.

The impending tempest lingered at the back of his thoughts… yet Baek So-cheon found himself relishing every second of this quietude.

Approximately half a shichen later, Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk reached the courtyard of the residence.

Beon Saeng instantly froze upon laying eyes on her.

“Ah!”

Cheon-geuk, who took amusement in teasing the youth, flashed a sly smile.

“Why look so petrified?”

“Elders always claim the greatest day of your existence is the moment the Grim Reaper arrives.”

It served as a continuation of their old banter regarding her veiled appearance and the ruthless prank orchestrated by Na-sa-rin, where he had nearly forfeit an eye, his tongue, and a limb.

“Consider yourself fortunate, as the Grim Reaper attends merely as an invited guest tonight.”

Beon Saeng’s face broke into a broad grin.

“You look breathtaking today.”

Rather than the striking crimson court robes she had worn previously, her simple white garments bestowed an aura of pristine innocence.

“You had best imprint it into your memory now.”

“Ah!”

Humor relied heavily on sharp timing, and the two traded wit with seamless ease.

“By the way, I have officially joined Hyun-cheon-dae!”

Beon Saeng beamed with enough pride to boast even before the revered leader of the assassin faction.

“My congratulations. You have moved one step closer to our line of work.”

“Pardon?”

“Our contracts primarily target elite masters of Cheol-geom-dan caliber or higher. Greetings, future client.”

Beon Saeng choked on another gasp, giving Baek So-cheon the opening to land the finishing remark.

“As the youngest recruit, it will be quite some time before your name reaches that ledger. You can relax.”

Watching the two figures walk past, Beon Saeng grumbled softly under his breath.

“Spending time together is making them sound identical.”

Im Choong’s wife, Ju-ssi, had assembled an opulent feast.

It was the momentous occasion where Beon Saeng—who had guided her young boy in martial fundamentals—had achieved his cherished aspiration. She had spared no effort in the kitchen.

“My sincere felicitations, young master.”

“I am deeply grateful, sister-in-law.”

“I always possessed absolute confidence that you would outshine the rest.”

Though his appointment to Hyun-cheon-dae was fresh, Beon Saeng was already acclimating with natural ease.

Even during the arduous march toward Jeol-gang Province and back, he had bustled relentlessly as the junior-most attendant.

Aware that any clumsy blunder would tarnish the reputation of Baek So-cheon, he had thrown his entire being into team cohesion more passionately than anyone.

Combined with his quick instincts and cheerful demeanor, he integrated far more swiftly than ordinary men.

Laughter and liquor flowed freely around the tables.

The atmosphere was vibrant, and the meal was sublime. Ju-ssi’s culinary talents easily rivaled those of any renowned master cook.

Yet surprisingly, Cheon-geuk remained quiet amid the festive gathering—stiff and reserved, starkly different from her playful teasing with Beon Saeng.

Baek So-cheon readily understood the reason.

Surrounded by domestic warmth, she was acutely conscious of her dark identity.

He wrestled with the very same alienation.

Gazing at Im Choong instructing Chan in sword forms from across the yard, Baek So-cheon felt utterly detached from this serene, ordinary existence. As an assassin steeped in murder, she undoubtedly felt the division even more sharply.

Baek So-cheon raised his porcelain cup toward her.

“Drink.”

“Very well.”

Both emptied their cups in unison.

Baek So-cheon recognized from long experience that skirting around delicate matters was rarely productive. At times, a blunt inquiry proved far kinder than cautious hesitation.

“Do you have no yearning to raise children?”

“Children?”

“Why the shock?”

“Should an inquiry regarding marriage not precede such a matter?”

“Must marriage strictly precede having children?”

“Naturally. If I am ever to bear young, it will happen solely within wedlock.”

“Have you ever contemplated the idea?”

A hollow, self-deprecating laugh escaped her lips.

“Hardly.”

Bred as an instrument of assassination since early youth, and groomed as the heir to an organization of slaughter.

“I still possess a fragment of conscience. Not solely for my own peace, but for the sake of the unborn child, I must never do so.”

“Why foster such bleak thoughts? You would serve as a wonderful parent.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, even if spoken out of courtesy. Yet I refuse to bring a child into this world with assassins for parents.”

Baek So-cheon felt deep respect for those raw words. It stood as the greatest void within her soul, a painful reality she could never confess to anyone—yet she had laid it bare before him without hesitation.

“And yourself? Do you desire children?”

“Your question makes me regret bringing it up.”

“For what reason?”

“My circumstances mirror your own.”

Baek So-cheon looked down at his own open palms. Though he had waged countless wars in the name of chivalry and justice, these hands were drenched in far too much carnage. While he yearned for personal contentment, establishing a traditional family seemed an impossibility. He would have to seek out a different form of peace.

The two shared their wine in mutual silence.

As the evening deepened and the wine took hold, a tipsy Beon Saeng broke into a melodic tune. At a mere twenty-six years of age, his voice resonated with surprising sorrow and maturity.

Swept along by the merriment, he attempted to haul a reluctant Im Choong to the center of the yard to dance, only for the elder man to refuse adamantly. In the end, Chan stepped forward and cleanly executed his martial stances before the onlookers.

Baek So-cheon stood up, stepped into the courtyard, and gently adjusted several flaws in Chan’s form.

Im Choong sternly instructed his son to etch every correction into his memory. Though it was intended as Beon Saeng’s night of celebration, young Chan had walked away with the grandest blessing.

Returning to his seat, Baek So-cheon raised his drink toward Cheon-geuk once more.

“It is pleasant.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she tapped her cup against his.

“It truly is.”

“The Ghost Spirit Third Squad deployed to Jeol-gang Province has been entirely obliterated.”

Yeom Sa-won violently overturned the heavy wooden table the moment Won-mu delivered the grim report. The Ghost Spirit Squad served as his most treasured personal regiment.

Crash!

The servant maidens in the chamber froze in sheer terror. Whenever his fury erupted, innocent attendants regularly lost their lives merely for breathing nearby.

Mercifully, he dismissed them on this occasion.

“Clear out—every single one of you!”

Flooded with relief, the women hastily scrambled out of the pavilion.

“Explain everything in exact detail!”

“It bears all the hallmarks of Hyun-cheon-dae.”

“Hyun-cheon-dae? That worthless Baek So-cheon?”

“Indeed. Intelligence confirmed their mobilization toward the Jeol-gang Branch.”

“How can a toothless mongrel accomplish such a slaughter?”

“Hyun-cheon-dae is no ordinary militia—they recruited elite vanguards from both Cheol-geom-dan and Bi-gak.”

“Curse it all! I should have murdered him where he stood back then!”

Yeom Sa-won’s features twisted into a venomous grimace.

He had genuinely harbored every intent to execute Baek So-cheon previously. Yet with his father Yeom Hwa-sin personally presiding over the farewell, he had not dared make a move.

“We must devise an absolute method to erase that Baek So-cheon.”

“He spends the vast majority of his days sealed within the Murim Alliance headquarters, making direct confrontation exceedingly difficult.”

“Then ambush him the next time he marches outside on an assignment.”

“That plan… presents severe complications. Information regarding their deployments is classified at the highest clearance, creating significant delay before reaching our ears.”

“Then what worth is this so-called intelligence network?!”

Yeom Sa-won bellowed in fury.

“If we intend to eliminate him, we must infiltrate the core of the Alliance and enact a covert assassination.”

The mention of assassination sparked an instant connection in Yeom Sa-won’s mind.

“Of course! That treacherous assassin wench!”

“Do you speak of the Assassin Queen?”

“Queen my foot—merely a contemptible whore. Place a blood contract through her organization.”

Won-mu revealed a hesitant, troubled expression.

“Sal-su Yeon-maeng will flatly refuse such an assignment.”

“They dare display such insolence? When the client is myself? Issue the request under my personal authority.”

“Young master.”

“Execute my command!”

Yeom Sa-won’s tone lowered to a menacing rasp—signaling that any further defiance would cost a life.

“What sum shall we designate for the bounty?”

“What is the standard price?”

“A prior assassination contract placed upon Baek So-cheon was valued at three million nyang.”

“Absurd madness!”

Even wielding the influence of the Black Heaven Alliance heir, he did not command such astronomical personal wealth. Procuring that sum would require mobilizing the fiscal reserves of the entire alliance.

Yeom Sa-won’s spiteful mind shifted toward the opposite extreme.

“Set the bounty at exactly one nyang. An appropriate valuation for a powerless runt. Lodge it under my explicit identity.”

He wished to observe how they dared to react, entirely confident they would never possess the gall to reject his decree.

Won-mu desperately desired to counsel against the scheme. They would surely reject the commission, and the insult could ignite dangerous consequences.

Yet his predecessor had attempted to dissuade the young master in a similar fashion, only to end up with a shattered skull on the stones. With the sole exception of his terrifying father, Yeom Sa-won treated the entire continent as his personal playground. Won-mu lowered his head and answered resoundingly.

“I shall submit the assassination contract immediately.”