“Isn’t this excessive?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked after a brief silence.
Fifty nyang was already a staggering amount.
It was enough to live like a carefree person for several years.
However, the rewards listed afterward far surpassed even that. ‘The martial arts of Cheonjam Temple and the divine sword of the Sword Master...’ There is a saying about priceless treasures.
It means that they cannot be measured by value.
The clothing that cannot be torn by swords and the martial arts of the highest realm in the Jianghu were like that.
The elixir, which was called top-grade in the Dabang faction at Iphwangseong, was the same.
“Excessive? Not at all.” The Grand Commander slightly shrugged his broad shoulders. “If it were only the Yongbong Guild, it might have been so. The merit of annihilating the Huangbo branch with three strikes is significant. I heard it was due to the unique martial arts of the young hero. Even one from the blue faction would be a loss, and the third merit is that the effort to strike the main family was minimized.”
“...”
“It seems the merit of the public service is unfamiliar to you. This is quite amusing.” A deeper smile appeared.
The Grand Commander seemed to be a more pleasant person than he looked.
“Shall we discuss the second point? You single-handedly defeated six branches of the Blood Flame Sect in Seojoo. The local blood demons were annihilated. A letter even came from the Seojoo government, praising the divine sword of Iphwangseong.” He looked very pleased.
“Securing influence over the government is a major task for our family. The blue faction led the branch leaders alone? It would serve as a model for the warriors of our family, who regard local officials as mere innkeepers. It is worth greatly rewarding and widely announcing.”
He praised him openly.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression stiffened slightly.
Such great praise felt awkward, something he had never experienced before.
The Grand Commander observed him closely and spoke. “Was this your first venture into the Jianghu with the blue faction? You must get used to it. If you are a master of the blue faction from our family, especially the direct disciple of the lord, it is even more so.”
“... Thank you for your advice.”
“It’s nothing special.” The Grand Commander chuckled softly. “Among the concluded merits, the first to be noted is the incident at Cheongyagok of Namjikrye. You intervened in the war between the Namgung family and the Blood Flame Sect. You are the rightful protector of the Great Ming law of our family. If it is a fight designated by the royal family against heretical sects, you can intervene regardless of the circumstances. Thus, the Namgung family, being merely a noble clan, should naturally show you respect.”
A low hum.
In that moment, a surge of energy emanated from his body.
It was a state where the heart was both calm and rising.
Jeong Yeon-shin was greatly surprised.
This meant that his level of internal energy was at the black level of Iphwangseong.
“Did the lowly rabble from the beginning stand by? The Jianghu’s commoners of the Dabang faction are like that. They regard our family as a thorn in their side. It is rare for the livelihood of the people under our family’s protection to coexist with the interests of the Jianghu’s strong.”
His words carried a strong power. “They wanted to kill without getting their hands dirty. The rising master who will become the guardian sword of Iphwangseong in the future.” A deep frown settled on his face.
Even while speaking of past events, he looked fearsome.
Jeong Yeon-shin received a teacup from his attendant.
He brought the slightly gripped cup to his lips, waiting for the Grand Commander’s anger to subside.
It was his first time tasting the precious Yongjeong tea, yet even after a few sips, he felt nothing special. ‘It seems I am far from the tea ceremony.’ It was tea that should be savored leisurely.
He realized once again that it was a hobby that did not suit his life.
“I seem to have committed a slight rudeness.” The Grand Commander slightly bowed his head and spoke. “Although the number of blood demons you killed was great, our family gained an even greater justification. We will make the Namgung family the vanguard in attacking the Thirteen Thousand.”
“Are you saying you seek cooperation?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked, to which the Grand Commander shook his head.
“It means we have brought a justification to forcefully suppress the righteous faction. If we are to oppress the righteous sect, we must be mindful of the Jianghu’s attention, and with this incident, we can replace the head of the Namgung family. I intend to govern those who stood by and watched you with the law of the Jianghu.”
Even though he had calmed his energy, his smile was chilling.
If this was the context of the law of the Jianghu, it was obvious.
It meant that he intended to act as a strongman.
He would seize the Namgung family and strike them like a siege weapon against the Thirteen Thousand. ‘Using the favor of the lord’s direct disciple as an excuse.’
Jeong Yeon-shin felt the winter of the Jianghu.
It was the harsh winter.
Even though it was a plan of his allies, it felt that way.
He recalled what the leader of the Blood Flame Sect had said about the chaotic world.
Iphwangseong was already a major player in that.
The Grand Commander said with amusement, “We can discuss it in any way, whether it be through tea or poison. They are the rabble who tried to cut you with the sword of the Blood Flame Sect. They would have no words to say if they were to suffer the same fate.”
Jeong Yeon-shin pulled his hand away from the teacup. “That too would be part of the mission, wouldn’t it?”
“Indeed. It will be a life-and-death duel rather than a war. We will bind the Namgung family with justification and only strike at the leadership. I am persuading the masters of the Namgung branch to take their place. If they fight against our family, they cannot escape annihilation, so I told them to cooperate if they wish to preserve their clan.”
“... May I ask about the timeframe?” The Grand Commander, smiling faintly, opened his mouth.
“It is not yet time to give a definite answer. It is a mission where defeat is not permitted, so if you wish to support, please focus on your recovery. There may be competition in selecting supporters. The warriors of our family also value honor, so they will not miss the opportunity to witness and defeat the Namgung martial arts. There may be a competition for the title of martial arts.”
“Thank you for your words. Then what about the matters of the Blood Flame Sect?”
“It is getting late. We will prioritize written reports along with the concluded merits. Perhaps, that reward will not be something I can offer.”
The Grand Commander issued a soft smile as he gave the order to the guests. “The fifty nyang and the Cheonjam Temple martial arts will be sent to Ma Gwang-ik’s residence shortly. The Sword Master is currently away, so as soon as he returns, we will send a command with the lord’s seal from our headquarters. What will you do about the elixir?”
“I will consume it as soon as my recovery is complete.”
“Then do so. I will leave it at the medicinal hall in the name of Ma Gwang-ik. And...” The Grand Commander stopped Jeong Yeon-shin, who was about to rise.
His face wore a vague smile. “Out of concern, I would advise you to keep your distance from Iphwangma.”
“Why...?” Jeong Yeon-shin looked at the Grand Commander with a puzzled expression.
Discussing the affairs of others was a different matter.
Had he crossed a line?
The Grand Commander waved his hand. “I worry you might misunderstand. I say this out of goodwill. A powerful noble family is usually divided into factions... I can only say that your recent venture into the Jianghu has caused a great stir over there. Since it is not a matter of my family, I feel awkward discussing it further.”
“... Thank you for your advice.” Jeong Yeon-shin slightly bowed his head in gratitude.
The Grand Commander, who faced him, scratched his head.
There were many aspects that did not match his age and stature, as if it were his innate character.
“Take care.” The Grand Commander smiled as he bid farewell.
On the way back.
They said there were still five days until the end of the month.
Was this full moon of June closer to late spring or early summer? The dusk was already falling.
A sliver of scarlet sunlight brushed against his sleeve.
It was a sunset that stained his heart with unease. ‘Iphwangma... continues to hold me back.
Hearing someone warn me to be cautious of my maternal family.’
Jeong Yeon-shin thought while slightly tightening his clothing.
The wind that brushed against his cheek and exposed his collarbone was quite cold.
Every time he returned after completing a mission, he had to be mindful of his conduct.
It was an unwelcome task.
There was hardly enough time to focus solely on his merits and reputation. ‘I clearly told my maternal grandfather.’ He had said not to wield his bloodline.
After winning the duel with Ma Se-yeon, he had firmly declared it.
Yet, through customary practices, his bloodline had been revealed.
The gazes around Jeong Yeon-shin had changed.
He was no longer seen as a warrior from a rural martial family who would establish a family but as a distinguished newcomer inevitably linked to the actions of Iphwangma.
The earlier mention by senior Ma Gwang-ik about the disputes among noble families was also like that.
This should not be happening.
Family matters should not be limited to the individual.
He might get entangled in matters that had nothing to do with him.
There was not much time left.
He needed to distance himself from troublesome matters in advance.
...
Just then, a good idea came to mind.
“Yeon-shin!” A handsome boy rushed over, looking eager.
It was a familiar white-clad warrior, and his lightness in movement was quite impressive.
He was a branch relative who had lost to him twice.
There was no way he could forget him. ‘Ma Se-in.’ He was the grandson of his grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok and the heir of Iphwangma.
He had encountered one of the main culprits that had disturbed his heart.
The heavens seemed to have woven this connection lightly.
Something significant must have happened, as he had come directly on the day Jeong Yeon-shin regained consciousness.
Was it something his somewhat incompetent uncle Ma Jin had said?
It was just before the end of the day.
Jeong Yeon-shin took a step forward and asked, “What is the matter?”
“Just a moment, let me catch my breath...” Ma Se-in, who had approached three steps, steadied his breathing.
He was overwhelming in terms of internal energy.
Given his background, he must have consumed elixirs like food, and it seemed he had run quite a distance.
Jeong Yeon-shin waited for three breaths. “Now speak.”
“Uh, that is...” He looked hesitant, unlike his usual prideful self.
Jeong Yeon-shin urged him with a nod.
After a sigh, Ma Se-in opened his mouth. “The elders of the family want to see you.”
“The elders?”
“The elders and my mother...”
“Let’s go. Is it okay to visit now? You seem to have come in a hurry.” He looked quite surprised, as if he hadn’t imagined he would agree so readily.
The two soon began to walk together.
Jeong Yeon-shin asked, “Isn’t it outside the family?”
“The main family is. Many of the household have followed my grandfather. They are all staying in the main family. They are using an entire building because my grandfather wants to sit in the position of the elder of Iphwangseong. To give him momentum.”
His tone was considerably softened.
It had always been like this since the customary ceremony.
They exchanged a few more words.
During that time, Ma Se-in glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin’s profile. “I heard you suffered quite a serious injury.”
“And?”
“The energy feels the same as before. Has it weakened? Or... has it become even stronger? In such a short time?”
“More than that.” Jeong Yeon-shin avoided the question and brought up another topic. “Does my maternal grandfather know about this summons?”
“... No. He went to the lord’s office.”
Ma Se-in seemed to have a feeling that something was off.
However, he appeared unaware of the circumstances.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips curled slightly upward. “Your insistence was impressive.” He casually remarked to Ma Se-in, recalling the essential techniques of the Shihwa Mugeuk Kwon that he always found useful.
“I heard that the martial arts of noble families number in the dozens. Are the martial arts of your household different from yours?”
“Probably so.”
“How interesting.” That was the end of the conversation.
Jeong Yeon-shin did not speak further.
They walked silently until they arrived at the building where the leaders of Iphwangma were staying.
Ma Se-in gestured to the guards and spoke. “This is it.”
The main gate was enormous.
It was comparable to Ma Gwang-ik’s residence.
Even though they said they were borrowing it, it was still impressive.
One could imagine how high the family’s power was.
‘Hmm.’ As soon as he entered, he felt the gazes upon him.
There were many.
It felt as if all eyes contained energy.
The pressure was immense.
Was it certain that he would meet them today? In the front yard, dozens of people were seated as if it were a banquet hall.
The noble family’s unique elegant atmosphere was palpable.
At a glance, there was no one who seemed ordinary among them.
Among them, one person stood out distinctly. “You.” A middle-aged woman dressed in black silk parted her red lips.
The silk that wrapped around her body was dyed in pitch black.
Her beautiful face exuded grace.
It seemed she had learned some special martial arts, as she radiated an air of nobility, looking down upon the world.
“Is it true that a child with the Jeong surname is here?” She asked while seated in the main seat.
Did she intentionally mention the Jeong surname? It seemed her inner thoughts were slightly revealed.
Jeong Yeon-shin did not answer and turned his head away. “Is she your mother?”
“... Yes.” Ma Se-in replied with a frown.