Chapter 35: The Difference in Class (1)
“So, you want me to take him down?”
“Ultimately, yes.”
“Bullshit. You’re just using me to clip that bastard’s wings. Anyone can see this is ‘killing with a borrowed blade’!”
“Will you leave him alone, then?”
“......”
“He’s trash. As you said yourself.”
“You’re no better, you trash. If it weren’t for you—”
“If not for me, you’d still be wallowing in defeat, chewing on your collar like a dog.”
“Shut your mouth.”
“Your family’s feud with him is well-known. You hold a grudge. And I’m offering you information. Simple enough, no?”
“......”
“What will you do?”
“......Get lost.”
“I’ll consider that acceptance.”
“Let me ask one thing.”
“What?”
“What grudge do you have against him?”
“I hold no grudge.”
“A lie even a dog wouldn’t swallow. Your eyes burn with killing intent. You hate him. Deeply.”
“I’ll notify you when he moves. Act or don’t—your choice.”
“Hmph! Why should I trust you? To me, you and that bastard are equally worthless.”
“They say the Dang family’s pride is unmatched under heaven.”
“Scheming rat.”
“Remember this: Good opportunities are only recognized once they’ve passed.”
“Ugh... This is no joke.”
Yeon Jipyeong looked half-dead.
Experiencing his first hangover, even standing seemed laborious as he staggered. Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“Circulate your energy. It’ll help.”
Those with advanced internal energy could purge alcohol instantly, but Yeon Jipyeong wasn’t there yet.
“Big Brother Daeho said yesterday—using internal energy to cure hangovers is for drunkards, not martial artists.”
“Are you a martial artist or a drunkard?”
“I’ll circulate my energy.”
“Good.”
After half a shichen* of meditation, color returned to Yeon Jipyeong’s face.
“Definitely better.”
“Want hangover soup?”
“I should... but I can’t stomach anything yet.”
“Then let’s prepare to leave.”
“Prepare? For what?”
“We’re going home.”
Yeon Hojeong stood ready in clean attire, all preparations complete. Yeon Jipyeong’s eyes widened.
“Aren’t we disbanding together?”
“We’ve built enough connections. Time to return to our duties. We’ll eat when hungry on the road.”
“Ah...”
“The Changyeong Unit is ready.”
“C-can’t we at least say goodbye?”
“We should.”
Yeon Jipyeong changed clothes hurriedly, disappointment evident. Normally, Yeon Hojeong would indulge him, but not this time.
I’ve found the thread.
There was no need to linger with Myeong Horim. The Myeong family’s martial arts matched the attackers’ techniques.
When will the contact come?
Gadeuksang’s efficiency was legendary, even more so now with fewer responsibilities. Until then, he’d prepare thoroughly at home—starting with refining his martial arts.
I hope they come soon.
As Yeon Hojeong led the Changyeong Unit outward, Peng Daeho’s booming voice chased them:
“Brother Yeon! Leaving already? At least share breakfast!”
The Peng brothers’ genuine disappointment mirrored their honest natures.
Yeon Hojeong replied, “Our paths may cross again.”
“Such cold words! Let’s drink at a nearby inn after this! You promised!”
“Apologies. Duties call.”
Peng Daeho sighed. No one could delay a busy man.
Peng Manho squared his shoulders, seriousness etched on his face. “The bruises haven’t faded. Give me a chance for redemption later.”
“Of course.”
Peng Daeho clapped his brother’s shoulder, sending him tumbling with a yelp. “Oops. My bad.”
The cheerful brothers’ antics paused as the Zhuge siblings arrived, panting.
“Wh-what? Leaving already?!”
“Yes.”
“Why?! Stay for lunch!”
“Our paths diverge from the Zhuge family’s.”
Heartless bastard.
Zhake Arin’s disappointment was palpable, mirrored by her usually reticent brother Zhake Jun.
“Brother Yeon... Couldn’t you stay just one shichen? Share a meal?”
Yeon Hojeong ruffled Zhake Jun’s hair, startling him.
“Visit Jiangsu later. I’ll show you around.”
“Y-yes?”
“But leave your sister behind.”
Zhake Arin squawked, “Why exclude me?!”
“You’re noisy.”
“Grr...”
Her trembling lips betrayed her act. “Must you go?”
“I have matters.”
His face remained neutral, but Zhake Arin saw the urgency beneath.
“...Fine.”
She sighed, producing a silk pouch. “Take this.”
“What is it?”
“Just take it!”
Yeon Hojeong accepted it like handling filth.
“Our family’s Myeongma Token.”
“Myeongma Token?”
She whispered, “We recently entered the weapons trade. Our branch in southeastern Anhui has maps. Visit if needed.”
His eyes sharpened. “Why give me this?”
“You think I’m blind? Spear arts aren’t your true skills.”
Sharp girl.
“Check our summer stock when you can. Quality blades.”
“Should you be giving this away?”
“You saved the Zhuge heirs. My father would’ve rewarded you with gold.”
Yeon Hojeong pocketed the pouch. “Thanks.”
“See you again.”
“Unlikely.”
“Fix that attitude next time.”
As farewells echoed—
“Safe travels, Brother Yeon!”
“Pyeong-ah! Visit us in Jiangsu!”
—most young talents waved at Yeon Jipyeong, their bonds forged during last night’s revelry.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
Good.
Yeon Jipyeong had charmed these proud youths through merit, not pity.
As they turned to leave, Zhake Arin watched Yeon Hojeong’s retreating back, conflicted.
“He was remarkable, wasn’t he?”
Moyong Yeonhwa’s calm voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Ah, Yeonhwa.”
The Moyong heiress observed the departing brothers with calculating eyes.
“Now I see why the Yeon family rose among the Seven Great Houses so quickly.”
“Indeed.”
Unlike the others’ pure goodwill, ambition flickered in Moyong Yeonhwa’s gaze.
Will we meet again?
Though young, she attended family councils by merit, not birthright.
Whether through partnership or conquest, the Yeon family’s fate is sealed.
Her father had proposed a business merger. Acceptance meant future encounters; refusal, oblivion.
Her eyes flicked toward Myeong Horim’s quarters.
“They’re leaving.”
At a high window, Namgoong Hyeon watched coldly.
“Jingok.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Send the letters.”
“...By your will.”
Namgoong Hyeon’s twisted smile—never shown to kin or subordinates—stretched.
“You picked the wrong enemy, Yeon Hojeong.”
Across the distance, Yeon Hojeong suddenly turned, gaze piercing.
Namgoong Hyeon flinched. Though too far to see expressions, he felt the weight of that stare.
“Disgusting wretch!”
He stormed away.
The group headed toward Lake Chao for a meal before boarding a ship to Jiangsu.
The distance felt mercifully short.
“Huff... Huff...”
“Managing?”
“N-no...”
Even Yeon Jipyeong—trained in breathing techniques—struggled. The Changyeong Unit fared worse, only Commander Shin remaining composed.
Yeon Hojeong steadied him. “You’ve still got room to grow.”
“The hangover... made it worse.”
“Still? It should’ve cleared.”
“It did. Now I’m just starving.”
Commander Shin glared at the panting unit. “Form ranks properly!”
Yeon Hojeong added fuel: “Is this the pride of the Changyeong Unit?”
Commander Shin’s face darkened. “How dare you show disrespect! Lower your eyes!”
The unit snapped to attention under his roar.
“Ease up,” Yeon Hojeong said. “This training’s new to them.”
“Fatigue is their failing. But lax discipline is mine. I apologize.”
“Martial artists need resilience. At least none fell behind.”
His attempt at comfort only deepened their despair.
“Rest here. I’ll fetch food.”
“Young Master, I should—”
“Tend to your men. We leave after eating.”
As Yeon Hojeong entered the lakeside inn, its emptiness struck him.
Creak.
The door’s groan echoed through vacant tables.
A figure lounged by the window, right arm splinted—Dang Yangseon.
“Two days, was it?”
The air thickened with murderous intent.
(*shichen = traditional 2-hour time unit)
