Chapter 54. Where the Wind Blows (4)
"My Lord. We have received a message from the Howling Wind Pavilion."
The Howling Wind Pavilion was an intelligence organization directly operated by the Moyong Clan. It was established when the Moyong Clan was active in Liaoning Province, boasting a long history and unwavering loyalty.
"What did they say?"
"They say they cannot determine the situation."
"What?"
"A large-scale information blackout has been imposed across Jiangsu Province. The agents of the Howling Wind Pavilion are unable to penetrate this wall, they report."
Moyong Gun's eyes deepened.
"A large-scale information blackout? Across all of Jiangsu Province?"
"Yes."
"Jiangsu is vast and wide. No matter how powerful the Yeon family is, can they enforce such a widespread information control? And in such a short time?"
"Based on what we've learned of the Yeon family's power, it's deemed impossible."
"Of course. It would be impossible for any of the Seven Great Clans. Even if two factions joined forces, it would be difficult."
"That is correct."
"They couldn't reach the Tongcheon Group, either, I presume?"
"That's correct. Unless our agents physically go into Jiangsu Province and do the legwork, there is currently no way to contact them."
"Which means..."
Moyong Yeonhwa said in a cold voice, "Someone is helping the Yeon family. A group that specializes in handling information."
"On this scale, it must be one of the best organizations."
"Then..."
"The Beggars' Union, the Black Gate, or the Merchant's Guild. It must be one of the three."
The Beggars' Union was the top intelligence network in the righteous faction, while the Black Gate was a major player in the underworld's intelligence. The Merchant's Guild was an information organization that operated strictly for money, providing information worth the price paid.
"It won't be the Black Gate."
"It's the least likely. The Black Gate's intelligence network is the weakest of the three. Moreover, given the Yeon family head's personality, it's unlikely he would reach out to the Black Gate."
That's incorrect.
The underworld's intelligence network surpasses that of the righteous faction in many aspects. It was the driving force that allowed those without power to survive until now.
It was simply not known to the world. Even the great Moyong Gun couldn't know everything about areas he wasn't interested in.
"That leaves the Beggars' Union and the Merchant's Guild."
An undeniable tension appeared on Moyong Yeonhwa's face.
"Either one is dangerous."
"Indeed."
If the Beggars' Union was helping the Yeon family, it would be a major incident.
Although they appear free-spirited and lax, the Beggars' Union has traditionally revered chivalry. Because they deal with information, maintaining a righteous heart is even more crucial.
Most sects have a history of corruption, but the Beggars' Union has never had such an instance.
Naturally, the Beggars' Union's voice carries significant weight even within the Nine Great Sects. Having the strongest voice among the Nine Great Sects meant they could exert considerable influence on the righteous martial world.
If the Beggars' Union was deeply involved in the Moyong Clan's scheme, it would cause many headaches.
Then, was the Merchant's Guild any better?
Absolutely not. In some ways, the Merchant's Guild was even more dangerous than the Beggars' Union. Because they would sell information to anyone who paid.
This meant that groups monitoring the Moyong Clan could also obtain information about this matter if they paid enough. Of course, they would have to pour in an astronomical sum.
The Beggars' Union posed an immediate danger, while the Merchant's Guild would cause long-term trouble.
"This has become interesting."
Even in this critical situation, Moyong Gun didn't lose his composure. Instead, he stroked his beard with an intrigued expression, genuinely seeming to find the situation amusing.
"Yeonhwa."
"Yes, Father."
"I heard that Hu Gae also joined the last gathering of the rising stars."
"That's right."
"Did it seem like Hu Gae had any friendship with the Yeon family's descendants?"
Moyong Yeonhwa thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"It's unlikely. If anything, he seemed wary of them."
"Wary?"
"Yes. The Yeon family's eldest son, Yeon Hojung, displayed an excessively fierce and impatient demeanor at the gathering. He even nearly killed the Namgung Clan's Sword Platoon Leader."
"Yes, I heard about that. He's quite something for his age."
"It was Hu Gae, Ga Deuk-sang, who stopped him. Yeon Hojung seemed to take a liking to Hu Gae, but given Hu Gae's personality, he would have felt animosity towards Yeon Hojung, rather than goodwill."
Moyong Gun nodded.
"Then it's even more likely they've joined hands with the Beggars' Union."
"Yes."
Anyone would be wary of a group they considered dangerous. If Ga Deuk-sang was observing the Yeon family through Yeon Hojung, there's a high probability that the Beggars' Union is handling this information blackout.
"Whatever it is, a problem is a problem. Ha! It's quite flustering for them to suddenly become so stiff."
"Indeed."
Just then.
"We've received a new message from the Howling Wind Pavilion!"
"What does it say?"
"The Yeon family's eldest son has left Jiangsu Province!"
Moyong Gun's eyes lit up.
"Where did he head?"
"Henan."
"...Henan?!"
The Yeon family is located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province. Henan is to the northwest of Jiangsu.
It was unclear when he moved, but even if it was from the time the informant lost contact, it was an incredible speed.
"Why Henan, in this situation? And so quickly?"
Urgency appeared on Moyong Yeonhwa's face.
"We need to make contact, first."
"Of course, but..."
Moyong Gun furrowed his brow.
'The question of why Henan is bothering me.'
It was difficult to even speculate without knowing the other side's situation.
After a moment of thought, Moyong Gun spoke.
"Contact the Myeong family immediately. Tell them everything about our situation. Tell them that we must make contact with the Yeon family's eldest son before he does anything foolish."
"Yes!"
* * *
"Haa... Haa!"
"Tired already?"
"Is... Is that even a question... Cough!"
"Catch your breath. The heir of the Beggars' Union has such poor stamina."
Ga Deuk-sang burst out in anger.
"You bastard! You're riding a horse!"
"That's why I told you to ride one too!"
"A ragged beggar riding a horse? Do you want to announce to the world that I'm a member of the Beggars' Union?!"
Yeon Hojung was certainly being unreasonable.
The two had taken a boat to central Jiangsu Province and then rushed overland to the northern part at full speed.
The problem was time. They had run to the northernmost part of Jiangsu Province in just five days, with only minimal sleep and rest, running all day.
Moreover, they hadn't slept for two days while crossing from Jiangsu to Henan. Ga Deuk-sang wasn't exaggerating.
Yeon Hojung said nonchalantly,
"Think of it as stamina training."
What kind of madman trains their stamina so brutally?
Ga Deuk-sang collapsed on the spot.
"I can't go! I won't go even if you kill me! Just kill me!"
"Are you that tired?"
"Are you picking a fight with me, right now?"
"Let's go for just half an hour more."
"Get ready, you crazy bastard! Today, one of us is going to the afterlife...!"
"Let's rest at a tavern for a few days. We have to wait anyway."
"...A tavern?"
"Eat as much as you want. I'll pay."
Ga Deuk-sang swallowed hard. It was true that they hadn't eaten properly on the way.
"If you're really tired, you can rest here for a few days."
"...Damn it."
Ga Deuk-sang stood up vigorously.
"If you lie again, I'll smash your teeth with my axe blade. Got it?"
Neigh!
"Let's go together, will you?!"
After running for another half hour, the two arrived at Shangqiu in Henan.
Shangqiu was a county close to Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui. It had a significant population flow from the east in Henan.
The two entered a quiet tavern slightly away from the center of the county.
Ga Deuk-sang sat down and ate like a starving ghost. He didn't care whether people were staring at him or not.
The faces of those watching Ga Deuk-sang were filled with discomfort. It was understandable, seeing a dirty beggar come in and devour food with his bare hands.
However, they couldn't tell the owner to kick Ga Deuk-sang out.
Thud!
"Ah, be careful with that axe. Someone could get hurt."
"My apologies. Please continue your meal."
"Yeah, I will. While we're at it, could you bring me another one of these?"
A young man calmly set the fallen axe against the wall.
The young man, who looked to be barely twenty, had an axe the size of a human body beside him.
The ferocity was no joke. The young man's appearance was that of a scholar, which made it even more frightening. He effortlessly lifted the heavy axe with one hand.
So, the people ate their food with extremely uncomfortable expressions.
"*Burp!* That was good."
"Are you finished?"
"I ate so much to make up for the past few days that I feel like I'm going to burst."
"You said you ate twelve pounds of pork, and it wasn't an exaggeration."
It was unclear how many times the plates had been cleared. Yeon Hojung also ate a lot due to his high activity level, but it was nothing compared to Ga Deuk-sang.
Now that he had some leisure, Ga Deuk-sang looked around.
"By the way, you chose a rather secluded place, didn't you?"
"You never know what might happen."
"True. But this place is amazing. It's secluded, yet there are quite a few people."
"Haven't you been to this area before?"
"I stopped by once a long time ago. It was just a brief visit, so my memory is hazy."
"I see."
Ga Deuk-sang's face became strangely serious.
"So, how long are you planning to stay here?"
"Until the other party arrives."
"Just like that?"
"It won't take long. If the Beggars' Union did a good job with the information control."
"Don't worry about that."
"I'm not worried."
"Right, the Moyong Clan, completely unaware of the situation, must be on edge. And with the Yeon family's eldest son appearing in Henan, they'll try to make contact no matter what."
"We still don't know which of the two families will approach first."
The Moyong Clan and the Myeong family.
The Moyong Clan was based in Hunan Province, and the Myeong family was based in Xuchang, Henan.
Ga Deuk-sang's gaze sank.
"I still don't understand."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw firsthand that the Moyong Clan is involved in this, but..."
"Do you think I assigned you to investigate the Myeong family for no reason?"
"Well, I suppose not."
Ga Deuk-sang leaned back in his chair.
He crossed his arms and looked at Yeon Hojung, a subtle suspicion in his eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Are you still not going to tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"About the Myeong family. Why are they trying to attack the Yeon family, and how did you find out about it in advance? Isn't it about time you told me?"
Yeon Hojung smiled.
"I believe the result is more important than the process in this matter. When we get a satisfactory result, I'll tell you then."
Ga Deuk-sang's gaze turned cold.
Yeon Hojung's gaze was the same. The looks they exchanged were not at all warm.
After staring at Yeon Hojung for a while, Ga Deuk-sang stretched.
"Oh my! Now that I've eaten, I'm sleepy. Where's the room?"
"I paid in advance. I'll be staying a bit longer, so you go ahead."
"Alright."
"Wash up before you sleep."
"Do you think I'm a beggar for no reason?"
With that, Ga Deuk-sang quickly went into the room provided by the tavern.
Yeon Hojung, sipping his tea, looked out the window.
'It's peaceful.'
It was now fully spring. The wind was gentle, and the sky was clear.
However, Yeon Hojung's gaze was dark and cold, contrary to the weather.
'I deliberately came with Hu Gae. And I forced him to come quickly. If the Moyong Clan knows this, they must be feeling the pressure.'
Moreover, it was a region far from Hunan.
'They could send their subordinates, but I didn't give them time to think. Moyong Gun won't move unless he's at least seventy percent certain.'
It was the same during his time as the Martial Alliance Leader. Because of that, the Black Jade Castle suffered greatly while fighting the Evil Sound Cult alone.
That is...
'There's a very high probability that the Myeong family will approach.'
The corners of his mouth kept wanting to rise.
The Moyong Clan was undoubtedly an enemy. But the enemy he wanted to crush first was the Myeong family.
In other words, his attack was directed at the Myeong family, not the Moyong Clan. Anyway, shaking the Myeong family would also make the Moyong Clan anxious, so it was the same.
'...'
Just thinking about the Myeong family made his killing intent rise.
Gripping his thigh and controlling his murderous intent, Yeon Hojung slowly closed his eyes.
Six days later.
"Are you the Yeon family's eldest son?"
"Who are you?"
"I heard you had a harsh tongue, and it seems to be true."
A young man in his mid-twenties frowned as much as he could.
"I'm from the Myeong family. Someone wants to see you, so make some time."
Yeon Hojung smiled brightly.
"I'll make time even if I don't have any."
