Chapter 16
Back to Paeng Mu-wi
The more he operated his cultivation method, the more noticeably the movements in his dantian changed. Along with it, he could clearly feel his body becoming as solid as steel.
But it was still far too lacking to display the martial arts with which he had once reigned supreme as the absolute ruler of Great Yaseong.
I haven’t even met the real masters yet.
It was said that the world was vast, and strange people and extraordinary figures were as numerous as grains of sand by the sea.
Since one never knew when, where, or what kind of expert one might encounter, he had to regain his former strength as quickly as possible before that time came.
“Hoo…”
Yi Hwan finished his cultivation and exhaled deeply. As always, his whole body was burning hot and drenched in sweat.
After taking a few deep breaths, Yi Hwan drew up his inner power.
Five flames rose and floated above his head. It was the same technique he had used before, when disguised as a Yan soldier, to kill the Black Tiger unit member who had come looking for Cha Jung-gyeong.
The five flames hovered in the air like fireflies, then shot into the rear wall.
Pupupupupuk!
Five holes were punched into the log-built wall.
The wind that flowed in through the holes brushed softly over Yi Hwan’s heated body.
Not bad.
There was no dizziness at all, and his breathing remained steady.
That was when—
“Ugh… my head…”
A groan came from outside.
Cha Jung-gyeong, who had been chopping firewood in the backyard, suddenly clutched the back of his head from a sudden impact.
“Which son of a—!”
He glared furiously around, but there was no one in sight.
Then blood began to seep through his fingers.
“Argh! Blood?!”
Yi Hwan turned away from the sight of Cha Jung-gyeong with a cloth wrapped around his head.
If it hadn’t been for the wall, I would’ve hit the wrong guy.
Had the wall not absorbed some of the force, Cha Jung-gyeong would have been left with a hole in his head, dead on the spot.
Song Cheon-mu asked,
“Did someone throw a rock at you?”
“Yeah! If I ever catch the bastard, I’ll tear him limb from limb and hang him up like laundry!”
Song Hoe gave him a look of pure disdain.
“Nobody here likes you. You should’ve kept your guard up at all times. You used to be a Black Tiger unit member, and you let your skull get cracked by a rock? Tsk tsk.”
“How am I supposed to be on guard while chopping firewood?! This is the Grand Commander’s camp! This is an insult to him, and we have to catch the culprit!”
“You sure do talk big for someone with a hole in his head.”
“Ah, damn it!”
Still fuming like a wild boar, Cha Jung-gyeong huffed and snorted.
Yi Hwan ignored him and picked up his chopsticks.
“The meat’s cooked nicely.”
“Yes. They say some good beef came in, so the cooks made something special.”
Yi Hwan glanced at Cha Jung-gyeong.
“Stop snorting and eat. The meat’ll be gone soon. They said it’s beef.”
“…Yes, sir.”
A short while later, Yi Hwan set his chopsticks down and stood.
Song Cheon-mu asked, “Going for a walk, sir?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll accompany you.”
“No need. Just finish eating.”
“I’m done.”
The two stepped outside. Yi Hwan headed toward the outer perimeter of the encampment.
Though years of bloody battle had been fought here, the scenery was beautiful. Especially if one climbed above the canyon, a vast mountain range spread out like a painting—perfect for soothing the mind and body.
Yi Hwan paused, gazing southwest. The morning sun lit the mountains, while thick mist filled the valleys, looking like a sea of clouds.
“Is your family’s situation really that bad?”
“…”
“No support from the imperial family?”
“No. They’ve always been heartless people.”
Song Cheon-mu gave a bitter smile.
“Please don’t worry too much about the Princess. As you said before, her health has greatly improved.”
Chirrip!
A flock of birds landed on a branch, chirping melodiously.
Looking at them, Yi Hwan thought of his sister. Or rather, the thought came unbidden.
I should go there someday…
“Grand Commander?”
“Hmm?”
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
“Nothing.”
Yi Hwan turned back toward the camp.
“May I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why are you hiding your skills?”
“I’m not hiding them.”
“But you are.”
“I said I’m not.”
“…Understood.”
Song Cheon-mu decided not to press further, thinking Yi Hwan was avoiding the question on purpose.
Suddenly, Yi Hwan asked, “What’s your dream?”
“To become a great general.”
“For your family’s sake?”
“Yes. I’ve received more love than I deserve. But it’s also a dream for myself. The problem is… my martial skills aren’t improving much. I keep training without rest, but… I’m worried I won’t become an exceptional general like this.”
Martial arts, huh…
Compared to others his age, Song Cheon-mu’s skills were definitely outstanding. At his current level, he could easily become a company commander.
But high-ranking military positions weren’t earned just by being a bit better than the rest.
In Yan, as in other nations, most key military posts were occupied by martial artists from powerful martial families and sects like the Paeng clan.
Their martial arts had been honed through centuries of tradition, giving them unmatched depth and quality.
From the moment they began training, they had access to great masters—an environment outsiders could hardly match.
Competing with them for top military posts was incredibly difficult.
Foolish people…
That was why Yi Hwan disliked the situation all the more.
To think that painstakingly cultivated martial skill was being used as the fangs of the military’s hunting dogs—it angered him.
Rumble…
A distant thunder rolled.
“Oh? Looks like rain. We should head back.”
Yi Hwan quickened his pace. Then a thought struck him, and he frowned.
I forgot about them. If they’ve been watching the camp, they’ll realize the pursuit incense was used on someone else, not me. How careless of me.
A mistake born of momentary complacency brought a bitter smile to his lips.
“What’s wrong, sir?”
“Nothing.”
“How can someone just sit still for days like that?”
The man in the blue robe grumbled, staring at Yi Hwan’s tent.
Neither he nor the other man knew that Yi Hwan had already left.
Since the fox would react if the incense moved, there was no need to keep constant watch.
“If we’re sure, why not just kill him?”
“How many times do I have to tell you—we wait a little longer.”
“Until when?!”
“You little…”
At the cold gleam in the other man’s eyes, the blue-robed man bowed quickly.
“Forgive me. I just… got impatient.”
“Our ancestors endured far longer in the shadows. And you can’t even handle this?”
“…Yes, sir.”
The man looked back at Yi Hwan’s tent—only to suddenly narrow his eyes.
Yi Hwan was coming down from behind the camp.
“How the hell…? Why’s he coming from there?”
“Good question. And why didn’t the fox react?”
The fox was asleep in the blue-robed man’s arms. If Yi Hwan had moved, it should have woken and reacted.
“Could Cha Jung-gyeong have spilled everything? Maybe he deliberately used the incense on someone else.”
“If he figured out what the incense was, maybe.”
The man’s eyes darkened with anger. If that was true, they’d been thoroughly played.
“Tonight, we go to his tent.”
“What’ll you do?”
“Capture him and make him talk.”
“Yes, sir.”
The blue-robed man even looked pleased—finally, this tedious waiting was ending.
Honestly, we’ve been too cautious until now.
In Yi Hwan’s tent, the cook was busy. Fortunately, his skills were excellent, and everyone—including Yi Hwan—was satisfied.
Humming a tune, the cook worked on lunch, with a soldier helping.
“Already starting lunch?”
“The Grand Commander likes meat. You know meat tastes better after a bit of aging, so I have to start now.”
“When did you start caring so much about him? Weren’t you the most upset when assigned here?”
“That was then. You’ve seen it too—people’s attitudes toward him are changing. Now quit yapping and focus. If the greens burn, they’re ruined.”
Sizzle…
The soldier shook his head but kept preparing fresh vegetables. Then he felt something odd and looked up—to see someone peeking in through the window.
“Huh?”
“What is it?”
“Someone was watching us.”
“Probably one of the commander’s men.”
“Then why watch in secret?”
“Good point… so who the hell is—”
The soldier rushed outside, but no one was there.
“What the…?”
Just then, Yi Hwan was returning from his walk when he saw someone quickly disappearing toward the Paeng clan’s quarters behind the camp.
Paeng Mu-wi is spying on me?
A strange light flashed in his eyes.
He entered the tent as if nothing had happened. Song Hoe and Cha Jung-gyeong greeted him.
“Nothing happened?”
“What could happen?”
“Go tell Paeng Mu-wi I want to see him.”
“Why do you want to see him?”
“I have something to say. Cheon-mu, you go.”
“Yes, sir.”
“The Grand Commander wants to see me?”
“Yes.”
“Did he say why?”
“I’m just following orders.”
A strange glint shone in Paeng Mu-wi’s eyes as he stared at Song Cheon-mu.
He didn’t like the young man’s calm demeanor. If not for his position as the Commander’s guard, he would’ve already thrown a punch.
What’s that bastard planning now…?
Paeng Mu-wi donned his armor before stepping out. As Left General—the most prestigious of the Four Generals—he took pride in his rank and liked to wear his armor as a display of status.
Snort.
He took a deep breath before entering Yi Hwan’s tent. The first thing that caught his eye was the teacup on the table.
Not this time, Commander.
“You called for me?”
“I thought we could have tea. Sit.”
“My stomach hasn’t been well, so I’m avoiding tea. I’ll have some cold water instead.”
“Your stomach’s that bad?”
“Yes. It just happened somehow.”
Song Hoe set a bowl of cold water before him and stepped back.
Clink.
After sipping his tea, Yi Hwan asked casually,
“How’s life here?”
“Do you think I’m here by choice? It’s the country’s order, so I just do my best.”
Paeng Mu-wi drank the cold water without hesitation—he’d been thirsty.
“The tea’s quite nice. How about a cup?”
“Thank you for the thought, Commander, but I’ll pass.”
Not falling for it, old man.
Paeng Mu-wi smirked inwardly.
“Is that so? Then you can go.”
“…What?”
“I’m suddenly tired.”
As Yi Hwan disappeared into his room, Paeng Mu-wi’s face turned red.
Damn it! There’s a limit to toying with people!
Song Hoe said quietly, “He must be tired from his walk earlier.”
Paeng Mu-wi wanted to ask why he’d been called if the man was tired, but he didn’t dare. He simply glared at Song Hoe and stormed out.
After he left, Song Hoe entered Yi Hwan’s room.
“I did as you asked, but… what did you put in the cold water?”
“Medicine.”
“…Medicine?”
“Stop bothering me and go.”
“…”
