It was beyond perfect—so flawless that even if the true Sub-Gate Masters of those sects showed up, they wouldn’t match these three.
“The ones attending the Divine Dragon Tournament will mostly be around the Tenth Star of the Transformation Realm. With their realms forcibly amplified, they’ll be able to kill more than a few. The stronger the disciples of the great sects, the more chaos they’ll bring. Keheheh.”
The black-clad figure eyed the three men.
“Remember this. You must be caught. When captured, keep silent until the very end, then finally break down as though unable to endure the pain and confess. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“What exactly will you say?”
“That we were ordered by the Martial Deity Heaven Lord to eliminate those who would one day hinder Martial Deity Heaven.”
“Keheheh. Correct. The mission given to you is of utmost importance. It will lay the foundation for the future of our Great Demonic Cult. Not the slightest negligence can be allowed.”
“We will remember.”
“Good! Now go. Run wild to your heart’s content.”
“Yes!”
****
“There it is.”
At Il Mu Yeong’s words, the disguised Yeon Cheon Baek smiled faintly.
“So my Woo Jin is inside there?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Hohoho. Let’s hurry.”
His longed-for grandson.
Yeon Cheon Baek rushed eagerly into the inn.
“Welcome, honored guest!”
As he entered, a servant greeted him.
“Where is the annex?”
“Ah! You wish to rent a room? My apologies, but the annex is already taken. There’s another fine room—”
“No. Lead me to «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» the annex.”
The servant’s face tensed.
“The annex is occupied. You cannot.”
“I know those inside. Just take me there.”
At the mention of acquaintance, the servant glanced him over, still doubtful.
“Then show me proof. Tell me who is inside.”
“Inside?”
Yeon Cheon Baek knew none besides Yeon Woo Jin.
“A boy named Yeon Woo Jin is within. Tell him his grandfather has come.”
“Your name, sir?”
“That I cannot say. Just tell him his grandfather is here—he will know.”
“...Very well. I’ll send word. But be warned, the ones inside are figures of renown in the Central Plains. Offend them, and you’ll regret it.”
“Never mind that. Go.”
Thinking he had warned him enough, the servant scurried off toward the annex.
When he reached it, he swallowed hard before slipping inside.
There sat the Green Forest Great Emperor, the Sword Empress, and the Flame Emperor.
Supreme masters, gathered together.
The servant had nearly fainted when he first learned these giants served another. He had sworn never to speak a word.
“What is it?”
At Hwa Sogwang’s question, the servant quickly bowed.
“An old man outside seeks Yeon Woo Jin.”
At this, Yeon Woo Jin tilted his head.
Who would come for him?
“I am Yeon Woo Jin.”
The servant stiffened.
So this was the master of the Green Forest Great Emperor, the Flame Emperor, and the Sword Empress.
“I—I beg your pardon, Young Master! I didn’t realize—please forgive my ignorance!”
The servant shook with fear.
Terrifying—these three were his retainers!
“It’s fine. Who is this man?”
“He wouldn’t give a name. Only said... your grandfather has come.”
Snap—
At those words, Yeon Woo Jin leapt up.
“Where? Where is he?”
Seeing his reaction, the servant thought perhaps it was true.
“I—I’ll guide you.”
“Quickly!”
“Yes!”
The servant was about to hurry when—
“Hohoho. So here you were.”
A voice rang out.
At the door stood an old man.
Though disguised, Yeon Woo Jin knew him at once.
It was Yeon Cheon Baek.
“Grandfather!”
Yeon Woo Jin dashed forward and threw himself into his arms.
“Oof! You’re grown, yet still cling like this? How shameful.”
Yet his face was radiant with joy as he held Woo Jin tightly.
After a long embrace, Woo Jin stepped back to study his face.
“Grandfather, why are you here? And why this disguise?”
“You saw through it so easily?”
“Of course. I know your qi better than anyone.”
“Hahaha! Rascal!”
Yeon Cheon Baek ruffled his hair again and again. Then he glanced around.
He spotted Ma Ryang and smiled.
“It’s been a while.”
“Your servant Ma Ryang greets the Martial Deity Heaven Lord!”
He prostrated instantly.
The servant, who hadn’t known the old man’s identity, nearly stopped breathing.
The Martial Deity Heaven Lord?!
He collapsed in shock.
“Now what?”
Seeing him faint, Yeon Woo Jin chuckled.
“Just fainted from shock.”
“Tsk. Starving himself half to death, no doubt.”
“Did he offend you?”
“Offend? No, he did his best to serve.”
“Then it was only fear of his own mistake that broke him.”
“Anyone would think I’m some villainous monster.”
Yeon Cheon Baek gave the fainted man a pitiful look, then turned to the others.
“You there—you’re the one called Green Forest Great Emperor.”
“Y-yes. It has been long, my lord.”
“Heh. Have you honed your skills? I liked your youthful audacity when you challenged me.”
“That was but shameful folly of youth. Please forget it.”
Long ago, as a brash youth, he had rashly struck at the Martial Deity Heaven Lord, only to be subdued in a single move.
But Yeon Cheon Baek had thought well of him then.
“So why are you here?”
“Guarding one’s lord is a retainer’s duty.”
“Lord? Who? My Woo Jin?”
“Yes.”
“You serve Woo Jin? You?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Cheon Baek chuckled.
“Fortunate, to attend my grandson.”
“I count it so.”
“And the others?”
At his question, Hwa Sogwang bowed stiffly.
“I am Hwa Sogwang of the Blazing Fire Shrine. It is an honor.”
“Oh? So you’re that Flame Emperor brat, eh?”
“Yes, though it is only an empty title.”
“And why are you here?”
“I, too, serve the Young Master.”
“My Woo Jin?”
“Yes.”
“Ha! And you as well?”
He pointed at Yeo Hwarin. She bowed.
“I am Yeo Hwarin, Head of the Sword Pavilion.”
“The Sword Empress! Hahaha! And you also serve Woo Jin?”
“Yes.”
“Khahaha! Wonderful! You’ve nearly made the whole world yours, haven’t you?”
At this, Woo Jin scratched his head.
“That’s not it, grandfather.”
“Not it? Tell me again.”
“Well—”
“Wait. This isn’t a talk for standing. Hohoho! Mu Yeong.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Wake that fellow.”
At his order, Il Mu Yeong went to the servant and breathed qi into him.
Thud—
The man stirred awake.
Dazed, then seeing Yeon Cheon Baek, he threw himself flat.
“Great Martial Deity Heaven Lord! I sinned grievously not knowing your exalted self! Please forgive—”
“I forgive you. Now fetch a feast. Enough to break the table.”
“Y-yes!”
He rushed off, but Yeon Cheon Baek called after him.
“Wait.”
“Yes?”
Il Mu Yeong pressed a silk pouch into his hand.
“Take this for payment. Bring what you can with it. Keep what’s left.”
“Th-thank you! I’ll bring everything in the inn!”
“And the finest wine.”
“Yes!”
Outside, the servant peeked inside the pouch.
“Gasp!”
Fifty gold taels.
Enough to serve delicacies daily until the tournament ended, with plenty to spare.
Though told to keep what remained, he would never dare.
This was the Martial Deity Heaven Lord!
He forgave his blunder, even gave him wealth.
Overwhelmed, the servant swore he would spend every coin to provide only the best—and if it ran out, he’d cover it himself.
****
“Heh. That lad does have skill.”
Truly, the table bent beneath the weight of dishes.
Yeon Cheon Baek beamed at Woo Jin.
“Now, I’m ready to hear your tale. But first—a cup from my grandson.”
“Yes.”
Woo Jin poured with care.
Chrrrk—
Yeon Cheon Baek watched fondly.
How long he had waited.
Now that Woo Jin was before him, he was blissfully happy.
“But, grandfather... how did you come? What of Martial Deity Heaven?”
“Martial Deity Heaven? I left it with Sa Ma Cheon.”
“What? Master?”
“Yes. He’s been running everything anyway. Without me, nothing changes.”
“When will you return?”
“You rascal—already trying to send me away after one day? I’m hurt.”
“No! I only want to stay with you.”
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
“Hahaha! Then I misunderstood.”
“Well, I did phrase it poorly.”
“Perhaps I should return only when you do.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Why not? I’ve no urgent business.”
“Then you’ll watch the tournament with me?”
“Certainly.”
“I’m so glad. Being with you like this feels like a dream.”
At his words, Yeon Cheon Baek’s smile split wide.
“Hehehe. A dream for me too.”
Glug—
“Ahhh! Fine wine!”
He looked wholly content.
“Now, tell me. What’s happened in the Central Plains.”
“Alright. I’ll start with the Namgoong Clan.”
“Go on.”
So Woo Jin told of the Namgoong Clan, and how he founded the Shincheon Chamber of Commerce.
“I heard. Hehehe. Shincheon Chamber—good name.”
“Hehe.”
“Since I’m out, I must see this chamber my grandson built.”
“Yes, I’ll guide you.”
“Excellent. And the Namgoong Clan now follows you?”
“Yes.”
At that, Yeon Cheon Baek gazed proudly at him.
“Marvelous. Continue.”
And so Woo Jin did.
Not only Yeon Cheon Baek, but Lee Hwa Un, Hwa Sogwang, and Yeo Hwarin listened keenly, hanging on every word of Yeon Woo Jin’s tale.