“Are you referring to Miss Moyong Yeon-hwa, known as the Spring Breeze Little Smile?”
Surprisingly, among the group, Tang Do-yeon, a member of a prominent family, responded in line with the customs of the martial world, except for Hyeok Gi-rin.
“That’s right.”
The party members stood up to receive Moyong Yeon-hwa’s greeting.
Moyong Yeon-hwa was a genuine direct descendant and a key figure of the Moyong Clan, unlike the self-proclaimed direct descendant Moyong Mo who appeared yesterday.
If we were to consider their original statuses, the person representing our group would be Hyeok Gi-rin, the Grand Master of the Jeomchang Faction. However, Hyeok Gi-rin was currently a nameless martial artist wearing a pseudonym, Hwang So-wol, for external appearances.
And I, at this moment, felt it was a little awkward to reveal that I am the Brain Knife Outcast.
Ultimately, it was Miss Yeo Il-ye who opened her mouth on behalf of everyone else.
“I am well aware of the circumstances of the Moyong Clan. There is no need to apologize as I am not overly concerned.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
For a moment, a conversation ensued between Yeo Il-ye, Tang Do-yeon, and Moyong Yeon-hwa. Given that the Jeomchang and Tang Clans often had friendly relations with the Moyong Clan, it was a casual exchange to confirm their acquaintance.
“This Hwang So-wol, whom I see for the first time, feels strangely familiar.”
“I’ve never seen you, Miss!”
“Well, it seems I’ve mistaken you. Sorry for the surprise.”
Although Moyong Yeon-hwa tilted her head at the sight of Hyeok Gi-rin in girl mode, it was brushed off without issue.
“You’ve traveled a long way from Liaoning.”
“Yes. I am expanding my knowledge while solving various problems as I tour the factions.”
Watching Moyong Yeon-hwa engage in conversation, I fell into thought.
Moyong Yeon-hwa, who claimed to be solving problems while touring the factions, could well be sincere.
In reality, members of martial families often embark on journeys around the Central Plains, inspecting their branches.
However, considering the current situation in this Shengsu, it seemed highly likely that she came to resolve the issues caused by the branch clans here.
“I wonder if you came on this trip alone, Miss?”
“…Why do you care?”
The Black Cat suddenly bristled defensively.
“Senior Ho.”
“What is it?”
Not to mention, the instant reactions from Hyeok Gi-rin and Yeo Il-ye.
In fact, my question was a bit rude. After all, outright asking a woman if she travels alone seems suspiciously heartless.
“Ahem, that’s not what I meant…”
As I trailed off, Moyong Yeon-hwa, surprised by my question and the party’s responses, gently smiled to ease the mood.
“Hehe, I’m fine. I was accompanied by Elder Moyong Seo and my brother Chan-gyeong.”
Truly, as expected of someone with a generous heart, Moyong Yeon-hwa answered with a warm smile.
In a rush to clear up the misunderstanding of the three glares directed at me, I spoke quickly.
“It seems you are traversing the factions to resolve some serious issues. If Elder Moyong Seo is with you, he is quite reputable even in the Central Plains, isn’t he?”
Even if I bombarded her with a series of rude questions on our first meeting, Moyong Yeon-hwa continued to respond gently.
“He merely volunteered to protect us. It’s a gesture I genuinely appreciate.”
The fact that the legendary elder Moyong Seo was simply escorting her was hardly believable.
Still, it would make more sense to think that he was dispatched to resolve matters concerning the Shengsu branch.
I felt a plan assembling in my mind and stroked my chin.
If this goes well… it could work out nicely!
If things go right, even Jeong Cheol, who plans to hide, would have to come out.
As I methodically prepared the plan in my head, Moyong Yeon-hwa rose from her seat.
“I’ve enjoyed our conversation after a long time. Though I wish I could stay longer, I have matters to attend to. Once again, I apologize for what a member of my clan has done.”
“No, I was happy to have a conversation with you, Miss Moyong. How could I say otherwise? I hope we can foster our friendship in the future.”
Yeo Il-ye also offered her greeting politely.
Seeing that, I too opened my mouth.
“I will see you off.”
Moyong Yeon-hwa wasn’t the one responsible for this incident.
The one in charge was likely Elder Moyong Seo, a key member of the Moyong Clan, and both Moyong Yeon-hwa and Chan-gyeong could be seen as loyal attendants to him.
So, it was essential to meet Moyong Seo first.
As I naturally planned to accompany Moyong Yeon-hwa while getting acquainted with Moyong Seo, it was at that moment…
Thud! Thud!
…Both Black Cat and Yeo Il-ye grabbed my shoulders.
“Hehe.”
“Ahaha.”
The two of them laughed menacingly!
Their laughter sent chills down my spine, but I couldn’t back away now. This chance to meet Moyong Seo was occurring right here and now.
I’ll explain later!
Desperately throwing a glance at Black Cat and Yeo Il-ye, I noticed their eyes had already turned wild.
“Ah, um… I can’t let the Miss here go back alone…”
“Ahahaha, right? I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“Ahaha. That’s true. Let’s go together.”
“Oh my.”
…In the end, I couldn’t help but join Black Cat and Yeo Il-ye in seeing Moyong Yeon-hwa off.
* *
‘…Honorable Person.’
Yeo Il-ye rolled her eyes, observing Ho Cheon-an as he eagerly awaited an opportunity to speak to Moyong Yeon-hwa.
Yeo Il-ye had come to understand now.
Ho Cheon-an wouldn’t look at another woman until he answered her.
The reason Ho Cheon-an was attempting to approach Moyong Yeon-hwa was due to a plan forming in his mind, not because he harbored any secret admiration for her.
Yet, Yeo Il-ye felt absolutely no relief watching Ho Cheon-an right now.
She looked at Ho Cheon-an’s back.
His back wasn’t unremarkable when they first met, but now it seemed as mighty as a mountain. Not merely due to physical training, but the man’s very essence, represented by his back, had changed dramatically.
Ho Cheon-an was no longer just a gambling outcast; he had become a hero of Sacheon, a great hero, and a martial artist of the Hwa-gyeong level.
‘You need to be more careful with your words and actions!’
Yeo Il-ye glared at his back resentfully.
Ho Cheon-an’s growth was delightful, but it was absolutely not enjoyable to see her personal little honorable person become the hero of Hwa-gyeong, being surrounded by various young ladies.
That was the reason Yeo Il-ye was sending sharp glances at Ho Cheon-an, despite trusting him.
“Hehe, it seems the three of you are getting along quite well.”
“…Yes.”
Yeo Il-ye responded while gazing at Moyong Yeon-hwa. The more she looked at Moyong Yeon-hwa, who wore a gentle smile, the higher her guard rose.
Spring Breeze Little Smile.
Even to another woman, her enchanting beauty and nurturing gentle smile were remarkably appealing.
Not just that.
Yeo Il-ye’s gaze dropped below Moyong Yeon-hwa’s neck.
The impressive cleavage adorned with a wisteria flower was hard for Yeo Il-ye to miss.
Witnessing the ample maternal essence on display, Yeo Il-ye’s alertness soared.
While Yeo Il-ye was cultivating her rising vigilance toward Moyong Yeon-hwa, the group steadily advanced and halted in front of an inn.
“Since you’ve come this far, shouldn’t you greet the elder? Also, I’d appreciate if you could foster some acquaintance with my younger sibling, who is lacking in experience.”
“Of course! Since we’ve come this far, we should indeed meet the elder.”
Excited to fulfill his wish, Ho Cheon-an stepped forward to greet Moyong Yeon-hwa.
The three of them followed Moyong Yeon-hwa’s lead to meet Elder Moyong Seo.
‘Hmm.’
Looking at Moyong Seo, who let out a heavy sigh, Yeo Il-ye nodded inwardly. With his neatly groomed beard and robust physique, the aura radiating from Elder Moyong Seo was truly that of a legendary figure in the martial world.
Moyong Yeon-hwa introduced them.
“Nice to meet you. I am Moyong Seo.”
“Junior Jeong Il-ye from the Jeomchang Faction greets you, Senior.”
“So, you are Miss Yeo Il-ye of the Red Bamboo Swordswoman. I’ve heard rumors about you and have always wanted to meet you. Indeed, the rumors do not do justice to your spirit.”
After passing through compliments about Black Cat’s appearance, Elder Moyong Seo’s gaze focused on Ho Cheon-an.
His gaze toward Ho Cheon-an was filled with admiration.
“Just as it is said, the younger generation pushes the older generation forward… have you reached such a level at that young age? Truly impressive.”
“Too much praise.”
“Not at all. I only heard your name today, but I’ve been hearing about the exploits of the Brain Knife Outcast to the point my ears ache. I thought the rumors were exaggerated, yet they do not encompass all that you are.”
‘So they caught on quickly.’
Though Ho Cheon-an’s group roaming together wasn’t a widely known fact, it wasn’t a well-kept secret either.
If the Five Great Clans could gather intelligence, they would certainly perceive that Yeo Il-ye, Tang Do-yeon, and Tang So-yeol were frequently accompanying him.
If they knew that much, deducing Ho Cheon-an’s identity would not be too difficult.
Yeo Il-ye realized once again how significant Ho Cheon-an had become by observing Elder Moyong Seo recognizing him right away.
The Moyong Clan, one of the Five Great Clans.
The fact that a senior of such a clan was aware of the Brain Knife Outcast showed that Ho Cheon-an’s reputation rang true throughout the Central Plains.
Moyong Seo looked at Ho Cheon-an with glimmering eyes.
“So, what brings you here?”
Directly questioning Ho Cheon-an’s purpose, Moyong Seo smiled as Ho Cheon-an responded.
“I’ve come regarding the Shengsu Branch affairs. The issue with the branch clans in the Shengsu is quite troublesome for the Moyong Clan, isn’t it?”
The direct words startled both Black Cat and Yeo Il-ye.
Moyong Seo chuckled, confronted with the pointed observation of what could be considered his family’s embarrassing matter.
“Hahaha! Since we’ve already encountered that child, Moyong Mo, what is there to hide? As you mentioned, the branch clans in Shengsu are indeed a headache.”
“I will resolve it cleanly for you.”
“Hoh.”
So he claims he’ll resolve those headaches cleanly?
Most would have merely advised him not to meddle in clan matters, but… the one standing before him was Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an.
Moyong Seo envisioned a tournament in his mind.
The Sacheon Outcast Tournament!
‘It was shocking.’
Upon hearing news of the Sacheon Outcast Tournament, the upper echelons of Moyong Clan were incredibly impacted.
Except for a select few renowned later martial artists with clear characteristics, it was generally very difficult to have names known among the cliques.
Yet, what about the Sacheon Outcast Tournament?
With a single tournament, it engraved itself vividly into countless minds!
Elders of the clan, including Moyong Seo, thoroughly analyzed the Sacheon Outcast Tournament, and the more they analyzed it, the more they could not contain their exclamations of admiration.
It was an exhilarating event held right next to their place of living.
With tangible proof of each stage cleared.
Rules set to effectively mix various displays of martial power.
Various theatrical elements that could draw audience responses and engagement!
The more it was analyzed, the more they realized that the Sacheon Outcast Tournament was meticulously arranged.
Moyong Seo pondered.
If Ho Cheon-an, who organized the Sacheon Outcast Tournament… could he not solve the problem of the branch clans in Shengsu as well?
Depending on the terms, entrusting the task to Ho Cheon-an could turn out to be a splendid choice.
“Then, what is it you desire?”
At Moyong Seo’s inquiry, Ho Cheon-an smiled and said.
“Please support me in my confrontation with Jeong Cheol.”
