Chapter 279 Kunlun Mountains

Chapter 279: Kunlun Mountains

“Hmm…”

After the drinking session with my master, I focused on work for a while.

After all, between traveling and the election, I had a considerable backlog of work.

If my brother-in-law, Miao Shan, hadn’t stepped in as temporary secretary, I would have been dead.

“Read it properly and sign it… No, please do it. Please don’t just skim it.”

“Geez, you talk too much. I’m a speed reader; I can take it all in with just one glance.”

“……”

Oh, by the way, Myeosan decided to stay in Guryongseong instead of returning to Nanjing.

He said he gained enlightenment during a conversation with Mun Sang while interning at the Military Bureau, or something like that.

‘The path for the people wasn’t only in Nanjing. I’ll change the world starting from here.’

‘Whatever he says…’

As long as he didn’t head into that jungle called Nanjing.

While he was diligently spending his time like that, Maerani came looking for him.

“Master, Master.”

“Grrr, grrrr… Oh, Meilan. Why?”

“A letter has arrived.”

“Thanks. Leave it.”

“Yes.”

Mae-ran, who handed over the letter, twisted her body awkwardly.

“Why? Got something to say?”

She asked, glancing around cautiously.

“Well… I was wondering what kind of food Lord Lee Sunbangju likes.”

“Baldie?”

“……”

“Well, he seemed to eat everything well? If I had to pick something…”

He racked his brain, recalling the foods Yongmasan particularly enjoyed.

“He seemed to like egg dishes. And tofu dishes. He said his mother used to make them often when he was young. But why do you ask?”

“Ah, that… He seems to be visiting often lately, so I thought I’d make sure to serve them.”

“Oh, don’t go wasting your energy. That kid’ll eat anything you give him. He’d probably eat rice soaked in cold water without complaining, right?”

“Awesome…”

“Huh?”

After hearing the reply, the diligent Maerani covered her cheeks with her hands and walked out.

‘Why’d she do that?’

Is she teething?

Wondering if she should take her to the cleaning shop soon, she checked her mail and saw a welcome name.

“Oh!”

It was a letter from Jik-i, the leader of the expedition team currently tracking Jang Bodo’s trail.

The contents were even more welcome.

[Traces found. Expected to arrive within ten days.]

“Wow… That’s insane.”

With just a single map drawn at a resolution resembling a child’s brushstrokes, he managed to find the treasure trove hidden within the vast Kunlun Mountains.

And to do it in just a month and a half.

It was no wonder the name Red Dragon Sect commanded such awe.

As I nodded in agreement, I began to worry about how to divide the spoils.

‘Should I give a little to Banyabo too?’

Although Bicheonhori had left instructions for the funds to be used in rebuilding the North Palace family, his direct descendant was North Palace Ri.

Given the times, he couldn’t file a claim for his statutory share… But since he was practically family now, it was only right to give him something, however small.

‘Hmm….’

He hesitated. Giving too much would violate Bicheonhori’s last will, but giving too little pricked his conscience.

‘1%? No… that’s far too little. They’d definitely complain.’

After agonizing over it for a while.

After much deliberation, I settled on an appropriate distribution ratio.

‘I’ll propose a 98 to 2 split. If they push back hard, I’ll concede up to 96 to 4.’

This should definitely satisfy Bukgung-ri.

Anyway, he’d be coming soon to learn the secrets of the Seven-Colored Sword, so I could discuss it face-to-face then.

“By the way…”

I looked down at Changgoongchang through the window.

‘What should I do about him?’

* * *

Bukgung Chang, former leader of the Black Death Sect and current head of the Black Dragon Corps.

A peerless master acknowledged by all, he was the legendary figure of the Black Path who once held Hebei firmly in his grasp.

The wealthy and influential of Hebei worried the Black Death Sect might become the second Lion Alliance.

The current leader of the Banyabo Sect, Bukgung Ri.

He was the leader of the Prajna Sect, a martial arts sect of such scale that it was said, “If the Red Dragon Sect exists in the West, then the Prajna Sect exists in the North.”

He himself was an unparalleled master, a figure to be reckoned with.

The problem was, these two men were bound by a fateful enmity.

‘I don’t know about the others, but those two traitors, Bukgung-ri and Bukgung-jeong—I can never forgive them.’

‘……Is that all?’

‘Yes. I’d like to take the children and storm into Banyaboro at the first chance I get and kill every last one of them.’

‘…….’

He’d overheard this while trying to relay news that Banyabo had been added to the official registry.

His fury was so intense that the messenger couldn’t deliver the message and simply returned.

Wouldn’t it suffice to explain that we’ve decided to proceed as a main and collateral branch?

This isn’t such a simple matter.

‘I believe that while other places may be uncertain, the Banyabow and Haejulbang must remain under the banner of the Jeonwangmun.’

‘Is it really necessary to be that strict?’

‘Yes. They took the legacy of the North Palace family and nurtured it to this point, so they must return. That is the principle and the way. That very way is why I led the Black Dragon Sect to join them.’

That was it.

Did Bukgung Chang want to surrender the entire Black Dragon Sect, steeped in the blood and sweat of generations since his great-grandfather?

He joined out of a desire to uphold the principle.

If I, the head of the family, had then said, “Hey, since we’ve decided to live as main and collateral branches from now on, treat me accordingly,” there was a risk that North Palace Chang might have come out declaring independence, leading the Black Dragon Corps members with him.

If North Palace Chang did that, we’d have no grounds to stop him. After all, I was the one who broke the principle first.

“Hmm…”

I briefly considered just meeting him secretly outside, but quickly shook my head.

Hiding it wouldn’t solve anything; it would come out eventually anyway.

Bukgung Chang might be disappointed, but confronting him head-on was a hundred times better.

“Guess there’s no helping it.”

So I met with North Palace Chang and explained the situation.

“It is Your Highness’s decision, so I shall comply.”

I saw an unexpected reaction.

“……Really?”

“Of course.”

“Phew… I was worried our Black Dragon Lord might be offended. Guess his big frame means he’s got a big heart too.”

“Not at all.”

“Oh, come on, no need to be modest… How about a drink at Honghua Pavilion after sunset? Of course, we’ll have to keep it a secret. Hehehe.”

“I’m tired today, so I plan to head in early.”

“Huh? Tired? A master like the Black Dragon Lord?”

“Somehow, yes.”

“Well, then, I guess there’s no helping it. Go home early. No, wait. Why don’t you just go home now? The kids’ training… even if they skip a day… No. I’ll take care of it.”

“No, thank you. I’ll finish what I’m working on before leaving. I have a lot to do, so I’ll be going now.”

Watching his back, as solid as a Siberian brown bear, I realized.

“……”

He’s sulking.

* * *

Ten days later.

On the appointed day, North Palace and the thirty warriors accompanying him arrived.

“Welcome.”

He bowed his head and offered a fist salute the moment he faced me at the gate.

“Banyaboju, Bukgung-ri, pays his respects to Your Majesty!”

He mentioned his position first.

He meant to say his identity was that of a master of a collateral branch, not a mere disciple of the main lineage.

I have no objection to that either, but…

Zing.

It wasn’t the man directly behind him, North Palace Chang.

The moment he heard Bukgung Ri’s introduction, he radiated a killing intent that seemed ready to explode at any moment.

“Ah, ha, ha. You two are old acquaintances, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Bukgung-ri answered, giving a small nod toward Bukgung-chang.

“Well, come inside first and rest up. We’ll have a welcome dinner tonight, so get plenty of rest until then.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

After sending Bukgung-ri to the guest room, I looked at Bukgung-chang.

He, who was like a bear, turned his head with a feeling like he was grumbling.

‘Now… now I don’t know either…’

That evening.

Myohyang showed off her skills, saying we had a rare, precious guest.

In an era without blogs, I don’t know where she found the recipes, but a table spread with Sichuan-style braised chicken, mapo tofu, and northern-style grilled lamb welcomed us.

Bukgung-ri, who hadn’t eaten properly during the long journey, beamed.

“Such a warm welcome. Truly, thank you, madam.”

“Ho ho, I hear you’re a distinguished guest from the capital. I do hope you’re having a comfortable and enjoyable dinner.”

“I’m already feeling quite at ease.”

He gazed at the whole roasted lamb.

“How could I feel anything but comfortable when you’ve even prepared food from my homeland? I am deeply moved by your warm hospitality, Madam.”

“Oh my.”

As Miao Xiang marveled at his eloquent speech, she felt a wave of heat wash over her from beside her.

‘Seriously, now you’re jealous too….’

And you weren’t even close to Myaohyang to begin with.

And so the banquet began.

They filled their bellies with delicious food and drink while conversing with each other.

“The world beyond the Great Wall is a veritable hell, scarcely fit to be called human habitation. Had the Wall not stood firm, the lands north of the Yangtze might well have become uninhabitable.”

“Wa-guk (Japan)… I’ve been there. Being an island nation, it was utterly barbaric. That’s precisely why the Wa pirates charge at you wearing nothing but rags and wielding a single sword.”

“I’ve heard rumors about the Silk Road. They say it’s a trade route personally paved and maintained by the former king. Still, one must remain cautious. Lately, countless bands of bandits have been springing up.”

Moreover, he possessed profound insight, and everyone, myself included, became engrossed in his story.

Whoosh.

Except for one person.

Anyway, after the banquet ended, we moved to the pavilion outside.

It was meant to be a more intimate drinking session, but trouble erupted before long.

“My name is Woo Je-jun.”

“I’m Bukgung Ri of Banyaboju. Pleased to meet you.”

Bukgung Chang, witnessing Woo Je-jun and Bukgung Ri greet each other after Woo Je-jun had joined late due to handling business, finally lost his temper.

“You bastard! You’ve only just had your name added to the registry, and you dare not pay your respects?!”

Before long, he had become the very embodiment of jealousy, attacking Bukgung-ri with absurd excuses.

It seemed his trigger had been pulled long ago.

“Hmph, you’re picking a ridiculous fight. You haven’t changed a bit since the old days.”

Bukgung-ri, too, did not back down an inch.

Truthfully, Bukgung-ri was right. Even if his name was in the family records, as a branch family head, treating him as an equal wasn’t disrespectful.

“Black Dragon Lord, stop…”

He tried to stop the sudden conflict, but…

“If you have any complaints, come out! I’ll give you a good thrashing.”

By then, the enraged North Palace Chang had already stormed out into the open space beyond the pavilion.

Even.

Swoosh.

Bukgung Ri, seemingly overcome with rage, also stepped outside.

Numerous warriors of the Jeonryongdang witnessed the two.

At this point, it was awkward to intervene.

Unless they voluntarily stepped back, if I intervened, it would look like I was protecting Bukgung Chang.

Above all else.

‘Better to fight now than later.’

If it was going to erupt someday anyway, fighting while I was present was safer.

If you go to a deserted mountain and start a life-or-death battle for no reason, chances are someone will end up dead.

“Wait!”

“……?”

“……?”

The moment he resolved to prevent disaster, he leapt between the two men who had been charging at each other.

“If you must fight, I will be the judge myself.”

It was to ensure the bare minimum of safety.

“No strikes to the dantian, no blows to the back of the head, no attacks on the respiratory system including the throat, no strikes to the heart…….”

The sudden opening of the MFC (Martial Arts Fight Championship).

“Ready, fight!”

Two people charged toward each other, using a signal they couldn’t possibly understand.