Chapter 9

Near the border of Henan Province.

An old man stood on a high point, gazing far towards Luoyang.

Despite the late hour, the thick dark clouds hanging over distant Luoyang were clearly visible.

Occasionally, lightning flashed, and faint thunder echoed all the way to where he stood.

‘…A downpour? If they don’t open the upstream dams, it could be dangerous.’

But the old man cut off his thoughts there.

He was no longer the ‘Governor of Luoyang’ anyway.

It was up to those living in Luoyang to deal with it now.

“Sir.”

At the guard’s words, the former Governor of Luoyang turned around.

“A group is approaching from the southeast direction.”

***

Shock.

“Ah, the Sovereign of Dark Heavens…”

The crowd’s gaze remained fixed on Yeon So-hyeon.

“And the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House…?”

Everyone’s eyes darted between the mask in Yeon So-hyeon’s hand and his face.

The Sovereign of Dark Heavens had appeared here?

And this Sovereign of Dark Heavens was the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House?

The same Luoyang Sword House that was trying to kill them until just now, and even at this very moment.

And the Eldest Young Master of that Luoyang Sword House had appeared before them?

In the form of the Sovereign of Dark Heavens?

“W-what… what’s going on?”

Even those known for their intelligence were utterly unable to make sense of the situation.

Some were so dazed that they didn’t even notice the rice porridge spilling from their bowls onto the ground.

“W-what? What’s happening here?”

Amidst this, one person showed a different reaction.

“Y-Young Master, I greet you…!”

The warrior who had claimed to be from the Luoyang Sword House knelt on one knee and clasped his hands in greeting to Yeon So-hyeon.

Yeon So-hyeon calmly accepted his greeting and gestured for him to rise.

“Do you recognize me?”

“O-of course.”

But the warrior couldn’t even straighten his knees as he spoke to Yeon So-hyeon.

“Having served in the Sword House’s guard unit in the past, I remember the faces of all the young masters and young misses.”

Hearing this conversation, the leader of the poor laborers immediately knelt down.

“…I greet the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House.”

Then, one by one, others came to their senses and knelt before Yeon So-hyeon.

“We greet the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House.”

Like a spreading wave, everyone knelt down.

“…Thank you. But please, I would be grateful if you would stand up.”

Yeon So-hyeon’s attitude was courteous as he received their greetings with both hands clasped.

That attitude held more sincerity than at any other moment.

“It makes me very uncomfortable for such brave and proud warriors and heroes to do this.”

The etiquette emanating from his tone and demeanor was so perfect that it revealed a restrained dignity.

No one in that place dared to doubt that he was Young Master Yeon So-hyeon himself.

“W-well, if you say so…”

As the warrior from the Sword House rose, others followed suit, glancing around nervously.

“…….”

But there was one who didn’t stand up.

“Why do you not rise?”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s question, everyone’s gaze turned to the one who remained kneeling.

“I, I…”

He was the leader of the poor laborers.

He lowered his head, his sun-darkened face reddening with embarrassment.

“I’m just a mere laborer who carries bricks.”

The Eldest Young Master had asked the warriors and heroes to stand.

“…I’m neither a hero nor a warrior, just a lowly person.”

“Oh my…”

Yeon So-hyeon gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and approached him.

The warriors didn’t dare block his path, stepping aside to the left and right.

“…I once discussed the concept of chivalry with a young man from a renowned family.”

Recalling what he had said to Gong Dam-woong, the heir of the Gong family, just that evening, Yeon So-hyeon stood before the skinny laborer and spoke calmly.

“The origin of chivalrous acts lies in the self-help efforts to escape from injustice, and stems from the compassion that doesn’t turn a blind eye to the circumstances of those experiencing the same hardships. So, according to that meaning…”

As the Eldest Young Master approached and personally helped the leader to his feet, everyone held their breath.

“You, all of you, have each risen up for everyone’s sake without regard for your own lives, so you are already true warriors and heroes.”

Yeon So-hyeon looked around and asked.

“Is there anyone among the esteemed warriors here who can deny this?”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s question, all the warriors shook their heads.

“How could there be?”

The warrior from the Sword House spoke up.

“Rather, these people faced injustice despite not having internal energy or martial arts like us…”

Another warrior continued his words.

“I’d say they possess far greater chivalry and courage than us.”

Everyone expressed their agreement.

“Indeed, that’s right. Absolutely.”

“Isn’t it most difficult to take the lead for everyone’s sake when one lacks power?”

Amidst such comments, the Eldest Young Master spoke to the leader.

“Did you hear that?”

Without waiting for an answer, Yeon So-hyeon patted his shoulder.

“Everyone is acknowledging what you’ve accomplished. So, take pride in it.”

“…Th-thank you.”

His voice was choked with emotion.

Indeed, had there ever been a time in his life when he had received such proper recognition from someone so high-ranking?

“I will keep those words in mind from now on.”

In the past, during his participation in the Northern War.

Even after achieving military merits worthy of a medal, he had his achievements stolen by a superior, and could only watch as that superior received commendation from the general.

And now, here he was, daring to commit what was essentially an act of treason, and receiving such praise from the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House.

Could he have ever imagined this?

“…….”

While everyone was watching the scene with reddened eyes.

The warrior from the Sword House spoke up.

“Young Master.”

He cautiously began to speak.

“We heard that you showed interest in our Luoyang’s Spring.”

There had indeed been such a conversation.

Members of the Luoyang’s Spring who recalled that conversation unconsciously let out low exclamations.

“Could it be…?!”

“Have you come to help us, Young Master?”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Yeon So-hyeon, filled with hopeful expectation.

If he were merely the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House, some might have doubted his true intentions, but…

Now that it was revealed that he was the Sovereign of Dark Heavens, no one dared to doubt his motives.

Moreover, Yeon So-hyeon had even called the rebellious laborers true warriors and heroes.

It was natural for them to harbor such hope.

“Of course.”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s sharp reply, the expressions around him brightened.

“That’s why I came here personally.”

Most expressed joy at these words, but some did not.

“…Young Master.”

The warrior from the Luoyang Sword House was among the few.

“I apologize, but I know that the current situation is far from simple.”

Given his background, he knew the Eldest Young Master’s status within the Luoyang Sword House.

At his words, those who were about to cheer began to close their mouths one by one.

“Although we are incredibly grateful that you’ve come this far, and for understanding our intentions – words cannot express how much…”

Those who understood what he was saying hardened their expressions and focused their attention on the conversation.

“We have attacked the Sword House, threatened its business, and dared to stage an uprising. With even the government troops involved, we’re no different from rebels. For us…”

As his colleague trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words, the explosives expert spoke up instead.

“It seems impossible to resolve this situation, even for the Eldest Young Master of the Sword House.”

“…….”

The silence that fell was even heavier, as much as their hopes had brightened moments before.

Everyone present had heard at least once about the infamous reputation of the ‘Swordless One’.

And being isolated, they likely had no information about the actions Yeon So-hyeon had taken.

And honestly, even if they had known about those actions, they wouldn’t have had any realistic expectations beyond a faint hope.

“We have already stained our hands with too much blood.”

The leader calmly acknowledged the reality.

“Even if you are the Sovereign of Dark Heavens, Young Master, we cannot ask you to attack the encirclement to save even some of us.”

Currently, they were in a standoff with the Sword House’s warriors and government troops due to unavoidable circumstances, but…

“…There must be innocents among them. So.”

At these words, people began to lower their heads one by one.

“So, if you could at least petition later for those among us who haven’t bloodied their hands-“

“Certainly.”

Yeon So-hyeon’s voice cut off the leader’s words.

“The power of Young Master Yeon So-hyeon alone is insufficient for this task.”

“…….”

At these words, some even looked at Yeon So-hyeon with dissatisfaction in their eyes.

If that’s the case, why did he come to save them, giving them hope only to make them feel their predicament more acutely?

“However.”

Yeon So-hyeon met the gaze of each person looking at him and smiled softly.

“The true power of authority sometimes comes from ‘persuading and moving more powerful individuals to understand’.”

***

“Have you confirmed the signal?”

At the former Governor of Luoyang’s words, the guard nodded.

“The signal is correct. It’s exactly the signal you told us about in advance, sir.”

The approaching group in the distance was sending signals by covering and uncovering their lanterns.

“…I see.”

The old man, having confirmed the signal himself, patted the guard’s shoulder.

“Send the signal that they may approach.”

“Yes, sir.”

The guard manipulated the lantern he was holding to send the signal.

As he watched the flickering lantern light.

The former Governor of Luoyang recalled last night – or rather, since it was past midnight now, the night before last.

Just like now.

Around the time when the oil lamp’s flickering light was growing irregular as it ran out of fuel.

They had summoned him to a secret location without warning.

No.

He had been told in advance by the Gong family to stand by unconditionally.

So it wasn’t entirely without warning.

“Well. You’ve kept us waiting this long, so you must have made up your mind by now?”

“Aren’t you overthinking this for too long, keeping us old and powerless elders standing here?”

At the old men’s words, the Governor of Luoyang gritted his teeth inwardly.

‘In fact, I’m the one standing right now!’

As he thought.

The old men were seated, while he had been standing the whole time.

But the reason he didn’t dare voice that thought aloud was….

“Surely, that fellow just insulted us with his eyes, didn’t he?”

“Hmm. He should lose an eyeball once while sleeping, to come to his senses.”

“Tsk tsk, with thoughts so plainly visible on his face, how did he ever rise to the position of governor?”

Because the seated men clicking their tongues at him were none other than the infamous Old Demons of Mount North Mang.

“You there.”

At the call of the Old Demon, who said he had come at the request of the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House, the Governor of Luoyang immediately bowed his head and replied.

“Yes, elder.”

“Is the calculation difficult?”

“No, it’s not that… It’s just that you’re asking me to make such an important decision so suddenly-“

“Tsk tsk.”

At the sound of another tongue click, the Governor of Luoyang wiped away cold sweat and closed his mouth.

“For the sake of your dull-witted self, we’ll kindly do the calculation for you.”

The Old Demon, Gongsun Na-gang, said.

“You must have heard that the Eldest Young Master of the Sword House visited Mount North Mang today.”

Another Old Demon continued.

“And you should know how significant that will become in the future.”

“Then you should naturally understand how much of a disaster it will be for your last days in office before retirement.”

Setting everything else aside.

Just seeing these infamous Old Demons crawling down from Mount North Mang and moving in a group.

‘…It’s terrifying.’

What kind of ominous sign was this for the events about to unfold?

It was the moment when his envied peaceful position as the Governor of Luoyang turned into a carriage headed straight for hell.

“So just close your eyes tight and stamp your official seal here.”

One of the Old Demons tapped the document on the table.

“Take a good look.”

It was a document he had already examined several times.

There was no need to look at it again.

“…If I stamp my seal there, it will be the end of both my position as governor and my life.”

Stamping his seal on a document that went against the Luoyang Sword House’s decision meant exactly that.

“Aigh. Look at this fool…”

The Old Demons clutched their chests as if exasperated.

“To your dim eyes, this document might look like your own death warrant.”

“Look closely, we said.”

“This is the only way you’ll survive.”

He knew that what they said was true.

“…….”

The Governor of Luoyang, who had been pondering while sweating profusely, opened his eyes.

“…Even if you elders are the former heads of the Sixteen Great Families of the Imperial Capital.”

He swallowed dryly and continued.

“Yunnan Province is a place beyond even the reach of imperial power.”

“That’s right.”

“The governor of Yunnan is practically chosen by the Dali Kingdom, isn’t it? How can you guarantee such a position?”

“We’re not the ones guaranteeing it.”

“Pardon?”

Gongsun Na-gang, the Old Demon who had once served closest to the Emperor, smiled crookedly.

“The one guaranteeing the governor position is the Dali Kingdom.”

“Sir.”

The former Governor of Luoyang, who had been reminiscing about the past, snapped back to attention.

“They will soon be visible to the naked eye. Please confirm if it’s them.”

As the guard said.

The figures of the approaching group became visible in the moonlight.

The one standing at the front of the group stood out.

“…….”

He wore what appeared to be the hide of a spiritual beast draped over one shoulder, and his blue eyes emitted a clear light like night-luminous pearls.

“…It’s them.”

Those eyes were unmistakably those of the Dali Kingdom.

The symbol of the clan that ruled Yunnan Province.

“Are you the individual mentioned in the letter? The former Governor of Luoyang?”

“Yes, that’s correct. That would be me.”

The former Governor of Luoyang nodded vigorously at the question.

“I’ve stamped all the seals you asked for! I’ve processed all the documents! I’ve done everything you asked!”

He shouted.

“If I don’t maintain regular contact, all those documents will become useless later on!”

At these words, a man who was clearly a direct descendant of the Dali Kingdom tilted his head.

“Seals? Documents?”

He said to the former Governor of Luoyang.

“I don’t know anything about that. It doesn’t matter.”

“I-it doesn’t matter?”

Then why on earth did they say they would give him the position of Yunnan governor if he processed those accursed documents?

“That’s right. It doesn’t matter.”

The man smiled, baring his teeth in the moonlight.

“We of the Dali Kingdom are simply paying a fair price to the Eldest Young Master of the Sword House.”

“Y-Young Master? A fair price…?”

At these words, the man from the Dali Kingdom offered no further explanation.

“(This one seems to know nothing about the ‘deal’ with that Young Master.)”

One warrior spoke in a tribal language.

It was the language of one of the many tribes that make up the southern part of Yunnan.

“(Is it really alright to put someone like this in the governor’s position?)”

The man turned around.

“(It doesn’t matter.)”

He spoke to his subordinate while gauging the direction of Yunnan in the distance.

“(Thanks to the Eldest Young Master, we’ve gained development rights for Chongqing city and can participate in the expansion of the Yangtze River waterways.)”

They even recovered half of the land in Chongqing that the Emei Sect had tried to snatch away.

“(The governor position, which is little more than an honorary title, is nothing.)”

“(…You’re right.)”

“(If anything, this alone is not enough to repay our debt to him.)”

As descendants of the Dali royal family.

They had to be clear about the calculation of transaction costs.

“…….”

The man turned around and smiled at the former Governor of Luoyang.

All the old man could do, not understanding the conversation, was to force a smile in response to the man’s.

“Heh, hehe.”

Seeing that foolish smile, the man asked his subordinate.

“(The mansion for this fellow is completed, right?)”

“(Yes. As per the Eldest Young Master’s request, the master ordered the slaves to build it ‘in the deepest part of the jungle’.)”

Satisfied with this answer, the man recalled the contents of the letter that contained the Eldest Young Master’s requests.

“(…It’s just as that Young Master predicted. To think this man without honor would appear alone, abandoning even his family.)”

At these words, the warrior unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck, which had broken out in goosebumps.

“(…How did he predict all of this and send a letter through the Prince months ago?)”

“(Could it be that, as the Great Prophet said, this Young Master truly has eyes that can see the future?)”

“(Clairvoyance…)”

As the warriors started to whisper among themselves, the man laughed heartily.

“(They say that a true king is not one who can foresee the future, but one who can create the future he desires.)”

He said, looking towards the direction of Luoyang in the distance.

“(I wonder which one that Young Master is.)”