Chapter 190: Brotherhood Bound in Gold and Orchid (2)

Yong Hwarin truly liked Namgung Yoo, who was both wise and intelligent.

Had she been a man, he would’ve already taken her as a friend without hesitation—she was that charming.

And so, even though Yong Hwarin kept Namgung Yoo close, he always felt regretful about that fact.

“Namgung Sojeo, being friends with me might bring you many hardships. It could even put your life at risk. There’s not much benefit in being my friend.”

“There is no gain in forming true friendship. Even if Young Master Yong’s wife were to betray him, I would still remain his friend until the end.”

There was no longer any need for Yong Hwarin to speak more about friendship.

“Lastly, there is another friend of mine—Pang Giyok. Can you be friends with Pang Giyok too?”

“Young Master Yong’s friend is the same as my own.”

Yong Hwarin lifted his cup.

“Good. Then, let us drink the Three Cups of Wine as a symbol of becoming friends.”

The two drank three times in a row and set their cups down.

And for quite a while, they looked into each other’s eyes.

Yong Hwarin broke the long silence and opened his mouth.

“What should I call you?”

Yong Hwarin dropped the honorifics and spoke to Namgung Yoo in casual speech.

“Call me however you want.”

Namgung Yoo also dropped formalities and responded with ease.

“Calling you ‘Yoo’ feels a bit strange.”

“It’s fine. You can call me ‘Yoo.’ Now that I think about it, the only person who ever called me that was my grandfather.”

“But calling you with your full surname doesn’t sit well with me either. I’ll call you Ayoo then.”

It was not a time when it was common for a woman to speak informally to a man, but Yong Hwarin and Namgung Yoo were open-minded and bold in ways that differed from others, so it was possible for them.

“Ayoo. It sounds nice. Alright, call me that.”

The character A (雅) meant clarity, or the ordinary, and in time came to represent friendship.

Thus, Ahyeong (雅兄) was a respectful way for friends to address each other, and Awoo (雅友) was a term used to honor a companion.

Namgung Yoo hummed, seemingly in good spirits.

“Iin dongshim (二人同心) giri danggeum (其利斷金)!”

To that, Yong Hwarin responded.

“Dongshim ji eon (同心之言) gichwi yeoran (其臭如蘭)!”

The two mumbled joyfully to themselves and then smiled warmly.

These words came from the Book of Changes (Yeokgyeong, 易經), meaning when two hearts are united, their sharpness can sever metal, and the scent that comes from such unity is as fragrant as orchids.

People call this bond Geumran Jigyo (金蘭之交)—a friendship like gold and orchids.

Watching the two laugh like mad, Yeong Hoi spoke to his companions.

“Is this really okay, you think?”

Guard Namgung Yeong muttered as he looked at the pair.

“What do you mean? A woman and a man being friends might be unusual, but it looks nice.”

Guard Namgung Woo answered with a pleased smile.

“What’s wrong with it? I think it’s great. The two of them aren’t ordinary people. They are dragon-phoenix talents that can’t be bound by worldly customs. So even if they become friends regardless of gender, it’s not surprising.”

Namgung Yang, the largest of the three guards, replied.

“Won’t the elders of the clan say something?”

“You worry too much. They’d probably welcome it with open arms.”

“Well, I was already captivated by Young Master Yong. When he fought Heaven-Cleaving Saber Gu Hyeong, I felt like I was reborn.”

“Yeah, if he said he’d be my friend, I’d gladly give my life.”

Though one could’ve scolded such words, the other two nodded.

Their feelings weren’t much different from Yeong Hoi’s.

If they could become friends with Yong Hwarin, even giving up their lives wouldn’t feel like a waste.

All three envied Namgung Yoo.

After the two finished off a jar of wine, they covered their cups.

Because they each had things to do.

“Ayoo, when were we supposed to meet the Division Leader of the East Evil Division?”

“There are people tracking him, so he broke the appointed date and said he’d contact us again. So I don’t know when we’ll hear from him.”

Yong Hwarin felt anxious—he couldn’t just sit and wait for the appointed date while Hoi Unkyung was in danger.

Noticing that expression, Namgung Yoo spoke.

“Feels like you have another reason for meeting the Division Leader of the East Evil Division besides buying a Jiangshi.”

At that, Yong Hwarin said something unexpected.

“It’s in moments like this that I realize just how great it is to have a friend.”

Had Namgung Yoo not been a friend, he couldn’t have explained Hoi Unkyung’s situation in detail.

Had she not been a friend, Namgung Yoo would have prioritized the clan’s interests, making him reluctant to open up.

But in this case, he believed that Namgung Yoo would see him as a friend and not weigh the benefits to her clan.

After Yong Hwarin explained the poison Hoi Unkyung had been afflicted with and said he intended to save her, Namgung Yoo fell into deep thought.

“Hwarin, we tried to purchase Jiangshi Poison too. But the Division Leader of the East Evil Division said he can sell Jiangshi, but not Jiangshi Poison.”

"Why is that?"

"After hearing his explanation, it made sense. Jiangshi are meant to be used against martial artists, and even then the number they can face is limited. But Jiangshi Poison can kill ordinary civilians, and with just a small amount, dozens or even hundreds can be killed. That’s why he absolutely refuses to sell it to other sects."

"That’s a reasonable stance."

Yong Hwarin nodded in agreement.

Just then, Guard Namgung Yang came rushing over and held out his hand.

"Sojeo, a letter has arrived."

Namgung Yoo's expression brightened as she looked at the letter with a black skull drawn on it.

"At last, we've heard from the Division Leader of the East Evil Division."

"Yes."

When Guard Yang handed over the letter, Namgung Yoo received it and read through it.

"Hwarin, the Division Leader of the East Evil Division wants to meet tomorrow morning."

"Is that so? That’s a welcome message."

"Suggesting to meet in the morning must be a ploy to avoid the eyes of pursuers. It’s rare to schedule meetings at that hour."

Watching the two speak informally and warmly, like friends, Guard Yang felt pleased.

"You two really do suit each other well."

"Is that so? It doesn’t look like you’re just friends—it looks more like a married couple."

"Hahaha, true friends often appear just like a couple."

Yong Hwarin responded to Guard Namgung Yang’s comment with a laugh.

Namgung Yoo also laughed along and thought of Namgung Bi.

‘Grandfather, I kept my promise. Though I couldn’t make Young Master Yong my man, I’ve made him my friend. Perhaps… that’s even better.’

Namgung Yoo smiled faintly, revealing teeth white as rice gruel.

At a hidden residence within the luxurious manor at the heart of Jeongju, someone stepped into the room, exuding an ominous energy even darker than the gloom of night.

"Third Junior, you’ve endured much."

Lee Yung spoke as he watched Eum Sajeok enter the room.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Lee."

Though they were senior and junior disciples, an awkward air lingered between them.

"What was the reason for calling me?"

Eum Sajeok wanted to get away from Lee Yung as quickly as possible.

Standing in front of Lee Yung made him feel completely exposed, so he intended to hear the reason and leave immediately.

"It’s not right for brothers to meet after so long and not share a cup of tea. Sit."

Eum Sajeok couldn’t bring himself to refuse Senior Brother Lee Yung’s words and sat down.

But it felt like sitting on a bed of thorns.

"This is Dragon Well Tea, acquired with great difficulty. Drink up. It’s your favorite, isn’t it?"

Which meant—it wasn’t. Of course he liked Dragon Well Tea, but not when it came from this Senior Brother.

This Senior Brother liked Pu’er Tea.

Preparing Dragon Well Tea could mean only one thing—he had something to say.

Even back when they were within the sect, whenever he had a request, he would bring high-quality Dragon Well Tea as a gift.

But every time that happened, it was always troublesome, so Eum Sajeok was not happy to see Dragon Well Tea today.

So he decided to test Lee Yung’s temper.

He was curious to see what kind of response he’d get.

"I recently heard unfortunate news. I heard Senior Brother’s plans have gone awry and Master scolded you severely."

At that, Lee Yung’s gaze, as he poured the Dragon Well Tea, shifted like that of a wildcat.

“Hahaha, is that so? The news travels fast. Yes, I got an earful from the Masters. They said I messed up. Still, compared to what Third Junior failed to do, mine was a better outcome, so I was scolded less than you.”

“Is that so? Then I suppose that’s fortunate.”

Though his tone carried a hint of mockery, this time Eum Sajeok let it pass without reaction.

The fact that this Senior Brother, who would normally flare up with rage and shout, “What do you take your Senior Brother for?”, let that comment slide only made Eum Sajeok more curious about his true intentions.

“Third Junior, do you think the two of us could defeat First Senior?”

Watching this slyly placed question, Eum Sajeok smiled inwardly.

‘So now we’re getting to the point.’

He feigned ignorance on his face and asked,

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t pretend. You’re a terrible actor, Third Junior. First Senior will most likely finish his mission before we do.”

Eum Sajeok couldn’t deny that.

“That’s true. If it’s First Senior, he’ll complete whatever mission he’s given.”

“So then, can we really stand against him?”

“And so?”

Though Lee Yung had been circling around the point, trying to make Eum Sajeok say it first, he ultimately had no choice but to speak it directly when Eum Sajeok wouldn’t take the bait.

“What do you think of us joining forces to deal with First Senior? It’s too hard to take him on alone.”

It was something Eum Sajeok could completely understand.

“First Senior is the kind of person who, once opposed, will treat even allies as enemies. So what’s the point in going up against him?”

When Eum Sajeok hinted at withdrawing, Lee Yung asked a pointed question.

“Eum Sajeh, think about it. Why do you think the Masters said they would choose the successor based on performance in the mission? If First Senior were truly outstanding, wouldn’t they have handed the successor’s seat to him already, without all this trouble? That must mean the Masters think there’s not much difference between our abilities and First Senior’s. That’s why they’re basing the decision on results, don’t you think? And that’s why you’re also running around like this, Eum Sajeh.”

He switched from calling him Third Junior to Eum Sajeh to increase the sense of closeness, and though it was ridiculous, Eum Sajeok didn’t feel any disgust.

Because Lee Yung’s words were correct.

If the successor was chosen this way, no one would have cause for dissatisfaction.

Their Masters were the sort who believed that a capable enemy was better than an incompetent leader.

Because of that, although their Masters had taken in over ten disciples in total, only four were recognized as true disciples.

There had been three more above First Senior, but they had all been eliminated, and so it was Yang Gwak who became First Senior.

It was only natural that Masters who valued ability would not hand over the position of successor to First Senior without a test.

In that case, just as Lee Yung said, if they joined forces and completed the mission first, they could come one step closer to the successor’s seat than First Senior.

But there was still the matter of whether Lee Yung was someone trustworthy—of course, he wasn’t.

However, Eum Sajeok believed there was value in making use of Lee Yung’s intention.

‘I’ll go along with your plan for now. But in the end, the one who laughs last will be me.’

Without revealing any of this, he responded with a slight hint of hesitance before Lee Yung.

“I’ll make my decision after I hear Senior Brother’s plan.”

“Hahaha, that cautiousness of yours is what I like most about you, Eum Sajeh.”

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