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Yang Jeonghak (양정학, Yang Jeonghag) was the captain of intelligence in the Baekma Valley.[1] For those familiar with the Baekma Valley, he is known by the epithet "The Phantom Visitor" (환영객, "Hwan-yeong-gaeg").[2] Despite Jin Garyeong being the current Lady of the Valley, he stayed loyal to its previous Lady, Garyeong's mother.[3]

It is later revealed that Jeonghak is an investigator for the Grand General's Command (대장군부, Daejang-gunbu) the most powerful military organization in the country, under the direct command of the Emperor. The identity he has in the Murim is entirely fabricated.[4] After finishing his mission in the Murim, he left the Baekma Valley and returned to his organization.

Appearance & Personality[]

Yang Jeonghak is a discerning gentleman with black hair that he ties into the traditional top-knot, pale blue eyes and a thin black moustache. He is almost always seen wearing his dark attire.

Jeonghak is a very sly and cunning man, able to manipulate events and other people with both his words and actions. He is also very intuitive, able to read situations well. Above all, he is a loyal man, following the orders of his former boss despite her no longer being in charge of the Baekma Valley.[3]

Image Gallery[]

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History[]

Yang Jeonghak fabricated backstory is that he was once a member of the Heavenly Destruction Sect that was led by the Supreme Overlord.[1] After the sect's collapse, he was saved by the former Lady of the Valley; Jeonghak later joined and served as her right-hand since then.[3]

In actuality, Jeonghak was an investigator and official from the "Grand General's Command", a military organization under the direct command of the Emperor, though his position was a perfunctory one. The main task of his illusionist agency were to manage the imperial library, tell fortunes, and collect ancient relics and documents by travelling across the country. He also revealed that the agency originally belonged to the internal court but after being involved in some kind of conspiracy, jurisdiction was turned over to the Grand General's Command (something that happened before he was born). In addition, one of their main duties were to identify organizations involved in sorcery as well as to manage them. When Jeonghak's superior retired due to ill health, he took over his duties and his identity in the Murim was fabricated using connecting in the Grand General's Command. There was once a young genius sorcerer (Hwan Sa) who used a forbidden spell to bring a dead animal back to life, and though it was very small and died the next day, that kind of incident could throw the world into confusion so the agency was shook up about it. They were ordered to arrest everyone involved immediately but had to go through formalities due to the pact signed between the imperial house and the Murim. When they finally went to arrest the perpetrators, Hwan Sa's clan was already annihilated. One agent was on a secret mission and found traces of Hwan Sa's and Chamberlain Huang's (the Old Man) whereabouts but became ill in the middle of the investigation and handed the mission over to Jeonghak.[4]

Around the time the Heavenly Destruction Sect collapsed and the Four Heavenly Kings faked their deaths. Yang Jeonghak collaborated with the former Lady of the Baekma Valley and infiltrated the Murim using the fabricated backstory.[5]

Plot[]

Soh Jinhong, the Rosy-Cheeked Sword Fiend[]

Recruiting Soh Jinhong

He and Hwang Gyu arrived at Soh Jinhong's home, inviting the boy to the Baekma Valley but he rudely refused. Leaving him some food, Jeonghak told Jinhong they would be back later. A few days later, they returned and asked if Jinhong had come to a decision. Jinhong asked if they even knew what he wanted and Jeonghak struck home with his words while also revealing a little of what he knew about Jinhong's mysterious steward. Jeonghak then told Jinhong that they wouldn't be back again and for him to come when he was ready. As they left, he added that Jinhong should be careful reaching the Valley as a "monster" was searching for him and he was not a person he could handle.

Later, Jeonghak observed the fight between Soh Jinhong and Gang Ryong, alongside Hwang Gyu. Critiquing the two of them, he continued watching until Gang finally subdued Jinhong. Hwang Gyu asked if they were just going to leave Jinhong and Jeonghak replied that it would be his own fault if he got arrested or killed.

Some time later, at the Baekma Valley, Yang Jeonghak discussed matters at hand with Lady of the Valley, Jin Garyeong. She then asked him of his opinion on whether Gang Ryong was a good successor to the Supreme Overlord and he replied that he was a disappointment. Saying it was a shame, Garyeong mused that Gang would soon be put in a situation that would reveal his true colours.

The Baekma Valley[]

As Gha Woobok returned home, Jeonghak appeared and told him that the Lady of the Valley was after his head. Using underhanded tactics to sway him, Woobok allowed himself to be captured, and they took him back to the Valley.

Yang Jeonghak vs Gha Woobok

Jeonghak scuffles with Woobok

Feeling what seemed to be an earthquake, Jeonghak looked on while Jin Garyeong told them to sort it out. A little later, he was surprised to see Woobok walk in. Explaining his methods in bringing Woobok to the Valley, angering Garyeong, Jeonghak and Woobok had a brief scuffle that was diffused when Garyeong flared her ki in irritation. Garyeong then told Jeonghak he'd better explain the situation later, which he obediently agreed to. As she then asked who it was that was attacking the Baekma Valley, Jeonghak looked on. Following Garyeong outside, they all suddenly felt the after-shocks of a mighty collision of powerful techniques. Jeonghak came to the scene of the battle, confirming that Dang Gan was still alive, but was suddenly pressed down by the weight of Gang's exerted ki aura. After Gang saw that Woobok was okay, he relaxed his ki aura, allowing Jeonghak time to breathe.

In the evening, inside Jin Garyeong's quarters, she sternly stated to Yang Jeonghak that he'd better explain all the occurrences of the day or his life would be forfeit. Revealing that he had intentionally caused Gang Ryong to attack the Baekma Valley under the orders of the former Lady of the Valley, Jin Garyeong's exasperation turned into shock; Jeonghak then revealed Garyeong's mother's intentions for inciting Gang Ryong, which further exasperated her. He and Garyeong then discussed Gang Ryong before she asked if "he" was one of "them", with Jeonghak confirming it to be so before adding that only Gha Woobok could ascertain it.

Some time after the events at the Baekma Valley, Yang Jeonghak met with Gha Woobok and they discussed the recent event that had occurred at the Valley. Jeonghak mentioned their proposal to Woobok but the latter said that he wouldn't carry out the request, though he would listen to what Jeonghak told him before he made a decision.

At night, outside Woobok's home, Jeonghak met up with the man with the two walking off together, readying for a mission.

Mak Sapyeong[]

Yang Jeonghak was gone for most of the Baekma Valley's clash with Mak Sapyeong and only arrived at the scene to see the aftermath of Gang Ryong's ki explosion.

Revived Heavenly Destruction Sect[]

With the recent incident passing, Yang Jeonghak informed Jin Garyeong that there were no movement from their enemy despite the death of Mak Sapyeong.

Later when the Revived Heavenly Destruction Sect annihilated the Murim Alliance and their affiliates, Hwang Gyu hurried to the entrance of the Sage Forest to bring the news to Yang Jeonghak. Desperate to relay the news to their leader inside the Sage Forest, Hwang Gyu suggested they enter but Jeonghak reminded him that it was protected by a barrier and entering meant death. Soon After, Jin Garyeong came out and received the news about the situation. After the Baekma Valley was attacked by the Revived Heavenly Destruction Sect, he was seen having a meal at Song Chohyang's tavern.

After Gang Ryong killed Ze Wungang and defeated Nameless, Yang Jeonghak accompanied Garyeong to observe the Revived Heavenly Destruction Sect members scouring the aftermath. Spurred by the death of Wungang and disappearance of Nameless, Hyeol Bi commanded the Pro-Heavenly Destruction Alliance to hunt down Gang and Jeonghak accompanied the Baekma Valley as they prepared to resist the Pro-Heavenly Destruction Alliance. The alliance eventually backed off due to the intervention by Hong Ye-Mong meanwhile Goo Hwi and Yongbi met with Hyeol Bi to propose that they have a duel between champions instead of an all-out war.

Yang Jeonghak accompanied Soh Jinhong and after arriving near the Sky Gorge Mountain, informed the young man that the Old Man is situated at the West entry point, adding that illusionists can sense each other. Eventually, Jinhong kills Jin Yurim there but falls unconscious due to his injuries. However, Jinhong later woke up all refreshed thanks to the medical treatment from Yang Jeonghak and Jinhong left for the Sky Gorge Mountain after having a short conversation with him.

With the fall of the Revived Heavenly Destruction Sect due to the efforts of Gang Ryong and elders of the Sage Forest, the Old Man makes his getaway and Yang Jeonghak was seen secretly trailing him.

Loose Ends[]

A year later, Yang Jeonghak secretly pursued the Old Man at the same time Soh Jinhong was hunting the Old Man down. In an unknown winter land, Soh Jinhong rested for the night inside a broken down old house. Yang Jeonghak entered the house, sat down for a snack and drink, and had a conversation with the sword master. The swordsman asked Jeonghak on his true identity and why he kept following him. At that, Jeonghak just said he was the captain of intelligence for the Baekma Valley and was helping him on orders of his leader. However, Jinhong remained unconvinced and after a moment of silence, Jeonghak finally revealed that before being a man of the Murim, he was an official from the "Grand General's Command", a military organization under the direct command of the Emperor.

After Jeonghak explained his duties and background, Soh Jinhong wondered what his background had to do with Yang Jeonghak following him around. Jeonghak then revealed that he was after Hwan Sa and the Old Man for crimes involving the use of a forbidden spell. Jeonghak also warned Jinhong to be wary of the Old Man's manipulation and questioned why he hadn't made a move on him yet, suspicious that the swordsman had already been tricked by the Old Man. With Jinhong refusing to explain why, Jeonghak said that the young man kept him from from dealing with the old man and that even if it was unintentional, he would have to consider Jinhong an accomplice and thus marked for death. At that, they glared into each other's eyes and Jeonghak came to a realization. Getting up, he told Jinhong to keep in mind what he said before leaving. Withdrawing to his inn, an unknown person asked Yang Jeonghak if Soh Jinhong gave a convincing reason for his inaction, and the former said that he did.

Some time later, the Old Man waited at his cabin while Yang Jeonghak relaxed at his inn and an unknown contact informed the latter that the Old Man had stayed at the same place for two weeks and pondered if the reason was due to lung disease or if he was actually scheming, pretending to be sick. He then informed Jeonghak that Jinhong hadn't moved yet and advised to eliminate him, citing that the swordsman might actually be protecting the Old Man. However, Jeonghak decided to wait a little longer. Eventually Soh Jinhong finished his goal and slayed the Old Man.

The young swordsman returned to the broken-down house he was staying in and found Yang Jeonghak having a drink inside. Jeonghak questioned Soh Jinhong on why he suddenly decided to eliminate the Old Man after stalling for so long, Jinhong replied he simply changed his mind and acknowledged that he owed Jeonghak one. When Jeonghak was shocked that Jinhong is being so grateful, the latter further explained that it was true the Old Man felt more pressure due to Jeonghak pursuing him and was thankful for that. As Jinhong started to leave, Jeonghak asked him about where he planned to go and Jinhong simply commented that he was not sure but assured he would pay back the Baekma Valley one day. From the door, Jeonghak questioned out loud to the departing Jinhong if he wanted to go to the Grand General's Command with him but the young man just continued walking away without a single word.

Some time later, Yang Jeonghak and Jin Garyeong had a conversation about Soh Jinhong's whereabouts. After Garyeong noted that it was unfair her mother kept Jeonghak's identity as an agent from the Grand General's Command secret from her, he apologized and commented that his job demanded a lot of secrecy and that her mother probably did not want her to get involved with imperial officials. After confirming that he was returning to his organization, Jeonghak questioned Garyeong if Gang Ryong was still staying at the tavern-at-the-fork but to his shock, she told him that she doesn't know where he lived.

As Gang make his way back home after visiting the grave of his mother and master, he was suddenly attacked by Hwan Sa but the young man easily broke free of the illusion and questioned who was behind it. Yang Jeonghak humorously revealed he was behind the illusion but Gang charged up for an attack, seeing no humor in it. Jeonghak desperately attempted to remind Gang he was friendly but failed, paying the price for his practical joke.

Then accompanying Gang Ryong, Jeonghak revealed the truth about his background as well as the truth surrounding Hwan Sa and the Saintly Celestial Maiden, noting that Song Yerin had no blood relations to the Spirit Lord. Jeonghak then proceeded to reveal to Gang Ryong everything about Dokgo Ryong's past, starting from his youth all the way to his final moments with Gang's mother. Then they returned to the tavern-at-the-fork and Gang Ryong was surrounded by Gha Woobok's kids, informing him that they were moving into a large house since Woobok was earning a lot of money now. Yang Jeonghak had a short conversation with Woobok, revealing the latter was scraping up money by treating people illegally with his Life Drain Technique, but Woobok insisted it was volunteer work and that he had no reason to refuse the money they offer out of gratitude. Jeonghak told Woobok to behave himself as he was being monitored before noticing that Song Yerin was pregnant with Gang's child.

Powers & Abilities[]

Jang Yeonghak is a capable and proficient martial artist, befitting of his position as captain and his former ties to the Heavenly Destruction Sect. He utilizes small tantō to take on opponents, as seen during his brief confrontation with Gha Woobok.[6][7]

Illusion Casting: Yang Jeonghak is a very capable illusionist. The first demonstration of this skill was the creation of two doppelgangers besides himself in front of Soh Jinhong, where he fooled the boy into believing that there were three of himself, although he stated this was a rather simple illusion.[8] Later, when confronting Gha Woobok, he managed to erect, what he called, an illusion wall, which managed to pin the man under two layers of illusion: the first was Gha Woobok believing he had killed Yang Jeonghak, the second was the former believing his arm had been cut off.[7] This skill is implied to be difficult to break, given Yang Jeonghak's surprise at Jin Garyeong being capable of doing so.[7]

Medical Arts: He claims to be proficient in the medical arts, and appears to be so as he used the secret medicine of his clan and herbs to treat Soh Jinhong's injuries after the sword-master's arduous battle with Jin Yurim, resulting in the complete recovery of Jinhong's exhausted strength.[9]

Quotes[]

  • (To Gha Woobok) "If you're retired, you should keep your head down and live quietly until you die."[2]

Alternate Translations[]

  • Hallucinator Yang Hak (LINE)

References[]

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