Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 73

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#073

Gongcheong Seokyou .

It was called the finest among all spiritual medicines in Gangho.

How it was made had never been discovered, and the number of times it appeared in the martial arts world could be counted on one hand.

Anyone who consumed Gongcheong Seokyou, whoever they were, entered the ranks of the top ten masters, and for ordinary people, it guaranteed a long life free of illness.

Therefore, Gongcheong Seokyou, also called God’s gift, was a treasure dreamed of not only by martial artists but by all living beings.

“Gongcheong Seokyou?”

Even Cheon-gu showed a surprised reaction to Ja-gang-cheon’s words upon returning to the Yongseong Trading Guild.

“That explains why North Cheon City is so obsessed with it.”

Their intensive search of mines and caves made sense if it was because of Gongcheong Seokyou.

But while organizing the situation, Cheon-gu noticed that Ja-gang-cheon’s expression wasn’t good.

“Is something wrong?”

What remained deeper in Ja-gang-cheon’s heart than Gongcheong Seokyou was Yeon-hee’s words.

“Am I from the Demonic Sect? Or Jeongpa?”

At the unexpected question, both Pansuk and Cheon-gu fell into contemplation.

In fact, they had never thought about this aspect until now.

Usually, whether one belongs to the Demonic Sect or Jeongpa is determined by one’s mentor or sect, but Ja-gang-cheon was different.

“Jeongpa and Demonic Sect. There may be people who are neither, but there’s no one who is both.”

Cheon-gu nodded after hearing Yeon-hee’s words relayed to him.

“That’s not wrong.”

“I thought so too.”

“You can tell just by looking at yourself. You’ve fought against everyone classified as both Jeongpa and Demonic Sect. If someone declared they would embrace both Jeongpa and Demonic Sect, they would probably be attacked by both sides.”

Ja-gang-cheon’s expression darkened.

“It’s like saying you can abandon both parents, but you can’t have both.”

This was why Ja-gang-cheon was serious.

Unlike usual, the dejected atmosphere made Pansuk restless, but Cheon-gu was not.

“There’s exactly one way.”

“What is it?”

What could be the method that even Yeon-hee said was impossible?

Since Cheon-gu always gave the right answers, Ja-gang-cheon asked back with anticipation.

And Cheon-gu gave the simplest yet most certain answer.

“Number one under heaven.”

“Huh?”

“For the number one under heaven, there’s no distinction between Jeongpa and Demonic Sect. He is the absolute being.”

Then Cheon-gu added one condition.

“However, it must be an overwhelming number one under heaven. To the extent that no one else can object.”

“That would work?”

“Yes. Just that one thing would do. But don’t abandon your character by becoming subordinate to power. If you become unhappy despite having power, I’ll regret giving this advice for the rest of my life.”

“You’ll protect me. That’s all we need.”

“Alright. I can’t protect you with strength, but I’ll definitely protect your heart.”

“Hyeongnim! Just trust me! I’ll protect you with my life!”

Ja-gang-cheon felt as if he had cleared away gloomy dark clouds.

“So now Jangju hyeongnim will become number one under heaven?”

Even to Pansuk’s simple question, Cheon-gu gave an answer as always.

“No one knows that. But there probably hasn’t been anyone who achieved this much at Gangcheon’s age. If asked who’s closest to becoming the future number one under heaven, I would say Gangcheon without hesitation.”

“I think so too! Our hyeongnim will definitely become number one under heaven! And I’ll become second!”

“Second? I don’t think I can yield that position either.”

Ja-gang-cheon intervened in their competitive spirit.

“Good. We’ll become the three strongest people under heaven.”

As Ja-gang-cheon returned to his usual self, Cheon-gu recalled what needed to be done immediately.

“This might be an opportunity.”

“What opportunity?”

“Gongcheong Seokyou. Let’s find it ourselves. If you consume it, you’ll get 20 years closer to becoming number one under heaven.”

Ja-gang-cheon fell into thought for a moment.

‘Right now, I should be able to fully absorb the energy of the spiritual medicine.’

If he actually consumed Gongcheong Seokyou, there would be a tremendous increase in internal energy.

Imagining the martial arts he could display based on this sent thrilling excitement through him.

“Good. Let’s find it ourselves.”

Ja-gang-cheon decided to be greedy.

***

Yoyeolnyeo Cheonseolhwa walked through the port late at night.

“The wind is cold.”

Talbohoe, who had been like a martial arts mentor and uncle figure during her childhood, followed closely behind, worrying about her.

“Are you worried I might catch a cold?”

“The sea breeze is bad for your skin.”

“I used protective energy.”

“You’re probably the only person who uses protective energy for a walk, Miss.”

“No! My mother did too! I learned it from her!”

“Ah. Is that so? Women are really incomprehensible.”

“Don’t try to understand! I never asked you to understand!”

Only then did Bald Man step back. Seeing this, Cheon Seolhwa sighed and looked apologetic.

“Sorry. Uncle Bald Man.”

“You shouldn’t call me that anymore.”

“It’s just the two of us now.”

“If you keep being lenient like that, subordinates will cross the line. You are a noble person, Miss. You should receive treatment befitting that status.”

“Alright. It’s all my fault. So will you help me have a quiet walk?”

“Understood, Miss.”

Cheon Seolhwa walked along the sea again.

“Uncle. Where on earth is Yongmyeong Tomb? If neither the herb gatherers nor the woodcutters know, who would know?”

“Are you certain that Yongmyeong Tomb exists, Miss?”

“Yes. I’m certain. Looking at Auntie’s records, her body was sick, but her mind wasn’t.”

The auntie she referred to was Song Jin-baek’s woman who died in North Cheon City.

“But you didn’t meet her directly, did you?”

“I heard it directly from the child who cared for Auntie. Looking at that child’s character, it wouldn’t be a lie. Grandfather must have already investigated that much, right? That’s why he doesn’t stop me from searching for Yongmyeong Tomb either.”

“That’s true, but she might have been boasting in her old age. Doesn’t everyone embellish their past?”

“She cried.”

“Pardon?”

“She often showed tears while talking about the past. As if she missed someone very much.”

Even Bald Man nodded upon hearing that story.

“There was only one thing Auntie hid. The place where she and Song Jin-baek were together in their final moments. She probably didn’t want martial artists to dig up that location.”

“But you eventually found out.”

“Yes. This Yonggu is exactly where Song Jin-baek died. But I can’t find the arrangement he supposedly left behind. Why is that?”

Cheon Seolhwa organized the situation by telling the story chronologically.

“The only clue is that Song Jin-baek would leave home once every three days without fail. He said it was absolutely necessary for his disciple’s arrangement. I need to find where he went for exactly six hours each time.”

So they thoroughly searched mountains, hills, and caves within a three-hour distance, but found no results. Even when they generously expanded the range, it was the same.

“What am I missing?”

“You will eventually find it, Miss.”

“Of course. I’ll find Song Jin-baek’s progress and even the Gongcheongseokyu, then return triumphantly. Only then will they give me the position of Pacheondae leader, won’t they?”

“The Pacheondae are those who do the most dangerous work in North Cheon City. Why must it be the Pacheondae specifically?”

“Because they’re the strongest. I want to lead the strongest people in North Cheon City. Other places are too boring.”

“That means you’ll become just as dangerous, Miss.”

“Uncle Bald Man was the one who taught me martial arts. If you were worried about danger, you shouldn’t have taught me.”

“Do you think I did it because I wanted to? I did it because I was ordered to from above.”

When the Bald Man spoke of the inevitable sorrow of a subordinate, Cheon Seolhwa smiled slightly.

“Let’s go back now. I need to think of another method.”

Having finished her walk, she returned to Haeruon.

At the same time.

Ja-gang-cheon was deep in thought with Cheon-gu.

“There’s only one way to get more information now. The ginseng diggers and woodcutters who met with North Cheon City. We have no choice but to meet them.”

“They promised secrecy and received payment for it. Will they open their mouths?”

“Not just like that.”

“You’re not suggesting we use force, are you? Those people are innocent.”

When Ja-gang-cheon rejected the idea in advance, Cheon-gu spoke as if incredulous.

“I have no intention of doing that either.”

“Right?”

“I’m thinking of finding out peacefully.”

“Do you have a method?”

“If they’re ginseng diggers and woodcutters, there’s someone closer to them than anyone else.”

“Who?”

Cheon-gu stared intently at Ja-gang-cheon.

“Don’t tell me it’s me?”

When Cheon-gu nodded, Ja-gang-cheon recalled something.

“The Chosan Association!”

The nationwide gathering of mountain people had influence over all ginseng diggers and woodcutters.

Even if they weren’t members of the Chosan Association, they were all connected within one degree of separation.

“We can approach them by suggesting we share information and search together. They’ll be frustrated at not finding answers too, so we can use that.”

“What about surveillance? North Cheon City won’t just leave us alone.”

“Let’s use Hao-mun and Gae-bang. Then North Cheon City won’t be able to move rashly either.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Ja-gang-cheon immediately put Cheon-gu’s opinion into action.

***

Three days later. Evening.

Ja-gang-cheon met someone at the village entrance.

“Greetings, Lord. I’ve heard much about you. My name is Min Du-chang.”

“I’m sorry for contacting you so suddenly.”

“Not at all. The association leader told me to help with whatever you need. What should I do?”

Min Du-chang, who appeared in his early forties wearing dirt-stained clothes, was a Chosan Association executive. He was responsible for northern Shandong Province and had come personally upon hearing the news. He must have come in such haste that dirt still clung to the herb basket at his waist.

And for good reason, since the Chosan Association leader had given the order directly.

-The lord of Deungmyeong Manor in Shandong Province played a decisive role in the revival of the Chosan Association, so if there’s anything to cooperate on, do your best to help.

In fact, even without such an order, Deungmyeong Manor was a precious customer to the Chosan Association.

Their herb purchasing volume was enormous, and they bought high-grade herbs in large quantities, which delighted the Chosan Association members.

High-grade herbs typically dropped in price when harvested in large quantities, but Deungmyeong Manor had never once adjusted prices and bought everything.

Given this situation, it was natural for the Shandong Province representative to come running personally.

“I need to know what those who met with North Cheon City heard. They’re dangerous people, so be careful.”

Ja-gang-cheon told him everything he knew about the ginseng diggers and woodcutters who had met with North Cheon City.

He clearly warned of the danger, but Min Du-chang showed no fear.

“What’s strange about ginseng diggers meeting each other? I’ll handle them well.”

Despite his small stature, he was a man with backbone.

Ja-gang-cheon had prepared ways to evade the watchers’ eyes, but it wasn’t necessary.

Min Du-chang didn’t even directly confront the ginseng digger Ja-gang-cheon had told him about. He simply took out one herb root he had while the target ginseng digger was talking with the herbal medicine shop owner.

“Oh? Where did you get such fine Purple Leaf Grass?”

It wasn’t exactly rare, but it was an herb in high demand that sold for good money.

It was excellent for reducing fever, making it an essential herb for wealthy households.

“That’s my trade secret, how could I tell you that? Just give me a good price. Then I’ll bring more tomorrow.”

“You have more Purple Leaf Grass like this?”

“I can bring you at least thirty roots.”

At those words, the nearby ginseng diggers became interested.

Thirty roots of high-grade Purple Leaf Grass could let them live comfortably for three months.

“I haven’t seen you before. Where are you from?”

“Where would a ginseng digger come from? From the mountains, of course. I ran hard for half a hour worried I’d be late, but fortunately arrived before sunset.”

Min Du-chang then showed his hands to the herbal medicine shop owner.

“I got scratched by Poison Bell Grass and the toxin spread. Give me some medicine.”

“You got scratched quite badly. Here you go.”

Min Du-chang received payment for the herbs and medicine, then turned away. He left the busy market and came to the alley where Ja-gang-cheon was waiting.

“It’s all done.”

“What is?”

“There’s a small hill called Hajo Mountain nearby. It’s half an hour away at a quick pace and a place where lots of Poison Bell Grass grows.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“I said there were thirty roots of high-grade Purple Leaf Grass, so no ginseng digger could possibly pass that up. Right now they’re probably gathering their hand shovels to head to the mountain.”

“Wow! That’s really amazing!”

Ja-gang-cheon exclaimed in admiration repeatedly.

“I’ll guide you. If we wait there, they’ll come.”

Ja-gang-cheon left the village with his reliable companion.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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