Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 84

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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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#084

In the height of summer when clothes become thin.

Ja-gang-cheon had yet another new experience.

They left the manor to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament of the Rivers and Lakes and came down to Jiangsu Province by boat.

This was because their destination, Anqing in Anhui Province, was along the Yangtze River, so they traveled by boat.

“So this is the Yangtze River.”

Contrary to the upstream boats going from the sea to inland, downstream boats were endlessly crossing paths.

“It’s different from boats going out to sea.”

River boats were not only smaller than sea vessels but were designed to be wider and lower in structure.

Since the water depth was shallower than the sea, having a flat bottom was also a characteristic feature.

“Alright! We’re departing!”

The boat they boarded was a passenger vessel.

It was a medium-sized passenger ship that could carry up to 50 people, and the facilities were quite luxurious, costing three times more than regular passenger ships.

Initially, twenty passengers boarded, and they said more people would board each time they stopped at major landings ahead.

“If we go leisurely, it’ll take about ten days.”

They had departed in mid-April, so they had a fortnight’s leeway.

“Are we going all the way to Anhui Province continuously?”

“No. When the sun sets, we dock at landings. We sleep at inns and board the boat again in the morning.”

Except for special cases, most river boats didn’t operate at night.

“The river route is really leisurely.”

The starting point of the upstream journey was slow and had much swaying, but to Ja-gang-cheon it felt like floating gently.

“This is what traveling is like. It’s nice.”

Ja-gang-cheon smiled as he looked at his companions.

Song Ja-in, Cheon-gu, and Pan Seok-i were with him, but Mugyeong hadn’t come along.

-I have somewhere to go.

He said he had personal business and left the manor two days ago.

“It feels a bit empty without Instructor Uncle.”

Mugyeong had enthusiastically instructed Cheon-gu and Pan Seok-i until the very day he left.

And before leaving, he came to see Ja-gang-cheon.

“He said when he returns, he wants to settle down at our manor. He said there are things he needs to sort out for that.”

“I see. It seemed like he had some story behind him.”

“I wonder what his story is?”

“He’s such a taciturn man that he wouldn’t say. But seeing him take action directly, it seems he’s sorted out his feelings. He’ll return soon, so we should welcome him warmly then.”

“Seeing Aunt say that, you must like him?”

“Rather than liking him, it’s more sympathy. There are truly many martial artists who lose their purpose and wander, only growing older. Since he has excellent teaching skills and is kindhearted, I hope we can take him in.”

Indeed, he taught Pan Seok-i and Cheon-gu like real disciples. He didn’t just stop at sharing what he knew, but researched better methods. That’s what won the hearts of the manor family.

“He seemed somewhat lonely.”

“We were all in the same situation. Though we got new opportunities thanks to the Lord.”

Ja-gang-cheon didn’t deny those words.

“The loneliest person was me. And I was also the first to receive comfort.”

Cheon-gu, who naturally received their gazes, had a calm expression.

“I came this far while repaying a debt of gratitude.”

They laughed and talked about other things.

On the calm river, there was nothing else to do but talk.

So they recalled the past and reminisced about memories, and pondered together what they would do in the future.

As the sun set, the boat docked at a landing.

While the boat ride wasn’t bad, feeling at ease upon stepping on land was unavoidable.

“Wow. There really are a lot of people.”

“There are many boats docking at night. Passengers and crew all come out to the market at once, so it gets crowded.”

The restaurants and inns formed in front of the landing were full of customers.

This was one of the characteristics of Yangtze River landings. So major landings had festival-like scenes every night.

Fortunately, Ja-gang-cheon’s group could spend a comfortable evening since the East Sea Merchant Guild had reserved an inn in advance.

With much more financial leeway, they ordered dishes they had never tried before and fully enjoyed the pleasures of travel.

After spending the first day like this, peace continued for five days.

The boat left Jiangsu Province and entered Anhui Province, and the boat that initially had twenty people became packed.

The atmosphere changed from that point.

When they first boarded the passenger ship, Ja-gang-cheon’s group were the only martial artists. But now there were three men with swords, and there was also a man in his twenties with a fearsome red iron mace.

Moreover, the three swordsmen and the mace-wielding man kept their distance from each other as if wary, staying on edge.

Song Ja-in, who confirmed their identities, used her experience to tell them who they were.

“They’re warriors from the Changgeum Gate and Gwak Jung-san, the Horned Giant Tree.”

The nickname “Horned Giant Tree” was interesting, so Ja-gang-cheon took interest.

They hadn’t taken their eyes off each other since morning, but a change occurred while docked at a landing for lunch.

When mealtime ended, only Gwak Jung-san, the Horned Giant Tree, boarded the boat alone.

“They won’t be coming.”

Eventually, the captain left the three behind and departed.

“He ended an uncomfortable relationship with force. Did he kill them?”

“We’ll know that soon enough. If he killed them, forces strong enough to defeat Gwak Jung-san will come chasing, and if he spared them, they’ll let it go for another time.”

“They say you always have to stay tense, and that’s certainly true.”

Ja-gang-cheon thought he was seeing one aspect of Gangho and didn’t bother to interfere.

“There are definitely more martial artists.”

As they got closer to their destination, the number of people carrying weapons gradually increased.

The inn they had reserved was the same, with quite a few martial artists visible among those having dinner.

“We’ll escort you to the second floor.”

Again, the East Sea Merchant Guild had made arrangements in advance, so they were guided to the inn’s second floor.

Unlike the first floor with twenty tables, the second floor had only six tables despite having similar area.

They could use the spacious area comfortably, and the tea sets and decorations on the tables were splendid.

“Pan Seok-i, you order today.”

“Yes! Hyeongnim!”

It was when Pan Seok-i generously ordered the dishes he wanted.

Ja-gang-cheon was looking around when he made eye contact with a group that had arrived earlier and was eating.

It was a woman with hair braided in several strands and tied back with fancy ornaments.

She appeared to be in her late teens, around the same age as Ja-gang-cheon.

She had a round face with delicate features, giving an overall cute impression.

She had been dining with three men, but when she made eye contact with Ja-gang-cheon, she stood up from her seat.

Then she suddenly approached their table and offered a greeting.

“Hello. Are you the Lord of Deungmyeong Manor?”

“I’m the Subordinate.”

The person she had greeted was Cheon-gu.

“Ah! I’m sorry!”

Her face reddened as she didn’t know what to do and bowed her head to Ja-gang-cheon.

“I’m sorry. I naturally assumed that gentleman was the Lord.”

“You don’t even know who I am, but how did you know we’re from Deungmyeong Manor?”

Ja-gang-cheon couldn’t overcome his curiosity and asked.

“Actually, I recognized the lady here. Black clothes with camellia flowers are quite famous. I was trying to greet the Lord first as the superior, but I was rude.”

She bowed her head several times, so Ja-gang-cheon waved his hand.

“It’s fine. It doesn’t seem like something to apologize so much for.”

Then, her companions stood up from their seats.

Two warriors in their forties appeared to be guards, and the person who approached to greet them was a handsome young man in his early twenties.

“My younger sister made a mistake. She seems to have gotten excited meeting someone she’s always admired. Let me apologize once more.”

“To admire me. It seems there are no good men around you.”

Song Ja-in said with her characteristic benevolent smile.

“Ah! That’s not it, I just like the story of the virtuous woman.”

“Which part do you like? I personally like the part where she devoured her husband and even poisoned her son.”

It was a barbed joke. The rumors circulating in Gangho were not so favorable toward her.

“It was love that transcended death. That’s what I liked. Even after being widowed, you devoted yourself solely to your son. The best part was that your son has now become healthy.”

“I never transcended death. I was just tormented to the point of dying. I didn’t strive for my son’s sake. I simply did what was natural as a mother. Gossipmongers just embellished my life of suffering as they pleased.”

“Ah…”

Seeing the woman quickly become dejected, Song Ja-in spoke.

“So don’t yearn for me.”

Song Ja-in smiled as she continued.

“Live as prettily and happily as you look.”

She was a woman with varied expressions. Joy quickly arose on her previously dejected face.

“Thank you.”

Song Ja-in, pleased by her pure expression, spoke.

“You seem to know us, but I haven’t even heard your names.”

The young master, finally realizing his mistake, cupped his hands and spoke.

“I am Jang Seo-un of Jangnak-bang. It’s an honor to meet the renowned people of Deungmyeong Manor.”

“I’m Jang Seo-ha.”

“So you’re the young sect leader of Jangnak-bang.”

Jangnak-bang was a Demonic Sect located in the eastern part of Anhui Province.

It was a Demonic Sect closely related to the Yangtze River pirates, mainly involved in smuggling using the river.

It was quite an established sect in Anhui Province, and unusually for a Demonic Sect, they used flexible swords.

Song Ja-in’s gaze naturally turned toward their waists, and indeed she could see scabbards that curved like belts.

“Come to think of it, I did hear that Jangnak-bang has a rising talent representing the Demonic Sect.”

The Seven Strongest Warriors of the Rivers and Lakes, referring to the greatest rising talents of Gangho.

Among those called the Five Dragons and Twin Phoenixes, one was Jang Seo-un of Jangnak-bang.

“It’s an embarrassing false reputation.”

“The eyes of Gangho people aren’t knothole-sized, so would they call someone unqualified a dragon?”

The corner of Jang Seo-un’s mouth twitched once. Though he quickly suppressed his smile, he couldn’t help feeling pleased.

“Today I must accompany the Lord for important discussions, so let’s leave it here.”

“Yes. Thank you once again for allowing us to greet you like this.”

“I’ll definitely keep your advice in mind.”

The siblings bowed respectfully and turned away.

The next morning.

Heading to the landing to board the boat again, they met the Jangnak-bang people once more.

“Ah! We meet again. If it’s alright with you, how about traveling together on our boat?”

“Our manor has made arrangements, so we’ll just accept your kind intention.”

“Ah. I see. Then we’ll see you at the Namgung Clan.”

The four they had seen weren’t all of Jangnak-bang. They had sailed their own boat bearing Jangnak-bang’s emblem, with at least thirty people aboard.

Being based on the Yangtze River, they had boats they operated independently.

Returning to their original boat, the group naturally began talking about Jangnak-bang.

“But Hyeongnim. The Jangnak-bang people seem really kind.”

At those words, Song Ja-in made a comment.

“Black Snake Demon Guest, Nine Yin Snake Spirit.”

“Pardon?”

“Those are the siblings’ aliases.”

A person as wicked as a black snake,

The soul of a snake filled with yin energy.

These aliases were completely different from their outwardly kind demeanor.

“Jiao-nan’s former black market was quite vicious, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. It was.”

“Compared to the Yangtze River black market operated by Jangnak-bang, it would be like a drop of blood from a bird’s foot.”

Since boats traveled the Yangtze River, naturally a black market had formed there too.

“The largest black market on the Yangtze River. Outsiders call that place hell created on earth. Don’t be fooled by their kindness and smiling faces. Black Snake Demon Guest Jang Seo-un is the representative figure who doubled Jangnak-bang’s black market in just five years.”

“Wow. I really couldn’t imagine. I thought they were being kind to Aunt because she’s from the same Demonic Sect.”

“Countless masters have fallen for that kindness and become Jangnak-bang’s slaves. They’re not called the Black Pond of the Yangtze River for nothing.”

The black pond of the Yangtze River.

It was a nickname given because they somehow make anyone they want into their ally.

“In Gangho, trust no one. Be most wary of kindness, and most cautious of smiles.”

“I’m suddenly scared.”

“That’s not the right answer. Those who tremble in fear become prey first. Be confident and meticulous, but suspect everyone and never let your guard down. That’s the basic virtue of a Gangho person.”

Song Ja-in clearly showed her naive nephews what kind of world they would have to live in.

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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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