I Became the Namgung Clan’s Omnipotent Item-Powered Martial God - Chapter 77

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 77
Chapter 77 – Eunwol Trading Company
#1
The survivors of the Poongwun Trading Company found themselves with nowhere to turn.
They had witnessed what became of the Company Master, and seen plainly who stood behind this newcomer.
What strength could a mere trading station possess to stand against the Namgung Family?
They insisted they had known nothing, had only worked as they were told.
That claim held some weight.
Yet Namgung Yeon’s cutting warning forced them back into terror.
“I won’t ask what sins you’ve carried in your past.”
“…….”
“Only this — adapt well to your new circumstances. Do that, and your days ahead will be quite peaceful.”
“Y-yes, of course! Absolutely, sir!”
Did it look like he was oppressing the weak?
No — this was a display of strength showing mercy to criminals.
Namgung Yeon regarded the survivors with glacial eyes.
“Some of you must have known of the Company Master’s misdeeds.”
“…….”
“Others took unfair profits and pretended ignorance.”
They said nothing.
Because the young noble’s words were true.
Of course, they could have offered excuses — countless excuses.
Family hardship, a sick child, mounting debts…….
Namgung Yeon had no interest in hearing their excuses.
Listen to them one by one, and they would lose sight of their station.
Compassion must always rest upon the foundation of impartiality.
Grant favors piecemeal, and they would cease to be subjects — they would become a mob.
For human greed knew no limits.
“From this moment forward, you must build new lives. In exchange.”
But Namgung Yeon knew precisely how to manage them.
Control them thoroughly, yet solve their problems in one stroke.
Expose their crimes, then give them a chance to live honestly.
“Work well from now on, and I will raise your wages. The Eunwol Trading Company and the Namgung Family will purchase your experience and knowledge.”
“Is that truly so, sir?”
“We’ll need formal contracts, of course. So we’ll start with ten Silver Coins as signing payment.”
“…….”
They became like men struck silent.
One had to admire the Namgung name, surely.
No, wait.
What kindness had the former Company Master ever shown those connected to him?
He had only been busy feathering his own nest.
But this man…….
Was it youth that made him this way? Or simple ignorance of how the world worked?
Or perhaps something else entirely.
‘Does he simply have so much money it rots in his coffers?’
That seemed most likely.
Everyone in this region knew it.
A decade ago, the Family Head of the Namgung Family had married the Poison Saint of the Sichuan Sect.
Thus the prestige of both houses had soared to pierce the very heavens.
The survivors’ eyes began to shift.
From the terrified gaze of hunted men to the determined look of honest laborers.
Indeed, nothing moved men like money.
“Then, all those who wish to renew their contracts — go over there.”
The survivors rushed forward in a mass.
And.
“I believe I know where the man who killed Hwangchil has gone, sir.”
So Un, who had been standing quietly, came forward to name the murderer.
The assistant who had reported to the Company Master was nowhere to be found.
He was surely the culprit behind all of this.
#2
Salgak

That’s what they called organized bands of assassins.
They were a faction that moved by coin alone—righteous or unrighteous made no difference to them.
And whoever the Poongwun Trading Company had contracted to kill Hwangchil was almost certainly one of Salgak’s members.
So should he dig into Salgak’s operations here in Cheongyang?
No. No, he shouldn’t.
They had simply done the job they were given.
The real culprit was whoever had placed the contract with them.
“I suspect it may be Biamgak, a division within Salgak itself.”
“Then we need only place a contract with them.”
“Please, leave that to me. I bear some responsibility for this matter as well.”
So Un spoke with quiet resolve, his expression hardening.
Namgung Yeon gave a light nod, acknowledging his determination.
The Cheongyang Tower would become the eyes and ears of Namgung, working alongside Wol Young from now on.
After sharing various instructions with So Un, Namgung Yeon sent him off toward Biamgak.
The culprit would surface on his own soon enough.
And Wol Young would deal out his punishment herself.
After all, she had far more reason to make him answer than Namgung Yeon did.
While matters were being arranged, Gwang Min found himself in conversation with Wol Young.
They were discussing the mission at hand.
“We have a fortnight left before the deadline. We should be able to depart before then.”
“Yes, no problems. I’ve finished gathering information about the surrounding area.”
Then there was nothing left to do but move forward.
Wol Young began setting her people in motion at once.
Contracts drawn up, the surviving members of the Poongwun Trading Company now joined the Eunwol Trading Company’s roster.
With the demons and those engaged in corruption largely purged, what remained was essentially a company of seasoned, honest hands.
They had accumulated considerable connections and experience handling diverse dealings throughout their years.
Wol Young made deliberate use of this.
“Go and procure what I’ve listed. And… we need a trading station to place under the company’s authority.”
“Leave it to me. I know all the trading stations and merchant ships in this region.”
“I’m counting on you. This is for your trouble.”
Wol Young had been profoundly influenced by Namgung Yeon.
Because of this, she showed no hesitation in spending silver coins on her subordinates.
She gave people their proper share and set them to work.
Her generosity was genuine, yet her methods were rigorous.
“Bong Du.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Go and record everything—who we dealt with, how much we paid. Bring it all to me.”
“Yes, understood.”
The mission was entering a new phase.
“So what are we supposed to be doing?”
“Right? We’re just standing around like sacks of grain someone pawned off on us.”
The disciples of the third unit could barely keep pace with how events were unfolding.
Most striking of all was Namgung Yeon’s own conduct.
They couldn’t fathom how he moved with such unhesitating decisiveness—it remained beyond their grasp.
Was it a matter of experience?
Or perhaps knowledge?
Or was there some other factor creating a gap so vast they couldn’t even imagine it?
For instance…
‘Is he truly some once-in-a-century genius?’
To survive in the Martial Realm, it seemed martial skill alone was not enough.
Everyone fell into troubled thought.
Namgung Yeon, who seemed to handle everything flawlessly on his own.
What, then, could they possibly contribute in his presence?
Did they even have a place within the Namgung Family?
Watching those who moved in perfect rhythm with Namgung Yeon, the disciples were seized by doubt.
“Why are you all just standing there gaping?”
Namgung Yeon approached the troubled trainees.
He could read plainly what occupied their minds as they stood there vacant-eyed, and that’s why he came.
‘They’re still young, true enough. It’ll take some time to raise them properly.’
They shouldn’t crumble at this pittance.
Ahead lies far stranger and more incomprehensible things — events that defy all common sense.
Namgung Yeon spoke to those who had fallen silent.
“Go out and see something. Learn what you can. There’s no shame in not knowing right now.”
“But what should we learn……?”
“Yeah. What would help us the most?”
They had the will to learn, but not the direction. Someone would have to show them.
Namgung Yeon offered them words close to the truth.
“Go and observe. Listen. Then think through your own understanding and refine it. That’s enough for now.”
Values are born from deliberation.
And deliberation demands experience.
For them now, experience meant everything that happened in this place.
Namgung Yeon spoke again to the disciples hesitating to disperse.
“If you contemplate in the right direction, it will all become your wealth and your values.”
Much of what he said likely wouldn’t resonate with them yet.
But it would serve as a waymark they carried in their hearts.
As time passed and they accumulated experience layer upon layer, they would understand.
“Now, move. Time is money.”
At Namgung Yeon’s words, the disciples scattered like water.
Each seeking out something that sparked their interest.
#3
Wol Young’s work began in earnest, and the mission resumed.
Delivering goods to Hwanghakmnu and the Poongwun Trading Company — yellow tea among them.
“What? The Eunwol Trading Company? They’re raising the transport fee by this much?”
“Yes. They said this is the new condition for trading with us.”
“Well, we’ve got no reason to refuse!”
We’ve been pinched for funds because of the Poongwun Trading Company anyway!
The ship’s owner readily agreed to provide his vessel.
This boat held his entire life’s work.
Of course it felt good to run at a higher rate — it felt like his value was finally being recognized.
He asked, with great care, about this sudden turn of events.
What exactly was happening here in Cheongyang?
A new trading company, new contracts……
If the Poongwun Trading Company learned of this, they wouldn’t let it slide.
“Is it all right if I ask what’s going on, just to get a sense of it?”
“The Poongwun Trading Company no longer exists. The Eunwol Trading Company has absorbed and merged everything.”
……
He said nothing.
Then a chilling thought struck him, and he asked hurriedly.
Everyone knew who stood behind the Poongwun Trading Company.
One wrong move……
“Wait, then. What became of those behind it? Are they aware of this situation?”
“A member of the Namgung Family orchestrated this. The Poongwun Trading Company had connections to Demons.”
“Ah……. Then, then I can safely sign the contract? Right?”
“Of course. Now Namgung stands behind us at the Eunwol Trading Company.”
That’s precisely why we can raise the transport fees so generously.
The negotiation was very clean.
They understood.
After an incident breaks, watchful eyes always follow.
If they didn’t handle things far more carefully and precisely than usual, the opportunity they’d seized would slip away.
Though it wasn’t felt now, somewhere they were being watched.
The transport negotiators left promptly, and someone arrived shortly after.
“I’ve come from the Eunwol Trading Company.”
“Ah, welcome. What brings you……?”
“Just came to confirm something. Perhaps……”
Questions were asked, and answers came clearly.
This was how change began in Cheongyang.
As they filled the gaps, the Demons would have fewer and fewer places to slip through.
And so the preparation for the mission came to an end.
A few days later.
At last, the day of departure drew near.
“Now the real escort duties begin in earnest.”
“Let’s hope nothing goes wrong.”
“What could possibly go wrong? This is the territory of the Peng Family and the Namgung Family, after all.”
“One can never be too careful.”
Demons had already descended upon Hefei itself.
But there was no guarantee they wouldn’t be plotting elsewhere.
They set out carrying that unease with them.
“Wow—. This is my first time seeing the Yangtze River.”
“So this is a boat…. It’s enormous.”
Meanwhile, the trainees of Squad Three seemed excited, as though everything were new to them.
But Namgung Yeon, standing at the rail and watching the river pass, had other thoughts.
‘They’ll show themselves soon enough.’
The true task had only just begun.

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