Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 118

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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 118. The Sword Ghost Holds the Staff
“So you’re saying those Nanjing Merchants are the problem?”
“That’s right. Thieves, the lot of them. The Samsang Conference is being held in Hangzhou next month, and I intend to lodge a vigorous protest.”
“What exactly is this Samsang Conference?”
“Hmm? You don’t know the Gangnam Samsang Association?”
“Not really.”
A long sigh escaped Sang Gwan Hae’s lips.
He scratched his head and began to explain.
“Think of it simply as a merchant coalition covering Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. Originally it was founded to counterbalance the Yellow River Merchant Association, created by merchants from Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Hebei.”
“I see.”
“But lately it’s devolved into price-fixing and favoritism in the distribution of profits.”
“In other words, they’re running a closed market operation?”
“Exactly.”
As Sang Gwan Hae nodded, Ho Yeon let out a soft laugh and muttered under his breath.
“These bastards have lost all restraint. What nerve.”
“The Samsang Conference is normally held once every three years, but this one is being convened in emergency, a year ahead of schedule.”
“Because of the Nine Hundred Dispute.”
“Yes.”
Ho Yeon fell silent, turning the matter over in his mind.
Then he reached his conclusion.
“They’re walking a tightrope.”
The Gangnam Samsang Association was a merchant coalition.
They belonged to neither the Righteous Faction nor the Evil Faction.
They were creatures of profit, following money and advantage wherever it led.
For such men, what mattered was not factional loyalty, but who could bring them the greatest benefit.
“I share that assessment. The central question at this conference will likely be which side—the Gucheon Sung or the Baekga Maeng—they choose to support.”
“You mentioned the Nanjing Merchants are close to the Gucheon Sung?”
“More precisely, they’re close to Sucheon. They share the same pot on the Yangtze, and they’re ruthless about it. I’ve never seen anything so contemptible!”
Sang Gwan Hae’s tone grew harsh as the memory of losses inflicted by the Nanjing Merchants returned to him.
‘Sucheon… we owe them a debt.’
“Hahahaha! I am Yuk Gu Pae, the Sea God’s Navigator, Master of the Waterways! There should be a tender sapling of the Namgung Clan in this place!”
Ho Yeon recalled the day he had returned from the Baekga Sword Assembly.
He had been targeted by them alongside the Baekun Merchants, only to be thrashed soundly by the old man Mo Yong Sang Cheon.
‘A grudge doesn’t vanish just because there’s been no direct loss. I should have settled accounts with these dogs already, and now fortune presents the opportunity.’
Ho Yeon’s eyes grew sharp, and it was then that Sang Gwan Hae continued.
“Conversely, the Jinling Merchants of Zhejiang favor the Baekga Maeng’s side. They’ve had long-standing ties to the Righteous Faction.”
“Those two are the largest associations, aren’t they? What about the rest? If we set aside Jiangsu and Zhejiang, only Anhui remains?”
“Well, the Anhui merchants are split down the middle.”
“Split?”
“The merchants from Anqing, Tongling, Wuhu, Hexian, and other towns near the Yangtze support the Nanjing Merchants, while those closer to Hefei tend to support the Jinling Merchants.”
“Ah!”
In other words, in the territories controlled by the Righteous Faction, which the Namgung Clan held in its grasp, the merchants watched for the Baekga Maeng’s signals.
Those at greater distance watched the Nanjing Merchants, who held the mouth of the Grand Canal in their fist.
“So the outcome of this conference will likely depend on who manages to persuade more of the Anhui merchants.”
“Interesting.”
Ho Yeon’s mouth twisted into something close to a smile.
They had the audacity to plant themselves in Anhui and court the Gucheon Sung?
The Namgung Clan had long engaged in virtuous acts for the peace of Anhui—clearing bandit gangs, distributing relief grain.
Not merely since the clan’s fortunes had improved, but even in harder times, they had offered what aid they could.
‘Whose martial strength do you think maintains your wealth? This infuriates me.’
If his father was a man of goodwill, then Ho Yeon was a barbarian—one willing to exploit the kindness of others.
Such men deserved to be broken.
“I’ll attend as well. That Samsang Conference.”
“That won’t be possible.”
“Why not?”
“Only those registered with a merchant house can attend. That’s why your father asked me to gather the Anhui merchants and coordinate with the Jinling Merchants.”
Thump-thump.
Sang Gwan Hae struck his chest as if to say: trust only me.
Over the past two years, the Haehoo Merchants had become inseparable from the Namgung Clan.
Sang Gwan Hae had become sworn brothers with Namgung Sang A, the Financial Minister, and now received support for his warriors from the Law Enforcement Division—in effect, they were one body.
“Hmm? Well then, shall we take a trip to Hangzhou?”
“What did you say?”
“It’s been too long. I wonder if West Lake is still as beautiful as I remember?”
A meaningful smile played at the corners of Ho Yeon’s mouth, and Sang Gwan Hae asked with mingled concern and anticipation.
“Brother, what exactly are you planning to do?”
“Nothing much. I simply want to verify a certain truth about the world.”
“A truth about the world?”
“People are best driven not by carrots, but by the whip.”
Ho Yeon chuckled softly to himself.
If they wanted to walk a tightrope between Gucheon Sung and Baekga Maeng, so be it.
But what would they do if someone cut that rope and thrust a club into their hands?
They should learn to listen while they’re still being asked nicely—before I have to resort to heavier methods.
―…Listen, you. You belong to the Righteous Faction. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that?
―Ha! That’s the spirit! Let’s sweep away all these arrogant worms!
‘No. I’ll do this as befits the Righteous Faction—openly and directly.’
―Surely you’re not about to invoke that phrase again, are you? “Silent punishment of foolish masses”?
‘This time it’s Thunder-Punishing the Foolish Masses. With the sound of thunder itself, I’ll punish them. This is the moment to show the true power of the Namgung Clan. Only then will those thinking of rebellion disappear.’
After conversing with his swords, Ho Yeon turned to Sang Gwan Hae as if suddenly remembering something.
“By the way, how is that matter I asked you about coming along?”
“Matter?”
“The Beijing affair.”
“Oh, that? It should arrive in two days.”
“You’re certain it’s safe?”
“Of course. It’s being transported on a ship flying the Silver Dynasty Imperial Flag. Nothing short of a death-wish would dare touch it.”
“Good. Have it sent to Hoawon for now.”
Satisfied, Ho Yeon nodded, and Sang Gwan Hae asked him a question.
“Understood. But Ho Yeon—do you know someone in Beijing?”
“Pardon?”
“Those stubborn officials who refused outright suddenly became docile the moment your name was mentioned.”
“…?”
“How did you manage to win over men so rigid that even high-ranking officials can’t bend them?”
Sang Gwan Hae’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, but Ho Yeon had no answer for him.
‘What on earth is he talking about?’
* * *
Two days later.
Five people departed from the Namgung Clan compound, Ho Yeon among them.
They were Hye Il, Un Am, Nan A, and Cheon Se Geuk.
“Where is Gwang Myeong? I don’t see him.”
“Gwang Myeong went on ahead. He’s been commuting there daily these days.”
Hye Il answered Un Am’s question, and then Nan A smiled brightly and spoke.
“The pure light of Gwang Myeong’s heart is drawn to kindness and compassion. Purity calls to purity.”
As the three conversed, Ho Yeon arrived at Dang Dang Dang.
“Oh my! Young Master Ho Yeon!”
“Long time, Manager Pil.”
“Hehehehe! Our Young Master of the Dragon and Phoenix, we humbly congratulate you on your victory at the Yongbong Conference!”
Pil Jong Dae, the proprietor of Dang Dang Dang, barked and wagged like a dog reunited with its master, drawing the eyes of everyone around.
“Hey, can you not?”
“Our Young Master, may you live ten thousand years in health and fortune, may you enjoy peace and longevity, and may you even achieve immortality!”
“Want to get fired?”
“Yes, sir!”
Startled by Ho Yeon’s words, Pil Jong Dae clapped his mouth shut.
“I—I can’t lose this job. I saw your fat toad of a son just the other day.”
“If you don’t want your toad family to become beggars, hand over what I asked for.”
“Right away, sir!”
At Ho Yeon’s sharp command, Pil Jong Dae rushed off and returned with a bundle overflowing with candy.
“Then I’ll be going.”
“Safe travels, sir!”
As Pil Jong Dae bowed repeatedly in farewell, Cheon Se Geuk, who had followed quickly behind, spoke up.
“My lord, let me carry that for you.”
“No need.”
“I’m afraid not. Let me take that.”
Cheon Se Geuk deftly lifted the candy bundle from Namgung Ho Yeon’s hands and slung it over his shoulder.
Clank! Clank!
Ten swords rattled against Cheon Se Geuk’s back as he moved.
“If I have subordinates, you should put them to use. I’ve even been gifted these magnificent swords—please, give me something to do.”
“What did your father say?”
“Pardon?”
“You know, when I called you yesterday.”
“Ah.”
Cheon Se Geuk smiled brightly at Namgung Ho Yeon’s sudden question.
“A recruitment offer. They proposed the position of Departmental Chief of the External Affairs Department.”
“That’s not a bad position. The External Department has grown considerably lately because of the escort business. Besides, there are many freelance martial artists in the External Department, so it would be easier for you to establish yourself there.”
“It was indeed a generous offer, but I declined.”
Cheon Se Geuk’s eyes gleamed as he continued through transmission instead.
‘I am a direct subordinate who serves only Sword Master. I will go to Zhongjing and gather our comrades together without fail.’
“…You’re determined to make things hard on yourself. Don’t come crying later with regrets.”
“Ha, of course not. I’ll repay your trust in taking me under your wing.”
As Cheon Se Geuk and Namgung Ho Yeon finished their conversation, the group arrived at their destination.
It was Hoawon.
The moment they crossed the threshold, a cacophony of children’s voices washed over them.
The children had gathered in the courtyard, and at the center of them stood Gwang Myeong.
“That’s when the demon monster’s blow struck me, and I cried out, blood streaming from my mouth! Kugh, what’s the sacrifice of one life compared to the peace of the martial world?”
“Wow!”
“Brother’s amazing!”
“The strongest sage!”
“The demon monster sneered at me! Hmph! I’ll crush you with my teeth and swallow you whole!”
“Kyaaaah!”
“Scary!”
“Bad guy!”
“But who am I?! The supreme master of the Great Kunlun Sect! Gwang Myeong, Eight-Handed Immortal! With the Cloud Dragon Eight Forms, I soar through the heavens like a dragon, and strike the monster’s chest with a palm that splits the earth!”
“Hurrah!”
“We won!”
“I’m going to be a Kunlun martial artist too!”
The children of Hoawon giggled with delight at Gwang Myeong’s one-man performance.
Pleased by their enthusiastic response, Gwang Myeong nodded with satisfaction as he spoke.
“Right! If you all train hard, you can become as splendid a martial artist as me. But don’t go to Kunlun, whatever you do. That place is hell itself.”
“Tsk. Don’t go filling the kids’ heads with nonsense. Do you know how wretched a martial artist’s life can be?”
At Namgung Ho Yeon’s voice, the children’s heads turned.
The moment they spotted Namgung Ho Yeon, their faces lit up, and they began rushing toward him.
“Waaaa!”
“Big brother’s here!”
“Older brother!”
“Father!”
Swoosh! Whip!
In one quick motion, Namgung Ho Yeon snatched the candy bundle from Cheon Se Geuk’s hands and threw it far across the courtyard.
Thud!
“Here, eat up, kids.”
“Yay!”
“Candy bundles!”
“I call it first!”
“There’s frost candy too!”
Gwang Myeong approached Namgung Ho Yeon, who had expertly deflected the children’s rush, and pouted.
“Tch, I was building up the whole mood. How is it that the master steals all the attention?”
“What atmosphere did you build? If you’re so keen on it, why not change the name of this place from Hoawon to Gwang Myeong’s Clown Circus?”
“What did you say?”
As Gwang Myeong stared at Namgung Ho Yeon in disbelief, Un Am, Hye Il, and Nan A stepped forward.
“Gwang Myeong, you’re doing good work.”
“Gwang Myeong! Can I join in?”
“Then do you want to play the demon monster?”
“…That’s a bit much.”
“I’ll take the role of the Man-Eating Monster. My new sword has taken on a dark sheen, so it should work perfectly.”
“Nan A won’t do.”
“Why not?”
“You’re asking because you don’t know? If that face plays a villain, it ruins the innocence of the whole thing.”
Namgung Ho Yeon, who had been watching the three converse in hushed tones, turned his gaze toward Cheon Se Geuk.
The man was gazing at the children eating candy with a distant, wistful expression.
“I envy them. If only a place like this had existed when I was young.”
“Then there would be no Nanpung Gwisgeom as he is now.”
“Ha, true enough. That’s how it works out, isn’t it?”
“Come this way. I have something to show you.”
“Pardon?”
Footstep, footstep, footstep.
Namgung Ho Yeon led the way in silence, while Cheon Se Geuk followed quietly behind, bewildered.
As they ventured deeper into the Hoawon, its proprietor, Tak Won Ui, came out to greet them.
“Young Master. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Tak. The item?”
“The item… well, not exactly. She’s in here.”
Tak Won Ui led the two into a room.
Creak! Click!
As the door opened, a young girl looked up at the three of them with the startled expression of a frightened rabbit.
“Oh, Proprietor?”
“Seon Hyang. This is the person I told you about.”
As Tak Won Ui gestured toward Namgung Ho Yeon, the girl called Seon Hyang asked with anxiety written across her face.
“Young Master, did you… purchase me?”
“Yes.”
“…This lowly maidservant, Cho Seon Hyang, pays her respects to her new master.”
As Cho Seon Hyang bowed her head respectfully, Namgung Ho Yeon chuckled and spoke.
“Maidservant? No. The one who paid the price was someone else.”
“Pardon?”
“This man here.”
Flick.
Namgung Ho Yeon pointed his thumb toward Cheon Se Geuk standing behind him.
“My lord?”
Cheon Se Geuk stared at Namgung Ho Yeon with utter bewilderment.
Then Namgung Ho Yeon spoke.
“I retrieved her from Geumobong Ru. I’m not sure what this Geumobong Il Mi business is, but she was dreadfully expensive.”
“Geumobong Ru? Geumobong Il Mi? Could it be…?!”
Cheon Se Geuk’s head snapped toward Cho Seon Hyang.
“Why… why are you looking at me like that?”
“Your mother’s name… what is it?”
“Cho Na Hee… but why?”
“…!”
Cheon Se Geuk’s eyes widened as Namgung Ho Yeon’s voice reached his ears.
“Consider it an advance payment. Use her well.”
“My lord…!”
“Explain it to her yourself. Tak. We’re leaving.”
Creak! Click!
Namgung Ho Yeon pushed the overwhelmed Cheon Se Geuk into the room and left with Tak Won Ui.
Footstep, footstep, footstep.
As Tak Won Ui followed Namgung Ho Yeon’s quickening pace, he spoke.
“Young Master, I admire you.”
“It’s just insurance. If we keep his blood kin here, he won’t stray.”
“Indeed, that would be the case.”
“I’m telling you, it’s true.”
“Yes, yes.”
Tak Won Ui nodded as if to say he understood perfectly well.
Namgung Ho Yeon wrinkled his nose, muttering as if displeased.
“Believe what you want.”

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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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