Return of the Sword Emperor - Chapter 61

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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 22: Shaking the Board (2)

“Aaaaahhh!”

Deep into the night, Jeon Woong’s rage showed no sign of abating.
Crash! Crash!
His wild fists shattered the walls; chairs and tables flew apart under his kicks, scattering across the floor.
He had known all along that his strength fell short of Jo Sa-eung’s, and he had steeled himself accordingly.
Yet when he lost in the martial competition, the furnace rising from his very dantian consumed him—he could not control it.
Worse still was the knowledge that he had fallen to cowardly tricks rather than honest confrontation; it made him feel as though he were losing his mind.
Jeon Woong gasped for breath and gulped down wine.

“Jo Sa-eung! I’ll kill you. I swear I’ll kill you.”

He hurled the bottle away and resumed his rampage.
The commotion stretched on for some time, but no one dared intervene.
Then it happened.
Gwando, Jeon Woong’s right arm who had been away on business at Chong Dan, returned and stepped into the room with a furrowed brow.

“That is enough, young master.”
“What?”

Jeon Woong turned, his fury blazing, but the moment he saw Gwando, he froze.
Unlike the brigands of Baekho Chae, Gwando was a retainer from Chong Dan—a man he could not afford to dismiss lightly.

“Hmph! So you’ve finally returned. I thought you’d abandoned me altogether after seeing my pathetic state.”

Jeon Woong spoke with hollow bravado.

“Should you continue to display such disappointing behavior, perhaps I shall.”

Gwando ran his hand upward across his bald head as he spoke.

“What?”
“Yet I believe the man I have chosen would not engage in such foolish conduct.”
“…….”

Jeon Woong glared at Gwando, his breathing ragged.

“That defeat was foreseen. You knew it yourself, young master.”
“But I didn’t want to lose.”
“Of course. What martial artist would wish to be defeated?”
“I wanted to win at any cost.”

Jeon Woong bit his lip until blood came.
There had been a chance to claim victory—but his opponent had turned that very opportunity against him with cowardly cunning, and he had fallen.
At the sight of Jeon Woong trembling with rage, Gwando’s face broke into a satisfied smile.

“Today’s defeat shall become fertile soil for your growth, young master.”
“…….”
“Moreover, the elders of Chong Dan spoke highly of how you fought with all your strength to the very end.”
“What do you… mean?”
“They said it impressed them—that you faced him with the Frontal Attack Method throughout, without resorting to tricks as the second son does. Though some did counsel that you were perhaps a touch too straightforward.”

At Gwando’s words that the elders of Chong Dan had praised him, Jeon Woong’s face flushed with color for the first time. The elders of Chong Dan wielded considerable influence in the succession struggle.

“So do not despair overmuch. You must prepare for what comes next. Woomun Jik has arrived and awaits you.”
“Woomun Jik?”
“Yes. I asked him to wait briefly, but he has ridden through the night to be here for you, young master. It would be discourteous to keep him waiting much longer.”
“Y-yes. That’s right.”

Jeon Woong drank water to shake off the creeping drunkenness, taking deep breaths in succession to clear his mind. Once he felt he’d recovered somewhat, he turned to Gwando and spoke.

“I’ll go myself. Meeting here would be rather awkward, wouldn’t it?”

Jeon Woong glanced around the ruined room and offered a bitter smile.

* * *

Creak!
The door swung open and Jeon Woong stepped inside.
His complexion remained ashen, and the scent of liquor rose with each breath, yet his eyes were clear.

“Forgive me for keeping you waiting so long, sir.”

Jeon Woong bowed in apology to Woomun Jik, who had risen from his seat.

“Not at all. If anything, I was discourteous to call so late in the evening.”
“No. How could I not understand that all of this was for my sake? Only—the defeat at the Martial Competition weighed heavily on me. Knowing I fell short compared to my teacher, yet doing my utmost regardless, I was left with considerable regret.”

Woomun Jik could not hide his inward surprise at Jeon Woong’s awkward smile.
Though he had met Jeon Woong for a long time, the man had always carried himself with confidence and arrogance. It was difficult to imagine him laying bare his shortcomings so honestly and seeking understanding as he did now.

‘Has he grown from that single defeat?’

Woomun Jik regarded Jeon Woong with fresh eyes, while Gwando, standing slightly apart, watched Woomun Jik’s reaction with evident amusement.

“The hour is late, but I’ve come to discuss what lies ahead. Time is shorter than we anticipated.”
“Speaking of which—shall we raid Hwanung County as we discussed before? What do you think, sir?”

Woomun Jik flatly refused Jeon Woong’s proposal.

“Did I not tell you it was absolutely impossible? We cannot afford to make enemies of the authorities.”
“Today’s defeat widened the gap between Jo Sa-eung and myself. Half-hearted gains won’t let me surpass him. And since this matter will be kept strictly secret, there’s no risk of suspicion falling upon Jeongmu Maeng.”

Despite Jeon Woong’s confident words, Woomun Jik scoffed.

“Can you truly assure yourself that the secret will hold, First Son? Are you certain you can completely silence the mouths of everyone involved in such a venture?”
“That is……”

Jeon Woong could not bring himself to answer.
By the very nature of Sanjuk, he knew full well that the probability of secrets being kept perfectly was nonexistent.

“So you’d hand over the Successor’s seat to Jo Sa-eung? If those men succeed in attacking Taecheon Transport and seizing the valuables, all is lost.”
“That will not happen.”

Woomun Jik’s flat assertion made Jeon Woong tilt his head in puzzlement.

“Jo Sa-eung—or rather, Baekho Chae—has publicly declared they’ll raid Taecheon Transport. The Madoryeon men are even lending aid. Surely you’re not unaware of this?”
“I am aware. But Taecheon Transport is no easy mark. I know Baekho Chae is a major pillar of the Green Forest, yet I simply don’t believe they can manage it.”
“What do you mean by that……”

Jeon Woong, about to launch a rebuttal, abruptly fell silent.
His mind worked for a moment, and then a sinister smile spread across his lips.

“So that’s how it is.”
“What are you referring to?”

Woomun Jik asked, his expression betraying confusion.

‘Hmph! Such pretentious bastards. They dance around the words like it’s some great difficulty to say the Jeongmu Maeng will intervene.’

Jeon Woong grasped what Woomun Jik meant to convey, but he feigned ignorance.
Heart to Heart Communication—no need for words when the meaning came through perfectly clear.

“Ha! No, what I mean is, I understand that the Taeching Transport Bureau is no easy mark, as you say.”
“Yes, but as I’ve said, it will certainly not be simple.”
“I see. If that’s what you say, then that’s how it must be. In any case, if the official route is too difficult, we’ll need to find another suitable target instead. I wonder if such an opportunity exists.”

At Jeon Woong’s words, Woomun Jik opened his mouth as if he’d been waiting for this moment.

“As it happens, I’ve come across some rather promising intelligence.”
“What might that be?”
“Word is that the Waryong Chae has its sights on the Manjin Trading House.”
“Waryong Chae? You mean Gong Ja-gyeol? That boy?”

Jeon Woong’s face twisted with disbelief as he asked.

“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Nonsense! It’s absurd. While not in the league of the Taeching Transport Bureau, the Manjin Trading House has considerable armed strength of its own. The Waryong Chae couldn’t hope to overcome them. It’s mere rumor.”

Jeon Woong shook his head firmly, as though the matter wasn’t worth a moment’s thought. Just then, Gwando, who had been listening quietly, slipped in a remark.

“Could it be that the Buyun Clan is lending its support?”

At the mention of the Buyun Clan, Jeon Woong startled and pressed for answers.

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. Are you certain? Is the Buyun Clan really helping that bastard?”
“There was talk of it at the Chong Dan earlier. I cannot say for certain.”

At Gwando’s reply, Jeon Woong whirled his head toward Woomun Jik.

“Is that right? Is the Buyun Clan truly backing Gong Ja-gyeol?”
“Yes. They are secretly laying plans to strike at the Manjin Trading House.”
“That conniving rat!”

Jeon Woong’s fury erupted.
He’d known that there were quite a few Sanjuk backing Gong Ja-gyeol, but they’d posed no real threat.
The Buyun Clan was different.
The Buyun Clan, which controlled Hwangyang Station—one of the Five Outposts guarding Jeonggang Mountain—commanded formidable strength, but more than that, they enjoyed deep and intimate ties with Nok Rim Tu Wang and the elder statesmen of the Chong Dan.

“Contemptible dogs! Acting as though they had no interest on the surface, yet scheming in the shadows all along.”

Jeon Woong’s rage poured out not at Gong Ja-gyeol, but at Buyun Chaejoo.

“Then what do you propose?”

At Jeon Woong’s question, Woomun Jik spread out a Map.

“The Manjin Trading House’s current position is precisely here. And in exactly three days, they will enter the Buyun Clan’s territory.”

Woomun Jik pointed to a spot on the Map and looked toward Jeon Woong.

“If we move with haste, we can intercept them here, before they reach the Buyun Clan’s domain.”
“It is Heonhwa Ridge, my lord.”

At Gwando’s words, Jeon Woong conjured the image of the stone formation renowned for its shape—that of a celestial maiden bearing flowers.

“Yes, a place of remarkable beauty. An ideal stage to reveal my Ascension to the world.”

Jeon Woong twisted his lips into a contemptuous smile and offered his thanks to Woomun Jik.

“My gratitude, Woomun. That was invaluable intelligence indeed.”
“Since I have committed to aiding the Crown Prince, it is only fitting. Should you succeed in breaking into the Manchin Trading Company, victory in the succession struggle is assured.”
“Of course. I shall never forget your kindness, Woomun.”

Jeon Woong rose and bowed with a deference that bore no comparison to his earlier manner.

‘Much obliged.’

As Woomun Jik accepted the courtesy, his mind turned to Dokgo Jin, who had provided him with information about the Manchin Trading Company before this meeting—and he offered silent thanks.

* * *

With Jo Sa-eung’s victory in the martial competition, Heukgol Chae fell into a frenzy of celebration.
The triumph overshadowed the wounds they had suffered not long before, and when Nok Rim Tu Wang distributed the prize purse to the champion’s subordinates without stinting, Jo Sa-eung secured their passionate allegiance.

“Ha-ha-ha! Well done, well done indeed!”

Jo Yang burst into hearty laughter, hoisting a wine jug to his lips and drinking deeply.
Thud!
He set the jug down roughly and broke into laughter again.

“Ha-ha! You should have seen the old dog from Baekho Chae’s face. Right up to the end, clinging to hope, and then—watching it crumble, resignation washing over him—I nearly floated off the ground with joy. It’s all your doing. Here, take a cup.”
“Thank you, Father.”

As Jo Sa-eung extended his cup, Jo Yang lifted the wine jug and poured freely.
Amber wine filled the cup and spilled over in an instant, yet neither Jo Yang nor Jo Sa-eung minded it in the least.
As the merrymaking wore on, Jo Yang, his excitement settling somewhat, placed a hand upon Jo Sa-eung’s shoulder.

“Once we take Taecheong Trading Post, the successor’s seat is yours. You will become the Chongchaejoo of the Green Forest.”
“I have intelligence that Taecheong Trading Post’s forces are not to be underestimated. We must prepare thoroughly.”
“Of course. We cannot afford mistakes at so critical a moment. We must marshal our full strength—and solicit adequate support from the Sanchae that back us.”
“Understood. But these Jeongmu Maeng fellows backing Jeon Woong—they trouble me. Just as they invaded a Sanchae before, they may yet cause interference.”
“Do you think they know we’re targeting Taecheong Trading Post?”
“We endeavor to keep it secret, but as you well know, Father, that is not easily done.”
“True enough.”
“Still—I worry about receiving aid from Madoryeon when Dam Hon is in such a state.”

As Jo Sa-eung sighed, Jo Yang shook his head with a bright expression.

“Do not worry. I have already settled matters well with Ma Uk.”
“Is that so? What…arrangement?”

At Jo Sa-eung’s questioning look, Jo Yang spoke in measured tones.

“There are newcomers who have arrived. Among them, one called Yu Baek has agreed to offer his aid.”

At the name Yu Baek, Jo Sa-eung’s face brightened.

“Is that truly so?”
“Indeed. Though he is but one man, he is no less than a guardian of Madoryeon. His skill goes without saying.”
“Ah! My deepest thanks, Father.”

Jo Sa-eung bowed deeply from the heart, well aware of the great price his father must have paid to secure such a master.

“I shall prepare thoroughly and see this through to certain victory.”
“Of course. I have faith in you. The Green Forest will be ours.”

A brilliant dream already unfurled across Jo Yang’s mind as he smiled with quiet satisfaction.

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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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