The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 48

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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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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 048
Cheong Yun Merchant Group
Jang Yeon Hwi and the attendants of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group departed from the Sect Headquarters at dawn the following day, just as the Sect Leader had instructed.
I traveled alongside Baek So Cheong, Young Ho Bin, Namgung Eon, and the rest of the merchant caravan.
Ha Yeon Ryeong cast regretful glances my way several times right up until our departure, clearly wishing she could join us.
However, given the considerable risks involved in this venture, I decided it was best to leave her behind at the Sect Headquarters rather than involve an outsider.
“It is an immense honor to have the Minor Sect Leader accompany us. Haha!”
“You are too kind. I shall do my utmost to ensure that my maternal grandfather achieves his desired results at this Merchant Conference.”
“How reassuring! Truly reassuring indeed!”
Before our departure, Jang Yeon Hwi sought me out and patted my shoulder with a warm, affable smile.
The composition of the merchant caravan was as lavish as befitted the reputation of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s master—the wealthiest man in the Southwest Jianghu Region.
There were three massive carriages drawn by four horses each, and one of them carried our group of Minor Sect Leader and companions.
Jang Yeon Hwi occupied one carriage entirely for himself, while the remaining carriage carried the merchant group’s martial artists who served as his escort.
There were also roughly a dozen mounted martial artists riding independently, and six additional cargo wagons laden with goods.
Yet that was not all.
The personnel who had visited the Sun and Moon Divine Sect alongside Merchant Master Jang Yeon Hwi represented only a portion of the full contingent. Not long after our initial departure from the Sect Headquarters, an additional force of carriages and mounted riders—comparable in scale to our original group—joined our procession.
Roughly one-third of these reinforcements consisted of cargo wagons, while merchants and martial artists comprised equal portions of the remainder.
The sheer scale of the merchant group’s participation in the Merchant Conference both demonstrated the Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s influence and revealed how seriously they took this event.
What was particularly striking was the number and caliber of the martial artists comprising the merchant delegation.
“There are at least three martial artists of first-rate quality or higher. In particular, Jang Han, who led the contingent that joined us later, appeared to be at least mid-stage or above.”
I spoke while recalling the tall man who had led the merchant group’s escort unit.
“That man is Poong Cheong Jin, the Commander of the Cheong Yun Guard Corps.”
“I have heard tales of the master swordsman known as Poong Cheong Jin, the Chivalrous Sword for Sale. So that was him.”
Poong Cheong Jin was a swordmaster of Wudang Sect origin, a man who had established the Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s reputation through his singular blade.
Yet despite his prowess, the derisive epithet “Chivalrous Sword for Sale” revealed a bitter truth—as a Wudang Sect disciple who now served as a merchant group’s escort, he endured subtle contempt from the Kangho martial community.
“Namgung Prince. I would advise you to refrain from mentioning that epithet in his presence under any circumstances.”
“Of course.”
Recalling our brief encounter earlier, the intensity in his gaze when he had greeted me was unmistakably lethal.
His feelings toward Kangho martial artists were clearly unfavorable—but what might he think of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect?
In any case, Poong Cheong Jin and roughly twenty other martial artists of considerable standing comprised the escort contingent accompanying us on this journey.
I could confidently assert that we would face no misfortune from bandits along the road.
“Minor Sect Leader, does this not strike you as peculiar the more you consider it?”
Namgung Eon, who had been listening to our conversation, lowered his voice and posed the question to me.
“The martial prowess of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s escort is hardly inferior to that of most martial sects. Why would they specifically request your accompaniment?”
“Well, that is…”
I was contemplating how best to translate the concept of a “figurehead” into the terminology of this world.
No other phrase could better describe the reason for my participation in this Merchant Conference.
“What my maternal grandfather requested of me was to display my presence to the other merchant groups before the Merchant Conference begins.”
“Is that truly all?”
“Minor Sect Leader. Do you understand your maternal grandfather’s true intentions?”
“My maternal grandfather intends to seize the position of Alliance Master of the Southwest Commercial Road Alliance at this merchant conference. Since the Main Sect is currently receiving considerable attention in Kangho, he likely plans to subtly flaunt his connection to us.”
“Ah… indeed.”
The Merchant Conference, which brings together all the major merchant groups of the Southwest Jianghu Region, is held once every ten years.
This conference is being held in Sichuan Capital, where the headquarters of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group is located, and as always, its primary purpose is to elect the Alliance Master who will lead the Southwest Commercial Road Alliance—a coalition of regional merchant groups—for the next ten years.
The Cheong Yun Merchant Group had grown at a frightening pace over the past decade by backing the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, but it still carried the flaw of not being recognized as legitimate.
Therefore, Jang Yeon Hwi harbored the ambition to subtly showcase his connection to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect before the other merchant groups, display his power, and use this to secure the position of Alliance Master.
The Minor Sect Leader of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect was one of the most talked-about figures among the connoisseurs of Kangho Murim recently, and merchants calculated that merely witnessing the Minor Sect Leader’s existence would elevate the status of his maternal grandfather, the Merchant Guild Master of Cheong Yun.
“Though it may not be a pleasant matter for you… it seems there will be no danger to the Minor Sect Leader, so that is fortunate.”
Namgung Eon cleared his throat awkwardly and hastily concluded the conversation.
He seemed embarrassed by his earlier remarks about the “cooperative sword” or whatever it was.
‘If my role were truly only that, then so be it.’
However, knowing what kind of person Jang Yeon Hwi was, I had a premonition that this matter would not end so easily.
Moreover, there was another task the Sect Leader had assigned to me.
Thump-thump.
The carriage emerged from the narrow, uneven mountain path and began to pick up speed as it entered the wide, straight official road.
“Do you still not understand me?”
“!?”
I had no intention of telling them about Jang Yeon Hwi’s schemes or the task the Sect Leader had given me.
But if I had to do this anyway….
“Namgung Eon, Young Ho Bin. Prepare yourselves mentally. The same goes for you, sister. I have no intention of sitting idle and following my maternal grandfather’s wishes on this journey to Kangho.”
Three years into my rebirth as the Minor Sect Leader, I intended to make this journey to Kangho a turning point in my life in the Divine Sect.
“A storm of blood will sweep through the Merchant Conference. By my hand.”

* * *
“Minor Sect Leader. I apologize for being such a bother.”
“Please don’t worry, Maternal Grandfather. I shall see you the day before the conference.”
“I place my trust in you alone, Minor Sect Leader.”
The procession of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group came to a halt at a location not far from Chengdu, their destination and the site where the merchant conference would be held.
Then, leaving me and my entourage behind, they urged their horses forward once more.
‘I suppose it must be done this way….’
Jang Yeon Hwi intended to showcase my presence to other merchant groups just before the conference began, thereby demonstrating the relationship between the Cheong Yun Merchant Group and the Sun and Moon Divine Sect.
Yet he had insisted that our party not appear alongside the merchant group until we entered the city.
The moment the Cheong Yun Merchant Group entered the walls, it would draw the attention of many merchant factions. He wished to avoid becoming a target of scrutiny by revealing the Minor Sect Leader’s presence prematurely.
Jang Yeon Hwi was orchestrating a dramatic entrance for me, but it seemed no disadvantage to myself either.
As I had told my companions, I had no intention of following the script Jang Yeon Hwi had written for this affair.
Thanks to Jang Yeon Hwi, I had gained freedom to move about until the conference began—time I intended to use to its fullest.
“Let us proceed as discussed beforehand.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Yes, Minor Sect Leader.”
I briefed my companions only on what was necessary regarding this mission.
I omitted the matter of my Maternal Grandfather’s assassination attempt, instead framing it as acting upon the Sect Leader’s secret orders—that we would strengthen the sect’s influence over the Cheong Yun Merchant Group by uncovering their vulnerabilities during the conference.
Thus, we divided ourselves into two teams upon entering Chengdu, tasking ourselves with gathering as much intelligence as possible about the conference and the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
I would move with Young Ho Bin, while Baek So Cheong and Namgung Eon would form their own team.
The division was made with consideration for each person’s abilities and specialties, yet I could not help but feel a certain unease when observing Baek So Cheong and Namgung Eon together.
“Sister, exercise particular caution once we enter Chengdu.”
“My goodness, Minor Sect Leader. Are you worried about this sister? This sister is quite capable—”
“Do not let your attention wander toward street snacks or chase after trinkets and baubles.”
“Pft!”
Baek So Cheong spun around and thrust out her lips in a pouting expression.
Though I spoke thus, I harbored no great concern for Baek So Cheong—her conduct was measured, and her martial prowess was formidable.
Rather, it was Namgung Eon, brimming with righteousness and a strong sense of chivalry, whom I feared might stumble into trouble.
“Namgung Eon, take care not to become entangled in needless disputes.”
“Yes, Minor Sect Leader!”
Having given Baek So Cheong and Namgung Eon firm instructions, I turned to depart when Baek So Cheong called me back.
“Minor Sect Leader.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t do anything dangerous, and return to me unharmed. You promise, yes?”
“What nonsense you speak.”
“Is this sister’s promise not important to you?”
“I understand.”
Forcing a smile even as I turned away from Baek So Cheong’s anxious expression, I entered Chengdu first with Young Ho Bin at my side.
Passing through the great city gate carved into the towering walls, we stepped into bustling streets—people hurrying about their business, merchants hawking wares and provisions from their stalls, the vibrant tableau of a thriving metropolis unfolding before us.
As the clamor of the crowded streets and the aroma of cooking pancakes wafted through the air, the reality of entering a great city settled upon me.
Since my reincarnation into Baek Yeon’s body, this was my first time entering such a bustling city.
Being introverted doesn’t mean I inherently despise crowded streets.
There was something oddly soothing about observing strangers going about their own paths, unrelated to me.
“Master. If we travel about three li in that direction, we’ll find the Xiaofeng Tavern, which is said to be the largest establishment in this area.”
“Very well. Let’s head there at once.”
“Yes!”
Young Ho Bin and I proceeded directly to what we had already discussed—the largest restaurant and tavern in this area.
First and foremost, I wanted to hear what people were saying about the upcoming Merchant Conference.
After all, there was no better place to gather information than a tavern frequented by those who had arrived for the conference and the martial artists of Murim.
The Xiaofeng Tavern we entered was quite spacious, yet it was already packed with early arrivals.
A Shop Attendant hurried over and spoke respectfully.
“I’m afraid there are no empty tables. Would it be acceptable for you two gentlemen to share a table with another guest?”
“That’s fine. Bring us one plate of Tang Chuli Cheok and one plate of Qing Chu Yuk Sa.”
Since Young Ho Bin and I had agreed to pose as brothers while traveling through the Market Street, he answered on my behalf, and the Shop Attendant, pleased, guided us to a corner of the tavern.
The guest already seated at our table appeared to be less than twenty years old, wearing a gray long robe and a two-layered garment, with a headwrap wound around his head.
Though his face and build were lean, the shoulders revealed beneath his robe were broad and muscular.
His two hands, protruding from his sleeves, bore thick calluses, and the distinctive aura of one who had trained in martial arts emanated from him—he was unmistakably a martial artist.
On the table sat a plate of fried noodles and a wine bottle, and the guest was bringing a wine cup to his lips at a leisurely, unhurried pace, savoring each sip.
“Guest. I apologize, but due to the shortage of tables, these two gentlemen will need to share your table.”
When the Shop Attendant spoke, the man raised his left hand in a gesture to wait, then continued at that same unhurried pace, slowly tilting the wine cup to his lips and pouring all of its contents into his mouth.
And as his throat bobbed slowly once, the man’s body remained completely still for approximately two seconds.
“Ahhh!”
With that exclamation that accompanied the first cup of wine sliding down his throat, the man set his cup down on the table with a sharp tap.
This man was undoubtedly a devoted lover of wine.
“Please, sit. There is ample space.”
The table we had been guided to was smaller compared to the other tables in the Xiaofeng Tavern, and it had originally seemed difficult to accommodate more than two people.
However, the man pushed the fried noodles and wine bottle on the table toward his side, making room for us.
Despite the inconvenience of sharing a table, he showed no sign of displeasure—he seemed to be a man of good character after all.
Watching us settle into the chairs across from him, the man grasped the wine bottle and poured himself another cup, then asked us cheerfully.
“You two gentlemen don’t appear to be from around here, do you?”
“Well… that’s correct. We brothers are traveling…”
“Oh!”
Before Young Ho Bin and I could even respond, sensing something odd, the man suddenly let out a startled cry at his own words.
“Ah, I didn’t mean to address you that way just now. It was merely…”
Seeing the man’s flustered expression, I couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh.
From the shaved head hidden beneath his headwrap and the way he became excessively moved by a single cup of wine, I had already made a rough guess.
After all, who else would he address as “benefactor” upon first meeting?

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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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