The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 93

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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 093
Secret Patrol
I had already suspected that Hye Woon had something to tell me.
If he had deliberately disguised an ordinary letter with words only I could understand, it meant he wanted to convey something to me in secret.
And the fact that he had included a word that would remind me of the Cheongnang Guest House made it certain that his reason for wanting to meet wasn’t simply to drink high-proof liquor at some tavern.
‘Shaolin is plotting something in Chengdu. It might be related to the Cheong Yun Merchant Group or the Ho Rim Escort Agency.’
“Minor Sect Leader, are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. Jin Bu-gung Ju.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“If I said I wanted to go to Chengdu, would Father truly be pleased?”
“…?”

* * *
“How much longer until we reach Chengdu?”
“Half a day more and we shall reach the city gate.”
“The moment just before reaching one’s destination is when vigilance tends to falter most easily. Keep the formation tight and maintain your focus until the very end.”
“Understood!”
Baek Hyeon, leading the procession on horseback, issued his command to his subordinates with full authority.
The one who bowed his head in response to Baek Hyeon was none other than Poong Cheong Jin, the Guard Captain of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
“Captain Poong, your efforts are greatly appreciated.”
Hyeon Yi’s voice, having just passed through the depths of adolescence with traces of boyishness still lingering, was clumsy yet endearing.
Then, tightening the reins to slow his horse’s pace, Hyeon Yi returned to where I was and glanced back at me, his eyes sparkling brilliantly.
‘Did I do well, older brother?’
His eyes and expression seemed to convey exactly that sentiment.
‘I remember being like that once.’
Though truthfully, Hyeon Yi and I were separated by only two years in age.
I rode my horse along the official road, positioned somewhere in the middle of the combined escort units of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group and the Il-Wol Divine Sect, my thoughts drifting toward the distant sight of Chengdu nestled beyond the river.
And toward the problems that would need to be resolved there.
“What is the situation at headquarters?”
“Yes, older brother. I received word from a messenger just moments ago—it seems the Escort Master of the Ho Rim Escort Agency and his party will be visiting tomorrow.”
“So they wish to reach a conclusion without prolonging matters.”
“Do you think the negotiations will go well?”
“That remains to be seen once I meet with the Escort Master.”
“But with you stepping forward, the Escort Master will have no choice but to show sincerity.”
Hyeon Yi, who had seemed dispirited moments before, now appeared entirely animated at the prospect of my attendance at the meeting between the Cheong Yun Merchant Group and the Ho Rim Escort Agency.
If he knew how anxious I truly was, his disappointment would be considerable.
Though I had reached the pinnacle of martial prowess as a formidable master, my introverted nature made such negotiations far more daunting than any battle.
‘Sigh… I hope this goes well.’
In any case, when I had requested to make the journey to Chengdu, the Sect Leader had granted permission with surprising ease.
Of course, he had attached two conditions: that I not neglect my cultivation of the Il-Wol Dual Extreme Divine Art even while in Chengdu, and that any major decisions be made in consultation with the Merchant Guild Master and the senior administrators of the merchant group.
At this point, it was practically equivalent to permission to do as I pleased.
It seemed that Sect Leader Dongbang wasn’t entirely opposed to my stepping forward to help with my sister’s affairs, as Jin Seol had mentioned.
“I’ve ridden so much that my thighs and lower back feel like they’re about to snap.”
“I’ll have a bath prepared for you as soon as we arrive, Sister.”
“That would be nice, but… Minor Sect Leader! Since we’re going to Chengdu after so long, why don’t you take Hyeon Yi to see the Night Market?”
“That’s a wonderful idea, Sister!”
“Ahem. We’re not going for leisure, Sister.”
At my rebuke, Baek So Cheong, who had been holding the reins beside me, pouted her lower lip.
Then she exchanged glances with Baek Hyeon, who was nearby, and smiled playfully.
Baek Hyeon and Baek So Cheong giggled and laughed as they looked at each other.
“I’m not even sure why Sister had to follow along in the first place.”
“Minor Sect Leader, are you saying that again?”
In Chengdu, along with the martial artists of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group Headquarters, there were also martial artists of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect stationed there to protect the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
By now, my own martial prowess should be at least equal to, if not superior to, Baek So Cheong’s.
Yet Baek So Cheong insisted on coming along, saying she wanted to see Chengdu and the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
“I’ll stay quiet and well-behaved, so don’t worry.”
“If that’s what Sister says.”
As I spoke, Baek So Cheong habitually caressed the silver ring on her left ring finger.
“Young Ho Martial Artist, what do you think of this?”
“It’s a silver ring. Did you receive it as a gift?”
“Yes. My birthday was the first day of last September.”
“Ah! Is that so? Belated congratulations, Baek Young Lady.”
“Haha, thank you.”
This habit of showing off the ring on her hand to everyone who caught her eye was also something new that had developed in her.
“The city gate is coming into view!”
When the sun had only one cheek’s worth of light remaining in the western sky, we finally arrived at the Cheong Yun Merchant Group Headquarters in Chengdu.
“Hyeon, what in the world is…?”
“Ah, Gang Leader. I should have mentioned it to you beforehand!”
And the first thing that caught my eye upon arrival was a sight I had never anticipated.
What entered my vision was a makeshift tent erected in the center of the compound’s garden, and a group of burly men gathered within it.
“What are those men doing?”
The sight of men gathered together, all bearing fierce and rough expressions, was clearly ominous at first glance.
The ragged clothes worn by the ten or so men and the wounds scattered across their bodies were telling enough, but more than that, it was the iron chains binding both their wrists and ankles.
The men were bound by iron chains connected to a dozen or so stakes driven into the ground beneath the tent, unable to move.
In short, it looked as though prisoners gathered from various places had been assembled here.
“They are members of the Black Path that were captured within the city, Gang Leader.”
“You captured members of the Black Path?”
Baek So Cheong asked in response, hearing Baek Hyeon answer with evident pride.
“Yes. In Chengdu, there is a massive Black Path organization called the Pal Cheon Am Bang that runs rampant. Even the Orthodox Martial Sects of the Baekdo Martial World and the authorities dare not act rashly against them, as their power is not to be underestimated.”
“You’re saying the Cheong Yun Merchant Group captured members of such a Black Path organization?”
I was well acquainted with the Black Path forces that dominated the underworld of this realm.
They were organizations that earned money by protecting shops, taverns, and brothels under the guise of security, or by engaging in black market dealings and loan sharking.
Though the Orthodox Martial Sects and the government were like oil and water, the Black Path had their own order, and as long as one respected their boundaries, serious friction was surprisingly rare.
“Since I assumed the position of Merchant Guild Master, the Cheong Yun Merchant Group has been apprehending Black Path criminals who prey on the common people, documenting their crimes, and turning them over to the authorities. Even the arrogant Righteous Sects don’t accomplish such work.”
As Baek Hyeon explained this, he seemed to take considerable pride in what the Cheong Yun Merchant Group was doing.
“For what purpose?”
“Everyone in the Kangho Realm knows that the Cheong Yun Merchant Group is deeply connected to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, doesn’t it? What better way to practice the sect’s doctrine of governing the world and bringing peace to the people? Besides, Divine Sect troops are stationed at our headquarters, so we’re using them to set an example as a true martial faction devoted to the common folk.”
“Hmm….”
As I listened to Baek Hyeon’s explanation and surveyed the area around the tent where the Black Path criminals were being held, he added further clarification.
“We’re strictly taking the side of the common people, apprehending only those who have clearly committed heinous crimes, and allowing them to face the authorities’ judgment. The government is pleased, and the villagers’ response has been excellent.”
In short, he was saying that by capturing Black Path criminals who tormented the people, they were simultaneously raising the reputation of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect.
“Are you managing those you’ve apprehended properly?”
“Since there are no suitable detention facilities within the manor, we’re holding them outdoors, but don’t worry. There’s no risk of them escaping.”
“That’s fine for now, but problems could arise once winter comes.”
“Yes, Gang Leader. We’re constructing a prison to house the detainees, so preparations will be complete before the harsh winter arrives.”
There was no way Baek Hyeon had conceived and executed an operation of this scale alone—the upper echelon of the merchant group was clearly involved.
If that were the case, then the doctrine of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect was merely a pretext.
It seemed likely that with business declining since the change in Merchant Guild Master, this was an effort to increase the merchant group’s influence within Chengdu.
‘Does headquarters know about this?’
Though Baek Hyeon spoke with confidence, if this caused friction with Pal Cheon Am Bang, a Black Path faction, it would be far from a simple matter.
I was glad I had come to investigate in person.
As I resolved to scrutinize this matter carefully during my stay in Chengdu, Baek So Cheong spoke.
“You’ve traveled far, so please rest today, Minor Sect Leader. Hyeon Yi, you as well.”
“Yes, Sister.”

* * *
That night, after finishing dinner, I quietly slipped out of the guest room prepared by the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
Then I went to the door of the chamber where Baek So Cheong was staying and gave a soft cough.
“Minor Sect Leader?”
Baek So Cheong, who opened the door, had already finished bathing and changed into clean martial robes.
From inside her slightly ajar chamber, a faintly fragrant candle burned softly.
Upon seeing my face, Baek So Cheong wore her usual radiant smile.
“What brings you here?”
“The moon is bright tonight… it seems a shame to simply fall asleep on such an evening.”
“Heh… so you’ve come to see your sister?”
From Baek So Cheong’s expression and tone, it seemed she too, like me, had been restless and unable to sleep.

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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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