The Owner Of The Thousand Gold Coins Is A Military Official - Chapter 46

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 46

 

Cheongun felt his mind becoming complicated for the first time in a very long while.

 

It was definitely an unfamiliar aura and an unfamiliar appearance.

 

Yet, somehow he felt like he might know who it was.

 

It wasn’t exactly a welcome situation.

 

For now, it seemed he should stop by Kunlun once dawn broke tomorrow and think about it.

 

“I wonder if the Patriarch will be there.”

 

Where does that person called the Patriarch wander off to so much?

 

Being a person like the wind, he had no idea which wind the man had entrusted his body to this time.

 

Cheongun returned to his room and didn’t leave it after that.

 

And the woman also remained upstairs without departing.

 

“Is there something troubling your mind?”

 

“Well… a little?”

 

If it had been his original personality, he would have immediately made her kneel on the floor and forced her to reveal her identity.

 

The reason he didn’t do so was because this place was still the center of Kunlun territory, and because of that strange sense of déjà vu.

 

“Just assign someone to watch her. Since the purpose is merely observation, make avoiding detection the top priority.”

 

“Understood.”

 

With that, the woman enjoyed a bit more of the remaining food before leaving her seat.

 

Nothing happened during the night.

 

The next day dawned, and Cheongun headed straight for Kunlun.

 

When he climbed the mountain and reached the midpoint, Kunlun’s Taoists appeared, blocking Cheongun’s path.

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I’ve come to see Jinhyeon. If you mention the name Cheongun, he’ll know.”

 

“Jinhyeon…? Very well, I understand. Please wait a moment.”

 

Given Kunlun’s current situation, they couldn’t allow entry for just any matter, but if Jinhyeon’s name came up, the story was a bit different.

 

Before long, a Taoist returned and showed proper courtesy, unlike before.

 

“Jinhyeon has asked that we escort you to him. I’ll guide you.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

The interior of the Kunlun Sect, following the guide.

 

It was a place unchanged from his memories.

 

Since they weren’t receiving guests these days, gazes gathered on Cheongun, but he didn’t give his attention to anyone.

 

“Please enter this way.”

 

As befitting a Taoist, Jinhyeon’s chamber was just an ordinary house.

 

It was quite a familiar house to Cheongun as well, though not in this lifetime.

 

From the perspective of Cheongeumjang’s Patriarch, it was so modest that one might think, with some exaggeration, that it was a place where livestock lived.

 

“It’s Cheongun.”

 

“Come in.”

 

Upon entering, Jinhyeon was waiting, embodying the symbolic appearance of a Taoist.

 

“It’s been a long time.”

 

“Hmm… I hardly recognize you.”

 

Though they hadn’t had deep conversations and had only seen each other’s faces in passing, Cheongun had remained quite vividly in Jinhyeon’s memory.

 

Wasn’t he the one who had taught humility to Juhyeokjo, who had no one to compare his talent with within Kunlun?

 

“It’s not that I don’t know you, but it’s a bit unexpected that you sought me out instead of the Patriarch.”

 

“He’s not here, is he? The Patriarch.”

 

“Hehe, that’s right. So, what’s the reason you sought me out instead of the Patriarch?”

 

It wasn’t a grand reason.

 

Originally, he had just planned to stop by briefly since it was on his way.

 

Since it was positioned at the front lines against the Demonic Sect, he wanted to see the overall atmosphere as well.

 

However, after experiencing what happened yesterday, just passing by casually didn’t satisfy his temperament.

 

“What has happened to Kunlun?”

 

“What could have happened? We’ve always done what we must do, and we’ll continue to do so.”

 

“This may not be appropriate for me to say, but that duty you must fulfill—it seems like you’re not doing it properly.”

 

Rather sharp words.

 

Jinhyeon’s gaze changed slightly, but no great emotional disturbance was visible.

 

His eyes were hardly visible due to his long, white eyebrows, but this time they could be seen clearly—that was the only difference, if any.

 

“It seems something has happened on your side as well.”

 

“That’s right. On the way here…”

 

Cheongun briefly explained what had happened.

 

The Makyodo who had disguised themselves as Kunlun Taoists and attacked a small sect called Cheongnunpa.

 

Even the figure of Madu-level he had met at the inn.

 

“…So they’re trying to make the first move after all.”

 

“Is there something I don’t know about? It doesn’t seem like I lack the qualifications to hear it.”

 

Cheongun had once rooted out the Demonic Sect’s spies.

 

According to the Patriarch, he had even given up the Cheongsongsindan that they had put so much effort into preparing for Juhyeokjo.

 

Also, since he was an extraordinary young man, there had been talk of wanting him to build a friendly relationship with Juhyeokjo.

 

Since the Patriarch, who usually didn’t say such things, had spoken thus, Jinhyeon had taken it to heart even more deeply.

 

“Recently, there have been more groups from the Demonic Sect attacking surrounding villages.”

 

“By attacks, you mean…”

 

“They’re trying to take them to the Demonic Sect. To brainwash them from childhood and make them into their own limbs.”

 

“How long has this been going on?”

 

“Not for very long. To be honest, it’s also something that happens periodically.”

 

Initially, Kunlun had tracked and eliminated such movements from the Demonic Sect, but they had to hesitate because the damage was actually greater.

 

Since there was an overwhelming numerical difference, they couldn’t move carelessly.

 

If they made a mistake and suffered great damage, they wouldn’t be able to check any subsequent movements at all.

 

“Recently, it seems to have gotten worse.”

 

“That’s right. They’re kidnapping children and killing all men and women who have passed the age of twenty, without discrimination.”

 

Jinhyeon’s complexion wasn’t bright.

 

Even though it was a situation Cheongun had already anticipated, things seemed to be worse.

 

“How is it inside Kunlun?”

 

“That’s as far as I can go.”

 

It seemed he couldn’t say any more.

 

It wouldn’t be proper to probe further, and since not speaking had already served as an answer, Cheongun nodded.

 

“I understand. Then, I’ll be going now.”

 

As he stood up and was about to leave the room, Jinhyeon’s voice reached him.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“I haven’t decided.”

 

“…I see. Travel safely.”

 

The answer that he hadn’t decided.

 

Jinhyeon knew.

 

He knew that those words didn’t truly mean he would wander aimlessly, but rather that he would pursue incidents, not specific places.

 

As he left the room, a face that seemed familiar yet strange was waiting for Cheongun in front.

 

“You…!”

 

“Who are you?”

 

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. I’ve been waiting for you so long.”

 

“Those aren’t pleasant words to hear. Do you have business with me?”

 

“I request a duel.”

 

Juhyeokjo, called the future of Kunlun.

 

All this time, Juhyeokjo had been unable to shake off and remained bound by one memory from the past.

 

That day’s defeat had given him many gifts, but had also taken away many things.

 

So, with today’s duel, he intended to reclaim those things that had been taken away.

 

“There’s no time.”

 

“Are you running away?”

 

As far as Cheongun remembered, he had definitely helped him come to his senses about two times.

 

Seeing him still acting like this without coming to his senses, his brow furrowed for no reason.

 

Shouldn’t one pick their opponents carefully when picking a fight?

 

When war breaks out, the first to die are not the weak.

 

It’s those who cannot objectively assess their own strength and are blinded by glory.

 

Juhyeokjo now was no different from such people.

 

If there was one fortunate thing, it was only that Cheongun wouldn’t take his life as payment.

 

“Consider yourself the winner. I’m leaving.”

 

“You’re a tribe blinded by gold, don’t you have any honor?”

 

He must have said insulting words about merchants back then too and ended up like that, yet it seems he hasn’t learned or felt anything until now.

 

“…”

 

Cheongun looked at Juhyeokjo without saying a word.

 

It was brief, but with that brief gaze, Cheongun gained certainty.

 

“Permission has been granted.”

 

“…? What permission…”

 

Cheongun instantly channeled his internal energy to his toes.

 

In a flash, Cheongun shot forward and arrived in front of Juhyeokjo before he could even perceive it.

 

“Wh, what…!”

 

Thud.

 

With a light press of his fingertip to the solar plexus, Juhyeokjo collapsed to the ground without any resistance.

 

“Wh, what sorcery did you use!”

 

“Today’s price is your ignorance.”

 

Shing.

 

The black blade emerged from its sheath with a sharp, chilling sound.

 

Juhyeokjo looked up at Cheongun with disbelieving eyes.

 

This was Kunlun’s territory.

 

And he was Jinhyeon’s disciple.

 

His body wouldn’t move.

 

Because of that single finger touch from before, nearly a decade of training had become utterly useless.

 

Thunk.

 

“Huh…?”

 

Bewilderment felt before pain.

 

To dare swing a sword in this land of Taoists.

 

Cheongun’s sword tip had pierced about an inch deep into Juhyeokjo’s solar plexus.

 

“H, how dare…”

 

“Now learn your place. You’re still far too early.”

 

If Cheongun hadn’t taken precautions with his finger beforehand, it would surely have been a deep wound.

 

He had created a barrier with internal energy in advance, so it only appeared to be a deep wound.

 

However, regardless of that, Juhyeokjo seemed to need to lie down for a while.

 

Cheongun withdrew the sword he had thrust in and immediately struck Juhyeokjo’s head with the blade.

 

“Kugh…!”

 

“This reminds me of when we first met. This time, lie down longer and think about it.”

 

Just how many times was he saving this man’s life?

 

Cheongun, his brow still furrowed, looked toward where Jinhyeon was and spoke.

 

“This is the last time. That I’ll let this slide.”

 

At those words, as if in response, a gentle breeze blew briefly and then stopped.

 

He had come to see the Patriarch, but it seemed he had already heard all the answers he needed from Jinhyeon.

 

“In that case, it would be better to do this instead.”

 

Cheongun roughly knew where they mainly attacked.

 

Starting from small villages in the vicinity, gradually going deeper, observing reactions, then retreating repeatedly.

 

“I can get there quickly.”

 

The schedule seemed to have picked up a bit more speed, but would he be able to meet that mysterious woman from yesterday again?

 

Since she could either be of great help or great hindrance to his future plans, he was somewhat concerned.

 

“First, I need to depart.”

 

Cheongun left the collapsed Juhyeokjo behind and immediately departed from Kunlun.

 

“Sigh… I expected this, but to still not come to his senses like this.”

 

After Cheongun left.

 

Jinhyeon emerged from his chamber and headed toward his still-fallen disciple.

 

“Juhyeokjo. Why don’t you realize that very thing is what’s holding back your ankles?”

 

Speaking with a voice filled with regret, Jinhyeon personally helped Juhyeokjo back to his chamber.

 

Though Jinhyeon already anticipated Cheongun’s next destination, he couldn’t bring himself to stop him.

 

Shamefully so.

 

“When did Kunlun become like this…”

 

The disciple who should take responsibility for the future was still far lacking, and they were being gradually weakened by the Demonic Sect, their long-standing nemesis.

 

That was probably why he didn’t stop Cheongun’s course of action.

 

“I too am still far from ascending to immortality.”

 

Though Jinhyeon showed a smile, only bitterness lingered.

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