The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 155

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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 Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company Chapter 155

Chapter 155. A Visit to the Wudang Sect (2)

At my question, the man who called himself the Jinmu Emperor seemed momentarily flustered before breaking into a hearty laugh.
“Yes, what do you want?”
“What could you possibly give me….”
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“….”
My eyes opened.
I sat up, tilting my head in confusion.
What was that just now? A dream? It felt like I was dreaming?
As I tried to recall the details, only the hazy memories typical of dreams remained.
It didn’t feel like a bad dream, though….

While eating breakfast at one of the dining halls in the Guest Hall, the Baek-mun Hall Master of the Guest Hall approached and informed us that the disciples who would guide us would arrive in the afternoon.
Well then, I should explore the areas open to visitors before the guides arrive.
After finishing my meal, I left the Guest Hall with my guards.
“Like yesterday, the morning view of the Wudang Sect is quite magnificent.”
At Palgap’s words, the Seo-woo Warrior nodded.
“To think we could visit the Wudang Sect, one of the two pillars of the Orthodox Martial Arts World! It’s truly moving.”
The other three guards nodded at his words. Seeing that, I understood what the Wudang Sect meant to those of the Orthodox Martial Arts World.
But in my previous life, more than half of this place was destroyed, and the surviving disciples numbered only about half.
Thanks to the surviving masters, the sect’s lineage wasn’t completely severed, but the already struggling Wudang Sect fell into such decline that it faced operational difficulties.
As a result, Green Forest Bandits became rampant around the Wudang Sect, causing inconvenience to travelers.
Before that, the bandits wouldn’t have dared to operate within the Wudang Sect’s territory.
Our trading company suffered considerable losses from that as well.
The more I thought about it, the more bitter the taste in my mouth became.
With such different sentiments from the other visitors, I explored the areas permitted for guests at the Wudang Sect.
Despite being only a small portion of the entire Wudang Sect, it was so vast that by the time I finished exploring, it was already time for lunch.
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After lunch, the disciples assigned to guide us arrived.
They were Gong Ryun Daojang and Mu Un Daojang, who had greeted us yesterday.
“We meet again after seeing each other yesterday.”
“Yes, I received orders to guide Seon Hyeop Mi-rang and her party.”
“Thank you for your assistance.”
With that, we entered the Inner Sanctum—a place ordinary visitors could never access.
We wore the identification tokens around our necks that the Guest Hall Master had given us earlier.
We were able to obtain them thanks to the permission I had received from the Sect Leader yesterday.
Without these tokens, no one outside the Wudang Sect could traverse the Inner Sanctum so freely.
Looking at the permit badge hanging around my neck, I recalled my visit to the Sichuan Tang Family Estate.
I wondered how Dang Su-bin and Jo Ung were faring.

We crossed through the gate that separated the outer and inner grounds. Simultaneously, a world both familiar and utterly different unfolded before my eyes.
“This is…”
“Yes, this is the true face of the Main Compound.”
Buildings that, though somewhat weathered, were meticulously maintained and exuded an air of classical elegance.
And upon the smooth blue stone tiles laid across the ground, Wudang Sect disciples practiced their martial arts with resounding shouts.
“Truly a magnificent sight.”
At my words, Gong Ryun Daojang’s expression became somewhat proud as he spoke.
“The martial art being practiced over there is the Tai Chi Fist, the pride of our Wudang Sect, and that one is the Three Calamities Sword Technique.”
“Are you referring to the Tai Chi Fist and Three Calamities Sword Technique that I know of?”
The Tai Chi Fist and Three Calamities Sword Technique were among the most common counterfeit martial arts manuals sold by itinerant merchants in the marketplace.
Of course, those were merely imitations bearing the same names.
If the genuine secret texts of the Tai Chi Fist and Three Calamities Sword Technique were circulating, the Wudang Sect would certainly not have remained idle.
“Indeed, the authentic versions are quite different.”
At my words, Gong Ryun Daojang nodded with evident pride.
“Of course.”
We then proceeded toward a certain building, and Gong Ryun Daojang requested our patience.
“Please wait a moment. I must inform those inside that we have outside visitors.”
“Understood. We shall wait here.”
With that, Gong Ryun Daojang entered the building, leaving Mu Un Daojang with us.
I glanced briefly at the disciples practicing the Tai Chi Fist and Three Calamities Sword Technique, then spoke to Mu Un Daojang.
“How far have you progressed in mastering the Tai Chi Fist and Three Calamities Sword Technique?”
“I have not yet achieved mastery.”
He continued speaking.
“Though it has been nearly five years since I became a disciple, my slow progress in these two martial arts is not due to lack of talent. Rather, until the next generation of disciples arrives, I must continue studying only these two techniques. And my progress is quite slow at that. I repeat the same forms for months on end.”
“I see.”
From what I had heard, the Wudang Sect formally accepts new disciples once every eight years.
“So you must continue studying these two martial arts for another three years?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Perhaps because he had no one to confide in about such matters, or perhaps because no one had sympathized with him before, he poured out his grievances.
“To be honest, I am weary of it. Repeating endlessly, over and over again.”
“That must be trying indeed.”
“Yes, I truly wonder why we’re only ever taught these two martial arts….”
As he voiced his complaint, he let out a sharp “Ah!” and clapped his hand over his mouth.
He had just realized I was an outsider.
A mere slip from a young disciple, nothing more.
“Please forget what I just said—consider it nonsense.”
I tilted my head at his words.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand. Did Mu Un Daoist Master say something to me?”
Then I turned to the Guard Warriors.
“Did you hear what Mu Un Daoist Master said?”
“We heard nothing, sir.”
I then turned my gaze to Palgap.
“Did you hear anything?”
“Hear what, sir?”
At this, Muwun Taoist Master clasped his hands in gratitude and spoke.
“Thank you.”
I chuckled softly and smoothly changed the subject.
“What are your thoughts on the Wudang Sect, Daoist Master?”
“Of course, our sect boasts a long and storied history. I am proud to be a disciple of the Wudang Sect.”
“As you say, the Wudang Sect is indeed a place of excellence. Such a place would not emphasize these two martial arts without reason. There must be a purpose behind it.”
“Do you have any thoughts on why that might be?”
“From my humble perspective as a small merchant, I believe these two martial arts form the foundation of all the Wudang Sect’s techniques.”
I continued.
“Consider a tower. The taller the tower climbs, the larger and more solid its base must be, does it not?”
“Ah….”
“The Wudang Sect wishes for all its disciples to reach ever greater heights, so it spends years laying that foundation with meticulous care.”
At my words, Mu Un Daoist Master’s eyes brightened as he spoke.
“I was foolish. Thanks to your wisdom, Seon Hyeop Mi-rang, I have found the path I must walk.”
“I am glad my humble words could be of service.”
I accepted his gratitude with a smile.
In truth, the reason for eight years of studying only the Tai Chi Fist and the Three Disasters Sword Technique is not solely because they form the foundation of all Wudang techniques.
Naturally, learning only these two basic martial arts is nothing but tedious, repetitive practice.
But learning martial arts itself is an endless cycle of tedious repetition.
Those who cannot overcome this tedium can never reach higher realms.
And human nature rarely changes.
In other words, it is also a means of selecting which disciples are worthy of formal martial instruction.
From my past life, I heard that before accepting the next generation of disciples, the sect tests the achievements of recently accepted disciples.
If their mastery of the Tai Chi Fist and Three Disasters Sword Technique does not reach a certain level, they cannot learn further techniques and must leave the sect.
Becoming a disciple of the Wudang Sect is difficult enough, but the path to becoming a true member is far more arduous.
“An interesting conversation you’re having there.”
At the sudden voice from behind me, cold sweat broke across my skin.
He had completely escaped my perception.
I spun around urgently, and an elder stood before us.
Upon seeing him, Mu Un Daoist Master quickly cupped his fists and bowed.
“I, the twenty-sixth generation disciple Mu Un, greet the Elder.”
From his words, I understood the man’s identity, and we too cupped our fists respectfully.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master of the Eunhae Trading Company. It is an honor to meet an elder of the Wudang Sect. Beside me are my attendant and my Guard Warriors. We are touring the Wudang Sect with the Sect Leader’s permission.”
“I see. I am called Jin-jeong.”
Having introduced himself thus, Elder Jin-jeong gave me a light bow.
“I hear you made quite substantial donations to the Main Compound this time.”
“Though modest, I hope it proves beneficial to the Wudang Sect.”
“It is most helpful indeed. My gratitude.”
At that moment, Gong Ryun Daoist Master emerged from the building and quickly cupped his fists upon seeing Elder Jin-jeong.
Elder Jin-jeong, offering a faint smile and bidding us to enjoy our tour, took his leave, and we entered the building.
It was a place where one studied the Dao. Since the Wudang Sect was the sacred ground of Daoism, knowledge of the Dao had to be fundamental.
After briefly examining that place, we moved on elsewhere.
As we continued our tour of the Wudang Sect, I discovered a location that the disciples guarded with utmost severity.
I caught a glimpse inside and saw a small pavilion bound tightly with iron chains and golden rope.
What? That place?
In that instant, the hazy dream from last night—clouded like mist—came to mind.
That place was undoubtedly where I had seen in the dream.
In the dream, I had met the Jinmu Emperor, and he had instructed me to prevent the Blood Calamity.
And I had…
Ah… I made a deal.
To think I conduct transactions even in dreams—I truly am a merchant born and bred.
The Jinmu Emperor told me to prevent the Blood Calamity on Wudang Mountain, and I asked what he would do for me in return.
He said he would reveal one heavenly secret to me.
Though I know not what this heavenly secret is, since he said it would be beneficial to me, I accepted.
Surely someone of the Jinmu Emperor’s stature would not deceive me.
In any case, the Blood Calamity…
If the Jinmu Emperor calls it a calamity, it is certainly no trivial matter.
And the fact that he spoke of it here means that Blood Sect Member must be confined in that heavily guarded place.
“Ah! You must not approach that place.”
Mu Un Daoist Master pulled me away. I feigned ignorance and asked him.
“What is that place?”
“They say if you go there, you become a demon.”
“A demon?”
Gong Ryun Daoist Master continued in response to my question.
“Yes. From what I have heard, that place confines a demon who once spilled blood across Wudang Mountain in the past. Thus, if you approach that place, you are cursed and become a demon.”
“Then we must not go near it.”
I know not how they explained the Blood Sect Member to call it a demon, but considering the vast amount of blood spilled across this mountain, calling it a demon is not unreasonable.
In any case, I found where the Blood Sect Member was being confined, but why did such strict surveillance have a gap?
The visible guards alone were formidable, and the hidden surveillance would surely be equally thorough.
If this were a simple forceful breakthrough, the masters of Wudang Sect wouldn’t just stand idle and watch?
More than that, the real problem is how to extend my stay here.
Usually, those who bring donations stay only a day or two before departing.
From Wudang Sect’s perspective, the longer they remain, the more attention they must devote.
Anything beyond that requires some justification.
To prevent the Blood Sect Member’s escape or to stop the Blood Calamity, I would first need to remain here.
That was when it happened.
“Ah! Please, get back!”
Hearing a voice from somewhere, I lifted my head to see a wooden practice sword—apparently broken during a sparring match—flying toward us.
“It’s dangerous! Young Master!”
Palgap pushed me aside and took the broken wooden sword directly.
“Ow!”
“Palgap!”
“Ow, I’m done for! Ow!”
“I’m, I’m so sorry! Truly, I apologize!”
Just like that, chaos erupted in an instant.
The broken wooden sword had flown our way, but it wasn’t enough to actually hit Palgap?
Palgap, who had recently been learning martial arts from Jin Yu Warrior, was nimble despite his appearance.
There was no way he couldn’t predict where the wooden sword would fall.
Even if he hadn’t predicted it, he could have easily dodged it.
Could it be… intentional?
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Palgap was carried to the Guest Hall, and soon a Physician came rushing over.
“Is my attendant alright?”
“Symptoms from the impact of being struck by something typically manifest later, so we must observe his condition. Please ensure he rests for several days.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
The Physician left the room after saying so.
Baek Moon Guest Hall Master, who had been in the room with us, apologized to me.
“I’m truly sorry this has happened.”
“Not at all. It was unavoidable. However, given the Physician’s advice about needing rest, it seems I must stay here for several more days.”
“Of course you should.”
The Guest Hall Master said he would make arrangements and left the room.
Then Palgap, lying on the bed, let out a quiet chuckle and spoke in a low voice.
“Young Master, how was my acting?”
At those words, I couldn’t help but chuckle as well.

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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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