The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 240

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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 240

Chapter 240. It Was Here (5)

The Palace Master’s proposal was music to my ears.
I had been wrestling with this very question myself.
Though I still didn’t know who had annihilated the Seolpung Palace, there was no harm in being cautious.
“I shall do as you suggest.”
I accepted the Palace Master’s proposal.
Wait.
Now that I thought about it, the Palace Master had mentioned conducting his own investigation after the Seolpung Palace’s destruction.
He’d discovered the emergency signal had been sabotaged and had collected the charred remains that survived the fire.
“Forgive me, Palace Master.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“Do you happen to know who destroyed the Seolpung Palace?”
“….”
The Palace Master’s expression darkened in an instant.
“Are you thinking of revenge?”
“Rather than that… I wish to know precisely who I must avoid. For now, my strength is insufficient for vengeance. Survival must come first, must it not?”
“Wise words.”
The Palace Master nodded.
“The common belief among the martial world is that the Demonic Cult is responsible….”
“That’s nonsense.”
“Pardon?”
“I cannot speak in detail, but rest assured that is not the truth.”
“Ah, I see….”
The Palace Master’s certainty was absolute.
If he spoke with such conviction, then the Demonic Cult was definitely not responsible for Hyung-su’s fate.
They had traveled all the way to this Northern Sea, where bitter winds and snow raged year-round, and obliterated the Seolpung Palace in an instant.
Having learned the Extreme Yin Soul Ice Technique from the Ancestor, I could discern the truth.
The Seolpung Palace Master had been formidable in his own right, whether or not he possessed the Eun Moo-geom.
I unconsciously touched the sword sheath of the Eun Moo-geom.
If Yu Deok-jin had not stolen this blade, would the outcome have been different?
In any case, those who annihilated the Seolpung Palace were a force capable of meticulous long-term planning, of approaching the Northern Sea with stealth, and of swallowing the Seolpung Palace whole in moments—a power with a history as deep as their strength.
There were few such forces in the current martial world.
First, though not strictly of the martial world, the Imperial Palace wielded influence over it and stood as the supreme power.
Led by the Geumui Guard and the Dongchang, it commanded numerous masters hidden from public view.
Their true number was known to none save the Emperor himself.
And then there’s the Murim Alliance, a coalition of orthodox sects, and the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, which stands as the strongest single martial force in the world.
Beyond that, the major external powers would be the Northern Sea Ice Palace to the north, the Potala Palace to the west, and the Chuyong Palace to the south.
These six come to mind immediately.
Sects and families like Shaolin, Wudang, and the Namgung Family certainly have long histories and formidable martial prowess, but as single entities, they would struggle to overwhelm the Snowwind Palace.
There was also the Blood Sect, but it was annihilated by the Murim Alliance.
The water bandits known as the Twelve Yangtze Bandits could be considered extinct after the Emperor’s campaign to pacify the Yangtze.
Looking at it this way, there are quite a few.
In truth, the most suspicious is the Chuyong Palace. They’re a sect that specializes in flame techniques.
Those who practice ice martial arts and they are so fundamentally opposed that their relations have always been poor.
But if they had come all the way here, wouldn’t the Northern Sea Ice Palace have noticed?
Since they’re natural enemies, they would be constantly vigilant and monitoring each other.
Then who on earth could it be…?
“Would you mind waiting just a little longer, even if you’re curious?”
“Pardon?”
I had been so deeply lost in thought that the Palace Master spoke to me.
“When the time comes, I will tell you.”
That meant she knew but couldn’t speak of it now.
Someone of her caliber must have her reasons.
I nodded.
“I understand.”
The Palace Master picked up a book that had been resting on the wooden table and handed it to me.
“…?”
The title inscribed on that book was [Thousand Stream Ice Sword].
“This is the martial technique I will teach So Hyup. It is a technique from a sect that existed in the past, but its lineage has been severed as it has no descendants.”
Then why does the Northern Sea Ice Palace possess a martial manual from such a place?
“The last descendant came and entrusted it to the Main Palace, asking that it be transmitted to one with karmic connection. There is no problem with So Hyup learning it.”
“However, I understand that problems arise if the internal cultivation method and martial technique don’t align.”
“Of course. But this technique presents no such issue. This is because anyone who has cultivated an internal energy method based on yin energy can learn it without restriction.”
“I see.”
Indeed, someone of the Northern Sea Ice Palace Master’s stature would never recommend a technique without considering such matters.
But the Thousand Stream Ice technique….
I have a memory of hearing about it somewhere. Where was it?
“Then first, familiarize yourself with this secret manual. And after breakfast tomorrow morning, come to my private training ground.”
.
.
.
The next day.
After eating breakfast, I changed into a training robe that a disciple attendant had brought.
The training robe was white and caused no discomfort whatsoever when moving.
“Chirp….”
The training robes I received here had narrower sleeves than my usual clothes, leaving no space for Geumryeong to hide.
Geumryeong looked at me with a dejected expression before nimbly leaping onto my shoulder.
I finally understood why she was my guardian spirit creature.
She simply refused to leave my side.
“Then, I shall guide you.”
“Yes.”
I followed the Disciple Attendant toward the Palace Master’s Private Training Ground.
The Private Training Ground was located beneath Bing Hall.
“You have arrived.”
At her words, a door of crystal slid open smoothly.
“Please enter.”
“Yes.”
However, only I stepped inside the training ground. She remained standing before the entrance.
“…?”
“Did you enjoy your breakfast?”
At that voice, I lifted my head to find the Palace Master standing before me.
The Palace Master’s Private Training Ground appeared to be constructed entirely of crystal. The floor and ceiling were so smooth that my reflection shimmered across them.
Could it be that all of Bing Hall was built from crystal?
Setting aside my amazement for now, I answered her question.
“Ah, yes. I enjoyed it very much.”
“Have you mastered all the secret techniques?”
“Yes.”
I nodded confidently in response.
“I have memorized them all.”
At my answer, the Palace Master seemed slightly surprised and asked.
“You memorized all of it? I only asked you to master it….”
“Isn’t mastering the same as memorizing?”
“….”
Ah… apparently it wasn’t.
“I never expected you to memorize it all in a single night. In any case, that’s even better. Then let me teach you the first technique.”
The Palace Master carefully and methodically instructed me on the techniques.
Her guidance was remarkably meticulous—explaining how to circulate inner energy and how to move efficiently with the sword.
It was so different from when the Ancestor taught me the Extreme Yin Soul Ice Technique that I was genuinely moved.
“The Thousand Stream Ice Sword, as its name suggests, extends your energy outward like a thousand streams of water once you reach the peak stage, striking your opponent.”
“Yes, I have mastered that concept.”
“Then, what do you think is the most critical point to be cautious about when learning the Thousand Stream Ice Sword?”
“It is the danger of injuring oneself or harming allies by failing to properly control the energy.”
At my answer, she wore a satisfied expression.
“Correct. How did you know that?”
“Although you described it as streams of energy, I thought its nature resembled a whip or a flexible blade. And I once had the chance to observe someone learning the flexible blade technique.”
The sword my mother wields is the Yeon Sword.
And she had mentioned it to me before—the Yeon Sword is truly difficult to handle and requires meticulous care.
“I see. But knowing something and actually wielding it are different matters… yet you handle it quite skillfully.”
“I merely anticipated its movements.”
….
The Palace Master regarded me in silence for a moment.
“Why do you ask?”
“I was wondering if I should teach you the Yeon Sword technique. The fact that you can anticipate its movements means you have some understanding of the Yeon Sword technique as well.”
At that compliment, I scratched the back of my neck sheepishly.
Did I inherit martial talent from my mother as well?
“However, since So Hyup’s primary weapon is a standard longsword rather than the Yeon Sword, the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword would be more appropriate.”
Thus I devoted myself entirely to mastering the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword, and two days passed in this manner.
.
.
.
“You require no further instruction now.”
At the Palace Master’s words, I cupped my fist and bowed.
“Thank you for your guidance.”
I had mastered the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword in just two days.
“Truly, what exceptional talent you possess. To master it completely in merely two days…”
“It is thanks to your instruction, Palace Master.”
“Your master, that child, must find teaching quite rewarding. I confess I feel envious. Had So Hyup been female, I would have taken you as my disciple.”
“Even now, you are my master, Palace Master.”
At my response, she burst into laughter.
“That’s true enough. While not officially recognized, I am still your master.”
She continued.
“I hope this martial technique proves useful to you. When you must appear publicly in the future, endeavor to use the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword.”
“I shall remember this.”
“Now that Jin-ho’s condition has improved considerably, you should be able to depart tomorrow.”
Jin-ho’s condition this morning had shown remarkable improvement.
And with the Palace Master’s command to descend the mountain, it was now time to leave.
I cupped my fist once more and bowed.
“I am grateful for your kindness, Palace Master. May you enjoy eternal health and longevity.”
“I shall endeavor to do so. Now, off you go.”
“Yes.”

* * *

The Bing Palace Master watched Eun Seo-ho’s retreating figure as he left the Private Training Hall.
In truth, she had intended to teach Eun Seo-ho only an overview of the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword.
She had thought even that would consume more time than she had available.
But that had been her miscalculation.
‘Now I understand why Heaven granted Eun So Hyup the Eun Moo-geom and Han Ho-su.’
He was a genius.
Not flattery, but a true genius.
Had he devoted himself earnestly to the martial arts, he possessed the caliber of genius that could seize a declining sect by the collar and elevate it once more.
Her envy of Eun Seo-ho’s master, Gwak Myung-hyun, was genuine.
Bing Hae-rin was a genius too, but there existed one even greater.
‘Indeed, one born with the Hyun Ryong Constitution. It’s peculiar that he possesses it as a man.’
Suddenly, she wondered if her own master had felt the same emotions when observing her as she now felt observing Eun Seo-ho.
For that reason, it was all the more lamentable that the martial techniques that only the Seolpung Palace Master could master had been lost.
‘Yet… when he was learning the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword, there seemed to be subtle traces of the Extreme Yin Soul Ice Technique’s movements…’
With that thought, she chuckled softly and shook her head.
“That cannot be. How could he master it when there is no one to teach him?”
Suddenly, she found herself anticipating the heroic sword that would be recreated through Eun Seo-ho’s blade.
‘He would be satisfied as well.’

* * *

The next morning.
Jin-ho, his wife, and I prepared to depart from the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
The senior members of the Northern Sea Ice Palace came out to bid us farewell.
“Travel safely.”
“Yes.”
“Let us meet again next time.”
“Yes.”
“And my son-in-law, remember what I said.”
“Yes! I shall remember it well!”
While Jin-ho struggled with his wine bottle, the distance between him and his mother-in-law, Seol Seo-yun the Dharma Protector, and his grandmother-in-law, Sang Ho-ran Elder, seemed to have grown closer.
That was fortunate.
Next came the Palace Master approaching us.
“Thank you for everything.”
We cupped our fists and bowed our heads to her.
“Please, return safely.”
“Yes.”
“And Young Palace Mistress.”
At her call, Bing Hae-rin, Young Palace Master, standing beside her, responded.
“Yes, Palace Master.”
“Please escort everyone safely to their destination.”
“Understood.”
With that, we left behind the farewells of everyone and departed the Northern Sea Ice Palace through the Gate of Mist alongside Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master.
When I first saw the Palace Master, I was astonished by her strength, but as that amazement faded, I found myself feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
Perhaps because of that, this parting felt slightly disappointing.
But there would surely be a day when we would meet again.
.
.
.
“Goodness! Young Master, you’ve returned?”
The moment we stepped into the Ice Palace Inn, Palgap rushed toward me.
“Yes. I’m back.”
“I hope nothing troublesome happened? I was worried since you came out later than expected.”
“Ah, that was…”
I glanced sideways at Jin-ho.
I couldn’t tell Palgap that Jin-ho had gotten drunk, so I simply said there were circumstances.
Yes… I had to protect Jin-ho’s honor.
“Jin-ho’s wife’s family held us up.”
At those words, Seo-woo Warrior nodded.
“That makes sense. As they say, mothers-in-law are known for their love of their sons-in-law.”
Then Bing Hae-rin spoke.
“I heard you were departing today. It appears a snowwind will blow within a day or two. You should hurry, or you’ll be stranded.”
“Ah! Yes, understood.”
We quickly prepared for departure and left the Ice Palace Inn.

During our passage through the Northern Sea, several Spirit Creatures attacked us, and thanks to them, I was able to fully master the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword technique that the Palace Master had taught me.
As we traveled, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
The fact that the Palace Master took time to teach me the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword despite being an outsider suggested that Hyung-su, who had annihilated the Snowwind Palace, was someone I would frequently encounter during my merchant ventures?
Then should I exclude external forces?
No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet.
Thus we safely crossed the Northern Sea and arrived at the Eun Hae Merchant Guild North Sea Branch, where we decided to rest.

That evening.
“My lord.”
Seo-woo Warrior called out to me as I stood alone in the courtyard.
“Yes.”
“May I ask you something?”
“Please do.”
“It seems you are using martial techniques different from before.”
“Ah! That’s right. I actually learned martial arts at the Northern Sea Ice Palace. It’s a technique called the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword.”
Since he was my Guard Warrior, I thought he should know, so I told him.
“Pardon? Did you just say the Heavenly Stream Ice Sword?”
But his reaction was unusual.
“What is it?”
“The Heavenly Stream Ice Sword is the signature technique of Geuk Cheon Sword, a martial hero of the Martial Arts World from roughly two hundred years ago.”
Ah… I remembered.

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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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