The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 520

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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 Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 520

Chapter 520. Meeting Again (1)

In response to my question, the Chuk Yong Palace Master countered with one of his own.
“Doyeon Gate?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you ask about that place?”
“My apologies. I read records from that time within the pavilion.”
“I see….”
After a moment of contemplation, the Palace Master spoke.
“If you wish to know about that place, first bring me the Eun Moo-geom.”
“Pardon?”
“Since Muchul Musan has vanished, it appears someone has taken that blade… Find it and bring it to me.”
The Palace Master continued.
“The Eun Moo-geom is the sacred treasure of the Seolpung Palace Master! Without the Eun Moo-geom in Seolpung Palace, any vengeance would be nothing more than personal revenge, not the vengeance of the palace itself.”
Was the Eun Moo-geom truly such an important sacred treasure?
I asked the Palace Master.
“Must I absolutely bring the Eun Moo-geom?”
“When I reveal what I know of Doyeon Gate, I fear you may find yourself in grave danger while investigating it. Of course, I have some measure of your abilities. But there is a dangerous scent to this matter. If you possess the Eun Moo-geom, you may at least avoid the worst outcomes. That is why I ask you to bring it.”
So it was concern for me, then.
“In that case, you may tell me now.”
“Hmph, did you not hear what I said?”
“As for the Eun Moo-geom, I have it here.”
I unsheathed the blade from my waist and offered it forward.
“This is… the Eun Moo-geom?”
*Sling.*
I drew the blade halfway, revealing the name “Eun Moo-geom” inscribed upon its surface.
“Ah, now that I think of it, the Eun Moo-geom has no fixed form.”
The Palace Master nodded.
“When I drew it to stop my son’s intrusion, I did not notice, but seeing it now, I understand.”
The Palace Master merely observed it without attempting to grasp it.
He clearly understood that one who seized a blade with a master would be driven to madness.
“Indeed, that aura… it is the aura of the Eun Moo-geom.”
His voice was thick with emotion.
It seemed he was glimpsing something precious through this blade.
“Very well. You may sheathe it now.”
*Sling, click.*
I sheathed my blade and spoke to the Palace Master.
“Then, might you tell me about the Doyeon Gate now?”
At my question, he exhaled deeply.
“Since I’ve already let those words escape my lips, how could I refuse to speak of it?”
I remained tense and focused on the Palace Master’s words.
“The Doyeon Gate was a sect that existed in Yunnan Province.”
“…You say ‘existed’?”
“Yes, it was annihilated about ten years ago. It belonged to the Main Palace, but declared independence about twenty years prior.”
I found myself compelled to ask about this unexpected turn of events.
“Is it possible to declare independence like that?”
“That is their freedom. They remain under the Main Palace for protection, but if they possess the strength to defend themselves, they may leave the Main Palace.”
“I see…”
“However, they could not endure for ten years.”
The Palace Master’s expression seemed tinged with bitterness as he spoke.
I asked him to confirm my suspicion.
“Is the Sect Master of the Doyeon Gate perhaps named Yu?”
“How did you know that? Was such a thing recorded in the archives?”
“No. That was not in the records.”
“Then how do you know of it?”
“I learned of it upon obtaining the Eun Moo-geom. The name of the Madman Warrior mentioned in those records was Yu Deok-jin. After subduing him, I discovered a divine token in his possession.”
“I see.”
However, I did not speak further on the matter.
It seemed something my Master should reveal directly, not I.
When the two of them meet, accumulated longing and resentment will likely clash, and fists may fly before words…
In any case, the reason Yu Deok-jin came to Yunnan with the Eun Moo-geom became clear.
His father had belonged to the Doyeon Gate of Yunnan Province.
“Then…could the martial arts of the Doyeon Gate also have been Yeolhwa-gong?”
“Correct. It was influenced by the Main Palace’s martial arts.”
So that was it.
I could now understand why his father did not acknowledge or accept him.
When I fought the Madman Warrior Yu Deok-jin back then, something felt familiar.
Only later did I realize that martial art was what the ordinary warriors of Seolpung Palace learned.
Though his father was from the Doyeon Gate, his inner power was the opposite—yin-based martial arts—so he could never have been recognized by the Doyeon Gate.
And his mother likely either did not give or could not give him love, which is why he yearned so desperately for his father’s affection.
Thinking of it this way, I felt a certain pity for him.
The Doyeon Gate, which exploited such a Yu Deok-jin, was utterly worthless.
“You said the Doyeon Gate was annihilated about ten years ago, yes?”
“Yes. They slaughtered every last one—not even a single dog or chicken remained.”
“Do you know who annihilated them?”
“Since they once served our Chuyong Palace, we investigated as well. Thus we were able to identify the culprits. They were a group from the Black Path known as the Blood Heaven Gate of Yunnan.”
Blood Heaven Gate? Such a place existed?
Since I’d never heard the name before, I asked again.
“Where is the Blood Heaven Gate located?”
“There’s no one left in the place where the Blood Heaven Gate once stood.”
“What?”
“They vanished overnight.”
“What? Were they also annihilated by someone?”
“No, that’s not it. They simply withdrew entirely.”
What did that mean?
For a Martial Arts World faction to establish itself in a region requires considerable time and effort.
Yet they abandoned all that so easily and withdrew?
“That’s why I said it smells dangerous. It means there’s a force behind them capable of controlling an entire sect with a single word.”

I returned to my quarters.
I collapsed into the chair.
Through the thin curtain covering the window, I gazed at the moon, and in that pale light, I pondered the enemies who had destroyed Seolpung Palace.
Though they remained elusive, like the moon’s faint glow, this was far better than before when I had no leads at all.
I withdrew a token from my sleeve.
The Chuyong Palace Master had just given it to me, granting me free access to the archives here.
He said it would be better for me to investigate the Doyeon Gate myself rather than have him explain it directly.
I needed to move diligently if I was to uncover anything before the conference ended.
“Have you just returned, sir?”
At that moment, Palgap entered and asked.
He had been awake when I left to meet the Meng Minor Palace Master earlier, and I wondered where he’d gone when I returned to my quarters.
“Where have you been?”
At my question, Palgap grinned widely.
“There’s quite a spectacle to see, sir.”
I tilted my head curiously and followed Palgap, and soon couldn’t help but chuckle.
Geumryeong stood triumphantly in the backyard.
And before him was Hwasik, his tail tucked between his legs, unable to even look forward properly.
Geumryeong had won.
I asked Palgap.
“What happened?”
“When that tiger came near here, Geumryeong rushed at him like lightning, and the two of them clashed.”
“Is that so?”
“From the start, Geumryeong overwhelmed him completely. When he roared, that tiger couldn’t even properly stand his ground and yelped.”
Well, of course.
How much money have I spent feeding Geumryeong all this time?
This much is the least he should deliver.
I should do at least this much.

A short while later.
Geumryeong climbed onto my stomach as I lay in bed.
And with a triumphant expression, she recounted her exploits.
“Kwee! Kwee!”
“Yes, yes, I told you. You’re strong.”
“Kwee!”
“But tell me, why did Hwasik act so affectionate toward me?”
Geumryeong explained in response to my question.
“Kwee. Kwee! Kwee!”
“What? You sensed some inexplicable pressure emanating from me? And so you thought you should make a good impression on me?”
Why was that?
I asked Geumryeong.
“Do you also feel the need to make a good impression on me?”
“Kwee? Kwee. Kwee.”
“Hmm? You’re saying it’s only natural to look good in front of your master?”
Ah…
I had nothing to say to that.
“Kwee. Kwee!”
I chuckled at Geumryeong’s words.
She claimed she had such a magnanimous heart that she wouldn’t be jealous even if Hwasik and I became close.
Come now, saying that now hardly carries any credibility, does it?

The next day.
I rose early in the morning and made my way to the Archives.
Once the negotiations concluded, I would need to return to the Northern Sea Ice Palace. With the talks scheduled for tomorrow, today was my only opportunity.
“This is the Archives.”
The Disciple Attendant who guided me was remarkably deferential.
It seemed the attendant who had shown me the sights of Chuk Yong Palace was receiving quite a severe punishment.
That explained why this one treated me with such cautious respect, tinged with apprehension.
“Thank you for showing me the way.”
“It was nothing.”
“I would like to take my lunch here today. Is that possible?”
“Of course. There is a table over there where you may dine.”
A table and chair sat in the spot the attendant indicated.
“Then I shall take my lunch here.”
“Understood. I will bring your meal here later.”
“Thank you. But I was told this is the Archives, yet I see no books.”
The attendant explained in response to my question.
“The true Archives lie beyond that door. If you insert the token you received into the slot, the door will open.”
“A token?”
“The token the Palace Master gave you serves as the key.”
“I see. But why did you only guide me this far?”
“I am not permitted to enter that Archives.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“You were not aware? This Archives houses the highest-grade collection, accessible only to the Palace Master’s blood relatives and those of great importance. The fact that you have been granted entry as an outsider is extraordinary in itself.”
“I see.”
So the Palace Master truly trusted me to this extent.
This was somewhat burdensome.
“When it is time for your meal, I will ring the bell cord. When you hear the chime, you may come out to eat.”
“Very well.”
I approached the Archives door and inserted the token the Chuk Yong Palace Master had given me into the slot before it.
Click.
The door swung open with the sound of the lock disengaging.
“Ah….”
I could not help but gasp at the sight that greeted me within.
The elegantly appointed shelves were filled to the brim with bamboo slips and scrolls.
Yet I had no time to stand in awe.
I began my swift search for records concerning the Doyeon Gate.

* * *

At that moment.
Palace Master Maeng Jin of Chuk Yong Palace was listening to a report.
“The Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace has entered the Archives.”
“I see.”
“But may I ask why you allowed the Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace inside?”
“I owe him a personal debt.”
“Is that so?”
The External Chief Manager standing before him lowered his head. Since the Palace Master claimed to have a personal debt, there was no way to press the matter further.
Maeng Jin chuckled softly, recalling the audacious figure of Eun Seo-ho.
‘That rascal is a Young Palace Master! I’m envious of Myeong Hyun’s fortune.’
He spoke to the External Chief Manager.
“But tell me, is that all you have to report?”
“…!”
At that question, External Chief Manager Hae Dal-man flinched. Then, lowering his head before him, he spoke.
“I have heard of the rudeness my son displayed toward Small Guild Master Eun Seo-ho. I apologize.”
“An apology is not what I seek.”
He shook his head and sighed.
“Sigh… I too have failed in raising my son properly.”
The External Chief Manager asked carefully.
“What troubles you, my lord?”
“The future of the Main Palace.”
“Pardon?”
“I am concerned about the future of the Main Palace. There is something I wish to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“In your assessment, do you believe the Young Palace Master possesses sufficient qualities to become a Palace Master?”
“…!”
“Speak without reservation.”
At that question, the External Chief Manager stiffened.
He had never expected the Palace Master to ask him something so direct.
He wondered if this was a test, and his mind became tangled with various thoughts.
Noticing his expression, Palace Master Maeng Jin continued.
“This is neither a test nor a whim, nor is it meant to torment you. I hope you will speak from your heart.”
“….”
After a moment of thought, he sighed.
Then, prostrating himself before the Palace Master, he spoke.
“I shall offer my answer to your inquiry, my lord.”
“I am listening.”
“The Young Palace Master possesses an obsession with certain matters that is far too intense. While such obsession, as a leader, can certainly achieve any goal, if it becomes excessive, those who follow will grow weary.”
“True.”
“The Young Palace Master is hasty and lacks prudence. A Palace Master position is better filled by one who is weak in martial prowess but prudent, rather than one who is strong but reckless.”
“I share that sentiment.”
“Moreover, the Young Palace Master’s heart is narrow. Even if something weighs upon your mind, you should be capable of concealing it for the greater good. But if that proves impossible, it will become a grave liability in the future.”
“…I see.”
“Please forgive my presumption in speaking of the Young Palace Master’s shortcomings.”
“No.”
Palace Master Maeng Jin shook his head.
“Did I not ask you to speak? And thanks to your words, my resolve has crystallized.”
He then summoned the Warrior waiting outside.
“Bring the Young Palace Master here at once.”
“Yes, sir.”
A moment later.
Young Palace Master Maeng Hyun entered the office.
“You called for me, Father?”
Maeng Jin regarded his son quietly.
“Hyun.”
“Yes, Father.”
“How is your body? Are you recovering?”
“I… yes.”
Though he answered thus, his expression betrayed everything—that he was far from well.
In truth, Maeng Hyun’s entire body throbbed with such agony that he felt he might perish from it.
He remembered being struck by Eun Seo-ho the night before, but everything after that was a complete blank.
When he awoke, the pain radiating through his body nearly drew a scream from him, and he realized then that he had been defeated.
Yet he still refused to accept his loss.
‘This is all because I fell from that ladder the night before! If my body had been intact, I would have——’
As he inwardly grumbled and cursed Eun Seo-ho, words struck him like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
“You need not attend the conference tomorrow.”
“Pardon? What do you mean, Father?”
“From this moment forward, you are no longer the Young Palace Master of the Main Palace.”
“…What?”

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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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