The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 526
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
The Youngest Son of the Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 526
Chapter 526. The Second Departure (1)
I smiled at the sight of the building ahead.
The Eun Hae Trading Company Hubei Province Headquarters.
Had it really been nearly half a year?
After rescuing Eun Jung-ho in late autumn last year, I had immediately set out for Beijing.
Well, I certainly have been living a busy life.
I parted ways with Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, and her entourage at the ferry terminal.
Our group needed to travel east by boat along the Yangtze River, while the Northern Sea Ice Palace needed to head north.
After parting with them, I asked Seo Hyang.
“We could pass through Guizhou Province. Would you like to stop by your home?”
I was asking if she would like to briefly visit the Provincial Inspector’s residence.
But she declined my offer.
“It’s fine. The time isn’t right yet. And even if we’re heading that way, we would have to take a detour, so it wouldn’t be proper for me to cost you time. I’ll ask you another time.”
“But….”
“I’m truly fine. Besides, if my older brothers were there, it could be dangerous. I’ll ask you later.”
“Understood.”
So instead of stopping by the Provincial Inspector’s residence, I returned directly to the Eun Hae Trading Company Headquarters.
“It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen the Main Headquarters. How wonderful to be back.”
I nodded at Palgap’s words.
“I feel the same way.”
Then I turned my head to look at Seo-woo Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
“I’ll grant you both about four days of leave. Spend that time with your families.”
“That’s not necessary. I should remain at your side, my lord.”
Seo-woo Warrior shook his head at Yeo Eung-am Warrior’s words.
“Yeo Eung-am Warrior, do you truly believe you’ll have many opportunities to spend time with your family?”
“My lord?”
“When our lord grants you respite, spend it with your loved ones. If you miss this chance, who knows when you’ll have another? As you well know, for those of us who live by the blade, tomorrow is never certain.”
Seo-woo Warrior—who once served as Pyo Du of the Pyoguk and spent years bedridden.
Having endured such hardship, he understood better than anyone how precious ordinary moments with family truly are.
“Seo-woo Warrior speaks the truth.”
I knew this all too well myself.
“So take these four days to rest well. The other warriors will cover for your absence. Besides, I’ll be staying within the Trading Company, so I won’t need extensive protection anyway.”
“Understood.”
“We gratefully accept your command.”
Soon we arrived at the Eun Hae Trading Company Hubei Headquarters.
“What? The Third Sub-unit Leader?”
“Isn’t that the Third Sub-unit Leader?”
Everyone was startled by my arrival. And rightfully so—I had come without any prior notice.
“I happened to find myself passing through and decided to stop by.”
I dismounted and entrusted my horse to the servants before asking.
“How are things at the Trading Company?”
“All is well, sir. Quite well indeed.”
“That’s a relief.”
I immediately made my way to my quarters, washed, changed into fresh clothes, and sought out my family.
They were all surprised yet delighted to see me.
Since Father was away on business, I had to defer paying my respects to him for later.
After greeting everyone, I returned to my quarters and asked Palgap a question.
“Is Manjung the Great Swordmaster at the guest quarters right now?”
“No, sir. He’s currently at the Water Training Ground, I’m told.”
“The Water Training Ground?”
Ah, that must be the place Go Il-pyeong advocated for and had constructed.
He insisted that real combat experience was paramount and said he would prepare a facility where one could practice as though in actual battle. I’m curious to see what it’s like.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Water Training Ground was situated some distance from the Eunhae Trading Company.
More precisely, it was near the river where boats were moored.
About an hour’s journey from the main headquarters.
There stood tall bamboo palisades erected at that location.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Whoosh!
As I drew closer, I heard the sound of arrows being released.
“Ahhh!”
Splash!
Screams mixed with the sound of water—quite the combination.
It appeared they were conducting training that closely resembled actual combat.
As I approached the palisade, the gate keepers stopped me.
“Please state your identity and purpose.”
While one might find it bothersome, I was actually satisfied.
It meant discipline was well-maintained and procedures were being followed properly.
And such procedures, though tedious, only remain meaningful when those in authority uphold them faithfully.
If superiors ignore protocol, how can any subordinate be expected to observe it?
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Third Sub-unit Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
I presented my credential tablet.
Upon seeing it, they stepped back and spoke with deference.
“Forgive us. You have the authority to enter.”
“What are the criteria for entry to this place?”
“That would be….”
He produced a wooden tablet and offered it to me.
“Please refer to this.”
The tablet bore only the names of Father, my elder brothers, the two Chief Managers, and the various sub-leaders.
“That was helpful. Thank you.”
I returned the tablet and stepped through the open gate.
“Wow….”
My jaw dropped without my realizing it.
It was a section of the river where the water course had been artificially diverted, and a single boat capable of carrying roughly a hundred people floated upon it.
Dozens of people aboard that vessel were firing arrows at targets positioned on another boat.
“Aim!”
Click!
“Fire!”
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk!
Those arrows flew far greater distances than ordinary arrows, embedding themselves in the targets.
“Wow! That’s impressive!”
“Truly remarkable, sir. All those arrows struck the targets. Ah, but one shot unfortunately missed by a hair.”
Hmm?
At Palgap’s words, I pointed toward the targets and asked.
“Can you see those targets from here?”
“Yes, sir. I can see them clearly.”
That was far beyond the distance an ordinary person could perceive.
No matter how much talent from Sal Wang’s legacy he possessed or how diligently he trained, his inner strength shouldn’t have reached that level.
At that moment, Jin Yu Warrior behind me spoke.
“Palgap’s eyesight was already quite exceptional before he began his training. It seems to have improved even further through his cultivation.”
Palgap said.
“According to the texts you provided, sir, keen eyesight allows one to observe and respond to your condition from great distances. Therefore, there are training methods to enhance visual acuity.”
“I see.”
I chuckled softly.
Palgap remained as devoted to his duties as ever.
Just then, noticing my arrival from afar, Manjung the Great Swordmaster came running over.
“Small Guild Master!”
“It’s been a while. Your training standards are truly remarkable.”
“Of course. To repay the kindness you’ve shown our family, I cannot afford to neglect my duties.”
“I’m grateful you see it that way.”
I continued.
“The range and power of your arrows are certainly formidable.”
He shook his head at my words.
“In my eyes, it still falls short.”
“One cannot be satisfied on the first attempt.”
“But with our departure drawing near, I still feel it’s insufficient.”
“Don’t be so anxious. We can compensate for shortcomings through tactics.”
I continued, recalling memories from my previous life.
“Divide the archers on the boat into three units. The first unit fires oil-soaked arrows, the second fires flaming arrows, and the third disrupts those attempting to extinguish the flames.”
“Oh! That’s an excellent approach!”
His eyes widened at my suggestion.
“I must implement this immediately!”
“By the way, this training ground is truly excellent.”
“Yes. The Merchant Guild Leader has provided full support for the Silver Wind Archery Unit.”
Ah, so the official name of this archery unit is the Silver Wind Archery Unit.
To outsiders, cultivating these warriors might seem like a wasteful expenditure, but it absolutely is not.
If we expand maritime trade through the seas, we will inevitably clash with pirates.
If we fail to devise methods to repel them, the trading company will suffer catastrophic losses.
Moreover, land combat and naval combat are fundamentally different.
By cultivating such a unit in advance, we can repel pirate raids.
Even accounting for all this, the level of support seems far more generous than I anticipated.
My Father….
He truly is backing me with genuine sincerity.
It was as though he were resolving a lingering regret—that he had not properly supported what he should have supported all this time.
I gently patted Geumryeong, who was wriggling her hindquarters inside my sleeve.
Seeing this creature’s reaction, it was clear that the Silver Wind Archery Unit would bring considerable benefit to the Eun Hae Trading Company.
That evening.
Father returned, and I went to meet him.
“It’s nothing strange for you to visit your own home without notice, but what brings you here? You must be quite busy with everything.”
At Father’s question, I let out a soft laugh.
“I wanted to see my family.”
At my answer, Father smiled.
“And I’ve just come from observing the Silver Wind Archery Unit’s training.”
“I see. You visited there. What are your impressions?”
“I was astounded. Their skill is remarkable, but their equipment and training methods were even more impressive. I never expected you would invest so much.”
At my response, Father nodded slowly.
“My will is part of it, but in truth, it is also the will of our ancestors.”
“Father?”
“Do you remember what I mentioned before—the records passed down to the Merchant Guild Leader?”
“I remember.”
“Those records state that when a trading company operates merchant vessels, it must always prepare methods to counter pirates.”
“I see.”
“So I resolved that when the time came, I would provide full support.”
“Then, Father—are you happy?”
At my question, Father grinned widely.
“Yes, I am happy.”
“You may support us further. I will simply earn more wealth.”
“Are you thinking of creating an invincible Silver Wind Archery Unit unmatched throughout the realm?”
“That would be splendid as well.”
At my answer, Father laughed heartily.
.
.
.
The next morning.
I rose and performed my morning cultivation exercises before stepping out into the courtyard.
“Good morning.”
“Master!”
I hurried toward my Master.
Yesterday, the moment I arrived at the Eun Hae Trading Company Headquarters, I had informed my Master through Geumryeong that I had returned to the main branch.
Looking at my Master’s face, it was clear he was intensely curious about what had transpired during my absence.
To others, his expression would appear impassive, but I could read him.
“Has all been well during my time away?”
“Yes. Everything has proceeded peacefully without incident.”
“I should first report on what transpired at Chuk Yong Palace.”
At my words, my Master raised a hand.
“Before that, let us conduct your training first.”
“I am not unaware of your concern for my growth, Master, but this time I believe the report should come first.”
My Master’s expression showed slight bewilderment, but he soon nodded in agreement.
“Then speak.”
“Yes.”
I recounted to my Master everything that had occurred at Chuk Yong Palace, step by step.
While I had conveyed the general outline through letters, it seemed prudent that he understand the full details of this matter.
How Maengxian Prince had irritated me from the beginning.
How I had used a sparring match with him as cover to examine the Palace Master’s records in the inner pavilion.
How I was discovered by the Palace Master, and through our conversation, I learned that Chuk Yong Palace was not responsible for the assassinations.
How I obtained permission to access the Archives and found additional materials regarding Doyeon Gate and Blood Heaven Gate.
How Maengxian Prince was deposed from his position as Lesser Palace Mistress and, together with Heuk Ryeon Bang, launched an assault on Chuk Yong Palace.
How Maengxian Prince became crippled due to the Extreme Martial Technique, and how Maengcheon Scholar, the Second Young Master, became the new Lesser Palace Mistress, among other developments.
However, I did not reveal the true identity of Maengcheon Scholar.
It would be improper to share a secret entrusted to me in confidence with another.
“I see.”
After hearing my entire account, my Master nodded slowly.
“That boy Hyung Jin has certainly endured much hardship.”
“Yes.”
And there was one final matter to present.
“Master, I believe you should keep this safe.”
“Ah, so this is that whetstone.”
In the letter I had previously sent through Geumryeong, I had mentioned this whetstone as well.
Thus, my Master recognized it immediately upon my presenting it.
“Indeed.”
“Understood. I shall keep this safe.”
Master carefully wrapped it again and tucked it into his robes.
“However, there is one thing that puzzles me. You said that Maengxian Prince, after consuming that Extreme Martial Pill, temporarily reached the level of Hwagyeong. Yet you, Small Guild Master, do not appear to have crossed the threshold of Hwagyeong yourself… How did you defeat him?”
Ah, Master truly is remarkable.
He grasped it immediately.
“In fact, that is precisely why I asked you to hear my account first, Master.”
I continued.
“Within that archive, I was able to encounter the Ancestor’s arrangement.”
Master’s eyebrows twitched.
“Is that truly the case?”
“Yes, it is. And this is why I ask—do you know of the Extreme Frost Blade?”
At my question, Master’s eyes widened.
“Did you just say… Extreme Frost Blade?”
“Yes.”
“That is… one of the lost techniques of Seolpung Palace….”
“Lost? You mean it has been… lost?”
Master nodded solemnly.
“That is why Father lamented so deeply. Had the Extreme Frost Blade not been lost, he would have beaten sense into the Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace himself.”
Ah….
Now I recalled—the Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace had once told me that cold qi invaded his mind, causing him to lose his senses.
Later, as his cultivation advanced, such a state was overcome.
Only now did I begin to understand the meaning behind the Ancestor’s words.
What he meant when he spoke of Seolpung Palace’s importance.
Seolpung Palace served as the guardian of Northern Sea Ice Palace, yet stood as its equal—and that was precisely because of this role.
With this understanding, I continued.
“In any case, I was able to subdue Maengxian Prince using the Extreme Frost Blade. And I wish to teach you the Extreme Frost Blade as I have learned it. However….”
“What troubles you? Is there some difficulty?”
“Learning the Extreme Frost Blade is extremely demanding.”
Within the space arranged by the Ancestor, it took a full three years—a testament to how temperamental this sword technique truly was.
“It is the Extreme Frost Blade, after all. Such considerations are only natural. Fortunately, I have no engagements today.”
.
.
.
A short while later.
I watched Master wielding the Extreme Frost Blade and let out a wry smile.
Indeed, Hwagyeong is Hwagyeong.
Sigh—what was I even worried about?
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————