The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 554

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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 554

Chapter 554. The Test (2)

I couldn’t help but tense at Palgap’s words.
“What? The Murim Alliance?”
“Yes, sir. They’re waiting in the Guest Reception Room right now.”
I made my way toward the Guest Reception Room, struggling to calm my mind.
The person I was about to meet was Hyung-su, who had annihilated the Seolpung Palace.
Moreover, given how meticulously the Murim Alliance moved, they wouldn’t have sent someone to me without good reason.
What could they possibly want?
Ah, but there are people I need to be careful about.
I sent a telepathic message to Myeong-jong Warrior.
– Tell Jin Yu Warrior and Seo Hyang to stay in their rooms.
Myeong-jong Warrior nodded quietly and moved to comply.
Watching him go, I sent a telepathic question to Palgap.
– Did anyone from the Murim Alliance see Jin Yu Warrior or Seo Hyang?
“No, sir. I brought them directly to the Guest Reception Room.”
That was fortunate, at least.
Suddenly, I recalled the transformation technique my Master had mentioned before.
With the Martial Arts Grand Conference coming this autumn, it seemed I would need that skill.
I would have to request it from my Master.
Soon I arrived at the Guest Reception Room.
Waiting for me was a young man I had never seen before.
A sword hung at his waist, but something felt off about it.
Ah, that’s a smoke blade.
His true weapon was a smoke sword hidden within his belt.
Besides my mother’s family, the Yeong Seon Min Family of Gansu Province, what other family was renowned for smoke swords?
“So-sang Eun Seo-ho greets the Great Hero of the Murim Alliance.”
“Haha, isn’t Seonhyeop Mirang also called a Great Hero? There’s no need for such excessive courtesy.”
His words were smooth, but his manner was already disrespectful.
We couldn’t be that far apart in age, yet he spoke to me casually from our first meeting.
In name he called me Great Hero, but in truth he already saw me as beneath him.
“If I may ask, what is the Great Hero’s name?”
“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Won Eop. Do you know of Huangshan?”
“Would there be anyone in the Empire who doesn’t know of Huangshan?”
“That very Huangshan is the courtyard of our family, the Hwangsan Wonmun.”
“I see.”
He seemed to take considerable pride in his family. The way he launched into an elaborate explanation without my even asking which family he belonged to made that abundantly clear.
Or perhaps it was simply a desire to elevate his family’s standing.
“I came here because the League Master commanded me to deliver a letter to you.”
He then produced a letter and extended it toward me.
“Take it.”
I accepted the letter respectfully.
“May I read it?”
“Of course.”
That said, this bastard hasn’t even offered me a seat. Normally, by this point, he would have invited me to sit.
I unfolded the letter and began to read.

[To Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster, hero of the Murim and champion of the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament—]

The opening flattery felt oddly unsettling.

[I have an urgent matter to entrust to you, which is why I send this letter. There is an item I have left in Shandong Province. Bring that item to me. You need only move in conjunction with Won Chief.]

An item the League Master left in Shandong Province?
And he wants me to bring it to him? What scheme is this?
If he could ask anyone else to do this, the fact that he’s specifically asking me suggests there’s a hidden reason.

[I know you are occupied with much, but this matter is necessary for the peace of the Murim, and it is an opportunity to elevate your name further. I trust you will not refuse.]

In other words, I was refusing.
I was swamped with work—this was the last thing I needed.
With a sigh, I folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope.
I could guess the reason behind this summons.
It was likely because I had rescued those imprisoned in the Black Cat Sect Prison.
What they needed to confirm was whether I had acted knowing the Murim Alliance’s secrets, or if it had merely been coincidence.
Come to think of it, I had interfered with the Murim Alliance’s operations quite substantially.
It was only natural that my existence had begun to grate on them.
Yet I could not simply stand aside and watch the Murim Alliance’s machinations unfold, for my purpose in this life was crystal clear.
Vengeance against the Baekcheon Trading Company and the Murim Alliance.
I had moved as discreetly as possible, but ultimately, friction was inevitable.
That was why the League Master felt compelled to make a definitive judgment about me.
Whether I was deliberately obstructing them with knowledge of their secrets, or acting in ignorance.
I could not refuse this proposal.
To do so would invite retaliation against both myself and the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Vengeance was important, but before that, ensuring my family and I lived long, healthy, and happy lives was also a goal of mine in this lifetime.
Damn it.
There was no way around going to Shandong.
I spoke to Won Eop.
“The League Master wishes for me to move together with you, Chief Won.”
“I wondered why he told me to go see you—so that was the reason.”
“It would seem so. If I may ask, what orders did the League Master give you, Chief Won?”
“Ah, it’s about retrieving a golden Buddha statue being kept by a sect on Mount Tai.”
“A golden Buddha statue?”
“As you know, the Martial Arts Grand Conference is being held this autumn, yes?”
“Yes, I am aware.”
“To prevent anything like what happened at the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament from occurring again, we need to strengthen the protective formation around the martial arena. That golden Buddha statue is necessary because it has the function of amplifying and reinforcing formation effects.”
“Then there must be quite a few who would covet that statue.”
“Indeed. That’s why the League Master is sending me, one of the Murim Alliance’s finest talents. Hahahaha.”
….
I was left speechless by his audacity, but he continued without concern.
“The League Master is strange—it’s a task he could entrust to me alone, yet he worries so much that he’s asking for your assistance.”
I forced a smile and replied.
“Perhaps he is simply being thorough.”
“That must be it. We’re scheduled to depart for Shandong Province tomorrow morning.”
“I shall prepare accordingly.”
Still, this bastard hasn’t even offered me a seat.
Well, it doesn’t matter.
There will be plenty of opportunities to teach him about our respective positions.
“Then show me to the guest quarters.”
I was momentarily taken aback by his attitude, as though it were only natural that I prepare accommodations for them.
“Are you planning to stay at our Beijing Branch?”
“Of course! Aren’t you one of the wealthiest men in Beijing? Haha. Surely you don’t intend to make us sleep on the streets?”
Sigh, the audacity.
If I had my way, I would do exactly that.
Truthfully, I was displeased that someone from the Murim Alliance had even entered this Beijing Branch.
Since this is the Guest Reception Room, I’m tolerating it for now, but if he’d ventured further inside without my permission…
Sigh.
In any case, I had no intention of letting him stay at this Beijing Branch.
Not only Won Chief, but the others who came with him could spy on the Beijing Branch.
Moreover, they could lay hands on the branch’s personnel.
That I cannot abide.
“There is a respectable inn nearby. I shall arrange for you to stay there.”
“Hmm? Not here?”
Get what you deserve, you bastard.
I swallowed those words and answered with a smile.
“The Eunhae Merchant Guild Beijing Branch is insufficient for hosting a guest of the Murim Alliance’s caliber like Won Chief. And I’ve heard that someone of such formidable martial prowess as yourself possesses keen sensibilities.”
“Hmm, that is true.”
“With merchant carriages coming and going all day, how could you possibly get proper rest?”
“Ah! You make a fair point.”
“Rest assured. As one of the wealthiest men in Beijing, would I have you lodge in some shabby inn?”
“Quite right. Haha!”
I intended to have him stay at the Yulryeon Inn.
On the surface, one wouldn’t know it, but in reality, it was an inn where the Geumui Guard gathered intelligence.
All the shop attendants there were affiliated with the Geumui Guard.
Having walked into the tiger’s den of his own accord, I couldn’t simply let him leave unscathed.
I had to extract everything I could, didn’t I?
Every last piece of information he possessed.
Of course, this wasn’t revenge for making me sit until the end, nor was it retaliation for his rudeness from our first meeting.
I’m not such a petty person.
.
.
.
After ordering Won Chief’s party to be guided to the Yulryeon Inn, I returned to my office.
There, I retrieved the letter the League Master had sent and read it again.
“Sigh…”
I exhaled deeply.
This was undoubtedly a test from the League Master. And this test would determine everything that followed.
I had to demonstrate to the League Master that I was not a dangerous person.
Truthfully, I wanted to draw my blade against him outright, but for now, I was like tofu striking a stone.
I dislike this situation, but to achieve vengeance, I must possess the ruthlessness to lick a bear’s gallbladder.
I let out a cold laugh.
The League Master should not have tested me.
Through this test, I will make him believe I am merely tofu. But in truth, hidden within that tofu lies a short blade forged from eternal cold steel capable of splitting stone.
And I must sharpen that blade relentlessly.
The door opened and Palgap entered.
“Young Master, I have escorted them to the Yulryeon Inn.”
“Well done. You did not forget to secretly deliver the letter to the Inn Owner, did you?”
“Of course, sir.”
The Inn Owner would be delighted at the prospect of improving his record.
And separately, I had sent a letter through Lee Pil Warrior to the Jingyeong Alliance as well.
A letter detailing the current situation, meant for reporting to the Emperor.
“Pack our belongings.”
“Understood, sir.”
“And summon all the Guard Warriors to gather.”

Shortly after.
All the Guard Warriors assembled in my chamber.
“You called for us?”
At Seo-woo Warrior’s words, I nodded and spoke.
“We depart for Mount Tai tomorrow. And this time, only Seo-woo Warrior, Yeo Eung-am Warrior, and Lee Pil Warrior will accompany me.”
The Guard Warriors nodded at my words.
They understood as well.
Why I was leaving the other three behind.
First, Jin Yu Warrior’s identity must not be revealed.
Myeong-jong Warrior and Chang-un Warrior bear the status of criminals guilty before the Murim due to the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament incident.
Enduring the sneers and mockery of the Murim Alliance Warriors would be unbearable.
“Master.”
Myeong-jong Warrior spoke carefully.
“I understand you are considering us, but we are fine.”
“That is right. We can endure any insult for the sake of protecting you.”
At this, I shook my head.
“No. You cannot.”
“Truly, we are….”
“I cannot endure it.”
“Sir?”
“You two are my Guard Warriors. Before that, you are precious to me. I cannot tolerate anyone insulting you.”
“Master….”
“Sniff!”
The two warriors trembled with emotion, their eyes glistening with tears.
Is that really something to be moved by? It’s just natural, isn’t it?
“In any case, the three of you should think of this time as a vacation.”
“We obey your command.”
It was then that Palgap asked.
“But won’t there be questions about taking only three Guard Warriors with you?”
“A good point.”
I spoke to the three Warriors.
“So I’ve prepared an appropriate excuse. I plan to say that the three of you made a mistake and are being punished for it.”
“Understood.”
It was then that Jin Yu Warrior spoke.
“I know it’s presumptuous to ask at a time like this, but there is something I wish to seek your counsel on.”
“What is it?”
“What do you think is the most necessary training for us right now?”
“Pardon?”
“I know this is an abrupt question, but….”
I looked at Jin Yu Warrior. His eyes appeared desperately earnest.
Then I too should answer with sincerity.
“My Master once told me that the elevation of a warrior’s realm is a process of achieving balance between mind and body.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“To be honest, while supporting me all this time, I’ve traveled far and wide and my body has moved sufficiently, but I’ve lacked the time to organize and consolidate these experiences.”
“Are you speaking of meditation and such?”
“Exactly. Time spent in self-reflection and introspection.”
“I’ve made time for such things whenever I could.”
“But have you ever devoted sufficient time to delve deeply into it?”
“….”
“Use this opportunity to spend adequate time in deep introspection. The same applies to the two other Warriors. If you do so, this vacation will be of great benefit to all three of you.”
.
.
.
That night.
I walked through the back garden to organize my thoughts.
“Hmm?”
It was then that I encountered a woman in the back garden.
It was Seo Hyang.
“You’ve come.”
The way she smiled faintly told me she had known I would come here tonight.
“It’s a beautiful night.”
“But the moon hasn’t risen.”
“Ahem, I simply meant it that way.”
I smiled back at her smile.
“It seems you’ve come out here because you have something to tell me.”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“In truth, I’ve been seeing visions of the future related to the Murim Alliance for a very long time. Perhaps the threat against me exists precisely because I’ve foreseen the Murim Alliance’s future.”
She was remarkably perceptive.
With just a few clues, anyone could deduce as much.
“I’m curious as well. What exactly have you foreseen that makes you fear the Murim Alliance so greatly?”
“It’s not fear.”
She continued.
“I’m angry. The Murim Alliance is sowing seeds of discord throughout the martial world. Even if we could unite the entire Murim, I cannot fathom what purpose they serve in doing this.”
“I see. That is indeed strange.”
“So please, be careful. And….”
She drew closer to me and whispered in my ear.
My face grew warm, surely because she stood so near.
Yet I could only blink in the next moment.
I was taken aback by what Seo Hyang had said.
But I quickly composed myself and smiled, cupping my fist in gratitude.
Her counsel was far too valuable to dismiss lightly.
“Thank you, Gwak Vice-Manager.”
Without her advice, I would have stumbled into disaster.

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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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