The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 571
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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 571
Chapter 571. A Grand Opportunity (6)
Cheong Jin Master made the first move.
Whoosh!
He lunged forward like an arrow, his blade slashing through the air.
A sword aura resembling crimson plum blossoms enveloped Myeong-jong Warrior.
Plum Blossom Style.
The sword aura flowing from Myeong-jong Warrior’s blade formed a barrier.
Was it a Plum Blossom Wall?
The plum-colored sword barrier perfectly blocked Cheong Jin Master’s assault, and his eyes wavered.
“Just because I descended from Huashan Mountain doesn’t mean I’ve remained at my former level. So don’t probe—unleash your greatest attack!”
At Myeong-jong Warrior’s words, Cheong Jin Master furrowed his brow and shouted.
“Still acting so arrogant!”
He continued his assault, but each strike was repelled by Myeong-jong Warrior’s blade.
The collision of plum blossom against plum blossom was a sight to behold.
Beyond its brilliance lay a subtle profundity that made one understand why the swordsmanship of Huashan Mountain could never be underestimated.
To be captivated by that splendor was to invite death.
This was why practitioners of the Huashan Sect devoted themselves to spiritual cultivation—to prevent their own swordsmanship from ensnaring them.
But from what I could see, Cheong Jin Master’s spiritual discipline was lacking.
Clang!
Clang-clang!
With each collision of blades, the victor began to reveal itself.
And finally.
Crash!
Cheong Jin Master’s sword flew from his grasp, and Myeong-jong Warrior’s blade pressed against his throat.
“Yield. You are defeated.”
“I haven’t lost yet!”
With those words, Cheong Jin Master rolled away and swept his leg at Myeong-jong Warrior’s feet.
Thud!
But Myeong-jong Warrior didn’t fall. He planted his palms on the ground and executed a perfect somersault to regain his balance.
Then he drove his fist toward Cheong Jin Master.
Boom!
The punch struck Cheong Jin Master’s abdomen with tremendous force.
Thump.
He collapsed to the ground, coughing violently.
“Cough! Cough!”
Cheong Jin Master’s complete defeat.
“Damn! Damn! Argh! Damn it all!”
He could not believe his own defeat.
The other Huashan Sect disciples watching the match felt the same way.
“This is absurd! There’s no way you could defeat me so easily! What kind of sorcery did you use?”
“Sorcery? If you have eyes, you would have seen it. From beginning to end, it was Huashan’s sword technique and martial arts.”
Myeong-jong Warrior’s voice was filled with pride in Huashan’s martial techniques.
“What decided our victory and defeat was your arrogance.”
Myeong-jong Warrior sheathed his sword.
Whoosh.
“In truth, I too was arrogant once. I admit that I played the part of being aloof all by myself, as you say. But I am not that person anymore.”
According to Palgap, Myeong-jong Warrior did not neglect his training even during rest periods.
Of course, the same was true for all my Guard Warriors.
But among them, Myeong-jong Warrior and Chang-un Warrior showed the steepest improvement in skill.
When they first became my Guard Warriors, they were first-rate martial artists, but now my Master said that with the right opportunity, they could reach their peak.
“While their diligent training is certainly a reason, I believe the greatest factor is you, Small Guild Master.”
“What? I haven’t done anything.”
“How can you say that? Don’t you travel all across the entire Empire with your Guard Warriors?”
….
“What matters is experience. The more one sees, hears, and experiences, the broader one’s perspective becomes, and only with a broad perspective can one’s thoughts grow deep and expansive. Those with narrow vision can never achieve broad or deep thinking.”
Now that I think about it, I’ve traveled to all sorts of places.
I’ve even been to the Northern Sea Ice Palace and Yeolhwa Palace in the Borderlands.
All these diverse experiences have broadened the horizons of my Guard Warriors.
Of course, the same applies to me.
Traveling across the entire Empire was exhausting, but thinking of it this way, I feel rather proud.
As I pondered this, Myeong-jong Warrior continued speaking.
“Looking at you now, you’re nothing but a frog in a well. Are you frustrated about losing to me? Then leave Huashan and venture into Kangho.”
“You bastard! Just because you left Huashan, you want to drag me out of it too?”
“If that’s what you think, then your capacity ends there. Besides, even if you venture into Kangho and return as you say, you’re still a Huashan disciple—what’s the problem?”
“….”
“Even though I showed you exactly how I became stronger, if you can’t execute it, you’ll never surpass me in your lifetime. Are you perhaps afraid to step outside Huashan?”
Myeong-jong Warrior chuckled softly.
“Now I see—the only rival I ever acknowledged was a coward! A coward who hides within Huashan walls out of fear of the world, reciting sword techniques.”
Wow, Myeong-jong Warrior could provoke like that too!
“I am no coward!”
“Then prove it with your actions! If you remain locked away in Huashan after hearing such words from me, then you truly are beyond salvation—a coward through and through.”
Myeong-jong Warrior hardened his expression and asked.
“You hate me, don’t you?”
“That’s an obvious question.”
“Why?”
“…I disliked you from the very beginning.”
“Then you dislike Huashan too?”
“What nonsense are you spouting!”
Cheong Jin Master flared up.
“Huashan is my spirit and my foundation! How dare you ask if a Huashan sword master dislikes Huashan! How far will you insult me?”
“I see. That’s a relief.”
“….”
In that moment, as he stood dazed, Myeong-jong Warrior whispered softly to him.
The others couldn’t hear it, but I could.
“Then grow stronger quickly. Protect Huashan. Since I can no longer protect it, you must protect Huashan.”
Through my travels across the entire Empire alongside me, he came to understand it as well.
How complex and perilous the Murim had become.
And that one day, even Huashan Mountain could face danger.
That’s why he left those words behind now.
I began to grasp the true meaning of this martial contest.
It was to entrust Huashan Mountain to his rival—someone he despised, yet acknowledged as a worthy opponent.
Seeing him offer such counsel to his rival for Huashan’s sake, I thought him truly magnanimous.
Myeong-jong Warrior turned his body and approached me, cupping his fist in salute.
“Thank you for permitting the martial contest. I have brought victory as you commanded.”
“Well done. Shall we go finish your meal?”
“Pardon?”
“You left without completing your meal, did you not? That won’t do. Regular meals are part of training as well, are they not?”
“Understood.”
I led him to the inn while glancing back at Cheong Jin Master behind us.
He remained seated on the ground, his expression vacant as he stared into empty space.
Was he coming to some realization? Or was Myeong-jong Warrior’s counsel simply unexpected?
I would learn the answer later.
.
.
.
Dawn broke.
Since we had to depart for Luoyang early this morning, we moved with purpose.
When I came down to the first floor of the inn for breakfast, a familiar Taoist master stood waiting.
Moo Hyun Master.
“I greet you, Small Guild Master. I am Moo Hyun, a disciple of Huashan Sect.”
“Good morning. It seems Myeong-jong Warrior is upstairs—shall I call him?”
“No, that is not necessary.”
Moo Hyun Master shook his head and spoke.
“I have come to see you, Small Guild Master.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
He cupped his fist and bowed his head to me.
“Thank you for helping my old friend. I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life.”
He continued.
“In truth, I should have offered my gratitude sooner, but I am late. Please forgive me.”
“Think nothing of it.”
“Had my old friend suffered such circumstances back then, given his nature, he would surely have been consumed by guilt and taken his own life.”
“….”
He sees clearly.
In my previous life, Myeong-jong Warrior truly did take his own life.
“But thanks to you, Small Guild Master, that fool’s mistake didn’t become a catastrophe. I’m truly grateful.”
“It was merely a whim on my part. So please, don’t feel obligated.”
“That doesn’t erase the reason for my gratitude. I hope you’ll continue to look after my Old Friend.”
With that, he bowed respectfully to me and left the inn.
I smiled softly as I watched his departing figure.
Thinking how fortunate Myeong-jong Warrior was to have such a good Old Friend.
After breakfast, we prepared for departure.
Jin-ho approached me after speaking with Ki Pyo-du.
“What did you two talk about?”
“Oh, just thanking me.”
“So you’re feeling proud?”
“If doing a good deed doesn’t make you feel proud, aren’t you a lost cause?”
“Well, that’s true enough.”
Just then, I heard women’s voices.
“Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster!”
“Eun Seo-ho Great Swordmaster!”
Turning at the sound of my name, I saw Young Women leaning out from the inn’s windows, calling to me.
“Thank you for helping us!”
Among them were the Young Women that Jin-ho and I had escorted.
When I waved lightly, they shrieked with delight.
“Kyaaaah!”
“He waved at us!”
“Oh my! He’s so handsome.”
At their words, Palgap beside me grabbed my shoulder and quickly pushed me away.
“Let’s go at once, Young Master. Your face is far too marketable to be seen like this.”
At this, the Young Women’s voices rang out again.
“Aww, I wanted to see more.”
“Ugly people, get lost! Can’t we even enjoy a feast for the eyes?”
At their criticism, I sighed.
It bothered me that Palgap was being insulted.
“I’m sorry for being handsome.”
“Hah! No worries, Young Master! This level of mockery is merely a tickle to me.”
“Really?”
“I’ve lived in this filthy world where only the handsome are remembered. Would I be wounded by something like this?”
There’s a sharp edge to his words, isn’t there?
Just then, one of the Young Women spoke.
“But who is that person who looks like a dumpling that fell from the sky?”
“Ack!”
Palgap….
I comforted Palgap, whose heart bore fresh wounds, urging him to mount his horse first before climbing onto my own.
The best course of action now was to leave this place swiftly.
“Elder Brother! Let’s go.”
“Very well.”
Jin-ho, who had been watching from the side, let out a soft chuckle and signaled us forward, and so we set our course toward Luoyang.
Along the way, my eyes met those of Myeong-jong Warrior.
He bowed his head once more and spoke.
“I am grateful for last night, my lord.”
“Think nothing of it. I am not so heartless a person as all that.”
At my words, he smiled.
“Yes, I know.”
His expression seemed somehow lighter, unburdened.
As though he had cast off some weight that pressed upon his heart.
“Dumplings falling from the sky… dumplings… such delicious dumplings…”
Palgap remained lost in his reverie.
“Will he be alright? It seems Palgap has suffered quite a shock.”
At Seo-woo Warrior’s words, I shook my head.
“He’ll be fine. Palgap is not so fragile as that.”
“That is true.”
“Still, I cannot fathom why Palgap is so obsessed with his appearance. From what I can see, he looks perfectly fine.”
“Have you never considered it might be because of you, my lord?”
“Me?”
“…Well, never mind if you do not understand.”
.
.
.
We traveled swiftly and soon reached the West Gate of Luoyang.
Sigh—I had hoped to rest comfortably during the early stages of the Martial Arts Grand Conference, but what misfortune has befallen us.
Though it was good that I could save those in peril.
“Ah! Ha! Seo-ho! Do you feel it? This scent! This temperature!”
“Hm? What are you talking about?”
“The aroma and heat of martial artists’ qi clashing against one another!”
“I cannot sense it myself.”
“Tch! How dull you are.”
Truly, that is Jin-ho for you—his eyes already gleaming as he surveyed our surroundings.
A born martial artist, through and through.
To me, the martial artists moving about are merely customers of the Eun Hae Trading Company.
Sigh, I suppose I am destined to be a merchant.
Soon we arrived at the Yeon Pung Inn.
“Welcome.”
Seo Hyang greeted us in front of the inn.
She had known I was coming.
“Yes. Has anything notable occurred in the meantime?”
“Nothing remarkable, save that business has been flourishing.”
“That is fortunate. And Father and Mother?”
“They are inside.”
We entered, and hearing our arrival, Father and Mother descended the stone stairs to greet us.
“Welcome home!”
“You must be weary from your travels.”
Jin-ho stepped forward first to offer his respects.
“I deeply regret the unexpected circumstances that have caused you both such concern. Please forgive me.”
“Think nothing of it. You merely did what was necessary. Could you have simply turned away from such a situation?”
“Indeed, I could not.”
Behind him, Go Il-pyeong let out a hearty laugh.
“Haha, thanks to our Second Guild Master here, I now have tales to boast of to my old friends.”
“Hahaha.”
“Now then, go upstairs and refresh yourselves. There are many people I wish to introduce you to.”
“Understood.”
As Jin-ho headed toward the guest room, Father spoke to me.
“You have endured much hardship.”
“It was nothing. I am simply grateful the matter resolved without greater consequence.”
“It pleases me to see you maintain such a positive outlook.”
I also headed to the guest room, washed up, and came back out.
I’d been away for several days, so I needed to make up for lost time quickly.
“Gwak Vice-Manager.”
“Yes.”
“You must have worked hard while I was away.”
“Not at all. I already knew about it, so I wasn’t caught off guard.”
As expected, she knew.
“I only learned of it after the Small Guild Master departed, so I couldn’t inform you in advance.”
“I see.”
Seo Hyang’s task was to monitor sales figures and inventory levels for each product category.
“Since we’re still in the early stages, tea varieties have been selling quite well.”
“Is that so.”
I listened to her explanation as we made our way to the Eun Hae Trading Company Temporary Shop.
Ah, I hadn’t mentioned it to Jin-ho yet.
That our Eun Hae Trading Company has two temporary shops this time.
Well, there’ll be a chance to tell him later.
Next to the temporary shop I selected using the authority granted to me by the Murim Alliance Leader, there was a spacious open ground.
Wandering performance troupes would often set up there, showcasing quite fascinating spectacles.
“It looks like they’re performing tricks today.”
They were demonstrating various feats with fire.
Wow, that’s impressive.
Of course, to a master of pyrotechnics, it might seem laughable.
Yet even for those skilled in handling fire, creating such thrilling tension that captivates the audience isn’t easy to pull off.
That was when it happened.
“Young Master, look over there.”
I looked where Palgap was pointing, and the moment I saw the man and woman watching the performance, I was left speechless.
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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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