The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 590
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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 590
Chapter 590. Immortal Chivalry Beauty (4)
The next day arrived.
Today was the day of my second match in the main tournament.
What had become of the Cheongseong Sect’s Golden Phoenix?
Given the Sect Leader’s temperament, I doubted he would let the matter rest.
Just then, the door to my guest room opened and Palgap entered.
“Good morning to you, sir.”
“What’s this? Such a cheerful greeting?”
He seemed far more animated than usual today.
At my question, Palgap grinned and spoke.
“Hehe, I’ve uncovered some rather interesting information, sir.”
“Information?”
“About that arrogant wretch, sir.”
I immediately understood whom he meant.
“The Golden Phoenix Dojang?”
“Yes, that one, sir. I slipped over and gathered some news for you.”
I was curious anyway, so this worked out well.
“So, what happened?”
“He’s locked in the underground dungeon beneath the Cheongbyeok Inn, or so they say.”
Now that I thought about it, the Cheongbyeok Inn belonged to the Cheongseong Sect, and they had mentioned it had a dungeon underground.
“And the Sect Leader has ordered him to discover the source of the poison that addicted him, by any means necessary, while claiming he will have nothing to do with the matter himself.”
Wow!
The Sect Leader had truly hardened his resolve.
It was no easy thing to issue such a command regarding one’s own son.
Based on my memories of my previous life, the Golden Phoenix Warrior’s sweet days likely did not last long.
I recall the Sect Leader eventually changed after that.
Perhaps similar incidents had repeated themselves at that time?
Eventually, resistance within the Cheongseong Sect grew, and the Sect Leader eventually stepped down from his position.
The Cheongseong Sect could maintain its high reputation despite allowing marriage and admitting the children of disciples because of its strict discipline.
When matters involved only the Golden Phoenix Warrior, the Sect Leader lost his reason, so resistance was inevitable.
As such, the Golden Phoenix Warrior would endure quite painful and severe interrogation.
“Thank you for going out of your way to find out.”
“Who am I, sir? Am I not your one and only attendant?”
“That’s right.”
I nodded and let out a quiet laugh.
So now I should set aside the matter of the Cheongseong Sect for a moment and focus on the martial arts tournament ahead.
.
.
.
After breakfast, I prepared to head to the Martial Arts Arena.
That’s when I heard Jin-ho’s voice from outside.
“Seo-ho, may I come in?”
“Yeah, come in.”
The door opened and Jin-ho entered. As soon as he came in, he handed me a small pouch.
“Take this.”
“What is this?”
Tilting my head curiously, I untied the pouch, and inside was a small box.
When I carefully opened it, a refreshing fragrance wafted out.
“I went through great trouble to obtain it.”
At his words, my eyes widened involuntarily.
“This… could it be a Spirit Elixir?”
“Not a Spirit Elixir, but it’s of near-Spirit Elixir grade. It has the effect of aiding one’s inner energy circulation.”
Taking a vitality-enhancing elixir right before a martial arts tournament isn’t against the rules.
But no one takes an elixir that increases inner power.
If one took such an elixir and immediately competed, it would be a perfect recipe for becoming a cripple.
“Thank you.”
“And… do your absolute best today.”
“Of course I will…”
But Jin-ho cut off my words and spoke.
“Don’t deliberately lose for my sake.”
“…”
How did he know?
I was just deliberating whether to lose today.
Originally, I had planned to win one more time, but there were several things that troubled me.
First, the more I win consecutively, the higher the League Master’s prestige becomes.
Second, Jin-ho will become the commander of the Eunpung Corps, our Eun Hae Trading Company’s martial force division, and it wouldn’t be good for him to be evaluated as weaker than me.
“But Elder Brother, no matter how much I think about it, there’s no benefit to me advancing higher than you, is there?”
“I don’t mind.”
“What will others say?”
“Let them say whatever they want!”
“But Elder Brother…”
“Hmm…”
Jin-ho, who had been pondering for a moment, smiled as if he’d thought of something and spoke.
“Then what about this?”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the title, you see. Honestly, while I do need a reputation, the title ‘Immortal Chivalry Beauty’ feels a bit burdensome, doesn’t it?”
“…That’s true.”
Jin-ho was right.
A beautiful man who practices righteous chivalry!
With such a title, one can’t help but be cautious in their actions.
“But if you perform brilliantly in this tournament, wouldn’t you be able to earn a more impressive title instead of ‘Immortal Chivalry Beauty’?”
“A more impressive… title?”
“Yes. Something like ‘Silver Blade Beauty’ for wielding a silver sword, or perhaps ‘Martial Merchant Swordmaster’ to emphasize being a merchant who practices martial arts.”
I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Jin-ho’s words.
“That… sounds good?”
“Doesn’t it?”
“So don’t even think about losing on purpose today. Understood?”
“Yeah. I understand.”
Jin-ho must have merchant blood in him too.
Persuading me like that!
Quite impressive.
.
.
.
I headed to the Martial Arts Arena with my family and took my seat, waiting for my turn.
There were now seven remaining matches in the Ji-jo bracket.
The final winner from Ji-jo would compete for the championship against Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master, the final winner of the Cheon-jo bracket.
“We will now begin the second round of the Ji-jo bracket. The first match is between Sister Hyang-ok of the Ami Sect and Jin-su Warrior of the Gongtong Sect!”
“Waaaaaaa!”
Amid the roaring cheers, Sister Hyang-ok and Jin-su Warrior of the Gongtong Sect ascended the arena.
They each affixed their badges and greeted each other with cupped fists.
Boom!
The match began with the sound of the drum.
At the same moment, Jin-su Warrior assumed a fighting stance that was rather peculiar.
It resembled the posture of a beast ready to tear its opponent apart, and his gaze was remarkably fierce.
Come to think of it, such a ferocious aura was only natural given the Gongtong Sect’s characteristics.
The Gongtong Sect, along with the Kunlun Sect, was located in the northwestern reaches of the Empire.
As a result, they frequently clashed with the Demonic Cult, and their martial arts had developed to be highly practical and destructive.
Ah, Elder Gyeongsan is here.
I had met him before regarding the matter of Geom Chong located at Yanzhi Mountain in Gansu Province.
The power struggle over the position of next Sect Leader had been fierce, but ultimately Elder Gyeongsan did not become the Sect Leader of the Gongtong Sect.
Before the previous Sect Leader stepped down, he suddenly made an unprecedented move and appointed the next Sect Leader before his retirement.
The previous Sect Leader had understood.
That if Elder Gyeongsan, who had deep ties with the Murim Alliance, became Sect Leader, the Gongtong Sect’s identity might crumble.
In any case, one of the warriors who came with Elder Gyeongsan at that time was none other than this Jin-su Warrior.
It’s been a while.
She was someone with considerable sense of responsibility and a proactive nature.
Whoosh!
Jin-su Warrior launched the first attack, and Sister Hyang-ok calmly countered it.
Clang!
Who would emerge victorious?
The realm of Peak Mastery was not a level one could ascend to easily.
In small sects or minor families, it was a realm that could elevate one to the position of Elder.
That was precisely why the Friendly Martial Arts Tournament became a battle of pride between factions.
Boom!
Slash!
Their weapons and fists clashed fiercely as the blood battle continued.
Sister Hyang-ok appeared quite delighted.
Perhaps it was because she had finally encountered an opponent worthy of her full strength.
Of course, the Ami Sect did not lack masters at the Peak realm, but they were all senior figures deserving of proper respect.
Thus, it was difficult to fight at full power against them.
Moreover, Jin-su Warrior, unlike the previous opponents, neither dismissed nor mocked her—he faced her seriously as a true martial artist.
That was what pleased Sister Hyang-ok.
Indeed, meeting an opponent capable of unleashing one’s full strength was no easy matter.
How much time had passed like that?
“Huff, huff.”
“Gasp, gasp….”
Sister Hyang-ok and Jin-su Warrior separated, both breathing heavily.
Thirteen tiles lay scattered on the ground.
The single remaining tile clung to Sister Hyang-ok’s body.
“The victor of this match is Hyang-ok of the Ami Sect!”
“Roaaaaaaar!”
An enormous roar erupted. Those of us from the Eun Hae Trading Company also cheered toward Sister Hyang-ok.
“Magnificent! Hyang-ok!”
“Swift Wind Immortal, Hyang-ok!”
“Swift Wind Immortal! Swift Wind Immortal! Swift Wind Immortal!”
The crowd chanted the epithet “Swift Wind Immortal” repeatedly.
This was a new title bestowed upon Sister Hyang-ok this day.
Born from the sight of her wielding her blade as swiftly and unrestrained as the wind itself.
While titles could sometimes be conferred by superiors, they were typically created and called by the people—and thus became the true epithet.
Therefore, when one displayed a different aspect, that epithet would change as well.
Sister Hyang-ok herself smiled, seemingly pleased with her new title.
Indeed, when I first heard the epithet “Frost Blade Female Swordmaster,” I nearly drew my blade against a passerby.
Until now, she had not properly demonstrated her martial prowess, having defeated her opponent through words before that.
But today was different.
Today’s martial contest between Gongtong Sect’s Jin-su Warrior and myself demonstrated her martial prowess in full.
Thanks to that, Sister Hyang-ok earned a new epithet.
“You saw it, right?”
Jin-ho chuckled as he spoke.
“If you perform well too, you’ll earn a new epithet just like Sister Hyang-ok.”
Now that it had come to this, Jin-ho’s words carried even more weight.
“What are you thinking about?”
I answered Palgap’s question.
“I was thinking about the epithet people will give me.”
“I’m sure they’ll give you a magnificent one.”
Everyone nodded at Palgap’s words.
But Seo Hyang wore a meaningful expression.
What did that mean?
However, when she made such an expression, she never revealed the reason, so I could only suppress my curiosity.
And soon enough, it was my turn.
“This is today’s final martial contest! Woo Hyun of the Huashan Sect! Facing him is Eun Seo-ho of the Eun Hae Trading Company!”
“Waaaaaah!”
I ascended the martial arts arena amid everyone’s cheers.
Woo Hyun Warrior, who came up from the opposite side, was the senior brother of Myeong-jong Warrior and possessed the finest skills among his peers, earning high expectations from the Huashan Sect.
I apologize, Myeong-jong Warrior.
But I must win.
I need to forge my own new epithet.
Woo Hyun Warrior and I each fastened protective badges to our bodies and moved toward the center, exchanging formal salutes.
“Please go easy on me today.”
“The same to you.”
After we finished our greetings and stepped back about a pace,
Boom!
The sound of the drum rang out.
The martial contest had begun.
We began a probing exchange, observing each other carefully.
It was tedious, but this process was essential for victory.
Rushing in without understanding the opponent’s weaknesses or characteristics was the path to defeat.
Which meant I could strategically shake my opponent’s resolve.
I deliberately showed a small opening.
Whoosh!
Just as I intended, Woo Hyun Warrior rushed toward me.
Clang!
Blade met blade.
And so our exchange of moves began.
Before my eyes, plum blossoms scattered, and the rich fragrance of plum blossoms filled my nostrils.
It is the Plum Blossom Sword, the signature martial technique of the Huashan Sect.
In a friendly martial arts tournament, one cannot use sword energy directly, but it is permitted indirectly for defense.
That is why we can witness the plum blossoms.
Whoosh!
His blade came flying at me.
Against it, my sword curved sharply in response.
Using the seasonal transitions of the Heavenly Stream Ice Technique, I shaped it like flowing river water.
With this, I blocked his blade.
Simultaneously, I infused my sword with the essence of Snow Thicket.
A snowfield’s quagmire.
Rather than stopping the opponent outright, it gradually slows their movements, progressively sealing them off.
Since footwork is so fundamental that it could be called the beginning of all martial techniques, its execution is paramount.
How much time had passed like this?
Woo Hyun Warrior’s movements began growing sluggish. His expression showed he recognized something was amiss, but it was already too late.
Crack!
Woo Hyun Warrior’s tile shattered.
A look of disappointment crossed his face.
However, I could not simply destroy only my opponent’s tiles unilaterally.
I had to display only the level of skill known to the world about me.
So I pretended to be unable to continue my attack just now and allowed my own tile to be destroyed.
Thanks to this fierce exchange of offense and defense, we each had three tiles remaining.
“Huff, huff, huff.”
Breathing heavily, he lost his balance and slipped on the sweat pooled on the ground, falling.
Of course, it was not my sweat, but Woo Hyun Warrior’s.
Thud!
It meant he was exhausted to the point of losing his footing, and it also meant he had sweated profusely.
Instead of swinging my sword, I approached him and extended my hand.
“Oh my! Are you alright?”
“Ah, yes. I am fine.”
“Please take my hand and stand up.”
He hesitated for a moment, then grasped my hand and rose to his feet.
“Waaaaah!”
Seeing the crowd’s cheers, this moment seemed quite moving to them.
“Then, shall we continue the match?”
“Huff, huff, no.”
He shook his head and wiped away his sweat.
“The sun is setting.”
Looking at the sky at his words, the sun was indeed descending.
When I first stepped onto the arena, the sun was still high—when exactly did all this time pass?
“And there is no reason to continue the match. I wondered why In-bong Warrior conceded, but now I understand.”
He continued speaking.
“There is no point in crossing blades any further. I have no chance of victory. I too shall concede.”
“What? You’re conceding?”
“Yes, I am.”
He bowed respectfully.
“I have learned much. Now I understand why the League Master recommended you.”
“….”
I could not bring myself to stop him as he staggered down from the Training Ground.
The exhaustion etched across his features was so evident that it seemed a miracle he had endured this long.
But why am I still standing unscathed….
Geum Yeon-hwa ascended the Martial Arts Arena and made her declaration.
“The victor of this martial contest is Eun Seo-ho of the Eun Hae Trading Company!”
“Roooaaarrr!”
“Offering your hand to your opponent! Truly, you are the Immortal Chivalry Beauty!”
“Immortal Chivalry Beauty! Immortal Chivalry Beauty!”
The crowd chanted my epithet, and I smiled hollowly as I listened to their cheers.
But why must I always be called the Immortal Chivalry Beauty?
There are so many other magnificent epithets out there.
Thus I descended from the Martial Arts Arena, my steps heavy.
“I have returned.”
“Well done. You worked hard.”
“Splendid, my son!”
After greeting my parents, I approached Jin-ho.
“Elder Brother, you said I would earn an even more impressive epithet?”
“….”
At my words, Jin-ho turned away with a hollow cough, as if he had nothing to say.
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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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