The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 708

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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 708

Chapter 708. Whereabouts (5)

The Zhongnan Sect Disciples in the village finished their morning meal and came out for their patrol.
However, in the distance, they spotted people entering the village.
The Zhongnan Sect Disciples were startled and rushed toward them, asking urgently.
“Gasp! Senior Brothers! Even the Prison Guard! What brings you here?”
At this, their Prison Guard and representative, Jin Baek, spoke.
“We received word that the Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster has come to this village.”
At this, they nodded in understanding.
The Senior Brother who had been leading them had gone to the Zhongnan Sect to report this news personally.
Since the news had to be conveyed quickly, the fastest Senior Brother went himself.
“The Great Swordmaster has come near the Main Compound, so it would only be proper courtesy to invite and entertain him, would it not?”
At Jin Baek’s words, the disciples could not help but be astonished internally.
They knew that Eun Seo-ho’s reputation was high, but they did not know that Prison Guard Jin Baek would come out personally to receive him.
“Where is the Great Swordmaster staying?”
“Over there, at the Nokra Inn.”
“Why is he staying at an inn rather than in the Main Compound’s guest quarters?”
“Well, that is….”
“We invited him, but he flatly refused.”
“He flatly refused? What did he say to refuse so firmly?”
“Well, that is to say….”
The disciples broke into cold sweat and hesitated, and Jin Baek, sensing something strange in their demeanor, pressed them like an interrogation.
“Speak up. What did he say?”
Faced with the intensity in those words, the disciples had no choice but to tell the truth.
“He said that his circumstances have changed, and he does not wish to be around false Taoist Sages who alter their attitudes depending on one’s status.”
“Hmm?”
Jin Baek’s brow furrowed.
He had sensed that something had occurred.
Eun Seo-ho, true to the name Seonhyeop Mirang, is truly a good person.
He had withdrawn from the martial competition at the Martial Arts Grand Conference because he had been injured while rescuing people from a fire.
Beyond that, he is famous for performing countless good deeds and always conducting himself with propriety.
Therefore, he is not one to speak harsh words carelessly.
The fact that he had spoken such words meant the disciples must have done something wrong.
‘His circumstances have changed… Could it be?’
Two people beside Eun Seo-ho came to mind.
Chang-un and Myeong-jong.
‘But there’s no way such talk would have come about because of a Huashan Sect Disciple….’
Then there was only one answer.
“Could it be that you showed disrespect toward Chang-un, who is with the Great Hero?”
“…!”
The disciples flinched visibly.
At this, Jinbaek Master sighed and asked.
“What exactly did you do to embarrass yourselves?”
“That is….”
They could not answer readily.
“Enough! I’ll ask directly myself.”

* * *

I came down to the first floor of the inn when I heard that a guest had arrived at the Jongnam Sect.
This was someone I had met before at the Martial Arts Grand Conference.
“It has been a long time since we last met.”
“Oh! You remember me?”
“Of course. Are you not Jinbaek Master, the second-generation disciple of the Jongnam Sect?”
“That is correct. Jinbaek, second-generation disciple of the Jongnam Sect, greets the Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster.”
He continued speaking.
“I heard that you visited Zhongnan Mountain. The Sect Leader said he could not simply let you leave, so he sent me to invite you to have tea with him.”
“I see.”
I could guess why the Sect Leader was inviting me.
There was the connection through Chang-un Warrior, but he likely also hoped to receive a donation from the Eun Hae Trading Company through me.
Unlike the Three Great Families, which not only had many sources of income but also openly displayed their secular nature, sects were perceived as transcending material concerns.
Because of this, their fixed income sources amounted to little more than what the shops around Zhongnan Mountain paid as tribute.
Beyond that, it was difficult to openly engage in money-making ventures.
Thus, their dependence on donations was inevitable.
Moreover, with several years of poor harvests reducing the number of pilgrims, donations had also decreased, so their finances must be quite tight.
Even with the alcohol ban lifted, recovery to previous levels had not yet occurred.
This was not unique to the Jongnam Sect alone—other sects faced the same situation.
Honestly, from my perspective, there was nothing to lose.
If I could have tea with the Sect Leader and build goodwill with the Jongnam Sect through a donation, it would be a profitable transaction.
While there was a connection through Chang-un Warrior, it amounted to little more than a cordial relationship.
But if I built such connections through money, it would surely benefit me in the future.
I clasped my fist in salute and spoke.
“How could I refuse the Sect Leader’s invitation?”
“Thank you.”
He hesitated for a moment, then clasped his fist again and spoke.
“I heard that the disciples who were in this village behaved shamefully. I apologize on their behalf.”
According to Chang-un Warrior’s explanation, the disciples in this village were third-generation disciples.
Under the Sect Leader and the Elders, those who held responsibility for each institution were first-generation disciples.
Below them were second-generation disciples, and among them were those like Jinbaek Master who handled core practical affairs.
Chang-un Warrior was a third-generation disciple.
In the Jongnam Sect, before becoming a formal disciple, one goes through a training period, and at that time they are divided into mountain disciples, outer disciples, and departed disciples.
If one cannot endure the training and leaves, they become a departed disciple.
These are disciples whose records are not even kept, and they are not counted as disciples at all.
After completing all training, those with talent can become mountain disciples, but otherwise they become outer disciples.
Outer disciples of the Jongnam Sect simply means disciples who reside in the Outer Hall.
This is somewhat different from lay disciples who maintain connections with the sect.
Even among the same rank, only mountain disciples are given the opportunity to learn advanced martial arts, and there are many other benefits.
To that extent, there is an enormous difference between mountain disciples and outer disciples.
Thus, those who became formal disciples of the Jongnam Sect—both mountain disciples and outer disciples—are deployed in rotation every month to guard the Village Below Jongnam Mountain as a form of training.
In Chang-un Warrior’s case, he stood ambiguously on the boundary between outer disciple and lay disciple.
I shook my head and spoke.
“I’m fine with it. They haven’t spoken ill of me either. It’s just….”
I gazed into empty space and sighed.
“Sigh, it’s nothing.”
“What on earth is the matter?”
“I apologize. Since it concerns the honor of the Jongnam Sect, I cannot speak of it lightly.”
At my words, Jinbaek Master’s expression grew even more frustrated, but I did not answer and instead said.
“The Sect Leader will be waiting. Let us go at once.”
“…Understood.”
Meanwhile, the Jongnam Sect disciple who had come with Jinbaek Master was conversing with Chang-un Warrior.
“It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”
“Of course.”
“Your master…is he at peace?”
“Not badly.”
“That’s a relief.”
“You seem concerned. Well, that’s only natural. Even though you’ve become what you are, you’re still my fellow disciple. So if you need help, come find me anytime.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course, I won’t help if it puts me in danger too.”
“You bastard, I wouldn’t come asking for that kind of help.”
Hearing that conversation, it seemed Chang-un Warrior’s reputation was not bad.
And the other Jongnam Sect disciples seemed fine too.
So it was that Yu Gak Master who was strange.

A moment later.
We ascended the Nugwan Tower where the Jongnam Sect was located.
Chang-un Warrior seemed to be experiencing fresh emotions upon seeing the Jongnam Sect after such a long time.
Soon, the entrance to the Inner Compound came into view.
“Then, the rest of you, please follow me.”
At his words, Seo-woo Warrior spoke as the representative.
“No, we shall wait here.”
“Why not sit in that pavilion over there and enjoy some refreshments while you wait?”
“We….”
At this, I spoke.
“I would appreciate it if you would rest comfortably in the pavilion. This is not a dangerous place, and it is where the Sect Leader resides. But if I think of you all suffering in this blazing sun, my heart will ache and I will be too distracted to focus on my conversation with the Sect Leader.”
At my words, Seo-woo Warrior nodded.
“Understood. We shall do so.”
Thus my Guard Warriors headed to the pavilion nearby, and I followed Jinbaek Master into the Inner Compound.
We arrived at the residence where the Sect Leader dwelled.
As befitted the Sect Leader’s quarters, strict security was in place.
And the formation array surrounding the residence further reinforced that iron-clad security.
“Sect Leader, the Seonhyeop Mirang Great Swordmaster has arrived.”
Soon the door opened, and we entered. The Sect Leader greeted me.
“Merchant Eun Seo-ho pays respects to the Sect Leader.”
“I am Sect Leader Geum-deok. Welcome. You have traveled far and endured much hardship.”
“Thank you for such warm hospitality.”
“Please, sit.”
I sat across from the Sect Leader, and soon refreshments were brought to the table.
“It is Jasmine Needle Tea. I hope it suits your palate.”
“It is a tea I favor. Thank you for serving such a precious variety.”
I watched as the Sect Leader lifted his teacup, then I lifted mine and took a sip.
The smooth flavor enveloped my tongue—this was clearly a premium blend.
“It has been a while since we last met.”
“Indeed.”
“How is Chang-un adapting?”
“Excellently. At first, he appeared somewhat awkward and struggled, but now he seems completely adjusted. Moreover, he has achieved personal progress, and it appears he will reach his peak before long.”
“Ah! That is wonderful news.”
“And… he still treasures the container of golden wound medicine you gave him previously.”
“…That rascal.”
The Sect Leader wore an embarrassed expression.
This moment felt right.
I placed a prepared envelope on the table.
“Please accept this.”
“What is this?”
You certainly know what you’re doing, yet you feign ignorance.
“It is but a modest gesture. I would be delighted if it could be used for the advancement of the Jongnam Sect.”
“Heh heh, I shall accept it graciously.”
The Sect Leader accepted the envelope, barely concealing his joy.
“If you are not pressed for time, do stay a while longer.”
“I appreciate the invitation, but my affairs are urgent and I must hasten to Beijing. I hope you understand.”
“No, no. If you are busy, how could I detain you? Do visit us again when you have the leisure.”
I cupped my fists in gratitude.
“Understood. And before I depart, there is one matter I wish to request.”
“What might that be? Speak freely.”
“Among the disciples in Ongok Village, I noticed one named Yu Gak.”
“Yu Gak, you say? Ah yes, there was such a child among the third-generation disciples. What of it?”
“Upon observation, I perceived considerable potential for future growth.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. However, his physique appeared frail compared to his inner cultivation. I believe that if he were to wear training weights of approximately one hundred catties for a year while strengthening his body, the balance would be achieved and his growth would accelerate considerably.”
“Training weights?”
“Indeed. Of course, Ongok Village likely does not possess such weights, so I shall request the blacksmith workshop there to forge them. At my own expense, naturally.”
“My, to take such care for a disciple’s training! I am truly grateful.”
“Am I not the master of Chang-un Warrior? Then may I entrust this matter to you?”
“Of course. I shall see to it personally.”
I intended to prepare training weights totaling approximately one hundred thirty catties—for both arms, both legs, and the waist.
One hundred thirty catties was roughly the weight of a sack of rice.
For an ordinary adult, it would be burdensome to carry, but for a third-generation disciple of the Jongnam Sect, wearing such weights would not be fatal.
Though it would certainly be grueling beyond measure.
As I said, I hold grudges for a long time.
Did he truly think he could get away with disrespecting Chang-un Warrior with merely a single rebuke?
That was naive indeed.
I had actually considered assigning him latrine duty, but that seemed too petty, so I changed my approach.
Later, Yu Gak would learn what disrespect he had shown, but who would go so far as to commission training weights just to torment someone?
The cost of iron alone is no trivial matter.
So the Jongnam Sect would think: ‘Though he showed disrespect to our benefactor’s guard warrior, he has forgiven this transgression and even taken care to aid in his training!’
Of course, I deducted the cost of forging the weights from the donation.
.
.
.
Thus concluding my conversation with the Sect Leader, I departed from the Inner Compound.
The Guard Warriors awaited me at the entrance to the Inner Compound.
“Is your business concluded?”
“Yes. Let us return now.”
And so we descended from Nugwan Tower, where the Jongnam Sect stood.
The fact that Chang-un Warrior didn’t look back as he left was proof enough that he had made peace with himself to some degree.

I returned to Ongok Village and immediately made my way to the blacksmith workshop.
“Welcome.”
“Yes. I have a request.”
“Please speak.”
I commissioned the training iron I had mentioned to the Sect Leader earlier.
“Once it’s completed, simply send it to the Jongnam Sect.”
“Understood, but the way you speak suggests you’re leaving immediately?”
“Yes. I have accumulated work waiting in Beijing.”
After paying my respects to the Village Chief of Ongok Village, I mounted my horse.
Palgap had already finished preparing for departure.
As expected of Palgap.
It hadn’t been many days, so if I rode the Zhu River Horse at full speed, I should be able to catch up with Ha Cheol Pyo-du and his group, right?
– Whinnnnny!
Possible? But I need to hold the reins tight, you say?
I warned the group.
“Hold the reins firmly and lean forward. We’re going at full speed from here on.”
“Yes.”
“Hyah!”
At my command, the Zhu River Horse snorted and began accelerating steadily.
And then….
In an instant, we passed the foothills of Songshan Mountain, reached Kaifeng, crossed the Yellow River, and pressed onward.
We had reached Hebei in merely two days.
Truly, the Zhu River Horse was remarkable.
In the distance, I could see the banners of the Eun Hae Trading Company and the Changin Escort Agency.
That’s when the Yeo Eung-am Warrior spoke.
“Once we reach Beijing, there will be mountains of paperwork waiting for you.”
I had no choice but to slow my horse.
“Why do you say that?”
“I suddenly feel afraid of going to Beijing.”
– Whinnnnny!
Go quickly and work, you say?
That’s how you’ll earn your feed?
Geumryeong, aren’t you being too much? This is when you’re supposed to offer comfort.
– Whinnnnny?
Sigh, fine. I should stop talking to the horse.

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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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