The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 734
—————
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 734
Chapter 734. The Wedding at Last (3)
Yu Seong continued speaking.
“And was it not then that those who survived decided to establish an escort agency in that place?”
At this, Gwak Myung-hyun nodded, understanding which place was being referenced.
It must be referring to Seolpung Palace.
“Do you recall the circumstances that forced us to relocate our escort agency at that time?”
“Of course I remember it well.”
The escort agency established by the remaining members of Seolpung Palace had not run smoothly from the beginning.
Initially, they had settled in Shandong.
A coastal region rich in yin energy was better suited to their martial techniques.
But they could not survive among the existing escort agencies already operating there.
No escort requests came to them at all.
Thinking this could not continue, they moved to Hebei, but the situation only worsened.
After much deliberation, they relocated to Beijing.
They hoped that in a place teeming with people, they might at least scrape together enough work to survive.
But misfortune piled upon misfortune—not only did they struggle against the interference of rival agencies, but officials constantly threatened them and demanded bribes.
It was while considering yet another relocation that an escort request arrived.
A mission to escort someone all the way to Guizhou Province.
The conditions were quite demanding, so it must have been their turn at last.
Yu Seong recalled that moment.
“We’ve finally arrived.”
At the Client’s words, Yu Seong National Master lifted his head. The plaque before them read [Guizhou Postal Station].
“You’ve worked hard.”
Though Yu Seong National Master’s charge had not revealed his identity, his noble station was more than apparent.
“Thanks to you, we were able to reach this place.”
“We merely fulfilled our escort duties as contracted.”
At this, the Client shook his head.
“That’s not quite right. Even with payment received, you could have abandoned the task midway, yet you saw it through to completion. I hold that dedication in high regard.”
True to his words, the journey from Beijing to Guizhou had been treacherous indeed.
There had been five assassination attempts in total.
In those days, anyone with even a possibility of ascending to the throne faced relentless assassination attempts.
The Emperor indulged only in pleasure, leaving the realm in chaos, and those who grasped power refused to relinquish it.
At this, Yu Seong National Master shook his head.
“We were forewarned from the beginning that assassination attempts would occur. Therefore, this constitutes no breach of contract.”
Thus, with schedules delayed and postponed, the turn had finally come to the Changin Escort Agency, which had been preparing for relocation.
Though the hardship was considerable, it had at least provided the funds necessary to relocate the Agency.
“However… I wonder if the companion who traveled with you remained unharmed.”
He had heard that the one pursuing the Client had departed Beijing first to draw away the pursuers.
“There is no need for concern. That one will be safe.”
Those words carried infinite trust.
They entered the Postal Station alongside the Client.
“Wait here a moment.”
“Very well.”
The Client who had gone inside spoke.
“I’ve explained the situation. Since the hour grows late, you may rest here and depart in the morning.”
“That won’t be necessary. We’re fine.”
“Surely your remaining funds aren’t substantial? And won’t the commission I’ve paid you be needed for more pressing matters?”
“…How did you know?”
To the astonished Yu Seong National Master, the Client spoke calmly.
“One can discern such things merely by observing.”
“…”
That evening.
Yu Seong and his party were accommodated in the guest house of the Guizhou Provincial Governor’s Office, thanks to the client’s thoughtful arrangements.
After dinner, Yu Seong took a solitary walk through the garden.
The situation weighed heavily on his mind.
While this commission had provided the funds necessary to relocate the Escort Agency, he still hadn’t decided where to establish it.
‘If the Escort Agency fails to take root this time, it will truly be catastrophic….’
The Seolpung Palace Master had only recently come of age, placing the burden of leading the Escort Agency squarely upon his shoulders.
The weight of responsibility pressed down upon him relentlessly.
Hmm?
Just then, a young girl came dashing past, hurrying toward some destination.
‘Judging by her fine clothes, she appears to be from a noble household, yet where is her nursemaid? Why is she alone?’
As I pondered this, the child caught her skirt beneath her feet and tumbled forward.
Startled, I quickly moved toward her.
“Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine. I knew I was going to fall, so I quickly caught myself with my hands.”
“I see.”
Her words led me to conclude simply that she possessed excellent reflexes.
“But knowing it and experiencing it are different. I can’t get up.”
I quickly examined her ankle at her words. It was swollen, suggesting a sprain.
Fortunately, I possessed a remedy.
I too had studied the martial arts of Seolpung Palace, which specializes in ice techniques.
Cold therapy is most effective immediately after a sprain.
I concentrated my inner energy to chill my hands, then applied them to her ankle.
Gradually, the swelling began to subside.
“Thank you.”
“Then recover quickly.”
“Yes.”
The girl bowed in gratitude, then tilted her head curiously.
“But sir, do you have something troubling you?”
“What?”
The girl pointed at my face as she spoke.
“Your expression suggests you’re worried about something.”
I found myself responding sharply, my defensive instincts flaring without warning.
“Is there anyone in this world without worries?”
“….”
“Ahem.”
But I quickly realized I had reacted far too harshly to a child expressing genuine concern, and I cleared my throat awkwardly.
“I do have something on my mind, actually.”
“You’re worried about where to move, aren’t you?”
“…!”
He was startled.
He hadn’t said a word, yet the young girl had discerned his dilemma.
The girl smiled and spoke.
“Then go to Hubei Province.”
“Hubei Province?”
“Yes.”
At the mention of Hubei Province, Yu Seong National Master found himself nodding involuntarily.
It was not a bad alternative.
Hubei Province was the heart of the Yangtze River, a place where people from every corner of the empire converged.
Indeed, merchants from Hubei Province were said to be fluent in the dialects of all regions.
Thus, Hubei Province was already among the locations I had been considering.
“And while in Hubei Province, you should meet the strongest person there and pay your respects.”
“The strongest person? Do you mean the Provincial Inspector?”
“No.”
“…?”
As he tilted his head in confusion, the girl laughed and spoke.
“My brother once said that the fist is closer than the law.”
“….”
Caught completely off guard by her words, he listened silently.
“So my brother trained diligently in martial arts.”
“I see.”
Then the answer was clear.
The martial sects and martial families of Hubei Province.
If it was a sect, it would be the Wudang Sect, and if it was a martial family, it would be the Jegal Family.
Then a voice called from behind.
“Young Miss!”
“Ah! Nursemaid!”
At that voice, the girl laughed and waved her hand.
“What are you doing right now?”
Since Yu Seong National Master still had his hand on the girl’s ankle, the Nursemaid asked with a cautious expression.
The girl laughed and explained the situation.
“It’s fine, Nursemaid. I fell, and this gentleman helped me.”
Yu Seong National Master removed his hand and spoke.
“Your ankle is swollen, so I applied cold compress. If possible, it would be best to continue with cold compress today. Of course, seeing a Physician would be ideal.”
Only then did the Nursemaid’s expression soften, and she bowed her head.
“I see. Thank you for helping the young miss.”
“It was nothing. Then I shall take my leave.”
“Sir! Thank you!”
At that, he chuckled softly.
Then the Nursemaid spoke.
“It seems our young lady said something, but I hope you won’t dismiss it lightly. We’ve benefited greatly from her wisdom and insight.”
For him to speak so highly of her meant she was no ordinary person.
‘I should mention this to the Lesser Palace Mistress.’
Yu Seong National Master concluded his recollection and spoke to Gwak Myung-hyun.
“That’s how we came to establish ourselves here in Chongyang County.”
“What an interesting turn of events.”
Then came Gwak Myung-hyun’s voice transmission.
– Just to be clear, her true identity is a secret among secrets.
“Of course.”
She was no ordinary person—she was the benefactor of Seolpung Palace and the wife of the Lesser Palace Mistress.
“It goes without saying.”
* * *
After breakfast, I set out toward Hyerim Sect.
Today was the day before the wedding.
I was going to retrieve my Guard Warriors as promised.
I had strictly instructed them not to come to the Eun Hae Trading Company until I came to fetch them myself.
“I’m curious to see how much they’ve grown.”
At my words, Seo-woo Warrior, Jin Yu Warrior, and Yeo Eung-am Warrior all nodded.
“We’re curious as well.”
Thus we arrived at Hyerim Sect.
The plaque that had once hung precariously on the old gate, creaking as if it might fall at any moment, now sat cleanly affixed to a newly constructed main gate.
In fact, this gate was the one that had been destroyed when Red Bean House forcibly broke in before.
Regardless of other matters, I should have collected compensation for the gate.
But since Red Bean House had burned to the ground, there was nothing to recover.
The Changin Escort Agency escort warrior standing guard at the gate recognized us and quickly bowed.
“I greet the Small Guild Master.”
“Thank you for your diligent service.”
I acknowledged his greeting and asked.
“Has anything unusual occurred?”
“No, sir. All is peaceful.”
“Good to hear. Then I shall enter.”
As I stepped inside, a servant who had been sweeping the courtyard came rushing over.
He was newly hired, though he actually belonged to the Information Bureau.
“The Small Guild Master has arrived?”
“Thank you for your hard work. Is the Sect Master inside?”
“Yes, sir. I shall summon him at once.”
While waiting for the Sect Master, I surveyed my surroundings.
The Construction Merchant from the Eun Hae Trading Company had done his part well—the crumbling buildings had been restored to pristine condition.
And the Escort Warriors from the Changin Escort Agency were patrolling in organized shifts.
Upon seeing me, they bowed respectfully, and I returned their courtesy with a martial salute.
Soon the Sect Master emerged and, catching sight of me, greeted me with evident delight.
“Who is this? None other than the benefactor of our main organization, the esteemed Small Guild Master Seon Hyeop Mi-rang!”
“Your praise is too generous.”
“Too generous? If anything, it falls short of what you deserve.”
Honey dripped from the Sect Master’s eyes as he gazed upon me.
Indeed, it was fitting—thanks to me, the long-cherished aspiration of the Hyerim Sect, dormant for so long, had finally been resolved.
“You’ve come to retrieve your Guard Warriors.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
I bowed again as I spoke.
“I am grateful for the care you have shown my Guard Warriors during this time.”
“I merely did what was proper. Come then, I shall guide you myself.”
I followed the Sect Master into the deep forest.
Since the cultivation method involved absorbing the vital essence of trees, the Hyerim Sect was adjacent to quite an expansive mountain.
This time, I had purchased that mountain.
It was to prevent the Sura Blood Sect from potentially establishing a foothold there and causing trouble.
“Is the Young Master also in this forest?”
“Indeed. He is currently in closed-door cultivation here.”
The Hyerim Sect’s closed-door cultivation was conducted not in a sealed chamber, but within the forest itself.
As I moved forward, I sensed someone’s aura.
Ah, this aura is…
I smiled.
Before us, a magnificent cascade of blossoms danced through the air.
And in their midst, Myeong-jong Warrior stood with noble grace.
The petals swirled in all directions as Myeong-jong Warrior’s blade moved.
The Plum Blossom Sword.
Yet what Myeong-jong Warrior had manifested was not merely plum blossoms, but countless petals of five vibrant hues.
Now that I thought about it, Myeong-jong Warrior had mentioned this before.
“The martial arts of the Huashan Sect are symbolized by the plum blossom. We express Huashan’s techniques through the plum blossom. However, the founder of the Flower Garden Reverie said something different. He said that the martial arts of Huashan need not be expressed solely through plum blossoms.”
The Myeong-jong Warrior was demonstrating precisely that right now.
Swish, thud.
Confirming that the Myeong-jong Warrior had sheathed his blade, I clapped my hands.
Clap, clap, clap!
At the sound, the Myeong-jong Warrior turned his head.
“Ah!”
He hurried over with a startled expression.
“I pay my respects to my lord.”
“You have grown considerably.”
The Myeong-jong Warrior had reached the pinnacle of mastery. The sword technique he had just displayed was proof of that.
“You noticed, as expected. Haha.”
The Myeong-jong Warrior laughed sheepishly and continued.
“I thought I might experience a state of selflessness like the Yeo Eung-am Warrior, but since I didn’t, I’m not entirely certain I’ve truly reached the pinnacle.”
I shook my head.
“Do not doubt your own level of attainment.”
Jin Yu Warrior added his voice.
“You have indeed reached the pinnacle. I too did not experience any state of selflessness when I reached it.”
“Nor did I. Whether one experiences selflessness upon reaching a martial level is merely a matter of individual difference.”
The reason the Myeong-jong Warrior had not fallen into a state of selflessness.
It was likely because he had trained diligently and steadily over a long period.
In contrast, the Yeo Eung-am Warrior had suddenly gained enlightenment through the Hyeol Gon Seong Seung Master’s technique.
And a state of selflessness was the body’s unconscious mechanism for harmonizing enlightenment with physical form.
The Sect Master spoke with a pleased smile.
“It is fortunate that there has been achievement. My congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Well then, let us proceed to the next warrior.”
We arrived at the location where the Lee Pil Warrior was.
The Lee Pil Warrior had not even noticed our arrival, his gaze fixed intently on something.
In an instant.
Pap-pap-pap-pap-pap-pap!
Dozens of throwing blades embedded themselves in the spot the Lee Pil Warrior had been targeting.
Indeed, he bore a striking resemblance to his father, who had achieved mastery through throwing blades.
And…
What was even more astounding was that each individual throwing blade carried formidable sword energy within it.
Wow… if those hit you, there wouldn’t be bones left.
But how did that tree withstand such throwing blades?
As I pondered this, the Sect Master spoke.
“It’s made from ten-thousand-year cold iron wood.”
“Pardon?”
“One of our ancestors created it for training purposes.”
Hah. I’d like to see the face of the bastard who ruined the Hyerim Sect.
Not wanting to interfere with Lee Pil Warrior’s business, we quietly moved to the next location.
It was then that the Sect Master spoke.
“Well, the only one left is Chang-un Warrior… I’m not sure if we’ll be able to meet him even if we go now.”
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————