The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 757

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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 757

Chapter 757. Happiness is All That Matters (2)

The man in the bamboo hat set down his cup.
Clink.
He rose from his seat and placed a coin beside the empty vessel.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“Safe travels, sir.”
After walking a certain distance, he left the village and deployed his lightness technique.
“Whoosh?”
And the one watching his departure immediately began tailing him with the speed of an arrow.

* * *

I watched Geumryeong’s receding figure disappear into the distance.
The reason I had suggested spreading false rumors about Yu Cheol Warrior to Jegal Family’s Grand Elder was precisely because of that man in the bamboo hat whom Geumryeong was now pursuing.
I had sensed the aura of the Sura Blood Sect emanating from him when we passed by on the way to meet Baek Bal Hwa-ui.
With the martial tournament beginning tomorrow, his arrival now must be to assess the situation.
If the tournament hadn’t been postponed, ensuring the Jade-Faced Libertine’s victory would have prevented the League Master from holding me accountable.
But now that I’ve come and the tournament hasn’t been halted, with rumors even spreading that the Jade-Faced Libertine is dead, he must be bewildered and wondering what’s happened.
Moreover, if the tournament hadn’t been delayed according to my suggestion, it would have already begun by now.
Having overheard the conversations of the Eun Hae Trading Company Intelligence Network operatives, he’s surely returning to report immediately.
I couldn’t simply let this fish that had taken the bait slip away.
I sent Geumryeong because he might notice if someone were tailing him.
Of course, since Palgap inherited Sal Wang’s talent for suppressing his presence, concealing one’s aura is his specialty, but tailing is an entirely different skill.

After sending Geum Ryung-i to tail the man in the bamboo hat, I returned to my quarters.
“You’ve arrived?”
The Yeo Eung-am Warrior greeted me.
“When did you get here?”
“Just now. I would have liked to help you train through the night, but rest is important too.”
“That’s right. You’ve worked hard all this time.”
“It was nothing.”
“So, does Jin Young Master have a chance of winning?”
At my question, he nodded slowly.
“As long as nothing unexpected happens, he has a solid chance. Jin Young Master’s skills are genuine.”
“If you say so, Yeo Warrior, then his abilities must be quite impressive.”
“His meridians were blocked—a terrible handicap. Yet he persevered relentlessly and managed to draw out considerable inner energy despite it.”
Indeed…
His meridians had been completely sealed, and normally under such circumstances, one would abandon martial arts and choose a different path.
But he refused to give up and continued his training, eventually managing to harness some inner power.
“He possesses sufficient determination, viciousness, and talent.”
Even when I deliberately inflicted the Pursuing Meridian and Blood Technique—a technique of considerable agony—he didn’t flee but endured until he lost consciousness, which speaks volumes about his viciousness and resolve.
“Enough to become a threat to someone?”
“Someone… If that someone is one who seeks to suppress Jin Young Master, then yes, he would be a threat and more.”
“I see. With such talent, he must have stood out from childhood?”
“Of course.”
A premonition struck me.
“Palgap. Have the intelligence division investigate the Suak Jin Family of Uichang in detail.”
“Understood.”
Recognizing such talent in a child and harming him without anyone knowing—only family could manage that.
If that were the case, I couldn’t rest easy.
Whoever sealed Jin Young Master’s meridians wouldn’t want to see him win the martial tournament and become the Jegal Family’s son-in-law.
Since I’ve already changed Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master’s life, I hope she’ll be happy going forward.
And having already involved myself in her fate, I must see it through to the end.
Half measures are beneath my pride.
.
.
.
The next morning.
After my usual breathing exercises, training, and breakfast, I prepared to begin the day’s schedule.
And with the Lady’s farewell, I headed toward the conference room.
All the judges had agreed to gather there and move together.
The Lady would watch the martial tournament with the other noble ladies.
Upon arriving at the conference room and waiting, the judges began arriving one by one.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
At the Grand Patriarch’s words, we made our way toward the martial arts arena.
People scattered throughout the village began gathering in small groups toward the martial arts stage set up by the Jegal Family.
Today was finally the day the Jegal Family’s Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament would begin.
Since it was a martial arts tournament, the front viewing sections had food prepared.
Enjoying food while watching the martial arts competition.
Naturally, those seats required either an invitation or payment to purchase a spot.
Since the cost was hardly cheap, it would cover a substantial portion of the expenses incurred for this tournament.
However, the provided food did not include alcohol.
Though it had the character of a banquet, with martial arts unfolding before them, allowing people to drink and cause trouble would be problematic.
It would be awkward for the Jegal Family, but if someone drank and rioted at this historic event—the Jegal Family’s Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament—their future would be as dark as night.
That’s why they excluded alcohol entirely.
Those seated in the back rows were provided with simple pastries, each wrapped in paper that they received as they entered.
However, since the martial arts competition would last a long time, tea was provided without limit.
Those carrying large teapots moved freely between the spectators, pouring tea into individual cups.
Together with the other judges, I followed the Grand Patriarch toward the judges’ seating area.
Before us was an abundance of food, and drums with drumsticks were prepared.
If any problem arose, we could immediately halt the competition with them.
I found my seat by locating my nameplate.
Phew, I don’t know why I’m trembling so much sitting in this position.
“The Lady is over there.”
Looking at where Seo-woo Warrior pointed, the Lady sat with other noble women.
I smiled slightly toward her, and she seemed to notice me, returning a gentle smile.
“It is an honor to provide protection for the lord seated here.”
“Please, think nothing of it.”
Each of the judges had brought a personal guard.
Except for the Inspector, all possessed considerable martial prowess, but there was still the possibility of threats to their safety.
Then the House Master took the stage.
“Today’s martial arts tournament is to select a companion for my daughter and the Minor Clan Master of this Jegal Family. I hope everyone will do their utmost to achieve the finest results. I wish you all good fortune and luck.”
“Waaaaaaah!”
Applause and cheers followed.
“However, I must issue one warning….”
He hadn’t finished speaking yet.
“If anything unseemly occurs during this tournament, you must be prepared to face the wrath of the Main House.”
“….”
The hall fell silent.
The aura contained in the House Master’s words was that chilling.
Phew, it seems the House Master was quite furious about the Jade-Faced Libertine incident last time.
If the Grand Patriarch hadn’t stepped in, the House Master would have rushed over and beaten him to a pulp.
Well… even I wouldn’t let that bastard off easy.
“However, for those who understand the true nature of this Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament and are prepared to enjoy it, this will be a delightful time. So once again, I wish you all the best of luck.”
“Roooaaarrr!”
The crowd’s cheers erupted.
The House Master descended, and a man took his place on the stage.
“I am Jegal Go, responsible for conducting this Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament.”
He was the House Master’s younger brother and currently served as the Grand Master of the Jegal Family’s Martial Force Division.
The reason someone of the House Master’s stature was overseeing the tournament was precisely because this Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament held such importance.
Since the announcer stands closest to the martial arts arena, they need both the authority and skill to immediately halt any unexpected situations that arise.
Though he was regarded as surpassing even the House Master in martial prowess, the Jegal Family did not select their House Master based solely on martial ability, so he never became one.
But I heard he was quite satisfied with his position as Grand Master of the Martial Force Division.
To look at him, he was clearly someone who disliked administrative work.
“Now I shall explain the rules of this tournament. First, the ultimate victor of this martial arts tournament will become the companion of Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master. Furthermore….”
Summarizing his subsequent remarks, they were as follows:
Immediately cease fighting when the opponent surrenders.
Those wishing to surrender must say “I have lost” or “I surrender,” or strike the ground three times.
Loss of consciousness or death naturally results in elimination, as does surrender or stepping outside the arena.
Even with consciousness intact, becoming unable to fight results in elimination, which is why we have judges to make such determinations.
In broad strokes, the rules differed little from the Murim Alliance’s official martial tournaments.
The only difference was that attacks made with the resolve to kill one’s opponent were not prohibited.
However, excessive attacks when unnecessary were forbidden.
Ah, there was one more thing.
It concerned the tournament format, which would proceed in complete randomness.
Two tiles would be drawn from a jar, and the warriors whose names were written on those tiles would fight.
The name tiles of the eliminated were burned, while the tiles of the victors were placed in a jar of a different color.
Continuing in this manner, the owner of the final remaining tile would become the ultimate champion.
Unlike the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament where matchups were announced publicly, not knowing one’s opponent until the match began made one’s heart race with anticipation.
“I shall now introduce the judges present here. First, the Jegal Family’s Grand Patriarch will graciously serve as a judge.”
“Roooaaarrr!”
“Next, the Great Master Mujin from Shaolin Temple will graciously serve as a judge.”
“Roooaaarrr!”
He then introduced Elder Jin Jeong and Inspector General, and finally, I was introduced.
“The Small Guild Master of the Eun Hae Trading Company, who achieved excellent results at the Murim Alliance’s Martial Arts Grand Conference, and who is also renowned as the Immortal Chivalry Beauty….”
This was embarrassingly lavish praise.
“Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master.”
I rose from my seat and cupped my fist in salute to the crowd, and they cheered in response.
“Roooaaarrr!”
“Magnificent! The pride of Hubei!”
As I was about to sit back down, my eyes met the Lady’s once more.
I had no idea why I felt so embarrassed.
As I took my seat, Jegal Go Grand Master made his announcement.
“Then we shall commence the martial tournament.”
Jegal Go Grand Master spoke to Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master.
“Minor Clan Master, please draw the name tablets.”
The urn’s opening was only wide enough for one arm to fit through, so the names inscribed on the tablets could not be seen until they were drawn out.
She inserted her hand into the urn and drew out two tablets, placing them on the board before her.
“The first match: Baek Dong from Anju, Hubei Province, and….”
Two Warriors ascended the martial arts arena.
Boom—!
With the sound of the drum, the martial tournament began.
I observed Jin Bok-ju Young Master, who sat among the participants.
His eyes gleamed as he scrutinized those who took the stage.
His gaze was that of one assessing their true strength, identifying weaknesses and tendencies.
It was entirely different from the listless expression he had worn before.
He had reclaimed his genuine power and regained his confidence.
I turned my attention back to the martial arts arena.
Naturally, observing the tournament as an arbiter was no simple task.
Clang—! Clang clang!
Crash—!
A fierce exchange of blows, sparks flying with each collision.
In the end, Baek Dong Warrior’s blade pierced through his opponent’s abdomen.
“Ugh!”
Yet his opponent still gripped his sword, showing the will to continue fighting.
If we didn’t stop this soon, he would die from blood loss.
Just as I was about to strike the drum, Jin Jeong Elder beside me struck it first.
Boom!
“Stop the match! You have already lost. Even if we continue, the outcome will not change!”
“…Ugh!”
“The victor is Baek Dong Warrior!”
“Roooaaaar!”
The crowd’s cheers erupted.
One man raised his hand triumphantly, basking in the applause, while the other was carried away, drenched in blood and weeping bitterly….
Something left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Baek Dong Warrior’s tablet was placed in another urn, while the defeated contestant’s tablet was cast into the brazier.
“Minor Clan Master, please draw the next tablet.”
At Jegal Go Grand Master’s words, she drew another tablet.
For a moment, her eyes wavered.
Surely not?
Click, click.
She set the tablets upright before her.
“Myung Jun-hee Warrior of the Dae-un Clan from Shaanxi, and Jin Bok-ju Warrior from the Suak Jin Family of Uichang!”
Jin Bok-ju Warrior’s turn came faster than I expected.
The two fighters ascended onto the martial arts arena.
Boom—!
With the sound of the drum, their match began.
I focused my attention more intently than before, observing their combat.
Two warriors moved slowly across the arena, probing for openings in their opponent’s defense.
In an instant, Myung Jun-hee Warrior struck first.
It seemed like he’d found an opening, but it was actually a deliberate gap that Jin Bok-ju Warrior had exposed.
Whoosh—!
A scabbard came flying in an instant… a scabbard?
The moment Myung Jun-hee Warrior dodged the scabbard that Jin Bok-ju Young Master had hurled, his blade came flying at him.
“Yelp!”
The startled Myung Jun-hee Warrior simply rolled across the ground.
It was the rolling technique that the proud members of prestigious clans despised.
“How dare you subject me to such humiliation!”
Myung Jun-hee Warrior’s face flushed red as he fumed, and Jin Bok-ju Young Master spoke.
“I don’t consider that an insult. If you hadn’t avoided it by any means necessary, you would have already been eliminated! Moreover, if this were real combat, you’d be dead.”
Grit.
Since he couldn’t argue against the truth, he simply ground his teeth.
They moved again.
Jin Bok-ju Young Master wielded his sword in his right hand and the scabbard in his left with perfect freedom.
Now that I thought about it, the signature technique of the Suak Jin Family was indeed martial arts utilizing that scabbard.
Since it was a dual-blade-like technique uncommon in the Murim world, there was no chance of victory without becoming accustomed to it.
But Myung Jun-hee Warrior had no leisure to grow accustomed to that technique.
The gap in skill between the two was already stark.
The reason Myung Jun-hee Warrior could evade at first was because Jin Bok-ju Warrior had moved deliberately to let him adapt to the match.
It seemed that adaptation period had ended.
Crash—!
Struck by Jin Bok-ju Young Master’s blade, Myung Jun-hee Warrior was sent flying outside the arena.
“Jin Bok-ju Warrior wins!”
At that declaration, Jin Bok-ju Warrior cupped his fists in salute to all four directions, bowed his head respectfully, and then stood facing Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master.
And he cried out to her.
“I, Jin Bok-ju, wish to declare this here and now. Jegal Yu-ah, I admire you!”
Huh… what’s this all of a sudden?
He’s not doing this because of what I told him to give her confidence, is he?
Ha ha ha. Surely not….

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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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