The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 2

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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 Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 2

My physical condition was far from ideal.
Having been slowly poisoned over an extended period, the toxic qi accumulated within my body was substantial.
I had no intention of seeking a physician’s aid. Truthfully, there were precious few physicians skilled enough to treat such a condition.
Of course, one physician capable of such treatment came to mind, but I had no idea where they might be at this moment.
Thus, only a single option remained available to me.
Through breathing exercises, I would prevent the poison from advancing further.
I settled into a cross-legged position.
I had learned martial arts since childhood.
However, it was never formal training, and as family martial arts, they were hardly exceptional in caliber.
One could tell simply by observing the millet-seed-sized spiritual energy felt within my dantian.
I let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh.

“You’ll die like this, you fool.”

The face of someone who, despite our brief encounter, had taught me much came to mind.
Because he recognized Chu Hyeongi’s talent and wished to take him as a disciple, I was able to reap considerable benefits.
Though he devoted most of his effort to Chu Hyeongi, the occasional hints he dropped allowed me to break through barriers and ultimately succeed in deconstructing and restructuring the family’s martial arts.
Where might he be now?
Reaching that thought, I chuckled softly to myself.
There was no need to ponder—the answer was obvious.
I cast aside distracting thoughts and refocused on my cultivation.

Water Moon Heart Method.

I began to circulate my inner energy slowly, following its natural flow.
My cultivation was too weak to neutralize the poison immediately, but I could at least prevent it from penetrating any deeper into my body.
I concentrated with all my might, completed the circulation, and opened my eyes.
In that instant.
A familiar figure appeared before me.
“What are you doing?”
Chu Hyeongi sat cross-legged, staring intently at me.
It was absurd enough that he’d entered without permission, but the fact that he’d been watching me like this for so long was utterly exasperating.
“You startled me. Wipe that look off your face.”
“Am I some kind of ghost? Startled, you say… but what exactly are you doing?”
“Meditation. Never mind that—what’s the matter?”
“Well, it’s mealtime, and you wouldn’t answer when I called, so…”
“I’m not hungry. Forget about that… Where is Father? I need to see him for a moment.”
“Ah—you know full well. Didn’t the Family Head set out on a grand merchant expedition? He took the matriarch and skilled warriors from Sega with him.”
I nodded at his words.
I’d suspected as much, but my memory confirmed it.
He had departed on the merchant expedition leading the family’s capable warriors.
It was naturally the time when my older siblings had also left on their own merchant and trade expeditions.
This was precisely why my physical condition continued to deteriorate.
With only the Grand Steward remaining to protect the Sega, there was almost no one left to shield me.
The reason I’d managed to survive with a poisoned body was thanks to a certain woman who would soon arrive in Nakhyang.
But I couldn’t simply wait until then.
“You brat, Chu Hyeongi! I told you to bring the Young Master here—why are you taking so long!”
At that moment, a booming voice rang out again.
The half-open door swung wide, and an old man entered.
It was an old man with one eye completely blackened.
Hong Gu-hyeon, who oversaw all the servants in the Nakhyang Jin Family.
I looked at him and smiled awkwardly.
“What am I supposed to do about the fact that you’ve only just woken up?”
“Then wake him!”
“I told you it didn’t seem right to wake him!”
“There’s no one in this world who shouldn’t be woken!”
The two voices tangled together in the room, so loud I wanted to cover my ears.
Without thinking, I furrowed my brow, and only then did Hong Gu-hyeon look at me.
“Ahem! …My apologies, Young Master. It’s my fault for not educating this brat properly.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize. That eye—it’s because of me.”
“Hehehehe, it’s fine. When I think back to the time I took that blade meant for you, this is nothing.”
“Yes, that did happen.”
I gazed at Hong Gu-hyeon and recalled the past.
There was a time in my childhood when I was foolish and reckless, running wild without sense.
Because I possessed abundant wealth and was accustomed to commanding others, I had come to believe that everyone in the world stood beneath me.
This arrogance had once led to a confrontation with bandits, and in that moment, the fury-consumed opponent had swung his blade without hesitation or restraint.
It was Hong Gu-hyeon who had taken that strike in my stead.
I smiled at the memory.
“I owe my life to you. I am truly grateful.”
“Heh, you honor me with such words. But more importantly, you must eat properly. I have noticed your persistent coughing of late—it stems from neglecting your meals.”
“No, never mind that. There is something more pressing than food right now. I am going out, so prepare yourself, Chu Hyeongi.”
“Ah… you will not eat? But I am hungry…”
“We shall eat outside. It has been far too long since we visited an inn.”
“Let us depart at once.”
Alas…
As Jang Chuchyeong’s eyes gleamed with excitement and he hurried to make preparations, Hong Gu-hyeon, who had been watching from the side, released a long, weary sigh.

* * *

Nakhyang boasted many renowned inns.
Among them, the Unryong Inn consistently ranked among the finest establishments.
Operated by the Jin Family, it was celebrated for its exquisite cuisine and refined atmosphere—though expensive, it was the perfect venue for the wealthy to display their prosperity.
In contrast, the Hwaseon Guesthouse stood as another jewel of Nakhyang’s reputation.
If one were to speak of authenticity alone, it was likely the oldest establishment in Hannam Territory. Having endured for centuries, the spirit of that ancient era still dwelled within its walls.
Moreover, with respectable fare at modest prices, it attracted those who wished to enjoy fine food without excessive expense.
I stepped into the Hwaseon Guesthouse.
The common room was packed with patrons. Finding a seat proved difficult given the abundance of affordable, delicious offerings that drew such crowds.
Yet something felt peculiar.
I could sense the gazes of those dining upon me.
“Is that not the Young Master So of the Nakhyang Jin Family?”
“Indeed, the youngest son. But why would he come here…?”
“The Unryong Inn is practically next door. How strange.”
Whispers rippled through the guesthouse from various tables.
It was understandable—since the Unryong Inn, operated by the Jin Family, stood mere steps away, there was little reason to seek out the Hwaseon Guesthouse.
“Was this inn truly called Hwaseon?”
“Cough, cough! Hwaseon is indeed an inn.”
“Ah, yes, of course! But the Unryong is far more delicious and prestigious, is it not? I thought we were going there…”
At Chu Hyeongi’s words, the patrons’ expressions soured.
For those seeking refined taste and ambiance, the Unryong was indeed the superior choice.
Most who frequented the Hwaseon did so because the Unryong’s prices were prohibitive—his casual remark had sounded like an ostentatious display of wealth.
I shook my head in resignation and ascended the stairs.
Upon reaching the second floor, I found it equally crowded with no available seats.
Undeterred, I proceeded toward the third floor.
As I climbed the stairs, I felt a sudden shadow fall across my path and lifted my gaze.
At the entrance to the third floor, a sturdy gatekeeper stood blocking the way.
“This area is off-limits, Young Master. Please head back downstairs.”
“I’ve come to meet someone inside.”
“…Do you have an appointment?”
“Of course not.”
“Then I’m afraid that’s impossible.”
The gatekeeper spoke firmly and showed no sign of stepping aside.
What was I to do?
I suppressed an escaping cough, pulled out my coin purse, and tossed silver coins at the man with whatever came to hand.
As the fellow caught the coins unexpectedly, his eyes widened in surprise, and I offered a small smile before speaking with urgency.
“Cough! Go tell her I’ve arrived.”
“…Very well.”
As the saying goes, money can move even ghosts.
How much more so for a man standing guard in a place like this for meager wages—a few taels of silver would surely turn his head.
The sturdy demeanor he’d displayed moments before vanished entirely, and I watched as the gatekeeper bowed respectfully and hurried inside.
“Who exactly are you here to meet?”
“That’s right.”
“No, I mean… who are you meeting that you’d spend money so freely? You said you didn’t even have an appointment?”
“Someone more than worth the expense.”
“Huh?”
Chu Hyeongi regarded me with a puzzled expression.
He tried to make sense of my cryptic words, but after a moment he simply gave up and shook his head.
Just then, the gatekeeper who had gone inside returned.
He bowed respectfully, no different than before.
“She will see you. Please, come in.”
“Much obliged.”
I smiled and followed the gatekeeper as he led the way.
At the far end of the long third-floor corridor, a grand door stood wide open.
What lay within was revealed.
The radiant interior of the room was so resplendent that even the word “dazzling” could not fully capture its beauty.
And at the end of my gaze sat a woman in a chair.
She wore a radiant black silk robe that matched the room’s elegance, and regarded me with an enchanting expression.
With a seductive smile, she rose from her seat and gestured toward an empty spot beside her, inviting me to sit.
Once I had taken my place, she settled gracefully across from me.
“What brings you to such a humble establishment, Young Master?”
“Humble? This place puts the Unryong Inn to shame.”
“Hehe, I’ll take that as a compliment. But tell me, what brings you to seek me out?”
This woman was the proprietress of the Hwaseon Guesthouse.
She was counted among the three most beautiful women in all of Hannam Territory.
Though she was not officially registered as a courtesan, her beauty alone was reason enough for many to visit the Hwaseon Guesthouse specifically to see her.
It was precisely because the Hwaseon Guesthouse’s proprietor possessed such refined beauty that the establishment had become so renowned.
I smiled faintly and opened my mouth toward the woman.
“I’m looking for someone.”
“Hehe, Young Master. We’re merely an establishment that serves food….”
Clink—
Before her words could finish, I tossed a silver ingot onto the table. The sudden appearance of not mere silver coins but a silver ingot caused the woman’s eyes to widen in genuine surprise as she stared at me.
“The person I seek is a physician. One who wanders throughout the Central Plains, treating the afflicted. As for their appearance….”
“But Young Master, no matter what you say….”
Clink—
As her mouth opened again, I cast another silver ingot onto the table.
In gold, that would be five taels.
“Their face bears severe burn scars and pockmarks—hardly pleasant to behold. Rather than treating ordinary folk, they’re known to heal the powerless and suffering in the shadows.”
“…Young Master, you’re not listening to me.”
“I wish to know where this woman is and what she’s currently doing. Should you bring me this information, I’ll double the payment on the spot.”
Cough—
“…!”
Though Chu Hyeongi beside me was making a fuss, I cleanly ignored it and rose from my seat.
I had already said all that needed saying.
Seeing her pupils tremble at the sight of the money, I was certain this woman would bring me that information without fail.
Moreover, had I not promised her a reward should she succeed?
Even as I turned my back and moved toward the door, the woman said nothing. Sensing only her gaze following my departing figure, I let out a soft chuckle and turned my head.
Our eyes met in that instant.
I saw the woman flinch.
“By the way, I’ve spent considerable coin—surely you won’t deny me a free meal?”
“Ah? Hehe, of course. I’ll have a table prepared for you at once.”
At the woman’s words, the man waiting outside the door bowed his head.

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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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