Chapter 105 :

Chapter 105. The Grand Journey of Pandemonium (4)

“You look… extremely tired.”

At Wang Geumsan’s words, Jin Taesan flinched and hurriedly touched his face.

Did he truly look that terrible?

“You look exactly like a giant panda.”

“……”

Now that he thought about it, the dark circles beneath his eyes had grown steadily deeper.

He was pleased that the merchant guild was gradually settling into place and that more money was flowing in.

However, when he considered how thoroughly he had been worked to the bone in return, he could not help feeling all his strength drain away.

“But… Estate Lord, you do not look particularly well either……”

Jin Taesan could see Wang Geumsan’s condition as well.

Unlike Jin Taesan, Wang Geumsan wore silk robes and a golden leather belt, but his face was gaunt and haggard.

“Indeed. It seems both of us are suffering greatly because our children are too exceptional.”

A bitter smile formed on Wang Geumsan’s lips.

Had Wang Soso’s commercial talent truly been that extraordinary?

According to the rumors, the Wang Family Estate’s influence throughout Shaanxi, Gansu, and Qinghai had doubled.

Recently, it had even established a new trade route with the Western Regions.

The amount of tribute goods it supplied to Beijing had increased so dramatically that people said it could now construct buildings out of gold.

“Did I interrupt you?”

Jin Taesan tilted his head at Wang Geumsan’s question.

Wang Geumsan was someone whom anyone wished to meet, regardless of whether they belonged to the murim world or served in government.

Yet such a man was speaking cautiously to the outer hall master of an insignificant sect.

Jin Taesan could not understand it.

“Why would you say such a thing? I had already wished to seek your advice, Estate Lord, but I kept postponing it because I thought you would be busy.”

“Ha ha. They say minds that understand each other will eventually meet. What a relief.”

“Yes. Whenever you need anything, please do not travel such a long distance yourself. Simply summon me, and I will personally visit you.”

Wang Geumsan had never once boasted despite contributing an enormous amount of financial support.

He had provided considerable assistance in developing the iron ore mine, and his help with the merchant guild went without saying.

Had he not recently even arranged a modest celebration because the Taeul Sect disciples had passed the third stage?

From Jin Taesan’s perspective, Wang Geumsan was someone he should have rushed barefoot to welcome.

“I came because of Soso.”

“Hmm? Is she experiencing some difficulty at the Taeul Sect?”

As far as Jin Taesan knew, Wang Soso already had every child in the Taeul Sect firmly under her control.

He did not understand how she had managed it, but unlike during Gye Cheolyeong’s time, not a single child refused to follow her.

Even Jegal Cheon, who had recently entered as an outer disciple, and Yuseong, who had returned after serving as an exchange disciple with the Moyong Family, attended Wang Soso as faithfully as though she were their hall master.

“No. It is not that. I noticed traces in her movements suggesting that she has learned martial arts.”

“Ah……!”

“Do you know something about it?”

“It is probably because of the Taeul True Scripture.”

“The Taeul True Scripture… You mean the Taeul Sword Emperor’s legacy that was recently recovered?”

“Yes.”

“Is it safe?”

Because of her illness, Wang Soso could not practice martial arts other than the Taeul Heart Method.

If her internal energy became impure, the characteristics of her solar physique would emerge again.

“You do not need to worry. You can consider the Taeul True Scripture an advanced version of the Taeul Heart Method. Moreover, because its teachings are so profound, the internal energy within her dantian should become even purer.”

“Ha ha……”

Wang Geumsan wore a complicated expression.

He looked as though he could not decide whether to be pleased or worried.

Jin Taesan continued apologetically.

“I am sorry. We should have informed you in advance so that you would not worry, but no one in the sect paid sufficient attention.”

“No, it is fine. If everyone forgot to mention it, that must mean there was no real problem. However, does that martial art include a footwork technique that leaves an illusion behind?”

“An illusion…?”

“When the child moved, an afterimage remained in her wake.”

He appeared to be referring to the Taeul Eight Myriad Divine Steps.

Had her achievement already risen high enough to leave an afterimage?

“Good heavens……”

“Wh-why are you reacting like that?”

Seeing Wang Geumsan’s concern, Jin Taesan hurriedly concealed his surprise.

“Did Jin Sowoon not pass the third stage with his junior brothers?”

“Y-yes, he did.”

To be honest, even after hearing the rumors, Jin Taesan had wondered whether they were true.

When Jin Sowoon left to take the examination, he had made all sorts of determined declarations.

Jin Taesan had assumed they were merely words.

After all, how could disciples from an insignificant sect like the Taeul Sect take the Martial Academy examination without any support from their sect?

In any case, through some unknown means, they had passed the third stage.

Jin Taesan had heard that only the grand journey remained.

But what did passing the third stage have to do with reducing escort fees?

“Could it be… that you do not know?”

“Know what?”

“They say that wherever your son goes, the corpses of those who obstruct him pile up like mountains and blood flows like the sea. That is why they call him the Corpse-Mountain Blood-Sea Bloodflame Dragon……”

“……”

“Your daughter’s gifts are not limited to commerce.”

Kang Chaeseok, the hall master of Taegwang Hall, was said to be the only person who left an afterimage while using the Taeul Eight Myriad Divine Steps.

Considering that even Sect Leader Hong Mungi did not leave an afterimage when performing the footwork, Wang Soso’s achievement had to be higher than Hong Mungi’s.

“Congratulations. You truly have an extraordinary daughter.”

“Ha ha… Well, this is……”

Wang Geumsan’s lips twitched as he failed to conceal his smile.

“It must all be thanks to the Taeul Sect’s outstanding teachings.”

Jin Taesan forcibly swallowed the words, ‘In truth, even we have not fully mastered it yet.’

“What did you wish to discuss with me, Outer Hall Master?”

“Ah! Right. Now that we are beginning to operate the merchant guild in earnest, I have been wondering how we should organize our merchant caravans. Since the Taeul Sect is currently closed to outsiders, we cannot personally provide escorts.”

“First, why not commission an escort agency while assigning one or two warriors and raising a flag to show that it is a caravan of the Taeul Sect?”

“I also believe that revealing our affiliation with the Taeul Sect will be beneficial in the future, but would raising the flag now not be premature?”

Wang Geumsan looked at him as though he had said something incomprehensible.

“Why would there be any need to wait? If you raise the flag now, even the escort agency will charge you a lower escort fee.”

“What?”

Why would an escort agency reduce its fees merely because the Taeul Sect was involved?

Corpse-Mountain Blood-Sea?

Corpse-Mountain, Blood-Sea, Bloodflame Dragon?

It was over.

Anyone who heard that name would assume they were blood-crazed dark-faction lunatics.

The Taeul Sect had only just begun expanding and attempting to establish its legitimacy, yet now even its roots would be called into question before it could properly begin.

“Of course, gossip-loving people have embellished the story somewhat. Even so, considering that people throughout the murim world now fear the Taeul Sect because half of Wudang’s force was destroyed, I believe raising the flag would be entirely worthwhile.”

Wang Geumsan could not understand why Jin Taesan’s expression looked so terrible.

For a martial sect, was it not better to inspire fear than to appear weak?

Or was he worried that only his son, Jin Sowoon, would be forced to carry the burden of the Taeul Sect?

Thinking about it, Jin Sowoon had indeed done far too much for the Taeul Sect.

“Only four people from the Taeul Sect participated, did they not? Thanks to that, the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers have even received the nickname the Bloodletting Three Dragons.”

“Ugh! Guh!”

Wang Geumsan had spoken in an attempt to improve the situation, but Jin Taesan’s face grew increasingly pale.

If Wang Geumsan said anything more, Jin Taesan looked ready to faint.

Realizing that something had gone wrong, Wang Geumsan quickly changed the subject.

“I-in any case, is saving money on escort fees not a good thing?”

“……”

The warmth that had filled Jin Taesan’s gaze seemed to turn strangely cold.

‘It seems I will not even be able to bring it up.’

Wang Geumsan had personally traveled all the way to Hefei to casually ask what Jin Taesan thought about making Jin Sowoon his live-in son-in-law.

Instead, he would return without accomplishing anything.

“So you are Great Hero Bloodflame Dragon, the Eldest Senior Brother of the Bloodletting Three Dragons. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Despite the man’s friendly smile, the nickname was filled with obvious malice.

The Bloodletting Three Dragons?

What kind of horrifying nickname was that?

Replace only the word “dragon” with “dog,” and it immediately brought to mind blood-crazed dark-faction lunatics.

“Oh, that is apparently the nickname people use for the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers.”

Namgung Seonhwa quietly explained it to me, and I instinctively frowned.

Calling children who had not even reached twenty years old “bloodletting” was insane.

Was some bastard deliberately giving only the Taeul Sect disciples these malicious nicknames?

“Ha ha ha. Great Hero Bloodflame Dragon, you must have been so focused on the examination that you remained unaware of worldly rumors.”

“Ha ha ha ha.”

“Ho ho ho ho.”

Following the laughter of the arrogant-looking young man in golden robes, the seven men and women seated with him laughed as well.

The Twelve Peaks Fortress.

Disciples from eight of its sects had come to the Changgung Merchant Guild to meet me.

“……”

I stared blankly at them as they laughed without knowing what I was thinking.

They soon regained their composure.

“My introduction was delayed.”

“Cheol Sunjik of the Jukhyeon Gang.”

When I casually spoke his name, a strange light appeared in his eyes.

My finger then pointed toward the huge man behind him and continued down the line.

“Nam Hwaseong of the Samwon Sect, Ha Yeongyeong of the Heavenly Sword Gang, Sang Muhon of the Western Heaven Sect……”

When I identified all eight people, everyone in the room was unable to conceal their surprise.

“My goodness… How do you know all of us?”

Even though they were elite disciples of the Twelve Peaks Fortress, they had not yet been active in the murim world.

Naturally, they could not help being shocked that I knew their identities.

“So you were already together from this point……”

“What?”

“It is nothing. Why did you wish to meet me?”

Cheol Sunjik, Namgung Seonhwa, and Seong Moran all looked desperate to know what I meant.

Of course, they would not believe me even if I explained it.

“Ahem. In any case, besides those gathered here, disciples from the Bifung Sect and Ghost Bow Sect will also join us before we travel to Wuhan.”

“I see.”

If ten elite disciples of the Twelve Peaks Fortress gathered, the force moving with them would number at least eight hundred.

No sane person would even consider provoking a group of that size.

From the perspective of our party, whose forces were nearly crippled, it was an enviable situation.

They had effectively already passed the examination.

If they had merely come to exchange greetings and show off, it would be acceptable for me to crack their heads open, right?

Cheol Sunjik looked toward Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran.

“I apologize to the two Young Ladies, but could we speak privately among ourselves?”

My uneasy prediction appeared to be correct.

Had they come merely to discuss the examination, there would have been no reason to send Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran away.

“What? Ah……”

“……”

Namgung Seonhwa and Seong Moran began rising from their seats with bewildered expressions, but I spoke first.

“These two have traveled with me and will continue to do so. Unless this is a personal conversation unrelated to the examination, there is no reason they cannot hear it.”

“Young Master Jin, we are fine.”

“We will wait outside.”

Unlike usual, I ignored their opinions.

At that moment, doing so was the correct choice.

“Please sit. They likely came to discuss the examination.”

Otherwise, I truly would crack their heads open.

I had slept fewer than five double-hours throughout the entire week.

“Why do you believe the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families of the Martial Alliance created the Hundred and Eight Peaks system?”

What he was saying would be uncomfortable for Namgung Seonhwa to hear, even if Seong Moran did not care.

“To strengthen the Martial Alliance’s system further.”

I answered honestly.

“As expected, you are no ordinary person.”

“Is that not something everyone knows? It is also why the Twelve Peaks Fortress was created.”

The Twelve Peaks Fortress was an alliance created by twelve sects of the Hundred and Eight Peaks that opposed a murim world dominated by the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families.

Since they refused to associate with the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families, one might assume they were merely worthless remnants.

However, they were an alliance of sects with considerable influence in the murim world, so even the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families could not easily ignore them.

“Knowing something and being willing to say it aloud are entirely different matters.”

“As you said, Great Hero Jin, the system of the Hundred and Eight Peaks, the Martial Academy examination, and the structure of the Martial Alliance were all created for the benefit of only a select few. The rest of us must line up before them and survive on the scraps they leave behind.”

As Cheol Sunjik spoke, he repeatedly glanced toward Namgung Seonhwa.

He was clearly mocking her for being a member of the Five Great Families while facing the possibility of failing the examination.

Still, I had often thought the same thing, so I nodded.

Cheol Sunjik became even more excited and continued speaking.

“In that sense, what the Taeul Sect has accomplished in such a short time is more than enough to astonish us. Of course, I also understand that the process was extremely difficult.”

Cheol Sunjik nodded to himself before continuing.

“That is why we came here to offer you some assistance. Travel with us to the Martial Academy.”

Namgung Seonhwa’s face flushed red.

Cheol Sunjik looked back at me as though she no longer interested him.

“We are moving to overthrow that outdated system. Our purpose is to correct the harmful practices the Martial Alliance has inflicted upon the murim world and construct a progressive new murim.”

“I see.”

The Twelve Peaks Fortress’s elite disciples and the roughly eight hundred warriors they commanded—

No matter how desirable the Taeul Sect’s entrance plaques were, no one would approach them easily.

From our perspective, this was our first opportunity to finish the examination comfortably.

However, instead of responding positively, I stared intently at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“A sweet proposal naturally comes with conditions, does it not?”

The Cheol Sunjik I knew was not someone who showed mercy or acted out of affection merely because another person shared his political ideals.

“Ha ha. It seems the nickname Bloodflame Dragon was not given without reason. Meeting someone who understands me so readily is truly delightful.”

Did he know?

In my previous life, he had hated me bitterly because I opposed every strategy he proposed.

“Of course, there is a condition, but it is nothing significant. You must part ways with the people currently accompanying you and follow your separate paths.”

Namgung Seonhwa’s and Seong Moran’s expressions stiffened.

“They were never people who intended to remain with the Taeul Sect in the first place. Moreover, because of their individual circumstances, they are not providing the Taeul Sect with much assistance. Is that not true?”

He was likely criticizing the way other members of the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families moved with enormous forces.

Because a collateral branch had gained power within the Namgung Family, Namgung Seonhwa had struggled even to gather one hundred warriors.

The Iron Sword Sect had no one available to participate because Seong Mohyeon was imprisoned in the Golden Prison.

“I have heard that Great Hero Jin possesses overwhelmingly more entrance plaques than the other examinees. You should enter the Martial Academy as the top student and show the world that the Hundred and Eight Peaks are no less prestigious than the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families.”

Cheol Sunjik’s eyes sparkled as though he were already watching the academy’s entrance ceremony.

—Young Master Jin.

At that moment, Namgung Seonhwa’s voice transmission reached me.

—We are fine. Under the circumstances, I believe traveling with them is the correct choice.

Seong Moran also nodded slightly.

Cheol Sunjik had clearly noticed Namgung Seonhwa’s lips moving, but he pretended not to and continued.

“We intend to depart when the Bifung Sect and Ghost Bow Sect arrive in Zhengzhou two days from now. For now, why not move to our accommodations? We can also discuss the details there.”

I turned back toward Cheol Sunjik.

“I refuse.”

“Then, first we should… What?”

“……!”

“Young Master Jin!”

“Young Master!”

Cheol Sunjik’s face stiffened.

Seeing the face that had always looked so smug in my previous life change like that made me feel refreshed.

“I said that I refuse. Is there a problem?”

“But… No, why?”

“Am I also required to explain why I refuse?”

There was no reason for him to be so curious.

I could already see exactly what they intended to do.

Some sects did not properly participate in the examination because of the fundamental nature of their martial arts.

The Bifung Sect and Ghost Bow Sect he had just mentioned were representative examples.

Their primary martial arts were flying sword arts and archery respectively, so they never seriously participated in the Martial Academy examination, which placed them at a disadvantage.

They wandered around idly until the third-stage examination ended and then staked everything on the final grand journey.

After joining us, they would probably use every flattering argument imaginable to suggest that we divide our entrance plaques.

They would make it sound as though doing so were the most reasonable course of action.

How did I know so well?

‘Because that was exactly how they acted when they pushed the Sojeong Unit onto the front line.’

Creating a political atmosphere and using it to pressure people was Cheol Sunjik’s greatest specialty.

Four people among eight hundred?

I might resist, but the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers might voluntarily take the entrance plaques from their clothes and hand them over.

In any case, I had unexpectedly encountered Cheol Sunjik, with whom I had shared an ill-fated relationship in my previous life.

I had no intention of simply letting him leave.

At the very least, I wanted to ruin his mood.

What reason could I give that would offend Cheol Sunjik the most?

It needed to be as irrational and unreasonable as possible.

“Would it not be better to travel with these two than with such gloomy-looking people?”

“……”

For the first time, Cheol Sunjik’s eyes trembled in disbelief.

“Are you… serious?”

“Yes. I place considerable importance on aesthetics. Can these two accompany us as well?”

“That will not be possible, will it?”

Cheol Sunjik tightly closed his mouth without saying anything.

It was unfortunate that I could not strike him across the face.

However, I had seen him look as though a few words had slapped him repeatedly.

That was enough satisfaction for today.