Chapter 526
Chapter 526
Chapter 526. The Second Departure (1)
I smiled at the building visible up ahead.
It was the Hubei Province main headquarters of the Eunha Trading Company.
Has it been almost half a year?
Around late autumn last year, after saving Brother Jeongho, I had immediately headed to Beijing.
Mm, I really am living busily.
I parted ways with Young Palace Head Bing Haerin’s group at the ferry landing.
Our party had to take a boat on the Yangtze River and go east, while the Northern Sea Ice Palace had to go north.
After parting with them, I asked Miss Seo Hyang.
“We could pass through Guizhou Province on the way. Would you like to stop by home?” (MC)
I meant whether she wanted to stop by Provincial Administrative Commissioner’s home for a while.
But she declined my suggestion.
“It’s all right. Now is not yet the time. And even if it is on the way, we would still have to take a slight detour, so it would not be right to take up time because of me.” (Seo Hyang)
“But…….” (MC)
“I am truly all right. And if my Orabeonis happen to be there, it could be dangerous. I will ask you later.” (Seo Hyang)
“Understood.” (MC)
And so we returned directly to the Eunha Trading Company headquarters without stopping by Provincial Administrative Commissioner’s home.
“Seeing the headquarters after so long makes me feel glad all over again.” (Pal-gap)
At Pal-gap’s words, I nodded.
“I feel the same.” (MC)
Then I turned my head and looked at Warrior Seo Woo and Warrior Yeo Eungam.
“I will give you about four days of leave this time, so go spend time with your families.” (MC)
“It is all right. I will remain by your side, Liege.” (Yeo Eungam)
At Warrior Yeo Eungam’s words, Warrior Seo Woo shook his head.
“Warrior Yeo Eungam, do you think there will be many chances to spend time with your family?” (Seo Woo)
“Yes?” (Yeo Eungam)
“When the Liege grants you leisure, spend time with your family. If you miss this chance, you do not know when you will be able to spend time with them again. As you know, for those who live by the blade, tomorrow is uncertain.” (Seo Woo)
Warrior Seo Woo had worked as a Head Escort at an escort agency, and had once spent years lying in bed.
As such, he must know well how important the ordinary days one can spend with family are.
“Warrior Seo Woo is right.” (MC)
I know that all too well myself.
“So spend the four days resting fully before you come back. The other warriors will fill the gaps left by the two of you. I intend to stay inside the trading company to begin with, so I do not need that many guards anyway.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Yeo Eungam)
“I will gladly obey your command.” (Seo Woo)
Soon, we arrived at the Hubei Province main headquarters of the Eunha Trading Company.
“Huh? Third Young Captain?”
“Is that not the Third Young Captain?”
Everyone was startled by my appearance. Naturally so, since I had come without any notice.
“I happened to stop by for a bit.” (MC)
I dismounted, entrusted my horse to the servants, and asked,
“Is the trading company peaceful?” (MC)
“Of course. It is very peaceful.” (Servant)
“That is fortunate.” (MC)
I immediately headed to my residence, washed, straightened my attire, and went to find my family.
Everyone was surprised, yet glad to see me.
Because Father was out, I had to postpone paying my respects to him until later.
After greeting all my family members, I returned to my residence and asked Pal-gap.
“Is Master Manjeong at the lodging now?” (MC)
“No, sir. I am told he is at the water training ground right now.” (Pal-gap)
“Water training ground?” (MC)
Ah, he must mean the place Chief Administrator Go Ilpyeong had proposed making before.
He had said actual combat was important and that he would prepare a place where they could practice as if in real combat. I wonder what kind of place it is.
“Let’s go.” (MC)
“Yes, sir.” (Pal-gap)
The water training ground was at some distance from the Eunha Trading Company.
To be precise, it was near the river where the ships were moored.
About one si-jin from the main headquarters.
There stood a tall defensive fence made of bamboo.
Shu-shu-shu-shuk!
Shu-shuk!
As we approached, I heard the sound of arrows being fired.
“Uaaak!” (Man)
Splash!
I can hear screams and the sound of water too.
It seems they really are training close to actual combat.
When I approached the fence, the gatekeepers blocked my way.
“Please state your identity and purpose.” (Gatekeeper)
Depending on how one looks at it, it could have been bothersome, but I was actually satisfied.
Because it meant discipline was well established and matters were being handled according to procedure.
And procedures like these do not become meaningless only when those above properly follow them, even if they are bothersome.
If a superior disregards procedure, what subordinate would follow procedure?
“I am Eun Seoho, the Third Young Captain of the Eunha Trading Company.” (MC)
I showed my identity plaque.
Upon seeing it, they took a step back and spoke politely.
“We have been rude. You are qualified to enter.” (Gatekeeper)
“How far does the qualification to enter this place extend?” (MC)
“That is…….” (Gatekeeper)
He held out a wooden board.
“Please refer to this.” (Gatekeeper)
On that wooden board were written only Father’s name, our brothers’ names, and the names of the two chief administrators and each Pavilion Master.
“That was helpful. Thank you.” (MC)
I returned the wooden board and went through the open gate.
“Wow…….” (MC)
Before I knew it, my mouth had fallen open.
It was a place created by artificially diverting part of the river’s current, and one ship large enough for about a hundred people to ride was floating there.
And on that ship were dozens of people, shooting arrows toward targets set up on another ship.
“Aim!” (Commander)
Chak!
“Fire!” (Commander)
Shu-shu-shu-shuk!
Papapapapak!
Those arrows flew a much greater distance than ordinary arrows and struck the targets.
“Wow! Impressive!” (MC)
“It really is impressive, sir. All those arrows struck the targets. Egeo, one shot unfortunately missed.” (Pal-gap)
Hm?
At Pal-gap’s words, I pointed at the target and said,
“You can see that target?” (MC)
“Yes. I can see it, sir.” (Pal-gap)
That is not a distance an ordinary person can see…….
No matter how much he has the talent of the King of Assassins and trains it, his inner arts are not at that level.
Just then, Warrior Jin Yu behind me said,
“Page Pal-gap had very good eyes even before he began training. It seems they improved even more through training.” (Jin Yu)
Pal-gap said,
“According to the book you gave me, Young Master, I must have good eyes in order to observe your condition even from afar and respond accordingly. So there are also training methods to improve eyesight.” (Pal-gap)
“……I see.” (MC)
I gave a faint laugh.
Pal-gap is still sincere about his work as a servant.
Just then, perhaps having noticed I had come, Master Manjeong came running from far away.
“Young Captain!” (Manjeong)
“It has been a long time. The level of training is tremendous.” (MC)
“Of course. In order to repay the grace you have shown our family, Young Captain, I cannot neglect my duty.” (Manjeong)
“I am grateful you think that way.” (MC)
I continued speaking.
“As expected, the bows’ range and power are considerable.” (MC)
At my words, he shook his head.
“To my eyes, they are still lacking.” (Manjeong)
“One cannot be full from the first spoonful.” (MC)
“But there is not much time left before the departure, and to my eyes, they still seem lacking.” (Manjeong)
“Do not be too impatient. The lacking parts can be covered with tactics.” (MC)
Recalling memories from my previous life, I continued speaking.
“Divide the archers aboard the ship into three groups and have them shoot. The first group fires arrows soaked in oil, the second group fires flaming arrows, and the third group interferes with those trying to put out the flames.” (MC)
“Oh! That is a good method.” (Manjeong)
At my suggestion, his eyes widened.
“We must try it at once! At once!” (Manjeong)
“By the way, the training ground is truly good.” (MC)
“Yes. The Trading Company Head gave full support for the Eunpung Archery Unit.” (Manjeong)
Ah, so the official name of this archer unit is the Eunpung Archery Unit.
To others, training them might look like a waste of money, but it absolutely is not.
If trade through the sea expands, it will inevitably run into pirates.
If no method is prepared to repel them, that trading company will suffer enormous losses.
Moreover, battles on land and battles at sea are clearly different.
If we train this kind of unit in advance, we can repel the plundering of pirates.
Even taking that into account, it seems the support is richer than expected.
Our father…….
He truly is backing this with all his heart.
It was as if he were venting the regret of not having been able to properly support something that should have been supported all this time.
I patted Geumryeong, who was wriggling his rump inside my sleeve.
Seeing this fellow react like this, it was clear that the Eunpung Archery Unit would bring quite a great profit to the Eunha Trading Company.
That evening.
Father returned, and I went to see him.
“This is your home, so there is nothing strange about coming without notice, but what brings you here? You must be busy in many ways.” (Father)
At Father’s question, I gave a faint laugh.
“Because I missed my family.” (MC)
At my answer, Father smiled.
“And I went to observe the Eunpung Archery Unit’s training.” (MC)
“I see, you went there. What did you think?” (Father)
“It was astonishing. Their skill was impressive, of course, but their equipment and training process were even more astonishing. I did not think you would invest that much in them.” (MC)
At my answer, Father nodded.
“It is my will as well, but in truth, it is also the will of our ancestors.” (Father)
“Yes?” (MC)
“Do you remember the book passed down to the Trading Company Head, which I spoke of before?” (Father)
“I remember.” (MC)
“In that book, it is written that when a trading company operates merchant ships, it must prepare a method to stand against pirates.” (Father)
“I see.” (MC)
“So I had resolved that when the time came, I would support them fully.” (Father)
“Then, Father. Are you happy?” (MC)
At my question, Father grinned.
“Yes, I am happy.” (Father)
“You may support them even more. This son of yours just needs to earn a lot of money.” (MC)
“Are you thinking of creating an invincible, matchless Absolute Eunpung Archery Unit?” (Father)
“That would be good too.” (MC)
At my answer, Father laughed loudly.
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The next morning.
As soon as I woke up, I finished my qi circulation and came out to the courtyard.
“Good morning.” (Master)
“Master!” (MC)
I quickly ran to Master.
Yesterday, as soon as I arrived at the Eunha Trading Company headquarters, I informed Master through Geumryeong that I had returned to the headquarters.
Seeing Master’s face, it seemed he was very curious about what had happened in the meantime.
To others, his expression would look blank, but I can tell.
“Has nothing much happened in the meantime?” (MC)
“Yes. Everything has been peaceful without incident.” (Master)
“First, I will report to you about what happened at Zhurong Palace.” (MC)
At my words, Master raised his hand.
“Before that, let us train first.” (Master)
“It is not that I do not know that Master worries about my growth, but this time, I believe I should give you my report first.” (MC)
At my words, Master looked slightly puzzled, but soon nodded.
“Please speak.” (Master)
“Yes.” (MC)
I calmly told Master about what had happened at Zhurong Palace this time.
I had delivered the rough details to him by letter, but it would be best for him to know this matter in detail.
From the beginning, the matter of Mister Meng Hyun getting on my nerves.
How I used the duel with him to examine the records of the Palace Head inside the internal halls of Zhurong Palace.
And how the Palace Head caught me doing that, and through my conversation with him, I discovered that Zhurong Palace was not the culprit.
How I was permitted entry to the library and found other materials there about the Doyeon Gate and the Blood Heaven Gate.
How, after Mister Meng Hyun was deposed from the position of Young Palace Head, he attacked Zhurong Palace together with the Black Lotus Gang.
And how, because of the Ultimate Martial Awakening Pill, Mister Meng Hyun became a cripple, and the second son, Mister Meng Cheon, became the Young Palace Head, and so on.
However, I did not speak about Mister Meng Cheon’s identity.
Because it would not be proper to tell someone else a secret he had told me in trust.
“I see.” (Master)
After listening to my entire story, Master nodded.
“That fellow Jin has truly gone through much hardship.” (Master)
“Yes.” (MC)
And there is one last thing I must give him.
“I think you should keep this, Master.” (MC)
“This is that whetstone.” (Master)
In the letter I had previously sent to Master through Geumryeong, there was also a story about this whetstone.
Perhaps because of that, Master recognized the whetstone I handed him right away.
“That is correct.” (MC)
“Understood. I will keep this.” (Master)
Master carefully wrapped it again and placed it in his robes.
“But there is one thing I find puzzling. You said Mister Meng Hyun, who ate something called the Ultimate Martial Awakening Pill, reached the level of Transcendent Realm, if only briefly. Young Captain, you do not yet seem to have crossed the wall of Transcendent Realm…… so how did you defeat him?” (Master)
As expected of Master.
He noticed that right away.
“In truth, that is the reason I asked you, Master, to hear my story first.” (MC)
I continued speaking.
“Inside that library, I was able to encounter the ancestor’s arrangement.” (MC)
Master’s eyebrow twitched.
“Is that truly the truth?” (Master)
“Yes. It is true. So, by any chance, do you know of the Extreme Ice Sword?” (MC)
At my question, Master’s eyes widened.
“Just now…… did you say the Extreme Ice Sword?” (Master)
“Yes.” (MC)
“That is…… one of Seolpung Palace’s lost ultimate techniques…….” (Master)
“Yes? Did you say…… lost?” (MC)
Master nodded.
“That is why Father was extremely regretful. He said that if the Extreme Ice Sword had not been lost, he would have beaten the Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace into coming to his senses if he had to.” (Master)
Ah…….
Come to think of it, the Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace had once said his cold energy had invaded his brain, causing him to lose his mind.
Afterward, as his realm rose, that state was restored, though.
I feel as if I now understand the meaning of what the ancestor said.
The meaning behind saying that the role of Seolpung Palace was important.
So Seolpung Palace is the guardian of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, and yet also an existence equal to the Northern Sea Ice Palace, because of that role.
Understanding that inwardly, I continued speaking.
“In any case, I was able to subdue Mister Meng Hyun with the Extreme Ice Sword. And I wish to teach you the Extreme Ice Sword I learned, Master. However…….” (MC)
“Why is that? Is there some problem?” (Master)
“Learning the Extreme Ice Sword is extremely difficult.” (MC)
In the space arranged by the ancestor, it took me no less than three years because the Extreme Ice Sword was quite a fussy sword technique.
“It is the Extreme Ice Sword. We must take that into account as well. Fortunately, I have no schedule today.” (Master)
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A short while later.
I smiled bitterly as I watched Master use the Extreme Ice Sword.
As expected, Transcendent Realm is Transcendent Realm.
Phew, just who on earth was I worrying about?