Chapter 557
Chapter 557
Chapter 557. The Test (5)
That reaction……
He knows too. That the ones who tried to harm him last time were the Baekcheon Trading Company under the Martial Alliance.
He must have investigated based on the clues I had hinted at and figured it out.
As expected of a Trading Company that has a firm grip on the Shandong region.
I gave a faint laugh.
“You ask that even though you already know about me.” (Eun Seoho)
And there is no way he would not have investigated me.
It is cold-blooded, but that is reality.
From my standpoint, that might even be better.
And honestly, our Eunhae Trading Company also investigates figures from other Trading Companies, so one could say it is fair.
“A person’s circumstances can change at any time.” (Ho Gyeong)
“That is true. But since I received an order from the Alliance Leader, how could I not obey?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“You know, do you not? That in this empire, there are places merchants must not make enemies of.” (Eun Seoho)
“The imperial palace, and…… the Martial Alliance.” (Ho Gyeong)
“Phew, that is right.” (Eun Seoho)
At the same time, I let out a sigh and sent him a telepathic message.
* I am busy to death, so I do not know what nonsense this is. (Eun Seoho)
He seemed momentarily flustered, but soon managed his expression and bowed his head.
“To think I even entertained such a thought for a moment! I apologize.” (Ho Gyeong)
“It is all right.” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled and waved my hand.
Come to think of it, Mister Ho Gyeong is the next-next successor of the Baekyeom Trading Company, which holds Shandong Province tightly in its grasp.
“If you are not busy, would you care to have a cup of tea for a moment?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Ho Gyeong)
.
.
.
After meeting Mister Ho Gyeong and returning to Cheongsan Inn, I ate dinner, rested for a while, then went to bed.
I will be running around busily starting tomorrow, so I should sleep well.
The next morning, we departed for Mount Tai.
The sect we were going to visit was a place called Guam Sect, located halfway up Mount Tai.
It was a sect whose name meant nine rocks, and according to Squad Leader Won’s explanation, perhaps because they lived roaming Mount Tai, they excelled in movement arts and fist techniques.
“The Sect Leader there is said to have received a favor from the Alliance Leader. Thus, at the Alliance Leader’s request, he is keeping the golden Buddha statue.” (Won Eop)
“Is it a large sect?” (Eun Seoho)
“No. It is not very large. It is about a small-to-medium sect.” (Won Eop)
“Then how are they keeping such a precious item?” (Eun Seoho)
“That, you will understand once we go there in person.” (Won Eop)
We began climbing Mount Tai, and before long, I could understand what Squad Leader Won meant.
“Huff, huff, huff.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
The squad members were gasping for breath.
Mount Tai’s rugged terrain truly made it an arduous journey.
“So this is why we left the horses at the inn.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. Hahaha.” (Won Eop)
Squad Leader Won continued speaking.
“Guam Sect also literally means one must cross nine rocky mountains. Even if someone stole the golden Buddha statue, not only would they quickly be caught by the sect’s people, who run across Mount Tai as if it were their own courtyard, they would also suffer greatly.” (Won Eop)
“It is certainly that rugged. But this is not your first time going there.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I have gone there once before.” (Won Eop)
By the way, this person looks much more fine compared to the squad members.
“By the way, are you not tired?” (Eun Seoho)
“Did I not tell you? I am a person of the Huangshan Won Clan, which has made Huangshan its courtyard.” (Won Eop)
Pride in his family.
Seeing how he was not even gasping for breath, it seemed his claim that they had made Huangshan their courtyard was not a bluff.
Is that why the Alliance Leader sent this man?
“You, Master Immortal Hero Beauty, also seem to have good stamina.” (Won Eop)
“Stamina is the foundation of a martial artist, after all. I try not to skip training as much as possible.” (Eun Seoho)
“Your escort warriors do not look tired at all either. But……” (Won Eop)
He glanced behind him and clicked his tongue.
“Phew. I told them all the time not to neglect stamina training, and the fact that they were busy playing around is being revealed like this.” (Won Eop)
“They will realize it someday.” (Eun Seoho)
Does he dislike his squad members?
I slowly began poking at him.
“It seems the squad members do not listen to you very well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Sigh, what is there to say?” (Won Eop)
Perhaps he had things piled up against the squad members all this time, or perhaps he trusted me, because he poured it out smoothly.
“They are all bastards who lived however they pleased in their families. Would they listen to me?” (Won Eop)
“You must have many hardships.” (Eun Seoho)
I said that while inwardly letting out a faint laugh.
Now this shows a crack.
Crossing nine rocky mountains was truly difficult.
Having departed in the morning, we were unable to reach Guam Sect and had to camp halfway there.
That was how much time the rough path consumed.
Of course, if it had been only me and my party, we would have been faster, but the squad members’ stamina was a big problem.
They were so exhausted that they could not even prepare the campsite.
Did they think it was an easy mission, only for it to not be?
I began to suspect that perhaps the Alliance Leader had given them this mission to screw them over.
But the problem was that there was no reason for the Alliance Leader to do that.
By the way, the weather is colder than I expected.
It is because the Shandong region is not a warm region to begin with, and Mount Tai is high.
If they camp like that without even lighting a fire, they might freeze to death.
It cannot be helped.
“Palgap.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Young Master.” (Palgap)
“Light them a campfire. If they freeze to death, handling that would be even more troublesome.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
And so we lit a fire for them and even made their meal.
“Th-thank you very much.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“We will not forget this kindness.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
Their eyes and expressions had changed completely from a few days ago.
After safely spending the night like that, we set off for Guam Sect early the next morning.
But the squad members were still having a hard time, and Squad Leader Won looked extremely displeased.
“We have to hurry if we are to arrive on time.” (Won Eop)
“We know, but what can we do when it is hard?” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“We are hopeless at climbing mountains.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“Please understand that not everyone is as good at mountains as you are, Squad Leader.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
I let out a faint laugh inwardly.
There is not the slightest sign of respect for the squad leader in the eyes of the squad members.
What a mess.
In any case, thanks to his constant urging, the mountain gate finally began to come into view.
“Phew, there is not much left now.” (Won Eop)
Perhaps they had discovered us, because someone ran toward us from the mountain gate.
Tak!
Tat.
Though it was a rugged path, he ran over comfortably as if crossing flat ground, and even his landing was light.
He is not a disciple of Guam Sect for nothing.
They clasped their hands toward us.
“We greet the Masters of the Martial Alliance.” (Guam Sect Disciple)
“Welcome to Guam Sect.” (Guam Sect Disciple)
At their greetings, Squad Leader Won Eop responded as representative.
“Thank you for the welcome. I am Won Eop, Leader of the Sixth Squad of the Martial Alliance’s Dragon Fang Unit. And beside me are Master Immortal Hero Beauty and his party, while behind me are my squad members.” (Won Eop)
“I am Disciple Geon Gu.” (Geon Gu)
“I am Disciple Sang Yeon.” (Sang Yeon)
Then the one called Geon Gu continued speaking.
“I will guide you. Please follow me.” (Geon Gu)
And so we followed Disciple Geon Gu, crossed Guam Sect’s mountain gate, and entered the sect.
“Please wait a moment. And I will escort you two to the reception room.” (Geon Gu)
The party decided to wait briefly in the courtyard, and only Squad Leader Won and I headed to the reception room.
As we sat in the reception room drinking tea and waiting, I sensed someone approaching.
A considerably clear energy.
It is rare to find an energy this clear.
Soon, the door opened and an old man entered.
Squad Leader Won quickly stood and clasped his hands toward him.
“Won Eop, Leader of the Sixth Squad of the Martial Alliance’s Dragon Fang Unit, greets the Sect Leader.” (Won Eop)
Ah, so this person is the Sect Leader.
I also clasped my hands and showed courtesy.
“Eun Seoho, Young Head of the Eunhae Trading Company, greets the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am Hyeonam, Sect Leader of Guam Sect. Take your seats.” (Hyeonam)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
We sat down again, and the Sect Leader asked me,
“I heard that Master Immortal Hero Beauty had come, so why do you introduce yourself as a merchant?” (Hyeonam)
At this, I answered with a smile.
“Because I believe I am lacking when it comes to bearing the title Immortal Hero Beauty myself.” (Eun Seoho)
“Mm, is that so……” (Hyeonam)
“I have nothing to say even if you rebuke this humble merchant for his lack of boldness.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he shook his head.
“No. What right would I have to rebuke you? I was merely curious.” (Hyeonam)
He said that and smiled, but I could not yet tell what meaning was contained in that smile.
“Putting that aside.” (Hyeonam)
The Sect Leader turned his head and looked at Squad Leader Won.
“What brings you all the way here?” (Hyeonam)
“It is none other than that I came under the Alliance Leader’s command. He told me to bring the golden Buddha statue being kept here.” (Won Eop)
“That golden Buddha statue?” (Hyeonam)
“Yes. Here is the Alliance Leader’s letter.” (Won Eop)
He took a letter out from his robe and held it out to the Sect Leader.
After reading the letter, the Sect Leader nodded and put the letter into his robe.
“If that golden Buddha statue is used to protect many people, it is truly a good thing.” (Hyeonam)
“That is so.” (Won Eop)
“Understood. I will take out the golden Buddha statue so you can carry it away, so rest well tonight.” (Hyeonam)
“Thank you for your consideration.” (Won Eop)
“I will arrange a place for you to rest.” (Hyeonam)
We left the reception room, and together with the party in the courtyard, we were guided to the guest hall.
After washing and eating dinner, I came outside for a while.
A round moon floated in the sky, and the scenery below from up here was truly beautiful.
It is like this even at night, so it must be even more magnificent during the day.
It made me think that this was why Mount Tai inspired so many poets.
By the way…… I was a little confused.
Because of Miss Seohyang’s advice.
The Sect Leader I saw was absolutely not someone who would do that, so what on earth is the situation?
For now, I should see the actual golden Buddha statue and judge.
The next day.
After eating breakfast, Squad Leader Won and I were summoned by the Sect Leader and entered the sect interior.
And after waiting a moment, the Sect Leader came out.
“I am sorry to have kept you waiting long.” (Hyeonam)
“Not at all.” (Won Eop)
“Come this way.” (Hyeonam)
He guided us to a pavilion.
That pavilion had a very unusual structure, as though it had been built using a large boulder as a wall.
“The golden Buddha statue is here.” (Hyeonam)
On that boulder, square lines like a door were drawn.
But there was nothing like a handle, so I wondered how he would open it.
“Hup!” (Hyeonam)
The Sect Leader gathered energy in his hand and thrust it toward the boulder.
Then the boulder came out as if it were stuck to the Sect Leader’s hand.
Drrrrrr.
They said he specialized in fist techniques, and he used the suction art.
The Sect Leader set the piece of boulder that had acted as a lid to the side and put his hand inside the boulder.
Soon, in the hand he pulled out from the boulder, he was holding the golden Buddha statue.
It was about twice the size of a person’s face.
Unlike my expectations, it was not that large.
“Here it is.” (Hyeonam)
“Thank you.” (Won Eop)
Squad Leader Won received the golden Buddha statue.
I was slightly puzzled as to why a Taoist sect was keeping a golden Buddha statue, but, well, that is not the issue.
“There are many who are after that Buddha statue, so please be careful.” (Hyeonam)
“Yes. Understood.” (Won Eop)
And so we left the pavilion with the Buddha statue.
“Then will you be departing now?” (Hyeonam)
“Yes. That is so. Once we finish making preparations, we plan to depart immediately.” (Won Eop)
As we conversed like that and headed toward the guest hall, a warrior came running over.
He was one of the squad members led by Squad Leader Won.
“Squad Leader!” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“What is it?” (Won Eop)
“There is a problem.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“A problem?” (Won Eop)
“Several of the squad members still cannot wake up.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
“They cannot wake up? What do you mean?” (Won Eop)
“That is, I do not know very well either.” (Martial Alliance Warrior)
I raised my hand and said to him,
“May I take a look for a moment?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. Please do.” (Won Eop)
Perhaps because I had safely detoxified them when they suffered from stomachaches before, he accepted my request without hesitation.
I immediately headed to that squad member’s room and approached the warrior lying on the bed.
Then I quietly took his pulse.
No, pretended to take his pulse.
In truth, the reason this warrior and several others cannot come to their senses right now is because of me.
Because I secretly used sleeping medicine last night.
There was a little of the sleeping medicine left that the Emperor had given me before when he ordered me to put the sailors arriving at the port to sleep, and I used that.
They will likely be unable to wake up for about three days.
I used the sleeping medicine to let the ones who looked the most exhausted yesterday due to lack of stamina rest deeply.
I spoke with a serious expression.
“This may be an epidemic.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Won Eop)
“Did you say an epidemic?” (Hyeonam)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded.
“I once heard of an epidemic with symptoms like this, where one suddenly cannot regain consciousness.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hah! An epidemic!” (Hyeonam)
Perhaps he had followed us at some point, because the Sect Leader was also beside us.
“Yes. Just in case, I think we should refrain from descending Mount Tai.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. If an epidemic spreads to the village, it could cause even greater damage.” (Hyeonam)
“I will continue to examine them. If they wake safely after a few days and do not show the same symptoms, then we can be at ease.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Squad Leader Won frowned and said,
“Phew, understood.” (Won Eop)
Then he clasped his hands toward the Sect Leader and made a request.
“Since the situation is what it is, please allow us to stay a few more days.” (Won Eop)
“Of course. You must not move while taking sick people with you. Stay a few more days.” (Hyeonam)
After taking that series of measures, we went outside.
And seeing Squad Leader Won heading toward the other squad members, I approached the Sect Leader.
“There is something I would like to ask you, Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Hyeonam)
“Why did you hand over a fake golden Buddha statue?” (Eun Seoho)
“What do you mean by that?” (Hyeonam)
Seeing him play dumb completely, I gave a faint laugh.
“I am the Young Head of a Trading Company called one of the great merchants. I pride myself on having a fairly excellent eye for goods.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Hyeonam)
That is right.
The golden Buddha statue the Sect Leader gave us is fake.
That was exactly what Miss Seohyang had advised me about this time.
“That golden Buddha statue is fake.” (Miss Seohyang)
If we had taken the fake golden Buddha statue with us, truly, I would have gone through hell.
But there seemed to be some reason, so for now, I put several of the squad members to sleep in order to delay our departure.
I asked the Sect Leader again.
“What is the reason?” (Eun Seoho)