Chapter 559
Chapter 559
Chapter 559. The Golden Buddha Statue (1)
The boat we were on began to slow down little by little.
Then the captain of the boat came over and said,
“We will arrive in Luoyang in half a sichen.” (Captain)
Letting us know in advance also meant that we should pack our belongings in advance.
If you start packing in a fluster when it is already time to disembark, you might get off late or leave something behind.
“Thanks to you, it was a comfortable journey.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha, not at all. How could words possibly be enough to express our gratitude for saving our Young Master?” (Captain)
I smiled awkwardly.
“And our Young Master has sent a message.” (Captain)
He held out a letter to me.
I took it, opened it, and smiled softly.
It was a letter full of worried requests for me to be careful, saying that if I ever needed his help, I should go through the Luoyang branch of the Baekyeom Trading Company.
He really is a good person.
The boat we were on soon arrived at Luoyang’s ferry dock.
“Thank you for your hard work.” (Eun Seoho)
“Please go safely.” (Captain)
Since only our party had been on the boat, we had been able to come comfortably.
But from now on, I should stay on guard.
“We will rest here for a day, then return to the Alliance.” (Team Leader Won)
At Team Leader Won’s words, I nodded.
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
In my heart, I wanted to hurry to the Martial Alliance, but it was already late, and we had to check the condition of the horses.
Of course, my party’s Jugang horses and I were lively enough to set out right now.
While I was wondering which inn to stay at, a thought suddenly came to me, and I decided immediately.
In any case, we were working under the Alliance Leader’s orders, so it did not matter if his eyes and ears were there.
No, rather, I intended to make use of that.
“Everyone must be tired, so let us stay there.” (Eun Seoho)
Team Leader Won flinched when he saw where my hand was pointing. It was the most expensive inn at this Luoyang ferry dock.
He said to me in a small voice,
“Ahem, ahem. I do think that place looks good as well, but…… how about somewhere else?” (Team Leader Won)
I knew what he was worried about.
“If it is the inn expenses, you do not need to worry. I will pay.” (Eun Seoho)
“B-but……” (Team Leader Won)
“Please do not worry too much about it. We are only staying for one day. The activity funds you received from the Alliance cannot have been that much, can they?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ahem, that is true.” (Team Leader Won)
No matter how much money the Martial Alliance had, there were just as many places for it to go out.
They must have given a generous amount for activity expenses, but it would not be enough to stay at a luxurious inn like this.
“What do all of you think?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, the team members swallowed their saliva and only watched Team Leader Won’s expression.
The inn I had chosen was the sort of inn used by wealthy trading companies or important figures of clans.
They would want to accept my offer, but they had no choice but to watch their superior’s mood.
I saw that and laughed inwardly.
“You have all been through a lot, so should you not stay at a place like this for at least a day to relieve your fatigue? And when else would I be able to treat the Masters who have looked after me all this time, if not at a time like this?” (Eun Seoho)
In the end, Team Leader Won gave in to my persuasion.
“Ahem, ahem. Then we will gratefully accept.” (Team Leader Won)
At those words, the team members cheered.
Even if Team Leader Won wanted to refuse because of his pride, if he refused in a situation like this, he would lose even more of the team members’ trust.
He would not be able to refuse my offer.
He must want to stay at an inn like this for at least a day as well.
And so, we entered Geumbin Inn, the most expensive high-class inn near Luoyang’s ferry dock.
“Welcome.” (Waiter)
“We would like to stay for one night.” (Eun Seoho)
I had not chosen this inn simply because I wanted to rest at a good inn.
There were several reasons.
One of them was that, as expected of the finest inn, the level of the martial artists guarding this place was high, and most of the guests staying here were people whose identities were certain.
I could not relax until I handed the golden Buddha statue over to the Alliance Leader.
The real one was in my vault, but since Team Leader Won had the fake, it had to be kept safe.
The fake golden Buddha statue was also part of my plan.
If we lost it, I could obtain a new one, but that would be annoying.
This place was probably somewhere the Martial Alliance had eyes and ears, so the news that we had arrived would have reached the Alliance Leader’s ears.
Even so, at least in this place, he would not plot any kind of scheme.
If a theft occurred in an inn like this and they failed to catch the culprit, the inn’s reputation and trust would hit rock bottom.
Then they could no longer gather information on important figures here.
Before entering a tiger’s den, one should rest comfortably.
By the way, what expression would the Alliance Leader make when he heard that we were staying here?
“It will be worth seeing.” (Eun Seoho)
That night.
The Alliance Leader was hearing a report.
“So, you are saying Team Leader Won and Young Captain Eun Seoho’s party have arrived in Luoyang?” (Alliance Leader)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Aide)
“It is late, and the horses must be rested, so it seems they are staying at an inn near the ferry dock. Which inn are they staying at?” (Alliance Leader)
“Geumbin Inn.” (Aide)
“……What?” (Alliance Leader)
“Geumbin Inn. That extremely expensive inn.” (Aide)
He frowned and asked,
“Did we provide Team Leader Won’s party with enough travel expenses to stay at that inn?” (Alliance Leader)
“No. They were provided according to the original mission standard.” (Aide)
“Then how are they staying at that inn?” (Alliance Leader)
“According to the waiter at Geumbin Inn, Young Captain Eun Seoho paid the full lodging fee.” (Aide)
“……I see.” (Alliance Leader)
Then they would arrive tomorrow or the day after.
“There was an external appointment tomorrow, was there not?” (Alliance Leader)
That was not an appointment at a distance from which he could return quickly.
“For now, have that postponed by a few days.” (Alliance Leader)
“Understood.” (Aide)
After the Alliance Leader’s aide left, he rose from his seat and looked beyond the window.
The wind that came through the open window carried moisture.
The rainy season would soon begin.
‘I am looking forward to what answer he will give to the question I posed.’ (Alliance Leader)
His decision regarding that man would change depending on that answer.
If it was fake, he would handle that side as fake, and if he brought the real golden Buddha statue, it would be something to welcome with open arms.
That golden Buddha statue was an item that could solve the problem he was experiencing.
At the situation flowing smoothly, the Alliance Leader smiled contentedly.
‘He is just as reported. They said he was quite fond of high-class inns…….’ (Alliance Leader)
The day dawned.
I went down to the first floor to eat breakfast.
When I came down with my party, the waiter greeted us politely.
“Did you have a good night?” (Waiter)
“Yes. Thanks to you, I had a good night.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will show you to your seats.” (Waiter)
Following the waiter’s guidance, we split up and sat at the tables.
Team Leader Won and a few team members were already eating breakfast at nearby tables.
I exchanged simple greetings with them.
“What would you like for breakfast?” (Waiter)
The waiter handed us a stiff sheet of paper with the things that could be eaten for breakfast written on it.
My party and I each chose the breakfast we wanted.
“I will have porridge, please.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will have noodles……” (Party Member)
Meals were also included in the lodging fee at this inn. After the waiter who had taken our orders headed to the kitchen, Team Leader Won said,
“A high-class inn really is nice.” (Team Leader Won)
“Yes. That is why I like high-class inns.” (Eun Seoho)
“We should be able to depart after breakfast. However, we may have to wait even after we arrive. The Alliance Leader is a busy man.” (Team Leader Won)
“I suppose so.” (Eun Seoho)
I answered that way, but my thoughts were completely different.
Once we arrived at the Alliance, the Alliance Leader would probably call us immediately.
That was also why I was staying at this inn.
This inn was one of the inns the Martial Alliance also paid some attention to.
The fact that we were staying at this inn had surely already been reported to the Alliance Leader.
In other words, he also knew when we would arrive at the Martial Alliance.
The Alliance Leader still did not know whether I was bringing the real golden Buddha statue or the fake golden Buddha statue.
If what I was bringing was the real golden Buddha statue, it was something he had been waiting for with great anticipation.
As such, he had no reason to delay.
“Team Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Please speak.” (Team Leader Won)
“I think there is a chance someone might attack us on the way to the Martial Alliance in an attempt to seize the golden Buddha statue. Of course, with such valiant Masters here, we would not be defeated by them, but I am worried about the golden Buddha statue. So how about we do this?” (Eun Seoho)
“Please speak.” (Team Leader Won)
“We prepare a fake that has the same shape as it. And I will move while carrying that fake.” (Eun Seoho)
“A diversionary tactic?” (Team Leader Won)
“Something like that.” (Eun Seoho)
After thinking for a moment, Team Leader Won answered.
“That is a good idea. But can we obtain one right now?” (Team Leader Won)
“Of course. It is not that difficult.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then let us do that.” (Team Leader Won)
Thanks to Team Leader Won readily agreeing, I gained a pretext to bring out the real golden Buddha statue.
“Then I will quickly go obtain it.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the team members said,
“If you need guards, we will guard you.” (Team Member)
“We know this Luoyang ground inside and out.” (Team Member)
Perhaps because I had let them stay at the finest inn, they were showing me even more goodwill.
But it would be troublesome if I went out with them.
“It is all right. Masters, please enjoy this inn a little longer.” (Eun Seoho)
And so I left the inn with my party, and a short while later, a golden Buddha statue was tied to my back when I returned.
This was the real one I had taken out of the vault.
“Is that the one you newly obtained?” (Team Leader Won)
“That is correct. Should this not be enough?” (Eun Seoho)
“It seems so. May I take a look for a moment?” (Team Leader Won)
“Of course.” (Eun Seoho)
I untied the cloth wrapped around the real golden Buddha statue I had taken out of the vault and showed it to him. Seeing it, Team Leader Won exclaimed in admiration.
“Incredible. To obtain such a golden Buddha statue in such a short time, this one seems more real.” (Team Leader Won)
In truth, Team Leader Won had seen the fake golden Buddha statue and believed that it was real.
He was not at a level where he could distinguish between them.
But to see this and say that, perhaps his instincts were good.
“Then may we depart now?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Team Leader Won)
And so we left Geumbin Inn and set out for the Martial Alliance.
Since we rode carrying a flag that signified we were an armed unit of the Martial Alliance, there was nothing to obstruct us, and we were able to arrive at the Martial Alliance quickly.
We stopped our horses in front of the Martial Alliance, and a guard came out to receive us.
“Stop for a moment. I will verify your identities.” (Guard)
“I am Won Eop, Sixth Team Leader of the Dragon Fang Unit.” (Team Leader Won)
He took an identity plaque from his chest and held it out.
“A total of ten, including myself, have returned safely!” (Team Leader Won)
“Yes. You have been verified.” (Guard)
The guard returned the identity plaque, then clasped his hands and said,
“Congratulations on your return.” (Guard)
“Thank you.” (Team Leader Won)
“But who are the people beside you?” (Guard)
At this, Team Leader Won said,
“These are Master Seonhyeopmirang Eun Seoho’s party. They were with me under the Alliance Leader’s orders.” (Team Leader Won)
“Understood. Then please enter.” (Guard)
And so we entered the Martial Alliance.
I tightened the hand holding the reins. To be honest, this was not my first time coming to the Martial Alliance.
I had come during the Dragon and Phoenix Martial Arts Competition.
But this time, the situation was a little different. From now on, I had to stab the Alliance Leader in the back.
If Heaven and Earth were watching over me, then I would be able to proceed without anything going wrong midway.
We arrived in front of a building and dismounted.
Because we could not go deep inside while riding horses.
“Welcome.” (Attendant)
As soon as we got down from our horses, someone’s voice came from behind.
When I turned around, a young man was there to receive us. At this, Team Leader Won quietly tipped me off.
“He is the Alliance Leader’s attendant.” (Team Leader Won)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
He approached us and clasped his hands.
“Everyone has worked hard. The Alliance Leader ordered me to bring the two of you to him immediately.” (Attendant)
“Are you saying the Alliance Leader already knew we would arrive now?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. The Alliance Leader already knew and has been waiting.” (Attendant)
At those words, I almost laughed.
Because it was just as I thought.
“The rest of you, please wait for a moment.” (Attendant)
And so we followed the attendant inside.
Whew, I am getting more and more nervous.
Soon, we arrived in front of the Alliance Leader Hall.
“Alliance Leader, I have brought Team Leader Won and Master Seonhyeopmirang.” (Attendant)
“Have them enter.” (Alliance Leader)
The attendant turned his head and said,
“Please go in.” (Attendant)
Then he personally opened the door, and we went inside.
The Alliance Leader was waiting for us with a benevolent expression.
His appearance was not much different from what I had seen during the Dragon and Phoenix Martial Arts Competition.
We politely paid our respects before him.
“Won Eop, Sixth Team Leader of the Dragon Fang Unit, greets the Alliance Leader. I have completed the Alliance Leader’s order and returned.” (Team Leader Won)
“Eun Seoho of Eunha Merchant Guild greets the Alliance Leader. It was an honor to carry out the Alliance Leader’s order.” (Eun Seoho)
“You have worked hard. Sit down.” (Alliance Leader)
“Thank you.” (Team Leader Won)
We sat across from the Alliance Leader.
Seeing that the tea table was large and there were many chairs, he must also gather the higher-ups here for meetings.
“Were there any hardships on this journey?” (Alliance Leader)
At this, Team Leader Won said,
“We almost suffered greatly midway after mistakenly eating poisonous herbs, but thanks to Master Seonhyeopmirang here, we avoided any serious trouble.” (Team Leader Won)
“Such a thing happened? Thank you.” (Alliance Leader)
“Not at all. I am only glad that my meager skills were of help.” (Eun Seoho)
“Were there any other troublesome matters?” (Alliance Leader)
“No. There were none.” (Team Leader Won)
“That is fortunate. Then give me the golden Buddha statue.” (Alliance Leader)
At those words, Team Leader Won took out the golden Buddha statue and placed it on the tea table.
At the same time, I also took out a golden Buddha statue and placed it down.
“Here it is.” (Eun Seoho)
The real golden Buddha statue and the fake golden Buddha statue.
Seeing the two brought out at the same time, the Alliance Leader could not hide his flustered expression.
“Why are there two golden Buddha statues?” (Alliance Leader)
At this, I answered.
“I thought there might be someone aiming for it, so I prepared one more.” (Eun Seoho)
“So that means one is real and one is fake?” (Alliance Leader)
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
Now then, did I bring the real golden Buddha statue? Or did I bring the fake golden Buddha statue? (Eun Seoho)