Chapter 566
Chapter 566
Chapter 566. Let’s Strike It Big (1)
The carriage I rode in was running without rest.
Luoyang was also a fairly large city, so there was an official road connected to it from Beijing.
So it was not bad for using a carriage.
We had set out early, because it was not only me and the guard warriors moving.
Since we could not ride Ju River horses and run, we had departed in advance.
“But… you said you are going to Luoyang now because of the Murim Grand Banquet, correct?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Mister Jaegal Cheondu, who was seated across from me, nodded.
“That is right.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Is there a reason you must go?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he asked back as if puzzled.
“Does one need a reason to go to the Murim Grand Banquet?” (Jaegal Cheondu)
Ah…
I thought Mister Jaegal Cheondu really was a martial artist by nature too.
Even though his father had died because of the Martial Alliance, this was a separate event from that.
“Do you have a place to stay when you arrive?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. My main family’s residence is in Luoyang, so you do not need to worry about that.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
Ah, I forgot even though I went there before.
There was no way Mister Jaegal Cheondu would not have a place to stay in a residence of that size.
Come to think of it, I am a bit envious.
If I had a place to stay in Luoyang, I would not have to go through the trouble of securing an inn.
It is not that the Eunhae Trading Company does not have a Luoyang branch, but it is not large enough for our party to stay in.
This will not do.
I need to expand the Luoyang branch too.
Since Luoyang is also a great city, it would not be a loss to expand that branch.
If we are to become the world’s greatest trading company, not only the Beijing branch, but the Luoyang branch as well must be made worthy of that.
After traveling for several days like that, we finally arrived in Luoyang.
“We have arrived!” (Seou)
At Warrior Seou’s words, we got off the carriage.
The place we arrived at was Yeonpung Inn, where we had stayed this time too, and where we had stayed during the last Dragon-Phoenix Martial Arts Tournament.
“Welcome.” (Waiter)
A waiter greeted us.
“It is good to see you again.” (Waiter)
“Yes. It is.” (Eun Seoho)
“The people from the Eunhae Trading Company arrived yesterday.” (Waiter)
“Thank you for letting me know.” (Eun Seoho)
Of course, I already knew that our trading company’s people had arrived.
Because the carriage with the mark of our Eunhae Trading Company was beside it.
It was the carriage Father, the Trading Company Leader, rode in.
Mother must have come with him as well.
When we entered the inn, Father, who happened to be sitting on the first floor, discovered us and approached.
“You have come. You worked hard getting here.” (Eun Gilsang)
“The official road was well paved, so we came comfortably. Father and Mother must have worked harder.” (Eun Seoho)
“Haha. Yes, I am glad you seem to have been well.” (Eun Gilsang)
Father’s faint smile.
Thinking about it, it really had been a long time since I last saw him.
“Is the household at peace?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is at peace, so you need not worry.” (Eun Gilsang)
“That is a relief.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“Has Brother Jeongho arrived at the main headquarters?” (Eun Seoho)
“We crossed paths on the way here. He was together with your Master.” (Eun Gilsang)
“Yes. Master happened to have come to Beijing on an escort mission, so I asked him on the way back.” (Eun Seoho)
“You did well.” (Eun Gilsang)
“What about Mother?” (Eun Seoho)
“She is out right now. She said she was meeting the mistress of the Gwangjun Trading Company.” (Eun Gilsang)
“I see. Then, by any chance…” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Father smiled gently.
“Young Captain Bokyun has come as well.” (Eun Gilsang)
“I see!” (Eun Seoho)
For the people of trading companies who must build connections, the Murim Grand Banquet is a place of opportunity.
Especially for trading companies on the borders, like the Gwangjun Trading Company, it could be called a golden opportunity, so they would never miss it.
Originally, Brother Jeongho should have come here instead of me, but for various reasons, I came.
Not only was I the one who had received from the Martial Alliance Leader the right to claim the seat I wanted in advance, I also had abundant connections on the murim side.
It is easier for me to become acquainted with people of the murim.
“Father, there is someone I would like to introduce. This is Mister Jaegal Cheondu of the Jegal Family. He is the person who will be in charge of designing the martial arts academy our trading company is establishing in Beijing.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! I heard the news by letter. I am Eun Gilsang, the Trading Company Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Eun Gilsang)
“I am Jaegal Cheondu of the Jegal Family.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
I needed to introduce him to Father, so I had not sent him straight to the Jegal Family residence, but had brought him along to the inn.
The two exchanged words of goodwill.
“Please, I ask that you use that wisdom and ability of yours unstintingly for the martial arts academy that will newly be established this time.” (Eun Gilsang)
“I am merely fulfilling the duty entrusted to me, so Trading Company Leader need not worry.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
I said to Mister Jaegal Cheondu,
“Let us go. I will escort you to the Jegal Family residence.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is all right. I can go alone.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Please do not say such things. You are an important person, so I cannot treat you that way. Also, I too have business at the Jegal Family residence, so going together will not be a burden to me.” (Eun Seoho)
“If that is so, then I understand.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
Like that, the guard warriors and I headed to the Jegal Family residence together with Mister Jaegal Cheondu.
Yeonpung Inn, where we were staying, and the Jegal Family residence were not very far from each other, so we arrived quickly.
“What brings you here?” (Jegal Family Guard)
The guards of the Jegal Family residence looked at us and asked that.
Mister Jaegal Cheondu was from a branch family, and he had not been back for long, so it was understandable that they did not know him.
So without any sign of displeasure, he took an identity plaque out from his sleeve and showed it to them.
“I am Jaegal Cheondu.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
The guards confirmed it, then clasped their hands and said,
“Forgive our discourtesy.” (Jegal Family Guard)
“It is all right.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“But the person beside you is?” (Jegal Family Guard)
“He is Young Captain Eun Seoho of the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Gasp!” (Jegal Family Guard)
At this, they were startled and quickly lowered their heads.
“We greet Great Master Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Jegal Family Guard)
“Please come inside at once.” (Jegal Family Guard)
At the more lavish treatment than that given to Jaegal Cheondu, a member of the family, he tilted his head.
I noticed his question, but I deliberately pretended not to know.
It was not exactly a good thing, and it would not do for me to go blabbing about another family’s affairs.
If it was something he needed to know, the other people of the family would explain it to him.
We were guided to the reception room by a servant who came out after hearing the bell.
While we were being served tea there,
Dudadadada!
With the sound of someone running urgently, the door flew open.
“Great Master!” (Jaegal Yua)
It was Young Clan Head Jaegal Yua.
“Ah, I greet Young Clan Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“I am glad to see you sooner than I expected!” (Jaegal Yua)
“I am glad as well.” (Eun Seoho)
Mister Jaegal Cheondu tilted his head and said,
“Do you not see me?” (Jaegal Cheondu)
At those words, Young Clan Head Jaegal Yua smiled and asked back.
“Are you a guest, Uncle?” (Jaegal Yua)
“…I am not.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
At the light conversation between uncle and niece, I also smiled and asked,
“Did the Grand Clan Head and the Clan Head come together as well?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. They are out right now meeting other guests.” (Jaegal Yua)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded and continued speaking.
“I believe I heard you will be participating in the Murim Grand Banquet this time. Has that not changed?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Jaegal Yua)
“Then please, take care of yourself.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you for worrying about me.” (Jaegal Yua)
I held out a small bottle and said,
“This is a gift wishing for your safety.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Jaegal Yua)
“If you apply it to a place with a serious wound, it will heal rather quickly. It is precious, so please be sure to use it at an important time.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Jaegal Yua)
The reason I gave that to Miss Jaegal Yua was because her existence was directly connected to the prosperity of our Eunhae Trading Company.
The Jegal Family is the greatest martial family in Hubei Province.
I have put in tremendous effort until now, and she must be safe for me to extract all of that.
But the fact that it is Geumnyeong’s saliva is a secret.
It feels unpleasant if you know, but it is quite expensive to obtain that.
Because to make Geumnyeong drool, I have to give silver as compensation.
It drools just by my shaking it, but if I do not give it anyway, Geumnyeong gets sulky.
“Then I will be going now. It seems you were in the middle of training, so how could I disturb you?” (Eun Seoho)
As I said that and rose from my seat, Young Clan Head Jaegal Yua grabbed the hem of my clothes.
“Please wait!” (Jaegal Yua)
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“Since you have come like this, please have a duel with me.” (Jaegal Yua)
Looking at her eyes, I felt worry and anxiety.
She had seemed so full of confidence… It must have been bravado.
I can have a duel with her, but right now it is a little troublesome.
“A duel with me? My realm is not that high, so it will not be of help.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do not lie. Who was the person who broke my arm?” (Jaegal Yua)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
Ah, that was me.
But I had not truly broken it, only pretended to break it.
I scratched my cheek. It cannot be helped.
“I will not use a real sword.” (Eun Seoho)
“They say a blade of grass in a master’s hand is more powerful than a real sword in a novice’s hand.” (Jaegal Yua)
That is not wrong.
“Come this way. I will guide you so you can change clothes first.” (Jaegal Yua)
“Young Clan Head!” (Jaegal Cheondu)
I glanced behind me.
Mister Jaegal Cheondu, whose presence had been completely forgotten, raised his hand high and said,
“I would also like to observe!” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Do as you please, Uncle.” (Jaegal Yua)
.
.
.
A little while later.
I changed clothes and arrived at the training ground.
The facilities were neat and the space was wide, so it seemed to be a training ground used exclusively by important people.
“This is a training ground only the Clan Head and I can use, so you may act freely.” (Jaegal Yua)
“Is it all right for me to come to such a place?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is fine. You are my duel opponent, so it would not do if you could not come. That is why the guards from earlier did not stop you either.” (Jaegal Yua)
“That is true.” (Eun Seoho)
I asked her,
“But why me, of all people? With the name of the Jegal Family, it should not be difficult to find a duel opponent.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true, but it is hard to find an opponent like you, Great Master.” (Jaegal Yua)
“Yes? When you say an opponent like me?” (Eun Seoho)
“Someone whose martial arts are not only excellent, but who uses those martial arts in the right place at the right time and uses their head while dueling.” (Jaegal Yua)
“You overestimate me.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, she shook her head.
“Grandfather assessed you that way too. And honestly, finding someone else is not easy either. People of a similar age who could be my opponent will be participating in the Murim Grand Banquet.” (Jaegal Yua)
“There is such a problem.” (Eun Seoho)
There was sense in her words.
If she dueled right before the Murim Grand Banquet, it would become an opportunity to probe her.
“But I am not much different either.” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Captain will not do that.” (Jaegal Yua)
“Why are you so certain?” (Eun Seoho)
“Because you are well-versed in profit.” (Jaegal Yua)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
I have nothing to say.
Young Clan Head Jaegal Yua has grown a lot too.
To think she would win against me with words.
“Draw your sword.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, she drew her sword and took a starting stance. And I also took a starting stance.
We moved slowly and searched for openings.
Currently, Miss Jaegal Yua’s realm was at the beginning of the peak.
There must have been the family’s secret techniques and spiritual medicines, but it was likely the result of bloody effort.
Her realm was also on the high side among her peers, so the family must not have stopped her from participating.
With her current skill, there was a possibility she could raise the family’s honor.
Right now, Young Clan Head Jaegal Yua is afraid that she may not be able to live up to those expectations.
Then to what level should I match her?
After thinking about it for a moment, I made a decision.
If this experience of sparring with me can become a clue for her to escape danger when she goes onto the duel stage, then this duel has enough value.
Tap!
I rushed toward her first.
Whooong!
My wooden sword shot toward her.
The fourth technique of the Twelve Forms of True Snow Swordsmanship, Snow Wind.
As a technique with the same name as Seolpung Palace, it is also a sword technique that makes good use of the principles of the Twelve Forms of True Snow Swordsmanship.
And it is a swift sword.
Shaaaaak!
The sound of the wooden sword cutting through space came vividly.
Clang!
Just as I expected, she struck away my wooden sword and immediately cut toward my shoulder.
I bent my waist backward with the Iron Plank Bridge method and spun my body once.
And I checked the material of the floor.
Bluestone, huh.
After confirming that, I aimed for Miss Jaegal Yua’s legs.
She avoided that attack, and my attack struck the floor.
As we exchanged several moves, I grasped her method.
She focuses on defense to make the opponent lower their guard, then lands a blow on them with a sharp counterattack.
But she should have realized why I was focusing my attacks on her legs.
Slip!
“Huh?” (Jaegal Yua)
In an instant, she lost her balance.
She did not fall, but in a duel between people at the peak realm or above, a momentary mistake directly leads to defeat.
She looked at my sword touching her neck and let out a sigh.
“…I lost.” (Jaegal Yua)
I withdrew the wooden sword and clasped my hands.
“It was a good duel.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you for indulging my childish request.” (Jaegal Yua)
She also returned the courtesy, then tilted her head and asked,
“I did not sweat much while dueling, so why was it slippery?” (Jaegal Yua)
At her words, I pointed at the floor with my hand.
“Touch it yourself.” (Eun Seoho)
At this, she touched the floor with her hand and was startled.
“I-ice?” (Jaegal Yua)
“My martial art is ice arts. That is why I lightly froze the floor and induced a mistake.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah…” (Jaegal Yua)
Her eyes sparkled.
“As expected, it was worthwhile to ask Great Master for a duel.” (Jaegal Yua)
“I am glad it was of help.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then I will be taking my leave now. It has grown very late.” (Eun Seoho)
“Um, just one more time…” (Jaegal Yua)
I shook my head and spoke firmly.
“Even if you have another duel without reviewing and digesting the duel we just had, it will not be very helpful.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Jaegal Yua)
“I understand the weight on your shoulders. But I believe Young Clan Head will do well.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, she nodded.
.
.
.
I left the Jegal Family residence.
My parents must be worried.
I was hurrying my steps to go to the inn.
“A bitch in heat would have more manners than you, you bastard! If you live like that, are you not even sorry to your own thing down there?” (Unknown Woman)
Huh? This familiar venomous tongue and voice…
I quickly approached that place, and saw a young lady dressed in Emei Sect clothing grabbing the collar of a man covered in blood and shaking him violently.
In that instant, I stepped backward at an instinctive fear that I felt without even realizing it.
“What is the matter?” (Palgap)