Chapter 574
Chapter 574
Chapter 574. The Great Murim Banquet (3)
However, they did not immediately accept the Golden Wound Medicine I held out.
“Why are you giving us this?” (Suam)
Eyes full of suspicion.
Tch, it seems the years he had lived until now had not been particularly smooth.
“It is simply goodwill.” (MC)
“Is there not something you want from us?” (Suam)
At times like this, it was best to answer directly.
“Do you possess something I want?” (MC)
“…….” (Suam)
“Then please put away those eyes.” (MC)
“Ahem, ahem. I apologize.” (Suam)
“We apologize.” (Daenok)
I nodded and accepted their apology.
“Today’s duel was truly impressive. I could not help but praise the tenacity you showed in refusing to give up until the very end.” (MC)
“Th-thank you.” (Daenok)
“That is why I am giving you this Golden Wound Medicine.” (MC)
To be honest, that was part of it, but the bigger reason was that I wanted to express my gratitude for having made Namgung On lose by ring-out.
Thanks to him, I felt thoroughly refreshed.
I also liked the distorted expressions on the faces of the Namgung Clan members.
But that was not the only reason I was giving him the Golden Wound Medicine.
The man called Namgung On, who had lost to him earlier, looked narrow-minded at a glance.
So there was a high possibility he would take out his anger on the Daenok martial artist for losing to him.
There was already a gap in skill, and if his body was not intact, something serious could happen.
He needed to be at a level where he could at least endure or run away.
Wait.
No. No.
A good idea just came to me.
“By the way, where are you staying right now?” (MC)
“We are staying at Jang Inn. It is one of the shabby inns on the outskirts, so you probably would not know it.” (Suam)
Just as expected.
There would be no one there to stop Namgung On even if he took out his anger.
“Since you have advanced to the main tournament, you need to recover your physical condition before the next match, and would it not be better to stay at a nearby inn where it would also be easier to receive messages?” (MC)
“That is true, but…….” (Suam)
“There are rooms left at the inn where I am staying. Come there.” (MC)
The two hesitated, then opened their mouths.
“If you are a Master, you must be staying at a good inn, but we do not have enough money to stay at such a place.” (Suam)
“I was the one who advised you to change inns, so would I really tell you to pay the inn fee yourselves?” (MC)
“…….” (Suam)
“If it feels too burdensome, think of it as a merchant’s sponsorship of a martial artist who has advanced to the main tournament.” (MC)
“Did you not say earlier that we did not possess anything you wanted, Master?” (Suam)
“It seems you are misunderstanding something. I clearly asked, ‘Do you possess something I want?’ I do not know how that became such a meaning. I meant that you should prove your own worth.” (MC)
In truth, what he said was right, but words are originally open to interpretation, are they not?
I quickly glossed it over, and the two gave awkward coughs.
“Ahem, hem.” (Suam)
I continued speaking.
“If you fail to take care of your body properly while so heavily injured, you will end up with a lingering ailment. Unless you intend to end your life as a martial artist here, do as I say.” (MC)
The two accepted my offer as if they had no choice.
I took them to Yeonpung Inn and gave them a room.
I had rented out the entire inn anyway, so there were rooms to spare.
I asked the physician who had come with us to examine the Daenok martial artist’s condition in detail.
Then I decided to have lunch with the man who was his Senior Brother and had supported the Daenok martial artist.
Soon dumplings and noodles came out, and we enjoyed the meal.
Then we drank tea and conversed with him.
“Where is Yeongyeol Sect located?” (MC)
“It is in Shaanxi.” (Suam)
“Did only the two of you come?” (MC)
“Yes. We were not in a position to come with many people…….” (Suam)
He said it with an awkward smile.
Shaanxi was not very far, but for a small or mid-sized sect, it would still be a burden.
“Come to think of it, I have not heard your name, Master.” (MC)
At my words, he waved his hands.
“Master, you say. That is far too grand an honorific for me. I am called Suam.” (Suam)
Then he explained about Yeongyeol Sect.
He said Yeongyeol Sect was a small sect in Shaanxi with a total of roughly twenty people.
“In truth, though we are called disciples, strictly speaking, we are orphans Master took in. Daenok and I are the same.” (Suam)
“Then how do you run the sect?” (MC)
“There is land attached to the sect, so we farm. But it is not abundant. It is just enough to barely make a living.” (Suam)
“Then why did you suddenly enter the friendly duels at the Great Murim Banquet? You must know that with Martial Artist Daenok’s skills, it could be dangerous.” (MC)
At my words, his expression darkened.
“That is…… there are circumstances. Originally, aside from the farming we do, there was a Chairman who supported us, but he informed us that he would stop that support. He said his circumstances had become difficult because of a drought.” (Suam)
That must have been quite a blow.
His words continued.
“So we went to ask him to maintain his sponsorship, and he gave us one condition. It was to earn a respectable alias in the murim. He said only then would he have a justification to continue supporting us, even if he had to push himself.” (Suam)
“So you entered the Great Murim Banquet’s friendly duels in order to earn that alias.” (MC)
“That is right.” (Suam)
He continued speaking.
“Among our sect, excluding Master and Eldest Senior Brother, Daenok was the strongest, so he ended up entering.” (Suam)
“It is fortunate that effort was not in vain. Since he advanced to the main tournament, he will be able to gain a name as one of the thirty-two rising masters.” (MC)
“Heavenly fortune was with us.” (Suam)
“There is such a saying in the murim. Luck is also skill.” (MC)
And that luck approaches those who strive and prepare, becoming good fortune.
“Martial Artist Daenok did not give up until the very end. The result of that is passing the preliminaries.” (MC)
I grinned.
“Congratulations.” (MC)
.
.
.
A little while later.
We headed back to the dueling grounds.
I suggested that Martial Artist Daenok and Martial Artist Suam rest at the inn, but they insisted on watching, so they came with us.
“But the passes they have are wooden plaques, so it will be hard for them to watch while standing. And everything will look smaller than a little finger too, sir.” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s words, I shook my head.
“That is not so.” (MC)
“Yes?” (Palgap)
“They do not seem to know this, but in truth, those who advance to the main tournament have a special privilege.” (MC)
That special privilege was receiving a silver plaque that allowed one to watch from the second-class seats.
Usually, martial artists who were skilled enough to advance to the main tournament already had gold or silver plaques, so it was not a privilege that had much use.
Moreover, since they were allowed to bring one companion, the two martial artists could watch together from the second-class seats.
I took the two martial artists to the Great Murim Banquet headquarters and received silver plaques for them.
The two martial artists were extremely grateful.
“We had no idea there was such a privilege.” (Suam)
“Usually, people do not know. That is why information is important.” (MC)
Thus, we moved to our seats to watch the afternoon duels.
In the afternoon duels, Young Mistress Jegal Yua entered, and she calmly defeated her opponent and advanced to the main tournament.
“Waaaah!”
“Hundred Stratagem Cold Sword! Hundred Stratagem Cold Sword!”
The people cheered, calling her alias.
She is popular.
Before long, the sun had set, and the remaining duel schedule was naturally postponed until tomorrow.
On the way back to the inn, Martial Artist Daenok and Martial Artist Suam spoke.
“We will stop by Jang Inn, collect our luggage, and go to Yeonpung Inn.” (Suam)
“Do that.” (MC)
After sending them off like that and turning away, Miss Seohyang spoke to me.
“I think we should go with them.” (Seohyang)
“…….” (MC)
For her to suddenly say something like that meant she had seen the future.
I quickly turned around and called out to them.
“Wait a moment!” (MC)
“Yes?” (Suam)
“Let us go together.” (MC)
“We can go by ourselves.” (Suam)
“No. Once we have decided to sponsor someone, our Trading Company’s iron rule is to be thorough.” (MC)
Thus, we followed the two martial artists to Jang Inn.
But the road there was quite far.
I asked Miss Seohyang.
“Are you all right?” (MC)
“Yes. It is good training too. Well, it is not as if I did not expect the road to be long. If I am needed somewhere, I should follow.” (Seohyang)
In other words, she had followed because she knew she would be needed.
That is a little touching.
“We only need to go for about another fifteen minutes now.” (Suam)
While listening to them, I felt an unpleasant energy.
“Stop.” (MC)
“……!”
At my words, everyone stopped walking.
“There is someone ahead. Something does not feel good.” (MC)
I spoke to my escort warriors.
“Martial Artist Jin Yu, Martial Artist Yeo Eungam.” (MC)
“Yes!” (Jin Yu and Yeo Eungam)
“Get behind them.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Jin Yu and Yeo Eungam)
“And Martial Artist Ipil, please call the patrol and bring them here.” (MC)
Soon, those who had received the orders disappeared from our sight.
“Then let us go.” (MC)
“Yes.” (Suam)
I sent Martial Artist Daenok and Martial Artist Suam ahead first, and we decided to follow a little behind.
Just before they arrived at the inn, they encountered a group of people.
People who looked somewhat crooked.
At a glance, they were clearly people who did dirty work on behalf of others.
But how did the black path get in all the way here?
“Which one of you is called Daenok?” (Black Path Thug)
At that question, Martial Artist Daenok answered.
“I am Daenok. What business do you have?” (Daenok)
At that question, they grinned.
“I see.” (Black Path Thug)
They charged in without warning and swung their fists at Martial Artist Daenok.
At this, Martial Artist Daenok counterattacked, but there were so many on the other side that he was helpless.
Thud! Thud!
“What are you doing…….” (Suam)
Martial Artist Suam protested, but they attacked Martial Artist Suam as well.
“We do not particularly have any feelings against you. So do not resist for no reason. Just take the beating and lie down quietly. That will hurt less. Hehehe.” (Black Path Thug)
“Who are you? Who on earth ordered you to do this!” (Daenok)
At Martial Artist Daenok’s protest, they answered.
“Would it not be someone who bears a grudge against you?” (Black Path Thug)
“Use your head a little. Hehe.” (Black Path Thug)
Then they swung their sword sheaths at the two martial artists.
Looking at the path of the blades, it seemed their purpose was to break their arms.
Clang!
Claaang!
However, their attacks did not reach the two martial artists.
Martial Artist Jin Yu and Martial Artist Yeo Eungam, who had approached from behind them, had knocked away all of their attacks.
Whirik-! Thud!
Then they turned their bodies and kicked them down.
The other martial artists also immediately rushed out, and the black path men who had been tormenting Martial Artist Daenok and Martial Artist Suam were left rolling on the ground in an instant.
“Ugh…….” (Black Path Thug)
“Urk…….” (Black Path Thug)
“Aigoo…….” (Black Path Thug)
I looked down at them with cold eyes and spoke.
“Who sent you?” (MC)
“I-I cannot say!” (Black Path Thug)
“You clearly took money to do this, so what exactly were you commissioned to do?” (MC)
“I-I cannot say…… Gaaah!” (Black Path Thug)
Martial Artist Jin Yu’s sword mercilessly stabbed into the back of that man’s hand.
“If you do not resist for no reason and simply confess, would you not get hurt less? You live by the sword, so if you end up unable to hold one, how do you intend to make a living?” (MC)
I jeered at him.
“I do not think those fellows you call companions will feed you.” (MC)
At my words, their eyes shook, and one of them trembled as he spoke.
“I-I will talk! So…… they told us to work over the man called Daenok so he would not be able to come out for the next duel.” (Black Path Thug)
“And the client?” (MC)
“I do not know who he was. He had a mole below his chin and sharp eyes. He gave us ten silver taels and commissioned the job, so…….” (Black Path Thug)
“Hmm…….” (MC)
Well, Namgung On would be locked in prison right now.
He must have used his subordinate to do this.
“I am sorry! I am truly sorry! I will live properly from now on!” (Black Path Thug)
“Do that. So let us go to the Martial Alliance together.” (MC)
Piiik! Piiik!
Then came the sound of whistles and the energy of martial artists drawing closer.
They were the members of the Martial Alliance patrol team Martial Artist Ipil had called.
The one leading that team was Team Leader Woneop.
He came at the right time.
“Master Seonhyeop Mirang!” (Woneop)
“We meet again, Team Leader Won. Thank you for your hard work.” (MC)
“Heoheo, not at all.” (Woneop)
He looked at the people rolling on the ground and asked.
“Are these the ones?” (Woneop)
“Yes. These are the ones who attacked Martial Artist Daenok, who passed today’s preliminaries.” (MC)
At this, Martial Artist Daenok spoke.
“Thanks to Master Seonhyeop Mirang, I was able to avoid disaster.” (Daenok)
“As expected of Master Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Woneop)
Team Leader Won clasped his hands in admiration.
“It is nothing much. Please handle these men properly.” (MC)
“Do not worry.” (Woneop)
“Ah, by the way, is Young Master Namgung Ok still in prison?” (MC)
“No.” (Woneop)
He shook his head.
“Right before he was to be locked in prison, the Namgung Clan said they would confine him in their residence for two days and took him away.” (Woneop)
“…….” (MC)
It feels somewhat bitter.
Team Leader Won wore the same bitter expression.
But what could he do?
“Then I leave it to you.” (MC)
Thus, Team Leader Won tied them up with binding rope like stringing together fish and took them to the Martial Alliance.
I turned my head and asked Martial Artist Daenok and Martial Artist Suam.
“Are you all right?” (MC)
“Ah, yes. I am fine.” (Daenok)
“I am sorry for not stopping them when they were hitting you earlier. It was to make things certain.” (MC)
“I understand.” (Daenok)
Martial Artist Daenok burst out in indignation.
“What kind of people ordered something like this?” (Daenok)
“Who else would it be?” (MC)
“Yes?” (Daenok)
“If you think carefully, the answer will come to you.” (MC)
After thinking for a moment, he bit his lip. He had realized who had done this.
Martial Artist Suam spoke.
“You told us to change inns because you thought something like this might happen, and you accompanied us like this for the same reason.” (Suam)
“That is right.” (MC)
“Hoo, then we must offer you our thanks.” (Suam)
They clasped their hands to me and expressed their gratitude politely.
“Thank you.” (Suam)
“Truly, thank you.” (Daenok)
“It is nothing. I only helped because I was happy to see someone talented.” (MC)
I pointed to the inn and spoke.
“Then collect your luggage and come out.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Suam)
Just in case, I sent Martial Artist Seowoo with them.
I shifted my gaze and looked at the sky.
As expected, my thoughts had been correct.
There was a high possibility the Namgung Clan would pay no attention to this incident Namgung On had ordered to vent his anger and simply let it pass.
But I cannot end it like this.
I will make it so that they cannot help but pay attention.