Chapter 642
Chapter 641
Chapter 641. The Incident in Sichuan Province (4)
When the people on our side moved, the final obstacle blocking the path to the Emei Sect was removed faster than expected.
Thanks to that, I was able to face Noona Hyangok.
“Noona!” (Eun Seoho)
“Seoho!” (Hyangok)
Noona Hyangok’s appearance was pitiful to see.
Her clothes were covered in dirt and torn here and there, and even her hands were full of wounds.
It must mean she had been moving that harshly.
It was just as my aunt had said, that she was worried Noona might overdo herself trying to help others.
“What happened to your hands!” (Eun Seoho)
“It couldn’t be helped. We had to open the road even one day sooner.” (Hyangok)
“Is it because of food?” (Eun Seoho)
“That’s right.” (Hyangok)
The damage from the earthquake was not as great as I had expected, but it seems the food problem was more serious than I thought.
The reason the disciples I sent to the Qingcheng Sect had come down to Chengdu was to purchase food.
“Are your legs all right?” (Hyangok)
“Yes. They’re fully healed.” (Eun Seoho)
“That’s a relief.” (Hyangok)
If Noona found out I had deliberately pretended my leg was broken, there would be an uproar.
I quickly changed the subject.
“We brought food.” (Eun Seoho)
“What a relief!” (Hyangok)
At that moment, Prince Seongbo approached from behind.
“Is this person your noona?” (Prince Seongbo)
“Yes, that is correct. She is Hyangok, a disciple of the Emei Sect and my uncle’s eldest daughter.” (Eun Seoho)
Then I introduced Prince Seongbo to Noona as well.
“Noona, this is His Highness Prince Seongbo.” (Eun Seoho)
“I, Hyangok, disciple of the Emei Sect, pay my respects to His Highness Prince Seongbo.” (Hyangok)
Noona prostrated herself and observed the proper courtesy, and His Highness Prince Seongbo accepted that courtesy.
“Rise.” (Prince Seongbo)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (Hyangok)
“It is good to meet you. Is the Emei Sect all right?” (Prince Seongbo)
“Yes. Though food is lacking, the damage from the earthquake is not great.” (Hyangok)
“Should I say that is fortunate amid misfortune? Then can you guide me to the Sect Leader?” (Prince Seongbo)
“Of course.” (Hyangok)
Like that, we crossed the mountain gate of the Emei Sect and entered the Emei Sect.
The people of the Emei Sect could not hide their joy at the relief supplies we had brought.
There were signs of collapsed buildings, but at this level, it was fine.
Most of all, it was fortunate that not many injured people could be seen.
We entrusted the distribution of the relief supplies to those who had come with us and to the Emei Sect disciples, then immediately went to meet the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect.
“Hyangok!” (Haecheong Shinni)
At that moment, a familiar person called Noona and came running.
It was the Heartless Sword, Haecheong Shinni, whom I had met a few times before.
She was also the Master who had led Noona Hyangok to the Emei Sect.
Noona greeted her, then introduced us.
“I’ll explain the details later. This person is His Highness Prince Seongbo.” (Hyangok)
“This poor nun pays her respects to His Highness Prince Seongbo.” (Haecheong Shinni)
“Rise. It is good to meet you.” (Prince Seongbo)
I spoke to Haecheong Shinni.
“His Highness wishes to meet the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Please come this way.” (Haecheong Shinni)
We moved under her guidance, and soon we were able to face the Sect Leader.
The Sect Leader observed the courtesy due to royalty toward Prince Seongbo, and the prince likewise observed courtesy in return.
When one was the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect, it was a position worthy of respect even from the prince’s standpoint.
“To provide relief to those suffering because of this earthquake in Sichuan Province, Father Emperor sent my older brother, the Crown Prince, and me here.” (Prince Seongbo)
“Truly, the imperial grace is immeasurable.” (Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader of the Emei Sect continued.
“For Your Imperial Highness to speak politely to this poor nun is more than I deserve.” (Sect Leader)
“What are you saying? The Sect Leader of the Emei Sect is someone respected by many. I, too, wish to show my respect.” (Prince Seongbo)
“I am humbled.” (Sect Leader)
Now it was the main point.
I quietly watched Prince Seongbo speak.
“I have heard much of the Emei Sect’s reputation. At present, many people in Sichuan Province are suffering because of the earthquake. Thus, I ask you to aid the relief efforts in Sichuan Province.” (Prince Seongbo)
“How could we refuse? We, too, will roll up both sleeves and step forward for Sichuan Province.” (Sect Leader)
“For you to say so, I can only be grateful.” (Prince Seongbo)
Like that, the Emei Sect’s support was decided.
The Emei Sect disciples who had recovered their strength through the relief supplies we brought moved busily.
They divided into several groups, and dispatched two groups whose martial arts were relatively not strong to the Qingcheng Sect.
And the others moved with us and arrived at the place where the Provincial Administration Commissioner was.
“Have you come, Your Highness Prince Seongbo?” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“Where is my older brother?” (Prince Seongbo)
“I heard he is currently at the Regional Military Commission.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“I see. Young Captain Eun Seoho’s party opened the path to the Emei Sect, and we have come together with the Emei Sect’s support force.” (Prince Seongbo)
“Ah! That is truly fortunate!” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
The Provincial Administration Commissioner’s expression brightened.
Soon, the group leaders leading the Emei Sect’s relief unit gathered, and the Provincial Administration Commissioner gave them instructions.
“First, those whose martial arts are strong should go to the Surveillance Commissioner.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“Indeed, as it happens, he said the Surveillance Commissioner was having a headache because Green Forest Bandits were swarming about.” (Prince Seongbo)
As Prince Seongbo said, this chaotic situation was an opportunity for the Green Forest Bandits.
If a person had a conscience, they would restrain themselves in a situation like this, but if they had a conscience, they would not live as Green Forest Bandits.
“The rest should join in recovering the nearby private homes.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“We will do so.” (Emei Sect Disciple)
I asked the Provincial Administration Commissioner,
“What should I help with?” (Eun Seoho)
“You…… Continue securing the access roads to the isolated villages.” (Provincial Administration Commissioner)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
I headed to Noona Hyangok, who was preparing to go to the Surveillance Commissioner.
Noona was a prodigy counted among the best even in the Emei Sect, enough to have been the runner-up at the Great Murim Banquet.
As such, she had to go to the side that would beat down the Green Forest Bandits.
“Noona, Uncle is very worried. Please be careful.” (Eun Seoho)
“All right. And……” (Hyangok)
Noona hesitated, then continued.
“Thank you for coming to save me.” (Hyangok)
“It was nothing.” (Eun Seoho)
Since we did not have time for a long conversation, Noona hurriedly ran after the others.
Somehow, her face seemed a little red too…….
My party and I devoted ourselves to opening the roads leading to villages isolated by landslides.
As we did, we developed a knack for it, and the efficiency grew higher and higher.
When we were securing the access road to the fifth village like that, the Crown Prince came to find me.
“Are you all doing well?” (Crown Prince)
“We pay our respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!” (Everyone)
We quickly offered courtesy, and the Crown Prince waved his hand.
“The situation is not so leisurely, so until this incident is concluded, let a clasped hands greeting substitute for formal courtesy.” (Crown Prince)
“Your grace is immeasurable.” (Everyone)
“The Provincial Administration Commissioner was full of praise, saying that thanks to you, the relief work for the isolated villages is progressing quite quickly.” (Crown Prince)
“I am glad I could be of help.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Is there anything I can help with?” (Crown Prince)
“We are fine. However, if Your Highness has strength to spare, please provide support to the Qingcheng Sect.” (Eun Seoho)
“The Qingcheng Sect?” (Crown Prince)
“Yes. I heard they suffered great damage this time.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, they did.” (Crown Prince)
“Relief for civilians is important, but the Qingcheng Sect is the place that maintains public order in that region. I am worried there may end up being a gap in public order there.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. I will instruct them so.” (Crown Prince)
It was then.
Miss Seohyang tugged at my sleeve.
I asked for understanding for a moment and moved to a quiet place with Miss Seohyang.
“What is the matter?” (Eun Seoho)
“We have to evacuate from here at once. An aftershock will cause a landslide here.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Did you…… see when?” (Eun Seoho)
“Soon. I saw the people and His Highness the Crown Prince being swept up in the landslide.” (Miss Seohyang)
“……!” (Eun Seoho)
What?
Then this is truly a serious matter.
If the Crown Prince were to be swept up in a landslide, the aftermath could not even be imagined.
I hurriedly returned and spoke to everyone.
“We will stop work here for today!” (Eun Seoho)
At my shout, Prince Seongbo voiced a question.
“What is the matter? The sun has not set yet, so why are you suddenly stopping the work?” (Prince Seongbo)
“It seems fatigue has accumulated greatly because we have continued working for several days already. I think it would be better to rest today and begin again tomorrow.” (Eun Seoho)
“If that is your judgment, then it must be right. Do so.” (Prince Seongbo)
Like that, I quickly stopped the work and began leaving the place.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness Prince Seongbo. Please follow me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Crown Prince)
Since I had heard Miss Seohyang’s warning, I could not let my guard down.
Thus, I moved while staying close to the Crown Prince’s side.
When we had almost left the access road where we had been working.
Rumble.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake.
Just as Miss Seohyang had said, an aftershock had occurred.
“Everyone, lower your posture and keep your balance!” (Eun Seoho)
Then I looked around, and saw a mound of earth pouring down from above.
And of all places, right over the Crown Prince.
Damn it!
I hurriedly drew my sword and formed a barrier with genuine qi.
“Ghk!” (Eun Seoho)
A groan burst out on its own at the weight of the earth and sand pressing down on me.
“Hurry and avoid it!” (Eun Seoho)
“Y-Young Captain Eun! You……” (Crown Prince)
“Hurry and avoid it! What are the guards doing! Get a hold of yourselves and move!” (Eun Seoho)
At my shout, the guards of the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo hurriedly took them and avoided the place.
Now the problem was me getting out of this spot…….
It was then.
Rumble.
As the ground shook again, the pressure of the mound of earth pouring down from above grew stronger.
I had reached the transcendent peak level, but this was not something that could be endured at that level.
I drew up my energy as much as possible and quickly worked my head.
If I get buried like this, even I will die instantly.
What should I do…….
“……!” (Eun Seoho)
At that moment, I realized that behind me was a cliff.
In that case, rather than being crushed beneath the mound of earth and rocks pressing down on me, jumping off the cliff had a much higher chance of survival.
Having decided that, I threw my body backward without hesitation.
Tap!
My body flew toward empty air and began falling downward just like that.
“Liege!” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Young Master!” (Palgap)
“Young Captain!” (Someone)
Urgent cries and screams calling me.
Amid them, what I saw was a tree vine growing on the cliff.
I have to grab that.
Damn it!
I reached out with all my might, but it was a little too far for my hand to reach.
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
At that moment, someone pushed my back.
“Geumryeong?” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkuiiiit!” (Geumryeong)
Grip!
Thanks to Geumryeong pushing me with all his might, I barely managed to grab the tree vine.
I survived.
“Geumryeong. Thank you for helping me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkuiit!” (Geumryeong)
It was something he should naturally do? Did I know how startled he was? If I was going to do something this reckless, I should at least tell him in advance?
“Sorry. I’ll give you a gold coin later, so calm down.” (Eun Seoho)
Even if I had fallen from here, I would not have died, but I would have been badly injured.
He had saved me so that would not happen, so would I be stingy with a gold coin?
“Kkuik?” (Geumryeong)
Was that really true? Of course it was true.
At the words that I would give him a gold coin, Geumryeong’s hips wiggled.
As expected, he likes it.
After I held onto the vine and endured for a while like that, no more mounds of earth or rocks fell.
“Liege! Are you there? Liege!” (Warrior Seowoo)
Warrior Seowoo’s desperate voice came from above.
I shouted loudly.
“I am here!” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you alive?” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Of course!” (Eun Seoho)
“What a relief. Truly…… what a relief. We will send down a rope immediately.” (Warrior Seowoo)
Soon, a rope came down from above.
I put the noose of that rope around one leg, then grabbed the rope.
“It is done. Pull me up now!” (Eun Seoho)
The rope went up, and I was able to climb up to the top of the cliff.
“Young Captain!” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang ran toward me. And my guard warriors……
“Young Master! Huheong! Goodness! Young Master!” (Palgap)
“Palgap. Could you be a little quiet? My head is ringing.” (Eun Seoho)
Because not only had my inner arts hit the bottom, but I was also at my physical limit.
“Huheong! If Young Master had passed away, I was thinking of removing this mountain for revenge.” (Palgap)
That is fortunate.
Geumryeong, you prevented this mountain from disappearing.
“Phew, I am fine, so can you let go of me now? The shoulder you are holding hurts more.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Palgap quickly let go of the shoulder he had been holding.
“Are you truly not injured anywhere?” (Palgap)
“I’m not.” (Eun Seoho)
And as I was brushing the dirt from my body, the Crown Prince and Prince Seongbo approached.
“Are you truly all right?” (Crown Prince)
“Yes. Your Highness the Crown Prince. Your Highness Prince Seongbo. This humble one has caused you concern.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do not say such a thing! If not for you, we would surely have died without being able to move.” (Crown Prince)
“Why did you do something so reckless?” (Prince Seongbo)
At Prince Seongbo’s question, I scratched my cheek.
“I do not know either. When I came to my senses, I was moving to save you both.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, they wore moved expressions.
“As expected, there is a reason you are called Seonhyeop Mirang. If you are not Seonhyeop Mirang, who else could have that name?” (Crown Prince)
“As expected, there is a reason I fell for you, Master.” (Prince Seongbo)
I smiled awkwardly.
It was not as though I could say the truth here, ‘If you two died or were hurt, things would become quite troublesome.’
“First, rest for today.” (Crown Prince)
“That would be best.” (Prince Seongbo)
Like that, we headed to a nearby village, washed, and lay down on beds.
Perhaps because I had moved rather violently today, my shoulder felt a little stiff.
No matter how sturdy the body of a martial artist is, it is not as though there is no pain at all.
“Kkui?” (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong climbed onto my stomach.
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumryeong)
“Yes, I should give you what I promised.” (Eun Seoho)
I took a gold coin from the pouch I had set beside me and held it out, and Geumryeong hugged the gold coin and rolled around on my stomach.
Is he that happy?
I like money too, but when I look at Geumryeong, I feel like I have no greed at all.
“Egogo…….” (Eun Seoho)
When I raised myself up, a groan escaped without my knowing it.
“Kkui?” (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong looked back and forth between me and the gold coin, then swallowed the gold coin whole and spoke.
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumryeong)
Hm? There is a good place, so I should follow him?
I tilted my head, but since Geumryeong spoke with such confidence, I could not help but follow.
I prepared myself and followed Geumryeong.
Behind me, Palgap and the guard warriors followed with solemn faces.
They do not have to go that far…….
I feel a little guilty.
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
At that moment, Geumryeong said we had arrived.
It is closer than I expected.
The moment I thought that and approached Geumryeong, I had no choice but to open my eyes wide.
This place is…….