Chapter 690
Chapter 690
Chapter 690. Choseolhui (4)
The next dawn.
After finishing my qi circulation exercise, I rose from my seat and left my quarters.
A Myeongjong warrior who had been guarding outside said to me.
“If you have finished your qi circulation exercise, I think you should go to the training ground now. Head Escort Kwak is waiting for you.” (Myeongjong Warrior)
“What? Master is already here?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. He has been here since about half a sichen ago.” (Myeongjong Warrior)
Damn! To make my master wait after becoming his disciple!
When I hurried out to the training ground, Master was swinging his sword.
“I apologize for being late.” (Eun Seoho)
At my apology, Master sheathed his sword and said.
“Not at all. I merely came early. It was because I needed to examine this training ground closely for your training today, Young Captain.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
Come to think of it, whenever the training ground changed, Master had come in advance and carefully examined the floor and the surrounding conditions of the training ground.
At the time, he had said that when fighting, one had to examine the surrounding environment, even the dirt beneath one’s feet and the wind, in order to increase one’s chances of victory.
It must be for a similar reason.
“Let us begin after running one light lap around the training ground.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
And so, Master’s instruction, which I had never imagined, began.
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A little while later.
“Hoo, hoo, hoo.” (Eun Seoho)
I breathed roughly.
Was the sky really yellow? Or did it look yellow because I was exhausted?
Even though it had been quite some time since I reached the supreme peak, Master’s training still tested my limits.
Because every time, he stopped right before I thought, “Ah, I can’t go on anymore. I’m done for.”
This time was no different.
“Kkui? Kkui?” (Geumnyeong)
Geumnyeong sat under my neck and tapped my face with her front paws.
Are you asking if I’m all right? Do I look all right?
Ah…… since I’m talking back, that means I’m all right?
I have nothing to say. Tch.
“Even so, perhaps because you learned Choseolhui, your movements have certainly become better than before.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
Just then, I heard Master’s words.
I raised myself up and answered.
“I felt it too. Since then, for some reason, my feet have felt lighter.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is why you endured well even though I pressured you harder than before.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
What? M-Master? What did you say?
Whew, as expected, it was not that I had been negligent in my training. There was a reason I collapsed so quickly.
“I am proud of you, Young Captain.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
For a moment, my mind went blank.
Ah, I shouldn’t just let this pass……
Because Master rarely expressed his emotions, I felt better without realizing it, and the shock from a moment ago was fading away.
Surely, he did not say that with this in mind, did he?
“When will you return to Hubei Province?” (Eun Seoho)
“Probably early tomorrow morning.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“You are leaving Beijing sooner than I expected.” (Eun Seoho)
“I received a new mission yesterday evening. In my heart, I would like to leave as soon as I finish breakfast today, but the escorts and porters who came with me need rest.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Well, escorts and porters do not have stamina as strong as Master’s.
Come to think of it, didn’t Father also decide to leave tomorrow morning?
“Then, since you will be moving anyway, how about traveling together with my father?” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you speaking of the Trading Company Head?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes. As it happens, Father said he would return to Hubei tomorrow as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“In that case, I have no objection.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Then I will ask Father and send you word.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
Master nodded.
“But there is one thing I wish to ask.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes. Please go ahead.” (Eun Seoho)
“Have you informed the Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace of your marriage?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Ah……” (Eun Seoho)
At my reaction, Master said.
“It seems you have not informed her yet.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“This foolish disciple failed to think that far.” (Eun Seoho)
It was last December that I decided to marry Miss Seohyang.
In the meantime, I resolved the Sword Tomb incident in Chungyeong Fortress, restored the damage caused by the earthquake that occurred in Sichuan Province, went to Nanjing with the Crown Prince…… and after returning from the Hwangbo Clan, I resolved the forged promissory note incident discovered at Geumsan Battlefield.
For half a year, truly many things had happened.
So there had been no time to send news to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Master said.
“For the marriage of the Young Palace Head of Snow Wind Palace, it is proper etiquette for the Young Palace Head and the bride to go in person to the Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace and report it. If you do not do this, the Palace Head will be deeply disappointed.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
“Even leaving aside such etiquette, I believe the relationship between the two of you is fairly close. Then would it not be right, as a matter of propriety, to inform her directly?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“I failed to think of it. Thank you for enlightening your dull disciple.” (Eun Seoho)
“And…… that old hag is rather petty. She will show signs of being disappointed about this for a long, long time.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
M-Master……
In any case, if not for Master, I nearly made a grave mistake.
Then I should make plans to go to the Northern Sea Ice Palace as soon as possible.
I had to deliver a wedding invitation to Young Captain Bok Yun of the Gwangjun Trading Company anyway.
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Breakfast time.
I ate breakfast with Father. And Miss Seohyang was beside me as well.
Because Father had said that since we were going to marry anyway, we should eat breakfast together.
Eldest sister-in-law was with us too. Jeongho hyung had gone to Shandong.
“Today’s pine nut porridge is very delicious.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, it does seem even tastier than usual today.” (Eun Gilsang)
I hinted to Father.
“Father. You said you were going to the main headquarters tomorrow.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, I cannot leave the main headquarters empty for too long.” (Eun Gilsang)
“As it happens, my master also said he would return to Hubei Province tomorrow morning. So, how about going together with Master?” (Eun Seoho)
At my suggestion, Father smiled and said.
“It seems you are worried about me.” (Eun Gilsang)
“Of course, I am not disregarding the strength of the Silver Wind Unit that came with you, Father, but it is true that it would still be safer to be with Master’s group. The Silver Wind Unit will be less tired as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Mm, that is true. Then are you asking me to request an escort mission?” (Eun Gilsang)
“No. It is simply traveling together, but from Changin Escort Agency’s perspective, would they just stand by and watch the danger facing the Trading Company Head of their largest client?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true.” (Eun Gilsang)
Father nodded and gave a faint laugh.
Hm? Why is he laughing?
I tilted my head, but Father did not say anything.
So I brought up another topic.
“Ah…… and Father. Miss Seohyang and I will be going to the North Sea for a short while.” (Eun Seoho)
“To the North Sea?” (Eun Gilsang)
“Yes. There is someone to whom I must deliver a wedding invitation, so I need to go there.” (Eun Seoho)
Father looked at me for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes, go and return safely.” (Eun Gilsang)
“Yes, I will go and return carefully.” (Eun Seoho)
---
Kwak Myeonghyeon, the Agency Head of Changin Escort Agency, approached Eun Gilsang, the Trading Company Head of the Eunhae Trading Company.
“I look forward to this journey.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“I am the one who should be saying that.” (Eun Gilsang)
Eun Seoho and the people of the Beijing branch came out and saw them off.
“Everyone, travel safely.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will see you again later.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“You take care on your journey too.” (Eun Gilsang)
After they exchanged farewells like that, Kwak Myeonghyeon said to the party.
“We depart!” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes!” (Escorts)
The procession slowly began to move.
And Eun Seoho and his party stood before it for a long time.
Creak.
Just then, the carriage window opened, and Eun Gilsang stuck his face out and spoke to Kwak Myeonghyeon, who was traveling on horseback beside him.
“You have gone to a lot of trouble matching my son’s tune.” (Eun Gilsang)
“You need not mind it. In fact, if the Young Captain had not asked, I was going to say from our side that we would accompany you.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Is that so?” (Eun Gilsang)
“Are you not our Changin Escort Agency’s most important client?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Is there not another reason besides that?” (Eun Gilsang)
Eun Gilsang was the father of his disciple and the Young Palace Head. If something were to happen to him……
It was something he did not want to imagine.
Thus, to prevent it, he had accepted Eun Seoho’s request.
However, he did not answer Eun Gilsang’s question and merely smiled.
“There is one thing I would like to ask.” (Eun Gilsang)
“Please speak.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Just how skilled is that Seoho fellow, exactly?” (Eun Gilsang)
“Yes?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“He has never accurately told me his own level of skill.” (Eun Gilsang)
At this, Kwak Myeonghyeon answered.
“Is he not known to the world as being at the peak level?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“That is true. But from what I see, I have my doubts whether he is truly only at the peak level.” (Eun Gilsang)
“In the murim, there is a saying that one should hide thirty percent of one’s strength. I hope that serves as my answer.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“I see. Thank you.” (Eun Gilsang)
Eun Gilsang nodded. It was because he had seen through the hidden meaning behind that cryptic answer.
Kwak Myeonghyeon recalled yesterday morning, when he had looked after Eun Seoho’s training and crossed swords with him.
His growth was astounding.
“Is that the true worth of one born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
A very long time ago, Kwak Myeonghyeon learned about the Black Dragon Sacred Body.
Because the constitution of the Northern Sea Ice Palace Head was the Black Dragon Sacred Body.
So he asked his father about it.
“Father. The aura I felt from the Northern Sea Ice Palace Head was indeed not ordinary.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Seeing that you sensed it, you have now become capable enough to succeed me.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“Is there something special about it?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes, the Northern Sea Ice Palace Head was born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body. As a woman who bears yin energy, it is the finest constitution.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
His father explained the Black Dragon Sacred Body to him.
“Then is there no case where a man is born with the constitution of the Black Dragon Sacred Body?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Of course there is. And in our Snow Wind Palace, one prophecy related to this has been passed down.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“A prophecy?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Since you have reached the level where you can recognize the constitution of the Black Dragon Sacred Body, I suppose it is all right to pass that prophecy on to you.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
His father continued.
“It is a prophecy that says the one born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body after receiving the choice of Snow Wind will, with exceptional insight and talent, lead this Snow Wind Palace to prosperity.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“I see.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“However, there is a condition that he must pass the age of forty.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“Why is that?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“It is extremely rare for a man to be born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body. Moreover, there is a constitutional problem, and he must overcome it.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“What problem is it?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“From around the age of fifteen, when masculinity manifests properly, he rapidly becomes weak. It is because the yang energy of the body and the water energy of the constitution collide.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“Then is there no way to overcome it?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“Spiritual medicine of yin energy and martial arts of yin energy. If these are used properly, he will frolic like a fish in water.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“I see!” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“But…… even so, it is not easy to pass the age of forty.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“What? Why? If the collision of energies is resolved, would that not allow his talent to fully bloom?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
At that question, his father shook his head.
“I do not know that either. The suppressed yang energy may explode, he may be envied by those around him, or Heaven may be lacking talent and take him away early.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“……” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“This has grown long, but the Palace Head of our Snow Wind Palace has the duty to care for a boy born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body if he discovers one. Because he is the one who will lead the prosperity of our Snow Wind Palace. So we must make him survive until forty no matter what. That is why recognizing one born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body is one of the important qualifications for becoming the next successor.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
He had gone to offer thanks to the young master who had saved his eldest son, only to be startled.
That was the connection that had continued since then.
In truth, at first, he taught martial arts to Eun Seoho out of a sense of duty and a desire to repay a debt of gratitude.
But before he knew it, the existence called Eun Seoho had come to occupy one whole corner of his heart.
He continued the memory with his father.
“Then Father, what must be done for that person to pass the age of forty?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“According to the records handed down, the founder of Snow Wind Palace was also born with the Black Dragon Sacred Body and passed the age of forty. Judging from this, there is one method.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“What is it?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“The Transformation Realm.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
“Yes?” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
“They say the realm of the Transformation Realm can even twist and change fate. If he reaches the Transformation Realm, there will be a possibility that he can pass the age of forty.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon’s Father)
Kwak Myeonghyeon put strength into his fist.
“If that is the only way, then I must make the Young Palace Head enter the realm of the Transformation Realm no matter what.” (Kwak Myeonghyeon)
Eun Seoho was now twenty-four years old.
There were still fifteen years left until he turned forty.
But for Eun Seoho’s sake as well, Kwak Myeonghyeon could never stop his own training.
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Jeongho hyung returned from Jinan.
“Welcome back! Hyung.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Jeongho)
“Father returned not long ago.” (Eun Seoho)
“I know. He stopped by Jinan on his way back.” (Jeongho)
Ah, if he went only a little out of the way, he could pass through Jinan, so he met him before leaving.
“How did the matter you went for turn out?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, hyung grinned broadly.
“What is there to say? They said they had never seen anything of such good quality and nearly fell over backward.” (Jeongho)
“They saw the sample, didn’t they?” (Eun Seoho)
“Usually, people bring the very best thing as the sample. And there is no way to confirm whether it came from that place either.” (Jeongho)
“That is true.” (Eun Seoho)
That is why on-site inspections are done.
“Then, hyung. I will leave the matters afterward to you.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hm? What are you talking about?” (Jeongho)
“I am going out for a little while tomorrow morning with Miss Seohyang.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Jeongho hyung stared at me and then said.
“A little while? Be honest. How many days is that ‘little while’?” (Jeongho)
“About fifteen days……? I’m going to the North Sea branch.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hey! If it’s the North Sea, it takes more than fifteen days! Where do you get off lying!” (Jeongho)
I’m not lying.
Because I’m going on a Jugang Horse.
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That afternoon.
I diligently prepared to go to the North Sea.
The road to the North Sea was rough, but it was also because I had two matters to handle.
Mm, the weather is nice, so shall I walk for a bit?
As I was walking through the rear garden like that, I saw a young-faced warrior of the Silver Wind Unit approaching me.
For some reason, his face looked very familiar. The warrior bowed deeply to me with clasped hands.
“I greet the Young Captain.” (Silver Wind Unit Warrior)
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“In truth, I came because I have a request. I heard that you are going to the North Sea. So, I would like you to deliver this letter to Uncle Gupyo, the merchant manager at the North Sea branch.” (Silver Wind Unit Warrior)
Come to think of it, he was holding a letter in his hand.
“That is not difficult. But what is your name?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! I apologize. I should have given my name first…… I am called Ma Sunbok.” (Ma Sunbok)
When I heard that name, I was startled.
What?