Chapter 705
Chapter 705
Chapter 705. Whereabouts (2)
At my question, Elder Blacksmith Yeom let out a deep sigh and opened his mouth.
“My Master had an elder brother. So to me, he would have been my Senior Uncle. I once went to the smithy run by my Master and Senior Uncle. That was quite a long time ago too.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
He continued, wearing an expression as if recalling the past.
“Back then, my Master pestered Senior Uncle to show us the Ice Crystal. It was so he could broaden my experience.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
He was a better master than I expected.
“That was when I first saw something called an Ice Crystal. It was a jewel, transparent yet white, containing an attractive force that seemed as if it would suck in one’s soul and a pure power that seemed to cleanse the soul. At the same time, I felt a chill from it. It was a cold that went beyond merely being cold.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
It’s definitely an Ice Crystal.
“Though it was only the size of the joint of my thumb, I still cannot forget its presence even now.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
That should be about an ordinary size.
I silently listened to his story.
“After that, I saw an Ice Crystal two more times, and what I felt from it was different each time. Perhaps it was because my skill had improved.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
I nodded.
“But from what I heard earlier, you said the only remaining disciple was you, Elder...” (MC)
“Strictly speaking, it is only me and my sons.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“Then does that mean your Senior Uncle has also passed away?” (MC)
“Yes. I believe it has been more than twenty years now.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“Then may I ask what happened to that Ice Crystal?” (MC)
Elder Blacksmith Yeom let out a low groan and put on a troubled expression.
“Mm... That is quite the mystery.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“What do you mean?” (MC)
“When I heard the news that Senior Uncle had passed away, I went there, held his funeral, and sorted through his belongings... but the Ice Crystal was gone.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“Are you saying the Ice Crystal disappeared?” (MC)
“Yes.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
Elder Blacksmith Yeom nodded.
“So I asked around, but no stranger had visited, and Senior Uncle had not gone far from home either. That made it all the more puzzling. Yet it was not as if I could say the thing that had disappeared was an Ice Crystal, so when I was nearly about to give up, someone came looking for me.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
He rose from his seat.
“Please wait a moment.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
When he went inside and came back out, he was holding an envelope in his hand.
“The person who came was the village chief. He said that if the person who had come to sort through the belongings seemed to be searching hard for something, then the late Senior Uncle had asked him to pass this along.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
With that, he held out the envelope to me.
“This is that letter.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
I accepted it and asked.
“May I read it?” (MC)
“Of course.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
I took the letter out of the envelope and unfolded it.
[Do not strive to find that thing. Since it is not something you can handle, I have returned it to nature]
What does returned it to nature mean?
I tilted my head and returned the letter to him.
Because that one sentence was all that was written in the letter.
“In my opinion, it is one of two possibilities. Either he ground the Ice Crystal into powder and scattered it on the mountain, or he secretly hid it somewhere.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
Certainly... I can’t think of anything else.
“But where was your Senior Uncle staying, Elder?” (MC)
“He lived at the foot of Mount Zhongnan in Shaanxi Province. And now, my second and third sons are working as blacksmiths on that site.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“Pardon? How many children do you have?” (MC)
“Five. My eldest and youngest are here, my second and third sons are in Shaanxi Province. And one daughter married nearby.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“I see.” (MC)
“Senior Uncle had already established himself there, and it seemed a waste to close that smithy, so my Master periodically went there to maintain it. After my Master passed away, that is how things came to be.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
Well, establishing a base is no ordinary matter.
There is local territoriality to deal with, and a smithy is not easy to build either.
Even I would have somehow kept the place going.
“If the need ever arises, pay it a visit. Though they do not quite satisfy my eye, they are useful to a certain degree.” (Elder Blacksmith Yeom)
“Understood. If I have reason to visit a smithy in Shaanxi Province, I will stop by.” (MC)
.
.
.
After finishing my conversation with Blacksmith Yeom, I rose from my seat and went outside.
“Have you come out?” (Ma Sunbok)
“Yes.” (MC)
Palgap and Warrior Ma Sunbok seemed to be talking about something.
“What were you discussing so enjoyably?” (MC)
“Ah! Could you hear us inside? My apologies.” (Ma Sunbok)
At those words, I waved my hand.
“That is not it. I only asked because Palgap’s face looked excited.” (MC)
At this, Palgap answered.
“It was nothing much, I was just telling him how to care for his face, sir.” (Palgap)
“How to care for his face?” (MC)
“Do I not care for Young Master’s face every day, sir?” (Palgap)
Ah, so that was what he meant.
Palgap has been forcibly doing things to my face, saying my face must not be ruined.
He is the sort who fusses over my face while muttering about this filthy world that only looks at faces.
It may be a kind of vicarious satisfaction...
Warrior Ipil said,
“Thanks to him, we learned useful information as well. Such as how skin becomes better if one grinds apricot kernels into powder, mixes it with rice flour and water, and applies it to the face, or if one kneads motherwort powder into wheat flour, dries it, and uses it while bathing.” (Ipil)
Those are the things he does to me every day lately.
“But Palgap, where did you learn all that?” (MC)
“I learned from the maids, and also from Miss Ha...” (Palgap)
“Miss Ha?” (MC)
If it is Miss Ha, does he mean Ha Hwa of the Intelligence Unit?
Palgap subtly changed the subject.
“In any case, are we going home now, sir?” (Palgap)
“Yes.” (MC)
Should I let it pass this time?
I chuckled inwardly and said,
“As for the sword being made, I decided to pick it up later when I get married.” (MC)
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.
.
At last, the day came to leave Hubei Province.
This time, the people of Changin Escort Agency and the merchants of the Eunhae Trading Company were with us as well.
They will travel with us as far as Beijing, then go on to the North Sea.
“Father. Please take care of yourself.” (Second Sister-in-law)
“Yes. Do not worry.” (Head Escort Hacheol)
Head Escort Hacheol exchanged farewells with Second Sister-in-law, and we set off with everyone seeing us off.
This time, we chose the route of going to Luoyang or Zhengzhou, then taking a boat from there up toward the vicinity of Beijing.
After traveling all day, we found a suitable place to make camp for the night.
We had finished preparing for the night outdoors and eaten, and I was looking around the area for a moment.
“Young Captain.” (Ma Sunbok)
When I turned my head, it was Warrior Ma Sunbok.
“What is the matter?” (MC)
“Well, that is... I heard that the person you entrusted with my sword that day was Elder Blacksmith Yeom.” (Ma Sunbok)
He found out faster than I expected.
“It is far too much for me. This sword alone is enough for me.” (Ma Sunbok)
In his hand was the sword he was using temporarily.
“Does that sword suit your hand?” (MC)
“Ah? Yes. It is much better than the sword I used before.” (Ma Sunbok)
Of course it is.
No matter if it is only a temporary sword, it is still a sword made by Elder Blacksmith Yeom.
“That is good to hear.” (MC)
“So what I want to say is...” (Ma Sunbok)
“That it is too much of a sword?” (MC)
“Yes. That is right.” (Ma Sunbok)
“Do not think that way. I owe you my life. How could I not do even that much for you?” (MC)
“I do not think what I did was enough to save your life, Young Captain.” (Ma Sunbok)
“To say that after giving such help is to deceive the other person.” (MC)
“T-that was not my intention.” (Ma Sunbok)
“Enough. Giving you that sword is simply my own wish, so I hope you will no longer feel burdened by it.” (MC)
I continued firmly.
“Even if you asked Chief Gu, he would probably tell you to just say thank you and accept it.” (MC)
“......” (Ma Sunbok)
“Is your business finished?” (MC)
“Ah, yes.” (Ma Sunbok)
He still looked uneasy, but he did not seem inclined to argue anymore.
“Then go on. It seems that warrior over there is calling for you, Warrior Ma.” (MC)
“Excuse me.” (Ma Sunbok)
He ran toward the warrior calling him, and I chuckled.
Warrior Ma Sunbok is probably only thinking of what happened in the North Sea, but the life debt I spoke of is not only from the North Sea.
Even in my previous life, I owed him my life several times.
And I am the kind of person who cannot rest easy unless I repay my debts.
Our journey continued, and we reached the lower slopes of Mount Song.
If we go west from here, it is Shaanxi Province.
When I looked west and fell into thought, Palgap asked,
“Is something troubling you, sir?” (Palgap)
“I’m debating whether to stop by Shaanxi Province for a bit on the way.” (MC)
“Shaanxi Province, sir?” (Palgap)
Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changun’s gazes turned toward me. And understandably so, since Shaanxi Province is where the Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect, to which those two warriors had belonged, are located.
Warrior Yeo Eungam asked,
“Is there something you must do there?” (Yeo Eungam)
“It is not important, but I do need to go. But if I go straight to Beijing like this, I don’t know when I will be able to go.” (MC)
Warrior Seou nodded.
“That is true. You are so busy that it is hard to know when you can make time.” (Seou)
Warrior Ipil also nodded.
“In that case, I think it would not be bad to go while we have the chance.” (Ipil)
“I was thinking the same, which is why I was debating it.” (MC)
Warrior Seou said,
“When you return to Beijing, you must deal with the work that has piled up, and you must also visit the Shandong Ak Clan, must you not? And after a few months, you must go back to Hubei for your marriage.” (Seou)
“......That is true.” (MC)
“I do not think you can be certain you will have time even after that.” (Seou)
“That is certainly true.” (MC)
“You look somehow sad, sir.” (Palgap)
Palgap asked stealthily.
“Perhaps you are sad about your marriage to Adjutant Kwak?” (Palgap)
“Kkui?” (Geumryeong)
At those words, Geumryeong came out from inside my sleeve and rammed his body toward Palgap.
“Kkuit!” (Geumryeong)
“Kwek!” (Palgap)
As expected of Geumryeong. You understand my heart well.
Palgap clutched his stomach and rolled around. Honestly, it is impressive that he did not faint even after being hit by Geumryeong’s body slam.
“Aigoo, I’m dying.” (Palgap)
“Stop exaggerating and get up.” (MC)
“I really feel like I’m going to die, sir.” (Palgap)
“That is because you crossed the line with what you said, so Geumryeong did that.” (MC)
I chuckled and said,
“Geumryeong likes Adjutant Kwak very much.” (MC)
Having decided to stop by Shaanxi Province like that, I spoke to Warrior Myeongjong and Warrior Changun.
“I intend to visit Mount Zhongnan for a short while. So, if going there together makes either of you uncomfortable, you may go ahead to Beijing first with the others.” (MC)
At my words, they shook their heads.
“No. It is all right.” (Myeongjong)
“I will follow you, my Liege.” (Changun)
“Are you truly all right with it?” (MC)
At my question, they nodded.
“Several years have already passed. It is no problem at all.” (Myeongjong)
“Right now, I am simply your bodyguard, my Liege. Where would your bodyguard go other than by your side?” (Changun)
“Thank you for saying so. Understood. I will proceed with that in mind.” (MC)
After asking the two warriors their wishes, I went to Head Escort Hacheol.
Head Escort Hacheol readily nodded.
“Well, it is true that Shaanxi Province is only a little farther from here.” (Head Escort Hacheol)
“So we will handle our business there, then immediately chase after you.” (MC)
“We were planning to travel by boat...” (Head Escort Hacheol)
“Have you forgotten that the horses we have are Zhujiang horses?” (MC)
“Ah! That is right.” (Head Escort Hacheol)
“So if we run at full speed, we should be able to arrive in Beijing at around the same time.” (MC)
After asking the group for their understanding, we rode west as soon as morning came.
“Since the place you are going is at the foot of Mount Zhongnan, I will guide you.” (Changun)
Warrior Changun spoke confidently.
“Do you know the vicinity of Mount Zhongnan well?” (MC)
“Of course. If one does not know Mount Zhongnan like the palm of one’s hand, one cannot be called a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect.” (Changun)
Well, whether for training or for missions, he must have gone all over Mount Zhongnan.
“Then do you perhaps know of a smithy at the foot of Mount Zhongnan run by a blacksmith with the surname Yeom?” (MC)
Elder Blacksmith Yeom had told me the approximate location, but I asked just in case.
He thought for a moment, then opened his mouth.
“I am not certain, but I have an idea. There was a person on the eastern side of Mount Zhongnan who handled iron in an astonishing way. His personality was rather foul, but his skill was truly outstanding, so I remember that my Senior Brothers worked quite hard because they wanted a sword made by him.” (Changun)
Then that must be the place Blacksmith Yeom told me about.
“Please guide us there.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Changun)
We headed for Mount Zhongnan under Warrior Changun’s guidance.
Thanks to the Zhujiang horses, it did not take long to arrive at the foot of Mount Zhongnan.
Mount Zhongnan is large enough to be called a boundary dividing the north and south of the empire.
“Long ago, one disciple lost his way on Mount Zhongnan, and we only found him after ten days.” (Changun)
“I can see how that could happen.” (MC)
“In my memory, that smithy was in a fairly large village.” (Changun)
The place we arrived at under Warrior Changun’s guidance was indeed large.
At this size, disciples of the Zhongnan Sect must be dispatched to guard the village.
It would be difficult for the influence of law enforcement to reach even this far into the mountain slopes.
Your Imperial Majesty, you should put in a little more effort.
Thinking that, I asked around about the smithy and soon learned its location.
However.
“Fire! Fire!” (Villager)
“Someone, please help! My son is inside there!” (Woman)
The building beside the smithy was blazing fiercely, and in front of it, a woman had collapsed to the ground and was crying.
“What happened?” (MC)
“My son is in there...” (Woman)
Then there is no time to delay.
“My Liege!” (Changun)
“Mobilize the people and put out the fire quickly.” (MC)
I drew up my inner arts.
Because the yin qi of the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art possesses the power to suppress fire.
Had I not had something to rely on, I would not have taken such a risk.
I entered the house where the flames were raging, but I could not see the child.
Where is he?
At that moment, I heard Geumryeong’s telepathy.
* Kkui! (Geumryeong)
So it is there!
That was when it happened. Something suddenly vibrated beneath the floor.