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Chapter 102. Great Journey of Avici Screams
“See! I told you! I told you my senior brothers would pull it off!”
Though she said that, Wang Geum-san knew.
He knew that ever since her senior and junior brothers had left Taeul Sect, Wang So-so had been placing a bowl of pure ritual water out at dawn and offering prayers.
Seeing her jump up and down while clutching the letter sent from Nanyue was so pleasing that Wang Geum-san merely pretended not to know and nodded.
“Indeed, you did. They truly pulled it off.”
In truth, Wang Geum-san’s feelings were not much different from Wang So-so’s.
The Hell Regular Exam had begun with only four people.
He had merely thought they would make a circuit around the murim to gain some experience.
Yet not only had they passed the First Trial and the Second Trial with outstanding results, they had also obtained Third Trial Tokens against Wudang at the Third Trial.
And all four disciples of Taeul Sect had done so.
There was no doubt that this result had been brought about by Jin So-un’s ability.
No matter who else in the world one brought in, they would not be able to produce the same result as Jin So-un.
‘If I had known this would happen, should I have offered him a place as a son-in-law marrying into the family instead of as an employee?’
For a while, there had once been a rumor that he was aiming to make Jin So-un his son-in-law.
He had laughed it off, saying it had probably arisen from a misunderstanding, but looking back, that had been the best opportunity.
“Tsk.”
Because he was a merchant, the opportunity he had missed left him with deep regret.
“Come to think of it, why did Wudang choose my senior brothers?”
Wang So-so’s face, which had been laughing brightly, turned cold. Wang Geum-san inwardly thought that he had slipped up.
“……W-Well. Wudang would also choose the weakest existence in the Third Trial, would they not? From that perspective, it was only natural for them to choose Taeul Sect.”
Wang Geum-san dearly hoped Wang So-so would pass over it without knowing, but Wang So-so’s thoughtful face did not look as though she would ever do so.
“……So they still hold a grudge over what happened at the Demon Spirit Plateau.”
“…….”
And she saw through it exactly.
After the Demon Spirit Plateau incident, Wudang had not hidden their discomfort over Yong So-ah’s fame weakening.
In addition, this was a time when Taeul Sect was drawing the attention of the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans because Murong Gang had acknowledged that they had recovered the true inheritance of the Taeul Sword Emperor.
Wudang had chosen Taeul Sect in order to confirm the Taeul Sword Emperor’s sword forms as well as because of the matter with Yong So-ah.
“Father, how many businesses does our Wang Estate have together with Wudang?”
“……Well, So-so.”
Even recently, they had cut off transactions related to Mount Hua and the Diancang Sect.
Wang So-so, enraged by what the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly had done when they came to Taeul Sect, had told Wang Geum-san the full story and hoped he would pressure Mount Hua and Diancang.
However, Wang Geum-san, who possessed the cool-headed mind of a merchant, could not possibly allow himself to suffer losses because of such childish emotion.
“I will create twice the profit that comes from Mount Hua and Diancang.”
Wang So-so’s new businesses began with that firm declaration.
After dismantling all the existing business partners connected to Mount Hua and Diancang, she began creating new trade with the North and the Western Regions.
There was no need to bear losses at the starting point of the businesses either.
The moment Wang So-so’s hand touched them, the other parties reached out as if they had been waiting, bringing Wang Estate enormous profits while also expanding Wang Estate’s territory.
Of course, that did not mean there were no side effects.
As their transactions with Mount Hua and Diancang were cut off, they could no longer expect protection from them around Shaanxi Province, and because of that, Wang Estate had to invest an enormous amount in expanding its own military force.
‘That is not such a bad thing either.’
After all, growing larger meant that the power they could expand became greater as well.
The true side effect was that Wang Geum-san himself was far too exhausted.
Even if So-so drew up the proposals and plans for new businesses, Wang Geum-san was ultimately the one who had to execute the work.
For Wang Geum-san, who wanted to spend more time with So-so than develop the family, it was a time like torture.
“We don’t have many businesses together with Wudang. And are the affairs of the murim not mostly conducted in this fashion? Let us just move past it.”
Wang So-so was firm.
“No! Father, once you step back once, you have to step back twice. If Wang Estate had been a family that tenaciously bit down on its opponents, would an incident like my kidnapping ever have happened?”
Indeed, blood could not be deceived. Wang So-so was unmistakably the daughter of Wang Estate.
Her business methods went without saying, and the tens of thousands of books she had been forced to read while being confined in the house her entire life had broadened her horizons. In addition, her innate gift of speech did not yield a single step to her opponent.
“Phew…….”
And in the end, she obtained what she wanted.
“If Wudang does not have many businesses with us, then we should take their businesses away.”
“…….”
“Father, I will submit a proposal. Would you look over whether it is acceptable?”
She asked him to evaluate whether it was acceptable or not, but Wang Geum-san knew better than anyone that there was no way that proposal would be unacceptable.
Out of a powerful desire to rest even a little more, Wang Geum-san brought up another topic.
“But before that, should we not celebrate the victory of your senior and junior brothers right now?”
When the disciples of Taeul Sect were mentioned, her face softened again.
The child who had looked like a fierce wolf had somehow turned into a puppy.
“I will open a small banquet for them, so how about spending time with the people of Taeul Sect?”
If they held a banquet for about a week, perhaps she would forget about revenge or whatever else.
“Really? But I heard there is still a truly important trial left. If we hastily hold a banquet for no reason…….”
Wang Geum-san’s heart began to beat faster.
“Regardless of the exam result, the fact that Taeul Sect’s disciples defeated Wudang’s disciples is a symbol that will remain in history for ages. Is it not more important to accept this process as something even more meaningful?”
When he poured out words with a desperation that had never even arisen when he was trading with the royal family, Wang So-so nodded.
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“That…… must be true, right?”
“Of course. Is the process not more important than anything?”
“Thank you, Father!”
Wang So-so leaped into Wang Geum-san’s arms.
At the warmth of his daughter, whom he had not embraced in a long while, Wang Geum-san’s heart swelled again.
“It is all right if I tell my Taeul Sect senior and junior brothers about this news, is it not?”
“Yes, go on.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Wang So-so ran out.
Without realizing it, Wang Geum-san grabbed Wang So-so’s shoulder to stop her.
“So-so, you must not run…….”
He was certain he had grabbed So-so’s shoulder, yet Wang Geum-san’s hand passed through So-so’s figure.
“An, an illusion?”
When he raised his head, Wang So-so was already running far ahead.
Wang Geum-san could not hide his inward shock. Because of her constitution, Wang So-so should certainly only have been able to learn the basic martial art known as the Taeul Heart Method.
How, then, could every step and movement she took be filled with such profound principles?
“Huh…….”
Wang Geum-san thought he would have to visit Taeul Sect soon to make an inquiry.
“And perhaps I should bring up the matter of a son-in-law marrying into the family as well.”
“Huh…….”
“Hmm…….”
“Ahem…….”
An awkward silence settled over them.
Every time their eyes met, uncomfortable groans escaped them.
“Um…… I am all right.”
At Murong Jae-hwa’s words, Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa could not hide their pathetic looks.
“We are not all right, you idiot!”
“Ugh…… How are we supposed to face Sister Seol…….”
Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa had each defeated their opponents and obtained Third Trial Tokens, and the disciples of Taeul Sect, who had been expected to lose, had all won against Wudang. The mood should have been more than enough for a celebration, but Murong Jae-hwa, the very prospect they had expected much from, had lost to a Wudang disciple and poured cold water on the banquet atmosphere.
“B-But how fortunate is it that Brother and all the people of Taeul Sect passed? Is this not proof that justice in the murim stands upright? Haha.”
“…….”
“…….”
Not only Jin So-un, but even the warriors of the Murong Clan looked at him with dumbfounded eyes.
While Murong Jae-hwa smiled awkwardly, Namgung Seon-hwa looked at Jin So-un and said, “We should leave immediately, right?”
Jin So-un shook his head.
“We rest today.”
“Yes?”
Namgung Seon-hwa’s eyes went round like a rabbit’s at the unexpected answer. She had naturally thought that since they had obtained the Trial Tokens, they would set out faster than anyone else.
“The item I ordered for the final Great Journey has not arrived yet. In addition, I intend to depart at the same time as those who pass on the second day and divide the pursuers a little.”
“The item you ordered?”
“It is an item that will make the Great Journey somewhat more comfortable.”
“…….”
While Namgung Seon-hwa could not even begin to guess what kind of item it was, Murong Jae-hwa quietly approached Jin So-un.
“Brother, might we come with you as well?”
“…….”
“…….”
“…….”
Not only Jin So-un, but Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa also looked askance at Murong Jae-hwa.
“You…… still have to obtain a Third Trial Token, do you not?”
The only opportunity Murong Jae-hwa had left was to seize a Third Trial Token during the Great Journey.
If he moved together with Jin So-un’s party, who absolutely had to flee, he might miss even that final chance.
“I think I have no hope anyway. Besides, if I am with you, Brother, maybe I might have at least a chance…….”
“…….”
Murong Jae-hwa still had eighty people. If he carefully chose someone with a Third Trial Token and fought them at the optimal moment, there was still a possibility he could pass.
“Are you sure that is all right?”
“Of course.”
“No, I am asking whether it is all right because Lord Sword-Breaker does not seem likely to let this pass if you come with us.”
“……Ah! I-It should be fine.”
Murong Jae-hwa muttered softly, “I am going to be beaten to death anyway, so what does it matter…….”
Jin So-un let out a small sigh and asked the captain of the Murong Clan. It seemed impossible to converse with Murong Jae-hwa, who appeared to have already lost his reason.
“Would it not be better to pursue a Third Trial Token?”
Baek Won-gak, the captain leading the Murong Clan warriors, let out a sigh.
“The Young Master already said last night that he wanted to accompany you.”
“But he has not obtained a Third Trial Token…….”
“The Young Master’s stubbornness is no less than Lord Sword-Breaker’s. I am also worried about Lady Namgung and Lady Seong, and besides, does our clan not owe Young Master So-un a debt?”
Baek Won-gak was indirectly referring to the matter of Murong Sang-won.
And only then did they realize that Murong Jae-hwa had given up the remaining exam for their sake.
They could not undertake the Great Journey with fewer than forty people, excluding the injured.
For their sake, Murong Jae-hwa had given up his own exam and decided to accompany them.
“……Fine, then let us do that.”
When Jin So-un, unable to refuse Murong Jae-hwa’s consideration, let out a small sigh, Murong Jae-hwa, who had been tearing at his hair, brightened and jumped up and down.
The next day, two strangely shaped carriages had arrived in front of the inn.
Iron plates were attached here and there to the rough-looking outer surfaces of the carriages, which had been stripped of ornamentation.
Murong Jae-hwa looked at the carriages with curious eyes and asked,
“Brother, what in the world are these for?”
“I intend to use them for sleeping during the Great Journey.”
“Ah, did you order them separately because of the ladies?”
“No, everyone will take turns sleeping in them.”
“Will we take turns sleeping one day at a time?”
“No, we will take turns sleeping while we march.”
“Yes?”
“We will keep moving except when we eat. For that, we need time to sleep safely, even if only for a short while, do we not?”
“…….”
Murong Jae-hwa was looking at me with his mouth wide open and disbelief in his eyes.
I took the newly ordered shields out of the carriage and distributed them to the Gold-Silver-Copper brothers.
“Phew…….”
“Tsk.”
Geum-pyo and Eun-ho still accepted them with long sighs.
“Why? Do you dislike them?”
“Of course not. How much would our parents lament?”
“If you dislike them, you don’t have to wear them.”
“Yes?”
“Really?”
Geum-pyo and Eun-ho brightened at my words.
“Oh? It looks as though you ordered new ones. We ordered a few spares too, since we needed them anyway.”
Namgung Seon-hwa, who approached from the side, had a small shield strapped to her left arm, the same as the ones we had worn.
“These looked so enviable on the Puyang Plains.”
Not only Namgung Seon-hwa, but Seong Mo-ran, the Firmament Unit, and the warriors of the Iron Sword Sect had all strapped on small shields.
The warriors of the Murong Clan, including Murong Jae-hwa, could only stare at the sight with dumbfounded eyes.
“You did well. These will become absolutely necessary in the Great Journey ahead.”
“Hm? Geum-pyo and Eun-ho, are you not wearing yours?”
When Namgung Seon-hwa asked with surprised eyes, the two answered with awkward smiles.
“What do you mean? I was in the middle of putting it on.”
“I cannot use martial arts without this.”
I smiled bitterly and turned my gaze to Murong Jae-hwa.
“We brought spare shields, so distribute them to any warriors of the Murong Clan who want them.”
“Ah…… yes, yes.”
Thus began the Great Journey.
From the moment we left Nanyue, people began following us one by one.
As before, there was a mixture of those who followed from a distance and those who narrowed the distance as they followed.
“There really are many people pursuing us.”
It was only because this was the second day, and there were still many people taking the exam, that it was merely this much.
Once the third day came, the Third Trial Exam ended, and the eliminated participants were decided, the pursuit would grow even fiercer.
“We will raise our speed as much as possible.”
“……Would it not be a little difficult if we pick up speed from the very beginning?”
“After we pass Puyang, there is a valley. We will arrive there as early as possible and rest briefly.”
“Rest? Did you not prepare those steel carriages so we would not have to rest?”
“I intend to strike Wudang there.”
“Eek?”
Namgung Seon-hwa’s eyes widened.
I pointed behind us.
“Among them, the opponent we must be most wary of is Wudang. If we don’t deal with them, the entire Great Journey will become even harder.”
“No, even so, launching an ambush in the middle of this is…….”
At that moment, Dong-ryong suddenly cut in.
“Sister Seon-hwa, he said that when you are being chased for no reason, you are supposed to give them a reason.”
“What?”
Namgung Seon-hwa’s brow furrowed deeply.
“No, who in the world taught you that nonsense?”
Dong-ryong pointed at me with a proud expression.
“…….”
“No, that was not what it originally meant…….”
An awkward silence settled between me and Namgung Seon-hwa.
I felt wronged.
That was not why I had told him that.