Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel MTL - Chapter 337

Chapter 337. Wind-swept clouds obscure the sun.

Mugeuk Manor is the residence of Sugumseo, known as the Scarlet Great Spirit and the wealthiest man in Jeokryeong. Among the dozens of pavilions in the residence, the largest and most splendid is Sushimgak.

In Sushimgak, some thirty guests were comfortably seated, drinking liquor. They were all prominent merchants from Heochang, who, despite their relaxed smiles and jovial conversations, cast furtive glances at one particular individual.

The focus of the merchants’ attention was So Jiwung, the leader of the Gunwon Escort Agency. Gong Joseung, the owner of Yeongha Daegok, a renowned liquor producer, addressed So Jiwung.

“Leader So, thank you for making the effort to come.”

Gong Joseung believed this meeting wouldn’t be comfortable for So Jiwung, so he offered these words of courtesy. At that moment, So Jiwung looked at his interlocutor with a strange expression. He couldn’t discern if Gong Joseung knew something or was simply being polite.

“It’s true, the journey here wasn’t easy,” So Jiwung replied.

He had faced challenges, including conflicts with Haesabang and Haomun (Hao Clan), which nearly led to his death. Gong Joseung smiled kindly. Since Yeongha Daegok frequently used the services of the Gunwon Escort Agency, opening a new branch would be beneficial.

“Even so, it’s good you arrived. In any place, there’s always some initial resistance, isn’t there?”

At the mention of “resistance,” So Jiwung offered a slight smile. Wang Inguk’s attitude, leader of the Geumil Escort Agency, had gone beyond what could be considered resistance: putting a sword to his neck wasn’t resistance, it was a declaration of war.

Just then, Sugumseo, the owner of Mugeuk Manor, and Wang Inguk entered. The merchants who were drinking hastily rose to greet Sugumseo. As they walked towards the main seat, Sugumseo and Wang Inguk stopped in front of So Jiwung. Sugumseo gave him a cordial smile and said:

“Haha, Leader So, welcome. After a long journey, please enjoy yourself and relax.”

The corner of So Jiwung’s eye twitched slightly. Somehow, those words sounded like they were telling him to return to Namjik Province. So Jiwung calmly replied.

“Now that we will live in the same region, I hope we meet often.”

At that moment, Wang Inguk intervened.

“We’ll see. If you’ll truly live here or return. In any case, welcome. Today, let’s drink and enjoy the famous Yeongha Daegok of Heochang.”

“I’d like to, but I’m not sure I can drink that much today. On the way, I had a dangerous encounter with Haesabang and Haomun. I thought I would die.”

So Jiwung gave Wang Inguk a meaningful look. But Wang Inguk, feigning ignorance, replied:

“Goodness! You’ve only been in Heochang a short time, and something like that already happened? It’s strange, since Chief Geum and Leader Dan Munju don’t usually seek conflict. Even so, it seems everything was resolved.”

“Luckily, I recently recruited an elite swordsman. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. Geum Bangju and Dan Munju… (Note: Bangju=Chief; Munju=Leader)”

“Oh! An elite swordsman? This is the first time I’ve heard of someone like that in Heochang. Could you introduce him to broaden our horizons?” Sugumseo intervened.

The mention of an elite swordsman caused a stir among the merchants. Although they also hired escorts, they had never seen an elite one. That someone like that was in a small city like Heochang was surprising.

Missing the opportunity to confront Wang Inguk, So Jiwung replied with an uncomfortable expression.

“It’s Yeon Jeokha, a young man from Jeongju.”

Upon hearing “Yeon Jeokha,” Sugumseo’s eyes widened.

“Did you say Yeon Jeokha? The Nokrim General Inspector, Yeon Jeokha?”

“No, it’s just a namesake. I don’t think any escort agency would hire the Nokrim General Inspector as a bodyguard.”

“Ah, I understand. But I’d like to meet him, even if it’s just a glimpse.”

Sugumseo began to search for him with his gaze.

“He’s in the courtyard with the Three Heroes of Qingzhou, since escorts aren’t allowed in the pavilion.”

“Ah, I see! Then, I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”

Hearing that Yeon Jeokha was in the courtyard, Sugumseo left without hesitation. Soon, Wang Inguk also took a nearby seat.

So Jiwung, who had suddenly lost his interlocutors, slumped into his seat with a dejected expression. From the side, Gong Joseung tried to strike up a conversation, but So Jiwung responded superficially, alternately observing Sugumseo and Wang Inguk.

He suspected their relationship. If this was just Wang Inguk’s doing, there would be no further complications. But if Sugumseo was also involved…

A shiver ran down his spine. If the wealthiest man in Heochang was also implicated, this wouldn’t end with Haesabang and Haomun.

“How difficult it is to open a branch!”

He had assumed that resistance in a small town would be minimal, but the opposition from the Heochang business community was greater than expected.

The journey back after dinner was quiet. As if Haesabang and Haomun had been the last obstacle, he no longer encountered any threatening stares.

Upon returning, So Jiwung paid Yeon Jeokha one hundred and thirty liang of silver. He didn’t mention the one hundred and fifty mun previously given, as it was not only a negligible amount but also embarrassing to mention.

Yeon Jeokha reproached himself for his recklessness in speaking and nodded slightly. After hearing the words of the Three Heroes, his guilt vanished completely. Suddenly, he realized his own arrogance.

“How could I think that as long as it wasn’t the Ten Supreme Masters, there would be no problem?”

It seemed that his Nokrim habits were deeply ingrained in him. Though he despised Nokrim, he was living like one of them. There was no greater hypocrisy than this.

“Tsk, tsk.”

He lightly tapped his forehead with his knuckles, reprimanding himself. Peace was best, even if he earned one hundred liang a day, not just ten.

For the first time, Yeon Jeokha sincerely admired the Three Heroes of Qingzhou. They had gained fame by eliminating criminals, but they feared conflict by nature. However, when they had to fight Haesabang, they didn’t hesitate. Even when Haomun attacked them, they remained steadfast.

Looking back, the same could be said of Namgung Cheon, Namgung Yeon, Seol Chasu, Yoo Geunsik, and Jin Seolha. None of them enjoyed fighting, but when necessary, they didn’t back down.

He had learned to consider the righteous sects as hypocrites, but not all of them were. In the same way, not all people of the Evil Faction were evil.

Yeon Jeokha leaned against the pavilion pillar and relaxed slightly. In the bright blue sky, white clouds floated like cotton balls.

“How pleasant.”

He wished this feeling would remain intact for the next two days. At that moment, the wind swept the clouds, obscuring the sun.

———-

Half an hour’s journey from Sajang Village, a middle-aged man appeared in a small village. It was Geumbulwi, known as the Bangju of Haesabang, nicknamed “Golden Spirit.”

He walked towards the river and stopped in front of a dilapidated house about to collapse.

“Is anyone here?” he asked politely.

The deteriorated door creaked open.

“Leader Geum?” replied an elderly man, peeking out slightly.

It was Tang Unmang, known as “Three Steps to Death.”

“Yes, Master. How have you been?” Geumbulwi asked, bowing respectfully.

Tang Unmang, struggling to get up, replied as he came out.

“What brings the busy Leader Geum to visit this useless old man?”

“Haha! Don’t say that, Master. It’s time for you to return to the world.”

“I already told you I won’t.”

“Even so, could you take a job?”

“Sure, as long as I can work, I won’t dig my grave yet. What is it about?”

Geumbulwi glanced around before replying softly.

“It’s a job worth 2,500 taels of silver.”

“What?!” exclaimed Dang Unmang, his eyes wide.

It was an astronomical sum, even higher than what he used to earn when he worked on the periphery of the Tang Family.

“What kind of job pays that much?”

“Nothing complicated. It’s about preventing the Gunwon Escort Agency from opening a branch in Heochang.”

“Is it enough to eliminate the manager?”

“He has four bodyguards. There will be five in total, including the manager.”

“Bodyguards? If so, why doesn’t your people handle it? Besides, the price is too high for something so simple. What kind of people are they?”

“They are the Three Heroes of Qingzhou and a swordsman named Yeon Jeokha.”

“Yeon Jeokha? Don’t tell me he’s the Nokrim General Inspector?”

“No, it’s just a namesake. He seems to be using the famous name to put on airs. Lately, there are many taking advantage of that name.”

“What a pity. If it were the real Yeon Jeokha from Nokrim, it would be even more interesting.”

“Even so, he’s an elite swordsman who defeated our elite. I’ve seen him in action: no one could withstand a single blow from him.”

“Oh! That’s something else. What about the Three Heroes of Qingzhou?”

“They’re known in Qingzhou, Namjik Province, for their justice, but they’re second-rate. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Second-rate? Then they have no connection to the Seven Great Sects or the Four Great Families, right?”

Tang Unmang scrutinized Geumbulwi, seeking confirmation. The Four Great Families and the Seven Great Sects didn’t allow people of a lower level into their circles. Tang Unmang was asking to make sure, avoiding unnecessary problems.

“No, they have no ties. They’re famous for dealing with bandits and minor criminals. Their level is far from the standards of the major factions.”

“And Yeon Jeokha?”

“They say he’s learned martial arts techniques passed down in his family, but he doesn’t belong to a recognized sect.”

Tang Unmang’s smile widened, pleased. Without powerful backing, even the most skilled warriors were vulnerable.

“I’ll take the job. When does it need to be resolved?”

“No later than tomorrow.”

“That’s not much time.”

“The grand opening of the branch is the day after tomorrow. If we can intervene before then, it will be easy to stop them. But after the opening, it would be almost impossible to close it.”

“Understood. How much should I deduct for your commission?”

“Five hundred taels of silver will be enough.”

“Perfect. Let them know that they won’t open any branch in Heochang and that they can sleep soundly.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Payment will be upon completion of the job. I expect to receive the money no later than the day after tomorrow. Will that be possible?”

“It will be possible. The clients have plenty of resources.”

“Normally, this type of work requires a down payment, but given the short time, I’ll resolve the matter first. For your sake and theirs, make sure you keep your promise.”

As he spoke, Tang Unmang pointed to a large tree by the river. Surprisingly, the tree, which seemed to be in perfect condition, suddenly dropped all its leaves and began to wither. In an instant, the trunk melted like molten wax and disappeared completely.

“Have you seen? This is what Martial Poison can do.”

Chapter 337

Comments for chapter "Chapter 337"

MANGA DISCUSSION

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Madara Info

All Genres