Chapter 102

Chapter 102
“Look! What did I say? Didn’t I declare my senior brothers would succeed?”

Even as she shouted this, Wang Geum-san was fully aware of the truth.

He was well aware that from the moment her martial brothers departed from Taeul Sect, Wang So-so had been waking up at the crack of dawn to set out a bowl of clean ritual water and whisper fervent prayers.

Watching her leap with joy while gripping the missive delivered from Nanyue brought such warmth to Wang Geum-san’s heart that he chose to act oblivious and gave a firm nod.

“You were right. They actually managed to do it.”

Honestly, Wang Geum-san’s internal emotions mirrored Wang So-so’s quite closely.

When the Hell Regular Exam commenced, they had only four representatives.

He had expected nothing more than a brief journey through the martial world to gather practical knowledge.

Instead, they had not only breezed through the First Trial and the Second Trial with brilliant achievements, but they had also seized Third Trial Tokens during their clash with Wudang in the Third Trial.

Remarkably, every single one of the four Taeul Sect disciples had accomplished this feat.

It was glaringly obvious that such a miraculous outcome was entirely due to the capability of Jin So-un.

Regardless of whatever grand genius might exist out there, nobody else could replicate what Jin So-un had achieved.

‘Had I foreseen this outcome, I ought to have secured him as a son-in-law to join our household, rather than retaining him merely as a hired worker.’

At one point, whispers had circulated suggesting he intended to bring Jin So-un into the family through marriage.

At the time, he had dismissed the gossip, attributing it to a simple error in perception, but with hindsight, that moment had been his finest window of opportunity.

“Tsk.”

As a businessman at heart, letting such a perfect chance slip through his fingers caused him a pang of profound remorse.

“Now that I reflect on it, what reason did Wudang have to target my senior brothers?”

The vibrant smile vanished from Wang So-so’s face, replaced by an icy expression. Wang Geum-san instantly realized he had made a misstep.

“……W-Well. Naturally, Wudang would look for the opponents they perceived as the least threatening during the Third Trial, wouldn’t they? Looking at it that way, selecting Taeul Sect was a logical choice for them.”

Wang Geum-san prayed silently that Wang So-so would let the matter drop without digging further, yet the analytical expression on her face indicated she had no intention of letting it go.

“……Which means they harbor resentment regarding the incident at the Demon Spirit Plateau.”

“…….”

Her deduction hit the nail right on the head.

Ever since the events at the Demon Spirit Plateau, Wudang had made little effort to conceal their irritation regarding the decline of Yong So-ah’s reputation.

Furthermore, Taeul Sect was currently the focus of intense scrutiny from the Nine Sects and One Gang alongside the Five Great Clans, following Murong Gang’s public verification that the sect had successfully reclaimed the authentic legacy of the Taeul Sword Emperor.

Wudang had singled out Taeul Sect not only to test the veracity of the Taeul Sword Emperor’s martial techniques but also to settle the score involving Yong So-ah.

“Father, to what extent is our Wang Estate commercially entangled with Wudang?”

“……Now, So-so.”

Not too long ago, they had already severed their commercial relationships involving Mount Hua and the Diancang Sect.

Infuriated by the conduct of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly when they visited Taeul Sect, Wang So-so had detailed everything to Wang Geum-san, wishing for him to exert economic leverage against Mount Hua and Diancang.

Be that as it may, Wang Geum-san, retaining the pragmatic perspective of a seasoned merchant, refused to let financial deficits occur over a youthful outburst of anger.

“I will personally double the gains we previously secured from Mount Hua and Diancang.”

With that unwavering promise, Wang So-so launched her fresh commercial ventures.

Upon severing all ties with the merchants associated with Mount Hua and Diancang, she initiated alternative supply chains reaching out into the North and the Western Regions.

There was no downturn during the initial phase of these enterprises.

The second Wang So-so took charge, the external merchants eagerly cooperated as if they had been anticipating the offer, resulting in massive financial windfalls for Wang Estate while simultaneously broadening the influence of Wang Estate.

Naturally, this aggressive shift brought about certain complications.

By severing relations with Mount Hua and Diancang, they forfeited the security guarantees those sects provided throughout Shaanxi Province, forcing Wang Estate to allocate substantial funds toward strengthening its own private army.

‘Still, that isn’t entirely disadvantageous.’

Ultimately, scaling up meant they could wield significantly more authority.

The genuine downside, however, lay in the sheer exhaustion plaguing Wang Geum-san.

While So-so was responsible for drafting the strategies and plans for these new ventures, the responsibility for implementation fell squarely on Wang Geum-san’s shoulders.

To a father like Wang Geum-san, who prioritized enjoying his daughter’s company over expanding their lineage’s wealth, this period felt like pure agony.

“Our commercial dealings with Wudang are quite limited. Besides, isn’t this simply how matters are handled within the murim? Let us drop the issue.”

Wang So-so remained unyielding.

“Absolutely not! Father, a single concession paves the way for further retreats. If Wang Estate had maintained a reputation for fiercely retaliating against adversaries, would I have ever suffered the indignity of being abducted?”

It was undeniable that lineage showed itself clearly. Wang So-so was without a doubt a true descendant of Wang Estate.

Her acumen in commerce was flawless, and the thousands upon thousands of volumes she had devoured while restricted to her home throughout her upbringing had vastly expanded her intellect. Furthermore, her natural eloquence ensured she never conceded an inch during an argument.

“Sigh…”

Ultimately, she successfully swayed him to her side.

“Since Wudang doesn’t share many ventures with us, our best course of action is to usurp the commerce they do possess.”

“…….”

“Father, I shall draft a strategy. Will you review it to see if it meets your approval?”

Though she framed it as a request for his evaluation, Wang Geum-san was fully aware that her plan would be flawless.

Desperate for a reprieve from the workload, Wang Geum-san hurriedly shifted the conversation.

“Before diving into that, shouldn’t we first commemorate the triumph of your martial brothers?”

The moment the disciples of Taeul Sect were brought up, her severe demeanor melted away.

The young woman who had just resembled an aggressive predator suddenly transformed into an innocent pup.

“I shall organize a modest celebration for them, allowing you to converse freely with the members of Taeul Sect.”

He figured that if the festivities lasted for seven days or so, she might lose interest in pursuing vengeance.

“Is that so? However, I understand that an incredibly critical challenge still awaits them. Hosting a party prematurely without good cause might…”

Wang Geum-san felt his pulse quicken with urgency.

“No matter how the final examination concludes, the reality that the practitioners of Taeul Sect overcame the combatants of Wudang is an achievement that will be remembered for generations. Shouldn’t we honor this milestone as a highly significant event in its own right?”

He spoke with a level of frantic earnestness he hadn’t even shown while negotiating contracts with royalty, causing Wang So-so to nod slowly in agreement.

“That… makes sense, doesn’t it?”

“Naturally. The journey itself holds far more value than anything else.”

“I appreciate this, Father!”

Wang So-so threw herself forward to hug Wang Geum-san.

Feeling the embrace of his daughter after such a long interval filled Wang Geum-san with immense joy.

“I can relay this wonderful update to my fellow disciples at Taeul Sect, correct?”

“Certainly, go ahead.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Wang So-so bolted out of the room.

Instinctively, Wang Geum-san reached out to catch Wang So-so’s shoulder to steady her.

“So-so, please don’t sprint…”

He was positive he had made contact with her shoulder, yet Wang Geum-san’s fingers merely slipped through her image.

“An… an afterimage?”

Looking up, he saw Wang So-so already speeding away into the distance.

Wang Geum-san was deeply astounded. Given her physical condition, Wang So-so was supposedly restricted to mastering only the elementary internal technique called the Taeul Heart Method.

How was it possible for her strides and gestures to demonstrate such advanced martial insights?

“Wow…”

Wang Geum-san resolved that a visit to Taeul Sect would be necessary soon to seek clarification.

“And while I am there, I might as well reintroduce the proposal regarding a son-in-law joining our house.”

“Sigh…”

“Well…”

“Cough…”

A heavy, uneasy quiet descended upon the room.

With every exchange of glances, pained sounds broke the silence.

“Well… I am perfectly fine.”

Hearing Murong Jae-hwa speak so casually, Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa cast looks of utter dismay at him.

“We are the ones who aren’t fine, you absolute fool!”

“Good grief… How can we look Sister Seol in the eye now…”

Both Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa had successfully bested their rivals to secure their respective Third Trial Tokens, while the fighters from Taeul Sect, initially written off as underdogs, had pulled off a clean sweep against Wudang. Under normal circumstances, the environment would be ripe for jubilation, but Murong Jae-hwa—the highly anticipated prodigy of the group—had suffered a defeat at the hands of a Wudang swordsman, completely dampening the celebratory mood.

“Y-Yet, isn’t it wonderful that Brother along with the entirety of Taeul Sect advanced? Does this not demonstrate that righteousness prevails within the murim? Ha ha.”

“…….”

“…….”

Not just Jin So-un, but even the retainers belonging to the Murong Clan stared at him in utter disbelief.

As Murong Jae-hwa offered a strained grin, Namgung Seon-hwa turned her attention to Jin So-un, asking, “Our departure should be immediate, shouldn’t it?”

Jin So-un gave a negative shake of his head.

“We will remain here to recuperate today.”

“Pardon?”

Namgung Seon-hwa’s eyes widened with surprise at his response. She had fully anticipated that, having secured their Trial Tokens, they would hasten their journey ahead of the pack.

“The equipment I requested for the concluding Great Journey is still in transit. Furthermore, my plan is to set forth alongside the candidates who qualify on the following day, which will serve to scatter our trackers.”

“An equipment you requested?”

“Something designed to render the upcoming Great Journey slightly less arduous.”

“…….”

Though Namgung Seon-hwa was completely unable to deduce the nature of this object, Murong Jae-hwa edged closer to Jin So-un to speak softly.

“Brother, would it be possible for us to travel alongside your group?”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

Jin So-un, along with Seong Mo-ran and Namgung Seon-hwa, gave Murong Jae-hwa a skeptical sideways glance.

“You… have yet to secure a Third Trial Token for yourself, isn’t that right?”

The sole remaining avenue for Murong Jae-hwa to advance was to intercept a Third Trial Token while participating in the Great Journey.

Should he tag along with Jin So-un’s group, who would be moving at a frantic pace to escape, he risked throwing away that last opening.

“I feel as though my prospects are bleak regardless. However, by staying close to you, Brother, I might actually find an opportunity…”

“…….”

Murong Jae-hwa commanded eighty subordinates still. By identifying an opponent carrying a Third Trial Token and striking at a precise moment, he stood a decent chance of qualifying.

“Are you certain you want to make this choice?”

“Without a doubt.”

“My concern stems from the fact that Lord Sword-Breaker is highly unlikely to overlook such behavior if you accompany our group.”

“……Ah! Th-That will be fine.”

Murong Jae-hwa whispered under his breath, “Since I’ll face a fatal thrashing regardless, it makes little difference…”

Jin So-un offered a soft sigh and redirected his query toward the commander of the Murong Clan forces. Reasoning with Murong Jae-hwa, who seemed to have abandoned all rationality, was pointless.

“Wouldn’t tracking down a Third Trial Token be a wiser path?”

Baek Won-gak, the commander guiding the Murong Clan combatants, released a heavy breath.

“The Young Master expressed his firm intent to travel with you as early as yesterday evening.”

“Yet he is currently lacking a Third Trial Token…”

“The Young Master possesses a resolve that rivals Lord Sword-Breaker himself. Furthermore, I harbor concerns regarding Lady Namgung and Lady Seong, and quite frankly, doesn’t our lineage carry an obligation to Young Master So-un?”

Baek Won-gak was making a subtle allusion to the situation concerning Murong Sang-won.

It suddenly dawned on the group that Murong Jae-hwa was abandoning his remaining prospects in the test entirely for their benefit.

They were unable to embark on the Great Journey with under forty active participants, omitting the wounded.

To support them, Murong Jae-hwa chose to sacrifice his own advancement and ride alongside them.

“……Very well, let it be so.”

As Jin So-un yielded to Murong Jae-hwa’s generosity with a soft exhalation, Murong Jae-hwa stopped pulling at his hair, his face illuminating with pure excitement as he bounced on his feet.

By the following morning, a pair of peculiarly designed wagons had pulled up before the tavern.

Solid metal plating had been secured across various sections of the rugged external frames, which completely lacked any decorative elements.

Murong Jae-hwa scrutinized the vehicles with intense inquisitiveness, inquiring,

“Brother, what purpose do these structures serve?”

“I plan on utilizing them as quarters for rest over the course of the Great Journey.”

“Ah, so you commissioned them specifically to accommodate the women?”

“Not at all, the entire group will alternate resting inside them.”

“Will we rotate on a daily basis?”

“No, we shall rotate shifts for rest while the entire caravan remains in motion.”

“What?”

“We intend to maintain continuous movement save for meal intervals. To sustain that pace, we require a secure environment to slumber, even if briefly, don’t you agree?”

“…….”

Murong Jae-hwa gaped at me with a completely stunned expression, utterly unable to comprehend the plan.

Unloading the freshly manufactured shields from within the wagon, I handed them over to the Gold-Silver-Copper brothers.

“Sigh…”

“Hmph.”

Geum-pyo and Eun-ho reluctantly took possession of the gear while letting out heavy breaths.

“What’s the matter? Are they not to your liking?”

“It isn’t that. We are merely thinking of how disappointed our mother and father would be.”

“If they displease you, there is no obligation to equip them.”

“Pardon?”

“Is that true?”

The expressions of Geum-pyo and Eun-ho immediately lit up at my statement.

“Oh? You appear to have secured fresh equipment. We actually requested some extra units as well, seeing as they were necessary for us regardless.”

Namgung Seon-hwa remarked as she walked over, revealing a compact buckler fastened tightly to her left forearm, matching the variety we previously employed.

“We found these incredibly impressive when we saw them used on the Puyang Plains.”

It wasn’t restricted to Namgung Seon-hwa; Seong Mo-ran, the members of the Firmament Unit, and the fighters comprising the Iron Sword Sect had each equipped themselves with these compact bucklers.

The retainers of the Murong Clan, Murong Jae-hwa among them, could only gawk at the display in sheer shock.

“An excellent decision. These implements will prove vital during the upcoming Great Journey.”

“Oh? Geum-pyo and Eun-ho, why haven’t you equipped yours?”

As Namgung Seon-hwa directed her questioning gaze toward them, the pair offered strained grins in reply.

“What are you saying? I was just about to fasten it.”

“My martial techniques require this to function properly.”

Letting out a faint, dry smile, I redirected my attention toward Murong Jae-hwa.

“We have additional bucklers available, so hand them out to any members of the Murong Clan who wish to use them.”

“Ah… certainly, right away.”

With that, the Great Journey officially commenced.

The very instant our group departed Nanyue, observers began tracking our movements individually.

Just as experienced previously, our tail consisted of a blend of individuals keeping a safe distance and others actively closing the gap between us.

“The number of individuals tracking our path is truly immense.”

The current volume of pursuers was relatively manageable solely because it was only the second day, meaning a significant portion of candidates remained occupied with the examination.

The moment the third day dawned, concluding the Third Trial Exam and solidifying the roster of failures, the hunt would intensify dramatically.

“We must accelerate our pace to the absolute limit.”

“……Won’t pushing ourselves too hard right out of the gate prove problematic?”

“Beyond the region of Puyang lies a ravine. Our goal is to reach that location ahead of schedule for a brief intermission.”

“A pause? Didn’t you procure those iron-reinforced wagons specifically to eliminate the need for stopping?”

“My plan is to launch an assault on Wudang within that ravine.”

“What?!”

Namgung Seon-hwa gaped at me in sheer astonishment.

I gestured toward our rear.

“Out of everyone behind us, Wudang represents our most perilous threat. If we fail to neutralize them now, the remainder of the Great Journey will grow exponentially more grueling.”

“Be that as it may, conducting a surprise offensive under these circumstances is…”

Right then, Dong-ryong abruptly interrupted.

“Sister Seon-hwa, he mentioned previously that if people insist on hunting you down without a proper motive, you ought to provide them with a definitive one.”

“Pardon?”

Namgung Seon-hwa knitted her eyebrows together in complete bewilderment.

“Honestly, who on earth filled your head with such ridiculous concepts?”

Dong-ryong directed his finger toward me, looking immensely satisfied with himself.

“…….”

“Hold on, that completely distorts the context of my original statement…”

An uncomfortable quiet filled the space between Namgung Seon-hwa and myself.

I felt entirely misunderstood.

That was absolutely not the lesson I had intended to impart to him.