Chapter 256

Chapter 256
“You’ve arrived.”

Upon Jin Tae-san’s entrance, he was received cordially by Hong Mun-gi and Kang Chae-seok.

“How is it that you appear more aged each time I see you?”

Jin Tae-san grimaced significantly at Kang Chae-seok’s casual remark.

“Someone who loafs around and stuffs his face all day wouldn’t get it. That’s just the weight of existence.”

“Wh-who exactly are you labeling a lazy glutton!”

Jin Tae-san squinted his eyes with even greater intensity.

“Just when do you plan on manifesting Sword Force?”

“…D-do you honestly believe that’s an ability a person can just pluck at random like a prize from a drawing!”

As the individual who used to hold the title of the Taeul Sect’s most formidable warrior, Kang Chae-seok had celebrated the reclamation of the Taeul True Scripture more passionately than anyone. He had thrown his entire being into practice with grand ambitions, declaring that he would at last break through his personal boundaries.

Yet, potentially owing to his advanced years, his advancements had been minimal.

“Should Yu-seong manifest Sword Force ahead of you, I imagine we’ll need to appoint Yu-seong as the new Swift Blossom Hall Master. Once that occurs, you ought to re-enroll and undergo the Swift Blossom Hall instruction from the beginning.”

“…”

Having initiated the banter only to be thoroughly shut down, Kang Chae-seok aggressively drained multiple cups of alcohol, attempting to drown the irritation rising within his throat.

Observing the playful argument between the two men, Hong Mun-gi turned to Jin Tae-san and inquired,

“Are you holding up well?”

Because Hong Mun-gi had transferred the administrative responsibilities of the Taeul Sect onto Jin Tae-san’s shoulders, a persistent sense of guilt always weighed on him.

Nevertheless, Jin Tae-san comprehended the Sect Leader’s inner thoughts profoundly and gave a reassuring shake of his head.

“I am managing. Looking at our current situation, our position is immensely superior to where we stood a decade ago.”

Despite his reassuring words, the way he rubbed his weary face with both hands caused Hong Mun-gi to feel deep sympathy.

Sensing this sympathy, Jin Tae-san repeated his gesture of denial.

“There is no need to fret. Were it not for my own personal ambition, I wouldn’t be exerting myself to this degree. If we were to carelessly abandon the chance we fought so desperately to obtain…”

He shifted his gaze toward the direction of the practice fields where the younger generation trained.

“Wouldn’t that haunt us for years to come?”

Moved by the absolute certainty in his gaze, Hong Mun-gi silently emptied his own cup without another word.

“Well then, what brings you to visit on this particular day?”

“Is this a place I am forbidden to visit? Why must you phrase it that way?”

“Haha, my dear companion. You haven’t set foot inside the Taeul Sect for several months now.”

“…”

As Jin Tae-san awkwardly rubbed his cheek out of self-consciousness, Hong Mun-gi offered a kind, gentle smile.

“Rest assured, I harbor no intentions of reprimanding you. I merely noticed the heavy anxiety written across your features, and wished to offer a listening ear to help lighten your load.”

Following an extended period of internal conflict brought on by the Sect Leader’s words, Jin Tae-san finally spoke up with an effort.

“How much time must pass… before it is feasible to unseal the gates of the Taeul Sect?”

“What?”

The eyebrows of both Hong Mun-gi and Kang Chae-seok furrowed instantly.

Had they never chosen to isolate themselves, the situation would be different. But once a sect declares its gates closed, a proper amount of preparation must be finalized before returning.

Furthermore, they were currently backing the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.

The very instant the Taeul Sect announced its re-emergence, external forces would undoubtedly exert immense coercion from all angles.

Jin Tae-san was far too perceptive not to realize this reality, which meant he undoubtedly possessed a compelling motive for raising the issue.

Hong Mun-gi emitted a quiet sigh of distress and cautiously pressed further,

“What is the reason behind this inquiry?”

Glancing between Kang Chae-seok and Hong Mun-gi, Jin Tae-san deliberately began to explain.

“A representative from the Asura Sect arrived.”

“…”

“They expressed an intention to purchase the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.”

“They what?”

The eyes of his companions widened in shock, and Kang Chae-seok aggressively struck the tabletop with his fist.

“The Great Heaven Merchant Guild functions as the foundational pillar of the Taeul Sect, so who do these people think they are to casually speak of trading it away?!”

“…”

At that moment, Hong Mun-gi finally comprehended what had driven Jin Tae-san to leave his demanding duties and travel all this distance to the Taeul Sect.

“Are they utilizing the authority of Shaolin Temple as their backing?”

“…They did invoke their name.”

“Then it makes sense why they would act with such blatant boldness.”

By this point, the Great Heaven Merchant Guild had grown vastly beyond its origins as a mere local branch of the Azure Sky Merchant Guild.

Throughout the entirety of Anhui Province, it maintained exclusive control over supply logistics for the local Murim Alliance Branch, while additionally securing a portion of the trading privileges surrounding Mount Tianmu, the major route linking Anhui Province with Zhejiang Province.

Its eventual expansion into Hangzhou, the premier commercial hub of Zhejiang Province, was imminent, and its total dominance over distribution within the entirety of Zhejiang Province was rapidly approaching.

Consequently, neighboring trading factions and martial organizations naturally viewed the Great Heaven Merchant Guild with deep avarice.

“Estate Master Wang flew into a rage upon hearing this and offered to intervene personally, but should he take action, it will merely provide the Asura Sect with an ideal pretext to involve Shaolin Temple directly.”

“Precisely. Furthermore, if a dispute of that magnitude persists, the Murim Alliance will inevitably intervene to mediate.”

The subsequent chain of events was easy to foresee.

Assigning blame to them for instigating unrest, the Murim Alliance would revoke their sole distribution privileges in Anhui Province, and the commercial arms of rival groups, such as the Asura Sect, would carve up those lucrative territories among themselves.

As a result, the Great Heaven Merchant Guild would be diminished once more, reduced to a minor regional enterprise just as it used to be.

Jin Tae-san tightened his fingers into firm fists.

“Is there truly no possibility of ending our isolation?”

Hearing this question, Kang Chae-seok wavered and let out a heavy breath.

However, Hong Mun-gi shook his head with absolute resolve.

“It pains me to give you this answer, but an immediate unsealing of the gates is out of the question.”

“…”

“Should we emerge at this juncture, the young disciples will be forced onto the battlefield. Because they have chosen the path of the sword, they must eventually face conflict without fear. Even so, we cannot thrust unprepared youths directly into a fatal meat grinder.”

Jin Tae-san gave a silent nod of agreement.

He had anticipated this response. In truth, he was already fully aware that it was an unrealistic option.

He had merely hoped to find some relief from the crushing pressure weighing on his chest.

“I figured as much…”

“However!”

Jin Tae-san, who was in the middle of reaching for his wine cup, paused abruptly.

“I shall step forward and handle it externally.”

“Sect Leader!”

Kang Chae-seok exclaimed, unable to conceal his astonishment.

“I have allowed you to carry our hardships for so long, so shouldn’t I be the one to step up this time?”

“…”

Jin Tae-san looked at Hong Mun-gi without speaking.

Following the acquisition of the Taeul True Scripture, Hong Mun-gi, as the Sect Leader, had dedicated himself tirelessly to daily martial practice.

His prowess, which had previously plateaued at a mediocre, second-rate standard, advanced rapidly, and he had recently succeeded in attaining the stage of Sword Qi Manifestation.

Yet, that was the extent of it.

While the achievement of Sword Qi Manifestation was regarded as highly impressive within the confines of the Taeul Sect, one could easily find far more proficient martial experts just within the city of Hefei.

This highlighted the most enduring and critical weakness of the Taeul Sect: the total lack of a highly skilled mentor to guide them.

Historically, the most formidable martial artist the Taeul Sect had ever produced was Kang Chae-seok, who merely reached a first-rate standard. Consequently, any practitioner aspiring to scale greater heights was forced to rely entirely on solitary contemplation and trial.

‘If there were only a single accomplished master capable of instructing them…’

Given that simply maintaining his private cultivation required an immense amount of effort, Jin Tae-san could not permit Hong Mun-gi to distract himself with external geopolitical troubles.

Arriving at a decision, Jin Tae-san dismissed the idea with a shake of his head.

“No, Sect Leader. That will not be necessary.”

“Oh?”

“I have alternative arrangements in place.”

A skeptical expression surfaced on Hong Mun-gi’s face.

“An alternative arrangement?”

“Precisely.”

Naturally, he possessed no such solution.

Nevertheless, this was a predicament he felt obligated to handle entirely on his own.

Rather than providing details to satisfy the curiosity of the two men, Jin Tae-san managed to put on a reassuring expression.

Had he spoken carelessly, it was entirely predictable that both Hong Mun-gi and Kang Chae-seok would recklessly put their own lives on the line to resolve it.

In predicaments of this nature, it was best to smooth things over with comforting phrases and manage the issue independently.

“Therefore, allow your minds to be at ease.”

As Jin Tae-san maintained his fabricated smile despite the crushing anxiety, the image of his son suddenly flashed through his thoughts.

‘Did that child also force himself to smile like this every single time?’

Reflecting on the past, Jin So-un had consistently displayed a smile whenever circumstances were at their absolute worst.

During moments when not a single soul in the organization was capable of offering assistance, that youth would simply offer a grin and proclaim he would resolve it independently.

Exactly how crushing was the weight he had been harboring within his soul?

As Jin Tae-san truly grasped the magnitude of the responsibilities his son had quietly shouldered for so long, an intense wave of emotion swelled within his chest.

‘That foolish kid… Did he truly view his own father as someone he couldn’t lean on?’

He grumbled internally out of profound regret and affection.

Yet immediately after,

A deep yearning arose within him to see his seemingly imperfect son standing right before his eyes, flashing that familiar grin.

He wished with all his heart that he could confront this overwhelming trial alongside that very boy.

—

“Well now…”

This development was far from trivial.

The instant I scanned the contents of the missive covertly handed over by the tavern employee, my forehead creased instinctively.

“Wha’s goin’ on, *chew chew*, is somethin’ wrong?”

Hearing the garbled words, I shifted my gaze upward.

“…”

Dang Seo-hui was gazing back at me with wide, curious eyes, her face thoroughly coated in the glaze from her dish of Twice-Cooked Pork.

“Unbelievable… Lean over here.”

Producing a handkerchief I kept on hand for emergencies, I thoroughly cleansed Dang Seo-hui’s messy face.

…I was genuinely beginning to question whether my role on this trip was that of an official delegation representative or a glorified babysitter.

Even so, it brought some peace of mind to see that she had temporarily ceased her reckless endeavors to act out her fantasies of being a wandering champion of justice.

“It appears that an issue has developed back at my home sect.”

“An ish-ue?”

“Young Master Jin, what kind of trouble is it?”

“…”

Il-myeong and Ak Byeong-bi focused their attention on me as well.

Conveniently, an ordained follower of Shaolin Temple was sitting right at our table.

I directed a grave inquiry toward Il-myeong,

“Senior Il-myeong, are you familiar with the organization known as the Asura Sect?”

“…”

The mention of a crisis involving the Taeul Sect alongside the name of the Asura Sect.

Utilizing just those limited clues, the highly perceptive Il-myeong instantly deduced the core of the situation, causing his forehead to wrinkle with concern.

“Does this dispute concern the Asura Sect and the Taeul Sect?”

I gave an affirmative nod.

“The Asura Sect appears to be positioning themselves to widen their territorial reach… and it seems they have set their sights directly on the Taeul Sect.”

“Amitabha…”

As Il-myeong shut his eyes to ponder the matter for a moment, Ak Byeong-bi questioned me,

“Do you plan to return home immediately?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

From the standpoint of our envoy group, our core objectives had already been fulfilled.

Even if I departed temporarily at this stage, it wouldn’t disrupt the overall timeline of our group. Furthermore, our academic obligations were being overseen by the primary leadership of the representative delegation, meaning that outside of minor attendance concerns, no significant issues should arise.

“The Great Heaven Merchant Guild represents the sole financial foundation and livelihood of the Taeul Sect. I would be dishonest if I claimed to be unconcerned.”

I spoke these words with the specific intent of drawing Il-myeong’s attention, prompting the monk, who had kept his eyelids lowered, to slowly open them.

“…I possess limited insight regarding the political maneuvers of our temple’s senior leadership.”

“Naturally! I wouldn’t expect otherwise.”

Remaining silent, I merely kept my gaze fixed squarely upon Il-myeong.

“Ahem…”

I waited until he felt compelled to speak up on his own accord.

Ultimately, after a brief pause,

Il-myeong exhaled a gentle sigh and remarked,

“…I ask that you share your counsel regarding how we should proceed.”

Just as I thought, in stark contrast to certain other individuals, he was a practitioner of the cloth with whom one could reasonably converse.

This open-minded nature was precisely why I held this older martial brother in high regard.

I delivered my response without hesitation.

“Kindly ensure that Shaolin Temple remains entirely uninvolved in this matter. After all, isn’t the Asura Sect behaving so aggressively precisely because they count on the protection of Shaolin Temple? Surely… the revered monks of a monastery renowned globally for its absolute purity wouldn’t dream of broadening their dominion out of basic avarice, correct?”

“…Be that as it may, I cannot guarantee that the senior masters at our primary monastery will give significant weight to my perspective…”

*Pop, pop.*

Finding myself with no alternative, I casually rolled my wrists to pop my joints.

“In that scenario… I suppose I have no choice but to engage in a thorough, physical confrontation with the Asura Sect this time around.”

“…”

Observing my unyielding stance, Il-myeong’s eyes twitched visibly.

Following another prolonged period of contemplation, the monk released a heavy breath.

“I shall convey these concerns directly to the leadership of our main monastery.”

Noticing the slight tension in Il-myeong’s demeanor, Ak Byeong-bi addressed me with a look of apprehension.

“Are you departing for the sect right away?”

“I’m coming along as well!”

I wish you would complete your chewing prior to vocalizing your thoughts… Sighed, never mind.

I gave a negative shake of his head.

“There is no necessity for that. It will be fine. Provided that Shaolin Temple refrains from interfering, I have no reason to personally intervene.”

“Is that wise? The Asura Sect occupies a rather formidable mid-to-high ranking among the notable One Hundred Eight Peaks…”

“The Taeul Sect is hardly a helpless target either.”

Despite the assurance in my tone, Ak Byeong-bi’s expression remained highly skeptical.

“What is with that doubtful look, Delegation Leader…?”

“Cough, think nothing of it.”

…The very moment our isolation is brought to an end, I intend to immediately submit an official challenge for an amicable Martial Duel against the Shandong Ak Clan.

To be fair, the broader martial arts community currently held that exact viewpoint.

Even from my perspective, the contemporary Taeul Sect lacked the sheer power to endure a concentrated onslaught from the Asura Sect.

‘However, I have put another plan into motion.’

I reached out to cleanse the remaining residue from Dang Seo-hui’s mouth once more.

—

“What course of action do you intend to pursue?”

In response to Wang Geum-san’s inquiry, Jin Tae-san replied with an air of complete nonchalance.

“There is little to deliberate on. The proper moment to conclude our seclusion has simply not arrived.”

“I see… Just as I suspected, then?”

Observing the disappointment that surfaced on Wang Geum-san’s face, Jin Tae-san let out a robust laugh.

“There is no cause for alarm. Formally speaking, the Taeul Sect retains an official placement within the One Hundred Eight Peaks, does it not? The Asura Sect cannot simply behave with total impunity.”

Wang Geum-san was fully aware that Jin Tae-san was merely masking his profound distress with those words.

Simultaneously, observing his companion’s absolute refusal to beg for assistance despite being cornered by such an immediate crisis only deepened Wang Geum-san’s respect and affection for him.

Throughout his entire existence, he had been surrounded exclusively by opportunists who approached him with outstretched palms seeking financial aid. Had there ever been a person who genuinely sought to look out for his well-being instead?

It was precisely due to the fact that Jin Tae-san interacted with him not as the immensely affluent Wang Estate Master, but simply as an equal companion, that Wang Geum-san valued their brotherhood so highly.

For a comrade of that caliber, he was entirely prepared to deploy his resources without hesitation.

“Set your mind at ease! The Asura Sect? Should those scoundrels cross the line, our Wang Estate will refuse to remain passive observers. In any event, the Wang Estate actively manages the logistics for the Murim Alliance alongside your organization, does it not?”

Nevertheless, Jin Tae-san offered nothing more than a quiet grin, intentionally deflecting the topic.

He understood perfectly well the immense complications that would arise for Wang Geum-san should the Wang Estate involve its commercial empire in the turbulent disputes of the martial world.

“What is it? Do you lack faith in my capabilities? I am the very individual who successfully squeezed the finances of both the Mount Hua Sect and the Diancang Sect! Have you forgotten the severe fiscal crises they endured solely because of my maneuvers?”

Granted, those organizations had since stabilized their affairs courtesy of the lucrative Western Regions Route mapped out by Wang So-so, but during that past conflict, hadn’t their regional operations across Shaanxi Province been completely dismantled, dealing a major blow to the stability of the Wang Estate itself?

“…I remember it vividly.”

As the atmosphere grew heavy with mutual concern yet offered no clear path forward, an involuntary sigh was cut short by a knock.

A residence worker stepped cautiously into the study.

“Guild Master Jin. An individual has arrived requesting an audience.”

Upon hearing the employee’s announcement, Wang Geum-san’s expression grew stern.

“Those scoundrels possess absolutely no patience whatsoever.”

“Are the visitors representatives from the Asura Sect?”

The worker shook his head in denial.

“Negative. They claim to possess a personal referral from an individual named Jin So-un. Given that he bears the identical family name as yourself, Guild Master, I deemed it prudent to inform you immediately.”

“Jin So-un?”

At the mention of Jin So-un, the two companions exchanged bewildered glances.

“Bring them inside.”

“Understood.”

Shortly thereafter, a mature husband and wife stepped into the room, accompanied by a young girl who appeared to be their offspring.

The gentleman, distinguished by his silver hair, projected an aura of robust confidence and strength, whereas his spouse exuded a serene and composed demeanor.

The bright-faced youth, seemingly intimidated by encountering unfamiliar faces, concealed the majority of her frame behind her mother’s dress.

Jin Tae-san stood up to receive them.

“Welcome. My name is Jin Tae-san. Am I correct in understanding that my son, Jin So-un, directed you to us?”

It was a known pattern for Jin So-un to periodically direct travelers to seek refuge with either the Taeul Sect or the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.

A considerable number of individuals had already migrated and integrated into the Taeul Sect via his son’s connections—prominent examples including Yu-seong and Jang Do-won—which meant Jin Tae-san had grown accustomed to accommodating these arrivals without second thought.

As Jin Tae-san extended a courteous martial salute, the newcomer mirrored the gesture and offered an explanation.

“I attempted to secure a livelihood independently, yet the path proved exceedingly difficult, compelling me to seek your threshold with a burdened heart.”

Hearing the gentleman’s remark, Wang Geum-san, positioned slightly to the rear, whispered beneath his breath, “Yet another broke wanderer looking for a handout,” which earned him a sharp look from Jin Tae-san telling him to remain silent.

Regardless of the circumstances, these individuals were visitors dispatched by his own flesh and blood.

Since his son had deemed it appropriate to direct them here, a valid purpose undoubtedly existed, and extending maximum hospitality was the least he could do to support his child’s choices.

Jin Tae-san inquired with courtesy, “Forgive my forwardness, but might I inquire as to your identity? I shall review our records to determine if my son forwarded an explanatory message regarding your arrival.”

“Ah, my oversight. I neglected to introduce myself properly.”

The mature gentleman rubbed the back of his neck, appearing somewhat embarrassed by his social lapse.

Following a brief pause, the traveler offered another respectful salute and stated his identity clearly.

“I am known as Baek Hae-gwang.”

It stood as the most unassuming and ordinary self-introduction Jin Tae-san had ever encountered throughout his entire life.