Chapter 90
Chapter 90: Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven
Yanghwi’s entourage climbed back into their carriage.
To inspect the evidence in the Jin family’s possession regarding the Tomb of the Sword King, they had to travel directly to the Jin Estate located in Taiyuan.
The journey from Lake Chao typically took about a full week.
However, by pressing the horses hard, they arrived well ahead of schedule.
“This is the Jin Estate.”
Calling it an estate was an enormous stretch; the residence was modest in the extreme.
While more spacious than an ordinary commoner’s home, it fell far short of what anyone would consider a proper martial compound.
Having watched his lineage face ruin, he had spent years scouring the land for the Tomb of the Sword King rather than restoring his family’s fortunes, so such dilapidation was hardly unexpected.
When they pushed open the front gate bearing the household nameplate, a young boy seated on the wooden porch reading a volume lifted his head, his gaze brightening instantly.
“Father!”
“Haha, Sam. Have you been keeping well?”
His name was Sam?
“Could he perhaps be your third son?”
“……He is my eldest. Furthermore, his name is written with a distinct character, not the numeral three.”
“Ah. Forgive my presumption.”
“Not at all.”
While Jin Geumbo took pleasure in greeting his young boy, an aging domestic walked over and bowed low.
An elderly servant, the little boy Jin Sam, and Jin Geumbo himself.
These three souls made up the entirety of the Jin household.
“Please, step inside.”
They followed Jin Geumbo into the interior.
The most spacious chamber appeared to function as a study, with every wall covered in layered cartographic charts and paper strips filled with cryptographic script.
“The clues in our Jin family’s keeping are……”
Jin Geumbo unfolded and presented an expansive sheet of paper.
“Is this…… a treasure map?”
“In our era, the Tomb of the Sword King is treated as little more than a fable. Whatever traces remain are scattered across the world in disjointed pieces. This rendering is something I constructed myself using the various fragments I tracked down.”
It was a hypothetical reconstruction rather than a pristine relic.
Even so, given that the Namgung noble house had successfully excavated the crypt in his past life, its reliability remained considerably high.
“There are further traces beyond this chart. For example, confirmation that the Tomb of the Sword King lies within Gyesu.”
Turning the pages of a weathered tome, Jin Geumbo recited a passage aloud.
“‘Where the heavens cast their shade, upon the elevation nearest to the earth, the immortal way (仙道) shall abide.'”
The phrasing sounded like cryptic rambling, yet Yanghwi understood its meaning in an instant.
“It refers to Baeksu Mountain.”
“Precisely.”
“Boss, how does one deduce Baeksu Mountain from that line?”
“It is straightforward.”
Baeksu Mountain earned the moniker ‘White Head’ because a blanket of snow crowned its highest peaks.
Yet the mountain itself was never lofty enough to maintain perpetual snowpack under ordinary conditions.
“Hmm. Why would the snow never melt, then?”
“The subterranean concentration of yin or cold qi there must be remarkably intense.”
“Ah, could it be a dragon vein?”
Throughout the land, particular zones existed where the currents of natural terrestrial qi surged with immense ferocity or pooled into deep reservoirs.
Terrains commonly termed dragon veins or dragon cavities.
“Since its snow refuses to thaw, it mirrors the hue of the sky, and because the peak lacks immense height, it rests nearest to the soil. Judging by this, the Namgung noble house must be entirely ignorant of this passage.”
“How could you tell?”
“Had they possessed that knowledge, they would have mobilized long ago.”
“You speak the truth. All I handed over to the Namgung noble house was the cartographic sketch.”
“You must have scouted Baeksu Mountain personally, then. Did you fail to locate the entrance?”
“I could never find it. Moreover, once the Namgung noble house began snooping around, I dared not venture near it again to avoid drawing suspicion.”
“Hmm.”
Yanghwi reflected on the hints he had previously extracted from Yeo Hyeok.
“Do you know the exact nature of the clues held by the Namgung noble house?”
“I cannot say with absolute certainty, yet I can make an educated guess. It most likely pertains to the internal configuration of the crypt.”
“Then it seems Namgung never initiated an investigation regarding that aspect.”
Jin Geumbo felt a swell of silent admiration.
The youthful warrior standing before him possessed a startling talent for piecing together an entire tapestry from a single stray thread.
“Indeed. The second they discover the burial site lies on Baeksu Mountain, the Namgung noble house will uncover the entrance in a heartbeat.”
Yanghwi cast another look over Jin Geumbo’s sketch.
The Namgung noble house possesses two pieces of the puzzle: the map and the interior layout. Above all else, they alone know what lies inside.
For the time being, they could proceed without knowing the internal architecture.
Even should defensive mechanisms or traps be activated, careful navigation would see them through.
The issue that truly required attention was……
No, first things first.
“Merchant Jin. For the moment, your kin would be wise to withdraw. If events turn sour, you could easily become the target of Namgung’s wrath.”
“I concur.”
“Consider this. Beginning tomorrow, gather your family and depart for the Baek Estate in Jiangxi.”
“May I inquire as to the purpose?”
“I intend to welcome the entire Jin household into our main clan.”
Noticing Jin Geumbo’s eyes go wide, Yanghwi elaborated.
“Our steward has been searching frantically for someone with an astute commercial mind. You strike me as an ideal candidate, Merchant Jin.”
The offer was far from empty praise; it was an absolute reality.
With their faction expanding at a breakneck pace, Steward Han was practically suffocating beneath an avalanche of clerical burdens.
It was overdue for the Baek house to inaugurate a dedicated financial bureau.
Jin Geumbo could serve as Steward Han’s right hand and become its foundational pillar.
“In that case, what will become of my son, Sam……?”
“If he demonstrates an aptitude for the brush, I will place him under the steward’s tutelage; should his gifts lean toward the sword, I will instruct him in martial arts myself.”
“Ohh……!”
The Baek Estate was presently the most aggressively rising power in all of Jiangxi.
With the backing of the Tang Clan firmly secured, taking refuge under their canopy offered endless advantages.
In truth, for someone in Jin Geumbo’s position, it stood as the finest conceivable outcome.
“Young hero, you have my deepest gratitude. I only ask…… that you ensure the expedition into the Tomb of the Sword King succeeds. I entrust our ancestors’ lifelong ambition to your hands.”
“Place your faith in us without worry. We will retrieve every last relic from the crypt and return to the primary compound. We can negotiate our respective shares afterward.”
“Understood. Once more, my thanks. However…… might I ask what strategy you intend to pursue?”
Given the intellect, combat prowess, and tactical clarity Yanghwi had consistently displayed, he was unquestionably capable, yet delving into the Tomb of the Sword King was an entirely different trial.
Their current circle consisted merely of a single apex realm master, three first-rate combatants, and a solitary second-rate practitioner.
Set against the sheer scale of the tomb, their collective martial force was drastically insufficient.
Furthermore, following that skirmish by Lake Chao, Namgung’s vigilance would only have intensified. The moment they steered toward Baeksu Mountain, they would inevitably be intercepted.
And yet……
“Hehehe!”
When Yanghwi abruptly let out a devious chuckle, Jin Geumbo regarded him with a bewildered expression.
“I already have a comprehensive scheme in place.”
From the very beginning, Yanghwi had never entertained the thought of raiding the Tomb of the Sword King using only their modest cohort.
Not only was such a venture virtually impossible, but drawing the exclusive scrutiny of the Namgung noble house brought nothing of value.
Both our core clan and the Tang Clan must shield themselves from Namgung’s vengeance.
Consequently, their focus had to be diverted elsewhere.
They required a decoy to keep those fools from Namgung so utterly overwhelmed that they would have no capacity to spare a single thought for the Baek house or the Tang Clan, preventing them from even considering retaliation.
To put it plainly.
To state it simply.
It was time to incite an absolute free-for-all.
Yanghwi’s shoulders trembled with wicked amusement.
“Khehehehe!”
Yanghwi’s group chose to set out from the Jin Estate at dawn the following day.
Because Namgung’s scouts were almost certainly watching, they had to project the illusion of returning toward their home territory after finishing an ordinary escort contract.
“Merchant Jin. Assemble your belongings and begin your trek toward Jiangxi precisely fifteen days from today.”
“Is there an underlying reason for that timeframe?”
“By that moment, the Namgung noble house will lack the breathing room to keep an eye on this residence.”
Jin Geumbo studied Yanghwi with a trace of apprehension.
He could not fathom what sort of cunning trick this audacious young master was orchestrating.
“I understand. May fortune favor your path.”
Having spoken their farewells, Yanghwi guided his followers south toward Taihe.
Situated slightly south of Gyesu, Taihe was a thriving hub that had blossomed at the junction of several primary trade roads.
“Little Brother, why are we taking this indirect route through Taihe?”
Glancing back at Gu Ak, Yanghwi drew a heavy pouch of silver from his clothing.
He jangled it softly, and the wealth seized from Crouching Dragon Stockade clinked with a pleasing ring.
“We have stumbled into a small fortune, so it is only right that we feast and indulge.”
“Hmm? We are traveling all this way simply to waste time?”
“To outward observers, that is precisely what it must look like.”
Even though his spiritual senses caught no immediate tail, operatives from the Namgung noble house were unquestionably keeping watch.
Lulling them into a false sense of security stood as their foremost objective.
Furthermore, there was another necessity driving their stop in Taihe.
“We will relax here for about three days. It will wash away the road weariness accumulated during the journey and grant us adequate time to prepare our provisions before entering the crypt.”
At those words, the eyes of the rest of the company shone with eagerness.
A whole month had slipped past since they had commenced this escort assignment.
Though they had rested at wayside taverns across the provinces, they had not once sat down for a lavish banquet or truly unburdened their minds.
“Hehe, Boss. Does that mean we get to enjoy some good wine as well?”
Thwack!
“Gah!”
Yanghwi looked down at Chudal, who was rubbing his sore crown, with open disdain.
“A boy of your age, clamoring for alcohol?”
“We are only separated by a single year!”
“The answer is still no.”
“You made no fuss about it last time!”
“Last time? When was that?”
“Back near Jiujiang, when Jeong Myeonggun started that quarrel! We ordered wine back then too!”
“I never had the slightest plan to let you partake on that occasion either. Furthermore, steel was drawn right after, so you never had the chance to touch a single drop anyway.”
“……”
Why would a child whose bones had yet to finish setting go around guzzling alcohol?
Ah, now that he brings it up, my own palate feels parched.
Vagabond martial artists and fine spirits were practically bound by blood.
Inseparable companions, the truest of lifelong comrades.
However, ever since his rebirth, Yanghwi had not permitted a single sip of liquor past his lips.
Having received an unprecedented second chance at life, squandering his prime and degrading his physique through drink had seemed completely unforgivable.
Even so, he could indulge now without issue if he truly wished.
Such was the physical resilience gained from immortal qi refining the mortal frame.
Owing to that extraordinary power, he had successfully tempered his constitution during his preceding period of secluded cultivation.
It was an attainment unlocked several years earlier than he had originally forecasted.
“Indeed, Brother Chudal remains shy of manhood. It is far too premature for you to indulge in spirits.”
“Argh, Brother Tang, are you joining in as well?! I am merely one year younger than Brother Hwi!”
“Though you have yet to participate in your coming-of-age ceremony, fifteen is an age where one can begin pursuing scholarship like a mature individual. However, fourteen is entirely inappropriate.”
It was a stern declaration completely characteristic of the principled Tang Gun.
Chudal instantly slumped, all the wind knocked out of his sails.
“I can…… manage my drink quite well, honestly……”
“Cease your grumbling and keep a firm grip on the reins. Do you see that establishment straight ahead? That is our destination.”
Having entered the boundaries of Taihe, the companions deposited their baggage at the most extravagant inn in the settlement.
“Hmm. The streets seem remarkably crowded.”
“It appears a celebration is underway.”
Upon questioning the attendant at the tavern, the server explained that their arrival coincided with the district’s annual festival.
“If that is the case, wouldn’t it be more entertaining to pick up some street fare directly from the food stalls?”
“Celebration food carries an appeal all its own.”
“That sounds like an excellent notion.”
“I want to experience the festival as well!”
Foregoing a formal dinner at the establishment, they strode out into the vibrant thoroughfares.
“Look at that! That street artist is exhaling fire!”
“He is holding high-proof alcohol in his mouth and spraying it across a torch flame.”
“Aha.”
“Those stuffed pastries over there smell wonderful.”
“Boss, would it be fine if I bought an entire roasted bird?”
“Purchase whatever strikes your fancy. Our pockets are overflowing!”
As they wandered through the open stalls picking up various treats, a peculiar scene caught their attention.
“Hm?”
In a deserted alley slightly off the main thoroughfare, several street children were striking a massive, burly man with wooden staves.
“Take this! Ha!”
“You freak! Freak of nature!”
“Whoa! His hide is like solid stone!”
Without betraying a shred of resentment, the hulking figure merely crouched low to the ground, shielding his skull with his arms and absorbing the impacts.
Observing the altercation, Tang Gun’s brow furrowed in disapproval.
“It seems those youths have never been taught basic decency.”
Finding the spectacle grating, Yanghwi barked loudly.
“Hey, you little rascals!”
Catching sight of the blade hanging from Yanghwi’s belt, the children scattered in panic, disappearing into the side streets.
“Hey, are you alri…… Good grief, you are enormous.”
Stepping closer, Yanghwi quickly recognized why the youths had labeled him a monster.
Even hunched over, his frame was massive…… Were he to draw himself up to his full stature, he would easily stand eight cheok tall.
At that moment, the giant shifted his head to look directly at Yanghwi.
His eyes held an expression of pure, unblemished gentleness, resembling those of a docile work ox.
A hairless scalp…… not borne of age or balding, but cleanly and deliberately shaved smooth.
Coupled with unmistakable ordination scars branded across his brow.
Taking a closer look…… his attire.
A Buddhist monastic robe, weathered to an earthen hue.
In the entire breadth of the realm, there existed only a solitary order whose disciples clothed themselves in coarse hemp stained with river clay to produce a dull yellow kasa.
Could he truly be…… an initiate of Shaolin (小林)?
Without warning, the giant climbed to his feet.
He broke into an open, childlike grin, looking warmly at Yanghwi.
“Good person!”
Comments for chapter "Chapter 90"
MANGA DISCUSSION
Madara Info
Madara stands as a beacon for those desiring to craft a captivating online comic and manga reading platform on WordPress
For custom work request, please send email to wpstylish(at)gmail(dot)com