Chapter 34
Chapter 34
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Return
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yuk Jin-yang stayed in Fujian for a few more days.
There were matters to discuss with the Fuzhou Office magistrate.
First, he had to smooth over the tragedy that had befallen the Seo family of the Western Market Guild. It wouldn't do for the incident to blow up into a major scandal.
Fortunately, the magistrate's reaction was just as expected—neither overly positive nor negative. He started off stiff and unyielding, but his attitude flipped completely once he saw the gifts Yuk Jin-yang had brought.
"Haha, what is this? No need for such extravagance... How is your grandfather faring?"
The magistrate's mouth gaped open like a clam upon inspecting the valuables. He seemed to have completely forgotten the earlier talk of Seo Gye-won and Bae Ji-hak.
Only then did he tear his eyes away from the chest Yuk Jin-yang had carried in. His forced attempt at sternness looked utterly ridiculous.
"I understand what happened at the Seo estate. In a way, isn't it just karma? Why on earth would they take in a brutal rogue like Bae Ji-hak?"
"It seems they thought they could tame him."
"That Seo Gye-won... Now I see he was nothing but a spineless fool. He brought disaster upon himself!"
The magistrate clicked his tongue and slyly pulled the chest toward himself.
"Anyway, don't worry. We won't bother you with any unnecessary investigations."
"My thanks."
"And I heard last time that you've been put in charge of the local branch here...?"
"Yes, that's right."
"We'll be seeing a lot of each other then. I'll keep the fine tea and liquor ready, so drop by anytime."
The magistrate more than earned his bribe. Everything proceeded smoothly.
The massacre at the Seo estate was quietly buried, and their manor and assets became Yuk Jin-yang's. Of course, a portion of the fields ended up under the magistrate's name.
The merchant guild matters also went exactly as Yuk Jin-yang wished.
The quarterly report to the capital stated that "the greedy merchant guild leader Seo Gye-won met with an unfortunate accident and stepped down, with Yi Pil-do taking over as the new leader."
The information naturally reached Yi Pil-do's ears. He rushed to the relay station in shock upon hearing the tip from an official.
"Me, the guild leader? Wasn't the young master managing the guild?"
"It's the reality that matters, not the title. It means nothing to me. But it's different for you, isn't it?"
Yi Pil-do nodded readily, his face even showing a hint of emotion. He took it as a measure to bolster his authority.
For merchants, titles were important too. Reaching the position of guild leader naturally brought prestige. Even without real power, it was a highly useful role for an ordinary merchant.
"I am deeply grateful for your grace."
The next day, warriors from the Haenam Sect arrived. The leader escorting them lifted her veil slightly, revealing a familiar face. It was Jeong Yak-bin.
"I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Neither did I. Come in. I'll show you to your quarters after such a long journey."
Jeong Yak-bin shook her head.
"I'd love to catch up since we're here, but unfortunately, I don't have the time. I have to head back right away."
"Right after arriving?"
"The main sect is busy these days, sweeping up the remnants of the Jin Clan. We're only here to pick up the prisoners."
Yuk Jin-yang nodded and led her to the basement of the relay station. There, the Azure Swallow Division members lay scattered, their acupoints sealed and bound with golden cords. He gestured toward them with his chin.
"What will happen to them?"
"Who knows."
Jeong Yak-bin muttered ambiguously and shook her head.
"Jin Won-gi has already been dealt with, but as for these traitors... I couldn't presume to guess the sect elders' intentions."
She spoke loudly enough for the juniors standing behind her to hear, then transmitted the truth via inner energy.
—They said they'd cripple their martial arts out of old ties and lock them away in the prison dungeon for a long time.
—Why tell me via transmission?
—So these traitors can stew in anxiety on the way back to Hainan Island.
"I see."
Jeong Yak-bin ordered her juniors to escort the prisoners.
"I hope we meet again."
"Our paths will cross once more, I'm sure."
With all matters settled, Yuk Jin-yang could finally head back home at leisure.
Upon arriving in Zhejiang, Yuk Jin-yang could feel his changed reputation.
Everyone they passed on the main road recognized their group, from common folk to wandering martial artists. The shock of the Guangdong Jin Clan's destruction had clearly spread far.
"No way that's the boy...? He's even younger than I thought."
"Maybe the rumors are exaggerated. It's worth considering."
"Hah, unless the Haenam Sect has lost their minds. Why would they boost the Yuk Clan's name for no reason?"
"Can't you sense that pure energy? It's not exaggeration—there's probably more to the story that hasn't been revealed."
The martial artists were especially vocal in their whispers, regardless of whether they were beggars in sect robes or ronin in conical hats. Even the porters carrying liquor from taverns shot them meaningful glances.
So Yun-un clicked his tongue.
"Beggars' Clan, Morning Sun Sect, and unaffiliated ronin too. Seems everyone has their eyes on you, young master."
"It'll only grow. The emergence of a new talent has always drawn the world's attention. History is full of cases where a single expert upended the power balance. That's how much your potential has been acknowledged."
Hwang Dal-pyeong calmly predicted what lay ahead.
Upon reaching the Yuk Clan Great Compound, people had already gathered at the main gate to welcome them. Leading them, Yuk Eon smiled at his son.
Yuk Jin-yang hurriedly dismounted. The rest of the group followed suit.
"Father."
"You did well."
Yuk Eon patted his son's back. His eyes quickly scanned him from head to toe.
"No injuries?"
"I'm fine. It wasn't a tough mission."
"Hmm, but everyone looks like they have plenty to say."
Yuk Eon turned to the Flying Stream Pavilion warriors.
"You all did well too. Protecting a child on his first foray into the jianghu can't have been easy."
They smiled awkwardly at the brief praise. Yuk Jin-yang had made the greatest contributions, after all, making it embarrassing to boast of their own merits.
"I'd love to talk more, but... people are waiting for you."
Yuk Eon stepped back. Choe Rim emerged from the crowd, bowing his head.
"Well done, young master. I've been waiting."
"The Grand Steward as well?"
"Not just me—the family head too. He wishes to commend your achievements and hear your mission report in person. You must be tired, but please head to the family head's hall first."
The summons without respite was actually welcome. He knew the family head's praise wouldn't end with mere words.
Yuk Jin-yang glanced at his father.
"Can I leave them to you?"
"Of course. I'll escort them to their quarters. Go without worry."
Yuk Jin-yang nodded and followed Choe Rim.
Crossing the vast Yuk Clan Great Compound, they arrived at the Crystal Sea Hall—the family head's residence and office.
Since it wasn't urgent, they walked at a leisurely pace. Every warrior they passed bowed in unison.
It was the cupped-fist salute, hands clasped, head lowered, and waist bent—a mark of utmost respect from jianghu folk. It evoked the deference shown to clan elders.
He hadn't received such treatment before. Wondering about it inwardly, Choe Rim gave a subtle explanation.
"Your standing has changed that much."
"Standing? I'm embarrassed."
"No one demands that level of courtesy, not even direct Yuk blood kin beyond a simple拱手禮. But treatment differs for a promising pillar of the clan."
It felt burdensome inwardly, but it was courtesy he needed to grow accustomed to. In this life, Yuk blood of the direct line flowed through him too. It was a lineage where dominance became taken for granted as one's position rose.
At last, they reached the office. Choe Rim gestured toward the sliding door and urged him to enter.
"Please go in."
"And you, Grand Steward...?"
"I can't intrude on a grandfather and grandson's reunion. The family head said he wants a private audience."
Yuk Jin-yang nodded, opened the sliding door, and stepped inside.
"I heard you summoned this foolish grandson."
"Yes, come in and sit."
The Yuk family head set down the letter he was reading and spoke. His eyes gestured to the empty chair opposite.
An eye-catching object sat in one corner of the office. It was an antique, massive chest.
The material resembled ebony, and its size rivaled a granary holding several seok of rice. Before he could ask what it was, the family head's question flew at him.
"So, what are your thoughts on your first step into the jianghu?"
"No great thrills, but I had a fateful encounter."
"You saw the Water Ripple Stone, I take it."
Yuk Jin-yang blinked. He hadn't expected his grandfather to know the specific name.
"Grandfather, have you trained in the Ten Thousand Rivers Single Source Art?"
"No, I haven't. But secrets you learn naturally upon taking this seat exist. That was one of them."
The family head gestured toward the chest with his chin.
"Open it."
Kiiik. As the wooden chest opened, a dazzling light poured out.
Yuk Jin-yang's eyes widened upon seeing the contents. The chest was filled to the brim with precious jewels and horseshoe-shaped silver ingots. By rough estimate, it was worth a thousand gold.
"What is this...?"
"A reward for your merits. Five thousand taels in silver equivalent. Enough to dominate a region's commerce."
The family head stroked his chest-length beard and smiled, clearly pleased by his stunned grandson's reaction.
"A gift for my grandson on his first venture. Running a branch requires funds. Use it wisely and prudently."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
He had absorbed Seo Gye-won's wealth, but more was always better. Especially now that he was in charge of managing the branch.
As Yuk Jin-yang pondered uses for the funds in his mind,
"Don't get too excited."
His grandfather's words left room for doubt, making Yuk Jin-yang tilt his head. A mischievous glint shone in the family head's eyes.
"If your performance falters, a stern order from this old man could come anytime. I might even take it back."
"No. That won't happen. I won't let it."
Yuk Jin-yang shook his head and answered firmly. The family head burst into hearty laughter.
"Good, that's the spirit. Only then are you a grandson worthy of snatching away the man I assigned."
It was a pointed remark, but Yuk Jin-yang took it in jest.
"If you're talking about Hwang Dal-pyeong, didn't you give him to me from the start?"
"You greedy rascal! I merely placed him by your side, and you snatched him away."
It sounded scolding, but no real emotion laced it. Yuk Jin-yang inwardly sighed in relief.
"How did you win that one over? He wouldn't pledge loyalty easily."
"That's... a bit hard to explain."
As if it had been a joke, the family head didn't press further and changed the subject.
"Have you thought about how to run the branch?"
"For now, I'll develop the forests and farmland. Once yields increase gradually, finding other revenue sources won't be too late."
Yuk Jin-yang vaguely glossed over it. The family head's gaze lingered on him, showing not a shred of belief.
"You'll run it honestly? I'll trust you for now. But Jin-yang."
"Yes?"
"Do you know what cordyceps is?"
"A mushroom that grows from an insect's body?"
"Exactly. It grows by sucking nutrients from the insect. The world is full of such parasites. Always be wary of those who quietly root themselves in your body to feed their own interests."
As soon as Yuk Jin-yang nodded, far blunter advice followed.
"So, put a firm leash on Hwang Dal-pyeong. He's clever but lacking in learning. He has the cunning to act as your proxy in Fujian, but don't expect a scholar's integrity or a warrior's resolve."
"I'll keep that in mind."