Chapter 403
Chapter 403
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 403
Chapter Title: The First Mission
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Four days later.
In front of the bamboo forest at the North Gate of the Murim Alliance, a magnificent building had been erected.
Past a large wall made of white stone, a beautiful garden with a small pond came into view, and at its center stood a grand pavilion.
Next to it were quarters large enough to house over a hundred unit members, and even a small dining hall had been built inside.
It was truly on par with the finest unit headquarters. Moreover, it had been constructed in a mere four days by mobilizing hundreds of laborers.
"I heard the heir to the Seonhwa Merchant Guild hired all the famous carpenters and workers in Henan at once."
"And they say he orders dozens of nyang worth of food for every meal."
"I heard some members of a first-rate sword unit nearby saw the pavilion in that bamboo forest and joked about asking to be transferred there."
The temporary barracks built at the North Gate was the talk of the Murim Alliance.
The Apex Unit, created to handle major and minor incidents in the martial world that the Alliance’s sword units could not.
And Seon U-jin, a candidate for its commander, had just shown the people of the Murim Alliance the power of wealth.
*Step, step.*
A figure was walking toward the entrance of the pavilion in the North Gate’s bamboo forest where Bu Eun-seol was staying.
Clad in blue, with a very fair face and clear eyes.
At first glance, she looked like a gentlewoman from a common household, unacquainted with the martial arts, but in reality, she was one of the most distinguished female masters in the Murim Alliance.
It was Yuk Cheong-a.
“My goodness.”
As the Hall Master of Yeonseong, her days were typically packed with tasks.
She barely had time to walk around the Alliance grounds, except during meal times.
So when she heard the rumor that the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild had built a palace-like pavilion at the North Gate, she had simply scoffed.
“I thought it was just an exaggeration…”
But now that she saw the completed pavilion, wasn't it even more impressive than the rumors suggested?
“Young Master Seon U. Are you here?”
Entering the pavilion, her mouth fell open again.
Inside was a training ground where two martial artists were practicing together.
They were the unit members Bu Eun-seol had chosen: Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
‘Is… is that…’
The two men had originally been dressed in shabby clothes, with only their worn-out weapons meticulously maintained.
But now, not only were they wearing gleaming garments, but their weapons had also changed.
Their attire and splendid armaments were so different that she felt as if she were looking at theatrical actors.
“Hall Master Yuk.”
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do recognized Yuk Cheong-a and clasped their hands in greeting.
“What brings you here?”
They were even more dazzling up close.
Tae Mu-ryong had transformed into a gallant warrior, dressed in a magnificent martial uniform with a silver trident, whose handle could be retracted, strapped to his back.
At the waist of the once scruffy-bearded Jeong Jong-do now hung a brilliant treasured sword instead of his old blade.
“Where is Young Master Seon U?”
“He should be at the Sangrim Pavilion by now.”
“The Sang… Sangrim Pavilion?”
“Ah, it’s a pavilion inside. I will escort you.”
Tae Mu-ryong led Yuk Cheong-a across a large courtyard to a pavilion built in front of a small pond.
There, a young man with very delicate features was sitting gracefully, drinking tea. It was Seon U-jin, the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild.
‘Heavens.’
In a situation where a mission could be assigned at any moment, he had built a proper garden in a temporary residence and was living like a carefree immortal?
Furthermore, wasn't the tea he was drinking Silver Leaf Tea, a specialty from the Western Regions that was hard to obtain even with money?
“Commander. Hall Master Yuk has arrived.”
A glint flashed in Yuk Cheong-a's eyes.
‘He’s already established discipline and order?’
Judging by Tae Mu-ryong’s polite attitude and speech, this place already had the strict system and discipline of any other unit in the Murim Alliance.
‘Impossible.’
No matter how outstanding a person was, how could he have made those two strong-willed martial artists follow him so sincerely in less than ten days?
“Hall Master Yuk.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Yuk Cheong-a did the same.
“Young Master Seon U.”
After the two exchanged greetings, Tae Mu-ryong bowed respectfully.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Yuk Cheong-a watched Tae Mu-ryong’s retreating back, she let out a sigh of admiration.
“This is astonishing.”
“What is?”
“To have already turned them into such loyal subordinates.”
“I can’t quite call them loyal subordinates yet.”
“Not loyal subordinates? They seem more disciplined than the men in my own hall.”
When she made the lighthearted joke, Bu Eun-seol set down his teacup and shook his head.
“Since childhood, I learned the ways of merchants, so I know a little about handling people. They follow me simply because I offer them benefits through my wealth.”
A lie.
Bu Eun-seol already had experience turning the Demonic Sanctum’s most notorious ruffians, the Martial Foundation Unit, into loyal subordinates.
Compared to that, capturing the hearts of two gentle and honest men from the Orthodox Faction was child’s play.
The two men were already beginning to feel loyalty toward Bu Eun-seol, whose dignity and experience now seemed so natural.
“I suppose that could be it.”
Yuk Cheong-a readily accepted his explanation.
As the heir to a merchant guild, he would have naturally learned how to manage people and lead an organization from a young age.
Coupled with his immense wealth, controlling two subordinates would be a simple matter.
As Yuk Cheong-a organized her thoughts, Bu Eun-seol asked.
“So, what brings you here?”
“Oh, right.”
Coming to her senses, she handed a letter to Bu Eun-seol.
“A mission has finally been assigned.”
As Bu Eun-seol took the letter, she spoke in a low voice.
“It’s written in the letter, but you are free to use any means, and there is no deadline. The mission was given to both temporary units simultaneously. I wish you success.”
“I understand.”
After Yuk Cheong-a left, Bu Eun-seol opened the missive.
A faint smile touched his lips as he shook his head.
“So they intend to play it this way until the end.”
The missive described the following mission:
—Resolve the dispute between the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Shadow Sect.
Bu Eun-seol placed the letter down next to his teacup.
The Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Shadow Sect were second-rate sects located in Gongchang Prefecture, Shaanxi. Not only were they close to each other, but they also shared the same martial arts roots.
Two hundred years ago, a couple named Han Seung and Cheong Yeon-yeon happened to discover a secret manual containing the ultimate techniques of Gwangjeol, the Swift Sword Sect.
Unfortunately, more than half of the manual was damaged and incomplete.
The two ended up interpreting the manual as they saw fit, but they couldn't reconcile their differing views on the martial arts and instead ended up in a major argument.
Unable to resolve their differences, Han Seung and Cheong Yeon-yeon eventually parted ways and went their separate paths.
Later in life, after retiring from the martial world, they each founded their own sects, which were the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Shadow Sect.
Because the two sects were located so close to each other and inherited the old grudges of their founders, their relationship was not a good one.
Yet, they had managed to coexist without any particular disputes or conflicts.
Recently, however, their disciples had started growling at each other, and it had escalated into bloody fights.
The fighting grew worse and worse, reaching a point where disciples of the two sects would draw their weapons and fight on sight.
Moreover, the fights occurred anywhere, even in crowded taverns and marketplaces…
The merchants and common people were the ones who suffered the consequences.
Ultimately, as the damage to the surrounding merchants and populace from the two sects' fighting became severe, the Murim Alliance decided to intervene.
By sending the temporary units of Bu Eun-seol and Cheon Hwa-in.
The next day, in the bamboo forest at the Murim Alliance North Gate. The temporary unit’s meeting room.
Bu Eun-seol and his subordinates, Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do, sat with serious expressions.
“This isn’t a mission; it’s a ploy to appoint Cheon Hwa-in as the commander.”
Tae Mu-ryong looked at the letter on the table and shook his head in disbelief.
“Even if second-rate sects like the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Shadow Sect were to go to war, is there really a need for the Murim Alliance to step in and mediate?”
He sighed and continued.
“These two sects are located within the Mount Hua Sect’s sphere of influence. In other words, if the Mount Hua Sect were to intervene, they would be forced to reconcile.”
“I share the same thought.”
Jeong Jong-do said with a somber expression.
“We are only a temporary unit of the Murim Alliance, are we not? But Cheon Hwa-in has the Mount Hua Sect backing him… a single word from him could end the dispute.”
The opinions of the two men were reasonable and well-founded.
Nevertheless, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“That might not be the case.”
He insisted on using formal speech with his subordinates.
This was because the persona of Seon U-jin, the heir of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild, created by the Divine Calculator, was set to be extremely gentle and benevolent.
Even if he were to gradually change his disposition later, for now, he had to calmly follow the persona the Divine Calculator had crafted.
“What do you mean, it might not be the case?”
At Jeong Jong-do’s question, Bu Eun-seol gave a faint smile.
“Human conflict is ultimately a matter of emotion. And that man, Cheon Hwa-in, is arrogant and has a strong sense of pride.”
He continued in a calm voice.
“Rather than investigating the detailed circumstances, he will use the prestige of the Mount Hua Sect to resolve the matter quickly. Because he’ll want to finish this pointless test as soon as possible and become the commander of the Murim Alliance unit.”
Bu Eun-seol paused for a moment before speaking with a powerful voice.
“No matter how small the sect, a sect leader has his pride. But given Cheon Hwa-in's personality, it is unlikely he will handle the situation cautiously and wisely.”
He paused again, then stated firmly.
“Furthermore, since this problem arose from a deep emotional rift, it will not be easily resolved just by brandishing the authority of the Mount Hua Sect.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, which shifted between Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do, held a profound light.
“We must keep that in mind and guide the two sects to a perfect reconciliation. Only then will the Murim Alliance have nothing to say.”
The two men blinked.
Not only did Bu Eun-seol’s analysis feel remarkably accurate, but they also couldn’t even begin to guess the plan he was formulating.
“If the Commander has devised a brilliant plan, wouldn't it be better to arrive a day sooner and handle the matter?”
Jeong Jong-do said with an anxious look.
“We can’t ignore the possibility that Cheon Hwa-in might solve the problem in an instant.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“Although the letters were delivered simultaneously, Cheon Hwa-in has Elder Gu as his backer. He has probably already left for Shaanxi.”
He then looked at his unit members with a relaxed expression and continued.
“So there is no need to rush. Let us proceed slowly while we investigate the inner workings of the situation.”
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do looked at each other.
For now, however, they could not see into Bu Eun-seol’s mind, so they could only bow their heads and clasp their hands.
* * *
After leaving the Murim Alliance with Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do, Bu Eun-seol soon arrived in Gongchang Prefecture.
Upon his arrival, he did not visit the two sects immediately. Instead, he gave a large sum of money to Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
He then ordered them to use that money to gather information about the Ancient Sword Sect and the Falling Shadow Sect from information brokers and the lower class.
—No matter how trivial, you must investigate everything thoroughly.
In truth, if Bu Eun-seol were to secretly command the Soul Hunters Unit, he could find out everything from the two sects’ financial status to the number of chopsticks in their kitchens.
So why would he order Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do, who had never dealt with information before, to conduct an investigation that would cost both time and money?
‘These men must become subordinates who can reliably support me until I secure a key position in the Murim Alliance.’
In the future, Bu Eun-seol would have to travel back and forth between the Demonic Sanctum and the Murim Alliance.
Therefore, he needed capable subordinates who could skillfully handle various matters within the Murim Alliance.
And these two men had more than enough potential.
Tae Mu-ryong had excellent insight and eloquence and was good at bringing people together.
Jeong Jong-do, on the other hand, was quick at analyzing information and assessing situations, with sharp instincts.
Both of them had simply not had a chance to shine because of their origins. Their martial talent was also outstanding, and if their shortcomings were addressed, they would soon take flight.
Bu Eun-seol intended to cultivate the talents of Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do to quickly rise to a key position in the Murim Alliance.
* * *
In Gongchang Prefecture, at the annex of the Cheongwon Inn.
A small pavilion stood before a beautiful garden planted with rare and exotic flowers.
Inside the pavilion, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a bald middle-aged man sat facing each other.
They were Heo Un-chang, the Sect Leader of the Ancient Sword Sect, and Baek Do-gwang, the Sect Leader of the Falling Shadow Sect, two second-rate sects established in the Gongchang Prefecture area.
The two men glared at each other in silence.
Not long after, the sound of footsteps was heard, and a man in white robes entered the annex.
It was Cheon Hwa-in.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”
With the help of Gu Jeong-in, an elder from the Mount Hua Sect, Cheon Hwa-in had been able to receive the details of the mission in advance.
He had immediately arrived in Gongchang Prefecture and summoned Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang to this place.
—Arrogant brat.
Thick veins stood out on the foreheads of the two sect leaders as Cheon Hwa-in wore a relaxed expression despite being a full hour late for the appointment.
Even if they were from second-rate sects, they were still leaders who guided their respective sects.
To be summoned to an inn as if by decree, even if he was an elite disciple of the Mount Hua Sect?
They were simmering with indignation.
If both of their sects weren't within the Mount Hua Sect’s sphere of influence?
If Cheon Hwa-in were just an ordinary elite disciple and not a new-generation master of the Grand Master level…
They would never have accepted such an invitation, even with a sword at their necks.
“So, what did you want to see us about?”
At Heo Un-chang’s question, Cheon Hwa-in smiled and opened his mouth.
“I hear that the two sects, which had been getting along well, have had some disputes recently?”
He looked back and forth between Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang before speaking again.
“And that the fighting has become so intense that it's now affecting merchants and common people.”
At Cheon Hwa-in's words, the two sect leaders cleared their throats and spoke.
“It seems our disciples got emotional and clashed a little.”
“I will make sure to warn them more sternly.”
Cheon Hwa-in nodded.
“That’s good, but wouldn’t the best thing be for the two of you to reconcile completely?”
“Reconcile?”
Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang simultaneously wore expressions of disbelief.
“Why would we suddenly reconcile?”
“I’ve heard the story. Originally, the two of you were not on bad terms.”
“…”
“But when the relationship between your two heirs soured, your disciples eventually came to hate each other as well.”
Cheon Hwa-in gently admonished the two sect leaders as if he were an elder.
“But is there any need for two sects in the same region, following the same path, to be at odds with each other?”
When the two still didn't respond, Cheon Hwa-in said with a solemn expression.
“If the two of you publicly reconcile, your disciples will no longer fight. I came to ask this of you.”
Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang cursed inwardly.
—What is this…
In truth, there were several complex reasons why the two martial schools had started fighting.
But this disciple of the Mount Hua Sect was pressuring the two sect leaders to reconcile without even trying to understand the actual situation.
“The affairs of a sect will be handled within the sect.”
At Heo Un-chang’s words, Baek Do-gwang also suppressed his anger and nodded.
“I will warn my disciples once more, so that the Mount Hua Sect does not need to concern itself with such matters.”
“You’ve misunderstood me.”
Cheon Hwa-in touched his forehead with his finger.
“I want the dispute between the two sects to be completely resolved immediately. Don’t you understand?”
At his threat-like words, Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang fell silent.
Although they said nothing, their dissatisfied expressions conveyed their refusal.
‘It seems polite words won’t work.’
Cheon Hwa-in clicked his tongue inwardly, sighed, and shook his head.
“Do you truly wish for me—no, for my sect—to get involved?”
And finally, he played his last card.
What would happen if the second-rate Ancient Sword Sect and Falling Shadow Sect fell out of favor with the Mount Hua Sect? And if they were to exert pressure?
The very status and dignity of the two sects as martial factions would be shaken.
“…I understand.”
Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang had no choice but to nod.
“You have both given me your word.”
Cheon Hwa-in said, pleased.
“I hope you will publicly announce your formal reconciliation as soon as possible.”
Then, without a backward glance, he immediately stood up and left.
“Well then, I shall see you again.”
Heo Un-chang and Baek Do-gwang could only bite their lips as they watched Cheon Hwa-in disappear into the distance.
And a few days later,
—The dispute between the two sects has been resolved immediately.
A rumor that the two sects had signed a reconciliation agreement spread throughout Gongchang Prefecture.
Upon hearing this, Cheon Hwa-in immediately sent a carrier pigeon to the Murim Alliance, reporting that he had resolved the matter.
But then, something unexpected happened.
When the two sects could no longer fight due to Cheon Hwa-in's threats,
They mobilized underworld gangs to encroach upon each other's commercial rights and interests within their territories.
—This is even worse than just fighting it out!
As the underworld gangs, backed by the two sects, fought for territory, the common people once again bore the brunt of the damage.
“Are you kidding me?”
Furious, Cheon Hwa-in immediately went to the sect leaders to threaten them, but it no longer worked.
“We wrote the reconciliation agreement and had officials mediate, just as you ordered. What more do you want us to do?”
At the sect leaders' words, Cheon Hwa-in became furious.
“Are you joking? Then why didn’t you stop your disciples from manipulating the underworld gangs to start fights?”
“That is not our concern.”
“Are you seriously saying that?”
Cheon Hwa-in’s eyes blazed as he emitted a threatening aura.
“Or did you find my request amusing?”
As Cheon Hwa-in's expression and tone became exceedingly rude, the sect leaders could no longer hold back.
“We listened to your unreasonable demands out of respect for the Mount Hua Sect, but this is unbearable.”
They spoke in unison.
“Are you the supreme ruler of the martial world? Or is the Mount Hua Sect? Let’s contact the Murim Alliance and find out.”
For a moment, Cheon Hwa-in flinched.
‘How did they know about the Murim Alliance?’
The fact that the two sect leaders suddenly brought up the Murim Alliance…
Didn't it mean they already knew he was here because of a mission from the Alliance?
‘Could it be them?’
For a moment, Cheon Hwa-in recalled the dazed-looking face of the Seonhwa Merchant Guild’s heir.
The man who should be selling goods from his guild but was trying to become a Murim Alliance commander.
Seon U-jin.
“What will you do?”
Faced with the sharp reaction from the two sect leaders, Cheon Hwa-in had no choice but to back down.
“Let’s discuss this matter again at a later time.”
Sparks flew from Cheon Hwa-in's eyes as he stepped outside.
‘Fine. Then I’ll make it so you can’t solve it either.’
If he had failed, then he would make sure their mission failed as well.
But he had no idea.
Having only ever focused on diligently training his martial arts, he was far too inept to handle the various affairs that occurred in the martial world, a world rife with schemes and intrigue.
And that even in a hundred years…
He would be no match for the merchant guild heir he had always looked down on and ignored for his dazed appearance.