Chapter 223
Chapter 223
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 223
Chapter Title: Regret (1)
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I examined the bronze plaque I had received from Daoist Chang Ryang.
'I snatched it up at the sound of the blacksmiths on Mount Mokgan, but it certainly has the mark of a master craftsman.'
The embossed Tak character on the front felt forceful.
And the engraving of the valley on the back, despite lacking color, somehow conveyed its breathtaking beauty.
'The Sword Pool where countless famed swords from Mount Mokgan were tempered and cleansed?'
However, to use this properly, I needed to hear the full story behind it.
The Silver Gratitude Plaque originally held power even when used by the heir.
But my situation was different.
'What I want is for the blacksmith clan to come under my command and settle in Dan River Valley.'
Mount Mokgan was located in Zhe Province.
From Zhe Province to Dan River Valley.
Not only was the distance vast, but considering the era when the Central Plains were fragmented, they were in different countries—it was no exaggeration to call it the ends of the earth.
Abandoning one's lifelong home to migrate to such a distant land wasn't something a mere Silver Gratitude Plaque could accomplish.
Thus, I turned to Daoist Chang Ryang and asked,
"If it's not too rude, may I ask what exact connection you have with the original owner of this plaque?"
"In my youth, during my wandering journey, I once saved a blacksmith named Tak Jang-myeong who was surrounded and threatened by bandits. Later, I learned he was the successor to the Tak Family Ironworks on Mount Mokgan."
A wandering journey referred to young Taoists leaving their sect to travel the jianghu, enduring the elements to gain worldly experience.
As if recalling that time, Daoist Chang Ryang closed his eyes for a moment.
Then, slowly lifting his eyelids, he looked at me and said,
"You're right."
The question I asked was about his exact connection to the plaque.
But suddenly he said my words were right, which felt out of nowhere to me.
"Suddenly?"
"If we cannot punish the wicked and uphold justice, there is no point in honing our martial prowess. I'm referring to what you said at the HwWon Ironworks."
"...Ah."
It was my usual philosophy, but hearing it like this felt a bit embarrassing.
As I pondered what to say, Daoist Chang Ryang's hand moved toward my shoulder.
He seemed to unconsciously intend to pat it in encouragement.
But that hand never actually touched my shoulder.
"......"
"......"
Daoist Chang Ryang's hand awkwardly stopped just before my shoulder.
- Why is this snout guy freezing up after trying to pat my shoulder?
'He must have suddenly thought we weren't close enough for that.'
My guess seemed correct, as Daoist Chang Ryang brought his extended hand to his mouth, cleared his throat awkwardly, and turned away.
"Ahem. Anyway, I heard the blacksmiths are causing trouble in the valley. Use it if needed. Not sure if it'll help."
With that, Daoist Chang Ryang swiftly departed.
"I'll put it to good use.... He's gone."
Without even hearing my reply.
Leaving the innkeeper of Dan River's Finest Inn, who had been waiting for a chance to get a seal of approval, feeling bitterly disappointed.
"Argh! He just left like that? Without even a cup of tea?"
After seeing Daoist Chang Ryang off,
I noticed Senior Ye Hae-su still scribbling away in her notebook with her fine brush.
"By the way, Senior Ye. What have you been writing in that notebook since earlier?"
"Oh, during my time dispatched to the Murim Alliance, I got into the habit of shorthand."
"But you're still writing now?"
"Ah, this is me jotting down possible headlines for a news article based on our conversation just now."
"May I take a look?"
"Of course. Here."
At my words, Senior Ye Hae-su readily handed over her notebook.
'Wow. Whoever recommended her really nailed it, didn't they, Master?'
I grinned and shifted my gaze to the notebook...
『Fragrant Orchid Hall's Autonomy Chairman Mae Jin-ok Sheds Tears of Blood!
Eon Yong-un's Righteousness Makes Dan River Valley's Blacksmiths Tremble.
The Reason Fragrant Orchid Hall's Supervisory Professor Chang Ryang Visited Blue Bamboo Hall!』
...only to freeze, at a loss for words.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I asked the innkeeper to prepare a modest welcome feast.
"I'm Ye Hae-su, reassigned this semester as head of public relations."
"Junior Ye! You're finally here! Does this mean Blue Bamboo Hall's autonomy council is now complete?"
"Chairman, long time no see. But 'complete' is a bit embarrassing. Thanks to Junior Eon here and the other juniors, Blue Bamboo Hall's standing is worlds apart from before my leave of absence."
"Haha, that's true. Oh, these two are your direct juniors."
"I-I'm Public Relations Vice-Director Woo So-rung! Nice to meet you!"
"Yin Ha-seong here! How would you like to be addressed—Director, Senior, or Sister?"
"Whatever feels comfortable."
"Then Haesu Sister it is!"
But if left alone, their greetings would take all day, so I spoke up.
"Come on, we'll be living together from today, so plenty of time for greetings later. How about we eat first? The food's getting cold."
As everyone sat and began using their chopsticks,
I turned to Brother Gyeong-ryong.
"You attended the chairman's general meeting today, right?"
"Mm. I did."
"So-rung mentioned earlier that you said classes might be delayed?"
"Doesn't the vice-chairwoman know? The chancellor mentioned it during the operations committee meeting."
"He did, but he trailed off back then. Is it confirmed now?"
"Seems like it. Unlike us with our prior reconstruction plans, the other dorms started late and are lagging."
"I see."
"Not just the smoke—there's talk of holding the semester start entirely in Wu Chang, where the Alliance has set up a naval formation. They say we could combine it with a field trip and teach fighting on water."
Having asked Brother Gyeong-ryong everything, I turned to Yin Ha-yeon.
"With classes delayed, it seems best to resolve finding blacksmiths for HwWon Ironworks during this time. What do you think, Miss Yin?"
"Sounds good. But there's no blacksmith group in the Southern Jiang that perfectly fits the bill, so I was planning to inquire with the Taiwon Merchant Group."
At this point, Dang Ok-gi picked up her chopsticks and chimed in.
"Sichuan's artisans are good too."
Jeong Hyeon nodded and said,
"Indeed, Sichuan has long been famed for its silks and ironware."
"Heh. I thought you only spouted lame stuff, but you know something after all?"
"Yes. For example, there's Master Po Won, who served as the western envoy of Shu Han. On the prime minister's orders, he forged fifty thousand swords..."
"I was wrong. My mistake."
Jeong Hyeon launching into a speech and Dang Ok-gi setting down her chopsticks to plug her ears.
"Hahaha."
Thanks to those two, laughter filled the room.
I spoke up again.
"Good artisans exist in Sichuan, the Southern Jiang, and even Shanxi where my great-uncle resides... The issue is whether they'd want to come to Dan River Valley."
"Adding to Young Master Eon's words, they can't just be good—they need the skill and reputation to crush the Dan River blacksmiths' cartel and cliquishness."
"That's why Professor Chang Ryang gave me this earlier."
I held out the plaque.
Yin Ha-yeon took it, examined front and back, and furrowed her brows.
"Hm. The Tak Family Ironworks' Silver Gratitude Plaque?"
"Yes. He said he saved their successor during his wandering journey."
"Among Mount Mokgan's smiths, they're top-tier in skill. Their circumstances make relocation plausible. From what I know, the Tak Family Ironworks has never been prosperous. They're probably buried in debt by now."
"Your expression and tone suggest there's more."
"The one connected to Professor Chang Ryang is still just the successor. The grand master smith is Elder Tak Jong-geon, and his stubbornness is legendary. My father once made an offer..."
"And he refused."
"Yes."
Everyone at the table gaped at our exchange.
"Ha-yeon's father? The Southern Jiang Merchant King? And he refused him?"
"N-Not an ordinary man."
"This needs recording: Elder Tak Jong-geon of the Tak Family Ironworks rejected an offer from the Southern Jiang Merchant King."
Come to think of it, Professor Chang Ryang had said it might not help—probably for that reason.
'Hm. So this plaque is useless?'
At that moment, Yin Ha-yeon smoothed her furrowed brows and said,
"Still, it might be worth visiting."
"Didn't you just say the grand master's stubbornness is immense?"
"...True, but thinking about it, with you, Young Master Eon, the outcome might differ. The elders seem to like you."
Several of my junior brothers nodded at Yin Ha-yeon's words.
"Indeed, the Medicine King Elder appeared for Young Master Eon, and the Beggars' Sect Gang Leader was pleased too."
"The Shanxi Golden Peng Elder as well!"
"...Little Brother Woo. That's our senior's great-uncle."
Yin Ha-yeon chuckled and finished her thought.
"As the chairman said, if we start in Wu Chang, it's perfect—right by the waterways. And..."
"And?"
"Even if relocation falls through, since it's the successor's life-debt, they'll at least forge one sword, right?"
"...True, and we have the Millennia Cold Iron ingot from the Grand Marshal. Even one sword would be a gain for me."
"But just in case, take a few of us along."
"Worried about those eyeing the ingot?"
"Yes. The Grand Marshal gave it discreetly, so aside from us, who knows you have it? But you never know."
"Very well. But you're not coming, Miss Yin."
"Wasn't expecting to. With all these projects underway, if you leave, I'll have to manage. Might need funds suddenly—take this letter of credit."
When the horn's sharp, pull it out quick—I quickly assembled the group for Mount Mokgan.
"Jeong Hyeon."
"Yes, Young Master Eon."
"You're coming."
"Yes!"
"So-rung's getting close with Senior Ye Hae-su. Can't have direct subordinates acting shy. Ha-seong, you're in."
"Knew you'd pick me!"
"...Want to leave him behind. Dang Ok-gi, you free?"
"Kyak!! Why phrase it like that?! I have tons to do!"
"Hiding at the inn all day on that 'lab burned down' excuse—what work?"
"Feeding Hong-ok and Seol-ryu, lots more!"
"Anyone can handle that. You could ask about hidden weapons while there— not going?"
"I am!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I reported my Mount Mokgan trip to the academy.
Since I reported directly to the chancellor, permission came immediately.
After sending a letter to the Grand Marshal requesting aid in advance,
I boarded a ship from the Wu Chang naval base onto the Yangtze.
The weather was mild, the wind a fair breeze.
Rumors of a near-clash between the Murim Alliance and Demonic Alliance fleets had spread, so no one dared hassle our ship flying the Alliance's signal flag.
"That's Mount Mokgan, and that visible area must be the Ironworks District Miss Yin mentioned."
Thanks to that, we arrived at the Ironworks District three days ahead of schedule.
"This must be it, Young Master Eon."
"...Top-tier, they said, but it looks rundown. Other places bustling, no customers here."
"Ha-yeon said they're in debt."
"Shh. Watch your mouths."
I hushed my junior brothers.
And knocked on the Ironworks door.
Thud thud!
"Anyone there?"
No response.
I knocked harder.
Thud thud thud!!!
"Anyone? There was clearly hammering just now, why no..."
Then a blacksmith covered in soot emerged and spoke.
"Who is it?"
"We're here to see Master Tak Jang-myeong."
"That's me. We don't take orders for the time being—it's posted."
Hard times if the successor himself was greeting customers.
Without further ado, I showed the plaque and letter from Professor Chang Ryang.
"Ah! From Professor Chang Ryang?!"
Tak Jang-myeong brightened upon seeing the plaque.
But unfolding the letter, his face darkened.
"The Black Dragon?"
"Yes, that's what they call me."
"The letter says you're seeking blacksmiths—is that right?"
"Correct."
"...Ahem. This isn't for me to decide. I won't waste your time—I'll take you to my father right away."
He locked the Ironworks door
And led us to his home.
There, we were greeted by Elder Tak Jong-geon, sitting cross-legged and bellowing.
"What? Move the workshop? Tell them to scram before I pour filth on them!"
"Father! These are the ones sent by Mount Hua Sect's Daoist Chang Ryang, who saved my life!"
"Sending some green junior instead of coming himself to relay this? An insult in elegant wrapping!"
Tak Jang-myeong, caught between his father and us, looked troubled and spoke.
"How could that be? When did Daoist Chang save me? I thought it was just my memory. And he's no green junior. The Black Dragon—known throughout the land. I mentioned him before? At Lake Taihu not long ago, against the..."
At Tak Jang-myeong's words, Tak Jong-geon whipped around
And raised his voice even more firmly.
"Don't remember! Jang-myeong, that's why you heed worldly tales—your swords are still that shoddy! If it's your benefactor, hand over a few you forged and..."
But mid-sentence, he spotted me, stared blankly,
"!"
Swallowed dryly, and said,
"Guest, may I examine the sword at your waist for a moment?"
Elder Tak Jong-geon's voice thundered, but he hadn't budged from his seat.
I handed Regret over to Tak Jang-myeong, bringing the whole scabbard.
Receiving Regret through his son, Tak Jong-geon inspected it thoroughly, then muttered to himself.
"So there is a swordsman carrying Regret..."
Then he asked me,
"...May I borrow this sword for just one night?"
Elder Tak Jong-geon, who didn't know the famed Eon Yong-un but remembered the one carrying Regret.
His eyes seemed filled with deep regret.
'Seemed stubborn, but unexpectedly, things might work out.'
"Very well."