Chapter 239
Chapter 239
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 239
Chapter Title: The Path (2)
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Dam Yongju.
Deputy leader of the North Sea Ice Palace delegation and the second son of the Ice Palace Lord.
He was the first person from beyond the outer regions I'd encountered.
'We faced off in the semifinals of the crisis board tournament.'
But all we'd done was confirm a mutual fondness for each other.
We hadn't shared any deeper conversations afterward.
'Even when we met at the main tournament, he seemed like he had something in mind...'
Yet he never came to see me.
Rumors spread that I enjoyed mingling and making friends, having met with people from Horn Bow Fortress, Crimson Dragon Palace, and others.
Even when other later-generation talents heard I was sociable and sought me out first.
Dam Yongju never came.
I didn't seek him out either.
It was because of what Uncle Yun Young had told me right after we met.
'He said his position in the Ice Palace is precarious.'
Uncle meant there wasn't much practical gain to be had from him.
But to me, having read the original story, it sounded different.
'Among the North Sea Ice Palace characters in the original, the only child of the palace lord described was the little palace lord, Dam Kyungju.'
Dam Yongju never even showed his face.
Of course, no one from the North Sea Ice Palace would dare falsely claim to be the blood of the Ice Palace Lord.
'He's openly active externally now, but...'
He doesn't appear in the original timeline, and his position is shaky at present.
The answer was simple.
'Dam Yongju gets purged by his brother.'
It was a hypothesis backed by some conviction, but I couldn't act rashly on it.
We'd only played one game; I didn't want to meddle unnecessarily.
Nor did I want an unplanned approach to give him cause for elimination.
So I stayed put.
'But he came to me.'
Dam Yongju's Go skills were impressive.
That meant he had a keen eye for judging situations, so he must know his own predicament well.
Yet he'd come to me anyway. It meant he was staking his life on some desperate gamble.
I spoke to Dam Yongju.
"Dam brother?"
"Azure Dragon! So you're here."
"It's got a nice ambiance. Care to join me?"
Dam Yongju leaped lightly onto the roof of the corridor where I was lounging and opened his mouth.
"Were you performing the ritual of tempering your sword with liquor?"
"...Even trivial stories like that have reached the Ice Palace?"
"Haha, not quite. Didn't I say I admired your exploits when I looked them up? I heard it in passing then. Ah, more importantly... Congratulations on being named the top later-generation talent. Sincerely."
"Thanks. But you didn't come all this way just to say that, did you?"
"......"
"It's not about playing that promised game either... I think you have something else to say. Let's get to the point."
"Haha. As expected of Azure Dragon."
Dam Yongju gave an awkward smile, swallowed dryly, and spoke.
"Truth be told, I've come to ask for your help."
"Help?"
At my question, Dam Yongju began with the situation in the North Sea Ice Palace.
"Publicly, it's said Father is weary from overwork and has temporarily entrusted palace affairs to my elder brother. In truth, he's fallen into qi deviation. His condition isn't good."
"...Is it wise to share that with just anyone?"
"Not just anyone. I've never told a soul. I trust Eon Yong-un, from what I've seen and heard."
"Go on, then."
"So, the palace's politics are now led by my brother, the little palace lord. I've fallen out of favor with him quite a bit."
"I've not known you long, but you don't strike me as someone who easily rubs people the wrong way."
"We've grown distant lately, but we used to be close. Because of that, I forgot my place as subject to sovereign and spoke out of turn."
Dam Yongju clearly understood his situation.
'...They were originally on good terms.'
Someone might have intervened.
A few possibilities came to mind from Dam Yongju's words, but first, it seemed best to discuss solutions.
"What about defection? If I speak to the Martial Alliance Leader, he'll take you in. You haven't committed any crimes in the Ice Palace, and there's no enmity between the Alliance and the palace."
But Dam Yongju shook his head.
"The Central Plains is a land of plenty. I know there are many good people. Still, I prefer the North Sea. It's my home."
"...To sum up, you want forgiveness or recognition from your brother. Right?"
Only then did Dam Yongju nod.
I furrowed my brow.
They say the throne is something you don't share with anyone.
Especially with someone sowing discord.
Even if Dam Yongju had no ambition, it wouldn't be an easy path.
"You're choosing a tough road. Too much talent makes you a thorn in the side, and utter uselessness does the same."
"As expected of Azure Dragon. Yes, it's hard for me. But the favor I'm asking isn't that difficult."
"Let's hear exactly what it is."
"I'd like to invite you and the Righteous Martial Academy's later-generation talents to the North Sea Ice Palace."
With that opener, Dam Yongju continued.
"Rumors travel fast without legs, covering a thousand li in days. Word of Azure Dragon standing as the world's greatest later-generation talent will reach the palace soon. If I show ties to you, my brother might acknowledge my usefulness."
It made sense.
If the Alliance Leader or someone of equal stature visited at Dam Yongju's invitation, it would look like he'd brought in external backers—likely backfiring.
'Their status outranks the little palace lord.'
Me, though? I was a later-generation talent, albeit with the "world's greatest" moniker.
I was the perfect guest to save the little palace lord's face while proving Dam Yongju's value.
That said, it required some thought on my part.
"Hm."
I crossed my arms and pondered.
Master asked,
- What do you plan to do?
'The grasslands and North Sea are suspected demon cult hideouts. I'd like to check them out.'
- But it's dangerous.
'True. Still, chances for Central Plains folk to venture deep into the outer regions don't come often. Plus, the Ice Palace has the Ice White Hall.'
- Ice White Hall?
'A sacred site of the palace. Cultivating there lets those with compatible constitutions draw out body toxins.'
- Meaning you can fully absorb the Great Return Pill?
Not just me—my Eon siblings could benefit too.
And it might save Dam Yongju as a card to play.
But this wasn't for me to decide alone or on the spot.
"I need some time to think. It requires the academy's permission too."
"I understand. We have some flexibility, so just reply before too long."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After our talk, Dam Yongju and I returned to the banquet hall separately, resuming our places as if nothing happened.
At my spot were Horn Bow Fortress's little fortress lord Yahu Wi and South Sea Crimson Dragon Palace later-generation talents mingling.
"Oh? Brother Eon is here!"
"Yong-un! There you are! Come, have a drink!"
"Kyaa! This uncle? He's a patient! No booze!"
"Unc... le."
I naturally joined the group and said,
"Uncle means family. Anyway, Brother Yahu, Jade Beauty here is a Blue Bamboo Hall physician, so we should heed her."
"Ahem. We planned to share the remaining drinks heartily once the banquet kicked off, but with you unable to partake, it's disappointing!"
"If you're disappointed, then I'm disappointed. Is today the only day? We're brothers now— you can visit me, or I you."
"True enough?"
"Yes. Here, have a drink. Ah, not that cup—this bowl."
"A bowl?"
"Including my share."
"...It works that way?"
I soothed Yahu Wi, bummed about not sharing drinks with me.
"At your age, such achievements... Our Crimson Dragon Palace disciples are truly in awe of Azure Dragon's prowess."
No little palace lord level had come, but even accounting for that, it saved face for the Crimson Dragon Palace folk with their middling results.
"It's nothing much. On choppy seas, it'd be three moves to your palace warriors."
"Hahaha, too much gilding!"
"Come, Crimson Dragon folks, drinks all around."
"I'm confident on horseback too!"
"Indeed. Another round for that reason."
Starting with them, other later-generation talents came and went.
I also got acquainted with the renowned elders the Alliance Leader had brought.
Mingling about, time flew.
The night passed in a blink.
The only place I couldn't chat was Shaolin—they'd shown face briefly then left early.
Shaolin's mood wasn't twisted.
They'd excused themselves from the greasy feast.
The next day at noon.
Seeing Shaolin off toward Mount Song.
"Fare well, Great Master."
"Yes, Chief Director. Shaolin bids farewell."
Unlike arrival, Woncheol was at the rear, and we exchanged goodbyes.
"Azure Dragon layman. I leave having learned much and mingled joyfully."
"...Joyful?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes... But why the sudden expression?"
"Just my mood."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes. Safe travels. We'll meet again."
"Yes, I look forward to it."
After seeing Shaolin off.
Contest guests began departing the academy one by one.
The boisterous Horn Bow Fortress warriors, who'd bonded quickly, hurried on too.
"We'll be off."
"Yes. I might visit the grasslands soon. If so, best wishes."
"Oh, music to my ears? You're welcome anytime!"
Some stayed longer at faction behest, like North Sea Ice Palace.
"Student Eon Yong-un, shall we head to the main office briefly?"
"Yes, Chief Director."
Following her, the Alliance Leader and professors sat discussing.
They'd gathered on Dam Yongju's prior-mentioned proposal.
They'd awaited me; as I sat, the Alliance Leader spoke.
"Academy matter, so I'll hold my tongue for now."
Next, Professor Jegal Min of Yun Guk Hall.
"Exchanges with North Sea Ice Palace are necessary. Recall recently: Shaanxi wrecked, Moyong fallen, chaos over North Sea goods. Even you and Leader regretted the little palace lord's absence?"
"Indeed."
"Next-gen kids need ties with their little palace lord. It'll boost their skills too. We already exchange students with them."
Professor Kyung Hye of Kyung Hye House toyed with her teacup, pondering.
"Professor Jegal's right in many ways. But given the times... it's worrisome."
Then Professor No Sam spoke.
"If safety concerns the kids, like Shaanxi, I'll escort."
Professor Chang Ryang of Hyang Ran Hall said stiffly,
"Professor No absolutely cannot."
"Why?"
"You let Yong-un do whatever he wants."
"N-not everything! I'm professor, he's student!"
"Name one time you refused his request."
"......"
Professor No Sam scowled at Professor Chang Ryang's words but fell silent, no examples forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Professor Chang Ryang addressed the Chief Director again.
"I'll go instead. Protect the kids with rules and propriety."
Eh?
No, not him.
A trip with Chang Ryang?
Suffocating just thinking.
As I pondered escaping this crisis,
Uncle Jaehyeok spoke.
"Professor Chang Ryang would ensure proper escort, but you're unfamiliar with outer customs?"
"True."
"Hahuk's a gateway for outer folk; I'm familiar. Know some Ice Palace people too. Seems I'm best."
Thus, the Ice Palace delegation escort was decided.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Preparations proceeded swiftly once the escort was set.
Route planned.
Paperwork done.
Gifts prepared.
Over two days, delegation participants finalized.
First-year Ma Bang Yeon students.
Blue Bamboo Hall: me, Jeong Hyeon, Yin Xia Lian, Eun Ha-seong, Woo So-reung.
Fragrant Orchid Hall: Tang Ok-gi, Namgung Yun.
Yun Guk Hall: Jegal Seolji.
And Yun Mae Hall trio.
Eleven incumbents total.
Paeng So-jin joined from Hahnam as Martial Alliance Leader's disciple.
"Then, safe travels."
"Yes!"
The journey started smoothly.
Alliance Leader escorted to Hahnam's edge, speeding the North Sea Ice Palace delegation north.
"Everyone good? Pig, you look bigger every time."
"Sis, don't pick on me to ease awkwardness. I'm not dumb."
"Heh, Paeng So-cheon, grown bold?"
"Always been bigger than you, sis."
In Shaanxi, Uncle Yun Young and Tae Won Merchant Group eased passage.
"Father's improved but not for outings. Shame you can't stop with the long road."
"True. We'll visit on return."
"Do so. Take care."
"Yes."
A bit regrettable missing Great-granduncle near Tae Won.
Planned stop on return eased it.
We crossed mountains, rivers, through Shaanxi.
Finally passed the Great Wall.
"...Phew. Outer regions from here."
Long north trek brought us to the grasslands.
In Horn Bow Fortress, gateway to North Sea, we'd swap horses, stock cold-weather gear.
But familiar welcomers...
"Eh? Brother Yong-un! That's Brother Yahu's banner, right?"
"Horn Bow Fortress. Yeah."
"...But they're being chased by some guys?"
Under attack.
"Help first! Ma Bang Yeon, draw swords!"