Chapter 335
Chapter 335
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 335
Chapter Title: Viceroy's Residence (3)
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The treasury opened by His Highness the Viceroy was filled to the brim with all manner of weapons.
I gaped in astonishment.
"Whoa. All of this..."
My master chimed in as well.
-Even that small dagger hanging up front was forged from precious metal by a master craftsman's hand. There doesn't seem to be a single shoddy item here, at first glance.
'Indeed.'
-He didn't show you this place just to brag about his warehouse. Since he said he has high expectations for you... is he telling you to pick one, meaning he's giving it to you, Yong-un?
'Probably? In that sense...'
-In what sense?
'May you live to a ripe old age in perfect health.'
-?
'It seems like it's time for you to retire to that fancy display case. You've worked hard all this time.'
-???
I was teasing my master like that for a moment.
Perhaps misinterpreting my silent stance.
His Highness the Viceroy smiled awkwardly and spoke up.
"One might think the Viceroy collects weapons even a freak wouldn't use."
"Pardon? How could I dare entertain such an outrageous notion."
To avoid any needless misunderstanding, I spoke up immediately.
"I was merely momentarily stunned by the brilliant glow emanating from these weapons. I don't see it as a flaw at all. I quite like yellow or white gold salves myself."
"...Yellow or white gold salves?"
At my words, His Highness the Viceroy tilted his head.
The chief chamberlain at his side spoke up in a calm voice.
"He means gold taels or silver taels, Your Highness."
"Hahaha. Quite the joker."
His Highness the Viceroy laughed heartily and said,
"Well, there are some expensive ones I collected. Truth be told, when I was young, I loved stories of great generals who commanded the world or wandering heroes."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Indeed. If you think about it, the prince's admiration for the Dragon Prodigy comes from me... Anyway. Among these, there are famed swords I bought myself, but many have their own stories."
With that opener, His Highness the Viceroy stroked a few swords and continued.
"Once word spread that the Viceroy honors old martial artists, quite a few who had no successors came to entrust their weapons before passing."
"...Ah."
"Beyond that, since Guangxi connects south to the Southern Sea, west to Yunnan and Annam, and north to Hunan, there are plenty offered as tribute from all over."
"I see."
I nodded, and His Highness the Viceroy gestured to the displayed weapons.
"Well, the Dragon Prodigy should be a worthy heir for any who entrusted their arms here. I've managed them well, but the issue is whether there's anything you need. Take your time looking around."
I bowed toward His Highness the Viceroy and began wandering about, browsing.
The chief chamberlain followed me, offering detailed explanations whenever I paused.
"This bow is pure white."
"Did you see the Elephant Rock by the river on your way to the residence, young hero?"
"Ah, the rock with the hole pierced through? They say General Ma Yuan of the Latter Han shot an arrow to make it?"
"Yes. The bow you're looking at is another masterpiece from the same bowyer who made General Ma's bow."
As I walked along silently listening to such explanations, my master asked,
-Normally, you would be rubbing your hands eagerly, wheedling for one more with that glib tongue of yours. What's with the quiet browsing today?
'...What do you take me for, some fly?'
I grumbled back at my master.
But inwardly, I wanted to ask for the whole warehouse.
With treasures of the world gathered like this, how could greed not stir?
'...Good thing this is the esteemed Viceroy's Residence.'
If it were anywhere else, rumors would have spread by now.
Greedy fools would swarm like moths, stirring up a bloodbath.
'Honestly, I do feel the greed. But don't I already have Regret?'
-Hmph. You just wished me a long life moments ago?
'Who else but me could serve you properly, Master? You're not sulking over a joke, are you?'
-...That mouth of yours.
'Besides, my relationship with His Highness the Viceroy feels more valuable than any visible treasure here.'
His Highness the Viceroy was the imperial kin most trusted by the Emperor.
Not some figurehead prince living in luxury on a nominal title.
'The Viceroy's Residence is a vassal state that holds its own examinations to select officials. It even maintains its own military force.'
The connection with His Highness the Viceroy, who could provide tangible and intangible might in times of need, was truly the most precious thing in this treasury.
'In fact, showing me this place might be a test in itself.'
Finishing my thoughts, I tucked up my sleeves and spoke.
"Your Highness. I'm satisfied just having looked around."
"Why? Nothing to your liking?"
"Not at all."
True to his experience with the intrigues surrounding imperial kin, His Highness the Viceroy read a facet of my intent and pressed.
"...So you think this is a test on my part?"
"That thought did cross my mind."
"Having expectations of someone is a form of test in itself, so I can't deny it entirely. But this was pure goodwill... Seeing you trail off like that, you must want something else from me?"
"Yes."
"Speak."
"One day, grant me the qualification to request great aid from Your Highness."
"Great aid... that carries much weight. Sounds like you're thinking of the clash between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the righteous martial world. Did I understand correctly?"
"Yes. Whether we draw swords first or they strike us, I believe the entire righteous martial world must unite."
"A foe requiring the full alliance of the righteous martial world... Though non-interference in martial affairs is our long policy, such a war would force the capital to guard against rebellion. You're asking for my help then."
"Yes."
I nodded.
His Highness the Viceroy let out a hollow chuckle.
"Heh. That could easily paint me as a rebel leader, but I can't very well tuck tail claiming I care for the people after all that. Looks like the Dragon Prodigy has me hooked proper."
"Your gracious words humble me."
As I bowed with tucked sleeves,
"Very well. I'll be your strength."
His Highness the Viceroy spoke with a serious expression, then called the chief chamberlain.
"Chief chamberlain. Bring ink and a handkerchief."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The chief chamberlain promptly presented the items.
His Highness used one of his rings as a seal, stamped it on the handkerchief, and handed it to me.
It looked like a mere handkerchief, but anything written on it would become the Viceroy's will.
I knelt and received it.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After I took the handkerchief,
His Highness the Viceroy smiled faintly and spoke.
"Rise. And for my face's sake, pick at least one."
Then, he pulled out a suit of armor in a deep sky-blue from one corner of the warehouse.
"Ah, how about this?"
The chief chamberlain took the armor and offered it to me.
"This armor recommended by Your Highness is called the Sea Dragon King's Armor. A tribute from the Kingdom of Java, woven from meteorite iron fallen into the sea, drawn into threads as fine as silk. No crude blade can scratch it."
Lifting it, it was thin and remarkably light.
'Wouldn't show at all even under inner robes?'
As I thought that,
His Highness the Viceroy spoke again.
"Losing the handkerchief I granted would be disastrous. Line it inside this armor and carry it always."
I already had Regret, so other weapons didn't catch my eye.
And with him insisting so, refusing would be rude.
"Yes. I gratefully accept."
Having thus received the Sea Dragon King's Armor, we left the treasury.
"So, how will you spend the rest of your break? Training here at the residence?"
His Highness the Viceroy wasn't the type interested in elixirs or such.
No need to lie to someone placing such expectations on me.
"Nothing certain, but I heard there's a rare elixir slumbering in Guangxi lands. Thinking of seeking it."
Hearing me, His Highness the Viceroy furrowed his brow.
"Hm. But if the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult absolutely refuses to abandon the Central Plains... they'll watch you closer than anyone. Especially given your journeys so far."
"True, but I won't trouble the residence."
"Do you think I'm saying this out of worry for the residence? You falling into danger troubles me. If that happens, what becomes of me who invited you, and the prince who adores the Dragon Prodigy?"
"...To that, I can only say I'll ensure it doesn't happen."
"Hm. Sudden thought—what if I set my itinerary there if you tell me the exact location? I'll bar all access."
"...To go that far? Wouldn't that burden the residence?"
"The man who asks for something risking rebellion calls this a burden?"
"Ahem. True, but..."
I calmly pondered His Highness the Viceroy's proposal.
The conclusion came easily.
"I've considered... Better to attach someone tight-lipped and highly skilled."
"That enough?"
"Yes. The spot is the bottomless pit at Dosol Falls. I can descend with my own skill, but climbing back is the issue. Just guard the entry and exit points."
Thus ended my audience with His Highness the Viceroy.
I returned to my brothers and enjoyed the rest of the banquet.
Back at the pavilion, I called a meeting and relayed what happened with His Highness.
"...So that's how it went. His Highness agreed to lend elite guards."
Senior Ye Hae-su exclaimed in shock.
"Wait, you really got a firm yes on that?!"
"Yes. But don't put it in the gazette? Don't tell anyone else either."
"O-Of course! Talking about that could endanger three generations?!"
Meanwhile, Yin Xia Lian mulled over my gains.
"His Highness's trust and promise are priceless. Young Master Eon claimed it with boldness."
"Primeval Lord of Heaven. His Highness must have seen the Taoist aura flowing from Young Master Eon. But can we leave the ascent and descent entirely to the residence's men?"
Jeong Hyeon asked about those to be attached.
"Who says entirely? Not doubting His Highness, but test every bridge."
"And?"
"We'll all go, but upon reaching the destination, split into two teams. My infiltration team—including me—will head down via Elder Yong's carriage. The weaklings stay topside with the elite guards."
As my brothers muttered "weaklings" to themselves at my words,
I continued.
"You know who's strong, right? When I left Little Jeo-gal, Little Cheon, and Yong-myeong behind. Didn't you all think it odd?"
"......"
"I was harsh to Yong-myeong, but I sent them to Shaolin. Especially Nangong Yun."
"...Me?"
"Yeah. That look in his eyes. Sees no one here his match except maybe me or Jeong Hyeon."
"......"
"It slips out subtly in his attitude... If he rests on it, forget Jeong Hyeon—after break ends, Little Jeo-gal and he swap ranks."
"......"
"The rest goes without saying. Train till muster."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ We needed gear for descending the bottomless pit and to pinpoint the location again.
After much preparation and training,
The day to seek Elder Yong's carriage finally arrived.
"Then we'll be off."
"Everyone, be careful."
"Yes."
"Treat the Dragon Prodigy's words as my own."
"Understood."
As dusk fell,
We donned black night clothes and left the Viceroy's Residence, heading to the riverbank.
We boarded the prepared boat and navigated the river flowing past Gyerim Ward.
Two days following the waterway,
Yang Jin-mu moored the boat at the bank.
"The current could sweep you into the falls if careless. Walk from here."
A bit further on foot, the roar of splitting heaven grew nearer.
Roar! Roooaaar!!!
A massive waterfall plunged into the endless black abyss below.
A precarious bridge hung there.
At the sight, Cheon Jang-ho chuckled wryly.
"...You're going down there? 'Weakling' was spot on."
Yin Ha-seong patted infiltration team pick Wu So-ryeong's shoulder, shoving him.
"Come back safe, little bro So-ryeong. I cherished you like blood kin, but you overtook me boasting your lightness skill. Self-inflicted."
"......"
Ignoring them, I drove a sturdy stake into the pre-marked spot on the map.
To Nangong Yun, Dang Ok-gi, Wu So-ryeong—the infiltration team,
"Let's go."
Nangong Yun, carrying the rope over his shoulder, hooked it to the stake.
"Got it."
And leaped without hesitation.
"Next, Dang Ok-gi."
"...Uh. I'll just describe the Muryeong Earth Dragon inner core. On second thought, I don't need to go."
"Oh."
Dang Ok-gi hesitated.
"Might be other spirit herbs, but you'll feel it at a glance. Plants accumulate spiritual qi, so it'll hit you. Got it?"
"Four."
"Nooo. W-Wait! Just a sec!"
"Three."
But as I counted down approaching,
He finally shouldered his rope and followed Nangong Yun down.
"Kya aaah! You bastard! Lightning'll strike you deaaad!"
"Next, So-ryeong."
"......"
Wu So-ryeong glanced between me and the abyss, weighing fears,
"Urk!"
And squeezed his eyes shut, jumping.
I yelled after him.
"Eyes open! Eyes!"
Then, gazing at Jeong Hyeon and the brothers staying topside,
"Jang-ho mentioned weaklings earlier—that was to motivate you in training. I trust you. Our lives are in your hands now."
"Come back safe, Young Master Eon."
Leaving Yin Xia Lian's words behind, I leaped into the abyss.