Chapter 106
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Return to the North Sea Ice Palace
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Seol Hwa-un, who had returned to the North Sea Ice Palace, headed straight for the Palace Lord's quarters.
When he arrived in front of the office, guided by a waiting warrior, Seol Hwa-un was startled.
“Heh heh heh.”
It was Seol Wi-myeong's laughter, which was rarely heard.
‘Father?’
“……So that's how it was.”
“Don't even mention it. I had to put in so much effort to soothe that friend, but thanks to it, I got some valuable information.”
‘What on earth are they talking about…….’
At that moment, Seol Wi-myeong's voice came.
“If you're here, come in.”
“Ah, yes.”
As he entered the office, he saw Seol Wi-myeong at the table and a plump young man sitting across from him. It was Seomun Gong.
After Seol Hwa-un greeted Seol Wi-myeong, Seomun Gong made a fuss as if he had been waiting.
“Oh my, it's been a while, Little Palace Lord.”
“Indeed, it has. I didn't expect you to visit the palace in person.”
“Hahaha, I can't neglect a major client like your palace.”
Seol Wi-myeong spoke.
“Do you plan to talk standing up? Sit down.”
“Yes.”
Seol Hwa-un took a seat at one side of the table.
“Seomun Gong here told me a story I hadn't heard.”
“Yes? What……?”
“You had a spar with the Heavenly Dragon of the Namgung Family?”
“Ah, yes.”
“How could you leave out such a story?”
The North Wind Brigade Leader wasn't there, so he didn't know, and Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won, who were present, hadn't mentioned it since Seol Hwa-un hadn't brought it up.
“I didn't think it was that important. It wasn't widely known anyway.”
Seomun Gong smiled faintly and chimed in.
“Is that really the case?”
“……What do you mean?”
“After the Little Palace Lord left, there was quite a commotion in the Namgung Family.”
Namgung Seo-ok, the second young master of the Namgung Family, had fallen into despair for a while, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and living like a wreck.
“Namgung Seo-ok? I never directly crossed paths with him.”
“That's right. But he was the one who sent the Heavenly Dragon, Namgung Hyo, to you.”
“Ah.”
Come to think of it, because Namgung Hyo had suddenly challenged him to a spar, he hadn't heard the reason for his visit.
“So that's what happened.”
“He probably thought the Heavenly Dragon would defeat you. Of course, the result was the opposite.”
Seol Hwa-un couldn't help but ask.
“How did you know?”
“I didn't at first. Then I heard Namgung Seo-ok had suddenly taken to drink, and curiosity got the better of me. What could make that proud and arrogant young master act like that?”
They had some acquaintance, so sharing drinks wasn't difficult.
When he was completely drunk, Seomun Gong gently coaxed the reason out of him.
“He said he couldn't believe the Heavenly Dragon lost to you. But since it came straight from the Heavenly Dragon's mouth, he had no choice but to believe it.”
Namgung Seo-ok, more than anyone, knew that Namgung Hyo, famous for his integrity, wouldn't lie.
“A huge wall he could never surpass had fallen, so the shock must have been immense.”
“…….”
“Now that you've taken down the Blood Yin Four Armies, it doesn't carry much weight, but at the time, it was a result that shocked the martial world. Why didn't you spread the word?”
Seol Hwa-un shrugged.
“The Heavenly Dragon is impressive, but he's still just a late-generation talent. I didn't think it meant much.”
“As expected.”
Afterward, Namgung Seo-ok blabbed about the spar while drunk, and the rumor spread.
“Of course, it got buried soon after when word spread that you took down the Blood Yin Four Armies.”
“I see.”
Seomun Gong's eyes gleamed.
“I analyzed it from various angles and confirmed it with the Huangbo Family, but I wanted to hear it directly from you. Did you really take down the Blood Yin Four Armies? Alone, at that?”
Seol Hwa-un nodded calmly.
“Yes.”
“Wow!”
Seomun Gong exclaimed with exaggerated gestures, and Seol Hwa-un gave a faint smile.
“If you want me to boast about it, fine. The spirit medicine you gave me greatly helped me reach my current level.”
“Huh?”
“Let me thank you again. My gratitude.”
Seomun Gong looked flustered.
“Th-that's not what I meant…… Who could take down the Blood Yin Four Armies at your young age just from one spirit medicine? It's all because you're exceptional.”
“Is that so?”
“Heh, of course. I mentioned it partly to remind you of my contribution…… but I didn't expect you to say it so openly.”
Seol Hwa-un smiled lightly at Seomun Gong's embarrassed expression and asked about the Central Plains situation after they left.
“I figured you'd ask, so I did some investigating. The most curious thing is probably the Eight Evil Sects, right?”
“Yes.”
Seomun Gong's expression turned serious.
“From what I gathered, there was conflict within the Eight Evil Sects.”
“Conflict.”
“I didn't learn much detail. According to hushed rumors, there was some dispute between the Bright King Sect and the Heaven Mixing Cult…….”
“Hmm.”
“It wasn't a full clash, just that their relations soured considerably. It was related to the Rakshasa Witch, perhaps……?”
“They attacked us alongside the Bright King Sect. Probably because she died.”
“Heavens! So the rumors were true.”
“Rumors?”
“There were whispers that Yi Jeong-myeong, the strategist of the Bright King Sect, stepped out for revenge against the Four Evil Heavenly Gates and suffered a major setback.”
“Not wrong. But we went through quite a bit because of them too.”
“Hahaha, still, impressive. So you made Yi Jeong-myeong eat dirt?”
“…….”
“Truly amazing, Little Palace Lord. Countless prestigious orthodox sects have fallen for Yi Jeong-myeong's schemes. As expected, my eye for people is spot on.”
Seomun Gong then explained that the Evil Alliance had curtailed external activities due to various internal conflicts, while in contrast, the Huangbo Family's prestige had soared after toppling the Four Evil Heavenly Gates.
“Of course, recognition of your palace has grown tremendously too. Plenty are skeptical, but most say you can't be underestimated anymore. Some still dismiss it as just your personal prowess.”
‘Not easy after all.’
Despite such feats in the Central Plains, he hadn't fully changed the Central Plains folk's minds.
Once their conversation wrapped up somewhat, Seol Wi-myeong, who had been listening quietly, spoke.
“I hear you made a provisional contract with Seomun Gong. Is that true?”
“Yes. It was regarding the Ice Blood Horse.”
“Ice Blood Horse.”
Seomun Gong chimed in.
“Hehe, I'd appreciate some thought on the Millennial Cold Iron too. Proper price…….”
At that moment, footsteps approached from outside the office.
Seol Hwa-un said.
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
‘Who……?’
Seomun Gong turned his head with a puzzled look, and Yu Gong-seon entered.
Seol Hwa-un looked at Seol Wi-myeong and said.
“I called him on my way here.”
“I hadn't thought of it. Good call.”
Seol Hwa-un introduced him to Seomun Gong.
“This is Yu Gong-seon, our palace's strategist. Make your introductions.”
“I'm Yu Gong-seon.”
“I didn't know your palace had a strategist. Pleased to meet you. I'm Seomun Gong.”
Seomun Gong quickly sized up Yu Gong-seon. Soon, his face stiffened.
‘……No ordinary man. The North Sea Ice Palace had another genius like this?’
Seomun Gong recognized at a glance that Yu Gong-seon was an extraordinary talent. A look of dismay flashed across his face.
‘The Little Palace Lord is no pushover himself. This negotiation won't be easy…….’
Yu Gong-seon smiled faintly and said.
“I heard you came for dealings between the West Gate Family and our palace.”
“Haha, yes.”
Seomun Gong forced a relaxed laugh, but his pupils trembled.
Seol Wi-myeong continued.
“I've delegated full authority for negotiations with the West Gate Family to Strategist Yu, so talk with him.”
Yu Gong-seon smiled and said.
“This isn't the place for that discussion. Shall we move? Our palace's inner steward is waiting anyway.”
“…….”
Before long, control of the conversation had shifted to Yu Gong-seon.
After the two left, Seol Wi-myeong looked at Seol Hwa-un and said.
“You've changed again in that short time.”
“Thanks to Elder Ro's guidance.”
“Planning to head back to Ice Lord Valley?”
“Yes.”
“How's the Harmony Heart Formula coming along?”
“I'm working on it bit by bit. Combining it with training is taking longer than expected, but I'll complete it within two months.”
Seol Wi-myeong smiled faintly.
“Such a busy son. All good, but pay some attention to family too.”
“I was planning to stay a few days since I'm here anyway.”
“Good. Your mother worries a lot. Take good care of her without making her feel neglected.”
“Yes, but…….”
“Hm?”
“I have a request for you, Father.”
Seol Hwa-un's eyes changed.
“I've gained some insights lately. Would it be alright to request a spar after so long?”
Seol Wi-myeong's smile deepened.
“As much as you want.”
* * *
The negotiations with Seomun Gong lasted a full three days.
Yu Gong-seon and the North Sea Ice Palace's inner steward, along with Seomun Gong and the West Gate Family's third trading division head, put their heads together.
Especially the intense battle of wits between Yu Gong-seon and Seomun Gong.
In the end, Seomun Gong agreed to a contract adding over thirty percent more than he had anticipated.
As Seomun Gong left the North Sea Ice Palace with his group, his face was dark.
‘Damn, who knew the North Sea Ice Palace had such a sly fox!’
Of course, the deal still left considerable profit. But for him, it was as good as giving up thirty percent of the gains.
‘At least I secured the Millennial Cold Iron contract. Not a total loss?’
Even if only a small quantity.
And that wouldn't have been possible without Seol Hwa-un's help.
‘Worth using that precious Small Rejuvenation Pill.’
He had gained more than his investment.
Seomun Gong suddenly turned his head.
“…….”
His gaze sharpened as he looked back at the North Sea Ice Palace.
‘They'll advance into the Central Plains soon enough.’
In truth, he hadn't come just for negotiations. He had stayed to gauge their movements.
‘With talents like that…… It might be the first time in ages a massive sect enters the Central Plains.’
Seomun Gong gave a meaningful smile.
‘Not easy, of course…… But my foresight in spotting the Little Palace Lord early is impressive, heh heh heh.’
If the North Sea Ice Palace established itself in the Central Plains and became a great sect, the West Gate Family, with their good relations, would reap huge benefits.
With that thought, as Seomun Gong turned forward again, an endless frozen plain stretched before him.
“…….”
He felt a wave of despair.
“Sigh, the road back is endless.”
Meanwhile.
At the same time, Seol Hwa-un was heading to the Ice Family Manor for the first time in a while.