Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Visitors at Sword-Shedding Pool
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The work to repair the Sword-Shedding Pool was proceeding steadily, if slowly.
Planting dozens of wooden stakes over the course of a month meant there was no particular rush.
As always, Jinmu lounged about while Cheongu and Cheongsang diligently pounded in the stakes. After driving in a couple, Cheongsang would head out hunting, and Cheongu would build a fire.
Then, following Jinmu's curt instructions spat out like pebbles, the two continued their training.
"Smack smack. By the way, didn't they say guests were coming today?"
Cheongu said casually as he roasted a rabbit for lunch.
"That's right. Nom nom, Elder Brother Myeongchung visited them several times and made earnest requests."
"They must be pretty important guests. Everyone's been cleaning up a storm since morning."
"Yeah. Qingyang Merchant Group, or something like that."
"Come to think of it, didn't Senior Brother Jinhye say he'd come down here himself around lunchtime to greet them?"
No sooner had Cheongu finished speaking than voices drifted up from the foot of the hill in the distance.
At that moment, a thick veil of tension fell over Cheongsang's face.
"Cheongu!"
"......"
"Clear it!"
Paak! Pabapak!
In an instant, the pheasant remains were swept away, and the leftover firewood was buried in the ground.
Then, acting as if nothing had happened, they stepped forward to greet the guests approaching the Sword-Shedding Pool.
"Hey, you guys......"
Jinmu called out urgently, but they were already advancing with dignified expressions as the proud Second Generation Disciples of the Jade Generation from Wudang, a sect that turned its back on the secular world for an ascetic life.
"Are you from the Qingyang Merchant Group?"
"......Yes."
A middle-aged man with a goatee and a sleazy look responded with a surprised expression to Cheongsang's refined greeting.
"I am Second Generation Disciple Cheongsang of Wudang."
"Ah, ah...... yes."
The man returned the courteous clasped-hands salute with a puzzled look on his face.
"We heard from Senior Brother Jinhye this morning that you would be visiting."
"Ah...... I see. But is something troubling Wudang......?"
"Pardon?"
As Cheongsang tilted his head at the man's question, First Generation Disciple Jinhye appeared from the direction of the mountain gate, leading a dozen or so Second Generation Disciples.
"Welcome. Leader of the Group."
Jinhye greeted them warmly, but his face twisted savagely upon seeing Cheongsang, Cheongu, and the others.
"These, these bastards......"
Unable to vent his anger in front of the goateed merchant group leader, he furrowed his brows and glared sharply at Jinmu.
Damn punk. I'll gouge out those eyes for sure.
Jinmu, leaning against a tree, met his gaze without flinching.
That scoundrel. Eating meat again? Once this business with the Qingyang Merchant Group is done, I'll gather the will of the First Generation Disciples and definitely petition the Sect Leader.
Grinding his teeth inwardly, Jinhye composed his expression and turned to the Qingyang Merchant Group leader.
"Please, come up. The Sect Leader is waiting."
"......Yes. But is something the matter?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do the Second Generation Disciples' faces look......?"
"Ah, no. It's probably from the Sword-Shedding Pool repairs......"
"Ahh......"
The goateed man nodded superficially in understanding but kept tilting his head in suspicion. Having heard Jinhye's explanation, he didn't press further.
"Disciples, take their luggage."
"Yes, Senior Brother!"
At Jinhye's command, the Jade Generation martial artists took the burdens from the merchant group's shoulders and slung them over their own.
"No need for that."
"Haha, Leader. Are we outsiders? The mountain paths are treacherous—don't refuse."
"Heh heh, then I'll impose on you."
"Of course, of course. Let's go."
As Jinhye stepped aside to clear the path toward the mountain gate, the group leader stroked his beard contentedly and moved forward.
"You lot...... just you wait."
Once the Qingyang Merchant Group leader had passed, Jinhye glared furiously at Cheongsang and the others before hurrying after them.
Only when they had completely vanished from sight did Cheongsang exhale the breath he'd been holding.
"Phew, I thought Senior Brother Jinhye had caught us eating the rabbit."
"Yeah. Good thing we cleared it up quick."
In truth, it wouldn't have been a big deal even if they had been caught.
"But he didn't look too pleased, did he?"
Cheongu tilted his head, recalling how Jinhye had glared at them before leaving.
"Haa......"
Jinmu, who had been watching them, sighed and shook his head. Neither of them had a clue what the issue was.
"Hm, I wonder why."
Cheongu tilted his soot-blackened face quizzically.
Anyone could see why.
"We didn't do anything improper......"
Cheongsang's lips, smeared with grease.
It's not about propriety, is it?
Haa, I thought at least Cheongsang was fairly sharp......
Naive or just dumb?
They really had zero tact. Of all the subordinates to end up with—my number one and two were like this.
Anyway.
"Cheongu."
"Yes, Senior Brother."
"Who are those guys?"
"Ah, you didn't know?"
Why would I ask if I knew, you idiot?
"Qingyang Merchant Group."
"Qingyang Merchant Group?"
"Yes, they're based in Dangan Valley or something."
"Hm."
Dangan Valley, Qingyang Merchant Group.
Jinmu racked his brain for the names of countless merchant groups he knew, but he'd never heard of them.
Unlike the righteous sects that foolishly secluded themselves in the mountains cultivating the Dao, the Evil Hegemony Heaven had close ties to the merchant world.
He placed such high importance on money that he could wake from sleep at the mere mention of it, and he knew most of the famous merchant groups, escort agencies, and shipping companies active in the Central Plains.
Yet he'd never heard of them.
"Newly established?"
Well, it'd been a year since he died.
Even after reviving, he'd been holed up in Mount Wudang the whole time......
"Huh? No."
"What?"
"I don't know the details, but I heard they've been operating in Dangan Valley for three generations."
"Three generations?"
Three generations meant at least sixty years.
Yet he'd never heard of them...... third-rate.
They were a no-name merchant group.
And their leader was receiving that kind of treatment from Wudang's First Generation Disciple Jinhye?
From the way they climbed the mountain, the superior-inferior relationship was clear.
The group leader, a guest, walked ahead without hesitation, and Jinhye followed as if it were natural.
Even if they've fallen, a prestigious sect has its pride...... groveling to some no-name merchant riffraff? Look at that?
Jinmu's eyes gleamed oddly.
He recalled his own visit to Wudang in the past.
Even after three of the Eight Palaces had burned and their leaders slaughtered, 'Myeongjin' and his disciples had glared at him with unyielding resentment.
Though he despised their Daoist ways, Wudang was that steadfast.
Something was definitely up.
Especially that group leader—his instincts screamed sleaze.
He was no one who could bring any benefit to a prestigious sect like Wudang.
"Hey, kids."
At Jinmu's call, the Jade Generation disciples turned their attention to him.
"Let's head up."
"Pardon? The work's not......"
"Forget that crap. Just tidy it roughly."
"......"
"And you guys......"
Looking at their faces, Jinmu sighed as if the ground might cave in.
"Go wash your faces."
"......"
"Wipe that grease off your mouths too."
In the inner hall of Wudang's main palace, the Purple Empyrean Palace, the elders and First Generation Disciples had all gathered to welcome the long-awaited guests.
"Geumjeoksan of the Qingyang Merchant Group pays respects to the Wudang Sect Leader."
"Welcome."
Geumjeoksan lightly bowed his head and sat in the seat offered by Myeonghyeon.
Those assembled in the Purple Empyrean Palace's grand hall.
In the center sat Sect Leader Myeonghyeon and Geumjeoksan side by side.
Flanking them were the palace masters led by Welcoming Grace Hall's Myeonggong—the elders of the Eight Palaces—followed by the First Generation Disciples standing behind.
On the opposite side sat those from the merchant group.
"Bring it."
At Geumjeoksan's word, a burly man with fierce tiger eyes and a sturdy build brought in a chest.
"To repay your gracious invitation, we have prepared a modest gift."
Myeonghyeon couldn't hide his surprise at the chest opened before him, filled neatly with silver taels.
"Th-this much......"
Geumjeoksan didn't miss the tremor in the eyes of the man who had long cultivated the Dao.
"Much? It's merely my hope that it aids Wudang."
"Heh heh, we're grateful for such thoughts."
As Myeonghyeon smiled in satisfaction, the elders wore pleased expressions as well.
"And though it may not suit your tastes, upon hearing of Wudang's recent circumstances, I prepared a few more items."
At the glint in Geumjeoksan's eyes, more luggage was brought in.
Unpacked, it revealed sharply honed swords, whetstones, and all manner of essentials for martial artists spilling out.
"Heavens!"
The elders exclaimed in admiration one after another.
Especially Origin Harmony Hall's Myeongseon, who managed Wudang's finances—he wanted to clap in delight.
How guilty he'd felt toward the disciples?
How often had he scolded them to conserve?
The financial woes of the past decade-plus had left a constant thorn in his heart, unable to even provide proper uniforms.
"Group Leader, you've been so considerate—I'm at a loss for thanks."
"No need. If anything, Wudang has my thanks for forging ties with a mere merchant group like ours. Isn't it all thanks to your connection with Disciple Jinhye?"
Myeonghyeon nodded, gazing warmly at Jinhye.
First Generation Disciple Jinhye.
Son of a fairly renowned family in Dangan Valley, disciple of Myeonggong.
At thirty, he'd proudly joined the Wudang Seven Heroes, Wudang's rising sword star with a bright future.
"Heh heh, our Jinhye's done a great deed. Wudang can breathe easier thanks to him."
"Quite right. Without Disciple Jinhye, how could a lowly merchant like me ever meet such renowned figures of the righteous martial world up close? It's all thanks to him."
Jinhye, standing behind Myeonggong, responded humbly to the praise.
"Group Leader, you're gilding my face. I'm ashamed before the Sect Leader and elders."
"Oh, my mistake."
As Geumjeoksan apologized, Myeonghyeon waved it off.
"No, no—what mistake? Heh heh. Jinhye, no need for excessive humility. Everyone values your achievement in forging this fine connection. Isn't that right, fellow brothers?"
Myeonggong shrugged at Myeonghyeon's words.
"The Sect Leader speaks true. Jinhye acted in accord with the Dao—pay it no mind."
"Yes."
Scratching the back of his head, Jinhye bowed and stepped back respectfully.
"Group Leader, we should properly host you, but with nothing in our Daoist sect to entertain, it's regrettable."
"Not at all. I seek nothing specific—don't trouble yourself. Just allow me to pray at the temple on my way out to banish illnesses from my family."
"Banish illnesses" meant driving out sickness and demons.
Even in their heyday, visitors always sought to lean on Wudang's power somehow—how refreshingly modest.
His sincerity warmed Myeonghyeon and the elders further, and they all looked at Jinhye—who had connected them to the Qingyang Merchant Group—with eyes full of praise.
"Then, as you're busy, we'll take our leave."
"Heh heh, what busyness for mountain Daoists?"
"My thanks. As a worldly man, I simply can't acclimate to the temple's atmosphere."
"Heh heh, I've been too dull to grasp your polite words."
Myeonghyeon nodded, deeply reflecting once more on his prior assumptions.
Qingyang Merchant Group Leader Geumjeoksan.
Jinhye had cautiously introduced him to Myeonghyeon, long tormented by Wudang's finances.
Desperate as a drowning man for straws, yet his first impression?
Goatee and sleazy eyes.
Unversed in worldly affairs, he hadn't heard detailed rumors, but outwardly, not someone he'd want ties with.
Yet conversation revealed his character grew on him more and more.
Heh heh, I've cultivated the Dao in vain. How could I judge a person's true face by mere appearance?
Was it because of that mindset?
Unlike his initial feelings, Geumjeoksan only grew more likable the longer he looked at him.
"Group Leader Geum, however inconvenient, I can't just send you off empty-handed. At least see Wudang's temple and the children training before you go."
"If you insist, I won't refuse."
"Haha, my thanks."
"Then I'll step out first."
Geumjeoksan performed proper courtesies and exited the Purple Empyrean Palace with his merchant group followers.