Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: The Practical Affairs Meeting
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Even after his return from the Scripture Pavilion, daily life at the Void Serenity Hermitage showed no outward signs of change. Cheongsang and Cheongu doubled down on their physical training with renewed vigor, while Jinmu, as persistent as ever, struggled relentlessly within the Three Palaces Cavern to condense his internal energy and form his "gang."
However, beneath the surface, a new obligation had disrupted his peace. Every morning, Jinmu was now forced to head to the outer annex of the Purple Empyrean Palace to attend the First Generation Disciples' practical affairs meeting.
'Haa, why must they bother holding such a nutritionally empty meeting every single day?' Jinmu let out a heavy sigh as he took his seat. To him, the gathering lacked any real theme or core points; it was merely a tedious list of mundane tasks.
Discussing this month's meal plan? Why bring something so trivial to the official agenda? A few wild roots and Wall Valley Pills were all they had to eat anyway, and if the senior disciples were truly curious, they could simply walk to the kitchen and see for themselves. He similarly couldn't understand why they wasted time debating the reconstruction progress of the Oryong Palace. It was all useless armchair theorizing, the exact kind of stuffy, old-fashioned behavior that gave the righteous factions a bad name.
If it were not for his master's explicit orders, he never would have stepped foot in such a pointless gathering.
"Senior Brother Jingung has sent word from the field," Jinso announced, pulling out a small note delivered by a messenger bird and placing it on the table. Since Jingung had descended the mountain to handle external relations, Jinso—the most senior disciple remaining—had taken charge of these meetings.
"A message from Jingung? What does it say?" Jinhyeo asked.
"It appears there is significant friction between the local merchant groups over waterway usage rights in the Dangang District."
Jinhyeo furrowed his brow at the news. Waterway rights were a critical lifeline for any merchant group. The Dangang District, where four major river routes converged, was a hub of trade, but it was also a place of high risk. Ships were only truly safe when traveling during the windows when official patrol boats were operating; outside of those times, the routes were infested with water bandits eager to disrupt any voyage. Because not every ship could fit into the official schedule, merchant groups often fought over the remaining slots.
"Jingung has requested that the Sect Leader dispatch more disciples to assist him," Jinso continued.
"What? Doesn't he already have eight Second Generation Disciples under his command?"
"Eight is all he has to cover three separate merchant groups," Jinso explained, shaking his head. "After Jinmu cleared out the riffraff in the district, three groups re-established their ties with Wudang. That leaves only two guards per group, which is clearly a skeleton crew if things turn violent."
The conversation turned to why the merchant groups couldn't resolve this through standard negotiations. Jinso explained that the conflict involved the Ilhae Merchant Group, which was allied with Wudang, and the powerful Iseong Merchant Group. For some unknown reason, the latter was refusing to even sit at the negotiating table.
Frustrated by the lack of insight, Jinso turned to Jinhye. "You know the Dangang District better than anyone here. Share your thoughts on why a giant like Iseong would pick a fight with a minor group like Ilhae."
Jinhye glanced nervously at Jinmu before speaking. "The Iseong Merchant Group is backed by the Zhuge Branch Family. They have long sought to curb Wudang's influence to gain total hegemony over the Hugbuk Province. By using Iseong to bankrupt Ilhae, they intend to make an example of what happens to any merchant group that dares to turn their back on the Zhuge Family in favor of Wudang."
The room fell into a grim silence. Jinmu looked at Jinhye with mild surprise; he hadn't expected the sleazy blowhard to have such a sharp grasp of regional power dynamics. It was a good thing he hadn't killed the man; Jinhye was proving to be a useful tool to exploit.
"If this is a power struggle, what is our move?" Jinhyeo asked.
"We cannot confront the Zhuge Family directly," Jinhye answered, regaining his confidence as Jinmu remained silent. "Ilhae must push through with their voyages despite the threat of bandits. If they back down, Wudang's reputation will be ruined. But if we protect them and they succeed, our standing in the merchant world will be elevated."
Jinhye explained that the task must be handled by First Generation Disciples to maintain Wudang's honor—sending an Elder would make the sect look weak and desperate. As everyone pondered who to send on such a dangerous mission, Jinhyeo’s eyes locked onto Jinmu.
"Senior Brother, why are we hesitating?" Jinhyeo said with a bright, almost mischievous grin. "We should send Jinmu."
'Huh? Why is this bastard looking at me like that?' Jinmu felt a sudden wave of unease.
"Jinmu is the perfect choice," Jinhyeo argued. "He is the practical affairs disciple who will eventually wield Wudang's sword, and his skills are exceptional. He can handle a few water bandits."
Jinhye, seeing an opportunity to get rid of his tormentor, chimed in immediately. "I agree completely. Our junior brother even defeated Jinhyeo in a spar; he is more than capable."
Jinmu glared at them, his eyes flashing with fury, but Jinhye simply averted his gaze while Jinhyeo continued to grin foolishly.
"It is decided then," Jinso said, clapping Jinmu on the shoulder before he could voice a protest. "Seeing our junior brother grown enough to take on such a responsibility fills me with joy. Go and prepare, Jinmu. We will select a few capable Second Generation Disciples to accompany you."
'Hey! Wait a damn minute!' Jinmu screamed internally. 'Shouldn't you at least hear my opinion before sending me off to fight river rats?!'