Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Translator: Penny
Chapter 80
Beyond the Net
After a long absence, I returned to the mountain cave. It was the same cave I had sought out whenever important matters arose.
There, I calmly gathered the items from my leather pouch.
First, the Millennium Cold Iron.
Most materials called "Millennium Cold Iron" in this era were not pure. They were alloys, their strength determined by the proportion of Millennium Cold Iron they contained.
Pure Millennium Cold Iron was so prohibitively expensive that even the wealthiest individuals found it impractical to use exclusively.
Among those I knew, only the Black Dragon Emperor of the Unorthodox Factions had ever used pure Millennium Cold Iron. He had used it to escape, but I ultimately severed it and killed him.
Judging by its strength, the piece I had taken from Yacheon appeared to be of remarkably high purity.
Later, I'll entrust these metals to a craftsman capable of handling Millennium Cold Iron. If we can extract the Millennium Cold Iron from the alloys, we should be able to forge at least one sword, and possibly even two, if we're lucky.
Alternatively, I could refine them into alloys myself for other purposes. Either way, I've acquired a rare and valuable material that would be nearly impossible to obtain with money alone.
Since I couldn't use it immediately, I buried the metals discreetly near the cave.
Next, I counted the banknotes.
A staggering 550,000 taels—Yacheon's entire life savings. Even selling the gold and other valuables he'd brought along would fetch a considerable sum, bringing the total close to 600,000 taels.
I plan to use this money for two purposes. First, I'll establish an intelligence network. Considering my enemies, a well-functioning intelligence network is absolutely essential.
Secondly, I planned to create a secret organization led by Baek Pyo. This would be a powerful group composed of elite martial arts masters who would obey only my commands.
I intended to entrust the entire recruitment process to Baek Pyo, confident that he could handle the task.
Aside from banknotes, gold, and jewels, the remaining items were miscellaneous. They were mostly useless documents that I was burning to dispose of when something caught my eye.
It was a small booklet filled with ciphers and numbers.
I immediately recognized it as Yacheon's secret ledger.
I nearly burned it but changed my mind and tucked it into my robe. I wanted to examine it before destroying it.
With that, I finished organizing all the items I had taken from the Shandong Night Merchants.
I stepped out of the cave and gazed down at the mountain below.
The enemies I faced were growing stronger.
I didn't mind. It only strengthened my resolve to become even more powerful.
The rumors spread like wildfire the next day: Ho-yeon Nam of the Ho-yeon Family was dead, and Yeom Hwa of the Heavenly Blade Gate had sustained severe injuries.
One side was the Ho-yeon Family, one of the Four Great Families of the Central Plains, and the other was the Heavenly Blade Gate, whose reputation needed no introduction.
This was a monumental event. As soon as the rumors began circulating, news followed that the Chief of the Shandong Night Merchants had been killed by a master from the Heavenly Blade Gate.
The story was that the Shandong Night Merchants had provoked the Ho-yeon Family and suffered the consequences.
Wherever two people gathered, this was the only topic of conversation. The leaders of the Shandong Sects were particularly worried, fearing that Shandong might become their battleground.
My father and mother shared these concerns.
"I'm worried about what repercussions this incident might bring," my father said.
"Me too," my mother replied.
Compared to their anxiety, I remained calm.
"I don't think we need to worry," I said calmly in response to my father's question.
"Why do you say that?"
"The Ho-yeon Family is based in Gangseo, and the Heavenly Blade Gate is rooted in Guizhou. Both are far from here. Now that the incident has already occurred and the circumstances are clear, why would they bother traveling all the way to Shandong to clash with us?"
My father nodded, seemingly convinced by my reasoning.
"Then what are your thoughts on the Shandong Night Merchants? Do you think they might seek revenge and endanger Shandong?"
"The downfall of the Shandong Night Merchants is a good thing. They were a shadowy organization filled with greedy individuals. Do you really think they'd risk everything for revenge? Impossible. They're more likely to fight among themselves to seize control of Shandong."
"They'll tear each other apart."
My parents nodded in unison, their eyes brimming with trust. Regardless of the outcome, they were pleased to see their son express such a clear opinion.
In truth, I was even more pleased.
I had eliminated all those who needed to be eliminated and acquired a vast fortune. Most importantly, Song Hwarin and I had remained completely untouched by the entire affair.
Their infighting was exactly what I wanted.
One of the most crucial principles in warfare against a formidable enemy:
Divide the enemy, then conquer them piecemeal.
This was a tactic I had often employed.
The more hostile forces the Heavenly Blade Gate faced, the weaker their power would become.
While strengthening my own power, I needed to uncover who was behind Ma Bonggi.
This was still a time to build up my strength and expand my influence.
In any case, Shandong would remain relatively quiet for the time being.
"I plan to return to Wuhan tomorrow."
"Already? Stay a little longer."
My mother couldn't hide her disappointment, but my father suppressed his own.
"Yes, you must work diligently while you're young."
He added his usual reminder:
"Treat your subordinates with respect and consideration."
"I will keep that in mind."
It was a familiar refrain, but today, hearing those words, a thought suddenly struck me:
Perhaps becoming a great leader requires nothing more than mastering one's own heart?
It seemed like reaching the highest position demanded accomplishing so much, but maybe all that truly mattered was perfecting oneself?
No, perhaps even that single task—perfecting oneself—was an impossible feat, even until death?
Song Hwarin opened her eyes.
The morning sunlight streaming through the window was exceptionally bright and cheerful. When had she last woken up feeling this refreshed?
She stretched languidly and sat up.
"Ah, I slept so well."
A moment later, Suran entered with a glass of water.
"Young Lady, you seem to be in good spirits."
"I slept like a log."
It had been ages since she'd slept so soundly. And for the first time in a long time, she hadn't had any nightmares.
Suran was as delighted as if it were her own good fortune. Watching Song Hwarin struggle with insomnia had been deeply distressing and heartbreaking.
Song Hwarin gazed out the window. The scenery was the same as yesterday, but her improved mood transformed the familiar landscape into something new and vibrant.
She had heard about her Master's death. The news struck her heart like a cold blade.
The moment she felt pity for her Master, she knew she had completely broken free from him. The wounds in her heart had finally healed.
If she had felt triumphant at her Master's death, it would have meant the wounds were still deep.
But she felt only sorrow for her Master's death. She pitied him, and her heart ached.
Yet that was all. She had no nightmares, and this morning felt remarkably refreshing.
Just then, a maidservant arrived with news.
"Young Master Byeok has come to see you."
"What? Tell him to wait a moment."
She leaped off the bed.
"Where are you going?"
"To wash up! And do my makeup. Hurry and find my favorite dress. You know the one I cherish. Quick! Hurry!"
Suran watched Song Hwarin dash off, using her qinggong, with a bewildered expression. She had never seen Hwarin act like this before.
Suran glanced out the window.
In the distance, Byeok Ridan stood in the flower garden.
Ever since meeting Byeok Ridan, Song Hwarin had been changing. She had become brighter and more energetic.
At first, Suran had disliked Byeok Ridan, but now she was grateful to him.
"Still, you mustn't make our Young Lady cry, Young Master Byeok."
Fifteen minutes later, Song Hwarin strolled into the Rear Garden, yawning.
"What brings you here so early?" she asked, stretching as if she had just woken up.
"Did I come too early?"
"No, I just woke up. I haven't even washed yet."
"I'm sorry."
"No, I should be the one apologizing for showing you this disheveled state."
Yet she looked far too beautiful and radiant to be considered disheveled. Even her clothes were impeccably neat.
"What brings you here so early?"
"I need to go to Wuhan. It'll probably take a month or two, so I wanted to say goodbye."
"Ah, I see."
Song Hwarin tried to act nonchalant, but she felt more regret than ever.
Her feelings for him were changing daily, though she couldn't know what Byeok Ridan felt in return.
What will I feel when we meet again?
The thought alone made her heart flutter slightly.
She turned to Byeok Ridan and said, "Thank you for everything. Truly."
She meant it. Without him, she would have carried her wounds for life.
"Have a safe trip."
"I need to keep my promise before I go."
"Promise?"
"I said I'd teach you even more impressive martial arts."
"You were serious about that?"
"You didn't take me seriously, did you?" Byeok Ridan asked, his face showing surprise as Song Hwarin nodded. "And you were still willing to abandon your martial arts? Why?"
"You told me to trust you, didn't you?"
A moment of silence hung in the air.
"Ha ha ha!" I burst into loud laughter.
She had truly made such a reckless decision, placing all her faith in me.
"Alright, let's go."
I led her to the deserted training ground and stood facing her.
The martial arts I was about to teach her was the Jinhwa Sword Arts, a unique technique developed by Gosan Hwa Nangja, a renowned female martial artist from two generations ago.
The Jinhwa Sword Arts represented a quantum leap in skill compared to the sword arts she had learned from Ho-yeon Nam.
I began by teaching her the Cultivation Method, repeatedly demonstrating how to circulate her inner energy.
Next, I taught her the Forms, extracting only the essential elements for the fastest and most accurate transmission.
Even so, the process took the entire day.
I gave it my all, and she learned with equal dedication.
As night fell, the martial arts transmission concluded.
I smiled and said to her, "Once you achieve Great Mastery of this martial art, you won't have to worry about getting beaten up anywhere."
Though I said it jokingly, Song Hwarin could sense the extraordinary power of this sword art. Her face already glowed with excitement, fueled by the tension and exhilaration that came with mastering an ascending martial art.
"I'll check on your progress next time. Until then, just keep practicing what you've learned."
She didn't ask how I knew this martial art. After all, if she were to ask that, there were far more pressing questions she should have asked first.
"I'll work hard," she replied.
Wishing to encourage her training, I added, "A true martial artist must be free. Only when unburdened can one truly be free. But never forget: those who wield martial arts freely are the ones who have practiced the same forms tens of thousands of times. Only such individuals can attain true freedom."
"You can achieve true freedom."
This wasn't just about martial arts.
That's what freedom is.
Only freedom tempered by patience becomes true freedom.
Song Hwarin's eyes sparkled as she nodded. Being the intelligent woman she was, she likely understood the meaning behind my words.
"I'll be back."
"When we meet again, I'll be stronger."
"I'll look forward to it."
As I turned to leave, Song Hwarin did something unexpected.
She extended her hand for a handshake.
Her outstretched hand trembled slightly. I suspected this might be the first time she had ever offered her hand to a man, perhaps to express her gratitude.
I took her hand, gripping it firmly but gently.
It was our first handshake.
I returned straight to Wuhan.
On the way, I retrieved the Millennium Cold Iron I had buried near the cave. After all, there were no artisans in Shandong capable of handling it.
I took the Millennium Cold Iron to the Secret Grotto on Immortal Crane Peak. That place was safer than any battlefield in the Central Plains.
Only then did I return to the inn where Gwangdu and Gong Suchan were staying.
"Big Sister Doryeo-nim!"
Gwangdu came running from afar and threw his arms around me in a bear hug. This time, I didn't dodge but obediently accepted his embrace. I had truly missed him too.
"I missed you so much!"
"You rascal! Anyone watching would think we were family reuniting after decades apart!"
"Think what you want. I was really worried when I heard about the trouble in Shandong."
How could he not be? Losing sleep over worrying about me was Gwangdu's specialty.
"Could it be...?" Gwangdu asked cautiously, his eyes narrowing.
I nodded solemnly, a meaningful expression on my face.
"Good heavens!" Gwangdu exclaimed, startled to learn I was involved.
"Don't worry. It's all been resolved."
"Young Master?"
"What is it?"
"Aren't you scared? My heart would burst if I had to face those kinds of people."
"Of course I'm scared. But I have someone who would die for me, don't I?"
Gwangdu flinched and subtly retreated a step.
"Don't forget that the sword bearer is still weak. It'll take another century or so for him to truly become strong!"
"Hahaha."
Gong Suchan approached and greeted me.
"Welcome back."
"Thanks to you, the trip went well."
"You look well."
I didn't notice, but Gong Suchan certainly didn't. His face seemed a bit gaunt from overwork.
"Take breaks while you work."
"I'm eating and sleeping well while working."
"That's an order."
"Yes, Young Master. I will."
Gong Suchan said with a slightly tense expression, "Young Master Byeok, there's a place I need you to come with me."
Unlike his usual calm demeanor, he seemed slightly excited.
Without a word, I followed him.