Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: Gold Dragon Hall
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The next day.
Despite the likely aftereffects of the banquet, the morning at the Jinmu Hall began with vigor.
“We will sing our anthem on the march. Our anthem is ‘The Magnificent Jinmu Hall!’”
Magnificent-!
Jinmu Hall-!
There may be many-!
Starting with a run accompanied by the martial anthem.
*Whistle, whistle, whistle. Whistle-whistle-whistle-whistle!*
“Three thousand eight hundred and two.”
Which son of a bitch-!
I’ll kill you!
The PT exercises, accompanied by the usual torrent of curses.
“Climb! Anyone who falls dies!”
Followed by a bare-handed cliff climb.
“Hmm... Excellent.”
Perhaps because of that, the trainees' muscles, which I hadn't seen in a while, had certainly hardened. This must be what they call battle-ready, compressed muscle.
In truth, fights in the martial world aren't always decided by internal energy alone.
Depending on the situation, external arts can exert more powerful force.
Especially in a large-scale melee where allies are mixed in, one can't recklessly use grand techniques.
Furthermore.
The philosophy of the Jinmu Hall is that proper training lays the foundation for reaching higher realms in the future.
A healthy body cultivates healthy internal energy—isn't that a principle that pierces through the world?
‘Indeed, it is.’
Anyway, after the morning training, I summoned Yang Gang, Ha Jin-hyeong, Lee Dang-pal, and Yu So-pyeong, who oversees the administrative affairs of the Jinmu Hall.
They seemed quite accustomed to it now, a sense of ease on their faces.
‘These guys…’
They worked hard even when I was gone.
Seeing my subordinates' growth, a mix of pity and pride welled up in my heart.
“We were just about to rest. Why are you summoning us again?”
That is, until I heard Yang Gang's remark.
*Thwack!*
“Ugh!”
“You little...”
It seemed to have an effect, as the guy shut his mouth, though his eyes flashed with resentment.
“Is everyone finding it tough?”
Ha Jin-hyeong said with a friendly jest.
“With seven hundred trainees, it would be a lie to say it's not tough. Haha.”
“Just endure for another month, and new instructors will arrive. Hold out until then.”
“Yes? Instructors? Who might you be referring to…?”
The four men's gazes focused on me.
“Everyone from the First to the Fifth Pillar of the Shadow Coven.”
“……!”
Everyone's eyes widened as if they would tear.
It was only natural.
In modern terms, it was like saying you were releasing a felon sentenced to life in prison.
“What kind of nonsense is that?! How could you possibly get people out of the Dragon Guard Cave...? W-wait, don't tell me?”
“That's right, I'm…”
“Now you're planning a jailbreak?! You've really gone off the deep end.”
*Thwack!*
“Ugh!”
“This bastard never thinks before he speaks.”
I ignored Yang Gang, who was clutching his head, and continued.
“I'm getting them out legitimately. Legitimately. Anyway, no one has any complaints, right?”
“How could we have any complaints?”
“It’s... good...”
“If it's the folks from the Shadow Coven, I welcome them too. Ahem.”
“Then, So-pyeong, you take the lead and reorganize the structure. Yang Gang, don't even think about hazing them.”
“What? When have I ever hazed anyone?!”
“Do I not know you? Do I?”
“……”
After the meeting ended and I stood up, Yu So-pyeong followed me out.
“Um... My lord, I have something to tell you.”
The moment I heard those words, an ominous feeling surged through me.
It was true.
Usually, when someone says 'I have something to tell you' after a meeting, it's a sure sign they're about to resign, nine times out of ten.
Considering the importance of Yu So-pyeong's role in the Jinmu Hall, his resignation was something that absolutely could not happen.
There was no other choice. I had to somehow coax and appease him.
“…So-pyeong.”
“Yes?”
“It might be tough now, but if you just endure a little longer, I'll definitely reward you later. Hmm? You know me, right? I'm a man of my word.”
“Ah, no, that's not it…”
“Ahem! You don't trust me? Tsk, I get it. It's the monthly salary, isn't it? How much of a raise do you want?”
“Well, getting more would be nice, but…”
“Then I'll add half a nyang a month. You're staying. Got it?”
“Are you only giving me a raise?”
“…So?”
“If you're not raising everyone's, then I must decline.”
For a moment, various thoughts crossed my mind, but Yu So-pyeong and the other former members of the Seventeenth Squad were priceless talents.
If they all quit together, the future of the Jinmu Hall would become uncertain.
‘Tsk, tsk, kids these days... being nice to them is useless…’
Swallowing the heart-wrenching pain, I had no choice but to accept Yu So-pyeong's proposal.
“Fine. Let's do it that way.”
“Thank you.”
Yu So-pyeong bowed his head deeply and then continued.
“But the reason I came to you was not to ask for a raise, but to deliver news from the Military Affairs Department that they are moving up the plan to expand our forces.”
“……”
“It's not certain, but it seems the entrance examination will be held within the next couple of months.”
“What.”
You should've led with that.
I gave them a raise for nothing...
“Well then, I have much to do, so I'll be on my way. Ah, and thank you very much for the raise. I was running a bit short on funds.”
“……”
My stomach churned.
* * *
I returned to the Hall Master's office, trying to soothe my gloomy heart.
Having been away for a long time, I intended to take care of the work that must have piled up.
“……”
But only a spotlessly clean desk greeted me; there was nothing there.
For a moment, I wondered what was going on, but I soon found the answer.
‘A figurehead.’
That's right.
For the past month, the Jinmu Hall had operated splendidly without me, the Hall Master. A system that ran smoothly without me had been established.
In simple terms, it meant I had become a puppet Hall Master.
“Should I be happy about this, or sad…”
I couldn't quite decide.
Having free time was nice, but I couldn't just stand by and watch the Jinmu Hall, which I had invested a fortune in, run itself.
“This won't do.”
At times like this, one must consult an experienced manager.
I headed out to meet the best manager I knew, the Gold Dragon Hall Master.
Besides, I had something to collect from him.
“Ah, the secret manuals... Nah, never mind.”
I considered taking the martial arts manuals I brought from the Dragon Guard Cave to sell them, but then decided against it.
Even if I sold them, I'd have to consult with the Shadow Coven guys, who were co-owners. I couldn't just sell them on my own.
‘There's such a thing as trust, after all.’
They'd probably be satisfied with a 9-to-1 split.
If they really pushed it, I could concede to an 8-to-2 split.
With me getting the 8, of course.
Anyway, as soon as I set out, I saw a wooden building right in front of the Jinmu Hall's entrance with a sign that read [Cheong Family Manor, Nine Dragons Fortress Branch].
A long line of people was also noticeable.
It was the clinic run by Cheong So-so.
“...That girl is a wonder every time I see her.”
Sometimes she seems like a hopeless wench who would ruin her family, and at other times like this, she gives off the strong impression of an angel in white.
Cheong So-so was even providing free treatment to those who couldn't afford it.
“Thank you, Divine Maiden! How can I ever repay this kindness…?”
“It's alright. With the money you would give me, please buy some meat for your children. I'm worried they might not be growing properly if they're not eating well.”
In contrast, she demanded absurd treatment fees from the wealthy.
“All done.”
“How much do I owe you today?”
“Hmm... Mister, your house has nine rooms, so that will be nine nyang.”
“Very well.”
The interesting thing was that no one seemed to mind paying these expensive fees.
While some might be paying begrudgingly because of her Cheong Family background, many seemed to pay willingly.
Some even came without receiving any treatment and tried to offer large sums of money.
But Cheong So-so refused.
“I've told you several times that I don't accept money that isn't for treatment.”
“Then why not use this money to treat others? Let me do a good deed as well.”
“I am not a philanthropist; I am a physician who practices the art of healing through medicine. If you truly wish to be charitable, please use that money to buy grain and distribute it to the poor.”
“Hah... well then...”
As soon as the old man who had brought a bundle of money departed forlornly, Cheong So-so shouted with an unfazed expression.
“Next patient!”
Watching her work up a sweat, I thought.
‘Tsk, tsk, if it were me, I would have fleeced them down to their underwear... She still has a long way to go.’
* * *
After wandering around for a while, I arrived at the Gold Dragon Hall late in the day.
The guards at the gate seemed to recognize my face, opening the doors and giving me a VIP-level escort.
It was a bit overwhelming, so I waved my hands dismissively.
“You don't have to go this far…”
“Compared to the grace Great Warrior Jin has bestowed upon the Gold Dragon Hall, this is nothing.”
I don't know what they had heard, but they even called me 'Great Warrior' and escorted me with impeccable discipline.
That wasn't all. As news of my arrival spread, warriors of the Gold Dragon Hall came rushing over.
Nine Dragons!
They stood before me and even performed the Outer Hall salute.
“...Nine Dragons.”
It was my first time receiving such treatment in someone else's domain, so it felt quite awkward.
Still, seeing them not forget a kindness made me think that risking my life to save Geum Geuk had been the right thing to do.
“How about a drink of Geumjoncheong after work?”
“Again? Geumjoncheong is fine for a day or two, but drinking it all the time gets boring.”
“Still, as warriors of the Gold Dragon Hall, we can't be seen drinking cheap stuff like Baekgeona.”
“True, you've got a point. Drinking that cheap swill would just ruin our palates.”
That is, until I overheard the conversation of some passing warriors.
“……”
The interior of the Gold Dragon Hall was the epitome of splendor.
The pillars of the pavilion were made from expensive pine wood, the source of which I couldn't even guess.
The decorations on the roof were gilded.
Even the teacups on the table were adorned with pure gold.
‘Hmm…’
For a moment, I considered pocketing one, but I stopped myself.
As a member of the martial world's upper class, I had to maintain my dignity.
Unless I could succeed without anyone ever knowing, that is.
After waiting for a short while, Geum Geuk appeared, breathless and with a bright expression.
“Squad Leader Jin!”
“...Yes?”
*Grasp.*
He placed a hand on my shoulder and continued joyfully.
“Why did it take you so long to visit? Do you know how long I've been waiting!”
“Ah... haha.”
It was a welcome fit for a dead son come back to life.
Geum Geuk said, his face beaming with a smile.
“I've been hearing all about you. You gave the White Dragon Hall a huge embarrassment. Completely shattered the White Dragon Sword's pride.”
‘So that was why.’
“Yes, well... I only did what had to be done.”
“Hahaha! Humble as always. As I've said before, you can spread your wings now. This Geum Geuk will be behind you.”
“……”
“Do you remember I promised you a reward?”
“Ah... yes.”
Of course.
I came all this way, despite the hassle, to receive that reward.
“I agonized for days over what reward to give. Simply repaying you with money and treasures felt like it would cheapen the value of my life.”
“Ah, no. That would be more than enough…”
I quickly tried to interject, but he ignored my words as if he were wearing headphones.
“So, I decided to give you the most valuable thing this Geum Geuk possesses.”
“The most valuable thing…?”
A sense of unease washed over me.
Usually, a build-up like this never led to an ordinary gift.
And just as I expected.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a girl who looked to be about sixteen years old entered.
*Creak.*
“Let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Geum So-cho. Isn't she beautiful?”
No.
She's ugly.