Chapter 248
Chapter 248
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 248
Chapter Title: Woman Trouble (2)
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The internet.
A treasure trove of information containing nearly all the world's knowledge.
Thanks to this brilliant invention, in my past life, I was able to overcome countless hurdles disguised as major assignments.
'Professor Kwon, are you watching? The student you gave a D-minus has become the president of a subsidiary of the martial world's largest conglomerate, the Nine Dragons Fortress Corporation.'
Anyway, the absence of the internet was a great source of frustration for me.
After all, in the martial world, information was monopolized by a select few.
That was why information-gathering sects like the Hao Clan thrived.
But who am I?
I am Jin Mujeon, the unparalleled master and immortal strategist born of the Nine Dragons Fortress.
So I found the answer. As I always have.
"So, do you think we'll live well together?"
"Reading the heavens' secrets is no simple task. The results aren't in yet, so please wait a little longer."
"Ahem, I understand. I'll give you more time, so please take it."
I had succeeded in recruiting Manbak Gwijwa, renowned as the greatest fortune-teller in all of Sichuan and Yunnan.
Since there were no intellectuals, what choice did I have but to rely on the next most trustworthy source of information: astrology?
I was curious about how I could ensure a smooth married life.
After a moment of anxious waiting, Manbak Gwijwa slammed his hand on the table.
"Are... are the results in?"
"They are."
A deep smile playing on his lips, Manbak Gwijwa revealed the result of our compatibility reading.
"It is the highest form of compatibility: a man of metal and a woman of earth."
"...What does that mean?"
"Not only will the couple's affection be deep, but her steadfast support will also help her husband succeed."
"Oh."
"Your fortune in wealth will be particularly strong. No matter how much you spend, it will never diminish; your assets will grow endlessly, much like how metal is produced from the infinite resource of the earth."
"Ooh."
"Your luck with children will also be exceptionally good, allowing you to live a life of wealth and glory. It is, I daresay, the best possible match."
"Ooooh!"
My eyes widened without me realizing it.
Manbak Gwijwa wasn't the type to fabricate fortunes just to please his clients.
If he were, his fame wouldn't have resonated throughout the western plains.
That meant what he just said was the official answer from the stars.
"Th-then, what should I do to make our married life even smoother? Should I take control of the finances?"
"You need not do anything. In fact, it's far better if you do nothing at all."
"Still, shouldn't the head of the household be in charge of the finances...?"
"Hah, I never knew the world-renowned Fighting Hegemon was so timid. I'm telling you, it's fine."
Manbak Gwijwa clicked his tongue and continued.
"Besides, what does it matter who manages that trivial thing called money? As long as the husband and wife live in harmony with one mind..."
"No, control over the finances is the most important thing in a marriage..."
"Simply by being together, you will share a century of joy and a century of happiness. So put your worries aside. I stake my name, Manbak Gwijwa, on it."
Hearing Manbak Gwijwa's guarantee, my lingering attachment to the financial reins vanished, and my head cleared.
"Ahem, my judgment was clouded by a better-than-expected reading. I'm ashamed to have shown such an unsightly side. I understand. I will take control of only half the finances."
"..."
I handed him a small pouch containing his fee and bowed my head.
Even if I was part of the martial world's upper crust, it was proper to show respect to an elder with such a high social standing.
"Thank you for coming all this way, despite your busy schedule. Here is your fee."
"Ahem, it feels a bit light..."
"It's one gold coin."
His eyes went wide at the fee, which was worth a hundred silver taels.
No matter how famous he was, it must be rare for someone to offer such a large sum as a fortune-telling fee.
Honestly, it felt like a waste, but I was afraid I'd get cursed if I was stingy, so I was a bit generous.
"My thanks. Hahaha."
"Where will you go now?"
"A fortune-teller like me doesn't decide where to go. I simply walk where the heavens' energy guides me."
"Why not take this opportunity to settle down in Sichuan? I can provide you with some conveniences."
"I appreciate the offer, but the heavens do not permit it at this time."
He politely expressed his refusal, rose from his seat, and then turned back as if he had remembered something.
"Ah, I have a piece of advice to offer..."
"I'm listening."
"Looking at Hall Master Jin's fortune, things are exceptionally good for now, but..."
His gaze shifted to my... vital area.
"What's this all of a sudden...?"
"You will soon face great trouble with women. It would be wise to be careful."
Watching Manbak Gwijwa's retreating back, I thought.
'Isn't that an 'okay, thank you' situation?'
* * *
After my meeting with Manbak Gwijwa, I immediately left the teahouse.
"Have you finished your business?"
"Honestly, I told you to go home and wait..."
Woo Je-jun and Sa Ma-heun, who had recently joined the Hanzhong War King Gate, were waiting for me with their warriors.
They were the ones who had found and brought Manbak Gwijwa.
I had held the meeting as soon as I heard he'd arrived, so they hadn't even had a chance to unpack, yet they bowed their heads as if it didn't matter at all.
"Assisting you, Hall Master, is our mission."
"You guys..."
The problem was.
"What took you so long? I was tired to death."
"..."
They had brought along the nuisance named Cheong So-so.
I couldn't understand what she had to complain about when she'd just been resting in the carriage.
"Why did you bring her?"
"She said that since there were no more patients to treat, she would return to the Nine Dragons Fortress to practice her healing arts."
Lies.
The gambling dens in Hanzhong won't take her anymore, so she threw a tantrum to come here.
But what could I do?
The precious daughter of the Cheong Clan Lord wanted to come, so she had to come.
"The young lady says she's tired. Let's go quickly."
A short while later.
As soon as I returned to the War Dragon Hall, I gave the members who had gone to the trouble of bringing Manbak Gwijwa a fortnight's vacation and a bonus sufficient to enjoy their time off.
It was something that should have earned cheers, but for some reason, they all just stood there blankly, looking at their commander, Woo Je-jun.
"Be back before midnight. Vice Commander Sa, make sure the men don't get into any trouble."
"As you command."
Watching the men dash out only after he gave the word, I thought to myself that he was doing a really good job.
"You're not going?"
"I wanted to have a drink with you, Hall Master. It's been a while. Of course, if you're busy, we can postpone it."
"Busy? Come on. I have some good liquor stashed away."
Woo Je-jun followed behind me with a small smile.
There were no side dishes.
Myo Hyang hadn't finished work yet, and I had dismissed the maids who offered to prepare a table for us.
Well, shouldn't a true liquor enthusiast rely on conversation rather than snacks?
"Have a drink."
"Thank you."
Drinking straight liquor, just the two of us, reminded me of our days in the Outer Hall when we would secretly drink during work hours.
After reminiscing about the past for a while, the conversation naturally shifted to the present.
"How does it feel to be in charge of the Fourth Company?"
"It's good. With more members under my command, it's easier to carry out operations and more convenient to stand guard."
After the war against the demons ended, the Iron-Blooded Nine Companies began a major reorganization, reducing the nine companies to five.
Thanks to this, the number of warriors in each company grew to nearly a hundred, and the position of Vice Commander was created to assist the Commander in controlling them.
In other words, the Iron-Blooded Nine Companies became the Iron-Blooded Five Companies.
For reference, the command of the Fifth Company was given to Geum Ja-hwan, who I used to work with at the Nine Dragons Fortress's Hanzhong branch, and the warriors were selected from volunteers among the martial artists of Hanzhong.
Their martial skills are a bit lacking, but old man Yuk Hak is teaching them diligently, so I think they'll manage somehow.
"A very Commander Woo-like answer. You really never change."
"You are just as consistent, Hall Master."
"That's a compliment, right?"
Woo Je-jun smiled faintly and poured another drink.
"By the way, how is married life? Does anything feel different?"
"It's wonderful being able to be with the woman I love."
"They say the quiet stallion sires the first foal..."
"A... a stallion, you say?"
"You've got the most beautiful woman in Hanzhong by your side. Who cares if you're a stallion or a mare? As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
"Ahem, that is true."
I filled his cup as he smiled a little shyly and asked.
"How's your livelihood? Are you struggling? Should I raise your monthly salary?"
"My wife is much wealthier than I am..."
"Ah..."
Right.
What an enviable bastard.
As I stared at him, contemplating freezing his salary, Woo Je-jun spoke as if he'd just remembered something.
"Ah, there is one other thing that's changed."
"What is it?"
"Now that my life has stabilized, my sense of urgency has disappeared. Thanks to that..."
Woo Je-jun stood up, drew his sword, and began to demonstrate the Black Mist Spear.
It was his own unique martial art, combining the principles of the Black Mist Spear with the Jeam Sword Style.
'Huh?'
Even at a glance, he had improved considerably.
I knew he was working hard, but it seemed he had made great strides since I last saw him.
As if he had attained enlightenment.
And then.
*Fwoosh.*
Sword energy shot out from his blade, extending straight like a spear.
It was a move from the latter half of the Black Mist Spear.
"I've reached the latter stages of the Black Mist Spear."
Seeing that, I couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
There are few things more gratifying than seeing a trusted subordinate achieve something great, so I patted him on the shoulder.
"Congratulations."
Of course, that didn't mean I was going to raise his salary.
"Thank you."
"Marriage must be a good thing. It even raises your level of martial arts."
"You too should marry soon and find stability, Hall Master."
"I suppose so, but..."
"Weren't you already in the process of choosing a spouse?"
"Huh?"
Choosing what?
When I stared at him with a look of complete confusion, Woo Je-jun tilted his head.
"That's strange. The rumor I heard as soon as I entered Sichuan was that you were looking for a spouse, Hall Master."
"Huh?"
It seemed some strange rumor was spreading.
* * *
Three days later.
I came to witness firsthand the true meaning of the idiom, "three people make a tiger."
"This is insane."
Three days... only seventy-two hours.
Before I even had time to clarify that it was just a baseless rumor, a huge crowd had gathered in front of the War Dragon Gate.
The rumor that I was seeking a spouse had spread, and matchmakers had descended upon me.
Worse, I couldn't even turn them away.
"Please inform the War Dragon Hall Master that Dang Hong of the Green Dragon Hall has brought a personal letter from the Honghwa Estate."
"Lee Seo-yeon of the Juhwa Merchant Guild, with a personal letter from the Gold Dragon Hall Master..."
"I have a personal letter from the Lord of the Oh Clan in Yunnan..."
If it were a marriage between commoners, it would be one thing, but for a marriage proposal involving someone of my stature, it was common for high-ranking women to act as matchmakers.
The commander of the Black Dragon Squad, ordered to drive them away, stepped forward boldly, but...
"The Hall Master is in a difficult position to meet you all right now. Please leave!"
"Is this how the War Dragon Hall treats its guests?"
"You won't even explain the reason... isn't this too much?"
"All we need to do is see the War Dragon Hall Master and deliver these letters. Can we not even do that?"
He returned without being able to get a proper word in.
'To think that Bukgung Chang, who used to flatten the Ten Demon Alliance members like pancakes, would be defeated in an instant...'
Women truly are terrifying beings.
"Hmm..."
Things having come to this, I had no choice.
"Let them into the main hall. I'll meet them myself and explain."
I had to face it head-on.
*Step, step.*
I walked with the feeling of facing the lords of the Ten Demon Alliance, who had become citizens of hell.