The Gathering Storm
Jang Yeon-hui and the entourage of the Cheongun Merchant Group departed the headquarters the following morning at the Hour of the Dragon, exactly as the Sect Leader had decreed.
Baek So-cheong, Yeongho Bin, Namgung Eon, and I accompanied the merchant caravan.
Until the very moment of our departure, Ha Yeon-ryeong kept stealing glances at me, her eyes filled with lingering regret at being left behind.
However, I had decided to leave her at the headquarters. This endeavor carried far too much risk to involve an outsider like her.
"Having the Young Sect Leader accompany us is a tremendous source of strength! Hahaha!"
"Think nothing of it. I shall do my utmost to ensure my maternal grandfather achieves his desired results at this tournament."
"Reassuring. Truly reassuring!"
Before we set off, Jang Yeon-hui had approached me with a genial smile, warmly patting my shoulder.
The composition of the caravan was incredibly lavish, perfectly fitting the reputation of the Cheongun Merchant Group's leader—the wealthiest man in the southwestern region of the Murim.
There were three massive carriages, each pulled by four horses. My companions and I occupied one of them.
Jang Yeon-hui claimed an entire carriage for himself, while the third carried the martial artists tasked with his protection.
Additionally, a dozen mounted warriors rode alongside them, and there were six wagons heavily laden with cargo.
But that was not all.
The entourage that had visited the Sun and Moon Sect with Jang Yeon-hui was merely a fraction of their total force. Not long after we departed, another group of carriages and riders—equal in scale to our initial party—merged with the caravan.
Roughly a third of this new group consisted of cargo wagons, while merchants and martial artists split the remainder evenly.
The sheer size of the delegation participating in the tournament was a clear display of the Cheongun Merchant Group's formidable influence, as well as a testament to how much effort they were pouring into this event.
What caught my attention most was the number of martial artists guarding the delegation, and more importantly, their caliber.
"There are at least three masters of the First-class Realm or higher," Baek So-cheong remarked, peering out the window. "Especially the giant leading the group that joined us later. He seems to be at least in the mid-stage of the First-class Realm."
I recalled the towering man leading the guards and nodded.
"That man is the Captain of the Cheongun Guard, Pung Cheon-jin."
"Ah, I have heard of the expert known as the Chivalry-Selling Sword, Pung Cheon-jin," Namgung Eon chimed in. "So it was him."
Pung Cheon-jin was a swordsman originally from the Wudang Sect, a man who upheld the prestige of the Cheongun Merchant Group with his blade alone.
However, as his derogatory moniker, the 'Chivalry-Selling Sword,' suggested, he was quietly despised by many in the Murim for abandoning the righteous path of a Wudang disciple to serve as a mere mercenary for merchants.
"Young Master Namgung. Be careful never to utter that moniker in his presence."
"Of course, My Lord."
Thinking back, the look Pung Cheon-jin had given me when we briefly crossed paths earlier had been incredibly fierce.
He probably harbors deep resentment toward orthodox martial artists. I wonder what he thinks of the Sun and Moon Sect?
In any case, with a guard force of nearly twenty martial artists, including Pung Cheon-jin, accompanying us, our safety was virtually guaranteed.
I could confidently say we wouldn't have to worry about running into petty bandits on the road.
"Young Sect Leader, the more I think about it, the stranger it seems," Namgung Eon said, lowering his voice.
"The martial prowess of the Cheongun Guard is comparable to a decent sect. Why did they insist on having you accompany them?"
"That is because..."
I paused, mentally debating how to translate the modern term 'figurehead' or 'mascot' into the vernacular of this world.
There was truly no better way to describe my role in this upcoming tournament.
"What my grandfather desires is simply for me to stand by his side and display my presence to the other merchant groups before the tournament begins."
"Pardon? Just that?"
"Young Sect Leader," Baek So-cheong asked, "do you understand our grandfather's true intentions?"
"Grandfather intends to seize the position of Alliance Leader of the Western Merchant Alliance at this tournament. Since our sect has been drawing a great deal of attention in the Murim lately, he wishes to subtly flaunt his connection to us."
"Ah... I see."
The Western Merchant Alliance Tournament, which brought together all the major merchant groups of the southwestern region, was held once every ten years.
This year's tournament was to be held in Chengdu, Sichuan—the stronghold of the Cheongun Merchant Group. As always, its primary purpose was to elect the Alliance Leader who would guide the Western Merchant Alliance for the next decade.
While the Cheongun Merchant Group had grown at a terrifying pace over the past ten years with the Sun and Moon Sect backing them, they still lacked the legitimacy recognized by the orthodox factions.
Thus, Jang Yeon-hui harbored the ambition to secure the Alliance Leader's seat by subtly displaying his ties to the Sun and Moon Sect, using our influence to cow the other merchant groups.
The Young Sect Leader of the Sun and Moon Sect was currently one of the most talked-about figures in the Murim. Jang Yeon-hui calculated that merely having such a figure present would instantly elevate his own status in the eyes of the other merchants.
"It must not be a very pleasant position for you... but at least it seems you will not be in any danger, Young Sect Leader. That is a relief."
Namgung Eon cleared his throat, quickly wrapping up the conversation.
He seemed embarrassed about his earlier slip of the tongue regarding the 'Chivalry-Selling Sword.'
If only my role were truly that simple.
But knowing the kind of man Jang Yeon-hui was, I had a strong premonition that this affair would not conclude so smoothly.
Moreover, I had a separate, secret mission entrusted to me by the Sect Leader.
Clack, clack.
The carriage finally emerged from the narrow, bumpy mountain path and onto the wide imperial highway, picking up speed.
"Do you all still not know me?"
"?!"
I had no intention of revealing Jang Yeon-hui's schemes or the Sect Leader's secret orders to them just yet.
But if I had to do this anyway...
"Namgung Eon, Yeongho Bin. Prepare yourselves. You as well, sister. I have no intention of sitting quietly as my grandfather wishes."
It was now my third year since reincarnating as the Young Sect Leader. I intended to make this journey into the wider Murim the turning point of my life in the sect.
"A storm of blood will sweep through this tournament. And I shall be the one to unleash it."
"Young Sect Leader. Forgive me for causing you such inconvenience."
"Do not worry, Grandfather. I shall see you the day before the tournament."
"I am counting on you, Young Sect Leader."
The Cheongun Merchant Group's caravan came to a halt just outside their destination, the city of Chengdu in Sichuan.
After letting my companions and me disembark, the caravan spurred their horses and continued ahead.
I wonder if he really needs to go to such lengths...
Jang Yeon-hui planned to flaunt the relationship between the Cheongun Merchant Group and the Sun and Moon Sect by revealing my presence to the other merchant groups at the absolute last second.
To achieve this, he insisted that we should not be seen entering Chengdu together with his caravan.
The moment the Cheongun Merchant Group entered the city, they would draw the attention of every rival group. He did not want to reveal his trump card too early and make himself a target of premature sabotage.
Jang Yeon-hui was aiming for a dramatic, theatrical entrance, but this arrangement wasn't bad for me either.
As I had told my companions, I had no intention of dancing to the tune Jang Yeon-hui had written for me.
Thanks to his paranoia, I had gained some free time to move independently before the tournament began. I intended to make the absolute most of it.
"Let us proceed as planned."
"Yes, My Lord," Yeongho Bin replied.
"Yes, Young Sect Leader," Namgung Eon said.
I had briefly explained only the necessary details of our mission to my companions.
Omitting the fact that my grandfather had tried to have me assassinated, I framed it as a secret directive from the Sect Leader: we were to find leverage on the Cheongun Merchant Group during the tournament to increase our sect's control over them.
Thus, the moment we entered Chengdu, we would split into two groups to gather as much information as possible regarding the tournament and the Cheongun Merchant Group.
I would move with Yeongho Bin, while Baek So-cheong and Namgung Eon formed the second team.
I had paired them up after carefully considering their respective abilities and specialties, but looking at the combination of Baek So-cheong and Namgung Eon, I couldn't shake a nagging sense of anxiety.
"Sister, be especially careful once we enter Chengdu."
"Oh my, Young Sect Leader. Are you worried about your big sister? I'm so touched..."
"I mean do not get distracted by street snacks or chase after pretty trinkets."
"Hmph!"
Baek So-cheong whipped around, pouting deeply as she feigned offense.
I spoke to her that way, but in truth, I wasn't deeply worried about her. She was prudent in her actions and possessed formidable martial arts.
The real concern was Namgung Eon, whose overflowing sense of justice and chivalry practically made him a magnet for trouble.
"Namgung Eon, make sure you do not get dragged into unnecessary conflicts."
"Yes, Young Sect Leader!"
Just as I gave them my final warnings and turned to leave, Baek So-cheong called out to me.
"Young Sect Leader."
"What is it?"
"Do nothing reckless, and return to me in one piece. Promise me."
"You worry over nothing."
"Promise your sister."
"Very well."
Leaving behind Baek So-cheong, who was trying to smile despite the worry etched on her face, I took Yeongho Bin and entered Chengdu first.
Passing through the massive gates set into the towering city walls, we stepped into a bustling street. The city was alive with people hurrying to and fro, and merchants shouting to sell their wares and fresh ingredients from crowded stalls.
The clamor of the lively streets and the savory aroma of pan-fried cakes wafting through the air made me truly realize I had entered a major metropolis.
Since my reincarnation into Baek Yeon's body, this was the first time I had set foot in such a bustling city.
Just because I'm an extreme introvert doesn't mean I absolutely hate crowded streets. Watching people who have absolutely nothing to do with me go about their day is actually quite comforting in its own way.
"My Lord. I hear the Breeze Tavern, located about three li in that direction, is the largest establishment in this area," Yeongho Bin whispered.
"Very well. Let us head there immediately."
"Yes, My Lord!"
As we had previously agreed, Yeongho Bin and I headed straight for the largest restaurant and tavern in the district.
First and foremost, I wanted to hear what the common folk and travelers were saying about the upcoming tournament.
There was no better place to gather rumors than a tavern where martial artists and visitors arriving for the tournament were bound to gather.
The Breeze Tavern was quite spacious, yet it was already packed to the brim with patrons.
A tavern waiter quickly scurried over and bowed politely.
"We are completely full at the moment, sirs... Would you mind sharing a table with another guest?"
"That is fine. Bring us a plate of sweet and sour pork and another of shredded pork with green peppers."
Since we had agreed to act as brothers while wandering the streets, Yeongho Bin answered in my stead. Relieved, the waiter led us to a corner of the tavern.
The guest already seated at the table was a young man who looked to be under twenty. He wore a gray robe and overcoat, with a simple headwrap covering his hair.
Though his face and frame were on the leaner side, his shoulders beneath the robe were broad and sturdy.
With thick calluses coating his hands and a distinct aura unique to those trained in martial arts, he was unmistakably a martial artist.
On the table sat a plate of fried noodles and a single bottle of liquor. The young man was slowly, almost reverently, raising his cup to his lips as if savoring every single drop.
"Sir, my apologies, but we are short on space. These two gentlemen will be joining you," the waiter said.
The young man raised his left hand, gesturing for them to wait. Without speeding up, he slowly tilted the cup and emptied the liquor into his mouth.
His body remained perfectly still for about two seconds as his throat bobbed, swallowing the liquid down.
"Ahhh!"
With that classic exclamation of pure bliss that only comes with the first drink of the day, the young man slammed his cup onto the table with a sharp clack.
This man was, without a doubt, a true lover of alcohol.
"Please, sit. There is plenty of room."
The table we were shown to was actually smaller than the others in the tavern, barely looking large enough for two people, let alone three.
Yet, the young man cheerfully slid his fried noodles and liquor bottle toward his side, making space for us.
Sharing a table could easily be awkward, but seeing how he didn't show a hint of annoyance, he seemed to possess a remarkably good-natured personality.
Watching us take our seats opposite him, the young man picked up his bottle, refilled his cup, and asked in a bright, cheerful voice:
"It seems you patrons are not from around here?"
"Ah... indeed. My brother and I are currently traveling..."
"Ah!"
Before Yeongho Bin and I could even finish responding, a strange realization dawning upon us, the young man gasped in shock at his own words.
"Ah! My apologies, calling you that just now was merely..."
Seeing his sheer fluster, a chuckle escaped my lips.
I had already suspected as much from the smooth, hairless scalp peeking beneath his headwrap, and his overly dramatic appreciation for a single cup of alcohol.
After all, who else in the world would naturally address complete strangers as 'patrons'?