Chapter 183
Chapter 183
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 183
Chapter Title: Myriad Gold Merchant Leader
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The group shouldered Yu Gwan-il's corpse and headed south.
There was no need to hurry. There was no sign of the Gongdong Sect warriors pursuing them, and even if they did come after them now, it wouldn't be a problem anymore.
But there was one thing that bothered him. The condition of Flashing Sword Yu Gwan-il's body.
The weather was cool, but a human corpse decayed faster than one might think. In another four or five days like this, Yu Jin-gwang would be faced with a truly gruesome sight.
However, before Dang Mujin's impatience could reach its peak, Yu Jin-gwang pointed to a nearby hill.
"That should do it."
"Do what?"
"Bury my father, of course."
It seemed Yu Jin-gwang had no intention of carrying the body all the way back to the Jeomchang Sect.
Yu Jin-gwang borrowed a shovel from a nearby smithy and dug a grave on a sunny hillside, burying Flashing Sword's body along with his rusted sword. He didn't forget to neatly comb the snow-white hair and dress him in fine clothes.
Finally, after piling up a neat mound, Yu Jin-gwang stepped back five or six paces and stared fixedly at the grave.
It looked as if he were committing the scene to memory, or perhaps reliving memories of his father.
Any ordinary person would have been unable to hide their grief, but Yu Jin-gwang's expression wasn't dark.
Dang Mujin spoke to him in a deliberately somber tone.
"We couldn't bury Senior Flashing Sword on Jeomchang Mountain. What a pity."
"No. That's not important, so don't worry about it."
Yu Jin-gwang's words sounded strange.
...Don't most people want to be buried in their hometown?
Seeing the odd reactions from Dang Mujin's group, Yu Jin-gwang chuckled.
"Most Jeomchang Sect warriors aren't buried on Jeomchang Mountain. They usually die swinging their swords far from home. Father's no different. Neither will I be."
"But you carried Senior Flashing Sword's body quite a ways south."
"I was just looking for a good spot. I never planned to go all the way back to Yunnan Province."
The group glanced at Yu Jin-gwang's face. It didn't seem like empty words.
Stretching contentedly, Yu Jin-gwang said,
"It might be odd for a son to say this while burying his father, but it's definitely an auspicious burial."
"Pardon?"
"He reached the realm he'd dreamed of—that's auspicious. He died swinging his sword with abandon—that's auspicious. He passed on his keepsake to his son—that's auspicious. He repaid the debt that had weighed on him his whole life—that's auspicious. Even the burial spot is prime. It's the perfect auspicious end. For Jeomchang Sect warriors, just getting buried in the ground is fortunate enough."
It wasn't easy for someone who died swinging a sword to even be buried. Few warriors took the trouble to handle the body of someone they'd killed.
Most were left in desolate places, their flesh torn by wild beasts and left to rot away.
"The Jeomchang Sect's standards for an auspicious burial are pretty low."
"Make them higher, and you'd just leave more regrets behind."
The group gazed at Flashing Sword's grave, which had no marker, then left without lingering.
*
Dang Mujin's heart turned southwest, toward home.
But the group's actual direction was southeast. Their business wasn't finished yet. Yu Jin-gwang's pack held an enormous amount of gold.
"You'll be able to pay off all the debts, right?"
To Hong Geolgae's question, Yu Jin-gwang replied confidently.
"With plenty left over. That remainder could run the Jeomchang Sect for quite a while."
Not long ago, when they found the unclaimed gold in the cave, Dang Mujin's group and Yu Jin-gwang had decided to split it five ways.
But once they learned it was money Yu Gwan-il had amassed over a lifetime, the other four declined their shares.
Hyeon-gong felt a bit regretful, but no one objected strongly. People have a sense of propriety, after all.
In the end, thanks to Flashing Sword Yu Gwan-il's lifelong dedication and the generosity of Dang Mujin's group, Yu Jin-gwang could now pay off the Jeomchang Sect's debts.
The group headed southeast, stayed overnight in a large village they came across, then waited at the village outskirts for merchants to pass by.
When a caravan with empty space on their wagons appeared, they approached the most senior-looking man.
"Merchant senior. Which firm are you with?"
"Hwan-o Merchant Group."
"Where are you headed?"
"To Wuchang."
"Do you pass through Luoyang by any chance?"
"No, we'll go via Xi'an."
"I see. Safe travels."
They let three caravans pass before getting the desired response from the fourth.
"Merchant senior. Which firm are you with?"
"The Myriad Gold Merchant House."
Pride filled the merchant's face. The prestige of the Myriad Gold Merchant House among merchants surpassed even that of the Shaolin Temple among martial artists.
Yu Jin-gwang asked the merchant,
"Then, you're heading to Luoyang?"
"That's right."
"We're going to Luoyang too. Could we share some space on your wagons? In return, we'll lend a hand if swords are needed."
It wasn't a tough request for the merchant. He'd sold off most of his goods and was heading back to the Myriad Gold Merchant House with only a small load.
There was plenty of room on the wagons, and he'd even told the escorts and porters to take turns riding and resting.
The issue was taking on strangers. What if these good Samaritans turned out to be thieves or bandits?
Besides, Dang Mujin's group didn't seem like they'd be much help. The escorts from the Myriad Gold Merchant House were on another level from those of ordinary firms.
Unlike typical caravans where second-rate warriors led as chief escorts, you needed first-rate skill to hold that position at the Myriad Gold Merchant House.
This caravan had a first-rate chief escort and five second-raters, enough to deter most bandits.
'Better send them on their way.'
As the merchant turned to do just that, he caught sight of the chief escort trembling as if struck by a gust of wind. It was closer to shock than fear.
A man without money couldn't be a merchant, but one without street smarts wouldn't last.
'...Something's up.'
The merchant decided in an instant and flashed a contrived smile.
"Of course. The world's a small place—we can spare that much."
"You're most generous. We'll be in your debt."
The group clambered onto the rattling wagons.
*
On the road to Luoyang.
Three bands of bandits who eyed the merchant's purse scouted the area. The wagons were nearly empty, but that hardly mattered. Fewer goods meant a fatter purse.
Two bands retreated upon seeing the Myriad Gold Merchant House banner. Messing with a caravan boasting a first-rate expert meant risking your head.
Even if they succeeded, the casualties wouldn't make it worth the profit.
But the last band had the skill to ignore the banner.
That same skill, however, made them sane enough not to target a caravan that included Yu Jin-gwang and Dang Mujin's group.
Unnoticed by the merchant, Dang Mujin's group had repaid his kindness.
They arrived in Luoyang without incident.
Just like their previous visit, wagons and caravans filled the broad road leading to and from the Myriad Gold Merchant House.
As the group entered the grounds, a man wandering the premises spotted them and approached. It was Chief Steward Seo, whom they'd met last time.
The merchant, thinking Chief Steward Seo was coming to him, bowed low in greeting.
"Chief Steward. I hope you've been well. I just returned from my trip."
"Good work. We'll talk later."
"Pardon?"
Ignoring the merchant, Chief Steward Seo approached Dang Mujin's group.
"Esteemed guests, you've come quietly."
"Long time no see."
"What brings you here?"
"We'd like to see the Merchant Leader."
Even merchants leading major expeditions from the Myriad Gold Merchant House rarely met the Myriad Gold Merchant Leader.
It wasn't that he was too busy; he simply rarely met anyone, especially outsiders.
Naturally, the merchant assumed Dang Mujin's group would be turned away.
But Chief Steward Seo readily replied,
"Please wait a moment."
He vanished somewhere, soon returning.
"This way."
The group followed Chief Steward Seo.
Just like years ago, Yu Jin-gwang's face brimmed with excitement. But without the need to roll dice this time, there was no anxiety.
Halting before the Merchant Leader's room, Chief Steward Seo said,
"Hero Yu. Please enter."
Yu Jin-gwang shook his head.
"No. I want to go in with my companions."
"...I'll ask the Merchant Leader again."
As Chief Steward Seo entered the room, Hong Geolgae muttered awkwardly,
"We don't mind waiting outside."
"Thanks to you all, I could pay off the debts. How could I go in without you?"
Yu Jin-gwang was sincerely grateful to Dang Mujin's group.
Though it was money gathered by him and his father, the sum they'd so readily given up was immense.
Enough for an ordinary farmer to become a local landowner, or to bribe one's way to a fine official post.
Chief Steward Seo soon emerged.
"You're permitted. All of you, enter."
The elderly Myriad Gold Merchant Leader sat alone in the room. He seemed unconcerned by Dang Mujin's group, addressing Yu Jin-gwang directly.
"Hero Yu. What brings you?"
"To repay a debt."
The Merchant Leader's brow twitched.
"A debt? What debt?"
"The Jeomchang Sect's debt. And my father's debt."
"I told you before—the debt's long gone!"
The Merchant Leader raised his voice. It mixed anger, sorrow, and regret.
"I forgave that debt outright! How much more of a burden do you intend to place on my conscience? Begone!"
He seemed genuinely furious. But Yu Jin-gwang replied firmly,
"A debt vanishes only when repaid."
With that, he placed a large sack on the table.
Small pouches clink lightly, large ones thud heavily.
But the sack Yu Jin-gwang set down made a dull thump, like striking the table with a club.
The Merchant Leader let out a deep sigh. He could gauge the amount from the sound alone. The foolish rich man had repaid the debt after all—twice forgiven, no less.
"Yu Gwan-il... has Yu Gwan-il come back with you? My friend. If he has, let him say something."
"I buried Father on a sunny hill."
Slumping in his chair, the Merchant Leader murmured,
"Foolish friend. Even if you were set on repaying it, you should have come back once."
His voice drained of energy, he told Yu Jin-gwang,
"Thank you. But take the money. I don't want to fatten my belly on a friend's life-price."
"You must accept it."
"Leave it here, and I'll toss it into the sea where no one will find it. Load it on a ship and sink it in the open ocean. I stake my name and life on it—I won't touch a single coin."
"Do as you like."
"Take it. I know the Jeomchang Sect isn't flush."
"If I take it back, I'll live as a man who couldn't repay his debt. Is that what you want for me?"
Hearing this, the Merchant Leader writhed as if stabbed.
He didn't want his friend's life-price, but telling Yu Jin-gwang to take it back would shackle him and the Jeomchang Sect forever.
Muttering gloomily, he said,
"I truly don't want that money. Not in any form."
"Give it to the poor, then."
"I've given plenty already! And it should be my money I give, not parceling out a friend's life-price to others. I can't touch it."
His tone had softened somewhat.
If anything, it was now grudgingly acceptable.
Yu Jin-gwang rose, speaking coldly.
"How you use it is your business. In any case, the Jeomchang Sect has paid all its debts. Stay well."
With that, he led Dang Mujin's group out.
Before leaving the room, Dang Mujin glanced back. He saw the Merchant Leader tormented before the vast fortune.
*
"Heading back to the Jeomchang Sect now?"
"Yes. But tonight, we drink hearty."
Yu Jin-gwang's voice was light, but a trace of gloom showed on his face. He felt a bit sorry toward the Merchant Leader, it seemed.
Feeling sorry after giving money, tormented after receiving it—what odd people.
Entering a lavish tavern, Yu Jin-gwang immediately told the waiter,
"Bring every dish."
"And the liquor?"
"The best. Keep it coming until I say I've had enough."
With the massive remainder after paying debts, he needn't worry about one night's tab.
Yu Jin-gwang picked at the food halfheartedly, then downed the liquor like it had a grudge against him.
"Aren't you drinking too fast?"
"That's what I feel like tonight."
For an expert like Yu Jin-gwang, sobering up was no challenge.
Yet he let the intoxication build, drinking endlessly until he finally face-planted on the table. Surprisingly, his tolerance wasn't that high.
As was common in fine taverns, they also ran an inn for drunks.
Dang Mujin took Yu Jin-gwang to the best room, laid him down, and returned to the tavern.
Only Yu Jin-gwang was out. The night wasn't over for Dang Mujin's group. Young people's drinking sessions don't end easily.
The group devoured the endless dishes with youthful appetites, sipping liquor steadily while keeping their buzz in check.
The talk flowed without end.
Flashing Sword's final moments. Yu Jin-gwang's sword strikes. The futures of the Gongdong Sect and Hwango Gak. Northern landscapes they'd never seen. The road ahead to the Jeomchang Sect. Luoyang's sights, the Myriad Gold Merchant House's might, debates on martial arts.
Finally, as the tavern emptied and the waiter shot meaningful glances, Namgung Myeong slammed down his cup with a thud, face etched in profound sorrow.
All eyes turned to Namgung Myeong.
"That Myriad Gold Merchant Leader earlier."
"Yeah. What about him?"
"I haven't seen someone suffer like that in ages."
"...That bad?"
"Think about his age. A man who's seen it all, tormented to that degree—it's rare."
As Namgung Myeong said, it was hard to see an elder like the Merchant Leader in such agony. Emotions that raged in youth settle into calm with age.
Clutching his head, Namgung Myeong continued,
"...That expression haunts me. Blind, yet crushed by the money on the table. The torment of having to accept his friend's life-price, if only to spare his friend's son from hell. What must that feel like?"
"Who knows."
Many could understand the Merchant Leader's plight, but few could empathize.
Namgung Myeong had grown up affluent, while the other three had known leaner upbringings financially.
The waiter, who'd been circling and wiping the table endlessly, approached.
"The kitchen staff have all gone home. Shall we close up?"
"Ah, yes."
The group rose and stepped out of the tavern.
It was a new moon night—no moon lit the sky. So dark they could barely make out faces.
Leaning against the tavern wall, Namgung Myeong wore a deeply melancholic expression.
"The Merchant Leader will carry that debt of the heart forever, won't he?"
Dang Mujin replied indifferently to Namgung Myeong's words.
"Probably. But it's not like we can do anything about it. Forget it."
"No. We can't just forget. We have the power to ease his pain."
"...What power?"
Namgung Myeong's face filled with misty fervor as he pulled something black from his bosom. A mask.
Donning it, Namgung Myeong said,
"Who's up for easing the Myriad Gold Merchant Leader's suffering?"
Contrary to his somber look, a strange heat laced his voice.