Reaping the Rewards (4)
Peering out from the inn, the rain was pouring down in sheets, just as expected.
Yoon Haengsu looked at me with admiration.
"How did you know it would rain this hard?"
I couldn't tell him the truth, so I made something up.
"I've read about it in books. Signs that heavy rain is coming."
"Whew, it was wise to withdraw early, just as you said, young master. If we hadn't... ugh! Just thinking about it makes me dizzy."
He shook his head, his face paling as if he'd aged ten years.
At that moment, the leader of another merchant group staying at the same inn chimed in with a laugh.
"I'm grateful too. We survived thanks to your warning. We nearly suffered massive losses."
Jin Yun, head of the Jinseo Merchant Group from Guangxi Province.
The "Jinseo" in their name came from his great-grandfather, who founded the group.
They ranked eighty-ninth in this merchant ranking, specializing in candy.
Candy was just as vulnerable to moisture as fish bone powder or lime powder.
That's why he was relieved to have heeded our advice.
In truth, candy sold almost as well as fish bone powder or lime.
The more internal energy one built, the less effort it took to move, but martial arts still demanded vigorous motion.
Constant muscle strain instinctively craved sweets, especially during tense duels where full power was needed—sugary treats were hugely popular then.
"Still, I'm worried when this rain will stop."
Everyone nodded at Father's words.
I spoke cautiously.
"From what I see, it should clear by tomorrow morning."
In reality, the rain wouldn't last long. The problem was how much fell in that short time.
Drainage couldn't keep up, flooding streets ankle-deep.
This inn had nearly flooded too, but the staff, following my advice, hastily fetched wooden planks and built a barrier at the door, averting disaster.
The food before us now was a thank-you gesture from the innkeeper.
He didn't need to go to such lengths.
But since it was offered, we enjoyed it heartily.
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The next morning, the rain had stopped. People were repairing the damage from last night's downpour.
But groups like our Eunhae Merchant Group, which had withdrawn our temporary stalls early, only needed to repitch our tents—far easier work.
Then, a haengsu from another group approached us.
"We're packing up now."
"Already?"
He gave a wry smile at my question.
"The rain ruined our tea leaves."
"......"
"I regret not listening to you yesterday. Sorry for doubting you."
"So you won't watch the tournament?"
"No, I have to see the finals today, don't I?"
He bowed and returned to his dismantling stall.
Those nearby who'd heeded my words and avoided losses shot me grateful looks once more.
Then Palgap returned.
He'd been scouting the other groups' situations.
"Young master, I'm back."
"Good. How's it looking?"
"Half are withdrawing, others are selling what they salvaged... you know."
"I see."
"But get this."
"...?"
Palgap continued with a look of disbelief.
"Baekcheon Merchant Group is selling fish bone powder and lime—at fifteen times the original price."
"They salvaged some, huh. But fifteen times? How much are they asking?"
"Fifteen times the usual."
"What? Fifteen times?"
Onlookers reacted, chuckling in disbelief.
I couldn't help but laugh too.
Fifteen times? Are they insane?
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Recovery from the storm delayed things a bit, but the Yongbong Martial Tournament proceeded as scheduled.
We headed to the arena, where the Gwangjun Merchant Group's leader thanked us profusely.
"Your tip was a lifesaver, Eun leader. Our goods stayed safe because of it."
"We merchants must help each other. Haha."
"First you saved my son's life, now you and your wife from ruin—how can I ever repay this?"
"Repay? You're too kind."
Watching Father chat with the Gwangjun leader, I smiled warmly.
The more allies like this for Eunhae, the higher our status and security.
I'd pushed this because Nangong Merchant Group's leader was wary of higher-ups.
Plus, after last time, I was hailed a hero. Who would dare touch me or Eunhae now?
Knowing it might ruffle feathers, I'd proceeded anyway.
Then the announcer stepped out.
"Today! At last! A new young hero of the martial world shall be born. Introducing the eight late-stage experts who clawed through fierce competition!"
Among those on the platform was Jegal Yu-a Sojeo. She waved at me.
The crowd roared louder, but knowing why, I smiled and nodded back.
They drew lots before descending.
This fifth-round draw was the last; no byes after, pairings fixed by numbers.
With only four left post-fifth round, it was mostly symbolic.
"First match..."
The duels began.
All finalists were elites, so matches dragged longer than expected.
Most were nail-biters, some fighters covered in wounds yet refusing to yield until judges intervened.
After lunch, duels resumed, wrapping the fifth round.
Sixth round followed swiftly.
Only two of four advance.
Jegal Yu-a's opponent was tougher than anticipated; she struggled.
But staying calm in a prolonged clash, she barely seized victory—knocking him out of bounds by a hair.
"Winner: Jegal Yu-a!"
"Woooaaah!"
"The Jegal Clan is rewriting history."
"Indeed."
People called the Jegal Clan "divine strategists."
It meant brilliant minds, but also implied weak in martial arts.
No Jegal had reached the third round before.
But now, one had stormed the finals.
Across the way, the Jegal Supreme Patriarch beamed uncontrollably.
A prodigy blending strategy and prowess.
The arena's fervor intensified.
To cool the excited crowd and let the battered victors rest, a half-hour break was called.
"Shouldn't you check on Jegal Sojeo?"
I shook my head at Yi Pil Musa's question.
"My visit would just distract her."
"But she's no stranger..."
"If I were just a minor merchant branch head, sure. But after last time, I'm the hero everyone watches."
"Ah!"
Yi Pil Musa nodded.
"Understood."
Jegal Yu-a would get it; no hard feelings.
Break over, finals time.
Crowd enthusiasm tempered but still wild for the pair.
Finalists: Jegal Yu-a Sojeo versus Habuk Paeng Clan's Paeng Gang-un Sohyeop.
Dong!
Drum sounded; duel underway.
They circled, probing weaknesses.
I inwardly admired Paeng Sohyeop.
Most sneered openly at a young girl opponent.
Even subtly, contempt showed.
Not him—cautious from the start. Countless battles honed him, as I'd guessed.
A martial proverb: In the martial world, beware children, women, and elders.
The seemingly weak might be masters.
Suddenly, blade and sword clashed.
Kkaang!
The bout gripped all—no predicting the next move, perfectly even.
Exchanges lasted over a quarter-hour each; both fatigued rapidly.
Long duels turned on mental fortitude.
If equal? Battle experience won. Mistakes inevitable; recovery key.
Like now.
Jegal Yu-a's foot slipped slightly—tree sap from rain-sodden wood.
Paeng Sohyeop pounced.
He hooked her rear heel, toppling her backward.
His blade at her throat.
Jegal Yu-a sighed.
"I yield."
Champion decided.
"Woooaaah!"
Wait—did Paeng Sohyeop just tap her head with his instep as she fell?
Only explanation: protecting it.
He extended a hand, helping her up easily.
Considerate and courteous.
The announcer proclaimed.
"The thirty-sixth Yongbong Martial Tournament champion: Paeng Gang-un Sohyeop!"
"Woooaaah!"
"Runner-up: Jegal Yu-a Yeohyeop!"
"Great fight!"
"Well done!"
The crowd cheered the runner-up lavishly too.
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Next morning, festivities began.
Champion and runner-up rode an open carriage around Murim Alliance grounds.
In splendid attire, waving to all, they drew fresh roars.
Afternoon: Alliance banquet.
Temporary stall owners got invites.
One reason merchants paid dearly for stalls: access to stars like these.
Finals first-round winners—fifty-four—qualified, but seemed reserved for true late-stage talents already marked for greatness.
I approached Hyang-ok Nuna first.
"Good work, sis."
"You too."
"Heading back tomorrow?"
She nodded.
"Yeah! Gonna train hard! Ugh, still mad!"
Her near-miss still stung.
I bowed out quickly.
An angry Nuna was tough to handle, reasons be damned.
Meanwhile, Father offered congrats and support talk to Paeng Gang-un and Jegal Yu-a.
Lines too long for deep chat; visits promised later.
"Greeted the Jegal and Sacheon Tang folks?"
"Too crowded earlier. Time now."
Night deepened.
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Next morning, we bustled packing.
Time to return to headquarters.
Father and Mother had been away too long; no more delays.
Still, Mother beamed—finally seeing the Yongbong Tournament she'd longed for.
"Thank you for everything."
"No, come again!"
Final bows to inn staff and owner; off to Hubei headquarters.
Beijing matters lingered, but family first after so long.
Plus, new elite Myeongjong and Changun Musas needed Eunpungdae training before official guard duty.
Like last time, this Luoyang trip yielded unexpected boons.
Two promising first-rate warriors: Myeongjong and Changun Musas.
Hero title, and Alliance Lord's promised rewards.
Baekcheon's blunder boosting Eunhae trust, and more.
Ah, just thinking makes me full.
Glancing aside, Palgap read a book.
"What's that?"
"This? Yeah."
Thirty-Sixth Yongbong Martial Tournament's Rising Heroes
"Hot off the press. And it mentions you and Seo-u Musa."
"......"
Damn, didn't see that coming.