The Second Departure (1)
I smiled at the building ahead.
This was the Eunhae Merchant Group's main branch in Hubei Province.
Almost half a year had passed.
Right after rescuing Brother Jeong Ho last late autumn, I'd headed straight to Beijing.
Hmm, I've really been living a busy life.
I parted ways with Bing Hae-rin, the Little Palace Lord, and her group at the ferry landing.
My party had to board a ship on the Yangtze River and head east, while the North Sea Ice Palace group needed to go north.
After saying goodbye, I asked Seo-hyang Sojeo,
"We could pass through Guizhou Province—would you like to stop by home?"
I meant visiting the home of Minister Po Jeong-sa.
But she turned down my offer.
"I'm fine. It's not the right time yet. And even if we did, it'd mean a slight detour. It wouldn't be right to waste time on my account."
"But..."
"I'm really okay. Besides, if my brothers are there, it could be dangerous. I'll ask you another time."
"Understood."
And so, we skipped the minister's home and came straight back to the Eunhae Merchant Group main branch.
"It's been so long since we've seen the main branch. Feels nice to be back, doesn't it?"
I nodded at Palgap's words.
"Yeah, it does."
Then I turned to look at the Seo-u Warrior and the Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
"I'm giving you both four days off. Spend time with your families."
"We're fine. We'll stay by your side, my lord."
The Yeo Eung-am Warrior spoke, but the Seo-u Warrior shook his head.
"Do you think you'll get many chances to spend time with your family, Yeo Eung-am?"
"Pardon?"
"When the young master gives you some leisure, use it to be with them. Miss this chance, and who knows when the next one will come. As you know, for those who live by the blade, tomorrow is uncertain."
The Seo-u Warrior had worked as an escort leader for the transport company and spent years bedridden.
That's why he knew better than anyone how precious everyday life with family was.
"The Seo-u Warrior is right."
I knew it all too well myself.
"So rest up for four days. The other warriors will cover for you. We're just staying inside the branch anyway—no need for heavy escorts."
"Understood."
"We'll gladly accept with joyful hearts."
Soon, we arrived at the Hubei Province Eunhae Merchant Group main branch.
"Huh? Isn't that the Third Young Division Leader?"
"Third Young Division Leader!"
Everyone was startled by my sudden appearance—no prior notice, after all.
"Happened to drop by."
I dismounted and handed my horse to the servants, asking,
"How's the branch faring?"
"All good, sir. Very peaceful."
"Glad to hear it."
I headed straight to my quarters, washed up, changed into fresh robes, and went to greet the family.
They were surprised but happy to see me.
Father was away on business, so formal greetings would have to wait.
After seeing everyone, I returned to my quarters and asked Palgap,
"Is Manjeong Daehyeop at his lodgings?"
"No, young master. He's at the water training ground."
"Water training ground?"
Ah, the one former Outer Division Manager Go Il-pyeong insisted on building.
He'd said real combat mattered and set up a place for realistic practice. I'd been curious what it was like.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
The water training ground was a bit away from the Eunhae Merchant Group branch.
Precisely, near the river where ships were moored.
About an hour's ride from the main branch.
Tall bamboo barricades stood there.
Shoosh-shoosh-shook!
Shook!
As we approached, I heard the twang of bows.
"Argh!"
Splash!
Screams and water splashes too.
They were doing some seriously combat-like training.
As I neared the barricade, the gatekeepers stopped me.
"State your identity and purpose."
It might seem bothersome, but I was pleased.
It showed discipline and proper procedure.
And superiors must follow procedures too, or they become meaningless.
If the top ignores them, why would the bottom follow?
"Eunhae Merchant Group's Third Young Division Leader, Eun Seo-ho."
I showed my identity token.
They stepped back, bowing politely.
"Our apologies. You may enter."
"Who qualifies to enter here?"
"Well..."
He handed me a wooden plaque.
"Please refer to this."
It listed only Father, us brothers, the two managers, and division heads.
"Helpful. Thank you."
I returned the plaque and entered through the open gate.
"Whoa..."
My jaw dropped involuntarily.
They'd diverted part of the river artificially, and a ship big enough for about a hundred men floated there.
Dozens of people were aboard, shooting arrows at targets on another ship.
"Aim!"
Click!
"Fire!"
Shoosh-shoosh-shoosh-shook!
Papapapapak!
The arrows flew much farther than ordinary ones, embedding in the targets.
"Wow! Impressive!"
"Truly amazing, young master. All those arrows hit the targets. Aigoo, one just barely missed."
Huh?
I pointed at the target and said to Palgap,
"See that target?"
"Yes, I see it."
Not a distance a normal person could spot...
Even with the King's Eye talent and training, that level of inner power seemed off.
Then the Jin Yu Warrior behind me spoke.
"Palgap, your eyesight was already sharp before training. It's improved even more."
Palgap replied,
"According to the book you gave me, young master, good eyes let you check your condition from afar and respond. There are training methods to enhance eyesight too."
"...I see."
I chuckled.
Palgap was still dead serious about servant duties.
Then, spotting me, Manjeong Daehyeop came running from afar.
"Young Division Leader!"
"Long time no see. The training level is incredible."
"Of course. To repay the grace you've shown our family, I can't neglect my duties."
"Glad you think that way."
I continued,
"The arrows' range and power are impressive."
He shook his head.
"Still lacking in my eyes."
"You can't fill up on the first bite."
"But departure's soon, and it still looks insufficient to me."
"Don't be too anxious. Tactics can cover shortcomings."
Recalling my past life's memories, I added,
"Divide the onboard archers into three teams. First team shoots oil-soaked arrows, second fires incendiaries, third disrupts firefighters."
"Oh! Great idea."
His eyes widened at my suggestion.
"I'll implement it right away!"
"The training ground's excellent, by the way."
"Yes. The Division Leader gave full support for the Silver Wind Archery Unit."
Ah, so that's the official name—Silver Wind Archery Unit.
To outsiders, raising them might seem wasteful, but no.
Expanding sea trade means inevitable clashes with pirates.
Without countermeasures, the losses would be massive.
Land and sea battles differ greatly.
Having this unit ready would repel pirate raids.
Even accounting for that, the support seemed generous.
Father...
He's really going all in.
Like venting years of pent-up regret for not pushing hard enough before.
I patted Geum-ryeong, wriggling in my sleeve.
Its reaction meant the Silver Wind Archery Unit would bring big profits to Eunhae Merchant Group.
That evening.
Father returned, and I went to see him.
"It's your home—no need for notice, but what's the occasion? You're busy enough."
I chuckled at his question.
"Missed the family."
Father smiled.
"And I observed the Silver Wind Archery Unit's training."
"Good, you went. Thoughts?"
"Impressed. Their skills are one thing, but the equipment and process shocked me. Didn't expect such investment."
Father nodded firmly.
"My will, but also the ancestors'."
"Pardon?"
"Remember the manual passed down to division leaders?"
"Yes."
"It says when operating merchant ships, prepare countermeasures against pirates."
"I see."
"So when the time came, full support it was."
"Father, are you happy?"
He grinned at my question.
"Yes, happy."
"Push harder. I'll earn plenty."
"Planning an invincible absolute Silver Wind Archery Unit?"
"Sounds good."
Father burst into laughter.
......
Next morning.
I woke, did breathing exercises, and went to the courtyard.
"Good morning."
"Master!"
I hurried to my master.
Yesterday, upon arriving, I'd messaged via Geum-ryeong that I was back.
His face showed curiosity about recent events.
To others, impassive, but I could tell.
"No issues in my absence?"
"No, all peaceful."
"First, my report on the Blazing Inferno Palace."
Master raised a hand.
"Training first."
"I know you're concerned about my growth, but the report comes first this time."
He looked puzzled but nodded.
"Speak."
"Yes."
I detailed the Blazing Inferno Palace events meticulously.
Letters covered basics, but details were better.
Meng Hyeon grating my nerves from the start.
Using our duel to check palace records in the inner halls.
Getting caught by the Palace Lord, learning via talk it wasn't them.
Library access revealing other data on Do Yeon Sect and Blood Heaven Sect.
Meng Hyeon deposed as Little Palace Lord, raiding with Black Lotus Gang.
Meng Hyeon crippled by Ultimate Joint Reversal, second son Meng Cheon becoming Little Palace Lord, etc.
But I skipped Meng Cheon's true identity.
No need to share a trusted secret.
"I see."
Master nodded after hearing all.
"Poor Jin. Quite the ordeal."
"Yes."
And one last thing.
"This, you should keep."
"So this is the whetstone."
Previous letter via Geum-ryeong mentioned it.
He recognized it instantly.
"Yes."
"I'll keep it."
Master wrapped and pocketed it carefully.
"One odd thing. Meng Hyeon reached Transcendent Realm briefly via Ultimate Joint Reversal. You haven't broken that wall yet... how'd you win?"
Master indeed.
Spotted it right away.
"That's why I asked you hear me out first."
I continued,
"In the library, I encountered Investigator-nim's arrangement."
Master's eyebrow twitched.
"Truly?"
"Yes. So, do you know Extreme Ice Sword?"
His eyes widened.
"Did you say... Extreme Ice Sword just now?"
"Yes."
"That's... one of Sulpoong Palace's discontinued ultimate arts..."
"Discontinued?"
Master nodded.
"Father was heartbroken. Said if it weren't discontinued, he'd beat sense into the North Sea Ice Palace Lord."
Ah...
Right, the Palace Lord lost his mind to chill invading his brain.
Recovered later with realm advancement.
Now I grasped Investigator-nim's words.
Sulpoong Palace's vital role.
Guardians of North Sea Ice Palace, equals due to that role.
Understanding inwardly, I pressed on.
"Anyway, I subdued Meng Hyeon with Extreme Ice Sword. I want to teach it to you. But..."
"What's wrong? A problem?"
"Mastering Extreme Ice Sword is extremely tricky."
In Investigator-nim's space, it took three whole years—finicky sword art.
"Extreme Ice Sword. Expected. Good thing today's free."
......
A bit later.
Watching Master wield Extreme Ice Sword, I gave a wry smile.
Transcendent Realm is Transcendent Realm.
Sigh, who was I worrying about?