The Eccentric of the Jegal Clan (1)
The Eunhae Merchant Group had a branch in Henan Province as well.
It was one of the empire's premier regions, encompassing major cities like Luoyang and Kaifeng.
The Henan branch's role was to relay intelligence on the martial world of Henan—including the Murim Alliance and Shaolin Temple—back to headquarters, while also assisting with their events.
In other words, they had a solid communication network in place.
I could get word to headquarters without relying on Gold Order.
"Welcome!"
The branch manager greeted me warmly.
"You've been working hard."
"Not at all."
He continued.
"I heard you made great contributions taking down that Black Dao group called the Black Cat Sect."
"Word travels fast."
"Fast or slow doesn't matter. You shouted in front of the Murim Alliance, 'Urgent funds from the hero of the Dragon-Phoenix Martial Assembly, Seonhyeopmirang!' after all."
"Hahaha, true enough."
Phew, the Alliance Lord had no choice but to accept that letter... but now it's even more embarrassing.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I need to send a letter to headquarters."
I handed over the prepared letter and said,
"As quickly as possible, please."
"We'll use the messenger eagles."
Among the methods for swiftly delivering letters over long distances, the most reliable were homing pigeons and messenger eagles.
Homing pigeons relied on their instinct to return home, but with so many predators targeting them, many went missing—necessitating sending several at once.
Thus, they weren't used for top-secret matters.
Messenger eagles cost more to maintain but were faster and safer.
And the Henan branch had them.
The letter I'd prepared requested contact with the families of those I'd rescued.
Gold Order would have been quickest, but that would complicate explanations later.
It wasn't that urgent anyway, so I'd chosen the official route.
"Thank you. I'll count on you going forward as well."
Having entrusted the letter to the Henan branch, I returned to the inn.
It was time to head to the Jegal Clan.
I no longer needed to travel with Ugeok, so I could pick up the pace.
No major delays in the schedule ahead.
Then a voice called out to me.
"Eun Seo-ho, branch vice-leader."
Turning, I saw Cheok-ui Hwata approaching.
"Divine Physician."
"I heard you're heading to the Jegal Clan."
"Yes, that's right."
He handed me a letter.
"Deliver this to the Jegal Clan's Supreme Patriarch."
The envelope bore no writing—just a drawing of three trees and a single house.
"I'm counting on you."
Cheok-ui Hwata had an impeccable reputation, and from my personal experience, his character was beyond reproach.
Such a man wouldn't send a frivolous letter to the Supreme Patriarch.
"Understood. I'll make sure it reaches him."
"Good. So, when do you plan to depart?"
"Tomorrow."
"That soon?"
"Yes."
I nodded.
"The task I've been assigned isn't personal—it's a joint venture with the imperial family. I can't delay any longer, so I appreciate your understanding."
"Nothing for me to approve or not. Just a shame."
That evening,
I gathered everyone I'd rescued and informed them I'd contacted their families.
"My group and I have plans tomorrow, so we'll be leaving."
"Already?"
"So soon..."
"I've paid generously for your lodging and meals at the inn, so rest easy without worry."
"We really owe you so much."
"The seas are shared paths, as they say. And I'm glad to have helped."
I pulled out twelve money pouches and offered them.
"These are for any needs you might have."
Everyone looked at me with moved expressions as they accepted the pouches.
The more profoundly I touch them now, the more benefits trickle back to me later.
Then someone asked,
"No matter how wealthy, spending on others isn't easy. So, what do you want in return for such generosity?"
Hoo...
Someone caught on quick.
The question came from Ingeol Daoist of the Huashan Sect.
Myeongjong Warrior knew him too—he'd been shocked to see him in the prison.
Ingeol Daoist had been equally pleased to see Myeongjong Warrior.
A Huashan daoist, quick on the uptake as expected.
I nodded readily.
"You're right. There is something I want from you all."
"What is it?"
Tense faces all around.
I smiled gently and continued.
"No need to tense up. I'm a merchant—I know what to put on the scales for balance."
"..."
"What I want is connections."
"Connections?"
"Yes. For a merchant, connections are harder to obtain than a thousand gold pieces. How could I pass up the chance to forge ties with such renowned figures?"
I offered a cupped-fist salute and added,
"So, please understand my modest request."
Ingeol Daoist replied to my words,
"You... you're even considering our feelings?"
Huh? What?
I was momentarily flustered.
"Worried our hearts would feel heavy just receiving, so you came up with that excuse on purpose?"
No, that's not it?
That's the real reason—why interpret it that way?
"As expected of Seonhyeopmirang!"
"We'll never forget your kindness!"
"To betray this grace—what kind of person would that make us?"
Wait, how did the conversation twist like this?
Well, if they see it that way...
Though the money in those pouches came from the Black Cat Sect anyway.
After finishing with everyone, I stepped out of the inn.
The breeze carried a hint of summer warmth—close now.
Perfect timing for folding fans to sell well.
And umbrellas too.
Rainy summer ahead.
Sigh, thinking of hot sellers at the first sign of seasonal change—merchant through and through.
As I enjoyed the breeze, footsteps approached from behind.
"Ugeok, you're still up."
"Yes, brother. I heard you're leaving tomorrow."
"That's right."
"I've learned so much from you. I'll never forget meeting you."
Me neither, in more ways than one.
"That aside, I admire you, brother."
"What for?"
"When the chance to perform righteous deeds arises, you dive in without hesitation. Honestly, I wavered."
I chuckled and shook my head.
"No, Ugeok. I hesitate plenty."
"I never sensed it."
Of course not—my hesitations are brief.
And they revolve around how to act without backlash or revealing my full strength.
So they don't drag on.
Come to think of it, charging in without hesitation fits perfectly.
"I want to build righteous deeds like you, brother. So far, I've only accumulated infamy."
"Recognizing that is the start of righteousness, I'd say."
He scratched his head at my words.
"And to me, the greatest righteousness is toward family and close ones."
"Pardon?"
"Ignoring them to aid total strangers? I call that hypocrisy."
I continued.
"I heard your only family is your master."
"Yes. He took me in after I lost my family as a child."
"Exactly."
I smiled.
"Start there, and building righteousness won't be hard."
Only then did his face clear up.
"Got it. And when you come to Fujian Province, visit our sect without fail."
"I will."
......
Dawn broke.
My group and I saddled up and left the inn, with all those I'd rescued seeing us off.
"Phew, now the real journey begins."
Palgap nodded at my words.
"Indeed, sir."
Everything felt a bit scattered.
After about an hour's ride, Jin Yu Warrior awaited us.
"You've worked hard."
"Not at all. I was resting, thinking of it as vacation."
Joining with Jin Yu Warrior, we rode on and reached the Jegal Clan that very day.
I figured it'd take two days, honestly.
The Juhwang horses looked refreshed after the hard gallop.
It's been a while since they really stretched their legs.
I dismounted and approached the gatekeeper.
"Where from?"
The gatekeepers asked politely, and I presented my status token.
"Eun Seo-ho, vice-leader of the Eunhae Merchant Group."
Recognizing my identity, the gatekeeper brightened and opened the gate.
"Please, come in. We've been expecting you."
The Supreme Patriarch must have informed them ahead.
The gatekeeper rang a bell, summoning attendants and servants.
Servants led our horses to the stables, and an attendant bowed.
"It's been a while."
"Yes. Good to see you again."
He was the Supreme Patriarch's personal attendant—we'd met before.
"Follow me, please."
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
"After all you've done for the Jegal Clan, it's the least we can do."
Heading to the Supreme Patriarch's residence, memories from when I was fifteen surfaced.
It started with my secret publication of Yusoak's poetry collection, earning an invitation from the Jegal Clan's Supreme Patriarch.
I'd been invited too, as a co-author.
While enjoying tea and poems, I noticed poison in the tea.
And that the Supreme Patriarch was already afflicted.
With help from Jegal Yua's feigned naive miss act, we caught the culprit.
Who turned out to be the Supreme Patriarch's brother, Jegal Dong-u.
I thought that resolved it, but no.
Something far worse loomed over the Jegal Clan.
Jegal Kyung, the clan lord's nephew.
He'd activated the clan's discarded Confusion Veil Barrier Formation to destroy the Jegal Clan.
I'd stopped him.
In gratitude, they granted distribution rights to their Fujian Anji Tieguanyin tea estate—a major revenue source for Eunhae to this day.
Soon, we arrived at the Supreme Patriarch's quarters.
"Supreme Patriarch, Eunhae Merchant Group's vice-leader Eun Seo-ho has arrived."
"Let him in."
The door opened, and I entered, bowing respectfully.
"It's been a long time."
"Yes, since the poetry contest last spring."
"Indeed."
He'd judged at the Beijing poetry contest that spring.
"You look well."
"Not working keeps me healthy."
"Hahaha, is that so?"
"Sit. Have some tea."
He gestured to a seat, and I settled at the low table.
The Supreme Patriarch poured my tea.
"Here."
"Thank you. I'll partake."
Mm, as expected of the Jegal Clan.
Proper tea.
To brew so cleanly without a hint of bitterness—that's no easy feat.
"So, what's this about a martial hall?"
The Supreme Patriarch cut straight to it.
"Truth be told, our Eunhae Merchant Group plans to establish one on the outskirts of Beijing. This hall will..."
He nodded as I explained.
"Trainees from an imperial-backed hall would bolster the throne's power. So, what's the real purpose?"
"Purpose?"
"Would you bother with such a hassle for nothing?"
"You know me too well."
I smiled faintly and continued.
"A check on the Murim Alliance—does that suffice?"
"I like it."
A flicker of killing intent escaped him as he spoke. He hadn't forgotten past events.
The Jegal Clan had nearly been wiped out because of it.
In my previous life, they were.
With the Murim Alliance almost certainly behind it, my proposal would please him greatly.
That was why I'd come here first.
"Thus, I request the Jegal Clan's aid in designing the hall and curriculum, plus instructors for theory lessons."
"Makes sense—our clan is ideal for it. I've already scouted a suitable candidate."
"Thank you."
"Save the thanks. It remains to be seen."
"Pardon?"
"There is a perfect fit... but he's a bit of an oddball."
"What do you mean...?"
The Supreme Patriarch pondered briefly before speaking.
"Our Jegal Clan has a tradition called the Hidden Dragon Journey."
"I know. You explained it before."
At fifteen, one leaves the clan for three years, surviving without family aid.
Those who fail can't enter the clan registry.
An ancient clan lord instituted it, insisting book knowledge alone doesn't reveal worldly truths.
Thanks to it, few registry members were mere armchair scholars.
"That fellow's been on the registry just three years."
"So he's not even in his twenties?"
The journey starts at fifteen, ends at eighteen.
He shook his head at my question.
"No. He's over thirty."
"Pardon?"
"Precisely, thirty-five. He left at fifteen for his Hidden Dragon Journey and returned after twenty years."