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4.
Wang Geum-san frowned as he watched Jin Tae-san working while making strange sounds that could be interpreted as either groans or screams.
As Wang Xiaosuo devoted herself to training, the busyness of the Wang family’s affairs decreased significantly.
In the past, I felt sorry every day for not being able to spend time with my daughter, but now I was glad that she would often sleep over at Taeeulmun under the pretext of training.
Thanks to that, Wang Geum-san caught his breath and his complexion returned to a fairly good state, whereas, ‘He’s going to get himself killed at this rate,’ Jin Tae-san’s appearance was terribly ruined.
Already, bald spots were visible all over his head, and his skin was cracking badly, as if he couldn’t even wash his face properly.
His eyes were bloodshot and his eyelids were sunken, making him wonder when on earth he had last slept. ‘Did they say they were building a blacksmith shop recently?’ It was said that a famous blacksmith from Akyang and a technician from the Dang family had been recruited and had joined the Taeeul Sect.
Taeeulmun has truly been growing dazzlingly over the past few years.
It is only natural that he was busy, but Jin Tae-san was still working relentlessly.
Why don’t you take it easy?
“…….”
Jin Tae-san, who had slightly raised his head, buried it as if ignoring Wang Geum-san and resumed his work.
You’re going to collapse if you keep doing that, man.
“……
Are you bored?
“huh?”
Or, did you come to tease me?
“Cough, cough. I’m already dying of work, so why would I go out of my way to come all the way here just to tease you?”
Then why did you bring the sweets and tea? Doesn’t that mean you intend to spend time here?
In fact, Wang Geum-san didn’t know why he had gone out of his way to come all the way here on a holiday.
Of course, it is fun to tease Jin Taesan, but isn’t it also quite enjoyable to meet high-ranking officials and the leaders of major sects and drink with them?
I brought this for you to eat. Do you think I brought it for myself?
I have no appetite.
Jin Tae-san once again buries his head and works.
The Daecheon Merchant Guild is establishing itself to some extent in Hefei.
I heard that the volume of logistics is growing steadily, and that the newly opened trading branch in the Cheonmoksan area is doing so well that it is even complaining of a manpower shortage.
You can take it easy. Why are you working as if your life depends on it?
Didn’t you criticize them last time, saying, “Young people these days only think about slacking off”?
“Ahem! Ahem! Well, I was just kidding.”
Of course, it was intended to be motivating, but I didn’t expect them to actually go to this extent.
Jin Tae-san, who had been grumbling incessantly, suddenly becomes serious.
I am doing this because I am ashamed.
Jin Taesan continued speaking while working with his head still bowed.
“Master, you must know well, too, how terrifying money is.”
Of course I know.
“In reality, if you don’t have a single penny in your pocket, the world becomes incredibly frightening. Far more so than you can imagine, Master.”
Although he had lived his entire life learning the terrifying power of money, Wang Geum-san had never actually been poor.
Of course, since he grew up enjoying an affluent life within the royal household from a young age.
It would be better to say it is literally ‘desperate’.
Faint wrinkles form around his eyes, as if he is tracing painful memories.
“Should I reduce the amount of grain the children eat, or should I cut back on the firewood for the winter… the agony of having to weigh these options is a daily reality.”
Jin Taesan, who had put down his brush for a moment, pressed his eyes firmly with both hands as if they were in pain.
And no matter how much adults try to hide it, such pain is conveyed to children. That is why children raised in difficult environments mature quickly.
My son is the same way.
Wang Geum-san, recalling Jin So-un, cautiously began to speak.
Would it be too arrogant to say that So-un grew up so wonderfully precisely because of that environment?
Jin Taesan lifted his head high.
“Yes. You are arrogant.”
Piercing gaze and firm tone.
It was a remark that might have been uncomfortable for Wang Geum-san, but he wasn’t particularly offended.
Jin Taesan lowered his gaze once again.
“When I heard the news that that bastard Jin So-woon passed the regular admissions with top honors, I felt like my heart was going to break.”
I didn’t even want to imagine what that guy might have sacrificed instead of money.
Tears well up in Jin Taesan’s voice.
I couldn’t sleep at night thinking about whether I was truly qualified to be a father.
“That guy brought all the opportunities Taeeulmun has gained now, too.”
Jintaesan looks at Wanggeumsan once again.
“Master Jang, I have a question for you.”
Speak.
You said there is no such thing as a free lunch, right?
Wang Geum-san answered immediately.
That’s right. That is the only truth.
“Then, what must a sect like Taeeulmun, which started with nothing, sacrifice to enjoy such prosperity in such a short period of time?”
This time, I cannot answer the question immediately.
Because I had never been in such a situation, or rather, I had never even imagined it in the first place.
“I can’t just look at him with pride. Because the most precious person to me is that guy, Jin So-woon.”
“But I can’t stop them either. If Taeeulmun becomes poor again, the other children will be thrown into a cruel world once more.”
Wang Geum-san just nodded his head without saying a word.
Jin Taesan starts working busily with his hands again.
“That is why I cannot rest for even a moment. Because this is the only thing I can do.”
A slight smile formed on Wang Geum-san’s face as he listened to Jin Tae-san’s heartfelt story.
*chuckles*
Only now could he understand why he had come here instead of going to meet high-ranking officials or the leaders of major sects on his precious holiday.
The steadfastness of not avoiding one’s shortcomings and doing one’s best.
Wang Geum-san liked Jin Tae-san, who seemed like a one-way street but was upright.
“I was short-sighted. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“It is a matter that the Lord will help with…….”
Jin Taesan, who had been deep in thought, quickly rummaged through the documents.
Then, as if he had prepared it, he soon begins to recite something fluently.
Calculating profitability by classifying goods with price differences from neighboring provinces, centering on Anhui Province…….
“Ah, sorry. I misspoke. It’s a holiday today, so I need to rest.”
Just as Wang Geum-san was clearing his throat for no reason, a servant entered and handed him a letter.
Jin Taesan, who had been glaring at Wang Geumsan, slowly tore open the seal and read the contents.
“Gasp!”
Jin Taesan, his eyes wide open and holding his breath.
Wang Geum-san became curious about the contents of the seal at his reaction and slowly approached.
Normally, he wouldn’t show the seal, but for some reason, Jin Taesan was just clutching the seal and trembling.
Then, the moment he brought the scroll and was about to read it.
A roar of laughter burst from Jin Taesan’s mouth.
“Umhahahahahahaha!!!!”
Why are you acting like this?
Please read this.
Jin Taesan, with a smile on his face.
A small groan escaped the lips of Wang Geum-san as he rapidly read the scripture.
“To think we’ve been designated as the Murim Alliance’s exclusive supplier…… This is truly surprising.”
“Umhahahahahahahaha!!!!”
“Dozens of merchant guilds must have swarmed to secure this right. I have absolutely no idea how this happened… Anyway, congratulations.”
“Of course. I am also overjoyed to have the opportunity to keep Master Jang busy.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
As Wang Geum-san looked puzzled, a sinister smile spread across Jin Tae-san’s lips.
“Hasn’t the Wang family estate also wanted regular trade with the Murim Alliance?”
“!!!”
Wang Geum-san’s hair stood on end as the memory came back to him.
“Ah, no. No. We can’t just take away a good opportunity like this.”
Jin Taesan immediately shook his head at Wang Geumsan’s attitude, which was feigned humility.
“What are you talking about? Considering the quantity and variety of supplies required by the Murim Alliance branches, are you expecting us to handle it all by ourselves? Of course, we must work together with the Wang family.”
“No, I’m telling you, it’s fine!”
“I’m not okay!”
“I, I won’t take it!”
Then I guess I should tell Soso.
Wang Geum-san’s brow furrows deeply.
Jin Taesan felt his fatigue vanish completely with a hearty laugh for the first time in a while. #Yelu Geuk meets his death.
The first basis for this inference is Yelü Zai.
It is said that during this period of his previous life, Yelü Zai lived a life of despair.
He did not say the reason, only that he had been living in a drunken stupor for several years.
Yelü Zai is not a person who gets easily discouraged.
If he were that kind of person, he wouldn’t be able to continue working as a ronin, training in martial arts, and sending all the money he earned to the sect for several years as soon as he became an adult.
In that case, one can naturally predict that an event causing his life as a wreck occurred during that period.
Second. The fact that Yelü Zai never mentioned his blood relatives.
If he did not speak of his blood relatives and was not seen going to meet his family, it can be assumed that by the time he joined the Sojeongdae, he had already fallen out with his brothers or was dead.
If, the fact that a blood relative died, and that one could not easily speak of the death of a blood relative…
It must mean that the death delivered a shock powerful enough to burden me for a lifetime. Even after a long time has passed, painful memories will surely resurface along with the floating debris of longing.
Nevertheless, the fact that I could not bring myself to speak it aloud means that I had forcibly suppressed that longing.
So, the point is that ‘death itself’ was not natural.
It’s not just an accident or a chronic illness… … .
The kind of thing that is painful enough to cause guilt and distress every time it comes to mind.
Third. The fact that he repeatedly regretted it due to immense guilt after completing the Cloud Divine Art.
Such behavior naturally suggests that the deaths of Yuunsin Gong and his brothers are connected.
The fourth point is that he hated his opponent solely because he was from the Murim Academy.
Putting it all together, the result is this: ‘Yelü Zai attempted to perfect the Yun Shen Gong through Yelü Ke. Yelü Ke was trapped in a daily life of alienation and violence amidst such a burdensome situation, and in the midst of it…’ I abruptly stopped the thought I had been continuing.
After all, this is merely speculation.
Even so, I feel like I can’t breathe.
“You brothers really do all sorts of things!”
I started searching through the classrooms in the main building.
“Who is running around so recklessly in the sacred school grounds!”
“Stop right there!”
The instructors and officers tried to stop me as I ran around inside the academy, but I evaded them by unfolding the Taeeulpalmansinbo and creating an illusion.
“Young Master Jin!”
When I turned my head at the sudden voice calling me, Seong Moran, Namgung Seonhwa, and Sa Ryeon were looking at me with surprised eyes.
“What are you doing? Why are you running so fast?”
I urgently requested.
Please find Yelü Ke.
“What? Who is that?”
“Anyway, I have a favor to ask.”
After saying those words, he immediately set off.
I searched all the classrooms in the main building, and even the west and east wings.
Just in case, I searched all the rooftops, but Yalu Geuk was nowhere to be found. ‘I guess I’ll have to go find that guy.’ The instructors and drill sergeants were chasing me from behind. They were shouting at me, but not a single word registered in my ears.
Raise your inner energy again, Four
I ran to the dormitory.
As I entered the hallway, those who had come out of their rooms all looked in this direction.
I hurried past them, taking in their faces one by one.
“Jin So-un?”
Just then, I made eye contact with Nam Hwa-seong, who was coming out of the room drenched in sweat.
A look of bewilderment crosses his face.
“What are you doing here?”
“Do you know which apartment number Ak Ju-pyeong lives in?”
“Ak Ju-pyeong? Why him all of a sudden?”
“Do you know or not?”
He flinches at my cold voice.
It is thirty-eight households.
“okay?”
“Hey, what’s up…….”
Ignoring Nam Hwa-seong’s question, he immediately ran up to the third floor as if flying and found number 38.
bang.
Fortunately, the door wasn’t locked, so I broke it open and went inside.
Suddenly, a commotion breaks out.
“W-what is this!”
“J-Jin So-un?”
The four people inside could not hide the smiles on their faces, perhaps because they were exchanging jokes.
I immediately found the guy’s face.
Akjupyeong.
The guy was leaning back slightly, looking at me with an intrigued expression.
I asked the guy with an emotionless expression.
“You were with Yelu Ke yesterday, weren’t you? Where is that?”
“Yelü Ke? I heard he has no connection with you.”
“There is no time for wordplay. Where is Yelu Ke?”
The guy lets out a bitter laugh.
“Why should I answer?”
That way, your bones will be fine.
“what?”
Ak Ju-pyeong wipes the smile from his face and stands up from his seat.
Even though I am quite tall myself, their eye level was slightly higher than mine.
The guy looks down at me as if he is about to pounce at any moment.
“Do you think you can do anything to me with your petty power as a representative?”
“Do you think I would be afraid of the pathetic power of the Evil Family?”
“You bastard…!”
Fuck.
As soon as he moved his body, I gathered energy in my toes and struck his shin.
“Burp──.”
Ak Ju-pyeong, whose shin had been twisted in a direction he shouldn’t have without him realizing it, glared with wide eyes and kept inhaling deeply.
I decided to give him one more chance.
“Yelü Ke, where are you?”
“Aaaaaaaah!”
Akjupyeong screams, as if the pain has finally struck him.
Just as I was about to bend the remaining leg to the other side.
“J-Jin So-woon! Aren’t you truly afraid of falling out with the Baekdohoe?”
I turned to look at him at the voice coming from behind.
“The Baekdohoe, Jeongdohoe, and the Twelve Peaks are already at odds with me, so what is there for me to be afraid of?”
“Th-that is…….”
I twisted Ak Ju-pyeong’s remaining leg in the opposite direction as well.
“Aaaaaaaah!!!”
Ak Ju-pyeong rolls his eyes and foams at the mouth.
Since the joints have been completely broken, even if he recovers, he probably won’t be able to perform the technique perfectly like before.
“Hey, the last time I saw Yelu Ke was yesterday…! Th-I really haven’t seen him since then…!”
Ak Ju-pyeong’s henchman answering.
I think what I asked was where it is.
“Hey, it’s near Yangsanbong.”
“When was that?”
“It must have been around the hour of the Ha-Ha.”
How much did you hit him?
Gulp.
The henchman swallowed hard.
“Do you want to have extraordinary joints like Ak Ju-pyeong?”
Fear fills the boy’s face.
“He was, he was definitely breathing.”
“So he was breathing…….”
The guy adds, almost on the verge of tears.
“Th-yes, uh, definitely still breathing.”
Did you check if he came into the dormitory?
The henchman swallows hard.
Yelü Ke did not come into the dormitory yesterday.
“……!”
Upon hearing Ak Ju-pyeong’s scream, the students began to gather one by one.
Nam Hwa-seong is also among the crowd.
“Oh my god… what have I done!”
“Nam Hwa-seong. You’ve bullied kids a lot, haven’t you? Especially the defenseless ones.”
Nam Hwa-seong makes a dazed expression at the sudden question.
“Uh, huh?”
“Is Yangsanbong the place where you usually bullied the kids?”
“Th-what do you mean…?”
“Is that right?”
After contemplating for a moment, Nam Hwa-seong soon points out a spot.
“Uh, yeah. It’s hard to climb up, and we don’t get noticed by the instructors.”
It’s autumn, but the temperature must have been low at night.
“Damn it.”
All the pieces have been put together.
It was no longer a reasoning.
Just then, the instructors’ voices were heard from among the students. The dorm supervisor also appeared to be coming along after hearing the scream.
“Nam Hwa-seong, clean up the mess here.”
“What? Hey! You jerk!”
I opened the window and jumped out.
And he ran across the Murim Academy toward Yangsanbong.
The instructors and bridge heads who had been chasing me were coming after me, panting heavily.
I kicked off the ground, climbed onto the building, and started running, jumping between the buildings.
After the building was finished, I ran up the tree.
I wonder how far we ran like that.
Finally, I arrived at the entrance of Yangsanbong and headed straight for the open field, which was a place where people mainly robbed the pouches of others.
And a disturbing doll was seen there.
Damn it. ……
Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it.
It is Yelu Ke.
The face has no color and the body is cold.
Is it too late in the end?
I was so confident that I could change the future through the events in Sacheon, but I ended up failing to save my colleague’s blood relative in such a futile way that it made all sense.
“You son of a bitch!!!!”
