Chapter 160: Chapter 160
“More importantly…”
Cheon-hwi slightly glanced back and asked.
“Those two, are they people you know?”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint, who had nodded his head in affirmation, infused his internal energy and whispered.
“Since you have already been discovered, come out.”
As soon as those words ended.
“You knew.”
“Tsk, we hid as well as we could.”
The Taiji Gentleman and Heavenly Ear Beggar came out.
The two, who had been speaking while grumbling, looked at the Zhongnan Sword Saint before gazing intently at Cheon-hwi.
“This poor Taoist is Jin Yeong of Wudang.”
“Just call me Heavenly Ear Beggar.”
Unlike the Taiji Gentleman who revealed his Daoist name, Heavenly Ear Beggar only revealed his title as if it were a bother.
Then, he met eyes with Cheon-hwi.
“Do you have a relationship with those guys?”
What kind of bullshit was this?
When Cheon-hwi stared as if to say, ‘What are you talking about?’, Heavenly Ear Beggar laughed.
“Hehehe, right. If it’s this guy, he could deal a blow to those guys.”
Looking at the wickedly laughing Heavenly Ear Beggar, Cheon-hwi asked the Zhongnan Sword Saint.
“Are they really people you know?”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint laughed awkwardly.
“You should choose the people you associate with carefully.”
As Cheon-hwi shook his head back and forth.
“What is this young brat talking about right now!”
“I was just talking about life.”
“Is that a story about life? It’s an insult.”
“Ey, what do you mean an insult.”
Cheon-hwi harbored a sneer.
“Do you not know how important it is to be selective about who you associate with? If you associate with the wrong people, your life will go down the drain.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar trembled his fists.
“You bastard! How long have you even lived to talk about life in front of me…”
“I have lived appropriately enough.”
“This, this! A young brat talking back to every word!”
“Wow, it must be nice to be old.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar could not hold back his rage and pounded his chest.
Seeing Cheon-hwi playing with Heavenly Ear Beggar in the palm of his hand, the Zhongnan Sword Saint and the Taiji Gentleman met each other’s eyes and whispered.
“This is the first time in my life seeing Heavenly Ear Beggar pushed back like that.”
“Isn’t it a good thing! A proper opponent has finally come for that guy who is like a reckless fool.”
Around the time the Taiji Gentleman shouted in delight.
“Enough. Who is your master, you bastard.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar asked Cheon-hwi, but the answer came from elsewhere.
“He is the Plum Blossom Sword Hero’s disciple.”
At the Zhongnan Sword Saint’s answer, Heavenly Ear Beggar, as well as the Taiji Gentleman, were startled.
“If it’s the Plum Blossom Sword Hero, of that bloodbath…?”
“What kind of trick of fate is this.”
At that time, the Zhongnan Sword Saint asked Cheon-hwi.
Around the time the two let out sighs.
“Do you know about the joint operation between the Mount Hua Sect and the Zhongnan Sect this time?”
“Joint operation? What is that again?”
When Cheon-hwi asked back in wonder.
“It seems they have not informed you yet.”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint quickly explained.
The plan that the Zhongnan Sect and the Mount Hua Sect would join forces to drive out the Unorthodox Factions in Shaanxi.
Having finished the explanation like that, the Zhongnan Sword Saint looked at Cheon-hwi and quietly suggested.
“I want you to cooperate.”
“Me? It is bothersome though.”
Cheon-hwi spoke unenthusiastically.
At that, Heavenly Ear Beggar furrowed his eyebrows.
“Even if the Mount Hua Sect is in danger?”
“Is there anything to be in danger of? Even if it’s the Five Imperial Sects or the Green Forest, the guys behind them wouldn’t step forward directly anyway.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar became speechless at the sound argument.
“That is something unknown.”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint answered instead.
“Due to the destruction of the White Ghost Castle, cracks have begun to form in the solid wooden pagoda known as the Nine Provinces Three Supreme Powers. And now those cracks have grown out of control.”
His expression became serious.
“It would not be strange if a war broke out anywhere right now. Without needing to look far, have our sect and the Mount Hua Sect not become enemies with the Four Black Alliances?”
“And since there are places where it has already happened, it is not just empty talk.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar took over his words.
“Not long ago, something happened at the Murim Alliance and the government, and recently, it’s said that the Sun Moon Sect and the Divine Spear Yang Clan fought a bloody battle.”
Hm? The Sun Moon Sect and the Divine Spear Yang Clan?
Did a bloody battle break out because I just let it slide last time?
Around the time Cheon-hwi ruminated on the names of the two familiar sects, Heavenly Ear Beggar glared at him.
“Therefore, it is not strange to hear that some sect has been attacked right now. Whether it is the Mount Hua Sect or anywhere else.”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint added words.
“And that possibility will increase as the cracks in the Nine Provinces Three Supreme Powers grow larger.”
Cheon-hwi’s glabella narrowed.
‘It’s still a little difficult right now.’
The power of the Mount Hua Sect had grown much stronger than in the past, but it was still insufficient.
‘Even so, I can’t possibly look after everyone in the Mount Hua Sect.’
Cheon-hwi, who was thinking, opened his mouth.
“Tsk, understood. I will cooperate.”
“Thank you.”
“Now he finally understands…”
When Heavenly Ear Beggar spoke with a snort.
“Instead, it’s not for free.”
Cheon-hwi added his words.
“If you think the Mount Hua Sect is even slightly in danger, please come and help.”
Cheon-hwi looked at the three of them in turn.
Each one of them was an expert of the previous generation.
‘Especially if it’s the Zhongnan Sword Saint, it seems he could handle it sufficiently even without me.’
The Zhongnan Sword Saint nodded his head.
“Isn’t that a matter of course.”
“Tsk, we would do so even if you didn’t ask. Since the Beggars’ Sect can no longer sit by and watch the Mount Hua Sect’s danger.”
Heavenly Ear Beggar also accepted while grumbling, but.
“I cannot give a definite answer.”
Only the Taiji Gentleman was cautious.
“But I will help if I can.”
Cheon-hwi nodded his head.
“Then that’s settled. More than that, when will this joint operation take place?”
The Zhongnan Sword Saint answered the question.
“It will likely be after winter passes.”
* * *
The three left, and time continued to flow.
Mount Hua was completely covered in snow, as if it had put on pure white clothes.
And even in such weather, Cheon-hwi was sitting cross-legged and performing breathing exercises on the peak of the Falling Goose Peak as usual.
Having reached the realm of Immunity to Cold and Heat and unable to feel the cold, he was reminiscing about the spar.
‘This is why the Zhongnan Sect grows.’
In the past, the Zhongnan Sect had a difference that was on a different level compared to the Mount Hua Sect.
But now, it had been reversed.
And the reason was simple.
‘They continued to develop.’
The martial arts that the Zhongnan Sword Saint had unfolded were different from those of the Zhongnan Sect he had seen in his past life.
Most of the flaws had been supplemented.
For example, the World’s Thirty-Six Swords cleanly refined the parts where the connection of the forms was awkward, and the footwork eliminated all ambiguous parts to match it.
It was bold, but it became the right choice.
Thanks to that, the martial arts of the Zhongnan Sect became heavy and were swung powerfully rather than becoming ambiguous.
‘Of course, there are still things lacking.’
Cheon-hwi opened his closed eyes.
“Compared to the Mount Hua Sect, they are heavenly maidens.”
It was to the point where he couldn’t hide his shock when he first saw the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect.
Far from properly inheriting the true transmissions, hadn’t they been lost instead?
“But it will be bothersome for a few days.”
Cheon-hwi came down from the peak.
Naturally executing Treading on Snow without Leaving Traces, Cheon-hwi arrived at the thatched hut.
Jeok-geom, Seol Ran, and Danmok Rin, who would usually have prepared for errands, were not there.
It was because the three had been selected as individuals to enter the Seven Plum Blossom Gates and left a day ago.
The only one present was the Divine Physician, clinging closely to the bonfire to melt his body.
“Are you here now?”
“If you are going to be like that, just go to the Hall of Medicine. It should be warm there.”
“I will never go until I teach you the medical arts.”
The Divine Physician burned with enthusiasm, but.
Step- Step-
Cheon-hwi ignored him and moved outside.
“You brat! Wait!”
Cheon-hwi, who came outside, went down the narrow mountain path that had turned pure white.
Snow piled up and the weather grew cold, but.
Hap! Hap!
The sounds of spirited shouts remained unchanged.
Including the sounds of foaming at the mouth and struggling in between.
‘Should I have a drink for the first time in a while.’
Cheon-hwi, who was thinking of going out, stopped in his tracks.
‘Huh?’
The face of the person coming from the opposite side was very familiar.
At the same time, the person coming from the opposite side also discovered Cheon-hwi and ran over in surprise.
“As expected, it really was Young Hero Cheon-hwi.”
He was the Fifth Chief Steward of the World Merchant Guild.
“It’s been a while.”
The Fifth Chief Steward seemingly did not expect to meet Cheon-hwi in the Mount Hua Sect, as he could not hide his bewilderment and looked at him before subtly checking his Taoist robe.
“…Were you a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect?”
“Yes, I am.”
The Fifth Chief Steward could not hide his bewilderment. That was to be expected, how could he have thought that Cheon-hwi was a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect back then.
“Then why didn’t you tell me last time…”
“You should have found out that much yourself. To a merchant, information is more precious than money.”
The Fifth Chief Steward was struck speechless.
Just as he said, information was more precious than gold to a merchant.
At that time.
“Where are you going… Martial Uncle Cheon-hwi?”
Jeok-jae, who was guiding the Fifth Chief Steward, approached belatedly and was surprised upon seeing Cheon-hwi.
“Is he someone you know?”
“Yeah. We had a brief connection in the past.”
“I-I see.”
Jeok-jae smiled awkwardly.
He wanted to ask how they knew each other, but the opponent was Cheon-hwi. He didn’t know what kind of situation he would end up in if he asked needlessly.
“Are you guiding him?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Hmm. Is that so?”
Cheon-hwi stared at the Fifth Chief Steward. After doing so for a moment, he turned his gaze toward Jeok-jae and spoke.
“You can go. I’ll guide him instead.”
“You, Martial Uncle?”
“Yeah. It doesn’t matter, right.”
“If it is you, Martial Uncle…”
Jeok-jae nodded his head.
Who would say anything about handing over the guidance to Cheon-hwi.
The Fifth Chief Steward listened to the conversation between Cheon-hwi and Jeok-jae and struggled to manage his expression.
‘If it is the Cheon generation, it should be the seniority of a first-generation disciple, but at that young age…’
He quickly stored the information in his head.
Just as Cheon-hwi had said moments ago, to a merchant, information was no different from money.
At that time, Jeok-jae approached.
“Then I will take my leave now.”
The Fifth Chief Steward hurriedly put on a mask-like smile and answered.
“Thank you for guiding me.”
“Not at all.”
Jeok-jae clasped his hands and retreated.
Soon, when only the two of them were left.
“By the way, you came considerably later than I expected. You haven’t forgotten what I said about doubling it within a year, right?”
Cheon-hwi interrogated him right away.
“Of course I remember.”
The Fifth Chief Steward wore a bitter smile.
“However, things have become complicated right now…”
“What is it?”
“A few people came to the inn and are claiming that this place is originally their territory. As if that wasn’t enough, they cause a ruckus if we don’t give them money… Sigh.”
Perhaps recalling the events of that time, the Fifth Chief Steward let out a deep sigh.
“Did you tell the government?”
“Whether they paid bribes or not, telling the government had no effect.”
The Fifth Chief Steward bit his lip tightly.
“So I came to establish a transaction with the Mount Hua Sect and also ask for help.”
“Help, you say…”
Cheon-hwi stroked his chin.
“Then is the inn completely built?”
“Now we only need to move the goods, but those guys are interfering…”
“Hmm, then everything will be fine if we just take care of those guys.”
“For now, that is the case.”
Cheon-hwi nodded his head.
“You are going to tell the Sect Leader first, right?”
“That is correct.”
“Then let’s go right away.”
“Pardon? Uh, uh?”
Cheon-hwi swiftly lifted him.
And slung him over his shoulder as he ran.
“U, uaaah!”
The Fifth Chief Steward let out a shriek.
Not only was the scenery flashing by before his eyes, but a cliff could be seen right below.
“S-save me…”
Around the time his complexion was turning completely white.
“Keep it down a little.”
At Cheon-hwi’s words, he firmly shut his mouth.
And a moment later.
Thud.
The Fifth Chief Steward absentmindedly looked at the pavilion.
Looking at the hanging board stylishly written as Purple Mist Pavilion, he was not in his right mind.
At that time, Cheon-hwi knocked on the door.
“A guest has arrived.”
“Come in… A guest?”
The Sect Leader stumbled over his words slightly.
“Where is the guest from?”
Cheon-hwi slightly looked at the Fifth Chief Steward.
At the silent gaze telling him to speak directly, the Fifth Chief Steward was startled and opened his mouth.
“I-I came from the World Merchant Guild.”
“The World Merchant Guild?”
A surprised voice could be heard from inside.
“What business does the World Merchant Guild have?”
“This lowly one is the Fifth Chief Steward of the World Merchant Guild, and I came to make a direct transaction with the Mount Hua Sect.”
“A transaction… Please come in first.”
As the Fifth Chief Steward entered, Cheon-hwi also naturally followed behind him and entered.
“Welcome… Why are you coming in together?”
“Because I helped him once. Right?”
As he gestured to the Fifth Chief Steward with his words.
“That is correct. Young Hero Cheon-hwi’s help was great, so I would like to hear his opinion together this time.”
The Sect Leader felt somewhat suspicious, but he accepted it upon seeing Cheon-hwi’s face.
‘It seems he did something again.’
“…I understand for now.”
As the Sect Leader permitted it, the Fifth Chief Steward brought out a book as if he had been waiting.
“If you read this first before we properly start our discussion, it will be easy to understand what kind of transaction it is.”
A moment later.
“Hmm, tourist souvenirs…”
The Sect Leader turned the pages of the book handed over by the Fifth Chief Steward and racked his brain for a moment.
‘It is definitely a good business, but.’
It was a matter where money would come in naturally.
However, he was also worried just as much.
“May I see what kind of product it is?”
As if waiting, the Fifth Chief Steward immediately untied the pouch worn at his side and took out tassels from inside.
“For now, I plan to do only tassels first. And as the number of people gradually increases, including clothing…”
The Fifth Chief Steward went on to explain the plan he had established in a lengthy manner.
Cheon-hwi also picked up one of the tassels.
It only differed in color from the tassels carried around by the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.
“It’s unique.”
As they were looking at the tassels made up of blue plum blossom or white plum blossom patterns rather than red plum blossoms, the Sect Leader nodded his head.
“The quality of the tassels is quite outstanding.”
It was a decent quality even when compared to the tassels made within the Mount Hua Sect.
“How do you plan to sell them?”
The Sect Leader and the Fifth Chief Steward began to converse.
Price, quality.
And the Sect Leader, who thoroughly discussed whether it would be detrimental to their reputation or not, took the tassels.
“I will deliver the results later.”
“I will wait.”
The Fifth Chief Steward bowed his head.
“Also, may I ask for a favor?”
“What favor is it?”
“We are recently building an inn, but some groups are interfering. Could you let the Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect stay for a short while to chase them away?”
For a moment, the Sect Leader’s expression became awkward.
Currently, the Mount Hua Sect did not have any suitable Taoists to send to the inn.
Usually, it was the Plum Blossom Swordsmen who took on such missions.
However, right now they had entered the Seven Plum Blossom Gates or closed-door training for the joint operation.
The Fifth Chief Steward seemingly read the Sect Leader’s troubled look as he asked with an anxious expression.
“…Is it impossible?”
“It seems to be too much right now. I will contact you separately in a few days.”
“Is that so…”
At the moment the Fifth Chief Steward’s expression was about to darken at the Sect Leader’s answer, Cheon-hwi, who was sipping tea next to him, opened his mouth.
“I will go.”
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