Chapter 69: Chapter 69
* * *
The morning sun rose over the vast wilderness of the New Continent, painting the sky in vibrant shades of gold and crimson.
Jang Geon, Li Yeon, and Yang Goeng rode their horses at a steady pace toward New Sichuan. Behind them, Gal Woong was bound securely to a spare horse, his face pale and eyes empty after the previous night’s interrogation.
As they rode, Yang Goeng pulled his horse closer to Jang Geon and asked in a low voice:
“Brother Jang, now that we know Gal Woong’s group is tied to the New Sichuan Merchant Association, how do you plan to handle this once we reach the city? Entering their territory directly could be dangerous.”
Jang Geon looked ahead at the distant mountain ranges bordering New Sichuan.
“We don’t need to barge in blindly. My older brother, Jang Un, operates the Jang Family Merchant Guild in New Sichuan. We will head there first and gather more intelligence on the Merchant Association’s internal movements.”
Li Yeon’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“Your older brother operates a merchant guild in New Sichuan? I didn’t know you had family here, Jang Geon.”
Jang Geon offered a faint smile.
“He crossed the ocean years ago to set up business. He’s a practical man who avoids martial arts conflicts, so heading to his guild will give us a safe base of operations.”
Yang Goeng nodded approvingly.
“That’s wise. With the Imperial Army and the Martial Alliance both keeping eyes on New Sichuan, having a legitimate commercial cover will make our investigation much easier.”
*
By late afternoon, the wilderness gave way to bustling suburban roads filled with merchant carriages, travelers, and local guards. The city of New Sichuan loomed in the distance, its grand stone walls and sprawling architecture demonstrating its status as one of the major hubs of the New Continent.
Passing through the city gates without incident, the group navigated through the busy streets until they arrived at the estate of the Jang Family Merchant Guild.
The estate was impressive, featuring a large courtyard, well-built warehouses, and busy workers unloading crates of goods.
A middle-aged man with sharp yet warm eyes was instructing workers in the courtyard. Seeing Jang Geon enter, the man froze in place, his expression shifting from surprise to immense joy.
“Geon! You finally made it!”
It was Jang Un, Jang Geon’s older brother.
Jang Un rushed over and embraced Jang Geon warmly.
“I received word that you were heading toward New Sichuan, but I didn’t expect you to arrive today! Come inside, come inside!”
Jang Un greeted Li Yeon and Yang Goeng warmly, ordering his servants to tend to their horses and take Gal Woong into custody in a secure room.
*
Inside the main hall of the estate, tea was served. Madam Yeom, Jang Un’s wife, came out to greet the guests along with their young children, Jang Sang and Jang Yeong.
“Uncle!” 10-year-old Jang Sang called out happily, remembering Jang Geon from earlier visits.
Jang Geon smiled warmly, stroking his nephew’s head and greeting his sister-in-law.
After the family members stepped out to let them discuss business, Jang Un turned to Jang Geon with a serious expression.
“Geon, from what your friends mentioned, you’ve stumbled upon something troubling regarding the Merchant Association?”
Jang Geon nodded and explained the situation regarding Gal Woong, the Great Peace Band, and their connection to high-ranking figures within the New Sichuan Merchant Association.
Jang Un’s brow furrowed deeply as he listened.
“The Great Peace Band… I’ve heard rumors of their underground activities recently. They claim to fight for the independence of the New Continent, but in reality, they’ve been orchestrating trade disruptions, extorting smaller guilds, and smuggling forbidden goods.”
Yang Goeng interjected:
“Guild Leader Jang, do you know who among the Merchant Association leadership might be pulling the strings behind the Great Peace Band?”
Jang Un thought for a moment before speaking in a low, cautious tone:
“The New Sichuan Merchant Association is led by Guild Leader Gyeon Woo-young. On the surface, he is a respectable business leader who maintains good relations with both the local authorities and the Martial Alliance. However, behind closed doors, he controls several shadow organizations. If the Great Peace Band has this much influence, Gyeon Woo-young is almost certainly involved.”
Li Yeon’s expression hardened.
“Gyeon Woo-young… if he is using imperial authority and merchant power simultaneously to build an illegal empire, he must be stopped.”
Jang Geon sipped his tea calmly.
“We will investigate Gyeon Woo-young’s private warehouses tonight. If we can find concrete evidence of his ties to the Great Peace Band and their illegal operations, we can expose him publicly.”
Jang Un looked at his younger brother with concern.
“Be careful, Geon. Gyeon Woo-young is not just a merchant; he commands formidable martial artists and secret imperial guards. The estate is heavily guarded.”
Jang Geon smiled faintly and stood up.
“Don’t worry, brother. Stealth is something I’m quite accustomed to.”
Night fell over New Sichuan, setting the stage for a covert operation into the heart of the city’s trade empire.