When his subordinate said he would find out who was making Johwadan, the Branch Leader let out a dry laugh.“If it were something that could be found out so easily, the rumor would already have spread far and wide. Still, it’s better than doing nothing. Go ahead, try to look into it.”“Yes, sir!”“You don’t know how many they bought, do you?”“I couldn’t learn that. But since they spoke of ‘head disciples,’ it didn’t seem like just one or two.”“I heard a single pill was outrageously expensive.”“That’s right. As I understand it, one pill costs ten nyang of gold.”“That’s tremendous. Even when rotten, a croaker is still worth something—they must have had some wealth left.”“I hear they mobilized every last bit of the sect’s wealth. If they lose the Johwadan to us this time, the Kunlun Sect will practically be annihilated.”“All the better. That way, they’ll have no choice but to rely on us all the more. Their recent revival of spirit and subtle defiance has been irritating me.”“Indeed.”“Kunlun must forever remain under our Yongho Gate. Isn’t it splendid? One of the Nine Great Sects that once dominated the Central Plains, now beneath us.”“Exactly. Of all the leaders, only you, Gate Master, have one of the Nine Great Sects under your command.”“Ke-ke-ke. Excellent. On a day this delightful, how could we do without wine?”“I’ll have it prepared at once.”“Good. Let’s drink our fill tonight.”“Yes, sir!” ****Several days later.The people of Kunlun emerged with flushed faces, waiting for someone.“You’re certain the Escort Bureau is entering Mount Kunlun?”To the Sect Leader Baek Ho Ja’s cautious question, a Taoist replied,“Yes. We should be seeing them any moment now.”The long-awaited escort goods, the Johwadan, were on their way.As they desperately awaited the sacred pills that would let Kunlun rise again, a distant procession appeared, flags of the Escort Bureau fluttering in the wind.“Headmaster!”“Yes, I see them!”In his heart, he wanted to run up and demand the Johwadan immediately, but he restrained himself.Before long, the Shincheon Escort Bureau arrived before the Kunlun Sect members.“Greetings. I am Shim Pyeong, Head Escort of the Shincheon Escort Bureau.”“The One-Strike Sword!”“Oooh! To think the One-Strike Sword himself has taken on the escort. That inspires confidence.”“It’s only an empty reputation.”“Empty? To have safely brought the escort this far proves your fame is no falsehood.”“No. This escort was personally directed by my lord.”“Your lord? Ah! Then where is he?”Baek Ho Ja glanced about.“My lord had some matters to attend to and sent us ahead. He’ll be following shortly.”“I see.”Everyone knew well enough that the One-Strike Sword’s lord was the Master of the Changcheon Merchant Guild.“Still, for the Guild Master himself to come, that’s surprising.”At the word “Guild Master,” Shim Pyeong nodded.“That’s right. It shows how much importance he places on this escort.”“Ho-ho-ho. For him to think so highly of it… we’re grateful.”“I will deliver the escort goods.”Finally, the moment had come to receive the Johwadan, long heard of only in rumor.“Ah, forgive me. The Johwadan isn’t here. My lord will personally deliver it when he arrives.”“Personally?”“Yes. As you know, the Johwadan is such a precious item that my lord is keeping it with him.”For a moment the Headmaster’s face fell, then he nodded.“That makes sense. It is a critical item. Very well, then let’s see what else was brought.”“Yes.”The Shincheon Escort Bureau soon unwrapped the escort goods and showed them to the Kunlun Sect one by one.They were mainly robes and weapons.After inspecting all the items, the Headmaster said to the escorts,“You’ve worked hard coming such a long way. When will the Guild Master be arriving?”“He should be following shortly.”Impatience gnawed at them, though they hid it well.“Very well. Then we’ll prepare rooms for you. Consider it your own home and rest comfortably.”“Thank you for your thoughtfulness. We’ll trouble you for a few days.”“Ho-ho, don’t call it trouble…”Before the Headmaster could finish, another voice sounded.“Well, well. Quite a crowd today.”Everyone’s eyes turned toward the voice.The Headmaster immediately recognized who it was and quickly cupped his fists in greeting.“Gate Master of Yongho, what brings you to this humble place?”“Humble, you say? Where else in the world could match Kunlun’s scenery? I was visiting the branch office nearby and thought I’d stop in. I hope I’m not intruding.”“Not at all. We had just finished inspecting the goods and were about to disperse.”“I see. May I ask what you purchased?”“Nothing much. As you can see, weapons and robes.”“Weapons?”“Our disciples’ weapons have grown worn from long use. I wanted to replace them with new ones.”“In that case, you should have told us. We have plenty of new swords in our storehouses.”“We already owe you much. How could we trouble you for that as well? I do have a sense of propriety.”Despite Baek Ho Ja’s words, Yongho Gate Master Du Jin Byeok kept glancing about, as if searching for something.“Are you looking for something?”“Ah! N-no. I was only examining the swords—they look to be in fine condition.”“Would you like to see them for yourself?”Du Jin Byeok hesitated, then nodded and drew a sword.Chwaang—As he unsheathed it, the blade shone brilliantly, displaying its beauty.Du Jin Byeok let out a breath of admiration.“Ho, a fine sword indeed.”“Yes. I never expected them to be of such quality.”At Baek Ho Ja’s words, Du Jin Byeok nodded and looked toward Shim Pyeong.“We’d like to order some just like this.”“Our Guild Master will be here shortly. You may discuss it with him then.”“The Guild Master? Namgoong Hwan of the Changcheon Guild?”“Yes.”“Ho, he’s coming in person?”“Yes.”Du Jin Byeok’s instincts told him.The Johwadan was with that man.“When will he arrive?”“Within a few days.”“I see. Then may I also stay here until he arrives? Going back and forth would be a bother.”At his request, Baek Ho Ja replied,“There’s no problem with you staying, but I fear the accommodations may be too humble.”“It’s fine. I enjoy sleeping rough.”“Very well. Prepare a room for the Gate Master.”“Yes!”“Thank you.”Du Jin Byeok pulled a money order from his robe and handed it over.“For your trouble. You won’t find it insufficient.”“No, no. Please, rest comfortably. I won’t accept payment.”“Ha-ha-ha. No. Take it—it will ease my mind.”At his words, Baek Ho Ja hesitated.“Go on, take it. It feels awkward in my hand.”“…Very well. I’ll put this money to good use.”“Ha-ha-ha. Now it’s yours. Spend it as you please, I won’t mind.”“Thank you.”“Then I’ll impose on you for a few days.”“Please rest at ease.” ****In the Sect Leader’s chamber, Kunlun’s top elders were gathered.“What reason could he have for showing up suddenly?”“Could it be that word of the Johwadan purchase leaked?”“Nonsense! How could it have leaked? We’re the only ones who know.”“It’s just… the timing was too precise. How did he show up right when the goods were laid out?”“Coincidence.”“There are too many suspicious points. Even offering money just to stay here seems odd.”“Still, we can’t exactly drive out a guest who asks to «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» stay. Let’s think positively. We’ve even gained some money out of it.”“Even so, the way he insists on meeting the Guild Master feels fishy.”“Perhaps he really does like the swords. They are of the finest quality.”“That’s true. I tried one as soon as I received it—it was perfect.”“The balance is in perfect harmony. Swinging it feels effortless.”“It felt as though it had been my own sword from the start, fitting my hand exactly.”As those who had tried the swords spoke with excitement, Baek Ho Ja nodded.“See? With weapons that fine, it’s only natural he wants to deal directly. Just keep your mouths shut. Don’t let word of the Johwadan slip out. Still, to be safe, go out and personally welcome the Guild Master when he arrives.”“Yes.”While the others answered, Baek Woon Ja and Baek San Ja’s expressions subtly shifted.“We’ve been deceived.”The Branch Leader fumed, but Du Jin Byeok sipped his tea calmly.“No, not deceived.”“Sir?”“The Guild Master is coming personally, isn’t he?”The Branch Leader looked puzzled, and Du Jin Byeok chuckled.“You fool. Why would the Guild Master come all this way to the hinterlands? It means he’s carrying something that important.”“Ah!”“Most likely, the Johwadan is on his person.”“So that’s why you’re staying here until he arrives?”“Exactly. And I want to buy some of those swords.”“I saw them too. They truly were of superb quality.”“Superb? No. Perfect. It’s been a long time since I held such a flawless sword.”“That much?”“Yes. The energy spread evenly throughout the blade. Such swords aren’t easy to find. And most of what they brought were of that quality.”It was astonishing.“Seems the Changcheon Guild has gained some extraordinary talent. The Johwadan, the Inyeondan, the swords—everything points to it. I intend to meet him and ask directly.”“My apologies. I was shortsighted, venting my frustration in front of your grand design.”“Forget it. By the way, do you have any wine? Tea alone is tiresome.”“I’ll prepare it right away.”“The moonlight outside is splendid tonight. Let’s drink beneath it, with Mount Kunlun’s scenery as our side dish.”“Yes, sir!”“Wow!”A voice of admiration.It was Yeon Woo Jin.“This looks like a painted landscape brought to life.”“Mount Kunlun is famous for its beauty.”“The sea of clouds makes the mountains look like a giant ship.”Endlessly marveling, Yeon Woo Jin enjoyed the view as he walked.The people accompanying him were illustrious: the Sword Queen Yeo Hwarin, the Green Forest Grand Emperor Lee Hwa Un, the Flame Emperor Hwa Sogwang, and even the Sa Hwal Squad following behind.Even Namgoong Hwan, who was hardly lacking in renown, couldn’t claim prestige within such a company.As they approached the Kunlun Sect, a Taoist in robes was seen running swiftly toward them.In an instant he arrived, clasped his hands, and asked,“May I ask if the Guild Master of the Changcheon Merchant Guild is here?”At that, Namgoong Hwan stepped forward.“I am the Guild Master of Changcheon.”The Taoist’s face brightened in a wide smile.“So it is you! An honor to meet you. I am Unbaek, First Disciple of Kunlun. I’ve come to guide you to our sect.”“Ha-ha, thank you. You needn’t have— I would have found my way just fine.”“It’s that… we have uninvited guests in the sect, so the Headmaster asked me to bring you quietly.”“Uninvited guests?”As Namgoong Hwan tilted his head, Unbaek said,“I’ll explain on the way.”Namgoong Hwan looked toward Yeon Woo Jin.Seeing Woo Jin nod, he said,“Then let’s go.”“Yes.”The group followed Unbaek.“What do you mean, uninvited guests?”At Namgoong Hwan’s question, Unbaek sighed.“I regret speaking of our troubles to such honored guests.”“No matter. Tell us. Who knows? Perhaps we can help.”“Even your words are a kindness.”

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