I could only let out a hollow laugh.
Because anyone who has set foot in the martial world would know that name.
Two hundred years ago in the martial world, there was a hero who played a great role in the war against the Blood Cult.
Extreme Heaven Sword Gwak Hoon (郭勳).
However, they say he focused more on martial arts training than on building his influence.
After that, no descendants emerged who stood out enough, and just like that, the family line was severed…
Then the martial art North Sea Ice Palace Master taught me was Extreme Heaven Sword’s ultimate technique?
Does that mean there was some connection between Extreme Heaven Sword’s descendants and North Sea Ice Palace?
“I thought it was a martial art name I’d heard somewhere before… So that’s what it was.”
“By the way, are you planning to mainly use that martial art from now on?”
“That’s the plan, but is there some problem?”
“That’s not it. It’s just that coming through the North Sea this time, you only used the Snow Twelve Form Sword… so I was just asking. Besides, it felt like you’ve been trying not to reveal your martial arts to outsiders…”
“So you knew.”
Seo Wu smiled and answered.
“All the escort guards already know this.”
The truth is, I’m reluctant to use martial arts, first of all, because there’s no need for me to step forward.
Since I have two Peak warriors and two First-rate warriors as my escorts.
Secondly, it’s because I need to appear as if I haven’t learned martial arts to draw less suspicion from the Murim Alliance.
But now that I’m traveling all over the Central Plains like this, I won’t be able to avoid using martial arts forever.
Third, I was uneasy about using Snow Wind Palace’s martial arts. Because I didn’t know who the villain was that wiped out Snow Wind Palace.
Master also said that while people normally wouldn’t recognize it, I should still avoid using the martial arts as much as possible.
I looked at Seo Wu and fell into thought.
The escort guards are those to whom I’ve entrusted my life.
And from what I’ve observed of them so far, they’re trustworthy.
Then it’s only right that I respond to their loyalty.
“First of all, the escort guards protecting me are excellent. I didn’t think there was any need for me to get involved as well.”
“I see. Thank you for trusting us.”
“Of course I should trust you.”
I smiled.
“And… as you know, the martial arts I’ve learned are from a place called Snow Wind Palace.”
Seo Wu nodded.
“And currently, we don’t know who wiped out Snow Wind Palace.”
“There are rumors that the villain was the Demonic Cult, and others say it was North Sea Ice Palace… but nothing’s certain.”
“Yes. That villain must have had some reason to wipe out Snow Wind Palace. In that situation, if it becomes known that I learned Snow Wind Palace’s martial arts, my life could be in danger.”
“…That’s certainly true.”
“That’s why I tried not to reveal my martial arts.”
“…Just as Jin Yu said.”
“Huh? Jin Yu?”
Seo Wu nodded. We all knew that Jin Yu was from Snow Wind Palace.
Before, when the White Thunder Division came to escort Hall Master Ma’s investment funds, Jin Yu had revealed his past.
“Jin Yu mentioned it before. That you’re reluctant to reveal your martial arts probably because you’re being cautious of those who wiped out Snow Wind Palace.”
Seo Wu continued.
“If you’re going to disguise yourself anyway, why not do it thoroughly? Isn’t Escort Chief Gwak’s surname also Gwak?”
“Ah!”
Extreme Heaven Sword’s name was Gwak Hoon.
And Master’s name is Gwak Myeong-hyeon.
The reason the Ice Palace Master taught me Thousand Flow Ice Sword must not be unrelated to this.
Since the Gwak Clan’s bloodline has already been severed, who would raise objections to this?
“That’s a good idea.”
.
.
.
We crossed the grasslands at quite a fast pace, passed through Liaoning, and arrived at Beijing.
Once again, I ended up imposing on my aunt’s household.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“Yes, Aunt.”
“I’m glad. But you’re with that young lady again this time.”
My aunt looked at Young Palace Master Bing Hae-rin standing beside me with sparkling eyes.
Aunt, we’re really not like that.
That evening.
I had tea with my aunt, and there I heard an interesting story.
“This time, our Seon-mi actually had tea with the Empress.”
“Is that so?”
Outwardly I showed a surprised expression, but inwardly I smiled.
The Emperor granted my request.
“It was at a gathering where the wives of Apricot Blossom Academy’s Grand Scholars were invited, and Seon-mi was invited along…”
It seemed like consideration was given so Seon-mi wouldn’t stand out too much.
“Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes. Now Seon-mi’s in-laws won’t look down on Seon-mi anymore.”
Seeing my aunt so pleased, I felt rather proud that my support had been properly effective.
A little later, after finishing my conversation with my aunt, I headed to my quarters.
By the way…
I’ll probably be coming to Beijing more often in the future, so I wonder if things are fine like this.
My aunt and uncle would say it’s fine, but I feel sorry about imposing on my aunt’s household every time.
And it’s not just me who’s imposing—quite a few people will be coming and going.
There was only one conclusion.
Establishing an Eunhae Merchant Group Beijing branch.
Currently we have a shop in Beijing, but it’s not at the level of a branch.
Naturally, it lacks the capability to handle important matters.
That’s why I only belatedly learned about the Bureau of Appointments being abolished and the Minister of Revenue and Minister of Works being dismissed this time.
This is the Intelligence Division’s domain, but even they can’t help but have limited movements in places without a branch.
That won’t do.
Currently, our Eunhae Merchant Group ranks fortieth among the Hundred Great Merchant Groups Under the Heaven.
To leap to higher places, we need a proper branch even in the imperial capital of Beijing.
In my past life, I only formally established a Beijing branch when I turned thirty.
But the situation is different from then.
Since Apricot Blossom Academy, which Eunhae Merchant Group invests more than half its operating costs in, is also here, and we’re supplying silk to the Imperial Court, the time has come.
Of course, we had ample funds too.
Hmm, where should I get the land?
There’s the place where the Eunhae Merchant Group Beijing branch was in my previous life, but honestly, I wasn’t fond of that place.
Back then, the suitable places for our Eunhae Merchant Group to establish a Beijing branch had already been claimed by others.
We had no choice but to settle there.
But now there’s a suitable place.
There’s the site where Baekcheon Merchant Group established their second Beijing branch in my past life.
But in this life, it’ll be ours, Eunhae Merchant Group’s.
.
.
.
The next day, Jin Yeong came to see me.
As soon as I arrived yesterday, I sent word that I’d returned, and it seemed the Emperor sent Jin Yeong after seeing that.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“His Majesty the Emperor told me to check if you were safe.”
“I’m fine.”
After examining me closely, he nodded.
“It seems so. I’ll report as such to His Majesty.”
“Yes.”
“By the way, have any eunuchs approached you yet?”
“No one has come to see me yet.”
Jin Yeong nodded.
“That’s fortunate. I don’t know when they’ll come, but be careful whatever they propose. They’re rotten to the core.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Oh, and please tell His Majesty ‘thank you.'”
“I will.”
After Jin Yeong left, I let out a sigh.
I thought I should leave Beijing quickly to avoid getting caught up in complicated matters.
“Palgap.”
“Yes! Did you call for me?”
“We’re leaving tomorrow morning. Tell everyone.”
“Understood.”
The next day, we left Beijing.
My aunt, uncle, and Cousin Seon-il told me to stay longer, but I declined using postponed work as an excuse.
Which was also true.
Even at this moment, my workload keeps piling up.
And there’s also the fact that the schedule was delayed because Eun Jin-ho got sick from drinking.
Haa…
Let’s not think about it.
So we departed from Beijing, passed through Hebei and Henan, and arrived at Eunhae Merchant Group’s main headquarters in Hubei.
Perhaps because we had been on a long journey, all my family members came out and warmly welcomed us.
“Welcome back.”
“I’ve returned, Father.”
Eun Jin-ho and his wife also reported that they had returned safely.
“Oh.”
Eun Jin-ho held out an envelope he was carrying.
“This is a letter from my mother-in-law. And this is a letter from my wife’s maternal grandmother.”
“Her maternal grandmother, you say…”
My sister-in-law answered Father’s question.
“My maternal grandmother is also a disciple of North Sea Ice Palace.”
“Haha. To think you even met your maternal grandmother. You had a good trip.”
Eun Jin-ho said with a smile.
“Yes. It seems I did well to go. I was very much loved there.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Watching that harmonious scene, a wicked thought suddenly occurred to me.
The thought of telling Father that Eun Jin-ho got sick from drinking and caused a delay in the schedule, so a prohibition order would be issued.
Because learning martial arts from the Patriarch was really hard.
I do tend to hold grudges…
“Haa…”
I let out a sigh.
Still, it’s not entirely Eun Jin-ho’s fault, so good me should let it go.
Damn.
I returned to Munghok Hall, my separate residence, washed up cleanly, straightened my attire, and headed to Father’s office.
Because I had things to report to Father separately.
“So, did you do well with what I asked?”
“Yes, Father.”
I carefully explained the tasks Father had ordered, and Father was satisfied.
“Well done.”
“Father, there’s one thing I’d like to mention.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“I felt while I was away this time that we need to establish an Eunhae Merchant Group branch in Beijing.”
“A branch in Beijing?”
“Yes.”
I explained the necessity to Father, and he nodded at my explanation.
“Your words make sense. It’s time for our Eunhae Merchant Group to formally advance into Beijing. I understand. I’ll officially put it on the agenda for tomorrow’s Eunwol Pavilion meeting.”
“Thank you.”
After finishing my conversation with Father, I headed back to Munghok Hall. There was a guest waiting at Munghok Hall.
Young Palace Master Bing Hae-rin.
Young Palace Master Bing Hae-rin, who had escorted our party all the way to Eunhae Merchant Group’s main headquarters, was staying here.
“You’re here.”
“Ah, yes. Have you been waiting long?”
“No. I just got here.”
She was holding something wrapped in a white cloth in her hands. She held it out to me and said.
“I came to give you this.”
“What is this?”
“Open it.”
I took it and unwrapped the cloth.
“…!”
It was a book, and its title surprised me.
Because it was the Gwak Clan’s genealogy record.
“The Palace Master gave that to me and told me to give it to you once we safely arrived at Eunhae Merchant Group.”
Inside was a letter.
I unfolded the letter.
[If you’re the clever young hero I know, I trust you’ll understand what this means]
“Ah…”
As expected, the Ice Palace Master had this intention all along.
“Please tell the Palace Master I’ll put it to very good use.”
“I will. And I’m planning to leave tomorrow morning.”
“You came a long way, so you can stay a bit longer.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“I need to return before the Snow Winds blow. And there’s something I recently realized.”
“It seems you’ve gained an insight.”
Young Palace Master Bing Hae-rin chuckled at my words.
“Honestly, I thought I was the best until now, but there’s someone better than me. I can’t stand falling behind.”
But why is she smiling at me while saying that?
I don’t know the reason, but I responded to her words anyway.
“I hope you achieve great progress in your martial arts training.”
The next day, Young Palace Master Bing Hae-rin left at dawn. I learned this thanks to Lee Pil, who was on guard duty at dawn.
“I see. Thank you for telling me.”
“Not at all.”
As always, I went out to the courtyard and meditated to circulate my Qi.
As soon as I finished meditating, Master came in with uncanny timing.
“Master, you’re here?”
“I heard you went to North Sea Ice Palace.”
“Yes.”
At the time, Master was on an escort mission, so I couldn’t tell Master about it.
But… seeing Master’s face reminded me of the secret story about Master’s childhood that the North Sea Ice Palace Master had told me.
Oh, this is bad.
I tried not to look at Master’s face, but there was no way Master wouldn’t notice.
“You’re acting strange today.”
“Ahem! I apologize.”
“Did you cause some trouble I don’t know about? Why can’t you look me in the face?”
“It’s not that…”
The misunderstanding seems like it’ll only deepen at this rate.
“When I went to the North Sea, I met North Sea Ice Palace’s Palace Master.”
“The Palace Master, you say?”
“Yes. And the Palace Master… told me about things from Master’s childhood. Stories like the white jade sword incident and when you got scolded… I heard those stories.”
At my explanation, Master muttered quietly.
“…That damned old hag.”
–TL Notes–
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