Chapter 102 - The Hellish Great Journey
"See! I told you! I said my senior brothers would pull it off!"
She said that, but Wang Geumsan knew.
That ever since her senior brothers left the Taiyi Sect, Wang Soso had been waking up at dawn to set out a bowl of pure water and pray.
It was nice to see her jumping up and down holding the letter sent from the Southern Peak, so Wang Geumsan just feigned ignorance and nodded.
"Indeed. They really did pull it off."
In truth, Wang Geumsan's feelings weren't much different from Wang Soso's.
The hellish standard exam that they had started with only four people.
He had only thought they would take a lap around Jianghu to gain some experience.
However, not only had they passed the First Gate and Second Gate with excellent results, but they also won the Third Gate admission tokens against the Wudang Sect at the Third Gate.
And all four disciples of the Taiyi Sect at that.
There was no doubt that this result was due to Jin Sowoon's abilities.
No matter who else in the world was brought in, they wouldn't have been able to produce the exact same result as Jin Sowoon.
'If I knew this would happen, should I have offered him to be a live-in son-in-law back then instead of an employee?'
For a while, there was a rumor circulating that he was eyeing Jin Sowoon as a live-in son-in-law.
He had laughed it off, saying it was probably a misunderstanding, but looking back now, that had been the best opportunity.
"Tsk."
Being a merchant, a missed opportunity left him with a great sense of regret.
"Come to think of it, why did the Wudang Sect single out my senior brothers?"
Wang Soso's brightly laughing face turned cold. Wang Geumsan thought to himself, *'Oh no.' *
"... W-Well. Wouldn't the Wudang Sect also single out the weakest opponents in the Third Gate? Looking at it from that perspective... singling out the Taiyi Sect would be a given."
Wang Geumsan hoped Wang Soso would just let it go without realizing, but her thoughtful face made it clear she would not just let it pass.
"... So they really do harbor a grudge over what happened at the Demonic Spirit Plateau."
"..."
And she had pierced through it perfectly.
The Wudang Sect hadn't hidden their displeasure regarding the weakening of Yong So-ah's prestige after the Demonic Spirit Plateau incident.
Furthermore, it was a time when the Taiyi Sect was receiving attention from the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Noble Clans for reclaiming the true inheritance of the Taiyi Sword Emperor with Moyong Gang's acknowledgment.
The Wudang Sect had singled out the Taiyi Sect not only because of the matter with Yong So-ah, but also to verify the sword forms of the Taiyi Sword Emperor.
"Father, how many businesses is our Wangga Manor currently running together with the Wudang Sect?"
"... Look here, Soso."
Not too long ago, she had severed all transactions related to the Mount Hua Sect and the Mount Cangshan Sect.
Furious over the Dragon-Phoenix Summit's actions when they visited the Taiyi Sect, Wang Soso had reported the full story to Wang Geumsan, hoping he would put pressure on Mount Hua and Mount Cangshan.
However, with his cold, calculating merchant's mind, there was no way Wang Geumsan would allow them to incur losses over such childish emotions.
"I'll generate double the profit that comes from Mount Hua and Mount Cangshan for you."
With that firm declaration, Wang Soso's new businesses had begun.
After dismantling all existing clients associated with Mount Hua and Mount Cangshan, she began establishing new trade routes in the North and the Western Regions.
She didn't even have to endure any losses at the start of the business.
The moment Wang Soso reached out, counterparts extended their hands as if they had been waiting for it, vastly expanding Wangga Manor's territory along with generating immense profit.
Of course, it wasn't without its side effects.
With trade severed with Mount Hua and Mount Cangshan, they could no longer expect their protection around Shaanxi Province, forcing Wangga Manor to make massive investments to further build up their own martial forces.
'That isn't exactly a bad thing either.'
Because growing larger meant the influence they could expand became even greater.
The real side effect was that Wang Geumsan himself was struggling way too much.
Even if Soso drafted and planned the new businesses, the actual execution ultimately had to be done by Wang Geumsan.
For Wang Geumsan, who wanted to spend more time with Soso rather than focus on the clan's development, it was a time akin to torture.
"The Wudang Sect doesn't have many businesses with us. Besides, isn't this how things in Jianghu usually go? Let's just let it pass."
Wang Soso was resolute.
"No! Father, if you back down once, you'll have to back down twice. If Wangga Manor had been a clan that tenaciously tore into its opponents, do you really think an incident like my kidnapping would have occurred?"
As expected, blood couldn't be fooled; Wang Soso truly was the daughter of Wangga Manor.
Not only did she possess business acumen, but the tens of thousands of books she had read while forcibly confined indoors all her life had broadened her horizons, and her innate eloquence ensured she wouldn't yield a single step to any opponent.
"Phew..."
And in the end, she always achieved what she wanted.
"If the Wudang Sect doesn't have many businesses with us, then we'll just have to steal their businesses from them."
"..."
"Father, I'll draft a proposal. Could you look it over and see if it's acceptable?"
She asked him to evaluate whether it was acceptable or not, but Wang Geumsan knew better than anyone that there was no way her proposal wouldn't be acceptable.
Driven by a powerful desire to rest even a little bit longer, Wang Geumsan brought up another topic.
"But more importantly, shouldn't we celebrate your senior brothers' victory right now?"
As soon as the Taiyi Sect disciples were mentioned, her face softened up again.
The child who had been like a fierce wolf had suddenly turned back into a little puppy.
"I'll throw a small banquet, so how about you spend some time with the people from the Taiyi Sect?"
If we keep the banquet going for about a week, won't she forget all about revenge and whatever else?
"Really? But I heard there's still a truly important gate left. If we throw a banquet too hastily..."
Wang Geumsan's heart began to race.
"Regardless of the exam results, the fact that Taiyi Sect disciples defeated Wudang Sect disciples is a symbol that will go down in history. Isn't it more important to embrace this process meaningfully?"
As he rattled on with a desperation he hadn't even felt when trading with the royal family, Wang Soso nodded her head.
"I suppose... that's true?"
"Of course. The process is what matters most."
"Thank you, Father!"
Wang Soso leaped into Wang Geumsan's arms.
Feeling his daughter's warmth for the first time in a while, Wang Geumsan's heart swelled once again.
"Would it be alright if I went and told my senior brothers from the Taiyi Sect about this news?"
"Yes, go ahead."
The moment he finished speaking, Wang Soso ran off.
Without realizing it, Wang Geumsan reached out and grabbed her shoulder to stop her.
"Soso, you shouldn't ru—"
He was certain he had grabbed Soso's shoulder, but Wang Geumsan's hand passed right through her form.
"A-An afterimage?"
Looking up, Wang Soso was already running far ahead.
Wang Geumsan couldn't help his inner astonishment. Because of her constitution, Wang Soso was definitely only capable of learning the basic martial art known as the Taiyi mental cultivation method.
So how could her every step and movement be so utterly filled with profound energy?
"Ho..."
Wang Geumsan thought he would definitely have to pay a visit to the Taiyi Sect soon to inquire about this.
"Maybe I should bring up the live-in son-in-law topic while I'm at it."
* * *
"Haa..."
"Hmm..."
"Ahem..."
An awkward silence hung in the air.
Uncomfortable groans slipped out whenever their eyes met.
"Um... I'm alright."
At Moyong Jaehwa's words, Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa couldn't hide their pathetic-looking gazes.
"We're not alright! You idiot!"
"Ugh... How am I supposed to look at Sister Seol now..."
Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa had each defeated their opponents and acquired the Third Gate admission tokens, and the Taiyi Sect disciples, who were expected to lose, had all secured victories against the Wudang Sect. It was an atmosphere that warranted a massive celebration, yet Moyong Jaehwa, the actual promising prospect, had been defeated by a Wudang disciple, throwing cold water over the festive mood.
"S-Still, what a relief it is that Senior Brother and everyone else from the Taiyi Sect all passed. Doesn't this prove that justice in Murim stands tall? Haha."
"..."
"..."
Not only Jin Sowoon but the Moyong Noble Clan warriors also stared at him with dumbfounded looks.
While Moyong Jaehwa was smiling awkwardly.
Namgung Seonhwa looked at Jin Sowoon and spoke.
"We should set off right away, shouldn't we?"
Jin Sowoon shook his head.
"We are resting today."
"Pardon?"
At the unexpected answer, Namgung Seonhwa's eyes widened like a rabbit's. Since they had obtained their admission tokens, she had naturally assumed they would depart faster than anyone else.
"The items I ordered for the final great journey haven't arrived yet. Furthermore, I plan to depart at the same time as those who pass on the second day so we can split up the pursuers a bit."
"Items you ordered?"
"Items that will at least make the great journey a little easier."
"..."
While Namgung Seonhwa couldn't even grasp what kind of items they could be, Moyong Jaehwa subtly approached Jin Sowoon.
"Senior Brother, is there any chance we could tag along as well?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Not only Jin Sowoon, but Seong Moran and Namgung Seonhwa also glared at Moyong Jaehwa with cold eyes.
"Don't you... need to obtain a Third Gate admission token?"
The only opportunity left for Moyong Jaehwa was to snatch a Third Gate admission token during the course of the great journey.
If he traveled with Jin Sowoon's group, who had to flee at all costs, he might lose even his final chance.
"I figured I don't really have any hope anyway. Plus, if I stick with you, Senior Brother, I thought maybe some sort of opportunity might arise..."
"..."
Moyong Jaehwa still had a force of eighty personnel. If he carefully picked out a target holding a Third Gate admission token and fought them at the optimal moment, there was still a possibility of him passing.
"Are you going to be alright?"
"Of course."
"No, I mean that Elder Breaking Sword likely won't let this slide if you tag along with us. I'm asking if you'll be alright in that regard."
"... Ah! I-I'll be fine."
Moyong Jaehwa quietly muttered, *'I'm gonna get beaten to death either way...' *
Jin Sowoon let out a small sigh and asked the Squad Captain of the Moyong Noble Clan. It seemed impossible to have a conversation with Moyong Jaehwa, who appeared to have already lost his reasoning.
"Wouldn't it be better for you to chase after a Third Gate admission token?"
Baek Wongak, the Squad Captain leading the Moyong Noble Clan warriors, let out a sigh.
"The Young Master already expressed last night that he wanted to accompany you."
"But since he couldn't obtain a Third Gate admission token..."
"The Young Master's stubbornness is no less than Elder Breaking Sword's. He was worried about Lady Namgung and Lady Seong, and furthermore, doesn't our clan owe you a debt, Sir Sowoon?"
Baek Wongak didn't say it directly, but he was referring to the matter with Moyong Sangwon.
And only then did Sowoon realize that Moyong Jaehwa had given up on the remaining exam for their sake.
Excluding the injured, they wouldn't be able to handle the great journey with barely forty people.
For their sake, Moyong Jaehwa had chosen to abandon his own exam and accompany them.
"... Alright, let's do that then."
Unable to refuse Moyong Jaehwa's heartfelt consideration, Jin Sowoon let out a small sigh, while Moyong Jaehwa, who had been tearing his hair out, lit up and jumped around in joy.
* * *
The next day, two bizarre-looking carriages arrived in front of the guest house.
Iron plates were attached here and there on the exterior of the clunky, unadorned carriages.
Moyong Jaehwa asked, looking at the carriages with fascinated eyes.
"Senior Brother, what on earth are these used for?"
"I intend to use them for sleeping during the great journey."
"Ah, did you order them specially for the Sisters?"
"No, everyone will take turns sleeping in them."
"Taking turns sleeping one day at a time?"
"No, taking turns sleeping while on the march."
"Pardon?"
"Excluding meal times, we will keep moving continuously. For that to work, wouldn't we need a time to sleep safely, even for a short while?"
"..."
Moyong Jaehwa stared at me in sheer disbelief, his jaw hanging wide open.
I took out the newly ordered shields from the carriage and handed them out to the Geum-eun-dong Brothers.
"Phew..."
"Tsk."
Geumpyo and Eunho still let out long sighs as they accepted them.
"Why? Do you not like them?"
"Not at all. Just imagining how much our parents would lament over this..."
"If you don't like it, you don't have to wear it."
"Pardon?"
"Are you serious?"
Geumpyo and Eunho lit up at my words.
"Oh? Looks like you ordered new ones? We actually ordered a few extra spares as well."
Namgung Seonhwa approached from the side, wearing a small shield identical to the ones we had used on her left arm.
"Back at the Puyang Plains, this looked so incredibly enviable."
Not only Namgung Seonhwa, but Seong Moran, and all the warriors of the Cangqiong Squad and the Iron Sword Sect were also wearing the small shields.
Moyong Jaehwa and the rest of the Moyong Noble Clan warriors simply watched this sight with dumbfounded eyes.
"You did well. These will definitely be necessary for the upcoming great journey."
"Hm? Geumpyo and Eunho, aren't you two going to wear these?"
When Namgung Seonhwa asked with surprised eyes, the two replied with awkward smiles.
"What do you mean? We were just putting them on right now."
"I can't even use my martial arts without this."
I smiled bitterly and turned my gaze toward Moyong Jaehwa.
"I brought spare shields, so hand them out to any of the Moyong Noble Clan warriors who want them."
"Ah... y-yes."
* * *
Thus began the great journey.
From the moment we left the Southern Peak, people started tailing us one by one.
Just like before, there was a mix of those following at a distance and those closing in as they tailed us.
"As expected, there are a lot of people chasing us."
It was only because it was the second day and there were still many people taking the exam that it was limited to this number.
The moment the third day arrived—marking the end of the Third Gate exam and finalizing the eliminations—the pursuit would become far more intense.
"We will increase our speed to the maximum."
"... Wouldn't it be a bit exhausting to speed up right from the start?"
"After passing Puyang, there is a valley. We will rest briefly after arriving there as early as possible."
"Rest? Didn't you say you prepared those steel carriages so we wouldn't have to rest?"
"I intend to strike the Wudang Sect there."
"Eeeh?"
Namgung Seonhwa's eyes bulged wide.
I pointed toward the back.
"The opponents we need to be the most wary of among them are from the Wudang Sect. If we don't deal with them, it will make the rest of the great journey even harder."
"No, even so, to stage an ambush in the middle of all this..."
That was when Dongryong suddenly chimed in.
"Sister Seonhwa, I was told that when you're being chased without reason, you're supposed to give them a reason."
"What?"
Namgung Seonhwa's brow furrowed deeply.
"No, who on earth taught you such nonsense?"
Dongryong proudly pointed at me.
"..."
"No, that's not what I originally meant..."
An awkward silence lingered between Namgung Seonhwa and me.
I felt wronged.
That wasn't what I told him to use it for.
