Chapter 24: The Morning of Departure
The morning of departure had arrived. The members of the merchant group, who had rented out an entire inn, had been up since dawn, doing headcounts and distributing loads at the base of the mountain. The rugged mountain trail meant they couldn’t use carts; everything had to be carried by hand.
“Ah, my younger brother and I have some strength, you know? Trust us with a load.”
“What would I trust you kids with? Just stick close behind and don’t fall behind. These mountain paths are no joke.”
“I’m more confident on mountain trails than anyone. Just give me one bundle. And if something tasty crops up midway, save me a bite.”
“Tasty? After you’ve taken all our spare change for snacks.”
“Taken! Uncle Jang, you’re the one who insisted on playing dice.”
Although Cho Yoon’s group had joined late and under special circumstances, they had built good relationships with the merchant members. Cho Yoon had saved many of their companions, and during their stay at the inn, the sociable children had gotten close to not only the porters but even the guards.
Even now, as Sa Young bantered, everyone seemed pleased and were handing the children small loads.
“Sa Young, the porters are busy with preparations. Stop now and come over to greet them.”
“Yes, Master. See you later, Uncle Jang!”
At Cho Yoon’s timely call, Sa Young ran over. Although not raised to be particularly shrewd, it seemed to be in his nature.
‘He looks like he could survive just fine on his own.’
Seeing new aspects of the children in a different environment, Cho Yoon smiled inwardly. He turned Sa Young around and retied his loose hair. Sa Young suddenly looked up and asked,
“Master, where is Hyun Ah?”
“He went to help unload the luggage with Cheon Oh. His good nature and strength make him invaluable.”
“That’s true of my brother.”
The implication being that Cheon Oh was not the same.
This subtle hostility had not changed over the years. By now, it seemed like a habit. Cho Yoon, hiding his discomfort, spoke quietly.
“It’s natural to care for your brother, but don’t be too harsh on the youngest disciple. It does you no good.”
“I’m trying not to.”
No, it really does you no good. If I hadn’t brought and raised him myself, I also wouldn’t know what he would become.
Sa Young, having always been deeply ingrained with the idea of protecting his brother, didn’t easily let go once he set up a guard. Cho Yoon had no choice but to continually mediate to the best of his ability.
“As I always say, Sa Young, dividing people into those who can harm you and those who can’t will only make you more insular. Your heart still hasn’t fully left that place.”
“Understood. I’ll be careful, Master.”
“Alright, I’ll speak with Cheon Oh as well, so ease your mind.”
Now that the child was old enough to understand words, my nagging had increased. I felt uneasy considering what might happen if they became complete enemies of the final boss.
After comforting Sa Young, seeing the two children returning through the crowd, Cho Yoon smiled. Despite having helped with a task even strong adults found difficult, they didn’t seem to have broken a sweat.
Sa Hyun, with a bright face, pointed behind them and said,
“Master, someone has arrived.”
“It seems the first disciples of the Mount Hua Sect have finally shown up.”
Appearing right at departure time despite being busy—what an overt attitude. Cho Yoon suppressed a sarcastic smile, shouldered his previously set-down bag, and said,
“Get your things ready as well.”
[I will teach you about voice transmission while we climb the mountain, so stay focused.]
Using the unique messaging method of martial arts, Cho Yoon sent the latter part of his words directly to the children’s ears. The children, startled as if hearing the voice right next to them, turned to him and then cheerfully scattered to get ready. Seeing eager students always brought a smile to my face.
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While the Mount Hua Sect was considered more liberal compared to other places, it was still a taoist sect. Positioned at the peak of Mount Hua, one of the Five Sacred Mountains, it wasn’t easy to ascend or descend. Novices in the sect could not leave until their lightness martial arts reached at least five stars, and even then, they needed a good excuse.
Thus, this free-ranging mission was a rare and delightful event.
“Tsk, my boots made of Jiangsu silk…”
“It’s because it rained recently, making the ground muddy. Fortunately, our merchant group specializes in Sichuan’s Shu brocade. If it’s alright with you, I’ll have a new pair of boots made for the Perfumed Willowsword as well.”
“Oh, my careless words out of lack of discipline… It’s an honor to see the famous Shu brocade of Sichuan.”
“It’s an honor if it suits the hero of Mount Hua.”
Yoo Myung-woo, the Perfumed Willowsword of Mount Hua Sect’s first disciples, gave a pleased smile. Securing many rolls of expensive silk with mere words all afternoon, he could not have been more content. However, it was clear that he would soon find another reason to grumble.
In desperate need of Mount Hua Sect’s assistance, the head of the merchant group had been enduring Yoo Myung-woo’s capriciousness with a patience that bordered on servitude. Many onlookers listening to their conversation were visibly uncomfortable with his servile demeanor.
From a distance, Gu Yang-seon, attuned to the dialogue between the two, suppressed a deep sigh.
‘We’re not just offering one-sided help, and how can a taoist be so obsessed with luxury…’
Being a guardian for a merchant group wasn’t the most honorable role for a warrior of a renowned martial sect. However, the generous payment for independently protecting from a mere mountain bandit meant he had to show due respect. Yet, it wasn’t proper for a taoist, supposedly a noble soul, to act this way; it sullied the reputation of Mount Hua Sect, Gu Yang-seon thought.
Such thoughts would be wasted on Yoo Myung-woo, though.
‘Strictly speaking, he’s among the lower-tier first disciples, sent here because of that… If Mount Hua’s name was all that was needed, even a second disciple would suffice. The important thing is the justification of Mount Hua protecting this merchant group.’
Gu Yang-seon understood the true intent behind the assignment the moment he heard his master’s instruction. Though it hurt his pride, he had neither the backing of a powerful family nor substantial wealth to support him, leaving him with no choice but to comply.
On the other hand, Yoo Myung-woo was the second son of a well-known merchant family in Shaanxi and had made substantial donations upon joining Mount Hua Sect.
Despite his lack of capability, his future was set, thanks to his wealth and family’s influence. He agreed to the mission as he found the confinement in Mount Hua suffocating.
Meanwhile, among the three disciples sent from Mount Hua, Lee Yeon, known for his reclusive nature, was silently walking along, without uttering a word.
‘Despite having so much, why is he so greedy? I wish he would just tone it down…’
As Gu Yang-seon, feeling drained, turned his head away, an intriguing sight caught his eye.
