Episode 78: Fate Will Always Find a Way to Connect (3)
Light Novel: Volume 4 Chapter 1
Manhwa: Chapter 66-67
Chapter 1. Fate Will Always Find a Way to Connect (3)
Lim Sobo’s eyes were cold and serious as she looked at Lee Gwak.
“Why do you want Cheon-wol?”
“Because I like him.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Because I need him.”
“Be more specific—”
“I need someone I can trust and rely on. And if that person also happens to be someone I like, then there’s nothing better.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am.”
At her firm response, Lee Gwak nodded.
Her expression and demeanor were unquestionably serious. These weren’t words spoken on impulse.
Lee Gwak’s gaze shifted to Cheon-wol.
“What about you? What do you think?”
“I…”
Cheon-wol stammered, unsure how to respond.
He hadn’t expected Lim Sobo to suddenly request that he be transferred to the Secret Court. Unable to give a clear answer, he looked back and forth between Lee Gwak and Lim Sobo.
Lee Gwak let out a quiet chuckle.
This was the same Cheon-wol who always tried to act more mature and composed than anyone else in front of others and yet here he was, completely flustered in front of Lim Sobo and himself.
Lim Sobo wore a similar expression to Lee Gwak’s.
Her decision to choose Cheon-wol wasn’t based solely on affection. At times, he displayed an extraordinary sense of perception that even surprised her. She had also happened to witness him practicing swordsmanship once.
Even though he hadn’t formally trained in swordsmanship for a long time, his level was already enough to shock and amaze her.
Cheon-wol’s talent was on par with any of the prodigies renowned across the Jianghu. That was why she made the decision to officially bring him into the Secret Court.
Lee Gwak spoke.
“If you’d just given the order, I would’ve sent him without question.”
“If I had, it would’ve only caused resentment. I know how Brother Cheon-wol feels about Brother Gwak. That’s why I’m being respectful with my words so that Brother Cheon-wol can accept it on his own terms.”
As Lee Gwak watched Lim Sobo speak with such clarity and composure, he thought to himself that she was a frightening person.
Though still young, she had an uncanny understanding of how to win over people’s hearts.
If she had simply ordered Cheon-wol to join the Secret Court, she would have been met with resistance. Instead, she chose to cleverly confront it directly and left the final decision to Lee Gwak.
It was then.
Cheon-wol suddenly held out the Hidden Sword Art to Lim Sobo and said.
“I can’t accept this.”
“Brother!”
“I can’t leave until I’ve repaid the debt I owe to Brother Gwak. So I’m going to stay in the Outer Hall and continue serving him.”
Lim Sobo’s eyes trembled slightly at his unexpected response. She hadn’t thought Cheon-wol would be so upright and stubborn.
Now, it was Lim Sobo who didn’t know what to do. She turned her gaze toward Lee Gwak.
“Hoo…”
Lee Gwak let out a soft sigh and reached out his hand.
As soon as he grabbed Cheon-wol’s head, Lee Gwak tousled his hair roughly. Cheon-wol looked at him, startled.
“B, Brother?”
“Just take it.”
“But—”
“Aigoo, why are you so stiff? Sobo went through a lot to get this, you know.”
“But if I do, then I’ll have to go to the Secret Court—”
“It’s not like you have to go right this moment, is it?”
“Huh?”
“You can be registered under the Secret Court and still be stationed in the Outer Hall, or you can officially transfer over later. Isn’t that right?”
Lee Gwak’s last words were directed at Lim Sobo.
Though she frowned a little, Lim Sobo gave a small nod.
Her eyes clearly said:
‘Just you wait.’
A chill ran down Cheon-wol’s spine, and he instinctively pulled his shoulders in.
Lee Gwak patted Cheon-wol’s shoulder and said.
“Alright, I’ll let you go. Just not right now.”
“I’m not asking him to be sent over immediately anyway. Honestly, even if Brother Cheon-wol joined now, there wouldn’t be much for him to do inside the Secret Court. I’d rather he stay in the Outer Hall and train in martial arts quietly… just like he is now.”
“So what you’re after… is a Hidden Sword. Just like the name implies.”
“Exactly!”
Lim Sobo answered without hesitation to Lee Gwak’s spot-on remark.
What she truly wanted was a hidden blade, a secret weapon.
There was a limit to the power that the Secret Court could exert. They only had a limited number of troops, not at all comparable to the Inner Court, let alone the Main Court.
The various divisions that formed the backbone of the Jade Heaven Alliance were unknowingly keeping each other in check. Naturally, the Secret Court—having the smallest numbers—was constantly being pushed into a defensive position.
In particular, the Inner Court was the place that applied the most pressure. The Inner Court’s Leader, Joo Shin-yoon, always kept a close eye on the Secret Court so it wasn’t easy for them to strengthen their forces in any open way.
But Cheon-wol was different. He belonged to the lowest-ranked squad in the Outer Hall, completely out of Joo Shin-yoon’s line of sight and he possessed excellent martial arts skills. In many ways, he was the perfect candidate to become the Secret Court’s Hidden Sword.
Lim Sobo’s eyes turned to Cheon-wol.
“Brother Gwak’s already given his approval. Now all that’s left… is your decision, Brother Cheon-wol. What are you going to do? No matter what you choose, I’ll respect your decision.”
“Ha…”
Cheon-wol sighed.
For a moment, a flicker of conflict passed over Cheon-wol’s face. That was how difficult the decision was for him.
“Do what your heart tells you. That way, you won’t have regrets.”
Those words from Lee Gwak helped him make up his mind.
“…I’ll do it. The Hidden Sword.”
“Th-thank you…”
Lim Sobo’s voice trembled slightly. That’s how much pressure she had been feeling.
Before bringing up the proposal to Cheon-wol, she had agonized over it countless times.
Was it truly the right decision to bring him into the Secret Court?
Would it be better to leave him be? To let him live a peaceful life as ordinary Outer Hall martial artist?
Once he stepped foot in the Secret Court, he would no longer be allowed to live a normal life. Even now, she wasn’t sure if it was right to lead Cheon-wol into such a rough life.
Perhaps sensing what she was feeling, Cheon-wol spoke.
“Don’t torment yourself over me. This is all my decision.”
“Brother…?”
“No matter what the outcome is, I’ll never resent you for it. So stop worrying.”
“Okay…!”
Lim Sobo’s face brightened considerably. Cheon-wol’s words had lifted the burden in her heart.
Lee Gwak closed his eyes quietly and thought to himself.
‘It seems like fate always has a way of connecting people… one way or another.’
* * *
The group left the guest house at dawn and arrived at Ten Thousand Merchant Union after three days of travel.
When most people heard the name Ten Thousand Merchant Union, they imagined towering palace complexes surrounded by massive fortress walls like the Jade Heaven Alliance. After all, it was said to be the wealthiest organization under the heavens, so that image wasn’t unreasonable.
Therefore, people who came to the Ten Thousand Merchant Union for the first time couldn’t hide their confused expressions. The reality was just too different from what they’d imagined.
“This is… the Ten Thousand Merchant Union?”
“Huh?”
It was the same for Squad 13.
They couldn’t hide their bewildered expressions at the sight that was so different from what they had imagined.
A fairly wide river flowed in front of the village, nestled under a tall mountain. It was the kind of prosperous village typically found in a mountainous terrain. It was a scene completely unlike the image of the Ten Thousand Merchant Union they had vaguely pictured in their minds.
Seok Yi-cheon turned to Lim Sobo and asked,
“Is this really the Ten Thousand Merchant Union?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Mm!”
“You don’t have to doubt it. This is definitely the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.”
“But—”
“You don’t need towering walls to protect vast wealth. They’ve chosen a much smarter way.”
Seok Yi-cheon tilted his head, unable to fully grasp what she meant. It was the same for the others.
The Ten Thousand Merchant Union had no walls or barriers to block people from entering. It didn’t screen anyone based on status either. There was complete freedom to enter and leave.
From great merchants who dominated the realm to small-time traders with nothing more than a single cart— anyone could do business freely inside the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.
Because of this, there were always countless people staying within the Ten Thousand Merchant Union. Among them were escort warriors, guards, and martial artists involved in various entangled interests.
None of them wanted trouble in the Ten Thousand Merchant Union. In the end, the Ten Thousand Merchant Union managed to secure countless escort martial artists without spending a single coin of their own.
Of course, the Ten Thousand Merchant Union also had its own martial artists. But they almost never needed to step forward to defend it.
“Let’s go.”
Woon Dae-yeon led the group into the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.
Despite entering the union after crossing the stone bridge, the only path over the river, not a single checkpoint stood in their way.
“There aren’t even guards posted.”
Seok Yi-cheon shook his head.
To someone who had spent his entire life in the Jade Heaven Alliance, it was an incomprehensible sight.
Lim Sobo walked over to Lee Gwak’s side and said in a low voice.
“You noticed it too, didn’t you, brother?”
“Yes!”
Lee Gwak nodded.
To Seok Yi-cheon’s eyes, it may have appeared like an ordinary village, but to Lee Gwak’s eyes, there were countless trap mechanisms hidden throughout the area.
There was no need to station guards. In the event of danger, everything visible could instantly turn into a death trap.
Most of the trap mechanisms installed in the village were ones Lee Gwak could disable. But he showed no sign of recognition and rode his horse in silence.
The place Woon Dae-yeon led them to was an ordinary mansion deeper within the village. Upon entering the courtyard of the mansion, an old man in shabby clothes was seen sweeping.
Even as Woon Dae-yeon and his group entered, the old man didn’t spare them a single glance, merely sweeping the fallen leaves into a pile.
“That man—!”
The corners of Yeom Jung-ak’s eyes twitched. He was slightly angered by the man’s lack of reaction upon seeing Woon Dae-yeon, despite being nothing more than a servant.
It was then.
“Oh my! We have esteemed guests.”
The door opened and a middle-aged man from inside the house rushed in.
Woon Dae-yeon’s eyes gleamed.
“And you are?”
“I am Cho Geumsan, the External Manager of the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.”
“External Manager?”
“Yes! I handle all the external affairs and miscellaneous duties of the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.”
Cho Geumsan looked at Woon Dae-yeon with a friendly smile.
“Do you know who I am?”
“How could I not recognize the famed Sword Dragon, Master Woon, whose name is known throughout the world? Even if I didn’t, I had heard from the Deputy Merchant Lord that Master Woon’s group might arrive today, so I’ve been waiting.”
“Hmph!”
Woon Dae-yeon’s eyes gleamed.
Even if they had informed them in advance of their coming, it was no easy feat to predict their exact arrival time.
‘This won’t be easy.’
One of the reasons they had come to the Ten Thousand Merchant Union was to secure further support.
The Ten Thousand Merchant Union was already providing a massive amount of war supplies to the Jade Heaven Alliance. To ask for even more in such a situation was no simple task.
Cho Geumsan approached Lim Sobo.
“You must be Lady Lim Sobo, the treasured gem of the Jade Heaven Alliance?”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Manager Cho.”
“You must have had a hard time coming all this way.”
“Not at all.”
Lim Sobo smiled and shook her head.
“Then I’ll escort you two inside. As for the others, separate accommodations will be arranged, so please rest well.”
“Wait!”
“Yes?”
“I would like my direct subordinates to enter with me.”
Woon Dae-yeon gestured toward the Bloodcloaked Death God Battalion.
Cho Geumsan looked momentarily troubled. But only for a moment as he quickly nodded as if it were nothing.
“If that is more comfortable for you, then of course. Then I’ll just arrange accommodations outside for the remaining members?”
At Cho Geumsan’s words, Woon Dae-yeon glanced briefly at Lee Gwak and Squad 13.
They were brought along to round out the group per Lim Sobo’s request, but they were of no use in the negotiations.
“Squad Leader Lee, remain outside with your subordinates.”
“Understood.”
Lee Gwak nodded obediently.
In any case, even if he went inside, he’d only end up playing the role of a background extra. Rather than that, it was better to rest outside and take a good look around the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.
Lim Sobo whispered in a low voice.
“The negotiation will take quite a bit of time. Please rest comfortably.”
“Got it.”
For the last time, she looked at Cheon-wol.
Lim Sobo pointed her finger at the cloth covering Cheon-wol’s face. It was a silent warning not to take it off in front of others. Especially not in front of women.
When Cheon-wol silently nodded, Lim Sobo smiled in satisfaction and returned to Woon Dae-yeon’s side.
Cho Geumsan led Woon Dae-yeon, Lim Sobo, the Bloodcloaked Death God Battalion, and the others out of the courtyard.
Left in the courtyard, an old man who had been sweeping approached Lee Gwak.
“Follow me.”
With a gruff voice, the old man turned and started walking. Lee Gwak and Squad 13 hurried to follow him.
“You’ll be staying here.”
The old man provided them with a shabby village house.
It was a house with three rooms and a small courtyard. Had it been given to other warriors, complaints would have surely erupted, but for Lee Gwak and Squad 13, this much was more than enough.
“We’re finally free for a while.”
“Woohoo!”
Squad 13 let out a cheer as the old man who guided them left the house.
Though nothing in particular had happened on their way here, the long journey had still left their bodies exhausted.
Lee Gwak addressed his squad members.
“As you heard earlier, we’re on break for now. You are free to do as you please,but don’t leave the Ten Thousand Merchant Union.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Squad Leader!”
The squad members responded energetically.
“Rest if you want to rest, or go out if you want to look around. Today, you’re completely free.”
“Hahaha!”
At Lee Gwak’s words, the squad members erupted in cheers.
Led by Seok Yi-cheon, the group rushed out of the house. But Lee Gwak and Cheon-wol chose to stay behind and rest.
Once the two were left alone, Cheon-wol spoke to Lee Gwak.
“Do you think Sobo will be okay?”
“Looks like you’re worried.”
“……”
Cheon-wol’s face turned bright red.
Seeing how he couldn’t hide his emotions, Lee Gwak smiled.
“Young Master Woon may be the one leading the negotiation on the surface, but the real brain is Sobo. Naturally, she’ll be thoroughly protected. She’s that important.”
“Then… that’s a relief.”
Cheon-wol clenched his fists tightly.
His reddened face clearly showed his frustration. He felt self-conscious about not being able to follow Lim Sobo and protect her.
“I’ll rest in my room.”
Cheon-wol went straight into the room.
The sound of pages turning could be heard through the crack in the door.
He was finally reading the Hidden Sword Art he hadn’t been able to look at due to the eyes of others.
Left alone, Lee Gwak lay down on the bench and gazed up at the sky.
“No different at all.”
The sky above the Jade Heaven Alliance and the sky above the Ten Thousand Merchant Union— there was no difference at all.
SoundlessWind21’s Notes:
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