Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 209
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Chapter 209: How Am I Supposed to Know That?
After kidnapping the Justice Alliance’s Chamber of Commerce leader, Mak Woonhan, the leaders of the Wall Tiger Clan, Ilmuwon, and the Great Axe Clan, Kang Seongo, quickly fled east, crossing the Yinghe River that runs through Fuyang. They did this to avoid a possible pursuit by the Justice Alliance.
They traveled for a day until they reached Jeomchon, Ilmuwon’s hometown, where they hid, waiting for the Justice Alliance to abandon Fuyang.
In an abandoned house in Jeomchon, Kang Seongo lightly kicked Mak Woonhan, who was tightly bound.
“Hey, Mak. How dare you supply resources to the Justice Alliance while we, of the Yoomyung Cult, are alive and watching?”
Kang Seongo’s accusation was quite arbitrary, as most Chambers of Commerce traded with both the Justice Alliance and the Yoomyung Cult. However, Mak Woonhan, captured and without options, could only beg for his life.
“Please, forgive me. I only supplied once because they begged me.”
“You talk as if it was just once! Do you think we don’t know you have a contract with the Justice Alliance? Merchants always lie.”
“Please, forgive me. I only sold a few things.”
“That’s the problem! Why do you think the Justice Alliance needs the supplies you delivered? It’s to fight against us, the Yoomyung Cult. If it weren’t for merchants like you, this war wouldn’t have even started.”
“I won’t trade with them again.”
“It’s too late. Merchants like you, who bow to whoever offers more, must be punished as an example so that everyone knows what happens to those who collaborate with the Justice Alliance.”
Kang Seongo, eager to show his loyalty to the Yoomyung Cult, had eyes full of fiery determination.
At that moment, Ilmuwon, the leader of the Wall Tiger Clan, approached.
“Kang, the Justice Alliance has left Fuyang. It seems they’re heading to Luoyang.”
Ilmuwon assumed the Justice Alliance was heading to the Baima Temple in Luoyang, where the Yoomyung Cult was holding an event.
“Ha, ha, ha! See? I told you. They seemed to be in a hurry. They don’t have time to look for us.”
“So, can we go back to Fuyang now?”
Ilmuwon’s face filled with hope.
Without the Alliance, no one in Fuyang could stop the plans of the Wall Tiger Clan and the Great Axe Clan.
“Yes, let’s go. Let’s return to Fuyang and collect compensation from the Chamber of Commerce.”
Upon hearing that the Justice Alliance had left Fuyang, Mak Woonhan lowered his head in resignation.
With the Justice Alliance gone, the Chamber of Commerce could only expect to be extorted.
Mak Woonhan sighed.
He had agreed to supply food and medicine for 108 people. How had he ended up in this situation?
Ilmuwon turned to Mak Woonhan.
“Mak, it seems you thought the Justice Alliance would win, so you signed the contract. But you’re wrong. Do you know that a single Demon Warrior of the Yoomyung Cult can overpower a sect leader from the seven great sects? So, what do you think of the Great Demon Generals? Do you think a few great masters can stand against them? Merchants like you should better understand the world’s trends.”
“Leader Il, merchants have always sold to both sides. Why are you doing this to me?”
“Normally, no one would say anything. But who supplies the enemy in times of war? With that lack of judgment, I don’t know how you became a leader.”
“Leader Il, now that you’ve captured me, another Chamber of Commerce will have taken the contract. When warriors of the Murim use their strength, merchants have no choice but to obey.”
“Don’t worry. The Chambers of Commerce that support the Justice Alliance will be our enemies. They will deeply regret it when the Yoomyung Cult wins this war.”
Ilmuwon’s unwavering words made Mak Woonhan sigh deeply.
“Have you forgotten that the Taepyong Chamber of Commerce has the support of the Heavenly Sword Sect?”
“Hmph! Do you think we’re afraid of the Great Swordmaster Lee Cheolsan of the Heavenly Sword Sect?”
Despite his words, Ilmuwon couldn’t hide a flash of doubt in his eyes.
Lee Cheolsan, the Great Swordmaster of the Heavenly Sword Sect, was known for his swordsmanship, capable of unleashing sword energy. Moreover, it was said that Lee Cheolsan had a close relationship with Yeon Jeokha, the Grand Inspector of the Nokrim. Although the Heavenly Sword Sect did not confirm this relationship, the rumors were persistent.
“Our pact with the Chamber of Commerce is one of honor. Do you think Master Lee will ignore this situation? He has many disciples in the Chamber of Commerce.”
“That doesn’t matter. Have you forgotten who backs us?”
“…….”
Mak Woonhan’s expression hardened.
‘Could there be a Demon Warrior who hasn’t gone to Luoyang?’
If that were the case, even if Lee Cheolsan came, he wasn’t sure he could resolve the situation.
—————-
On the way to Fuyang, a group of about twenty warriors walked with serious faces.
They were the warriors of the Chamber of Commerce, led by Shim Tong and Lee Cheolsan, who were heading to rescue Mak Woonhan.
Han Chaeyeon, walking at the front, spoke to Lee Cheolsan.
“It’s curious, isn’t it?”
“What is?”
“That just when we were about to rescue Mak Woonhan, Yeon Jeokha sent Old Shim. It seems too coincidental.”
“Really?”
Lee Cheolsan glanced at Shim Tong.
“Old Shim, what do you think of what Han Chaeyeon said?”
Shim Tong laughed.
It seemed Han Chaeyeon was bored, spouting whatever came to mind to converse. Suddenly, he remembered something that had happened last year at the Mujingak Inn in Luoyang.
Yeon Jeokha had woken up late and said:
“I had a disturbing dream last night.”
“Yes, you also woke up late yesterday and the day before.”
“Old Shim, do you know the Six Superior Powers?”
“What? Are you hurt?”
“Forget it, ignorant.”
The Six Superior Powers were special abilities mentioned in Buddhism. Known as Shenzutong, Tianyitong, Tashintong, Sunmingtong, Tianantong, and Lujintong, they were considered almost divine, something only attained in a state of supreme enlightenment. Shim Tong had pretended not to know to avoid taking Yeon Jeokha seriously, as he believed it was impossible for someone so young.
“Old Shim.”
“Yes.”
“Send someone to our base to make sure everything is in order and to inform them where we are.”
At that moment, Pung Yeoncho and Tak Gomyung were in danger, nearly killed by the leader of the Sahae Chamber of Commerce. If Yeon Jeokha hadn’t asked Shim Tong to check, they would have died.
‘Could it be that Young Master Yeon really has the Six Superior Powers?’
With a more serious expression, Shim Tong began to doubt. Lee Cheolsan, noticing Shim Tong’s change of expression, tried to lighten the mood.
“Ha, ha. It was just a joke. You don’t have to take it so seriously.”
“No, actually, your words reminded me of something.”
Shim Tong recounted the events at the Sehae inn.
“…If Young Master Yeon hadn’t asked me to investigate, the brothers Pung and Tak would have died. This time, too, he said he had a disturbing dream and asked me to check how you were. It’s as if he knew in advance that you’d be in a difficult situation.”
“…”
Lee Cheolsan, Han Chaeyeon, and Ha Sobaek’s eyes widened.
What had started as a casual conversation now seemed something more serious and strange.
Still puzzled, Lee Cheolsan asked:
“Do you think Yeon Jeokha can really see the future?”
Shim Tong, feeling a bit resentful of the comparison, replied curtly:
“He learned directly from the Mysterious Woman of the Nine Heavens. What couldn’t he do?”
Ha Sobaek, who had been listening in silence, intervened:
“Then, does this mean we could be in great danger? Could the kidnapping of Mak Haengsoo be a much more serious matter than we think?”
Han Chaeyeon gave her a smack on the back.
“Hey! Why do you think of such crazy things? You shouldn’t say such things, you might bring bad luck.”
“I’m just saying because the brothers Pung and Tak were in danger before. This situation could be similar. I hope it’s not, but…”
“No, it’s not like that. Don’t think about it anymore. Right, Old Shim?”
“I also think what happened last time was just a coincidence. What are the chances it will happen again? Although the Murim is dangerous, it can’t be that repetitive.”
Shim Tong shook his head, trying to dismiss the idea.
“There you have it. Old Shim says it’s not like that. He has a lot of experience, so trust his judgment.”
Hearing this, Han Chaeyeon smiled, satisfied. Shim Tong also smiled, pleased with the trust the young ones showed in him.
————-
At the Dutiful Son Cliff in Huashang Village.
Early afternoon (around 3 PM).
Nam Su-gyeong approached Yeon Jeokha with a bottle of warm Shaoxing liquor and some strips of dried meat.
Yeon Jeokha was sitting dangerously at the edge of the cliff, looking at the river.
“Yeon, I brought warm Shaoxing liquor.”
“Huh? You didn’t have to do that.”
Though he said that, Yeon Jeokha smiled and quickly approached Nam Su-gyeong.
“It’s cold, so I warmed it up. Is it okay?”
Nam Su-gyeong knew that Yeon Jeokha didn’t feel cold or hot, but she wanted him to enjoy the warm liquor on a chilly afternoon.
Nam Su-gyeong poured the liquor into Yeon Jeokha’s cup reverently.
Although they were friends, Nam Su-gyeong felt a deep respect for Yeon Jeokha.
“Oh, it’s warm and sweet. Is this Shaoxing liquor?”
“Yes. I noticed you like Shaoxing liquor more than Jiafanjiu or Yuanhongjiu.”
“Wow! How can there be so many types of Shaoxing liquor?”
“Ha, ha! Jiafanjiu and Yuanhongjiu have a bitter finish. Shaoxing liquor is sweeter.”
“I see. Next time, I’ll ask for Shaoxing liquor specifically.”
“Yeon, why do you only drink Shaoxing liquor?”
“It reminds me of someone.”
“Who?”
Nam Su-gyeong felt a little disappointed but kept her interest.
“Someone.”
“Why won’t you tell me who? We’re friends, right?”
Nam Su-gyeong pouted, wanting to know more.
“Someone promised to give me a very special wine. I’m waiting for that day, so I drink Shaoxing liquor, which is similar. Do you understand?”
“Why don’t you drink that special wine instead of Shaoxing liquor?”
“The special wine is valuable.”
“Hmph! There’s a lot of that wine. What’s so special about it?”
“Oh! Someone carefully buried it for me. Thinking about that person and their effort makes the wine special.”
“So, who is that person? How will I know how special they are if you don’t tell me?”
“You’ll find out someday.”
Nam Su-gyeong, not getting the answer she wanted, changed the subject.
“Ah! Did you know that the Yoomyung Cult people have left Baima Temple?”
“And?”
“As the leader of Nokrim, you should know. Why do you think they left? It’s to fight the Justice Alliance. The great battle is about to begin.”
“Are you very interested in the affairs of the Murim, friend?”
“It’s not interest, it’s just that I hear a lot at the inn. While you’re here every day, I hear what’s going on in the world. Who do you think will win?”
“How am I supposed to know that? If I knew, do you think I’d be here at this inn?”
“Pfft! Of course, you didn’t even know what type of Shaoxing liquor you liked. Here, eat something so your stomach doesn’t get upset.”
Nam Su-gyeong pushed a piece of dried meat into Yeon Jeokha’s mouth. Seeing his expression of disgust made her feel a little better.
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