CH 254

Light Novel: Volume 11 Episode 4

At the news of Geum Suryeon’s injury, Geum Shin-chung immediately stood up, making his chair fall to the ground.

“What are you talking about? How could Suryeon be badly injured? What about her escorts?

“Everyone died except for one.”

“Dead? What kind of people are they? How could they all be dead?”

“I’m sorry–!”

It wasn’t his fault, but the attendant who brought the news fell on the floor, with his forehead touching the ground. 

Geum Shin-chung’s anger was indescribable.

Geum Suryeon is his only family. Although he had his nephew, Geum Woo-shin, he couldn’t be compared to his direct family, Geum Suryeon.

“Who the hell did that to her? It’s not the Jin family, right? Did they hold a grudge against us because of the IOU?”

“If the Jin family had always been that vicious, they wouldn’t have been pushed this far by the Snow Sword Manor.”

“Then, who the hell attacked Suryeon?!”

Geum Shin-chung’s angry voice made all the objects in his palace vibrate.

His attendant could only look at him in fear.

There were too many suspects that he couldn’t pinpoint one. 

Everyone knew of the fact that Geum Shin-chung only managed to accumulate the enormous wealth he has today through the establishment of the Yeomwangdae.

Among the people who borrowed money from him, there was not a single person who met a good end. All of them were either sold as slaves or ended their own lives in despair because of their huge debts.

Those people all have a deep grudge against the Golden Mountain Manor. Some of them might have attacked the Geum Suryeon to get revenge on the Golden Mountain Manor.

“Immediately send Woo-shin to Suryeon to protect her. And have the Yeomwangdae catch the perpetrator.”

“All right.”

The attendant responded quickly.

Yeomwangdae is the direct subordinate organization run by Geum Shin-chung. It’s an organization in charge of collecting money from the people who loaned from the Golden Mountain Manor. 

It was made up of people with no blood or tears. They were so vicious that they’d do what it takes to squeeze a dry rag just to produce water. 

The individual members’ martial arts were also so strong that they were considered more terrifying than the grim reaper in Runan.

Releasing the Yeomwangdae is enough proof that Geum Shin-chung’s anger reached its peak. 

“Have him observe the situation and if possible, ask him to bring back Suryeon. After all, we have good doctors here too.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be possible.”

“Why?”

“She’s so seriously injured that her condition could get worse during transport.”

“Shit!”

Geum Shin-chung could not hold back his anger anymore and hit the table.

“Tell Woo-shin directly that if something happens to Suryeon, he would be responsible. He should protect her well.”‘

“Yes!”

“Get out!”

When Geum Shin-chung waved his hand, the attendant bowed his head and then quietly left the room.

Geum Shin-chung who was now left alone muttered,

“I don’t know who he is, but once I catch him, I’ll skin him alive.”

* * *

Seol Kang-yeon looked at the inner garden with his window wide open.

It was already late at night, but because of the lanterns hanging all over the garden, it created quite a serene atmosphere.

The garden of the Snow Sword Manor was stunning thanks to the gardener who took care of it. However, no matter how beautiful the scenery was, Seol Kang-yeon was not impressed.

He was just temporarily staying in this place. His ultimate goal is still Tianzhongshan, which was taken away by the Jin family.

He would do anything, even give up his soul, just to make his wish of setting the Snow Sword Manor back in Tianzhongshan come true. 

When Seol Kang-yeon was about to grab the teacup next to him,

“Sect leader!”

He heard a voice calling out for him. 

“What’s going on?”

“A guest has come to visit. He’s asking to see you.”

“Who is it?”

“Jang Hoyeon of the Rain Mountain Manor.”

“Rain Mountain Manor?”

In an instant, Seol Kang-yeon’s eyes glinted.

The Rain Mountain Manor is located in Chengshan, Anhui Province. It was more than 2,000 li away from the Snow Sword Manor. It was impossible for a sect which is miles away to come and offer their help to the Snow Sword Manor.

“Hmm…”

After thinking about it for a while, Seol Kang-yeon ordered his subordinate to bring Jang Hoyeon inside.

After some time, the door opened. 

A young man entered the room. His soft facial features made him naturally likable.

He was Jang Hoyeon, the young leader of the Rain Mountain Manor.

Jang Hoyeon greeted Seol Kang-yeon, 

“Jang Hoyeon of the Rain Mountain Manor greets Seol Kang-yeon of the Snow Sword Manor.”

“Nice to meet you! How is your father?”

“He’s doing well.”

“I’ve seen your father from a distance before. He is a great warrior with the spirit of a hero.”

“Thank you. My father also mentioned that Lord Seol is a great person.”

“Oh! Is that so?”

“He said that if I work with you, I will definitely learn a lot so I should take the time to visit you at least once.”

“Thank you.”

Seol Kang-yeon shook his head.

On the surface, he had a delighted expression on his face, but Seol Kang-yeon did not fully believe Jang Hoyeon’s words.

It was the same with Jang Hoyeon.

After all, the Snow Sword Manor and the Rain Mountain Manor had never interacted with each other until now. They had no reason to see each other. 

It was a lie that Seol Kang-yeon saw Jang Hoyeon’s father, Jang Pyeong-san. Jang Hoyeon also lied about having his father say that he has a lot to learn from Seol Kang-yeon.

They were just exchanging polite remarks. 

Seol Kang-yeon asked with a smile,

“So, what brings you all the way here from the Rain Mountain Manor? I don’t think you came here just to see my face.”

“I actually came here to ask you for a favor.”

“Is that so?”

“If you help me, I will do my best to help the Snow Sword Manor.”

“Can I think of this as your father’s will?”

“That’s right.”

Seol Kang-yeon’s smile deepened at Jang Hoyeon’s answer.

Because the distance between the two sects are too far, it was unreasonable for the Rain Mountain Manor to directly support the Snow Sword Manor. Nonetheless, it would be of great help to the Snow Sword Manor if the Rain Mountain Manor expressed their support. 

The most important thing in Jianghu is to have enough justification or cause. Sometimes, the exhaustion of a huge sect, such as the Rain Mountain Manor, acts as a stronger force than any other justification.

That’s exactly what Seol Kang-yeon expected from Jang Hoyeon and the Rain Mountain Manor.

“Now tell me what you came here for.”

“I’m looking for the man who killed my brother and stole our family treasure.”

“Tell me more about it in detail.”

“There is a sword that has been passed for generations in our family.”

“What’s the name of the sword?”

“It’s called Gongbu.”

“I think I’ve heard of it before. It’s a great sword made a long time ago.”

“That’s right. He stole Gongbu, our family’s heirloom and ran away. In the process, he killed my younger brother who was pursuing him.” “

“Are you saying he’s here?”

“I already confirmed that he has entered Runan.”

“What’s his name?”

“Pyo-wol.”

“Pyo-wol?”

Seol Kang-yeon frowned.

It was a name he had never heard of before.

Investigating the people entering Runan or the Snow Sword Manor is the responsibility of his attendant, Lee Yul. So Seol Kang-yeon didn’t know such details. 

“I’m sorry, but this is my first time hearing that name.”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s a sneaky guy, so I’m sure he doesn’t use his real name.”

“You can go visit my attendant. He might know something about him.”

“Thank you.”

Jang Hoyeon bowed his head as he said his thanks.

He had a lot of worries as he entered Runan.

Where should he go?

The Jin family or the Snow Sword Manor?

After much deliberation, he chose the Snow Sword Manor.

He thought it would be easier to get help from the Snow Sword Manor, which has a much more free atmosphere, than the Jin family which is naive and honest.

More than anything else, the Snow Sword Manor desperately needed the support of prestigious sects such as the Rain Mountain Manor.

“There are a lot of people who wanted to help us so our manor might be quite crowded. Please excuse us for that.”

“Of course. It’s actually nice to see that many people had voluntarily come to help the Snow Sword Manor. Isn’t this only possible because Lord Seol’s popularity is so great?”

“Haha! You think so?”

Seol Kang-yeon burst out laughing.

He knew that Jang Hoyeon was intentionally flattering him, but it doesn’t change the fact that he felt good about it. 

“Once you go outside, my subordinate will guide you to my attendant.”

“It was an honor meeting you today. See you then.”

“I also hope that you will recover your heirloom safely.”

“Thank you.”

After cupping his fist in goodbye to Seol Kang-yeon, Jang Hoyeon went out of the room.

As soon as he came out, a warrior of the Snow Sword Manor came forward.

“Your subordinates have already been taken to their quarters. I will now guide you to the attendant.” 

“Thank you!”

Jang Hoyeon nodded and followed the warrior.

There is currently an excited atmosphere at the Snow Sword Manor because of their recent victory against the Jin family. 

On the way to the attendant’s residence, he ran into quite a few warriors. Their faces were all bright.

‘The Snow Sword Manor has the advantage.’

Jang Hoyeon was once again convinced that his choice was right.

At that time, one of the Snow Sword Manor warriors talked to the person who was guiding Jang Hoyeon.

“Where are you going?”

“Ah! I’m on my way to the attendant’s office. Here with me is a guest from the Rain Mountain Manor.”

“Is that so? Come to the Secret Shadow Group once you’re done. They need support.”

“Okay.”

The warrior who talked to Jang Hoyeon’s guide cupped his fist and then left.

Jang Hoyeon asked his guide,

“What is the Secret Shadow Group?”

“Ah! It’s an organization under the direct control of the young master. It’s making a significant contribution in the fight against the Jin family.”

“Really?”

“Yes! It’s made up of young and strong warriors who follow the young master.”

“So your young master must be very capable, right?”

“Of course! There aren’t that many warriors who can be compared to our young master!”

The man’s face was full of pride. 

It was clear that he was really proud of their young master.

Jang Hoyeon became curious about the person he was so proud of.

‘I’m sure there’ll be a chance to meet while I’m staying at the Snow Sword Manor.’

For now, his priority is to meet the Snow Sword Manor’s attendant and ask for his cooperation.

He walked faster, but then,

Tuk!

Someone passed by and bumped into his shoulder slightly. He had his head down while walking so he failed to notice Jang Hoyeon in front of him.

Jang Hoyeon frowned and looked at the person who bumped into him. 

The man who bumped into him immediately apologized,

“Oh, I didn’t see you because I was thinking of something else. I’m sorry!”

The man groveled.

He strangely found the man’s appearance irritating. 

Jang Hoyeon asked the man,

“What’s your name?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you deaf? I just asked you what your name is.”

“Ah, yes! My name is Lim Kwon-ok.”

“Lim Kwon-ok? Are you a warrior at the Snow Sword Manor?”

“No. I’m from the Golden Mountain Manor.”

“Golden Mountain Manor?”

When Jang Hoyeon didn’t seem to know, the warrior who was guiding him, thoughtfully explained,

“The Golden Mountain Manor is a sect that could be said to be the richest in Runan. The only daughter of that sect had come here with a serious injury, and it’s that man who had brought her here.”

“That’s right.”

“Is that so? You should be careful from now on.”

Jang Hoyeon’s tone changed.

If the one who bumped into him was another warrior, he would have been very angry. But since the man in question is the warrior who escorted the one and only daughter of the Golden Mountain Manor, then he could not afford to treat him carelessly. 

They might not have a relationship right now, but no one knew what might happen in Runan. 

‘Since they’re the richest sect in Runan, as long as we form a relationship, they will surely be useful later.’

Jang Hoyeon brightly smiled and moved on.

“Let’s go!”

“Yes!”

The warrior continued to guide Jang Hoyeon again.

Left alone, Lim Kwon-ok looked at Jang Hoyeon’s back as he walked away.

‘Did the Rain Mountain Manor follow me all the way here?’