Volcanic Age - Chapter 29

The Murim Association was on the verge of losing at Kaiyan and having Weng An captured, but with the aid of reinforcements, they were able to escape with wins.

The Fourteenth Gallant Sword was a particularly significant help. Not long after, Gu Pung’s reputation began to spread in Kang Ho.

They successfully won the battle with the aid of reinforcements, and they went back to Weng An. When they got to the location, they were all overcome with amazement.

“What is that?”

When word of their success spread, they believed people may meet them at the gates.

The damaged gates, however, had blood on them rather than accepting them.

“No!”

Gu Pung looked for Ju Seo Cheon as soon as he arrived. His complexion looked pale for the first time since he came down from Mount Hua.

 

But that lasted for only a moment. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Ju Seo Cheon coming out and greeting him.

 

“What happened?”

 

Gu Pung asked Ju Seo Cheon.

 

“I will explain.”

 

The only second-rate warrior of Weng And started to explain.

 

Gu Pung, Zhuge Sak, and other prominent individuals cocked their heads in response to the remarks of the subpar fighter.

 

People didn’t react with surprise once he finished speaking; instead, they expressed incredulity. That appeals particularly to Zhuge Sak.

 

“Even if the enemy were all mediocre, you only managed to subdue a hundred of you?”

 

Not believing in such words wasn’t odd.

 

Except for one, every warrior who had been left behind in Weng An was a third-rate fighter. 

 

Even if they used a formation utilizing the gates, it was impossible to defeat a force that had fifty times more numbers.

 

“It was all thanks to young master Ju. No, great master Ju.”

 

The second-rate warrior added.

Zhuge Sak glanced at the warrior and then became angry.

 

“You! Won’t you speak properly! Everyone here knows that he is only twelve, who are you trying to take for a fool!”

 

The warrior flinched at Zhuge Sak’s shouting.

 

“Tw, twelve?”

 

The only figure that didn’t know about the kid, Mak Won Gap, raised his head while he was tied down with ropes.

 

“It, it’s the truth!”

 

“That’s right great master. We saw it clearly with our eyes.”

 

The other warriors took courage and stepped in.

 

‘We have to repay the grace we received from great master Ju.’

His nickname had changed into 

“great master” in no time.

 

It was a battle that they thought nobody would be able to survive. Everyone was ready to lose their lives.

 

A despairing situation that had no hope at all got completely overturned with Ju Seo Cheon appeared.

 

No one was injured seriously, and while several people received minor wounds, nobody lost their lives. Ju Seo Cheon was shielded from the deep-seated gratitude of the warriors who had benefited from his assistance.

 

Zhuge Sak spoke more quietly and muttered since all the warriors in Weng An were defending him, not just one or two.

 

“Yes, I see. You claimed that the warriors in the River of Death were only of the third order, and even though you didn’t kill all of them, half of them fled in terror because of fear. It makes sense if that is the case. That is not amazing at all.

 

Zhuge Sak quickly adopted a look of disinterest.

 

“Yes. And don’t I have more internal energy than other kids my age? That was of great help.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon added some words to evade needless suspicion.

 

“Great master…

 

The warriors of Weng An put on unsatisfactory expressions as the evaluation of their benefactor decreased

.

‘It’s not time to appear yet.’

 

He had called out his name in the battle but that was because he could plentily take care of the aftereffects.

 

It was a battle between the third-rate anyways. Even if he attained complete victory, he wouldn’t receive any great evaluations because of the low level of the fight.

 

Ju Seo Cheon expected that and ran wild.

 

“But you are still impressive. You have done well.”

 

Gu Pung complimented Ju Seo Cheon with a proud face.

 

‘I have seen him since long ago but his insight and calmness aren’t normal at all. Although his martial arts are average. Everyone at that age would get stiff at their first battle but he didn’t get bewildered at all and fought calmly while leading the warriors.’

 

Gu Pung thought inwardly.

 

Ju Seo Cheon had hidden his abilities well and nothing about his real power got revealed because of this situation.

 

However, Gu Pung placed focus on Ju Seo Cheon’s ability to command or his composure and not his martial arts as he hadn’t known the extent of them.

 

‘He will become a great leading figure.’

 

A smile spread on Gu Pung’s face.

 

* * * 

 

Four days later.

 

After the conflict between Weng An and Kaiyan, the gang went back.

 

The battle’s news traveled quickly. However, because the war in Kaiyan was more significant than the one in Weng An, that is the only battle about which there was widespread news. Not that it wasn’t discussed at all; rather, it was overshadowed by the others.

 

“Hahaha!”

 

Shin Do Gyun’s laughter resounded.

 

In Kaiyan, a huge feast started today. It was a feast honoring their total triumph.

 

They nearly had their land invaded by the enemy and nearly suffered significant losses in the men they sent to Kaiyan.

 

But fortunately, they came out victorious without much damage thanks to the reinforcements of the Fourteenth Gallant Sword, and to top it off Three Headed Mad Dog had also died.

 

The corners of his lips curved until they reached his ears.

 

“I’m saying this one more time, but you have done a good job. I was so happy when I heard the news that I didn’t think of my face and danced in the streets. 

 

There’s plenty of food and alcohol so enjoy!”

 

There were no geishas as Jang Seo Eun and Zhuge Suran were also attending. Instead, women attendants poured them alcohol or served food.

 

“Wow, young brother. I’m seeing you in a new light!”

 

Jang Hong laughed magnanimously and patted Ju Seo Cheon’s back.

 

“It’s nothing compared to you, fellow brothers.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon lowered himself and praised Jang Hong.

 

Jang Hong and Jang Seo Eun had shown good skills for it to be their first real battle.

 

They didn’t get greatly injured because they were protected by the guards that departed with them from Kae An and could accumulate experience safely.

 

“No need to be a modest brother.  It seems like we underestimated your skills.

 

Jang Seo Eun also complimented Ju Seo Cheon sincerely.

 

But the results may have been different if Jang Hong and Jang Seo Eun didn’t stand out and only Ju Seo Cheon’s performance was spread.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon also replied formally today.

 

Zhuge Sang and Zhuge Suran approached him and congratulated him.

 

“You are great young master Ju.”

 

“Congratulations.”

 

Curiosity appeared in the eyes of Zhuge Sang and he could feel uninterest from Zhuge Suran.

 

“No, hyung-nim. There’s no need to speak so uncomfortably. Isn’t that right fellow brother?”

 

Jang Hong asked Ju Seo Cheon.

 

“Yes, of course. Treat me comfortably.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon was delighted by that.

 

“It won’t hurt to establish a relationship with the siblings beforehand. It will undoubtedly be really beneficial.”

 

Although Jang Hong was fairly annoying since he spoke excessively, he was feeling appreciative of his sociability for the time being.

 

He had to give Zhuge Seung Kye the greatest attention, but it didn’t stop him from interacting with the other two.

 

“I’m grateful. You will have custody of me.

Zhuge Sang saluted while displaying his white teeth.

 

The Zhuge siblings and the siblings of the Lotus Peak got along with Ju Seo Cheon and talked to him.

 

And when they were starting to get drunk with alcohol, he snuck out and approached Zhuge Seung Kye who was sitting alone in a corner.

 

“What is it?”

 

Zhuge Seung Kye presented a subdued look to Ju Seo Cheon.

 

The performance of Zhuge Seung Kye wasn’t advertised either.

 

Additionally, he saw the use of assassination weapons as shameful and asked that it be kept a secret because it wasn’t anything to be proud of.

 

Ju Seo Cheon wanted to use this chance to boost Zhuge Seung Kye’s confidence, but if it became known that he had created an assassination weapon, it would be problematic in several ways.

 

“Honestly speaking, we wouldn’t have been able to win in the battle if it wasn’t for my genius younger brother. If you hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have been able to stay alive.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon sat next to Zhuge Seung Kye.

 

“It’s really regretful that we can only keep this as a secret but don’t think too bad about it. I will recognize you even when the world refuses to.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon’s tongue moved swiftly and complimented him. It was incomparable from the fellow brothers of the Lotus Peak.

 

“Ahem, ahem.”

 

It seemed like Zhuge Seung Kye didn’t feel so bad about it that he flushed and coughed. He was certainly a genius but he was still a ten-year-old kid. He was simpler than he thought.

 

“I thank you for your compliments but in my position, the amazing one isn’t me but you…”

 

Zhuge Seung Kye had thought of Ju Seo Cheon as being a special person with some abilities.

 

He knew that members of the Lotus Peak were outstanding but people tend not to believe in things if they don’t see them with their own eyes.

 

But his perception changed in Weng An. Zhuge Seung Kye was able to realize just how great Ju Seo Cheon was.

 

‘He is that amazing but gets scorned at saying that he’s the flashy yet frail one, just how amazing are the swordsmen of Mount Hua?’

 

Zhuge Seung Kye made a misunderstanding.

 

Even a great senior disciple of the Lotus Peak wouldn’t be able to imitate the swordsmanship he had shown.

 

Zhuge Seung Kye had no eye for that so he misunderstood on his own.

 

“Haha, you already realized the greatness of this older brother of yours. But there’s no need to feel so envious. I was just lucky and 

consumed a miraculous medicine. 

 

You will also be able to become like me if you consume one.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon was opening his eyes sharply. His eyes were shining as if they had discovered something.

 

“A miraculous medicine?”

 

“Right. No matter how hard it is to understand martial arts, you will be able to solve all of it if you have miraculous medicine. You will also be able to become an expert in an instant!”

 

Ju Seo Cheon lied without even licking his lips.

 

“I don’t think that’s true…”

 

Zhuge Seung Kye mumbled with suspicious eyes.

 

“Seung Kye, are you more of an expert than me?”

 

“That’s not the case but…”

 

“Have you consumed a miraculous medicine before?”

 

“That’s not the case either but…”

 

“If you haven’t, don’t speak”

 

Seung Kye felt like he was being tricked.

 

“Do you think that experiencing that luck at that scale is easy in the first place? If that was the case, Murim would be filled with experts everywhere!”

 

Zhuge Seung Kye raised his voice as if telling him not to spout nonsense but the only one that heard his voice was Ju Seo 

Cheon because of the noisy feast.

 

“Really? What will you do if this brother of yours gets you miraculous medicine? 

 

Coincidentally, I happen to have some information regarding said medicines.”

 

A thick smile spread on Ju Seo Cheon’s face.

 

Zhuge Seung Kye laughed out loud.

 

“If that is true I will of course become your younger brother and will even become your underling. Although that will never happen.”

 

“That promise, I hope you keep it.”

 

Ju Seo Cheon’s mouth curved like a crescent moon.

 

***

The feast lasted for two days without interruption rather than only one. The warriors had exclusive use of the first day.

 

They forbade accepting any outside visitors to avoid being bothered.

 

The second day was crowded with customers and guests.

 

“State the purpose of your visit.”

 

“To express my congratulations on their total win. I came to present the Fourteenth Gallant Sword with a gift.

 

To meet a pinnacle specialist wasn’t simple. It was particularly difficult to meet those connected to powerful sects like Mount Hua.

 

The biggest gain for them was getting them to recall even their names.

 

Additionally, with any chance, the Zhuge Sega or the members of the Lotus Peak would be able to connect beforehand.

 

Although the exact timing was unknown, it would undoubtedly be useful in the future. People brought gifts that would help people remember them a little bit easier to achieve that.

 

Some people brought the most gorgeous kids. They may work for a rise in rank if they were successful in finding spouses from the Zhuge Sega family.

 

It was a bit vague for Mount Hua sect but it didn’t mean that there were no probabilities. They had children except for people with important positions.

 

However, they weren’t able to transmit the same martial arts as formal disciples, no matter how good their talent was. That was the limit for outer disciples.

 

Although Mount Hua sec was more well dispositioned towards outer disciples than the Shaman Faction, it didn’t mean that they weren’t strict at all.

 

There were various restrictions for them.

 

Whatever the case, it didn’t mean that there were no weddings at all because of these restrictions.

People worked hard to attract their attention and to not miss that opportunity.

 

“Today, I will teach you how to treat people.”

 

Gu Pung gathered the members of the Lotus Peak and said.

 

It would be serious if a disciple of 

Mount Hua they raised with all their heart and soul got blinded by wealth.

 

Falling in love was not something the sect controlled but what would children know about love? Falling for their obvious ploy when they weren’t mature enough was a problem.

 

Because of this, Gu Pung faced dozens of people in a day even though it was bothersome for him.

 

The disciples of the Lotus Peak didn’t say anything while standing behind Gu Pung and merely introduced themselves.

 

“It’s better to reject a gift if they make a request or something similar. Also, greed is prohibited for a Taoist. You should only receive it if it is sincere. In the case of a gift that is excessive it means they expect something, an indication you can use to check would when looking at you, their eyes will dilate.”

 

“We understand.”

 

“Also, try to evade them if there is even a little bit of a promising tone in their words. Promises are as heavy as a favor and dangerous for martial artists of the Righteous Faction like ourselves.”

 

“We will take it into account.”

 

Jang Hong and Jang Seo Eun focused on Gu Pung’s words and bore them in their minds and Ju Seo Cheon only pretended to listen.

 

He was originally an Elder of Mount Hua. He was really accustomed to handling people. In his past life, he was more accustomed to conversing rather than fighting others.

 

‘Hm, senior uncle is certainly a great person.’

 

His martial arts were one thing but his attitude toward treating people was also at the pinnacle. He was extremely eloquent when addressing people and seemed as if it were second nature.

 

Dozens upon dozens of compliments poured down in a day.

 

Jang Hong and Jang Seo Eun seemed to be quite proud in the beginning but they started to get tired as that repeated several times.

 

Among the visitors, there were also small and middle-sized sects belonging to the Righteous 

 

Faction besides merchants. The lords of those sects even brought their children and introduced them to the group.

 

‘Where are you.’

 

On the other hand, Ju Seo Cheon was only searching for a person when Jang Seo Eun and Jang Hong, and even Gu Pung were getting tired.

 

He ignored most of the lords of the small and big sects. He roughly listened to their names and then took a rest after emptying his head.

 

But he seemed to perk his ears when merchants came and focused.

 

‘He is certainly here.’

 

‘The Merchant King, Lee Ui Chae!’

 

He shouted his name in his head.

The merchant king was certainly in Guizhou at this time. It was to find a sponsor because he was a merchant that lacked funds.

 

This was also the reason he had come to the dangerous Guizhou without having proper protection. 

 

Many members of Murim that could become a sponsor came to this place, risking their lives with how dangerous it was here. If he could at least grab one of them, an opportunity to release his potential would come.

 

‘Damn it. I am also prepared to help you. So please appear in front of me.’

 

The sun that was at its peak had started to fall. Visitors would stop coming soon.

 

Many people were waiting but the number of people they could meet was limited.

 

He couldn’t even sneak out at night and go find the visitors by himself. Even if that wasn’t the case, Gu Pung was taking more care of Ju Seo Cheon because he thought that he could have lost Ju Seo Cheon at Weng An.

 

‘He wouldn’t have gone to the Zhuge Sega, right?’

 

The Zhuge Sega had also performed great at the battle in Kae An but they were lacking compared to Gu Pung.

 

He had thought that the merchant king would certainly come here as someone that thoroughly differentiated from benefits. He was almost certain of it.

 

But what was happening? He couldn’t see Lee Ui Chae and not even anyone with a similar name.

 

Ju Seo Cheon’s insides started to burn the more time passed.

 

“Hehehe, how are you? We meet again like this.”

 

A familiar man visited them when the sun had almost set.

 

He bowed down excessively and his eyes looked somewhat servile. 

 

It was to the point that it looked burdensome.

 

‘Was he the small merchant? That one isn’t it.’

 

It was the barker they saw at Kae Ang, the one that was so servile it was excessive.

 

Ju Seo Cheon guessed that the merchant king may have changed his name and he started to think of the characteristics of the merchant king he had heard in his past life in preparation for that.

 

They said that the merchant king was as fat as his greed or obsession with wealth. And also, his spirit was so high it could pierce the sky that he didn’t lower himself even in front of the leader of Murim.

 

He got criticized by Murim saying that he was arrogant and cocky for a mere merchant.

 

At least, this small merchant that bowed so low it was servile and had a small physique wasn’t the merchant king.

 

Ju Seo Cheon’s interest disappeared and thought of another thing.

 

‘Now that it has turned like this, I should check the visitors’ list later.’

He was sure that he had gone to the Zhuge Sega if he hadn’t come to this place.

 

But if that wasn’t the case either, it would become really troublesome. Now that it had turned out like this, he wished for the visits to finish faster.

 

“You are indeed the disciples of the great Mount Hua. I was struck with admiration when I heard the news not long ago.

 

The small merchant only spoke flattery. They were words praising Gu Pung or Mount Hua but it was so blatant and obvious that it was rather more tiresome.

 

“Hey, merchant. I’m sorry but can’t we finish here? I spoke with a lot of people today so I hope you understand.”

 

In the end, even Gu Pung wasn’t able to endure it and interrupted the words of the merchant.

 

“Do don’t be like that. Can’t you give me some of your time?”

 

And then, the merchant got flustered. It seemed like he was saying ‘I have prepared a lot so I can’t return like this’. Desperation was shown in his eyes.

 

“I’m sorry. You can return now.”

 

Gu Pung gave a clear farewell.

The warriors that were in wait near the entrance moved.

 

“Please wait a moment! I have an outstanding business plan. Just give me five minutes, not even half that time is fine so just listen to me! You won’t regret it!”

 

“Can’t you just punish people like him?”

 

Gu Pung was feeling tired of him so there was no way Jang Hong wasn’t. He put an annoyed 

expression.

 

“Come here!”

 

“You crazy bastard, think of my position too!”

 

There were also levels among the visitors.

 

Their turn to visit would change depending on their prestige.

 

If their turn ended, it meant that they had nothing much in them. 

 

The warriors also knew that fact so they dragged away the merchant with no hesitation.

 

“Let me go, you bastards! Do you know who I am? I am a merchant  of the Kae An branch of the Murim 

Association!”

 

“Tch.”

 

The warriors clicked their tongues and dragged away the merchant.

 

“The Golden Merchant Organization!”

 

Ju Seo Cheon stopped in place while following Gu Pung’s back.

He could see the backs of Jang Hong, Jang Seo Eun, and Gu Pung getting farther away.

 

‘Don’t tell me.’

 

The world flowed slowly and he concentrated internal energy in his hearing. The words echoed in his head.

 

Ju Seo Cheon erased all thoughts about the visitor records and slowly turned back.

 

Eyes that swirled with greed and desperation.

 

Eyes that others would click their tongues when they saw it.

 

He didn’t know why he was seeing the eyes of the merchant in gold.

 

“This small merchant is the owner of a small organization called the Golden Merchant Organization. 

 

My name is Lee Ui Chae… “

And his voice got smaller.

Ju Seo Cheon saw him being dragged away and laughed out loud.

“They say that It’s always in the last place you look. Who would have imagined that I would meet you like this…”

Being fat meant one was at the tip of prosperity. You become fatter as you had more things and great merchants were especially like that.

However, the contemporary Lee Ui Chae lacked a lot. He had no intention of overspending as he was looking for a sponsor.

He didn’t go hungry, but he also didn’t overeat either. He didn’t have a lot of fat, or even too much.

His personality was influenced by circumstances as well.

Lee Ui Chae had already transformed into someone he couldn’t touch when he learned about the merchant king from his previous existence.

People wouldn’t be able to handle the fallout if they spread the rumor that Lee Ui Chae was so submissive as to earn him scorn. It wasn’t strange that it was kept hidden.

More than anything, he cherished the memories of Lee Ui Chae from his previous life, which was roughly 60 years ago.

If the past was conveyed as it did, it would be even more bizarre.

I erred, I admit it.

People who triumphed and survived the age of conflict, like Lee Ui Chae, had a good chance of having their pasts changed.

However, he was unable to consider that. Even after becoming an Elder, there were things he was unaware of.

Ju Seo Cheon thought back on his actions and realized how much he had depended on future knowledge.

The following day. Meetings were over.

Gu Pung was visited by Lee Ui Chae once more, but they plainly did not meet. The time for visiting had already passed.

He had graciously pledged on numerous occasions, but after receiving a warning from the Murim Association warriors, he was forced to go back.

But…

“Hello, Mr. Merchant.”

Lee Ui Chae had never heard of the person he met.

 

***

Translated by novel multiverse

Edited by beetlesme