Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 37

Nine Dragons Chronicle (37)

The martial world [Murim] of Shanxi Province was in turmoil.

This was due to the rumor that the Minor Number Divine Art had surfaced in Shanxi Province.

Following the emergence of the Sixteen Swords of Merciless Slaughter and the Heavenly Flower Dance in the Murim, another powerful martial art revealed itself, this time exclusively in Shanxi Province.

Huashan and Chongnan, considered leaders of the Shanxi Murim, dispatched their disciples to search for any trace of the Minor Number Divine Art. The Zhengcheon Alliance’s Shanxi branch also sent investigators to uncover even the smallest clue.

Beyond these major factions, the Beggars’ Union and Hao Mun also showed considerable interest in the Minor Number Divine Art, mobilizing their intelligence networks to find leads.

Consequently, Sa Do-hyung, the leader of the Eumsa sect, found himself in a precarious situation.

“How many times must I repeat that the coffins containing the corpses have already been delivered to the Sacheol Alliance?”

“I heard there were twenty-two corpses. Surely they weren’t all sent?” Song Cheol, an elder of the Chongnan sect, inquired.

“They were all sent. And we confirmed it was indeed the Minor Number Divine Art. No matter how often you ask, my answer remains the same. Please understand.”

“Then, could you disclose where they were sent?”

“I cannot. It concerns the very survival of our sect… I suggest you seek information through the Beggars’ Union. Now, please cease your inquiries and return.”

If the Eumsa sect held greater power than Chongnan or Huashan, they wouldn’t have responded in such a manner.

In the Murim, a world governed by the survival of the fittest, even righteous sects advocating justice cannot escape the dictates of power.

“Then, allow me one more question.”

Sa Do-hyung frowned at Song Cheol’s words.

“What is it now?”

“Do you know about the Nine Dragons Manor that recently established itself in Sanyang County?”

“I’ve heard of it.”

“Rumor has it that the Nine Dragons Manor is undertaking a significant construction project in Sanyang County, and there’s speculation that the Eumsa sect covets it. Is this true?”

Sa Do-hyung’s expression grew visibly annoyed.

“What has this sect done to warrant such oppression? We suffered the damage, our people died. Yet, you come here and…”

Seeing Sa Do-hyung’s irritation, Hwa Young, an elder of the Huashan sect, intervened calmly, “We are not trying to oppress the Eumsa sect. However, the matter of the Minor Number Divine Art should be addressed collectively by the entire Murim, not resolved within the evil Murim. That is why we came to inquire.”

“Haa…”

Sa Do-hyung, after a long breath, looked at Song Cheol and said, “I did take an interest in the construction project and investigated it. It’s a larger undertaking than I initially thought, and the main sect lacks the confidence to manage it even if we coveted it. So, I merely looked into it.”

Song Cheol didn’t fully believe Sa Do-hyung’s words, but he didn’t want the Eumsa sect to be destroyed by provoking the Nine Dragons Manor, so he said, “Don’t take my words amiss, but consider them carefully. I personally have a relationship with the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor.”

Sa Do-hyung heard Song Cheol’s words and was convinced that the Nine Dragons Manor had the backing of the Chongnan sect.

“If possible, avoid conflict with the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor.”

“Are you threatening me now?”

“Not at all. It’s for the sake of your sect.”

“Chongnan is…”

“No, even setting Chongnan aside, the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor is a capable individual. It would be wise to avoid conflict with him.”

Sa Do-hyung recalled Sama Woo’s words upon hearing Song Cheol’s warning.

“He may be a master of a level beyond our comprehension, perhaps a transcendent who has attained Return to Origin [a high level of martial arts mastery], or a master of Hwagyeong [another high level of martial arts mastery].”

“Are you suggesting he’s a transcendent master?” Sa Do-hyung asked, testing him.

“I am not directly involved, so I cannot say definitively. But I urge you not to dismiss my words lightly. Of course, should anything befall the Nine Dragons Manor, I will offer assistance out of personal friendship.”

‘It’s certain that Chongnan is backing him. Then, as the chief manager suggested, I must employ the Eastern and Western Poisons [assassin groups] to eliminate the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor.’

Even without directly involving himself, he could still harm the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor.

“I understand. Thank you for your advice. But I hope you remember that this sect is the foremost evil sect in Shanxi Province.”

Sa Do-hyung closed his eyes, signaling an end to the conversation. The two men frowned and left his office.

“What do we do now?” Real Person Hwa Young asked Song Cheol.

“We have no choice but to gather more information through the Beggars’ Union. I also heard that members of the Zhengcheon Alliance’s Shanxi branch are investigating. By combining our findings, we should uncover something.”

“Oh my, the Minor Number Divine Art…” Real Person Hwa Young wore a dumbfounded expression at the sudden reappearance of the Minor Number Divine Art.

“Let’s head to Sanyang County first.”

“Why Sanyang County?”

“The Eumsa sect dispatched martial artists there. They wouldn’t do so without a reason, would they?”

“That’s right.”

“Among the recent events in Shanxi Province, several have occurred in Sanyang County.”

“Really?”

“The Heuksa Bang [Black Sand Gang], a heretical group, was destroyed, the Nine Dragons Manor was established, and the Nine Dragons Manor is undertaking a large construction project. Not only that…”

The reason Song Cheol knew so much about the Nine Dragons Manor was that Chongnan had investigated it extensively at the request of the Hwamyeong Merchant Group, and Song Cheol had reviewed all the information.

“But didn’t you say earlier that you have a friendship with the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor?”

“That’s correct. You know that Chongnan’s disciples serve in the military for training when they reach a certain age.”

“Isn’t that a long-standing tradition of Chongnan?”

“Although the timing differed, the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor and I were senior and junior colleagues in the same unit.”

“Oh, I see.”

“I didn’t know initially, but he recognized me and mentioned the unit, so I found out. We met a few times and talked after that.”

Real Person Hwa Young nodded.

“Then, what kind of person is the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor?”

“Well, I can’t speak for others, but in my opinion, he’s a very dangerous person.”

* * *

“Welcome, Elder Song Cheol.”

Hwa Rin greeted Elder Song Cheol, Real Person Hwa Young, the martial artists of the Chongnan sect, and the martial artists of the Huashan sect who had come to the Nine Dragons Manor.

“I apologize for the sudden visit without prior notice.”

“No, not at all. You’ve come to the right place. Please, come inside.”

As Hwa Rin led them into the manor, the servants sprang into action.

The empty detached house needed cleaning, and the increased number of guests meant more food preparation.

Observing the flurry of activity, Hwa Rin paused, then spoke, “We’ll have lunch at the inn, so don’t rush with the preparations. Focus on cleaning the detached house so our guests can rest comfortably.”

Hwa Rin smiled at the visitors and said, “The cook at the inn run by this manor makes truly delicious food. Please have lunch there today, and by then, the rooms will be ready for you to rest.”

Hwa Rin decided it would be better to take them to the inn and handle their meals there, rather than have them witness the servants’ commotion.

“Welcome.”

The waiter bowed to Hwa Rin, who gestured dismissively and said, “Tell the head cook I’ve brought guests.”

The waiter disappeared into the kitchen, and soon the head cook emerged.

The head cook surveyed the table where Hwa Rin sat, counting the number of people gathered.

‘Their clothes are from the Huashan and Chongnan sects. The tables over there must be the same group.’

“Head cook.”

At Hwa Rin’s call, the head cook approached with a broad smile.

“Allow me to introduce you. This is Elder Song Cheol of the Chongnan sect, and this is Elder Hwa Young of the Huashan sect.”

“Greetings. I’m Cheonbeom, the head cook of the Nine Dragons Inn. It’s an honor to have you visit our humble establishment.”

“Nice to meet you.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, Hwa Rin said to Cheonbeom, “Please prepare some dishes and alcohol to accompany the meal. We won’t be drinking heavily, so prepare a moderate amount of dishes, and make them delicious.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

As the head cook returned to the kitchen, the inn buzzed with activity.

“The inn is quite decent.”

“It cost a considerable sum to acquire and renovate it. The head cook’s culinary skills are exceptional, so profits are steadily increasing.”

“Is that so? You mentioned you manage several other establishments besides this, correct?”

“That’s right. Including two inns, two brothels, one fabric store, and a loan shark operation, there are a total of six businesses. And if you include the Nine Dragons Tower, which is currently under construction, there will be seven.”

“You appear young, but you possess remarkable business acumen.”

Even if it was mere flattery, it was a compliment that pleased the recipient.

“I’m investing all the salary I earned during my five years of military service and the spoils I acquired from missions, and I’m proceeding recklessly by borrowing some money from the battlefield.”

“It must be challenging to accomplish so much at such a young age, but it’s truly impressive.”

“I heard the Nine Dragons Tower is intended as a gambling house, yet you managed to secure permission from the lord.”

“I pestered him daily until he finally relented.”

“Really? The lord’s castle must be heavily guarded.”

“My expertise lies in thievery, and my military training involved scaling walls…”

“Cough.”

Elder Song Cheol coughed, giving Hwa Rin a look that cautioned him against discussing the military further.

“Haha, I became overly enthusiastic discussing the military after so long. Please forgive me.”

Hwa Rin bowed to Elder Song Cheol.

“It’s quite alright. More importantly, have you heard about the Minor Number Divine Art?”

“If it’s the Minor Number Divine Art, isn’t that the Minor Number Witch’s unique martial art? I thought it was lost after her disappearance.”

“That Minor Number Divine Art has resurfaced.”

Hwa Rin feigned surprise.

“Is that true?”

“Indeed. I’m returning from investigating it at the Eumsa sect. I was wondering… Did the Eumsa sect dispatch martial artists to Sanyang County?”

“They did. I heard they’re establishing a heretical sect to replace the destroyed Heuksa Bang, and another to replace the destroyed Red Tiger Gate in Sangnam County.”

Song Cheol and Hwa Young exchanged glances.

“Have you encountered them as well?”

“I have. They coveted the Nine Dragons Tower.”

“Is that so? Sa Do-hyung claimed he only investigated it, but that wasn’t the case.”

“Are you unaware? There are others besides the Eumsa sect who are eyeing the Nine Dragons Tower.”

Song Cheol knew that the Hwamyeong Merchant Group also had their sights set on the Nine Dragons Tower.

“I recently discovered that the Yeongcheon Merchant Group is also interested in our Nine Dragons Tower.”

“Even the Yeongcheon Merchant Group?”

“That’s right. One way or another, the Nine Dragons Tower will attract many enemies. So many covet it even before it’s completed. Imagine how many more will be interested once it’s operational.”

It was obvious.

“It will take considerable effort to deal with them all.”

“I anticipated this to some extent. I’m preparing accordingly, and you’re here, Elder.”

As Hwa Rin spoke in a friendly manner, Song Cheol looked at him as if to say, ‘Why are you dragging me into this?’

“Aren’t we more than just acquaintances? I won’t stand idly by if Chongnan is in trouble either.”

Hwa Young, hearing Hwa Rin’s words, nearly burst out laughing but managed to restrain himself.

“Thank you. I feel reassured knowing you’re willing to help.”

But Song Cheol was different.

Simply surviving and being honorably discharged from the Maengho Sacheol Blood Battle Unit [a renowned military unit] meant that his abilities far exceeded those of an ordinary martial artist.

Hwa Young assumed Song Cheol was merely being polite, but he doubted that if Chongnan were in trouble, they would seek Hwa Rin’s assistance before turning to Huashan.

“The assistant cook injured his hand, so I hired a new kid. The food might be slightly delayed. Please continue your conversation. I’ll assist in the kitchen briefly.”

Hwa Rin, feeling it impolite to keep his guests waiting, hurried to the kitchen.

“He just seems ordinary to me…”

As Hwa Young spoke, Song Cheol replied calmly, “That’s why I told you, didn’t I? He’s a dangerous person. We can’t gauge his true strength unless he reveals his martial arts.”

“He might not have learned martial arts…”

“Didn’t I mention he was in the same unit as me? He’s from a special unit that handles the most challenging tasks within the Heungchin Orim Army [another military unit]. There’s no way he wouldn’t know martial arts.”

“Um…”

“I’m speaking sincerely. If Huashan finds itself in trouble, seek help from the owner of the Nine Dragons Manor before contacting Chongnan. He will protect Huashan until we arrive.”