Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 212

Nine Dragons Chronicles (212)

While Hwa-rin and the young masters of the Twelve Great Families were receiving treatment at the Daeri Family, Danri Hyeokjin spent time with Daeri Un, the young master of the Daeri Family, meeting and interacting with merchants. This experience significantly shifted his perceptions of them.

It’s often said that opportunities knock but a few times in life, and one’s future hinges on seizing them.

It’s also said that preparedness is key to capitalizing on those opportunities. Danri Hyeokjin clearly recognized that this was one such moment.

Perhaps that’s why Danri Hyeokjin threw himself into his work with renewed vigor. Hwa-rin, observing this, began to consider entrusting him with responsibilities beyond just managing the inn.

“I should talk to Soso and have him try something, even if it ends in failure.”

Just as unchecked success can be perilous in business, even minor setbacks can serve as valuable learning experiences. Giving him a small, independent venture to manage wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Hwa-rin, Head of the Nine Dragons Clan.”

A servant of the Daeri Family approached Hwa-rin’s residence, his tone urgent.

“A guest from the Geumyang Merchant Guild has arrived. The Family Head urgently requests your presence, Hwa-rin.”

“Ah, I understand.”

With that, Hwa-rin vanished from sight.

“Heok!” (A gasp of surprise)

The servant, startled by the sudden disappearance, shook his head, attributing it to Hwa-rin’s martial prowess.

Hwa-rin reappeared in the inner garden of the Daeri Family’s main residence. Sensing the presence of many people, he announced his arrival at the entrance and was promptly granted entry.

Inside the reception room, a number of people were gathered, and Yi Jeong-mun was being held in the arms of a woman.

The woman appeared to be Yang Ja-gyeong, the head of the Geumyang Merchant Guild, currently at its helm.

“Welcome, Hwa-rin, Head of the Nine Dragons Clan.”

Yang Ja-gyeong, upon seeing Hwa-rin, rose from her seat and bowed respectfully.

“Thank you for finding our son.”

She had already heard tales of Hwa-rin’s capabilities.

“I am Ju Hwa-rin. It was merely good fortune. Fortunately, I was with Princess Natalfsha of the Perdan Kingdom, which allowed us to rescue him.”

Hwa-rin glanced at Yi Jeong-mun.

“Jeong-mun must be overjoyed. He can finally go home.”

A smile never left Yi Jeong-mun’s face.

“Yes. I’m happy.”

“You must exercise caution upon your return.”

“Yes.”

Hwa-rin turned his attention back to Yang Ja-gyeong.

“Jeong-mun was born with a unique constitution. That’s why the monks of the Sonaeeum Temple targeted him.”

“Yes? A unique constitution?”

“It’s called Hwanmaejiche [a body capable of summoning and housing the souls of the dead], meaning his body can be used as a medium.”

At those words, Yang Ja-gyeong’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Is it similar to how Taoists or shamans become possessed?”

“No. It’s entirely different. Those you mentioned possess Ryongmaejiche [a body capable of temporarily summoning a soul], allowing them to temporarily call a soul and possess their body, but the soul departs after a certain period. Hwanmaejiche, however, is a constitution that allows for the revival of the dead by extracting Yi Jeong-mun’s soul and implanting the soul of the deceased. In such a case, the body would resemble Yi Jeong-mun, but his personality would be that of another person.”

Yang Ja-gyeong clutched Yi Jeong-mun tightly.

“Then, what should we do?”

“The best course of action is to get a protective tattoo or carry an amulet to prevent other souls from entering.”

“Should I seek out some Taoists, then?”

“Yes. There are many skilled Taoists, so that would be a wise approach.”

“Hwa-rin can do it, like you did for me.”

Natalfsha, who had been listening intently, addressed Hwa-rin, prompting Yang Ja-gyeong to turn her gaze towards him.

“The procedure I performed for the Princess was a favor due to my connection with the Perdan Kingdom. It would be more prudent to seek out more renowned Taoists than myself and obtain tattoos, amulets, or miraculous objects imbued with mystical powers from them.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Hwa-rin was drawing a line in the sand, wary that if he stepped forward and performed the same procedure, he might be accused of fraud if nothing happened in the future, especially after they had invested a significant sum.

“I wish to repay you for saving my son. Please, tell me if there is anything you desire.”

“I acted to save the Princess. You need not concern yourself with repayment.”

“It’s human nature. When someone provides great assistance, we naturally want to reciprocate.”

Hwa-rin paused, considering her offer, before speaking.

“As far as I know, the Geumyang Merchant Guild manufactures weapons and supplies them to the military and government.”

“That is correct.”

“And I also understand that you acquire the necessary minerals for weapon production through the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild.”

“We do possess our own mines, but obtaining high-quality iron is challenging, so we rely on the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild for assistance.”

“Then, please continue your trade with the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild.”

“Yes?”

“The Nine Dragons Clan is currently developing a mine. We lack expertise in mine management, so we entrusted it to the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild. We have a contract with them to develop the mine and purchase all the extracted minerals. Therefore, if you maintain your trade relationship with the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild, the sale of minerals from my mine will be stable, and I would greatly appreciate it.”

“You are developing a mine?”

“That’s right. The mine being developed on Mount Otae in Shanxi Province belongs to the Nine Dragons Clan.”

“The Mount Otae Mine? That location is known for producing high-quality minerals, and the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild is involved…”

“I entrusted it to them.”

“Ah, I understand. I will investigate and proceed accordingly. But, Nine Dragons Clan Head.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“Do not place excessive trust in Dongseo Dok of the Yeongcheon Merchant Guild. He is a subject of much discussion even within our Sangrim [a network of merchants and influential figures].”

“Is that so? I will look into it and take appropriate action. Surely, he wouldn’t dare to deceive me, would he?”

Upon hearing Hwa-rin’s words, Yang Ja-gyeong finally recalled the kind of individual she was dealing with.

“That’s right. Unless he possesses multiple lives, he wouldn’t dare to play tricks.”

“Even if he had two, he couldn’t get away with it. He wouldn’t want to die twice.”

“Well, still, merchants should always maintain a degree of suspicion. They are always calculating profits when money is involved.”

“Thank you for the advice. I will keep that in mind.”

“If you require personal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will treat it as my own matter and provide my wholehearted support.”

Hwa-rin flashed a bright smile at Yang Ja-gyeong.

“You cannot retract what you just said.”

“Yes?”

“I am referring to your promise to treat my affairs as your own and assist me.”

‘I heard he has a quirky side, and it seems like he really does.’

Rumors about the Nine Dragons Clan Head had circulated to some extent within Sangrim, so Yang Ja-gyeong had heard numerous stories about Hwa-rin, and she acknowledged that the world was full of eccentric individuals.

“Of course. Although I am a woman, as the leader of a merchant guild, I stand by my word.”

“Then, let us cultivate a strong relationship in the future. If you have someone you dislike or wish to eliminate, please inform me discreetly. I will handle it without leaving any trace.”

Hwa-rin mimed slitting his own throat with his hand.

“Hoho, yes. I understand. Nine Dragons Clan Head, you cannot retract what you just said either.”

“Of course. But the reason must be valid.”

“I will ensure that. I came to retrieve my son and gained a powerful ally in the process, so I believe I have benefited greatly. I feel fortunate to have met such good people, and I would like to treat you to a drink. Let us go out together.”

“Let’s do that. May I bring someone along?”

“Who…?”

“He is from the Danri Family. A friend who is just starting a business.”

Upon hearing the words “Danri Family,” Yang Ja-gyeong looked at Hwa-rin with an expression that questioned whether he was referring to the Danri Family she knew, and Hwa-rin nodded, acknowledging her unspoken inquiry.

“The Danri Family… Let’s do that.”

* * *

The ground was littered with corpses, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place in the mountains. Those still living were breathing heavily, their bodies pushed to their limits.

“Are you alright?”

The royal guards of the Perdan Kingdom were facing immense challenges after venturing into the Central Plains in search of their kidnapped princess.

A misunderstanding had arisen with the Tang Family of Sichuan, and they were now being relentlessly pursued by the Tang Family’s warriors. Four guards had already perished in the prolonged conflict.

Furthermore, Alshad, who was leading them, had his left arm severed completely at the shoulder.

They were struggling to fend off the Tang Family’s warriors and evade their pursuit, yet somehow, their enemies always seemed to know their location, appearing like specters to continue the assault.

They had been running and fighting with their wounded bodies for days, and they had just survived another attempt on their lives.

“Heyman is seriously injured.”

Alshad, upon hearing that Heyman was wounded, rushed to examine him.

“Damn it.”

“The wound is too deep. I don’t believe he will survive.”

“I’m sorry, Heyman.”

Heyman gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain that contorted his face.

“If we return to the kingdom alive, we will inform His Highness and seek vengeance.”

Alshad and the remaining guards were consumed by a burning rage at the loss of another comrade.

They yearned to immediately attack the family responsible for their suffering and unleash a bloodbath, but they had a more pressing matter to attend to.

Rustle!

Suddenly, they heard the sound of footsteps in the grass, and they instinctively drew their swords, turning towards the source of the noise.

After a moment, a figure emerged with both hands raised in a gesture of peace.

“Are you perhaps warriors belonging to the royal guard of the Perdan Kingdom?”

The person spoke not in the language of the Central Plains, but in the language of the Perdan Kingdom.

“That is correct. Who are you?”

“It seems I have found you. I am Songchil, dispatched to find you.”

“Songchil?”

“I am a member of the Hao Moon [a fictional organization]. I have orders from the branch leader to locate you and escort you to the branch.”

“Hao Moon? Branch leader?”

Since they had limited knowledge of the Central Plains, they struggled to comprehend Songchil’s words.

“Ah, do you know the Underworld Lord?”

“Are you referring to the Underworld Lord?”

“I cannot confirm if it is the same Underworld Lord, but he was the one who rescued Princess Natalfsha.”

“Is that true?”

“If it were false, how would I know this information? The individual known as the Underworld Lord confirmed Princess Natalfsha’s safety and instructed us to find you at the main gate branch and protect you from the Tang Family.”

“Do you know the Tang Family? In your kingdom, they are a powerful family.”

Alshad recalled the story Hwa-rin had shared about the Tang Family.

“Lower your swords.”

Alshad decided to trust Songchil’s words and sheathed his sword.

Seeing them lower their weapons, Songchil approached and examined Heyman, who was lying on the ground.

“The wound is severe. If we do not treat it quickly, he may die. We must move swiftly.”

“Where to?”

“First, we must reach the branch and assess his wound. He could succumb to shock during the journey, so please transport him with utmost care.”

“I understand. I will never forget your assistance.”