Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 402

Tales of Nangsane – Part 2, Episode 111

Cheonbeom and Cheonnyeo stood on the deck of the Gyewolseon, enjoying the gentle breeze.

Yeona was relishing the quality time with her master, something she had longed for.

It seemed an unspoken agreement kept the Munmuseons [Scholar-officials of the Water Realm] and Cheonnyeo’s escorts at a respectful distance, observing from afar.

“What do you suppose they’re discussing?”

“Perhaps they’re sharing profound insights beyond our comprehension.”

One of the Soo-seon [Water Realm Immortals] escorts inquired, and a Munmuseon beside him responded.

It was, undeniably, an unusual pairing.

The Cheonnyeo [Heavenly Maiden] of the Heavenly Palace and the Munmugwanjang [Martial Arts Director] of the Water Realm as master and disciple.

Their appearances alone made that clear.

A man with golden hair and eyes, and a Cheonnyeo adorned in a blue palace dress, her face veiled.

“A difficult combination to approach.”

“Has Vice-Governor arrived?”

The Munmuseons and escorts greeted Gayeon with respectful bows.

She returned the gesture, her eyes gleaming as she glanced at Cheonbeom and Cheonnyeo.

‘Heaven is truly helping us. The Cheonnyeo, the master’s disciple, has arrived at precisely the right moment.’

Gayeon’s mind was already envisioning the Heavenly Palace’s support for Cheonbeom. With this alliance, even if they return to the Water Realm, they wouldn’t face the same humiliation as before.

Gayeon walked past the Munmuseons and approached the deck where Cheonbeom and Cheonnyeo stood. A transparent barrier shimmered before her, like a Geumje [Forbidden Spell] was in place.

[What is it?]

Cheonbeom asked telepathically, and she reported.

“We haven’t yet passed the Seon Palace boundary, but we need to make a temporary stop. The Gyewolseon requires repairs due to the recent attack.”

The Geumje dissipated, and Cheonbeom and Cheonnyeo turned their gazes to Gayeon.

“Is it urgent?”

“Not particularly, but I’ve heard that Sanbyeokso [a desolate, unpopulated area] lies just beyond the Honseon [Chaos Realm] boundary. Since it’s a place where Soo-seons don’t reside, finding someone to repair the Gyewolseon there will be difficult.”

“That’s true, Master. Spending some time here to repair the Gyewolseon isn’t a bad idea.”

Yeona retrieved a map from her chest and pointed to a specific location.

“We’re currently near the boundary between the Hon Realm and the Human Realm. It’s also close to Geonwon Sea, making it easier to find a shipbuilder to repair the Gyewolseon.”

The Gyewolseon was no ordinary Beopgi [Mystical Artifact], so they needed to find a Yeon-gisa [Artifact Engineer] specializing in shipbuilding.

‘Hmm… I’m not sure if this is wise.’

Normally, it would be fine, but the Honseons were known for their volatile nature and might attack without provocation. From their perspective, the Water Realm delegation was traveling to the Gyero [Capital] of the Inseon [Human Realm Immortals] with the Cheonnyeo of the Heavenly Palace, essentially an enemy, giving them reason to attack and eliminate them.

From that perspective, stopping could be dangerous.

‘But we can’t simply continue….’

The Seon Realm was vast.

With the Gyewolseon in its current state, breaking through the Hyeollo [Void Route] was impossible. They could fly, but even that might not last for decades.

Even if things seemed fine now, Beopgis could develop problems over time if not properly maintained.

It was best to address any damage as it occurred.

“How long will the repair take?”

“I don’t have the specifics, but it will likely take at least a year.”

A year wasn’t a long time. If they remained discreet, it might be manageable.

“Then let’s proceed with that plan.”

He also wanted to explore the area at a more leisurely pace.

If they could gather information about Seungseon [Ascension to Immortality] and acquire useful Beopgis, even his Hwansinche [Clone Body] wouldn’t be in significant danger.

“Where will we be landing this time?”

“It’s called Hyeonmu Seong [Black Tortoise Fortress].”

* * *

Cheonbeom and his group, having concealed the Gyewolseon in a cave near Hyeonmu Seong, were changing into clothing appropriate for the Hon Realm.

For the time being, they needed to secure food, clothing, and shelter, and locate a Yeon-gisa to repair the Gyewolseon.

“Even so, Gwanjang-eoreun [Director] doesn’t need to move in person.”

The Munmuseons and the Heavenly Palace escorts could handle these tasks.

There was no need for Cheonbeom to expose himself.

“But wouldn’t it be terribly boring to just sit still?”

Despite U-myeong’s dissuasion, Cheonbeom was preparing to venture out with Yeona.

He dyed his golden hair black and changed his golden eyes to black.

He donned a black durumagi [traditional Korean overcoat] suitable for Hyeonmu Seong’s style, neatly tied his hair in a topknot, and wore a gat [traditional Korean hat].

“But….”

“Vice-Governor U, you worry excessively. You and Vice-Governor Jwa will accompany me, and the Cheonnyeo of the Heavenly Palace will also be present. Besides, Tamlang [a star spirit] is also in Hyeonmu Seong, so we can seek his assistance if necessary.”

“But Gwanjang-eoreun.”

“The world cannot be fully understood through mere listening. One must see with their own eyes, hear with their own ears, and feel with their whole being. I will entertain no further objections.”

Cheonbeom cheerfully fanned himself with a folding fan and added slyly.

“My daughter, who safeguards my main body, instructed me to buy something delicious, so as a dutiful father, I must venture out.”

Chwareureuk [sound of a fan opening].

He folded the fan, smiled, and stepped off the Gyewolseon.

“…Then I will remain on the Gyewolseon. There’s no need for me to go.”

“I’m counting on you.”

The Gyewolseon and Cheonbeom’s main body were here, requiring someone to guard them. He was grateful for U-myeong’s dedication.

‘I need to bring back a mountain of gifts.’

Cheonbeom was venturing out not only because of Tamhwa’s request but also to prepare for Seungseon.

It was an unusual situation where his Wonsin [Original Spirit] was created before Seungseon, so he needed to research various texts.

‘There must be no disruption to Seungseon.’

There was still ample time, but that didn’t mean he could relax. Besides, he was with a disciple he hadn’t seen in a long time, giving him all the more reason to go out.

“It suits you quite well.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Yeona exchanged her blue palace dress for a black Moo-bok [martial arts uniform] similar to Cheonbeom’s.

She concealed most of her face with a Satgat [conical hat] and a black veil.

“Why not use Yeokyong-sul [Face-Changing Technique]?”

He wondered why she was concealing herself so thoroughly when she could simply alter her appearance with Yeokyong-sul if someone recognized her.

“If someone capable of seeing through it appears, it will create unnecessary complications. This method is more effective. This veil possesses divine power, making it superior to Yeokyong-sul.”

“If you say so, then it must be so.”

As Cheonbeom, Gayeon, and Yeona departed together, the escorts discreetly followed behind.

Cheonbeom and his party, having acquired three horses, slowly made their way to Hyeonmu Seong.

“It’s called Hyeonmu Seong, but it doesn’t resemble one at all.”

Cheonbeom concurred with Gyeon’s assessment. He had anticipated a formidable iron fortress, but Hyeonmu Seong was nothing of the sort.

Instead, the city gate stood wide open, as if inviting anyone to enter.

Cheonbeom instinctively focused his eyesight but smiled wryly when he realized he couldn’t use Danryeong Geumjeong [Energy Detection].

“It appears open, but it’s surrounded by a powerful Geumje, preventing intrusion from the ground or the sky. Most of the Hon Realm’s fortresses are like this, but Hyeonmu Seong is renowned for its impenetrable Geumje.”

It would have been helpful to clearly assess it with Danryeong Geumjeong.

Examining such a robust formation would have been invaluable.

“Being so close to the Hon Realm boundary line, isn’t it dangerous?”

“No, that won’t happen. Most of the troops have likely been withdrawn.”

Now that he thought about it, he had heard that a war was underway.

As a result, many Soo-seons from various sects in Hyeonmu Seong would have been drafted.

“Come to think of it, I heard that Amjang [Black Market] is active in Hyeonmu Seong. It’s a place where Honseons prefer to trade goods, or all sorts of things that can’t be sold openly, so it wouldn’t hurt to take a look around.”

The Honseon’s Amjang.

That wasn’t a bad idea. Often, the most valuable items surfaced in such clandestine markets.

“Let’s explore Hyeonmu Seong at our leisure first, and then visit the Amjang if we have time. Finding a Yeon-gisa to repair the Gyewolseon remains our top priority.”

“Yes, Master.”

Yeona, smiling brightly, presented the prepared Yeongpae [Identification Plaque] and entered Hyeonmu Seong.

He wondered if it would be any different since it was a Honseon territory, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Of course, he possessed the blood of Hona, making him appear different from ordinary humans, but aside from that, there was nothing remarkable.

“I’ll inquire about the Yeon-gisa. How about the master and Cheonnyeo explore Hyeonmu Seong further?”

She seemed to be showing consideration in her own way.

“Even if you place a tracking spell on my body without permission….”

He wasn’t a child, so why was she being so overprotective?

“It’s to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. And that way, I’ll know immediately if something happens.”

“Okay, whatever. I understand.”

As Gyeon disappeared, Yeona covered her mouth and giggled.

“I was surprised. I didn’t realize that Soo-seon of Jeokroe Jurang [Crimson Wolf Mercenaries] would be with Master.”

Yeona, having grown up in the Lower Realm, knew the tales of Jeokroe Jurang.

“It just happened that way.”

He didn’t know why it happened that way either.

It truly just happened, and suddenly she declared her intention to serve him as her master.

So he had nothing to say.

“I hope to visit the Water Realm someday if I have the opportunity.”

“There’s not much difference between there and here.”

It’s a place rife with endless schemes. Well, that would likely be the case anywhere in the Soo-seon Realm.

“Is there any particular place you’d like to go?”

“I’m fine with anywhere.”

“I expected you to say that.”

Cheonbeom, pursing his lips, left the horses in the stable and strolled through the streets of Hyeonmu Seong.

He spent time examining the Beopgis sold in the occasional pavilions and searching for ancient texts.

He also quenched his thirst with a glass of alcohol in a bar and purchased Hwansoo [Mystical Beast] meat that Tamhwa would enjoy.

It was a pleasant experience in its own way, but yielded no significant discoveries.

As he stood blankly in front of the Oryeongjang store clerk who sold ancient books, Yeona sensed his frustration.

“I heard there’s a famous Amjang, where can I find it?”

Upon hearing this, the clerk scrutinized Yeona and Cheonbeom before replying.

“If you could simply ask anyone about Amjang and they all knew its location, would it truly be an Amjang? You’re asking about things that aren’t even worth knowing.”

He was being rude, and Cheonbeom was about to retort, but he stopped.

Because Yeona discreetly handed the clerk a Won-geun [currency].

“Where is it?”

“Ahem, well. I heard it’s around here, but I’m not entirely sure….”

Yeona handed over another Won-geun.

“Oh, this is… I can’t….”

The clerk muttered that he couldn’t, then glanced around and whispered furtively.

“Find Maegeol of Akgokjong [Crooked Valley Sect].”

“Maegeol?”

“I don’t know the exact location of Amjang because it changes frequently, but if you find Maegeol of Akgokjong, he’ll be connected to it, so go find him. But don’t ever mention that I told you!”

Shortly after.

“Are you Maegeol of Akgokjong?”

“…Who are you?”

A man with a disheveled beard and hair.

He was lying on the street as if it were his home, indistinguishable from a beggar.

“I heard that if I find you, you’ll take me to Amjang.”

“What crazy fool said that?”

“The Oryeongjang clerk said so.”

“That damn clerk. He sold me out again because he was blinded by money! This time, I’ll have to cut out his tongue….”

Saying that, Maegeol glanced at Cheonbeom and Yeona, scratched his chin through his dirty beard, and asked.

“Do you have any money?”

Cheonbeom looked at Yeona.

“Do you have money?”

“Yes, I have plenty.”

She produced a thick pouch from her chest.

“So I heard.”

Cheonbeom’s lips curved into a smile.