WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Chen

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈

Chapter 258: Time for the Fruits to Bear (5)

──────

The Shura Sect representatives frowned at the sudden profanity.

What gave a mere guest retainer the right to curse at them...?

“Dear!”

Before any of the Shura Sect members could step forward, the middle-aged woman's cry flew toward him like an arrow, and the white-haired man looked as though he had been scalded.

“W-Wife...”

“Didn't you promise not to swear?”

It was hard to believe this was the same man who had just cursed with the face of a yaksha. The white-haired man shrank back.

“I-I'm sorry. It looked like they were pressuring the person who welcomed us...”

Still, the middle-aged woman firmly shook her head and pointed at their daughter.

“Even so, swearing is where every conflict begins. Please watch yourself. What will Jia learn from this?”

“Daddy...?”

The man glanced at his adorable daughter, then hastily cleared his throat.

“R-Right. I understand. Ahem.”

With a smile on his face, he asked again in an exceedingly polite tone.

“Why are such doglike gentlemen behaving so rudely?”

“...Dear.”

“Hmm? Did I say something wrong? No matter how generously I look at them, aren't they lower than Black Path thugs?”

“Even so...”

Ju Yeongsan finally lost his patience at the married couple's banter and roared.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?!”

When Ju Yeongsan released his killing intent, the white-haired man stepped in front of the woman and child.

Ju Yeongsan's brow furrowed deeply.

‘He dispersed my killing intent?’

He had not released it with all his strength, but neither was it something that could be brushed aside so easily.

Yet the woman and child standing behind the white-haired man looked utterly unaffected, their faces filled with confusion.

Veins bulged across his forehead, but perhaps because he was mindful of his daughter, the white-haired man's voice remained polite.

“I heard outside that you're from the Shura Sect. Is that true?”

“It is.”

That politeness did not last long.

“I heard you were among the higher-ranked sects of the One Hundred Eight Peaks. Was I misinformed?”

“What are you talking about?”

A growl disguised as courtesy slipped through the white-haired man's teeth.

“It makes no sense for fucking bastards like you to belong to the One Hundred Eight Peaks.”

“Dear!”

“Ah, my apologies.”

The woman scolded him again, and the white-haired man took a step back.

Ju Yeongsan glared at the pair, then gave a signal. The Tiger Fist Unit Leader, who had come as an escort, stepped forward.

Thud.

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader extended one hand and assumed a ready stance. The white-haired man let out a quiet snort.

“Kid, do I look that easy just because I don't have a sword in hand?”

“What can a rice weevil feeding on scraps left by others do?”

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader raised their internal energy and prepared to strike.

Then a sound transmission reached them.

-Tiger Fist Unit Leader. Let him hit you.

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader frowned in confusion, and Ju Yeongsan continued.

-This can become our justification.

Understanding their Sect Leader's intent, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader nodded and rushed forward.

“Haah!”

Their powerful punch cut through the air, but the white-haired man casually raised a hand and caught it.

“If you don't plan to do this properly, stop.”

“...!”

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader was startled by how easily their fist had been caught.

Another sound transmission reached them.

-Now!

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader wanted to know the white-haired man's identity, but the sect's affairs came first.

Rather than avoiding the counterattack, they took it head-on.

“Kuhk!”

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader rolled across the ground.

“Ugh!”

As the Tiger Fist Unit Leader clutched their chest and writhed on the floor as though badly injured, Ju Yeongsan and the elder rushed over.

“Yeonggi!”

“Tiger Fist Unit Leader! Are you all right?!”

At that moment, Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan opened the office door and froze at the sight.

“What is this...?!”

Cough!

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader spat blood. Ju Yeongsan gathered them into his arms and roared.

“Great Heaven Merchant Group Leader! Is this the Great Heaven Merchant Group's answer?!”

Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan looked around and quickly grasped the situation.

Anyone could see that something serious had happened.

Ju Yeongsan glared at their troubled expressions before rising to his feet.

“If you intend to settle matters like this, the Shura Sect will not stand by quietly!”

With that, the Shura Sect Leader stormed out of the Great Heaven Merchant Group. The elder hurriedly slung the Tiger Fist Unit Leader over their back and followed.

“...”

Everyone present realized that matters had gone terribly wrong.

#

“I apologize...”

Baek Haegwang bowed deeply.

“Those bastards... no, they behaved so rudely toward the benefactor who welcomed my family that I failed to cast aside my old temper...”

Despite Baek Haegwang and Seop Sojeong's sincere apologies, the mood in the room remained grim.

“First, let's move them elsewhere.”

Wang Geumsan was the first to think of a response in this crisis.

“Whether the Shura Sect's claim is forced or not, they've found a justification and won't sit still. The best course is to move them to another region and deny everything.”

Jin Taesan watched Baek Haegwang for a moment, then shook his head.

“I cannot do that. I have already made a promise to Sowoon.”

He was referring to helping establish a sect.

Wang Geumsan struck his chest in frustration.

“My friend, if they stay here, this will become a far bigger problem. You're saying we should settle with blood what could be settled with money.”

Baek Haegwang, who had been listening in silence, stepped in as well.

“To be honest, I was about to say the same thing. I do not feel worthy of receiving help even to establish a sect.”

“See?”

“Taking in the three of us when we had nowhere to go has already shown us more than enough kindness. If we remain any longer, I fear we will only harm our benefactor.”

With Baek Haegwang speaking this way as well, Wang Geumsan became even more insistent.

“I'll find somewhere for them to go. They needn't worry in the slightest about making a living.”

Yet the concern on Jin Taesan's face did not fade.

“...If we make these people bear responsibility for this alone, won't they have to live as fugitives for the rest of their lives?”

“That...”

Wang Geumsan began to answer, then tightly shut his mouth.

The Shura Sect might not have overwhelming power on its own, but the One Hundred Eight Peaks and Martial Alliance that stood behind it were formidable.

If the Shura Sect used this incident to influence the Martial Alliance, Baek Haegwang and his family might truly have to live as fugitives forever.

Jin Taesan slowly opened his mouth.

“I heard that you taught Sowoon.”

“It was nothing so grand. It was simply something I had no use for...”

Baek Haegwang scratched his head awkwardly. Jin Taesan looked at him warmly.

“Ever since the first hairs grew on his face, he has carved out his own path without relying on anyone.”

To a father, his son was still small. Seeing his son stand on his own had made him proud, but he had worried just as much.

“I know better than anyone that it wasn't because he was so independent. It was because his father and masters were unreliable.”

Recovering the Taeul True Scripture and preserving the Taeul Sect's honor had all been Jin Sowoon's own doing.

He had made even the adults stand behind him while he faced the storms alone.

When Jin Taesan heard that Baek Haegwang was “like a master” to his son, he could not have been more grateful.

“I thought of how much you must have supported him when he had to go away from home alone and even look after his younger fellow disciples.”

That was why he wanted to repay him twofold, threefold.

“So please, do not bow your heads any longer. Nor is there any reason for you to become fugitives because of us.”

Wang Geumsan stamped his foot in frustration.

“Taesan, my friend!”

“...”

Jin Taesan raised a hand to stop him and spoke firmly.

“For five hundred years, the Taeul Sect has never repaid kindness with betrayal. Even if we lost everything, we have kept faith, and we will continue to do so.”

“...”

“Do not worry. This merchant group was built by my son in the first place. If it can become a sound foundation for the master who gave my son a place to lean on, what better use could there be for it?”

Jin Taesan turned to Baek Haegwang.

“Even if the merchant group falls, I will help you establish your sect. So...”

The father clasped his hands in salute toward his son's master.

“Please continue to guide my son well.”

Though his great merchant group stood on the verge of being swallowed by an enemy, Jin Taesan bowed his head.

Baek Haegwang's body trembled as he watched.

Seop Sojeong's eyes also grew moist.

“Dear...”

Baek Haegwang bit his lip tightly, then returned the salute.

“First, I must apologize. If I intended to walk a new path, my conduct should have reflected that. Yet I have not fully cast off the shadow of my past. It is no excuse, but may I ask you to entrust this matter to me so that I may make amends?”

“What do you mean...?”

His eyes were now filled with resolve.

“I mean exactly that. Please permit me to deal with the Shura Sect on behalf of the Great Heaven Merchant Group.”

“...”

“...”

Jin Taesan and Wang Geumsan were left speechless.

They wondered whether Baek Haegwang had lost his mind.

This was the Shura Sect.

It received Shaolin Temple's support and ranked high among the One Hundred Eight Peaks.

Even the Iron Sword Sect could not deal with them easily...

“I will return everything to the beginning and start again.”

Baek Haegwang bowed once more.

His wife, Seop Sojeong, bowed with him. Jia, who wore an innocent smile, awkwardly bent at the waist too.

Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan exchanged complicated looks.

#

‘What a relief.’

Ju Yeongsan let out a long sigh.

He did not believe Jin Taesan's absurd claim.

Still, just in case, he had urgently sent someone to Gyeongdo Temple. Yet all he received in return was word to wait until the head temple contacted them.

Four days passed before Ju Yeongsan became certain.

‘To think that bastard was telling the truth...’

For some reason, Shaolin Temple did not want to involve itself in this matter.

Not long ago, it had encouraged the Shura Sect by expressing concern over the Great Heaven Merchant Group's expansion. Now it was pulling out.

Even so, Ju Yeongsan had no intention of stopping now that he had come this far.

During his investigation, he had learned of the Great Heaven Merchant Group's vast distribution network.

It had especially established branches around Mount Cheonmok and strengthened its influence there, completing preparations to advance into Hangzhou.

It was a goose that laid golden eggs.

Once any sect learned that such an enormous merchant group lay in the Taeul Sect's grasp, it would covet it.

If they sat back and let it fall into the hands of a Black Path sect that was expanding its influence...

The White Path's power within Anhui Province would naturally begin to shrink.

‘That's right. This is all for justice!’

Then the fully armed Tiger Fist Unit Leader entered with crisp movements.

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader had made the greatest contribution to this affair.

By being beaten by the Great Heaven Merchant Group's guest retainer, they had given the Shura Sect its justification and presented it with a perfect chance to strike the Great Heaven Merchant Group.

“The Wang Family Estate may step in. But do not engage them under any circumstances. Swiftly subdue only the Great Heaven Merchant Group's personnel and make them stamp the contract. Understood?”

“Yes! The orders have all been relayed.”

The Shura Sect Leader's eyes gleamed with greed as he cried out for justice.

“Then let's go.”

Ju Yeongsan led the way, wearing his treasured weapon, the Iron Carapace, over both hands. Behind him, Shura Sect disciples in wrist guards formed a long line.

#

“Great Heaven Merchant Group, listen! Through sinister schemes and a surprise attack, you have inflicted a deep, irreparable wound upon our Tiger Fist Unit Leader! Hand over the criminal responsible for the ambush and compensate us for the damages!”

He shouted loudly enough for the entire area to ring because a large-scale fight was inevitable anyway.

A guest retainer was an invaluable guest even within an organization.

Carelessly handing such a guest over to an enemy would cause the organization's reputation to plummet.

At times, honor mattered more than money or force.

Any organization that sacrificed a guest because it feared an enemy could not escape the scorn of the world.

That left only one option: sending the guest away.

If that happened, the Shura Sect's attack would gain even greater justification.

‘Heh heh heh. A true case of songs of Chu from all four sides[1].’

As the Shura Sect Leader smiled smugly at the thought of swallowing the goose that laid golden eggs, the Tiger Fist Unit Leader, who had supposedly suffered a deep, irreparable wound, shouted one final time.

It followed the customary practice of calling out three times before taking action.

“Great Heaven Merchant Group, listen! Through sinister schemes and a surprise attack, you have inflicted a deep, irreparable wound upon our Tiger Fist Unit Leader! Hand over the criminal responsible for the ambush and compensate us for the damages...”

Then.

Creak.

The tightly shut doors opened, and the white-haired man shuffled outside.

“...Ahem. Cough. This is so embarrassing I could die.”

The very man who had inflicted a deep, irreparable wound on the Tiger Fist Unit Leader, Baek Haegwang.

The Shura Sect disciples, who had been about to rush into the Great Heaven Merchant Group, stared at him in disbelief.

Baek Haegwang scratched his cheek shyly, then shouted.

“This Venerable One... no. I-I am the S-Sect Leader of the W-White Sword Sect. Ahem. I am Baek Haegwang... no, I mean, my name is Baek Haegwang.”

Such careless, awkward behavior in this tense situation.

“W-Well, um, about that. I have reflected on my previous conduct and would like to apologize for acting rashly.”

The sudden apology left the Tiger Fist Unit Leader dumbfounded.

Regardless, Baek Haegwang clasped his hands in salute and bowed to them.

“So I would appreciate it if you would return now.”

After speaking, Baek Haegwang shuddered as though his entire body itched.

A brief silence followed.

Then the Shura Sect Leader and disciples, who had been staring at Baek Haegwang in disbelief, burst into loud laughter.

Some even shed tears as they mocked him.

“Ha ha ha ha ha!”

“I've seen all kinds of lunatics!”

“Have you ever heard of a sect called the White Sword Sect?”

“Never in my life. But I can tell just from the name that it's a third-rate sect!”

Despite their ridicule, contempt, and mockery, Baek Haegwang's expression remained calm.

Ju Yeongsan stepped forward.

“Why is the Great Heaven Merchant Group not coming out?”

Baek Haegwang lightly shrugged.

“I said it was my doing, so I would resolve it.”

“Hah... They abandoned their guest retainer?”

“They did not abandon me. I said I would resolve it...”

Ju Yeongsan deliberately raised his voice as he sighed even more loudly.

“What sect or organization in this world abandons a guest? And isn't the Great Heaven Merchant Group operated by the Taeul Sect?”

“...The Black Path and White Path are the same when it comes to not understanding what people say.”

Ju Yeongsan glared at Baek Haegwang in outrage.

“Hah, you will resolve this alone? What exactly do you intend to resolve? Are you planning to offer up your head?!”

“Come now, why would I give up my life over hitting someone once...”

“Then what? Are you saying you intend to fight us?”

Despite the sharp threat, Baek Haegwang did not seem nervous in the slightest. He only smacked his lips.

“...I was trying to apologize...”

“You fool! Have you never heard the martial world's saying that blood must be repaid with blood?!”

“I know. I've been on the receiving end plenty. It isn't a good thing...”

“Shut up! If you intend to take responsibility, then pay with blood!”

“Honestly, you keep cutting people off. You fucking... Ahem, no, Shura Sect Leader?”

Baek Haegwang glanced back once, scratched his head, then nodded.

“To be honest, I find this more comfortable as well.”

He drew the sword he had borrowed from a merchant group guard.

Shing.

“There may be a disturbance and people nearby could get hurt, so... why don't you all come at me at once?”

“Hah... Hahaha...”

Ju Yeongsan was dumbfounded by Baek Haegwang's actions, which seemed to show a complete absence of fear.

The Tiger Fist Unit Leader also asked with an incredulous expression.

“Sect Leader, what should we do?”

There were a hundred of them.

Ju Yeongsan had brought only the most elite among the Shura Sect's first and second-generation disciples.

They were strong enough to wage war against small and mid-sized sects without being outmatched, yet this man claimed he would face them all alone.

He had to be completely insane.

“Kill him. After today, there will not be a single person in this world who trusts the Taeul Sect's Great Heaven Merchant Group.”

Once word spread that a guest retainer had died, no one would wish to trade with the Great Heaven Merchant Group.

The Martial Alliance might even take issue with the incident.

“Attack!”

“Yes!”

At the Tiger Fist Unit Leader's order, five disciples clenched their fists and charged forward fiercely.

“I told you to come all at once...”

The five who charged were elite even among the elite.

Therefore, the white-haired man who had lost all fear should have had his clumsy sword broken in the first exchange, his stance collapse in the second, his vital points struck and qi and blood circulation twisted in the third, blood pour from his mouth in the fourth, and his life end in the fifth.

No, that was surely what should have happened...

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Yet the five disciples who had rushed toward Baek Haegwang were rolling across the ground like puppets with their strings cut.

“W-What is this...?”

Baek Haegwang's easygoing voice reached Ju Yeongsan's ears as his eyes widened.

“Ah, don't worry. I only knocked them unconscious...”

“That is impossible...”

“Hah, you keep cutting me off, you fucking... Ahem. Anyway, if you won't come, then I will.”

For the first time, Baek Haegwang seriously assumed the Draw-Sword Stance.

Clack.

At that instant, an inexplicable unease arose.

“W-What is that...?”

Ju Yeongsan began to see a colossal crimson fiend behind Baek Haegwang.

Ju Yeongsan was not the only one who sensed the danger.

Seeing their fellow disciples collapse, the Shura Sect disciples sensed the threat as well.

They decided to rush him together and leaped toward Baek Haegwang.

But.

“R-Run...”

Ju Yeongsan tried to stop the foolish disciples with a shout, but it was already too late.

Three White Moon Heaven-Subduing Forms

First Form

‘Extreme Swiftness’

Piiiing!

The shriek of something tearing through the air swallowed every Shura Sect disciple.

[1] Songs of Chu from all four sides: an idiom meaning to be surrounded by enemies with no escape.

Footnotes:

Join our discord at https://dsc.gg/wetried