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Chapter 4: Gangho exit road)

Chapter 4: Gangho exit road)

I can see the sun setting over the garden..

The sky, which was dazzling just before half o'clock, has turned red..

It's not an ominous color that looks like it's covered in blood..

It was a beautiful color that would leave you in awe when you looked up at it..

Whiiing.

A cool wind blew and gently caressed my hair..

It's the perfect wind for warm temperatures..

“the sunset……”

On a hill, a young man sits under a plum tree boasting straight branches..

“……Lose.”

The hair that reached down to the waist was tied back, reminiscent of a horse's tail..

Clear facial features, sharp jaw line, and refreshing eyebrows.

He's not as handsome, but his appearance isn't that bad..

Joo Seo-cheon, eighteen years old.

Time passed like lightning.

It's been four years since Yeonhwagakhoe ended, I've become an adult, and three years have passed since I graduated from Yeonhwagak..

I have grown in many ways over the past four years, but the most noticeable thing is the change in my body..

His height has grown to about six feet, and his muscles, which were once soft, have now become stronger..

Perhaps because he trained while paying attention to muscle exercises in order not to strain his young body, he grew up to look good aesthetically..

He looks a little small when wearing clothes, but when he takes his clothes off, his sculptural beauty and balance are so perfect that anyone would envy him..

In addition to the body, martial arts were also essential..

Even after leaving Yeonhwagak, except for Jang Hong, Jang Seo-eun, and Nak So-wol, I did not interact with others and focused on training..

And among them, even Jang Hong and Jang Seo-on went to Kanghu two years ago and a year ago respectively and are not in Hwasan now..

Anyway, over the past four years, he has focused only on martial arts and has achieved great results..

‘Jahaingong, Palseong.’

It took four years from nurturing to eighth grade..

At first glance, it may seem like it took a long time, but it wasn't at all..

It's an unprecedented speed..

In the history of Huashan, there has not been a single person who practiced Jashin Gong to the eight-star level at the age of only eighteen..

More than anything, I was glad that only two stars were left until the ten stars that could unleash the true power of God..

In Jaha Geomgyeoldo, the first meal is fully ripe, and the third meal is not far away..

It was a smooth success.

In addition, he achieved great success in the Twenty-Four Beasts of Plum Blossom Sword, and Ilwol Shrine reached the Four Saints level..

Ilwol Shrine is completed only by raising Ilseong..

In addition, the Gyeonggong Amhyangpyo also achieved great success..

There was no difficulty as you could increase your strength by continuously exhausting it..

I didn't leave out anything about the future either..

I was able to roughly solve the problem by exchanging information and letters with a person from the top of the gold chain who occasionally visits the volcano..

Lee Uichae was a more capable merchant than expected..

Even with fragmentary information, Joo Seocheon achieved what he wanted..

The best thing about it is that I don't have any doubts..

Lee Ui-chae followed without a word just because he received the treasure of the Three Eyes' Shintu as an investment..

He is a simple character, but he is not an idiot or a fool..

Even now that I think about it, he is an unusual person..

I am often in contact with the Zhuge succession through Jeonseo-gu..

They say they are still being ostracized by Sega..

After the remarks of the Three Eyes Shintu, there is still no place to use bronchial techniques..

If it was natural, it was treated as a matter of course..

‘Study hard. I'll pick you up later.’

I was excited to see how much the genius had grown..

As I promised to the future, I thought about the future..

‘In the past four years, fortunately, no change in history has occurred..’

By the time I returned to Hwasan, I was worried about the changed future..

There was concern about changes in history due to the fact that the archives of the Three Eyes were discovered earlier than history, and events such as the Surimjiuchae incident..

I was preparing for the future in my own way, but since it wasn't certain, I couldn't help but feel anxious..

One of them is definitely the Tomb of the Demon Demon..

This war, which started to obtain the treasure of the evil demon, lasts for a year and eventually spreads to the entire martial forest..

Seven Swords War.

Starting with this war, in which about seven forces play a leading role, Gangho Murim is engulfed in war..

‘Kunlun Sect, Taishan Sect, Songshan Sect, Hangshan Sect, Nangong Sect, Maqiao, Sadoqian.’

The time is this summer.

There's still half a year left.

‘It won't work out the way you think..’

The Seven Swords War cannot be prevented..

The effort and time that Amcheonhoe put into this work was unusual..

No matter how much you know the future, there are limits..

There are things that can be prevented and things that cannot be prevented, and the Seven Swords War is the latter..

However, we were still able to minimize the damage and destroy some of the Amcheonhoe's plans..

“execution!”

“huh?”

When I was lost in my thoughts, I was awakened by someone's voice calling me..

I turned my head back and checked..

“Umm!”

There was a fairy.

Even if you add all kinds of rhetoric, it’s not enough..

There was a woman walking there whose beauty was so captivating..

Hair resembling the night sky is flowing like silk, and skin as white as jade can be seen with fine facial features..

A lady who just turned from a girl.

The woman, with the air of a confident lady, brought back memories of the past..

Plum blossom peak……

Even in my past life, I only saw Plum Blossom Sword once..

I've never seen it properly since it was on the battlefield..

Nonetheless, the memory remained strong..

The sight of sword fighting among other heroes, including the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, was strong and beautiful..

It's a memory I can't forget even if I want to..

“Death penalty, why are you doing this??”

Nak So-wol approached and tilted her head as if puzzled..

Even though he has grown faster than others, there is still more left to see in his memory..

The Nak So-wol I remember is in her mid-twenties, and the current Nak So-wol is only seventeen..

Still, I can vaguely see the image in my memory..

“Umm, no..”

Although it is still too early to be mentioned as the most beautiful woman in the world, it is still enough to be named as the most beautiful woman in Hwasan..

“You were so pretty that I just lost my mind and stared at you. It's not a big deal, so don't worry about it..”

Thoughts came out of my mouth.

“You're not ashamed?”

Luo Sowol asked as if it were absurd, but his cheeks were flushed red..

“Ugh, it's so cute that he pretends like nothing's wrong and even looks embarrassed. It's killing me. Are you going to kill me?.”

Joo Seocheon was in pain as he clutched his chest..

It's not a clumsy act, it's real..

“Really……”

Nak So-wol grumbled as if he couldn’t stop him..

“But what happened?”

“Sasuk is calling me..”

“Master?”

* * *

Joo Seocheon headed to Naksowol’s residence..

As I walked with the most beautiful woman in Hwasan, my attention was focused..

The male disciples glared with envy and jealousy..

The gaze stings, but I'm used to this now..

I stayed with Nak So-wol until near my residence and then parted ways..

“Oh, are you here?.”

When I opened the door and entered, Yoo Jeong-mok welcomed Joo Seo-cheon.

“Yes, Master. Did you call me??”

Joo Seocheon greeted in a polite manner..

Even though he has become a young man, his respect and utmost respect for his teacher still remains..

“You are already eighteen years old too.……”

Yu Jeong-mok smiled with satisfaction as he looked at his student as if he had new feelings..

Time has passed.

Yu Jeong-mok is now 50 years old, but his appearance hasn't changed much..

And it's already been ten years since we returned..

“I have something to tell you..”

“Disciple of Buddha, I will listen..”

Joo Seo-cheon took a quick look at Yu Jeong-mok's mood..

Looking at his expression, it didn't seem like it was a bad thing..

“There was a story about you at the ladies' meeting yesterday..”

My eyes suddenly got bigger.

I could guess what Yoo Jeong-mok was going to say..

“About repair work.”

‘at las!’

It is not a grandiose thing, but it refers to the practice of going out to the rivers and lakes to cooperate and cultivating the Tao when you reach the age of a certain age..

The period is about five years.

After returning to the headquarters, only then will it be recognized as one person's responsibility..

Normally, you have to meet the terms and conditions to get out, but those from Yeonhwagak had stronger martial arts skills than others, so the timing was a little faster..

The standard is 18 years old, and Jang Hong and Jang Seo-eun were also sent to Gangho according to their age..

This strong behavior could be said to be true freedom..

“Honestly, I was wondering whether I should let you go alone or not.……”

Yoo Jeong-mok stroked his beard while possessing his sleep..

‘no!’

I barely suppressed the urge to scream..

Originally, this repair work would have a guardian attached to it..

In the case of ordinary students, it was natural that they would be the first to be chosen by a strong person..

But people from Yeonhwagak are different..

This was because they had been to the river before they became adults..

Therefore, the excellent disciples from Yeonhwagak decide whether to accompany Suseonhaeng through a meeting of the royal court..

Originally, I would have chosen the former because I didn't want to sacrifice the students I worked so hard to raise, but some people said that I was overprotective and that the latter was okay as well..

Above all, even if there was no guardian, it was enough to go out to the river and meet fellow students separately..

In fact, most of the Four Great Disciples from Yeonhwagak found their fellow disciples shortly after coming out alone to Gangho..

This was partly due to safety, but it was also due to loneliness..

He spent his entire life in a volcano, and when Gangho was first born, he was so young that he was almost protected..

Even if you have made one kind of relationship or another, there is a big difference in your sense of belonging or intimacy compared to your alumni students..

‘please!’

Your future plans will be determined depending on who is accompanying you..

It's not easy to be annoying if you have a guardian..

If I ran away secretly, I would be reported to the volcano and it would be a bother, so I had to think of a way to separate them..

“The elders said it was no reason to worry..”

Yoo Jeong-mok smiled softly..

‘Phew!’

Joo Seocheon breathed a sigh of relief..

Suseonhaeng was also worried inside..

This is because there is a record of him going missing due to the forest digging incident during the time of Kang Ho's first time..

So, I wondered what I would do if I became overprotective, but I was able to avoid it thanks to my moderate inaction after the Yeonhwageomhoe..

“I was especially surprised when Elder Shim Ok-ryeon first said it was okay..”

‘I guess it pricked my conscience that the woman who had no blood or tears still told disciple Ji that I was dead.!’

I was as grateful as my fingernails to Shim Ok-ryeon..

“This time, I will be able to see my disciple descending the mountain. Please don't forgive me for being foolish for not seeing you all those years ago..”

“No, Master. Wasn't Master on a mission at the time? Since Moorim needed a capable master, he thinks there is nothing he can do..”

“Hahaha, guy. You still speak well. You always go to great lengths to defend this ugly teacher..”

Yoo Jeong-mok smiled softly and stretched out his hand..

Joo Seo-cheon did not avoid it but quietly waited for the hand..

I went from a boy to a young man, but I still get pats on the head..

I liked this warm and soft touch.

“……”

My heart ached at this unbelievable reality..

In my past life, no one saw me off when I went down the volcano..

But not now.

There is a teacher like everyone else..

“Come back.”

“I'll be back.”

I held back my tears because I didn't want to worry my teacher..

Instead, I prayed with respect and gratitude..

Joo Seo-cheon has never followed the proper path of repair..

Before his return, he was not from Yeonhwagak but was an ordinary disciple of the Four Great Disciples..

It was only when the terms and conditions were met that the conditions were met..

But at that time, the Seven Swords War had already ended and the era of war had begun..

When I first went out to the river, the place I arrived at was a battlefield full of blood and screams..

It's Kangho's first appearance, but it's not Suseonhaeng..

Because I didn't go down the mountain to cultivate the Tao, I went to war..

“I don't think I can keep my promise to Samae Naksamae..”

Before descending the mountain, Naksowol saw me off..

‘Death penalty, see you in a year..’

Naksowol’s voice lingers..

He seemed a little lonely, but he still smiled brightly..

It's good that we promised to meet later, but the problem was that next year, it would be during the Seven Swords War..

During his previous life, he also called some of the Four Great Disciples who were on a meditation retreat back to Hwasan..

Needless to say, there were disciples who would be qualified to go to Suseon..

It was a situation where a civil war or a civil war could break out, so I couldn't send my disciples away hastily..

No preparation is provided for repairs..

Whether it's a collaboration or an escort mission, you have to help someone to make a living..

Although it is not completely the same, it can be considered similar to Buddhist alms-dish practice..

“Please take a look!”

“Good luck.”

Most disciples seek help by seeking cooperation or missions, or by seeking help from the masters listed in Gangho, but Ju Seo-cheon did not need to worry about such things..

The first thing to do as soon as I descended the mountain was to take out the money deposited in my name at a nearby battlefield..

We walked out with light steps, each carrying a bag containing enough gold and silver coins in our arms..

I had already told Lee Uichae to prepare money for this day, so I didn't have to worry about money..

For reference, Geumui Sangdan showed an unprecedented growth rate in just four years..

Although it is not yet famous enough to be famous all over the world, it is still a name known to those who know it because it is large enough..

“Half a year until the tomb of the Demon Demon was discovered.”

There was no need to worry about where to go..

I already decided a few years ago what I would do when I got to Gangho..

“Sichuan's Ten Thousand Years of Fire, Yunnan's Chilgak Temple, and Seojiang's Thousand Years of Snowspruce.).”

A more overwhelming force was needed.

Once you are noticed by the Amcheonhoe, it is difficult to survive with only moderate strength..

Also, power was needed to thwart their plans..

So, I searched through my memories of my past life to find a way to become stronger more quickly, and I was able to come up with quite a bit..

However, due to the time limit of half a year, it was not possible to do everything..

So these three things came out.

First of all, we catch Mannyeonhwari in Sacheon and take Naedan to target Baekdokbulchim and Hanseobulchim..

Afterwards, when he went down to Yunnan, he was able to climb to the Heavenly Poison Buddha using the Naedan he obtained by hunting the Chilgak Temple, a sacred and poisonous object..

Finally, with greatly improved internal energy and Chinese calligraphy acupuncture, he goes to Daeseolsan Mountain in the chieftain and takes the Cheonnyeonseolsam..

It was the best path to become as strong as possible in half a year..

“I feel confident because I prepared Byeokgokdan..”

I was able to move it only after carefully checking that the pockets I had in my arms did not fall out..

Ju Seo-cheon spread his light attack to the extreme..

In just one instant, fifteen years of internal energy flowed out from Yongcheonhyeol, giving strength..

Thanks to the success of Amhyangpyo, we were able to maximize efficiency..

It was like the wind.

Because light and air were polar, it was faster than a horse, so there was no need to ride a horse.. 

Although my energy depleted quickly, I was able to travel a long distance..

When I exhausted everything, I ate and recovered again through rest such as a little sleep..

It didn't take long since I chewed Byeokgokdan to eat, and I only slept for about two hours and just ran..

If there's a weakness, it's that it's boring..

Other than that it was perfect.

“It wouldn't be boring if someone was with you, but Ganghohaeng is something you do alone.!”

Even before my regression, I was always alone..

For him who was alone, solitude and loneliness were familiar feelings..

I soothed my boredom by recalling plans for the future and Nak So-wol's smile and voice in my head..

Thanks to this continuous and non-stop practice, it took only four days to reach Seokcheon..

Even if you walk or ride a horse from Huashan to Shaanxi, it usually takes a week or 15 days if you count the time..

could be shortened considerably.

* * *

In southern Shaanxi, there are few villages of a size that would not be called rural..

Seokcheon is one of those neighborhoods..

If you go down to the southwest of Shaanxi for about two to three days, you will reach Sichuan, if you go south, you will reach Chongqing, and if you go southeast, you will reach Hubei..

Because the distances were similar, Shaanxi was a major transportation hub..

In particular, Seokcheon is located in the middle of Sacheon, Chongqing, and Hubei, so it had a large floating population and a large village..

Ju Seocheon arrived at Seokcheon around midnight (23:00 ~ 01:00)..

It's late at night when everyone is asleep, but this is the case in a village where there aren't many people..

The streets of Seokcheon are still bright and noisy at night..

You can see drunk people hugging each other and blushing, or collapsing in a corner on the street because they are so drunk..

In addition, courtesans could be seen moving in and out of the stoma while massaging their lower legs, or sitting by the window looking down and gesturing..

Passing through the night streets of Seokcheon.

He could hear the voices of courtesans tempting him from above his head..

“Master~”

Even though I was wearing uniform, I didn't care..

There are no easier opponents than the energetic young Taoists from Gangho..

Living in a Taoist sect all his life, his sexual desires were suppressed, but now that he has become free, he quickly succumbs to even the slightest temptation..

Ju Seo-cheon passed through the night street and went straight to the guest house without even giving the courtesans a glance..

A middle-aged man dozing off at the checkout counter felt someone's presence and opened his sleepy eyes..

“Sorry, sir. There is no room now……”

“Ju Seocheon, top of gold.”

Joo Seocheon showed off the plum blossoms on his sleeves..

“ah!”

The middle-aged man opened his eyes and came to his senses..

“I've been waiting for you, great man. I am in charge of the Seokcheon branch and the guest here..”

“Nice to meet you, Seokcheon Branch Manager.”

The Geumui Sangdan is now establishing branches and doing business not only in Gwiju, but also in various places across political faction and factional spheres of influence..

This guesthouse is one of the burial places of Geumui Sangdan..

‘The owner of the merchant is very aware of people’s convenience..’

Before leaving for Suseon, I sent a letter to Lee Uichae..

It wasn't much information, but he told me the route to Suseon and told me to find it here if there was anything urgent..

Lee Uichae didn't say anything, but he pointed out each branch of Geumui Sangdan on the route to Suseon..

“I have issued an order to notify all branches so that they can prioritize the convenience of the people. If you need an alias or false identity, just let me know and I will prepare it for you..”

The part about preparing for your wishes or difficult situations without having to say anything was amazingly perfect..

It's not like I'm a king for nothing.

Later, when I asked him how he knew so well, he said, 'The basics of negotiation and trading are that you need to know what the other person wants.' I answered.

In any case, he said there was no need to use a pseudonym or false identity as there was no need to hide his identity..

I asked you to prepare just in case..

“There is no need for late-night snacks or alcohol, just prepare hot water for washing. Breakfast is simple, not a big meal..”

I was happy to be able to sleep in bed for the first time in a long time..

“Yes, I will prepare it that way..”

The owner of the guest glanced at me..

It was a face that had something to say..

“It's okay, please tell me.”

I'm a little tired, but I can listen to the story..

“yes!”

The guest owner started talking with a bright face..

Shaanxi is rich in mineral resources, of which iron is by far the most abundant and actively traded..

Most branches of Shaanxi, such as Seokcheon of Geumui Sangdan, engaged in trade mainly with iron or salt..

And recently, I had the opportunity to go to Sacheon, and an embarrassing problem arose..

It was a bandit.

“Chongqing's Green Forest has been expanding its territory for the past few months and is targeting the southern region of Shaanxi..

The top of our gold has also been excessively ripped off in the name of toll tax..”

It seemed that sometimes a green forest expert appeared and suffered excessive damage even with a guard..

“The owner of the sangang said to ask for a favor as long as it does not make the person uncomfortable.……”

The owner of the guesthouse looked slightly frightened..

‘Please don't kill me!’

The nature of the martial arts people is dirty..

Whether it's a political faction or a sad faction, it's all the same..

Because of his power, he looks down on ordinary people..

It doesn't matter because it's common..

He's used to it now.

However, I didn't want to upset his temper and make him run wild..

He didn't want to say this either..

It is very rude to explain the circumstances of the escort mission to someone who ran from Hwasan to Seokcheon without stopping..

However, if you don't tell them in advance, Joo Seo-cheon might leave before he hears the situation, so he was ordered to make sure to convey it..

“Where does green forest appear??”

“This is the border crossing into Sacheon..”

“I can escort you there. Perhaps if we go to Sacheon, we will be free from the threat of Green Forest Island..”

Sacheon is a region where the influence of political factions can be counted on one hand..

Among the nine factions, there were Ami and Cheongseong, and there was even Sacheondanga, one of the five major families, so security was quite high..

“Thank you, Daein!”

The work of the Geumui Sangdan is no one else’s business..

It's your job too.

‘It would be okay to have ten gals as escorts, but……’

The Galpungsobgaek are warriors led by Galpunggeom Wang Il..

Thanks to all of them desperately training Dankeekenbeop and Galpungbo, their names are now well known..

‘They are busy in one way or another as escorts in other places. If you call here, you won't be able to solve the problem anywhere else..’

It's a little annoying, but it's not difficult anyway..

The distance isn't that far, so we can solve it..

Above all, it was he who told Lee Uichae that it was okay to ask him if something difficult came up..

* * *

The next day, at the end of Insi (03:00 to 05:00), Joo Seocheon, who had finished his fortune-telling breakfast in his room, came downstairs..

“Hello, Daein!”

As I came down the stairs, a group of people jumped up from their seats and greeted me loudly..

There were four people who appeared to be merchants, and twenty others who appeared to be guard warriors..

Everyone seemed to have heard of Joo Seocheon beforehand, and their attitude was polite..

Joo Seo-cheon raised his hand and gave a cursory greeting, then sat down in an appropriate seat and finished breakfast alone..

It was pretty delicious.

When I got up and went outside, I saw four two-horse carriages waiting..

Merchants were sitting in front with their coachmen, and around them were warriors checking the condition of their horses..

“Well, shall we go?.”