Chapter 254

At the news of Geum Siyeon’s injury, Geum Shinchung shot up from his grand chair.

“What is the meaning of this? Siyeon is seriously injured? What happened to all the men who were escorting her?”

“It seems all but one have been killed.”

“Killed? What kind of men were they to all be killed?”

“I am sorry.”

Though it was not his fault, the Steward prostrated himself on the floor.

That was how immense Geum Shinchung’s fury was.

Geum Siyeon was Geum Shinchung’s only blood relative. He had a nephew, Geum Usin, but he could not be compared to his own flesh and blood, Geum Siyeon.

“Who on earth would do such a thing? It couldn’t have been Snow Blade Sword Manor. The Jin Clan? Are they holding a grudge because of the promissory note?”

“If the Jin Clan were that vicious, they wouldn’t have been pushed back this much by Snow Blade Sword Manor.”

“Then who in the world attacked Siyeon? Who could it be?”

The objects in the great hall all vibrated at Geum Shinchung’s roar.

The Steward looked at Geum Shinchung with eyes full of fear.

In truth, there were too many suspects to name just one.

It was a well-known fact that Geum Shinchung had amassed his current enormous wealth by operating the King Yama Debt.

Not a single person who had borrowed from his King Yama Debt had met a good end. They all ended up with massive debts, sold off as slaves, or took their own lives in despair.

They all held a deep grudge against Geum Shinchung. Any one of them could have attacked Geum Siyeon to get revenge on him.

“Send Usin to Siyeon at once to protect her, and have the King Yama Brigade capture the culprit.”

“Understood.”

The Steward answered quickly.

The King Yama Brigade was an organization directly under Geum Shinchung’s command, tasked with collecting the King Yama Debt he had lent out.

It was composed of individuals who were bloodless, tearless, and possessed dispositions so vicious they could wring water from a dry rag.

Their martial arts were also formidable, and to the people of Runan, they were etched in their minds as beings more terrifying than the grim reaper.

Dispatching the King Yama Brigade was proof of how great Geum Shinchung’s fury was.

“Tell them to bring Siyeon back if the situation allows. We have skilled physicians here as well.”

“That will be difficult for the time being, it seems.”

“Why?”

“They say her injuries are so severe that moving her could worsen her condition.”

“Dammit!”

Unable to contain his anger, Geum Shinchung slammed his fist on the table.

“Tell Usin this clearly. If anything happens to Siyeon, it’s his responsibility, so he is to protect her well.”

“Yes!”

“Get out!”

As Geum Shinchung waved his hand, the Steward bowed his head and quietly withdrew.

Left alone, Geum Shinchung muttered.

“I don’t know who you are, but once I catch you, I’ll flay you alive.”

＊＊＊

Seol Gang-yeon had the window wide open and was gazing at the scenery of the inner courtyard.

Although it was late at night, lanterns were hung here and there in the inner courtyard, creating a rather tranquil atmosphere.

Snow Blade Sword Manor’s inner courtyard was exquisitely beautiful, having been meticulously tended by a gardener. But no matter how beautiful the scenery, it failed to stir much emotion in Seol Gang-yeon.

Seol Gang-yeon merely thought of this place as a temporary stop.

His final destination was, of course, Mount Tianzhong, which had been stolen by the Jin Clan.

Re-establishing Snow Blade Sword Manor on Mount Tianzhong was his one and only wish. He would even offer his soul if he could make it happen.

It was when Seol Gang-yeon lifted the teacup placed beside him.

“Manor Lord!”

The voice of the martial artist guarding his quarters was heard.

“What is it?”

“A guest has arrived and is requesting to see you, Manor Lord.”

“Who is it?”

“He says he is Young Master Jang Ho-yeon from the Righteous Sword Manor.”

“Righteous Sword Manor?”

For a moment, a glint flashed in Seol Gang-yeon’s eyes.

The Righteous Sword Manor was located in Qianshan, Anhui Province. It was over two thousand li away from Snow Blade Sword Manor. It was unreasonable to think that a sect from so far away had come to help Snow Blade Sword Manor.

“Hmm!”

After a moment of thought, Seol Gang-yeon ordered his subordinate to let Jang Ho-yeon in.

After a short while, the door opened and a young nobleman entered his room.

He had very soft facial features that made him instantly likable to anyone who saw him.

He was none other than the great young master of the Righteous Sword Manor, Jang Ho-yeon.

Jang Ho-yeon made a fist-palm salute to Seol Gang-yeon and greeted him.

“Jang Ho-yeon of the Righteous Sword Manor greets Great Hero Seol.”

“A pleasure to meet you! Is your esteemed father well?”

“He is well, thanks to you.”

“I once saw your esteemed father from a distance. He was a great martial artist with the air of a hero.”

“Thank you. My father also said that Great Hero Seol is a remarkable person.”

“Oh! Is that so?”

“He said that I would surely learn something by being in your company and told me to be sure to visit you once.”

“Those are kind words.”

Seol Gang-yeon nodded his head.

Although he put on a pleased expression, Seol Gang-yeon did not fully believe Jang Ho-yeon’s words.

The same was true for Jang Ho-yeon.

Snow Blade Sword Manor and the Righteous Sword Manor had never had any dealings until now. They had no reason to see each other at all.

Seol Gang-yeon’s claim to have seen Jang Ho-yeon’s father was a lie, and Jang Ho-yeon’s father, Jang Pyeong-san, saying there was much to learn from Seol Gang-yeon was also a lie.

They were merely words spoken out of courtesy.

Seol Gang-yeon smiled and asked.

“So! What brings you all the way here from the Righteous Sword Manor? I doubt you came just to see my face.”

“Actually, I came to ask for a favor.”

“Is that so?”

“If you help me, I too will do my best to help Snow Blade Sword Manor.”

“Should I take that to mean it is your father’s will?”

“That is correct.”

At Jang Ho-yeon’s answer, Seol Gang-yeon’s smile deepened.

Because the distance was too great, it was impossible for the Righteous Sword Manor to provide direct support to Snow Blade Sword Manor, and Seol Gang-yeon would never have dared to hope for it. However, it would certainly be a great help if the Righteous Sword Manor simply declared its support for Snow Blade Sword Manor.

The most important thing in the Jianghu was to build justification. Sometimes, the support of a major sect like the Righteous Sword Manor acts as a more powerful force than any justification.

That was all Seol Gang-yeon expected from Jang Ho-yeon and the Righteous Sword Manor.

“Now, state your business.”

“I am looking for the one who killed my younger brother and stole our family’s treasure.”

“Tell me in detail.”

“There is a sword that has been passed down in our family for generations as an heirloom.”

“What is the sword’s name?”

“It is called the Gongpo Sword.”

“I think I’ve heard of it somewhere. A great and famous sword made long ago.”

“That is correct. The scoundrel stole the Gongpo, our family’s heirloom, and fled. In the process, he killed my younger brother who was pursuing him.”

“So you’re saying that person is here?”

“We have confirmed that he has entered Runan.”

“What is his name?”

“He is called Pyo Wol.”

“Pyo Wol?”

Seol Gang-yeon furrowed his brow.

It was a name he had never heard before.

It was the duty of the Steward, Lee Yul, to keep track of the major and minor affairs in Runan and the people entering Snow Blade Sword Manor. For that reason, Seol Gang-yeon did not know such details.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of him.”

“That’s to be expected. He’s a sly one, so he doesn’t expose his real name unless he has to.”

“Go see my manor’s Steward. Perhaps he might know.”

“Thank you.”

Jang Ho-yeon bowed his head in thanks.

Until he entered Runan, he had been very conflicted.

About whether to visit the Jin Clan or Snow Blade Sword Manor.

After much deliberation, he chose Snow Blade Sword Manor.

He had judged that it would be easier to get help from the much more liberal atmosphere of Snow Blade Sword Manor than from a rigid place like the Jin Clan.

Above all, Snow Blade Sword Manor desperately needed the support of a prestigious family like the Righteous Sword Manor. It is always the desperate one who digs the well.

“Many people have come to help our manor, so it will be quite bustling. I hope you’ll understand.”

“Of course. On the contrary, it is good to see so many people voluntarily stepping up to help Snow Blade Sword Manor. Isn’t this all possible because of Great Hero Seol’s great reputation?”

“Haha! Is that so?”

Seol Gang-yeon burst into a hearty laugh.

He knew Jang Ho-yeon was intentionally saying things that were pleasant to hear, but it was true that it still felt good.

“When you go outside, my subordinate will guide you to the Steward. You may go.”

“It was an honor to meet you today. I will see you again.”

“I too will pray that you safely recover your family heirloom.”

“Thank you.”

Jang Ho-yeon made a fist-palm salute to Seol Gang-yeon and then went outside.

As he came out, a martial artist from Snow Blade Sword Manor approached him.

“Your Young Master’s subordinates have already been shown to their quarters. I will guide you, Young Master, to the Steward.”

“Thank you!”

Jang Ho-yeon nodded and followed behind the martial artist.

Thanks to the recent victory, the atmosphere at Snow Blade Sword Manor was very excited.

On the way to the Steward’s office, he encountered quite a few martial artists. Their faces were all bright.

‘Snow Blade Sword Manor is in a favorable fight.’

Jang Ho-yeon was once again convinced that his choice was not wrong.

Just then, a martial artist from Snow Blade Sword Manor spoke to the one guiding Jang Ho-yeon.

“Where are you going?”

“Ah! I’m on my way to the Steward’s office, escorting a guest from the Righteous Sword Manor.”

“Is that so? As soon as you’ve escorted him, come to the Shadow Unit. A support mission has been assigned.”

“Got it.”

The martial artist who had spoken also gave a fist-palm salute to Jang Ho-yeon before leaving.

Jang Ho-yeon asked the martial artist who was guiding him.

“What is the Shadow Unit?”

“Ah! It’s an organization directly under the Young Manor Lord. They are making distinguished contributions in the fight against the Jin Clan.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! It’s composed of young talents who follow the Young Manor Lord, and their influence is tremendous.”

“The Young Manor Lord must be very capable, I take it?”

“That goes without saying. There are not many martial artists in Runan who can compare to our Young Manor Lord.”

The face of the answering martial artist was full of pride.

It was clear he was truly proud of the Young Manor Lord.

Jang Ho-yeon became curious about what kind of person this Young Manor Lord he so proudly boasted of was.

‘I’ll probably have a chance to meet him during my stay at Snow Blade Sword Manor.’

For now, meeting the Steward and getting his cooperation was the priority.

He quickened his pace.

Thud!

Just then, someone passing by bumped his shoulder slightly. The person had been looking down as he walked and failed to notice Jang Ho-yeon.

Jang Ho-yeon frowned and looked at the person who had bumped into him. The man quickly apologized.

“Oh, my. I was lost in thought and was rude. I’m sorry.”

The man bowed repeatedly.

His appearance was strangely grating on the eyes.

Jang Ho-yeon asked the man.

“What’s your name?”

“Pardon?”

“Are you deaf? I asked for your name.”

“Ah, yes! My name is Im Gwon-ok.”

“Im Gwon-ok? Are you a martial artist of Snow Blade Sword Manor?”

“No. I am from the Golden Mountain Manor.”

“Golden Mountain Manor?”

When Jang Ho-yeon seemed not to know, the martial artist guiding him explained instead.

“There is a place called the Golden Mountain Manor, which has amassed the greatest wealth in Runan. Their only daughter was seriously injured and brought to our manor, and he is the martial artist who escorted her.”

“That’s right.”

“Is that so? Be careful from now on.”

Jang Ho-yeon’s tone of voice changed.

If the other party had been an insignificant martial artist, he would have been furious, but one who escorts the only daughter of the Golden Mountain Manor should not be treated carelessly.

Right now, they had no connection, but no one knew how things might turn out between a man and a woman.

‘The place that has amassed the greatest wealth in Runan. If I can just form a connection, it will surely be useful later on.’

Jang Ho-yeon smiled faintly and started walking again.

“Let’s go!”

“Yes!”

The martial artist guided Jang Ho-yeon again.

Left alone, Im Gwon-ok watched Jang Ho-yeon’s receding back.

‘Righteous Sword Manor, have you chased me all the way here?’