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n‘What is going on?’

nCale thought about it for a moment.

n‘How did things end up like this?’

nThe path heading to Namgung Manor, which was like a castle…

nCale peeked out the carriage window.

nOutside the right side window was the Namgung Clan’s Heavenly Guardians.

nOut the left window was the Anhui Province Lord’s cavalry.

nThese two groups were guarding Cale’s golden carriage on either side.

nMartial artists and a government army.

nCale, who was surrounded by these two similar groups that were on completely different paths, could see the people of Anhui Province whispering behind them.

nCale didn’t have the courage to even think about what they were whispering.

nInstead, he asked a question.

n“Chief Eunuch Wi.”

n“Yes, young master-nim?”

n“…I’m certain that I asked for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to be sent quietly, didn’t I?”

n“You did. I’m not sure what happened… Hahaha.”

nChief Eunuch Wi avoided Cale’s gaze.

n“…I definitely wrote it like that, so I do not know why the territory lord has shown up.”

n“Hmm.”

nThe Fist King chimed in.

n“It seems as if His Majesty had a hand in this.”

nCale clenched his mouth shut.

nHow could he say anything if the Emperor did something?

n‘Crown prince Alberu truly is easy to communicate with.’

nIf it was Alberu, he would have stealthily sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard and…

nNo.

nHe would have definitely hidden himself in the Embroidered Uniform Guard to come confirm the faces of those Blood Cult bastards before heading back.

n‘…That’s a bit undesired too.’

nCale quickly erased Alberu’s way of handling things from his mind.

nWhether it was the Central Plains or the Roan Kingdom… The leaders were quite peculiar.

n‘How am I supposed to act around the Anhui Lord?’

nFor now, Cale had not gotten off the carriage and had told the territory lord that they should chat inside the Namgung Manor.

n‘He’s a Duke-level administrator by the Roan Kingdom’s standards.’

nThe territory lord.

nAlthough it was an administrative position with no hereditary succession… The level of influence he had should be equivalent to a Roan Kingdom Duke or Marquis.

n‘I should just…’

nCale had made up his mind.

n‘Do whatever makes things easiest for me.’

nHe would leave the Central Plains anyway.

nHe might as well make things as easy as possible.

nIt wasn’t like any of them would follow him to Roan if he acted a bit cheeky. He would never see them again.

nClunk.

nThe carriage stopped.

nCale got off in front of the Namgung Manor.

n‘Wow.’

nThis large wooden door that showed off the long period of time it had been standing from its appearance…

nThe tall walls to its sides…

nCale could not see the end of the wall. That was how vast the Namgung Manor was.

n‘Based on what I heard, they have another manor on the outskirts as well. These scarily rich bastards!’

nA calm smile appeared on Cale’s face.

n‘It looked as if they would give me a lot of things.’

nHis heart started beating faster.

n“Welcome. Young master Kim-nim.”

nNamgung Ma Hyuk.

nThe Namgung Clan’s patriarch approached Cale and greeted him.

n‘Mmm.’

nCale had never put his hands together in this martial artist’s manner before.

nThat was why he debated for a bit before offering his hand.

n“Nice to meet you. Patriarch-nim.”

nNamgung Ma Hyuk was currently extremely tense.

n‘The Nature Realm. Someone at that level with the power to purify living jiangshis.’

nThat was why he had been tense before meeting young master Kim.

nThey had no way of knowing what an expert at that level would do if they became upset.

nHonestly speaking, Namgung Ma Hyuk was the person who was most worried about things among the Namgung Clan’s top executives, including the former patriarch, the Sword Saint.

nThat was why he had been quite concerned prior to meeting Cale.

nHis senses were even more alert because the young master Kim he saw through the carriage window looked feeble but gave off a slightly cold and stoic aura.

n‘…It is as father said.’

nHowever, in person, young master Kim had a gentle smile on his face as he looked toward the Namgung Clan.

nHe then offered his hand to Namgung Ma Hyuk first, despite being the eldest senior of the Imperial family.

n“Patriarch-nim?”

n“Ah. I’m sorry.”

nNamgung Ma Hyuk shook young master Kim’s hand.

nIt was at that moment.

n“N, nice to meet you, sir! My name is Sorae Hak, the Lord of Anhui Province.”

nHe approached Cale.

nCale flinched for a moment after seeing the territory lord’s face.

n‘Mmm.’

nHow to explain this…

nHe had the typical opportunistic or politician’s smile.

nSorae Hak had that kind of smile on his face as he approached Cale. Cale recalled what Chief Eunuch Wi had said on the carriage.

n‘Young master-nim. Lord Sorae Hak is… Seen as an extremely flexible and affable person. That was how he ended up in charge of Anhui Province, where the Namgung Clan is located, despite his strength lacking a bit.’

nQuite flexible.

nBasically, he knew how to tactfully go back and forth between legal and illegal means.

nIn addition, he was easy to talk to.

nBasically, he had a foot in both administration and the Martial Arts world and was good in politics.

nThis was why the Imperial family was full of expectations for him to create a cooperative relationship with the Namgung Clan, which basically monopolized the Anhui Province.

nThat was how Cale had analyzed what Chief Eunuch Wi said.

n“Nice to meet you, territory lord-nim.”

nCale smiled gently as he spoke.

n“Yes, sir! I am truly touched to be able to serve such a revered sir of the Imperial family.”

n‘Wow.’

nCale gasped in admiration at this well-oiled tongue of the territory lord, despite it not being at Alberu’s level.

n“A revered person of the Imperial family? I am nothing. I am simply Kim Hae-il.”

n“Ah!”

nSorae Hak flinched.

n“Ahem. Ahem. I almost made a grave mistake. Nice to meet you, young master Kim-nim.”

nCale let go of Namgung Ma Hyuk’s hand and extended his hand toward Sorae Hak.

nSorae Hak quickly grabbed his hand.

n‘…This is driving me crazy!’

nAlthough he was smiling, Sorae Hak’s mind was quite a convoluted mess right now such that he felt as if his head would explode.

n‘A member of the Imperial family that the Emperor would even send the Embroidered Uniform Guard to look after?’

nThe Emperor and the Empress Dowager…

nThe two of them were people who barely survived the late Emperor’s oppression and made it to the top spot of the Central Plains.

nThat was why it was rare for there to be a member of the Imperial family close to them.

nMost of them were killed by the late Emperor.

nFurthermore, all members of the late Emperor’s bloodline were sent out to the border regions to live in poverty.

n‘But he suddenly gives an Imperial Decree to guard the person with a golden plaque? That inhumane Emperor ordered such a thing? He even sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard?’

nThat wasn’t all.

n< Treat him without lacking in any aspect, just as if you were treating me. >

nThe Emperor had said to treat this person the way they would treat him.

n‘Is he a hidden younger brother or something?’

nSorae Hak’s heart was beating wildly while looking at Cale.

n‘Based on what I heard, he is the Namgung Clan’s benefactor. What the hell was this person’s true identity?’

nHowever, Sorae Hak used the years of experience he had gained from being an administrator for a long time.

n“Young master Kim-nim, how long will you be staying in the Anhui Province?”

nHe calmly addressed the man.

n‘This sir is hiding his identity.’

nHe was using the identity of young master Kim Hae-il to hide his true identity.

n‘Then I should play along.’

nSorae Hak waited for Cale’s response.

n“Mm. I will probably leave in the near future.”

n“Is that so?”

nCale felt quite unsettled dealing with Sorae Hak, who was tightly holding his hand with both hands and not letting go.

nSorae Hak gently asked without knowing how Cale was feeling.

n“In that case, please stay and relax in the place we have prepared for you, young master Kim-nim.”

nNamgung Ma Hyuk flinched and tried to interject.

nHowever, Sorae Hak ignored him and quickly added on.

n“His Majesty informed us to take care of you without any aspect lacking in any way. So please, give us that chance to serve you like this.”

nBoth Namgung Ma Hyuk and even the Sword Saint couldn’t say anything about that.

nIn fact, some of the nearby Elders had their pupils shaking.

n‘The Emperor said that?’

nThey could feel how the Emperor felt toward young master Kim.

nOn the other hand, Cale’s face stiffened a bit.

n‘Based on the Emperor’s personality, I don’t think he would have said anything to the territory Lord with good intentions.’

nThe Emperor that Cale saw was not such an affectionate person.

n‘In fact, he’s the type who would benefit from my being closer to the government than the Martial Arts world and would tell this guy to serve me for that reason.’

nBeyond that, he was probably trying to get some evaluation or information about Cale through the territory lord.

n‘…His expression is getting worse?’

nOn the other hand, Sorae Hak realized from Cale’s faint but stiffening expression that something was not right.

nSorae Hak was extremely sharp.

n‘What do I do?’

nHowever, he could not take back things he had already said.

nHe could not withdraw, especially since he mentioned the Emperor.

nCale started to speak at that moment.

n“That will be a bit of an issue.”

nCale declined the territory lord’s offer.

nSorae Hak’s eyes opened wide.

n‘He rejected it even though I mentioned the Emperor!’

nThis young master Kim seemed friendlier or closer to the Emperor than he thought.

nCale had no idea about Sorae Hak’s thoughts as he calmly commented.

n“I have already agreed to stay with the Namgung Clan. Promises should be kept.”

nCale started to think.

n‘Yes, this is the Martial Arts world where justice and cooperation are considered the best.’

nThey should just accept it if he said something decent.

n“Thank you for your generosity, territory lord-nim. However, I am not a member of the government nor am I doing the government’s work right now. I do not think that it is good for me to stay in a government building.”

nCale looked toward the Sword Saint and smiled gently.

n“It should be fine for me to stay at Senior Sword Saint’s house. Isn’t that right, Sword Saint-nim?”

n“Ahem, hem. That is correct!”

nThe corners of the Sword Saint’s lips twitched and curled up as he let out some fake coughs and responded.

nSorae Hak realized that this uptight old man was smiling and was shocked.

n‘This person, young master Kim, he’s amazing! He made that old man speak formally and smile!’

nHe also used proper etiquette to easily decline the Emperor’s offer.

n‘…I should be careful.’

nSorae Hak quickly responded.

n“I will take your words to heart.”

nThe territory lord gently stepped back and Cale was finally able to enter the Namgung Clan.

nOf course, the process was a bit odd.

nScreeeech-

nThe large gate opened and…

nCale felt as if he was experiencing déjà vu.

n“Welcome. Young master-nim!”

n“We greet our benefactor!”

nAll blood members of the Namgung Clan were standing in two lines, bowing toward Cale.

nCale subconsciously turned to look at the Sword Saint.

nThe Sword Saint spoke with a look of satisfaction.

n“Our Namgung Clan does not lack in any way in treating our benefactor. Our Namgung Clan must be the best in everything.”

nCale gasped at seeing an old man, who seemed to be over ninety years old, bowing toward him.

nHe then got chills seeing a five-year-old child looking at him with a sparkling gaze.

n– Human, something is weird.

nRaon finally realized that something was weird as well.

nHowever, Cale could only be dragged around in this suppressing mood.

nOf course, it looked as if he was leisurely following the patriarch to the patriarch’s residence.

n“Territory lord-nim.”

n“Mm. First, ask the Namgung Clan if a few people can stay here. If they say yes, leave a few people to serve and protect the young master-nim.”

n“Yes, sir. Will you be heading out now?”

nThe territory lord watched as Cale walked off in the distance as he responded.

n“I will have to do so for today.”

n“…What do you mean?”

n“I’ll have to come tomorrow as well. I will come every day until the young master-nim leaves.”

nHe then started to smile.

n‘I’ll need to find a way to connect with him.’

nThis mysterious person under a veil…

nThis young master Kim Hae-il…

nIt wouldn’t be bad to get close to him.

n“It looks like I’ll be busy for a while.”

nThe territory lord looked at the people of Anhui Province, who were peeking at the Namgung Clan, and firmed his resolve while thinking about the stories of this young master Kim that would soon spread throughout Anhui Province and the entire Central Plains in the near future.

n‘I need to get in his good graces before other bastards can do so! Since he seems to value justice and cooperation, I don’t think bribes will work very well. What will be good…’

nThe territory lord watched Cale enter the patriarch’s residence before quietly returning to Anhui Castle.

n* * *

n“Advisor. What do you mean by that?”

n“…Alliance leader-nim. Something seems weird with the Namgung Clan.”

nKo Seh Bum, the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, looked at the report from the Chief Advisor of the Martial Arts Alliance, Zhuge Mi Ryeo, and scowled.

n“Young master Kim? Who is he that the Namgung Clan would bow down to him?”

n“…He is suspected of being a member of the Imperial family, however, we are still looking into the details.”

nZhuge Mi Ryeo… She opened her fan and quietly mumbled.

n“However, it seems that this young master Kim is headed toward our Martial Arts Alliance.”

n“Hmm.”

nKo Seh Bum tapped the name, young master Kim, on the report.

n“You don’t know why he is heading here?”

n“No, sir. However, we should have information soon because the Beggars’ Gang’s Elder Ho was there.”

n“I see.”

nKo Seh Bum smiled.

n“To make that proud Sword Saint bow his head… I am curious about him.”

n* * *

nCale worked hard to calm down.

n“Young master-nim. This is a small gesture of our Namgung Clan’s gratitude.”

n“…….”

n“I heard from the Ancestral Patriarch-nim. He told us about how hurt you got in order to save Tae Wi.”

nThe patriarch gulped while looking at the silently sitting Cale.

n‘He’s so stoic.’

nIt was shocking.

nHe couldn’t believe that Cale could remain calm and collected in the current situation without being shocked at all.

n‘No wonder he reached the Nature Realm.’

nNamgung Ma Hyuk looked at Cale and calmed himself.

nHe calmly started speaking again.

n“Sir, you should know what this is. It is a thousand-year-old snow ginseng.”

nIt was a precious ginseng procured from the snow-covered North Sea.

nThis one was not a hundred-year-old one, but one that had survived for a thousand years.

nThis held the highest value as an elixir.

nHowever, the Namgung Clan had not used this and had kept it until now.

n‘…Because it is a snow ginseng.’

nMost of the Namgung Clan’s martial arts held yang energy.

nThat was why an item like the snow ginseng, which held yin energy, was dangerous and could cause Ki Deviation.

nOf course, it wouldn’t matter for someone at the patriarch or the Sword Saint’s level, but at their level, it was more efficient to eat other elixirs that had yang energy.

n“Young master-nim, I heard that you use the aura of fire. That must be why you had those blood clots after the aura of fire went berserk. We thought that the snow ginseng might be good to control that reaction.”

nFurthermore, potentially because of the attributes of where it grows, unlike regular ginsengs, snow ginsengs also had the aura of wood.

nThat was why even with the yin energy going in during consumption to cool and protect the veins as it suppresses the aura of fire…

nThe aura of wood would wrap around the aura of fire to let warmth fill the body once again.

nOf course, patriarch Namgung Ma Hyuk knew that this thousand-year-old snow ginseng was lacking to be called a healing item. As someone in the Nature Realm, young master Kim should know that as well.

nThey were just giving the best thing they had to young master Kim.

n‘Father! You want to give him the thousand-year-old snow ginseng? Even if he is our benefactor-’

n‘You bastard! Our young master Kim is the eldest senior of the Imperial family! How many precious things do you think someone like that has eaten? I’m sure mere thousand-year-old snow ginsengs are all over the Imperial Palace!’

n‘No! Even the Imperial Palace doesn’t have something like a thousand-year-old snow ginseng!’

n‘I don’t know! Just give it to him! The Namgung Clan can’t give him something cheap! Don’t you think so? What is it? Do you want people to say that the Namgung Clan gave their benefactor scraps?’

n‘No! I don’t want that!’

n‘Then give it to him!’

n‘O, okay!’

nThe patriarch erased the conversation he had with the Sword Saint earlier from his mind.

nInstead, he tensed up looking at the silent Cale.

n‘Why is he like this?’

nCale was silently sitting there, looking at the thousand-year-old snow ginseng in the sealed box.

n‘…Does he not like it? Was this elixir perhaps not to his standards as a sign of gratitude?’

nAs the patriarch had that thought…

nThe crybaby was speaking in Cale’s mind.

n– …I think noonim’s seal might loosen a bit if you eat that.

nCale’s heart was beating wildly.

n– Mm. Shield noonim and water noonim… I think the two of them will wake up. No. Water noonim is quite strong, so maybe only half of her seal will be released?

nMy goodness…

nCale asked the crybaby.

n‘The seal will be released if I eat the elixir? Then what about balance? Central Plains never mentioned such a thing?’

nIt was at that moment.

nDing ding!

nThe mirror in Cale’s pocket received a message.

nWhat perfect timing.

n—

nTranslator’s Comments

nPerfect tiiiiiiming~

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