The Daehwa rchant Group was one of the top rchant groups in Huguang Province.
In truth, their claim was a bit exaggerated; theyre slightly less prominent. Still, theyre at least the twelfth largest.
The fact that they managed their own rchant group across the vast Central Plains and beyond the boundaries of the province spoke to their significance.
They had good relations with the major sect, the Azure Forest, so much so that not only Jin Ri-yeon but also other disciples of the Azure Forest were indebted to the Daehwa rchant Group.
Naturally, the larger rchant groups in Huguang Province, like them, operated comrcial routes up to Kaifeng in Henan.
Although the Emperor moved the capital to Beijing, Kaifeng remained a massive city.
Its the origin of the term sleepless city, shining brightly day and night.
Its also ho to the orthodox Murim Alliance, a place where aspiring martial artists dream of visiting.
This was no different for the third-generation disciples of the Azure Forest.
Contrary to expectations, they ended up serving as guards for the Daehwa rchant Group, but they tried hard to suppress any ominous feelings.
The rchant group had goods to transport, with ox-drawn carts. With a group of twenty, there was no need to take treacherous mountain paths.
They mostly traveled on well-maintained official roads, occasionally traversing mountains, so it seed unlikely they would encounter rough situations.
Above all, they were reassured by the kind and respectful attitude of the rchant group leader.
Though they were hired as guards, the rchant group leader didnt treat the third-generation disciples as re warriors.
Respectfully addressing them as sir warriors, Son Hee-il, who was just of age, felt his shoulders rise with pride.
The quick-witted Son Hee-il, observing this, suggested an idea.
Turns out, the silver we received as paynt is way more than what normal guards get. Could it be because of that?
Because of what? What are you talking about?
Well, our Azure Forest is quite renowned in Hunan, right? It might be their way of maintaining a good relationship with a major sect.
That ans
It ans if they take care of us next-generation successors now, soday well beco important martial artists in our sect.
That sounded plausible.
It was a sharp and sowhat audacious deduction.
In fact, many rchant groups did sponsor next-generation successors.
Perhaps the Daehwa rchant Group was aiming for that too.
Who would have thought beneath that plump rchant group leaders expression lay such shrewd calculations?
The third-generation disciples felt a sense of pride, mixed with tension from their venture into the ruthless martial world.
They didnt bother sharing their speculation with Jin Ri-yeon.
But that was a mistake on their part.
Had Jin Ri-yeon heard it, she would have surely corrected them.
Its a misconception, she would have said.
The leader of the Daehwa rchant Group wasnt so ambitious or complex.
The reason for the generous paynt was simply to get their moneys worth of work.
However, the third-generation disciples soon found out their purpose.
It was when they first encountered bandits in the mountains, leaving the Hunan region.
These bandits, who fancied themselves as noble Green Forest mbers, were a common sight for rchant groups on each journey.
The third-generation disciples tensed up at the sight of the Green Forest mbers but werent overly worried.
Its not practical to engage in bloody battles every ti they crossed the mountains. Most situations were resolved in a more moderate manner.
A burly man, looking unwashed for a month with bushy hair, stepped forward.
He had a hole where his right eye should be, not even covered with an eye patch, perhaps to appear more intimidating.
Cough, spit!
The gruff Green Forest mber spat out thick phlegm, baring his yellow teeth as he recognized the rchant group leader.
Beside him stood a lean man, seemingly his subordinate.
Its been a while, Daehwa rchant Group Leader.
Recognizing and greeting the leader suggested they had t before and had passed without incident.
Our heroes of the Azure Forest and Daehwa rchant Group eting again like this is a heavenly fate. Truly a three hemps romance no, wait. Vice Fort Leader, what was it?
Its three lifetis strange fate.
Right, three lifetis strange fate, isnt it?
The seemingly illiterate bandit surprisingly used a literary phrase, likely with the help of the person called Vice Fort Leader beside him.
From the Thirty-Six Forts of Green Forest, under the great Dragons Den Fort, our Dragon Alliance Fort brothers Uh, what was it again, Seo Saeng-won?
You must rember that we diligently maintain these mountain paths.
Yes, indeed.
The bandit called Seo Saeng-won almost spoke for the camp leader.
If you pay a modest toll, we will continue to ensure the safe passage of the Daehwa rchant Group.
Thats right.
It must have been a phrase used dozens of tis before.
This was the relationship between the Green Forest and the rchant groups. Bloodshed was not common.
The rchant groups pay a toll, and in return, the Green Forest mbers let them pass.
Not too much is needed
The critical question was how much they would ask for.
If they demanded an excessive amount or aid to take the entire cargo, a fight would be inevitable.
Thats why guards were necessary.
The third-generation disciples understood this and quietly rested their hands on their swords.
Just fifty nyang, please.
It must be fifty copper nyang, not silver nyang. A standard toll fee.
Or, you can give a little less and share so at or liquor with us. Ha-ha-ha!
The generous offer relaxed the third-generation disciples.
It seed they could laugh and pass by if they just tossed a few coins.
The Daehwa rchant Group Leader stepped forward, with Jin Ri-yeon quietly following him.
The rchant group leader had a smile spread across his face.
He reached into his robe as if searching for a pouch.
Weve maintained a good relationship with you for a long ti.
However, what he pulled out was not a pouch.
Brandishing a plump potato, the rchant group leader spat out his words, This is the end, you filthy bandits!
What?
Im sick of listening to your foul-slling nonsense. Since the warriors of the Azure Forest are here with us. Drop everything you have and get lost! Return all the tolls weve paid you over the years!
The Dragon Alliance Fort bandits wore expressions of complete confusion.
The dumbfounded bandit leaders face contorted in anger.
This pig! Do you want to die?!
Losing face in front of his rough Green Forest n was as good as the end.
The humiliated bandit leader imdiately swung his zhanmadao blade.
Though unlikely trained in proper swordsmanship, the bandit leaders ferocity was significant. His heavy zhanmadao blade made a slicing sound through the air.
Whoosh!
A stroke mighty enough to split the corpulent rchant group leader in two.
The rchant group leaders face turned pale.
However, Jin Ri-yeon, standing behind him, was not idle.
The characteristic of whip swords was their ability to be concealed, like a belt or within the folds of clothing.
Jin Ri-yeon appeared defenseless.
Thats why the bandit leader didnt pay her any heed.
The zhanmadao blade didnt reach the rchant group leader.
Instead, the hand holding the blade was severed.
Swish
The wrist, still clutching the zhanmadao blade, spun through the air.
None of the dozens of bandits saw Jin Ri-yeon draw and swing her whip sword.
Blood spurted from the severed wrist.
The rchant group leader, his face covered in blood, frantically wiped it off, and only then did the bandit leader realize his wrist had been cut off.
Ahh, ahhh!
In a flurry, he tore his garnt to bind his right wrist.
It was a rough and ready ergency treatnt characteristic of a bandit.
The scene was so surreal that a heavy silence fell around them.
Jin Ri-yeon, her clothes unstained with blood, spoke, To resort to murder so quickly. Everyone, lay down your weapons and disperse.
Her voice was not raised, yet the intimidation was palpable.
The bandit leader, belatedly feeling the rush of pain, sweated profusely.
He had always known a day like this might co.
Not being part of the esteed Green Forests Thirty-Six Forts, bandits like them, preying on rchants, would et their end if they crossed paths with orthodox martial artists.
But Kang Ho-gul, the leader of Dragon Alliance Fort, though weak in martial arts, was a man of wickedness.
That wretched woman, boys, take them down!
As he shouted, his vision suddenly went black.
Pffft!
With a grimace, Jin Ri-yeon swiftly dealt with Kang Ho-gul. It was Kang Ho-guls luck that the vast difference in martial arts prowess didnt result in his death.
It seed he had quite loyal subordinates.
Although the one called Vice Fort Leader imdiately fled, several bandits gripped their weapons.
Kill them!
Fort Leader!
There were those who shot arrows and others who charged with crude blades.
Though more than half imdiately turned to flee, the third-generation disciples inevitably drew their swords.
That leader of the rchant group!
Son Hee-il, infuriated, cut down the bandit charging at the front.
He hadnt expected to gain practical experience so soon.
Just giving coins would have sufficed, but the rchant group leader had deliberately provoked them. Son Hee-il resolved to grab the rchant group leaders collar once this was over.
Yu Su-rin dashed past his side, deflecting an incoming arrow with her whip sword, and remarked.
Wasnt Senior Ri-yeon really cool?
I dont know!
About ten bandits didnt flee but charged instead.
None were skilled in martial arts, but the third-generation disciples hearts pounded, facing sudden real combat.
Thankfully, no one, including the rchant group mbers, was hurt.
Jin Ri-yeon intervened whenever danger arose.
However, even after the exhausting first real fight, Son Hee-il couldnt punish the rchant group leader.
Because his respected senior, Jin Ri-yeon, had explained with a smile, It was the order of the Wisdom Sword Pavilion Master.
The elders of the sect decreed to dismantle the Green Forest mountain strongholds that were extorting the common people on the way to Kaifeng.
The Daehwa rchant Group Leader, upon hearing the Azure Forests suggestion, was thrilled and took action. For him, it was a welco opportunity to deal with the bandits who were always a costly nuisance.
Thats why he had given so much silver to the third-generation disciples.
So, does this an well continue to do this?
At least until we reach Kaifeng, right?
The next-generation successors of the orthodox faction defeating bandits was indeed a traditional act of heroism.
However, the problem was that this Green Forest subjugation was extrely arduous and unprofitable, so no one did it anymore.
Hehe, thanks to you warriors, not only our rchant group but also the local farrs can travel to and from their villages in peace.
The rchant group leader, rubbing his hands subserviently, was undeniably irritating.
Jin Ri-yeon offered so encouragent in his way.
I rember when I went to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.
How many tis did you encounter Green Forest mbers then?
Well, maybe
Jin Ri-yeon counted on one hand, then started counting on the other.
About seven tis?
To do this six more tis
It wasnt a small number. But, if these were the type of scoundrels theyre dealing with, it was certainly doable.
Roughly once every two or three days, they would need to subdue bandits.
It should be fine.
We can manage it.
The third-generation disciples forced a smile.
However, the seven tis Jin Ri-yeon ntioned did not hold true.
Exactly double.
By the ti the third-generation disciples and Daehwa rchant Group reached Kaifeng, where the Murim Alliance was, they had toppled a total of 14 minor mountain strongholds.
It was unclear whether the Green Forest had expanded its influence since the last Dragon-Phoenix Conference, or if villagers had taken up pitchforks and fled to the mountains due to famine. But the mountains were teeming with Green Forest mbers.
The third-generation disciples, who once dread of making a na through heroic acts, had not expected such an opportunity to co so soon.
Moreover, they hadnt anticipated that upon their arrival in Kaifeng, an unknown nickna would be born.
Nobody knew.
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