Book 20 Chapter 20

The Boy Stands at the Cheonmu Academy

―If You Keep Your Promises, Rewards Will Eventually Come

"Ah, Eunseong, it's been a while! But what's with your forehead again? It's as black as if it's smeared with soot. Did something happen?"

Ma Jin-ga, who had just greeted Jin So-ryeong warmly, paused as his gaze fell upon Yu Eunseong's forehead.

"Ah, no, Teacher! It's nothing," Yu Eunseong said, trying his best to cover the bruise from yesterday with his hand.

"That's a relief, then. I was worried that the number one sword master of Jeomchang had taken a hit from someone."

"Th-that's right…" Yu Eunseong didn't realize his forced smile was distorted.

"So, are these them?" After finishing his greetings, Ma Jin-ga's gaze stopped at the Yu siblings. As if they hadn't adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings, the boy and girl clung tightly to Jin So-ryeong, unwilling to let go. This was especially true for Seon-a, as the imposing, dark-colored physique of the iron-willed Ma Jin-ga was likely to be seen as a monster or a beast by a young girl's eyes. Moreover, Ma Jin-ga's great height made him seem even more terrifying. Seeing the girl's crestfallen expression, Ma Jin-ga realized his mistake.

"Oh dear, oh dear. This old man must have been insensitive and made a mistake. Looking only upwards must have made your necks very sore, right?" With a gentle smile, Ma Jin-ga lowered his body to meet the eye level of the young siblings.

"Now it's easier for this old man to talk." Seeing his smile, Seon-a seemed to relax a little and her expression softened. Ma Jin-ga's kind gaze turned to the boy, Yu Gyeong-yeong.

"So, you are Gyeong-yeong, the eldest grandson of Yu Jae-ryong, the Azure Dragon Silver Armlet master?"

"Yes, I am Yu Gyeong-yeong, who will inherit the Azure Dragon Silver Armlet. My father asked me to deliver this to you." The boy, with trembling hands, took out a silk pouch from his bosom and offered it with both hands. Ma Jin-ga, knowing well that many lives had been exchanged to protect it, received it with a solemn expression.

"You haven't opened this even once?" Ma Jin-ga looked at the boy with surprise.

"How could you know…"

"I can tell because the knot's seal is intact. It looks simple at first glance, but it's a seal known only to a very few. You must have been curious, but you endured well."

"It was my father's dying wish… Besides, though I am young, I am a merchant. My father always said that a merchant's credit is their life. I merely followed his words." The boy's eyes, which had been trying their best not to tremble, widened. Ma Jin-ga's hand, as large as a cauldron lid, was already patting his shoulder.

"You are truly remarkable! Thank you for protecting 'this.' This is something that could determine the fate of the martial world in the future. It's a precious item that must never fall into the hands of the wicked. To protect this, no! Your father died to protect the martial world. So, be proud!"

"Father… *sob sob*…!" Yu Gyeong-yeong couldn't hold back his tears and burst into sobs. It had been a tremendously arduous journey. He had no idea how many life-or-death situations he had faced. It would have been impossible if heaven hadn't helped him.

"The martial world must somehow reward such sacrifices. What can I do to help you? I will do anything within my power." Ma Jin-ga said in a solemn voice. The thirteen-year-old boy's answer was predetermined.

"I want to rebuild the burned Azure Dragon Silver Armlet!" The boy replied with unwavering eyes.

"Rebuilding the clan… That doesn't sound like something a thirteen-year-old boy would say. You are truly admirable. Yes, indeed, you are!" Ma Jin-ga seemed quite surprised by Yu Gyeong-yeong's request.

"Then will you help me?" the boy asked with delight.

"Of course! I will support you. However… aren't you still young? I think you are too young to handle such a great task. How about waiting until you're a little older?" The boy shook his head.

"No. I cannot wait. I must start now. Before my resolve weakens. And I am not alone. Our Azure Dragon Silver Armlet has already agreed to form a joint alliance with the esteemed Director Jang Wu-yang of Jungyang Express." Ma Jin-ga's gaze turned to Jang Wu-yang, who had been forgotten until then. He was involved in this incident and had business regarding the transportation of goods.

"Is that true, Director Jang?" Jang Wu-yang replied with a humbled expression.

"It is true, Master Ma. Our Jungyang Express has already promised the young Master Yu here that we will do our utmost to rebuild the Azure Dragon Silver Armlet!" Jang Wu-yang's reply was equally firm.

"If that is the consensus of the merchants, then I will not obstruct it any further. Director Jang, I am most relieved that you were able to safely complete this difficult first escort, despite facing many hardships. Furthermore, it is truly astonishing that you transported the goods without any casualties, even when such great danger arose midway. Through this incident, I have come to firmly believe in the escorting capabilities of Jungyang Express. Given this incident… and having confirmed that one of the Twelve Jade Walls of Zhongyuan Express was involved, our Cheonmu Academy must be even more cautious. While we cannot be sure if it's the entire Zhongyuan Express or just the individual's solitary action, it is a time when phased distribution is necessary to disperse potential risks. In the future, I wish to move more cargo through Jungyang Express. I will have to bother you even more, Director Jang."

"Th-thank you. That kind of bother is always welcome. I will do my best with even greater sincerity in the future." Jang Wu-yang replied emotionally. Ma Jin-ga's words were clearly an indication of his intent to expand the business. This meant increased sales. Jungyang Express, having allied with the Azure Dragon Silver Armlet and gained the sponsorship of Cheonmu Academy, was like a winged tiger encountering the wind that would lift it high into the sky.