NABC Book 5: Chapter 1
Book 5: Chapter 1
Book 5: Chapter 1
Even during the brief moment Elder Yeoms procession waited at the entrance of Wongak Pavilion, the gathered merchants continued their conversation.
Back then, nobody expected that he, merely a squad leader at the time, would defeat the renowned Sword Master of Mount Hua.
Seeing how he eventually became an elder, it must have been decisive that he defeated the Sword Master.
As a result, Sichuan practically became the territory of the Sword House. Following the already subjugated Zhongnan Sect, even the pinnacle of Mount Hua martial arts was defeated
And to think, it was not even a rising star nurtured by the Sword House, but an unknown warrior wandering in the north who defeated them.
There wasnt a single person who wasnt shocked at the time.
As everyone excitedly discussed the past events, a person quietly listening from a corner openly scoffed at them.
You know one thing but not the other, how foolish.
Though his voice lacked the strength of youth due to his age, it had a peculiar presence that caught the ears of those amidst the noise.
Though I do not know which respected elder you might be, please do not whisper from behind, but come forward.
If you are so confident in your views to speak them out loud, please come before us and enlighten us directly.
When those dispatched by the merchant group, trying to show some authority, spoke with tension in their eyes and throats, the onlookers quickly stepped aside to make room.
Tsk, tsk, is there really no talent in the young merchant groups these days? Or, have the endless plains and overflowing wealth of Northern China blinded and deafened them?
The blatantly provocative words caused the faces of those in the front row to flush red.
However, upon the appearance of the elder who stepped forward, they were left speechless, as if they had swallowed honey.
The elder was of small stature, barely reaching the shoulders of others, with a back already beginning to bend with age.
Yet, the cloak made from the hide of a giant northern wolf and the dark-red staff of indiscernible material unmistakably signified items of extraordinary nature.
Someone recognized the elders identity and exclaimed as if screaming.
The War Merchant of the North!
The owner of the trading group known for mining gold from rivers of blood, why would he be here in person?!
Although everyone present was of significant status or position, that was only to the extent of representing their trading groups.
It was the owner of the trading group himself, a figure intertwined with both infamy and greatness, who had made a personal appearance.
It seems not everyone here is blind and deaf.
As murmurs spread from those who recognized him, the elder smiled, revealing his glittering gold teeth.
So, do you wish for this old man to personally bestow his teachings upon you?
Those who had flushed with embarrassment could only bow their heads, unable to utter a word.
However, that was only for those who had been embarrassed by the elders words; the delegates from other trading groups quickly took action.
Some brought a chair for the aged merchant, others a table, some snacks, and yet another a teapot.
They all looked at the elder with eyes full of curiosity.
.
But the elders lips did not open easily.
Instead, he just sat there, staring blankly as if nothing had happened.
Then, a clever individual placed his purse on the table before the elder.
This is for the information, elder.
In the world of merchants, nothing comes for free.
Realizing the situation, others hurriedly began placing their purses on the table one by one.
Soon, a variety of colorful silk purses were piled on the table.
While the elders attendants politely collected the purses, the elder himself did not glance at them but slowly began to speak.
Do you all know the role Elder Yeom played in the recent Northern War?
No one was quick to answer.
Considering the wealth of those gathered here, the amount in the purses must have been significant.
Such an amount had vanished in exchange for a brief story.
Yet, no one seemed to regret it.
The value of information is determined not just by its scarcity but, of course, also by its accuracy and reliability.
The information about the Northern War from the War Merchant of the North was more reliable than that from several average informants.
So Elder Yeom was called a hero of the Northern War for such reasons.
It makes sense that those in the southern lands were unaware of the true war history, especially since the imperial court blatantly buried it.
Delegates from various trading groups continued their murmurs but couldnt take their eyes off Elder Yeoms procession.
Previously, their gaze was filled with vague curiosity to see one of the renowned sword factions of the Sword House in person, but now it was different.
In their ears, it seemed they could hear Elder Yeoms commanding shouts on the battlefield and the death cries of his enemies, and their noses seemed filled with the pungent smell of blood mixed with the dust kicked up by men and horses.
By the way, why has the head of the trading group come here in person? Perhaps theres a meeting with the Eldest Young Master of the Sword House?
A young person inquired, to which the elder waved his hand dismissively.
I thought I might as well join the feast, grab a bite, and maybe make an impression. What kind of skill do I have to set an appointment with the Eldest Young Master of the Great Luoyang Sword House?
The elder grumbled.
But they say even the most talked-about feast can lack food, and I never expected that not even a small gathering would be held for someone of the Eldest Young Masters stature.
Those around him chuckled at his grumbling, yet no one took his words to heart.
As everyone mulled over the elders tales and watched the Undefeated War Advisory Group, the elder himself harbored an unnoticed question.
But why does it seem like the martial spirit of that War Advisory Group is subdued?
The eyes of the seasoned military supply merchant, who had traversed battlefields for decades, could faintly discern the martial spirit that is said to be visible only to generals who have been through countless battles.
The eyes of the elder, seasoned from decades on battlefields, could faintly discern the martial spirit that is said to be visible only to generals honed through countless battles.
The elder concealed his confusion as if by habit.
Beneath the rough, wrinkled skin hardened by the sharp northern winds, the doubts harbored by the elder remained hidden from all.
While his gaze followed the same direction as the others, his focus lay elsewhere.
The elders penetrating eyes were on a group of unidentified warriors guarding the main gate of Wongak Pavilion.
Who could they possibly be?
Despite his extensive experience, the elder could not even begin to guess the identities of these warriors dressed in unfamiliar uniforms.
Is it just a misconception of an old man?
* * *
The War Merchants intuition was not mistaken.
The warriors of Elder Yeom, known as the Undefeated War Advisory Group and revered by allies and feared by enemies alike, were barely holding their ground in an unprecedented situation.
It was only their spirit, shaped by the kill or be killed nature of their past battles, that kept them in their positions.
Otherwise, they would have scattered like a disorganized mob long ago.
Just eight of them.
Eight mysterious warriors guarding the main gate of Wongak Pavilion were overpowering the Undefeated War Advisory Group.
Surrounded by his peers under the protection of a mythical beast, a young strategist let out a hollow laugh.
It feels like taking on a charge of Northern heavy cavalry with bare hands.
Another strategist subtly moved closer to the protective aura of the mythical beast and asked, What exactly are these warriors?
The answer came from Yeom Baekha, Elder Yeoms only daughter.
Direct operatives under the council of elders.
With her face partially covered by a veil, she pressed down on the nape of the restless mythical beast and continued, Each one of them is a master who has scaled great heights, warriors who could have been called the chief martial guards of their original households if not for physical or mental injuries.