Chapter 73

Maga

"......Isn't this excessive?"

Jeong Yeonshin asked after a moment of silence. Fifty taels of silver were already an enormous sum.

It was enough to support a family and live like a vagrant for several years. However, the rewards listed afterward surpassed even that.

'The Thousand Silk Cloth armor and the Sword Formation Sect’s martial arts...'

There is a saying, 'priceless treasure,' which means something that cannot be measured by value.

The Thousand Silk Cloth armor, which could not be torn by blades, and the martial arts of the highest echelon in the Jianghu were such examples.

The same applied to the elixirs that the prestigious Yibei Sect, Rihuangcheng, called top-grade.

"Excessive? No, it is not."

The Grand Supervisor slightly shrugged his broad shoulders.

"If it were only for the Dragon Phoenix Assembly, it might have been. However, the merit of wiping out the Huang Bo branch with the Blue Rank is significant. I heard it was thanks to your unique martial arts. It's a rare feat to eliminate even one from the Blue Rank, and the third significant merit is that you minimized the strength used to attack the main family."

"......"

"You seem unfamiliar with flattery. This is quite amusing."

His smile deepened. The Grand Supervisor seemed to be a more cheerful person than he appeared.

"Shall we talk about the second one? You single-handedly defeated the six Blood Flame Sect branches in Xuzhou. The regional blood demons were completely eradicated. A letter even came from the Xuzhou government, praising Rihuangcheng as the new sword of the Ming Dynasty."

His expression was one of great satisfaction.

"Securing influence over the government is one of the main tasks of our sect. That the Blue Rank could lead a branch leader to his downfall? It sets a good example for our sect’s warriors, who often treat local officials as innkeepers. It’s worth a significant reward to publicize this."

He praised him in front of everyone. Jeong Yeonshin’s expression slightly stiffened. The grand praise felt awkward, something he had never experienced before.

The Grand Supervisor looked at him carefully and spoke.

"Was this your first venture into the Jianghu as a Blue Rank? It’s something you need to get used to. Especially for a Blue Rank warrior of our sect and a direct disciple of the City Lord."

"......Thank you for your advice."

"It’s nothing much."

The Grand Supervisor laughed it off and continued.

"Among the settled merits, the most significant is the Qingye Valley incident. You intervened in the war between the Nan Gong family and the Blood Flame Sect. As a legitimate protector of our sect, you have the right to intervene in any conflict designated by the imperial court. Therefore, the Nan Gong family, being just a clan, should have shown proper respect."

Hum.

Suddenly, a wave of energy emanated from his body. It was a realm where the mind and inner energy rose simultaneously.

Jeong Yeonshin was inwardly greatly surprised.

It meant that his inner energy cultivation had reached the Black Rank realm of Rihuangcheng.

"Even the base-born scoundrels turned a blind eye? That’s how the secular great sects of the Jianghu are. They see our sect as a thorn in their side. It’s rare for the welfare of the people, which our sect protects, to coexist with the interests of the Jianghu’s strong."

His words carried a strong force.

"You wanted to kill without getting your hands dirty. To cultivate a new generation of warriors who would become the sharp swords of Rihuangcheng in the future."

His expression was filled with great anger. Even when recounting past events, his face was terrifying.

Jeong Yeonshin received a teacup from a servant.

He brought the slightly held cup to his lips, waiting for the Grand Supervisor’s anger to subside.

It was the first time he had such a precious Longjing tea, but he couldn’t feel its special qualities even after a few sips.

'I must be far from the art of tea.'

It was a tea that required leisurely savoring. He realized anew that it didn’t suit his life.

"I committed a slight indiscretion for a moment."

The Grand Supervisor slightly bowed his head and spoke.

"The number of blood demons you killed was significant, but our sect gained an even greater justification. We will use the Nan Gong family as vanguards to attack the Thirteen Thousand."

"Are you asking for cooperation?"

Jeong Yeonshin asked, and the Grand Supervisor shook his head.

"I mean we have a legitimate reason to force them. If we want to suppress the righteous sects, we need to be mindful of the Jianghu’s attention. This incident allows us to replace the Nan Gong family’s leadership. We intend to govern those who ignored you according to the Jianghu’s laws."

Even after suppressing his energy, his smile was bleak.

The 'laws of the Jianghu' in this context were obvious. It meant to act as a strongman.

It meant to use the Nan Gong family to batter the Thirteen Thousand like a battering ram.

'Using the pretext of the City Lord’s direct disciple’s favor.'

Jeong Yeonshin felt the cold winter of the Jianghu. It was a bitter cold, even though it was part of his allies' plan.

He recalled the chaotic Central Plains that the Blood Flame Sect leader had spoken of. Rihuangcheng was already a major player in it.

The Grand Supervisor said with a smile.

"Poisoning and detoxifying, whatever you want to discuss. They are the scoundrels who tried to kill you with the Blood Flame Sect’s sword. They have no right to complain if they receive the same treatment."

Jeong Yeonshin put down the teacup.

"Would that also be part of the mission?"

"Yes. It will be more like a life-or-death duel than a war. We will tie Nan Gong down with a pretext and only target the leadership. We are persuading high-ranking Nan Gong branch members to replace the leadership. If they fight against our sect, they cannot avoid annihilation. If they want to preserve their family, they must cooperate."

"......May I ask about the timeline?"

The Grand Supervisor smiled and spoke.

"It’s not yet time to give a definite answer. This is a mission where failure is not an option. If you wish to support, focus on your recovery. There might be competition for the selection of supporters. Our sect’s warriors are also eager for honor and will not miss the opportunity to witness and defeat Nan Gong’s martial arts. There might be a competition for the honor."

"Thank you for your words. Then, what about the Blood Flame Sect’s main branch...?"

"It’s getting late. We will first submit a written report along with the settled merits. The reward might be beyond what I can offer."

The Grand Supervisor dismissed him with a gentle smile.

"I will send the fifty taels of silver and the Thousand Silk Cloth armor to the Maguangyi Hall soon. The Sword Formation Sect’s leader is currently out, but we will send an order with the City Lord’s seal as soon as he returns. What about the elixirs?"

"I will take them after my recovery."

"Do so. I will leave them at the pharmacy in the name of Maguangyi. And..."

He stopped Jeong Yeonshin, who was about to leave, with a vague smile.

"Out of concern, I suggest you keep a distance from the Rihuang Mage Family."

"Why...?"

Jeong Yeonshin looked at the Grand Supervisor steadily. Discussing someone else’s maternal family and behavior was a different matter. Had he crossed a line?

The Grand Supervisor waved his hand and said.

"I fear you might misunderstand. I offer this advice out of goodwill. Prestigious families often have factions... Your recent Jianghu journey has caused a significant upheaval on that side. It’s awkward to say more since it’s not my family matter."

"......Thank you for your advice."

Jeong Yeonshin slightly bowed and clasped his hands.

The Grand Supervisor returned the gesture and scratched his head.

His age, physique, and martial prowess didn’t match his demeanor. It seemed to be his natural disposition.

"Please take care on your way."

The Grand Supervisor smiled and bid farewell.

* * *

On the way back.

He said it was five days until Haji. Was this year’s June full moon closer to early summer than late spring? It was already getting dark.

A sliver of crimson sunlight faintly brushed his sleeve. It was a sunset that colored his heart with restlessness.

'The Rihuang Mage Family... keeps holding me back. Hearing a warning to be careful about my maternal family...'

Jeong Yeonshin slightly pulled his clothes together and thought. The wind that brushed his cheek and reached his collarbone was quite cold.

He had to be careful about his behavior every time he returned from a mission.

It was an unpleasant task. Time was already scarce to focus on merits and reputation.

'I clearly told my maternal grandfather.'

I told him not to manipulate me with blood ties. After winning the duel with Ma Se-yeon, I firmly stated it.

Yet, my bloodline was revealed through a ceremony.

The way people looked at Jeong Yeonshin changed.

He was no longer seen as a warrior from a rural martial family building his own family, but as a promising young talent from a prestigious family, associated with the Rihuang Mage Family’s actions.

Earlier, Senior Ma Guangyi had mentioned the conflicts between prestigious families.

This couldn’t continue.

Family matters don’t just affect individuals. I might get entangled in unrelated favors.

There wasn’t much time left. Troublesome matters needed to be dealt with early.

......A good measure came to mind.

Therefore.

"Yeonsh