The World of Sound - Chapter 12



Only Krnovel

“You’ve worked hard. Here are two nyang of gold and five nyang of silver.”

“Uh, um… … thank you.”

After the commotion at Baekungbang, Cheonhwa reappeared at Gaeyangru after sending Marjin away first and walking unsteadily.

Although he stopped by Heukhobang for a moment, it was only to retrieve the damaged gold, and he immediately left and went to Gaeyangru.

Looking very anxious.

“Before that.”

However, as expected, I couldn’t receive all the wages.

This is because the governor pretended to hand him a pouch containing gold, but then took it back and started counting it.

“First of all, let’s exclude the two nyang of debt?”

First of all, as expected, the master’s debt of 2 nyang was excluded.

“You broke the gold I lent you in a pretty grand way. Let’s see. The instrument rental fee is 3 nyang in silver, and the repair cost will probably be at least 1 nyang in gold.”

Because he used an instrument borrowed from Gaeyangru instead of his own, the rental fee for the instrument was deducted, and he was even charged the repair cost that he had been worried about.

That’s a whopping 1 nyang of gold!

“No, what kind of repair cost is 1 nyang… …!”

“Is that the amount excluding the shipping cost for sending it for repair? If you have any complaints, I will charge you the full amount… … .”

“Hehe. No, I’m saying this because I thought you might have written less too. I’m just grateful for your consideration, General!”

Although there was opposition to it, it was quickly suppressed by the words of the governor.

As he said, although Gaeyanghyeon is quite large, repairing such a high-quality instrument is not something that just anyone can do.

If I had calculated the transportation cost and the opportunity cost while it was not being used, the amount would have been much higher, so I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

“Okay. Then that leaves me with 15 nyang. This is going to be difficult.”

“Huh? What is that… … .”

Although I felt bitter, I still thought that it was a blessing in disguise.

Although I did have some unexpected expenses, I was able to cover them with my wages.

Separately, I was supposed to receive a reward for helping Heukhobang, so although it was bitter, it would not be insufficient for travel expenses.

However, the Governor’s final words were somewhat questionable.

An ominous feeling once again came over Cheonhwa.

“Repair costs.”

“Repair… … cost? The cost of repairing the instrument was… … .”

“No. That’s not it. The value of the items your master destroyed in our Gaeyangru was a whopping ten nyangs. He destroyed all the items on the upper floors. That’s why I had no choice but to give your master that huge amount of money on credit.”

“Ugh! This, this old man is going to… … !”

Krrrrrr!

Cheonhwa grabbed the back of his neck at the words of the general who continued.

What on earth did you do to get 10 nyang for vandalism? Even if the furniture and decorations on the upper floor of Gaeyangru were high-class luxuries.

Cheonhwa’s expression became one of neither crying nor laughing at the last news of her crazy master who was not normal until the end.

Although he had the 100 nyang of gold he was supposed to receive from the Black Tiger Lord, the 10 nyang of gold he was supposed to receive from Majin, and the sale price of Baekwoongbang’s estate instead of ownership, he had some money left over, but if it weren’t for that, he would have been stuck here and had no choice but to live there for quite some time.

Of course, even if you have the ability to pay, you still feel upset and your blood pressure rises.

“Then what I owe you is 185 nyang of silver! Since you said you don’t have any money on hand, what should I do with this…?”

‘Just meet him for real. You damn old man. I’ll do anything to make you beat me up.’

In the end, there was no money left in Cheonhwa’s hands.

Instead, he ended up in debt again, this time a huge sum of 185 nyang.

I wanted to ask why he didn’t tell me from the beginning, but I guess it was because he was afraid that if he had told me, Cheonhwa would have given up on paying his debt.

Fortunately, there was a way to pay it back immediately, but it was still frustrating.

“… … I have money that I was supposed to receive separately from Heukhobang, so I will pay it back right away.”

“Hmm? In the Black Tiger Room? Oh, by the way, I heard there was a big fight at the Black Tiger Room. Did he stay until the end? I heard that the Black Tiger Room owner generously rewards those people… … But isn’t that not enough? I thought I should split the amount and pay it back in installments.”

“It’ll be okay. I just had something else to do.”

“Well, if that’s what you want, then I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

In the end, Cheonhwa was able to leave Gaeyangru after deciding to pay off her last debt with some of the money Margin would bring.

Normally, in cases like this, I would have restricted his movements until he paid the money back, or I would have gone to Heukhobang with him to get the money, but since I had trust in him and I knew that Heukhobang was a mess in many ways, I trusted him and let him go.

Instead, if he runs away without paying, I will send people to catch him.

Cheonhwa didn’t necessarily intend to do that though.

“Ugh. So when are you going to finish making them? If you’re going to take them all, at least leave some money behind!”

Cheonhwa, who came out like that, let out a deep sigh.

The treasures of the monks that the master took and threw away.

The cost of creating artifacts that can fully embody the power of the Cheonum Shingong is astronomical.

Of course, since he had one of them, the Okpiri, in his hand, he had the means to properly display the Cheon-eum Shingong, but the types of techniques he could display were inevitably limited.

Also, since each instrument has a different use and sound, it was necessary to properly equip oneself with instruments other than the flute in order to properly display one’s own sound and develop it further.

When performing the Cheon-eum Shingong, you breathe in your inner energy to protect the instrument and breathe in the inner energy together, but it is difficult for the endurance of ordinary instruments to handle even an imitation like this, so unless you are only performing the Cheon-eum Shingong at a moderate level, they are absolutely necessary.

Since I have come into this world, I intend to see, hear, and experience more, just like my master said, but ultimately, what Cheonhwa also wants to achieve is to master the Cheonum Shingong to its extreme.

To do this, he needed to catch the runaway master and get the monk’s treasures back, or create his own new instrument.

That’s why it required a huge amount of money and the need to gather materials that couldn’t be purchased with money.

“I still can’t figure out what it means to listen to the sounds of nature.”

So, if we continue to develop and study the sound further, I think we will be able to reach the extreme of Cheon-eum Shingong, but it is still a distant goal.

This time I hit it big, but I didn’t know if I would get an opportunity like this often, and the money kept leaking out as soon as I made it, so I felt frustrated even though I made a lot of money.

This was especially true because the secret art of the Cheonum Shingong had not yet been properly grasped.

“Where the hell did this damn human run off to?”

At this point, Cheonhwa began to wonder about his master’s whereabouts again.

Even if they found him right away, it would be difficult to do anything to his master who had already mastered the secret art of the Heavenly Sound Divine Art, but if they tried their best, they hoped they could strike him in the face or take away one of the treasures of the monks.

Since the cost of making each instrument would be beyond imagination, I thought it would be faster to find a master rather than gathering the materials and money to make them.

Of course, there was no way to find even a trace of it.

“Ugh. Where else can I get some more blind money?”

I asked the General Manager, but it was obvious that the Master had not told him where to go.

As soon as he received the stolen items, his master suddenly disappeared somewhere, and as he was not even a martial artist, he could not even guess the direction.

“It’s impossible to chase after the master right now.”

In the end, it’s the starting point.

That is why Cheonhwa needed to set another goal rather than immediately following his master’s traces.

“I guess I’ll have to put making the instrument on hold. Even if I start with the easy ones… … it’ll take a lot of time and money.”

Reproducing and creating treasures of things is also on hold.

The recipe and the necessary materials were already in his head, and he had the technology to make it himself if he could just get the materials, but he didn’t have them right away, and he didn’t have the means to get those precious materials.

“then…….”

In that case, you have no choice but to set short-term goals.

I’m also saving money on the side.

“I guess I really have no choice but to do as my master says.”

In the end, there was only one thing Cheonhwa had to do.

“Shall we take a look around the world?”

Looking back on the world.

It was about gaining more sounds and experience and confirming my own completed sound.

It would be great if, in the process, you could also earn some small income like this.

“I’ve always wanted to visit the Akyang Tower. The Five Great Mountains are also worth seeing. Hmm, Baekdu Mountain might be a bit far? What did the master say… … He said that the Sacheondang Family’s dexterity was worth seeing, and that the Mosan Family’s magic and martial arts and the Zhuge Family’s formations were worth experiencing?”

So where should we head?

Since he had been raised by his master since he was young, Cheonhwa had never really had much exposure to the world, so he didn’t know much.

Since the places were only the ones from the stories my master told me from my childhood, my choices were limited.

I was a bit curious about the martial arts of Gupaeilbang and the Five Great Masters who were said to be the best in the martial arts world, and I was also interested in places called Seoweomunmuri, but the first places that came to mind were Dongjeongho and Akyangru.

It was because he heard that many people from all over the Central Plains came to enjoy the scenery there, but it was also because there were many high-level musicians there that his curiosity was piqued.

I thought it would be quite fun to share notes with them and compete with them.

“If it’s there… … I said it was there.”

Besides, there was one thing to look out for at that time.

The key ingredient for one of the treasures of Samun is located there.

The 4th generation lord also said that he obtained it by chance, so the probability of obtaining it is slim, but whether you obtain it or not is just a 50/50 outcome.

It was not something I could easily give up on since I would never know until I tried.

“Where would you like to go?”

As it happens, Akyang is relatively close to here.

Since it is located in Honam, adjacent to Guizhou, and the roads are well-developed to a place not far from Akyang, the road should not be difficult.

Since it meant that the environment was not too bad for a martial arts beginner like Cheonhwa to go to, the first destination was decided easily.

***

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

In the case of large-scale companies, they tend to have their own or closely-cooperative flags.

The same was true for the largest peak in Gaeyang, the Bieungsangdan.

Because it was always bustling with preparations for the up and down trains, today one of them was quite noisy.

It was because of Cheonhwa who persistently followed me while spouting out nonsense.

“Even though I look like this, I’m still pretty strong, right? I’m definitely a first-class… … Hey! I’m in a good mood. I’ll only receive the same amount of allowance as a first-class officer. If you’re still suspicious, you can try it out.”

He, who was known only as an excellent musician, suddenly told me that he would be more than capable of playing the role of a special performer, so I asked him to hire me.

That too, only one way.

Of course, in the case of a non-upward journey, it was important to transport the goods to the designated base, so there were cases of one-way hiring like this, but the problem was that Cheonhwa was not a famous martial arts master and had never shown his skills.

If the events at the Black Tiger Room had been properly known, he would have tried to serve them with utmost care, but he told Majin that he hated being a nuisance, and the Black Tiger Room was also cautious about revealing his existence, so it was rumored that Majin was the one who resolved the matter inside by keeping his mouth shut.

So, Cheonhwa’s claim was considered to be nothing more than an absurd claim made by himself.

But, as a favor, give me the first-class commissioned allowance?

It was something that would never be accepted.

He said that he could try it, but the person who had been asked decided that it wasn’t even worth trying and he flatly refused, and even glared at Cheonhwa and threatened her.

“If you keep doing this, I’ll have someone chase you out! So step back before you see the bad things happen!”

“Ha, really. You’ve been fooled. I can’t just knock them all down and confirm this… … .”

“… … What? Where does this guy think he is, talking like that! Do you really need to be beaten to understand your place?”

Cheonhwa, who was frustrated because he couldn’t show his skills by force, grumbled, and Pyodu turned on his twin flames again.

Cheonhwa, who seemed to have no training in martial arts, seemed to be looking down on the soldiers of Biyungpyo, who had even deployed first-class warriors, so he was furious.

In reality, there were cases where people proved their skills and got hired by dealing with the sergeant in that way, but perhaps because he was annoyed, Pyodu didn’t even think about testing him and just lashed out at him.

“Stop!”

“Chief of Staff?”

“Mr. Jang!”

However, the vicious hand of the headmaster, which seemed ready to strike Cheonhwa’s eardrum at any moment, failed to achieve its goal.

His superior, the chief of staff who governs all affairs of the non-responsive country, appeared with Mr. Jang, who is also Cheonhwa’s master of commerce.

“What is going on?”

“No, it’s not anything else, it’s this guy… … .”

Perhaps it seemed like he was persecuting someone who had not even learned martial arts.

Because of this, Pyo-du complained about the injustice and told Chong-pyo-du about Cheon-hwa’s nonsense, and Cheon-hwa’s expression was confident as he quietly listened to him.

Because there is not a single lie in what he said.

This is because he is a strong person who cannot even be described as special.

His master had said that there would be few who could handle him in the Central Plains, but in fact, he himself did not know what level he was at in the martial arts world. However, after taking a quick look around and seeing the level of the Pyo-guk Pyo-sa and the skills of Ma-jin, who was considered one of the top 100 masters of the Sapa, he could not help but be confident.

“That’s good timing. You said you were thinking of going to Akyang?”

“I knew I could communicate with you, sir. Yes. That’s right.”

Of course, to others, it might have sounded like baseless confidence and empty boasting, but Mr. Jang was different.

Perhaps because he had been seeing him for so long, he nodded quietly in agreement.

“Then I would like to make a suggestion to you… … .”

“A suggestion?”

“I was looking around for something I wanted to entrust to you. However, even if you participate in the parade, you are not participating as a parade officer. Wouldn’t it be a waste to use a talented person like you as a parade officer? They say that the janitors will do most of the work, but parade officers have their own set of chores to do.”

“Hmm. I guess I’m quite a talented person, right?”

Instead, he proposed a way to participate in the vote other than through a ballot box.

He politely declined the outrageous offer while trying not to hurt Cheonhwa’s feelings.

“Then what should I do?”

“It’s simple. Just play it once a day.”

“Playing?”

When Cheon-hwa, who was in a good mood thanks to him, asked what he should do, Mr. Jang said something rather unexpected.

It is clear that he is a first-class musician, but there is no reason for a musician to participate in the performance.

It is certainly helpful to play music to soothe the mind and body during an arduous journey, but the ultimate goal, whether it is a flag or a prize, is to pursue profit.

So, it would be impossible to mobilize musicians unless it was something the employer wanted, such as an escort mission.

“Is this an escort mission?”

“No. It’s just a normal cargo shipment.”

That’s why Cheonhwa also guessed it, but the answer he got back was different.

He would hire himself out for a simple cargo transport mission.

“I know you think it’s strange. But this particular piece of equipment is a bit unusual. It’s to move a newly developed phonograph. It’s a special device that records sound and can be played over and over again. Of course, it won’t be able to perfectly capture your performance, but there are those who want to hear it whenever they want. What I’ll ask you to do is play for an hour every day and record the sound on the phonograph. After moving it, I’ll have to find a musician to record the performance again, so I don’t have to worry if you can do it.”

“A phonograph? It’s interesting, but… … .”

“One nyang of gold per day. It may not be enough compared to your abilities, but we will provide all the necessary supplies and conveniences for the journey… … .”

“I will. No, I really want to!”

Dubthuk

Participates in the performance as a musician.

It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t interesting.

But the moment the reward was presented, Cheonhwa’s eyes sparkled and she grabbed his hand.

It is a long journey to Akyang, which takes at least a month, so the allowance will increase accordingly.

If you are provided with all the conveniences and are paid generously, there is no reason to refuse.

“Then please. One thing to keep in mind is that, apart from recording your performance on a phonograph, you must play at least once a day. That was the client’s condition.”

“Well, it’s not that difficult. What about the song?”

“He said it doesn’t matter. Instead, he’ll tell you how to use it, so just make sure it’s written down correctly.”

There was a bit of an odd condition attached, but that wasn’t a problem. Even without that request, checking and refining my voice every day was something I had always done.

“Then I will believe you. I will pay the allowance in advance.”

“Oh. Then what happens if I arrive earlier than scheduled?”

“It doesn’t matter. The allowance will be paid as is, and if the journey is extended due to unavoidable circumstances, additional payment will be paid accordingly.”

“Good.”

I also liked the fact that it was paid in advance.

I’m not worried about being ripped off, but when my pockets are full, my mind is at peace.

Cheonhwa was also delighted when he was told that he would pay the same amount even if he arrived earlier than scheduled.

I was already feeling like it might be a little boring, so I thought I should try to speed up the performance with my own performance.

“Oh, by the way, there is one more condition.”

However, there was still one more issue that needed to be negotiated.

“Tell me.”

“One more person will be joining the parade, so please set a generous salary for him as well. He seems to be quite famous in the martial arts world, so maybe a first-class parade?”

“Special?”

Because there is one more person who needs to participate in this show.

At those words, Mr. Jang looked slightly troubled.

If it were a general agent or a regular agent, it would be understandable, but asking for special agent treatment would be unreasonable.

Although he spoke as if he had some kind of reputation in the martial arts world, it was natural that people didn’t believe him since Cheonhwa had been talking about how he was qualified to be a first-class swordsman.

“Oh, there it comes.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible… … Ugh?!”

The moment he was about to express his intention to reject her, the other person Cheonhwa had been talking about appeared.

“Wife, wife, iron lion?!”

Wire mesh margin.

Aside from money, there was someone who was walking towards Gaeyang and had to make friends with anyone, even if it meant creating a position that didn’t exist.