The World of Sound - Chapter 40



Only Krnovel

“What the heck is this?”

Cheonhwa, who was momentarily shocked, even forgot to get out of the water.

I thought it might be some kind of deception tactic, but there were no other signs of hostility or attack.

Since it was possible to respond to whatever was unfolded, Cheonhwa jumped up with a dumbfounded expression and climbed onto the captain’s ship.

“First, your Majesty?”

What was more bewildered than Cheonhwa were the people who came with him.

The 8th owner, Do-gyeom, and his men.

Although there was an accountability, he was sure that the chieftain would take revenge on Cheonhwa. As the captured prisoners were flustered and dazed, the chieftain Jin Joo-kwang glared at them and shouted sternly.

“You fools! Hide in the corner! I will personally punish you for daring to point a knife at the disciple of the old master!”

“… …Labor Department?”

Then he quickly turned his head and greeted Cheonhwa with a businesslike smile.

If someone saw that expression, which was so gentle that it seemed almost insincere and did not match his fierce face, they would say that it was not Jin-guk-gwang.

If you are the head of the 18th Jang Gangsu branch, you have the power and position to have a one-on-one meeting with the head of the Gupa Ibang without being pushed around.

In fact, he was a master so powerful that he was close to the edge of being at the peak of his power, and he was so great that he could be said to be superior to Margin.

He, who is like that, is trying to please and flatter Cheonhwa, who looks like he is only a second-rate person.

“Sir. Do you happen to know our old man, or rather, our master?”

It was something worthy of being called a knight of the world, but Cheonhwa, who noticed something strange in his words, immediately figured out the reason.

Because he called himself the disciple of Nosabu.

It seemed like he had met his master before.

“He was a great man. He had an old-fashioned appearance that reminded me of a master, a great personality, and a touching heart that loved his disciples! He was a man I could not help but admire.”

“… … I don’t think so?”

However, it was true that it was puzzling that he spoke as if he were a completely different person from his unscrupulous master, who had a curly goatee and an extremely eccentric personality, and who had even run away in the middle of the night with all of his disciple’s hard-earned emergency funds.

“It’s clear. It must be him. I was taught by Master Noh not long ago, so I’m sure of it!”

“ah…….”

Then Jinju Gwang shook his head vigorously.

That’s right. From the desperate look on his face, as if he had to get it right, Cheonhwa was able to get a general idea of ​​the situation.

“It looks like you’ve been beaten up pretty badly.”

Throb

In addition, Jinjukwang’s body began to tremble as if convulsing.

He looked around, sweating profusely, as if he were an expert, and then he forced a smile and approached Cheonhwa.

“That, that can’t be. It was just part of the teachings… … .”

That’s right. That’s right.

The picture has finally been drawn.

For some reason, this guy got into trouble with his master and got beaten up badly, which scared him.

No, considering the personality of my master, I wondered if a reason was necessary.

Unlike himself who was kind-hearted by nature, his master was a quirky person who would do anything if he got the chance.

‘It’s brave to be alive.’

If you think about it that way, it was a miracle that this guy, the debt collector, was still alive.

But more than that, there was something important to Cheonhwa.

“Where is that human… … no. Master?”

Cheonhwa grabbed Jinju Kwang, who had come up to him, by the collar and asked him a question.

This is to confirm when and where the Master was seen.

It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, and I still have bruises here and there, but if I do my best, won’t I be able to catch up?

Or maybe we can at least figure out the direction?

“Hey, let’s put this aside… … .”

As he raised his spirits with a hint of anger, Jinju Kwang’s body began to tremble like an aspen tree.

It seems like memories from that time are coming back to me again.

“Okay?”

“Ahem. Our little brother has a short temper. I understand, since he is my master’s disciple.”

“So when and where did you see it?”

When Cheonhwa pushed him away, Jinjukwang finally remembered his pride and glanced around, shaking off his clothes, but Cheonhwa urged him on as if it didn’t matter.

If it had been a time and place not too far away, I don’t know if I could catch it even if I chased after it right away.

“That must have been about a month ago. It was around Sacheon, Hoju-hyeon… …?”

“shit.”

Sacheon? The direction is completely wrong.

Cheonhwa came up from Guizhou to the east where Akyang is, and then to this place in the northwest, but if it was Sacheon-ju, it would have to go in the opposite direction from Gaeyang, the starting point, to the northwest.

It was even more frustrating because it had already been about a month.

If you just get the timing right, it’s a difference that you can easily catch up with.

But not now.

It had already been a month since he had set foot on Sacheon, so he must have moved further away by now, and it was obvious that his location would be impossible to pinpoint now.

“Did he say anything about where he was going?”

“That’s… I don’t know.”

It wasn’t just that he didn’t know, it was that he didn’t want to know at all.

It couldn’t be a lie. How could his master have told the guy he had caught in detail about his actions?

‘Stay still?’

Just as he was about to give up, a strange thought crossed Cheonhwa’s mind.

I have met my master, but how do I know?

Even if you had investigated the master, you probably wouldn’t have been able to obtain any detailed information about yourself.

In the first place, the master only played around in that beggarly house, patting his belly and rarely going out.

Both outside work and housework were her responsibility.

“I just had a favor to ask, Master Noh.”

“Please?”

At that time, Jinju Gwang answered Cheonhwa’s question without asking. It was that he had received a request from his master.

“He said that his disciple will soon be coming out into the world of martial arts, so if you happen to meet him, please treat him very well.”

“Don’t bother me and end up getting stabbed in the ass?”

If it were my master, he would probably say something like that.

As if the prediction had come true, Jinju Kwang’s body flinched again.

“Ahem. That’s why! I arranged this meeting today. So when you meet Master later, speak well… … .”

However, Jinju Kwang pretended not to hear and tried to ignore him as he continued to speak.

It seemed like it would be difficult to do that in such a public place.

I don’t know if he had any subordinates around him when he was being beaten by his master, but in any case, he was the chief debt collector leading countless bandits from the Yangtze River.

‘So, you’re telling me to buy time.’

Of course, it wasn’t something that Cheonhwa would care about until then, but after hearing it, I can understand the intention.

He set a trap in case Cheonhwa came after him.

If someone as big as the owner of the 18 houses in Jang Gang Su Ro decides to treat you with utmost respect, Heavenly Flower will not ignore you.

Just as Cheonhwa didn’t know where his master was, his master also didn’t know how Cheonhwa would react, so it was clear that this was a tactic to buy time and create distance.

‘I’m upset, but I guess I have no choice but to put up with it.’

Although Cheonhwa was able to figure out his hidden intentions in an instant, he couldn’t immediately move to chase after his master.

Because we didn’t know the location and didn’t have enough time, and as the master had predicted, there was no way Cheonhwa would kick off such a grand banquet.

The sumptuous dishes looked quite delicious, and the fragrant aroma of the wine also stimulated my nose and mouth.

“It’s not that difficult. But is that all the words the master left behind?”

In the end, Cheonhwa gave up on chasing his master right away.

Instead, when I asked questions with the intention of finding clues that could serve as clues to the master, Jinju Gwang hesitated as if he was watching me closely.

It seemed like he knew but didn’t want to say anything.

He was afraid that Cheonhwa might become strong enough to beat him up like his master.

It’s already too late, though.

“Uh, yeah? That’s, that’s what it is. Let’s just wait and see, I think there was something else… … .”

“Oh, you don’t remember very well? Can you help me?”

“Hey, wait! I remember. I remember!!”

As Cheonhwa had no choice but to raise his spirits again, the guy suddenly came to his senses.

I became anxious as I remembered what the labor and management had said.

Because I had a feeling that maybe this young man had already surpassed me.

I thought it was just a rumor, but if he was a disciple raised by that monster, then it might not be completely impossible.

No matter what, it would be impossible to easily overcome the gap in time, and although he himself possessed powerful martial arts that no one in the martial arts world could ignore, the old master’s martial arts did not seem to be human.

So there was no need to pretend to be okay.

Now I have made up my mind completely and have told you everything I know.

“I forgot to tell you, but you told me to look for something you left in the Maga Iron Room.”

“Maga Cheol Bang? I think I’ve heard of it somewhere… … .”

It was a story that the master had not yet left behind.

Cheonhwa grumbled that he knew it would happen, as he seemed to have scribbled on the letter he left behind, whether it was because he was delusional or because he thought he would finish closing down earlier than expected, but remembered the name Maga Cheolbang.

It’s possible that this was just Master’s way of wasting time, but there was no reason not to go.

“If it’s Maga Cheolbang, then it’s where the best craftsmen in the Central Plains gather. I think maybe the old master left behind some kind of poison weapon for you… … .”

“That’s not possible. It’s fortunate that you didn’t erase a lot of trauma or anything.”

Yeah, it was quite possible.

If he had intended to leave something behind from the beginning, he would have left behind at least one more of the Samun’s treasures, or at least some emergency funds.

Because of that, Cheonhwa hesitated again, wondering whether he should go for it or not.

“What else?”

“Nothing. That’s really all there is to it.”

That was the end of the master’s message.

That’s why it was more suspicious, but there wasn’t really much of a choice.

For now, we have no choice but to check.

“Ahem! Anyway, I can’t call myself a disciple, but I am in a position to have received teachings from the old master, so we are like four brothers! Think of me as brothers and treat me comfortably.”

While Cheonhwa was worrying like that, Jinjukwang created his own excuse.

Although he is not a formal disciple, he considers him a disciple and wants to treat him like a brother.

Surely he would not commit the unfilial act of beating his brother.

“Brothers. That’s good. But there’s one thing I need to make clear.”

Cheonhwa also nodded at those words.

It may not be pleasant to be associated with a numerical inferior and a brother, but it is a different story when one has this much power and influence.

But apart from that, one thing needed to be made clear.

“I’m the older brother. You’re the younger brother.”

“… … What?”

Thanks to that, my speech became shorter.

Up until now, I’ve been treating them appropriately, but if we really want to live like brothers, we need to clearly distinguish between superiors and inferiors.

“Didn’t you learn from your master that the stronger one is the older one?”

Trembling

At those words, Jinju Kwang’s body trembled.

However, it is different from before when he was trembling with fear as memories from not long ago came to mind.

No matter what, this young, blue-eyed brat calls himself his little brother.

How can you say that you are stronger than the 18th chieftain of Jang Gangsu, of all people!

This was absolutely unbearable.

Pang!!

In an instant, a strong energy wave spread around his body.

It was a threatening and powerful use of energy that made even the most advanced players tremble and stop playing.

Even if he is the disciple of that monster, he is still too young.

Even if he had inflicted the martial arts of the first ascension and the mobs on his body, there was clearly a limit to the internal energy that could be accumulated over time, so he was confident that he would not be able to surpass himself, at least not for the time being.

“Can’t we just do the opposite, at least in front of our subordinates… huh?”

However, if the monster were to become enraged upon hearing of his disciple’s misfortune, he had no confidence that he would be able to stop it.

Jin-ju Kwang had no desire whatsoever to repeat the miserable days of the past.

The spread out energy became a barrier separating the two and the outside.

Jin-ju-gwang let out a soft sound, blocking the sound from spreading outside, contrary to the angry expression on his face.

“Hmm. Well, I guess it’s okay to do that because it’s for your brother’s sake. As long as you show enough sincerity!”

“Hehe. Of course. I have prepared a lot, so please enjoy it first! And during your stay, please make it your home and rest comfortably.”

In the end, Jinju Gwang also succumbed to violence, just like Margin.

Because the memories of the past were too painful to properly fight over who was the older brother.

Because it felt like the places I had been hit at that time were starting to feel numb again.

‘I’ll never see this guy again. I won’t even pee in his direction. Never. Never!’

I compromised with myself by giving in and promising myself that I would never have to face this guy again.

“Now, today is the joyous day that I have become brothers with Cheon Ah-woo. Eat and drink until you collapse from exhaustion!!”

After reaching that agreement, Jinju Gwang let out his breath and laughed heartily as if nothing had happened.

It was the beginning of a banquet that would last three days and nights.

During that time, Cheonhwa and Jinjukwang enjoyed themselves endlessly by eating and drinking delicacies from all over the world and the best wine in the world to commemorate their bond as brothers.

As it was a banquet prepared with all sincerity by the head chef of the 18 houses of Jang Gang-su, there was a constant stream of sumptuous food and entertainment, and Cheon-hwa enjoyed them quite satisfactorily.

“Are you leaving already? This is disappointing!”

However, that couldn’t last forever.

Jinju Gwang said that she could continue the banquet as long as Cheonhwa wanted, but she had enjoyed it enough and had to go to the Maga Iron Fang that her master had mentioned, so Cheonhwa was the first to suggest that they break up the banquet.

‘Go quickly. Please!’

Jinju Gwang showed her sadness at the early separation, but her true feelings were completely different.

While the banquet continued, he drank and enjoyed himself to the fullest and acted as if he was delighted at meeting Cheonhwa, but inside, he was so burned that he was almost rotting.

‘I thought what the old man said, no, that old monster’s words were true.’

During those three days, I realized how absurd each and every move Cheonhwa made was.

‘This guy was a monster after all.’

Although he was a master of the highest level and had no equal in the world, it was honestly difficult to guarantee victory.

It is impossible to judge Cheonhwa’s skills based on just those few moves, but the very fact that it seems difficult to win even after competing with quite a few moves is scary.

Because it seemed like what the Labor Department said was true.

Or, it seemed like even after a few years, he would never be below me.

If you don’t have the confidence to deal with it here, it would be best not to collide with it.

Even if you allow them to escape, it is not difficult to predict that it could lead to a big disaster later on.

“Take this. It’s my symbol. Whenever and wherever you meet our children, show it to them and I will help you wholeheartedly. So if you need help, come to me.”

That is why Jin Ju-kwang spoke to Cheon-hwa in a gentle tone until the end.

As a ‘sign of sincerity’ as he had mentioned, he gave them considerable wealth, and not only did he pay for the ransom of the 8th owner, Do-gyeom, and his men, but he also paid the inflated expenses required to reach the main building, and he even gave them an identity card that represented himself.

No matter which watercolor he appeared in, he would treat it with the same respect as he would treat himself.

“So you’re saying you’re giving me a free ride on the ship?”

Although Cheonhwa thought of it as nothing more than a free ticket to cross the Yangtze River, he never showed any sign of displeasure.

“Not bad. Oh, by the way, if you hear any more news about the master, please contact Haomen!”

“Of course. Then let’s go.”

So, Cheonhwa left the main building of Jang Gangsu-ro 18chae and headed back to Akyang.

I thought about heading straight to Maga Iron Fang, but I had an appointment to meet with Majin first, and the materials I got from Haomun should have arrived, so I could make an instrument that imitated the treasure of Samun, even if it was just a replica.

But this time, there is no need to follow the lead of the non-responding country.

All they had to do was take the boat that Jinjukwang had provided and go there, and since no one would dare touch Surochae’s boat on the Yangtze River, they would be able to reach their destination comfortably and quickly.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty. But what are all those things? Did you pack something else for them?”

When the ship carrying the heavenly fire went far away,

The second in line, the one in charge of the debt, asked Jin Ju-kwang a question.

I know I gave him a bundle of riches, but I noticed that the load had increased significantly overnight.

It couldn’t have been more strange.

Because he knows better than anyone how great the greed of the general public for wealth is.

“Don’t ask. It’ll hurt.”

At those words, Jin-ju-kwang barely suppressed his boiling anger and growled.

Because I already felt like I was going to die from frustration.

These are none other than the precious items that were stored in his personal warehouse.

The words “make yourself at home” were the cause of the trouble.

Based on that statement, Cheonhwa ransacked his warehouse, saying, “It’s not a problem to take my stuff from my house,” and he could only watch the scene quietly with tears in his eyes.

No, I had to pack it carefully myself.

‘Should I say it’s fortunate that you took it that far?’

However, among them, there were some things that even I felt uncomfortable with and had pushed into a corner, so on the one hand I felt relieved, but on the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel angry the more I thought about them.

“Eight! You there. Bring me the salt right now. The biggest one!!”

A pile of salt was sprinkled where Cheonhwa had left, and it was a fact known only to a few confidants that Jinju Gwang had been bedridden with a fever for several days afterward and had not come out of the house.