Across the vast skies stretches the Web of Heaven, a celestial network that seems delicately interwoven yet infinitely complex. Trapping connections and destinies, it ensures that those fated to et will inevitably find each other, even should their paths be shadowed by unending malevolence.
“Ah!” escaped from Hwang Cheol as the familiar bustle of Lanzhou unfolded before him, its vibrant streets lined with inns and brothels, culminating at the majestic gates of the White Dragon rchant Association.
“We’re finally back,” Yoon Ja-Myeong muttered, his face a complex mix of emotions.
He was not alone. The surviving martial artists of the White Dragon rchant Association were visibly moved, tears threatening to spill from their eyes. The news of their return had obviously spread, as important figures like Noh Tae-Tae were already there, waiting at the gates to welco them ho.
“Children!” Noh Tae-Tae’s voice cracked as she rushed towards Yoon Ja-Myeong and Yoon Seo-In, tears streaming down her face.
For the Iron Brigade martial artists who had traveled so far and fought so hard for Yoon Ja-Myeong’s safe return, this scene was heartwarming. Their exhaustion was evident, but the joy of seeing a family reunited made it all worthwhile.
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After embracing her children, Noh Tae-Tae turned to Hwang Cheol. “I’m relieved that you’re back safely, Escort Hwang. You must have faced many hardships because of my son.”
“Not at all, Matriarch,” Hwang Cheol replied, scratching his head and gesturing to the Iron Brigade. “These fine warriors were the ones who did the heavy lifting.”
Noh Tae-Tae smiled warmly at his modesty. Her gaze then shifted to Kwak Moon-Jung, who stood quietly by Hwang Cheol’s side, wearing a look of calm determination rather than zealous youth.
He has changed. Is it because of that man? Noh Tae-Tae pondered, rembering Jin Mu-Won’s remarkable deeds on behalf of the White Dragon rchant Association. His feats were legendary, not only defeating Mu-Jin of the Kongtong Sect, but also demonstrating incredible prowess in Yuxi against mighty foes like the Silent Night and the Tyrant Fist Sect.
These accomplishnts had earned him the alias “Northern Blade”, a grandiose title rarely bestowed upon young martial artists in the jianghu. In fact, he was the first since Dam Soo-Cheon, the “Lone Star of the Azure Sky,” to make such an impressive splash.
Nevertheless, for Noh Tae-Tae, Jin Mu-Won was even greater than Dam Soo-Cheon. While Dam Soo-Cheon had gained fa through the Hundred Duels Trial, Jin Mu-Won had made his reputation by fighting on the brink of life and death.
Clearly, Jin Mu-Won was the catalyst for Kwak Moon-Jung’s growth, she thought, nodding to acknowledge the boy.
She then turned to Yong Mu-Sung. “Thank you for rescuing my third child. How can I ever repay your kindness?”
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“We only fulfilled our contract. It was our duty, so there’s no need to thank us.”
“But my heart feels otherwise.”
“If you must thank soone, thank Jin Mu-Won. Saying this hurts my pride, but he did most of the work.” Yong Mu-Sung scratched his head in embarrassnt. Although it pained him to admit it, he couldn’t take credit for soone else’s effort.
Noh Tae-Tae smiled at his honesty. He, too, is an extraordinary person, she mused, then declared, “Fine, but since you and the Iron Brigade have honored your contract, we of the White Dragon rchant Association will do the sa.”
At her signal, a rchant produced a chest brimming with gold taels, enough to fulfill the wildest dreams of Yong Mu-Sung and his comrades.
“These gold taels were verified by the most reputable banks in the jianghu. Please check them.”
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“There’s no need for that. We trust the White Dragon rchant Association’s integrity,” Yong Mu-Sung replied, entrusting the chest to Jongri Mu-Hwan.
“Please, co inside. We’ve prepared a banquet in your honor,” Noh Tae-Tae invited.
“I’m sorry, but we must decline.”
“What? But…”
“Although we appreciate the gesture, we must reach Heaven’s Summit as soon as possible. I sincerely apologize for the rush.”
Noh Tae-Tae was montarily taken aback by Yong Mu-Sung’s unexpected refusal, but she quickly regained her composure and saluted him, “I see. If you must go, I won’t stop you.”
“Thank you, Matriarch. Also…” Yong Mu Sung paused. He thought about ntioning Hwang Cheol, but decided against it. Yoon Ja-Myeong and Gong Jin-Sung had already seen Hwang Cheol’s martial arts skills firsthand and would surely inform Noh Tae-Tae. For the White Dragon rchant Association, getting a top martial artist like Hwang Cheol and maintaining ties with Jin Mu-Won was an undeniable advantage.
As if she understood the reason for Yong Mu-Sung’s silence, Noh Tae-Tae smiled. “Escort Hwang is a valued mber of our White Dragon rchant Association. We will take care of his well-being, so you need not worry.”
“I worried for nothing. We will take our leave now. Please take care of yourselves,” Yong Mu-Sung said.
“I wish you all a safe journey, Master Yong and the Iron Brigade.”
With a respectful bow, Yong Mu-Sung departed with the Iron Brigade.
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Hwang Cheol and Kwak Moon-Jung watched them go.
Sensing the urgency in Kwak Moon-Jung’s clenched fist, Hwang Cheol encouraged, ““We have no ti to lose. Let’s head to the training grounds.”
“Yes!” Kwak Moon-Jung replied, determination evident in his voice.
Even on their way here, they had trained whenever they had the chance, but ti was always scarce.
“Hyung, just wait a little longer. I’ll get stronger and join you soon,” Kwak Moon-Jung whispered, a fierce determination in his steps as he followed Hwang Cheol to the training grounds.
Jin Mu-Won stepped through the door into a dimly lit room, thick with the scent of incense. Seated behind a low table, a middle-aged man with a commanding aura and piercing eyes awaited him.
“Welco, Northern Blade,” he greeted. “I am the head of the Black Moon’s Wuhan Branch. Please, take a seat.”
Jin Mu-Won seated himself across from the man, the atmosphere tense yet respectful. “I’ve co for information,” he said.
The branch head nodded. “Of course, anything for the Northern Blade.”
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