Chapter v17c16

His Fear

– Hong, Filled with Dread

Bing Geom’s naturally frigid face hardened even further. A cold, biting wind seemed to emanate from his entire being.

He had come here today for a specific purpose.

“Are you saying, Master Guan, that there’s another place… a highly suspicious place?”

“Indeed.”

Bing Geom replied in a firm voice. Ma Jin-Ga had never seen this man utter a falsehood. Water could change its shape effortlessly, adapting to any container, but ice, frozen solid in the depths of winter, was completely different, despite being made of the same substance. Bing Geom was as unyielding as ice.

Ma Jin-Ga couldn’t afford to take his words lightly, so he naturally tensed up.

“My foolish mind can’t even begin to fathom what place you’re referring to. Would you enlighten me?”

“Don’t mention it. It’s my duty as a member of Cheonmu Academy, responsible for the future of the martial world.”

Bing Geom carefully chose his words, as it was time to get to the main point. How could he minimize the shock to the headmaster? Even if he tried to remain indifferent, it was natural to be concerned.

“What are your thoughts on the Central Plains Merchant Guild, Headmaster?”

Why was he suddenly bringing up the Central Plains Merchant Guild? The Iron Fist Elder couldn’t understand. It was the premier escort guild in the martial world, worthy of being called the best in the Central Plains. An unyielding fortress, built on a foundation of trust and loyalty, its position remained unshakable even after a hundred years. Both Cheonmu Academy and the Righteous Heavenly Alliance, the alliance of righteous sects, entrusted over seventy percent of their transportation and trade to the Central Plains Merchant Guild through formal contracts. It had been over thirty years.

It was common knowledge in the martial world that they controlled over seventy percent of the logistics.

Was there something wrong with them? If so, it was a terrifying thought. It meant that their enemies could potentially disrupt a significant portion of their supply lines at any moment.

However, the Central Plains Merchant Guild was under the protection of Pyo-Wang (Escort King), one of the Ten Elders of the Righteous Heavenly Alliance. They couldn’t act rashly without concrete evidence.

“Do you have any proof?”

“We have witnesses.”

“So there’s no tangible evidence yet.”

“We’re currently searching for it.”

The matter was too important to gamble everything on someone’s uncertain words.

“…What do you suggest we do?”

Bing Geom understood the underlying meaning of his words.

“Currently, our Cheonmu Academy relies heavily on the Central Plains Merchant Guild for logistics. However, now that their integrity is in question, even if it’s just a suspicion, it’s too risky to entrust the academy’s lifeline entirely to them.”

“I agree.”

“The Righteous Heavenly Alliance is in a similar situation, but we need to reduce their influence, at least within Cheonmu Academy.”

His tone suggested that he had a solution in mind.

“How?”

The question he had been waiting for was finally asked. Bing Geom asked quietly, his voice subtle,

“Have you heard of the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild?”

Ma Jin-Ga nodded.

“Of course. They’re the escort guild from Sichuan that’s been expanding rapidly lately, right? I heard they’re based in the Emei Sect’s territory. People call them the best escort guild in Sichuan. Is their guild leader’s title ‘Great Escort’?”

“Then this will be quick. Based on my investigation, there’s nothing particularly suspicious about them. And although we’ve clashed a few times, they don’t seem to possess a threatening level of power. I believe it would be wise to use them to counter the Central Plains Merchant Guild. Oh, and it’s ‘Great Hero,’ not ‘Great Escort.'”

Ma Jin-Ga carefully considered Bing Geom’s suggestion before offering his opinion.

“Even if they’re gaining fame, can they really stand up to the Central Plains Merchant Guild, a well-established organization with a hundred years of history? Wouldn’t they crumble under pressure?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve sent my disciple to ensure that.”

“Good work.”

Bing Geom continued, his voice unusually passionate,

“If you and I secretly support them, I believe they can grow into a force capable of challenging the Central Plains Merchant Guild in a short period of time. The other large escort guilds don’t have the same explosive potential as the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild. I believe they’re our only hope at the moment.”

After a long contemplation, Ma Jin-Ga finally nodded.

“Alright, I agree. Could you draft a detailed plan?”

“Don’t worry. I have a capable person in that area, so we’ll have a viable plan within a few days.”

He didn’t bother mentioning that the plan was already formulated in Bi Ryu-Yeon’s head, ready to be implemented.

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Yes, please continue your conversation. I’ll take my leave.”

Bing Geom left, leaving behind a cryptic farewell. But Ma Jin-Ga’s expression was quite a sight. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Surprisingly, he understood Bing Geom’s cryptic message. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to laugh. As a finite being caught in the cycle of life and death, it was better to be optimistic.

“As expected of the Ice Sword. I was confident in my stealth skills, but… I’ve been outdone. Is this just a glimpse of Grandmaster Bing Geom’s true abilities?”

A voice suddenly emerged from the empty air, startling him. The shadow that had been spread across the ceiling condensed into a single point, like dew on a leaf at dawn, and dropped to the ground. It was a bizarre sight. He emerged from the shadow like a ghost, a bitter smile on his lips.

“It seems you’ve been discovered, Hong.”

Ma Jin-Ga asked, his voice laced with concern. It was best if his identity remained a secret for now. It was a separate issue from whether he trusted Bing Geom or not.

“He might have sensed my presence, but he wouldn’t have guessed my identity. Still, it’s impressive that he saw through my stealth. If I had even a hint of killing intent, he would have cut me down without hesitation, even if he noticed me observing your conversation from afar.”

It seemed he needed to be more careful in the future. He might have aroused suspicion. It was a mistake to let Bing Geom get so close without being detected.

“His senses are as sharp as his sword. I’ve known him for over a decade, but even I don’t know the full extent of his abilities.”

“He’s indeed a trustworthy person.”

Hong said admiringly.

“So can you trust him and go?”

Ma Jin-Ga seized the opportunity and asked quickly.

“How did the conversation turn to this? That’s a completely separate issue.”

The man named Hong replied in a serious tone.

“Why are you trembling at such a trivial matter, a man of your caliber?”

“Even Na Baek-Cheon, the Martial Alliance Leader, would tremble at this. It’s not about martial arts skills or status. There are countless problems in the world that can’t be solved with those.”

Ma Jin-Ga finally exploded, his anger boiling over.

“What! You should just obey your superiors! What’s with all the complaints? I, the headmaster of Cheonmu Academy, am asking you! Are you trying to shame me? Have some consideration for my reputation!”

But Hong, as if he were used to this, didn’t even bat an eyelid.

“You want me to risk my life for your reputation? No way.”

Hong replied firmly.

“Are you such a coward? What about the trust I’ve placed in you all this time?”

“If I’m a coward, then so is Alliance Leader Na. I can’t do this. If something goes wrong, I’ll definitely be killed. I guarantee it!”

Hong shuddered, as if just imagining it sent chills down his spine. He wasn’t faking it. He was genuinely terrified. Ma Jin-Ga knew from experience that forcing him would only backfire. What could possibly terrify this man, who had endured unimaginable hardships and training to withstand all kinds of torture and mind control?

He wished he didn’t know. He was aware that he couldn’t force him any further.

“Time heals all wounds, they say. They’ll probably understand.”

“I doubt it. Sometimes time heals, but in this case, it’s more likely to make things worse.”

His defenses were too strong, and persuasion wouldn’t work.

“You’re really pushing it, Hong. Do I have to kneel before you? Will that satisfy you?”

Hong had never seen anyone deliver such a forceful threat while offering to kneel. It was more intimidating than any ordinary threat. And the most terrifying thing was his watery eyes, on the verge of tears. To see tears streaming down that massive, dark body, reminiscent of a steel tower? He didn’t want to witness such a horrifying sight. He didn’t want to suffer from malnutrition or insomnia. It went against his motto of “Good sleep, good food, good bowel movements.”

“Y-you don’t have to go that far…”

Still, as a subordinate, he felt uncomfortable seeing his superior like this. If he were an incompetent superior, he might have felt some satisfaction, but Ma Jin-Ga was too capable and diligent.

“This is…”

Hong scratched his head. He was starting to waver. In fact, for someone like Hong, a sincere, direct appeal was the hardest to resist.

“I’ll pay you triple, no, five times your usual hazard pay.”

Ma Jin-Ga, a capable superior, delivered the final blow. It was an incredibly generous offer. It also reflected the danger of the task.

“Sigh, I can’t refuse if you put it that way. I’ll have to risk my life. You’re working me too hard!”

He had always avoided work-related deaths.

“If, by any chance, which I guarantee won’t happen, you happen to die, I’ll make sure your funeral is grand. Fit for a king.”

It wasn’t comforting at all.

Ma Jin-Ga could understand Hong’s feelings. He was a man, after all. And he had been through it himself. Even Na Baek-Cheon, the Martial Alliance Leader, would understand and sympathize with his predicament. But he had to send him. Hong was the only one he could trust.

His heart ached, knowing he had to send him to what might be hell.

He felt like he was betraying the bond between men, sending a fellow man to his potential doom. But he quickly pulled himself together. As someone responsible for the lives of many, he couldn’t let his personal feelings cloud his judgment. Sometimes, he had to be ruthless, sending his subordinates into dangerous situations. Even if he knew it was hell that awaited them. He couldn’t waver. He had to swallow his tears.

“I’m counting on you, Hong!”

Ma Jin-Ga said in a solemn voice, his head bowed slightly.