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| Reaper of the Drifting Moon Novel |
Type- Light Novel, Web Novel
Manhwa- N/A
Translation-MTL
More than twenty carriages moved together in a procession. The carriages were also piled high with a mountain of luggage.
Naturally, their speed was slow. The caravan was moving along a large lake.
The lake was called Erhai.
It stretched from north to south. It was shallow and rich in fish, an important source of food for the people of the region.
Pyo Wol looked to the opposite side of Erhai. There was a tall mountain.
At first glance, it radiated an extraordinary aura.
Pyo Wol looked around.
Jin Gwan Hak happened to be nearby.
"Hey, what's the name of that mountain?"
"Do you mean Mount Diancang?"
"Is this Mount Diancang?"
"That's right! It's the famous mountain where the Lotus Sect, one of the nine great sects, once resided."
Jin Gwan Hak replied patiently without showing any annoyance.
"Judging by your use of the past tense, I assume the Lotus Sect no longer exists?"
"You are completely clueless. The Lotus Sect was destroyed a long time ago."
"Really?"
"Do you know about the Celestial Demon Troupe?"
"I do."
"Then it's easy to understand. Originally, the Celestial Demon Troupe was defeated in a great battle in Kangho and fled to Yunnan Province. They established their base deep in the dense forests of the region and dominated the area."
"So the Celestial Demon Troupe wiped out the Lotus Sect to secure their position in Yunnan Province. They had to remove the local power first."
"Exactly. The Lotus Sect was trampled on by the Celestial Demon Troupe. They received no help from any of the other sects in Kangho. The people of Yunnan lost their pride at that time. The Lotus Sect was a source of pride and a spiritual pillar for the local people, even though to outsiders it was only one of the nine great sects.
Nowadays, the name of the nine great sects itself has lost its meaning, but at that time the status of the nine great sects was very high.
The difference between having one of the nine great sects and not having one was like the difference between heaven and earth.
When the Lotus Sect collapsed, the people of Yunnan experienced a shock as if the sky had fallen.
"Although the Ghost Sword Manor provides some comfort now, the generations who witnessed the collapse of the Lotus Sect were left in despair.
"So the Ghost Sword Manor is now located on Diancang Mountain?"
"Ghost Sword Manor was founded by Seo Jong-myeong, the great swordsman who was active during the Martial War.
Seo Jong-myeong was the last student to inherit the legacy of the Lotus Sect.
He played a major role in helping Lee Gwak bring down the Celestial Demon Troupe.
After the collapse of the Celestial Demon Troupe, he returned to the former territory of the Lotus Sect and founded a manor. This manor was the Ghost Sword Manor.
The Ghost Sword Manor became the new power in Yunnan Province. However, it was still somewhat lacking compared to the former Lotus Sect.
This was because Seo Jong-myeong, who founded the Ghost Sword Manor, had little interest in expanding his power. However, his son, Seo Mun, had good leadership skills and expanded the sect, leading it to the present day.
"I think the Ghost Sword Manor can be considered the successor of the Lotus Sect.
"The people of Yunnan Province all think so. Did you know that? The Ghost Sword Manor even taught the leader of the trading caravan martial arts."
"Really?"
"It's not just the leader of the trading caravan. People who have a lot of power in Dali and Gonmyeong have all learned martial arts from the Ghost Sword Manor."
"And you?"
"How could someone like me dare to learn martial arts from Ghost Sword Manor? I was just a student of a local martial arts school."
"You seem to have a solid foundation, though."
"Huh! Can you tell? Anyway, I appreciate the high praise. Is there anything else you're curious about?"
"No."
"Good. If you have any further questions, just call me."
Jin Gwan Hak returned to his seat.
"Ghost Sword Manor... One of the Three Manors was here."
The Three Manors referred to the combination of New Moon Manor, Rain Mountain Manor, and Ghost Sword Manor.
He had already experienced the Rain Mountain Manor, and Jin Gwan Hak had explained the Ghost Sword Manor to him. All that remained was the New Moon Manor.
Compared to the other two manors, very little was known about the New Moon Manor. People only knew that it was one of the three manors, but not many knew how it came to stand beside the other two.
"One day, I'll get to know the New Moon Manor as well."
As long as he didn't leave the Kangho, he would meet it one day.
There was no need to worry about it now, as they hadn't even met officially yet.
Pyo Wol closed his eyes and let his body rock with the carriage.
After almost half a day had passed, he opened his eyes again.
"We will rest here today. Everyone prepare to sleep outside."
The deep voice of the chief escort, Ji Moo-hyeong, echoed.
Pyo Wol and Do Yeonsan got out of the wagon and prepared for their night in the open.
"Check the waterproof tarp again and light the campfire first."
"Yes!"
The workers began to work efficiently.
As they prepared for the night, the escorts and temporary escorts checked the wagons and cargo.
Pyo Wol checked the wagon he was responsible for.
Dinner was a simple meal of dried food.
The merchants and escorts sat at their respective places and ate their food.
At that moment, Jin Gwan Hak shook a bottle of alcohol at Pyo Wol and said,
"Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you."
"Why not? A sip would make your whole body feel warm and cosy."
"I just don't drink."
"It's a pity you can't experience one of life's greatest pleasures."
Jin Gwan Hak looked genuinely sorry at Pyo Wol's refusal.
Another man standing beside Jin Gwan Hak grabbed the bottle of liquor and said,
"Don't offer it to someone who doesn't drink, just give it to me.
"Drink sparingly. I don't want to spend a long night without alcohol."
"I got it."
The man who took the bottle drank exactly one sip. Then he handed it back.
Jin Gwan Hak checked the remaining alcohol in the bottle with one eye. The man who drank it clicked his tongue at Jin Gwan Hak's action.
"You're such a miser..."
"Don't drink if you think I'm stingy."
"Hey! That's not it. What do you mean, miser...? My damn mouth just runs on its own."
The man slapped his own mouth playfully.
Jin Gwan Hak burst out laughing at his comical appearance.
It would be at least two weeks before they reached Sichuan Province.
The journey was already difficult, and it would be even harder if they were accompanied by incompatible people. Fortunately, there did not seem to be any problematic temporary escorts.
The person he was most concerned about was Pyo Wol.
He had a delicate face and was reserved, so it was feared that his personality might not be pleasant.
Fortunately, although he was reserved, his personality didn't seem to be unusual.
His silence bothered him a little, but it was bearable.
That was then.
Thump, thump, thump!
Suddenly there was a strong vibration coming from the ground.
It was a vibration so strong that even the workers who hadn't learned martial arts could feel it.
Ji Moo-hyeong, the chief escort, suddenly stood up and shouted.
"It's the sound of horse hooves! Everyone, get ready!"
"Yes!"
The guards grabbed their weapons, and the merchants and workers hid behind them.
Moments later, five horsemen emerged from the darkness, each with an extraordinary aura.
Ji Moo-hyeong shouted.
"This is our trade caravan. Stop and identify yourselves."
"Did you say this is the trading caravan?"
One of the riders asked sarcastically.
"Yes..."
"We are martial artists from Ghost Sword Manor."
"Ghost Sword Manor?"
Ji Moo-hyeong's eyes widened.
If they were indeed martial artists from the Ghost Sword Manor, then this was no small matter at all.
The leader of the merchant caravan had studied martial arts at Ghost Sword Manor, so they could be considered fellow students.
Then a young martial artist stepped forward from the group.
He saluted respectfully.
"I am Seo Gun-hwi, the young master of the Ghost Mountain Manor."
"Young master? I am Ji Moo-hyeong, the chief escort of the trade caravan."
"Ah, it's you, brother. It's nice to meet you."
"But what brings you here at this late hour, young master?"
"I am embarrassed to ask, but could we impose on you for just one night? We had urgent business and had to leave the Ghost Sword Manor, but we couldn't prepare for an overnight stay..."
"Of course you can stay with us. It's not just any business, it's a business that concerns the Ghost Sword Manor. Of course, we should help you."
"You can rely on us as much as you need. It's only natural to help out in a situation like this, since it's related to the Ghost Sword Manor."
"Thank you!"
"Everyone, please come this way."
Ji Moo-hyeong led Seo Gun-hwi and his group to the bonfire where he had been sitting.
Seo Gun-hwi and his companions tied their horses to nearby trees and gathered around the campfire.
The light from the bonfire cast a red glow on their faces.
A handsome man in his mid to late twenties, Seo Gun-hwi was known as the young master of the Ghost Sword Manor.
However, he had piercing eyes and his tightly sealed lips made him look quite stubborn.
Sitting next to Seo Gun-hwi was a girl with a similar appearance, Seo Yul-hee, his younger sister.
Ji Moo-hyeong asked cautiously,
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Would you like to eat some dried food?"
"Thank you. I will not forget this kindness.
"Oh, come on! This is not kindness at all."
Ji Moo-hyeong waved his hand.
It was embarrassing to mention kindness for something like that.
He ordered his men to bring some dried food.
Seo Gun-hwi's group chewed the dried rations that Ji Moo-hyeong handed them.
Everyone else ate well, but Seo Yul-hee, the only woman, ate with a frown on her face.
"I can't eat this."
Eventually, Seo Yul-hee could not finish the dried rations and put them down.
Seo Gun-hwi frowned at her and said,
"This is precious food. Even considering Master Ji's generosity, you should eat it all."
"What should I do if I can't swallow it?"
"Yul-hee!"
"I'm sorry. I really can't eat it."
"Do what you want. Just remember that this is all we have to eat today. If you don't eat it, you'll have to stay up all night starving."
Seo Gun-hwi did not indulge Seo Yul-hee.
She pursed her lips.
It would have been nice if her stubborn brother could have been more flexible, but he always insisted on principles, even with his own sister.
"I just won't eat it."
"Fine."
Seo Gun-hwi took the dried rations from Seo Yul-hee.
Watching the scene, Cha Yoon-pyeong, a loyal servant, spoke carefully.
"Master! She's still young, isn't it too harsh to set such strict standards?"
"Age doesn't matter. It's a matter of principle."
"But Master..."
"Enough, Mr Cha!"
"Yes!"
Cha Yoon-pyeong shut his mouth.
Seo Gun-hwi was a man who never changed his mind once he had made up his mind.
He was more righteous and principled than anyone else.
He would not tolerate any behaviour that deviated from his principles, not even from his own flesh and blood.
Seo Gun-hwi said to Seo Yul-hee,
"That's why I told you not to follow me. Isn't it? It's going to be hard. This isn't a joke. But you insisted on coming. You promised you wouldn't be a burden or cause any trouble. But look at you now. Struggling to eat dried rations and throwing tantrums over food? Can you call yourself a true martial arts daughter like that?
Seo Gun-hwi's words were as sharp as a dagger piercing her heart. His ruthless attack brought tears to Seo Yul-hee's eyes.
"Sniff!"
Finally, Seo Yul-hee left her seat in tears.
"Master!"
"Stay there. Do not comfort her."
"But..."
"That's an order."
"Understood."
Cha Yoon-pyeong, who was about to follow Seo Yul-hee, sat down again.
Ji Moo-hyeong, who was standing in the middle, carefully watched Seo Gun-hwi's reaction. However, he didn't dare to say anything while looking at Seo Gun-hwi's face.
Seo Gun-hwi took a bite of the dry food and said,
"Yul-hee needs to learn more about the ways of the world. Protecting and spoiling her is not for her own good. So never spoil her."
"Yes!"
"Understood."
Cha Yoon-pyeong and Ji Moo-hyeong answered at the same time.
Even though Ji Moo-hyeong was not Seo Gun-hwi's subordinate, he responded, caught up in Seo Gun-hwi's atmosphere and momentum.
The young master of the Ghost Sword Manor, he's really impressive.
Ji Moo-hyeong admired Seo Gun-hwi, but couldn't shake off his concern for Seo Yul-hee.
His eyes followed Seo Yul-hee's retreating figure.
Fortunately, Seo Yul-hee did not leave the campsite and sat down by a campfire far away.
It was a place where the temporary guards had gathered.
Important updates from my mtl novel translations
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