Chapter 108: Green Forest Purge (1)

Chapter 108: Green Forest Purge (1)

The Daehwa Merchant Group was one of the top merchant groups in Huguang Province.

In truth, their claim was a bit exaggerated; theyre slightly less prominent. Still, theyre at least the twelfth largest.

The fact that they managed their own merchant group across the vast Central Plains and beyond the boundaries of the province spoke to their significance.

They had good relations with the major sect, the Azure Forest, so much so that not only Jin Ri-yeon but also other disciples of the Azure Forest were indebted to the Daehwa Merchant Group.

Naturally, the larger merchant groups in Huguang Province, like them, operated commercial routes up to Kaifeng in Henan.

Although the Emperor moved the capital to Beijing, Kaifeng remained a massive city.

Its the origin of the term sleepless city, shining brightly day and night.

Its also home to the orthodox Murim Alliance, a place where aspiring martial artists dream of visiting.

This was no different for the third-generation disciples of the Azure Forest.

Contrary to expectations, they ended up serving as guards for the Daehwa Merchant Group, but they tried hard to suppress any ominous feelings.

The merchant group had goods to transport, with ox-drawn carts. With a group of twenty, there was no need to take treacherous mountain paths.

They mostly traveled on well-maintained official roads, occasionally traversing mountains, so it seemed unlikely they would encounter rough situations.

Above all, they were reassured by the kind and respectful attitude of the merchant group leader.

Though they were hired as guards, the merchant group leader didnt treat the third-generation disciples as mere warriors.

Respectfully addressing them as sir warriors, Son Hee-il, who was just of age, felt his shoulders rise with pride.

The quick-witted Son Hee-il, observing this, suggested an idea.

Turns out, the silver we received as payment is way more than what normal guards get. Could it be because of that?

Because of what? What are you talking about?

Well, our Azure Forest is quite renowned in Hunan, right? It might be their way of maintaining a good relationship with a major sect.

That means

It means if they take care of us next-generation successors now, someday well become important martial artists in our sect.

That sounded plausible.

It was a sharp and somewhat audacious deduction.

In fact, many merchant groups did sponsor next-generation successors.

Perhaps the Daehwa Merchant Group was aiming for that too.

Who would have thought beneath that plump merchant group leaders expression lay such shrewd calculations?

The third-generation disciples felt a sense of pride, mixed with tension from their venture into the ruthless martial world.

They didnt bother sharing their speculation with Jin Ri-yeon.

But that was a mistake on their part.

Had Jin Ri-yeon heard it, she would have surely corrected them.

Its a misconception, she would have said.

The leader of the Daehwa Merchant Group wasnt so ambitious or complex.

The reason for the generous payment was simply to get their moneys worth of work.

However, the third-generation disciples soon found out their purpose.

It was when they first encountered bandits in the mountains, leaving the Hunan region.

These bandits, who fancied themselves as noble Green Forest members, were a common sight for merchant groups on each journey.

The third-generation disciples tensed up at the sight of the Green Forest members but werent overly worried.

Its not practical to engage in bloody battles every time they crossed the mountains. Most situations were resolved in a more moderate manner.

A burly man, looking unwashed for a month with bushy hair, stepped forward.

He had a hole where his right eye should be, not even covered with an eye patch, perhaps to appear more intimidating.

Cough, spit!

The gruff Green Forest member spat out thick phlegm, baring his yellow teeth as he recognized the merchant group leader.

Beside him stood a lean man, seemingly his subordinate.

Its been a while, Daehwa Merchant Group Leader.

Recognizing and greeting the leader suggested they had met before and had passed without incident.

Our heroes of the Azure Forest and Daehwa Merchant Group meeting again like this is a heavenly fate. Truly a three hemps romance no, wait. Vice Fort Leader, what was it?

Its three lifetimes strange fate.

Right, three lifetimes strange fate, isnt it?

The seemingly illiterate bandit surprisingly used a literary phrase, likely with the help of the person called Vice Fort Leader beside him.

From the Thirty-Six Forts of Green Forest, under the great Dragons Den Fort, our Dragon Alliance Fort brothers Uh, what was it again, Seo Saeng-won?

You must remember that we diligently maintain these mountain paths.

Yes, indeed.

But Kang Ho-gul, the leader of Dragon Alliance Fort, though weak in martial arts, was a man of wickedness.

That wretched woman, boys, take them down!

As he shouted, his vision suddenly went black.

Pffft!

With a grimace, Jin Ri-yeon swiftly dealt with Kang Ho-gul. It was Kang Ho-guls luck that the vast difference in martial arts prowess didnt result in his death.

It seemed he had quite loyal subordinates.

Although the one called Vice Fort Leader immediately fled, several bandits gripped their weapons.

Kill them!

Fort Leader!

There were those who shot arrows and others who charged with crude blades.

Though more than half immediately turned to flee, the third-generation disciples inevitably drew their swords.

That leader of the merchant group!

Son Hee-il, infuriated, cut down the bandit charging at the front.

He hadnt expected to gain practical experience so soon.

Just giving coins would have sufficed, but the merchant group leader had deliberately provoked them. Son Hee-il resolved to grab the merchant group leaders collar once this was over.

Yu Su-rin dashed past his side, deflecting an incoming arrow with her whip sword, and remarked.

Wasnt Senior Ri-yeon really cool?

I dont know!

About ten bandits didnt flee but charged instead.

None were skilled in martial arts, but the third-generation disciples hearts pounded, facing sudden real combat.

Thankfully, no one, including the merchant group members, was hurt.

Jin Ri-yeon intervened whenever danger arose.

However, even after the exhausting first real fight, Son Hee-il couldnt punish the merchant group leader.

Because his respected senior, Jin Ri-yeon, had explained with a smile, It was the order of the Wisdom Sword Pavilion Master.

The elders of the sect decreed to dismantle the Green Forest mountain strongholds that were extorting the common people on the way to Kaifeng.

The Daehwa Merchant Group Leader, upon hearing the Azure Forests suggestion, was thrilled and took action. For him, it was a welcome opportunity to deal with the bandits who were always a costly nuisance.

Thats why he had given so much silver to the third-generation disciples.

So, does this mean well continue to do this?

At least until we reach Kaifeng, right?

The next-generation successors of the orthodox faction defeating bandits was indeed a traditional act of heroism.

However, the problem was that this Green Forest subjugation was extremely arduous and unprofitable, so no one did it anymore.

Hehe, thanks to you warriors, not only our merchant group but also the local farmers can travel to and from their villages in peace.

The merchant group leader, rubbing his hands subserviently, was undeniably irritating.

Jin Ri-yeon offered some encouragement in his way.

I remember when I went to the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

How many times did you encounter Green Forest members then?

Well, maybe

Jin Ri-yeon counted on one hand, then started counting on the other.

About seven times?

To do this six more times

It wasnt a small number. But, if these were the type of scoundrels theyre dealing with, it was certainly doable.

Roughly once every two or three days, they would need to subdue bandits.

It should be fine.

We can manage it.

The third-generation disciples forced a smile.

However, the seven times Jin Ri-yeon mentioned did not hold true.

Exactly double.

By the time the third-generation disciples and Daehwa Merchant Group reached Kaifeng, where the Murim Alliance was, they had toppled a total of 14 minor mountain strongholds.

It was unclear whether the Green Forest had expanded its influence since the last Dragon-Phoenix Conference, or if villagers had taken up pitchforks and fled to the mountains due to famine. But the mountains were teeming with Green Forest members.

The third-generation disciples, who once dreamed of making a name through heroic acts, had not expected such an opportunity to come so soon.

Moreover, they hadnt anticipated that upon their arrival in Kaifeng, an unknown nickname would be born.

Nobody knew.