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Chapter 8
The Youngest Son of the Nakyang Jin Family
The evening was draped in deep darkness.
The clouds hung thick once again, blocking even the moonlight, so it felt as if pitch-black darkness had swallowed everything.
Yet, there was one place where that wasn’t true.
The Nakyang Jin Family estate.
Countless people had gathered in the courtyard of the Jin estate.
Thanks to the lanterns and torches they held, the enormous courtyard was as bright as daytime.
Everyone associated with the Jin family was present.
Even those who had fled outside in fear after the fight had been summoned back, holding their breaths.
The atmosphere was tense, as if balanced on the edge of a sharp blade.
Amid the crowd of well over a hundred, people were tied with ropes, their mouths gagged, lined up in rows.
No one could escape.
Not here, not now.
People simply swallowed dryly, engraving the situation in their minds.
The presence of the Jin estate warriors radiated such intensity that some shivered, fearing the blades might be aimed at them next.
Then, at last, the one they had been waiting for appeared.
Jin Cheonwoo.
The youngest scion of the Nakyang Jin Family, and the estate’s young master.
No one knew where he had been until now, but the sword stains and blood on his clothes showed he had been in the thick of the fight.
Step by step, he moved forward through the sea of people, briefly glancing at the captured ones before averting his gaze.
Finally, he stood before those who had been watching.
A cough.
The sudden sound drew everyone’s attention.
Had they been waiting for it?
Jin Cheonwoo offered a small smile.
The crowd in front of him was sizable: servants, maids, and other staff handling various tasks.
Surrounding them, the Nakyang Jin estate warriors stood, radiating authority.
Their presence was a precaution against any unforeseen trouble.
Even without counting the warriors, the number exceeded a hundred easily; including the warriors, it might be two hundred—a formidable gathering.
Jin Cheonwoo met their eyes one by one, smiling slowly.
“You must have been quite surprised. But don’t worry. Everything has been handled, and no one will threaten us again.”
“…So you mean someone really tried to kill the young master?”
A question rippled through the silence.
That single question spread like wildfire, and murmurs rose around the courtyard. To think there had been a force trying to kill him—inside the Nakyang Jin estate no less—was enough to shake anyone.
Click.
Jin Cheonwoo didn’t answer directly; he simply raised a finger to his lips.
The previously noisy courtyard fell completely silent.
“You’ve been startled and troubled today, so I’ll give you a special reward.”
With a snap of his fingers, several warriors who had been waiting brought a large box. Opening the lid revealed an enormous pile of silver coins.
Gasps and wide eyes of astonishment spread throughout the crowd.
“However, not everyone will receive it.”
“Eh?”
Disappointment showed on the faces of those gathered. Seeing so much silver was impressive, and yet, it wasn’t going to be given to everyone. Any reasonable person would be disappointed.
Jin Cheonwoo smiled faintly and refocused their attention. He scanned the crowd until his gaze fell on someone perceptive, someone who had been quietly observing.
The moment their eyes met, the person looked startled.
“What happened today?”
After a brief pause, he seemed to realize something and spoke.
“Uh? I… I just woke up, so I don’t really know… What happened, Young Master?”
Jin Cheonwoo nodded approvingly.
A subtle gesture toward a warrior, and the man handed a single silver coin to the person.
The recipient bowed deeply.
Watching, the warrior whispered quietly.
The man flinched.
Any leakage of this event would not be tolerated—a warning made clear without words.
Through this carrot-and-stick demonstration, everyone realized what Jin Cheonwoo wanted:
Keep quiet. Forget what happened today. Nothing must leak outside.
He didn’t need to threaten them himself. The presence of the warriors and the tense atmosphere were enough to convey the message.
Watching each person receive a coin, Jin Cheonwoo turned away.
His gaze fell on Chief Guard Yoo Hyun first.
“Take care of the cleanup.”
“Yes, Young Master. Leave it to me. But… shouldn’t we inform the estate head?”
“He’s busy enough. Cough! Leave him be for now. Don’t trouble him unnecessarily.”
“Yes. And the captured ones?”
“Lock them up and extract as much information as you can. I’m not particularly concerned if they die.”
“Yes!”
Jang Chuhyung followed closely behind, clearly tense as he surveyed the surroundings, anticipating any unexpected developments.
“Relax. Everything will settle down soon.”
“A-Are you sure? Something this serious happened. And we can’t keep all those mouths shut forever.”
“No one will know for now. They will realize how serious today’s events were, and no fool will blurt out nonsense.”
Jang Chuhyung shook his head. To him, it seemed like the rumor could spread by tomorrow. Controlling people’s speech isn’t easy.
But the measures were already in place. Anyone who witnessed today’s events couldn’t leave alone for the foreseeable future. Outside, they would always be accompanied by a warrior.
It was inconvenient, but the most effective way to control the spread of information.
Even half a year, if lucky, maybe a full year.
“I trust you’ll handle things, Young Master. By the way, what was that earlier? A message scroll?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Go back, wash up, and change your clothes. The blood smell is overwhelming.”
“Who will protect you if I’m not here? And the smell isn’t trivial either.”
“It’s fine for now. Go rest. I have things to think about.”
“Understood! I’ll wash up and come back. I guess I’ll sleep in your room tonight.”
Jang Chuhyung snapped his fingers as if a good idea had struck, laughing happily, and ran toward his quarters. From his look, he would probably wash up quickly and return.
Sighing, Jin Cheonwoo entered his room.
He removed his bloodstained, torn clothes and sat on his bed.
He took a letter from his pocket.
It was a simple note inquiring about someone’s wellbeing—ordinary enough that anyone would consider it trivial.
But, as he thought: “If I can read between the lines, it changes everything.”
- Fifteen days later: The Tenth Unit enters Nakyang
Jin Cheonwoo smiled as he absorbed the content.
The Tenth Unit is coming to Nakyang?
That timing fits perfectly.
His father had taken a substantial portion of the estate’s forces on an expedition. Suddenly, a band of thieves appeared, far stronger than expected.
By the time they returned, there were gaps in the defenses.
Many lower-ranking soldiers had died, and many more required long-term treatment.
Naturally, reinforcements were needed.
Additionally, following Hong Guhyun’s request in the previous life, the estate had recruited more hands than usual, allowing more people to enter the Nakyang Jin estate than normal.
And now, the Tenth Unit was arriving.
Their goals were clear.
First, to locate the jade piece that Hong Guhyun’s group hadn’t found. Second, to tear into the Nakyang Jin estate itself.
This explained why the initial response to their attack had been inadequate—enemies were on all sides.
Memories resurfaced: the faces of the dying, the screams, the burning buildings, the scent of blood.
It had been hell.
Clenching his fists, Jin Cheonwoo felt a surge of resolve.
But now, it was different.
“Come in and see. You’ll realize this is a hell you can’t escape.”
He vowed to himself: no one would ever threaten the Nakyang Jin estate again.
The key was that Hong Guhyun’s death must remain unknown until the intruders entered the estate’s trap.
Taking a deep breath, he lay on the bed.
Perhaps due to exertion, he felt extreme fatigue and the effects of the poison in his body, but he endured, sitting cross-legged.
He needed to practice internal cultivation to counteract the poison.
The next morning, he awoke to a strange sight.
Jang Chuhyung had lain down on the floor with his shabby blanket, snoring loudly.
Jin Cheonwoo couldn’t help but frown.
“Is he pure-hearted or just stupid? Sleeping in my room…”
He lightly kicked the man’s side.
“Wha—Who’s there!”
Jang Chuhyung jumped up, fists raised. He seemed strong for having shared a servant’s room with others before.
Seeing Jin Cheonwoo’s face, he forced a nervous laugh.
“Hehe… You’re awake?”
“Next time, sleep outside. Your snoring is unbearable.”
“But you were asleep like you didn’t know anything.”
“Sleep outside.”
“…Yes…”
Defeated, Jang Chuhyung began tidying his blanket.
A maid’s voice called from outside.
“Young Master, a guest has arrived.”
“At this hour?”
“Shall I ask them to leave?”
Her voice was cautious, laced with awkwardness, pretending nothing had happened yesterday.
Jin Cheonwoo responded lightly.
“I’ll see them.”
He straightened his messy hair, changed clothes, and stepped outside.
The estate felt slightly awkward, similar to the maid’s demeanor. But staff still greeted him politely, trying to act as usual.
He smiled faintly and headed toward the main gate.
The massive doors opened wide as he approached.
A woman in black martial attire stood there, bowing slightly.
“Last time, I treated you to a meal… Won’t you treat me this time, Young Master?”
She smiled brightly.
Her sweet voice penetrated his senses, threatening to disrupt his focus, so he quickly drew on his internal energy to resist.
Jang Chuhyung, lacking internal energy, seemed ready to spend everything he had just to treat her.
Sighing, Jin Cheonwoo stepped forward, blocking the path between them.
He could feel Jang Chuhyung straining to glimpse her from behind.
“Haah!”
He lightly stomped Jang Chuhyung’s foot and spoke to the woman:
“Last time we enjoyed the taste of Hwaseon Inn; today, we shall enjoy the taste of Unryong Inn.”
“Hohoho—It’s an honor, Young Master.”
“Shall we go?”
She nodded, making way.
As they walked, Jin Cheonwoo smiled. Her presence confirmed that he had found what he sought.
