2
5
7.
Hehehe.
Inside the Black Alliance, I pretended to be nonchalant and didn’t care, as if I had been wearing it all along, and whether that strategy worked or not, no one asked me about the Predator Armor until I left the Black Alliance.
That doesn’t mean we can let our guard down.
There are still many eyes watching within the delegation.
Therefore, I had no choice but to secretly satisfy my curiosity about the Predator Armor while avoiding people’s gazes. ‘It must be the precious artifact that elevated the Yin-Yang Twin Demons to the position of Protector.’ Of course, since it was a precious artifact of the Demonic Cult, I intended to discard it immediately if it used demonic energy or left any traces of sorcery, but so far, it appeared to have no abilities other than the functions I was originally aware of.
ping.
He fired the massive energy gathered at his fingertips toward the predatory armor.
Zing.
The wind, strong enough to break an forearm, seeped into the predatory armor and vanished without a trace.
I tilted my head as I examined the effectiveness of the predatory armor.
It is certainly a great ability.
However, it was hard to believe that the Twin Demons of Yin and Yang had risen to the position of Protector based solely on this. ‘I feel like there must be something more.’ I rummaged through the archives in my head, examining the records of the battles the Twin Demons had fought.
By the time the Twin Demons of Yin and Yang joined the Great War against the Righteous, it had already been a long time since the war began, so not many records remained. ‘If I had known this would happen, I would have visited each branch and saved the records.’ If I had known I would return to the past, I would have done even worse things.
But who could have imagined in the first place that there would be a second life?
Even I don’t believe there will be a third one right now.
Just as I was lost in thought, Akbyeongbi quietly approached.
“Is it really okay if I don’t go?”
I naturally hid my predatory armor.
“What do you mean?”
“Didn’t you say that the merchant guild of the Four Sects is in crisis?”
“ah.”
Haomun told me that Suramun is coveting the Daecheon Merchant Guild.
It seemed he was quite coveting the exclusive logistics supply contract for the Anhui branch that had been secured from the Murim Alliance this time. ‘Well, I suppose I would covet it too.’ Even though the scale was so large that they had to share it with the Wang family, this single contract alone would allow them to earn in one year what the Daecheon Merchant Group would normally earn in ten years.
Of course, this is probably not the only reason.
Because such an exclusive contract is impossible without direct backing from the Murim Alliance.
Murim Alliance
Therefore, it was tantamount to a signal that the Mantongbu was directly supporting Taeeulmun, and it was no different from a prediction that the Daecheon Merchant Guild and Taeeulmun would spread their wings wide in the future.
Of course, I don’t know for sure why the Mantong Department is supporting the Daecheon Merchant Group.
“It seems like he intends to make me feel indebted and boss me around… ‘Debt? Burden? What’s that? Heh heh. I have absolutely no intention of being easily bossed around!’ I planned to pretend I didn’t notice as much as possible going forward.”
But even so, I am not such an idiot as to let something I have in my hands be taken away.
“Senior Il-myeong has sent a secret letter to this mountain. In that case, wouldn’t it be unnecessary for me to step forward as well?”
When I answered with a carefree expression, Akbyeongbi instead looked distressed.
“……
“Would that alone be enough?”
Well, for now.
But I don’t know why this person has changed so much since coming back from the Black Alliance.
Since when have you thought of me like this? Seriously.
While being active in the Murim Alliance can be beneficial to the Four Sects, conversely, the prosperity of the Four Sects also governs the Alliance’s advancement.
I know that.
“As the representative of the Murim Academy, you should be able to exert some influence over the branch… and yet you’re saying you’ll just sit idly by?”
Is there a problem?
At my calm reaction, the shadow cast over Ak Byeong-bi’s face gradually deepens.
“What if… the Shura Sect takes the Daecheon Merchant Guild away from us?”
“If it’s taken away, well, it can’t be helped…”
“what?!!”
Ah, fuck, that startled me. Why are you screaming and making such a fuss?
Anyone looking at this would think the commander is a disciple of the Taeeulmun.
From my perspective, it’s not a big deal.
I had no intention of rising in the world with the help of the sect in the first place, and the path I am to take is Baekranggak, which everyone else avoids anyway.
Unless Baekranggak immediately becomes the next shortcut to success after Cheongnyonggak, there will be no competition flocking to Baekranggak.
“This merchant guild was originally established by taking a branch of the Changgung Merchant Guild from the Namgung family. Unless I am running it myself, it is not my responsibility to worry about every single detail. If I cannot protect it, it is only natural that it is taken away.”
“…….”
Ak Byeong-bi had a look on his face that suggested he could not easily understand what I was saying.
And I, too, know where he has his doubts.
“Do you find it strange that I am not resolving the problem by making connections with the Murim Alliance?”
“……!”
Ak Byeong-bi opens his eyes wide as if struck by the very bone.
Come to think of it, how much convenience he has shown the family while in the Inspection Office.
Those who possess power naturally intend to use it to their own advantage.
I must look strange for going against the instincts that the vast majority follow.
“I don’t really have the connections or background to make requests, but even if I did, I have little intention of using them.”
Ak Byeong-bi, who had been listening silently with a frown, spoke with difficulty.
Why?
I shrugged my shoulders once.
No matter how high you build it, how far can a precariously built tower go?
Things received from or borrowed from someone do not become mine.
The reason he could not escape his position as a weakling until the Taeeulmun was destroyed in his previous life was that he continued to rely on the Gyeryong Merchant Group.
And because they took the initiative and acted independently in this life, Taeeulmun was able to become different from its past life.
“If you perceive things that are not obvious as if they were, and abuse them, you become arrogant. Take the Akga family, for instance; aren’t there plenty of scoundrels who take such privileges for granted?”
At my sharp remark, Ak Byeong-bi’s face turned bright red.
However, as he soon calmed his excitement, his eyes looked more complex than ever.
“That is all because of the wrong problem-solving method?”
I tried to provoke him on purpose to cut off the conversation, but it seems that Akbyeongbi’s curiosity was actually piqued instead.
“Well, that’s just how it is. After all, nothing gnaws away at a person’s character and turns them into a frog in a well as much as a sense of entitlement.”
After contemplating for a long time, Ak Byeong-bi opens his lips.
“Your sect will not last long.”
Huh? The thing this guy is trying to do with me right now is… …
“but.”
What’s with that look?
For a moment, a sense of inexplicable anticipation and admiration seemed to fill Ak Byeong-bi’s eyes.
“If you overcome these difficulties as you say, you will be reborn as a great sect that cannot even be compared to the Akga.”
Ak Byeong-bi, who says that and then gets lost in his own deep thoughts.
At his words, all sorts of thoughts begin to get tangled up in my head as well.
It’s not that I’m not worried, but that doesn’t mean I can solve every single problem on my own.
If someone has laid the foundation, you have to run on it yourself.
“I thought my father would be fully capable of fulfilling that role. After all, he is the one who has protected the Taeeul Sect even in such difficult circumstances. Well, he did make some preparations, after all.” I thought of Baek Haegwang, the Lady of the Martial Arts Department.
Since I hadn’t heard from them for a while, I thought they had really found a way to make a living on their own, but eventually, they reached out.
It is hardly an easy task for someone who was once a leader of the Black Sect to suddenly become the head of an ordinary family and support a family of three.
As the saying goes, “stealing is all you know,” so when he had to make a living as a blacksmith just like before, the images of his wife and daughter must have flickered before his eyes.
After looking into it through Haomun, it seems he tried hard to find a job here and there, but hiding his past likely made it difficult even to make a living.
He sent a message asking if he could stay at Taeeulmun for a while as a ‘guest,’ as I had suggested in the past, so I sent a reply telling him to go to Daecheon Merchant Guild instead. ‘Still, he really needs to tone down his temper a bit…’ Establishing a sect, and one with a White Path orientation at that, is no easy task.
Because there will be many situations where politics is needed more than violence.
For those in power, the very attempt to persuade them with poor rhetoric is akin to a test of patience.
But on the other hand, ‘He might actually break the mold.’ How does the mighty Sword Demon, who manages to hold back his temper well against the rulers, still ‘educate'(?) them?
I was actually a little looking forward to seeing if he would order me to do it. “I don’t know if I should call you a good person or a fool.”
Wang Geum-san clicked his tongue.
A guest who suddenly arrived. Jin Taesan treated Baek Haegwang with utmost respect simply because he had come after being introduced by Jin So-un.
“Isn’t he a guest sent by So-un? Of course, we should treat him with respect.”
“Tsk, that’s going too far.”
In a way, the reason Wang Geum-san clicked his tongue like this was only natural.
Typically, ‘Sikgaek’ refers to those who are given a room in a palace, provided with meals, and exchanged martial arts or academic knowledge.
In short, there must be a give and take.
However, a man named Baek Haegwang, whose background had not yet been revealed, even brought his family and requested to be taken in as a guest.
In response, Jin Tae-san, showing consideration for their convenience, provided them with the entire guest annex of the Daecheon Merchant Guild and even assigned servants to ensure they experienced no inconvenience.
Wang Geum-san’s voice grew louder.
“Besides, you say you’ll help found a sect? Is this the time for you to be helping others?”
“What can I do? That damn son of mine has already sent a letter telling me to do so.”
Due to Baek Haegwang, who suddenly appeared, Jin Taesan was looking for land near Hefei and looking for a carpenter.
With the Sura Gate not knowing when they might storm in, Jin Taesan was putting effort into something pointless, which was incredibly frustrating for Wang Geumsan.
“Wouldn’t it be fine to just pay a reasonable amount and send it, as I said?”
However, Jin Taesan firmly shook his head.
“They say that fellow So-un owes a debt of gratitude to this person. How could that damned bastard say such a thing?”
Then, he smiles with a sense of inexplicable relief and satisfaction.
If there is anything a worthless father like me can do, whatever it may be, I must do my best for you.
How grateful I felt at the news that I had received a favor, especially since I had nowhere to turn and had never relied on anyone before.
Even if the Daecheon Merchant Guild were to collapse tomorrow, Jin Tae-san wanted to repay the kindness his son had received from Baek Hae-gwang.
And I also felt joy in being able to do something for him as a father.
While the two were bickering like that, a servant announced that a guest had arrived.
“Where are you from?”
They say he came from Suramun.
The gazes of the two people intertwined in a complex way.
“Bring him inside.”
Jin Taesan, having answered, turned to look at Wang Geumsan and spoke.
I will handle it.
“No, I’m with you too.”
“Master Jang.”
Wang Geum-san patted Jin Tae-san on the shoulder.
“From the moment we began handling the affairs of the Murim Alliance together, the Wang Family Mansion and the Daecheon Merchant Group became inseparable. I will not speak at length about this.”
Wang Geum-san, wearing a determined expression as if he had settled into place and would not move.
Jin Taesan couldn’t help but let out a small sigh.
A short while later.
Three men entered.
The man standing on the left was the one who had previously expressed his intention to purchase the Daecheon Merchant Guild, and judging by how he treated the remaining two with great devotion, it was clear that they held high positions within the Shura Gate.
The three people who had entered stood before Wang Geum-san and Jin Tae-san and just stared intently at the two of them. ‘Hmph…’ A clear intention not to greet them first.
Jin Taesan let out a long sigh and finally stood up from his seat.
“Welcome. I am Jin Taesan of the Daecheon Merchant Guild.”
The visitor finally nods and speaks.
“Greetings. I am Ju Yeong-san, the Lord of Suramun.”
So you were the Sect Leader.
Ju Yeong-san glanced at Wang Geum-san and cleared his throat.
“Ahem, it has been a long time since I last saw you, Lord Wang.”
Wang Geum-san let out a chuckle at the attitude of trying hard to maintain a composed demeanor.
“That’s what I’m saying. Was the last time ten years ago when you begged me to lend you two thousand taels?”
“Th-what is that!”
“Watch your words!”
At Wang Geum-san’s words, the men standing on either side of Ju Yeong-san assumed a stance as if they were about to leap out at any moment, but Ju Yeong-san raised his hand to stop them.
“Doesn’t Lord Wang know how ugly it is to live by feeding only on memories of the past?”
“Well… Ah! I am well aware of how foolish it looks to ride on a tiger’s back and act like the Mountain King, but.
At the remark criticizing their behavior of trying to expand their influence by relying on the Shaolin Temple, the people of the Shura Sect scowled and fell silent.
Eventually, Jin Taesan, unable to stand it any longer, stepped in and calmed the situation.
“Everyone, please stop. You didn’t come here to argue, did you? You stop too, Master. He is my guest.”
“joy!”
At Jin Taesan’s urging, they finally stopped arguing and the three of them sat down.
Joo Young-san, wearing an arrogant expression, got straight to the point.
“I understand that your opinion was sufficiently conveyed the other day. Have you made a decision?”
Despite the other person’s rude attitude, Jin Taesan replied with a noble yet polite demeanor.
“As I mentioned, Daecheon Merchant Guild is responsible for supplying food to Taeeulmun. I replied that we have no intention of selling.”
I will pay the full price.
How about a million nyang?
A shocking amount came out, but Wang Geum-san scoffed.
“I can’t believe there are such scoundrels! To think they tried to swallow up a merchant guild that monopolizes the distribution of the Martial Arts Alliance’s Anhui branch for a mere one million taels.”
At his intervention, Ju Yeong-san’s gaze sharpened.
“One million nyang is an amount that merchant guild could not earn even in ten years.”
“Of course, that is the case if you only consider the monetary value. However, when you take into account the advantage of having the Murim Alliance’s exclusive distribution rights and the other benefits that will stem from it, it is far from sufficient.”
Finally, the two hands of the Sura Sect Master trembled.
I understand that the owner of the Daecheon Merchant Guild is Taeeulmun.
“Hmm? Who said anything?”
As Wang Geum-san shrugged his shoulders, Ju Yeong-san tried to ignore it and looked at Jin Tae-san.
“Master of the Merchant Guild, think carefully. The Asura Sect will inevitably enter the commercial sector. If that happens, it is only natural that the prosperity of the Daecheon Merchant Guild will diminish. However, if you sell the guild and leave now, we will purchase the iron ore operated by the Taeeul Sect at double the price in the future.”
After contemplating for a long time, Jin Taesan firmly shook his head.
As expected, I have no intention of selling it.
“This frustrating person…….”
Ju Yeong-san scowled and raised his voice.
“Do you still not understand? This matter is not merely the intention of the Shura Sect. I am telling you that it is also connected to the Shaolin Temple’s expansion into Anhui Province. Do you mean to think you are picking a fight with Shaolin right now?”
Shaolin Temple…….
As a shadow fell over Jin Taesan’s face, Wang Geumsan intervened.
“Shaolin Temple? If Shaolin Temple gets involved, then even our Wang clan will become gangsters…”
At that moment, Jin Taesan stood in Wang Geumsan’s way.
However, unable to calm his excitement, Wang Geum-san snorts.
Did I say something I shouldn’t have? No, aren’t those guys being too blatant!
“Master Jang!”
When Jin Taesan blocked him once again, Wang Jang-ju eventually backed down.
Ahem, darn it.
As Wang Geum-san closed his mouth, Ju Yeong-san wore a triumphant expression.
“You have made a good decision. Although the Wang clan’s financial power is formidable, surely they cannot stand against the Shaolin Temple, the towering peak of the martial arts world.……”
I didn’t say I was selling it.
“Huh?”
Jin Taesan rummaged through his pockets and took out a crumpled seal in front of the Sura Sect Master, whose eyes had widened in surprise.
“After Suramun visited, I also looked around here and there. And there is one thing I found out…”
Then, he grins at him.
I heard that the Shaolin Temple said they would distance themselves from this matter.
“What, what?”
Did you happen to check?
“What kind of nonsense is this…….”
Jin Taesan clapped his hands as if he didn’t know.
“Aha! It seems the message hasn’t been conveyed yet. From what I was told, while the Shura Sect’s expansion into commerce is inevitable, the Shaolin Temple will not be intervening.”
“What is that…….”
Jin Taesan hands over the seal as if driving a wedge.
My son accompanied Sobul this time. This is what I heard through them.
At this, the three men of Suramun took turns examining the scroll with their eyes blazing.
Xiaofo, also known as the Laughing Buddha, is an important figure even within the Shaolin Temple.
Not only is it impossible that such a person would talk nonsense, but there is even less reason to drag such a person in and tell a lie.
If you don’t believe it, you are welcome to verify the facts.
At Jin Taesan’s confident attitude, Ju Yeongsan’s gaze calmed down.
Even without the Shaolin Temple, do you think we wouldn’t be able to take down the Great Heaven Merchant Guild?
Then, he glances at Wang Geum-san.
“If the Wang Family Mansion and the Shaolin Temple do not step forward, it will become a showdown between the Shura Sect and the Taeeul Sect, and the Shura Sect is confident that it will not be defeated.”
Wang Geum-san wore a look of disbelief at the remark that subtly linked the Wang family estate and the Shaolin Temple together, but he did not step forward.
Because now was Jin Taesan’s time.
As if responding to that sentiment, Jin Taesan took a step forward.
You seem to be mistaken about something.
Then, in a relaxed voice, he corrects the Suramunju’s words.
To be precise, it would be a battle between the merchant guild formed by the Shura Gate and the Great Heaven Merchant Guild.
“and.”
There was not a trace of hesitation on his face.
“I don’t think I would lose a fight like that.”
“Hahaha!”
Despite the ridicule of Suramun, Jin Taesan was confident.
The reason the Daecheon Merchant Guild was able to grow to this size in such a short period was due to Jin Taesan’s inherent abilities.
In addition, as Wang Geum-san wore a triumphant expression as if agreeing with him, the faces of the people at Suramun slowly began to harden.
Without the help of the Shaolin Temple, it would not be an easy task to deal with the Great Heavenly Merchant Guild, which is already established in the Anhui region.
Ju Yeong-san gritted his teeth.
“It is truly pleasing to see you so confident. But do you know this? Merchants in the Jianghu can never escape the logic of power.”
“I heard that the Taeeulmun is still sealed off. Is that correct?”
That is correct.
Ju Yeong-san snorted and spat out coldly.
It does not make sense to run a merchant guild while maintaining a sealed gate.
This means that it deserves to be condemned.
bang-!
Wang Geum-san, who had been listening quietly, slammed his fist on the table, filled with anger.
“I’ve had enough of this interest!”
However, Ju Yeong-san only glared intently at Jin Tae-san.
“We are fully willing to mobilize military force to compensate for our lack of financial power. Therefore, Taeeulmun would do well to open its doors and make preparations.”
Enraged by the blatant threat, Wang Geum-san trembled violently.
Ju Yeong-san, who was looking at this, added.
“I would like to say a word to Master Wang as well. If the Wang clan steps forward, the Shaolin Temple will surely follow. Therefore, do not meddle rashly in the affairs of the Jianghu.”
With these words, the three men stood up from their seats at once.
This was enough justification.
For now, the priority was to verify whether the Shaolin Temple’s opinion was true.
As the three men opened the door wide to leave the office without even saying goodbye.
A white-haired man and a middle-aged woman were standing idly in front of the door.
The three people tried to get outside to avoid them, but.
Swoosh
-Swoosh.
A white-haired man walked and blocked the path of the three people.
“What the…!”
Repeated obstruction of the path several times even after that.
There was no way any pleasant words could come out of Ju Yeong-san’s mouth, as he was already in a bad mood because of Wang Geum-san.
“What on earth are you guys doing!”
He raised his internal energy, even thinking that if anyone was picking a fight for no reason, he would knock them down with a single blow.
however.
Hmm.
The white-haired man introduced himself with an extremely relaxed expression.
“I am a guest of the Daecheon Merchant Guild. You sons of bitches.”
The most plain and rude self-introduction in the world.
