Chapter: 490
‘What’s going on?’
The atmosphere feels a bit ominous.
It’s already surprising that a god suddenly appeared at Baekhwasangdan. What’s with this mood?
‘Why is that guy staring at me again?’
Cheol Ji-seon’s gaze towards Shin-ui was also strange. He was glaring with full hostility.
What’s up with that kid?
In this bizarre situation, surprisingly, it was Shin-ui who moved first.
Shin-ui briefly exchanged looks with Cheol Ji-seon before cautiously opening his mouth.
“How have you been? It’s been a while….”
“…”
Even with Shin-ui’s greeting, Cheol Ji-seon just frowned, crumpling his expression without offering a proper response.
Watching that, I internally swallowed my surprise.
‘Do they know each other?’
Shin-ui and Cheol Ji-seon looked like they were familiar with each other. What’s more, that ‘god’ even greeted first?
‘…Now that I think about it.’
I shifted my gaze to Jegal Hyuk next to Shin-ui. Come to think of it, Cheol Ji-seon’s real name was also Jegal.
So, does that mean that Shin-ui, Jegal Hyuk’s grandfather, also shares the Jegal name?
‘So there’s a connection?’
If that’s the case, that makes sense. But why is Cheol Ji-seon showing so much hostility?
After hearing Shin-ui’s greeting, Cheol Ji-seon crinkled his lips a few times in frown, dodged Shin-ui’s gaze, and muttered,
“…I think you have the wrong person.”
“…”
Saying that with a face of recognition left it utterly unconvincing.
Yet, the reason the folks here weren’t making a fuss about it is…
‘Look at that expression.’
Cheol Ji-seon was trembling, pleading with his eyes not to ask any questions.
Perhaps because of that, our group just exchanged glances without voicing anything.
Was that line the cause of the tension?
“…Okay. I’m sorry.”
Shin-ui observed Cheol Ji-seon’s reaction, then started moving forward, leading Jegal Hyuk.
The followers around promptly bowed, but Shin-ui just trotted past, ignoring everyone’s greetings.
‘Oh dear.’
This situation isn’t looking good.
As the vessel reshaped itself, I thought to ask Shin-ui what was going on.
It’s good that we ran into each other, but it certainly doesn’t seem like the right time for it.
Just after watching Shin-ui head away, the atmosphere remained awkwardly subdued, prompting me to speak up to my group.
“I’ll go up first and come back. Just wait ‘quietly’ on the first floor.”
After saying that, I headed inside.
The intention behind telling them to wait quietly was to imply they should just sit still and not ask unnecessary questions.
Since all the clever kids are around, they would’ve figured it out.
If things go south, I’m sure Mo Yong-hee will give a warning, so I decided to take care of business first.
There are various armed groups commonly found in the Central Plains.
Generally, you can divide them into two categories: clans and sects.
The clans are those that inherit their family martial arts solely through blood kinship.
Sects are formed by like-minded individuals gathering together to pursue their shared beliefs, even without blood relations.
While their goals may differ, the intent to advance through martial arts remains the same.
Within the territories they occupy, they protect civilians from monstrous threats while continuously practicing their skills.
This is the most fundamental responsibility, regardless of whether one belongs to a clan or sect.
It’s also the reason why prestigious families, known as the Gupaebang or Sadaesega, can maintain their affluent lifestyles.
Because they provide protection based on strong martial power.
Whether from monsters or villains.
And, there are those who maintain a symbiotic relationship with them – namely, the upper class supporting the martial groups.
If strength is viewed as power for those without martial ability, there also exist individuals who see money as a form of power.
These individuals seek to use their wealth for protection.
They provide support to clans or sects in exchange for their protection, and when necessary, may request escorts as well.
Indeed, it is not unusual for descendants of the Four Great Families to be dispatched as escorts to the upper class, supported by their own martial warriors.
They too acknowledge that to enjoy the abundance they currently have, they must keep good terms with the wealthy.
‘Now, this tale isn’t relevant to the Tang Clan or the Murong Clan.’
Even if we were to exclude the Mo Yong-se family, who directly run the upper tiers, or the Tang Clan, which has amassed wealth selling excellent weapons…
Historically, the Guga family may have been lesser known, but their relationship with the affluent merchants in Shanxi granting sponsorship is evident.
Of course…
‘My family is particularly infamous for receiving a pittance in sponsorship…’
This was my father’s philosophy.
Protecting the mountains is a must, so he stated one only needs enough money to survive.
[You have strong convictions. I admire that.]
Shin Noya seems to understand and resonate with that.
‘But does that even make sense?’
I could never wrap my head around it.
In other neighborhoods, there are many families and sects to fill in for one another.
Shanxi was a place uniquely occupied by the Gu Clan. It is absurd to hear that, despite the lack of alternatives, they only accept enough money to survive.
‘What a waste!’
From the perspective that someone else’s wealth is my wealth and my wealth is my own, this seems utterly tragic.
[… The chief of the family definitely failed in raising his son.]
‘Well, it’s fine since I grew up without any proper education anyway.’
[How can that possibly be called fine?]
Shin Noya exclaimed in disbelief, but I couldn’t hear him.
Regardless.
I comprehend that I’m following my father’s will, and the will of my ancestors, living this way.
From my father’s generation onwards, our family has lived more comfortably than our ancestors did.
What’s the reason for this?
‘It’s because of here.’
It’s due to my father marrying someone from an exceptionally high standing.
If there are Gupaebang and Sadaesega in the Central Plains, there were culs of honored merchants among the many associations.
This is referred to as the Samsangdan or Top Three Merchants of the Central Plains.
It signifies the three establishments with ludicrous wealth.
The very place I stand in now is one of those peaks.
Baekhwasangdan.
This is where Mrs. Mi is at the helm.
Unofficially, it claims to be the richest place in the Central Plains.
It’s also the reason why the Gu Clan can scrape by with what little they have.
I knew it was thanks to Mrs. Mi being here.
But…
“Oh dear…!! It’s an honor to serve you, noble young master!”
This kind of treatment is rather hard to endure…
On the top floor of the Baekhwasangdan branch in Sichuan.
In what seems to be the branch manager’s room, I was receiving the utmost flattery.
A shiny head devoid of hair, a large man in his early forties, greeted me with limp hand gestures incongruent to his stature.
Ruffle ruffle ruffle!
He was rubbing his hands so quickly that the sound echoed throughout the entire room.
“I had heard you came to Sichuan but should have visited you first… For that, I sincerely apologize…!”
“…Yes…”
This was my first time experiencing such a sensation, leaving me decidedly flustered.
I simply announced my name upon arrival, and suddenly, the manager rushed down like a maniac to personally welcome me.
More than likely, it’s because of Mrs. Mi.
That gave me a hazy understanding of how significant her position was.
‘This room is enormous.’
Despite its somewhat shabby appearance, the atmosphere within radiated the value of the upper echelon.
Every corner was adorned with pieces that exuded expensive elegance.
Moreover.
‘Even outside the room…’
The presence of unmanned personnel encircling this chamber was also of considerable prowess.
Two top-tier elites and just about three other peaks?
‘These are formidable individuals to be placed as guards for a mere branch manager.’
Even for just reaching the peak, one would need to shell out a fair sum.
I couldn’t even begin to fathom how much one would have to pay to draw in those at such elite levels.
To say they carry pride as martial artists, their worth must be immense.
‘Even though this chap seems shabby, he’s no ordinary person.’
Reflecting on that made it seem a tad different.
“I am Dongbu, the Sichuan branch manager. It’s an honor to meet you, my lord.”
“…Yes, nice to meet you.”
“Oh dear! Please don’t belittle yourself! How could someone as lowly as I ever… Haha.”
“It’s alright… It feels a bit too formal.”
“Oh my! You even have manners… The future of the Gu Clan is surely brilliant!”
No, I’m just feeling too uneasy to continue speaking.
Isn’t it a bit too much to regard yourself as ‘lowly’ when you’re the branch manager?
‘I feel like I might go insane.’
As is the norm, I loathed engaging in long conversations with such merchants.
Individuals skilled at this talent were all too adept at sucking the life force out of people.
Fearing the mood would shift further, I dove into the core matter.
“I came today to discuss selling some items.”
“Oh, of course! Please, do tell! Anything for the best price…”
Thud thud thud!
“Eh?”
As the branch manager spoke, I dumped all my night liquor onto the floor.
Several captivating pearls, illuminating with charm, rolled on the ground, causing the branch manager’s face to stiffen as if turned to stone.
He even rubbed his eyes as though arriving at a bizarre realization.
Finding the manager in such a state, I awkwardly smiled and mentioned,
“Can you buy them all?”
“…Ah…? Uh…?”
Worry rose seeing the branch manager’s bewildered expression, but fortunately, the deal proceeded smoothly.
I’m truly relieved.
If I had let a trifling jest slip, the Sichuan branch would’ve gone up in flames.
Rather than attempting to haggle, he seemed keen on adding more to the purchase.
As time passed and tensions settled a bit.
“As soon as we confirm they’re genuine, we will issue a receipt.”
The branch manager explained, beaming at his shiny scalp.
Perhaps it was the sudden surge of situations? The man who had previously been fervently rubbing his hands vanished.
A slightly more assertive merchant took a seat instead.
They were undoubtedly the same person, yet his demeanor shifted dramatically.
Was he so taken aback that he could hardly put on a façade?
Fair enough.
‘I brought dozens of items that would terrify even the boldest with just one.’
In this current era, acquiring night liquor is no easy feat.
With such items in hand, it’s only natural to be shocked.
“Initially, given the item’s nature… even if you are the master, I must verify its authenticity, despite any inconvenience…”
“Take your time, it’s fine.”
“Thank you for your understanding. Also…”
“Yes?”
The branch manager spoke with a touch of awkwardness.
“If all the night liquors are genuine… paying the full price at once could pose challenges for our branch…”
“Then, let’s draft a promissory note. I don’t need the money right now.”
My aim was to buffer my finances for smoother transactions later on.
I didn’t require hefty sums immediately.
Considering there’s no safe place to stash what I received, that was also a dilemma.
‘By the way.’
Is this an amount that Baekhwasangdan can’t manage to pay all at once?
Then at least, it seems I won’t have to sweat over money for a while.
‘I still need to consider how to deal with the eternal iron later.’
A long-awaited season that would arrive when I clear the financial mess in a few years.
I intended to use it for crafting a weapon rather than selling it outright.
There was a craftsman I had in mind for that.
“I truly appreciate your understanding, Your Majesty…!”
Perhaps because the discussion flowed smoothly, the branch manager, who regained his composure, started rubbing his palms together again.
I held back a wince at that sight and inquired about the question that plagued my thoughts.
“Branch Manager.”
“Yes?”
“This is a personal curiosity I have.”
“Your Majesty! Please feel free to ask anything! I’ll share all I know and don’t know…”
“What were you seeking here, when Shin-ui was visiting?”
“…”
Mentioning Shin-ui made the branch manager’s expression harden once more.
“…H-how could you…?”
Was this a matter that had to be kept under wraps?
“I bumped into that elder on my way over. I have a connection with him.”
I don’t know if Shin-ui would consider it that way, but at least that’s how I perceived it.
As I spoke, the branch manager suddenly broke into a cold sweat.
He seemed to be genuinely rattled.
“Haha… my lord, this is a matter of trust with the customer, and I think discussing it would be…”
“I figured as much?”
“Yes, ha ha ha! Indeed, Your Majesty, your understanding is commendable. Perhaps you could overlook this?”
“Certainly.”
I could empathize with the branch manager’s predicament. Building trust with clients is pivotal.
It’s the most vital virtue for any merchant to uphold.
Though…
Drip.
I slyly pulled the night liquor closer with my fingers.
As the night liquor rolled, the branch manager’s gaze followed it.
“Then how do you see the trust issue between us?”
“…My lord?”
“If you end up trading all this night liquor with me… my ‘mother’ would be delighted.”
It feels as though scales have sprouted on my tongue while I spoke.
I’ve never once referred to Mrs. Mi using such a word.
It was a term I forced out to exert some influence, but thankfully, it seemed to resonate greatly with the branch manager.
I could tell from the beading sweat on his forehead.
“Haha… my lord… that…”
“Just throw it out there as if it’s a thought. Then I’d be inclined to send a letter of commendation about you to Mrs. Mi.”
“…!”
“I’m referencing your ‘mother’.”
I’ll even pen a letter to Mrs. Mi that involves commendation for the branch manager.
Upon hearing this, I could see the branch manager’s eyes tremble tremendously.
“But… if the branch manager insists on remaining silent…”
I held up the night liquor.
The moving night liquor also directed the branch manager’s line of sight.
At the same time, I surrounded the room with an air of tension.
So that the inner sounds remain contained within.
“I feel like I might want to sell this night liquor at another branch. Isn’t that peculiar? Why would I think that… I’m not so sure either.”
As I grinned while speaking, the branch manager’s lips started to quiver.
He stood at a crossroads of decision.
Trust with the customer? Or potentials ahead in the future.
That’s likely what occupied his thoughts.
‘Nice.’
The merchant’s intent to uphold trust was admirable. Had it been a typical circumstance, I might’ve aimed to sell goods to such a merchant.
I preferred working with someone who was somewhat narrow-minded and selfish over a merchant who puts customer trust above all.
Those individuals are easier to manipulate when wielding power.
“That… um…”
The branch manager remained unsteady.
Noticing his hesitance, I carefully stood up.
If he declines, it’s not a major issue.
I could discover the reason why Shin-ui came here through other means.
After contemplating that far, I reached for the night liquor again.
The branch manager, seeing this, shouted urgently.
“Hey! Out of the blue, God says he needs a white horse stone! What’s that all about?”
“…”
“This is… even if you know…and still do not know! Where in the world can you procure such an item?! Hahaha!”
The branch manager yelled, drenched in cold sweat.
Observing him, I returned to my earlier seated position.
I then rolled the night liquor from my stash back towards him.
“You work diligently and passionately. You’d be someone my mother would appreciate.”
“Ah… no! Haha… I’m merely fulfilling my duties here.”
That responsibility he referred to seemed like something he easily relinquished, but I chose to overlook that.
As I pondered this, the voice of Shin Noya echoed in my ear.
[You must absolutely avoid the dark paths.]
‘Why’s that?’
[If you fall for it, you’ll definitely be the one to ruin everything. If only I had a body…! I would’ve dealt with that villain myself…!]
‘What are you going on about? We’re on the same team here, Noya.’
[What kind of talk is that for a Taoist indulging in meat? What kind of allegiance do we share?]
What’s that supposed to mean?
‘Anyway, isn’t Hwasanpa a place where eating meat is allowed?’
Even the likes of Woohyuk, a non-meat eater, munched on meat.
They even say that the monk from Shaolin dined on meat.
Surely, a Taoist could go ahead and indulge as well.
Plus, you were once the “descendant” needing to carry on my will, shouting all that jazz, and then here you are betraying me.
This is just too absurd.
I shrugged off the meowing annoyance and smiled at the branch manager.
“I will relay my findings to Mother. We shall meet often.”
“Thank you! Your highness…!!”
Scrape scrape scrape.
Listening to the branch manager’s frantically rubbing palms again, I ventured another thought.
‘The white horse stone…’
It’s been mentioned that Shin-ui visited Baekhwasangdan to seek out a White Horse Stone.
I’m not entirely sure why the god would be searching for something like that.
‘How curious.’
Yet, the series of events seem to neatly align.
The White Horse Stone is a treasure that has become profoundly rare after the extinction of the white-grade monsters.
Despite how much money you possess, it’s an unbeatable item.
And as fate would have it, I just so happen to own one.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.