Chapter 735
If we were to pick the most important thing in the current Central Plains, the first thing that would come to mind would definitely be ‘strength.’
Since the world is comprised of warriors who worship power, there is nothing more important than martial force.
However, if you were to ask if there’s nothing more vital than strength, that wouldn’t be accurate either.
While the martial artists do worship power, they’re still human.
Currently, if we consider what’s essential for human survival, aside from strength, it’s…
drumroll
‘MONEY!’
Yes, it’s money.
If a warrior is ultimately human, they need money to survive.
Even if you pursue lofty realms and enlightenment for a hundred days, you won’t generate any income.
This means that money is necessary for basic living—even for eating, using the restroom, and changing clothes.
Strangely, if you think about it, it’s a weird situation.
raises an eyebrow
‘Where on earth does the money come from for those people who practice every day?’
Be it a prestigious family or a renowned sect, in reality, they exist solely for the purpose of fighting, yet they seem to have money in abundance.
Of course, some prominent families directly engage in commerce, like the Mo Yong-se clan of Yeolyeong and the Tang Clan Hall of Sacheon.
But not every family operates like that.
This indicates that far more places don’t possess a merchant establishment or an inn.
So, why is that?
How can so many families and sects persist?
This is also the reason why the Murim Alliance functions as it does today.
clears throat
‘It’s sponsorship!’
Real merchants have spread throughout the Central Plains.
They’re funneling huge amounts of cash to these warriors from what’s commonly called the upper chamber.
The clothes they wear. The swords they wield.
The food they consume.
Most who don’t earn money themselves live off funds donated by these upper-class merchants.
And the Murim Alliance operates similarly.
One of the most recognized merchant factions in the Central Plains, along with dozens of others, sends support to the alliance. Thanks to this, many clans, including the Murim Alliance, lead lavish lives.
But why do they do that?
What, for heaven’s sake, do they gain by showering warriors with so much money?
The answer was simpler than you might think.
dramatic music
‘It must be to secure allies.’
This realm is one where dangers lurk, and magic gates can explode at any moment.
If they are warriors, they might be able to fend for themselves, but what’s a regular person to do?
Naturally, they have to rely on those warriors. To this end, merchants forge unofficial agreements with warriors under the pretext of sponsorship.
It’s also a clever tactic for protection when things go sideways, as well as to foster a sense of belonging.
friendship bracelets for everyone!
“Look, that warrior receives our sponsorship.”
Thus, he’s one of us.
They can also choose to intimidate hostile forces or rival merchants, and as the reputation of the warrior grows, it only helps the faction at hand.
For instance, in Shaanxi, the Yeokseon Sangdan has supported the Hwasan Sect for generations, and when they were endangered by the Sapa Alliance, none other than Maehwaseon intervened directly to obliterate the threat.
So, the act of merchants sponsoring warriors carries multiple meanings, akin to a mutually advantageous arrangement.
Warriors receive funding.
Merchants gain advertising effects and provide a safety net.
In this context—
”I can’t believe this old man would come looking for me!”
I couldn’t help but think a number of things as I looked at the man in front of me, who had just turned forty.
“Is this our first encounter face-to-face like this?”
From my past life to this one, it was indeed my first direct meeting with someone who was still quite a known figure.
Unofficially, the wealthiest merchant in the Central Plains.
The master of the Jangwon Sangdan, Jang Yu-myeong.
He stood as a middle-aged man with a kind expression and the aura of a nice guy.
And he was none other than…
cue mystical sound
“The patron of the Divine Sword…”
In my previous life, he had managed to fend off the Heavenly Demon and had risen to become known as the number one in the world with the Divine Sword.
He was the head of the faction that supported Wi Seol-ah.
Moreover, during the Jeongma War, he supplied warriors with weapons free of charge while also providing food and disaster relief—truly a philanthropist.
In society, it’s often said that without the backing of the Jangwon Sangdan, the Divine Sword wouldn’t have made it that far.
nods in agreement
That’s right.
I also recognized this as a fact.
“Because the Divine Sword wasn’t independent.”
Though she was engaged to the Jang clan, her roots were simply as a descendant and granddaughter of the sword lord. To operate seamlessly, she needed a sponsor of sorts.
And that role was completely filled by the Jangwon Sangdan.
In a way, this was quite natural.
“Isn’t it obvious that the Jangwon Sangdan is tied to the Jang clan?”
Given Jang Yu-myeong’s surname alone, it’s clear.
Though that surname is fairly common, it’s no coincidence.
“The Jangwon Sangdan stems from the Jang clan.”
I heard that it was a collateral branch, yet it genuinely shares the same roots.
I don’t know just how deep those ties run, but that was what I had concluded as the reason for their support of the Divine Sword…
smirking
“Now, he has come to find me.”
What on earth could this mean?
I casually eyed Mo Yong-hee and then turned back to Jang Yu-myeong, asking, “It’s quite the honor to meet the esteemed master of the Jangwon Sangdan.”
“Haha. What esteemed honor? I’m just an ordinary merchant.”
Hearing that made me chuckle.
The man was far too significant to merely be called ‘ordinary.’
The richest man in the Central Plains.
The very presence that emanated from him held great power, even if he weren’t a warrior.
“Instead, it’s a privilege for me to meet the Grand Master. Aren’t you the most famous person in the Central Plains right now?”
“I’m quite embarrassed by your flattery. Please, have a seat… Oh, I only have plum tea for you… is that alright?”
“I eat everything well.”
Before Jang Yu-myeong could say more, Mo Yong-hee was already brewing tea.
Before long, a small kettle and teacups appeared.
Jang Yu-myeong cautiously took a sip of the plum tea.
“This… seems to be tea from Shaanxi…”
“Indeed. It was a gift from the head of the Hwasan Sect.”
To clarify, I had brought it back while engaging in some shenanigans at Amipa.
slurps tea
I was consuming it to clear out all the toxins from my system.
“The tea tastes good!”
peaceful sipping noises
After a moment of quiet drinking…
I set my cup down and turned back to Jang Yu-myeong.
“So, why have you come to find me?”
Just why did that gentleman seek me out?
Not to mention—
“To say it quite directly.”
He didn’t even send a servant, coming here himself—it was quite baffling.
“Ha ha ha… you seem really surprised.”
“Yes, I’ve been surprised like never before lately.”
How could I not be when an unexpected character shows up right in front of me?
“The reason I came is… as you might guess, it’s because I want to sponsor the old Daehyeop from the Jangwon Sangdan.”
Oh.
Surprised, I blinked at the immediate turn to the main topic.
He could have beaten around the bush a bit, but he plowed right in.
“You want to support me?”
With that revelation, I feigned surprise.
“Yes. I asked the branch manager for a bit of a favor, and he kindly arranged this meeting.”
I glanced at Mo Yong-hee.
She merely closed her eyes, sitting quietly as if she heard nothing.
thinking intensely
“Look at this.”
It would be unlikely that Mo Yong-hee had arranged this meeting just because, given there had to be some exchange involved.
This meant that Jang Yu-myeong had exerted considerable effort to meet me.
With that thought in mind, I asked, “First of all, I’d like to know why you came to see me so suddenly.”
“Oh dear… what did I see? Of course, merchants see only potential.”
“Potential?”
“Yes. Just like those gathered outside, I see potential in the old Daehyeop and want to invest in it. Hence, I resorted to using foul play.”
pause for dramatic effect
Foul play! Meaning he had come through Mo Yong-hee, unlike those outside.
“… Hmm.”
I stared outside, contemplating Jang Yu-myeong’s words.
I still sensed the crowd lingering beyond the residence.
An unnecessarily vivid aura was capturing each and every one of them.
“Everything you showcased at the martial arts competition yesterday left a lasting impression. I couldn’t just sit back and not act on it.”
“Did you see it, Master?”
“Of course. For a mere ordinary person like me, it was too fast to catch most of it, but later my escort informed me and I was able to understand it a bit better.”
I ruminated on that information carefully.
confused
“Wait, Jang Yu-myeong wasn’t present during the event?”
There was a designated area among the audience seats set for higher-ups.
In that section, the deputy head and other heads would be seated.
realization hits
“It must be a different person entirely.”
Those who were seated there had already been identified by face.
Naturally, Jangwon Sangdan’s personnel would have been among them, and I identified him as the deputy head of their faction.
Additionally—
‘His escort.’
In what he’d said, I realized there was something peculiar mixed in.
‘It must refer to the martial artist.’
Jang Yu-myeong’s escort, more precisely referring to the warrior currently standing outside.
Even though they concealed their presence, I had already felt it from the moment Jang Yu-myeong entered.
‘The realm is… roughly Hwagyeong level?’
I couldn’t ascertain precisely, but judging from an overview, it seemed to be at the lower ranks of the top hundred masters.
It’s astonishing.
It’s remarkable that the one they stationed as an escort is a Hwagyeong-level martial artist! That alone was something to ponder, yet I found myself more absorbed in Jang Yu-myeong’s words.
“You mentioned it to me. Does this imply I should be aware of it? Or is there something else afoot?”
There’s an escort around.
The mere mention of it was quite the strategic move.
Was it a test to see if I knew already?
Or perhaps a tactic to gain my favor?
If it’s the latter, it certainly seemed to be a decent approach.
nods appreciatively
In fact, my goodwill had increased slightly.
“You were clearly absent from the martial arts stage. Where were you watching from?”
“Thus, I return the favor, so to speak.”
“…!”
At my words, Jang Yu-myeong’s eyes widened.
It appeared he grasped my meaning at once.
I know the information about the top merchants who were present, and I also recognize you weren’t there.
I was subtly hinting that I possessed some information.
And simultaneously, Jang Yu-myeong would also understand that I intentionally leaked this.
“Ha ha… You’re quite perceptive.”
“Out of curiosity, may I ask where you were watching from?”
Despite the serious conversation ensued, Jang Yu-myeong kept his smile intact as he provided an answer.
“I was seated in the common seating area with an acquaintance.”
“…Common seating?”
If he was referring to ‘common seating’…
Could it possibly mean those tight seats available only on a first-come, first-served basis?
Common seating was the lower tier designated for the audience.
“Why would that gentleman be present in such a place?”
Naturally, Jang Yu-myeong, fulfilling my curiosity, responded promptly as if he had anticipated the question.
“There was no particular reason. I simply wanted to gauge the genuine reactions of those around.”
raises an eyebrow
“To see their reactions?”
I found myself pondering what that could mean…
“Right after the martial arts competition, I was supposed to discuss sponsorship with the Shaolin faction.”
smirks
“Hmm.”
That led to an interesting thought.
By mentioning that he was planning to talk but is currently here implies they didn’t go through with it.
“Are you suggesting that you wish to postpone your discussions with Shaolin to sponsor me?”
“Exactly. From the outset, that was my overarching aim.”
What on earth does he foresee in me?
I refrained from asking about the bothersome details.
I might not know what tomorrow holds, but today, I possessed immense value, and I wasn’t dense enough to remain oblivious to that.
pondering
‘Is it sponsorship…?’
I’m already receiving support from the Baekhwasangdan.
The fact that he speaks so brazenly despite knowing this means he has a ton of confidence.
Or is it that he’s merely testing the waters?
Nothing feels set in stone.
But anyhow, my reply was already predetermined.
drifting into determination
“I refuse.”
Whatever the case, the conclusion to this story would be rejection.
I had no need for a connection with the Jangwon Sangdan in my plans, so I wanted to steer clear.
Contemplating this, I began to formulate my answer.
“However—”
Before I could respond, Jang Yu-myeong spoke up again.
“I believe discussing this with you further might not be feasible at the moment.”
eyebrow arching
“Excuse me?”
While I gawked, Jang Yu-myeong began to rise from his seat while speaking, leaving me momentarily dazed.
I hadn’t even rejected him yet—what was going on?
Why was this man being so peculiar all of a sudden?
“Having talked with you now, I feel the terms you laid out might be somewhat lacking. I intend to organize them a bit and return within a few days.”
“Are you saying you’ll come back…?”
…Implying that he wishes to return after formalizing the terms?
“If we continue our conversation right now… I believe we won’t yield the results I desire.”
Well, isn’t this curious?
I began to wonder whether he had anticipated my denial.
But—
“Even if you do come back, I doubt my response will change at that time.”
“Haha… That could very well be.”
Jang Yu-myeong chuckled at my retort, visibly amused.
“Still, isn’t it a merchant’s heart to acquire what they desire?”
He then pulled something from his pocket and slid it onto the table.
curious eyes
“This is the sponsorship proposal I was going to bring to the old Daehyeop. Please read it and, if possible, commit it to memory.”
It was a neatly folded letter.
In terms of content, it was just a tad over three sheets long.
“Next time we meet, I shall come with conditions that are ‘much’ better. Thank you for your time! I shall refrain from escorting you since I know you must be busy.”
Before I could even grasp the letter, Jang Yu-myeong had bowed deeply, calmly walked out of the room, and vanished.
slightly dazed
I hadn’t planned to send him off, but—
“Hmm.”
I exhaled a sigh while watching his retreating figure.
It’s not easy.
shaking head
It really isn’t easy.
“I’m never going to relinquish the initiative!”
In that brief exchange, it was absolutely Jang Yu-myeong who was in charge.
He appeared considerate and accommodating, yet he managed to take what he needed.
A truly skillful and experienced approach.
“No wonder I avoid conversing with canny merchants for prolonged periods.”
strategizing
“What should I do now?”
First off, I need to report to Lady Mi that Jang Yu-myeong had been here.
thinking out loud
“There’s a high probability that Lady Mi is already aware of the visit.”
Still, I ought to do my duty.
digging into my thoughts
Swish.
I picked up the letter that Jang Yu-myeong had left behind and turned to Mo Yong-hee.
“What were the conditions?”
Hearing my query, Mo Yong-hee opened her previously shut eyes.
There’s no need to explain my question; she would already know.
“…The exclusive trading rights to the handcrafted jewels from Guangdong Binjia.”
as expected
Just as I thought, Mo Yong-hee promptly answered.
This was what I received in return for introducing Jang Yu-myeong.
This was what she provided as her answer when I asked about what she received.
“Guangdongbin Mask Road… Is that a place that produces decorative items?”
It’s awkwardly vague to classify it strictly as a martial clan, but I’ve heard it described as a family of craftsmen.
intrigued
Its hallmark is that it produces inexplicably beautiful jewels.
“Yes. It was exactly what suited the business we were preparing… and the Jangwon Sangdan held the transaction rights to that location.”
“Yet… you mentioned they passed it on?”
“Yes.”
in disbelief
He transferred his exclusive trading rights, compromising in order to arrange our meeting.
The absurdity of that statement nearly brought forth a laugh.
“That’s quite a deal!”
If that were true, it would be well worth it. Had I been in the opposite position, I’d surely have been willing to sell out Mo Yong-hee.
“…I apologize.”
Even while being aware of this, Mo Yong-hee offered me an apology. I waved my hand with a smirk.
“It’s alright. You must not have acted independently. If it’s useful, then embrace it. Oh, does Lady Mi know about this too?”
“Yes. The branch manager is aware as well.”
planning ahead
“Then I should ask her about it later.”
I resolved to inquire about further details from Lady Mi and began to glance at the letter I held.
What on earth could be the conditions that drove him to write it all down so?
“…Huh?”
As I examined it line by line, my expression steadily morphed into confusion.
“…What is this?”
“Why are you reacting like that, Sir?”
Sincerely surprised, Mo Yong-hee approached to join me in examining the letter.
And after a while.
“What the…?”
Mo Yong-hee echoed my astonished response.
“Is this guy in his right mind?”
There was no other way to interpret it.
Because the contents within the letter were utterly absurd.
– The Jangwon Sangdan contributes a portion of the transaction profits earned by Sanseo-gu to Gu Yangcheon.
– In the case of Sanseo-gu, Gu Yangcheon receives treatment equivalent to that of branch managers at the inns and major branches operated by Jangwon Sangdan.
– All leisure and extravagance expenditures incurred by Gu Yangcheon while operating as a martial artist in the Central Plains henceforth will be covered by Jangwon Sangdan.
– The Jangwon Sangdan sponsors Muyeongdan or a comparable elite martial arts faction for Gu Yangcheon every three months.
…And so forth.
Additional preposterous conditions filled three pages, and at the end, the stamp resembling the seal of the upper class stood prominent.
“Is he out of his mind?”
These were the first words Mo Yong-hee uttered after finishing the letter in its entirety.
She stared blankly at the letter, unable to comprehend it.
“The sum isn’t even specified… just a portion of the transaction profit… and branch manager-level treatment? What in the world is a Muyeongdan doing here?”
Muyeongdan is a fine martial faction, probably not at the level of Jasodan or Daehwandan, but certainly within valuable tiers.
“If they want it, they could likely obtain it, but… it’s incredibly pricey.”
During my calculations, it stood to be the most expensive martial arts practice attainable for money.
“How could they even specify a portion?”
Without clearly defining the amount, gauging how much that infers is exceedingly difficult, but estimating the revenue amassed by the upper class suggests that…
shady calculations on the pencil board
‘Just a modicum of change from what they earn…’
It seems it could almost be exaggerated to suggest it lines up with a year’s annual budget for one of the clan families.
Even accomplishing a single aspect of that would be considered insane. Yet how many of such requests were there?
What on earth was going on here?
As I contemplated the letter with a blank stare…
“It’s apparent he’s lost his wits. There’s no way he could….”
Mo Yong-hee expressed her disbelief sharply.
I couldn’t hold back and had to say something.
“…Hey.”
“Yes?”
“Watch your mouth. Don’t speak carelessly about our master. No matter how much you find fault with him, I won’t forgive you.”
“…?”
Upon hearing my words, Mo Yong-hee’s expression twisted.
It was the most disgusted face I had witnessed from her in years.
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