---

Chapter 490 – Need Something?

‘What the heck?’

The atmosphere feels off.

I was already startled by Shin Yi’s sudden appearance at the Baekhwa Sect. What’s with this vibe?

‘Why is that guy giving me the death stare again?’

Cheol Jiseon’s gaze towards Shin Yi was also strange.

He was glaring at him with palpable hostility.

What’s his deal?

Surprisingly, it was Shin Yi who made the first move in this bizarre situation.

After briefly locking eyes with Cheol Jiseon, Shin Yi cautiously opened his mouth.

“How have you been? It’s been a while….”

“….”

Even with Shin Yi’s greeting, Cheol Jiseon just frowned, crumpling his expression without giving any real response.

I swallowed my surprise inside.

‘Are they acquainted?’

Shin Yi and Cheol Jiseon seemed to know each other.

Let alone that Shin Yi was the one to greet first!

‘… Come to think of it.’

I shifted my gaze to Jiegal Hyeok, who was next to Shin Yi. Now that I thought about it, Cheol Jiseon’s real name was also Jiegal.

So, does that mean Jiegal Hyeok’s grandfather, Shin Yi, also has the surname Jiegal?

‘So there is a connection.’

That made sense, but I still couldn’t figure out why Cheol Jiseon was radiating such hostility.

After hearing Shin Yi’s greeting, Cheol Jiseon crinkled his brow, bit his lips a few times, and then, avoiding Shin Yi’s gaze, spat out some words.

“… I think you’re mistaking the person.”

“…”

With an expression that clearly showed he recognized who Shin Yi was, his claim held no credibility.

Despite that, the people present didn’t seem to pick up on that.

‘Look at his face.’

Cheol Jiseon was desperately pleading with his eyes not to ask any further questions.

Perhaps that was why his group merely sent glances but didn’t say anything.

Was Cheol Jiseon’s response the problem?

“… Alright then. I’m sorry.”

Seeing Cheol Jiseon’s reaction, Shin Yi turned to Jiegal Hyeok and moved on.

The late-stage talents nearby hurried to display their greetings, but Shin Yi walked by silently without responding to anyone.

‘This is bad.’

The situation wasn’t great.

As the atmosphere fell apart, I wanted to ask Shin Yi what was going on, but it seemed like now wasn’t the right timing for that.

Just as I watched Shin Yi leave.

In the thick of the strangely subdued atmosphere, I addressed my group.

“I’ll be heading up for now, so just wait quietly on the first floor.”

With that, I headed inside the upper house first.

My intention behind telling them to wait quietly was to mean ‘don’t ask unnecessary questions and just stay put.’

With only smart folks around, they probably figured it out on their own.

If anything went wrong, Moyong Hi-ah would give a warning, so I decided to go take care of business first.

There are many martial groups commonly found in the Central Plains.

In broad terms, they can be divided into clans and sects.

Families that pass down their martial arts based solely on hereditary lineage.

And sects formed by individuals with similar beliefs, regardless of bloodlines, pursuing their convictions together.

Though the paths they pursue may differ, what they share is the desire to advance through martial prowess.

Rooted in their regions, they protect civilians from demon beasts.

Continuously honing their martial arts.

This has become the most fundamental thing for those living as righteous martial artists today, regardless of clan or sect.

The reason that renowned families like the Gu Paibang or the Four Great Clans can maintain affluent lives is that they protect their regions based on their strong martial power.

Whether from demon beasts or evil folks, that is.

And.

There are those who share a symbiotic relationship with these groups—those who sponsor martial artist factions.

If the strength of martial artists is seen as their martial prowess.

There are also those who view money as power.

They use that money to protect themselves.

By sponsoring clans or sects, they request protection.

If there’s work, they may also ask for guards.

In reality, it’s not unusual for martial artists of the Four Great Clans to be dispatched as guards from a sponsoring faction.

They also understand that to maintain a wealthy lifestyle, they must uphold good relations with those factions.

‘Now, this probably doesn’t concern the Tang Clan or Moyong Family.’

Even though the Moyong Clan, which operates the sponsoring faction, and the Tang Clan, successful in weapon sales, could be seen as relatively unrelated.

In fact, looking at how the Gu Clan gives sponsorship or hosts the Gathering of the Nine Dragons over time in Shanxi, it’s clear there’s a significant relationship.

Of course…

‘Our family is notoriously known for receiving sponsorships worth a pittance….’

That was my father’s wish.

Protecting Shanxi was naturally essential, so he insisted we only needed enough money to live on.

[What a remarkable belief. I like it.]

Shin Noya stated, seemingly in agreement, but.

‘How does that make sense?’

In my view, it was utterly unacceptable.

While other neighborhoods have alternative clans or sects available.

Shanxi was predominantly represented by the Gu Clan, and even if they banked significant sponsorship funds using that lack of alternatives, they’d only take what they needed to live.

‘What a waste, seriously!’

From the perspective of someone who believes others’ money is my money and my money is my money, it was truly frustrating.

[… Gu Clan Leader has done an extraordinary job of miseducating his son.]

‘Well, growing up without proper education is fine for me.’

[How on earth does that make any sense?]

Shin Noya exclaimed incredulously, but I ignored him.

Anyway.

I knew that my father’s wishes, along with the ancestors’ wishes, led to our current situation.

Since my father’s generation, the Gu Clan had been living a bit more comfortably than the ancestors.

The reason was?

‘It’s because of this.’

My father had married into a well-off family.

In a world where the Gu Paibang and the Four Great Clans exist.

There were many sponsoring factions among the numerous trading companies.

These factions were collectively referred to as the Three Great Factions across the Central Plains.

This referred to three trading companies that had exorbitant amounts of money.

The place I found myself in now was one of those trading companies.

Baekhwa Sect.

The place led by Lady Mi.

Unofficially, this was said to be the wealthiest faction in the entire Central Plains.

I was well aware that the Gu Clan could scrape by because of Lady Mi.

But…

“Oh dear…!! It’s an honor to host you, Young Master!”

This was a bit hard to endure….

At the highest floor of the Sichuan Baekhwa Sect branch.

In what seemed to be the Branch Leader’s room, I was receiving extremely respectful treatment.

With a bald head gleaming under the light.

A big guy who looked like he just crossed into middle age was smiling at me with surprisingly sly gestures.

Rub rub rub rub-!

He was rubbing his hands together so fast you could hear it ringing throughout the room.

“I heard you came to Sichuan, and I should’ve visited you first…! I’m terribly sorry about this…!”

“… Yes….”

This was a first-time feeling, and it left me quite perplexed.

After just arriving and stating my name, the Branch Leader came flying down to bring me in here directly.

It must have been because of Lady Mi.

Seeing that immerses me in the understanding of how significant her position is as a clan leader.

‘This room is huge.’

Despite having a somewhat shabby feel, the atmosphere inside the room exuded the faction’s value.

Every corner had exquisite-looking artworks on display.

Plus.

‘Outside the room….’

The martial artists’ energy surrounding this room was incredible.

Two peak-level and just peak-level three, huh?

‘To have such powerful guards for a mere Branch Leader is unreal.’

Even just securing peak-level guards would require a considerable sum of money.

To call in individuals of that caliber surely meant he had to shell out a substantial amount.

Considering the pride of martial artists, that would be around a hefty price.

‘This guy may look shabby, but he’s certainly capable.’

Thinking of this changed my perspective a bit.

“I am Dong Bu, the Sichuan branch leader. It’s an honor to meet you, Young Master.”

“… Yes, nice to meet you.”

“Oh my! Please lower your words! How can I dare to be called an inferior being by you…. Hehe.”

“It’s alright…. It’s a bit awkward to lower my speech.”

“My goodness, even with this courtesy…. The future of the Gu Clan is bright, I can feel it.”

No, I’m just uncomfortable enough that I can’t talk casually.

If you’re just the Branch Leader, saying you’re an inferior being feels a bit much, right…?

‘I feel drained.’

As always, I didn’t enjoy long conversations with merchant types.

These individuals were all too skilled at sucking the energy out of people.

I decided to cut to the chase before the atmosphere derailed completely.

“I’m here because I have some goods I’d like to sell.”

“Oh, of course! Whatever it is, please tell me. I’ll give you the best price for it….”

Thud thud thud thud-!

“Whoa?”

At the Branch Leader’s words, I accidentally spilled all the Night Bright Wine I had in my robe.

A few sparkling bottles rolled across the floor, causing his expression to harden like stone.

He rubbed his eyes as if he had just seen an illusion.

Seeing his reaction, I awkwardly chuckled and said.

“Can you buy all of these?”

“… Ah… E-eh?”

I felt a little worried seeing the Branch Leader’s flabbergasted expression.

Fortunately, the transaction went smoothly.

What a relief.

If I had pulled some silly tricks, the Sichuan branch might have gone up in flames.

If anything, the Branch Leader seemed more inclined to buy than to haggle.

After a little time passed and the situation calmed down.

“Once… the verification of the goods is complete, I will provide a receipt immediately.”

The Branch Leader was explaining while staring at my sparkling bottles.

Oddly enough, perhaps due to being overwhelmed, the previously hyperactive merchant had transformed into a slightly sharper figure.

It seemed like the same person, but his aura had suddenly shifted immensely.

No room left for facade due to the shock of the situation he was facing.

Of course.

‘Just one of these would cause a panic, and I just brought dozens.’

The era where finding Night Bright Wine was almost impossible had truly dawned.

Given that I brought this many, I’d definitely surprise him.

“First of all, since these are special goods…. Even for you, Young Master, I still must check for authenticity, and I hope you can understand if it takes a bit of time….”

“It’s fine. Take your time.”

“Thank you for your understanding. And also….”

“Yes?”

The Branch Leader had a slightly awkward expression while speaking.

“Should all the Night Bright Wine be authentic…. It would be great difficulty for the branch to pay the total amount all at once….”

“Then, let’s scribble an IOU. I don’t really need it immediately.”

I intended to fill up some cash for future convenience.

I didn’t require a large sum of money at the moment.

Having that now wouldn’t solve the problem of where to store it.

‘That said.’

The fact that Baekhwa Sect might not be able to pay such a large sum at once is interesting.

That surely meant I wouldn’t have to worry too much about money going forward.

‘I’ve got to think of a way to deal with the Evergreen Iron when that time comes.’

A few years down the line when I’ll shake down Biwaegun and acquire the Evergreen Iron.

Instead of selling it, I was thinking of crafting a martial weapon out of it.

There were certainly craftsmen in mind who were willing to do that.

“Thank you for your understanding, Young Master….!”

The conversation flowed smoothly as if it were a breeze, and the Branch Leader regained his tact, rubbing his hands together once more.

Seeing that, I held back my frown and asked a question I had been dying to ask.

“Branch Leader.”

“Yes?”

“This is a personal curiosity.”

“Young Master! What wouldn’t you like me to share! This servant will tell you everything I know….”

“What was Shin Yi looking for when he came by here?”

“…”

As soon as I mentioned Shin Yi, the Branch Leader’s expression hardened again.

“… How do you know about that, Young Master?”

Was this something that ought to be kept a secret?

“I ran into Elder Shin Yi on the way. I happen to have connections with him.”

He might not think so, but I certainly thought so.

Upon hearing my words, the Branch Leader suddenly started to break out in a cold sweat.

He seemed genuinely shocked.

“Haha…. Young Master, this is a matter of trust with a customer, so I must be careful about what I say….”

“Ah, I see?”

“Yes, haha. Indeed, you are broad-minded, Young Master. Would you mind understanding….?”

“Of course.”

I could understand the Branch Leader’s position. Maintaining trust with clients is essential.

It’s one of the most crucial virtues for a merchant to uphold.

But.

Clink.

I casually dragged the Night Bright Wine on the table toward me with my fingers.

As the bottles rolled, the Branch Leader’s gaze followed them.

At the same time, I released my energy, creating an energy barrier to keep the conversation from leaking outside.

“Then I wonder what you think about the matter of trust between yourself and me.”

“… Young Master?”

“If you accept all these Night Bright Wines and we transact them…. I’m sure our ‘mother’ would be quite pleased.”

As I spoke, I felt scales form on my tongue.

I had never used that term for Lady Mi before.

Desperate to assert some authority, I forced it out, and thankfully, it seemed to have a significant effect on the Branch Leader.

I could see the sweat accumulating on his bald head.

“Haha… Young Master… that…!”

“You can just say it lightly as if you’re speaking to yourself. Then I would be inclined to write a letter praising you to send to my ‘mother.'”

“…!”

“I would write a letter to commend you to Lady Mi.”

The Branch Leader’s eyes seemed to dart around crazily upon hearing that.

“But if… you insist on not saying anything at all….”

I picked up a bottle of Night Bright Wine.

Following the movement of the bottle, the Branch Leader’s gaze shifted.

Simultaneously, I used my energy to maintain the barrier around the room.

“Then I might want to sell the Night Bright Wines in another branch. Strange, isn’t it? I wonder why that would happen…. Even I don’t know.”

I said with a smile, noticing the Branch Leader’s lips quivering.

He was standing at a crossroads of choices.

Whether to maintain trust with a client or think about the future.

That must be his struggle.

‘This is nice.’

It was right for a merchant to desire to keep their integrity. Under normal circumstances, I might’ve offered my goods to such a merchant.

However, I preferred a figure positioned a little more selfishly and self-serving.

It was easier to handle those individuals once I had power over them.

“That… um….”

The Branch Leader was still hesitating.

Watching him, I cautiously began to rise from my seat.

If he declined, it wasn’t a big deal.

I could find out why Shin Yi was here through other means.

Having thought that, I reached out to pick up my Night Bright Wines once again.

But the Branch Leader shouted urgently.

“Wow! Suddenly Elder Shin Yi needed White Horse Stone! What could that mean!”

“…”

“What a mystery! Where on earth would I find something like that! Haha!”

The Branch Leader shouted while sweating profusely.

Seeing him, I sat back down again.

And I rolled the Night Bright Wine I had tucked away back towards him.

“You’re working very passionately. A talent that my mother would appreciate.”

“Ah… No! Haha…. I’m just doing my responsibilities while seated.”

It seemed as if he had just tossed that responsibility aside a moment ago, but I chose to ignore it.

While this was going on, I heard Shin Noya’s voice in my ear.

[You absolutely must not head towards the Demonic Faction.]

‘Why not?’

[If you turn down that path, you’ll surely become a menace to the world. If I… had my physical body still…! I would have dealt with this villain myself…!]

‘What on earth are you saying? We’re on the same team, Noya.’

[What nonsense is that about a Daoist eating meat? Why would I be on your team!]

What in the world was this about?

‘Well, the Hwasan Sect allows meat consumption.’

Even Wuhyeok, who doesn’t eat meat, managed to nibble on some.

The Yellow Flame of Shaolin ate meat, too.

Daoists can eat meat if they want!

Besides, you called me a successor before, saying I need to carry on your will—it’s hilarious you’re betraying that now.

Unbelievable.

Ignoring such a squirrel’s scream, I smiled at the Branch Leader.

“I’ll be sure to tell my mother about this. We’ll see each other often.”

“Thank you! Young Master…!!”

Rub rub rub rub.

While I heard the repeated sound of the Branch Leader rubbing his hands, I thought of something else.

‘White Horse Stone, huh.’

The word that Shin Yi was looking for White Horse Stone from the Baekhwa Sect piqued my interest.

I still wasn’t sure why Shin Yi was searching for something like that, but.

‘How fascinating.’

Somehow, the situation had aligned perfectly.

White Horse Stone, a treasure that had become nearly impossible to find ever since the Grade White monster had vanished.

No matter how much money one has, it cannot be acquired.

Lucky for me, I already had one.

 

---