Chapter 11

Chapter 11
## Chapter 11: Claiming the Meat Stall (2)

The hog remained fixated on its meal, oblivious to the heavy blade hovering directly above its skull.

“The secret lies in finishing it with a solitary blow. It must be executed with such velocity that the creature never registers its own passing. There is no room for error. A swine or a bull possesses a life force far sturdier than any man’s. Their skeletal density is beyond your wildest thoughts. If your aim wanders by even a fraction, the resulting catastrophe is on your head, understood?”

The gathered laborers, who had already turned the marketplace into a theater of blunders with their previous incompetence, remained motionless, their breath caught in their throats.

The elder, his eyes locked on the target through the cleaver, began to lift his mallet with deliberate slowness.

A heavy, thick pressure settled over the abattoir, yet neither the contentedly eating pig nor the mallet-wielding veteran showed the slightest flicker of tension.

The instant the hammer reached its zenith, a streak of brilliance descended into the center of the pig’s head.

Silence followed. No shriek erupted.

The animal simply slumped forward in its original posture, its snout still resting in the grain bin.

“Good heavens! Boss, did you witness that?”

Cheol Woo stood paralyzed, his mouth hanging open in shock.

“Indeed. That was the most potent single strike I have ever seen.”

Sima Geon stared at the old butcher, unable to mask his profound wonder.

“That man is a concealed expert. There is no question about it.”

Sima Geon couldn’t help but offer a dry laugh at Cheol Woo’s intense assessment. It was a fair conclusion—the elder’s precision was nothing short of staggering.

The rest of the workmen, having seen the old man’s mastery with their own eyes, were equally stunned, though their shock was born of simple disbelief.

“Incredible! He dropped it with one tap?”

“That was… unbelievable, Elder.”

“How can that be? Usually, they at least thrash around or let out a squeal, don’t they?”

The men gazed at the carcass, which had ceased all movement without so much as a twitch, their expressions clouded with confusion.

“Why are you standing there like statues?”

The old man’s voice suddenly tore through the air like an explosion.

“Extinguishing the life is merely the prologue! The real work begins now!”

His shout was like a crack of thunder, vibrating through the rafters of the building.

“Get the blood drained immediately.”

Jolted by the roar, the men scrambled to bind the pig’s trotters and hoist the heavy frame onto a support beam. They sliced the throat, capturing the warm flow before it could settle.

“Man, that old timer has some incredible lungs.”

Cheol Woo watched with wide eyes as the elder barked out commands, managing the crew with sharp authority. He poked at his ear with a finger and whispered.

“Hmph. My own Master had a voice just like that.”

A look of deep nostalgia crossed Cheol Woo’s face as he thought of the mentor from Black Dragon Valley—the man who had pushed the children with brutal discipline but had ultimately given them his everything before he passed.

While Sima Geon had provided the foundational techniques and the Celestial Pure Jade Milk from the Ghost Gate Clan to build his strength, Cheol Woo knew that without his master’s initial sacrifice, he never would have reached this level.

“Master Unretreating certainly had the pipes for it. But unlike this old man, he was built like a stone fortress. That’s likely why he took such a liking to you; you were the only one who matched his scale.”

“Ha! I certainly heard that enough times.”

The pair shared a brief moment of levity. Meanwhile, the elder’s booming instructions continued to ring out across the slaughterhouse.

—

“A butcher shop? Where exactly?”

Sima Ho had just returned from a long, exhausting shift. He peeled off his sweat-stained garments as he spoke.

“On the northern outskirts.”

“Oh, you mean the place owned by Old Man So? The one with the killing floor in the rear?”

“Precisely. You’re familiar with it?”

“Naturally. That man’s reputation is legendary in these parts. Even high-ranking bureaucrats and the elite martial clans request his services for their feasts to ensure the best cuts. We source our meat there as well, and there is a distinct quality to it you won’t find anywhere else.”

“That matches what we saw. His technique is truly something.”

Sima Geon and Cheol Woo both nodded, still picturing the old man felling the beast in a single motion.

“But what’s the interest for?”

“Your brothers can’t seem to stop talking about that shop. It’s all they’ve discussed since they got back.”

Sima Jin stepped in, offering Sima Ho the cold water he had asked for while explaining the situation.

Sima Ho drained the cup in a single gulp. As Sima Jin held the tray out, he reached out and gave her head a playful pat. Suddenly, she let out a sharp cry.

“I have told you a thousand times not to touch my head!”

Sima Jin swung the metal tray, catching him square in the shin with a loud clang.

“You’re insane! Who hits a person’s leg with a tray?”

“Consider this your final caution. Try it again and…”

“Hic!”

Sima Ho actually hiccuped as Sima Jin fixed him with a lethal stare.

With one last freezing look, Sima Jin turned on her heel and marched out of the room.

“Good grief! Our gentle little sister has quite a temper. That was terrifying.”

Cheol Woo’s jaw was once again on the floor.

Sima Ho, nursing his throbbing leg, raised his voice so she could hear him through the door.

“Gentle? Don’t be fooled! That is her true nature. She’s just been playing a part until now.”

*Thump!*

Something heavy struck the door from the outside. Sima Ho flinched and immediately dropped his volume to a whisper.

“Well, not all the time. Just once in a while. But she absolutely loathes having her head patted.”

“Is that so? I had no idea.”

Sima Geon, who regularly patted Sima Jin’s head without issue, looked utterly perplexed.

“Better be careful, big brother. You might be the next target of the tray…”

Sima Ho’s voice trailed off as he went silent. The door creaked open, and Sima Jin walked back in, looking perfectly composed and serene once again.

Acting out of habit, Sima Geon reached out and patted Sima Jin’s head as she walked past. Contrary to Sima Ho’s dire warning, she didn’t flinch or show any anger at all.

Cheol Woo, who had been bracing for a fight, erupted into laughter.

“I guess she just doesn’t like you, Ho.”

“For heaven’s sake! At least be consistent!”

Sima Ho glared at Sima Jin before sinking into his chair in a state of total defeat.

“So, why the sudden fascination with the butcher shop? Are you thinking of taking it over? Word is the old man is failing in health and wants to retire.”

“We haven’t made a final choice, but it seems like a viable path.”

Sima Geon answered, looking slightly contemplative. Cheol Woo added his thoughts.

“Look, we spent the whole day walking around. To be honest, nothing fits us. The good locations are already claimed, and the jobs that are open? They aren’t for us. You need specific trade skills. We’ve spent our entire lives swinging…”

Sima Geon jabbed his elbow sharply into Cheol Woo’s ribs. He offered a strained smile to the watching Sima Jin and quickly improvised.

“As we mentioned, our years as mercenaries were long. We weren’t in constant mortal peril, but there was enough blood involved. It turns out, we don’t know much else.”

“That’s the life of a mercenary. Even the easy jobs leave a mark on you.”

Sima Ho nodded in understanding, his tone turning more serious.

“When my second brother joked about farming the other day, I almost made a suggestion: why not look into being professional escorts? Mercenaries and escorts are cut from the same cloth. With your background, you could probably lead a squad if you’re as good as you say.”

“I’ve considered it, but it’s too close to what we left behind. Escorts still have to deal with violence, even if it’s less frequent. I want to be done with the blood.”

Sima Ho accepted the firm rejection and tried a different angle.

“Then what about coming over to our side? You or Cheol Woo could easily secure a high-ranking position in our organization.”

“Enough!”

Sima Jin snapped.

“My ears! Why are you shouting? And don’t use that tone with your brother.”

“After everything our second brother has been through, is that the best idea you have?”

Sima Jin’s eyes were sharper than a winter gale.

“I was just tossing out an idea.”

Completely outmatched, Sima Ho retreated into his seat.

“Haha! It’s alright. I’m not offended.”

Sima Geon laughed softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair again—he found her protectiveness endearing.

Sima Geon declined Sima Ho’s offer with a gracious smile, but Cheol Woo seemed intrigued.

“Heh! Not a bad thought. You’re with the Unity Society, right?”

“That’s right.”

“How many people under the banner?”

“More than a hundred.”

“That’s a decent size. No competition?”

Sensing Cheol Woo’s interest, Sima Ho perked up and began sharing the details.

“The Blood Pact Gang has been getting bold lately, but we’re the dominant force. Our leader is cautious, but we could dismantle them if he gave the word.”

“What’s the leader like? Is he a fighter?”

“He’s capable. I don’t know the specifics, but there are whispers he was a lay disciple of the Shaolin.”

“What a world. A Shaolin layman running a street gang.”

“It’s just a rumor.”

“And his personality? Is he a tyrant? A piece of trash?”

“No, not at all. He’s obsessed with profit, but he looks after his subordinates. It’s much better than being with the Blood Pact, where guys are losing limbs over nothing.”

“Even a low-level guy like you has respect for him? He must inspire some loyalty.”

Cheol Woo grinned. Sima Ho’s temper flared again.

“Hey! I’m not some low-level grunt.”

“Who said you were? Why get so defensive? You’re making yourself sound like one.”

“Are you serious right now?!”

As Cheol Woo continued to tease him, Sima Ho’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, looking as though he’d drunk a bottle of spirits.

“Ease up. And you, stop antagonizing him.”

Sima Geon gave Cheol Woo a warning glance, then looked at the fuming Sima Ho with a calm expression.

“I know you’re making these suggestions because you care about us. I appreciate it, truly, but we’re going to pass. I don’t want to cause the family any more stress after everything they’ve endured.”

“Who said anything about stress…”

Sima Ho started to argue, but the look Sima Jin gave him—one that suggested she might swallow him whole—shut him up instantly. Besides, if he actually did it, Sima Hyeon would likely lose his mind.

“Instead, I need you to find out more about that butcher shop. People say the elder is leaving and wants a successor. Find out how the transition works, what the costs are, and so on.”

Sima Geon’s request acted as a peace offering.

“I’ll look into it.”

Sima Ho nodded, his energy deflated.

“A shame. It was just getting interesting. Don’t give up yet, keep pushing… Ow!”

Cheol Woo, unable to let the teasing go, finally received a sharp pinch to his side from Sima Jin.

—

Sima Geon and Cheol Woo made their way back to the butcher shop after Sima Ho confirmed the rumors were true: the old man was looking for someone to buy him out.

“Do you really think he’ll hand the keys to us, Boss? We can find the funds.”

“It isn’t a matter of gold—we have to earn his respect. Ho mentioned he has a daughter but no son to take over the trade. He wants someone who will protect the reputation he’s spent a lifetime building. He’s tried training people before, as we saw today, but none of them measured up.”

“Honestly, it’s a bit ridiculous. What’s so holy about carving up livestock? Just give the shop to someone. A ‘successor’? Give me a break.”

Cheol Woo rolled his eyes at the idea of such high standards for a meat stall.

“I wouldn’t say that. He’s been at this for sixty years. When you dedicate that much time to a craft, you care about its future. Think back to Master Unretreating. Remember how many potential heirs he tested and turned away before he finally left everything to you. That’s a famous tale in Black Dragon Valley.”

“That’s completely different!”

Cheol Woo snapped back, but Sima Geon simply continued.

“How is it different? Master Unretreating wanted an heir for his martial legacy, and this old man wants an heir for his butcher shop. The heart behind it is the same.”

“Boss!”

“Regardless, stop complaining. Given our situation, taking over this shop is the most logical path. Unless you’d rather be a farmer? We have enough to buy land. Your little sister seems to think that’s a great idea.”

The mere mention of farming made Cheol Woo flinch.

“Ugh, who told you farming was harder than running a business?”

“You’re just whining now.”

“I’m not whining—it’s just the old man’s elitist attitude that gets under my skin.”

“It just means he values his life’s work. I’m warning you. If you keep this up, we’re buying a plow.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”

Cheol Woo muttered under his breath and gave Sima Geon a frustrated nudge in the back.

Sima Geon bit back a grin and stepped through the entrance of the butcher shop.