Chapter 223

Chapter 223
Chapter 223. The Invited Uninvited Guest

The conflict between the Murim Alliance and the Blood Cult in Sichuan had unexpectedly dragged on, while a harsh drought triggered famine across Hebei, Henan, and Shaanxi, with Shanxi Province as the epicenter. Consequently, the economy across the entire martial arts landscape began to decline.

Trading firms and escort guilds that operated on a national scale could not survive the losses from this economic downturn, eventually forcing them to shutter their local branches.

Inevitably, the staff displaced by these closures were left in a desperate spot, with no option but to sit idle and struggle.

Amidst this turmoil, one merchant firm in Anhui Province began issuing daily hiring notices, taking in those who had been left without work.

That guild was the Great Heaven Merchant Guild, run by the Taeul Sect.

The Great Heaven Merchant Guild, which had previously operated with a cautious business model, began releasing the grain stocks it had stored in its massive facilities to the Jiangbei and Jiangxi regions. This move ushered in an unforeseen boom; even after continuous waves of new hires, they still found themselves short-staffed.

Even local rice traders, typically known for their insular nature, welcomed the growth of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild—which had amassed such vast grain reserves—with open arms, as if they had been desperate for relief.

Once a branch was opened, the volume of goods moving through the area naturally increased. It became a common sight to see rice merchants, historically known for being stubborn and immobile, traveling to Anhui Province on their own initiative.

Of course, Jin Tae-san, who had dedicated his life to serving as the Hall Master of the Taeul Sect’s Outer Hall, hadn’t stockpiled grain based on some genius foresight.

It was simply because Jin So-un, who had initially seized the Azure Sky Merchant Guild from the Namgung Clan, had insisted on a conservative management style.

Constructing storage facilities with their limited capital and hoarding inventory didn’t seem like the best path to profitability. However, Wang Geum-san, who provided guidance, had actually championed this approach suggested by Jin So-un.

Wang Geum-san, pausing his writing, looked over at Jin Tae-san.

“You are truly a lucky man. Thanks to your brilliant son, you get to manage such immense wealth, don’t you?”

As a result, while rival merchant guilds were forced to suspend operations, hunker down, and take a forced hiatus, Jin Tae-san had become the literal image of a exhausted Giant Panda, buried in work.

“I suppose. Though, that’s not something you should be saying, Estate Master Wang. Thanks to your sharp-witted daughter, aren’t you managing even more capital than I am?”

Jin Tae-san’s office, which had once been so cluttered with files that one couldn’t find a place to stand, had transformed into a hub where throngs of people constantly bustled about.

In the adjacent seat, Wang Geum-san had also become an exhausted Giant Panda, just like Jin Tae-san, caught up in the grind.

Wang Geum-san frowned intensely.

“How is this because of my daughter? It’s all due to that cursed son of yours.”

“Ha! So you’ve finally branded the son you used to cherish with the label of ‘cursed.’”

The Great Heaven Merchant Guild, having secured the distribution rights from the Murim Alliance’s Anhui branch, shared the overflow of cargo it couldn’t handle alone with the Wang Estate.

This deepened their existing bond, and Wang Geum-san moved quickly to purchase land surrounding the original Great Heaven Merchant Guild office to construct a shared workspace.

Furthermore, due to recent systemic failures, goods distribution in nearby provinces had faltered. The Great Heaven Merchant Guild and the Wang Estate, which previously focused solely on the Murim Alliance’s Anhui territory, had extended their influence, pushing their distribution network into Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang as well.

Given the current reality, even with relentless hiring, they remained understaffed, and no matter how much they labored, the workload never ceased.

“Ah! How’s this? I’ll give you full rights to the facilities we co-invested in. In return, just give us ten percent of the earnings.”

Relative to the distribution profits currently being pulled in around Anhui Province, this was a offer that amounted to a massive financial sacrifice, yet Jin Tae-san firmly shook his head.

“The Great Heaven Merchant Guild does not thrive by bleeding others dry.”

“Damn it! Show some ambition! You’re still young!”

“Estate Master, aren’t you also not exactly elderly?”

Following the termination of trade relations with Mount Hua and Diancang, the Wang Estate’s fortunes had wavered, but by establishing a new supply route in the west, they had regained their former glory.

Through their partnership with the Murim Alliance and the supply of grain, they had expanded their reach to influence the entirety of Jiangnan and Jiangbei.

At this pace, in a few years, they might not just be considered one of the Three Great Merchant Guilds under Heaven, but the single most powerful guild in existence.

Yet, rather than happiness, a somber mood hung over Wang Geum-san’s face.

“This isn’t the kind of old age I had envisioned!”

“If a person only has one life, isn’t it only natural to harbor the ambition to control everything under the heavens?”

“I am much better suited to spending my days quietly watching over my grandchildren!”

Jin Tae-san raised his voice, refusing to back down.

“Do you think I am any different? Why must I, a man born to be a martial artist, be stuck doing administrative paperwork like this?”

“Hmph! I’ve heard you displayed zero talent for martial arts from the very start.”

“W-what ridiculous talk is that…! I am the father of Jin So-un, whose name now echoes across the world! Do you honestly believe a dog could sire a tiger?!”

The two leaders of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild and the Wang Estate were shouting and bickering, but the employees moving around them simply shook their heads, making no effort to intervene.

They were only keeping a close eye on whether the two men stopped their writing while they argued.

The moment their brushes stopped, their overtime would be confirmed.

After venting their frustrations for quite some time, the two men eventually ran out of steam and lowered their voices.

“I heard your son headed to Shanxi Province this time?”

“Why the sudden distance? Usually, you’re the one calling him ‘our So-un’ all the time.”

Jin Tae-san snorted but replied to the query.

“I heard he went this time as a member of the Murim Alliance’s Envoy Delegation.”

“Does it make any sense for a mere Academy Student to be part of an Envoy Delegation?”

“Well, when has that brat ever operated within the limits of common sense?”

Wang Geum-san stroked his chin and remarked,

“Hmm… If he’s traveling there because of the rumors linking him to the Black Path, there could be trouble.”

Jin Tae-san suddenly halted his brush.

“Why do you say that?”

No matter how much one might dislike a person, a child is still a child.

Wang Geum-san cleared his throat with a “Kheum,” then lowered his voice,

“Keep your brush moving. Are the employees not watching this way? Regardless… politics is a cruel game, isn’t it? Even a minor mistake can be blown entirely out of proportion.”

“Hmm… Then are you suggesting that the boy’s path to success might be blocked from here on out?”

“It could certainly be hindered.”

“That is good news.”

“Hm?”

This time, Wang Geum-san’s brush stopped.

It was a shocking sentiment to hear from a father, who should always desire his child’s prosperity and prestige.

Jin Tae-san shrugged and spoke calmly.

“That brat’s momentum needs to halt so that my workload decreases, doesn’t it?”

“…….”

“And honestly, I never had any desire to grow the merchant guild into something gargantuan. As long as the members of the Taeul Sect aren’t going hungry, that is enough for me.”

Despite his words, Wang Geum-san knew better.

He was fully aware that Jin Tae-san worried about Jin So-un more than anyone else.

Look at him even now.

After hearing that complications might arise for Jin So-un, had that already Giant Panda-like face not turned as gloomy as a brown bear?

Wang Geum-san offered him comfort with the gentlest look he could manage.

“Don’t worry yourself. Isn’t he a clever boy? He’ll get through it just fine.”

“…….”

Had Wang Geum-san’s attempt at consolation succeeded?

Jin Tae-san, who had been slumping like a criminal, lifted his head.

“Get your brush moving again. Stop trying to goof off.”

“…….”

In truth, I didn’t care much about how my reputation rose or fell in people’s gossip.

In my previous life, no matter what I did, there wasn’t even an opportunity for me to be the subject of such talk.

I had even once lost control of my bladder during a fight, and that didn’t even become a scandal.

Nevertheless, I disliked how my reputation in this lifetime kept getting stained by the Black Path.

I already hated my nickname enough, but because of absurd rumors about me being the Joint Successor of the Black Path Alliance or some such thing, lunatics kept clinging to me, didn’t they?

In reality, I had a kind heart, closer to the Righteous Faction than anyone else!

Just look at the current situation.

Wasn’t I the only one looking after the trembling Cart Hands?

Ever since we crossed into the territory controlled by Gakmun Stronghold, the Cart Hands’ anxiety had grown visibly more acute.

“They say Gakmun Stronghold is the most brutal in Shanxi Province, right?”

“Is that all? I hear they also command the largest numbers.”

“Phew… If I had known this would happen, I would have at least written a will before leaving.”

Every delivery run carries risks, but for these men, who hadn’t experienced such intense pressure or threats before, it was naturally an incredibly nerve-wracking situation.

I reassured them, saying,

“You don’t need to worry too much.”

“Pardon?”

It would be perfect if I even offered a soft smile to those looking at me with their wide, fearful eyes.

Where else could you find a Black Path associate with the word “virtue” written on his face like this?

“If a fight breaks out, you just need to stay as close to me as you can. Then, at the very least, you won’t die or be seriously wounded.”

“…….”

Even while shivering, the Cart Hands nodded vigorously.

Just then.

“What is your reason for going out of your way to look after them?”

Blood Battle, who had been tilting his head awkwardly beside me, asked.

“What do you mean?”

“They’re just Cart Hands, aren’t they? I heard you only met them for the first time during this journey.”

Haa. Well, of course this would be hard to grasp from the perspective of Black Path trash with a pitch-black soul.

I answered with a benevolent expression.

“A chivalrous hero naturally recognizes the need for justice anytime and anywhere.”

“…A chivalrous hero?”

Is this guy trying to pick a fight with me?

If he keeps this up, even if he is Blood Battle, there is a limit to how much I can tolerate.

“I’ve heard more than a few rumors about you. Usually, when rumors of that magnitude circulate, there are two possibilities. Either a portion of them is true, or they have been exaggerated.”

“Why are you excluding the possibility that every single one of them is false?”

“Have you ever seen smoke rise from a chimney that hasn’t been lit?”

Listen here, of course such a thing exists!

There is a perfectly clear example called me, isn’t there?

“Then I want to ask you one thing. Why did you insist on taking this path? Was it because you wanted a confrontation with Gakmun Stronghold?”

“With the likes of Gakmun Stronghold? What fun would I find in fighting them?”

“Then what was your reason for choosing this route, when it was obvious there would be trouble?”

Blood Battle narrowed his eyes and answered,

“I wanted to see how you and the Envoy Delegation would respond.”

“What the hell did you say?”

“…Did you just swear?”

Goodness, what an absurd thing to hear. My internal thoughts slipped out before I could stop them.

“My apologies. My honest feelings escaped before I realized it… But is that truly the only reason?”

“What other reason would I have to take this road?”

“…….”

Blood Battle asked as if he were the one who found the situation peculiar.

There was so much I wanted to say, but arguing with a lunatic would only give me a headache, right?

I simply shut my mouth.

Gakmun Stronghold seemed likely to appear at any moment.

The road leading toward the mountainside began to narrow in an odd way.

The escorts, who had been positioning themselves to guard both sides of the carriage, naturally had to move to the front and back, and the length of the convoy stretched out by itself.

When a path is narrowed this way, it becomes simple to launch attacks from the high cliffs on both sides.

Most Green Forest strongholds utilized this tactic when shaking down travelers for tolls.

Though no formal signal was given, everyone understood that Green Forest Bandits would soon reveal themselves.

I tightened my grip on my sword and checked the locations of the Cart Hands simultaneously.

After we had traveled a bit further.

“Waaaaaaaah!”

“Waaaaaaaah!”

“Waaaaaaaah!”

The mountain ridge erupted with noise, and shouts echoed from every direction.

Simultaneously, not only the top of the gorge, but also the path ahead and behind us was crowded with people.

Typically, when Green Forest Bandits demanded tolls, only a handful of men blocked the path. But perhaps because they knew we were martial artists, they seemed to have brought out everyone they had.

Or perhaps they already knew we were the Murim Alliance’s Envoy Delegation.

“Greetings. Sangbang Escort Agency offers its respects to the Mountain Lord.”

“Welcome. I am Son Ho-bang of Gakmun Stronghold.”

Usually, after exchanging greetings, the escort would pay the toll, and the bandits would clear the path. But when the escort didn’t move, Son Ho-bang’s brow furrowed.

“Do you not intend to move through?”

“That is…”

The escort gauged Ak Byeong-bi’s mood.

Then Ak Byeong-bi stepped forward.

“Green Forest Bandits, listen! We are the Murim Alliance’s Envoy Delegation, and we are carrying out the Alliance’s official duties. Clear the road.”

“The Murim Alliance?”

“An Envoy Delegation?”

At Ak Byeong-bi’s words, murmurs began to spread among the Green Forest Bandits.

“Ha! Green Forest Bandits, is it…”

However.

Unlike the common bandits who seemed rattled, Son Ho-bang, who stood as their representative, didn’t seem to care much.

No, he actually showed irritation that Ak Byeong-bi hadn’t referred to them as Mountain Lords.

Son Ho-bang took a step forward and growled.

“If it’s the Murim Alliance, then it’s the Murim Alliance. So what?”

“What?”

“This is the mountain of Gakmun Stronghold. If you wish to pass, pay the toll.”

Ak Byeong-bi refused to back down.

“Do you dare call a mountain you’ve illegally seized your own private property?”

“If you don’t like it, leave your cargo behind and get out.”

*Schwing.*

As if there was nothing left to discuss, Son Ho-bang drew his saber, and the bandits scattered across the cliffs began to raise their own weapons.

The members of the Envoy Delegation also began preparing for combat.

Flame Ghost Consort and Blood Battle, who had been watching with interest, curious to see what the Envoy Delegation would do, also slowly began to channel their inner energy.

Ak Byeong-bi warned in a low tone,

“If you don’t step aside, a lot of blood will be spilled.”

“We shall see whose blood hits the ground. Boys!”

As soon as Son Ho-bang shouted, boulders began crashing down behind the traveling party.

The rocks that tumbled down quickly blocked our retreat, and in an instant, we were like rats in a trap.

‘This will be more difficult than I thought.’

The gorge was too high, and there were more members of the Green Forest stronghold than I had anticipated.

At this rate, someone might end up killed or injured by a stray blow.

‘Damn it…’

The tension was reaching a breaking point.

No matter how you looked at it, a full-scale clash between the two sides was inevitable.

I quickly scrambled onto the carriage and took my position.

Instead of fighting the Green Forest Bandits, I needed to shield the Cart Hands.

As if signaling the start of the battle, Son Ho-bang raised his hand high.

“Gakmun Stronghold, seize those bastards immediately…!”

However.

He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

The Green Forest Bandits, who had been prepared to leap out at any second, flinched one by one and froze in place.

‘What is it?’

Even though we had declared ourselves as the Murim Alliance, Son Ho-bang, who had been intent on fighting, somehow seemed to be staring at me.

“…You there!”

Son Ho-bang’s finger pointed directly at me.

Could he be addressing me?

My confusion lasted only a moment.

“…Are you truly the Black Flame Dragon?”

Son Ho-bang uttered my accursed nickname.

Damn it. Why is that name appearing here again?

When I nodded with a reluctant expression, Son Ho-bang’s face hardened.

“Are you truly the Black Flame Dragon, the Stronghold Master of Black Dragon Stronghold and Flower Garland Stronghold?”

No, hell, why is that story suddenly coming up now?

The Envoy Delegation and Blood Battle’s group, who had been preparing for battle with intense focus just a moment ago, were now looking at me with bewildered faces.

I answered while doing my best to ignore all the gazes fixed upon me.

“I thought you’d be older after hearing that you subdued Flower Garland Stronghold, but you’re younger than I anticipated…”

No, I’m telling you, this is a huge misunderstanding.

Then Son Ho-bang asked cautiously,

“Have you perhaps come to apply for the Mountain King Contest?”

“That is not the case. I was simply passing through and happened to stop here by chance.”

“I see…?”

Son Ho-bang turned his head and murmured something to one of his men.

Then he nodded and said,

“We can’t very well collect a toll from a comrade of the same Green Forest organization. Clear the road!”

I told you I’m not!

I am not your comrade, so hurry up and start the fight!

Contrary to my wishes, the Green Forest Bandits, who had been gripping their weapons, began lowering them one by one.

Soon, Son Ho-bang and the men who had been blocking the way opened a path on both sides.

Then he spoke to me,

“I have been following the rumors about the Path of the Fighting King that the Green Dragon is carrying out in Jiangnan. Please tell him that our Gakmun Stronghold is prepared to accept a challenge at any time.”

“…….”

Gakmun Stronghold truly did nothing as our group passed through.

Some even waved their hands as we moved along.

Somehow, we had passed through Gakmun Stronghold peacefully, without combat or tolls, but the atmosphere within our traveling party became even more uncomfortable.

Through the heavy silence, Blood Battle’s voice cut toward me.

“…A chiiivalrous hero? What kind of chivalrous hero in this world owns two mountain strongholds?”

For the first time, Blood Battle spoke with an expression of pure disbelief.

“…….”

Despite Blood Battle’s sarcasm, I had nothing to say in my defense.

No, to be accurate, Ak Byeong-bi’s gaze was so sharp and piercing that I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

Damn it.

To think I would be trapped in Shanxi for something I wasn’t even caught for in Sichuan.

Just then, a bright voice that didn’t fit the somber mood cut through the air.

“Ooh! Then are you a bandit chief? Can I become a bandit chief, too?”

Dang Seo-hui, who had been obsessed with playing the role of a chivalrous hero until the day before, had at some point changed her dream to becoming a bandit chief.

“…No. It’s not like that.”

“I’m curious. How did you become a Stronghold Master?”

I don’t know myself. I just became a Stronghold Master one day…

It’s true.