Chapter 302

Chapter 302
## 302. The Black Flame Dragon Showing Itself (6)

—

It was written in the Art of War that a truly victorious military secures its triumph prior to engaging in combat.

I was fond of that concept, though I always considered it a principle that failed to align with actual practice. The fools of the Martial Alliance, after all, had never managed to comprehend it even once.

Yet, looking at the current situation, I found myself thinking, ‘Wow, so this is actually achievable.’

Truthfully, I could not suppress my respect for the grand stage the Eun-ha Merchant Group had arranged. Whatever methods or frequencies they had used to extend their earnest invitations to me previously no longer held any significance.

Following the announcement of the martial artist acting as herald, individuals stepped into the private chamber one after another, offering formal salutations and presenting their offerings. In return, the Merchant Group Leader accepted these tokens and bestowed a brief phrase of benediction.

Those receiving these words bowed repeatedly as though they had just been granted life-altering wisdom, and a few were even moved to tears. As soon as a turn concluded, the herald summoned the next individual.

The very atmosphere was engineered to generate absolute submission. Under these conditions, the Merchant Group Leader looked precisely like an absolute monarch. The surrounding assembly, as well as those waiting within the grand banquet hall, accepted this dynamic as completely natural.

“Yeo-mun-gak of the Rak-jeong Sword from Guizhou Province, step forward.”

Once the sequence for the commercial organization’s internal members concluded, it was the turn of the visiting martial artists.

“I offer my congratulations on the one hundred and eightieth anniversary of the Eun-ha Merchant Group. Since I lacked the means to prepare a tribute worthy of your esteemed organization, would it be acceptable to present my modest martial skills instead?”

“Ho-ho, the reputation of the Rak-jeong Sword echoes profoundly far beyond Guizhou Province, so how could you possibly call your talents modest?”

“I am deeply honored by your praise.”

The martial artist offered a respectful bow and immediately commenced a sword display, synchronizing his movements with the melodies provided by the performers.

Evidently, because there were individuals eager to exhibit their capabilities even within the ranks of the commercial group itself, some went so far as to demonstrate the confidential martial techniques belonging to the Eun-ha Merchant Group.

Although I believed that a martial artist had no business pretending to be an immortal transcending earthly bounds, watching them willingly degrade themselves into a public amusement just to please others felt as though they had entirely abandoned their dignity.

“Jin Oppa.”

Turning my gaze, I saw So-so Wang observing me with an incredibly tense expression.

“We should depart this instant. This…… this is entirely disrespectful to the guests who came to participate.”

So-so Wang was shifting uncomfortably as if she might explode at any second, completely incapable of masking her outrage.

I looked away from her and evaluated the rest of the room.

‘Hmm.’

A few prominent martial artists caught my attention. They did not belong to the absolute peak of the Nine Schools and One Gang, but they possessed respectable reputations or carried significant weight as secular disciples. Among them, several were unable to conceal their utter bewilderment.

‘Were they brought here under false pretenses just like me?’

Though their expressions were darkened by displeasure, not a single person made a move to abruptly leave their place. Instead, when the herald called their names, they merely released a quiet breath and behaved exactly like the practitioners who preceded them.

They understood completely that instead of successfully calling out the host’s insolence by making a scene, they would only trigger a wave of public condemnation that would destroy their own standing in the martial world. Furthermore, if they happened to be entangled in commercial dealings with the Eun-ha Merchant Group as I was, it was only natural that their options were severely limited.

“Oppa!”

I caught So-so Wang’s hand, which had once again gripped and shaken my sleeve, and patted it gently a few times to reassure her.

“If we react blindly and storm out, we will be playing directly into the hands of those scoundrels.”

“In that case…… I will stand by your side.”

I gave a firm shake of my head.

“Do not fret. I have a strategy in mind.”

Silently and deliberately, I analyzed the layout of both the main banquet hall and the private inner chamber.

In truth, I had felt a certain level of curiosity regarding the Merchant Group Leader.

After instigating that initial disturbance at the main gates, I intentionally continued to cause chaos within the isolated pavilion. I assumed that by that point, the head of the organization would demand my presence. If we had met under those circumstances, I would have been able to discern the true nature of his character.

However, my predictions were entirely incorrect. He never summoned me, nor did he issue any reprimand. It was as though, from the very beginning, a person of my standing was beneath his notice.

And now, instead of providing a proper setting where decorum was maintained to discuss the martial arts, he had created this farce.

‘You’ve constructed a marketplace stage to have masters peddle their talents like a troupe of traveling performers, have you…….’

His calculating intellect certainly operated with wicked efficiency. Regardless of the negative accounts I might spread regarding the Eun-ha Merchant Group externally, onlookers would ultimately conclude that I had simply bartered my martial arts to the organization in exchange for whatever minor favors they threw my way.

“The next individual is…….”

The herald faltered mid-sentence while reviewing the registry. His gaze shifted directly toward my position.

“N-next is the turn of Young Hero So-un Jin of the Tae-eul Sect from Anhui Province.”

I rose from my place. Just like those who had gone before, I stepped forward into the inner chamber.

As I took my position in the center of the room, the dignitaries seated on both sides glared down at me with condescending arrogance. The Merchant Group Leader alongside So-gun Jeong waited silently for me to initiate the conversation.

“Has the Black Flame Dragon suddenly lost his voice?”

Following the remark from a man seated on the left, the occupants of the chamber began to snicker in unison.

“Perhaps he is currently communicating through the Mind-Reading Technique.”

“Ah! Is it not true that he is referred to as the Black Maitreya within the unorthodox factions of the Black Path Murim?”

“The rest of you ought to exercise caution as well. Your hidden mistresses might be unveiled down to the absolute smallest detail.”

“Bwahahahaha!”

The blatant disrespect and mockery radiating from the surrounding crowd felt oddly familiar to me.

‘Well, this is an environment I endured on countless occasions back when I was constantly rectifying the blunders of Gye-cheol-yeong.’

In those days, I frequently suffered such degradation at the hands of the descendants of the Nine Schools and One Gang or the Five Great Families. There were attacks directed at my lineage, ridicule aimed at my school, and the overwhelming sensation of powerlessness from being forbidden to strike back.

The resentment that could not be unleashed upon the provocateurs ended up turning inward, slowly eroding one’s spirit. It happened because I lacked strength. It happened because I was incapable of defying them.

“The one hundred and eightieth anniversary of the establishment of the Eun-ha Merchant Group……. I offer my sincere congratulations.”

I straightened my posture and offered a traditional martial salute.

Because that lack of subservience evidently displeased them, an individual on the right side chimed in with further criticism.

“Do you intend to offer blessings using nothing but empty words? For what reason have you arrived without a single offering?”

“Tsk, tsk, my friend. What sort of prominent lineage is the Tae-eul Sect that they could possibly afford a suitable tribute? Even if they managed to scrape one together, could such a thing ever satisfy the refined tastes of our Merchant Group Leader? Haha!”

“That is quite accurate. Tell me, Black Flame Dragon, why do you not also exhibit a performance and make your exit like the rest?”

They were undoubtedly aware of the reality. They fully expected me to tolerate a single moment of absolute humiliation in order to secure a massive financial advantage through the backing of the Eun-ha Merchant Group. That was precisely why they felt entirely comfortable wagging their tongues so carelessly.

The version of myself from my previous existence would likely have submitted to the degradation imposed by the opposition if placed in this exact scenario. However, through the trials of that past life, I had come to understand one absolute truth.

No matter how immense the potential gain, one must never allow oneself to be perceived as an easy target. Facing disrespect with a compliant grin does nothing but dismantle the inherent honor one possesses. Therefore, to forge a functional partnership, I needed to demonstrate that I was not a person to be trifled with.

“Your assessment is correct. Though it is rumored that the daily provisions of the Tae-eul Sect have successfully risen from two meals to three, we still confront numerous hardships. It is for this very reason that we require the assistance of the Eun-ha Merchant Group.”

Upon hearing my straightforward admission, the aristocrats who had been wearing stunned expressions suddenly erupted into booming laughter.

“Khahahahaha!”

“Hahahaha!”

“Puhahaha!”

Was their amusement driven by the belief that I had completely capitulated to their authority? Or were they simply unable to contain their mockery over the fact that the Tae-eul Sect had struggled to afford even two meals in recent times?

The Merchant Group Leader, occupying the highest seat of honor, emptied his vessel of wine without uttering a word, while So-gun Jeong maintained a smug, victorious grin. Was he pleased that my previously defiant attitude had seemingly shifted toward compliance?

“While my capabilities cannot hope to rival the exceptional martial artists who preceded me, would it be permitted for me to substitute my skills in place of a material gift?”

The waves of laughter ceased instantly, and the focus of the entire room shifted toward the Merchant Group Leader. The leader merely offered a silent nod of agreement.

Chiiing—

With that silent permission, I deliberately unseated the Red Light Sword from its sheath and commenced the movements of the Dae-cheon Sword Technique.

Swish-swish-swish—

Since I purposely withheld any trace of internal energy from the display, the execution was slow and completely devoid of any deceptive phantom afterimages. Unlike the dynamic exhibitions of the prior martial artists, this sluggish sequence quickly induced boredom among the onlookers whose standards were incredibly high.

“I was highly curious about the sort of legendary martial art he had unburied to merit an invitation to the peak of the Academy…… Tsk, this is utterly mediocre.”

“If gaining entry into the Martial Academy requires nothing more than that level of proficiency, I ought to have enrolled my own offspring as well.”

“Are you genuinely unaware? Is he not the notorious Black Flame Dragon who secured his position within the Academy solely through the influence of the Black Path? Cluck cluck.”

Disparaging remarks slipped from their mouths without hesitation, and I altered my actions to display a series of clumsy blunders in accordance with their commentary.

Slice—

I purposefully forced my momentum to a jarring halt while cleaving through the edge of a nearby table. Immediately after, I mimicked the panicked expression of someone utterly horrified by their own incompetence.

“Heh…… we requested a demonstration of his talents, and he responds by destroying the assets of the Eun-ha Merchant Group.”

I rapidly played the part of an embarrassed amateur.

“I-I deeply apologize. As this is my very first time presenting my forms in an environment of this scale…… I-I shall attempt it once more.”

Crash!

This time, I cleaved directly through the center of the table, shattering the serving dishes containing the cuisine as though it were an accidental slip of my grip.

“E-hey! You reckless fool……!”

“What manner of martial artist wields a weapon with such absolute carelessness!”

Amid the fierce complaints of the guests who grimaced as the displaced food splattered across their fine attire, I lowered my head low and pleaded.

“I-I am incredibly sorry. This is my first instance attempting to regulate my output…….”

“Regulate your output?”

From above, the voice of So-gun Jeong cut through the noise, dripping with intense irritation.

“Are you suggesting that you are currently incapable of executing your genuine techniques?”

“That is to say…… a significant portion of the audience here consists of ordinary individuals rather than martial artists. Furthermore, regardless of one’s conditioning as a practitioner, it might prove exceedingly difficult to withstand the impact……”

“Sigh…….”

Whether driven by the impression that he was being deliberately mocked, So-gun Jeong released a sharp, incredulous breath.

“Did you honestly believe the dignitaries gathered here would be intimidated by the mere sight of a common swordsman’s forms?”

“I-Is that not the case?”

When I tilted my head with the blank expression of an innocent fool, So-gun Jeong’s frame visibly quivered with rage.

“Does an insignificant insect like you dare to look down upon us?”

As So-gun Jeong ground his teeth in fury, the Merchant Group Leader lifted a hand to halt his subordinate’s outburst. He then spoke aloud for the first time.

“Since events have proceeded to this stage, it would be quite absurd not to witness your actual capabilities. Young Hero Jin, unveil the entirety of your arts.”

He offered a condescending flick of his chin, daring me to proceed if I possessed the nerve. Instantly, the personal sentries stationed behind his chair advanced to encircle and shield him.

‘Does he assume that I intend to project an aura of killing intent?’

Naturally, projecting an aura of executioner-level bloodlust was a standard tactic martial artists utilized to intimidate civilians. To an experienced veteran of commerce like him, it was entirely within the realm of expectation.

Regardless, since I had successfully elicited the exact authorization I required, it would still be wise to lock down that confirmation one final time, wouldn’t it?

“Is it t-truly…… acceptable for me to display everything?”

“……Proceed.”

Treating the gathered crowd as official witnesses to this consent, I purposefully swept my gaze across the entire perimeter.

“Then I shall display it to my absolute heart’s content.”

I returned the Red Light Sword to its scabbard and then, with deliberate slowness, drew the blade once more.

Unlike the previous display, the moment the crimson radiance manifested with absolute clarity, even the guests who had averted their eyes in boredom began to lock their attention back onto me one by one. As I summoned my killing intent through the sheer force of my focus, it felt as though phantom shrieks of agony suddenly echoed in the space.

Kyaaaaaaaaak!

Whether the rest of the room experienced the identical sensation or not, every single smile vanished instantly, replaced by absolute terror and rigid postures.

“This constitutes…… the authentic Dae-cheon Sword Technique of the Tae-eul Sect.”

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ring.

The manifestations of the blade spread outward like the opening ribs of a fan, scattering into every corner of the room. I initiated the formation from a tightly condensed space resembling a closed flower bud, gradually expanding the technique into a wider trajectory.

As the sharp manifestations of the blade began to slice dangerously close to the gathered audience—

Swish—

Introducing a sudden variation, I distributed phantom swords across the entirety of the chamber. Simultaneously, I integrated the swift principles of the So-cheon Sword Technique, methodically decimating the remaining tables and banquet platters.

Slice—

Slice—

“Wh-what madness is this!”

“W-wait a moment!”

As the individuals who had been frozen in terror by the sheer intensity of the killing intent began to panic, their personal bodyguards rapidly surged forward, mirroring the actions of the Merchant Group Leader’s protectors to shield their respective charges.

Naturally, it was an entirely futile effort.

I began to escalate the pressure of the killing intent in earnest. I unleashed a level of malice so severe that even the formidable Gold, Silver, and Bronze brothers would have frozen solid during their training sessions—the raw, unbridled bloodlust characteristic of the monsters residing within the Demonic Cult.

“Urgh!”

“Blegh!”

“S-stop this!”

With the calculated clumsiness exhibited initially now seamless with this deliberate display of chaos, the phantom blades dancing past the viewers’ throats and scalps transformed into an immediate, lethal hazard.

An individual possessing So-gun Jeong’s martial background might be capable of separating a phantom illusion from an authentic steel blade, but there was absolutely no way these individuals who had spent their entire lives buried in account books could tell the difference.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ring!

I intensified the murderous aura further, casting the illusory blades with absolute audacity. I ensured that every single table, serving plate, and wine vessel situated between them was thoroughly cleaved to pieces.

Furthermore, this occurred within an inner chamber entirely sealed on all four sides. There was absolutely no avenue for the oppressive malice I generated to dissipate.

The targets found themselves completely paralyzed by sheer dread, firmly believing that their heads would be severed from their shoulders if they shifted even a fraction of an inch within the claustrophobic space. This paralyzing terror gripped the bodyguards trying to defend them just as fiercely.

“U-ugh…… p-please mercy!”

“S-stop! Cease this!”

“S-spare my life!”

Just as the chorus of terrified weeping resonated through every corner of the room, I instantly reined in the entirety of the Dae-cheon Sword Technique I had unleashed.

Clack—

The moment the Red Light Sword locked securely back into its sheath, the entire assembly violently gasped for the air they had been too terrified to breathe.

“Huff, huff, huff.”

“Heok!”

Several individuals collapsed entirely onto the floor tiles, their expressions completely blank from sheer psychological trauma.

I scratched at the back of my neck, assuming a maximally innocent and harmless expression.

“Ah, this…… I was under the impression that I was regulating my output quite carefully. Was it perhaps a bit too intense?”

Beneath the shattered tables on both sides, a distinct moisture began to seep across the floor. Along with it came the unmistakable aroma of urine.

I pinched my nose shut.

“I am sowwy. I had no idea you gweat leaders had such tiny little balls……”

I advanced with slow, measured steps toward the Merchant Group Leader. Observing the damp patch currently spreading beneath his seat, I hoisted a clean wine cup. Out of fundamental politeness, I lowered the hand that had been clamping my nostrils shut.

“Nonetheless, since I have completed my performance, you will surely honor me with a draught of wine, will you not?”

“…….”

The Merchant Group Leader’s entire frame was vibrating with an intensity that revealed just how profoundly enraged he was.

Unable to contain himself a moment longer, So-gun Jeong slammed his hand against his surface with a loud Bang! and roared with absolute fury.

“How dare you execute such an outrageous outrage in this venue!!”

I blinked in apparent confusion and tilted my head.

“You gave me explicit instructions to display my capabilities, so I displayed my capabilities…… did I somehow commit an error?”

I maintained the expression of someone who was genuinely clueless. Honestly, it was entirely their own incompetence for being completely paralyzed by a bit of killing intent and failing to intervene.

“Ah…… naturally, I extend my regrets for overestimating your fortitude simply because you were heralded as great dignitaries. However, that cannot be entirely blamed on my actions, can it?”

After flashing a thin, mocking smirk directly at So-gun Jeong, I thrust the empty wine cup directly in front of the Merchant Group Leader’s face.

“You will pour me a drink, correct?”

“…….”

“Y-You dare……! Fetch my weapon!!!”

I locked my gaze tightly onto So-gun Jeong.

“Senior (Sunbae)……. Let us not ruin the collective joy of such an excellent celebration.”

“What are you fools waiting for! I commanded you to bring my spear this instant!”

A martial artist rushed forward frantically, presenting him with a gleaming silver weapon. Snatching the shaft from the subordinate’s hands, he bared his teeth like a wild animal.

“On this day, I shall personally instruct you on the fact that there is always a higher heaven above your petty sky!”

Grasping the Galaxy Spear, which was adorned with intricate gold tassels, So-gun Jeong propelled himself off the floorboards and vaulted cleanly over the shattered furniture.

While keeping the wine cup balanced securely in one hand, I drew the Red Light Sword with the other and systematically deflected the flurry of spear thrusts he unleashed. The Galaxy Spear, saturated with genuine intent to kill, lunged toward my lethal pressure points in rapid succession.

Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!

Deflecting the onslaught while executing a controlled retreat, I called out to my opponent.

“Senior Jeong, I shall offer this warning for the final time. Desist.”

“Silence! Did you honestly believe you would walk out of the Eun-ha Merchant Group alive after orchestrating such an insult!”

Twisting my torso smoothly to evade the tip of the spear aimed directly for my chest cavity, I closed the distance into his blind spot and drove the heavy pommel of the Red Light Sword directly into his torso’s vital point.

So-gun Jeong instantly pulled his weight back, stepped onto a nearby table, launched himself high into the air, and descended with the velocity of a falling star.

It was the “Thunderbolt Meteor,” the signature technique of the renowned Meteor Spear So-gun Jeong.

Having ascended all the way to the rafters, he unleashed a torrent of blue spear-energy, completely sealing off any potential escape routes across all eight cardinal directions.

Pop-pop-pop-pop-pop!

Under normal circumstances, evading such a concentrated assault would be the wisest course of action. Instead, I channeled a massive reservoir of internal energy directly into the blade of the Red Light Sword. When demonstrating dominance to an adversary, it is absolutely essential to present an overwhelming display, even if it requires exhausting a significant amount of one’s reserves.

Woooooom.

In place of the standard crimson light born of raw killing intent, a brilliant golden radiance erupted from the blade, manifesting into a solid Sword-gang. The Sword-gang generated by this surge completely obliterated every single trace of the descending blue spear-energy, leaving absolutely no openings.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang-bang-bang-bang!

Witnessing his ultimate technique torn to ribbons without resistance, So-gun Jeong desperately attempted to form a competing Spear-gang, but it was too late.

‘Exactly, if you intended to utilize your full capabilities, you ought to have done so from the very beginning.’

The edge of the Red Light Sword had already swept across his chest.

Slash—

The torso that should have been split open with a torrent of crimson blood was spared, with only his fine silk garments being shredded to ribbons. So-gun Jeong’s momentum, which had driven him forward with the velocity of an arrow, was reversed as he slammed violently back into the reinforced wall at an even greater speed than his initial charge.

Thud!

The sheer force of the collision was so massive that he lost consciousness the exact moment he struck the surface.

I casually rested the length of the Red Light Sword over my shoulder and addressed the petrified crowd.

“Senior Jeong has graciously extended his profound assistance to ensure his junior could truly shine today. Ladies and gentlemen, please offer a round of applause.”

“…….”

However, the entire room remained dead silent.

Hmm, perhaps they were unable to hear my request?

I focused my will once more and unleashed a subtle wave of killing intent. Instantly—

“Hieee!”

“Heok!”

“Th-that absolute maniac is starting again……!”

The wealthy merchants looked as though they were on the verge of rolling their eyes back and fainting entirely. I smiled at them warmly.

“Ev.e.ry.one. I instructed you to provide a round of applause. Is that truly so difficult to perform? Would it not be quite shameful to disrespect Senior So-gun Jeong in this manner?”

Clap, clap-clap, clap-clap-clap.

Only then did the hesitant sound of clapping begin to echo through the space, at which point I retracted the murderous pressure entirely. As the sound of applause reverberated louder within the walls, I stepped back up to the Merchant Group Leader’s table.

“Merchant Group Leader, I have demonstrated my capabilities in full compliance with your wishes. Are you truly going to deny me even a single taste of wine?”

“…….”

Within his bloodshot eyes, I could clearly read a desperate urge to murder me on the spot.

Heh, this elderly fellow still hasn’t grasped the reality of his situation.

I gave the wine cup a gentle swirl and lowered my voice to a soft whisper.

“If…… this environment had not been designated for a simple exhibition of talents, your Senior subordinate would have been struck by the cutting edge of my blade, rather than the flat of it.”

“……Had you taken that course of action, the Tae-eul Sect would have been utterly wiped from existence.”

“Haha, that is precisely the reason why you and I are currently maintaining such excellent decorum toward one another, is it not?”

“…….”

We locked eyes in total silence for several seconds.

The Merchant Group Leader, biting down hard enough on his lip to draw blood, slowly extended his hand toward the decanter and filled my vessel to the brim.

After draining the contents in a single, continuous gulp, I smiled.

“I eagerly anticipate our future commercial endeavors together.”

Leaving the trembling head of the commercial empire behind, I stepped out of the private inner chamber.

“…….”

“…….”

The occupants of the main banquet hall were all staring directly at me with utterly hollow expressions.

Hmm? This is quite problematic; the festive atmosphere seems to have been completely ruined, hasn’t it?

“What is the meaning of this? Why has the melody ceased on such a celebratory occasion? Who is the individual managing this event! Demand that the person in charge step forward immediately!!!”

Terrified by my shout, the musicians frantically resumed their performance with frantic energy.

Yes, only now does this gathering truly resemble a proper celebration.