Chapter 303

Chapter 303
## 303. The Rising Star of the Black Path, the Black Flame Dragon (1)

—

The second day of the Eun-ha Merchant Group’s founding anniversary.
The festivities persisted precisely as they had the previous day.
However, the lively bustle that defined yesterday did not materialize.
Melodies played, yet no dancers performed, and while individuals arrived and departed, none of the personnel from the Eun-ha Merchant Group were present to receive the visitors and offer individual welcomes.
It was technically a celebration, but the environment stripped it of any celebratory essence whatsoever.
“The way they treat their guests is a complete disaster, tsk.”
“……Are you genuinely grumbling about that at a time like this?”
So-so Wang stared at me with a look of utter disbelief.
“Hmm? What is it?”
“The achievement the Merchant Group Leader constantly bragged about was So-gun Jeong joining the Academy and climbing to the rank of Great Hall Master.”
“And?”
“……What do you mean, ‘and’? You shattered both of those accomplishments with a single strike.”
It is hardly my fault that his prized son collapsed from a lone blow, is it?
‘I did not even strike him with much force.’
If he intended to wield his blade, he ought to have overwhelmed me instantly.
Had he done so, his defeat would not have been so humiliatingly abrupt.
In truth, while repelling that spear-energy, the vibration vibrating through my palms was quite distinct.
‘Being a descendant of the Eun-ha Merchant Group, he must have consumed internal elixirs or spirit pills every few months, correct?’
The sole reason such a So-gun Jeong crumbled in one strike was entirely due to his own conceit.
The haughty assumption that he could effortlessly crush someone of my standing brought about his own downfall.
Without that arrogance, we might have traded several more techniques.
Granted, the ultimate victory would still have been mine.
“From my perspective, he lacks the capability required of a Great Hall Master. He likely secured the position through illicit payments……”
“That is beside the point.”
So-so Wang continued to view me with that same incredulous expression.
This time, apprehension was mingled with it.
“It is possible…… we may no longer be able to maintain our alliance with the Eun-ha Merchant Group.”
Well, given that I caused him to lose control of his bladder on a day of celebration, that outcome is entirely expected, isn’t it?
“It makes no difference regardless.”
“Pardon?”
“Do we not possess the Wang Family Manor to back our Tae-eul Sect?”
“…….”
So-so Wang shifted to a blank expression, resembling someone who had just received an unexpected blow to the skull.
I chuckled softly as I observed her.
“Could it be that the Wang Family Manor harbors intentions of discarding the Tae-eul Sect?”
“Wh-what are you suggesting!”
“Then there is no issue, is there?”
“Th-that may be true, but……. Looking at it from the Tae-eul Sect’s viewpoint, one can never be certain……”
Why is the daughter of the Wang Family Manor fretting as though she belongs to the Tae-eul Sect?
“Human fortunes are unpredictable. The influence of the Wang Family Manor might diminish……. While the dominance of the Eun-ha Merchant Group might expand……”
“Are you suggesting I play both sides like a scavenger?”
“No, that is not what I meant.”
“Rest easy. Ultimately, if the Wang Family Manor rises to become the supreme merchant house under heaven, will every difficulty not be resolved?”
“…… shreds.”
“Then even if the Eun-ha Merchant Group despises me and the Tae-eul Sect, it will signify nothing.”
“Th-that is true.”
So-so Wang blinked rapidly and questioned me hesitantly.
“……Oppa, do you truly believe the Wang Family Manor can become the supreme merchant group under heaven?”
I gave a definitive shake of my head.
“I cannot say.”
“Pardon?”
In my previous existence, the Wang Family Manor suffered a steady decline because Geum-san Wang lost his wits following So-so Wang’s vanishing.
Seeing her expression sour at my reply, I added further clarification.
“But is it not within our power to steer it toward that outcome?”
“……You will, Oppa?”
“If there is any assistance I can offer, I shall provide it fully, but ultimately, the Merchant Group Leader and you will be the ones to achieve it.”
The three prominent merchant tycoons who seized the properties of the Wang Family Manor proved entirely useless during the Great War between Justice and Evil.
Consequently, I intend to throw my entire weight behind the Wang Family Manor.
In any case, discarding a predetermined destiny to pursue fresh opportunities is my exact purpose.
So-so Wang, observing my expression, squeezed her hands into tight fists.
“You speak the truth. If we achieve that, no obstacles remain.”
She then nodded her head firmly several times, as though cementing a profound resolution.
Though young, she possesses remarkable maturity.
I gave her head a gentle pat.
“Time for us to return.”
“Understood!”
So-so Wang answered with the most cheerful tone she had displayed since our arrival at the Eun-ha Merchant Group.

Following the notification sent to the Eun-ha Merchant Group regarding my departure back to my organization, the stable hand went to ready our transport.
During this interval, So-eul Jeong arrived at our private quarters.
“What brings you here now?”
So-so Wang, who previously bristled like an agitated feline whenever So-eul Jeong appeared, welcomed her with a relaxed, mocking grin.
“Is there any corner of my own estate that remains forbidden to me?”
In contrast to before, So-eul Jeong countered with a distinct edge to her voice.
“Certainly not. Yet I wonder if it lacks propriety for even a proprietor to step into a guest’s chamber uninvited.”
Sandwiched between the friction of these two women, I felt entirely caught in the middle.
“So-so, finish packing the remaining items for our departure.”
Uttering a sharp “Hmph!”, So-so Wang retreated inside to gather the rest of our belongings, leaving only myself—who brought no baggage to begin with—and So-eul Jeong in the reception area.
Following a brief interlude of quiet, a refined voice reached my ears.
“……I offered you ample warnings, yet you ultimately went ahead and triggered a disaster.”
“A disaster?”
I tilted my head slightly.
Confronted by my indifferent demeanor, So-eul Jeong let out a bitter, breathy laugh.
“Ha, are you truly so dense that you cannot comprehend the magnitude of the crisis you have unleashed?”
The manipulative, alluring demeanor she previously projected had completely vanished.
Accordingly, I shifted my own approach in dealing with her.
“What disaster do you claim I caused? I demonstrated my capabilities precisely because you requested me to do so, and despite him initiating the conflict, I exercised restraint in my counterattack.”
“Heh……! Simply unbelievable……!”
“Hmm, your persistent insolence is beginning to grate on my nerves……. Why do you not speak with proper decorum or vanish from my presence?”
“V-vanish?”
So-eul Jeong was visibly taken aback by my blunt phrasing, unable to mask her shock.
Soon after, her shoulders began to quiver.
“……Do you truly intend to maintain this facade of a dim-witted Black Path fighter until the very end?”
Whether I was feigning ignorance mattered little, but one detail stood out.
Witnessing the genuine temperament of the “Silver Tiger” was thoroughly entertaining.
Furthermore, had this woman grown bolder simply because she wasn’t present in the private chambers during that prior event?
This requires correction.
Gathering my breath, I released a thunderous shout.
“What? Dim-witted? Are you openly mocking me now!”
As I lunged to my feet while projecting an intense wave of murderous intent, So-eul Jeong recoiled in sheer panic.
“Wh-what are you attempting! S-surely, not in this place……!”
S-shring.
As I advanced while drawing my blade, So-eul Jeong trembled violently, looking like a cornered hare frozen under a predator’s gaze.
“Grrr…….”
After maintaining a stern, downward gaze at her for a long duration, I eventually suppressed the lethal aura.
“Huff, huff, huff, huff.”
Directing my gaze to the spot where she trembled, I remarked.
“At the very least, you possess more backbone than your sibling or your sire.”
正式 “…….”
So-eul Jeong glared at me with murderous resentment, clearly furious over the indignity.
Dismissing her with an irritated gesture, I commanded her to leave.
“Did you journey to this room merely to utter those words?”
Still shivering, she finally managed to speak.
“……My father requests your presence before your departure.”
Hmm…… at this hour?

The office of the Merchant Group Leader differed significantly from that of the Dae-cheon Merchant Group.
While my father’s workspace sat adjacent to the logistical sectors, the office of the Eun-ha Merchant Group Leader was situated deep within the compound’s interior, accessible only by traversing an extended corridor.
“Did your night pass peacefully?”
The Merchant Group Leader, seated in solitary state within the expansive, opulent room, observed me with a rigid countenance.
Tsk, tsk, he appears to have aged a decade overnight……. A wave of pity actually struck me.
“The celebration remains in full swing; is it proper for the host to remain isolated in this manner?”
Offering no reply to my query and showing no visible emotion, the Merchant Group Leader let out a heavy breath after a prolonged pause before speaking.
“I have been debating whether to apply my official emblem to the agreement dispatched by the Wang Family Manor.”
“Was that matter not concluded yesterday?”
“Do you believe I am incapable of dissolving an agreement simply because I gave my word publicly?”
“You possess the power to do so, yet you will refrain.”
“A martial artist lecturing on commercial trust. Amusing.”
He interlocked his fingers, resting his chin upon his hands.
The intensity in his gaze sharpened dramatically.
“However…… are you conscious of this reality? With this specific deal serving as the conclusion, both the Dae-cheon Merchant Group and the Tae-eul Sect could face total ruin.”
“Is that your objective?”
“Should my resentment remain unappeased.”
“…… shreds.”
“I am fully capable of reducing the Tae-eul Sect back to its original state of destitution……. Nay, I can dismantle both the Dae-cheon Merchant Group and the Tae-eul Sect entirely through far more ruthless strategies.”
Unlike his younger offspring, the eyes of this veteran predator gleamed with genuine malice.
“If you rely on the protection of the Wang Family Manor, abandon that hope. The Wang Family Manor consists of merchants above all else. While loyalty and obligations are merely tedious and costly to acquire, it does not mean they cannot be purchased if the price is sufficient.”
His capability for psychological pressure is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
Yet intimidation only functions if the target yields.
Having listened attentively, I gave a relaxed nod and replied with complete ease.
“Then I welcome you to attempt it.”
“What did you say?”
Instantly, the hostility masking the Merchant Group Leader’s features fractured into a look of deep perplexity.
“I do not recognize any misconduct on my part, and you, Merchant Group Leader, cannot rid yourself of your anger. Since there is no middle ground that satisfies both parties, we ought to resolve this matter through our respective choices.”
“……Have you lost your senses? Or does your confidence blind you?”
Meeting his gaze, I offered a casual shrug.
“I simply refuse to harbor dread for a future that has yet to occur. Should obstacles emerge, I shall dismantle them when they arrive.”
“…….”
His expression twisted into an even more intricate web of conflicting emotions.
The Merchant Group Leader stared at me in silence for an extended period before suddenly changing the subject.
“……I am informed that you have not yet entered into matrimony?”
What purpose did this sudden query serve? Deciding it was unworthy of a serious response, I remained silent.
“What are your thoughts on So-eul? While her spirit burns with fierce aspiration, she possesses the cleverness to act as an exceptional pillars of support for her spouse. She is a remarkably astute child.”
“Pardon?”
What bizarre direction was this conversation taking?
“Or does So-eul fail to catch your eye? Her beauty is second to none among any I have encountered.”
As I sat dumbfounded by this completely unforeseen turn, the Merchant Group Leader pressed on.
“An era of great strife is poised to engulf the land. Are you conscious of this imminent shift?”
……Oh, what game is he playing?
“When that devastation arrives, the established structures will crumble. To prevent being eradicated by the impending cataclysm, one must secure a profound anchor. Do you truly believe the Wang Family Manor can provide that anchor for the Tae-eul Sect?”
Though his phrases lacked exact details, the Merchant Group Leader clearly possessed some inkling regarding the impending tribulations.
If that was true…… did he purposefully orchestrate conditions to allow the Silver Tiger to claim dominion over the Eun-ha Merchant Group?
‘Granted, the Silver Tiger I encountered exposed her real nature far too quickly. She lacked the raw capability required to seize the Eun-ha Merchant Group solely through her own merits.’
Compared to So-gun Jeong, So-eul Jeong is vastly more capable.
Nevertheless, as the head of the enterprise, he could not bypass his firstborn son to hand the legacy to his second daughter.
It seemed highly probable he had constructed a scenario allowing the “Silver Tiger” to usurp control through her own machinations.
He presented his proposition with an unblinking gaze.
“Bind your future to the Eun-ha Merchant Group. Do this, and the Tae-eul Sect shall withstand the coming storm.”
The offer was incredibly alluring.
Had this proposition been made to me during my prior life, I likely would have bowed low to the ground, offering endless gratitude.
I might have even celebrated the nuptials that eluded me in my past existence.
However…….
“I appreciate the generosity of your offer, but……”
Anchoring oneself by clinging to another’s strength is an experiment I already conducted in my previous life.
I hitched my fate to that massive structure known as the ‘Martial Alliance.’
And the lesson I extracted was agonizing.
“I shall establish the foundation of the Tae-eul Sect with my own hands.”
One cannot survive a tempest by existing as a parasite upon another’s roots.
Only through my personal strength must I plant my foundations deep into the earth.
I locked eyes with the Merchant Group Leader.
“Completely independent of outside assistance.”
“……The world appears remarkably simple through your eyes.”
“Perhaps it looks that way to you.”
The Merchant Group Leader, after subjecting me to a prolonged, intense scrutiny, finally stood up from his desk.
“……Perhaps for So-gun, the shadow of the Eun-ha Merchant Group was simply too overwhelming.”
“Pardon?”
Uttering phrases of ambiguous meaning, the Merchant Group Leader proceeded to unfasten a small wooden container.
He extracted a massive gold emblem and pressed it firmly onto the document.
“Deliver this to Merchant Group Leader Wang. Inform the leader of the Dae-cheon Merchant Group that I look forward to our future collaborations.”
For the very first time, the Merchant Group Leader displayed genuine deference toward me.
“My gratitude.”
I returned the gesture with a shallow bow.

Naeng-ok-hwan stepped into the recesses of a sunless cavern.
‘What an incredibly bizarre preference.’
He found it impossible to comprehend the mentality of an individual who bypassed a perfectly functional structure to build a workshop inside a damp cave.
Embedded across the roof of the walkway were costly Night-Luminous Pearls, completely replacing standard firebrands.
The occupant claimed that firebrands compromised the purity of the atmosphere or some similar nonsense.
Because the rationale felt so incredibly pedantic, he couldn’t even bother to fully process it.
Reaching the terminus of the path, he emerged into a massive chamber, ensuring his footsteps announced his arrival.
“I have arrived.”
“…… shreds.”
Deep within the chamber, the master of the cavern stood with a deep furrow across his brow.
“What? What is that look for?”
“I am certain I instructed you to don defensive attire before entering.”
Naeng-ok-hwan gestured toward the lifeless forms suspended nearby.
“Do you honestly believe I could be infected by that rot?”
“My concerns do not rest with you; I am merely anxious that your stupidity might contaminate the specimens.”
“You arrogant bastard.”
Observing Naeng-ok-hwan shifting his weight as if preparing to strike, the master of the cave deposited the blades and implements he held onto the stone floor.
“Why is a rogue who botched his assignment lingering around my domain?”
At that remark, a sudden memory flashed through Naeng-ok-hwan, completely altering his demeanor.
“……Ah! That reminds me. I encountered that individual.”
“That individual?”
“The person responsible for decimating the Iron Jiangshi you crafted.”
Instantly, the man’s features contorted with rage.
“Such garbage does not represent my handiwork. The subordinates constructed it……”
“Ah, regardless of who touched it, it originated from your workshop, did it not?”
“You insufferable fool……”
Naeng-ok-hwan let out a mocking chuckle.
Though he had faced reprimands for his failure, witnessing this individual’s composure shatter provided a wave of satisfaction.
It made the trek to this squalid hole entirely worthwhile.
It was always entertaining because this man reacted instantly whenever his self-importance was even slightly dented.
Naeng-ok-hwan dropped his frame heavily onto a nearby seat and remarked casually.
“In any case, he proved to be a fascinating specimen.”
“Fascinating?”
“Indeed. Would you say he bears a striking resemblance to you, Jang-oh-geuk?”
The individual addressed as Jang-oh-geuk bared his teeth aggressively before narrowing his eyes in confusion.
“In what manner?”
“In the manner that he possessed a countenance that triggered an overwhelming urge to slaughter him.”
“……Naeng-ok-hwan. Do you harbor a genuine desire for death?”
“Oh, drop the act. Regardless, I can now comprehend why the Small Demon holds an interest in him.”
Hearing Naeng-ok-hwan’s statement, Jang-oh-geuk fell silent, contemplating the information.
Shortly after, he voiced a specific suspicion.
“Could he potentially wield the Heaven-Absorbing Great Technique?”
“The Heaven-Absorbing Great Technique?”
“Je-geum-hak’s Heaven-and-Earth Pole Demonic Energy has become thoroughly entangled within him. Consequently, his recovery remains severely impeded.”
“Oho……. Is that the situation?”
“Did you uncover any verifiable details?”
Confronted by Jang-oh-geuk’s searching look, Naeng-ok-hwan merely gave a careless shrug.
“I possess no knowledge on that matter. We did not engage in combat.”
“……You utterly incompetent waste.”
“Hehehe, did you honestly expect me to retrieve valuable intelligence for your benefit?”
“If your purpose here is fulfilled, clear out. My tasks demand attention.”
As Jang-oh-geuk turned his back to resume his work, Naeng-ok-hwan’s tone shifted to absolute seriousness.
“The Grandmaster has decreed that the implementation of the ‘Fourth Stage’ must commence immediately.”
Upon hearing Naeng-ok-hwan’s words, Jang-oh-geuk’s gaze turned cold and calculating.
“Has the timeline advanced so rapidly?”
“Indeed. The fools representing the Blood Demon Sect proved far more incompetent than we anticipated.”
“The ‘Day of Opening Heaven’ draws exceedingly close.”
“When that day arrives……”
Naeng-ok-hwan, about to articulate his remaining thoughts, suddenly cut himself off.
No matter how reckless his general demeanor, that specific topic was not to be spoken of lightly.
“Yes, when that fateful day arrives……”
Jang-oh-geuk similarly suppressed his concluding thoughts, and the two exchanged a look laden with dark significance.