Chapter 115

Chapter 115
Chapter 115

An escort bureau functions as an enterprise specializing in logistical transport and protective security. Having previously lived as a wandering swordsman, Baek Yang-hui was intimately familiar with the inner workings of such establishments. Given that he had even taken on escort work briefly in the past, his understanding was comprehensive. While an escort bureau operates somewhat like a martial arts sect, its core nature diverges entirely from traditional sects. It was precisely this distinction that made his proposition viable.

“Three thousand gold taels. I propose to purchase the Changil Escort Bureau outright for that amount.”

Had he approached the Namgung Clan with a proposal to buy out their entire household, regardless of the offered sum, they would have viewed it as a grave insult and immediately drawn their blades, leaving him hunted across the martial world even if he managed to escape. However, the reaction of Changil Escort Bureau Chief Yeo Gu-wi was vastly different.

“Th-three thousand taels…? Are you jesting with me?”

“Would I make sport of the bureau chief, especially regarding his family’s livelihood?”

As the premier transport outfit in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, the Changil Escort Bureau commanded immense prestige. Their transit operations alone pulled in five hundred gold taels annually—enough revenue to establish five thriving commercial enterprises within a single year. Even so, a sum of three thousand gold taels—equivalent to thirty thousand silver taels—was more than enough to stagger any leader’s composure.

‘Three thousand gold taels! That represents six whole years of our enterprise’s gross revenue…!’

A mere six years’ worth? Is that truly all it amounted to? Such a superficial assessment would only come from the uninitiated. When factoring in operational expenses, maintenance, and essential reinvestments, the bureau chief personally cleared only about a hundred gold taels a year.

“Three thousand taels! That exceeds double the total wealth our Yeo family has managed to hoard across generations… Ahem.”

Although he tried to maintain his composure, Baek Yang-hui recognized him as an adversary who could easily be played. Realizing he had betrayed his inner thoughts too plainly, the Changil Escort Bureau Chief hastily cleared his throat and straightened his posture. Baek Yang-hui observed him with an air of complete leisure.

‘Just as I anticipated. There is ample room to negotiate. In fact, the opportunity is wide open.’

The Hundred Intentions Sect was currently leveraging the Changil Escort Bureau to exert pressure on the Baek Book Merchant Group. The most direct and effective resolution was to bring the bureau under their own direct influence.

‘While traditional sects may operate on entirely different principles, when dealing with an escort bureau, capital reigns supreme.’

Unlike conventional martial arts factions, escort bureaus ultimately existed to generate wealth.

“What is your verdict? Does a sum of three thousand gold taels fall short of honoring your family’s heritage?”

“Hmph…”

The bureau chief fell silent, his expression clouding over as he plunged into deep contemplation.

‘Since my opening bid was three thousand, he will naturally assume he can extract a higher price by playing difficult.’

“Three thousand taels is undeniably a substantial fortune. However, this bureau has been handed down through successive generations of the Yeo lineage.”

The corners of Baek Yang-hui’s mouth quirked upward. That measured response indicated that he was at least entertaining the possibility of a sale.

“I understand. That happens to be my absolute limit—three thousand taels. What a pity. Since our negotiation has reached an impasse, I shall take my leave.”

He rose smoothly to his feet, fixing the bureau chief with a meaningful, parting smile.

“I will be lodging at the compound of the Baek Book Merchant Group. When we next discuss this matter, the offer will drop to two thousand five hundred taels. Keep that clearly in mind.”

Turning on his heel, he strode deliberately toward the exit of the reception hall. Scarcely had he taken five paces when a voice called out behind him.

“Young Master Baek. Pray, wait a moment!”

‘He proves worthy of leading Nanchang’s foremost escort bureau. He grasps opportunities swiftly.’

“Too late. The starting price has dropped to one,eight hundred taels.”

In that brief interval, glistening beads of sweat had materialized across the bureau chief’s brow, a testament to the intense internal struggle he had just undergone.

“Hoo. Rumors have long spoken of the Baek Clan’s young master possessing extraordinary brilliance in both martial arts and strategy. I am deeply humbled. Please, resume your seat.”

The moment Baek Yang-hui settled back into his chair, the bureau chief pressed forward.

“Let me pose a question first—what is your true motive behind such an offer?”

“You are well aware of the reason. To strike back decisively against the encroaching pressure of the Hundred Intentions Sect, we must pull the very bureau they rely upon over to our side.”

“You are not merely attempting to co-opt us; you intend to buy the entire organization lock, stock, and barrel? Your audacity is breathtaking.”

Baek Yang-hui merely offered a light shrug.

“There is one matter I must confirm first. Does the Baek Clan Manor genuinely possess three thousand gold taels in liquid funds?”

“One thousand eight hundred taels, you mean. Your persistent questioning suggests you have no intention of parting with the bureau unless paid entirely in full upfront.”

“Forgive me, but I cannot help my astonishment. Indeed, this represents a monumental turning point for our family. We require something tangible to set our minds at ease.”

That was reasonable enough. Besides, he had intended to settle the full amount immediately to conclude the arrangement without delay. Pulling a thick roll of promissory notes from his inner robes, he laid them out.

“Three thousand gold taels. Though, I suppose I must retract two of these notes first.”

The bureau chief’s eyes widened dramatically as his gaze fell upon the bundle. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

“I feel as though I have been thoroughly outmaneuvered. You came here thoroughly prepared from the very beginning.”

“It is less about certainty and more about an absolute resolve to see things done. That is closer to the truth.”

“Heh.”

The bureau chief could not help but marvel at the youth’s cunning and daring.

“Young master, are you truly only fifteen years of age?”

“My sixteenth year began the moment my last birthday passed.”

“Inconceivable. Had my own son possessed even a fraction of your capability, he would never have yielded so easily to worthless temptations.”

In truth, his son would have succumbed regardless; lacking the burden of an incompetent heir, three thousand taels would hardly have been sufficient to tempt him otherwise. The chief’s son, Yeo Gu-wi, was notoriously infamous around Nanchang as a reckless wastrel. Entrusting the bureau to him would guarantee its eventual ruin. It was far wiser to liquidate the asset now and pocket a grand fortune while the enterprise remained at its peak. They could endure the temporary sting of squandering the cash, whereas watching their ancestral legacy crumble to dust would inflict an unbearable wound on their family pride.

“There is one crucial detail I must disclose. A significant portion of our bureau’s revenue stems directly from commissions awarded by the Hundred Intentions Sect. Surely you are aware of this?”

That intimate connection was precisely why the Hundred Intentions Sect wielded such pervasive influence over the Changil Escort Bureau.

“I am well aware.”

“Acquiring it for three thousand gold taels could easily slash its market value in half overnight.”

Baek Yang-hui cast a look of genuine surprise toward the bureau chief.

‘He was under no obligation to reveal that. It turns out he possesses a measure of integrity after all. Perhaps I should adjust my strategy slightly.’

“I am fully aware of that as well. I also know that the moment you step down, a large contingent of our escorts will likely abandon ship.”

Escort operatives occupied a peculiar niche, existing somewhere between formal sect-affiliated martial artists and independent wandering ronin. Bound to the bureau by employment yet collecting regular salaries, they were notoriously fickle, prone to deserting for more lucrative prospects much like ronin. Consequently, throughout the martial realm, escort bureaus and their hired blades were generally regarded as neutral entities.

“Just as vital as the incoming revenue are the bureau’s strategic standing and the leader’s own administrative acumen. With that in mind, may I present a counter-proposal?”

“What sort of proposal?”

“The Changil Escort Bureau will be incorporated into the Heaven-Covering Escort Bureau, operating under the direct administration of our Baek Clan Manor.”

“I anticipated as much.”

“We will establish a dedicated Changil Division within the new structure, and I wish for you to retain your leadership role as its division chief.”

In short, ownership would transfer, but he would remain securely at the helm.

“As compensation, I will restore the offer back to the full two thousand taels—and pair it with a remarkably generous stipend.”

The bureau chief once again found himself deeply impressed by Baek Yang-hui’s extraordinary magnanimity.

“Can you genuinely place your trust in me as a division chief? What if I were to act as a clandestine agent for the Hundred Intentions Sect?”

Baek Yang-hui’s reply was disarmingly simple.

“I seriously doubt you would commit an act that ultimately harms your own interests. Even if you did, the Hundred Intentions Sect would find themselves entirely incapable of exploiting it.”

In essence, he possessed absolute confidence in his ability to make any treacherous collusion with the Hundred Intentions Sect utterly unprofitable for the chief.

“What gives you such unwavering certainty?”

“Naturally.”

He mentally reviewed the intricate strategy he had just improvised on the spot. Initially, he had intended to scout out some capable talent to place in administrative command, but employing the seasoned bureau chief himself proved infinitely more efficient.

‘People will always gravitate toward higher ground, especially someone who has languished as a mere second-in-command for so long.’

A broad grin spread across his face as he pivoted to the next item of business.

“Have you ever seriously considered becoming the undisputed overlord of Nanchang?”

The bureau chief fell utterly silent, hanging upon every word as the sweeping explanation unfolded before him. Within moments, his eyes widened with astonishment.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

One of Gong Wol-hyeok’s favorite pastimes as the leader of the Hundred Intentions Sect was partaking in the refined art of the tea ceremony. He favored expensive, rare leaves imported from the distant lands of Yunnan and Sichuan. As he poured steaming hot water over the dried leaves, a rich, fragrant aroma instantly filled his senses, tickling his nostrils.

‘The scent remains exquisite, no matter how often I partake.’

This was a luxury he could afford precisely because the Hundred Intentions Sect had successfully claimed dominion as Nanchang’s paramount power. Wealth invariably brought happiness to mankind. To perform and possess what ordinary mortals could not—that was joy in its purest, most unadulterated form.

‘Therefore, I must claim greater influence. Even more than this.’

This very mindset was what had caused the Hundred Intentions Sect—once an organization rooted in righteous principles—to shift dramatically under his stewardship toward aggressive territorial expansion and the relentless pursuit of profit.

“You there.”

The heavy wooden door to the sect leader’s private chambers swung open instantly, and a loyal subordinate stepped inside.

“You summoned me, Sect Leader?”

The leader of the Hundred Intentions Sect wore an expression of deep satisfaction.

“Ascertain whether anyone representing the Baek Book Merchant Group has arrived yet.”

“Understood.”

The subordinate cupped his fists respectfully in salute and vanished through the doorway, moving with effortless lightness skills. The absolute power to issue a single command and see it executed instantly—this was a rare privilege reserved only for those who held the pinnacle of authority.

‘And yet… it still falls short.’

Greater power. Vastly superior wealth and everlasting glory. Although he already enjoyed abundance on a grand scale, it all felt as though it ought to be his baseline existence. It was insufficient. He required far more, desperate to grasp it firmly within his unyielding grip. Gong Wol-hyeok firmly believed that such a destiny belonged rightfully to him alone.

‘Therefore, I must strip away the authority currently wielded by the Elder Council and bend it entirely to my will.’

The Hundred Intentions Sect. True to its historic designation, it was an organization forged by uniting the collective wills of a hundred masters. Consequently, the power vested in the sect leader was far from absolute; indeed, the Elder Council retained the supreme prerogative to select the next successor, and every major administrative decision required their formal ratification.

‘The Baek Clan Manor. An irritating nuisance, yes, but they provide the perfect pretext.’

Gong Wol-hyeok’s grand design was simple: when a formidable external threat materializes, it naturally forces internal factions to unite. During such times of crisis, a leader’s prestige and authority inevitably swell.

‘I will position the Baek Clan Manor as an existential enemy to the main sect, expand my personal authority, and bind the absolute loyalty of the disciples directly to myself…!’

In a mere few years, the Baek Clan Manor had expanded its influence exponentially, and their calculated maneuvers strongly suggested the guiding hand of a brilliant strategist. If the Elder Council, gripped by fear of losing their own political leverage, attempted to intervene and curb the sect leader’s emergency powers once open hostilities commenced, he could effortlessly manipulate events from the shadows to turn their decisions into catastrophic blunders, placing the full blame squarely upon their shoulders.

‘From this day forward, the leadership of the Hundred Intentions Sect shall remain permanently within the Gong lineage.’

Such magnificent treasures as wealth and supreme authority were far too precious to be monopolized by a single generation; the spoils of power must be handed down securely to his progeny.

“Sect Leader, our scouts report that not a single soul from the Baek Book Merchant Group has appeared—not even a formal correspondence.”

“They must still fancy themselves secure. It is time to tighten the noose.”

Stepping out to handle such trivialities personally would only demean his dignity. In that regard, the Changil Escort Bureau—bound as they were by close ties to the Hundred Intentions Sect—served as an ideal tool to deploy. Maintained as apparent equals on the surface but effectively kept under his thumb, they could be directed at his whim.

“I shall pen a dispatch. Have it delivered directly to the Changil Escort Bureau.”

“As you command, Sect Leader.”

He leisurely picked up his writing brush and began flowing ink across the delicate paper, admiring his own craftsmanship. The calligraphy was exceptionally elegant, perfectly befitting a refined scholar of high breeding. He, Gong Wol-hyeok, was a true hero equally accomplished in the arts of the brush and the edge of the sword.

“Take this and deliver it without delay.”

Glancing casually at the retreating form of his subordinate, Gong Wol-hyeok lifted his cup to sip his Yunnan tea once more. The flavor and aroma remained flawlessly exquisite.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

A formal reply from the chief of the Changil Escort Bureau finally arrived. Unsurprisingly, assuming the man had predictably accepted his instructions, Gong Wol-hyeok unhurriedly unfurled the parchment and scanned the contents.

[To the Leader of the Hundred Intentions Sect.]

[Effective as of today, the Changil Escort Bureau ceases all operations. Govern yourselves accordingly.]

“What…?”