Chapter 130

Chapter 130
## Chapter 130

Inside a secluded chamber of an upscale tavern, Chu Yong-wol filled a cup with liquor, her expression radiating certainty as she pushed it toward her guest.

“Please, partake in a drink, Pavilion Master.”

Her dining companion was none other than the Pavilion Master of the Jade Flower Gang, one of the most formidable and unyielding factions in Namchang.

The Jade Flower Pavilion Master received the cup while wearing a troubled expression.

“Young Leader. I have already made my position clear. I must ask that you refrain from arranging meetings of this nature.”

True to its name, the Jade Flower Gang subsisted on the creation and distribution of exquisite jade carvings shaped like blossoms.

Consequently, they could never afford to disregard the watchful scrutiny of the Baek Ui Sect, which maintained deep connections with the prominent houses of Namchang.

“I understand. After today, I shall no longer be the one to prompt these gatherings.”

“I hold you to your word, Young Leader. To what purpose do we owe today’s discussion?”

“I wish to revisit the agreement between our Merchant Group and the Jade Flower Gang.”

Up to this point, the Baek Book Merchant Group had focused primarily on texts and writing instruments.

In order to broaden their reach, they had newly incorporated luxury goods—namely, ornaments resembling books and fine paintings.

Thus, this gathering held immense significance for Chu Yong-wol, serving as the turning point that would dictate the future trajectory of the Baek Book Merchant Group.

‘The last attempt fell through due to interference from the Baek Ui Sect, but today will yield a different outcome.’

“Young Leader, you are well aware of our situation. Our gang has no alternative but to heed the Baek Ui Sect.”

It was the exact same response as before. Yet the final result would prove entirely different this time.

“I am well aware. However, would you be so kind as to inspect this volume?”

“Hm? This book…”

The Jade Flower Pavilion Master’s eyes widened perceptibly.

Unlike standard publications, it was interwoven with golden threads and decorated with blooming plum blossom motifs, immediately marking it as a treasure of considerable value.

And that was not all.

Considering the bold, commanding strokes of the title and the signature inscribed in the corner…

“Could this perhaps be a new release from One Stroke Writer?”

“Precisely. Furthermore, according to One Stroke Writer himself, it is a monumental masterpiece born from years of painstaking toil!”

Several years had passed since One Stroke Writer had last published a new piece.

He had been occupied with other matters, leaving Baek Yang-hui to conclude that it was wise to let his renown simmer until his name echoed far and wide.

‘Naturally, the public remains unaware of that fact.’

Consequently, Chu Yong-wol had framed a novel drafted in under two hours as the crowning achievement of years of dedicated labor.

This deliberate framing would heighten public anticipation and drive its perceived value to new heights.

“Would you care to peruse it? We can discuss matters further once you are finished.”

As head of the artisans, the Jade Flower Pavilion Master oversaw the creation of intricate ornaments.

While common folk often assumed artisans were unlettered, such a notion was entirely absurd.

How could men who carved classic poetry onto precious gems possibly be illiterate?

Moreover, the Pavilion Master was celebrated throughout the district as a literary connoisseur deeply devoted to the written word.

He had even secured his position of leadership by capitalizing on the many who sought his calligraphy.

“Pardon me for a moment, Young Leader.”

Observing the Pavilion Master plunge eagerly into the text, entirely consumed by his curiosity, Chu Yong-wol could not suppress a smile.

Once he had absorbed the contents, today’s arrangement was guaranteed a triumphant conclusion.

Roughly two hours elapsed in this fashion.

The Pavilion Master laughed, wept, gasped in astonishment, and marveled aloud.

All the while, his eyes remained glued to the pages.

For a veteran of his standing to display such unvarnished emotion, the book had to be exceptionally captivating and moving.

“Whew… I have reached the end. A truly magnificent novel.”

“I share that sentiment.”

“Now, will you explain why you chose to share this work with me?”

The rationale was straightforward.

Chu Yong-wol lifted the book.

“This volume holds numerous exquisite passages. What if we were to carve those very words onto ornaments and offer them for sale?”

“…Every individual, from the youngest to the eldest, would scramble to acquire them. Without question.”

In the Pavilion Master’s estimation, One Stroke Writer’s latest creation possessed more than enough magnetism to draw massive crowds.

He himself was already itching to claim ownership of the book resting before him.

“Would the sons of your primary patrons among the influential clans not think precisely the same way?”

“Ah. Indeed. Yes, they would. Now I grasp your true intention, Young Leader.”

Even if the Baek Ui Sect brought down their pressure, they lacked the means to silence the heirs of numerous powerful families.

On the contrary, those young masters would likely unite in open defiance against the Baek Ui Sect.

“Such is the power of literature. It is the force capable of bonding countless souls together.”

Much like how the teachings of Confucius remained cherished after more than a millennium.

‘It appears we have won him over.’

Wreathed in a radiant smile, Chu Yong-wol prepared to apply the final stroke.

“Pavilion Master, please accept this.”

The Pavilion Master received the book with a perplexed expression.

“Young Leader…?”

“Consider it a token of esteem from the Baek Book Merchant Group to the Jade Flower Pavilion Master.”

Every first edition penned by One Stroke Writer carried staggering worth.

Aside from their refined craftsmanship, they alone bore the authentic signature of the author.

Given that this particular novel was destined to become an enduring classic, the significance of possessing its very first print was immeasurable.

‘A priceless artifact…!’

Raw emotion bloomed across the aged Pavilion Master’s countenance.

“To bestow something of such incredible value upon me! I am filled with shame for having yielded to the intimidation of the Baek Ui Sect earlier. I was utterly blind to your noble vision and character!”

Chu Yong-wol responded by dipping her head in a humble bow.

“I look forward to our prosperous partnership, Pavilion Master.”

“What are you saying! This old man is the one who looks forward to working with you, Young Leader!”

Departing from the establishment, Chu Yong-wol hastened toward her next destination.

She had scheduled a total of three contract meetings for the day.

Presenting One Stroke Writer’s new manuscript to all three parties, she elicited the exact same reactions and outcomes she had achieved with the Jade Flower Pavilion Master.

‘As anticipated of Young Master. Everything falls smoothly into place!!’

What of the influence and intimidation wielded by the Baek Ui Sect?

Set against the tempestuous wave of One Stroke Writer’s new release, it amounted to nothing more than a passing drizzle under a clear sky.

The novel swept through Namchang with the fury of a typhoon.

It quickly dominated every single conversation in the region.

“Have you managed to read One Stroke Writer’s latest piece?”

“Naturally! I rushed to place an order the instant the Baek Book Merchant Group dispatched a courier!”

“An absolute masterpiece.”

“All of his works are exceptional, but this one feels as though he poured his very soul into the pages!”

Just as fame inevitably translates into authority, popularity was a form of power.

The more people discussed One Stroke Writer’s new novel, the more expansive the Baek Book Merchant Group’s options grew as its exclusive distributor.

Commercial proposals that had previously been severed due to the heavy-handed tactics of the Baek Ui Sect now came flooding back in a tidal wave!

“The momentum behind the Baek Book Merchant Group lately is no laughing matter.”

“I have certainly felt it. I am actually considering establishing business ties with them myself.”

“You as well? Well, they are the syndicate trusted by One Stroke Writer for his contracts.”

“Great minds think alike! Hahaha!”

And the phenomenon did not stop there.

The fame of One Stroke Writer finally crossed the Yangtze River.

“Have you heard the news? Apparently, a novel originating from Gangseo Province is causing an absolute sensation south of the river.”

“South of the river? Prominent writers usually hail from the north. I suppose I ought to investigate.”

What had once been confined to the region of Gangnam near Gangseo was now spilling over to the northern banks, an area teeming with esteemed literati and learned scholars.

The reception there proved identical to that of Gangnam.

“Inconceivable!”

“It is merely a novel, yet the prose is breathtaking!”

“And the narrative structure! My pulse raced the entire time; I am completely exhausted!”

Rumors spread far and wide. Renown echoed across borders.

The four syllables “One Stroke Writer” transformed into the talk of the entire realm.

Eventually, the wave reached as far north as Shaanxi.

“Sect Leader! This novel is creating quite a stir among the common populace as of late!”

“A novel, you say. I suppose I should read it myself.”

Inside the quarters of the Mount Hua Sect Leader in Shaanxi, the book was received with mild curiosity.

The guest sharing tea at his side leaned in to observe.

Once they had both turned the final page…

“Hundred Palms.”

“Speak, Yang-so.”

The two men—the leader of the Mount Hua Sect and the leader of the Zhongnan Sect—wore expressions of utter bewilderment.

“We…”

“…are on adversarial terms…?”

“Since when?”

“Are Mount Hua and Zhongnan not akin to brothers…?”

Such was the minor, unintended ripple effect generated by One Stroke Writer’s literature.

“Damn it! Damn it all!”

The Baek Ui Sect Leader hammered his fist against the desk repeatedly.

The impact was severe enough to shatter the bones of an ordinary man, causing the wooden surface to splinter and send shards flying in all directions.

The Sect Leader commanded his reporting subordinate to proceed.

“Well, what is the status?!”

“As it happens… Upon learning of One Stroke Writer’s new publication, we attempted once more to distance our associates from the Baek Book Merchant Group and Baek Clan Manor, but… it provoked a collective backlash instead.”

“One Stroke Writer! That accursed One Stroke Writer!”

To think a simple man of letters possessed the capacity to completely upend the chessboard.

Did any of this defy reason?!

“What? They dare defy our sect merely out of a desire to read and possess a novel? Have they all lost their minds?!”

The subordinate merely lowered his head, keeping his private thoughts to himself.

‘Mere desire? It happens to be… ridiculously captivating…’

Even the Baek Ui Sect Leader himself had already indulged in One Stroke Writer’s latest work.

A fact that only served to stoke the fires of his fury and festering frustration.

“Damnation! Had this gone according to plan, we could have secured One Stroke Writer as an exclusive asset of our own sect!”

The underlying motive prompting the Baek Ui Sect Leader to target the Baek Book Merchant Group as his initial pressure point against the Baek Clan Manor had been clear.

It was a bid to monopolize Namchang’s premier literati, One Stroke Writer.

Through a mixture of flattery and coercion, his regular output could have generated immense wealth.

Instead, the maneuver had misfired entirely, diminishing the standing and influence of the Baek Ui Sect.

‘A single instance of defiance sets a dangerous precedent for the rest. Others will grow far more cautious now.’

If the influential clans that once formed the bedrock of the Baek Ui Sect’s power began defecting to the rising Baek Clan Manor?

The decline of the sect was merely a matter of time.

In a very real sense, the survival of the entire organization hung in the balance.

“Someone come forth.”

“At your command, Sect Leader.”

“Dispatch operatives into the underworld syndicates in absolute secrecy.”

Having delivered his directive, the Baek Ui Sect Leader cast a searing gaze through narrowed eyes toward the direction of Yeongnak Street.

‘I can afford to exercise restraint no longer.’

The window for patience had slammed shut.

The moment had arrived to deploy any method necessary, regardless of means.

○○○○○○

“Little Brother! We have a serious crisis!”

Gu-ak burst into the room, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. He had been leading the resident members of the Baek Ik Pavilion alongside guards from the Heaven-Covering Escort Bureau to secure Yeongnak Street.

“What has occurred, Brother Gu?”

“The underworld syndicates of Namchang are mobilizing en masse!”

“Then simply break their skulls open.”

“There are far too many of them! They are demanding tribute across the entirety of Yeongnak Street!”

Baek Yang-hui tapped rhythmically against his teacup in deep contemplation before posing another question.

“Nothing of this magnitude has ever transpired on Yeongnak Street before.”

“With our Baek Clan Manor making its formal entry into Namchang and new power dynamics taking shape, they are attempting to assert their dominance right from the outset. Their momentum is ferocious.”

The phenomenon that had been absent from the Baek Ui Sect’s Yeonghwi Street now plagued the primary family’s Yeongnak Street.

The implication behind this development was glaringly transparent.

‘So this is their countermeasure.’

He had been deliberating over how to place the final punctuation mark on this conflict, and they had conveniently handed him a flawless blunder.

How remarkably considerate of them.

At that reflection, Baek Yang-hui allowed a wicked grin to spread across his face.