Chapter 458: They Probably Didn't Set a Trap
Chapter 458: They Probably Didn't Set a Trap
After seeing Ju Hyang-wol off, I headed to the backyard. My father stood there, hands clasped behind his back, gazing up at the sky.
As always, his silhouette radiated a profound loneliness.
It was an innate solitude—a burden he’d carried since birth that no amount of affection from me could ever truly dispel.
Father, do not be so lonely. Your son is right here. A son who respects and loves you more than anyone else.
“Miss Ju just left. She seems to like you even more than I do, and she asked me to give you her regards.”
Father turned toward me. Despite my deliberate teasing, he remained perfectly composed, his expression as dignified as ever.
“Shall we truly begin?”
As if he had heard every word I’d said in the front yard, Father didn’t ask for clarification. Instead, his expression suggested he was ready whenever I was.
I imagined traveling through the Central Plains with my father, our hearts at ease. Not a journey like this, where we were forced to spill blood, but a trip in the truest sense—wandering for the sake of enjoyment.
What if we shared drinks with wandering heroines? I couldn't quite picture how Father would act in their presence.
Father, I don’t desire anything grand. I simply want to spend time with you like this.
Suddenly, Father spoke.
“Why do you go to such lengths to take care of those around you?”
He was asking about my role in bringing the Ju Clan Sword House and the Imperial Capital Merchant Group together. It was a union that never would have happened without my intervention.
How should I answer?
Because I can afford to? Because I intend to be just as meticulous as evil is? Or should I use Father as an excuse? Since you took charge of the agreement, it was actually you who looked after them.
Today, I chose this answer:
“Because it’s fun.”
A faint smile played on Father’s lips. Yes, perhaps saying it was "fun" was the easiest way for him to understand.
Father began to walk slowly. As we strolled through the rear garden, I spoke about our next steps.
“Once news of Jeon Nak’s death spreads, someone will come to investigate. I plan to use that person to gain access to the Golden Dragon Clan.”
Simply eliminating everyone wasn't always the best solution. Our goal was to uncover the relationship between the Golden Dragon Clan and the forces pulling their strings, then root out those who had entrenched themselves there.
This time, I intended to use Jeon Nak’s death as a stepping stone.
“It will be more difficult since we have to handle it without killing them immediately.”
Father nodded silently, in agreement.
“Furthermore, since the opponent is the Golden Dragon Clan, we must proceed with caution. I understand the Golden Dragon Clan Head is close with the Murim Alliance Leader. They provide significant financial support to the Alliance every year.”
A shadow of disapproval crossed Father’s face. To him, it probably sounded like I was saying we should be careful because they were close to the Alliance Leader. To please Father, I should have said the opposite.
Since they’re close to the Alliance Leader, I think we should give them a proper taste of reality.
That was likely the answer Father wanted. But Father, you won't be hearing that kind of answer from me for a while.
“Do you have a plan?”
“It won't be easy to reach the heart of the Golden Dragon Clan without revealing our identities.”
This task required getting close to the Family Head himself. A local sect like the West Blade Sect wouldn't suffice. On the other hand, pretending to be a mysterious hidden sect would only invite suspicion.
“That’s why I’m hoping to get help from one specific place.”
“Where?”
After a brief pause, I named a place Father never would have expected.
“The Silver River Merchant Group.”
As expected, a flicker of surprise crossed Father’s eyes.
The Silver River Merchant Group was the wealthiest entity in the Murim—a titan of commerce. If Silver River was the pinnacle, the Golden Dragon Clan and the Continental Merchant Group sat just below them. These three were known as the wealthiest powers in the world.
“We’ll make them believe we are from the Silver River Merchant Group.”
We needed that level of status to reach the inner circle of the Golden Dragon Clan. Of course, I would have to employ a few tricks along the way.
“Will the Silver River Merchant Group help us?”
The Silver River Merchant Group was neutral, leaning toward neither the Orthodox, Unorthodox, nor Demonic paths. However, they maintained deep ties with all three. By successfully balancing these relationships, they had become the foremost merchant group in the Central Plains.
“That is beyond my capabilities, so I need you to make it happen, Father.”
Father looked at me with an incredulous expression. But this wasn't an unreasonable request.
From my life before the regression, I knew of a special connection between Father and the leader of the Silver River Merchant Group. Yong Ja-myeong, the leader of the Silver River Merchant Group, had left behind a story about Father before he died.
In his youth, while fleeing an assassination attempt, he had been on the verge of death when Father saved his life. It was back when Father was in his prime, traversing the Central Plains alongside the Fist Demon.
At the time, Yong Ja-myeong didn't know his savior was the Heavenly Demon. Father had simply left immediately after saving him. It wasn't until long after Father had passed away that Yong Ja-myeong discovered the truth by chance.
He was said to have deeply regretted finding out so late. He had searched for his savior his entire life, only to realize why he could never find him. How could he have found a man who was the Leader of the Demonic Cult?
Normally, this matter would have remained a secret even after his death, but since Father had already passed and the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions were all in seclusion, the story eventually came to light.
Father, in this life, let’s let him know a little sooner that you were the one who saved him. That way, he can repay the favor. It was his lifelong regret—searching for his benefactor until the very end.
I would gain help for this mission and settle Father’s karmic bond at the same time. Of course, I couldn't be certain if I would achieve this "two birds with one stone" result as intended. Fate would decide.
“There’s a saying these days. They say the Silver River Merchant Group’s information is as fast and accurate as our own Tongcheon Pavilion’s.”
While that might not be strictly true, it spoke to the magnitude of their intelligence network.
“They must be keeping a close eye on the Murim Alliance, the Unorthodox Path Alliance, and even our Cult. They likely already know that the greatest successor in history has emerged.”
“You certainly have no trouble saying such things about yourself.”
“And that’s not all. Since they know the Cult recently led the Majeongsa meeting, they won't be able to refuse easily.”
They would know that the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was currently the most influential power. If the Heavenly Demon himself made a direct request in such a climate?
“Furthermore, isn't the relationship between the Silver River Merchant Group and the Golden Dragon Clan quite poor?”
Though they competed fiercely in the business world, the two sides surprisingly didn't get along.
“You are the only one who can pull this off, Father. Even if the Murim Alliance Leader or the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader asked, he wouldn't accept.”
“And why do you think he would accept my request?”
It might sound like flattery, but this was all I had to say:
“Because you are my father.”
After staring at me for a moment, Father asked one last question.
“What exactly should I ask them to do?”
I knew then that Father had decided to go along with my plan.
“I just need one person to pay a brief visit.”
*
Hwang In and Ju Hyang-wol met again on the day appointed by Geom Mu-geuk to finalize the agreement.
Amidst the lingering awkwardness, Hwang In was the first to speak.
“I wish to formally apologize for what happened last time.”
He stood up and bowed politely. Ju Hyang-wol could feel the sincerity in his posture.
“Why the change of heart?”
She was curious about the reason behind his sincere apology and the properly drafted agreement. Hwang In answered honestly.
“Because of Young Master Geom.”
He couldn't tell her about the deaths of Jeon Nak and the War Ghosts, but he was truthful about everything else.
“After meeting him, I felt ashamed of the pathetic life I’ve led. I claimed I wanted to be the master of the world's greatest merchant group, but I wasn't even fit to run a small shop in the countryside.”
He wanted to be honest with her, if no one else. He viewed investing in the Ju Clan Sword House as a fresh start.
“I wanted to start doing things right, beginning now. That’s why I asked to meet at this inn. This is where it all began, after all.”
The two were at the very same inn where they had first met Geom Mu-geuk. If it had been any other reason, Ju Hyang-wol would have doubted him. But this reason, she believed.
You were influenced by him too.
She was the same. Her relationship with her mother had changed slightly after meeting the Young Master. Of course, neither her mother’s nor her own innate personality would change overnight. She didn't expect their relationship to transform instantly.
However, just as Geom Mu-geuk had said, she intended to trust in the power of exchanging kind words, one by one, and make an effort. She wouldn't fly into a rage. She would try to understand, thinking, That can happen.
“Well then, shall we sign?”
The two signed the agreement together, each taking a copy. For both Hwang In and Ju Hyang-wol, it was the first time they had accomplished something properly.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“As do I.”
The two exchanged polite fist salutes.
Ju Hyang-wol left the inn first, while Hwang In remained. Since today was a new beginning, he wanted to have a drink to mark the occasion.
“My fate really did change in this place.”
As he sat there, immersed in reflection and sipping his drink...
A woman sitting a short distance away spoke to him.
“I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it sounds like something grand happened here.”
She was a woman in her thirties, dressed neatly in martial attire. She possessed a beauty that combined youth with maturity, and a cold impression that made her even more captivating.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I overheard unintentionally. I’m quite curious by nature.”
The woman picked up her bottle and sat at Hwang In’s table.
“As an apology, let me offer you a drink.”
She poured him a cup. Hwang In sat frozen, unable to say a word.
“Is something the matter?”
When the woman asked with a soft smile, Hwang In replied in a low voice.
“You must be the martial artist the higher-ups said was coming.”
The smile vanished from the woman’s face the moment he recognized her. Like an actress, the difference between her friendly persona and her current expression was stark.
“How did you know?”
She surged her aura to scan the surroundings, but there was nothing to be wary of. Hwang In’s reason for knowing was purely personal.
“Because there’s no way a woman as beautiful as you would speak to me first.”
He meant it sincerely. The woman was truly enchanting. Perhaps it was because he knew she was dangerous, but his heart was racing so much he couldn't help but think that way.
A mysterious smile touched the woman’s lips.
“You have a good grasp of yourself.”
She possessed the kind of looks that made such a self-deprecating comment feel like a simple statement of fact.
“I have been waiting for your arrival.”
She was Geum A-rin, the leader of a secret organization being covertly raised by the Golden Dragon Clan. Her martial arts were as formidable as her beauty. Though they were currently out of sight, she had brought all of her trusted subordinates to handle this matter. The deaths of Jeon Nak and the War Ghosts were not something to be taken lightly.
Hwang In hadn't expected the "terrifying person" Jeon Nak mentioned to be a woman. And he couldn't tell if the woman before him was truly that frightening. Martial artists were always difficult to read.
Regardless, he had rehearsed what to say dozens of times for when this moment arrived. First, he relayed the facts as they were.
“There are three enemies in total.”
He had practiced using the word "enemies" beforehand. Of course, he wasn't doing this because he was still weighing his options. He was doing it to survive.
“Among them, a man named Geom Yeon killed both Jeon Nak and the War Ghosts.”
He had been told he could be completely honest. Despite hearing that one man had killed them all, the woman didn't seem particularly surprised. Did she think she could kill Jeon Nak and the War Ghosts alone as well? Or did she simply not believe him?
“How did he kill them?”
Of course, he wasn't honest about everything. For instance, the fact that he had been there. If he said, I was there when they died, what would he do if she cut him down before he could even make an excuse?
“I don’t know how he killed them. There was no word after they went to meet him. Perhaps they are still alive.”
Geum A-rin’s suspicious gaze intensified.
“They are dead, yet you are not.”
“Geom Yeon came to me and said this. He told me to pass on a message if anyone came looking because of this matter.”
“What message?”
“‘I have something to say, so come to me.’ That was it. Let us go. I will lead you to him.”
Hwang In stood up abruptly, ready to leave immediately, but Geum A-rin remained seated with an expression that said he was dreaming.
“He’ll be waiting with a trap set. Do I look that foolish to you?”
“No, ma'am.”
Cowed by her cold pressure, Hwang In sat back down and spoke with a frightened face.
“He probably didn't set a trap.”
“Why do you think so?”
A thought occurred to Hwang In that he couldn't possibly say to her.
Because a trap wouldn't be necessary. It’s only because you haven't seen those people yet.
As he struggled for an answer, Hwang In’s face suddenly brightened.
“Because he’s already here.”
Geom Mu-geuk was walking through the entrance of the inn.