Chapter 461: A Legend Came to Meet You?
Chapter 461: A Legend Came to Meet You?
"That is the manor, my lord."
At the driver’s words, Yong Ja-myeong leaned out the carriage window.
A secluded manor stood before them. At the thought of the person waiting inside, Yong Ja-myeong’s expression remained as placid as a lake, yet a silent typhoon raged within his heart.
He had endured every imaginable hardship and trial to become the wealthiest man under heaven. He prided himself on having reached a state where he wouldn't so much as blink at most world-shaking events, but the way his heart raced now proved he still had a long way to go.
However, Yong Ja-myeong never let his inner trembling show. The palpable anxiety radiating from Baek Chong, who sat across from him, was more than enough for both of them.
"If a problem arises, please use the code phrase."
They had established a specific signal for emergencies. Depending on that phrase, Baek Chong would execute one of several pre-planned responses.
Yong Ja-myeong offered a thin smile. "When was the last time we actually had to use that?"
It had been so long he couldn't even remember. His gaze drifted back to the window.
"It seems tension has been missing from our lives for far too long."
At some point, tension had become a luxury reserved only for his opponents. Now, as if to punish that very arrogance, it had returned with a vengeance.
The carriage slowly ground to a halt.
"We have arrived."
At the driver's report, Baek Chong looked at the warrior sitting beside him. Understanding the silent command, the warrior nodded. Since Yong Ja-myeong had no intention of turning back, the three of them were prepared to stake their lives on protecting their leader. Though each was a master of formidable strength, they knew the scale of the power they were about to face.
"Put your trust in us."
With those firm words, Baek Chong was the first to step out. Yong Ja-myeong followed, his movements calm and composed. The remaining two warriors trailed closely behind.
The manor gates were shut tight.
They had no way of knowing what kind of trap awaited them beyond those doors. Perhaps the Demon Lords were lined up in wait. The Poison King’s toxins might be drifting through the air, or the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s great blade might come whistling for their heads. It was even possible the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon was already watching them, preparing to laugh coldly over their corpses.
Baek Chong exchanged grim glances with the other warriors. They were all thinking the same thing.
He asked to meet in a place like this?
Looking at the surrounding trees and terrain, it was a perfect spot for an ambush. Fortunately, the scouts who had been lying in wait earlier had all withdrawn, preventing any unnecessary bloodshed.
What bothered Baek Chong even more was the last-minute change of venue. A message from Tongcheon Pavilion had redirected them to this western manor just as they were about to arrive at the original location. He disliked everything about it—the fact that Tongcheon Pavilion was tracking their movements, and the fact that the meeting place had been shifted at the eleventh hour.
Baek Chong walked slowly to the gate and pushed. It wasn't locked.
Creeeeeak.
The door groaned on aging hinges. Then, a sight they never could have expected unfolded before them.
A table was set in the courtyard, and people were... eating.
Geom Mu-geuk, holding a ladle, looked up.
"Anyone want more soup?"
It was his unique way of welcoming the visitors. It’s just a meal, so don't be nervous.
Baek Chong stepped aside, allowing Yong Ja-myeong to walk forward.
The people at the table weren't wearing name tags, but Yong Ja-myeong knew instantly which one was the Heavenly Demon. Even if dozens of people had been bustling about the courtyard, he felt he would have recognized him immediately.
Yong Ja-myeong’s gaze locked onto Geom Wu-jin.
It was the moment the man of greatest martial prowess met the man of greatest wealth. Though they might have crossed paths in passing before, this was their first true face-to-face meeting. Or perhaps, it was the second.
During the carriage ride, Yong Ja-myeong had imagined what his first impression of the Demonic Cult Leader would be. Will he be terrifying? Will I tremble? Will he be warmer than expected? Will he be handsome?
However, the impression that actually struck him was one he hadn't considered at all.
He looks familiar.
He looked familiar, as if Yong Ja-myeong had truly seen him somewhere before. But that was the extent of it. He couldn't remember where. No—since he had never officially met the Heavenly Demon, he should say he couldn't remember who the man resembled.
As a man at the pinnacle of commerce, he had met countless people. Most faded into the background of his memory.
I have definitely seen someone who looks like him.
But he couldn't dwell on the thought. He didn't dare stare at the Heavenly Demon’s face for too long.
Geom Mu-geuk could tell the merchant hadn't recognized his father immediately. It made sense; the encounter had happened when both his father and the merchant were much younger. The man likely never dreamed that the person who had saved his life back then was the Heavenly Demon.
Don't worry. I’ll fulfill your long-cherished wish. I’ll make sure you remember before you leave.
At the same time, Geom Mu-geuk was curious. Did Father recognize him?
However, Geom Wu-jin’s expression was an unreadable mask.
Geom Mu-geuk set down the ladle and stepped forward.
"Welcome, Unit Leader."
Yong Ja-myeong knew at a glance: this young man was the Young Cult Leader. He bore a subtle, refined resemblance to the Heavenly Demon.
"I am Geom Yeon of the West Blade Sect," Mu-geuk continued.
The reason they had summoned Yong Ja-myeong was to demonstrate their deep ties with the Silver River Merchant Group, using Geum A-rin to infiltrate their inner circle in one fell swoop. They had considered pretending to be part of the Silver River Merchant Group, but Geom Wu-jin’s presence was so overwhelming that no one would believe he was anyone's subordinate. Instead, the plan was to bait her with the idea that a mysterious, powerful sect was seeking an alliance with Yong Ja-myeong.
"And this is my father."
At the introduction, Yong Ja-myeong walked toward Geom Wu-jin. Behind him, Baek Chong was a coiled spring of tension.
"I am Yong Ja-myeong of the Silver River Merchant Group."
At the greeting, Geom Wu-jin actually stood up. Geom Mu-geuk and Hwi watched with internal surprise. Normally, their father was not the type to stand for anyone, even the head of the world's greatest merchant group. Yet, Geom Wu-jin greeted him with proper etiquette.
"Thank you for coming."
He was likely expressing genuine gratitude to the man who had rushed across the land the moment he received the missive.
The moment Yong Ja-myeong heard Geom Wu-jin’s voice, something thudded against his chest. Excitement, anticipation, fear—it was a unique, intense cocktail of emotions. If destiny had a voice, he imagined it would sound like this. It wasn't the first time he'd felt it; he had experienced this sensation only a few times in his life, and each time, it had signaled a tectonic shift in his world.
Meanwhile, the mention of the name "Yong Ja-myeong" sent a shockwave through the others present. The most stunned was Geum A-rin.
That man is the head of the Silver River Merchant Group?
She had never seen him in person, but the legends were inescapable. Her father had once evaluated him thus:
— His power is not his wealth. He is a man whose very name, Yong Ja-myeong, has become a greater power than money.
It was an admission that the man had surpassed the stage of merely using gold to rule. At the time, she had sensed her father's rare jealousy.
Unable to believe such a titan had appeared here, she glanced at her guard, Im Hyeok. His voice transmission reached her instantly.
— It really is him. The head of the Silver River Merchant Group.
Im Hyeok had seen him before. Geum A-rin had as well when she was a child, though the memory had faded. Im Hyeok’s expression hardened. Geom Mu-geuk, Geom Wu-jin, and Hwi were already more than they could handle. And now, Yong Ja-myeong?
In the merchant world, Yong Ja-myeong was the equivalent of the Murim Alliance Leader or the Heavenly Demon.
What do I do?
As Im Hyeok’s mind raced, his eyes met Hwi’s. The calm gaze from across the courtyard carried the same weight as the message he had sent earlier.
— Stop your thoughts and actions. Keep your mouth shut.
It was a dismissive warning, but Im Hyeok realized it was well-intentioned advice.
— If you want to live, do not interfere. Do not swim against the current; entrust your body to the waves.
Im Hyeok bowed his head slightly to Hwi, then looked at Geum A-rin. She was staring at Geom Mu-geuk.
That legendary man came all this way just to meet you? Who are you?
Even the Family Head of her own Golden Dragon Clan had to request appointments months in advance and visit Yong Ja-myeong personally.
And you... the one whose internal energy I suppressed... who are you really?
It was a sight she couldn't believe even as she witnessed it. If the Silver River Merchant Group was the undisputed king of commerce, her Golden Dragon Clan was easily among the top three. They were allies, but also fierce competitors.
Something massive is happening. I have to find out why they are meeting and report back.
After finishing his greetings with Geom Wu-jin, Yong Ja-myeong’s gaze turned toward Geum A-rin and Im Hyeok.
"And who might these people be?"
Geom Mu-geuk handled the introduction. "I haven't heard this lady's name yet, but one thing about her is certain."
A-rin felt a spike of anxiety. What is he going to say?
"This lady is blessed with a great fortune for food."
Geum A-rin couldn't hide her look of utter absurdity. He’s introducing me to the head of the Silver River Merchant Group as a glutton?
Yong Ja-myeong smiled politely. "You possess a very happy blessing among all fortunes."
He spoke with courtesy, but his mind was working. If he hasn't even told me her name, it means she doesn't know who she's dealing with. He wondered if the reason he had been summoned was somehow related to them.
Next, Geom Mu-geuk introduced Hwang In. "This is the Unit Leader of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group. He is a man who dreams of becoming the head of the world's greatest merchant group one day."
Hwang In truly never imagined he would meet his idol in such a place. "It is an honor to meet you, Senior."
"I have been watching the rapid growth of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group with interest," Yong Ja-myeong replied.
Hwang In’s face flushed slightly. He knew that growth had been achieved through less-than-savory methods. At the same time, he was stunned that the Silver River Merchant Group had even noticed him.
"Our merchant group has been reborn. Please watch over us in the future."
Being a merchant, Hwang In was quick-witted. "Then, I shall take my leave now."
As much as he wanted to linger and build a connection, he sensed the atmosphere wasn't right. Knowing when to exit was just as important as knowing when to enter.
At that moment, Im Hyeok sent a voice transmission to Geum A-rin.
— We should get going as well.
— I need to find out why they’ve met.
— You know the answer already, don't you? They aren't people who will reveal their secrets easily. If we stay, we only risk exposing our own identities further.
His judgment was flawless. Geum A-rin, showing her own wisdom, accepted it.
"Since a precious guest has arrived, we shall take our leave as well."
As she stood to bid farewell, Geom Mu-geuk spoke to her. "Next time, try the food properly. You won't regret it."
The Geom Mu-geuk who talked about food felt like a completely different person from the one who had asked her: Are you a human being worth living?
Geum A-rin had a premonition that she would soon have to answer that question. She bowed politely to Geom Wu-jin and Yong Ja-myeong, then left with Im Hyeok.
As they walked toward the gate, they conversed via voice transmission.
— It was the place we chose, yet we’re the ones being kicked out.
— At least we’re leaving with our lives, aren't we?
It was the gift their good judgment had bought them.
Once they were gone, Geom Mu-geuk turned to Yong Ja-myeong. "Have you eaten?"
Normally, Yong Ja-myeong would have declined. Who would intrude on a meal already in progress? In fact, it had been decades since he had been in such a casual situation. But this was different. This was a meal the Heavenly Demon was having. He couldn't just stand there and watch.
"I haven't eaten yet."
"There is plenty of food. Please, join us."
And so, Yong Ja-myeong sat at the table. His three guards, including Baek Chong, stood a few paces back, vigilant.
"Please, eat with us," Geom Mu-geuk offered the guards.
Baek Chong politely declined. "We are fine."
Mu-geuk didn't press them. Forcing them to sit would only turn the meal into an ordeal for them. He brought over a fresh bowl of the remaining soup.
"This is a dish I made myself, and my father helped prepare the ingredients."
Yong Ja-myeong was visibly startled. "This is truly precious food."
"Of course. You'll never get to eat it again."
Yong Ja-myeong bowed his head to Geom Wu-jin. "It is an honor."
"I do not know if it will suit your palate," the Heavenly Demon replied simply.
Yong Ja-myeong began to eat. Behind him, Baek Chong was on a knife's edge. What if it's poisoned? What if they're using Gu insects to control him? He wanted to rush forward with a silver needle, but he knew that if he dared to test food prepared by the Heavenly Demon and the Young Cult Leader, his own heart would be pierced before the needle touched the bowl.
Yong Ja-myeong ate without such worries. "It is truly delicious."
It wasn't empty flattery. As a man who had tasted every delicacy in the world, he found the simple meal excellent.
"Next time, try a dish my father makes with me as his assistant. Then, you can tell us whose cooking is better."
Yong Ja-myeong only smiled. He would never agree to that. Ranking the cooking of the Demonic Cult’s leaders was a death wish he wasn't interested in fulfilling.
After finishing the meal, Yong Ja-myeong finally asked the question.
"I am curious why such noble individuals have summoned a mere merchant."
Geom Mu-geuk felt he had already achieved his goal. Through this meeting, Geum A-rin had seen their connection to the Silver River Merchant Group. However, it seemed his father had a different reason for the summons.
Geom Wu-jin spoke, his words unexpected.
"Because I wanted to introduce my son."