Chapter 471: Can You Collect the Debt?
Chapter 471: Can You Collect the Debt?
The carriage passed through Chongqing and turned toward Shaanxi.
Since they were traveling with Geum A-rin, they decided to stop by the secret vault—the reward promised by the Leader of the Silver River Merchant Group—on their way back.
"Aren't you even a little curious about what's inside?"
Despite Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Geom Wu-jin simply stared out the window, looking entirely uninterested.
"At least give me thirty picks!"
At the mention of thirty chances, Geom Wu-jin finally turned his head to look at his son.
"I figured if I started with a high number like that, I might actually walk away with three in the end."
Mu-geuk saw it—his father’s lips twitched, hovering on the verge of a smile. Yeah, he’ll definitely give me three.
Mu-geuk followed his father’s gaze out the window.
"How long has it been since you were last in Chongqing?"
"It has been a long time."
Geom Wu-jin recalled the Chongqing of the past, while Geom Mu-geuk thought of the Chongqing of the future. Long ago, Geom Wu-jin had roamed this city with the Fist Demon; in another life, Geom Mu-geuk had wandered these streets searching for materials for the Great Regression Art.
Just then, Geom Wu-jin spoke as an inn appeared on the road ahead.
"Let’s rest there for today."
At his father’s words, Hwi replied, "Understood."
Until now, the father had silently followed the schedule set by Hwi and Im Hyeok. If they went to an inn, he went; if they camped, he camped. However, today, he was the first to suggest stopping at a specific location.
Hwi sent word to Geum A-rin’s carriage, which was leading the way, and pulled their own carriage up to the inn.
Mu-geuk was curious. Does he have some meaningful memory here? Maybe the innkeeper remembers Father and will thank him for some past favor.
But no such drama unfolded.
Then why did he want to stay here?
After unpacking, Geom Wu-jin took Hwi and headed outside. He did not take Geom Mu-geuk with him.
"You stay here and wait."
"Take me too! Where are you two going by yourselves?"
"You don't need to know."
Leaving Mu-geuk behind with nothing but his curiosity, Geom Wu-jin and Hwi left the inn.
After the two had walked for a long while, Geom Wu-jin asked softly, "It’s here, isn't it?"
Hwi looked surprised. "You knew?"
Geom Wu-jin nodded. This was Hwi’s hometown. Even Hwi hadn't realized the Cult Leader had stopped here specifically because it was his birthplace.
"I left when I was a child, so I feel no particular sentiment. I moved away immediately after my parents passed."
"Still, since we’re passing by, you should visit at least once. Where is your childhood home?"
"It’s a mountain village over that ridge."
Geom Wu-jin took the lead, and Hwi followed silently behind him. He was surprised that the Cult Leader remembered his hometown, and even more surprised that he had stopped to walk there with him like this.
The Cult Leader has truly changed.
Hwi had watched him more closely than anyone. The Cult Leader was a man of deep inner affection, but he was never the type to express it this way. Hwi knew exactly where this change had originated.
Hwi thought of Geom Mu-geuk. Throughout this entire journey, the Young Cult Leader had been nudging him to take time for himself.
— Why are you going this far?
— There’s a wave of change hitting the Cult lately, isn't there? I’m making sure you’re included in it, Uncle.
Yes, he knew better than anyone what kind of change it was. That was why he had asked:
— Where is this change leading us?
The Young Cult Leader, the architect of all those changes, had answered:
— I don't know either.
When he heard that, Hwi had actually felt a sense of relief.
Eventually, the two arrived at the place where Hwi was born. Surprisingly, the house was still standing, though other people lived in it now.
No one remembered Hwi. It would have been stranger if someone recognized a boy who had left the village decades ago, only to return as a middle-aged martial artist.
Though he claimed to feel no sentiment for his hometown, the house itself was different. Memories of his childhood came flooding back, and he was swept up in nostalgia. He particularly remembered his mother shouting for him to come eat while he played with friends in the alleyway. He vividly recalled the children scattering one by one, running back to their respective homes.
After staring at the house and the alley for a long time, the two ate noodles together at a small shop in the village.
Geom Mu-geuk kept telling him he needed to change, but he had already changed a great deal. Was he not sitting here, sharing a bowl of noodles with the Cult Leader?
After finishing their meal in silence, the two returned to the inn. No special conversation was shared, but this alone was enough for Hwi to feel Geom Wu-jin’s heart. He had shown that he cherished him in his own way.
At the entrance of the inn, Hwi spoke.
"Thank you."
To which Geom Wu-jin replied, "No, thank you."
It was Geom Wu-jin’s way of showing gratitude to the man who always protected him. He had begun to express himself, starting with those closest to him.
During that time, Geom Mu-geuk was practicing his martial arts, utilizing the Space-Time Displacement Technique of the Time Heaven Secret Technique. Whenever he had a spare moment during the trip, he focused on his training.
He always believed his true strength lay not in forms and techniques but in his relationships with people—but that was a luxury one could only afford if they were capable of blocking an enemy's blade. For the days spent with people to shine, one had to shed blood and sweat during the night.
Because of that, Geom Mu-geuk’s nights were long.
*
The carriage traveled on, finally arriving at the Golden Dragon Clan in Shaanxi.
Geom Mu-geuk parted ways with his father at a spot where the clan’s buildings were visible in the distance.
"I’ll head in first to scout the situation."
He judged that there was no need to bring his father into the Golden Dragon Clan from the very beginning.
"Besides, isn't the protagonist supposed to make his entrance later, anyway?"
No matter how much he tried to hide it, his father’s presence was impossible to conceal. Moreover, since they didn't know how the Family Head would react, it was wiser to go alone first and gauge the atmosphere.
Geom Wu-jin guessed his son’s intention and readily accepted. Besides, he had to receive reports from Tongcheon Pavilion and handle some overdue business.
"I will wait at the safe house."
Since there was a Demonic Cult safe house nearby, he could arrive quickly if help was needed.
"I’ll send word."
The carriage carrying his father departed in the opposite direction. Geom Mu-geuk joined Geum A-rin in her carriage.
Geum A-rin started to say it might be better if the other two came along as well, but she stopped herself. Trust him. Let’s trust this man. He must have a plan.
The carriage arrived at the entrance of the Golden Dragon Clan. A golden plaque hung above the magnificent main gate, the calligraphy as powerful as a dragon soaring through the clouds.
The gate opened, and the carriage entered. The guards at the entrance were as dignified as elite warriors, their eyes sharp and well-trained. Inside the gate lay a vast courtyard, flower gardens, and ponds arranged with breathtaking harmony. The buildings were grand, and golden dragons—the symbol of the clan—were carved into every surface.
The estate was designed to overwhelm visitors, but the effect was lost on Geom Mu-geuk, who had grown up in the shadow of the massive, terrifying statues of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
As they drew closer to the Family Head’s hall, he could feel Geum A-rin growing tense.
"Are you nervous?"
Geum A-rin nodded. Now was not the time to hide her emotions, but to prepare for her father’s reaction.
"My father might yell at you."
"You don't need to worry about that. When it comes to 'scary fathers,' I’m more experienced than anyone."
"That’s not what I meant!"
Don't you have any worries at all? How can you be so nonchalant?
The second son, Geum A-jong, was waiting in front of the Family Head’s hall.
"You’ve arrived?"
Having completely misunderstood Geom Mu-geuk’s identity, he looked at Mu-geuk with a look far different from their last meeting.
You little swindler! You clever little bastard who’s going to change my fate!
His heart was filled with the desire to quickly link this "swindler" with his older brother and ruin them both.
"Was the journey difficult?"
"It was fine."
"Let’s have a drink later when you have time. Since you’re a guest at the main house, I’ll treat you."
"Let’s do that."
Geom Mu-geuk readily accepted.
After parting with Geum A-jong, Geom Mu-geuk and Geum A-rin entered the Family Head’s hall. As they walked down the hallway, Geum A-rin whispered, "It’s suspicious."
"What is?"
"There’s no way my brother would be kind to you. He’s overdoing it."
She was certainly quick-witted.
"Isn't it better to be on friendly terms?"
"You just saw him. He’s the kind of person where being friendly is a bad sign."
With that, the two entered the hall. There, the Family Head, Geum Cheon-bang, was waiting.
Unlike most wealthy merchants who possessed pleasant countenances and grand physiques, Geum Cheon-bang had a small frame and a slightly irritable appearance. It seemed Geum A-rin and Geum A-jong had fortunately taken after their mother.
The fact that he had built the Golden Dragon Clan into one of the top five powers in the Central Plains with such an appearance suggested his abilities were formidable.
Geum A-rin expected her father to roar at her the moment he saw her, but surprisingly, he was calm.
"I have returned, Father."
"You’re here?"
Geum Cheon-bang’s gaze turned toward Geom Mu-geuk.
"I am Geom Yeon of the West Blade Sect."
When Mu-geuk greeted him with a polite fist salute, Geum Cheon-bang accepted it smoothly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
Geum A-rin grew even more tense at the sight of her father smiling. He was not the type to smile at someone who had just cost him a massive sum of two million taels. Furthermore, this man’s father and uncle hadn't even come with him. In other words, it looked like they had taken the two million taels and sent a young kid in their place.
Yet, her father showed no sign of displeasure. That was why she was even more uneasy. Both her brother and her father were acting contrary to her expectations.
"I’ve heard the story. You’ve decided to help our A-rin?"
"That is correct."
"My daughter has a good eye for people."
"Seeing as she chose me, that certainly seems to be the case."
Geum Cheon-bang even accepted Geom Mu-geuk’s joke with a smile.
"However, I heard there were three of you?"
"My father and uncle had a place to stop by briefly, so they will arrive later."
"I see."
This was exactly why Geum Cheon-bang was being cautious. The Leader of the Silver River Merchant Group personally went to meet these people, didn't he?
He knew better than anyone the status of the Silver River Leader. He was a man who made everyone else come to him. If such a man had moved personally, these people were undoubtedly special. As if to prove it, they were the ones who had fearlessly broken their contract with the others to sign a new one with his daughter.
Just how great is their skill?
Geom Mu-geuk was also observing him closely. He believed the key to this entire matter lay with Geum Cheon-bang.
Do you know where your money is going?
The mutual scouting ended. The first to speak was Geum Cheon-bang.
"I am a merchant. My principle is that goods must be bought at a fair price and sold at a fair price."
And is that why a man with such noble principles ran a secret organization to try and absorb the Ju Clan Sword House? Mu-geuk thought.
"Since you hold such excellent principles, it is no wonder you have built such a great enterprise."
"I appreciate the sentiment. On that note, would it be alright if I asked a favor of you?"
It was an implication that since he had received two million taels, he should prove his worth.
"What kind of favor?"
"The Golden Dragon Clan conducts countless transactions. Even at this very moment, deals are happening somewhere. There are good deals, but there are bound to be bad ones as well. There are several places that have caused us great losses and then feigned ignorance. Among them, there is one place that has troubled us for a long time."
Geum Cheon-bang narrowed his eyes.
"Can you go there and collect the debt for us?"
"Who are these shameless people?"
Geum Cheon-bang gave a deliberate sigh.
"The Hundred Immortals Guild."
The Hundred Immortals Guild. It was named as a guild where a hundred immortals gathered, but if it were truly a place for such people, they wouldn't have needed such a name. The Hundred Immortals Guild was nothing short of a den of monsters. Even Geom Mu-geuk knew of them.
Only now did Geum A-rin understand why her father had been so kind. He wasn't going to stop at just shouting.
He’s trying to kill him.
The Hundred Immortals Guild was more than just a long-standing headache; they were incredibly wicked and dangerous. Even the Golden Dragon Clan had been unable to recover the money extorted by them. Asking these people to go and get it was a request filled with malice that went far beyond a simple test of skill.
"Father, assigning that task is—"
Geum Cheon-bang cut her off with a cold gaze. Geum A-rin fell silent. She could feel just how furious her father truly was.
On the other hand, Geom Mu-geuk remained relaxed.
"How much is the debt?"
"The amount has accumulated over a long time. The total to be collected has reached three million taels."
It was likely money extorted under various pretexts—money the guild didn't even recognize as a loan, which was why collecting it was impossible. The Hundred Immortals Guild was crawling with experts, and their cruelty was legendary.
Geum Cheon-bang watched for Geom Mu-geuk’s reaction. Will you accept even this?
It was a probe. A test to see exactly how he would respond.
Geum A-rin sent an urgent voice transmission to Mu-geuk.
— Refuse! No matter how strong you are, you can't handle them!
She had staked everything on this man. She couldn't lose him like this. She had to stop him, even if it meant throwing herself in the way.
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk was not the type to act according to her wishes.
— When you asked me to make you the successor, what did I say?
The question Mu-geuk had asked her before came back to her.
How far can you trust me?
Even so, to be put to such a test so soon...
While she hesitated to answer, Geom Mu-geuk spoke aloud.
"I’ll go collect it."
Geum Cheon-bang wore a strange smile. He’s doing it? Is he doing this because he doesn't know who the Hundred Immortals Guild is? Or does he know exactly what he's walking into?
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk was not one to meekly accept such a demand.
"Then, as a reward, what percentage will you give me?"
"What?"
To the startled Geum Cheon-bang, Geom Mu-geuk explained calmly.
"I am not your subordinate, but a partner to Miss Geum, am I not? Since I am now doing something that my leader is advising against, I should naturally receive appropriate compensation. Is my request wrong?"
Geum Cheon-bang could not refute him. It was a valid point. Strictly speaking, Mu-geuk was not a subordinate he had hired. But to demand more money after already receiving two million taels? Normally, it would be an unthinkable demand, but the current situation was special.
"How much do you want?"
"You said it’s been a long time since you were able to collect the money, so it’s a bad debt. You must have already considered it unrecoverable. And since even you couldn't get it back, they must be quite dangerous."
After laying out his justifications, Geom Mu-geuk made his move.
"I’ll take half."