Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: Ong Jung-seo
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Yoo Jung-gang!
The eldest son of the Yoo Merchant Group.
Standing before the entrance to what had originally been his own office, his heart was filled with more than just complicated feelings—it was on the verge of exploding with rage. He had been diligently learning the ins and outs of the merchant group to inherit it one day, only for this half-brother, whom he'd practically forgotten even existed, to suddenly become a massive obstacle.
The waterway of Dongting Lake, which everyone dreamed of but no one had ever managed to open, was now being operated smoothly without a hitch.
Rumors were swirling that the next leader of the Yoo Merchant Group might change hands if he demonstrated any real capability.
'Don't make me laugh!'
Yoo Jung-gang snorted inwardly and scowled.
He planned to give the guy a piece of his mind the moment he walked in. How dare that punk summon him like he was the boss? It was time to set the hierarchy straight once and for all.
Yoo Jung-gang grabbed the door handle with a furious expression.
"Did he summon you too?"
He spun around at the sound of his father's voice from behind.
"Yes. He said he wanted to see you as well, Father?"
"That's right. Do you know what this is about?"
"He never tells me anything like that. I haven't heard a word."
"We'll find out once we go in."
At his father's words, Yoo Jung-gang opened the door and stepped aside. Yoo Jang-hae entered first.
As Yoo Jung-gang followed, he spotted Yoo Geon sitting at the desk in the office, not even bothering to look up. Sparks flew from Yoo Jung-gang's eyes at the sight.
"Father is here! What do you think you're doing?"
Yoo Jung-gang bellowed.
"Just a moment."
Yoo Geon didn't even glance his way as he continued writing something.
"You little—! I've had just about enough of—!"
As Yoo Jung-gang lunged forward with a shout, Yoo Jang-hae reached out to stop him.
"Let's wait and see. What's the rush?"
"Father?"
"How do you expect to lead a merchant group if you can't even control your temper?"
"...!"
In that moment of stunned silence at his father's words, Yoo Geon rose from his seat.
"There. All done."
"Done with what?"
Yoo Jang-hae turned and asked. Curiosity filled his face—wondering what surprise his son had in store this time. Yoo Geon grinned and held up the document he'd just finished writing, spreading it out before the two men. Their eyes widened as they read it.
"Is this for real?"
Yoo Jang-hae asked.
Yoo Jung-gang fought to calm his pounding heart, waiting breathlessly for Yoo Geon's answer.
"Yes. From now on, you handle the Dongting Lake waterway, Brother."
The document acknowledged that the rights to operate the Dongting Lake waterway belonged to Yoo Jung-gang of the Yoo Merchant Group. It was so unexpected that Yoo Jung-gang was speechless, and Yoo Jang-hae asked for confirmation.
"You're really giving it to us? Can you make that decision on your own?"
"Yes. I have full discretion over the Dongting Lake waterway. I've already discussed it with my friend Do Cheon. Last time, when I asked if he wanted in on a big score, I was talking about the Dongting Lake waterway, not Poyang Lake. Consider it thanks for his help back then. Of course, you'll need to hand over this year's profits to me. I still need the funds."
It was absurd, really. Handing over the Dongting Lake waterway just for a little help? Arms bend inward, after all. Though unspoken, it was surely because of the family bloodline.
Yoo Jang-hae nodded, feeling both guilt and gratitude.
"Very well."
"As you know, I need to move my office to the Golden Flower Money House. And I'll return yours, Brother."
Yoo Geon said with a smile, but Yoo Jung-gang couldn't bring himself to smile.
He just stood there in silence.
Yoo Geon glanced at him, then turned to his father, Yoo Jang-hae.
"From now on, I'll be focused on the Yangtze, so I won't be able to visit often."
"I see. You're busy. Are you confident?"
"At the very least, I'm confident I can shake the world."
At Yoo Geon's words, Yoo Jang-hae nodded approvingly and patted his shoulder.
"We'll meet again when the Yangtze waterway opens. We'll discuss linking it with the Dongting Lake route then, so prepare well."
"You got it. I'll make sure everything's in order."
"See you then."
Yoo Geon bowed his head and headed out.
"Why?"
Yoo Jung-gang asked Yoo Geon as he passed by. Yoo Geon paused for a moment and replied without turning.
"I wasn't abused or anything, and holding grudges over being treated like an afterthought in my childhood would be petty compared to the dreams I have."
"...!"
Yoo Jung-gang's shoulders slumped at his words. He felt utterly defeated. He even bowed his head.
Only then did Yoo Geon turn to look at him and offer some advice.
"Don't get greedy for every last coin from the Dongting Lake waterway. Focus on keeping it stable, and it will be the Yoo Merchant Group's backbone through any storm."
"...I'll do that."
Yoo Jung-gang replied with effort.
Yoo Geon nodded and left.
Once Yoo Geon was gone, Yoo Jang-hae approached and patted Yoo Jung-gang's shoulder.
When Do Cheon returned to the Iron Lion Sect, one person was loitering in front of the main gate. It was Ong Jung-seo. After Do Cheon took down Thunder Palace and Iron Claw Monster and vanished with Black Lion Dark God, he'd stuck around out of curiosity about the outcome.
"You still haven't left?"
"Seems like the old man's recovering slowly from fatigue. But what about those guys...?"
"I didn't kill them, so they probably crawled back home. You should head out too, old timer. Curiosity killed the cat. Snooping around like that, you might run into the wrong person and get yourself split in half. Cut it out and live a little."
"Why are you like this?"
"Guess I've caught the nagging disease too."
"Pardon?"
"The one where I yap at people."
"...!"
"Anyway, go."
"Ah, yes."
Ong Jung-seo looked a bit disappointed.
As Do Cheon turned toward the Iron Lion Sect, Ong Jung-seo followed reluctantly. But not long after.
"Who's this guy?"
Ong Jung-seo's question rang out.
Do Cheon whipped around with an oh crap expression, and there stood a massive crescent blade gleaming deep blue under the moonlight. In an instant, a powerful aura surged from Do Cheon, rapidly drawing in the surrounding air and pressing down heavily on everything nearby. He unleashed it almost the moment he saw it, but it was a tad late—Ong Jung-seo was sent flying backward.
Thud!
Ong Jung-seo tumbled to the ground.
Do Cheon grabbed the Wise King by the scruff and hurled him that far away, then hurried over. Ong Jung-seo was rubbing his chest, eyeing the Wise King warily.
"What the hell? That guy's lost his mind all of a sudden!"
"You okay?"
"His internal energy's so profound I came out unscathed. But seriously, why'd he attack?"
"Internal energy my ass. Were you wearing some protective gear?"
"Not exactly protective gear, but... sort of."
"You're fine, then?"
"Yeah, I'm good."
"Good. Thought you were gonna get cleaved in two for a second there."
"Aw, grown attached already? Worried about me?"
"Worried? Nah, just didn't wanna deal with the cleanup."
"Yes, yes. Loud and clear."
Ong Jung-seo dusted off his rear and stood, still keeping his distance from the Wise King.
"That guy's got it in his head that everyone's an enemy except me. Get too nosy, and that's what happens. Got it? Now forget it and scram."
"You've picked up a loyal retainer, huh."
"Yeah, a retainer."
Do Cheon shrugged and nodded casually.
"Huh?"
Ong Jung-seo took a step, then staggered. He looked at Do Cheon.
"That hit must've been worse than I thought."
"...?"
"Looks like I'll have to impose on you until I recover."
"...!"
"Stomach's churning, head's spinning..."
"Plenty of spectacles around here, huh?"
Do Cheon's face was icy cold as he asked. One wrong word, and he'd eat a fist. Getting decked by someone who could stand toe-to-toe with Heaven-Rending Legion meant serious damage. Ong Jung-seo felt a chill run down his spine.
"Just like you said, it's better than any inn."
"..."
"Really, stomach churning, head spinning."
"..."
"Just need a couple days to rest up..."
"What's your specialty?"
"Pardon?"
"What are you good at?"
"Well, I'm a thief, so thieving's my thing."
"Fast, then?"
"I wouldn't presume to compare with you, young master, but yeah, folks say I'm quick."
"Good. Stick around the main house. In return, run the occasional errand for me. Sound fair?"
"Sure, but what kind of errands...?"
"Nothing big."
"'Nothing big' meaning...?"
"I don't know what'll come up yet."
"Ah, got it."
"You in?"
"Why not."
It felt like his nose was pierced with a ring, but he wanted to stay. Wandering aimlessly had gotten boring, and sticking with the Iron Lion Sect promised some fun.
"Like I said, stay away from that retainer."
"Who is he?"
"Told you to drop it."
"Just a hint...?"
"Could be the grim reaper for you. That's all you need to know—keep your distance."
Told not to get close, now he wanted to more than ever. Told to drop it, and his curiosity spiked. But prying too much here might earn him that punch. Ong Jung-seo nodded obediently like he'd gotten the message.
"I'll keep it in mind. Mind if I head in first?"
"Go ahead."
At Do Cheon's approval, Ong Jung-seo darted toward the Iron Lion Sect, stealing glances at the Wise King on the way—but the distant Wise King didn't even turn his head.
'Who the hell is he? Never heard of a master like that. If not for my hidden treasure armor, I'd have been toast!'
As Ong Jung-seo vanished into the Iron Lion Sect with his curiosity, Do Cheon approached the Wise King and stood before him.
Right then.
The flutter of robes sounded, and Ong Jung-seo burst back out from the Iron Lion Sect.
"I got it!"
Do Cheon turned.
"That blade! That crescent blade!"
Ong Jung-seo pointed at the Wise King's weapon, his face alight with shock.
"As far as I know, there's only one master who wields a crescent blade that huge."
"..."
"That person... he... should've been dead... Is he his disciple?"
"Who're we talking about?"
"Wise... King."
"Enough."
"Is it him?"
"Yes."
"His disciple?"
"It's him."
"Huh?"
"A jiangshi."
"Ugh?"
"The jiangshi version of him."
He'd roamed far and wide, seen all sorts of bizarre things in this vast world, but Ong Jung-seo was too stunned to speak. Do Cheon said lowly to him,
"Now that you know my secret, should I kill you?"
"Eek?"
Ong Jung-seo recoiled in shock.
He'd retreated a good distance in a flash, but Do Cheon hadn't moved an inch. Realizing it was a jest, Ong Jung-seo approached with an awkward grin.
"It's a real secret. Blab it anywhere, and I might actually kill you."
"I may not look it, but I've got a tight lip."
"You'd better."
"But..."
"What?"
"He's not from the Demonic Cult, right? You're a disciple of the Iron Lion Sect..."
"Nah. Just happened to end up following me."
Do Cheon glanced back at the Wise King as he answered. Even more relieved, Ong Jung-seo approached them both, curiosity bursting.
"Whoa, a jiangshi turned warrior—first time I've seen one. Can I touch him?"
Ong Jung-seo said.
Do Cheon's eyes went wide.
"Why's he just standing there?"
"Pardon?"
"Ah! You idiot!"
"I'm no idiot."
"Not you—me."
"Pardon?"
"Ugh, I'm such a moron."
Do Cheon berated himself.
So fixated on how to use the Wise King, he'd forgotten that without emitting the Generation's Heavenly Demon aura, the Wise King would stay dormant.
After Ong Jung-seo had gone inside earlier, he'd fully retracted the Generation's Heavenly Demon aura—and from that moment, the Wise King had no target to protect.
"He won't rampage even without me around."
"Me?"
"No, the Wise King."
"Ah, yes."
"Let's head in."
With a lighter heart, Do Cheon grabbed the Wise King's scruff, hoisted him up effortlessly, and headed for the Iron Lion Sect. Left behind, Ong Jung-seo blinked in shock for a while.
"This isn't just fun stuff—it's some terrifying shit going down, isn't it?"