Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Proposal
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Waterways allowed for cheap bulk transport of large quantities of goods, while land routes enabled quick delivery even for smaller loads. Urgent shipments had no choice but to use the land routes, making waterways the more cost-effective option for everything else.
Naturally, smaller merchants favored the waterways, and since they rarely dealt in time-sensitive cargo, most ended up flocking there. The docks were so packed with merchants, porters hauling goods, and street vendors hawking food that the phrase "dockside prosperity" was born.
As the Dongting Lake waterways boomed, rumors spread that those managing them—including the Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold—were raking in fortunes. And those rumors drew people in.
Baekun Inn in Zhangsa.
"The Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold's chief is the Black Line Warehouse guy, right?"
A sinister old man scratched behind his ear with iron-ringed fingers as he asked. His middle-aged retainer replied without hesitation.
"Yes. A man named Gwak Hyu. Just over ten years ago, he was known as Black Line Warehouse and terrorized the martial world alongside bandits and river pirates."
"Think he's a pushover?"
"He's someone I'd like to test myself, so no need for you to worry, old master."
"No one else pulling strings?"
"We've double-checked: Black Line Warehouse is the stronghold chief."
"Good. Then we hit fast and vanish."
"The Yoo Merchant Group managing the waterways is closer. From what I've heard, they're the ones swimming in cash."
"Oh?"
"Yes. But there's a catch—if we raid them, Iron Lion Sect's Iron Divine Dragon will definitely step in."
"The one who fought Heaven-Rending Legion on equal terms?"
"Probably exaggerated."
"Even if it is, Heaven-Rending Legion's no joke. If their names are mentioned together, he must have real skill."
"What then?"
"What do you mean? We didn't come this far to leave empty-handed."
"What about Iron Divine Dragon?"
"We use the fact that he's only got one body."
"Pardon?"
"You said Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold's in league with this Iron Divine Dragon?"
"Yes."
"If I hit the stronghold, he'll show up, right?"
"Probably."
"That'll keep him far from the Yoo Merchant Group. Plenty of time for you to raid and escape."
"Ah!"
"Figuring out if and when he moves exactly is the tricky part..."
The old man trailed off in thought, iron rings glinting, when a waiter approached.
"Sir, the guests in the private room upstairs wish to treat you both and request your company. If you decline, they said to mention they're very interested in the plans you're discussing."
The two men's faces twisted savagely at the waiter's words.
"What bullshit! Should I rip your mouth off?"
The middle-aged man snarled.
The old man rose from his seat.
"Lead the way. Time to see this bold face."
With the old man taking charge, the middle-aged man cooled his temper. The frightened waiter glanced nervously and guided them.
Private room on the second floor.
"Here?"
"Yes."
"Open it."
The waiter cautiously slid the door open, revealing a man and woman seated across a lavish table.
None other than Do Cheon and Celestial Insight Maiden Byeon Ryeo-gun. Of course, the old man and his retainer had no clue who they were.
Seeing they were young, the old man lightened up and strode in, plopping fearlessly into an empty seat. The middle-aged man dismissed the waiter, blocked the door, and shut it.
"Tsk tsk! If you eavesdropped, pretend you didn't. What's with the curiosity? Don't you know idle curiosity brings disaster? Looks like you're green to the jianghu."
The old man clucked his tongue.
"One right, one wrong."
Do Cheon retorted.
"What's wrong?"
"Wasn't eavesdropping—it just carried. And it's not disaster you brought; it's a hassle."
"Hassle?"
The old man scowled, uncomprehending.
"Do young master, you're wrong on one too."
Byeon Ryeo-gun interjected.
Do Cheon looked curious.
"Which?"
"We called them to resolve an even bigger hassle, so it's not exactly inviting one."
"Huh, you're right."
Do Cheon nodded emphatically, then turned to the old man—who was seething at being talked over.
"Better hold it in."
"You dare mock this old man and tell me to hold it?"
"It's because Iron Divine Dragon—you're after him—is me. Fight here, and you'll wreck the inn. I'll be pissed too. So just hold it."
"...!"
The old man's eyes widened. Simultaneously, killing intent exploded from the middle-aged man at the door.
Just then, Byeon Ryeo-gun placed something on the table.
Naturally, all eyes went to it.
"One's a badge proving Great Righteous Alliance Secret Shadow Pavilion Master. The other's from Heaven-Rending Legion himself—said to hold authority second only to him in Tyrant Emperor Sect."
The old man's gaze visibly wavered. The middle-aged man's killing intent dulled, replaced by suspicion. Noticing, Byeon Ryeo-gun pocketed the tokens and continued.
"Death Decree Old Man Um, and Deadly Strike Great Hero Ye."
Knowing their exact identities deepened their shock. But that wasn't all.
"Your waiting subordinates are about to be subdued. Signal as Pavilion Master, and they're chased off. Signal with Tyrant Emperor token, and heads roll."
"...!"
"Looks peaceful, but Zhangsa now swims in dragon-tiger bloodbath waters. One wrong move, and you're limbs scattered. Yama himself rules here."
Her words drew their gazes to Do Cheon. He smiled faintly.
"Doesn't seem like it'll scare you off."
"Then plainly: Great Righteous Alliance Leader and Tyrant Emperor Sect Master are somewhere in Zhangsa, watching Do young master's every move."
"Blackmail?"
"Just facts. Heaven-Rending Legion watches Do young master—who matched him in his early twenties—with interest. Great Righteous Alliance too."
Old Man Um's brow furrowed. Too plausible for lies.
"What... do you want?"
He asked, iron rings ready, legs primed to flee.
"Heard more like you two will target my money soon."
Do Cheon said, echoing Byeon Ryeo-gun's intel. That's why he summoned rather than chased them.
"Can't be in two places. Need someone to guard Yoo Merchant Group in my stead. You, old timer."
"You dare... Hmph?"
As Old Man Um barked, Do Cheon's eyes sharpened, slicing into his like blades.
"Think I'm some pathetic fool posturing tough in front of a beauty?"
The aura in his gaze.
A master's pressure crushing inferiors.
Even for famed Death Decree Old Man Um, it pinned him down. How could he not falter?
Seeing recognition, Do Cheon withdrew his aura.
"That's what I want, but no way you'd agree. Yeah. So go. Don't stir trouble, waste my time—just vanish quietly."
Um glanced around, rose slowly, checked Byeon Ryeo-gun once more, then slipped out with his retainer.
"You'd really trust them if they agreed?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun asked once gone.
"Any reason not to?"
"Not that—seems too trusting."
"Is it? Sky-Spanning Gang leader, Dongting Lake Waterway Stronghold chief, that old Ong guy, Heaven-Rending Legion, Volcanic Divine Sword. Too trusting?"
"Not lumping those two in, right?"
"From my view, those old men worry me more."
"Fair."
"Anyway, time will tell if trusting was smart or stupid."
"Hope your faith isn't betrayed."
Do Cheon just smiled brightly, mood good. Byeon Ryeo-gun seized the chance for long-held questions.
"Tell me now."
"What?"
"Not settling your debt to me with this meal, right?"
"Non-aggression pact?"
"Yes. Heard you got Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts. Guessed as much. But how much? Three years mastering Iron Lion King's Brain Wall Fist plus those—impossible. No manual either? How'd you learn?"
"How much of Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts? Enough time for two ultimates in three years? No manual—how? Three questions; I'll answer one. All three, and mystery's gone—you might leave."
"Huh? Want to keep me?"
"Misunderstanding. Felt lonely; realized we click."
"Sounds like zero interest? Am I unattractive? Curious about face under veil?"
"Know what marks orphanage-raised?"
"What?"
"Abandon unreachable trees early."
"...!"
"Sorry for tree comparison, but Maiden Byeon seems unattainable to most men, unseen."
"You too?"
"Can't deny."
"..."
Her gaze shifted oddly, air thickening—Do Cheon clapped sharply.
"Which first?"
"How much of Generation's Heavenly Demon's arts?"
"Three years is long, but absurdly short for two absolute masters' ultimates."
"Knew it. Dodging again."
"Not listening?"
"I am. Tell me."
She glared through her veil; he grinned.
"Time... can be stopped, apparently."
"...!"
"Frozen time. Space where flow halted. Inside, Generation's Heavenly Demon's memories. Learned his arts from them."
"...!"
"Oops, spilled two."
He chuckled slyly. But Byeon Ryeo-gun couldn't laugh at the absurdity.
Jeongga Castle in Zhangsa, Hunan.
Heaven-Rending Legion had hunkered down in Jeongga Castle, Great Righteous Alliance's safehouse. Shared interest in Do Cheon bridged Alliance and Tyrant Emperor Sect; known hideout anyway, so Volcanic Divine Sword didn't object.
"Do young hero and Maiden Byeon together?"
"Yes. Want to meet you."
Unable to guess why, Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword exchanged looks. Faces wouldn't reveal; had to meet.
"Bring them."
"Yes."
The acting castle lord withdrew.
The two puzzled over the visit but drew blanks.
Soon, veiled, expressionless Byeon Ryeo-gun and sullen Do Cheon appeared.
"Nice seeing you two together."
Volcanic Divine Sword smiled warmly, disarming suspicion.
Do Cheon plopped uninvited, staring. Heaven-Rending Legion flushed with anger; Byeon Ryeo-gun spoke softly.
"Do young master has a proposal for you."
"Proposal?"
"Speak."
Do Cheon said flatly.
"Maiden Byeon's idea. Pros and cons, but viable—your thoughts?"
"What proposal needs such buildup? Curious."
"Move your bases to Iron Lion Sect."
"...!"
"...?"
So unexpected, they blinked, then glanced at each other.
"Condition: don't interfere with my work."
Heaven-Rending Legion's eye twitched; Byeon Ryeo-gun cut in.
"You know positions. You watch him; he needs guards for Iron Lion Sect."
"Make us watchdogs?"
Heaven-Rending Legion snapped.
"Everyone left in Tyrant Emperor Sect dogs?"
"What?"
"You block Generation's Heavenly Demon arts leaking to Demonic Cult; I need peak expert for headquarters. Stay close, watch; I roam free with you there. Win-win?"
"Roaming—how's that close watch?"
"Take Maiden Byeon when out."
"...!"
Sent to surveil anyway—made sense. Quick calculation: aligned interests. Heaven-Rending Legion glanced at slyer Volcanic Divine Sword, who smiled.
"We have conditions."
"What?"
"Tell us before acting."
"Big ones, yes."
"Always communicate with Maiden Byeon."
"Yes. Done?"
"I'm for; Heaven-Rending Legion?"
"No arrogance, no objection."
Agreed. Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword would stay at Iron Lion Sect.
Do Cheon, goal met, stayed sullen.
'I wanted young Iron Lions to roam the world with me...'