Chapter 735: Trap and Prey
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 735: Trap and Prey
If one were to name the most important thing in the current Central Plains, the first answer would undoubtedly be ‘power.’
In a world that worships strength—a world built by martial artists—nothing could be more vital than martial might. However, to say that martial might was the only thing that mattered would be incorrect.
Martial artists may worship power, but they are still human. And for humans to live in this era, aside from power, there was something else of great importance…
‘Money.’
It was money.
If martial artists were ultimately human, then they needed money to survive. No matter how many days they spent training in pursuit of higher realms and enlightenment, money wouldn't just appear out of thin air. Eating, sleeping under a roof, changing clothes—money was necessary for the basic necessities of life.
When you thought about it, it was strange.
‘Where on earth do these people, who do nothing but train all day, get their money?’
Whether they were a noble clan or a prestigious sect, they were essentially organizations that existed solely for fighting. Yet, they were all strangely wealthy.
Of course, there were clans like the Moyong Clan of Liaoning or the Tang Clan of Sichuan that directly engaged in commerce. But not every clan was like that. In fact, most did not own merchant associations or escort groups.
So, how was it possible? How could so many clans and sects sustain themselves?
The reason was the same as how the Murim Alliance currently operated.
‘Sponsorships.’
The true merchants scattered across the Central Plains—those commonly known as merchant associations—were funneling vast sums of money into them.
The clothes they wore. The swords at their waists. The food they ate.
Most of those who didn't earn money on their own lived off the sponsorship funds provided by these associations. This was also true for the Murim Alliance. Dozens of merchant associations, including the top few in the Central Plains, all sent sponsorship funds to the Alliance. Thanks to this, many clans, including the Murim Alliance itself, could live lavishly.
So, why go to such lengths? What could they possibly gain from martial artists that would make the merchant associations sponsor them with so much money?
The reason was simpler than one might think.
‘To get them on their side, of course.’
This was a world where Gates of Demons could burst open at any time, a world fraught with danger. A martial artist might be able to overcome such threats alone, but what about those who were not? Naturally, they had to borrow the strength of martial artists. To that end, the merchant associations formed implicit agreements with them under the guise of sponsorships.
It was a ploy to receive protection when something happened and to foster a sense of belonging.
That martial artist receives our sponsorship.
Therefore, he is one of us.
This could be used to intimidate rival factions or competing merchant associations, and as the martial artist's fame grew, it also benefited the association.
In fact, there was the case of the Yeokseon Merchant Association in Shaanxi. They had sponsored the Mount Hua Sect for generations, and when they were threatened by the Unorthodox Faction Alliance, it was none other than the Celestial Plum Blossom who personally stepped in to deal with the threat.
Thus, a merchant association's sponsorship of a martial artist held various meanings and was a mutually beneficial arrangement. The martial artist gets money; the merchant association gets an advertising effect and, more importantly, a safety net.
In that sense…
‘To think this man would come to me.’
I found myself lost in thought as I looked at the man in his forties standing before me.
‘Is this the first time we’ve met face-to-face?’
Including my past life, this was the first time I had met him in person, but he was an incredibly well-known figure. He was the head of the semi-official wealthiest merchant association in the Central Plains: the leader of the Jangwon Merchant Association, Jang Yumyeong.
A middle-aged man with a kind face and a friendly aura. He was none other than…
‘The Celestial Sword’s sponsor…’
He was the owner of the merchant association that had sponsored the Celestial Sword, Wi Seol-Ah, who had risen to become the Zenith Under the Heavens after stopping the Heavenly Demon in my past life. Furthermore, during the Orthodox-Demonic War, he was known for his many good deeds, such as providing weapons to martial artists free of charge and supporting them with food and disaster relief.
People used to say that without the Jangwon Merchant Association's support, the Celestial Sword would have struggled to get as far as she did. That was true. It was a fact I acknowledged as well.
‘The Celestial Sword was unaffiliated, after all.’
Although she was engaged to someone from the Jang Clan, she was fundamentally the descendant and granddaughter of the Sword Venerable. For her to operate smoothly, she needed a sponsor. The Jangwon Merchant Association had taken on that role.
In a way, it was only natural.
‘The Jangwon Merchant Association has ties to the Jang Clan.’
One could tell just by looking at Jang Yumyeong’s surname. No matter how common the name was, this was no coincidence.
‘The Jangwon Merchant Association is an offshoot of the Jang Clan.’
I had heard it was from a collateral branch, but their roots were undeniably the same. I didn't know the full extent of their connection, but at the time, I had assumed that was why they sponsored the Celestial Sword…
‘But this time, he’s come to see me.’
What could this mean?
I glanced at Moyong Hi-ah before turning to Jang Yumyeong and asking, “To think I’d get to meet the esteemed leader of the great Jangwon Merchant Association like this.”
“Haha, esteemed? I am but a humble merchant.”
I let out a small smirk at his words. The man was far too colossal to be described as ‘humble.’ The wealthiest man in the Central Plains—the presence that came with such a title held tremendous power, even if he wasn't a martial artist.
“On the contrary, it is a greater honor for me to meet Master Gu. Are you not the most famous person in the Central Plains right now?”
“Such high praise is making me blush. Please, have a seat… Ah, I only have plum tea to offer… Is that alright?”
“I’m not a picky eater.”
Even before Jang Yumyeong could speak, Moyong Hi-ah was already brewing the tea. Before long, small snacks and tea were served. Jang Yumyeong carefully took a sip of the plum tea.
“This… seems to be tea from Shaanxi…”
“That’s right. It was a gift from the Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect.”
To be precise, it was something that came my way due to the Emei Sect’s scheming. I had removed all the poison from it and was now drinking it myself.
‘The tea is quite delicious.’
Slurp.
After a moment of silently drinking tea, I finished my cup and spoke to Jang Yumyeong again.
“So, what brings you here to see me?”
Why had this man come looking for me? And what’s more…
“In person, like this.”
He hadn't sent a servant; the leader himself had come. It was truly a puzzling affair.
“Hahaha… You seem quite surprised.”
“Yes. It’s one of the most surprising things that has happened to me recently.”
How could I not be surprised? It was the appearance of a completely unexpected person.
“The reason I have come… is, as you might have guessed, because the Jangwon Merchant Association would like to sponsor Master Gu.”
Oh.
My eyes widened slightly at how quickly he got to the point. I thought he might beat around the bush, but he charged straight in.
“The Jangwon Merchant Association wants to sponsor me?”
I feigned surprise upon hearing his words.
“Yes. I had to make a rather unreasonable request to the branch manager for this… but thankfully, she arranged this meeting.”
At his words, I glanced at Moyong Hi-ah. She simply kept her eyes closed in a demure posture, as if she couldn't hear a thing.
‘Well, well.’
There was no way Moyong Hi-ah would have arranged this meeting just because he asked. It meant something had been exchanged. In other words… Jang Yumyeong had gone to great lengths to see me.
Thinking about that, I asked him, “May I first ask what you saw in me to suddenly come forward like this?”
“Goodness… What did I see? A merchant naturally only sees potential.”
“Potential?”
“Yes. Just like all those people gathered outside, I saw the potential Master Gu possesses and wish to invest in it. That is why I resorted to using such an unfair method.”
Unfair method. He meant coming through Moyong Hi-ah, unlike the others outside.
“…Hmm.”
At Jang Yumyeong’s words, I glanced outside. I could still feel the presence of the people gathered beyond my residence. My unnecessarily sharp senses were picking up every single one of them.
“The performance you showed in yesterday’s duel was impressive in every way. I simply couldn't hold back after seeing it.”
“You saw it as well, Leader?”
“Of course. To an ordinary person like myself, it was too fast to see much of anything… but my escort later explained it to me, so I was able to grasp it more clearly.”
Hearing his words, I thought back.
‘Jang Yumyeong wasn’t in the pavilion.’
Among the spectator seats set up around the arena, there was a special section for the leaders of merchant associations. That area was occupied by acting leaders and leaders.
‘He’s definitely not one of the people who were there.’
I had already identified the faces and identities of those seated there. There was, of course, someone from the Jangwon Merchant Association, and I had identified him as the acting leader.
And…
‘An escort.’
I noticed something odd in the way he phrased his words.
‘He must be talking about that man.’
Jang Yumyeong’s escort. He must have meant the martial artist currently standing outside the door. He was concealing his presence and hiding his tracks, but I had known he was there from the moment Jang Yumyeong entered.
‘His realm is… roughly at the Fusion Realm, I suppose.’
I couldn't get a precise read, but at a glance, he seemed to be around the lower ranks of the Hundred Masters. It was surprising. The man he kept by his side as an escort was a Fusion Realm martial artist? That alone was astonishing, but I was more focused on Jang Yumyeong’s words.
‘The fact that he mentioned it to me… is he telling me to be aware of it? Or is there another meaning?’
He has an escort nearby. The very act of mentioning it was a clever move. I didn't know if it was to test whether I knew, or if it was a means to gain my favor. If it was the latter, it seemed like a decent method. In fact, my impression of him did improve a little.
“I’m certain you weren’t around the arena. Where were you watching from?”
And so, I gave him a gift in return.
“…!”
Jang Yumyeong’s eyes widened upon hearing my words. He seemed to have understood the meaning behind them perfectly.
I know about the merchant association leaders who were there, and I know you weren't among them.
I had subtly hinted that I possessed a certain amount of information. And at the same time, Jang Yumyeong would know that I had intentionally let this slip.
“Haha… well now.”
“I’m genuinely curious. Where did you see it from?”
Even while having such a conversation with hidden depths, Jang Yumyeong didn't lose his smile as he answered.
“I was in the general seating area with an acquaintance.”
“…General seating?”
If he meant the general seating… could he be talking about those cramped, first-come, first-served seats? The general seating was the lowest-grade spectator area provided by the Alliance. Why would a man like him go there?
As the question naturally arose, Jang Yumyeong answered as if he had been waiting for it.
“It was for no particular reason, other than to gauge the honest reactions of those around me.”
To see their reactions? I wondered what he meant…
“Right after the duel ended, I was scheduled to discuss sponsorship matters with the Shaolin.”
“…Hmm.”
His words piqued my interest. By saying he was scheduled, it meant he didn't go through with it, since he was here now.
“Are you saying you postponed your discussion with the Shaolin because you wanted to sponsor me?”
“That is correct. It was a forced move from the very beginning.”
What on earth did he see in me? I didn't ask such a bothersome question. I didn't know about tomorrow, but today, I held immense value, and I wasn't foolish enough not to realize that.
‘A sponsorship, huh…’
I was already being sponsored by the White Flower Merchant Association. There was no way he didn't know that, yet he was bringing this up, which meant he was confident.
‘Or is he testing me?’
Nothing was certain. But my answer was already decided anyway.
‘I’ll refuse.’
Whatever it was, this conversation would end with a refusal. The Jangwon Merchant Association was not part of my plans, so I didn't want to get needlessly entangled.
Just as I was about to give my answer…
“However.”
Jang Yumyeong spoke before I could.
“I don’t think I can have that conversation right now.”
“Pardon?”
I wore a slightly dumbfounded expression as I watched Jang Yumyeong rise from his seat. I hadn't even refused yet, so what was this? Just as I was wondering why the man was suddenly acting this way…
“After speaking with you, I’ve come to feel that the terms I brought are somewhat lacking. Therefore, I plan to organize them and visit you again in a few days.”
“You’ll visit again…?”
…He’s coming back after organizing the terms?
“If we continue this conversation now… I don’t think I’ll be able to achieve the result I desire.”
Damn.
I was wondering why he was suddenly acting like that. It seemed Jang Yumyeong had realized I was going to refuse.
However…
“Even if you come next time… I doubt my answer will be any different.”
“Haha… That may be so.”
Jang Yumyeong smiled at my response.
“Still, is it not in a merchant’s nature to buy what he wants to buy?”
As he spoke, he took something out from his robes and slid it onto the table.
“These are the sponsorship details I was planning to propose to Master Gu today. Please read them, and if possible, I hope you will remember them.”
It was a neatly folded letter. It looked to be a little over three pages long.
“When I see you next, I will return with ‘much’ better terms. Thank you for your precious time. I know you must be busy, so I will see myself out.”
Before I could even pick up the letter, Jang Yumyeong bowed deeply and calmly walked out of the room, disappearing from sight. I hadn't even planned on seeing him out.
“…Hmph.”
I watched his back and let out a sigh. This isn't easy. It really wasn't easy.
‘He never gives up the initiative.’
It was a short conversation, yet Jang Yumyeong had held the initiative throughout. He acted considerate and yielding, but he took what he wanted. It was a truly masterful and skilled approach. This is why I try to avoid long conversations with shrewd merchants.
‘What should I do?’
First, I should probably report to Lady Mi that Jang Yumyeong had visited.
‘Though there’s a high chance Lady Mi already knows.’
Still, I had to do what I had to do.
Rustle.
I picked up the letter Jang Yumyeong had left behind and asked Moyong Hi-ah, “What were the terms?”
Only after hearing my question did Moyong Hi-ah open her closed eyes. There was no need to explain what I was asking. She would have known already.
“…The exclusive trading rights to the crafted jewels of the Bin Clan of Guangdong.”
As expected, Moyong Hi-ah answered immediately. This was her answer to my unspoken question: What did you receive for introducing Jang Yumyeong to me?
“The Bin Clan of Guangdong… Weren't they the ones who make accessories?”
They were in an ambiguous position, not quite a martial clan. I seemed to recall they were a family formed by a gathering of master craftsmen. Their specialty was crafting unbelievably beautiful jewels.
“Yes. It was a perfect fit for my future business plans… and the Jangwon Merchant Association held the trading rights with them.”
“But… he handed them over?”
“Yes.”
He handed over the exclusive trading rights he possessed just for the chance to meet me. The absurdity of it all made me want to laugh.
“That was worth it, then.”
If what she said was true, it was more than understandable. If I were in her shoes, I would have sold her out too.
“…I apologize.”
Even though she knew this, Moyong Hi-ah apologized to me. At that, I waved my hand and chuckled.
“It’s fine. I doubt you did it on your own. It’s good if we can make use of it. Ah, does Lady Mi know too?”
“…Yes. The branch manager is also aware.”
“Then I’ll have to go ask her later.”
I decided to ask Lady Mi for the details later. I began to casually scan the letter in my hand. Just what kind of terms were so important that he had to write them down like this…
“…Huh?”
I scanned it line by line with a sense of curiosity. But the more I read, the more my brow began to furrow.
“…What is this?”
“Young Master. What’s wrong?”
At my reaction, Moyong Hi-ah came closer and began to read the letter with me. And a moment later.
“What the…”
Moyong Hi-ah had a similar reaction to mine.
“Is this person in his right mind?”
It was only natural. The contents of the letter were beyond absurd.
The Jangwon Merchant Association will sponsor Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan with a portion of the transaction profits from the association's distribution.
Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan will receive treatment equivalent to a branch manager at all inns and major branches operated by the Jangwon Merchant Association.
All leisure and luxury expenses incurred by Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan during his activities as a martial artist in the Central Plains will be covered by the Jangwon Merchant Association.
The Jangwon Merchant Association will sponsor Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan with a Muyeongdan, or an elixir of equivalent grade, once every three months.
And so on. Besides these, other unbelievable conditions were listed across three pages. And at the very end, the seal of the merchant association leader was stamped firmly.
“Is he insane?”
That was the first thing Moyong Hi-ah said after reading the entire document. She stared at the letter with a look of utter disbelief, as if she couldn't believe her eyes.
“The amount isn’t even specified… A portion of the transaction profits… And treatment equivalent to a branch manager? What in the world is a Muyeongdan?”
A Muyeongdan wasn't on the level of a Jasodan, Daehwandan, or Heavenly Poison Orb, but it was still a very fine elixir. You could obtain one if you tried, but… it was incredibly expensive. It was probably the most expensive elixir one could buy with money.
And what was this about a portion of the profits? It wasn't clear how much that would be, but considering the profits the Jangwon Merchant Association raked in…
‘Even if they gave me just a speck of dust from that…’
It would probably be, with some exaggeration, equivalent to the Gu Clan’s entire annual budget. Even just one of these offers was insane, but there were several.
What on earth was going on?
As I stared at the letter with a dazed expression…
“He must be out of his mind. Otherwise…” Moyong Hi-ah spat out sharply, as if she couldn't believe it.
I looked at her and couldn't help but say…
“…Hey.”
“Yes?”
“Watch your mouth. Don’t you dare speak carelessly about our Leader. I don’t care if it’s you—if you insult our Leader, I won’t forgive you.”
“…?”
Hearing my words, Moyong Hi-ah’s face contorted. It was the most disgusted look I had ever seen on her face in all the years I had known her.