Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Bewilderment
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There are countless emotions a person can feel.
Sometimes joy, fear, ecstasy, sorrow.
Sometimes hatred, jealousy, shock, anticipation.
Sometimes fear, curiosity, embarrassment.
And at this very moment, the emotion gripping the battlefield lords was none of those—it was pure bewilderment.
The sudden shift in tone.
And at the unbelievable proposal he tossed out so casually, every lord clamped their mouth shut and swallowed hard.
"......"
"......"
"......"
A silence so profound descended among the lords that even the sound of an ant scurrying could have been heard.
In that hush, their eyes darted busily this way and that.
They stole sidelong glances at one another or stared alternately at Geum Hyeon-mong.
For quite some time, no one there could bring themselves to speak first.
In that tense atmosphere, after one incense stick had burned away, the alliance's eldest member, Lord Gyeong, finally parted his lips with effort.
"Say that again."
"We will acquire the three battlefields."
"You're saying you'll value them at ten times their current worth? Is that true?"
As he asked with an incredulous expression, Geum Hyeon-mong nodded.
"Yes. The opportunity is equal for all, but the time is short. We plan to save only the three who convey their intent to sell the fastest."
The sum to acquire three battlefields?
If he considered clashing head-on with them to the bitter end, that expenditure was nothing.
Besides, they had joined hands precisely to survive as mid- and small-scale battlefields.
So even buying up battlefields of that size at a hefty premium wouldn't dent Myriad Gold Battlefield's coffers.
Maximum results with minimal cost.
'Sharpening blades against enemies isn't the only path to victory.'
Geum Hyeon-mong had learned much from observing Hyeok Mulin and Cho Sa-hyeon's methods.
He had gained a breadth of vision incomparable to before, and combining it with his past experience, he swiftly took control of the conversation.
"Y-You're really guaranteeing ten times the value?"
At Geum Hyeon-mong's words, greed flickered in the lords' eyes.
To sell at ten times their worth.
Enough money to live lavishly for life would fall right into their hands.
Unless they were like Geum Hyeon-mong, who had staked his life on the battlefield's survival through long history—this was a temptation no one could resist.
Lord Woo, imagining who-knows-what, scanned the half-dazed surrounding lords before abruptly standing and bellowing.
"Nonsense!"
"What's so nonsensical about it?"
"Proposing to buy other battlefields out of nowhere—the ulterior motive is obvious!"
Geum Hyeon-mong replied calmly to his quivering voice.
"Myriad Gold Battlefield's branches were once several times more numerous than now. With the head office stabilized, it's only natural to expand branches again by acquiring good prospects, isn't it?"
"Urgh...!"
Unable to retort, Lord Woo bit his lip hard.
He shifted targets, raising his voice to urge the other lords.
"Say something, all of you! We can't fall for that scoundrel's scheme to divide us!"
But in response to Lord Woo's desperate cry, only an awkward silence returned.
As he gazed around with a hollow expression at their reaction—
Drag—
"Then take your time to think it over and get back to us. But as I said, there are only three spots—remember, dawdlers get nothing."
With that, Geum Hyeon-mong left without a backward glance.
Left alone, the Sichon Province Battlefield Alliance lords exchanged furtive glances.
Amid that, Lord Woo, still fuming and standing with huffs and puffs, raised his voice again.
"I trust no fools here will fall for that silver-tongued devilry! You all know it—this is clearly a plot to sow division!"
As he ranted heatedly, the lords forced awkward smiles and chimed in.
"Of course."
"We're united from start to finish. No thick-skinned traitor would join hands with that guy."
"Agreed."
A brief lull fell among them, assurances of trust and faith exchanged.
Then, one by one, they cautiously rose.
"Ahem. I'll be off then. Forgot I promised a message to the estate tonight."
"Something came up for me too—I should head out first."
"Then me too..."
"Best to end today's meeting here. Good work, everyone."
The lords slipped away one after another, their steps inexplicably hurried as they departed each to their own.
Watching them go, Lord Woo sighed and took his leave.
"Then I'll go rest as well. All that yelling must've made my head spin."
With the gathering dissolving naturally, only Lord Gyeong remained.
His hair streaked with the marks of age, he stared blankly at the empty seats.
'Not a single one stays, truly.'
He was certain.
Before long, more than half would signal their intent to sell.
An alliance meaningful only while all Sichon's battlefields stood united could hardly function now.
Gathered from deserters, failed deserters, and those who missed their chance—how could it operate properly?
Now, victory would come to Myriad Gold Battlefield without lifting a finger.
The future clear as day, Lord Gyeong squeezed his eyes shut toward the ceiling.
"We've been had...!"
"I absolutely forbid rude behavior. Remember, our actions represent the main family's honor."
"Yes, sir!"
"Good. Now, let's go fetch Master Gwang."
Tang Clan's Black Tiger Squad leader Dang Myeong sternly warned his subordinates before stepping out of the hall.
He had tried various methods over the past few days to contact Gwang Ui.
But each attempt fizzled before a meeting, so he resolved to visit Myriad Gold Battlefield personally.
Under orders from the Third Elder, he set out with iron determination to bring Gwang Ui back.
'Not heading into battle anyway, so keep the entourage minimal.'
Dang Myeong took only his two strongest subordinates and made for the battlefield.
He frowned at the long line snaking ahead.
"Quite the crowd."
Ignoring the queue, he strode forward.
As he approached the entrance, the waiting guards blocked them.
"If you wish to enter the battlefield, please join the line at the back."
"I'm not here to deposit or withdraw money."
"Then what brings you to the battlefield?"
At Dang Myeong's words, the puzzled guards heard his clear reply.
"I've come to see the physician you're hosting here."
"......!"
Dang Myeong deliberately avoided naming Gwang Ui.
Given the likelihood he was hiding his identity, this was considerate phrasing.
At his words, the entrance guards exchanged quick glances.
Then one cautiously asked.
"May we know which esteemed guest you are?"
"Sacheon Tang Clan."
His low voice carried weight that belied its volume.
Stunned, they nodded, and one dashed inside promptly.
"Please wait a moment."
"Take your time."
Waiting under the sky briefly, the messenger soon returned.
"The elder grants an audience. This way."
Following the guide through the inner compound to the reception room, Dang Myeong entered.
There sat a white-robed man with the rumored bizarre features, awaiting him.
As the guide departed, Dang Myeong seated himself slowly.
Their gazes met, and Dang Myeong bowed first.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Dang Myeong, leader of the Tang Clan's Black Tiger Squad."
True to a Tang Clan warrior, it was polite yet dignified, not servile.
Gwang Ui nodded and spoke leisurely.
"So, you've come looking for me?"
Disdaining empty formalities, Gwang Ui cut straight to the point.
His words assumed the visitor knew exactly who he was, having come this far.
"Yes. Our Sacheon Tang Clan wishes to borrow your strength, elder."
"A patient in need of treatment?"
Gwang Ui's question drew a shake of the head.
"No. We wish to serve you."
"Serve me?"
"Yes."
Understanding, Gwang Ui shook his head again.
"I already have a set destination."
"That can wait, can't it? As the saying goes, poison and medicine differ by a hair's breadth. Our clan will provide the utmost accommodations—lodgings, facilities, tools, everything."
Gwang Ui's expression turned indifferent.
"Doesn't particularly appeal."
As if expecting that, Dang Myeong pressed on seamlessly.
"That's not all. Aren't you curious about the thousands upon thousands of poisons in this world, elder?"
"Well... I wouldn't say I'm utterly uninterested."
"For you, we will supply every poison held by our main family."
This was Dang Myeong's trump card.
Perfectly natural for a life-saving physician to crave man-killing poisons.
Especially for Gwang Ui, famed for his eccentric personality and ways—he wouldn't pass this up.
"Poisons, eh..."
Stroking his chin in thought, Gwang Ui finally spoke.
"Then, can I obtain the clan head's blood as well?"
"Th-That...!"
Caught off guard, Dang Myeong floundered before refusing.
"That might be difficult..."
"Then it's not access to all your clan's poisons. Forget it. Be on your way."
Losing interest, Gwang Ui waved him off dismissively.
Dang Myeong, about to plead again, gave up.
With his strongest card blocked, persuasion was impossible now.
Rising, he left one final word before departing.
"I'll visit again."
"No matter who comes or what they bring, my mind won't change."
"One never knows."
Rejected? Offer more next time.
With resolute will, Dang Myeong stepped out.
Gwang Ui watched his retreating back and shook his head.
"These young ones don't know when to quit."