Chapter 235
Chapter 235
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 235
Chapter Title: Chapter 4: The Small Forest Where the Giant Secludes Himself, Shaolin Temple (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
If one were to name the greatest trading house in the world, everyone would point first to the Myth Merchant Guild. They dealt in anything profitable—salt, cloth, grain, weapons, you name it.
There was even a saying that if the Myth Merchant Guild couldn't procure something, no trading house in the world could. And with their powerful private escort force, the title of world's top trading house was well-deserved.
The warriors of the Myth Merchant Guild were governed by strict discipline. Their precise demeanor and actions made them seem less like free-spirited martial artists and more like soldiers.
This was especially noticeable during their overnight stops on the journey to Dengfeng County.
When camping, they arranged the cargo wagons in a circular formation like a military camp, stationed guards between the carriages, and carried out their tasks with flawless coordination—from preparing food to everything else.
Even the meals for Dam Ho's group were handled by the Myth Merchant Guild's warriors, leaving Bang Jin-bo with nothing to do. Thanks to that, the three could simply sit back and enjoy the food provided.
Muk Il-gwang watched the Myth Merchant Guild warriors and let out a jest.
"This is seriously intimidating."
"What is?"
"The Myth Merchant Guild. I've dealt with countless trading houses and escort agencies, but I've never seen one with such tight discipline."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah! Not a single warrior here is below par. Astonishing!"
"Is that really surprising?"
"Of course it is. Escorting a trading house usually involves all sorts of people. Laborers for loading cargo and odd jobs, warriors for protection, merchants for deals. It's the harmony of diverse folks that keeps a trading house running smoothly. But look at the Myth Merchant Guild. Is there even one person here who looks weak in martial arts? Even the laborers have sharp eyes and disciplined movements that scream high-level cultivation."
"Hmm!"
As a bandit chieftain, Muk Il-gwang was more sensitive to trading houses and escort agencies than most. Naturally, his eye for the Myth Merchant Guild was sharper than others'.
Only then did Bang Jin-bo look at the Myth Merchant Guild warriors with renewed appreciation. They started to appear different to him.
Bang Jin-bo's gaze shifted to Dam Ho.
Dam Ho leaned against a rock, sipping the tea Bang Jin-bo had brewed for him. The flickering red campfire cast deep shadows across his face.
His eyes, shrouded in heavy shadow, were so profound that not a speck of light showed. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
'Brother!'
Bang Jin-bo stared at Dam Ho silently for a while.
That was when it happened.
"Brother Dam!"
Yun Sa-il, the outer hall master of the Myth Merchant Guild, approached.
Dam Ho looked up, and Yun Sa-il spoke.
"I hope you're resting comfortably. Is there anything inconvenient?"
"No."
"That's a relief. We'll arrive in Dengfeng County, home to Shaolin Temple, in just two days. I came to inform you."
"......"
"Word of your escort seems to have spread—fortunately, no one's targeting our goods. Allow me to express our gratitude now."
"No need."
"Pardon?"
"It's good for both sides anyway, right? I get an easy trip, and you avoid ambushes."
"W-Well... yes."
"Then we're good."
With that, Dam Ho closed his eyes.
Yun Sa-il stared at Dam Ho for a moment. A strange glint flickered in his eyes. But he soon regained his usual gaze and smiled.
"It seems I spoke out of turn. Rest well."
He offered a fist salute to Dam Ho and withdrew.
Even as he left, Yun Sa-il didn't forget to smile at Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang. The two, who had been irked by Dam Ho's brusqueness, managed awkward smiles in return.
They didn't notice. The window of the carriage Won Seol-hwa rode in cracked open the moment Yun Sa-il departed. Nor did they see Won Seol-hwa gaze secretly at Dam Ho for a while.
As Yun Sa-il had said, the journey to Dengfeng County was remarkably smooth. There were no incidents requiring Dam Ho's intervention, no threats to guard against.
Just as the Myth Merchant Guild neared Dengfeng County, Won Seol-hwa summoned Dam Ho into her carriage.
"Was the trip comfortable?"
"Very."
"I'm glad."
Won Seol-hwa smiled faintly. Her smile was so beautiful it seemed to light up the carriage.
"Shaolin Temple isn't far now."
"I know."
"So... about that."
"......"
"Have you decided where to go after Shaolin Temple?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
Won Seol-hwa smiled radiantly, undaunted by Dam Ho's response. It was a beauty that would make any man's heart race. But Dam Ho, the man facing her, didn't flicker an eyelid.
Even Won Seol-hwa couldn't help but inwardly admire the abyss-like depth in Dam Ho's unwavering eyes.
Dam Ho answered.
"I have someone to find."
"Who?"
"Do I have to tell you?"
"Of course not. I was just curious—don't be upset."
"......"
"The reason I'm asking is... if you have time, I'd love for you to visit the Myth Merchant Guild."
"The Myth Merchant Guild?"
"Yes! You may know this, but my father, the guild master, finds his sole pleasure in befriending renowned martial artists of the jianghu. He'd be thrilled to meet someone like you, Brother Dam."
Won Hoe-sang, master of the Myth Merchant Guild, lived up to his nickname "Ten Thousand Gold Worm" with his immense greed. He had a particular passion for collecting talent, delighting in hosting famous warriors as honored guests.
That was why the Myth Merchant Guild lavished hospitality on figures like the Ten Great Guests.
"If you joined as an honored guest, you'd receive treatment unmatched anywhere in the jianghu. Immense wealth and treasures, of course—and countless beauties at your fingertips."
Won Seol-hwa crossed her legs. Her robe slipped, revealing a flawless white thigh.
The smooth, unblemished leg, pale as snow, drew Dam Ho's gaze. Seeing his eyes on her leg, Won Seol-hwa's smile bloomed even brighter.
Each subtle movement released an explosive body fragrance. The faint, sweet scent was enough to numb any man's reason.
Won Seol-hwa was a temptress.
Her smile, every gesture, every motion carried a sultry allure that could paralyze a man's soul. No man could resist her seduction.
She licked her lips lightly with her red tongue and said,
"Perhaps the most glamorous and beautiful woman in the world could become yours."
"Someone like you, for instance?"
"Maybe."
Her voice was low. Yet it rang crystal clear in his ears, as if whispered right beside him.
Dam Ho nodded.
"Tempting offer."
"Really?"
"Yeah!"
"So, will you accept?"
"I'll visit the Myth Merchant Guild sometime soon."
"Truly?"
"I don't lie."
"I believe you! Who else could I trust if not Brother Dam?"
A gleam sparked in Won Seol-hwa's eyes. The bewitching hue made it impossible to look away.
"Then I'll be going."
"No send-off."
Dam Ho notified her curtly and stepped out.
Left alone, Won Seol-hwa smiled slyly.
"Before the Omni-Brain Enchantress Art, even Buddha couldn't hold out. It may not hit hard now, but over time, my voice and form will etch deeper into your mind."
She knew. No matter how iron-willed or cold-blooded a man, he was defenseless before a beautiful woman.
The Omni-Brain Enchantress Art preyed on that weakness. It was the ultimate evil art that used every feminine wile to seduce men.
This was the first time she'd deployed the Omni-Brain Enchantress Art on a man. That alone showed how highly she rated Dam Ho.
"Hmm!"
Won Seol-hwa reclined on her crimson bedding. Her form was startlingly voluptuous.
***
"Brother!"
"Brother!"
Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang approached Dam Ho. They were dying to know what conversation had passed inside the carriage. But Dam Ho's impassive expression deterred them from asking.
"Let's go."
Dam Ho fell back to the rear of the procession with them.
Yun Sa-il watched Dam Ho intently.
"No way... the young lady did."
His eyes wavered.
The worst scenario flashed through Yun Sa-il's mind.
'No! He's not someone her technique would work on. If mishandled, it could expose all our secrets.'
Yun Sa-il rushed into the carriage. So he didn't see Dam Ho pause and glance back at him.
"Brother, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Dam Ho closed his eyes briefly.
'Perhaps...'
Just then, murmurs rose from the crowd.
"That's Dengfeng County."
"Dengfeng County ahead."
Opening his eyes, he saw it as they said. Dengfeng County, with the massive Mount Song towering behind it. One of the Five Great Mountains of the Central Plains, home to Shaolin Temple—the leader of the Nine Great Sects and the polestar of the jianghu.
Fitting its status as the holy ground of Buddhism, Mount Song seemed bathed in a serene glow. The sight awed everyone into silence.
"Shaolin Temple's over there..."
Bang Jin-bo and even Muk Il-gwang wore solemn expressions. Such was the weight of the name Shaolin.
Dengfeng County teemed with countless warriors. Most were affiliated with Shaolin.
Every passerby looked extraordinary. Some had temples bulging from extreme external training, others shot sharp glints from their eyes—not uncommon sights.
"So many experts."
"Is this Shaolin's power?"
Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang gaped.
No mere word like "impressive" could capture the scene.
They now understood the might a sect amassed over a millennium.
'This is why the Bandit King feared and checked the Central Plains' prestigious sects.'
Though a recent internal rebellion had shaken them, the bandits were at their century's peak under Bandit King Hwang Kyung-mun, united with tens of thousands strong.
They felt they could take on all Nine Great Sects, but truthfully, even these gathered warriors or Shaolin alone would spell peril.
Knowing this, Hwang Kyung-mun avoided clashing with Central Plains luminaries like Shaolin whenever possible. If unavoidable, he'd fight to the death—but preventing such was best.
The crowd's eyes fixed on the newly arrived Myth Merchant Guild procession. With so many people, it was bound to draw notice.
"It's the Myth Merchant Guild."
Recognizing the banner, they relaxed their wary stares. Those present knew of the Myth Merchant Guild's contract with Shaolin to supply war materials.
No reason to suspect a direct contractor of Shaolin. Most looked on the procession with friendly eyes.
Attention focused on the massive guild banner and lead carriage. Thus, they overlooked Dam Ho and his group riding slowly at the very rear.
Dam Ho's gaze turned toward Lesser Room Peak.
'Shaolin Temple.'
There stood the jianghu's polestar, Shaolin Temple.