Chapter 117
Chapter 117
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: Souvenirs
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"Souvenirs?"
The combination of tourist souvenirs and the Mount Hua Sect—two words that didn't go together at all—made Cheonhwi tilt his head.
"In other words, this is what I mean."
Chief Manager O pulled out a new sheet of paper.
On the paper were meticulously drawn designs for various patterns and clothing, as if he'd been planning this for a long time.
"We'll make deals with the Mount Hua Sect to create embroidery with patterns similar to the red plum blossoms that only the Mount Hua Sect's Plum Blossom Sword Guards can wear, or clothing resembling the Mount Hua Sect's Daoist robes. We'll produce these items and sell them to people."
Looking at the drawings, Cheonhwi got the general idea.
In simple terms, it was selling merchandise to those who admired the Mount Hua Sect.
There was just one thing he didn't understand.
"Will people actually buy this?"
The prices written above the embroidery and clothing were about twice as much as ordinary items.
And what made them different?
Nothing special.
Just the addition of plum blossom patterns.
"They will buy it."
Unlike Cheonhwi, who was doubtful, Chief Manager O stated it with certainty.
"For example, let's say you're visiting Jiangsu Province, young hero. What would you want to do first thing upon arrival?"
Jiangsu Province?
It was a question Cheonhwi had never really thought about, but food came to mind first.
What Jiangsu was famous for was...
"I'd drink some Yanghe wine."
As Cheonhwi named the famous liquor from Jiangsu, Chief Manager O immediately poured out his words.
"Yanghe wine from Jiangsu is at least twice as expensive as other liquors. It would be better to drink something else instead of Yanghe wine, but would you still want to drink it?"
"I'd put up with that much."
So what if it was expensive?
Yanghe wine from Jiangsu was one of the finest brews in the world. No matter the price, it was worth trying... Huh?
Suddenly, the intent behind the question flashed through Cheonhwi's mind.
So that's what it was.
Cheonhwi looked at Chief Manager O and said,
"...You're saying you'll make those items like Yanghe wine."
"Exactly."
Chief Manager O's smile deepened.
"As you just said, most people visiting Jiangsu will pay a premium to drink Yanghe wine over other liquors precisely because they're in Jiangsu, not somewhere else."
"Hm..."
"What if we do the same for visitors to the Mount Hua Sect? We sell items officially endorsed by the Mount Hua Sect itself."
"I'd buy one."
Cheonhwi was tempted for a moment.
This seemed like a surprisingly decent business if done right.
'And if this takes off, the Mount Hua Sect makes money, I make money—killing two birds with one stone, right?'
Imagining his income doubling, Cheonhwi nodded up and down.
But that only lasted a moment.
One problem came to mind.
"Do you think the Mount Hua Sect will accept that proposal?"
The Mount Hua Sect was a stubborn Daoist sect.
It was hard to imagine them getting involved in something so commercial.
Yet.
"The Mount Hua Sect will accept it."
Chief Manager O spoke with full confidence.
"Any other of the Nine Great Sects would snort and ignore such a deal, but the Mount Hua Sect is different, based on my recent investigations. Despite their skyrocketing fame, they've actually been struggling with finances for a long time."
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed.
You figured that out?
It was information that was still hard to come by.
"And yet, the Mount Hua Sect is expanding its influence. Starting with the Mount Hua Divine Sword destroying White Ghost Castle, they recently became a pillar of the Murim Alliance, and now they're even opening their gates to accept new disciples..."
Chief Manager O recited the Mount Hua Sect's recent activities, as if showing off his intelligence network.
"Moving so aggressively despite a lack of funds means the Mount Hua Sect is ambitious right now. They won't refuse a deal that spreads their name across the world and brings in revenue."
It was certainly an attractive proposal.
But not everything went smoothly.
"What if they refuse anyway?"
"I'll offer a higher share. If negotiations still fail, I'll deal with another sect I've prepared for."
"You have other sects lined up?"
"Unless my head is full of flowers, why would I think every deal succeeds?"
Fair enough.
Cheonhwi nodded.
For a business involving this much money, not accounting for failure would make it third-rate at best.
"If the Mount Hua Sect fails, the alternatives are the Hebei Peng Clan, who's been pondering how to make a name recently, or..."
Chief Manager O listed several sects.
None matched the Mount Hua Sect except the Hebei Peng Clan, but the others were familiar names he'd heard somewhere before.
'Hm, maybe I should trust him once?'
His mind was swaying a bit.
Then he thought it over.
'Wait, I have nothing to lose.'
There was no real reason to refuse.
If the business succeeded, both he and the Mount Hua Sect would profit.
Even if it failed.
'Chief Manager O takes the hit—no loss for me.'
Isn't that great?
'I need to make sure the deal with the Mount Hua Sect goes through somehow.'
Cheonhwi muttered to himself, thinking about persuading the sect leader if needed.
"Alright. I'll lend it to you."
Chief Manager O's face lit up.
"I'll turn your assets into double—no, ten times what they are."
"That'd be great for me."
At Cheonhwi's response, Chief Manager O hurriedly rolled up the paper on the table and tucked it into his bosom.
'Guess I'll be touching some money.'
Watching Chief Manager O calmly straighten his clothes, Cheonhwi asked,
"Oh, right! Since we're at it, one thing I want to ask."
"What is it?"
"What exactly is this?"
Chief Manager O looked at the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque dangling and shaking in Cheonhwi's hand.
"...It's the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque."
"That's not what I'm asking."
Faced with Cheonhwi's cold gaze, Chief Manager O smiled wryly and confessed.
"The All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque is a precious token distributed by the Merchant Lord to ten people whose talents he recognizes or to whom he owes a debt of gratitude."
"So this plaque belongs to the All Under Heaven Merchant Group?"
"Yes."
Cheonhwi tilted his head.
That was odd.
'Then why did the Non-Wind Merchant Group's leader give me the All Under Heaven Merchant Group's plaque?'
Normally, you'd give a token related to your own group.
Handing over the All Under Heaven Merchant Group's plaque?
"I got this from the Non-Wind Merchant Group's leader."
"The Non-Wind Merchant Group's leader...?"
Chief Manager O's eyes shook.
"You don't mean from Go Gaeyoung, do you?"
Go Gaeyoung? Ah! The Non-Wind Merchant Group's leader!
Cheonhwi nodded.
"Yeah."
"Hahaha! I see."
Chief Manager O laughed heartily.
Suddenly, he recalled the young man who had left the All Under Heaven Merchant Group years ago, shouting that he would make his own group the best in the world.
'I see. So he passed it on.'
Chief Manager O's smile deepened.
"Just having the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque is beneficial. You'll receive goodwill from most merchant groups in the world, and even get some money for free..."
"I know that."
Cheonhwi cut him off.
He knew well.
He'd even borrowed money with it once before.
"What I'm asking is the exact usage of this plaque."
"I can't tell you."
Chief Manager O shook his head.
With an apologetic expression, he bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry."
'Is it that important?'
Seeing him act like he'd been gagged, Cheonhwi stroked his chin, then suddenly lifted his head.
"Then what if I use it right now?"
"You'll get to meet the Merchant Lord."
Chief Manager O's expression turned serious.
"And he'll ask you one question."
"What will he ask?"
"You have to hear it directly."
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed.
'Nothing special, but now I'm curious.'
If he'd answered casually, Cheonhwi would've brushed it off, but hiding it like this sparked his curiosity.
"What if I use it now?"
"Normally, it would take time for him to arrive, but..."
Chief Manager O paused for a moment.
Then, in a split second, he glanced left before speaking again.
"Fortunately, the Merchant Lord is visiting the branch right now, so it's possible immediately."
He's here?
Cheonhwi's lips twisted into a smirk.
He'd been curious anyway—this was perfect.
"In that case."
Cheonhwi tossed the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque in his hand onto the table in front of Chief Manager O.
"Let's use it now."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Chief Manager O and Cheonhwi immediately arrived at the annex where the Merchant Lord was staying.
"Please wait a moment."
Chief Manager O knocked on the annex door.
Knock—knock—
"Merchant Lord. It's Chief Manager O."
"Oh ho, Chief Manager O?"
An excited voice came from inside.
"What brings you here today?"
"Someone wishes to use the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque, so I've brought him."
"The All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque?"
The voice from inside suddenly lowered.
"That must be the young friend with you right now."
"Yes."
"Come in."
Chief Manager O slowly opened the door.
"Please enter."
The moment Cheonhwi stepped inside.
Creak—thud.
Chief Manager O closed the door and withdrew.
Is that him?
Inside the annex, a white-haired elder with a gentle face was drinking alone.
"Kekeke, nice to meet you."
The elder drained the cup in his hand in one gulp, then naturally beckoned him over.
"Don't just stand there—come sit and have a drink."
At the invitation to drink, Cheonhwi shrugged and sat right across from him.
"Have a cup."
As Cheonhwi lifted his cup, the elder poured the liquor.
Gulp—
Cheonhwi downed it in one shot.
As expected from the world's greatest merchant group.
It was expensive liquor; it smoothly slid down his throat, warming his body.
"Kuh. Good stuff."
"Heh heh, glad to hear it."
With that, the two drank the remaining liquor in silence.
After a few rounds, the full bottle was empty.
"Hm, a shame."
Smacking his lips, the Merchant Lord gazed intently at Cheonhwi.
"Will you use the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque now?"
"Yes."
"Then give it to me."
Cheonhwi promptly pulled the plaque from his bosom and handed it over, as if he'd been waiting.
The Merchant Lord looked at it and then.
Crack!
Crushed it with force.
"This makes nine."
The Merchant Lord stared intently at Cheonhwi.
And slowly spoke.
"Will you challenge for the position of successor to the merchant group?"
"Successor position?"
Cheonhwi felt his excitement deflate.
'That's the big question?'
Challenging for successor.
Of course, it was a huge offer for anyone aiming to run a merchant group.
But not for Cheonhwi.
"I wondered what it was. Nah, I'm good."
Having lost interest, Cheonhwi waved his hand.
The Merchant Lord saw his reaction and burst into laughter.
"You must not have known what using the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque entails."
"Of course not."
Cheonhwi grumbled.
"They said I had to hear it directly."
"Heh heh, and you used it anyway?"
"I was curious."
At Cheonhwi's following words, the Merchant Lord clutched his belly and roared with laughter.
"Kekekeke! Discarding this plaque on a whim out of curiosity—what a man!"
Cheonhwi grumbled as he watched the Merchant Lord laugh like a madman.
"Ugh, I wasted the plaque for nothing. If I'd known, I wouldn't have used it and just taken money instead."
Then the Merchant Lord chuckled.
"Who said that's all?"
Huh?
Cheonhwi's eyes sparkled.
Of course. Would the All Under Heaven Merchant Lord give nothing?
With anticipation, he opened his mouth.
"What's the other thing?"
"Using the All Under Heaven Merchant Plaque lets you choose one of two things. One is the right to challenge for the successor position I just mentioned, and the other is..."
The Merchant Lord paused, curling up the corner of his mouth.
"...granting your wish."