Chapter 111
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: Standard Employment Contract
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“Pardon? Standard what?”
“Standard. Labor. Contract.”
“…….”
“We absolutely must put it in writing. What could be less trustworthy than a verbal promise?”
“No, I’ve never done anything like that.”
“Good heavens! How could you handle affairs so carelessly?”
“Huh?”
Yu Hyun shook his head as if to say he couldn’t do it, prompting Yi Hak-seong and Jeokgal Su-beom to stare at him with awkward expressions, blinking in confusion.
“With slave documents existing to prove which household a slave works for, you’re telling me you command warriors without even a contract?”
“That’s just how it’s customarily…….”
“Custom? What nonsense is that? Even administrative salaries are codified by law.”
“…….”
“It should all be documented. Documented, I say.”
Their mouths fell open at his utterly resolute words.
What sect in the world put in writing exactly how much they paid their warriors each month?
“Of course, please specify for me and the Latent Dragon Squad members: our duty station, job description, work schedule and hours, monthly salary, scope of authority and responsibility.”
“……No, something so detailed?”
“If you don’t like it, then forget it. Truth be told, I’m not keen on temporary gigs anyway. Coming from a scholarly family connected to the government, I don’t really grasp this whole ‘righteous sects’ notion…… Might as well serve my esteemed master, the Water Dragon King, who cherishes me so, and become an unorthodox warrior instead.”
“…….”
“Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea. Guiding bandits and brigands onto the straight path would benefit the common folk in its own way…….”
“Ah, alright. We’ll draw it up. What’s so hard about that?”
Yi Hak-seong spoke with a hint of irritation at Yu Hyun’s lengthy spiel.
Of course. If they don’t want to let me go, they have no choice.
What did righteous or unorthodox mean to him anyway?
In the future, there’d be no divide between righteous, unorthodox, or demonic. Only the minions of chaos and the martial world—that was it.
So he had no qualms allying with anyone. As long as it achieved his goals.
But the Justice Alliance needed him on their side, no matter what.
Disciple of the Water Dragon King? Son of a scholarly family?
None of that mattered. Only his utility did.
He wasn’t some criminal who’d committed crimes, nor a villain drawing finger-pointing scorn for harming the world.
That alone made him a fine catch. And he’d gone further: rescuing people from bandits, even safeguarding Haenam Island from some mysterious group.
His reputation in the righteous martial world already pierced the heavens—how could they not know? Especially since the Rat Two-Shin had witnessed his fight with Na Ha-chu, and the Haenam Island Lord had reported every detail.
In summary, Yu Hyun was a powerhouse comparable to the rare peak experts of the martial world—and a well-regarded one at that.
With government heavyweights as his backing to boot, who’d want to let him slip away?
From their perspective, he was someone they absolutely had to recruit.
Probably why they were promoting the Latent Dragon Squad to a full warrior unit and appointing him as official squad leader instead of temp.
To make him a true Justice Alliance man in name and fact.
So he had to button this from the start. He held the knife, knew his own worth—why take a loss?
With his paper-thin scholarly aptitude, becoming a scholar was out of the question, and his personality doomed any shot at bureaucracy. His fate was that of a warrior, born and bred.
Saving the martial world from chaos as a warrior, and grabbing the Justice Alliance leadership as a bonus? Fine by him—but he’d get paid for his work.
No free rides in this world, you lot.
His masters had thrashed him, sure, but at least taught him martial arts. What had you done for me……?
“Whew, never thought the family troubles made you such a calculating fellow.”
“Calculating? Better to nail everything down firm. I just think I deserve compensation matching my abilities.”
“…….”
Yi Hak-seong’s lips twisted oddly as Yu Hyun casually spouted his bold nonsense.
But in worldly affairs, the needy dig the well. Yu Hyun beamed innocently, puffing out his chest.
Family was family, work was work. Don’t wanna contract? Then buzz off.
Some fools muddled that, preaching “family-like sects.” What drivel.
Just drop the “pseudo” and see how vile it gets.
“Grand Strategist. Give him what he wants.”
“Yes? But we’ve never specified anything like that before…….”
Jeokgal Su-beom trailed off in dismay at the resigned command.
Yu Hyun, unperturbed, pressed on with his next demand.
“Oh! Be sure to specify separate activity funds beyond the salary too. Like room and board expenses.”
“…….”
“Overtime pay would be nice as well. As you know, nights are tougher than days, right?”
“Understood.”
“And stipulate a bonus for mission success.”
“……F-Fine.”
“Throw in a sword or some gear too. I hear the Justice Alliance armory has good stuff.”
“…….”
“Unified uniforms would be great. Something screaming Latent Dragon Squad—like a big dragon emblem stitched on…… That’s where organizational spirit comes from, right?”
“…….”
“Uh, badges too…….”
“Enough! I said I get it!”
As the demands dragged on endlessly, even the relatively composed Jeokgal Su-beom finally bellowed.
“Why snap? It’s all for making a living.”
“Y-You…….”
“Then I’ll assume that’s settled and take my leave. Missions start the moment we exchange contracts. Farewell…… Rise with righteous spirit! Protect the righteous sects!”
Having brazenly demanded pay then shouted chivalrous slogans with a thick face, Yu Hyun paused as if struck by a thought.
“Oh! Leave the Hwang Deok-sam matter to me.”
“Out!”
Even the famously patient, enduring top elder of the martial alliance, Yi Hak-seong, finally roared.
Grumpy old coot…… Shouldn’t have given me that pavilion.
See if I suffer even a speck of loss from now on.
Save the martial world, amass wealth, and snag Justice Alliance Lord later as a bonus. What a rich, grand retirement plan.
* * *
Once the meeting ended and Yu Hyun emerged, not only the Latent Dragon Squad warriors but also Goo Ja-jin and the Zhongshan Daoist awaited him.
Behind them stood warriors who appeared to be attendants.
Guiding them around, handling errands, perhaps?
As alliance partners and guests of the alliance, they deserved proper treatment without neglect…… But really, they were watchers. Even with the alliance decided, they couldn’t just leave bandit bosses loose in a place brimming with righteous fervor.
“Seemed like a pretty serious talk. Quite the racket.”
“New warrior squad starting up, so lots to settle.”
“Hm, I see.”
“By the way, you’re handling the unorthodox persuasion in this alliance, right?”
“So it is. Convince the Green Forest, Black Killers, and South Heaven Alliance. No further clashes during the alliance term.”
“Ho! Finally stepping to the front of the factional stage?”
“Factions and such don’t interest me. I just like the Yangtze.”
“Then why agree?”
“Because of you.”
“Pardon?”
“The boy who’ll inherit everything of mine is growing into a core righteous warrior. As his master, I ought to back him up.”
“That’s…… truly kind of you.”
Yu Hyun smiled gratefully at the reassuring words.
One unbound by ideology, this old man. Or utterly muddled?
Others called them unorthodox, but they weren’t like typical riffraff—and their deeds weren’t so bad, yet they were bandits.
“What about you?”
“North Young Lord.”
“North Young Lord?”
Goo Ja-jin’s brows furrowed instantly at Yu Hyun’s answer.
“Why?”
“Not easy.”
“What?”
“The North Young Lord’s a picky bastard. Temperamental prick.”
“……?”
“Been a while since I saw him, but unlike me, he’s got a rotten personality.”
“…….”
You overflow with crotchetiness yourself, master.
Yu Hyun swallowed the words threatening to escape and asked.
“What kind of man is he?”
“Eh, nothing special. Lags behind me in every way. Obviously. Weakling, total scrub.”
“…….”
Yu Hyun nodded along as Goo Ja-jin mercilessly trashed the North Young Lord.
Incredibly strong old man. Rival-like.
His words matched exactly what Sword King Nangong Chang-seon had said.
Only the “temperamental” bit rang true at face value…… But would he lay hands on an envoy come to forge an alliance?
Anyway, the top priority was drawing future Righteous Six Saints under his wing.
Wudang Sword Immortal Un Hyeon-ja, Heavenly Mechanism Diviner Jeokgal Mu-rin. Then head to Henan for Shaolin Divine Monk Won-gak once the North Young Lord matter wrapped.
That’d gather everyone as originally planned.
“So, when do you depart?”
“Soon as I sort a few things with the Alliance Lord and Grand Strategist. Maybe ten days or so.”
“Hmm, perfect timing then. Learn the advanced part of my martial arts while you’re at it.”
“…….”
“Don’t go in with half-baked skills and get thrashed by the North Young Lord’s underlings.”
Yu Hyun nodded after a moment’s thought.
Not for fighting the North Young Lord, but for the Ten-Thousand Flame Flower.
Hot or not, it was still water in the end. Water Dragon King’s water arts would help.
Recalling near-death on Haenam Island…… Ugh.
“Sure, why not.”
“Good call. To your quarters then.”
“Huh? Guest hall’s pretty nice, they say.”
“Bored without you.”
“……Just stay at the guest hall. Our pavilion’s shabby.”
“What’s that matter? A bandit’s lodgings—wherever, who cares.”
“Do what you want then.”
Goo Ja-jin quickened his pace with a satisfied smile at the listless reply, then abruptly halted.
“Oh!”
“……?”
“You have the Yeo Heaven Jade safe, right?”
“…….”
“Yangtze’s treasure above all.”
“…….”
“Even if everyone knows you’re my disciple now, I can’t live in peace.”
“…….”
“Gave it to you hastily back then ’cause you seemed rushed, but return it now. When you inherit all my arts after I’m gone and become Yangtze Lord, I’ll pass it as your token.”
Yu Hyun’s face stiffened at the gentle urging, hand extended expectantly. Cold sweat trickled down his back.
W-What now? It’s shattered!
But he couldn’t say it straight.
Yangtze treasure, no less. That bony fist wouldn’t spare him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh? What?”
“……Suddenly sweating.”
“Me? Haha, bit warm today, huh? Need a sip of cool water somewhere, haha!”
Thought it was just his back, but his forehead poured too. Yu Hyun frantically wiped it with his sleeve, averting his eyes.
“No, why are you…… You wouldn’t?”
“…….”
Goo Ja-jin’s face hardened—nay, darkened— as realization dawned, even more than Yu Hyun’s.
W-Why those terrifying eyes……
“Hey!”
“……Yes?”
“Show it.”
“Huh?”
“Show me. The Yeo Heaven Jade.”
“Haha, Master. What’re you saying? Someone might think I sold it.”
“Then show it before misunderstandings.”
“…….”
The bony fist clenched tight, shaking before Yu Hyun’s eyes.
Why the killing intent……
“Haha, wai…….”
Yu Hyun desperately turned to Zhongshan for help, but the quick-witted man had already backed away far.
“It’s gone?”
“…….”
“Lost it?”
“Well…….”
“Tell me.”
“…….”
How could he with that chilling look?
“Tell me, I said?”
“I-It’s ac…… br……”
Crack!
Before he finished, the fist slammed into Yu Hyun’s face.
“You mad bastard! Know what that was and you broke it!”
Damn, nailed it in one syllable.
“It’s…….”
As Yu Hyun tried excusing himself, Goo Ja-jin opted to listen with fists, not ears.
Thwack! Crack! Thud!
“Guh! Ack!”
“Dare with the Yangtze treasure! Dare! Dare!”
“Th-That’s…… Keuk!”
“Die, you punk! Die right here!”
Furious beyond measure, forgetting the place, the wild fists pummeled Yu Hyun fully until he suddenly snapped his head up.
You son of a—! This old geezer for real!
Some Yeo Heaven Jade—beating his disciple in public?
Fine! I’m not the old Yu Hyun!
This is Justice Alliance! I’m Latent Dragon Squad Leader now!
“……Keep this up and I won’t hold back!”
Yu Hyun gathered all his energy to stand against Goo Ja-jin, but……
Crack!
For defying his master, he got thrashed all the harder, more ruthlessly.
“H-Help……!”
Writhing in agony, he scanned around desperately.
Seong-ah, Ssibul, Kimi. Your squad leader’s dying. Rein in this old man!
He signaled frantically with his eyes, but they’d retreated as far as Zhongshan.
“…….”
But their faces…… Smirking? Gleeful?
I’ll remember this, you three dragons.