The Iron Ring
People usually judge others by their appearance.
By that standard, the plump middle-aged man who appeared when the gates opened was clearly someone extraordinary.
Flashy.
Ostentatious.
His clothes and jewelry were so extravagant that even those words fell short.
But to Jeong Gwang, he was just a stubborn old man with terrible taste.
"Hello."
The man spread his arms wide with a beaming smile at Jeong Gwang's greeting.
"Nephew! It's been ages! You've gotten even more handsome since then!"
"It's only been a year and a half."
"Hahaha! So prickly. Come here. Let your uncle give you a hug."
"No thanks."
The Qinghai Province Lord sighed, and the woman beside him smiled gracefully.
"My lord, he's just shy. Don't take it to heart."
"No, I'm not, Aunt."
No matter what Jeong Gwang said, the Province Lord grinned, wrinkles crinkling around his eyes as if he couldn't get enough of his wife's charm.
"Haha, my wife's right. Don't be shy, kid—be honest with your feelings."
"Oh. Then I'm leaving."
"Wait! Aren't you too honest?!"
The Province Lord bickered playfully with Jeong Gwang before whipping his head around.
"What do you think you're doing? Don't the Taoists find me unwelcome?"
The Un family elders, who had been about to leap over the wall with their lightness skills, froze in place.
Though a civil official, the Province Lord was also a skilled martial artist. He had noticed their intent to flee, just as he had during his visit to Kunlun years ago.
"I have my dignity. Causing a scene even in Xining would be troublesome. Elder Un Hak, you understand, right?"
"...Namo Amitabha. What do you intend to donate this time? We Taoists must live simple, austere lives."
"This isn't personal charity like before. It's official business."
"...Official business?"
The Province Lord glanced at Jeong Gwang and chuckled slyly.
"Petitions praising Kunlun Sect's heroic deeds have been pouring in."
Jeong Gwang was baffled.
Petitions?
From who?
The Province Lord's expression seemed genuine, though.
And sure enough, he recounted a past event.
"Remember that retired official living near Qinghai Lake who nearly suffered total family annihilation at the hands of demonic cultists, only to be saved by you?"
"Demonic cultists? Oh, the Qinghai Four Evils."
"Haha, the Qinghai Four Fiends. Even the government couldn't catch those slippery bastards."
According to the Province Lord, the man Jeong Gwang had saved had gathered people who benefited from Kunlun's heroic acts and submitted a massive volume of petitions.
"Can you imagine? Transcribing all those people's words filled an entire cart. How could I, governing Qinghai Province by His Majesty's grace, ignore that?"
"You could have."
"Hahaha! Too late for that, kid."
As Jeong Gwang regretted not just passing by back then, the Un elders wore troubled expressions.
The Province Lord valued face and loved showing off, and he was incredibly stubborn. He was clearly planning to dump all the pending donations at once.
And indeed he was.
"Bring them out!"
"Yes, sir!"
At the Province Lord's shout, the soldiers blocking the onlookers responded in unison. Dozens rushed forward carrying boxes.
Thud!
Only elite soldiers had been brought, it seemed, as the numerous boxes hit the ground with a resounding boom.
"I heard you're heading to the Central Plains."
"No secrets in Qinghai, huh."
"It's such a boring place—rumors are the only fun we get. Anyway, Kunlun is Qinghai's face. Austerity is fine, but we can't send you off looking like that."
The Kunlun Taoists checked their attire.
A bit worn, but clean enough?
That was their standard. The Province Lord's was far loftier.
"When people think Kunlun, this is the level they expect."
The onlookers gasped in admiration at the Kunlun Taoists.
"Ahh, they look like immortals."
"Makes my heart feel reverent."
"I want to climb Kunlun Mountain and pray."
The Province Lord smiled contentedly.
"Perfect. What do you think, Taoists? I had them made in fine silk when you refused satin—should suit you."
The Kunlun Taoists were dumbfounded.
Satin or silk, it was all woven from silkworm threads—what was the difference beyond sheen?
How is this so awkward?
Too light and soft—like we're naked.
Snow-white robes with a subtle luster like flowing eyes. How could they wear something so burdensome?
And cloud patterns embroidered everywhere—with gold thread no less!
Misreading their grimaces, the Province Lord furrowed his brow.
"Too plain after all? Should've added big golden dragons on the chest and back. We can change them now."
The Taoists paled.
A massive golden dragon?
How could they walk around in that?!
Fortunately, his wife intervened.
"My lord, the subtle golden clouds as they are feel more refined."
"Hmm. You think so?"
"Of course. Don't the True Ones agree?"
The Un elders, who usually denied being called "True Ones," nodded vigorously this time.
"Namo Amitabha. Absolutely!"
"Even the Primeval Lord of Heaven would approve!"
"Hmph. If everyone's agreed, we'll go with these. I prepared multiples—take them all."
As the Province Lord relented, the Taoists sighed in relief.
Whew, dodged the worst.
But what now? How do we wear these out and about?
Unlike their worry, one person was pleased: Jeong Gwang.
Been a while since I wore something like this.
Silk over satin was even better. The elegant golden cloud patterns felt dignified.
Way better than the blood-red robes and black demon motifs from my past life.
Looking back, he'd worn that stuff stone-cold sober.
No—Aunt saved us from gaudy golden dragon outfits this life.
Shuddering, Jeong Gwang shot Lady Yeon a grateful look.
The other Taoists felt the same, expressing sincere thanks.
But she smiled awkwardly and averted her eyes!
The reason soon emerged.
"Bring the rest!"
"Yes, Province Lord!"
Moments later.
The Province Lord beamed.
"There we go. Speak up if anything's lacking."
The Kunlun Taoists stared blankly at each other.
Lacking? It was overflowing.
What sane Taoist wore a jade crown carved from black-green(qingyu)?
And what sword gleamed with such radiant gold?!
They all shot Lady Yeon desperate "save us" pleas.
After a awkward pause, she smiled faintly and brushed it off.
"My lord said he couldn't part with those too. They suit you well—no need to worry."
As she said, the onlookers were in awe. The perfect balance of elegance, mystery, and worldly flair.
"Draw your swords."
The Province Lord urged them on.
Under sunlight, the blades revealed a deep, inky blue-black—finest quality.
Ting—
Flicking one with his finger, Jeong Gwang nodded.
"Not bad."
"Right? Haha! Made them after you rejected my last donations—ground my teeth over it. Even Dao-pursuing disciples can't refuse good swords!"
He was right.
They should've refused firmly as always, but the Taoists fondled the blades happily.
Seizing the moment, the Province Lord stuffed a heavy money pouch into Jeong Gwang's bosom.
Not much, but it'll help.
What is it?
Gold or jewels would just be baggage, so I got banknotes. From the renowned Continental Money House—accepted almost everywhere.
Jeong Gwang peeked inside.
Papers of unique texture, dense with scripts and patterns.
Ah, banknotes.
Hoho, first time seeing them?
Yeah. What can this buy?
Heh. Beyond your imagination.
Beyond imagination.
Buy a country?
Jeong Gwang called Baek Seung-mu.
Junior brother. Come here.
Yes? What is—gasp! S-so many banknotes!
What can this buy?
Oh! A ton. For example...
Having steadily trained as Baek Merchant Group's heir, Baek Seung-mu gave precise info.
Jeong Gwang's eyes widened as he transmitted to the Province Lord.
Too little.
Hahaha! Knew you'd say that. Overwhelmed, right?
Overwhelmed, yeah—but too little.
Hahaha... wait. What?
Jeong Gwang met the Province Lord's bulging eyes boldly.
First trip to the Central Plains—give a bit more.
...How much?
Hold on.
Baek Seung-mu gasped at Jeong Gwang's query. After deep thought, he answered, and Jeong Gwang relayed it verbatim.
Ten times more should about cover it.
...Nephew. Safe travels. Be careful.
Huh? Uncle, poorer than I thought?
The Province Lord, who had turned away, spun back faster than a peak expert.
Poor?! I'm the Province Lord!
Ah, Qinghai's poor—no helping it.
True enough.
What could a lord of this backwater earn? And unlike corrupt peers, he had some conscience—no outrageous exploitation.
But.
Heh. Nephew, forget my clan?
Heard of it, but... impressive?
Hoh. Trying to goad me? Think that'll work?
The Province Lord regained composure.
His clan was prestigious among the elite—name alone commanded respect...
Wait.
Studying Jeong Gwang, his face hardened.
This kid serious?
Just as Kunlun Taoists and the Province Lord's "proper attire" standards differed, so did their "prestigious clan" benchmarks.
Whatever. I'll use it well.
This?
A vein bulged on the Province Lord's forehead.
But it faded quickly, replaced by admiration.
Kid's got guts. Or rather, matching his martial and medical prowess?
When sidelined here after a power struggle, he'd ground his teeth in rage.
Godlike in Qinghai, but playing king in the boonies—what good was that?
Swore endlessly to return to the capital fast, reclaim my seat, climb higher...
Meeting Yeon Hong-san—now his wife—changed everything.
Her frailty had improved, but she was still weak. Bearing children was unthinkable. He couldn't drag her to that den of schemes.
Here, with her, he was happy.
Thanks to Jeong Gwang.
Hearing your soaring fame in the Central Plains while mountain-hawking with her and blooming smiles... not bad.
The Province Lord steeled himself.
Here.
Huh? You sure?
No. Hand's shaking just thinking about it.
His hands truly trembled. He removed the smallest ring from his pinky and offered it to Jeong Gwang.
Take it.
That expensive?
Show it at the Continental Money House—they'll cover that amount.
Unlike his other dull-gold rings with big gems, this was a murky iron ring, etched with strange geometric patterns.
What do they mean? Money House symbols?
As Jeong Gwang just stared, the Province Lord prodded.
Take it before I change my mind.
Too big? Fit?
I haven't gotten that fat!
Luckily, it fit his middle finger perfectly. He clenched his fist, gripped an imaginary sword—no discomfort.
Nice.
No need to store separately—just wear it. What wealth was this portable?
Funded now. Off to the Central Plains for fun.
Jeong Gwang smiled faintly, prompting the Province Lord's grumble.
Money talks, huh? First time seeing you smile like that.
Then you should smile all the time, Uncle.
Wasn't I poor?
Ancient history. Now matters.
Sigh. Fine. Already swamped with expenses—thanks to you, tightening my belt.
What for?
Personnel shuffle coming. Home clan's nudging the capital to recall me. Been here too long.
Don't wanna go?
Your aunt's here.
Jeong Gwang understood.
Exiled officials bribed wildly for recall; this lord spent to avoid it.
Pour in cash, still might drag me—nerve-wracking.
No one else for capital from here but you?
Gansu Province Lord's desperate, throwing money. Tough sell.
Why?
Poor record. Bribes can't buy pretext. Capital avoids blame—could bite back later.
Gansu was thankless.
Main duty: repel Mongolian raiders. Barely manageable case-by-case.
Needs merits, lacks forces.
Yep.
A great idea struck Jeong Gwang.
Earn the cash's worth—and score from Gansu Lord too.
If Gansu Lord goes up, you stay?
Yeah. Why keep asking?
Jeong Gwang grinned.
Got a way.