Wild with the Lord - 2: Why Omongbu Became a Safari City Thanks to the Sect Leader
Thanks to the sect leader, I finally understood why Omongbu had turned into a safari city. Baek-su-mun—a straightforward name meaning "the gate of a hundred beasts." It was a new sect based somewhere in southern Yunnam. But with no major powers dominating Yunnam, this fledgling group had expanded explosively, and even here in the north, their influence had reached us. Influence amounted to just a handful of their disciples settling in, but the ripple effects were undeniable.
A few people bringing dozens of beasts with them. True to their name, Baek-su-mun didn't just send humans—they brought animals along in this heartwarming tradition. At first, the locals freaked out over the sudden safari invasion, but Baek-su-mun's beasts weren't harmful to the people. They integrated seamlessly into daily life, tame and docile. Elephants were mobilized for heavy labor right on the streets, monkeys ran errands, and pythons helped transport goods. They even compensated thoroughly if a hungry beast snatched food from the common folk. From the townspeople's perspective, these creatures were no longer something to fear.
They'd become exotic attractions instead. From the third floor of our inn, I gazed down at the street. Children joyfully shaking hands with an elephant's trunk, a shopkeeper handing a basket of fruits and vegetables to a monkey, an old woman walking side-by-side with a python carrying her load, a hawk that had appeared out of nowhere playing with the neighborhood kids. It was a truly heartwarming and wondrous sight. How many places in the vast Central Plains could boast such a scene?
"My lord."
"Ah, you're back?"
As I scanned the streets for a good while, Jo Wi-cheo returned from his inspection tour of Omongbu for cross-verification.
"How was it?"
"Their reputation is excellent. They lend out beasts free of charge wherever strength is needed and supply livestock to the needy at low prices."
"Any talk of protection fees or the like?"
"On the contrary, they're paying merchants. Elephants eat quite a bit while passing through, so some have even signed contracts."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. A sect that paid fair compensation instead of extorting protection money.
Definitely not unorthodox scum. I'd worried that a beast-handling sect on the kingdom's fringe might turn out to be self-proclaimed outlaws, but even by the old standards of the untouchable martial era, these folks were righteous through and through. As long as they didn't harm the people, they were the upright path.
"Running a sect like that can't turn much profit. Impressive resolve."
"They sell rare animals to officials and wealthy merchants."
That made sense. These weren't your run-of-the-mill dogs or chickens—they dealt in all sorts of exotic beasts. Catering to Yunnam's high officials and elites would bring in decent coin.
This could really take off. My questions about how Baek-su-mun sustained itself vanished in an instant. Squeezing pennies from the common folk wouldn't yield much anyway. Better to keep a stellar reputation with the masses while becoming an irreplaceable supplier to the real money sources: officials and the rich. No wonder a new sect was exploding like this.
...
"Less a martial sect and more like a trading caravan, no?"
I voiced the growing suspicion as the explanation continued. Their operations screamed unique-goods merchant guild, not murim faction.
"At least here in Omongbu, that's the prevailing view. Things might differ down south near their main base."
Jo Wi-cheo nodded calmly, clearly sharing my thoughts. This was just a outpost with a few settled disciples—not their heartland. We wouldn't see the real Baek-su-mun here.
"We've only just entered Yunnam, so we'll learn more on the road."
"Yes, my lord."
Right—we'd barely set foot in Yunnam. We hadn't even reached Jeom-cheongsan near Jeom-cheongpa's base, let alone southern Baek-su-mun territory.
No need to rush. With two new sects demanding attention, haste might mean missing key details. Better to take it slow. Gathering intel required liaising with local officials anyway, which would slow us down regardless.
...Baek-su-mun, huh. I stroked my chin briefly before turning back to the window. A python was swallowing fruit given by an old woman as thanks for hauling her load.
They must know their poisons well too. If they tamed pythons, the odds were high they raised all sorts of snakes—including vipers—and maybe even other venomous creatures. Perfect, since they dealt with high officials. Snagging some quality poison from them wouldn't hurt.
Good kids. My fondness for these unseen Baek-su-mun folks spiked. Any sect that made my job easier was top-tier.
The fondness grew, but it didn't mean I wanted to meet them right away.
"I am I Ji-seung of Baek-su-mun."
The next morning, five men and women arrived at the inn requesting an audience. The middle-aged man at the front, who identified himself as Baek-su-mun, bowed so low he nearly kissed the floor.
"It is an honor to meet the esteemed Left Vice Inspector General. I shall never forget your grace in granting this sudden audience."
"You know who I am?"
At my casual probe about their prior knowledge, I Ji-seung bowed even deeper.
"Thanks to Omongbu's proximity to Sichuan, even ignorant wretches like us have heard your name."
"I see."
I nodded nonchalantly, but my mind raced. Their eyes and ears stretched from southern Yunnam, past the north, all the way to Sichuan. Astonishing expansion for a new sect. Most would be too busy consolidating their home turf.
And it's not like they lack competition. Jeom-cheongpa, their rival, was no pushover. In my past life's wuxia tales, they were portrayed as a monstrous faction lurking in isolation, fit for the Nine Great Sects.
"So, what brings Baek-su-mun disciples here?"
What mattered now wasn't their aggressive growth or Jeom-cheongpa's clout—it was their sudden visit.
"M-my lord, I hate to impose so shamefully, but..."
I Ji-seung hesitated at my blunt question, then steeled himself and boomed out.
"Might we see the young ones you keep?"
Ah. It clicked. Beast-obsessed maniacs, these ones. A sect that naturally attracted such types.
Hmm. Sudden and random, but not unwelcome. Explosive growth meant sincere leadership and members—folks whose passion for their niche defied common sense, in any era. And weren't these Omongbu Baek-su-mun the people-friendly sort?
No big deal to let them gawk at some animals.
"I've heard Baek-su-mun knows beasts inside out. If you want to see, go ahead."
"Thank you, my lord!"
I Ji-seung and the others behind him expressed profuse gratitude. Yeah, thanks. I should be thanking them.
This way, I can ask them to procure poisons instead of just sell. A high official showing off spirit beasts as a favor? They wouldn't just wipe their mouths and walk away.
Life in Omongbu wasn't bad at all. Straddling the Sichuan border meant bustling trade—converging goods and people in droves. Our young ones found plenty of locals needing help, and some even wanted to raise their own after witnessing the charm.
As Baek-su-mun disciples, it was a joyous turn.
The only downside? Being at Yunnam's northern edge made rare local beasts hard to find—
"Ooh... oooh...!"
That boredom flipped in an instant.
- Kki-ing?
- Kki-ong.
Thanks to the noble riding Baeknok from Sichuan. Tears welled up. Look at that pristine white fur, those sparkling blue eyes. But the male's majestic, towering antlers? Perfection.
These were the finest deer I'd ever seen—top five among all beasts.
Are immortals descending as deer to the mortal world? The thought crossed my mind. They embodied the dignity, grace, and beauty befitting spirit beasts.
- Nng.
"Ooh...!"
Then the male approached and licked my cheek. Pure bliss. I wouldn't wash my face for a week.
"M-me too! Lick me!"
- Kki-iing!?
I grabbed his face to return the favor, tongue out. Me too, lick me...!
- Kki-ong!
But the female's kick blocked me. Of course. She wouldn't tolerate her mate touching another. A beautiful couple, befitting their beauty.
"...They've got dirt and dust from traveling. Hold off on licking."
"No, my lord! They're so clean, you'd believe they'd never left a house! It shows how lovingly you've cared for them!"
Sincere praise, but the lord stayed silent. So humble. Even in Baek-su-mun, few managed such care.
"My lord. If it's not too presumptuous..."
I ventured carefully.
"Might we invite you to Baek-su-mun?"
To introduce this Baeknok-riding noble to our sect leader.