96. The Nobles of Hwiju (1)
One might wonder how to test the increased inner power through mere sparring. But inner power isn't just for clashing head-on in tests of strength.
Inner power is refined energy. The weaker the energy, the duller and frailer the person becomes; the stronger it is, the sharper and more vibrant they grow.
Thus, with more inner power, one can perceive stances that were previously impossible to see, and eventually execute them. In essence, inner power enhances one's senses.
"You've attained enlightenment. Far beyond mine."
Myeongil noticed it right away, though he had no idea I'd swallowed two spirit pills at once in a mad gamble.
Enlightenment comes in various forms: boosting inner power by consuming spirit pills, refining it through insight into energy, or breaking through a blocked theory in martial arts.
It was truly wondrous. Paths that hadn't been visible before now appeared clearly.
With more variations in the forms of my martial arts, the sparring naturally took on new dimensions.
My enlightenment benefited Myeongil too. More variations I could unleash meant more forms he had to receive and counter.
Myeongil and I sparred almost ceaselessly. The only interruptions came when we paused to physically try out a movement from the sparring.
Especially since he didn't know when I'd leave, Myeongil practically begged for these sessions with an urgency bordering on desperation.
Those spars were, of course, opportunities for me to organize my martial knowledge as well. As the saying goes, teaching leads to mutual growth. Revisiting the concepts I'd learned while instructing him was growth in itself.
Enveloped in darkness, we lost all track of time. When hunger struck, we'd grope for the jars on the wall and eat the wall-grain pills; when sleep came, we'd nap briefly.
So the door to the Penance Cave opening felt utterly abrupt.
"Hwi-yeong. Come out."
Waiting to greet me was my master, Cheonghwa.
Behind him, the night sky stretched endlessly, brimming with stars.
"Finally free, huh?"
"This isn't a prison—it's the Penance Cave."
"Same difference. It's gotten pretty chilly out. How long was I in there?"
"A month?"
"What? You said just half a month."
"Staying in the Penance Cave usually means at least half a year. A month is getting out fast."
Since the salt merchant caravan was already set, whether I left after half a month or a full one made little difference.
Cheonghwa peered inside. I knew who he was looking for—there was only one other person here besides me.
"Senior Brother Myeongil is likely circulating his qi and organizing his enlightenment right now."
"Mm, ah. Right. As long as he's doing well. By the way, Myeongil's a senior brother now?"
"That's how it is."
Cheonghwa gave an awkward smile and led me out. He wasn't his direct disciple, but as a grand-disciple, he must have worried.
"Why pull me out in this pitch-black night?"
"After a month in darkness, sudden sunlight would damage your eyes. Even for a martial artist."
"Ah, makes sense."
As we walked, Cheonghwa gazed at me steadily, then smiled.
"You've had an enlightenment."
"That obvious?"
"I can see the refinement in your eyes."
Physically, nothing about me had changed. I'd spent most of my time in the cave sparring, visualizing techniques, and refining my inner power. For him to notice anyway was impressive.
"How's Myeongil holding up?"
"You'll be shocked when he comes out."
I gave a meaningful smile. Myeongil had grown tremendously through our spars.
Not entirely because of me, of course. His solo training in the cave provided the foundation, allowing him to absorb so much from our exchanges.
"That would be good."
Cheonghwa smiled. Suddenly, my thoughts drifted to Myeongil's past.
I didn't know if Master had endured as tragic a history, but he'd clearly been separated from his parents.
"What? Something to say?"
Cheonghwa met my gaze. His eyes, filled with the night sky, showed no trace of loneliness or solitude. No need for me to pry.
Instead, I asked something else.
"Master."
"Yes."
"Is Wudang family?"
"Family."
His answer came unexpectedly slowly. Only the crunch of leaves underfoot and the chill night breeze filled the silence.
"I've thought about how overused the word 'family' is in this world. Even black path thugs call themselves family or brothers."
"True."
"And even real families don't always embrace with love, nor do all children grow up in respect."
"Agreed."
"What about 'love'? Lovers say it before parting tomorrow, and con artists spout it too."
"I say it plenty to my clients."
Cheonghwa gave a wry smile, his eyes saying, So you're the one polluting the word.
"So it can't be called family. That would make it not family. Let's just say Wudang is Wudang."
"I see. Like the Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao."
"Exactly. You've become a bit of a Daoist yourself."
Cheonghwa beamed with pride. I couldn't help but smile too. Family. It had been ages since I'd thought of Father.
***
I made final checks on the personnel heading to Hwiyeong and then visited the outer quarters. The person I sought was already stepping out.
"Muk Hwi-yeong."
"Yeohongyang."
The one I'd come to see was Yeohongyang, heir to the Cheonsu Merchant Group and son of the Ye family—one of Hwiju's fifteen clans.
We headed to the octagonal pavilion serving as a rest area and sat naturally.
"I wondered when you'd show."
"Busy with work."
"Figures. Even a small merchant group has mountains of tasks for its head."
"Hey now. A mere division head dropping formalities with a merchant lord? That's against merchant etiquette."
"A Cheonsu division head outranks most mid-tier merchant lords."
"It was a joke, and you took it no fun."
"Blame the lame joke."
Sure, martial artists clashing swords was fun, but merchants trading barbs with words was entertaining too.
"Anyway, you know why I'm here?"
"Yeah."
Yeohongyang and I exchanged glances. The reason was simple.
My salt destination fell squarely in Hwiju merchant territory. And Cheonsu was a Hwiju merchant group.
"Should I go first?"
Yeohongyang acted leisurely. Here, we weren't Wudang lay disciples—we represented our merchant groups.
And right now, initiative lay with him. I nodded.
"Cheonsu Merchant Group wants to invest in Hwiyeong Merchant Group."
"Haha. Did you clear that with your father?"
"No, our division's doing it directly. One division's enough for an investment like Hwiyeong."
Confidence backed his words. The scale gap between Hwiyeong and Cheonsu was vast. His single division likely handled more funds than all of Hwiyeong.
That was that. My answer was set.
"Declined."
"Declined? The investment?"
"It's not just investment. You'll send 'advisors' too."
He flinched at my words but quickly regained his composure.
"Just advisors, as the name says. Not a bad deal for you. Running a merchant group for the first time—ups and downs, right?"
"Not really. Too many cooks spoil a small boat."
"A regrettable choice."
Yeohongyang let out a hollow laugh. My refusal was straightforward. Even trusting him, I couldn't trust his 'advisors'.
They'd follow orders from their home group. I hadn't built Hwiyeong to be another's pawn.
"Well, can't be helped."
He shrugged, sensing no room for negotiation in my tone.
"Your turn now?"
"Guess so."
Boredom flickered across his face. His proposal dismissed, he couldn't be pleased.
But my words weren't for such moods.
"I want to invest in you."
"What?"
"You. Personally."
Yeohongyang didn't grasp it immediately. I spelled it out.
"I'll give you money, and you'll cooperate with me."
"Ha."
Understanding dawned, chilling his expression.
"Using me as a spy in Hwiju merchants? That's your pitch?"
"Think of it that way if you want. Not far off."
"I thought you were smart. My mistake. Appropriate to say that to Cheonsu's heir? Think I lack money compared to you?"
"Heir? Since when?"
I feigned shock, hand to mouth. His face flushed.
A house like Cheonsu has many children. Obvious, really. Handing it to a fool born from one wouldn't do.
Precisely: Yeohongyang was a candidate, not the heir.
"You came to pick a fight."
"No. I'm offering you a chance."
"Chance? Think starting a tiny merchant group makes you something?"
Fury boiled over; he slammed the table and stood. Sure, it bruised his pride. His anger was understandable.
"Yeohongwon. You want to win."
He turned, eyes blazing.
"How'd you learn our eldest brother's name."
"More importantly, I know you have no shot like this. Joining Wudang as a lay disciple proves it, doesn't it?"
He bit his lip. It stung.
Busy inheriting, yet sent as a lay disciple for years? That meant falling behind in the succession race. He hoped for a comeback, but it wouldn't be easy.
And crucially, I knew who would inherit Cheonsu. I'd dealt with their future head.
After Merchant King Yeobuljin, it was Yeohongwon.
Yeohongyang huffed but sat back down.
"Let's hear it. How exactly will you make me beat my brother?"
"Whoa, touchy. One wrong word and it's war."
I smiled. Primary goal achieved: getting him seated.
Hwiyeong's expansion started here.