Silver Light Merchant Group (1)
“This is... all of Black Sword Pavilion's assets.”
Gu Seung-hwan, the former chief steward of Black Sword Pavilion who had been dubbed Black Toad for his resemblance to a pitch-black toad, spoke up.
As the third-highest-ranking member after the pavilion lord and deputy lord, he had primarily handled the accounting. Now, he was presenting everything to Hyeon Yucheon, the lord of Demon Sword Sect.
“Hmmm.”
The moment Hyeon Yucheon took the documents from Gu Seung-hwan's hands, he couldn't help but be astonished.
So much?
What Black Toad Gu Seung-hwan handed over was a thick bundle of papers, most of them related to pleasure establishments in Hebei Province.
They started with ownership deeds for Dahyangwon, Hebei's premier brothel, and included proofs of ownership for various brothels, inns, and gambling dens in the red-light districts.
But that was just the beginning of the surprises.
“The physical assets are stored in this warehouse, if you'd like to inspect them.”
Having surrendered to Hyeon Yucheon as Black Sword Pavilion's representative, Gu Seung-hwan was scrambling to make a good impression.
Now that he had left Black Sword Pavilion behind to join Demon Sword Sect, it was only natural.
Clank!
With a flourish, Gu Seung-hwan threw open the warehouse doors.
“Ooooh!”
Gasps of awe erupted from all around as the doors swung wide.
Even some of Black Sword Pavilion's own members were among those marveling—proof of just how vast their accumulated wealth had been, unknown even to the rank-and-file warriors.
“This is where we've stored the gold, rice, silk, and so on.”
As Gu Seung-hwan introduced the contents to Hyeon Yucheon, he couldn't help but think of his former master, Black Dragon Blood Sword Jo Do-hwan.
That old miser hoarded every last coin so obsessively... and in the end, he died without ever putting it to proper use.
In truth, Jo Do-hwan had been something of a skinflint, amassing wealth with ruthless tenacity.
All for the dream of expanding Black Sword Pavilion into an even greater faction.
Yet today, the owner of all that fortune was Hyeon Yucheon—a truly ironic twist.
There were still more astonishing revelations to come.
“And... this is the pavilion lord's—no, the former lord's—private chamber...”
Gu Seung-hwan cautiously led the way into the lord's sanctum, a forbidden area off-limits to all but Jo Do-hwan and his closest aides.
The reason no one else was allowed in was a single martial arts manual.
“Oh, this must be the manual containing Black Dragon Blood Sword's techniques.”
Cheonu, the eldest of the Black Wolf Three Swords who had accompanied Hyeon Yucheon for the handover, spoke up.
He was right.
“Exactly. It's the manual for the pavilion lord's signature art, Black Iron Heavy Sword Technique, and I've also brought his personal sword, Bloodstain Sword.”
Though ugly in appearance, Gu Seung-hwan was quick on his feet and sharp when it mattered.
He had already taken care of the former lord's corpse and retrieved the blood-red famed sword.
“Excellent.”
Hyeon Yucheon approved.
The man was perceptive enough not to betray lightly, giving him a sense of security.
This Black Iron Heavy Sword Technique is a renowned advanced sword art in the jianghu, and Bloodstain Sword is a fine blade in its own right.
They would prove useful someday, so Hyeon Yucheon claimed them as well.
With Demon Sword Sect's conquest of Black Sword Pavilion, all its assets naturally belonged to Sect Lord Hyeon Yucheon.
“No, no—I'm just worried I haven't done enough to serve you properly.”
“Nonsense. You've done splendidly.”
Gu Seung-hwan beamed at Hyeon Yucheon's words.
He was genuinely delighted.
Under Jo Do-hwan, he had never been truly valued.
He had talent for frugal management and wealth accumulation, but his martial prowess barely scraped past second-rate.
In the unorthodox world's culture of revering the strong, he endured constant slights from Jo Do-hwan. Only Yeon Ji-ryang's interventions and his long service had earned him the steward position.
But this lord truly recognizes my abilities!
In truth, Gu Seung-hwan had been wrestling with doubts.
If his new master dismissed him too, he had even considered fleeing into the night.
But what was this?
“Steward Gu, you possess exceptional talent in sect administration. I won't treat you poorly or discriminate just because you're from Black Sword Pavilion. Given your skills, you deserve a position higher than steward.”
Hyeon Yucheon had seen right through him.
It was only natural.
Once known as Mangeum Gongja, the prodigy heir of Mangeum Clan, Hyeon Yucheon understood merchant operations intimately—including the vital role of men like Gu Seung-hwan.
“Oh! Thank you. This Gu Seung-hwan vows to serve you with all my heart and soul, Sect Lord!”
True men pledge their loyalty to those who truly see their worth.
Black Toad Gu Seung-hwan, the unorthodox genius of internal affairs shunned for his weak martial arts, was even moved to tears.
“Hahaha, splendid. Now, all that's left is the land and buildings of Black Sword Pavilion...”
At Hyeon Yucheon's words, Gu Seung-hwan sprang to his feet as if he'd been waiting.
“We'll dispose of the buildings and land through the Black Market Auction House.”
It was a brilliant proposal.
The Black Market Auction House was Hebei's shadowy venue, frequented by the underworld's wealthiest.
They could fetch a premium price for Black Sword Pavilion's sprawling estate there.
“An excellent idea.”
Hyeon Yucheon praised him.
The Black Market Auction House wasn't open to just anyone.
Without connections or prior attendance, they turned you away.
It made sense—shady figures trading in blood money needed to be cautious.
Having an in there was cause for joy.
“Then we'll leave the disposal of the buildings and land to our new 'steward' Gu Seung-hwan.”
In an instant, the lowly steward had been promoted to head of internal affairs.
The Black Wolf Three Swords watched in genuine admiration.
Incredible!
His talent for handling people surpasses even the previous sect lord!
Right—the old lord was a rough-born warrior... but this one is the perfect all-rounder, multifaceted genius.
With martial prowess rivaling—even surpassing—the Demon Sword Fiend in his youth, plus talent for leadership and financial acumen, how could they not be amazed?
The Black Wolf Three Swords felt their hearts pounding.
* * *
“The Sect Lord is back!”
“He conquered Black Sword Pavilion!”
As Hyeon Yucheon returned with the Black Wolf Three Swords and Black Sword Pavilion's men, Demon Sword Pavilion erupted in euphoria beyond words.
Ever since Demon Sword Fiend Cheon Baeksang's disappearance, the current generation had endured constant humiliation and scorn from other sects.
But today, for the first time since the Fiend, they had conquered and absorbed another faction—what greater joy could there be?
“Well done, Sect Lord.”
Eum Ji-myeong and Jeong Inheon rushed out with beaming faces to greet them.
“Yes, senior brother.”
Seeing the sect members' delight melted away Hyeon Yucheon and the Black Wolf Three Swords' fatigue.
Hyeon Yucheon also introduced Black Toad Gu Seung-hwan as a key asset for internal management going forward.
Mention of the steward position gave Eum Ji-myeong and Jeong Inheon pause for concern, but...
“Here's a full inventory of Black Sword Pavilion's assets. And a letter outlining plans for managing Hebei's pleasure districts and maximizing profits.”
Gu Seung-hwan was a man of action.
His administrative genius filled gaps that even Eum Ji-myeong and Jeong Inheon couldn't address.
Good heavens!
Don't judge a book by its cover, indeed.
The shrewd pair instantly recognized Gu Seung-hwan's talent—or rather, trusted Hyeon Yucheon's judgment in recruiting him.
“Steward Gu here will aid us well from now on. He'll also handle integrating Black Sword Pavilion's members, so no need to worry.”
Hyeon Yucheon's endorsement empowered Gu Seung-hwan, fostering mutual support.
“Then we'll move the goods from Black Sword Pavilion.”
At Hyeon Yucheon's nod, Gu Seung-hwan hauled in every last asset, filling Demon Sword Sect's empty warehouses to the brim.
“Woooaaah!”
The sect members' cheers dwarfed any before upon seeing the staggering haul.
The previous leadership—Eum Ji-myeong and Jeong Inheon—were fine warriors, but weak on finances; they'd been fretting over winter rations.
But look at this insane stockpile of rice and wealth.
“Wh-what is all this?”
Jeong Inheon, who had once managed the ledgers, gaped in shock.
“Ah! You haven't seen the inventory letter yet? It's all from Black Sword Pavilion.”
Hyeon Yucheon's casual tone nearly gave everyone whiplash.
Especially his nonchalance at such riches baffled them.
(Hyeon Yucheon had Mangeum Clan's secret vaults, so this was less than a drop in the ocean to him.)
“Conquering Black Sword Pavilion has bolstered our numbers and filled our fatal weakness—finances and grain stores.”
Hyeon Yucheon gestured to the overflowing warehouses.
And that wasn't all.
If even this falls short, I have my secret vaults. No worries there.
Eum Ji-myeong and the sect members were left in awe.
This transformation had occurred in under a month since Hyeon Yucheon formally became sect lord.
One more thing.
The addition of Black Toad Gu Seung-hwan—a rare administrative talent absent before—yielded immediate results.
Upon becoming steward, he rooted out embezzlers and grain thieves, punishing them severely.
The outcome?
-Steward Black Toad Gu Seung-hwan is incredibly capable!
-Never underestimate Black Sword Pavilion alumni!
Such rumors spread, earning him unprecedented trust among former Black Sword Pavilion members and cementing his role as a pillar of Demon Sword Sect.
But not everything went smoothly for Gu Seung-hwan.
About two weeks after joining...
“Is the Sect Lord in?”
Gu Seung-hwan, riding high since defecting, approached with slumped shoulders and a grim expression.
“What troubles you?”
Hyeon Yucheon sensed something was wrong from his demeanor.
“Well...”
“Speak freely.”
Hyeon Yucheon urged the hesitant man on, prepared to forgive even a major blunder.
Superior martial artists abounded, but commercial geniuses were rare.
“About Black Sword Pavilion's buildings and land?”
“Yes, we planned to auction them at the Black Market Auction House.”
“That's the thing...”
Gu Seung-hwan let out a long sigh before explaining.
“Hebei's largest merchant group, Silver Light Merchant Group, has taken an interest.”
Hyeon Yucheon didn't follow.
“Hm? If a merchant group is interested, isn't that good? Competition at auction could drive up the price—a boon for us...”
He was right.
Multiple bidders were a seller's dream, but Silver Light Merchant Group changed everything.
“Sect Lord. Silver Light Merchant Group has ties to Seok Family Manor... They buy low and sell high, gouging massive profits—the vilest of scum.”