Chapter 485
Perhaps it was because of his childhood.
Having been a prodigy who read countless books, such things seemed possible.
'Is my memory gradually returning?'
Until now, his memories had only resurfaced when his martial arts advanced or when his Brain Meridian received a shock.
But now, it felt as though he had plucked one light from the millions of luminous dots rising from a hidden treasure chest.
"Indeed, you recognize it."
Yuk Jang-cheon wore a proud smile.
"Even if nothing else, this single painting alone holds enough value to gather the Merchant Group leaders. Wouldn't you agree? Hahaha."
Having cleared the thoughts swirling in his mind, Bu Eun-seol respectfully replied.
"It seems so."
'Strange.'
Yet, Bu Eun-seol's expression subtly shifted as he gazed at the painting.
For reasons unknown, every time he examined it, an inexplicable sense of dissonance prickled at him.
Zzzing.
A white light flowed from Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he studied the painting.
He had invoked the Empty Mind Spirit Communion.
'So that's what it was.'
Then, details like the type of paint and the texture of the paper began appearing in his vision.
And this painting's paper had been deliberately aged to appear faded.
In truth, it hadn't even been three years since its creation.
"Money Manager."
"Hmm?"
"I believe you should send someone back to the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store immediately."
"What do you mean?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke with the gravest expression.
"It's a forgery."
"What?"
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes widened as he shook his head.
"That can't be. Everything here is guaranteed by the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store in Henan as genuine artifacts."
"If you summon experts skilled in appraisal, they'll confirm its authenticity at once."
"You're truly saying it's fake?"
"Yes."
At Bu Eun-seol's firm reply, Yuk Jang-cheon briefly wore a troubled expression.
Then, as if struck by a thought, his eyes gleamed.
Perhaps something else had occurred to him.
"Excuse me for a moment. I forgot I had urgent business."
And before Bu Eun-seol could say another word, he rose from his seat and strode out.
'He must have something in mind.'
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head in puzzlement.
No matter how he looked at it, Yuk Jang-cheon hadn't stormed out in anger.
Undoubtedly, he was scheming something.
'The Money Manager will handle it.'
Shaking his head, Bu Eun-seol left the Hall of Martial Ascension.
But how could he have known?
That by recognizing a single old book, he would be swept into an unfathomable whirlpool of conspiracy.
Martial Alliance, Bright Beauty Pavilion.
Scritch, scratch.
Inside the office of the Bright Beauty Pavilion, a woman clad in white robes sat rigidly upright, ceaselessly writing something.
Her skin was pale to the point of appearing bloodless, and the pupils fixed on the documents before her shimmered with a blue-crimson hue.
Yet her expression was somewhat solemn, emphasizing elegance over mere beauty.
This was none other than the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist, Gongson Dan-gyeong.
With the Hidden Moon Hall undergoing major renovations, she was conducting her duties here instead.
"My apologies."
She glanced apologetically at Bu Eun-seol, who stood awkwardly, before closing the ledger.
"I had to urgently draft a letter. I've kept you waiting, Commander."
For someone of her rank, her demeanor was remarkably humble.
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together, dismissing her concern.
"Not at all. Please take your time."
"Have a seat. Let's talk properly."
She gestured to the reception table across from her.
As Bu Eun-seol sat, she exhaled deeply and spoke.
"Commander Seon-u, I heard you hail from a merchant background and can discern the authenticity and value of paintings. Is that true?"
"It is."
"You identified Master Chumyeong's Moonlit Pine Radiance Painting—a work never publicly circulated, only secretly traded among high-ranking officials—?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression shifted to astonishment.
"And that it was counterfeit."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol recall why Yuk Jang-cheon had hurriedly left yesterday.
For some reason, he had informed Gongson Dan-gyeong of this fact.
'Did he not buy it from the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store but from the Chief Strategist herself, paying extra?'
The thought nearly made him laugh aloud.
"Commander Seon-u?"
"Ah, my apologies."
Snapping back to attention, Bu Eun-seol replied courteously.
"It was merely a coincidence."
"You're too modest. But such a discovery couldn't possibly be coincidental."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled with refined grace.
"Even the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store's foremost experts failed to distinguish the forgery of Moonlit Pine Radiance Painting, yet you did."
Abruptly, she rose and spoke in a hushed tone.
"Given your merchant ties, you must be well-acquainted with the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store."
Under her penetrating gaze, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to respond clearly.
"I've heard it was conceived to alleviate the Alliance's financial strain while reducing merchants' suffering at the hands of the Black Syndicate and demonic factions."
"Correct. And the one who proposed it was none other than this Chief Strategist."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had envisioned and proposed the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store?
"Why hasn't such a fact been made known to the world?"
"Establishing the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store wasn't easy. Though it was meant to protect merchants, various vested interests were involved... We had to quell opposition from all quarters."
Her voice grew increasingly solemn as she spoke.
"Therefore, we needed someone to take responsibility and oversee its implementation."
"And that person was the Chief Strategist?"
Gongson Dan-gyeong tapped her chair lightly and laughed.
"Correct. And the result of that is precisely this position I now hold."
The sudden appointment as Chief Strategist.
It was only possible because she hadn't merely conceived the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store, but had taken responsibility for its completion, swiftly filling the Martial Alliance's financial deficit.
Of course, that couldn't have been the sole reason... but it undoubtedly played a significant role.
"Then the current management responsibility for the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store also lies with the Chief Strategist?"
"Exactly."
Only now did Bu Eun-seol understand why Yuk Jang-cheon had rushed out in such a fluster yesterday.
He had known that Gongson Dan-gyeong was responsible for managing the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
And when counterfeits were discovered at the Henan branch, he must have come to report it while simultaneously—
Attempting to further solidify his close relationship with her.
'That man truly can't be stopped. Money Manager Yuk.'
Seizing every opportunity to act immediately.
It was truly an exemplary trait for ambitious individuals.
"Actually, this isn't the first time counterfeits have appeared."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke with a grave expression.
"Someone is deliberately planting fakes in the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store."
"Could it be the work of the Demonic Path or the Black Path?"
"That's possible. From the perspective of the Demonic or Black Path factions, we've essentially taken away a lucrative goldmine from them."
She continued calmly.
"Especially since counterfeits appeared in the Henan branch—not only frequented by wealthy merchants but also considered the symbolic flagship of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store... This suggests there's an organized force behind these acts."
"Hmm."
"Moreover, customers visiting the store have been voicing numerous complaints."
Gongson Dan-gyeong stared intently at Bu Eun-seol as she spoke.
"Our top priority is filtering out the counterfeits displayed in the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store. To do this, we need someone who can identify fakes at a glance—ones even the store's appraisers can't detect."
Before Bu Eun-seol could respond, she swiftly continued.
"Next, we must investigate why customers are lodging complaints by examining the issues firsthand. After that, we'll need to visit Xiaohu Lake, where the store's joint warehouse is located, to determine if more counterfeits are present."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression was severe. As the highest authority over the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store—
If counterfeit incidents continued surfacing there, it wouldn't just tarnish her reputation but also stain the name of the Martial Alliance itself.
"I've already obtained Money Manager Yuk's consent in advance."
Gongson Dan-gyeong spoke again.
"We'll go to the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store together to verify the counterfeits and devise countermeasures for its issues."
"But doesn't the Chief Strategist have numerous talented subordinates at her disposal?"
Bu Eun-seol replied with a troubled expression.
"Wouldn't it cause complications if I were to intervene midway?"
Her adjutants must have worked hard to establish the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
Bu Eun-seol was essentially asking whether it was appropriate to bypass them and resolve this matter with him instead.
"There's no need to worry about that."
Gongson Dan-gyeong replied impassively.
"The Ten Thousand Blossoms Store was my personal project. In fact, all my adjutants opposed it."
It was surprising, yet understandable in a way.
Though the store was an innovative solution to the Martial Alliance's financial crisis, its implementation had been far from simple.
Her subordinates had likely opposed it due to the risks, forcing her to proceed independently.
"And there's something Commander Seon-u must understand clearly."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's expression turned solemn.
"My role as the chief overseer of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store is a closely guarded secret. Maintaining confidentiality is paramount in this matter as well."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
She was a newly appointed Chief Strategist. If word spread about these incidents at the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store—
Doubters would question her competence, and those who already disapproved of her would seize the opportunity to spread malicious gossip.
"I understand perfectly what you mean."
As Bu Eun-seol answered respectfully, she continued.
"I've applied for Demon Leave to handle this matter discreetly. As commander of the Information Warfare Unit, I trust you grasp the implications."
"That won't do."
Bu Eun-seol immediately objected.
In essence, she intended to undertake this mission without informing anyone—without even a single escort.
"It's far too dangerous. At the very least, arrange covert escorts—"
"Doing so would inevitably expose everything."
"But—"
"Let's consider the matter closed."
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes reflected calm resolve, yet beneath it flickered a trace of desperation.
She had only just ascended to the position of Chief Strategist and was laying her foundations.
Thus, she was determined to resolve this matter quietly—no matter the risks.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eun-seol sank into thought for a moment.
The fact that he had recognized the Moonlit Pine Radiance Painting was merely due to a coincidental memory from the past. He had no real knowledge of antique books or artworks.
But this mission could also be a good opportunity for him.
If he handled it well?
He could leave a lasting impression on a high-ranking figure within the Martial Alliance's top ten hierarchy.
'There's no choice but to proceed.'
Bu Eun-seol nodded and clasped his hands together.
"Understood."
The Ten Thousand Blossoms Store in Henan had already become a local landmark.
The massive shop, built across roughly one hundred thousand square meters of land, was surrounded by beautiful gardens and uniquely structured buildings.
For guests arriving from afar, a carriage storage facility—reminiscent of a post station—had been set up.
And true to its name, the store had everything one could imagine, even displaying regional specialties from various provinces.
It was said that sightseers who came to enjoy Henan's scenery never left without visiting the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
Clack, clack.
Just then, a carriage came to a stop in front of the store.
As the carriage door opened, a man dressed in white robes slowly stepped out.
He was tall, with a gentle, scholarly appearance—a young man who looked like a refined scholar.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seon-u Jin.
Tap.
Following behind him, Gongson Dan-gyeong descended from the carriage, clad in luxurious silk robes and a veil that completely concealed her face.
Her beauty was striking enough to draw attention anywhere, so she had opted for a full-face covering.
"Hmm."
A servant stood at the entrance, greeting incoming guests.
When Gongson Dan-gyeong passed by, the servant bowed and opened the door for her.
But when Bu Eun-seol walked past, the servant's expression soured before reluctantly opening the door.
The goods in this Henan branch of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store were so exorbitantly priced that even the wealthiest merchants hesitated before making purchases.
However, since it gathered a vast array of items under one roof,
many visitors came simply to browse, even if they had no intention of buying.
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's plain attire, the servant likely assumed he was a servant accompanying his master.
Inside, the space was lavishly decorated, with multiple shops divided into distinct sections.
Unlike typical marketplace stalls, there was no aggressive salesmanship here.
Even the shopkeepers maintained neat appearances and attire.
"Let's head to the art section first."
At Gongson Dan-gyeong's words, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
At the far end of the building, stairs led upward, revealing different shops on each floor.
The higher the floor, the more expensive the goods became.
"What do you think?"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Nothing seems counterfeit so far."
Bu Eun-seol possessed the extraordinary sensory ability known as Empty Mind Spirit Perception.
It allowed him to perceive not just what was visible but also traces left behind even a decade prior.
Thus, even without expertise in art, he could distinguish recently forged counterfeits.
"Your discernment and insight are beyond imagination, Commander Seon-u."
Of course, Gongson Dan-gyeong had no idea of this fact—
she mistakenly believed he could identify forgeries just by looking at them.
But as Bu Eun-seol examined the artworks on display, his eyes suddenly gleamed.
One painting appeared heavily aged, yet in reality, it had been made less than three years ago.
"There's one suspicious piece over there."
"Then purchase it discreetly."
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol entered the shop where the suspected counterfeit was displayed.
"Welco—"
The shopkeeper began a cheerful greeting but pursed his lips upon seeing Bu Eun-seol's shabby appearance.
"How may I help you?"
"I'd like to buy that item."
When Bu Eun-seol pointed at the mounted painting, the shopkeeper chuckled dismissively.
"My apologies, but the items here are quite expensive."
"Naturally."
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"I'd like to examine it closely first."
"Sir."
The shopkeeper wore a peculiar smile.
"That painting aside, even the mounting alone costs over three hundred taels."
The scroll's edges were lined with silk brocade and adorned with white jade.
"I wasn't asking about the mounting. I was inquiring about the painting's price."
The shopkeeper frowned, then sighed.
"Eight thousand taels."
"Eight thousand taels, I see."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"And how much do you make?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm asking how much you earn working here all day."
"What kind of—"
As the shopkeeper scowled, Bu Eun-seol grinned and shook his head.
"Just a joke. Since you kept emphasizing how expensive it was, I thought I'd ask."
Before the shopkeeper could retort, Bu Eun-seol pulled out an eight-thousand-taels banknote from his sleeve.
It was a draft from the Shanxi Silver Tiger Bank, the most trusted financial institution in the martial world.
'I've misjudged a wealthy patron!'
The shopkeeper's neck practically bent in half as he groveled.
"Esteemed sir, we'll arrange for someone to deliver it directly to your residence."
"No need."
Bu Eun-seol rolled up the scroll right then and there, tucking it under his arm.
After all, since it was a counterfeit, tearing it up immediately wouldn't have been a waste.
From then on, Bu Eun-seol scoured every corner of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store, identifying more counterfeits.
Though Gongson Dan-gyeong had her face veiled with thin silk, her striking beauty and dignified bearing still shone through.
As a result, many people subtly tried to approach her.
To completely block such attempts, Gongson Dan-gyeong stuck close to Bu Eun-seol.
Between distinguishing counterfeits and dealing with her clinging companion, Bu Eun-seol was nearly at his wits' end.
Finally, after uncovering two more counterfeits, he nodded at Gongson Dan-gyeong.
It meant there were no more fakes left.
"Shall we go now?"
Murmurs and chatter.
But then, a loud voice erupted from an old bookstore set up in a corner.
There, a rough-looking middle-aged man was shouting at a clerk.
"Do you even know who I am, speaking to me like that?!"
The clerks, flustered by the man's outburst, didn't know what to do.
Bu Eun-seol immediately went over to assess the situation and asked a nearby clerk:
"What exactly happened here?"
"Ah, well... It seems that customer wanted to buy a calligraphy album by Wang Geo-jeong from the old bookstore."
The clerk whispered quietly to Bu Eun-seol.
"But... the truth is, the customer couldn't actually read. The clerk who was diligently explaining probably realized that and must have looked disrespectful."
"I see."
In short, it seemed like a nouveau riche who couldn't even read had tried to buy Wang Geo-jeong's expensive album, only to be mocked by the clerk and was now fuming with rage.
'Truly, an endless fountain of fools.'
What these nouveau riche wanted was nothing but special treatment.
They didn't buy art because they appreciated beauty—they just wanted to flaunt their wealth.
Just then, Gongson Dan-gyeong took a deep breath and spoke.
"Alright. Shall we go have our discussion now?"
She ascended the stairs and entered a small room at the very top of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
The room had a carpet imported from India and marble flooring.
It seemed to be her office, where she handled the store's affairs as its manager.
"You've probably seen enough, but incidents like this happen all the time. The other branches are no different."
Bu Eun-seol carefully laid out his observations and suggestions for improvement.
"First, the clerks need systematic training. They deal with high-value goods and wealthy merchants daily, so they tend to see themselves as highly accomplished individuals."
"We've been issuing guidelines repeatedly, but improvements are slow."
"Instead of just issuing guidelines, they should be trained before being hired as clerks. Creating a manual detailing proper customer service and establishing a structured training program would be best."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"Of course, they should also receive a stipend during the training period. And only those who complete the training should be eligible to work as clerks."
"Hmm."
"If you do that, even if the clerks aren't naturally sharp or clever, at least problems like this won't arise."
"That sounds like a good method. I'll consider it."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Any other suggestions for improvement?"
"The store layout and movement lines should be adjusted so customers can explore the inner shops more easily, and ways to attract more people should be prepared."
Bu Eun-seol spoke without hesitation.
"It would be good to organize the merchandise consistently by floor. Also, most wealthy patrons come here with their families. Even if they don't visit famous shops, they can still purchase high-quality fabrics and clothing here."
He explained methodically.
"If you add structures and facilities that children would enjoy, even more customers will flock here."
Gongson Dan-gyeong kept nodding.
Truthfully, she hadn't expected much in terms of improvement plans for the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store.
The store was an entirely new concept, unlike any other shops they had operated before, and it didn't align with standard merchant group policies.
But Bu Eun-seol was speaking as if he had run the Ten Thousand Blossoms Store for years—effortlessly pointing out its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
"Impressive."
Gongson Dan-gyeong let out an admiring sigh.
Though he was the successor of the merchant group, he was still young. She had thought it would be enough if he could just distinguish counterfeits.
Yet here he was, offering substantial suggestions—not just on areas she hadn't considered, but also on operational improvements for the store.
'Is it because of the merchant group's training methods? No, that can't be.'
Gongson Dan-gyeong was puzzled.
Just what kind of education had this young successor received?
Not only was he proficient in handling all matters, but he had also accumulated considerable experience and knowledge across various fields.
The truth was, this was all thanks to his grandfather, Bu Jan-yang's teachings.
Having lived as an undertaker, Bu Eun-seol had faced disgust from many people and rarely interacted with others outside Peaceful Burial House.
For his sake, Bu Jan-yang told him countless stories about all kinds of people.
Bu Jan-yang had seen and heard much.
Not just within the Central Plains—but also from India, Tibet, the Southern Barbarian Region, and beyond.
He had met people from all corners of the vast world and meticulously explained the unique traits of each region.
Because of this, even while staying within Peaceful Burial House,
Bu Eun-seol could indirectly experience vivid encounters with countless people across the world—as if he had met them all himself.