Chapter 179
Chapter 179
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: They're Finally Here
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Pyeong Jarim, the master of the Golden Moon Trading Company, crumpled the document in his hand, his face contorted in a deep scowl.
"This madman, are these demands sane?"
The document he had just crushed was a request for cooperation from Nameless—or more precisely, from Hyeokryeon Hwi.
It demanded he take responsibility for the failure of the Treasure Map Plan, with a neatly itemized list of all the goods and labor invested.
It meant he was to compensate for everything.
The Treasure Map Plan was orchestrated by Nameless, not the Golden Moon Trading Company. So why should he be the one to bear the responsibility?
He had gotten involved at the very end, but it was absurd to think he should have to shoulder such a massive loss for that alone.
But what truly infuriated him was knowing how unfair it was, yet being powerless to do anything about it.
In the relationship between Nameless and the Golden Moon Trading Company, the latter was the weaker party.
So, unless Nameless did something so outrageous that they were willing to sever ties, he had no choice but to be dragged along.
"What should we do?"
At his manager's cautious question, Pyeong Jarim scowled and glared at him.
"What do you mean, 'what should we do'? We have to give it to them. Get it all together and send it over."
The manager bowed his head, a look of reluctance on his face.
"Yes, I will see to it. However, if we prepare and send all of this, it will disrupt the company's operations next month."
"It's just the money that's an issue, isn't it? The other goods are only useful to Nameless; they're useless to us right now. As for the money we're short, we can just squeeze it out of the underlings."
"That may be so, but this part here, about sending laborers and warriors, is the problem."
"What's the problem? I didn't think we had much need for men for the time being. Laborers can be procured easily enough, and the warriors can be sent over as part of their training."
"The Okcheon Trading Company has requested our assistance."
Pyeong Jarim let out a long breath, trying to calm his boiling anger.
"I thought that fool had been quiet for a while... What is it this time?"
"It seems they're putting pressure on a medicine shop."
Pyeong Jarim's expression soured.
"Are you telling me... that the man who monopolizes Changsha's medicinal herbs came crying to us because he can't handle a single medicine shop?"
"It may seem that way, but upon investigation, it's a small but formidable place."
His anger finally subsiding a little, Pyeong Jarim said.
"Explain."
"I've heard some rumors recently myself. They primarily sell medicine for internal injuries and wounds, and their effects are said to be extraordinary. We've purchased some and are investigating them."
"Is that so? Why haven't such exceptional people caught my eye before?"
"They procure the medicine itself from another region. They haven't been in business here for very long."
"Outsiders, then. Strange. Usually, one sets up shop where medicinal ingredients are readily available."
"Perhaps they're trying to expand their commercial influence into this area?"
Pyeong Jarim nodded. That certainly made sense.
"Plausible. So, have you found out who's backing them?"
"Yes. In fact, I took measures before the Okcheon Trading Company even made their request."
"Well done. Just what I'd expect from you."
"They are extremely cautious and secretive, which made it very difficult to ascertain. I cannot be certain yet, but based on our investigation so far, the Underworld Sect is involved."
"The Underworld Sect? Does that mean the medicine shop belongs to them?"
The manager shook his head.
"I believe the owner of the medicine shop has commissioned the Underworld Sect for their services."
"Right, that's more likely. The Underworld Sect..."
"To dig any deeper will require more resources."
It would cost a lot of money and require more people. They would need experts in that field, which might mean hiring a specialized organization.
"Proceed."
The manager bowed his head.
"Ah, and they say the person running the place is a great beauty."
A glint appeared in Pyeong Jarim's eyes.
"A beauty, you say? Interesting."
"Yes. Very interesting. She seems to be no ordinary beauty. The manager of the Okcheon Trading Company met her once and has been completely captivated ever since."
"To that extent?"
Pyeong Jarim's eyes widened.
Seeing Pyeong Jarim's reaction, the manager kept his head bowed and quietly awaited his next order.
Pyeong Jarim tapped his fingers on the armrest, lost in thought.
"She sounds truly desirable... but something bothers me. It feels ominous. The Underworld Sect, for one."
The mention of the Underworld Sect's involvement immediately brought Byeok Taesan to mind.
Things related to Byeok Taesan had never ended well for him, which made him all the more uneasy.
There was the matter with the Golden Jade Trading Company, this Treasure Map incident, and even the affair with the Heavenly Medicine Hall long ago.
"Wait, the Heavenly Medicine Hall?"
Pyeong Jarim's eyes flashed.
"Manager, send someone to the Heavenly Medicine Hall at once. Find out if there's a connection."
"Yes. I'll look into it immediately."
As the manager withdrew, Pyeong Jarim's expression turned grave.
"Isn't there a way to spin this so I can swallow the Heavenly Medicine Hall whole..."
This thought naturally led him to Nameless.
Nameless were the best ones to use for this kind of work.
But the thought of asking Hyeokryeon Hwi for help was irritating.
He had always dealt with Hyeokryeon Hwi, but it wasn't a set rule.
After all, the Golden Moon Trading Company had partnered with Nameless, and Nameless had plenty of other exceptional individuals besides Hyeokryeon Hwi.
'This time...'
The names of several figures from Nameless flashed through Pyeong Jarim's mind.
***
In a wide stone chamber, blood pooled so deep it sloshed underfoot.
A naked man stood at its center.
The man closed his eyes, savoring the thick scent of blood that filled the chamber.
The blood on the floor was sucked up through the soles of his feet.
For a moment, his entire body flushed red before returning to its normal color.
Only then did the man slowly open his eyes.
Leaving the stone chamber, the man dressed and walked down a long corridor.
At the end of the corridor was a wide, open space, and at its far end stood a pavilion.
The man entered the pavilion and ascended to the top floor.
His office was located there.
"My lord."
The person waiting in the office saw the man, Hyeokryeon Bigwang, and immediately bowed respectfully.
Hyeokryeon Bigwang glanced at him before taking a seat.
"From the look on your face, you've brought some interesting news."
"Yes, my lord. It seems you have also made great progress. Congratulations."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang smiled faintly.
"Well... I've made some gains. I was feeling a sense of crisis, you see."
At the words "sense of crisis," the man looked at Hyeokryeon Bigwang in surprise.
Not wanting to elaborate, Hyeokryeon Bigwang quickly changed the subject.
"Just tell me the interesting news. Oh, and was the matter you attended to handled well?"
"Yes. We had to work in secret, so we couldn't divert a large amount, but we secured enough to cover what was lost in Wuhan and Yichang."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang grinned and nodded.
"Good work. It seems Gyun did me one last favor on his way out."
"That side is now split into five factions, all fighting amongst themselves."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang shook his head.
"Telling them the organization would be passed on regardless of bloodline really stirred up a hornet's nest."
"Yes. It seems they're often taking reckless actions. As a result, the Martial Alliance and the Black Alliance have begun to watch them."
"Those insidious Five Great Families will have gotten involved too. So we need to shut up and lie low."
"I have already given the order."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang nodded and asked again.
"So, when are you going to tell me this interesting news you brought?"
The man smiled and said.
"The Treasure Map Plan has been completely botched."
The corners of Hyeokryeon Bigwang's mouth stretched into a wide grin.
"Oh? It seems I've been too focused on my training. To think I was unaware of such big news."
The man continued his report.
"Things in Changsha are currently in an uproar."
"I'd imagine so. All the martial artists who gathered there are still around, aren't they?"
"Yes. It's gotten worse because Bang Durip has disappeared with the Hyeoncheon Sword."
"What? Bang Durip took the Hyeoncheon Sword and vanished? Why would he do that?"
"It seems he was overcome by greed."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang scoffed.
"Blinded by greed. It would be useless to him even if he took it. Or... maybe it consumed him?"
"We are making discreet inquiries, but we're facing many difficulties as we cannot move openly."
"Back off. With Bang Durip involved, it's highly likely the Martial Alliance will intervene. Then the Black Alliance and the Five Great Families won't stay quiet either. Better to wash our hands of it before it gets complicated."
"As you wish."
The man bowed his head in response, then continued.
"With the Treasure Map Plan in shambles, our relationship with the Golden Moon Trading Company has become strained."
"Why would our relationship sour just because the Treasure Map Plan failed?"
"It seems the Golden Moon Trading Company got rather deeply involved. And then the plan fell apart..."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang laughed in disbelief.
"Hyeokryeon Hwi, that idiot, must have thrown a fit."
"Indeed. It appears he held them excessively responsible. He demanded goods and manpower, and the Golden Moon Trading Company had little choice."
"It was Hyeokryeon Hwi's doing, so it has nothing to do with us, right?"
"Correct. That's why the Golden Moon Trading Company has sent a proposal."
"A proposal?"
"There is a medicine shop in Changsha with ties to the Heavenly Medicine Hall, and it seems the Underworld Sect is involved as well."
"So they want to use that medicine shop to devour the Heavenly Medicine Hall?"
"Yes."
"Refuse."
"Pardon?"
The man looked at Hyeokryeon Bigwang with surprised eyes.
This was, by all accounts, a great opportunity. They would be using the Golden Moon Trading Company, so they wouldn't have to expose themselves, and depending on the outcome, they could gain an exceptional group of physicians in the Heavenly Medicine Hall.
"You said the Underworld Sect is involved."
"Yes. But it's only the Underworld Sect..."
"And behind the Underworld Sect is *him*. Byeok Taesan."
The man couldn't understand. His expression, full of incomprehension, was fixed on Hyeokryeon Bigwang.
"Do you know why I handed Wuhan over to those wolves?"
"I do not."
"It was because of Byeok Taesan."
"What?"
"Do you know why I feel a sense of crisis?"
The man wore a look of disbelief.
"Surely that isn't also because of Byeok Taesan?"
"It is. Byeok Taesan... that man is truly terrifying. So until we have a firm grasp of his identity and power, do not act rashly. Understand?"
The man replied with a look of reluctance.
"Yes. Understood."
"There's definitely something behind him. Something unimaginable. So we have to find out what that is first. Of course, others will do that for us. We just need to keep prodding. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes. I understand. Then, for this matter... shall I discreetly poke a few of the elders?"
Hyeokryeon Bigwang grinned.
"This is why I like you. Do as you please."
The man bowed his head and then left.
Hyeokryeon Bigwang watched his back until he disappeared.
"Even now, I break out in a cold sweat just thinking about that time."
Hyeokryeon Bigwang muttered, shuddering.
Until he could overcome the fear that had been etched into him back then, he would never step forward.
Absolutely not.
***
At first, the Sword Demon had sat in the medicine shop, excited.
He had expected trouble to break out at any moment, giving him a chance to use his power properly.
But a day passed, then two, and on the third day, absolutely nothing had happened.
Not even a minor squabble.
The Sword Demon narrowed his eyes and looked at Soso, who was sitting in the deepest part of the shop.
"What is it, grandpa?"
"G-Grandpa?"
Soso looked at the Sword Demon as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The Sword Demon felt a little strange. It was because of the warmth in Soso's tone when she called him 'grandpa'.
"Uh... well, it's nothing. Anyway, aren't you a bit bored?"
Soso gave a small, bright smile.
"Are you bored? Hmm..."
Soso thought for a moment, then her eyes sparkled.
"In that case, could you take a look at my martial arts?"
"Martial arts?"
The Sword Demon's eyes began to sparkle just as much as Soso's.
"If it's that, I can do it as much as you like."
"This is what I do to warm up."
With that, Soso sprang to her feet and stood in a nearby open space.
Then, she carefully went through the movements she normally used to warm up.
Seeing this, the Sword Demon's eyes widened.
'The Willow Swaying Arts?'
Watching Soso's fluid movements, like a swaying willow tree, naturally brought the Willow Swaying Arts to mind.
At a glance, it was a martial art that seemed simple and easy to begin.
The Willow Swaying Arts made the bones and muscles soft and flexible, expelled impurities from the body, and increased stamina.
But that was only scratching the surface of the Willow Swaying Arts.
In reality, it was a martial art that not only affected the physical body but also allowed one's internal energy to flow flexibly and naturally.
It was a tremendous art that developed one's insight into internal energy simply through movement, ultimately leading naturally to an enlightenment about the flow of ki itself.
The Sword Demon was surprised that Soso was practicing the Willow Swaying Arts, but he was even more astonished by her depth of understanding.
Amazingly, Soso was performing the movements with a precise understanding of what kind of martial art it was.
Realizing there was no room for him to add anything, the Sword Demon couldn't hide his disappointment.
The person who had taught her these arts must be anything but ordinary.
'Ah, of course.'
It was obvious who had taught her.
'Does this kid even know what an incredible stroke of fortune she's had?'
The thought occurred to him suddenly. And he felt a pang of regret, wanting to help but finding nothing he could do.
As he pondered this, the Sword Demon's expression twisted strangely.
'What's this?'
He sensed an extremely stealthy presence some distance from the medicine shop.
If the Sword Demon hadn't recently broken through a barrier in his cultivation, he would not have noticed it. The presence was that subtle.
'A strong one.'
His eyes flew open.
The ones he had been waiting for had finally arrived.