255. The Time When Fruits Bear (2)
Sahyeokryeon's founding was officially proclaimed. Its first leader, Chaseokdu, declared its legitimacy to the world.
"Demonic arts and poisons. Those branded from ancient times as disruptors of the jianghu. I ask if that is truly your essence.
You who possess the human instinct to grow stronger, yet were born into lowly status with nothing to your name, forced into the black path. I ask you: Are you the ones who disrupt the jianghu and shake the world?
Just as humans took up the blade to cut down foes, we too wield demonic arts and poisons merely to protect ourselves. Is it justice to deem us chaos itself simply because the hue of our martial arts sows confusion?
From tomorrow, a 'new justice' will take root in the jianghu. We will not judge you wicked merely because the weapon you chose is deemed so.
Those without backing, those craving freedom, those who wish to rise by their own merit alone—come to Sahyeokryeon. We do not discriminate based on birth, wealth, or connections, as others do. We recognize only your ability and effort, and judge you by that alone.
Even if you are among those who once despised demonic arts and poisons, if you wish to set foot in Sahyeokryeon, we will not judge your past.
The one precept Sahyeokryeon upholds above all is simple: 'Freedom' and the 'Responsibility' that follows. We grant freedom in measure to the responsibility you bear.
Come to Sahyeokryeon anytime! Its gates shall never close."
As Chaseokdu's proclamation spread across the land, the jianghu stirred.
In its long history, attempts to form black path alliances were not new. But those poorly made organizations quickly vanished or devolved into private factions, their power shrinking away. Even those that somehow formed often collapsed from internal strife.
Yet Chaseokdu's Sahyeokryeon demonstrated ironclad internal discipline from its very founding ceremony, inspiring hope in black path warriors and concern among the orthodox.
Especially since its inaugural leader, Chaseokdu, was not the supreme figure of the black path jianghu—a fact that bolstered confidence in its longevity. Black path folk don't heed the words of the weak, after all. Subordinates who follow out of fear of the whip turn on their masters at the first chance. That was how past alliances led by black path overlords had crumbled.
Thus, building power not through the black path's law of the jungle but via structured organization astonished both black and orthodox paths alike.
Black path factions, who had been watching warily, grew anxious that it was getting too late and began flocking to Shanxi Province in droves.
Of course, orthodox sects couldn't applaud Sahyeokryeon's birth. With black path factions uniting under it, swelling its ranks, it was obvious they'd seek influence across the realm like the Murim Alliance. To those dreaming of expanding their own sects' glory, this was a new enemy on the horizon.
Petitions for Sahyeokryeon's subjugation flooded the Murim Alliance. But with the Blood Cult war unresolved, mobilizing against Sahyeokryeon was a distant prospect. Moreover, having just signed a peace accord with them to focus on the Blood Cult, the Alliance was cautious lest word of subjugation plans leak out.
The Alliance's lukewarm response reached each sect as a new directive: Acknowledge Sahyeokryeon while treating it as a future rival.
The perceptive realized Sahyeokryeon's power was inevitable and resolved to bolster their own sects before it expanded its reach. Thus, with black path sects proliferating under Sahyeokryeon's banner and orthodox ones racing to grow before it took root, the jianghu boiled with fervor despite the cold winter.
#
"Must be nice having such an outstanding son."
"……."
Wang Geumsan bustled about beside Jin Taesan, whose face was pale from endless work.
"Black path thugs part like the sea at the sight of Daecheon Sangdan's banner? Ha! How impressive is that?"
He spoke with feigned envy, but Jin Taesan's face flushed crimson.
"Daecheon Sangdan won't even need escorts anymore. With Sahyeokryeon's influence growing, what black path fool would block its roads?"
Even as his face looked ready to burst, Jin Taesan trembled, focusing on stamping documents. Wang Geumsan thought he was holding back pretty well today.
But with a rare friend to tease openly, Wang Geumsan wouldn't stop there.
"Oh! Heard the news? Your amazing son got a new nickname."
Jin Taesan froze, finally lifting his head at mention of his son's moniker. He'd ignored Wang Geumsan desperately until then.
"A nickname?"
How much had the ominous Black Flame Dragon title grated on him? Like how the gold-silver-bronze brothers' Bloodied Three Dragons became Ironwall Three Dragons, he'd hoped for a change from Black Flame Dragon.
Wang Geumsan flashed a meaningful smile at Jin Taesan's expectant face.
"Well, you see……."
As Jin Taesan's brow furrowed at the teasing pause—
"Black Maitreya. Black Maitreya!"
"!"
……Jin Taesan's face twisted into a ferocious yaksha's snarl.
So startled, he tossed aside his brush and papers without a care.
Wang Geumsan shook his head in admiration.
"Ha! Isn't it amazing? A Daoist sect disciple getting the 'Maitreya' title."
"D-don't tease me. There's a limit even to jokes!"
Jin Taesan even stuttered, but Wang Geumsan was thrilled.
"Can't believe it, right? I personally checked with the Beggars' Sect and Haomen."
"……Beggars' Sect and Haomen……?"
"Yep. To find out how such a nickname came about."
Paying those pricey intel networks just for a nickname check?
"Don't be shocked."
Wang Geumsan adopted a grave, secretive expression.
Jin Taesan felt an inexplicable dread…….
"Your son uses the Compassion Dharma!"
What the hell is this now?
"Every time his gaze falls on Sahyeokryeon's vicious brutes, they avert their eyes and bow their heads. Isn't that incredible?"
"……."
"Kuhahaha!"
Without that final laugh, Jin Taesan might've believed the admiration. He rose quietly.
"Enough."
His voice chilled the air. Third-rate he may be, but still a martial artist. Wang Geumsan stifled his laughter with effort.
Jin Taesan politely gestured toward the door.
"If you're done teasing, please leave. I have work."
He spoke casually, but his gaunt, stern face made him intimidating.
"W-well…… this is my office too."
"……Then get to work."
"Ahem, ahem……."
Wang Geumsan finally sat opposite. Pretending to work while eyeing the fuming Jin Taesan, he spoke up slyly.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"……About my son?"
Wang Geumsan slowly shook his head.
"No. Something else."
"Speak."
"Hmm……."
Silence fell. Then Wang Geumsan's voice resumed.
"How long does Tae-eul Gate plan to keep its gates sealed?"
"……."
Jin Taesan turned from his papers to Wang Geumsan, whose playful grin had vanished into seriousness.
"What's brought this on?"
"While gathering intel via Beggars' Sect and Haomen, I heard other things. Orthodox sects rising aggressively."
"……."
"They're flexing muscle to expand before Sahyeokryeon settles in."
Without Sahyeokryeon, they'd only minded the Murim Alliance. But with it and black path sects growing, their influence risked shrinking.
To counter, orthodox sects overreached, expanding before Sahyeokryeon established branches.
"Everyone knows Daecheon Sangdan belongs to Tae-eul Gate. Rivals are already emerging in Anhui Province. Operations will hit snags soon."
"Likely."
Iron Sword Sect, Hefei's incumbent, and Namgung family, Anhui's Alliance leader—close ties notwithstanding, it was mere cooperation. In true conflict, their aid was uncertain.
Plus, many resented Tae-eul Gate's economic ventures despite sealed gates. As Daecheon grew, so did the threats.
Gauging Jin Taesan's expression, Wang Geumsan got to the point.
"Isn't it time to open the gates? Prepare Tae-eul Gate before they target Daecheon Sangdan."
This wasn't for Jin Taesan to decide alone. Wang Geumsan just wanted to guide him.
Jin Taesan pondered, then shook his head.
"Tae-eul Gate has advanced much, but not enough to reopen yet."
"Fair enough."
Reclaiming lost arts and mining profits aside, martial power couldn't grow overnight. They bought elixirs and aids with mine and Sangdan funds, but lacked the absolute time to catch rivals.
"As you know, House Wang has no enemies in white or black paths. We can't meddle in jianghu affairs, only official ones."
"I understand."
Even without that, they'd received boundless aid from House Wang. Here it was again, worrying like it was their own despite limitations.
Still, Jin Taesan shook his head again.
"Even so, you can't harvest fruit before the flower blooms."
Humans can't hasten blooming or fruiting. Daecheon Sangdan needed time desperately now.
"True, true."
Wang Geumsan forced a smile past his grim face.
"Don't worry too much. If someone picks a fight with Tae-eul Gate or Daecheon Sangdan, worst case, we hire ronins from the markets and overwhelm with numbers."
Wang Geumsan's funds aiding Daecheon would drag House Wang into the fray, with incalculable losses.
Thus, Jin Taesan wouldn't easily ask. Yet a faint smile touched his lips, feeling his friend's sincere heart for him and Tae-eul Gate.
He clasped hands in formal salute.
"Thank you, Lord Wang."
"Heh! Come on, between us?"
Scratching his cheek bashfully, Wang Geumsan added confidently.
"Who'd dare mess with Daecheon Sangdan anyway."
"Pardon?"
Daecheon had grown swiftly but wasn't that threatening. As Jin Taesan tilted his head—
"It's run by the jianghu's Black Maitreya, Jin Sowoon's sect! Who'd target it without fearing the Compassion Dharma……."
Crash!
"P-put that down and speak……!"
Wang Geumsan bolted from the office as Jin Taesan snatched the inkstone.
#
"From where, you say?"
The man answered arrogantly to Jin Taesan's question.
"Sura Gate."
Glancing at Wang Geumsan beside him, he added,
"……or so."
Sura Gate. Founded by Jang Yeonggi, a Shaolin lay disciple, who created his own Asura Fist. Successors forged independent paths on new arts, but lately called Shaolin's lay sect in Anhui, handling its branch duties.
"From such a…… place, what brings you here……."
As Jin Taesan trailed off in confusion, the man cut to the chase.
"Here to make a proposal."
"A proposal?"
"Yes."
Backed by Shaolin, Sura Gate ranked high among the 108 Peaks. What business with Daecheon Sangdan?
Jin Taesan tilted his head, then said,
"I'll hear it. Speak."
"……."
The Sura Gate man glanced at Wang Geumsan, signaling no outsiders.
Wang Geumsan scowled.
"Ahem…… Insulting. Everyone knows I'm sworn brother and future in-law to Jin Taesan."
Jin Taesan looked baffled.
"……Sworn brothers? In-laws?"
"Ahem! Stay quiet. I'll handle it."
Wang Geumsan growled, sensing something. Jin Taesan finally shoved him out.
"Tell me later what this is……!"
Bang!
"Apologies."
"No matter. We know House Wang and Daecheon Sangdan are close."
"Hm…… I see."
Alone now, the Sura Gate man stared piercingly at Jin Taesan.
Feigning calm, Jin Taesan spoke first.
"What did you wish to discuss?"
"Do you know Sura Gate recently started a small trading company?"
Anhui intel came daily via Wang Geumsan. He knew, but it posed no threat to entrenched Daecheon or House Wang.
"Yes, I'm aware."
"That simplifies things."
The man nodded approvingly and continued.
"We plan to expand it. To aid 'Shaolin' later."
Emphasizing Shaolin clearly. It pricked Jin Taesan, but he waited silently.
"But our people lack merchant talent; operations struggle."
"Hmm……."
"So we thought of another way."
Surveying the now-empty office, the Sura Gate man declared with arrogant poise.
"Sura Gate wants to acquire Daecheon Sangdan."
"……."