257. The Time When Fruits Ripen (4)
I gazed contentedly at the armguard on my right wrist.
"Heh heh heh."
Within the Black Shadow Corps, I'd acted as if it were just my usual gear, paying it no mind, and the ploy worked—no one asked about the Predation Armguard until we parted ways. That didn't mean I could let my guard down, though. There were still plenty of watchful eyes in the special delegation.
So, I'd snuck around, satisfying my curiosity about it away from prying gazes.
'A treasure that propelled the Yin-Yang Twin Demons all the way to Protector status.'
Of course, being a Demonic Cult relic, if it reeked of demonic qi or left traces of sorcery, I'd discard it on the spot. But so far, it seemed to have no abilities beyond what I already knew.
Ping.
I gathered immense qi at my fingertip and fired it at the Predation Armguard.
Ziiing.
The finger-wind that would've snapped my forearm clean off seeped into the armguard and vanished without a trace.
As I examined its effects, I tilted my head.
It was impressive, no doubt. But I couldn't easily believe this alone had elevated the Yin-Yang Twin Demons to such heights.
'There has to be more to it.'
I rummaged through my mental archive of the Scripture Pavilion, reviewing records of the Twin Demons' battles.
By the time they joined the Orthodox-Demonic Great War, the conflict was well underway, so records were sparse.
'Should've stored copies from every branch if I'd known.'
If I'd anticipated regression, I'd have gone further. But who could've foreseen a second life? I sure didn't believe in a third.
As my thoughts wandered, Ak Byeongbi sidled up.
"You really won't go check it out?"
I casually concealed the Predation Armguard.
"Check what out?"
"Didn't you say your sect's merchant group is in peril?"
"Ah."
According to Haomen intel, Sura Gate had designs on Daecheon Merchant Group. They'd snagged exclusive logistics contracts for Anhui Province branches from the Murim Alliance—quite the tempting prize.
'Can't blame them; even I'd be tempted.'
Even splitting it with Wang Merchant Group, one contract alone would net what Daecheon would've earned in ten years, all in one.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason. Such monopolies required direct Alliance backing—specifically from Mantongbu—signaling they'd prop up Tae-eul Gate and Daecheon for major growth ahead.
I had no clue why Mantongbu favored Daecheon. Probably to leverage some debt and use me... 'Debt? Obligation? What's that? Heh heh. No way in hell I'll play along!'
I planned to play dumb unless pushed.
But I wasn't idiot enough to let something in my grasp get snatched away.
"Senior Il Nam sent a homing pigeon to the mountain you mentioned. No need for me to step in, right?"
My nonchalant reply drew a pained look from Ak Byeongbi.
"...You think that'll suffice?"
"For now, yeah."
Why was he acting so changed since the Black Shadow Corps? Since when did he care like this? Jeez.
"Alliance work aids your sect, but your sect's prosperity can pave your path in the Alliance too."
"I know."
"As academy rep, you could pull strings in the branches... yet you sit idle?"
"Any issue with that?"
His shadow deepened at my calm demeanor.
"What if... Sura Gate seizes Daecheon?"
"If they do, what can you do...?"
"What?!!"
Fuck, you startled me. Why yell like that? Anyone'd think the division head was Tae-eul Gate's disciple.
"Not a big deal from my standpoint."
I had no plans to rise via sect aid anyway—my path led to Baekrang Pavilion, which no one wanted. Unless it rivaled Cheongryong Pavilion today, no rush there.
"It started as a Namgung branch they handed off. Unless I'm running it, no need for me to micromanage. If you can't hold it, you lose it—natural law."
"..."
Ak Byeongbi looked baffled, but I knew his doubt.
"You find it odd I won't pull Alliance strings to fix it?"
"...!"
His eyes widened, spot on. As Inspection Hall third lord, he'd favored his clan endlessly. Power meant using it for kin—defying that majority instinct made me weird.
"I lack connections or backing anyway, but even if I had 'em, no interest in using them."
He scowled silently, then forced words out.
"...Why?"
I shrugged.
"No matter how high you stack it, a shaky tower crumbles fast."
Handouts or loans never become yours. Past life, Tae-eul Gate clung to Gyerong Merchant Group, staying weak till annihilation.
This life, seizing initiative changed that.
"Taking favors as 'natural' breeds arrogance. Your Ak Clan brims with spoiled brats treating privilege as right."
His face flushed crimson at my jab. But calming, his eyes grew complex.
"...All because of misguided problem-solving?"
Provoking to end it backfired—curiosity piqued.
"Pretty much. Nothing erodes character or turns you into a frog in a well like entitlement."
"..."
After deep thought, he spoke.
"Your sect won't last long."
Huh? This guy's picking a fight...?
"But."
Whoa, that look—expectation and admiration?
"Overcome trials as you say, and it'll surpass Ak Clan by leaps."
"..."
He sank into thought. His words tangled my mind too.
I worried, but couldn't solve everything solo. If handed a foundation, you build atop it yourself. Father could handle that—he'd guarded Tae-eul Gate through hell.
'Got backups anyway.'
I recalled my martial master, Baek Hae-gwang. No word for ages—thought he'd gone straight—then contact came.
Black path overlord turned family man feeding three? Tough. Old thieving habits clashed with wife and daughter's faces haunting him.
Haomen said he tried jobs, but past shadows blocked honest work.
He'd messaged about my old 'food guest' idea—could he stay at Tae-eul Gate awhile? I replied: head to Daecheon.
'Better tame that temper though...'
Building a sect—orthodox at that—wasn't easy. Politics often trumped force. Persuading the mighty with honeyed words? Patience training.
But maybe...
'He'll shatter the mold.'
How the Sword Demon'd restrain himself schooling officials? Kinda exciting.
#
"You're either too kind or too stubborn—I can't tell."
Wang Geumsan clicked his tongue.
Sudden guest. On 'Jin Sowoon's' intro, Jin Taesan welcomed Baek Hae-gwang lavishly.
"Sowoon sent him. Gotta treat him right."
"Tch, overkill."
Reason for tongue-clicking? Obvious.
'Food guests' got a room, meals, exchanged martial lore or knowledge—quid pro quo.
But Baek Hae-gwang: origins unknown, brought family, requested guest status.
Jin Taesan gave them Daecheon's full guest annex, servants included—no discomforts.
Wang Geumsan's voice rose.
"And aiding sect founding? Time to help others?"
"What choice? Damn kid already sent the pigeon ordering it."
Jin Taesan was scouting land near Hebi, hiring carpenters—thanks to Baek's arrival.
With Sura Gate looming, Wang found it frustrating.
"Just pay him off and send packing."
Jin Taesan shook head firmly.
"Sowoon owes him. That brat never spins tales like that."
A relieved, satisfied smile bloomed.
"If a worthless dad can do something—anything—gotta max it out."
A kid with no crutches owing a debt? Gratitude swelled.
Even if Daecheon tanked tomorrow, he'd repay Sowoon's favor. Joy in fatherly action too.
As they bickered, a servant announced a visitor.
"From where?"
"Sura Gate."
"..."
Complex gazes intertwined.
"Bring them in."
Jin Taesan turned to Wang.
"I'll handle it."
"Nah, I'm here too."
"Clan Lord."
Wang patted his shoulder.
"From handling Alliance work together, Wang and Daecheon are inseparable. No need for long talk."
Stubborn set, immovable. Jin Taesan sighed softly.
Moments later, three men entered.
Left one: prior Daecheon buyer hopeful. Other two: high Sura rank, judging by deference.
They stood before Wang and Jin, staring silently.
'Hoo...'
Clear refusal to greet first. Jin Taesan sighed long, rose.
"Welcome. Jin Taesan of Daecheon Merchant Group."
Only then did the visitor nod, speak.
"Pleased to meet you. Sura Gate Lord Ju Yeongsan."
"The lord himself."
Ju glanced at Wang, coughed.
"Ahem, long time, Wang Clan Lord."
Forced calm drew Wang's smirk.
"Yeah. Last was ten years back, begging 2,000 nyang loan?"
"Wh-what!"
"Watch your mouth!"
Flankers tensed to lunge, but Ju halted them.
"Living off past nostalgia—how pathetic. You wouldn't know, Wang Clan Lord?"
"Dunno... Ah! Also know riding tiger backs to play mountain king looks foolish."
Jab at leaning on Shaolin for expansion soured Sura faces silent.
Tired, Jin Taesan intervened.
"Enough, all. Not here for spat. Clan Lord, stop. My guests."
"Hmph!"
At plea, bickering ceased; they sat.
Ju, arrogant, cut to chase.
"Prior offer delivered. Your decision?"
Despite rudeness, Jin replied loftily, politely.
"As stated, Daecheon feeds Tae-eul Gate. Not for sale."
"We'll pay fair."
"..."
"Million nyang?"
Gasp-worthy sum; Wang snorted.
"Thieves bolder than daylight robbers! Swallowing Anhui monopoly for a measly million?"
Ju's eyes sharpened.
"Million's what it'd earn in ten years."
"Pure coin, sure. But Alliance monopoly perks and derivatives? Short by miles."
Ju's hands trembled rage.
"...Heard Daecheon's owned by Tae-eul Gate."
"Hmm? Who said?"
Wang shrugged; Ju ignored, eyed Jin.
"Think well, Group Lord. Sura enters commerce. Daecheon shrinks naturally. Sell now, we'll buy your iron ore double post-Tae-eul."
"..."
Deep thought; Jin shook head firm.
"Still not selling."
"Stubborn fool..."
Ju scowled, raised voice.
"Don't you get it? Not just Sura—tied to Shaolin's Anhui push. Fighting Shaolin?"
"Shaolin..."
Shadow on Jin's face; Wang jumped in.
"Shaolin? If they meddle, Wang becomes thugs too..."
Jin blocked.
"Clan Lord."
Wang snorted uncontrollably.
"Did I lie? They're too blatant!"
"Clan Lord!"
Blocked again; Wang relented.
"...Ahem, whatever."
Wang silenced; Ju smug.
"Wise choice. Wang gold mighty, but can't face Murim's north star Shaolin..."
"Didn't say selling."
"Eh?"
Eyes bulging; Jin pulled crumpled pigeon letter from bosom.
"Post-Sura visit, I inquired around. Learned one thing..."
Grinned at him.
"Shaolin's bowing out."
"Wh-what?"
"Didn't check?"
"Nonsense..."
Jin clapped, feigning realization.
"Ah! Hasn't reached you yet? Mine says Sura commerce inevitable, but no Shaolin muscle."
"How..."
Jin hammered home, handed letter.
"Son traveled with Little Buddha. Heard from him."
Sura trio snatched, scanned feverishly.
Little Buddha (Laughing Buddha): key Shaolin figure. No lies from him, especially dragged here.
"Verify if doubtful."
Jin's poise sank Ju's gaze calm.
"...No Shaolin, think we can't take one merchant group?"
Glanced at Wang slyly.
"No Wang or Shaolin, it's Sura vs. Tae-eul. We won't lose."
Lumping Wang with Shaolin; Wang incredulous, stayed put. Jin's moment.
Jin stepped forward.
"Misunderstanding."
Corrected leisurely.
"Precisely: your new merchant group vs. Daecheon."
"...!"
"And."
No hesitation on face.
"That fight? Don't think I'd lose."
"Ha!"
Sura scoffed; Jin confident.
His innate talent grew Daecheon this fast. Wang's proud nod hardened Sura faces slow.
No Shaolin aid, entrenched Daecheon no easy foe.
Ju ground teeth.
"Confidence looks good. But know this: murim merchants can't escape power logic."
"..."
"Tae-eul still closed-gate, right?"
"Yes."
Ju sneered coldly.
"Running merchants while closed? Unseemly."
"..."
"Deserves condemnation."
Bang!
Wang slammed table fury.
"Bastard, getting cocky!"
Ju stared Jin down.
"We'll deploy force to offset gold lack. Tae-eul best reopen, prepare."
Blatant threat; Wang quivered rage.
Ju added, eyeing him.
"To Clan Lord: if Wang steps in, Shaolin will too. Stay out of murim affairs."
With that, trio rose abrupt.
Enough pretext. Verify Shaolin first.
No farewell, flung office door wide.
Doorway: white-haired man, middle-aged woman stood frozen.
Trio tried skirting; but.
Swish—swish.
White-hair stepped, blocked path.
"What the...!"
Repeated blocks. Already irked by Wang, Ju furious.
"What the hell are you?!"
Ready to flatten 'troublemakers', qi surged.
But.
"Hm."
White-hair, utterly relaxed, introduced.
"I'm Daecheon's food guest. You fuckers."
The world's plainest, rudest self-intro.