The Black Flame Dragon Reveals Himself (6)
Sun Tzu's Art of War states that victorious armies first secure victory before engaging in battle.
I'd always admired those words, but I never thought they could actually be applied in reality.
The idiots at the Murim Alliance had certainly never managed it.
Yet here we were.
Wow, so this is actually possible.
Honestly, I couldn't help but be impressed by the stage the Eunha Merchant Group had so meticulously set.
No matter how desperately they'd invited me—through whatever methods and over however many rounds—it was all meaningless now.
One by one, people entered the inner chamber at the warrior's call, offering polite greetings and presents.
The merchant lord accepted the gifts, offering a word of blessing in return.
And those who received his blessings bowed repeatedly as if they'd heard some profound golden wisdom, some even shedding tears.
Then the next person was called.
The atmosphere itself created an air of authority.
And in that atmosphere, the merchant lord looked every bit the emperor.
Those seated around him, those waiting in the banquet hall—everyone accepted it as only natural.
"Noble Sword of Gui Province, Yeomun-gak, step forward."
Once the merchant group's affiliates had finished, it was the warriors' turn.
"Congratulations on the Eunha Merchant Group's 180th anniversary. I have not prepared a gift befitting your esteemed group, so might I offer my humble skills in its place?"
"Hoho, with the Noble Sword's fame resounding beyond Gui Province even here, and you call it humble?"
"I am grateful for your kind words."
The warrior bowed lightly, then began a sword dance to the music played by the dancers.
Even within the Eunha Merchant Group, some showed off their talents, and a few even demonstrated the group's unique martial arts.
I don't think warriors need to pretend to be lofty Taoists, but this groveling display—like turning themselves into playthings or mere spectacles—crossed a line.
"Oppa Jin."
I turned to see Wang Soso staring at me with a grave, hardened expression.
"Let's leave right now. This... this isn't respectful to the guests."
Wang Soso trembled, barely containing her anger, as if she might charge out any second.
I looked around after pulling my gaze from her.
Hmm.
A few warriors caught my eye.
Not quite the elites of the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Families, but those with decent reputations—lay disciples with notable prestige.
Among them, some couldn't hide their discomfort.
Were they invited like me?
Even those furrowing their brows slightly didn't bolt from their seats.
Instead, when called, they let out a small sigh and followed the example of those before them.
Because any outburst here wouldn't just point out the rudeness—it would backfire, damaging their own reputation.
And if they were tied to business with the Eunha Merchant Group like me, that restraint was even more natural.
"Oppa!"
I took Wang Soso's hand as she grabbed and shook my arm again, tapping the back of her hand twice.
"If we storm out now, we'll be playing right into their hands."
"Then... I'll go with you."
I shook my head.
"Don't worry. I've got this all figured out."
I quietly examined the layout of the banquet hall and inner chamber.
# In truth, I was curious about the merchant lord.
After all the commotion at the entrance, I'd deliberately caused more disturbances in the annex.
I figured he'd summon me by now.
And once we met face-to-face, I'd get a read on what kind of man he was.
But my expectations missed the mark spectacularly.
He neither called for me nor issued any warning.
As if I wasn't even worth his attention from the start.
And instead of a proper showcase of martial prowess...
They've set up a stage for selling tricks like some traveling troupe...
Damn, what a cunning mind.
No matter what I said about the Eunha Merchant Group outside, people would just think I'd sold my talents for scraps from their table.
"Next..."
The warrior glanced at the list and froze.
Then he looked my way.
"N-next is... Anhui Province's Tae-eul Gate, Young Hero Jin Sowoon."
I rose from my seat.
And like those before me, entered the inner chamber.
Standing in the center, those seated to the left and right regarded me with haughty expressions.
The merchant lord and Jeong Sogun waited for me to speak first.
"Is the Black Flame Dragon a mute?"
Laughter rippled through the chamber at the words from the left.
"Maybe he's using a concentration technique."
"Ah! They call him the Black Maitreya in the unorthodox world, right?"
"Watch yourself. He might uncover your secret concubines."
"Hahaha!"
The mockery and disdain from those around me felt oddly familiar.
Well, yeah. I'd been Gye Cheolyeong's ass-wiper back then. I'd endured this a thousand times.
Back then, the heirs of the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families hurled insults like that at me endlessly.
Insults to my parents, mockery of my sect, the utter powerlessness.
Anger that couldn't reach my enemies turned inward, destroying me.
Because I had no power.
Because I couldn't fight back.
"The Eunha Merchant Group's 180th founding anniversary... I sincerely congratulate you."
I stood straight and clasped my hands in salute.
Not liking that, someone from the right chimed in.
"Just empty words? Why'd you come empty-handed?"
"Heh, come on. You think Tae-eul Gate is some great sect that could prepare a gift? Even if they did, would it satisfy the lord? Haha!"
"True enough. Hey, Black Flame Dragon, why not show off a trick like the others before you go?"
They probably knew.
That by showing a humiliating display once, I'd secure big gains through the Eunha Merchant Group.
That's why they could flap their gums so freely.
The me from my past life would have just swallowed the humiliation forced on him in a place like this.
But I'd learned one thing through that previous life.
No matter how great the profit, never play the fool.
Responding to their rudeness with a idiotic grin only diminishes the respect you're owed.
So, to build a friendly relationship, I had to show them I wasn't an easy mark.
"You're right. Tae-eul Gate used to eat two meals a day, now it's three, but we're still struggling. That's why we need the Eunha Merchant Group's help."
At my frank words, the stunned faces burst into roaring laughter.
"Kuhahaha!"
"Hahaha!"
"Puhahaha!"
Was their laughter because they thought I'd submitted? Or because they couldn't hold back at the fact that Tae-eul Gate barely ate two meals before?
The merchant lord at the head seat silently drained his cup, while Jeong Sogun smirked smugly.
Did they like how my arrogance had turned meek?
"I can't compare to the excellent warriors before me, but might I offer my humble skills as a gift?"
The laughter died instantly, all eyes turning to the merchant lord.
He simply nodded without a word.
Ching—
I slowly drew Cheokgwanggeom and began the Great Heaven Sword Method.
Shushuk—
Without internal energy, the sword was slow, no sword shadows manifesting.
Unlike the previous warriors, the sluggish swordsmanship quickly bored these discerning eyes.
"Academy top graduate, so I thought he'd regained some great art... Tsk, no such luck."
"If that's enough to get into the Murim Academy, I should've sent my son too."
"Don't you know? The Black Flame Dragon got in with unorthodox help. Heh."
Criticism poured out unbidden, and I matched it with clumsy movements.
Sguk—
I deliberately sliced one corner of a table and halted awkwardly.
Then, like someone unable to hide their panic, I glanced around cautiously.
"Heavens... We said show a skill, and you slice up the merchant group's property."
I quickly played the fool.
"S-sorry. It's my first time performing here... I-I'll do it again."
Crash!
This time, pretending a mistake, I cut the table and the plates of food on it.
"Argh! You damn fool...!"
"What kind of warrior swings a sword like that?!"
Amid the sharp rebukes from those frowning at the splattered food, I bowed my head deeply.
"S-sorry. First time controlling my strength like this..."
"Controlling your strength?"
Jeong Sogun's irritated voice came from above.
"You saying you can't show your real skill?"
"Well... There are many non-martial folk here. Even warriors might not withstand it..."
"Haa..."
Jeong Sogun sighed in disbelief, as if insulted.
"You think the people here would be shocked by some warrior's swordplay?"
"N-not that?"
I tilted my head like an innocent fool, making Jeong Sogun tremble with rage.
"You dare mock us?!"
As he ground his teeth, the merchant lord raised a hand to stop him.
And spoke for the first time.
"It's ridiculous not to show your full skill after coming this far. Young Hero Jin, demonstrate your true ability."
His arrogant chin jut challenged me to try.
His guards closed in tightly around him.
So he expected me to unleash killing intent.
Well, warriors often intimidate civilians with it.
Not surprising for a seasoned man like him.
Anyway, I'd gotten the answer I wanted.
Hm, better confirm it one more time to be sure.
"Really... even if I go all out, it's okay?"
"...Do it."
I glanced around deliberately, as if taking everyone present as witnesses.
"Then I'll show you everything I've got."
I sheathed and slowly redrew Cheokgwanggeom.
Unlike before, its crimson glow sharpened, drawing even the distracted gazes.
As I summoned killing intent with my will, agonized screams seemed to echo in my ears.
Kyaaaaaaa!
The others felt it too, their laughter fading into tense expressions.
"This... is the true Great Heaven Sword Method of Tae-eul Gate."
Chwarururuk.
The blade fanned out like a spread hand, extending in all directions.
I started in the tight space like a flower bud, gradually expanding outward.
As the blade neared them...
Chwaa—
I altered it again, scattering sword shadows wildly.
And wove in the Small Heaven Sword Method to slice tables and food.
Sguk— Sguk—
"Wh-what is this?!"
"W-wait!"
Tense from the killing intent, their mouths clamped shut—now wide with shock. Their guards surged forward like the merchant lord's, trying to shield their charges.
Futile, of course.
I ramped up the killing intent's intensity.
The level that had even made the gold-silver-bronze brothers tense during energy circulation.
The brutal aura scattered by Demonic Cult fiends.
"Kuh...!"
"Urk!"
"St-stop!"
Linking my initial "mistake" with the deliberate clumsiness, the sword shadows weaving between throats and heads became a perfect threat.
Jeong Sogun might distinguish shadows from the real blade, but lifelong bookworms? No chance.
Chwarururuk!
I intensified the killing intent further, spreading shadows more boldly.
Not forgetting to slice tables, plates, and cups along the way.
And this was a sealed inner chamber.
No escape for the aura I exuded.
Trapped in a narrow space where one twitch might sever their necks, they froze in terror.
Their guards, too, trying to protect their lords.
"Uh, uuh... P-please!"
"St-stop! Enough!"
"Sp-spare us!"
As wails filled the air, I retracted the Great Heaven Sword Method entirely.
Chak—
Cheokgwanggeom returned to its sheath, and the people gasped for breath.
"Hah, hah, hah."
"Kuhk!"
Some collapsed to the floor, minds reeling.
I scratched my head with the most harmless expression possible.
"Ah, oops... I tried controlling my strength, but was it too much?"
Liquid spread under the left and right tables.
Along with a pungent stench.
I pinched my nose.
"Shorry. Great peoplesh like yoush, I forgot how shmall to hold it..."
I slowly approached the merchant lord.
And lifted a cup, eyeing the wet stain from his piss on the floor.
Out of courtesy, I lowered the hand plugging my nose.
"Still, I showed my skill. You'll treat me to a drink, right?"
"......"
The merchant lord trembled with fury.
Unable to hold back, Jeong Sogun slammed the table.
Tang—
"How dare you pull this shit here?!"
I widened my eyes innocently, tilting my head.
"You told me to show my skill... Did I do something wrong?"
With a genuinely puzzled look.
Honestly, failing to stop me under the killing intent? Your fault.
"Ah... Of course, I overestimated you great people, and I apologize for that. But it's not all my fault, is it?"
I flashed Jeong Sogun a faint sneer, then extended the cup toward the merchant lord's face.
"One drink, right?"
"......"
"H-how dare...! Bring my spear!"
I fixed Jeong Sogun with a steady glare.
"Senior... Don't ruin the mood in a fine place like this."
"What are you waiting for? Bring the spear!"
A flustered warrior rushed up, handing him a silver spear.
Snatching it, he growled.
"Today, I'll teach you there's a heaven above heaven!"
Gripping the silver spear wrapped in golden thread, Jeong Sogun kicked off the floor, vaulting over the table.
I drew Cheokgwanggeom one-handed, cup in the other, blocking his spear strikes.
The spear thrust at vitals with killing intent.
Cha cha chang!
Parrying, I retreated, then said to Jeong Sogun,
"Senior Jeong, last warning. Stop."
"Shut up! You thought you'd walk out alive after this in the Eunha Merchant Group?!"
I twisted to dodge the chest stab, slipping inside and jabbing his vitals with the sword's hilt.
Jeong Sogun recoiled, stepping on a table and leaping like a meteor to strike down.
Thunderbolt Meteor Spear—Jeong Sogun's signature.
Soaring to the ceiling, he sealed every gap with blue spear energy.
Papapapak!
Dodging would be wisest, but instead, I poured internal energy into Cheokgwanggeom.
To flaunt power, sometimes you overdo it for overwhelming display.
Wung.
Instead of crimson killing intent, golden light shimmered, forming sword force.
The sword force shattered the airtight spear energy raining down.
Peng! Peng! Peng! Peopeopeong!
Seeing his spear energy shatter helplessly, Jeong Sogun tried to form spear force—but
Should've gone all out from the start.
Cheokgwanggeom had already crossed his chest.
Chwaak—
Where blood should have sprayed, only his clothes shredded.
Jeong Sogun, who had charged like an arrow, slammed into the wall even faster.
Ppeoeok!
"Kuhk..."
The impact was so great he lost consciousness instantly.
I leisurely slung Cheokgwanggeom over my shoulder and addressed the room.
"Senior Jeong went all out to make this junior shine. Everyone, give him a round of applause."
"......"
Silence.
Hm? Didn't they hear?
I summoned intent, flaring killing intent.
"Hik!"
"Kuhk!"
"Th-that madman again...!"
The officials looked ready to faint, eyes rolling back.
I smiled at them.
"Ladies. And. Gentlemen. I said applaud. Is that so hard? Don't make Senior Jeong look bad."
Clap, clap clap, clap clap clap.
Applause finally rang out, and I withdrew the intent.
As it swelled, filling the room, I stood before the merchant lord again.
"Merchant Lord, I showed my skill. Really no drink?"
"......"
Bloodshot eyes burned with desire to kill me.
Hah, this old man's still clueless.
I shook the cup lightly, murmuring low.
"If... this weren't just a talent show, Senior Jeong would've met the blade's edge, not the flat."
"......Then Tae-eul Gate would be annihilated."
"Haha, so we both keep up appearances, right?"
"......"
After a moment of locked gazes,
The merchant lord bit his lip and slowly filled my cup from the bottle.
I downed it in one gulp.
"Looking forward to doing business in the future."
Leaving the trembling merchant lord behind, I exited the inner chamber.
"......"
"......"
The banquet hall stared blankly my way.
Hm? Did I kill the vibe?
"What's this? Music stops on a festive day? Who's in charge here? Get the manager!!!"
The musicians hurriedly resumed playing.
Yeah, now it feels like a party.