Dragons and Phoenixes Gather (1)
The leader of the Sebin Merchant Group said to me,
"Thank you. You saved my life."
Yeah, that was the case.
When Geunseong, having confirmed Guimyeonsu's death, confessed the full details, only I was there with him since everyone else was busy.
So it seemed he'd come in person once things had settled a bit.
At that moment, Palgap stepped forward with perfect timing.
"Um, I've brought some tea. Please moisten your throats and talk."
"Ah! I haven't even offered you a seat. Please, sit down."
We sat at the low table.
This time, Geunseong hadn't disguised himself as Bokyun Sub-leader just to steal the silver plaque.
What he'd truly aimed for was the Sebin Merchant leader's life.
That's why he'd looked at me not with resentment, but with relief.
"We interrogated the head of the Yeong Clan Merchant House and learned why. It was resentment over us taking the inkstone mountain they'd been cultivating."
Killing someone over something so trivial?
Of course, this world saw people die for far pettier reasons...
Still, if he'd hired a peak expert like Guisugeom, why not just assassinate through him...?
But seeing the middle-aged warrior standing beside the Sebin leader cleared up my doubts.
The super first-rate master known as Giant Rock True Sword.
Super first-rates were rare even in major sects or martial clans—one or two at most.
I'd learned why such a master was content as the Sebin leader's bodyguard in my previous life.
It was a common tale: he'd been saved by the Sebin leader and vowed lifelong protection in repayment.
For decades, his resolve hadn't wavered, always guarding like a rock—hence the title Giant Rock True Sword.
With such a man at his side, who could take the Sebin leader's life?
But there was one place bodyguards weren't allowed: the Hundred Great Merchant Group's assembly hall.
Built on mutual trust, even basic inspections were skipped.
So smuggling in a dagger could leave him defenseless.
Even if I hadn't spotted Geunseong's disguise, the assassination would've failed anyway.
In my previous life, the Sebin leader had died of old age.
And honestly, from super first-rate on, they weren't ordinary humans.
Even without me, Giant Rock True Sword would've sensed Geunseong's killing intent and acted.
Yet in my past life, the Yeong Clan Merchant House hadn't been razed...
Did Geunseong die without confessing?
The Sebin leader continued.
"All this is thanks to you spotting his identity and making him confess. I want to repay you properly. Is there anything you desire?"
Desire...
He was the head of the world's top merchant group.
Of course, I had plenty in mind. But asking now would be a waste.
"I'm fine. I only did what was right—how could I expect repayment? For me, the assembly ending safely, rescuing my friend in time, and knowing a pillar of our merchant world like you is unharmed—that's reward enough."
"Haha, now I see why they call you Seonhyeopmirang."
That nickname still felt awkward.
As I made a sheepish face, he laughed heartily.
"Very well! If you ever need my help, come find me anytime. I'll gladly assist."
The Sebin leader rose and turned to my father nearby.
"Since I'm here, I should share a cup of tea with your leader too."
"Of course. Our group has a knack for tea."
Father headed to the guest room with him, a broad smile on his face.
Opportunities to chat with the top merchant leader weren't common.
But Giant Rock True Sword didn't follow—instead, he stayed.
He stared at me quietly, then spoke.
"I didn't realize Young Master Eun's realm was so profound."
"...!"
As expected of a super first-rate master—he'd seen through my level.
But he said no more on my strength, just clasped his fists in thanks.
"This Dan-yul thanks Young Master Eun. Thanks to you, I upheld my vow. I won't forget this grace."
Then he turned and followed the Sebin leader.
I scratched the back of my neck.
Inadvertently, I'd earned favors from two great figures.
Ah!
Come to think of it, there was one more thing.
Saving Geunseong's life.
Chunil had asked me to spare him, at least his life.
"Um, Daehyeop."
I hurried out and called after Giant Rock True Sword.
"What is it?"
"I just thought of something to tell the leader."
.
.
.
Surprisingly, I got custody of Geunseong easily.
Though he'd kidnapped Bokyun Sub-leader, he'd done so under duress, and revealing his backers earned leniency.
Plus pleas from Bokyun and me.
I went straight to the Sebin group, picked him up, and brought him back to the inn.
The moment Geunseong entered my room, he knelt before me.
Despite his battered body from harsh interrogation, blood seeped into the floor from his knees.
It must hurt badly.
"Thank you truly for saving my life and my little sister's."
"I just kept my promise. So, what are your plans now?"
"..."
He hesitated long before speaking.
"Just..."
"Just go back to living like before?"
"...!"
He flinched— I'd hit the mark.
"Truth be told... it's too late for me to reform. Thieving's too ingrained."
Just like Chunil.
And as Chunil said, letting him go felt like a waste.
"Then change your thieving target."
I had Chunil as a prime example of successful reform. Might as well take him under my wing.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm your lifesaver, right?"
"Yes."
"Then steal information for me."
And so, I gained another agent for my intelligence network.
.
.
.
A few days later.
I left the inn with Father.
Today was the day the Murim Alliance held the "seat selection" for the Yongbong Competition.
They chose commercial zones centered on the tournament grounds.
Then rented spaces to merchants.
The Alliance claimed it prevented chaos and damage from disorderly merchants.
But to me, it seemed the Alliance resented merchants reaping all the reflected profits from their event.
If it was truly about order, why charge seat fees?
Yet they demanded hefty fees from participating merchants.
What could merchants do against the Murim Alliance?
They had no choice but to comply.
At least they provided patrols for protection.
Truthfully, I wasn't in a great mood. The selection was at the Murim Alliance.
I'd known that, of course.
I'd gone there multiple times in my previous life.
It hadn't felt real until now.
But as the day approached, it sank in.
The pressure of visiting the place where my killers worked was heavier than expected.
My hands and feet grew cold, cold sweat beaded.
Damn, it's starting again.
Father snapped me out of it.
"Sigh, this day again."
His tone dripped disdain.
"Just thinking of those Murim Alliance warriors strutting arrogantly boils my blood."
Father sighed under my gaze.
"Ah... you wouldn't know yet since it's your first time. But you'll see soon enough how high their noses are."
His words stirred memories from my past life.
From seat selections to dealings through the Alliance, their attitudes always infuriated.
They treated money-grubbing lowly merchants like us with barely concealed contempt.
Yet they'd be lost without us merchants.
The recalled anger from those who'd killed me in my past life drowned out my tension.
"But never act rashly. Endure, and endure again. Got it?"
"Yes, Father."
"Hoo! It's bitter that clashing with them only hurts us."
"..."
Even Father, so steadfast, reacted this way—they were utter bastards.
We soon arrived at the Murim Alliance.
Clack-!
The gate guards crossed spears to block us.
"State your identity and purpose."
"We're here for the seat selection. Eun Gil-sang, leader of Eunhae Merchant Group, and Eun Seo-ho, sub-leader."
"Another merchant group. What, do they think there's scraps to pick up, swarming like this?"
My teeth ground at that.
These bastards!
If mere gatekeepers sneered like this, what about higher-ups?
Damn.
"What can we do? Gotta put food on the table, haha."
"Identification plaques."
"Ah, yes! Here."
Father and I handed over our plaques; they tossed them back after checking.
"Whatever, go in."
"Thank you."
That green kid using casual speech to a man old enough to be his father!
Had they eaten manners for breakfast?
Some merchants they couldn't mess with, though—like Namgung Gang Leader or Sebin Leader.
Namgung Gang was from the Namgung Clan, a Murim Alliance heavyweight.
And Sebin had Giant Rock True Sword at his side.
Would a gatekeeper dare rudeness before a super first-rate—if he valued his head?
Ah...
Makes me a bit envious, thinking about it.
Anyway, Father and I headed to the selection area. Easy to find.
A big sign stood out.
Servants and guards couldn't enter, so they waited outside.
We soon reached the venue.
"Welcome."
"Good to see you again."
Many faces I knew were there—most Hundred Great leaders, save one.
Other groups were present too, so Father's introductions let me make connections.
How long did we wait?
"Ahem! Quiet down, everyone!"
A pompous voice rang out. Seeing the face, I nearly lost my composure.
A familiar sight from my past life.
He worked under the Alliance's internal steward, deluded into thinking he was the steward himself.
Long time no see.
Got caught embezzling Alliance funds and died, right?
Probably skimming now too.
No reason to tip off the Alliance—it's their money.
Two warriors behind him carried a large urn filled with numbered wooden plaques.
"Then, let the seat selection for this Yongbong Competition commercial zone begin!"
He gave precautions, then said,
"One by one, come draw a plaque."
Leaders stepped up and drew.
Our turn came; Father drew from the urn.
"Eunhae Merchant Group, Zone Three, Number Twenty-One!"
Zone Three—pretty good.
I glanced around. As expected, no Namgung Gang Leader.
Baekcheon Group was Alliance-affiliated, so their spot was preset.
We registered our seat and paid the fee.
Honestly, my hand shook—it hurt to part with the silver.
Days passed.
Meanwhile, goods arrived from our main branch.
Eunhae focused on herbs this time.
Some sold ready-made golden sore salves or internal injury pills, but many bought raw herbs to compound themselves.
We also stocked tea, fabrics, and thread.
Tea was essential—imperial habit.
And martial bouts ruined clothes fast; repair materials were needed.
Preparations done, the streets buzzed with crowds.
Today began the five-day registration for Yongbong participants.
Gauging entrants was key.
I headed to the desk.
But in a corner, a group argued loudly.
"Is that how you brush us off?"
"Why grab a living person?"
"Keep that up, and we won't hold back!"
The voice sounded familiar.
No way?
I approached and sighed.