Chapter 115
Chapter 115
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Third-Rate Martial Family Becomes World's Best
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Escort bureau. A group that generates profit through transportation and security services.
Baek Yang-hui, who had been a wandering swordsman in his previous life, knew the inner workings of escort bureaus all too well.
He had even worked as an escort for a short while, so how could he not?
'An escort bureau can be seen as a kind of martial sect for martial artists, but it differs fundamentally from ordinary sects.'
That was precisely why he could make such a proposal.
"Three thousand gold taels. I'll buy the Changil Escort Bureau for three thousand taels."
What if he went to the Namgung Clan and said he wanted to buy the entire clan?
Regardless of the amount, they would see it as an insult and immediately draw their swords.
Even if he fled, he would become the target of a pursuit order.
But the reaction of Changil Escort Bureau Chief Yeo Gu-wi was entirely different.
"Th-three thousand taels...? Are you serious?"
"Would I joke in front of the bureau chief, especially about his family business?"
The Changil Escort Bureau was the top outfit even in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province.
Just from escort missions alone, they raked in five hundred gold taels a year.
That was enough to establish five solid businesses in a single year of operations.
But even so.
Three thousand gold taels—thirty thousand silver taels in equivalent value—was more than enough to shake the bureau chief's resolve.
'Three thousand gold taels! That's equivalent to six years of our bureau's earnings...!'
Just six years' worth? Is that all?
That was the kind of question only the ignorant would ask.
Considering operating costs and reinvestments, the bureau chief personally pocketed only about a hundred gold taels a year.
'Three thousand taels! It's more than double the fortune our Yeo family has accumulated over generations... Ahem.'
Though subtle, Baek Yang-hui was someone who could be seen as an adversary.
Realizing he had shown his emotions too openly, the Changil Escort Bureau Chief composed himself.
Baek Yang-hui watched the chief with a relaxed, leisurely demeanor.
'As expected. There's room to maneuver. No, it's overflowing.'
The Hundred Intentions Sect was using the Changil Escort Bureau to harass the Baek Book Merchant Group.
The simplest way to resolve that was to bring the Changil Escort Bureau under their own control.
'A sect might be different, but when it comes to winning over an escort bureau, money is king.'
Unlike ordinary martial sects, escort bureaus existed to make money.
"What do you say? Is three thousand gold taels not enough for your family legacy?"
"Hmph..."
The bureau chief trailed off, clearly deep in thought.
'Since the first offer is three thousand, he'll think he can get more by playing hard to get.'
"Three thousand taels is certainly a large sum. But this bureau has been passed down through generations of my Yeo family."
Baek Yang-hui's lips curved upward. That response meant he was at least considering selling.
"I see. That's all the money I have—three thousand taels. Pity. Our business is concluded, so I'll be on my way."
He stood up, gazing pointedly at the bureau chief with a meaningful smile.
"I'll be staying at the Baek Book Merchant Group's compound. Next time we meet, it'll be at two thousand five hundred taels. Keep that in mind."
He turned and walked toward the door of the reception hall.
After about five steps...
"Young Master Baek. Wait a moment!"
'He deserves to be the chief of Nanchang's premier escort bureau. Quick on the uptake.'
"Too late. Starting from one thousand eight hundred taels."
"......"
In that short time, beads of sweat had formed on the bureau chief's forehead.
He must have agonized over it.
"Hoo. The rumors say the Baek Clan's young master excels in both martial prowess and strategy. I am truly impressed. Please, sit."
As soon as Baek Yang-hui sat, the bureau chief continued.
"First, let me ask—why make such an offer?"
"You know why. To hit back hard at the Hundred Intentions Sect's pressure, we need to pull the Changil Escort Bureau to our side—the one they're backing."
"You're not just pulling them in; you're trying to buy the whole thing outright? Your ambition is staggering."
Baek Yang-hui shrugged.
"Just one thing to confirm. Does the Baek Clan Manor really have three thousand taels in gold?"
"One thousand eight hundred taels. The way you ask tells me you won't sell unless it's paid in full upfront."
"I can't help but be amazed. Exactly. This is a massive decision for us too. We need something tangible to stir the heart."
Fair enough. He had planned to pay in full from the start to close the deal quickly anyway.
He pulled a bundle of promissory notes from his robe.
"Three thousand gold taels. Ah, but I'll need to remove two of them first."
The bureau chief's eyes widened as he took the bundle.
Then he let out a sigh.
"I feel like I've been had. You came fully prepared from the start."
"Less 'certain' and more 'determined to make it happen.' That's closer to the truth."
"Heh."
The bureau chief marveled at Baek Yang-hui's cunning and boldness.
"Young master. Are you really only fifteen?"
"I've turned sixteen since my birthday passed."
"Unbelievable. If my son were even half as capable as you, he wouldn't have fallen for those temptations."
'He would have. Without the weakness of an incompetent heir, three thousand wouldn't have been enough.'
The bureau chief's son, Yeo Gu-wi, was infamous as a wastrel around Nanchang.
Handing the bureau to him would surely lead to its decline.
Better to sell it off and pocket the money while it was thriving.
They could endure squandering the cash, but watching the family legacy crumble would wound their pride too deeply.
"One thing I must tell you. A large portion of our bureau's income comes from Hundred Intentions Sect commissions. You do know that?"
That close tie was why the Hundred Intentions Sect wielded influence over the Changil Escort Bureau.
"I know."
"Buying it for three thousand gold could halve its value overnight."
Baek Yang-hui gave the bureau chief a slightly surprised look.
'He didn't have to mention that. Turns out he's a decent fellow.'
Maybe adjust the plan a bit?
"I know that too. And that the moment you step down, many of the escorts will jump ship."
Escort bureau operatives were somewhere between sect-affiliated martial artists and wandering ronin.
Affiliated with the bureau but paid salaries and prone to switching for better offers, much like ronin.
Thus, in the martial world, escort bureaus and their escorts were often classified as neutral factions.
"Just as crucial as the income is the bureau's position and the leader's capabilities. With that in mind, may I make a proposal?"
"What kind?"
"The Changil Escort Bureau will become part of the Heaven-Covering Escort Bureau, operated directly from our Baek Clan Manor."
"I expected as much."
"We'll establish a new Changil Division within it. And I'd like you to serve as its division chief."
In other words, transfer ownership but stay on board.
"In return, I'll top up to two thousand taels and provide a satisfying salary."
The bureau chief once again admired Baek Yang-hui's magnanimity.
"Can you trust me as bureau chief? What if I act as a spy for the Hundred Intentions Sect?"
Baek Yang-hui's answer was simple.
"I doubt you'd do something that hurts you. And even if you did, the Hundred Intentions Sect couldn't capitalize on it."
In essence, he was confident he could make any collusion with the Hundred Intentions Sect unprofitable for the chief.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Of course."
He reviewed the plan he had just improvised on the spot.
Originally, he had intended to find some suitable talent to put in charge.
But using the bureau chief seemed more efficient.
'People naturally seek higher ground. Especially someone who's lingered as second-in-command for so long.'
Grinning, he brought up the next item.
"Ever thought of becoming Nanchang's overlord?"
"......"
The bureau chief fell silent, listening intently to the explanation that followed.
Soon, his eyes widened.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ One of Hundred Intentions Sect Leader Gong Wol-hyeok's hobbies was the tea ceremony.
Expensive leaves sourced from far-off Yunnan and Sichuan. As he poured hot water, a fragrant aroma teased his nostrils.
'Always a fine scent, no matter when I drink it.'
A luxury afforded only because the Hundred Intentions Sect had claimed the title of Nanchang's foremost sect.
Money brings happiness to people.
Doing and possessing what others cannot was joy in its purest form.
'So I must claim more. Even more.'
This mindset of Gong Wol-hyeok’s was why the Hundred Intentions Sect—once a righteous sect—had, under his leadership, shifted toward openly expanding its influence and pursuing profit.
"You there."
The door to the sect leader's chambers opened immediately, and a subordinate entered.
"You called, Sect Leader?"
The Hundred Intentions Sect Leader wore a satisfied expression.
"Check if anyone from the Baek Book Merchant Group has arrived."
"Understood."
The subordinate clasped his fists in salute and leaped away using lightness skill.
The power to command with a single word.
A privilege reserved for the few who possessed it.
'But... it's still not enough.'
Greater power. More wealth and glory.
Though he enjoyed much, it all felt like it should be commonplace.
Insufficient. He needed more, to grasp it firmly in his hand.
Gong Wol-hyeok believed he deserved it.
'So I must seize the power and authority held by the Elder Council and make it mine.'
Hundred Intentions Sect. True to its name, a sect formed by uniting the wills of a hundred masters.
As such, the sect leader's authority was not absolute.
The Elder Council even held the right to select the next sect leader.
Any major decision required their approval.
'Baek Clan Manor. An annoyance, but the perfect pretext.'
Gong Wol-hyeok's plan was thus:
When a powerful external enemy emerges, it naturally unites the internals.
And in such times, the leader's prestige inevitably strengthens.
'Make the Baek Clan Manor an enemy of the main sect, expand my authority, and rally the disciples' loyalties to me...!'
The Baek Clan Manor had noticeably grown its power in just a few years, and its actions suggested a brilliant strategist at work.
If the Elder Council, sensing a threat to their influence, stepped in to curb the sect leader's power...
Once open conflict arose, he could use covert schemes to turn their decisions into blunders, pinning the faults on them.
'From now on, the Hundred Intentions Sect Leaders will bear the Gong surname for generations.'
Wealth and power—these fine things couldn't be hoarded by him alone.
The good must be passed to his children.
"Sect Leader, they report no one from the Baek Book Merchant Group—not even a letter."
"They must still feel secure. Time to tighten the noose."
Acting personally would damage his dignity.
In that regard, the Changil Escort Bureau—with its close ties to the Hundred Intentions Sect—was a fine card to play.
Treated as equals on the surface, but effectively under their thumb, it could be wielded freely.
"I'll write a letter. Deliver it to the Changil Escort Bureau."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
He leisurely took up his brush and filled the paper.
He praised himself: elegant calligraphy befitting a refined scholar.
He, Gong Wol-hyeok, was a hero versed in both pen and sword.
"Here. Deliver it."
Glancing at the departing subordinate, Gong Wol-hyeok sipped his Yunnan tea once more.
The taste and aroma were still exquisite.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A reply arrived from the Changil Escort Bureau Chief.
Needless to say, he had accepted the proposal, so Gong Wol-hyeok unhurriedly unfolded and read the letter.
[To the Hundred Intentions Sect Leader.]
[As of today, the Changil Escort Bureau ceases operations. Take note.]
"Huh?"