“…You’re saying this is all mine?”
Uncle Bang Biyeon looked at me after loading a large wagon full of luggage.
“That is correct.”
I couldn’t understand this sudden change.
Is this what they mean by becoming rich overnight?
Just because I made and sold a few leather clothes, to think it would already be like this…
“…”
…No. Thinking about it, maybe the Hao Gate is blatantly pushing to support me.
Before I leave, I should meet Brother Wi Chang at least once. Just to see how things are flowing.
Several bolts of silk, multiple chests, layers of high-quality leather, black dye, a box of silver taels, fine timber, new tools… etc.
It was so much that I wondered if it was too much for one person to own.
It was luxurious enough to make me worry about being attacked by bandits.
Having lived in poverty all my life, receiving all this at once left me unsure of how to react.
Honestly, with just this wagon, I had risen to the ranks of the wealthy.
“It must feel awkward.”
“…Yes. It is very awkward. I don’t even have space to put this in my house.”
“Eventually, you’ll have to build a bigger house. Moving is also an option. However, since you wish to live on Mt. Emei, settling down there wouldn’t be bad either. Speaking of which, how about hiring people to build a new house? Isn’t your current house too shabby? If you just leave this box of silver here, I will send people before long.”
…A house.
“...I’ll think about it first. I think I need to talk to the uncles.”
I should ask for Uncle Gwak Du’s opinion.
Although he is a beggar and has no connection with wealth, he is wise.
He might prevent me from slipping up because of money or making bad choices.
I wonder if it’s right for me to change my house. I don’t have any major inconveniences living there currently.
Besides, I’m not even sure if I can really settle down on Mt. Emei yet.
Soon, problems regarding the war will start erupting here and there.
…Or maybe not. Since Cheongwol is out of the picture, perhaps the plans have been delayed significantly.
Honestly, perhaps because my beggar habits are ingrained, all of this still felt too bewildered.
“Still, it is something you have rightfully earned, so do not feel too burdened.”
“I only made a few leather clothes—”
“—Isn’t it because of those leather clothes that you entered the Hao Gate’s sights? Even if it is luck, if it is luck that you triggered with your own hands, you also need the habit of accepting it. If you keep acting like a coward, you’ll be stripped bare and eaten by selfish guys like me.”
Although he spoke like that, Uncle Bang Biyeon had never treated me poorly.
I didn't expect to receive this wagon this time either.
Uncle just took care of it on his own.
At Bang Biyeon’s firm attitude, I suppressed the words of gratitude that were about to pop out.
At that attitude, Uncle seemed even more pleased.
“And Young Hero Han. If we absorb the Sangpyeong Merchant Group this time, our scale will grow. Then, at that time, I will introduce personnel to attend to you.”
“Pardon?”
“You can’t work alone for your whole life, can you? Who knows? With your discerning eye, we might show a tremendous upward trend.”
“…”
Does that mean I’ll get my own people too?
It felt like, unbeknownst to me, I was truly running on the road to success little by little.
“But how do I take this?”
“I will lend you two horses along with a coachman. It should be fine if they go to Mt. Emei and come back.”
“Understood. Since things have turned out this way, I should think about preparing and departing. Since I’ve finished all my business in Chengdu…”
“By that, do you mean ruining Lady Tang’s marriage?”
“…Well, something like that.”
“Hahaha, as expected, I like that Young Hero Han is confident. If you had learned martial arts, you would have become quite a great hero. Anyway, take care of your business.”
“Do you like our gift?”
Wi Chang swallowed his nervousness and looked at Han Seojin.
He knew he was a special existence from the first time they met, but now the extent of it was excessive.
A Heart Demon Physician… and on top of that, a level of insight that recognizes the Public Enemy of Murim, Baek Sahyeon’s pawn.
Isn’t this essentially cutting off Wi Cheonsang for the sake of his patient, Dang Soran?
If the two had married, it wouldn’t be hard to see Dang Soran being ruined.
Baek Sahyeon’s grasp would have likely extended to the Tang Clan of Sichuan somehow.
Han Seojin was, as expected, not an opponent to be treated lightly.
“As expected, the Merchant Group matter, was it you who did it, Brother?”
Han Seojin sighed and spoke.
“I told you I feel burdened by such things. I said I wouldn’t accept repayment. I hate the feeling of being tied down the most.”
“…Umm, Noble Person (Gui-in)…”
Wi Chang swallowed his saliva carefully.
Since there was an order coming from above, he had no choice but to follow it.
On top of that, if he resolved this matter well, becoming a Branch Leader in the Hao Gate wouldn’t be difficult.
He had to try.
“S-Still… wasn’t the matter with Wi Cheonsang helpful?”
“I knew it would be lik—”
“—I-I am not saying we expect something. We aren’t forcing anything either. Just… when our Hao Gate is wandering, we wonder if we could lightly ask for your high opinion.”
“…”
At those words, Han Seojin’s attitude softened.
Certainly, the reaction was different when saying they hoped for Heart Demon relief versus saying they would ask for an opinion.
It is probably because relieving Heart Demons is that much more difficult.
“By the way, how on earth did you know about Wi Cheonsang’s matter? Just as you said, at that place, Baek Sahyeon’s subordinates and Wi Cheonsang’s merchants were indeed interacting… How were you so specific?”
“It was a hunch.”
Han Seojin glossed over it roughly. Wi Chang had no intention of digging deeper either.
Truly, he was a scary existence because he was hiding things.
Just how much does this person know?
Could he be an existence that knows the entire way the Central Plains (Murim) operates?
Does he know who the next Number One under Heaven is, or who needs to be guarded against the most?
“Anyway, there is only one reason I stopped by. Don’t push me too much. I want to live well, but I don’t want to become famous. I still have not the slightest thought of getting entangled with the Murim. Although that hasn’t been going well lately…”
Wi Chang nodded.
And as he started assigning meaning to it, Han Seojin’s words felt chilling.
Why does this mysterious man not want to be entangled with the Murim to this extent?
…Don’t tell me, is some kind of storm coming?
I must remember this clearly and report it.
The issues related to Han Seojin had long passed the level that the Sichuan Branch could handle.
And thinking like that…
—Crumple.
Wi Chang crumpled a note in his robe and maintained his composure.
“I will keep that in mind. To ensure you don’t become too famous.”
“Yes.”
“Are you going back now?”
“I have to.”
Wi Chang slapped his thigh as if he just remembered.
“Ah, right. I wanted to convey this as well.”
“What is it?”
“No, it’s a silly story but… I was reminded of it thanks to Lady Dang Soran’s matter this time, and since only days of becoming wealthy in various ways remain for you, I became curious. Noble Person, do you have no thoughts of marriage?”
“…Pardon?”
“It’s nothing else. We intend to do our utmost so that the Noble Person can live happily and comfortably. But what use is it for a man to live alone? Yes? You haven’t even been to a brothel…”
At the provocation that he hadn’t even been to a brothel, he relaxed slightly.
At that secretive whisper, Han Seojin’s eyes sparkled for a moment.
“Is it acceptable for a manly man to not even have lost his bachelorhood?”
“…Brother, don’t be so certain.”
“Then have you lost it?”
“…Ahem. No, well… I was busy making a living so I postponed it for a while. I am a man too.”
Wi Chang recalled what he saw at the brothel.
Even the sight of him being dragged away by a mysterious female master back then.
Han Seojin certainly knows a lot, but his martial prowess was merely that of a commoner.
Perhaps he is suffering a little.
“Relieving the Heart Demons of masters must not be easy either.”
Han Seojin did not deny it.
With that, Wi Chang received confirmation of the vague suspicion that he relieves Heart Demons for the first time.
“No matter how strong a manly man is, after hard work, the comfort of a soft woman is needed.”
As if the work was indeed hard, Han Seojin, whose expression briefly became haggard, made a blank expression as if recalling a soft woman.
Wi Chang continued carefully.
“Is there no woman you love? We could help.”
The young man in front of him revealed a human side for the first time and rolled his eyes around.
People on whom the 'Honey Trap' (Beauty Scheme) doesn't work are extremely rare.
Either masters with much to lose, sodomites, or eunuchs.
Han Seojin was none of the three.
…Probably. Anyway, he wouldn't be a sodomite.
In any case, Han Seojin is someone on whom a beauty trap would always work.
Clearing his throat, Han Seojin spoke.
“There isn’t exactly anyone I love.”
His tone strangely became solemn as well.
Wi Chang smiled inwardly and approached him.
“Do you have thoughts of starting a family?”
“…There’s no way I don’t. It was my dream to have precious children and live happily with a modest wife.”
“How about we make that dream come true for you?”
Han Seojin swallowed his saliva, but then frowned deeply.
“Even if I trust you, Brother, how can I trust the Hao Gate? You’re trying to plant another strange Hao Gate member as my partner. Do you know how surprised I was when I heard Ga Yeong was a Hao Gate member?”
“Being a Hao Gate member isn’t a crime, is it? It’s not just people plotting conspiracies; there are many ordinary grassroots people who act as the ears of the Hao Gate. Because the weak must band together to survive. Isn’t Ga Yeong, whom you mentioned, also supporting her family because of the Hao Gate?”
“That is true, but even so, I don’t feel comfortable with my wife leaking my information to the Hao Gate…”
“No way we would do that. We digressed for a moment, but we only wish for the Noble Person’s happiness. We could find a modest woman for you, or we could make it so you naturally connect with a partner the Noble Person chooses. It’s not like every woman in the Central Plains is a Hao Gate member, right? There is no need to be so suspicious.”
Han Seojin thought deeply, then blinked his eyes again.
And said while rising from his seat.
“…I will think about it.”
“That is a good decision.”
. . .
After Han Seojin left the room, Wi Chang took out the note from his robe.
Even looking at this small note made his heart pound.
The person who handed this note was the problem.
…This was sent directly to Wi Chang by the Hao Gate Lord.
‘Catch Young Master Han Seojin by any means. Using a woman is good.’
A story that Jin Gon, the Sichuan Branch Leader, had already mentioned.
Anyway, it seemed that catching Han Seojin through a woman was indeed the best way.
Look.
Not just Han Seojin, but ‘Young Master’ Han Seojin.
The fact that the Gate Lord referred to him this way meant he was that important to the Hao Gate.
Leaving aside the fact that he is a Heart Demon Physician, the matter with Wi Cheonsang was truly critical.
He was definitely a man who had something.
“…Phew.”
Wi Chang soothed his racing heart.
…Slowly, let’s not rush.
And, let’s catch Han Seojin with a woman.
Due to the Wi Cheonsang incident, the Poison King convened the Murim Alliance.
News that Yeongcheon’s group is gradually gathering.
News that Yeongcheon and Baek Sahyeon are moving together.
And the concern that Baek Sahyeon’s pawn, Wi Cheonsang, tried to enter the Tang Clan of Sichuan as a spy.
As time passed, the Poison King led the Tang Clan to the Shaolin Temple where the Murim Alliance Leader was located.
I also began my return to Mt. Emei.
The fact that the Great War between Good and Evil (Righteous and Demonic) was really starting step by step made me quite tense.
Soon, news will come from the Kunlun Mountains, right? That Yeongcheon’s group went on a rampage.
That is the place attacked first in the original story.
…But right now, a bigger problem than that lay before me.
“…Haa.”
Sighs came out whenever I looked at Cheongwol returning to Mt. Emei together with me.
I feel again that she is a masochist beyond imagination.
Two legs walking demurely.
Upright waist. Gracefully straightened shoulders.
Head held high.
Benevolent expression.
Outwardly, one might wonder where there is a woman more pure and innocent than her, but…
…As if dyeing that white paper black, the choker tied around her neck.
“Haa.”
Every time I see that, my heart constricts tightly.
It feels like it symbolizes the relationship between her and me.
Should I say it feels connected even though we aren’t?
It felt like I was always holding the leash of a beast.
There was definitely a certain immorality to it as well.
Because a woman is wearing the choker I handed her.
Originally, a choker is an accessory that reveals a strong desire for possession and monopoly over the opponent.
Even the name is 'choker'.
Since it originated from the meaning of choking the neck, it inevitably has a deep relationship with SM.
Although it’s said to be commonly seen gradually, the people seeing it will definitely feel that eroticism.
But even if you think of it as choking, you need to choke the neck of a frail and delicate woman to feel the desire for conquest; if you choke a tiger’s neck, wouldn't you feel nothing but fear?
Cheongwol wore the choker, but I felt like I was the one restrained.
Did I give it to her for nothing, seriously…
I wanted to look inside Cheongwol’s head.
Why is she still wearing that?
“…”
I think about the reason.
Although the possibility is slim, does Cheongwol like me? That murderous devil? That nun? That priestess who doesn’t know men?
…Or, is the sense of liberation through SM play overwhelming because she is a masochist?
She is a born masochist.
The fact that she has fallen deeply into SM play is now an undeniable fact.
Look even now. She is fidgeting with the choker and quietly letting out hot breaths.
She is pretending to be fine, but I can see she is a little aroused.
That crazy nun… even while just returning to Mt. Emei, she is feeling a vague sense of immorality.
—Glance.
Cheongwol’s eyes turned toward me.
I turned my eyes forward, pretending not to see.
It’s probably the latter.
Since she’s a born masochist, she probably just likes the SM play.
I don’t know what exactly a Heart Demon is, but just as there were more than a few people going crazy because of it.
Anyway, if it was relieved even a little through SM, it’s understandable she would cling to it.
Isn’t it human nature to be unable to live without the medicine that cures an illness?
It doesn't make sense that a woman as beautiful as her would like a beggar like me.
It’s also strange that a bitch who killed so many people knows love.
And in the original work, Cheongwol kills people but remains noble enough physically that even a unicorn would approach her; there’s no way she likes me just because we did a little SM. As I said, maybe she just sees me as a friend.
“…I really can’t believe it.”
At that moment, someone who makes me as dizzy as Cheongwol appeared.
Sitting in my wagon, looking around at my new property, she spoke.
“Old Man Bang will realize eventually and be disappointed too. To give this level of reward to Young Master Seojin. You shouldn’t let your true colors show and disappoint him soon.”
“…Why on earth are you following us?”
“I suddenly got worried.”
“About what?”
Dang Soran flicked her fingernails and said.
“Seeing this wealth, I can’t let the women of Mt. Emei go crazy and fall for Young Master’s clutches, can I? Not knowing you are a man with a black heart. So I have to go to protect them. It is a natural duty for me, who walks the path of righteousness.”
“…Are you saying you’re going to block my future path?”
At those words, Dang Soran frowned deeply.
“You did the same thing, Young Master!! You ruined my engagement!!”
…That is true.
At Dang Soran’s shout, the coachman traveling together, some helpers, and Cheongwol glanced this way.
Thinking it wouldn’t be good to provoke Dang Soran further, I turned my head again.
However, her voice continued to ring from behind.
“…Hmph. I told you to look forward to it! I will torment you until you beg for forgiveness!”
“I’m sorry.”
“…!! I-I don’t need words that don’t contain such sincerity!!”
“Then what do you want me to do.”
Dang Soran’s eyes glanced toward Cheongwol.
Then, frowning, she shouted again.
“I don’t need it! I’m just going to torment you until all my feelings are resolved!”
“Haa…”
My head was already throbbing.
Brother Wi Chang. Can’t you do something about this?
“…A letter?”
Muwol Satae received the letter handed by Mu-gyeol, a warrior of the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
“Yes. It is a letter sent by our Young Lady to Muwol Satae.”
“From Lady Soran?”
Muwol Satae, who had arrived at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province following the summons of the Murim Alliance.
At the letter handed by the warrior who always accompanies Dang Jeokcheon, Muwol Satae felt the peculiarity but opened the letter.
The gathering of the Murim Alliance was truly a rare event.
Thinking that important stories were prepared, she opened the letter to refresh her mind a little.
To Muwol Satae,
Knowing my place as a junior, I dare to write a few words.
Although my concern may end as a groundless fear, the relationship between Cheongwol and the beggar man hovering around her seems unusual, so I am concerned.
My desire for Satae to look into this carefully is earnest, so I unavoidably send this letter.
Cheongwol is my precious friend.
I request that Satae generously understand my anxiety and bestow even deeper teachings and care so that Cheongwol does not enter a wrong path.
I respectfully end here.
Posted by Junior Dang Soran
A letter from the promising young talent, the Poison Phoenix Dang Soran.
There was absolutely no intention to ignore a letter sent by her like this.
At the polite letter, Muwol Satae frowned slightly.
Because she understood a little of what Dang Soran was trying to convey.
She doesn’t want Cheongwol to be kicked out of the Emei Sect.
Is this said out of worry because a child who wasn't amiable like Cheongwol is getting close to a man… or is it said because she saw something?
“…Huh.”
However, after receiving the letter, the fact that she became more worried was certain.
“Satae?”
“…”
Ahead of the Murim Alliance meeting, Muwol Satae briefly racked her brain.
There is no justification yet to prevent the two from meeting.
…However, couldn’t I try a test?
Perhaps a procedure to confirm exactly what Cheongwol’s heart is might be needed.
Muwol Satae could not find the answer.
Perhaps she had to ask the Abbot.
Muwol Satae folded the note and nodded at Mu-gyeol.
“You worked hard.”
“Yes.”
Soon, Muwol Satae entered the Shaolin Temple grounds.
The Murim Alliance waited.
Mt. Tianzhu (Cheonjusan) in Anhui Province.
Yeongcheon looked at the Namgung Family, the best among the Five Great Families, with his colleagues.
Anyone would bow their heads before the name Namgung Family.
A place where those who polish the Sword of the Emperor gather.
…However, recently, the situation of the Namgung Family was not that good.
Their reputation is still high, but the Clan Leader Namgung Cheon’s illness is deepening… and the Young Master (Successor) is a dullard and not yet ready.
Even so, it is not an easy task to shake the Namgung Family yet.
However, following the summons of the Murim Alliance, the Young Master, Namgung Yeon, led the family members to the Shaolin Temple.
It meant that right now, that Namgung Family was nothing but a shell.
Could there be a greater opportunity than this?
Baek Sahyeon muttered.
"It is that guy Wi Cheonsang’s last gift."
The gap created by his death.
"Let's go."
Yeongcheon whispered.
"It starts as of today."