Chapter 490: Do you need it?

‘What the?’

The atmosphere felt somewhat unusual.

It was already baffling enough that Shin Ui suddenly appeared at the Baekhwa Merchant Guild. What was this atmosphere, though?

‘Why is that guy staring like that again.’

Cheol Ji-seon’s gaze towards Shin Ui was also strange.

He was glaring, filled with hostility.

Why is that bastard acting like that?

In the midst of this bizarre situation, the one who moved first, surprisingly, was Shin Ui.

Shin Ui exchanged glances with Cheol Ji-seon for a moment before carefully opening his mouth.

“Have you been well? It’s been a while….”

“….”

Despite Shin Ui’s greeting, Cheol Ji-seon merely scrunched up his face, frowning. He offered no particular response.

Seeing that, I swallowed my surprise internally.

‘Are those two acquainted?’

Shin Ui and Cheol Ji-seon seemed to know each other.

Moreover, Shin Ui himself initiated the greeting?

‘…Come to think of it.’

I shifted my gaze to Zhuge Hyuk standing next to Shin Ui. Now that I thought about it, Cheol Ji-seon’s real name was also of the Zhuge clan.

So, does that mean Shin Ui, Zhuge Hyuk’s grandfather, is also surnamed Zhuge?

‘So that’s the connection.’

That would make sense, but why Cheol Ji-seon was showing so much hostility remained a mystery.

After hearing Shin Ui’s greeting, Cheol Ji-seon, still frowning, bit his lip a few times, averted his gaze from Shin Ui, and then spat out his words.

“…I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“…”

Saying that with a face that clearly recognized him offered zero credibility.

The reason why the people present didn’t raise any objections despite this was…

‘Look at his expression.’

Cheol Ji-seon was practically begging them with his eyes not to ask.

Perhaps because of that, his companions only sent glances his way, refraining from speaking further.

Was it Cheol Ji-seon’s words that caused the issue?

“…Yes. I apologize.”

Shin Ui, seeing Cheol Ji-seon’s reaction, led Zhuge Hyuk away.

At that sight, the surrounding disciples quickly paid their respects, but Shin Ui paid no mind to anyone’s greeting, silently walking away.

‘Damn.’

This situation isn’t looking good.

With my vessel reconstructed, I had intended to ask Shin Ui what happened.

Meeting him now was fortunate, but it didn’t seem like the right time for such questions.

Right after seeing Shin Ui off as he departed.

Amidst the subtly somber atmosphere, I spoke to my companions.

“I’ll head up first. You guys wait ‘nicely’ on the first floor.”

Saying that, I entered the guild first.

My intention behind telling them to wait nicely was for them not to pry unnecessarily and just stay put.

Since there were only smart kids gathered here, they’d surely figure it out.

If need be, Moyong Hi-ah would issue a warning, so I decided to attend to my business first.

******************

There are many martial power groups commonly found in the Central Plains.

Broadly speaking, they can be divided into clans and sects.

Clans, which inherit their family’s martial arts based solely on bloodline succession.

And sects, where individuals who share the same ideals gather, regardless of blood ties, to pursue their beliefs.

Although the directions they wish to take may differ, their goal of forging a path through martial arts (武) is the same.

Within the regions where they are established, they protect civilians from demonic beasts.

And continuously train their martial arts.

This applies regardless of clan or sect; for those living as righteous martial artists today, this is the most fundamental duty.

The reason why prestigious families like the Nine Major Sects or the Four Great Clans can maintain affluent lives is also because…

They protect their regions based on their strong martial power.

Whether from demonic beasts or wicked individuals.

And.

There were those connected in a symbiotic relationship with them: the merchant guilds that sponsored martial artists.

If martial artists’ strength lies in their martial power.

There were also those who viewed money as power.

These individuals sought to protect themselves using that money.

They requested protection by sponsoring sects or clans.

And they would entrust them with guarding duties if the need arose.

In fact, even for the Four Great Clans, it wasn’t unusual for their martial artists to be dispatched as guards for the merchant guilds that sponsored them.

They too were aware.

That maintaining good relations with merchant guilds was essential for living their current affluent lives.

‘This probably doesn’t really concern the Tang Clan or the Moyong Clan anymore, though.’

Setting aside the Moyong Clan, which directly operates merchant guilds, and the Tang Clan, which accumulates wealth by selling superior weaponry.

Seeing that the Nine Valleys also received sponsorship funds from famous merchant guilds in Shanxi for their territories, and hosted the Nine Dragon Assembly, one could tell their relationship was significant.

Of course….

‘My family is particularly famous for receiving pocket change as sponsorship funds, though….’

That was my father’s wish.

He said that protecting Shanxi was a duty, and all we needed was just enough money to live.

[Your conviction is outstanding. I like it.]

Elder Shin expressed agreement as if he understood, but…

‘Does that even make sense?’

From my perspective, it was utterly incomprehensible.

In other regions, there might be many alternative clans or sects, but…

Shanxi was a region predominantly represented by the Nine Valleys; with no alternatives, they should have been raking in massive sponsorship funds by exploiting that weakness, yet they only accepted enough to get by.

‘It’s such a waste, seriously!’

From the perspective of someone whose philosophy is ‘other people’s money is my money, and my money is my money,’ it was truly a regrettable situation.

[…The head of the Nine Valleys really messed up when educating his son.]

‘It’s fine since I grew up without proper education anyway.’

[How on earth does that look fine?!]

Elder Shin exclaimed incredulously, but it didn’t register in my ears.

Anyway.

I understood that it was indeed my father’s and ancestors’ wishes that led to receiving so little, but…

Since my father’s generation, the Nine Valleys had been living somewhat more comfortably than our ancestors.

The reason was…

‘It’s because of this place.’

It was because my father married into an exceptionally prominent family.

If the Central Plains had the Nine Major Sects and the Four Great Clans.

There were similar prominent entities among the numerous merchant guilds.

These were collectively known as the Three Great Guilds across the Central Plains.

Meaning three guilds with an insane amount of wealth.

The place I was standing was one of those guilds.

The Baekhwa Merchant Guild.

It was where Madam Mi served as the Guild Leader.

Unofficially, it was the wealthiest entity in the Central Plains.

The reason the Nine Valleys could even make ends meet was also…

Because Madam Mi existed, as I knew.

However…

“Oh my…!! It is an honor to serve such a distinguished young master!”

This is a bit hard to endure…

On the highest floor of the Baekhwa Merchant Guild’s Sichuan branch.

In what I presumed to be the branch manager’s room, I was receiving exceptionally courteous treatment.

His scalp, completely bald and gleaming.

The large man, who looked just past forty, was smiling at me with obsequious gestures unbefitting his size.

Ssak-ssak-ssak-ssak-!

He was rubbing his hands so fast, the sound echoed throughout the room.

“I heard you arrived in Sichuan, but I should have visited you first…. Oh my, I am truly sorry…!”

“…Yes…”

This kind of treatment was new to me, and I was quite flustered.

I had merely stated my name upon arrival.

The branch manager suddenly rushed down and brought me here directly.

It must be because of Madam Mi.

Seeing that, I could vaguely grasp how significant Madam Mi’s position was as the Guild Leader.

‘This room is incredible.’

Despite a somewhat crude feel, the room’s ambiance was impressive, showcasing the guild’s value.

There were sculptures placed throughout that clearly looked expensive.

Moreover.

‘Outside the room too….’

There was also a significant presence of martial artists surrounding this room as if guarding it.

Two masters of the Perfected stage, and three merely at the Perfected stage?

‘These are quite skilled individuals to be guarding a mere branch manager.’

Even reaching the Perfected stage required significant payment to employ them as guards.

One could only imagine how much money it would take to summon individuals of higher realms.

They’d have to pay for the martial artists’ pride too, so it must be substantial.

‘So this old man might look shabby, but he’s capable.’

Thinking about it that way, he looked a bit different.

“I am Dong Bu, the branch manager of the Sichuan branch. It is an honor to meet you, young master.”

“…Yes, nice to meet you.”

“Oh my! Please speak casually! How could you possibly address someone like me, a lowly servant…. Hehe.”

“It’s alright…. I find it a bit difficult to speak casually.”

“Goodness, you possess such courtesy…. I can feel the bright future of the Nine Valleys.”

No, it’s just uncomfortable, I can’t speak more casually.

Isn’t calling oneself a lowly servant a bit much for a branch manager…?

‘I feel like my energy is being drained.’

As always, I don’t particularly like talking with merchants for long.

Humans adept at such matters are all experts at draining people’s energy.

I decided to get to the point before the atmosphere got ruined further.

“The reason I came is simple: I have some items I’d like to entrust for sale.”

“Oh, certainly. Please name anything. We’ll offer the best price for anything…”

Hoo-doo-doo-dook-!

“Wha-?”

At the branch manager’s words, I poured out all the Night-Shining Pearls from my pocket.

As several Night-Shining Pearls, emitting a brilliant light, rolled onto the floor, the branch manager’s expression turned rigid as stone.

He even rubbed his eyes as if he were seeing an illusion.

Seeing the branch manager like that, I chuckled sheepishly and said.

“Can you buy all of them?”

“…Ah… Eh… Eh?”

I worried slightly at the branch manager’s malfunctioning expression, but…

Fortunately, the transaction concluded smoothly.

What a relief.

If I had resorted to petty tricks, the Sichuan branch might have burned down.

Rather than trying to haggle down the price, they seemed more inclined to offer more.

After a little time passed and the situation calmed slightly.

“Regarding the… items, once we confirm their authenticity, we will issue the voucher immediately.”

The branch manager, showing off his gleaming scalp, explained to me.

Perhaps it was due to facing such an overwhelming situation. Where did the man rubbing his hands just moments ago go?

A slightly sharp-edged merchant sat there.

He was clearly the same person, but his demeanor changed instantly.

Was it because the shock was so great that he couldn’t maintain his facade?

Then again.

‘I brought dozens of items that would make someone faint if they saw just one.’

It’s an era where acquiring Night-Shining Pearls is difficult, even if one has the means.

Bringing so many of them, it’s understandable he’d be surprised.

“First, given the nature of the items…. Even for a young master like yourself, we must verify their authenticity, so I hope you understand if it causes any inconvenience…”

“It’s fine. Take your time.”

“Thank you for your understanding. And also…”

“Yes.”

The branch manager said with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“If all the Night-Shining Pearls turn out to be genuine…. It would be difficult for the guild to pay the full amount at once…”

“In that case, just write up a promissory note. I don’t need the funds right now.”

My purpose was to secure funds for convenience later.

I didn’t need a large sum immediately.

The problem was also that I had nowhere to store such a large amount if I received it now.

‘Speaking of which.’

Does this mean the amount is too large for the Baekhwa Merchant Guild to pay at once?

Then, at least, I probably won’t have to worry about money for quite some time.

‘I also need to think about how to handle the Ten-Thousand-Year Iron later.’

The Ten-Thousand-Year Iron I would obtain by raiding Vigo a few years later.

I planned to forge martial equipment with it rather than selling it separately.

I even had a craftsman in mind for this.

“I am truly grateful for your understanding, young master…!”

Perhaps because the conversation flowed smoothly, the branch manager, having regained his composure, started rubbing his hands again.

Suppressing my frown at the sight, I asked the question I wanted to ask.

“Branch Manager-nim.”

“Yes?”

“This is something I’m personally curious about.”

“Young master! Please ask anything! I will tell you everything I know and don’t know…”

“What was Shin Ui looking for here?”

“…”

Bringing up Shin Ui caused the branch manager’s expression to stiffen once more.

“…How could… the young master possibly know…”

Was it something meant to be kept secret?

“I ran into Elder Shin on the way here. I have connections with him.”

I didn’t know if Shin Ui would think the same, but at least I did.

Hearing this, the branch manager suddenly started sweating.

He seemed quite flustered.

“Haha…. Young master, this concerns client confidentiality, so it’s difficult to disclose…”

“I see, right?”

“Yes, hahaha. As expected, the young master is broad-minded, so perhaps you understand this aspect…?”

“Of course.”

I could understand the branch manager’s position. Client trust is important.

It was the most crucial virtue for a merchant to uphold.

However.

Deu-reuk.

Using my finger, I slightly pulled a Night-Shining Pearl on the table towards me.

As the pearl rolled, the branch manager’s gaze followed.

“Then, I wonder what you think about the matter of trust between us.”

“…Young master?”

“If you were to receive and transact all these Night-Shining Pearls, Branch Manager-nim…. My ‘Mother’ would be quite pleased…”

As I said it, I felt scales growing on my tongue.

It was because I had never used such a title for Madam Mi before.

It was a word I forced out to add weight, but fortunately, it seemed to have a significant impact on the branch manager.

I could tell just by the sweat forming on his scalp.

“Hahaha… Y-young master… that is…”

“Just casually mention it, as if you’re talking to yourself. Then I’d be willing to write a good word about you, Branch Manager-nim, and even send it via messenger.”

“…!”

“To Mother, that is.”

I offered to write a message praising the branch manager to Madam Mi.

Hearing this, I could see the branch manager’s eyes shaking wildly.

“But…. If you insist, Branch Manager-nim, on not even muttering it to yourself…”

I picked up a Night-Shining Pearl with my hand.

The branch manager’s gaze followed the moving pearl.

At the same time, I released my energy, spreading a barrier throughout the room.

To prevent any sound from inside leaking out.

“I might feel like selling these Night-Shining Pearls at another branch. Strange, isn’t it? Why would that happen…. I’m not sure myself.”

As I said it with a smile, I could see the branch manager’s lips trembling.

He stood at a crossroads of choice.

Client trust? Or his future?

That must be his dilemma.

‘Good.’

A merchant’s desire to uphold trust is commendable. In a normal situation, I would have tried to sell my goods to such a merchant, but…

I preferred someone in a more narrow-minded and selfish position over client trust.

Because such individuals are easier to handle when they possess power.

“Th-that is…”

The branch manager was still hesitating.

Seeing him like that, I carefully stood up.

If he refused, it wouldn’t matter much.

I could always find out why Shin Ui came here through other means.

After thinking that far, I reached out to gather the Night-Shining Pearls again, but…

The branch manager, seeing that, urgently shouted.

“Whoa! Suddenly Shin Ui needs White Horse Stones, what could that be about!”

“…”

“My, my…. It’s truly baffling. Where am I supposed to find such a thing! Haha!”

The branch manager shouted, drenched in cold sweat.

Seeing him, I sat back down in the chair.

Then, I took out the Night-Shining Pearls from my pocket again and rolled them towards the branch manager.

“You work with great passion. You’re the kind of talent my Mother would appreciate.”

“N-no! Haha…. I am merely fulfilling my responsibilities from where I sit.”

Although it seemed he had easily abandoned that responsibility just now, I pretended not to notice.

As I was doing so, Elder Shin’s voice echoed in my ears.

[You… absolutely must not turn to the demonic path.]

‘Why?’

[If you go down that road, you’ll surely become a seed that ruins the world. If only I… had my body…! I would have dealt with this villain myself…!]

‘What terrifying words are those? We’re allies, Elder.’

[What kind of talk is that, a Taoist eating meat? Why would I be allied with you!]

What is this now?

‘Hwasan Sect allows eating meat anyway.’

Even Woo Hyuk-yi of Mudang, who doesn’t eat meat, was seen tearing into it.

Even Hwang-a-bul-yeong of Shaolin ate meat.

A Taoist can surely eat it too.

Besides, you were shouting enthusiastically about me being your successor and needing to carry on your will.

And now you betray me so quickly.

It’s absurd.

I casually ignored those cat-like cries, and said to the branch manager with a smile.

“I’ll speak well of you to Mother. We’ll be seeing each other often.”

“Thank you! Young master…!!”

Sak-sak-sak-sak.

As I heard the sound of the branch manager’s hands rubbing again, I thought of something else.

‘White Horse Stones.’

The fact that Shin Ui came to the Baekhwa Merchant Guild looking for White Horse Stones.

I don’t know why Shin Ui would be looking for something like that, but…

‘How curious.’

Somehow, the situation lined up perfectly.

White Horse Stones, which became impossible to find after the disappearance of Rank 100 demonic beasts.

An item that couldn’t be obtained no matter how much money one had.

It just so happened that I had one.