Chapter v19c9

## A Secret Meeting

– The Secret Passage

“Whew…”

Lee Si-Geon whistled softly, surveying the room. He understood why it was kept under lock and key.

Upon entering, he had been momentarily blinded by the dazzling golden light reflecting off the numerous crystal lamps that adorned the room. The floor, pillars, and walls were all covered in pale pink marble. He wasn’t an expert on marble, but he instinctively knew it was more expensive than the white variety. Rarity had its price. And the ornaments and vessels that decorated the marble surfaces were mostly gold, with silver used only to accentuate the gold’s brilliance. Everything was polished to a mirror shine, reflecting his image back at him. It was a room that overwhelmed the senses with its opulence, leaving no room for questions or doubts, despite its name, “Snow Flower,” which evoked images of winter’s purity and simplicity.

But something was missing. He wondered if the lavish decorations were intended to highlight the absence, the emptiness. He felt it too, a hollowness in his chest.

“No beautiful women!”

Of course, the Cheong Hong Pavilion could provide him with the most beautiful women at any time, but unfortunately, he was short on time.

“If only I had more time…”

He turned the third golden candlestick on the left wall to the right, then went to the right wall and turned the fourth golden candlestick to the left. He pulled a cord beside the bed.

Clank!

Instead of the expected chime of a servant bell, he heard the heavy grinding of stone. But the sound was muffled. A section of the expensive marble floor slid open, revealing a passage leading down. He glanced around the room one last time, his gaze lingering on the luxurious furnishings, then stepped into the passage. The room was too tempting, a paradise that could sap his motivation, so he didn’t want to stay any longer.

“Don’t tempt me!”

If this room was designed to test the loyalty and diligence of his subordinates, it was the perfect setting. He enjoyed the company of beautiful women, but he knew how to separate business from pleasure. Failure to do so would reflect poorly on him. And that thought spurred him forward.

Darkness swallowed him.

* * *

The passage was pitch black, even an owl wouldn’t be able to see. There were no expensive night pearls illuminating the path, despite their frequent appearance in stories. Embedding such valuable objects, worth tens of thousands of taels each, in this ordinary secret passage would strain their finances. And they would have to constantly replace the missing night pearls, which seemed to vanish every time someone passed through. It was more practical to leave it dark.

But there were no torches either. Lee Si-Geon was relieved. In such a narrow, poorly ventilated space, torches placed every zhang would suffocate him before he reached the end. Instead, a long rope was strung along the left wall at waist height. It was meant to guide him through the darkness, a beacon in the dark – though it emitted no light. Or perhaps it was a warning, a reminder to stay on the path, the only path deemed safe by the organization. Either way, it didn’t matter to him. He had long since stopped questioning their methods. He grabbed the rope and walked forward without hesitation.

The passage was longer than he expected. And it wasn’t straight. He passed several forks in the path before finally reaching the end. He pulled a rope hidden in the darkness on the left wall, and a door creaked open. He quickly scanned the room. There were no windows. Only the lamps on the walls and the candles on a large table illuminated the darkness. The flames on the candlesticks were steady, indicating there was no wind. It seemed to be underground.

Three men were sitting at the table in the center of the room. They rose as he entered and approached him. And then, as if rehearsed, they knelt on one knee and shouted in unison,

“Calamity and Bloodbath! The Blood God Returns!”

Lee Si-Geon finished the chant,

“Heavenly Calamity!”

The men bowed their heads.

“We greet the Second Young Master.”

Lee Si-Geon’s gaze settled on the middle-aged man kneeling slightly ahead of the others. He was clearly the leader, judging by the long saber at his waist and the prominent scar on his face.

“Who are you?”

Lee Si-Geon asked.

“I am Yoon Yi-Jeong, the one responsible for the Central Plains Merchant Guild’s Nanchang branch!”

* * *

Lee Si-Geon was currently in a secret chamber beneath the Central Plains Merchant Guild’s Nanchang branch. Only five people in the entire branch knew of this chamber’s existence. Excluding the three men present, that left only two others: the branch manager and the assistant manager. Both were currently away on urgent business, but judging by Yoon Yi-Jeong’s emphasis on being “responsible,” it seemed like the branch operated on a different hierarchy than the official one. After all, Yoon Yi-Jeong’s title, “One of the Twelve Jade Walls,” held a special position within the Central Plains Merchant Guild, surpassing the branch manager’s authority in terms of symbolism. Lee Si-Geon concluded that it was best to treat Yoon Yi-Jeong as the highest authority here.

“Have you prepared the items I requested?”

“Yes, everything is ready.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong raised his right hand slightly, and one of the martial artists beside him quickly presented a large box. According to Yoon Yi-Jeong, they were the Oh brothers, masters of throwing knives and skilled in infiltration and information gathering. They were his trusted subordinates. The one on the left was the elder brother, Oh Yeong, and the one who had just placed the box on the table was the younger brother, Oh Gi. Yoon Yi-Jeong opened the box respectfully and turned it so Lee Si-Geon could see the contents.

“Please confirm. These are the fruits of our two months of meticulous observation.”

The contents of the box weren’t impressive. A plain black uniform, a strange wig, and a rolled-up scroll. He unfurled the scroll, revealing a portrait. Or rather, a detailed description of a person’s appearance. It was devoid of any affection for the subject.

“What a strange hairstyle. I wonder if he can even see with that hair covering his eyes.”

“I know. I met him recently.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t realize it was him at the time. It’s fate, I suppose. A twisted fate.”

Lee Si-Geon smirked.

“What do people say about him?”

“He’s definitely an eccentric, but I doubt his skills are anything special.”

“Why do you say that?”

“According to our inquiries, most of the academy students dismiss his skills. They call him trash, or worse. I don’t understand why you’re so interested in him…”

“I don’t know either.”

Lee Si-Geon’s answer was simple.

“I had never met him before our unfortunate encounter recently. I had never even seen him. All I knew about him were a few ridiculous rumors. They were all subjective, distorted by personal biases. So how could I judge him based on that?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong listened silently.

“But it was an order. So I obeyed. I might not be sure about him, but I trust the organization. That’s why I follow their orders. The higher-ups might see him differently. They might see something you don’t. Unless you’re claiming to have better judgment than your superiors.”

“How could I possibly…”

Yoon Yi-Jeong lowered his head, his voice trailing off.

“But it’s different now. I’ve met him, and I have a personal score to settle. And something I want to take from him.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He has something that doesn’t belong to him.”

“What is it?”

“A peerless beauty.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong closed his mouth.

“Then we’ll proceed with this plan without any objections.”

“Understood.”

“Any other questions?”

“I have something to report.”

“Is it important?”

“It’s a top priority.”

His firm answer made Lee Si-Geon’s eyes gleam with interest.

“Top priority? Urgent enough to override everything else, including my mission?”

“That’s my assessment.”

His subordinate’s boldness, despite the disrespect, piqued his curiosity.

“What is it about? Your recent blunder?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong flinched slightly, realizing that his critical failure had already reached Lee Si-Geon’s ears. But he quickly regained his composure and spoke in a neutral tone.

“It’s related, but it’s more important than that. It’s about the key.”

Time seemed to stop around Lee Si-Geon. It resumed after he took a couple of breaths.

“The key?”

He asked, hoping his voice didn’t betray his anxiety.

“Yes, we’ve located the missing key.”

Lee Si-Geon leaned in, intrigued by his hushed tone.

“Tell me about your ‘assessment.'”

Yoon Yi-Jeong, granted permission, began his report, starting with his experience in Sichuan.

He boasted about his competence, how smoothly he had handled the situation, and how ruthlessly he had dealt with his former sworn brother – even though the oath had been a sham – for the sake of the organization. He was eager to showcase his loyalty. The fact that an unforeseen disaster (a natural disaster, of course) had occurred, despite his unwavering loyalty, was simply an act of nature.

But his pride and unwavering loyalty hadn’t been broken by this setback. He emphasized his efforts to recover from his subordinate’s mistake, downplaying the error and highlighting his achievements. And finally, he reached the climax of his story, where he, after enduring countless hardships, had finally located the key. His voice was filled with passion, his body trembling with excitement. He had risen from his seat long ago, unable to contain his emotions.

“Then why didn’t you retrieve it?”

That was the only thing Lee Si-Geon was curious about.

“Well…”

Yoon Yi-Jeong hesitated.

“The team that was tailing the children went missing. There were no survivors. It’s unbelievable, but… I believe they’re all dead.”

“That’s impossible. Who could possibly have such power?”

“The children are currently staying at the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild.”

There weren’t many conclusions to be drawn from this information.

“You’re saying the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild is behind this?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong nodded solemnly.

“Exactly.”

“Is the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild that powerful? They were just a small, insignificant guild a few years ago. When did the Central Plains Merchant Guild start paying attention to a second-rate guild in Sichuan? And isn’t the Yoo child, the one with the key, your nephew? Why were you just watching from the sidelines?”

“The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild isn’t second-rate anymore. They’ve grown into a powerful force in Sichuan, even challenging the Central Plains Merchant Guild’s position. Some even call them the best guild in Sichuan. But how could they possibly resist you, Second Young Master?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong replied, expressing his unwavering faith in Lee Si-Geon.

“Hmm, so you’re offering me the key?”

“Yes. It’s an object more suited for you than someone like me.”

“What’s your angle? There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Lee Si-Geon asked, deliberately softening his tone. He didn’t want to push Yoon Yi-Jeong too hard. Even superiors could be alienated if they felt pressured. He had learned at a young age that status had its limits in suppressing rebellion and defiance.

“A-angle? Not at all. I simply knew someone more deserving of the key.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong looked at him meaningfully, his eyes claiming that he could have retrieved the key himself but had willingly yielded it to Lee Si-Geon. He clearly believed in taking credit whenever possible.

“I understand.”

Lee Si-Geon understood. He understood the surface and the hidden implications. Yoon Yi-Jeong had tried to salvage the situation, to recover from his and his subordinates’ failures, but he had encountered an unexpected obstacle. And now, someone had appeared who could remove that obstacle for him. In other words, if he couldn’t handle the obstacle, he was doomed. Without Lee Si-Geon, he would be left staring at a feast he couldn’t touch. He would have to bear the responsibility for his failure, despite having a solution within reach.

A man with a weakness in his heart couldn’t become truly strong. The remaining weakness would create a crack in his confidence. There was no better news than knowing his opponent was in a weak position. After carefully calculating the situation, Lee Si-Geon looked up at Yoon Yi-Jeong.

“It seems you’re in a difficult situation. Why don’t you tell me the truth? I’ll help you if you need it.”

He asked, trying to sound sincere, not sarcastic. He didn’t want to give the impression that he had seen through Yoon Yi-Jeong’s scheme. But Yoon Yi-Jeong realized that Lee Si-Geon understood more than he should. It was no longer beneficial to hide anything.

“Well… There’s an obstacle.”

“Every task has its obstacles.”

Lee Si-Geon replied casually, encouraging him to elaborate. He needed to create a safe space for Yoon Yi-Jeong to confess.

“This obstacle is no ordinary obstacle.”

“How big of an obstacle could it be to keep a capable man like you glued to your chair?”

“It’s… a formidable opponent.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong chose his words carefully. “Formidable opponent” seemed like the best option.

“A formidable opponent? Someone I should be concerned about?”

“I doubt you’ll find anyone in Jianghu who isn’t concerned about them.”

“This is getting interesting. You seem hesitant to mention their name, as if I wouldn’t be able to handle them. Don’t worry. Tell me who it is.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong finally spoke.

“For some reason, Yoo Eun-Seong, the Best Sword of the Jeomchang Sect, is currently staying at the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild’s Nanchang branch.”

“What?! Yoo Eun-Seong, the Setting Sun Sword?”

Lee Si-Geon’s eyes widened in surprise.

“The one they call the culmination of the Jeomchang Sect’s hundred years of training?”

His name was on Lee Si-Geon’s mental list of influential figures in Murim.

“Yes, the one who’s considered the only hope for the Jeomchang Sect, a Nine Great Sect that’s been struggling in Sichuan.”

“Yoo Eun-Seong… He’s definitely talented. But I don’t think he’s beyond my reach.”

It was an arrogant statement, coming from a young man, but Lee Si-Geon’s voice was filled with confidence. Yoon Yi-Jeong didn’t object. He trusted the organization’s power. But the problem wasn’t Yoo Eun-Seong.

“If it was just him, I might have been able to handle it. But there’s someone else with him. I had to abandon my plan after seeing her. If only she wasn’t there…”

Yoon Yi-Jeong trailed off, and Lee Si-Geon was intrigued by a single word.

“Her? Women have always been a source of pleasure for me, never an obstacle.”

“Even you, Young Master, will have to reconsider your stance this time.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong replied, hiding his glee at shattering Lee Si-Geon’s preconceived notions.

“She must be quite special.”

“She is. All women are special, but she’s definitely more special.”

“Who is she?”

“Jin So-Ryeong, the Divine Maiden of Emei, one of the Five Great Swordsmen.”

Lee Si-Geon flinched. Even he, with his boundless arrogance, couldn’t ignore that name. But he wasn’t intimidated. His flinch was a sign of respect, not fear.

“Why would someone like her be at the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild? She has no connection to them. And the Emei Sect is at least nearby. Why is Yoo Eun-Seong, a Jeomchang Sect member, with her?”

“I don’t know.”

Now wasn’t the time to worry about the reasons. The problem was that if those two were at the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild, they would be a major obstacle. But Lee Si-Geon also felt a surge of excitement. The thought of succeeding where his senior brother had failed was incredibly tempting. And those two, though obstacles now, would become his greatest trophies once he overcame them. The higher the obstacle, the greater the glory for the one who conquered it. He had already abandoned any resistance to the temptation.

“Interesting.”

“Huh?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong wondered if he had misheard. He was considering making a doctor’s appointment when he heard the next words.

“This is a good opportunity to test the power of my new ‘Purple Cloud’!”

His ears were fine. But his eyes must be playing tricks on him. Lee Si-Geon seemed to be smiling.

“Those two are definitely beyond your reach, even with your subordinates.”

He hinted that he knew everything, then continued.

“But it’s not impossible if I lend you a hand. And your uncertain future might be saved as well. But…”

He paused, looking at Yoon Yi-Jeong.

“…?”

“I haven’t found a reason to abandon my mission for you. Frankly, we’re just colleagues, bound by the organization. I have no obligation to help you. I’m just one of your many superiors. Don’t you agree?”

“Th-that…”

Lee Si-Geon’s arrogant gaze pierced Yoon Yi-Jeong. His eyes asked,

‘What will you do?’

He was forcing him to make a choice. There was no escape from fate. Yoon Yi-Jeong rose from his seat and knelt before Lee Si-Geon. The Oh brothers followed suit.

“I, Yoon Yi-Jeong, pledge my unwavering loyalty to the Second Young Master. Please accept my allegiance. Grant me the honor of fighting by your side.”

He was declaring his intention to join Lee Si-Geon’s faction. Every organization had its factions, and the most powerful ones belonged to the potential successors.

He emphasized that there could only be one successor, just like there couldn’t be two tigers on the same mountain, and that he believed the most suitable candidate was within reach. He highlighted his usefulness, his versatility, and the potential benefits of having him, a member of the “outer circle,” join Lee Si-Geon’s “inner circle.” He knew how to present himself favorably. Of course, in return, Lee Si-Geon would have to downplay his failures and highlight his successes. But even after careful consideration, it wasn’t a bad deal for Lee Si-Geon. In fact, it was exactly what he wanted.

Lee Si-Geon quickly rose and helped Yoon Yi-Jeong to his feet.

“What are you doing? Get up. There’s no need for such formality. We’re family now, aren’t we?”

He emphasized the word “family.” He spoke of shared hardships and joys. They were now bound by fate. Or rather, Yoon Yi-Jeong’s fate was now bound to Lee Si-Geon’s. If Lee Si-Geon soared, he would soar too. If Lee Si-Geon fell, he would fall too. But there was still no choice.

“Thank you, my lord!”

A single word, laden with meaning. A change in title signified a change in status and position. Or perhaps it was the other way around. Yoon Yi-Jeong had expressed his intentions by changing his address. He had no other options. His last hope was Lee Si-Geon. He had decided to gamble everything on this young master. And it pleased Lee Si-Geon, who was building his power base within the organization.

“Now, shall we resume our meeting? We need to discuss how to retrieve the key, don’t we?”

“Of course. Of course.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong replied, his face brightening, and quickly returned to his seat.

“I have an idea.”

Lee Si-Geon presented his idea as if he had just thought of it.

“I’m listening.”

“There’s no need to make a fuss from the start. It’s best to resolve this quietly. So I’m going to throw out a bait. We’ll decide our next move based on their reaction. Why don’t you pay them a visit tomorrow?”

His first order was a direct approach.

“Huh? Who?”

“Who else? You, of course. Is there anyone more suitable?”

As a prominent member of the Central Plains Merchant Guild and the one responsible for the Nanchang branch, he was in a position to approach the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild.

“No, there isn’t.”

“Then it’s decided. And those children, they’re your nephews, aren’t they? It’s your duty as an uncle to comfort them.”

There was nothing wrong with his words, but the person they applied to was the problem. Yoon Yi-Jeong smiled slyly.

“Then we’ll do that. Shall we move on to the next matter? I have work to do.”

They moved on to the next matter. It was time for the contents of the box to shine.

“I’ll make that annoying brat pay for mocking me!”

Lee Si-Geon said with a cruel smile.