"The Ganyang Merchant Association Head must have been quite bitter."

"He must have been."

"Keuk keuk, I should have been there to see it."

Ghost Hand No Gwanyeong laughed like a child, his face full of joy.

"Is it that funny?"

"Of course, it's funny. It's very funny."

"My goodness. As expected of someone from the Unorthodox Faction, are you that happy to see others fail?"

"My good man, who is doing this because of Go Hyeon? It's because of that punk who is the Family Head of the Tang Family's estate."

"Hmm... he was certainly a little different, as you said."

The person sitting opposite No Gwanyeong was none other than the Munjeong Merchant Group Master, Woo Huigwan.

The Blue Serpent Sect, whose main chamber was in Seongdo, had a very deep bond with the Munjeong Merchant Group, which did not distinguish between Orthodox and Unorthodox. In particular, No Gwanyeong and Woo Huigwan had been friends for a very long time.

"Right? You see it too, right? He's a very promising sprout."

"My goodness... if you liked him so much, why didn't you come and see him yourself?"

"Hey, that's not it. That punk has his pride."

"Pride? Nonsense. He's a punk who didn't hesitate to ask for a favor from the government when he needed it."

"Isn't that admirable?"

"Admirable? Hmph! If it weren't for your request, I wouldn't have even met him. A young punk who has only learned bad things..."

"You're not talking about me, are you?"

"Of course not."

"Then that's fine. And how admirable is he? He doesn't care about the means and methods for his purpose, does he? Isn't he a sprout of the Unorthodox Faction, no matter how you look at it? It wouldn't be bad for you to form a connection in advance too."

Woo Huigwan clicked his tongue at No Gwanyeong's words.

"Tsk! That again. Didn't I say I'm not interested in the power struggle between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions? I am a merchant who can join hands with anyone if it is profitable."

"Then you can do that. In my opinion, the perfect place for your merchant group to join hands with and live for generations is the Tang Family's estate."

"This friend is completely smitten, completely smitten. What kind of connection do you have to be so concerned about him? By any chance, is that child a hidden son of yours?"

"A hidden son? I've lived a single life, don't you know? And that punk is the son of the Mandeok Estate Master, Hwarim."

"Then why on earth are you so interested?"

"Curiosity."

"What?"

"You know my personality, don't you? I can't stand not knowing something I'm curious about."

"I know, but..."

"I was sure when I saw him at the Yin Hand Chamber. That punk will become much bigger."

"It's a chronic disease."

"It is. What other hobby do I have in my meaningless life?"

There are such people.

People who are only satisfied when they have resolved their curiosity, regardless of their interests.

No Gwanyeong was such a person.

Perhaps he wanted to see the end of the Tang Family's estate led by Tang Cheonyeong.

How far would it go?

Resolving that unbearable curiosity was No Gwanyeong's only hobby and purpose in life.

"And, this time, you can't really say I helped the kid, can you?"

"..."

"Even if I had made a request, you're not the type to make a deal with just anyone."

"Hmm... the quality of the leather he brought was too good to kick him out."

"Of course, it would be. The quality of the leather handled by a mere hunter can't be compared."

"He's a strange one. Different from other martial artists."

"He is different. That's why I'm so curious."

"You've gone completely senile in your old age."

"So what if I have?"

No Gwanyeong answered slyly and chuckled.

"Anyway..."

"So, I hear you weren't the only one he visited."

"Don't play dumb. I know you've already sent a message to the Simcheon Merchant Group."

"I did send a message. In the name of the Sect Master..."

"Then isn't it obvious?"

"What is?"

"The Simcheon Merchant Group must have sided with that punk too."

"Hey, do you think that stubborn punk, the Simcheon Merchant Group Master, would have made a deal because he was scared of the Blue Serpent Sect Master's request? The quality of the medicinal herbs must have been good."

"Hmph!"

No Gwanyeong was right.

He could tell just by looking at the leather he had traded.

The medicinal herbs Cheonyeong wanted to trade must have been of the highest quality, and the Simcheon Merchant Group Master must have been surprised.

"It's truly strange. Just by looking at his eyes, it doesn't seem like he's learned some mediocre martial arts... but to be doing business directly with a merchant group, with leather and medicinal herbs."

"He's different from the punks who used to swagger around, talking about being martial artists."

"Hmm, certainly."

"His character is upright, and he doesn't forget a grudge."

"His conviction about interests is also extraordinary."

"That's right, that's right."

"Military power and financial power. He might be trying to catch two rabbits at once."

"He's the first. Such a family. He's a very greedy punk."

"Will it be okay? If he grows up like that, he might become a stumbling block for the Blue Serpent Sect."

"He's still a long way off. And even if he does, it doesn't matter."

"Tsk tsk, how can an elder say such a thing?"

"Eh? Are you expecting loyalty from an Unorthodox Faction member? I'm not the Sect Master... what do I care what happens to the Blue Serpent Sect... it's just a place I'm staying at for a while. I'm fine as long as my curiosity is satisfied."

"The Blue Serpent Sect Master would be so happy to hear that. But he seems to trust you quite a bit."

"He probably does. It's hard to find someone with my skills."

"You praise yourself well."

"Of course, even the Guryong Chamber and the Heukcheon Sect are begging me to come."

It couldn't be denied.

No Gwanyeong was a renowned person, at least in Sichuan.

Why else would he be known as one of the Ten Prowess of the Sichuan Unorthodox Faction?

The Unorthodox Factions that stood shoulder to shoulder with Emei and Cheongseong, which divided Sichuan as Orthodox Factions, were the Guryong Chamber and the Heukcheon Sect.

They were giants of the Unorthodox Faction that couldn't even be compared to the Blue Serpent Sect.

A person who would not be treated lightly even in such a Heukcheon Sect was the warrior, No Gwanyeong.

It was just that his life was focused on satisfying his overflowing curiosity; if he wanted, he could rise to a higher position at any time.

"You're also in big trouble. Not being able to settle down in one place like that..."

"Leave me be, I don't have much time left to live anyway..."

"Hey, you. If you die, who will be my drinking buddy?"

"Keuk, keuk keuk keuk."

Amidst the laughter, cups of alcohol were exchanged.

In fact, the reason the Munjeong Merchant Group Master, Woo Huigwan, had made a deal with Cheonyeong was largely due to No Gwanyeong's influence. But it wasn't purely because of that.

Considering the help he had received in the past, he could have easily made a deal with the Tang Family's estate with just that one request, but more importantly, it was Cheonyeong's character.

The quality of the goods he brought was secondary; he quite liked Cheonyeong's backbone, which was not easily intimidated.

"By the way, I'm worried."

"About what?"

"Go Hyeon."

"Why that punk?"

"He's not a punk to be taken lightly."

"Huh?"

"He's been controlling the Ganyang Merchant Association for thirty years already. He's been trading with our Munjeong Merchant Group since his father's time."

"..."

"How do you think he has survived for so long? He's like a snake. Experienced and cunning. He surely won't just stand by."

"He's just a rat."

"Haven't you heard the saying that even a cornered rat will bite a cat?"

"Then it can't be helped."

"What?"

"If it's a cat that would die from being bitten by a mere rat, it's better off dead. My curiosity will end there too."

Although he said that, No Gwanyeong smiled with narrowed eyes.

"But, that punk won't be bitten. By a mere rat..."

"What?"

"The Tang Cheonyeong I saw... was a tiger cub."

"A tiger?"

"Yes, a tiger. A punk who, if he grows up well, will grow into a mountain lord who will shake this mountain called the Sichuan martial world."

"Hah! That's a surprising evaluation. To think there's someone you would evaluate so highly."

"That's why I'm watching, isn't it? Even going so far as to ask you for a favor."

"Ho ho, my... what on earth are you thinking?"

"It's fun to watch. Keuk keuk keuk."

Although he was his old friend, he was truly an incorrigible person.

But, it was because of that incorrigible personality that the two had become friends, and could drink together so freely...

And inwardly, Woo Huigwan was also beginning to have some expectations for the Tang Family's estate.

A person who called himself between Orthodox and Unorthodox, and was not bound by commerce or the martial world.

How far could the Tang Family's estate make its name known?

* * *

Cheonyeong and Yongcheon, who had returned, entered the Tang Family's estate as triumphantly as returning generals.

Teok, deolkeok.

No words were needed.

As Yongcheon put down the chest and opened it, a brilliant light poured out.

"Woooow..."

The mouths of the Tang family members fell open.

Gold and silver...

It was too much money not to be surprised.

"You've worked hard, Family Head."

"It was nothing."

Although Cheonyeong showed humility at the praise from Ahn Chilgang, who was the first to recover from his surprise, his expression was full of unconcealed pride.

"Keuk keuk, I can still see it clearly. How rotten Go Hyeon's expression was as he returned after losing the trade routes of not only the Munjeong Merchant Group but also the Simcheon Merchant Group to our Tang Family's estate."

The kids' reaction to the excited Yongcheon's after-story was heated.

"Huh? Really? What was it like?"

"Well, what it was like was, the Family Head met the Munjeong Merchant Group Master and..."

At the family members' questions, Yongcheon, even spitting saliva, recounted the events in Seongdo like a heroic tale.

This punk too...

His speech has improved quite a bit.

"Anyway, with this, we've secured enough money for now. And the trade of leather and medicinal herbs with the merchant groups in Seongdo will continue. Sanghui."

"Yes, Family Head."

"From now on, you will manage this money."

"Me?"

Sanghui swallowed hard, looking at the chest, at Cheonyeong's words.

"Since you're the Inner Hall Master, of course you have to manage the money too. Please take care of it until we have a chief steward to handle the finances."

"Hmm, I understand."

Sanghui nodded and took the chest from Yongcheon.

"And, from now on, I'm thinking of seriously driving the merchant association out of Ganyang."

"The merchant association?"

"Is it a war? Should I prepare the flying wooden needles?"

At the word 'war', the family members' eyes sparkled and they clenched their fists.

Stop it...

It's not that kind of fight.

"But will it be okay? Although they've lost two trade partners, the merchant association is still strong."

"It doesn't matter. I've already made a plan."

"What kind?"

"Division."

"Division?"

"Yes."

"What does that mean?"

As Ahn Chilgang asked, everyone turned their heads to look at Cheonyeong.

"They are an association. Gathered for profit... if internal conflict arises, and they can't meet each other's interests, they will naturally be divided."

"Well, that's true, but a way to cause conflict and break their strong bond..."

Cheonyeong grinned at the puzzled Ahn Chilgang and said.

"Baekgang, Hwangsama."

"Yes?"

"Tell the Hoyeon Brigade kids to teach the Inner Hall laborers hunting and medicinal herb techniques from now on."

"To the Yin Hand Chamber punks?"

"Yes."

"Why go to the trouble..."

"Because they are the starting point of this plan."

"Pardon?"

"Instead, spread a rumor far and wide in Ganyang. That the Tang Family's estate is seriously training hunters and herb gatherers and teaching them excellent skills."

"Hmm, I understand."

"And Divine Work Pavilion Master."

"Yes."

"Find a decent inn on the main road and do some interior construction."

"An inn?"

"Yes."

"I understand. But... why an inn?"

"We have to provoke them. They must be furious already. And invite them to the opening ceremony."

Everyone held their breath at Cheonyeong's eerily shining eyes.

His expression, and the smile on his lips...

He was no different from a villain.

"Just you wait. Merchant association. I'll make it so you can't even set foot in Ganyang. Keuheuhaha."

Yongcheon frowned at Cheonyeong's sinister laugh.

"I... really hate that laugh."

"Yongcheon."

"...Yeah?"

"I still like you."

As Cheonyeong smiled with his eyes, Yongcheon flinched and stepped back.

And Sanghui blocked his path.

As if protesting that Yongcheon was hers...

Yongcheon is a man. I'm a man too.

Why on earth are you jealous?

* * *

It wasn't long before Cheonyeong's words became a reality.

"Association Head, there's big trouble."

"..."

"The hunter punks who have left the association are loitering around the Tang Family's estate."

"What did you say?"

"It's the same for us. The herb gatherers too..."

"...What does that mean? Why are the hunters and herb gatherers loitering around the Tang Family's estate?"

"Well..."

The association heads reported what had happened since Go Hyeon returned from Seongdo.

It was all because of the two shops that had started under the name of the Tang family.

Tang Family Leather and Tang Family Pharmacy.

To make them go bankrupt, the two associations had started a massive volume offensive and had also slashed their prices.

Thanks to that, the hunters and herb gatherers of the associations grew more and more tired, wandering the mountain foothills without rest.

But what do you know?

The expected result did not come out.

People's footsteps only continued to lead to Tang Family Leather and Tang Family Pharmacy.

It was a matter of course.

The hastily skinned leather could not be in good condition, and the indiscriminately gathered medicinal herbs could not be intact.

Low price and quality.

Before long, the people of Ganyang began to treat the goods of the two associations with contempt, like cheap bean-curd dregs, and started using the Tang family shops, which always maintained a fair price and offered high-quality goods.

Moreover, the goods of the Tang Family's estate were said to be sought after even by the giant merchant groups of Seongdo...

At least when it came to leather and medicinal herbs.

And the rumor that started circulating one day.

The word spread that the Tang Family's estate was directly training hunters and herb gatherers. They even said they guaranteed a high income, so the people who had left the associations couldn't help but loiter around the Tang family.

"Th-th... this damn..."

Just as Go Hyeon was trembling with his fists in a terrible sense of defeat.

"Association Head!"

"...?"

"Th-the Tang Family's estate... has opened an inn called Mandeok-ru on the main road!"

(End of Chapter)