You bastard!? Are you from the Southern Edge Sect?

"Why?"

"Don't look at me with that face. I know that what I'm doing is foolish."

Yu Jong-San waved his hands as if he was annoyed.

"Then why?"

"Look here, owner Kong."

"…"

"You aren't from Hua-Um."

Owner Kong's face went blank.

What now?

"You arrived later and are the son-in-law of the man who owned the pavilion previously. You don't understand what Mount Hua means to those who were raised in Hua-Um."

"No!"

Owner Kong yelled.

What is this new shit? Why does it matter if he wasn't born in Hua-Um?

"Look here, owner Yu."

"Ahh. Enough. I already know what you will say."

Yu Jong-San took a deep breath.

"I know that in a world where everything is money, even Hua-Um is for sale."

Owner Kong looked at the man with a puzzled face. He wondered what would be said next.

"But I am a person of Hua-Um."

"… and what does that have to do with this?"

"Those who are born and raised here grow up listening to the legends and tales of Mount Hua. We are raised being told that we must enter Mount Hua and become great martial arts masters, our names echoing across the world. It is still revered even for those of us who lack talent and can never enter. That's how great Mount Hua was, and we grew up listening to those legends and how they protected not just the world but us as well."

Owner Kong tilted his head. Where did this nonsense suddenly come from?

"It isn't just me. My father and my grandfather also grew up like that. Mount Hua is the pride of Shaanxi and of Hua-Um. And…"

Yu Jong-San scratched his head and spoke.

"Not for me, but it was a source of pride for my father and grandfather."

"… so, what do you mean?"

"But what does it make me if I am willing to destroy Mount Hua for the simple sake of money? When I enter the afterlife, will my father leave me in peace? I will be beaten for days and days like when I was a child."

A low laugh broke out.

When Owner Kong turned his face, the laughter died down, and the others lowered their heads.

"So? For these sentiments, you are giving up a fortune?"

"Giving up what? Didn't you hear the sect leader say he would give it back later?"

"And you believe that?"

"There is no reason not to believe. What are we going to do with that money anyway?"

Yu Jong-San spat on the floor.

"A person like you will take the money and move away. There will be plenty of ways to spend that money; if you go to places like Hangzhou, then you'll be able to play around without any worries. But I've spent my whole life in Hua-Um, where will I go with the money I earn? Should I spend it all on alcohol? That's not very fun for me."

Yu Jong-San smiled.

It wasn't a funny situation. He climbed the mountain enamored at the thought of receiving a large fortune. He was exhausted and wanted his money, but what was he saying now?

'Maybe I've gone mad.'

He would never do this in his right mind. Yu Jong-San knew that.

But…

"You will regret it."

"Of course, I'll regret it. Damn it! Do you think I am saying this because I don't know I will regret it? I know better than you! Of course, I'll regret it!"

Yu Jong-San shouted.

"But it would be far more unpleasant to ruin Mount Hua with my own hands!"

Owner Kong looked at Yu Jong-San, confused.

The man was taking deep breaths as he got too excited.

"Look here, owner Kong. I can make enough money to provide for myself. If I protect Mount Hua now, I may get my money back later. Then I can take it and live a decent life as always. But if Mount Hua is destroyed, I will have to live in regret each day, and every time I see my money, I will be reminded of what I had done. I don't want to live like that."

Owner Kong clenched his teeth.

'Has he lost his mind?'

He couldn't understand what this man was talking about. But…

'There is no need to understand.'

Why should he stop a man who was walking down a pit of fire with his own feet? Just one person changing his mind wouldn't change the situation.

"Do whatever you want to. It won't change anything if you do it alone."

"Who said he was alone?"

Owner Kong turned his head at it.

"Owner Seo!"

Seo Mun-Jong walked up and stood next to Yu Jong-San.

"What are you doing?"

"Can't you see?"

Owner Kong frowned.

But it wasn't just that one man. Perhaps the words of Yu Jong-San were the trigger; five of the twenty people stood next to him.

"Oh, my god."

Owner Kong shook his head.

'When have I ever seen such pathetic people?'

How could people who claim to be merchants make such stupid choices?

'No. No.'

Owner Kong controlled his expression.

'If it wasn't for Mount Hua, they would have never made such a choice. I suppose that's how truly absolute their influence is here."

If you're swayed so easily by your emotions, you won't be able to make the right judgments. Disrespecting the opponent was something a merchant should never do. It was the right time to think about the potential of Mount Hua, which was being displayed right now.

Owner Kong looked at the people who went to the other side. Everyone was showing signs of regret, yet they looked oddly refreshed.

'Stupid people.'

Are they proud of not abandoning the sect till the very end?

This is only meaningful while Mount Hua exists. Even if the payment is postponed, Mount Hua won't be able to afford to pay the rest of the merchants. They've lost out on a fortune due to a moment's misjudgment.

Owner Kong decided that and asked.

"Is there anyone else who thinks otherwise?"

The others looked at Hyun Jong and then shook their heads.

"Sect leader."

"…"

Owner Kong smiled.

"I didn't realize that the name of Mount Hua was still so great. But that is all. The rest of us have no intention of delaying the payment date, so return to us the money we lent you."

Hyun Jong smiled. His eyes weren't looking at Owner Kong but the ones behind him.

"Is there really no one else here willing to help us?"

"…"

When there was no answer, Hyun Jong nodded.

"Then, it is unavoidable."

"Sect leader."

"Don't rush. Owner Kong."

Kong Mun-Yeong flinched.

Hyun Jong's voice was soft, but there was a force he couldn't resist.

Hyun Jong looked around at the merchants with Yu Jong-San, who smiled brightly.

"Still, it is enough that there are a few people who would side with Mount Hua. Doesn't that mean that the world hasn't yet abandoned Mount Hua?"

Owner Kong couldn't say anything, and Hyun Jong loudly called.

"Un Am!"

"Yes. Sect leader!"

"Bring it!"

"Yes."

Un Am bowed his head and walked off quickly. Seeing that, owner Kong frowned.

'Does he really have it?'

It couldn't be.

Just because owner Kong had tricks up his sleeve, that didn't mean the sect leader could do the same and receive a strong backing. If there was, the information would have certainly entered his ears.

Was it a bluff?

No, that didn't make sense either. You can only bluff when something is in the background to fall back on; the current Mount Hua couldn't afford such a dangerous bluff.

Un Am returned before owner Kong could finish organizing his thoughts. He went alone but now came back with three people.

'A box?'

The people seemed to be of the same age as Un Am, which meant they were elders. One of them was bringing a large box.

"Sect leader. We brought it."

Hyun Jong pointed ahead.

"Put it down

"Yes."

Tak!

The box was placed on the floor.

Owner Kong looked down at the chest, then back up and asked.

"This…?"

"There is a fortune in that box, check for yourself."

"…fortune?"

"Yes."

Owner Kong looked at the box with suspicious eyes.

'I don't think he is playing with me.'

The Hyun Jong that he knew wasn't a sly man who would joke in this situation. So, was there money in this box?

Various thoughts came to his mind, but now wasn't the time to think. A box of money was right in front of him, so why bother thinking about it?

Owner Kong approached the box as if possessed. And slowly opened the lid.

He narrowed his eyes and checked what was inside.

"This is…"

Riches?

Were the riches these books?

"Sect leader? Are you messing with us right now?"

"Would I do such a thing? I am sure I have what you wanted."

"What we wanted?"

"You will know once you read it."

Owner Kong calmed his emotions and pulled out one of the books. He then began to read the contents in it.

Flap!

Flap!

The sound of pages being turned at a rapid pace. His face gradually crumpled and changed various shades of color as each page was turned.

"T–this…"

Owner Kong's face completely changed, so the merchants behind him slowly approached.

"What is that?"

"Let us see it too."

"…"

When he didn't answer, they glanced at the box. After confirming that several books were inside, they too reached out for them.

"What is this…?"

Each one who checked the contents grew nervous and soon became suspicious.

"Aren't these ledgers?"

"Yes."

Hyun Jong nodded his head.

"It looks like old ledgers, so why are you bringing it out now…?"

Hyun Jong smiled.

"The ledgers you are looking at now were created by Mount Hua for the management of our businesses."

"… huh? What?"

Hyun Jong narrowed his eyes.

"Owner Kong. Did you check it?"

"…"

Hyun Jong's voice resounded clearly.

"These ledgers contain information proving that the ownership of the Hua-Um businesses which you are running belongs to Mount Hua."

"Huh?"

"Ah, no. What do you mean? Sect leader?"

"Silence!"

Hyun Jong firmly cut off their words. And he opened his mouth to those who hadn't come to their senses.

"Mount Hua has been so kind to you. But to think that you would repay our kindness like this. No matter how good Mount Hua is, we aren't the kind to show kindness to rats who bite their own masters."

Hyun Jong spoke out sharply.

"Therefore, based on these ledgers, Mount Hua will confiscate not only the businesses you have but also the property that you have accumulated under the name of the business."

A bolt of lightning cracked through the dry sky, quickly crushing down their dreams.

No one was able to speak.

It was because of the declaration which came out of Hyun Jong's mouth. Those who understood what it meant couldn't speak, and those who had yet to grasp the situation couldn't open their mouths in such a heavy atmosphere.

"S-sect leader!"

"W-what are you saying? Sect leader?"

A commotion broke out.

The merchants screamed until their faces turned red, but Hyun Jong didn't change his expression. A cold expression they had never seen from him was looking down on the merchants.

"It is as I said."

"B-But…!"

"We don't understand what is happening…."

It was then.

"Silence!"

Owner Kong said in a cold voice, which froze the heated crowd where they stood.

Hyun Jong and Kong Mun-Yeon locked eyes as electricity seemed to crackle between them.

"Tell Me. Owner Kong."

The attitude had not changed, but something more had. Hyun Jong was no longer the weak pushover pretending to remain calm; even Owner Kong felt stifled at the sect leader's change.

"This joke has gone too far."

"A joke, you say?"

"Right."

Their eyes stayed locked together, each trying to overwhelm the other. Hyun Jong typically would have softened his gaze, but he didn't back down at this moment.

"I am sorry, but the sect leader of the great Mount Hua doesn't joke."

Hearing that, owner Kong spoke.

"Certainly, according to the ledgers, most of the businesses of the Hua-Um merchants come under Mount Hua, and if it was true that the businesses were taken over, then you can surely confiscate them."

"You're well aware of the situation."

"But."

Owner Kong smiled. But this was a different smile. It was as if he was trying to fake it.

"Isn't that only if the ledger is legitimate?"

Hyun Jong kept staring without saying a word. And Owner Kong continued.

"How can you prove if these books which sprouted up out of nowhere are genuine?"

"What, you…"

Hyun Jong narrowed his eyes.

"Are you saying that Mount Hua faked these documents?"

"Mount Hua would never do such a thing."

Owner Kong took a step back.

"But couldn't Mount Hua be deceived by some charlatan? We can't trust them unless they are verified."

"Right!"

"That is common sense!"

The other merchants yelled.

Hyun Jong, who watched them, nodded slowly and then looked at Hyun Yeong.

"Finance head."

"Yes–sect leader!"

"What do you think?"

"There is truth to their words."

Hyun Yeong answered without a change in his expression, which delighted the merchants.

"What should we do?"

"Sect leader, the focus of this discussion is wrong."

"Hm?"

Hyun Yeong smiled.

"It isn't our business to determine if the ledgers are genuine or not. In such cases, isn't it the government which makes such determinations?"

"Right."

Hyun Yeong continued to speak.

"That's why half of the books were already entrusted to the officials in Hua-Um to check their authenticity. If the books get verified, the officials will go and confiscate their businesses."

Owner Kong's eyes widened at that.

"Y-You already gave them?"

"Right. Why? Is something wrong?"

Hyun Yeong's casual words made owner Kong feel like he'd fallen into a frozen lake. A cold sweat began to trickle down his back.

'Damn it!'

If he was in Hua-Um, he could have done something, but they were now on Mount Hua, and in their absence, the officials could rush in and take over their workplace. He had no way of dealing with them while away.

'That bastard!'

Owner Kong glared at Hyun Jong.

Hyun Jong had planned this from the beginning and gathered them here; showing the ledgers directly to the merchants simply delayed the time. Everything was going according to what he wanted.

"When did you leave the ledgers to the officials?"

"Around two days ago."

"…. Two."

Owner Kong gnashed his teeth.

Two days was more than enough to verify the ledgers. It was said that half of them were given to the officials, but they would certainly want to validate all of them. It was clear, the ledgers currently in the box must have already been validated.

In other words, at the bottom of Mount Hua, officials were checking the authenticity of the ledgers and were preparing to confiscate the businesses.

Mount Hua helped protect the world for generations. If the Sect leader himself requests something by utilizing the sect's connections, isn't it obvious how fast things would happen down there?

Perhaps there was already a commotion down there.

"Sect leader!"

Owner Kong yelled in an angry voice.

However, Hyun Jong was no longer the generous person he was a few days ago.

"Keep your voice down."

Hyun Jong's whole body was giving out a strong force. Even Owner Kong, who was rarely surprised, ended up bowing to him.

The name of Mount Hua.

The energy now raging from this man showed the worth of that name.

"You have no right to speak."

Hyun Jong stared at the merchants with cold eyes. Some, unable to overcome the pressure, lowered their heads.

"A true friend is one who reaches out when things are difficult. There is no need to show kindness to those who held a sword to our throats during trying times. Go back. By the time you return, everything will already be over…."

Hyun Jong sighed.

"It is impossible to ignore how you have treated us, yet I will give permission to each of you to take a single cartload of your wealth."

"Se–sect leader."

They couldn't understand just how things got to this point.

"I have shown you the greatest favor I could."

At that time, Hyun Yeong spoke.

"Sect leader, these are the people who desecrated Mount Hua and siphoned off its wealth. Not just that, they tried to take our very foundation despite all we've done for them. To show favor to such people…."

"If we let go of an animal which was about to bite us, it will turn into a beast and devour us."

Hyun Jong waved his hand at that.

"I've already made my decision, so we won't be talking about this."

"Yes, sect leader."

Hyun Yeong lowered his head.

"Go down. Shouldn't you see with your own eyes how things are going?"

Owner Kong's face distorted. Gritting his teeth, he glared at Hyun Jong as if he wished to kill him.

"Sect leader. You've been hiding such a poisonous heart behind that amiable facade."

"Poisonous heart…"

Hyun Jong smiled.

"Sure, call it a poisoned heart. But I feel that I pale in comparison to you."

"… I will not forget this debt."

"Right. Un Am. Guide them out."

"Yes. Sect leader!"

Owner Kong turned around. And without waiting for Un Am, he started walking. The merchants, who didn't know what to do, looked at the sect leader and hurriedly began to follow owner Kong. They had to go down and check what was happening.

Hyun Jong sighed as he looked at the people moving.

"Sect leader! You worked hard!

"Hm..."

Hyun Jeong smiled at Hyun Yeong.

"Now Mount Hua is finally free. It is good!"

"Don't relax too much. We've only crossed one mountain now."

"Will there be a greater mountain than this? Now everything is set."

Hyun Jong smiled brightly, seeing Hyun Yeong, who wasn't sure what to do, get lost in the excitement.

It had been ages since he had last seen the head of finance so happy. Everyone in Mount Hua was carrying a heavy load on their shoulders.

'All thanks to that child.'

It could be said that this was a prosperous time for Mount Hua.

A reward should be given, but what kind of reward should he give to the one who made this happen? He smiled.

Hyun Jong, who thought that, turned his head to Yu Jong-San and the others.

"And…."

They immediately bowed to Hyun Jong.

"Even in these difficult times, you kept our grace in your hearts."

Hyun Jong's attitude was different from when he dealt with the other merchants. It was soft.

"Sect leader. What will happen to us?"

"It doesn't change that your business belongs to Mount Hua. And things of Mount Hua should be returned to us. But I will ensure that you continue to handle the business and receive payment."

"…"

Yu Jong-San's face calmed.

This situation was better than those who were running down the mountain now, but they were losing their businesses all the same. Wouldn't Yu Jong-San now be an employee and not the owner?

"Then...."

The moment Yu Jong-San tried to protest, Hyun Yeong opened his mouth.

"Excessive greed proceeds a downfall."

"…"

"It is also a sin to try and oppress others with a business that isn't yours. Mount Hua is just giving you a chance to lessen the weight of your sins."

Sighs came out.

All of this had resulted from greed.

'Grandfather. What have you done?'

He was flustered again.

"Finance head."

"Yes, sect leader."

"Isn't it true that they didn't betray the loyalty they had to Mount Hua and helped us at the last minute?"

"It is true."

"Let's discuss this together. There should be a good way. Shouldn't Mount Hua be a warm place for their close friends?"

"Yes, sect leader."

Hyun Yeong stepped forward and told the merchants.

"Come this way. Let us head in and discuss."

"… yes."

The merchants followed him with complex emotions.

As everyone moved, Hyun Jong remained in place alone.

He watched Mount Hua each day, but Mount Hua now seemed different to his eyes.

The barren and faded buildings seemed to be full of vitality.

'Does one's perception of life all depend on how the heart is feeling?'

No, everything doesn't simply end like that.

Mount Hua, which was touched by tragedy, has received its first blessing in several decades. The flow of life is such a strange thing; once the direction of the flow changes, it isn't easy to reverse it simply through your own efforts.

Now that a path for a better future was opened, Mount Hua will be different from before, which Hyun Jong believed.

Perhaps today is the trigger that will bring back the forgotten glory of Mount Hua.

'It will.'

Hyun Jong's face, full of wrinkles, had a deep smile.

"…You, you…"

In the distance, a wrinkle-free face crumpled and disfigured itself.

"That fucking bastard!"

Chung Myung's eyes went wide with indignation.

What? What do you mean by a cart!?

What was that calm-looking man doing?

"Come on! I will show you what a beast is!"

Hyun Jong sent the merchants away.

But Chung Myung would not let them go so easily.

---

"Sahyung! Great Sahyung!"

"What is it?"

"Did you hear?"

Yoon Jong smiled and asked.

"Hear what?"

"The rumors circulating around, haven't you heard them?"

"I have ears, so there's nothing I cannot hear."

When Yoon Jong answered, Jo Gul said.

"The merchants of Hua-Um, who Mount Hua was indebted to, turned out to be Mount Hua's representatives in the past. All their businesses belong to Mount Hua."

"I see."

"There's a riot in Hua-Um. Officials are occupying and confiscating their property!"

"I heard about that too!"

"Oh my god! Why are you so calm? Haaa! This is why I shouldn't talk to people who want to

become elders here!"

Jo Gul beat his chest as if he was frustrated.

"Is that such a big deal?"

"It is. It's an amazing thing! Do you know how much money it will be if all the businesses are confiscated? Putting aside the wealth, just their businesses alone, we won't have to worry about making ends meet in Mount Hua for generations."

"So…?"

Yoon Jong looked at Jo Gul with a slightly renewed sense of vigor.

Yoon Jong was someone who was aiming to become a Taoist in Mount Hua. There seemed to be a difference between what he saw as essential and what Jo Gul considered a huge deal.

"This seems to be bigger than I thought."

"Oh my, sahyung. Sahyung will one day have to lead Mount Hua, and it will be a disaster if you don't have the money to run it."

"Hm. I should keep this in mind."

He heard the rumors, but he didn't think too deeply about them. He merely thought that being able to avoid paying the debt was a blessing, but it seemed like there were much more profound implications for others.

So, a new question arose.

"But how did this happen so suddenly? Why did the sect leader endure such humiliation until now?"

"Th-that…"

"Huh?"

Jo Gul's face became strangely complex.

"They said they found some old ledgers."

"Ledgers?"

"Right. Ledgers related to the business of Mount Hua. They found it a few days ago, so they…."

Jo Gul seemed to trail off as he quietly ended it there. Seeing that Yoon Jong couldn't understand, Jo Gul began again.

"Found a few days ago."

"Huh?"

"The ledgers were found a few days ago. And the ledgers had to be some sort of book, right?"

"Right."

Yoon Jong smiled bitterly.

"It is fortunate that we happened to see some books get discovered just a few days ago, right?"

"… yes."

Jo Gul and Yoon Jong couldn't say anything more and exchanged subtle glances.

'That box!'

'There must have been books inside it!'

It was too perfect to be a coincidence. Besides, wasn't the reaction of the sect leader who checked it too extreme?

"I really want to say, it couldn't be, but…."

"I feel the same."

Jo Gul and Yoon Jong's faces darkened a little.

"Besides, the reaction of that idiot before it happened was…."

"Honestly, it was too strange."

–Ouch! What is this? Why is there a stone here!

–No! My god! This isn't a stone! Why did someone bury this here? So weird? Hehehehe. Very weird.

–Should I dig? Is it fine if I dig? Hahahaha. Hahaha. What could be buried here? Such a strange thing. It couldn't be a treasure.

Yoon Jong closed his eyes tightly.

'If you want to deceive someone, at least act properly. Damn it.'

He couldn't forget that awkward voice. Even a three-year-old would do better than him.

'Ah, he is up to something.'

That was what anyone would have thought.

Soon after that crappy performance, the box was uncovered.…

"As expected?"

"Right?"

Jo Gul and Yoon Jong turned serious.

"Where the hell did he find it?"

"… the more we want to know, the more we end up not knowing."

"Yeah."

Yoon Jong shook his head.

There were too many strange details. Even if he didn't pay attention, everything seemed suspicious.

Nevertheless, Yoon Jong isn't very wary of Chung Myung because his sincerity towards Mount Hua is evident.

This situation was no exception. Didn't Mount Hua benefit from Chung Myung finding those ledgers?

"Anyway.…"

It was at that moment.

"Great Sahyung!"

A loud voice came from outside the room.

"What is going on?"

"Have you seen Chung Myung?"

"Why him?"

"Sect leader is looking for him, but we can't seem to find him. He isn't even in his room."

"…. Hmm?"

Yoon Jong, who tried to remain calm, went stiff, and soon his expression turned dark.

"Not there?"

"Yes. We can't find him anywhere."

"N-No!"

Yoon Jong jumped up and started to run towards Chung Myung's room.

He burst through the door, slamming it open, quickly scanning the room. He even inspected the closet.

"Great Sahyung! What's wrong?"

Jo Gul, who was a step late, asked.

"… isn't here."

"Huh?"

"It's missing."

Yoon Jong pointed to the open closet. Resting peacefully inside the closet was Chung Myung's uniform.

"What? Did he take off his uniform? Where—"

At that moment, Jo Gul's eyes widened.

The uniform was taken off and placed in the closet. Then the clothes which were missing were.

"D-don't tell me!"

The black clothes which Jo Gul brought to him previously were missing.

Yoon Jong's face contorted.

"Again… he is up to something again."

"…"

The two of them really couldn't tell if Chung Myung was a boon for Mount Hua or a bane.

"Huh…."

A group of men stood looking at their carts with a bewildered face. The carts contained a fraction of the wealth they had gathered.

Each one was filled with wealth to help them survive. For someone with no money, it would be a startling amount. But for those here, looking at this wealth left them with an indescribable feeling as they recalled memories of what led to their current state.

"In one day…."

Like being struck by a bolt of lightning from a cloudless blue sky

As soon as they scurried down from Mount Hua, they saw their workplaces already occupied by government officials. They were armed and surrounded their businesses with the official order to confiscate everything.

They only heard shouts from the officials ordering their men to confiscate their things.

'What the hell is going on?'

Then, were the ledgers real?

It was shocking and seemed unfair. Who would have thought that the businesses being run for generations belonged to Mount Hua? Since it was operated by their fathers, they thought it was theirs.

But in one day, it was taken away, and they were kicked out of Hua-Um. Where else in the world could there be such an unfair situation?

Every merchant gathered wore the same dark expression.

When they saw one another dragging their carts, their hearts began to break as they looked truly destitute.

"… what the hell is this?"

"This is beyond words."

Sighs emerged from all over.

They were exiled, but since Mount Hua informed the officials to let them take a cart full of belongings, they were given some time to gather everything. Even if they wanted food, they had to leave Hua-Um and buy it elsewhere.

"A-are we to leave like this?"

"What more can we do?"

"Protest…"

"Protest?"

The owner of Plum Blossom Inn, Jin Yi-San, looked at Jo Geum-Myeong in anger.

"Are you saying that even after watching what just happened in front of our eyes? We are the thieves! Thieves! If the sect leader hadn't shown mercy to us, we wouldn't have even had the chance to leave; we would have been imprisoned! How do you intend to argue their proof!?"

A few people sighed, and their shoulders drooped.

"Damn it!"

Jin Yi-San turned.

"I am leaving!"

"A-already?"

"Didn't you hear that we would be imprisoned if we didn't leave within an hour!? We need to get out of here first!"

In the end, they all nodded helplessly. Those who watched him slowly followed.

After traveling for some time, they were able to get out of Hua-Um with their carts. They briefly pulled their cats into the shade beneath some trees to rest.

"… for this to happen."

"The officials who were monitoring behind us have returned too. Maybe we can get a moment of peace now."

"Peace?"

"What should we do next?"

As they got past one issue, other problems began to come into sight.

A few of the men looked at Kong Mun-Yeong. Seeing that he hadn't said a single word, they were tempted to make the man speak and take responsibility for what happened.

"Owner Kong!"

A sharp voice.

"What should we do now?"

As soon as Jo Geum-Myeong asked, the others began to join in.

"Say something!"

"Didn't you say that we only needed to trust you? How did this happen?"

"We believed in you, and now we have turned into scammers and thieves. How are you going to take responsibility for this?"

At that, Kong Mun-Yeong slowly raised his head.

"…"

Everyone who saw his eyes went silent. Kong Mun-Yeong's eyes, which had always been soft, were no longer glistening.

"Are you blaming me?"

"…"

Hearing the cold voice, they were all suppressed by his momentum and backed away.

"A-No, we didn't mean it like that…."

"We meant… measures. Some countermeasures…"

As everyone flinched, Kong Mun-Yeong, who was overwhelming the crowd, further bolstered the momentum.

"You pathetic bastards."

"…"

"…."

Kong Mun-Yeong got up.

"It wasn't as if we were hoping to have a good relationship with Mount Hua! Is there any one of you who thought otherwise? Everyone must have realized this to some extent, didn't you?"

There was no answer.

Those who still knew shame bowed their heads, but most didn't.

Kong Mun-Yeong said.

"No need to make a fuss. For now, just endure; however, this isn't going to end like this."

"… do you have something in mind?"

"How can those ledger's be legitimate?"

"…"

"They're obviously forged."

"W-what…."

"You must know that, with Mount Hua's connections, manipulating the authenticity of the ledgers isn't very difficult! He must have decided to share the wealth with the province officials.!"

"Ah!"

The merchants nodded their heads.

"Then?"

"Let's go to Luoyang for now. We can take care of matters there. If they try to suppress us with such power, we will have to push back with greater power! I will surely punish the wicked Mount Hua and that sect leader!"

"Ohhh!"

"Right! It doesn't make sense for them to suddenly have a bunch of books from a hundred years ago!"

"We need to uncover their crooked tricks!"

The voices of merchants grew louder.

It didn't matter if the ledger was real or fake. As Kong Mun-Yeong said, if they can utilize great enough power, even real books would become fake.

Then getting their businesses back wouldn't be a huge deal.

Seeing that, Kong Mun-Yeong smiled.

"So, you have nothing to worry about. I will take care of everything, so just trust and follow me."

"We believe in you!"

"We believed you from the start!"

'Pathetic bastards.'

Kong Mun-Yeong frowned.

They were trash, but he still needed them. It was better to have people who would follow his words than to be alone. Once he reached Luoyang, the situation would be reversed. He had a strong backer, which could give him strength…

"What bullshit."

Then, an unfamiliar voice flew in.

Kong Mun-Yeong turned his head.

'When?'

Kong Mun-Yeong was visibly shocked. He didn't feel anyone approaching. But someone was standing right in front of him.

'Who is it?'

As he looked at the owner of the voice, Kong Mun-Yeong's feelings changed from shock into bewilderment.

A black cloth clung tightly to his body, another black cloth obscured his face, and he held a sword in one hand.

"…"

It was obviously a robber!!

But…

Kong Mun-Yeong's gaze drifted upwards. The blazing sun caught his eyes as his vision clouded over.

'A crazy bastard?'

A robber was roaming on the streets in broad daylight. Did that make any sense?

"… what did you say?"

Instead of Kong Mun-Yeong, someone else asked. The masked man looked at the person and spoke.

"I said… cough!. Cough! Cough! Agh! What… cough…bullshit."

"…"

Kong Mun-Yeong looked at the robber with blank eyes.

'Is he going to die?'

Is it some old man?

A bent waist with an emaciated body made the man look like a skeleton. Every move seemed to cause his bones to ache, and what can be seen of his hidden face were tired eyes that looked old and withered.

Or was it a young child dying?

No. That couldn't be.

"What business does he have? He doesn't seem like a passer-by."

The masked man coughed a few times and shook his head at the question.

"Shit. I am going to die this way."

"…"

"Can't you see what is going on?"

"… what's going on?"

"A man dressed like this appears before you in broad daylight; what do you think his identity is?"

"Someone who's gone mad?"

"…"

"… or dementia?"

"Robber! A robber!"

"Oh, you really were a robber. I couldn't believe it."

Kong Mun-Yeong stopped smiling.

This man claiming to be a robber looked like he couldn't even catch a mouse.

Of course, downplaying others based on their appearance wasn't a good idea. But now, this man's appearance wasn't the only problem.

Although he had a sword in his hand, no one could feel any energy from him.

And any rational man with no energy wouldn't be walking around in those kinds of clothes. This was something only a crazy person would do.

"Look here. Old man."

Kong Mun-Yeong waved his hand.

"It seems you've lost your way at the sight of wealth. It might seem like a jackpot, but don't waste your life here. Quickly return."

"Looking at the riches… cough! The jackpot for sure… cough! Cough! Oh! It must be you!"

"… I don't understand what you mean?"

"Kua."

Since the masked man couldn't communicate clearly, he tapped on his waist a couple of times, raised the sword he was using as a cane, and pointed to Kong Mun-Yeong.

"I am not trying to steal your money. I am trying to recover my property."

"Didn't you say you were a robber a while ago?"

"See, you understood it so clearly despite the coughing."

"… huh."

Kong Mun-Yeong frowned.

Since he couldn't rob, this robber was trying to stick around like a beggar.

"It would be better for you to leave before we are forced to take action."

"Do you want to try?"

"Are you serious!?"

The moment Kong Mun-Yeong was about to scream, the tip of the masked man's sword was aimed at him.

"I thought you had a brighter head on your shoulders, but it seems you don't understand."

Kong Mun-Yeong ceased speaking. A moment of silence passed.

Kong Mun-Yeong, who was looking at the masked man, asked in a slightly different tone.

"Are you from Mount Hua?"

At his question, the other merchants seemed shocked.

"Mount Hua?"

"What do you mean, owner Kong?"

Kong Mun-Yeong didn't answer their questions. Dealing with the annoying bastards wasn't important now; the masked man was his current priority.

The masked man shook his head.

"It seems you do understand."

"You know that the talks with Mount Hua are done, right?"

"The talks with Mount Hua are done. But the talks with me aren't over yet."

"Did the sect leader send you?"

"Does he seem like that kind of a person?"

"… no."

Kong Mun-Yeong knew the personality of the sect leader. There was no denying that the man was dignified and had his own sense of justice.

He wasn't the kind to send someone to clean up after letting them go.

"Are you saying that you came from Mount Hua against the will of your own sect leader?"

"It is fine."

The masked man shook his head.

"Because I am not in a position to listen to each and every word of that child."

Kong Mun-Yeong's face darkened.

'Child?'

Although covered with a mask, he considered this man with a sloppy waist, weird body, and old-fashioned words to be quite old.

Even in comparison to the sect leader of Mount Hua, this man seemed older.

In other words, the person in front of them right now could be a former master of Mount Hua.

'But they aren't the kind to come out and act like this.'

He couldn't figure it out. It was his will to never disturb his composure in front of people, but the person in front of him could be a former master.

Kong Mun-Yeong's complexion darkened,

"I didn't realize that former members of Mount Hua would be so petty."

"Petty?"

The masked man snorted.

"Aren't you being petty by pointing a sword at us and hoping to take what little we have left? What would your senior think if he saw this now?"

"… senior?"

The blue eyes behind the mask narrowed.

'Huh? Look at him!'

'He understands seniority in the sect?'

Senior was something Chung Myung was called in his time. Though he was quite the rouge at the time. If Kong Mun-Yeong was a simple businessman, he wouldn't know much about seniority within a sect.

But he mentions that?

Chung Myung titled his head.

'Something smells off.'

Something very musty. Maybe this wasn't just done by some money-crazed people.

"Well, it's fine either way."

Chung Myung swung his sword.

"I don't know if the sect leader let you go so easily because he's naïve or if he simply hasn't learned anything. Personally, with my temper, I would rather just break your bones and be done with it. But, for the sake of the sect leader, I will respect his decision to let you go. Leave the carts and get out of here, then I won't catch you."

"Hahaha."

Kong Mun-Yeong burst out laughing.

"Old man. Do you think I left because I lacked strength?"

"Yes."

"…"

Kong Mun-Yeong was confused.

It was weird how this old man talked. Every time he spoke, Kong Mun-Yeong would be left speechless.

"Khuem! Well, you're mistaken. The reason I backed down was to avoid making it a larger problem. It's not as if I'm unable to catch a man wearing a mask calling himself a robber."

"haha. Well-spoken… cough! Cough! Ahck! Cough! Spit! Oh my…. I am dying."

Seeing the masked man hunched over and coughing, Kong Mun-Yeong felt a bit sorry for him. If the situation allowed, he even wanted to help him.

Tears welled up in his eyes, looking at those shaky limbs and bent waist.

"… old man. If you back down, we won't bother you. It seems like things are difficult for you too, so don't stand up and simply head back."

"The old man has already died."

He was a kid now.

'Aigoo, that pure internal qi is killing my body.'

His body wasn't mature, so he had no choice but to use it, but he never expected the wounds to be so severe.

There was no way he could feel fine when he was supposed to be resting for three months, but he decided to go wandering the streets. He was thankful they misunderstood him to be an old man, but…

"I have nothing to say."

Chung Myung swung his sword.

"Those who want to take a beating, stay here; those who value their lives can leave empty-handed. Back in the old days, I would have just pounced without asking a question. Recently though, I am learning to be patient, so don't test my temper."

"You speak well."

Kong Mun-Yeong drew a line like he didn't want to speak anymore.

"This is your last warning. I will not show you any more consideration."

"I get it. Tell the people hiding to come out."

Kong Mun-Yeong was startled.

'He noticed?'

Following behind him were a group of hidden escorts. They were so talented that it would be difficult for even a trained martial artist to feel their presence.

"Come out."

As the words fell, dozens of warriors appeared from the grassy terrain.

"Huh?"

"When did these people…?"

The merchants gathered close to their carts, their faces rife with fear. Of course, they couldn't have noticed the guards following them.

"Once more!"

Kong Mun-Yeong still wanted to give the old man a chance to step down but went silent at what happened.

A sound that made his shoulders shake.

And…

Swosh!.

The warrior who jumped out the farthest collapsed suddenly. Upon seeing that, Kong Mun-Yeong's legs trembled.

Chung Myung clicked his tongue and raised the sword.

"Anyway!"

Pak!

"Kids these days!"

Thuk!

"Talk a lot!"

Paaak!

"I didn't act like this in my time!"

Thud!

Five escorts fell before Kong Mun-Yeong could figure out what happened. He couldn't understand it.

"Tch."

Chung Myung retrieved his sword, put it on his shoulder, and looked at Kong Mun-Yeong.

It may have looked cool if anyone else had done it, but now Chung Myung was weak and slumped over. Seeing him bent down, seemingly in pain, evoking a sense of misery in his movements made the onlookers feel a sort of pity for him.

"Child."

Chung Myung smiled and continued.

"You don't seem to know much, but none of the kids who ignored me in the old days returned with their limbs intact. You should listen well to the words of your elders. I wonder, will some old-fashioned medicine work on you?

Chung Myung walked with the sword on his shoulder, whistling.

The warriors who saw it faltered and stepped back at his approach. Completely crushed by the momentum.

"Stand back, you useless trash!"

Kong Mun-Yeong, who yelled at the warriors, grunted through his teeth.

'Was there still someone this strong hidden in Mount Hua?'

He thought Mount Hua was just an old tiger with its teeth and claws removed. No, that was correct. The mistake was overlooking the fact that a crippled tiger is still a tiger; even without its teeth and claws, it could kill a man with its strength alone.

"I don't know why you waited until now to appear. if you had come out earlier than now, Mount Hua wouldn't have turned this way."

Just as Chung Myung was opening his mouth, Kong Mun-Yeong continued.

"But, you've come at the wrong time. I wanted to deliver a blow to Mount Hua, but this works as well. If someone like you dies at my hands, the sect leader will surely grieve for quite some time. Prepare yourself."

Kong Mun-Yeong raised his energy.

The grass around was ripped up and soared around in a frenzy. It was energy far greater than what a store owner should be capable of.

"Right. I knew something was up with you."

Chung Myung's eyes shone.

"Don't worry; at the very least, I won't cut that mouth of yours."

Chung Myung walked towards Kong Mun-Yeong, while Kong Mun-Yeong ran towards Chung Myung.

There was no disrespect for the opponent.

Although Kong Mun-Yeong was a half-baked warrior, his attitude wasn't inferior to that of a truly strong martial artist. Those who walked the path of martial arts should never underestimate their foes. Even a tiger does its best to catch a rabbit.

Moreover, there was no way he could be more alert after seeing how Chung Myung dealt with the escort guards.

But…

Something felt strange.

Tak!

As he attempted to strike with his fist, before it could even extend past his chest, it was already blocked. What's more, it was blocked with a sword.

The robber kept blocking any movement, twisting and turning without attacking, as if playing with Kong Mun-Yeong.

"Kuak!"

He could clearly feel the flow of internal energy.

"Y-You bastard!"

He clearly attacked the masked man with a Swinging Leg attack, but the masked man had already vanished from that place.

"You're too slow."

"Huk!"

Kong Mun-Yeong, startled by the voice coming from behind, clenched his fist and fiercely swung backward.

But this time too.

Tak!

"Huk!"

Strength was circulated from the dantian and amplified through his waist and chest; his fists turned into raging weapons. But what happens when such weapons are blocked before releasing their momentum?

Pop!

The sound of something exploding inside Kong Mun-Yeong's body. At the same time, his shoulder blades swelled sharply.

It couldn't be seen with the eyes, but there was likely a rupture within his shoulder muscle.

"Eik!"

The same thing kept repeating over and over.

"Uuughh!"

Kong Mun-Yeong, seething in pain and fury, raised his energy to kill the man and swept with a powerful kick. However, the masked man didn't seem to try avoiding it. He lightly took a step back as if avoiding an obnoxious fly.

Kong Mun-Yeong felt his feet brush past the man's chest, the wind pressure made his clothes tremble, but the masked man was untouched.

'What the hell is he?'

He couldn't calm himself.

Was he fast?

No.

Strong?

No.

The masked man was neither fast nor strong. Judging from his appearance, Kong Mun-Yeong could surely deal with 10 more masked people.

But now, he couldn't even touch the hem of the man's clothes. It was as if a young disciple was dealing with his master, he tried all sorts of maneuvers, but none worked.

It was the same now.

His full-strength blow flew towards the man's face, but it just brushed by with no contact. If he could even graze the man, his flesh would be torn, and his bones would be crushed; but the masked man was completely avoiding his attacks with minimal movements. As if he was playing with a toddler.

How could that be possible?

He wasn't fast.

But he was fast.

It wasn't an overwhelming speed. He moved slowly but perfectly and in the right direction at the proper distance.

Effortlessly and without wasting energy.

A dream of any martial artist. However, Kong Mun-Yeong felt miserable now.

It was like seeing a goblin.

He was fighting a man, but then it felt like he was kicking the air. He couldn't touch the opponent, and he couldn't hurt the opponent no matter what he tried.

'This man is a monster.'

If the man was just avoiding it, he wouldn't be so nervous. However, it wasn't just that.

'He is reading my movements.'

Even before he attacked, he was able to decide where to move. He was able to lead the opponent's strength to move where he wanted. This was an excellent combination of posture and movement.

Kong Mun-Yeong couldn't even imagine just how strong this man could be.

'It was wrong from the beginning.'

Monsters were unpredictable from the start. Had he known such a monster existed in Mount Hua, he never would have done such a thing.

But…

"Kuak"

The masked man, who was sneakily dodging the attacks, grabbed his waist and bent over.

"Oh my. Damn this body. It hurts. It hurts."

"…"

The masked man patted his back.

… it was a bit clumsy.

A master who was so great was gasping and tired from this little movement?

Ridiculous.

But it was happening right in front of his eyes.

The masked man was breathing heavily. And the mask around his mouth was wet, the face exposed in the cloth mask was perspiring heavily. And his back was already soaked with sweat.

He seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

Yet, he kept dodging the attacks, which flowed unceasingly.

"Kuak."

The masked man straightened his back again.

"Tch. I wanted to play with you more, but I can't. I am too weak."

Kong Mun-Yeong's face tensed upon hearing what was said.

He did everything he could, yet he couldn't even catch a loose string of this feeble old man's clothing. Kong Mun-Yeong was confident that if he put his strength on full display, few would be able to defeat him. He even felt he could bring down Mount Hua if he tried.

But now, he was toyed with by an old man he'd never seen before, constantly being teased.

"Why was someone like you never on the front line?"

"You don't need to know."

Chung Myung turned and grabbed the sword.

"Those who think only of themselves live in a strange illusion. Why should I have to answer any of your questions?"

"…"

"I'm the one who will ask the questions. For a simple business owner, your martial arts are quite strong. Why is a man with such skills running a business in Hua-Um?"

"Is there a law which says the strong shouldn't run businesses?"

"But it's a different story when the warrior is clearly greedy for money to the point of tricking a sect. With your level of martial arts, there are plenty of better ways to earn a fortune. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Chung Myung's lips inside the mask curled up.

"What are you trying—"

"Ah, that's enough."

Chung Myung stopped him from speaking.

"I get it, I get it, you aren't going to tell me anyway. There is no conspiracy going around, so don't misunderstand. I have not been commissioned by anyone, and I am not affiliated with anyone. This is all because of my personal matter. Is what you are going to say, right?"

"….r–right."

"Hm. I thought so."

Chung Myung nodded his head.

"That's how it usually goes. Unfortunately, those who say such things never confess easily in the beginning. Truthfully, even though your sins are great, I don't feel the need to grind you for information. Once I separate your flesh from bone, the words should spill out naturally, but if I do that, there are bound to be additional problems."

Chung Mung nodded to himself.

"Right, so there is the problem. Do you know what I do when I find myself in this situation?

"… how would I know?"

"We'll make a deal."

Kong Mun-Yeong's eyes widened.

"Huh?"

"I said that we'll make a deal."

"…"

Chung Myung shook his head and walked towards the man.

"You've already said that you won't speak; even if your insides explode, your mouth will remain sealed. So, we'll make a deal. You promise to keep your mouth shut, and I promise to beat you until it opens."

"…"

"If you change your mind in the middle and you want to talk, just raise your hand. But it would be better to think quickly. You can't get a refund for a blow which has already struck you."

"What nonsense!"

"Right. That is my specialty! Here I come!"

Chung Myung rushed in, closing the gap between them in an instant. Kong Mun-Yeong unknowingly backed away.

The masked man wasn't giving out any overpowering energy. It wasn't like the sword in his hand was scary. Even the way he ran made it feel like he would trip and fall any moment, yet Kong Mun-Yeong retreated.

But the speed he was retreating at wasn't faster than the speed Chung Myung was running.

Chung Myung's sword, still in its sheath, swiftly targeted Kong Mun-Yeong's left knee. Realizing that it was impossible to avoid, Kong Mun-Yeong attempted to block his knee with his arms.

Paak!

And soon, the sword slammed into the shoulder.

"Ack!"

An unseen attack.

'Shoulder?'

Obviously, it was aimed at the leg, so why did his shoulder get hit?

But there wasn't much time to think about it. The sword which struck the shoulder now aimed for the head.

This time, he could clearly determine the correct angle; he crossed his arms over his head.

Tuk!

His eyes blurred over momentarily.

The world turned black for a second before color was regained. At the same time, he felt short of breath, like his neck was tearing.

"Kuak!"

Chung Myung's sword had stabbed him in the throat. The blade was still in its sheath, so it didn't cut his throat. Still, it was a firm lump of metal that had stabbed his throat. How painful would it be?

Tears welled up in his eyes as his body trembled.

Argh!

Meanwhile, Chung Myung's sword came crashing down.

Shoulder, head, and waist.

Now, he was swinging the sword like he was hitting a stray dog.

What made it remarkable was that the fat man could never avoid it despite how clumsy the swordsmanship appeared. If he twisted his shoulders, his back was struck; if he tried to move his back, his head got hit.

Kong Mun-Yeong, who quickly became a mess, retreated in terror and backed away.

"M–might die…."

The fear of death began to dominate his mind. Both looked into each other's eyes.

At that moment, Kong Mun-Yeong could tell.

Eyes.

When he saw Chung Myung's cold and emotionless eyes, Kong Mun-Yeong understood.

He had seen those eyes many times in his life. All those who had such eyes had one thing in common.

Killers.

He didn't know what it was, but it was definite that this man had killed countless people. Beating Kong Mun-Yeong to death would be no different than catching a fly.

As soon as he chooses to unsheathe his sword, Kong Mun-Yeong's head would surely fly off without resistance.

'N-No!'

He didn't want to die. At least not here.

Then, Chung Myung began to pull his sword from the sheath. Soon after, he struck at Kong Mun-Yeong's head with a swiftness unseen before.

"Aaaaahhhhhh!!"

Kong Mun-Yeong's hands shone in a dazzling blue light. A massive blast erupted from his palms at Chung Myung as he wielded his sword.

"…"

Kong Mun-Yeong remained in that position with his arm outstretched in a daze.

There was nothing there.

Chung Myung wasn't where he was supposed to be. Kong Mun-Yeong, who came to his senses, hurriedly looked at Chung Myung, who had already come closer as he was sheathing his sword.

Chung Myung opened his mouth.

"Taiyi Divine Palm technique?"

"…"

"You bastard?"

Kong Mun-Yeong's face went pale the moment he realized his mistake.

"Are you from the Southern Edge Sect?"

His face soon became horribly distorted.