Chapter 139: <It Shouldn't Be Dangerous>
"Ow! What’s wrong with them all of a sudden? Have they gone mad?"
The Heavenly Divine Healer slumped onto the ground, gasping for breath, as he grumbled.
Beside him, the Needle Master dropped into the same position.
"You call yourself someone who manages information, but how are your ears so deaf?"
"Do you know something, then, brother?"
"Of course."
The Heavenly Divine Healer looked at the Needle Master with a suspicious gaze, his expression clearly conveying disbelief.
"Get rid of that dirty look."
"Ha! How can you talk like that? Dirty? I’m a man who bathes twice a day! Compared to you, who bathes once every two days, I’m practically a paragon of cleanliness."
"Hey! Why are you spreading false rumors?"
The Needle Master, half-flustered and half-angry, glanced around nervously before glaring at the Heavenly Divine Healer.
Their voices were so loud that they momentarily drew the attention of the surrounding people.
"I bathe at least once a day! What’s wrong with you?"
The Needle Master shouted and then lowered his voice, fixing a glare on the Heavenly Divine Healer.
"Are you really going to keep this up? Should I start digging into your past?"
"What past do I even have?"
The Needle Master sneered.
"Well, it’s not exactly the distant past, five days ago, to be precise. I know exactly what you did at Medicine Pavilion, so how about I shout it out loud?"
"Ah, brother, and I know who was in the next room at the time. Should we air each other’s laundry?"
The Needle Master fell silent.
"Fine. Let’s stop."
"I agree."
"But one day, I will definitely find a way to corner you."
The Heavenly Divine Healer chuckled.
"Brother, you have so many weaknesses, you might not even get the chance."
The Needle Master clenched his fist and trembled with frustration.
"Stop trembling and finish what you were saying. So why are they acting like that?"
The Heavenly Divine Healer turned his gaze toward the Small Training Hall.
The two were resting on the edge of the hall, which was filled with an intense atmosphere.
Anyone with spare time would unerringly head to the training hall, throwing themselves into grueling, death-defying training.
Neither the Heavenly Divine Healer nor the Needle Master could push themselves to such extremes.
Even if they wanted to, they had to restrain themselves because someone was bound to get injured, and then they would have to treat them.
The fervor for training was that intense.
"And why is Cho Seoran training here of all places? Just to practice the Spirit Wing Divine Art, of all things?"
Not long ago, Cho Seoran had begun training in the Spirit Wing Divine Art.
Most of the people at Golden Wall Manor had already completed this training and were now focusing on other techniques.
Even the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master had finished training in the Spirit Wing Divine Art.
Only Cho Seoran was still devoted to it.
Despite the pain and exhaustion, Cho Seoran persisted relentlessly.
Who could refuse when the results were so clearly visible?
The reason Cho Seoran had started this training was none other than the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master.
Despite being elderly, both of them had bodies as fit as any young warrior, thanks to their diligent alignment of mind, body, and qi.
If it weren’t for the wrinkles on their faces, no one would believe they were old.
Recently, even their wrinkles had begun to fade.
When the cause was identified as the Spirit Wing Divine Art, who wouldn’t be motivated to train?
"They’re doing it because they have a big goal."
"And what’s this big goal? Anyone watching would think the Young Master ordered it."
The Needle Master widened his eyes and clapped his hands.
"Oh, close guess."
The Heavenly Divine Healer looked at the Needle Master with a sour expression.
"This... somehow, I feel offended."
The Needle Master burst out laughing, imitating the Heavenly Divine Healer’s annoyed tone.
"Talking to you always makes me feel this way, you brat."
"Stop talking nonsense and just explain already. Why are they like that?"
"You know that the Hao Clan is scouring all of Hubei, right?"
"Of course. And it’s not just the Hao Clan involved. Our people are mixed in with them, too."
"Then you know what they’re searching for."
"Isn’t it obvious? They’re raiding the headquarters of that sect, the Nameless Sect or whatever they’re called."
The initial plan wasn’t to focus solely on Hubei, but the region had so many targets that most of the efforts were concentrated there.
They concluded that even just dealing with Hubei would deliver a significant blow to the Nameless Sect.
"But why bring that up now?"
"Once they find those locations, what comes next?"
"They’ll go and raid them, of course. Those guys are as good as dead."
"And who do you think is going to lead the raids?"
"That’s... obviously our Young Master..."
Given Byeok Taesan’s personality, he wouldn’t just give orders from a distance. He would likely lead the efforts himself, thoroughly destroying the enemy.
The nearby Hao Clan forces might move with him, but the brunt of the power would come from Byeok Taesan, while the Hao Clan would likely focus on securing any wealth or capturing survivors for interrogation.
Finally, the Heavenly Divine Healer nodded, as if he had pieced everything together.
“So, it seems like the Young Master plans to take only those who train diligently, doesn’t he? Am I right?”
“Something like that. He said he’d only take people he deems worthy.”
“In other words, it’s just a command to train until we drop. The Young Master’s standards aren’t exactly ordinary, are they?”
The Heavenly Divine Healer remarked, glancing again toward the training hall.
“But… why does it seem like there are only women there?”
“What are you talking about? There’s Cheon Kyungwan right there. He seems to be the most determined of the lot, from what I can see.”
The Heavenly Divine Healer chuckled.
“If all the attendants pass and only that guy is left, it’ll certainly look ridiculous.”
Hearing this, Cheon Kyungwan’s movements suddenly grew far more intense.
“Tsk, tsk, at this rate, he’ll kill himself trying.”
The Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master lounged at ease, taking a relaxed break.
Since they had no intention of being selected to go along, they could afford to be carefree.
“Going means more suffering. Don’t you agree?”
“You’re absolutely right, brother. Our Young Master isn’t someone ordinary, after all.”
The Heavenly Divine Healer chuckled again.
“This time, he might insist on us walking on our hands to get there. That would certainly be entertaining.”
The two laughed heartily, amused by their own imaginations.
•••••
Byeok Taesoo meticulously examined the Golden Wall Merchants' transaction records.
Recently, the group's profits had been steadily increasing.
Regardless of whether profits rose or fell, understanding the cause was essential.
Only then could one create more profit or address shortcomings effectively.
But this time, his focus wasn’t on profit margins or deficiencies.
“The interference has become excessive.”
His wife, Chae Miryeong, had become increasingly involved in business affairs. Lately, it was too much.
She had even severed ties with existing partners to forge new ones.
All for the sole reason that the new deals were supposedly more profitable.
This wasn’t how transactions should be conducted.
Cutting ties whenever difficulties arose wouldn’t build trust.
Byeok Taesoo’s expression turned grave.
The authority he had granted Chae Miryeong had led to this.
She had used her influence to its fullest extent, gradually expanding her power.
To some degree, Byeok Taesoo had been willing to tolerate this and had watched it unfold.
But now, it was reaching an unacceptable point.
He needed to address it before the situation spiraled out of control. Otherwise, managing the aftermath would become exceedingly difficult.
As he finished reviewing the transaction records, the secretary entered.
“Leader, I’ve completed the investigation.”
“Where was it?”
“It’s the Golden Moon Merchants.”
Byeok Taesoo’s expression hardened.
The secretary had conducted a background check on the new partners Chae Miryeong had introduced.
“All of them?”
“Yes, without exception, it was the Golden Moon Merchants.”
“For them to offer such terms, it’s as though they’ve all but abandoned profit…”
“They need a justification, don’t they?”
Even with authority, arbitrarily changing partners required justification.
Chae Miryeong had presented profit as that justification.
Byeok Taesoo looked at the secretary with a serious expression.
“What do you think the Golden Moon Merchants’ objective is?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“That’s why I’m asking. From what I know, the Golden Moon Merchants aren’t known for devouring other groups in this manner.”
Currently, the Golden Moon Merchants were replacing all of the Golden Wall Merchants’ partners with their own.
In essence, they aimed to make the Golden Wall Merchants subordinate to them.
While difficult, it wasn’t impossible, especially with internal collaborators.
And right now, Chae Miryeong was serving as that collaborator.
“I suppose it’s time to set things straight.”
“Yes, this seems like the right moment.”
The authority granted to Chae Miryeong had reached its limit.
Byeok Taesoo had already established boundaries, ensuring she could operate only within certain confines.
It was unlikely that Chae Miryeong had even realized she was restricted within those parameters.
“Keep an eye on the partners replaced by the Golden Moon Merchants.”
“Yes, leave it to me. This isn’t my first time handling such matters.”
“And… the Golden Moon Merchants are highly dangerous. It’s best to avoid entanglement with them, but given the circumstances, there’s no choice. Try to arrange a meeting.”
“You plan to meet them in person?”
“I have to. We need to settle this. Otherwise, this will continue. We can’t afford to fight to the death over this. It’s better to negotiate and establish a mutual understanding.”
“It could be risky.”
“Even so, we must learn what they want. I doubt they’re after the entire merchant group itself. And as for the risks… I already have measures in mind.”
The secretary looked at Byeok Taesoo with a puzzled expression.
Byeok Taesoo smiled gently as he continued speaking.
"I’ll bring my younger brother along."
"Pardon? Do you mean the Second Young Master?"
Byeok Taesoo nodded enthusiastically, a satisfied smile on his face.
"There shouldn’t be anything dangerous."
•••••••
Jang Gakwoo and Yuk Taegu lay sprawled on the ground, drenched in sweat and blood, gasping for air.
"Are you okay?"
"How about you?"
The two had just finished a fierce sparring match.
It had been a life-or-death battle in intensity, but the result was a draw.
Once every ten days, the two met for such bouts.
The excuse was to test their skills, but in truth, it was more about determining their hierarchy.
Yuk Taegu was often surprised when fighting Jang Gakwoo.
He had been personally trained by the Moon Spirit Corps Leader with special support, and his skills were exceptional.
Yet, someone who was merely a squad leader of the Heaven Guard Corps was on par with him!
Both men were from the Heaven Guard Corps and were among the few recruited by Byeok Taesan to handle combat, which naturally fueled a strong sense of rivalry.
Yuk Taegu rose first.
"Ugh, if you’re tired, stay down a bit longer. I’m finally starting to feel human again."
"Tired? Who said I’m tired? I’m fine now too."
Seated, the two glared at each other before breaking into faint grins.
"I heard the Young Master is embarking on something big this time. Did you hear about it?"
"Of course. Since there are so many enemies to deal with, wouldn’t he take one of us along? Along with the rest of the troops?"
"I think so too, but... you know how unpredictable our Young Master is."
"This time, he’ll likely use wanderers. They’re more convenient for long-distance travel."
"Keep dreaming. For long-distance moves, it’s always escort bureaus. Soon enough, all those unorthodox thugs will be turned into escorts."
"Has the bureau still not shut down?"
"Why would they? It’s lucrative. They’re operating with only ordinary escorts, excluding our people."
"Hah! Fine, we’ll see. Let’s find out who gets chosen to go."
A brief silence fell between them.
Then Jang Gakwoo broke it, his expression darkening slightly.
"The real warriors of the Demonic Cult... they must be far stronger than me, right?"
Yuk Taegu chuckled faintly.
"Who knows."
"Do you think the Young Master is truly the Cult Leader’s son?"
"That’s hard to say."
"If he is, do you think we can even stand a chance?"
Yuk Taegu smirked as he looked at Jang Gakwoo.
"What? Are you worried the cult warriors are too strong for us?"
When Jang Gakwoo nodded, Yuk Taegu shook his head.
"You’re not that weak. Even if you joined the Demonic Cult, it wouldn’t be easy to find someone stronger than you."
"What?"
"Among the regular warriors, there wouldn’t be anyone stronger than you. Even if you include the squad leaders, it’s the same."
Jang Gakwoo closed his mouth. Was that really true?
Yuk Taegu patted Jang Gakwoo’s shoulder.
"I guarantee it. If you keep improving, you could easily reach the level of a vice-leader."
Jang Gakwoo’s eyes widened.
Yuk Taegu grinned.
"Just remember, the martial art the Young Master gave us isn’t ordinary."
"I can imagine that much."
"Then train like your life depends on it."
Jang Gakwoo nodded resolutely.
"I will. And this time, I’ll be the one to accompany the Young Master."
"Alright, let’s go see the Divine Healer. If we leave it like this, tomorrow’s training will be difficult."
The two slowly got up and headed toward Golden Wall Manor, thinking that they’d recover soon enough since nothing had been permanently damaged.
••••
Byeok Taesan was listening to Hwaryeong’s report.
For some time, Hwaryeong had been investigating the Golden Moon Merchants.
It was clear that there was some connection between them and the Nameless Sect.
Focusing on that angle, her investigation had turned up unexpected information.
"They’re targeting the Golden Wall Merchants?"
"Not targeting, exactly. It seems like they have some kind of ulterior motive."
"That’s the same thing."
"But they haven’t done nearly enough to pose a real threat to the Golden Wall Merchants."
Hwaryeong reported how the Golden Moon Merchants had approached Chae Miryeong, gradually shifting some of the Golden Wall Merchants’ clients.
She calmly explained the situation, detailing the strategies employed and the responses from the Golden Wall Merchants. After listening, Byeok Taesan nodded.
"Not bad. They’re quite clever."
Of course, the praise was directed at Byeok Taesoo.
According to Hwaryeong’s analysis, the Golden Moon Merchants posed little real danger to the Golden Wall Merchants.
"But why are they doing this?"
"It seems they’re after something."
Byeok Taesan looked at Hwaryeong, as if to prompt her to explain what it was.
"I don’t know what they’re after, but the cost of successfully executing their plan would be very high. It’s certainly no trivial matter."
What could it be? No matter how hard he thought, nothing came to mind.
As he pondered, footsteps were heard outside the door.
"Young Master, the Manager is here to see you."
"The Manager? Let him in."
Moments later, the door opened, and the Secretary entered.
He glanced briefly at Hwaryeong before turning his attention to Byeok Taesan.
"Young Master, the Leader has decided to visit the Golden Moon Merchants."
Hearing this, Byeok Taesan’s eyes sparkled with interest.
He had just been discussing the Golden Moon Merchants.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and he has requested that you accompany him."
Byeok Taesan smiled widely.
"Alright, I’ll go with him."
The Manager’s face brightened at the cheerful response. However, his expression quickly shifted to one of shock at Byeok Taesan’s next words.
"I’ll decide who accompanies me."