Chapter 203 |
But to think it would change in such an insane direction…!
At least it was better than the world burning.
He wasn’t setting cities on fire and indiscriminately killing everyone regardless of age or gender… right?
And there were human rights… by Central Plains standards.
For debtors, receiving proper business education and clean ingredients to sell was better than slave labor until death in salt farms or mines.
Plus, having a chance at rehabilitation and owning their own shop was better… right?
Jin Cheonhee suddenly looked at Sama Hyeon.
Sama Hyeon curved his thumb and index finger to make the money sign.
True, it’s nothing compared to the original timeline where he was tearing off people’s faces. That’s true, but…
“The Golden King listens well to your suggestions.”
“He listens to anything that makes money. After several experiments, it clearly showed much better profits. Brother, didn’t you call this ‘win-win’? That’s the right term, right?”
He was the one who remembered when Jin Cheonhee had called bone-setting as ‘surgery’ before.
This time, he seemed to have remembered the casual mention of ‘win-win’ as well.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Isn’t it great~ Though we’re from the Unorthodox Faction, should we live shedding blood forever? The Emperor has been eliminating those who show themselves. Brother, people need to study. That’s why I’m trying to live righteously now.”
The founder of the martial arts franchise clasped his hands and prayed nobly.
“Follow the law when possible, avoid violence when possible, resolve things through dialogue when possible. Our Golden Blood Chamber needs reform too. Violence is a relic of the old generation. Huff. I hate ignorant thugs the most. What if my delicate, fair hands get scratched while cracking their skulls?”
“…”
Where was the Golden Blood Chamber heading?
Thus, Sama Hyeon rose to the position of direct disciple under the Golden King’s favor.
“Don’t you still need to practice martial arts?”
At his brother’s question, the younger one nodded.
“Sadly, this world is full of ignorant thugs, so what can we do? I have to protect my money myself. Speaking of which, I’d really like you to make those gloves. One for you too.”
The future leader of the Golden Blood Chamber spoke in a dreamy voice.
Sama Hyeon, your future title will probably include both ‘Gold’ (金) and ‘Strange’ (怪).
Nevertheless, he was a brother living by the principles(?) of humanity, even if from the Unorthodox Faction.
Though somewhat unhinged, that too could be considered a form of genius in its way.
It was too significant to dismiss merely as cunning.
Sure enough, as they passed a street stall, several shop owners could be seen bowing to Sama Hyeon with respect and awe.
The kind of popularity that in modern terms would be like an election campaign.
“Make lots of money. May your business prosper. Freedom is not far away.”
Sama Hyeon offered such words of blessing to them.
“…”
Though possessing a soul in its forties, Jin Cheonhee felt he was only now understanding one facet of the world.
They bought plenty of food and set it down at a table provided by the street vendors.
Perhaps because Sama Hyeon’s influence reached here too, the stall owner gave them an extra dish.
“This blood-like bowl, thank you, brother. Freedom, it’s freedom. I know I’m close to paying off my debt.”
The business was indeed doing well, with customers coming and going without pause.
“Wouldn’t the Unorthodox Faction usually flip tables first when collecting debts?”
“That would waste a day’s work, brother. That would disrupt productivity and affect the money coming to me. That’s an ignorant thing to do~”
But to think they’d use freedom as a rallying cry like some cult.
“It’s good to get close to people who’ll pay their debts quickly. They make good promotional examples after, they’ll keep ordering ingredients from our subsidiary courier stations, and if needed, they can become eyes and ears for information.”
Sama Hyeon said this while putting noodles in his mouth with chopsticks.
“I’m telling you, this place is really delicious~”
Indeed, it was extremely tasty.
These noodles, simmered in broth, had an excellent blend of seafood flavor with a spicy finish.
Just then, a familiar voice was heard.
“Hahaha, who do we have here! Seeker of Blood and Darkness!”
Turning to look, they saw someone wearing a mask along with the Namgoong siblings, Un and Yeon.
The masked person wore a large whip at their waist, which reminded Jin Cheonhee of the title ‘Blood Whip Queen’.
“Young Lady Tang… is it?”
“I am the Blood Whip Queen!”
Namgoong Woon hurriedly explained.
“That period hasn’t ended yet. They say she’ll return next year, judging by her internal energy development speed. As you know, she hasn’t learned demonic arts!”
There was a smoothness in his words.
This was the kind of practiced delivery one could only achieve after saying the same thing dozens, hundreds of times.
Ah, so the rumors about the Tang family constantly leaving Tang-ah in others’ care were true.
Jin Cheonhee’s guess was correct.
For the sake of friendship between the Tang and Namgoong families, Namgoong Woon was thus sacrificed.
Whenever Tang-ah appeared in the martial world under the orders of elders, he always had to follow her around, quickly making excuses and cleaning up after her.
From the Namgoong family’s perspective, it was a profitable arrangement.
The Sichuan Tang family was clear about both favors and grudges.
They could profit by trading Namgoong Woon’s efforts for discounted herbs and tea leaves from the Tang family.
Changes had also come to Namgoong Yeon, who used to stutter while walking with Tang-ah.
“Hello, young warrior Jin. It’s been… a while.”
Though her voice was still quiet, her stuttering had improved considerably.
Perhaps it was because she had found a friend.
Though somewhat eccentric, having a peer who always supported her.
Or perhaps it was because she had to speak more often while being with Tang-ah.
Namgoong Yeon no longer stuttered.
Her expression has brightened a lot too.
It was a good thing.
Hadn’t there been talk that the Namgoong family had subtly looked down on Yeon?
That she had been continuously hurt and intimidated because of it.
Sometimes a friend can solve what a brother couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried.
Jin Cheonhee gave them a respectful salute.
“You all look well. Hyeon, these are Azure Dragon Sword Namgoong Woon, his sister Namgoong Yeon, and Blood Whip Queen Tang-ah.”
“Pleased to meet you all~”
“And this is my sworn brother… Sama Hyeon.”
Strictly speaking, he was ‘Sworn Brother Candidate #2’, but he omitted that part.
Pleased at being introduced as a sworn brother, Sama Hyeon grinned.
“I represent the Golden Blood Chamber.”
“The Golden Blood Chamber!”
Namgoong Woon’s eyes widened slightly at those words.
“Could you be the one who became the Golden King’s new disciple…?”
“As expected of the Namgoong family, you’re well-informed. Yes, that’s correct.”
Jin Cheonhee hadn’t expected to see Sama Hyeon’s business smile for the first time like this.
And he seemed quite skilled at it.
“Brother Jin, I’m envious. How did you come to have the Golden King’s direct disciple as a sworn brother?”
Jin Cheonhee gave a bitter smile at those words.
“There were some circumstances.”
“Speaking of which, our main house just opened a new inn. Would you like to join us there?”
They had already finished their food.
But being in their prime, they still had room in their stomachs.
[What do you think?]
At Jin Cheonhee’s secret voice transmission, Sama Hyeon smiled slightly.
[The Namgoong family’s inns are famous for their cuisine, so let’s go study it~ Brother]
At those words, Jin Cheonhee nodded.
“Then we’ll gladly accept.”
Thus, the group arrived at the Namgoong family’s inn.
It smelled of new construction, suggesting it hadn’t been open long.
The rich broth aroma wafting through was exquisite.
The waiter immediately recognized Namgoong Woon and Yeon and gave them a respectful salute.
“Young Master!”
“Hahaha, it’s been a while.”
The waiter seemed to be acquainted with Namgoong Woon.
As expected, he has wide connections.
The waiter spoke without delay.
“I’ll guide you to the best seats.”
They settled into the best seats and ordered their food.
This time, Jin Cheonhee ordered spicy raw meat along with crispy duck, and he was already looking forward to it.
“Brother Jin, your bearing changes every time I see you.”
“You flatter me.”
Jin Cheonhee answered calmly.
“I heard roughly about the Wudang incident. They say you achieved great merit there – my father has been pestering me so much because of it, you’ll have to take responsibility.”
Namgoong Woon began there and shared stories about how everyone was doing.
Is this what they call the bonds of martial brotherhood?
It was a scene he had secretly yearned for from martial arts novels.
Others might have laughed, but he had always wanted to sit with connected martial artists like this and discuss the happenings of the world.
The dishes started arriving one by one.
Tang-ah had no choice but to lift her mask just enough to eat.
Jin Cheonhee remembered her face still showing traces of youth last time, but now she looked like what would be a high school senior in Korea.
She’s grown a lot.
Hadn’t they said it would be another year until she regained her senses?
Jin Cheonhee asked, “Will all three of you be attending the Dragon Phoenix Gathering?”
“Neither I nor Yeon wanted to attend. And Young Lady Tang’s father cried, saying it would be better not to create more dark history. We’re just here as decoration.”
“Oh? He… cried?”
At Jin Cheonhee’s question, Tang-ah grumbled.
“When I said I would burn the flame of life for the last time at this Dragon Phoenix Gathering, he wept loudly!”
Jin Cheonhee quickly shot Namgoong Woon a look asking ‘Really not demonic arts?’ and Namgoong Woon answered with his pupils ‘Really not.’
“Young Lady Tang. You don’t mean to… take your own life, do you?”
“Of course not. I would never do such a thing. But the Black Flame Dragon within me whispers! That my life draws near its end!”
Namgoong Woon quickly said, “They say the night is darkest before dawn, don’t they? The elders at home hinted that this is the peak, and Tang-ah especially is a talent produced by the Tang family. They say her mental demons must naturally run deep.”
…For reference, the Blood Whip Queen in the original story was one of the survivors until the very end.
She was famous in the martial world for tenaciously surviving through all those tribulations.
She had insane survival ability.
So the Blood Whip Queen had such a period.
Jin Cheonhee hadn’t expected to encounter something that couldn’t be seen in the novel, so he picked up some meat and placed it in the Blood Whip Queen’s bowl.
“Are you pitying me?”
To the Blood Whip Queen’s question, Jin Cheonhee answered calmly.
“No. I just know that those who harbor the Black Flame Dragon need to eat well.”
“That’s right. Sister Tang. Have mine too.”
Namgoong Yeon calmly picked up her meat and put it in the Blood Whip Queen’s bowl too.
The Blood Whip Queen glanced at Namgoong Yeon, her sworn sister, and nodded.
“I accept. Blood and flesh, they make me stronger! This meat is red flesh. It’s what I need!”
At that moment, a voice came from behind.
“Oh? If it isn’t Master Namgoong?”
“Ah, people from the Jinzhou Eon Clan. And the Northern Peng Clan too.”
Namgoong Woon greeted them warmly.
It seemed the Jinzhou Eon Clan and Northern Peng Clan, along with several medium and small sects, had been drinking at the back tables.
The leaders of the group, one each from the Jinzhou Eon and Northern Peng families, had recognized Namgoong Woon and come to greet him.
Both their faces were flushed red, apparently quite drunk despite it being broad daylight.