Chapter 40 – Crash

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read more at Nineheavens.org

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Chapter 40 – Crash

Choe Tan was shocked on top of being shocked, doubting his own ears.

'What?'

An ugly mug, he says.

It was surprising enough that Cheol Ryu-heun, who was said to have become a vegetable during White Gate Sword Gentleman Sagong Woon's funeral, was standing there perfectly fine – but to go so far as to spout such harsh words, he couldn't help but be shocked again.

In an instant, all four bodyguards took on sharp gazes.

Expressions of rage.

The man standing directly to Choe Tan's right especially radiated a severe intangible aura.

A swordsman in his early thirties in brown martial attire with an impressively tall stature.

He was Qidiao Gon, a blood relative of the Qidiao Sword Family – a famous orthodox martial family in Hunan Province that had a close mutual relationship with the Azure Hound Merchant Guild.

The remaining three bodyguards in identical attire were also from that family.

The Qidiao Sword Family, located in Yiyang – a mid-sized city not too far from Baizhou – was a sword family that had maintained its lineage for nearly a hundred years, though not at the level of the Seven Great Families.

Wielding their family-inherited martial arts called the Qidiao Sword Forms, they had steadily produced first-rate swordsmen since the first family head's era, building quite high fame and power in the Hunan area. They had cultivated friendship with the Azure Hound Merchant Guild over a long period, essentially becoming allies.

The principle of symbiosis between martial world powers and merchant guilds was simple.

Give what's needed and receive what's needed.

Merchant groups generally faced limitations in organizing their own high-level martial force.

While the prominent guilds of the era were said to possess military battalion-level combat power, in reality such cases were extremely rare.

Large merchant guilds that dominated an entire province or had branches across the realm numbered barely more than ten in total.

Therefore, ordinary merchant guilds maintained mutually beneficial relationships by receiving martial artists dispatched from martial world powers for guard and security duties, while in exchange supplying fixed amounts of money and various goods.

Escort bureaus couldn't be left out of that picture.

Like needle and thread.

Powers with comfortable financial situations like the Qidiao Sword Family sometimes maintained escort bureaus under them that specialized in transporting various goods, and most merchant guilds often commissioned them when moving important products.

This was because escort bureaus attached to prestigious martial sects were mostly equipped with a certain level of martial force, making them reliable.

Transportation wasn't all.

Escort bureaus, if conditions were right, also took on the task of protecting individuals or groups by dispatching personnel.

The same went for the bodyguards currently stationed at the Azure Hound Merchant Guild.

The four including Qidiao Gon had come to the Qidiao Escort Bureau under the Qidiao Sword Family as representatives to protect their client Choe Tan.

"What did you just babble?"

Qidiao Gon threw out a heavy voice and stepped forward.

His overbearing attitude and expression showed pride in his own martial prowess.

That was understandable.

In truth, he was one of the top ten swordsmen in the Qidiao Sword Family and Qidiao Escort Bureau combined.

As the atmosphere rapidly turned cold.

"What are you to speak the Sect Master's name carelessly?"

A voice that chilled the heart rang out low.

It was Ye Woon-rang.

Simultaneously, the facial muscles of all the bodyguards including Qidiao Gon flinched and stiffened.

'Eep!'

Everyone had gotten goosebumps before the intangible aura the opponent was subtly emitting.

It felt like a human-sized sword had suddenly appeared before them.

They even felt the illusion that frost-like sword energy was being wildly emitted in all directions.

Qidiao Gon and the others, their hair standing on end, found their mouths involuntarily going dry.

Gulp-

Ye Woon-rang hadn't particularly revealed killing intent, yet they were seized by extreme tension as if their lives were being threatened.

They knew all too well.

That demonstrating such intangible aura without even circulating internal energy was not something just anyone could do…

That was why increasing tension was a natural phenomenon.

Ye Woon-rang, with cold eyes, spoke again.

"One warning is enough."

Right after, he glanced at the lacquer-colored leaf embroidered on the chest of the four bodyguards' brown martial attire.

It was the embroidery symbolizing the Qidiao Escort Bureau under the Qidiao Sword Family.

"If you run your mouths carelessly about the Sect Master once more, you'll personally experience my sword power."

Ye Woon-rang's words meant he would swing his sword without hesitation whether they were Qidiao bloodline or whatever.

The faces of the four startled bodyguards showed obvious signs of anxiety.

Seeing that, Choe Tan was quite flustered.

'My…! What? Is he a dangerous master that even Qidiao Gon can't easily confront?'

For a top-ranked swordsman of the Qidiao Sword Family to hear threatening words and hold back like this – this was a first.

Qidiao Gon, sensing Choe Tan's gaze, was embarrassed.

'Damn it, my reputation…'

On the other hand, a great question arose in his mind.

It would be a natural choice and procedure for Cheol Ryu-heun, as Sagong Woon's direct disciple, to take the new Sect Master position in White Peak Sword Sect struggling with a talent shortage – but what did this unfamiliar middle-aged master have to gain by calling himself Cheol Ryu-heun's subordinate? It was utterly incomprehensible.

'My guess is that his martial skill is at least as strong as or stronger than White Flash Sword Tiger, if not weaker…'

That was why it was even more puzzling.

If he truly was a master who surpassed Chief Supervisor Hyeop Mu-geuk, there would be no reason to associate with something like White Peak Sword Sect.

At that moment, an indifferent voice flowed from Cheol Ryu-heun's mouth.

"That's enough."

At that, Ye Woon-rang immediately withdrew his intangible aura and bowed deeply at the waist.

Right after, Cheol Ryu-heun pointed at Choe Tan with his chin.

"I just stated a fact – why get so worked up?"

"What!"

The instant Choe Tan, his temper flaring, glared and bristled his catfish-like whiskers.

"Isn't it ridiculous to only come after us? The one who failed to show proper courtesy first was that side."

When Qidiao Gon, having finally shaken off the pressure, retorted boldly, Cheol Ryu-heun's gaze turned to his face.

"Well, did such a thing as courtesy ever exist to begin with?"

He meant the incident from a few years ago when he was turned away at the door.

Qidiao Gon wasn't unrelated either.

At that time, the one who had forcefully escorted Cheol Ryu-heun outside under Choe Tan's orders was none other than him.

"Ahem, that was…!"

Qidiao Gon tried to say something but immediately shut his mouth.

Because Choe Tan gestured to stop him and stepped forward instead.

"Now, now. Sect Master Cheol, let's stop this unproductive back-and-forth… What brings you to Baizhou?"

Having realized Ye Woon-rang was no ordinary master, he had slightly changed his manner of speech to avoid trouble.

"To make a deal."

Cheol Ryu-heun still maintained his bland, informal speech.

'Getting all cocky just because he has some master at his side…!'

Choe Tan was inwardly displeased but maintained a deliberately calm expression.

"A deal? So, what kind of deal do you want to make with us? Honestly, considering White Peak Sword Sect's financial situation, I doubt it would be anything profitable. I'll listen for now."

No sooner had the veiled mockery ended.

"Who said with the Azure Hound Merchant Guild?"

"…"

"Just go on your way. I'm just passing through too."

Cheol Ryu-heun spat out a curt voice and walked away with long strides, completely ignoring him.

Ye Woon-rang, having erased his cold expression, quickly followed behind.

Silence.

Standing there dumbly, Choe Tan watched the backs of those two and then ground his teeth tight!

"Insolent bastard! Being practically no different from a beggar, grr…!"

His thick hands trembled, expressing the rage in his chest.

Right after, Qidiao Gon advised with a meaningful look in his eyes.

"For now, we had no choice but to endure because we don't know who that mysterious master is… But later, after investigating his identity, if it's confirmed he has no significant backing, let's teach him a lesson. After all, there are plenty of ways, aren't there?"

"Of course!"

Choe Tan exclaimed briefly and ground his teeth again in indignation.

'Hmm?'

In the distance, Cheol Ryu-heun and Ye Woon-rang suddenly stopped in their tracks.

The spot where the two had stopped was right in front of the Red Cat Merchant Guild, which was situated practically facing the Azure Hound Merchant Guild with just one alley in between.

Choe Tan stroked his chin with pig-trotter-like hands and sneered thoroughly.

"Pah! What a spectacle. Of all places, they went to the Red Cat Merchant Guild? Foolish man, does he think that woman there is a pushover?"

Then, as if there was nothing more to see, he spun his obese body around and walked away with swinging steps.

"Tch, just wasted time. Let's hurry to the trading partner."

"Yes, Guild Master."

* * *

Turning away from the Azure Hound Merchant Guild, Cheol Ryu-heun smirked and said quietly.

"You did your share. Knowing when to step up."

At the unexpected praise, Ye Woon-rang felt his shoulders rise.

Ahem!

But what immediately followed from Cheol Ryu-heun was.

"Even so, it's only about one bite of food's worth."

"…"

"Hmm, no wait. It might be worth about two bites."

"…"

Gah, two bites my foot! So what, do I have to turn them all into cripples to be credited for a full bowl's worth of food, huh!

At that moment, Cheol Ryu-heun suddenly fixed his two legs in place.

Having stopped as well, Ye Woon-rang's eyes registered the Red Cat Merchant Guild's main gate and signboard.

"Is this the real destination?"

Instead of answering, Cheol Ryu-heun nodded and approached the main gate.

Bang, bang.

Not long after knocking on the gate, a man in his twenties who appeared to be a martial artist poked his face out.

"What brings you here?"

"Is the Guild Master inside?"

"Ah, yes. She's currently staying in the inner residence… Have you perhaps made an appointment?"

"No."

"…"

The man silently checked the situation for a moment, then spoke again.

"May I ask where you've come from… Actually, I'm still new here, so I don't know all the distinguished guests' faces yet. I beg your understanding."

At that, Cheol Ryu-heun suddenly took off the robe he was wearing and flung it back.

Revealing a stylish outfit beneath.

A mountain pattern embroidered with pure white thread on jet-black cloth – it was the martial attire unique to the White Peak Sword Sect Master.

The man recognized it at once.

The embroidery stylizing a massive mountain with concise lines was White Peak Sword Sect's long-standing symbol, and particularly, attire with white patterns on a black background signified the Sect Master position…

"What I'm wearing should be sufficient answer."

Cheol Ryu-heun received the bundle that Ye Woon-rang had been carrying as he continued.

Meanwhile, the man standing holding the gate handle had a difficult expression.

'Mmm… I should turn him away, right?'

-I'm not planning to meet anyone from martial world powers other than those we currently have relationships with for the time being, so handle it appropriately. We've already secured enough places that would be beneficial. Well, unless someone comes carrying something valuable.

Recalling the Guild Master's instructions, he scratched his forehead.

He was well aware of White Peak Sword Sect's difficult circumstances, so refusing was only proper.

"Um, I'm sorry. The Guild Master has said that for the time being, anyone other…"

Thud! A heavy sound rang out.

The bundle Cheol Ryu-heun had been holding had fallen to the ground.

Following that, with a crash! of sound, brilliant treasures inside the bundle spilled out.

"Oops, I dropped it."

It was clearly intentional by anyone's eyes.

Simultaneously, the man's pupils shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

'Gah! Th-That…'

What on earth was this?

For someone from White Peak Sword Sect of all places to show up carrying a bundle full of precious treasures.

Good heavens, look at that golden pig! That's a golden cow, and that's a golden toad… There's even a golden Maitreya Buddha! Wow, it's smiling at me! Sparkle sparkle!

Bundles of ten-thousand-tael silver notes began floating countless in his mind.

This was at a level that couldn't even be calculated.

Cheol Ryu-heun muttered indifferently.

"What were you sorry about?"

The man, having adjusted his expression, threw the main gate wide open and bowed.

"Welcome, valued customer! How much trouble you must have gone through coming from so far! Forget procedures and whatnot – I'll personally escort you to the VIP room! Hey, lay out the carpet on the floor! Now! Quickly! Hurry!"

Indeed… The human world he had watched for a thousand years was all about money in the end.