Chapter 235 – The Small Forest Where the Giant Resides, Shaolin Temple (1)

When asked to name the greatest merchant group in the world, everyone would point to Morning Fire Merchant Group first. They dealt in anything profitable—salt, textiles, grains, weapons, and more.

There was even a saying that if Morning Fire Merchant Group couldn’t procure something, no other company in the world could. With their powerful internal escort team as well, it was no exaggeration to call them the best merchant group under heaven.

The warriors of Morning Fire Merchant Group were controlled by strict discipline. Their precise movements and behavior made them resemble soldiers more than the free-spirited warriors they truly were.

This became especially evident during their journey to Dengfeng County when they camped out in the wilderness.

Whenever they set up camp, they arranged their wagons in a circle like a military formation and stationed guards between the wagons to keep watch. Each person performed their assigned role with flawless coordination, whether it was cooking or guarding.

Even Dam Ho’s group had their meals prepared by Morning Fire’s warriors, leaving Bang Jin-bo with nothing to do. Thanks to this, the three of them could sit back and simply enjoy the meals provided by Morning Fire.

Muk Il-gwang couldn’t help but comment on Morning Fire’s warriors.

“This is really something.”

“What is?” Bang Jin-bo asked.

“Morning Fire Merchant Group. I’ve met countless merchant groups and escort agencies in my time, but I’ve never seen one as disciplined as this.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! There isn’t a single weak warrior among them. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Is that really so surprising?”

“Of course it is. Normally, when it comes to escorting a merchant group’s goods, you’ll find all sorts of people involved—those who handle the cargo, warriors protecting the company, and merchants conducting business. It takes a mix of people to keep things running smoothly. But look at Morning Fire! Is there anyone here who looks weak? Even those doing menial tasks have sharp eyes and disciplined movements—they must have trained in some serious martial arts.”

“Hmm!”

Muk Il-gwang came from Green Forest and was more sensitive than anyone when it came to merchant groups or escort agencies. Naturally, his perspective on Morning Fire Merchant Group was unique.

Only then did Bang Jin-bo begin to look at Morning Fire’s warriors with renewed curiosity. Slowly but surely, they began to appear different in his eyes.

Bang Jin-bo then turned his gaze toward Dam Ho.

Dam Ho was leaning against a rock, sipping tea that Bang Jin-bo had brewed for him. The flickering red fire cast deep shadows across his face.

His eyes were so dark and deep that not a single glimmer of light could be seen within them. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

‘Brother!’ Bang Jin-bo silently stared at Dam Ho for a while.

At that moment—

“Master Dam!”

Yoon Sa-il, the outer manager of Morning Fire Merchant Group, approached them.

Dam Ho looked up as Yoon Sa-il spoke.

“I hope you’re able to rest comfortably. Is there anything you find uncomfortable?”

“No.”

“That’s good to hear. In two days’ time, we’ll arrive at Dengfeng County where Shaolin Temple is located. I just wanted to inform you.”

“…”

“It seems that word has spread about Master Dam traveling with us, and fortunately, no one has tried to target our goods. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you.”

“There’s no need for thanks.”

“Pardon?”

“It benefits both sides equally, doesn’t it? I get a peaceful journey, and you’re safe from enemy attacks.”

“Well… yes.”

“That’s all there is to it.”

With those words, Dam Ho closed his eyes again.

Yoon Sa-il stood there for a moment, staring at Dam Ho. A strange glint flickered in his eyes briefly before he returned to his usual expression and smiled.

“I must have spoken unnecessarily. Please rest well.”

After bowing respectfully toward Dam Ho, Yoon Sa-il retreated.

As he withdrew, he didn’t forget to smile at Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang as well. Feeling awkward about Dam Ho’s bluntness, both men returned hesitant smiles.

What they didn’t notice was that at that very moment, the window of Won Seol-hwa’s carriage had opened slightly—and she had been watching Dam Ho with an intense gaze for some time.

As Yoon Sa-il had mentioned, the journey to Dengfeng County was incredibly smooth. There were no incidents that required Dam Ho’s intervention, nor were there any threats to be wary of.

When Morning Fire Merchant Group was nearing Dengfeng County, Won Seol-hwa called Dam Ho into her carriage.

“How was your journey? I hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable,” she asked.

“I traveled comfortably,” Dam Ho replied.

“That’s a relief,” Won Seol-hwa said with a gentle smile. Her smile was so beautiful that it seemed to brighten the entire carriage.

“We’re almost at Shaolin Temple now.”

“I know.”

“So, I was wondering…” she began.

“…”

“Have you decided where you’ll go after Shaolin Temple?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I’m just curious,” Won Seol-hwa answered, her radiant smile unfaltering. Her beauty was enough to make any man’s heart race, but Dam Ho’s gaze remained steady and unwavering.

His eyes were so deep and dark that they seemed bottomless, like an abyss. Even Won Seol-hwa couldn’t help but inwardly admire his composure.

Dam Ho finally responded.

“I have someone I need to find.”

“Who might that be?”

“Do I need to tell you?”

“No, of course not. I was just curious. I hope you’re not offended,” she said with a light laugh.

“…”

“The reason I’m asking is that if you have some time, I’d like to invite you to visit Morning Fire Merchant Group.”

“Morning Fire Merchant Group?”

“Yes! You may not know this, but my father, the head of Morning Fire Merchant Group, has a passion for befriending renowned martial artists. He would be absolutely delighted to meet someone like you, Master Dam.”

Won Hoi-sang, the head of Morning Fire Merchant Group, was known for his insatiable greed—so much so that his nickname was "The Myriad Gold Bug." He had a particular obsession with gathering talented individuals and took great pleasure in hosting esteemed martial artists as guests.

Because of this, Morning Fire Merchant Group housed many renowned warriors who were treated with the utmost respect as part of the “Ten Great Guests.”

“If you were to join us as a guest, you would receive treatment unlike any other in Jianghu. You’d be showered with wealth beyond imagination and could easily have countless beautiful women at your side.”

As Won Seol-hwa crossed her legs, her dress slipped slightly, revealing her smooth, pale legs.

Her flawless skin and perfectly shaped legs naturally drew Dam Ho’s gaze. Seeing his eyes momentarily shift toward her legs, Won Seol-hwa’s smile grew even brighter.

With every subtle movement she made, an intoxicating fragrance filled the air—a sweet yet subtle scent potent enough to cloud the minds of most men.

Won Seol-hwa was an extraordinary beauty.

A woman whose every smile, gesture, and movement exuded a seductive allure capable of paralyzing a man’s soul. No man could easily resist her charms.

She lightly licked her red lips with her tongue and spoke softly.

“Perhaps the most beautiful woman in all the world could become yours.”

“You mean someone like you?” Dam Ho asked bluntly.

“Perhaps,” she replied with a sultry smile.

Her voice was low but strangely clear as it echoed in his ears, as if she were whispering right next to him.

Dam Ho nodded slightly.

“It’s an enticing offer.”

“Is it now?”

“Yes.”

“So, will you take it?”

“I’ll visit Morning Fire Merchant Group soon enough.”

“Really?”

“I don’t lie.”

“I believe you! Who else could I trust if not Master Dam?” Won Seol-hwa’s eyes sparkled with a strange light. The subtle hues in her gaze were so alluring that it was almost impossible to look away from them.

“Well then, I’ll be going now.”

“I won’t see you off,” she said teasingly as Dam Ho stood up and left the carriage without another word.

Once alone, Won Seol-hwa smiled faintly to herself.

“No one can resist Complete Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique. It may not seem like much now, but as time passes, my voice and image will become more deeply engraved in his mind.”

She knew well that no matter how cold-hearted or strong-willed a man might be, he would eventually lower his guard in front of a beautiful woman.

Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique was designed precisely for that purpose—it was an infamous technique used to seduce men by exploiting every aspect of a woman’s allure. It was one of the most dangerous Demonic Techniques, or evil arts.

This was the first time she had used Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique on someone. That alone showed how highly she regarded Dam Ho as a target worth pursuing.

“Hmph!”

Won Seol-hwa reclined on her crimson cushions. Her posture exuded sensuality in every way possible—it was nothing short of breathtakingly seductive.

***

“Brother!”

“Brother!”

Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang approached Dam Ho, curious about the conversation that had taken place inside the carriage. However, Dam Ho's expression was so stoic that they didn’t dare ask.

"Let's go," Dam Ho said simply, falling back with them to the rear of the procession.

Yoon Sa-il watched Dam Ho closely.

"Could it be… the young lady?" His eyes wavered with uncertainty.

The worst possible scenario flashed through Yoon Sa-il’s mind.

‘No! He’s not someone the young lady’s techniques would work on. If we’re not careful, everything we’ve been hiding could be exposed.’

Yoon Sa-il hurriedly rushed into the carriage, unaware that Dam Ho had paused for a moment to glance back at him.

"Brother, is something wrong?" Bang Jin-bo asked.

"No," Dam Ho replied, closing his eyes briefly.

‘Perhaps…’ he thought to himself.

Just then, murmurs began to spread among the people around them.

"It’s Dengfeng County."

"Look ahead, there’s Dengfeng County."

Opening his eyes again, Dam Ho saw that they had indeed reached Dengfeng County, just as the people had said. Behind it loomed a massive mountain—Mount Song. It was one of the Five Great Mountains of China and home to Shaolin Temple, the leader of the Nine Great Sects and a revered symbol in Jianghu.

As befitting a sacred place of Buddhism, Mount Song seemed to glow with a soft radiance. The sight alone was enough to inspire reverence in those who beheld it.

"So that’s where Shaolin Temple is…" Bang Jin-bo murmured in awe, and even Muk Il-gwang wore a solemn expression. The sheer weight of Shaolin’s name had that effect on people.

Dengfeng County was teeming with warriors. Most of them were somehow connected to Shaolin Temple.

Each warrior walking through the streets looked extraordinary. Some had bulging temples from extreme external martial arts training, while others had sharp gleams in their eyes that betrayed their inner strength.

"There are so many experts here."

"Is this the power of Shaolin?"

Both Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang gaped in astonishment.

It was a scene that defied simple descriptions like "impressive." Only now did they begin to understand what kind of strength a sect could accumulate after more than a thousand years of history.

‘Now I understand why Chief Hwang was so wary and fearful of these prestigious sects in Zhongyuan.’

Although Green Forest had recently reached its peak strength under Chief Hwang Gyeong-mun, with tens of thousands of bandits united under his command, it was clear that even Green Forest would struggle against just Shaolin Temple and the warriors gathered here alone.

Knowing this, Hwang Gyeong-mun had always tried to avoid direct conflict with prestigious sects like Shaolin Temple whenever possible. Of course, if push came to shove, he would fight to the death—but avoiding such situations was always the best course of action.

As Morning Fire Merchant Group’s procession entered Dengfeng County, it naturally drew attention from those on the streets. With so many people present, it was impossible not to stand out.

"It’s Morning Fire Merchant Group."

Once they spotted Morning Fire’s banner, the wary gazes softened. At least those present knew that Morning Fire Merchant Group had a contract with Shaolin Temple to supply war materials.

Since Morning Fire was directly contracted by Shaolin Temple, there was no reason for anyone to be suspicious. In fact, most people looked at Morning Fire Merchant Group’s procession with favorable eyes.

The attention of the crowd was focused on Morning Fire’s large banner and the lead carriage. As a result, they didn’t notice Dam Ho and his companions riding quietly at the very rear of the procession.

Dam Ho’s gaze was fixed on Mount Song in the distance.

‘Shaolin Temple.’

There stood Shaolin Temple—the Mount Tai and Big Dipper of Jianghu.

Mang Ryo asked.

“But among them, aren’t there some who won’t be satisfied with crumbs and will try to grab the whole cake?”

“Very accurate. That’s why you need to manage them a bit. When it seems like tension has relaxed, sometimes you reduce positions enough to make them fight among themselves for positions, while on the other hand, you need to leave positions open enough for those below to think they can climb up with hope. Then they’ll be too busy protecting their own positions to have time to aim for the cake. So creating positions that don’t exist and eliminating positions that do exist is what an Alliance Leader should do.”

The Alliance Leader’s job is to create positions?

What a truly new perspective!

Though he wasn’t particularly interested, Mang Ryo was genuinely impressed.

“Your deep insight has greatly cleared my mind today, Alliance Leader. But it seems like a position that doesn’t suit me. It’s too difficult. Hehe.”

“Ah, did I scare you too much? Since we’ve come this far, let me finish what I was saying.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol asked in a subtle voice.

“So do you know what the most important job an Alliance Leader must have?”

“It’s difficult for me to dare speak. I will humbly listen.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol raised his index finger and said.

“It’s precisely employing people. Filling appropriate positions with appropriate people. An Alliance Leader must have an eye for people. You must be able to see even a person’s hidden abilities to properly employ people.”

Mang Ryo also agreed.

Placing people suited to positions. That was one of the most important tasks in any organization.

“So I need to examine you a bit. Since I’ve called you all the way here, if I think you’re useful, I’ll create a position even if one doesn’t exist and put you in it.”

It was a strange proposal.

Mang Ryo had been working with Baek Li-jung until now. But what would it mean for Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol to say he’d create a position if he liked him?

“How about it? Are you interested? If you feel uncomfortable about it, you can refuse. There will be no disadvantages at all.”

Accepting this proposal would mean leaving Baek Li-jung’s embrace. He would have to become Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s person.

Then what Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol wanted was…

‘Checking Baek Li-jung? Does he want to use me to check Baek Li-jung?’

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol had said earlier. When tension relaxes, make them fight for positions.

But then would Baek Li-jung just leave alone Mang Ryo, who had already backstabbed him several times?

“Huh…”

Mang Ryo made a troubled sound.

Anyway, since Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol had revealed his hand, Mang Ryo had to respond.

“Very…”

Mang Ryo answered slowly.

“It seems like a very difficult matter? Even ten necks wouldn’t be enough.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s smile deepened.

“That’s why I chose you! I fell for that tenacity and instinctive survival ability that allows you to survive well in any situation!”

Between Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol and Baek Li-jung.

To openly walk a tightrope between a dragon with sharp claws and a tiger with sharp teeth?

‘Hehe.’

With the slightest mistake, Mang Ryo would no longer be of this world.

“You seem to think too highly of me. I’m not worthy of such a thing.”

“That’s for me to judge. I want to ask about your intentions first. How about it? Do you have any thoughts of trying?”

After thinking briefly, Mang Ryo asked.

“What will you give me?”

“Let’s see first. How far you can go. Only then can we make a deal.”

“If I do… with my meager talents.”

He would probably want to conduct a simple test to see his abilities. Since Mang Ryo wasn’t interested in the test anyway, he was just thinking of listening to what he had to say.

But Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s actions were completely different from Mang Ryo’s thoughts.

“Then I’ll take a look.”

“Pardon?”

When Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s eyes were covered by his eyebrows, he raised his chin to look at Mang Ryo.

“Let’s see.”

But since he still couldn’t see well due to his drooping eyelids, he simply used his finger to lift up his right eyelid.

Even then, it seemed like a somewhat strange sight…

Instead of stopping appropriately, he continued pushing up the eyelid.

His eyebrows were raised to the fullest extent, pushing up several layers of forehead wrinkles.

And the large eye that was revealed.

It was an eye so large it was hard to think of as human.

It was even larger than a tiger’s.

It was the size of a newborn’s fist.

But compared to that large eyeball, the pupil was the same size as a normal person’s, so the whites occupied most of the eye’s sphere.

It was truly bizarre beyond description.

Moreover, the whites weren’t white or showing red blood vessels, but remained clear with a golden yellow energy swirling around them.

Golden Pearl Eyes!

Meaning large pearls made of gold, it was a term that flowed from old stories of the Taoist sect.

When the demons raised their heads in great alarm at the Heavenly Honored One’s lion’s roar, two eyes like golden pearls were shining…

Just how deep and towering must one’s internal energy be for vital energy to manifest externally to this degree?

“What? Are you surprised?”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol teased Mang Ryo as if it was amusing.

“These eyes aren’t ordinary eyes. They’re eyes that see through people.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol brought his eye close to Mang Ryo’s face while keeping his right eyelid pushed up. The eyeball, almost completely exposed and looking like it might roll out, moved up and down and left and right while examining Mang Ryo with its yellowish light.

Mang Ryo frowned.

Though there were many strange people and events in the martial world, what kind of bizarre behavior was this!

He could almost hear the sound of the eyeball rolling around. This didn’t look like a human eye but like an eyeball with a pupil embedded in it.

“Now, tell me once more. What do you think of my proposal?”

Tremendous pressure.

Mang Ryo hadn’t known that a giant eyeball rolling right in front of his nose could be this overwhelming. Sweat began forming on his crown. He could circulate internal energy to absorb the sweat, make his head cold, or block his pores to prevent more sweat from flowing.

However, no matter what he did, it seemed he couldn’t avoid Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s energy perception from this close. Mang Ryo had no choice but to let the sweat form.

He wanted to see Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s expression, but all Mang Ryo could see was his eyeball.

“These eyes go beyond such primary questions as whether this fellow is lying or telling the truth… they see through what schemes he has.”

“Then… you must know my heart is sincere.”

Roll.

The eerie eyeball moved again.

“No. No. It’s not that easy. To see through the core, you must find that person’s most vulnerable part. Just as a golden bell has weak points in its joints, there are parts where one cannot hide their inner thoughts.”

“Is that so?”

“Hmm. You have some strange parts unlike other people. Why is that? Why can’t I see the weak points where your lies would be revealed to my eyes?”

Roll, roll.

The eyeball moved ceaselessly. As if it wouldn’t miss even the slightest movement of Mang Ryo’s wrinkles or fine hairs.

For the first time in his life, no, for the first time since losing his eyeball to Jin Ja-gang, Mang Ryo thought it was fortunate that only one eye was exposed. If both eyes had been intact, he wouldn’t have been able to hide his emotions at all.

But then.

Click!

Suddenly Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s eyeball stopped moving.

“Found it!”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol used his other hand that wasn’t holding up his eyeball to grab and lift the eyepatch covering Mang Ryo’s left eye.

Mang Ryo’s left eye, which had turned completely white as if covered by a membrane, was fully exposed.

“So you were hiding here?”

Mang Ryo felt goosebumps rise on his spine.

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol was giggling while staring intently at Mang Ryo’s empty eye as if digging through it with his own eye.

“It looks like a wound about ten years old?”

“That’s correct…”

“Generally, people tend to neglect and abandon parts of themselves that are no longer needed. Then those parts wouldn’t function and would just dangle there attached, right? Actually, that’s not the case.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s eyeball no longer rolled but stared directly at Mang Ryo’s eye.

“Those parts also consume blood and are attached to my body. Even if nerves are severed and they’ve lost sensation and function, instinct remains. So what happens is…”

Suddenly Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol struck both of Mang Ryo’s eye areas consecutively with his left hand. The right side, then the left.

Drip.

Tear ducts burst and tears came from both of Mang Ryo’s eyes. However, even though he struck the right side first, tears came later from the intact right side.

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol laughed.

“You must have felt it. That tears fell later from the intact eye. Your right eye knew I had touched the tear duct and unconsciously tried not to shed tears. Because you needed to see what actions I would take next with your one good eye. But your blind left eye had no need to perform the ‘act of seeing,’ so naturally, beyond your attention and without your consciousness reaching it, it shed tears as is.”

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol continued speaking while watching Mang Ryo wipe his tears with his sleeve.

“In other words, because you’ve neglected it for ten years, your left eye will tell me only the truth regardless of your will.”

Mang Ryo regulated his breathing.

To think such a person existed in the world.

Even when meeting King of Hell Tang Qing, even when meeting the divine nun of Mount Emei.

Do those who dominate an era have their own worlds?

Drip.

Sweat flowed down his temples to his cheeks.

“Don’t be nervous. No need to relax. Whatever you’re thinking anyway, you’ll only show me the truth.”

“I’m already telling you only the truth.”

“Well, we’ll see about that. Now, shall we start again? What’s your reason for seeking me out?”

Roll, roll, roll!

Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol’s eyeball moved crazily left and right as it began examining Mang Ryo’s clouded left eye.

Mang Ryo gritted his teeth tightly and tried not to show emotional disturbance, but it was useless.

Despite being over ninety years old, Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol showed teeth as white and healthy as a child’s as he laughed.

“Oh my… you’re scared? Am I frightening? Giggle giggle.”

“Isn’t it strange to tell someone not to be scared when facing Golden Pearl Eyes?”

“You know about Golden Pearl Eyes! Then this makes things easier. Now, give me an answer.”

“If you give me the opportunity… I will do my utmost as a loyal servant.”

“I asked what you could offer earlier, didn’t I? How about something like Listening Order Master?”

Damn Taoist!

Mang Ryo ground his teeth inwardly. Was he going to openly brandish Golden Pearl Eyes and make a deal?

The Listening Order Master served as a bridge connecting the Martial Alliance’s main headquarters with regional branches.

The Listening Order Master reported evaluations of branches and their heads to headquarters, and headquarters reflected this in the finances and personnel administration allocated to branches.

Therefore, while unknown at headquarters, the authority of the Listening Order Master was absolute to regional branch heads.

A position with no real power over external missions but tremendous internal power. It was the best position to check Baek Li-jung and could bring in substantial bribes through back channels.

‘Cunning words. But I’m not interested, you old raccoon.’

Mang Ryo answered while trying not to show any expression.

“It’s a good position. As long as I don’t get my head cut off being attacked while traveling to and from headquarters, I could do it for a long, long time.”

“Naturally, I’d have to fix up your martial arts to match.”

But Alliance Leader Taoist Haewol added one more thing.

“In addition to that, I’ll throw in the Heroic Heaven Squad too.”

“Hehe. But isn’t that a place only for rising stars in their teens and twenties…”

But the moment he spoke, Mang Ryo realized.

The Heroic Heaven Squad was a position filled purely with young martial artists.

Then the position in the Heroic Heaven Squad wasn’t for Mang Ryo?