Chapter 307 – There's No Tiger's Den Like This (1)

"Don't you think there are more people than expected?"

"Hmm! That's definitely true."

Bang Jin-bo agreed with Jong Ri-yeon's words.

Right now they were walking through the streets of Huayin County. Since several years ago, Huayin County's economy had rapidly contracted. This was because many people who had made their living depending on Mount Hua Sect had left when Mount Hua Sect closed its gates. Because of this, the world's perception was that the atmosphere of Huayin County was very gloomy. But the atmosphere of the streets wasn't as bad as expected.

Though it was still quiet, it wasn't as eerie as before. The streets showed quite a few unfamiliar faces.

Jong Ri-yeon tilted her head.

"What's going on?"

"It's probably because of that incident."

"That incident?"

"When Sochung and the Eun Family merchants entered Mount Hua."

"Ah! The incident where the Demon Cult's pursuit team was annihilated?"

"Right! That's when the Plum Blossom Sword Masters displayed their divine prowess. It's probably because of that."

"So people thought Mount Hua Sect, which had collapsed after losing its pillar, had unexpected military power, and since that power was strong enough to attract the martial world's attention, they're sending people to investigate the situation?"

"It might not be all of them, but I think many people came for that purpose."

"That's definitely reasonable."

Jong Ri-yeon nodded.

Though it had fallen and chosen to close its gates, Mount Hua Sect was one of the Nine Great Sects. Though it was barely maintaining the name of a Great Sect by relying on the great reputation of Dam Ho, it had once commanded the world with thunderous authority.

Anyone who remembered those times couldn't help but be wary of Mount Hua Sect.

Jong Ri-yeon let out a quiet sigh.

"Sigh! Anyway, people's hearts in this world are really cunning."

"That's how it's always been."

"That's true, but…"

"Why worry about the world's eyes? We just need to be faithful to our own work."

"…"

"What?"

When Jong Ri-yeon stopped talking and looked at him, Bang Jin-bo blinked his eyes. Then Jong Ri-yeon burst out laughing.

"You're very much like an adult."

"What?"

"I said you're like an adult."

"Come on! Sister too…"

Bang Jin-bo waved his hand with an embarrassed expression. Jong Ri-yeon's smile deepened at this.

Among all the people she knew, Bang Jin-bo was the one who had grown the most.

She wasn't just talking about martial arts and cooking skills.

His insight, character, and even intuition.

Jin-bo had grown tremendously compared to before.

'Is this how children become adults and expand their domains?'

Bang Jin-bo was no longer simply a young boy.

He was both a reliable helper and a dependable colleague.

Jong Ri-yeon smiled brightly and said:

"Let's go."

"Yes!"

Bang Jin-bo followed her with a vigorous answer.

Whatever the reason, the fact that Huayin County was bustling made them happy.

The two went to the street on the west side of Huayin County. It used to be a place where many herb shops were lined up. But now many had closed and only a few shops were barely maintaining their existence.

The two entered a shop with a sign reading "Jang Family Medicine Shop."

"Who is it? Oh my! Miss Divine Doctor. Please come in."

A white-haired old man who had been cutting herbs with a chopper inside the shop quickly got up as soon as he saw Jong Ri-yeon's face.

"Uncle Jang!"

"What brings Miss Divine Doctor here personally…"

The old man bowed his waist apologetically.

"Have you been well?"

"I've been well thanks to Miss Divine Doctor's treatment."

Old Man Jang's face looking at Jong Ri-yeon was full of respect.

As they say, a monk can't shave his own head. Old Man Jang, who ran the largest medicine shop in Huayin County, had suffered from a bad heart. Jong Ri-yeon was the one who had cured Old Man Jang. After that, Old Man Jang called Jong Ri-yeon his life's benefactor and treated her with utmost care.

"But what brings you here? Ah! It's because of this month's herbs. I'm sorry. Because of me, Miss Divine Doctor had to come personally."

"Not at all. Thanks to this, I can come out into the world like this."

"I'm sorry, Miss!"

Despite Jong Ri-yeon's words, Old Man Jang kept bowing and apologizing.

"Please don't do this. You're someone with a bad heart."

"This heart is fine thanks to Miss Divine Doctor's treatment."

Old Man Jang answered while thumping his chest. Jong Ri-yeon nodded at this. Though his hair had turned white, his complexion was very good. It was evidence that his heart was properly supplying blood.

Jong Ri-yeon finally calmed Old Man Jang down and made him sit. Then Old Man Jang explained the circumstances.

"Since this spring, obtaining herbs hasn't been easy."

"Why? Spring is when herbs are at their peak."

"That's right. Now is the season. Herbs definitely grow. But bringing them here isn't easy."

"What?"

Jong Ri-yeon made a puzzled expression. Then Old Man Jang made a bitter expression.

"Since some time ago, inspections by the Martial Alliance have been strengthened at the passages entering Shaanxi Province. The pretext is to root out Demon Cult martial artists, but strangely, they're being more thorough only about goods entering Huayin County."

"What's that about? That doesn't make sense! What reason would Demon Cult martial artists have to enter Shaanxi Province?"

Bang Jin-bo, who had been quietly listening on the side, raised his voice in anger. Old Man Jang smiled bitterly at this.

"Exactly. Anyway, because of that, it's not easy to bring goods into Huayin County. Actually, many of the herbs coming to our medicine shop have been confiscated. That's why sending herbs to Mount Hua Sect was delayed."

"How can that be!"

"But don't worry too much. That's why I sent my son."

"Your son?"

Old Man Jang's son was a lay disciple of Mount Hua Sect. Though he couldn't become a main mountain disciple due to lack of talent, his loyalty to Mount Hua Sect was second to none. That's why he also had his son enter Mount Hua Sect.

Old Man Jang's grandson was still training at Mount Hua Sect. Unlike his father, he had considerable talent, so the possibility of becoming a main mountain disciple was very high.

Old Man Jang smiled.

"I was anxious entrusting it to other people. My son learned Mount Hua Sect's martial arts and has connections in the Martial Alliance, so he'll definitely bring the herbs."

"When will he arrive?"

"Probably within today or tomorrow. If you go up and wait a little, I'll personally bring the herbs up."

"Then we'll wait in Huayin County and receive them directly."

"There's no need for that, Miss Divine Doctor. We'll personally…"

"We came down after a long time, so we want to. We want to get what we need and enjoy the outside air."

"Ah! I understand. If you insist."

Only then did Old Man Jang agree and bow his head. After greeting him, Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo left Jang Family Medicine Shop.

As soon as they came outside, Jong Ri-yeon's expression darkened.

"The Martial Alliance is blocking the passages into Shaanxi Province and conducting inspections. I had no idea."

"That's what I'm saying."

"Why on earth are they doing this?"

Jong Ri-yeon shook her head.

Even when Mount Hua Sect suffered a blood catastrophe three years ago, the Martial Alliance provided no support. If they had provided support, Mount Hua Sect's revival would have been a bit faster.

Bang Jin-bo also sighed and grumbled.

"Sigh! Looking at the Martial Alliance's recent actions, I really wonder if they have the will to protect the martial world. They receive tremendous military power and funding from each sect, but practically they do nothing. Three years ago, it was actually Mount Hua Sect and Brother Dam Ho who defeated the Demon Cult. The Martial Alliance did nothing, yet seeing them propagandize that they accomplished everything really makes me think they're not in their right minds."

After Mount Hua Sect's battle three years ago, the war with the Demon Cult entered a lull.

The Martial Alliance didn't miss this opportunity and attempted external expansion.

They drafted troops from numerous sects that had joined the Martial Alliance and forcibly increased support funds.

Many sects objected to this, but the Martial Alliance was obstinate.

They argued that they couldn't protect sects that didn't provide troops and support funds. Eventually, many sects had no choice but to follow their will.

Through the battle three years ago, they learned the terror of the Demon Cult and realized that the only thing they could rely on was the Martial Alliance.

While other sects became impoverished from fighting the Demon Cult, the Martial Alliance actually expanded its power. And with the strength they accumulated, they were exercising tremendous authority.

Now even the Nine Great Sects had to watch the Martial Alliance's reactions. The downfall of Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect had given great shock to the Nine Great Sects as well.

The Martial Alliance had thus gained the world's greatest power in three years, and all sects came to watch the Martial Alliance's reactions.

The Martial Alliance also propagandized that the war three years ago had reached a lull because they had dealt a great blow to the Demon Cult. People with connections in the martial world knew this wasn't true, but most people believed it.

"Sigh!"

Jong Ri-yeon let out a slight sigh.

When she heard this story while at Mount Hua Sect, she couldn't feel it personally, but now that it became her own affair, she seemed to understand how tremendous the Martial Alliance's influence was.

She forced herself to smile.

"Let's go. Since we came out anyway, we can't waste time."

"Right. Let's go to the market. Let's eat something delicious there and see if there are any useful ingredients."

"Alright!"

The two headed together to where the stalls were gathered.

People living in Huayin County mainly bought meat, vegetables, and various ingredients here.

Bang Jin-bo took the lead and rummaged through the stalls.

"Wow! What's this?"

"This is already available?"

His face was overflowing with vitality as he raised his voice.

Mount Hua Sect also had many ingredients. Because the Eun Family provided them adequately. But they didn't supply everything.

Especially ingredients that could only be obtained in season were best obtained locally. Only then could freshness be maintained and taste be at its best.

Bang Jin-bo didn't spare money when there were ingredients he liked. As he bought like this, before he knew it, his back was full of baggage. He moved the ingredients he obtained to a nearby inn and wandered the market again. After repeating this several times, the quantity became too much for one person to carry.

Still, Bang Jin-bo wasn't worried. If he contacted Mount Hua, there were plenty of people who would come to carry the baggage.

"Hehe!"

A bright smile appeared on Bang Jin-bo's face.

Even at this moment, his mind was filled only with thoughts of wanting to cook for Mount Hua Sect disciples with the ingredients he obtained from the market.

When he saw people happy eating the food he made, he became happy too. His hands itched wanting to cook as soon as possible.

Jong Ri-yeon smiled watching such Bang Jin-bo. Because she could easily guess Bang Jin-bo's feelings.

"Let's go up the mountain as soon as Uncle Jang gets the herbs."

"We don't need to hurry that much. Sister."

"Why? Don't you want to cook?"

"Of course I want to cook. But looking around like this is also nice."

"If that's the case."

Jong Ri-yeon nodded. She too felt it would be regrettable to go up the mountain like this. If they went up to Mount Hua now, there was no telling when they could come down to Huayin County again.

The two joined forces and rummaged through every corner of Huayin County for quite a while. As they did this, they became hungry.

"Wow! I'm tired. But I feel good."

"Right!"

"Let's eat something delicious. I'll treat you."

"Really?"

"Of course!"

"Then we should eat something expensive and delicious."

"As much as you want. Hehe!"

Bang Jin-bo showed his characteristic bright smile.

That's when it happened.

"Miss Divine Doctor! Jin-bo!"

Suddenly someone's voice was heard. When they turned their heads, they saw a man with a large load on his back breathing roughly.

"Brother Gyu-ho!"

Bang Jin-bo was the first to greet him.

Jong Ri-yeon also recognized him at a glance. He was Old Man Jang's son from Jang Family Medicine Shop.

His name was Jang Gyu-ho, a lay disciple of Mount Hua Sect.

It was when Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo were about to approach with joy.

"You bastard! To think you'd run away."

"Stop right there!"

Suddenly a group of martial artists came running and surrounded Jang Gyu-ho.

From that day on, Jin Ja-gang began sweeping up money. He would catch consecutive People Generals to crush games, and often won ten times without losing even once.

Of course, he didn’t never lose, but when he lost, he lost the minimum amount of money. However, when he won, he mercilessly raked in money.

In just one day, thousands of nyang accumulated in Jin Ja-gang’s hands.

After doing this for two and three days, the atmosphere in the gambling den became very bad. People’s eyes became vicious whenever they saw Jin Ja-gang.

But Jin Ja-gang didn’t care and continued winning.

Jin Ja-gang piled up the money he won in one corner of the gambling den without even converting it to betting slips, as if showing off. And he actually took up residence in the gambling den, eating and sleeping in front of the money.

The three took turns guarding the money only while Jin Ja-gang was gambling. This was what he had asked for help with.

Yeong-woon and So-min laughed helplessly.

“To think disciples of great Wudang and Mount Hua are reduced to guarding gambling winnings.”

He didn’t even put it in bags but deliberately piled it full on the table for all to see.

People who had lost money glared fiercely at the piled money. The more Jin Ja-gang won money and the more people lost, the more vicious their eyes became.

What was surprising was the gambling den’s attitude. At this point, the gambling den should have intervened, but they just let it be. Instead, they didn’t help guard Jin Ja-gang’s wealth.

“Hao Sect’s righteousness is impressive.”

“Does that mean they trust him that much?”

The three became more uncomfortable as money piled up and people’s eyes looking at them, or more precisely at the money behind them, became more menacing, but they couldn’t quit out of curiosity.

Since Jin Ja-gang won too much, people’s complaints became extreme. They tried not to let him join games if possible.

So Jin Ja-gang made a declaration.

Ten to one.

He promised to pay ten times the pot if he lost.

From people’s perspective, there was nothing to lose. If they lost, only their existing money would go out, but if they won, they’d receive ten times. If they caught People General with double ten, it would be thirty times!

When several people actually beat Jin Ja-gang and received money at ten-to-one odds, people’s eyes turned red as everyone wanted to compete with Jin Ja-gang.

Word spread and gamblers from other regions began coming on expeditions.

Therefore, the gambling den gradually filled with more people. People who came to watch and challenged Jin Ja-gang for fun, people who brought lots of money to win Jin Ja-gang’s fortune, professional gamblers… countless people began visiting.

But Jin Ja-gang’s money only piled up at faster speeds. Since Jin Ja-gang didn’t always win, greedy people rushed in more. However, looking at the results, Jin Ja-gang ultimately won and his holdings increased.

Yeong-woon and So-min looked worried at the silver coins and betting slips piled beyond the table to the floor. The burden kept growing as more people gathered. What excuse would they give if they got caught by their sects doing this?

Then.

“Ahhhhh!”

A youth who had gone crazy from losing money rushed at the piled wealth with crazed eyes.

Other gamblers glanced at each other. Everyone’s attention turned to the wealth Jin Ja-gang had piled up. If a commotion broke out, everyone might join in to grab money.

“Give me some money! Give me some money! You have so much, you can give me some!”

The youth tried to grab handfuls of money.

So-min sighed and grabbed the youth’s nape. The youth swung his arms to hit So-min. So-min slightly dodged her head while kicking his legs, and spun the youth round and round in the air with one arm. The youth spun frantically like a ball in the air.

“Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!”

Jin Ja-gang requested.

“Please don’t let him get hurt.”

“Got it.”

So-min set the youth down on the ground.

Thud!

The youth fell on his bottom. He looked bewildered, not knowing what had happened to him.

People in the gambling den finally realized So-min wasn’t simply a young girl. She had lifted and played with a man bigger than herself like a toy. This wasn’t something an ordinary household girl could do.

When the atmosphere calmed, Jin Ja-gang declared again.

“Twenty to one. I’ll raise the pot multiplier to twenty times.”

Greed blazed again in the eyes of people who had been giving up.

“And for certain people, I’ll make the pot multiplier one hundred times.”

“One, one hundred times?”

Truly a fortune in one strike!

Even losing ninety-nine games and winning just one would break even!

Anyway, winning just once would earn tremendous money.

“What’s the method? Who can receive one hundred times?”

Jin Ja-gang looked at each of the hundreds of people staring at him and said.

“I’m looking for items sold from Iron Umbrella Sect in Yunnan. Anything is fine, so if you bring items related to Iron Umbrella Sect, I’ll give you odds of one hundred times.”

People murmured.

“What’s Iron Umbrella Sect?”

“Don’t know. Is there such a place?”

“Some sect from Yunnan, I think. I’ve heard of it somewhere.”

At the same time, questions arose. What was this youth doing all this for?

An old man stepped forward and asked.

“Look here. I can’t help but ask. Who are you to be looking for items from a place called Iron Umbrella Sect?”

The three people, Yeong-woon, Pyo Sang-guk, and So-min, looked at Jin Ja-gang in horror.

Surely he wouldn’t say it outright…!

But contrary to expectations, Jin Ja-gang answered.

“Jin Ja-gang.”

“Jin… Ja-gang?”

Someone shouted.

“It’s, it’s Poison Dragon!”

People in the gambling den froze for an instant.

Poison Dragon!

In a brief moment, emotions of terror swept through the hall.

In the martial world, there was no one who didn’t know Poison Dragon now.

He had destroyed all of Yunnan’s poison sects and killed three of the Four Dragons and Four Phoenixes. That alone was shocking, but even the Tang family, Zhuge family, and Indestructible Heavenly Sword Baek Li-jung couldn’t stop Poison Dragon.

Truly unstoppable momentum.

Therefore, among gossip lovers, many were curious about how powerful Poison Dragon’s martial prowess was.

People held their breath and stared at Jin Ja-gang. They worried there might be poison around, whether they might be poisoned by poison spread in the air, so even breathing became cautious.

Jin Ja-gang took no action and waited quietly.

When the atmosphere calmed, some people didn’t think Jin Ja-gang would act carelessly and looked at him with curiosity.

“He looks much younger than expected…?”

“Is he really Poison Dragon?”

Among Poison Dragon’s deeds were famous stories besides fighting.

Several women looked at Jin Ja-gang’s face and whispered quietly.

“The Tang family’s young lady fell for that face?”

“He does have a fairer and more handsome face than us women.”

As Jin Ja-gang’s internal energy increased, his physical abilities also developed. Even trying not to listen, he heard automatically.

Then laughter came from behind Jin Ja-gang.

“Pfft!”

People were startled and stiffened again. What madman had the guts to laugh in front of Poison Dragon!

It was So-min. When all people looked at her, So-min was startled and covered her mouth.

“Ah, sorry.”

But thanks to that, the atmosphere actually relaxed a bit.

Jin Ja-gang emphasized again without changing expression.

“I’ll say it again. Anything at all, if you bring items from Iron Umbrella Sect, it’s one hundred times.”

Someone carefully asked.

“What do you mean by items from Iron Umbrella Sect?”

Jin Ja-gang confirmed clearly.

“To be precise, stolen goods.”

People murmured. However, greed for money arose more than curiosity.

One hundred times for just one win!

Jin Ja-gang didn’t never lose either. Since he repeated losing and winning, it seemed possible to win once.

People fell into the illusion that they could take all the money piled behind him.

They would need to mobilize all their connections and make inquiries to find Iron Umbrella Sect’s stolen goods.

When the commotion subsided a bit, Yeong-woon, Pyo Sang-guk, and So-min sighed in relief.

“This was the plan from the start. I wondered why he was piling up money.”

Being in a pursued position, they naturally thought he’d hide his identity while traveling, but that wasn’t the case.

“I surrender completely to Brother Jin’s boldness. But certainly, surrounding sects as well as those people you mentioned will learn of today’s events. Of course, this is probably done with that in mind too.”

To Yeong-woon’s words, Jin Ja-gang replied.

“That’s right. Please be especially careful, all three of you.”

“Well, that’s natural, but…”

“Thank you for your hard work tonight as well.”

* * *

After sending the three to the inn, Jin Ja-gang cleaned the gambling den with the Hao Sect members in charge of operations. Then he gave the Hao Sect members some money.

The Hao Sect members greeted Jin Ja-gang and left the gambling den. The gambling den would be closed from morning to night. During this time, only Jin Ja-gang remained here alone.

Jin Ja-gang sat in one corner and quietly closed his eyes.

After a while, various presences were felt from outside the inn. From presences of ordinary chattering to those with stealthy footsteps like thieves, and careful breathing sounds of those who seemed to have learned considerable martial arts.

Among them were probably the forces Jin Ja-gang was thinking of.

Jin Ja-gang expanded his senses to the maximum while raising internal energy to move his body at any time.

But he felt a very familiar presence approaching.

“Young Master Jin!”

Knock knock knock.

The one knocking on the door was So-min. Yeong-woon and Pyo Sang-guk’s presences were there too.

Jin Ja-gang chuckled. Seeing that he had thought it might be so, he seemed to have become quite accustomed to them. Had he somehow been influenced by their innocence?

Jin Ja-gang opened the door. So-min, Yeong-woon, and Pyo Sang-guk were waiting with bright expressions.

“We didn’t disturb you, did we? We brought some food in case Young Master Jin was bored!”

* * *

Baek Li-jung’s office.

“Ahhh! Huk!”

Military advisor Sim Hak was horrified seeing Mang-ryo who appeared before his eyes.

“Why, why, why did you bring this guy!”

Mang-ryo grinned and acted familiar with Sim Hak.

“Oh my, it’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Whether I’ve been well or not, don’t worry about it!”

Sim Hak even spat while being wary of Mang-ryo’s approach.

When Baek Li-jung calmly went to sit in his seat, Sim Hak followed and pointed at Mang-ryo while saying.

“This is the one who tried to assassinate the alliance leader! Didn’t we almost get framed because of this bat-like guy! Moreover, the alliance is still looking for him…”

“Keep your mouth shut and get along well for now. Isn’t this an important time? How’s the current situation?”

Sim Hak whispered quietly to Baek Li-jung while watching Mang-ryo.

“The Namgung family is moving underwater.”

Since Sim Hak spoke too close to Baek Li-jung’s face, Baek Li-jung waved his hand with a displeased expression. Sim Hak was lightly pushed back and stumbled toward Mang-ryo.

“Huh huh huh?”

Mang-ryo caught Sim Hak, held his hand, and patted the back of his hand while laughing.

“Your hands are still warm?”

“Ahhh!”

Sim Hak got goosebumps and pushed Mang-ryo away, escaping from his embrace.

Baek Li-jung asked.

“Countermeasures?”

Sim Hak scratched his goosebumped forearm and answered with a troubled face.

“Th, that’s… I tried contacting them as you told me in advance, but everyone was troubled… they’re weighing which side to join… they can’t guarantee they’ll stand on our side right now.”

“Kekeke!”

Mang-ryo laughed.

Sim Hak’s face turned red as he glared at Mang-ryo.

“Do you have a method? You’re not laughing without alternatives, are you?”

Mang-ryo leisurely sat down and answered.

“Of course. I didn’t give up Qingcheng Sect and Emei Sect without any thought.”