Tap, tap.
"…So, what you're saying is…"
After listening to everything Jang Uibo had said, Cheon Wooha tapped the table with his long index finger and asked indifferently.
"You're telling me that this sect called Jongui Gate plans to cause trouble at Yongmyeong Merchant Guild's succession ceremony?"
"That's right."
"And their scheme is to take control of Yongmyeong Merchant Guild into their own hands."
"That's what I believe."
"Hmmm…"
At Jang Uibo's reply, Cheon Wooha let out a long sigh and folded his arms. When Jang Uibo sneaked a glance at his expression, what he saw was an unexpectedly calm face.
"Uh… is this really okay, Young Lord?"
"How could it be okay? An unforeseen headache has landed on us."
"Then why is your expression…"
"My expression?"
"Ah… it's nothing."
When Cheon Wooha tilted his head questioningly, Jang Uibo coughed dryly and shut his mouth. A few years ago, when Jang had acted rudely in the guild, this young lord had been furious. Yet now, with enemies trying to step on Yongmyeong Merchant Guild, his reaction seemed strangely mild.
Does that mean the Young Lord doesn't see this as a big deal?
Or perhaps, he thought, it was because the situation was so dire that Cheon Wooha could only appear composed. But contrary to Jang Uibo's speculation, Wooha was feeling rather irritated.
What a nuisance, these nobodies…
Jongui Gate, was it? In his previous life, he had never even heard their name. Back then, Black Heaven Hall's influence stretched across Shanxi and Chongqing, bordering Shaanxi. If Jongui Gate had been a sect of any renown, he would have heard of them one way or another.
So, they're just another one of the countless second-rate sects…
In his past life, sending a few subordinates would've been enough to crush them. The absurdity of the situation outweighed even his anger. But the real problem was—
Even against such small fry, Yongmyeong Merchant Guild can't afford to make enemies right now.
In truth, the guild's military strength alone wasn't impressive—understandable, given that it was a merchant guild. If not for Jang Uibo, the Ghostblade, the guild's only real fighter was Cho Mudo. Without them, there was no one worth calling a true combat force.
And to openly antagonize a branch sect of Zhongnan Sect that had been protecting Yongmyeong Merchant Guild? The outcome was obvious. Either the guild would face retaliation from opportunistic demonic sects, or suffer unofficial vengeance from Jongui Gate.
In my past life, I wouldn't have cared about such things…
But now, things were different. He was no longer Sa Umyung, the Heavenly Demon Ghost of Black Heaven Hall. He was Cheon Wooha, the Young Lord of Yongmyeong Merchant Guild.
"…What did Father say about handling this?"
"He plans to decide it with a contest—myself, Instructor Cho Mudo, and three guild warriors, five in total. He also mentioned sending a letter to Seol Angum, but I doubt he'll respond."
"Hmmm…"
"So, Young Lord… how about you step forward?"
"Me?"
"There's no one among the guild's warriors who can face Jongui Gate. But you're different, aren't you?"
Jang Uibo's eyes gleamed as he subtly tried to persuade him. Seeing the concealed curiosity and expectation in his gaze, Wooha gave a faint smirk.
"You sound so sure I'd win if I took the field."
"Most of the guild may not know yet, but aren't you skilled enough to teach me? That makes you a master."
"Just because one sees the path more clearly than others doesn't make him a true master."
"Ah, come now! Surely your skills from five years ago haven't dulled?"
"Enough."
Shaking his head at Jang's probing tone, Wooha continued flatly.
"There's no benefit to us even if we win."
"Hm? No benefit? What do you mean?"
"Unlikely as it is, say we somehow defeat Jongui Gate. What then?"
"What then? Well…"
"…."
"Uh… well…"
Unable to answer, Jang Uibo faltered. Wooha shook his head with a disinterested look.
"For now, there's no other way. If we openly clash with Jongui Gate, more trouble is certain to follow."
"Urgh… So you mean we must fight a battle we cannot win…"
Jang grimaced, furrowing his brow. Yongmyeong Merchant Guild had become his first true foothold. To see it trampled by outsiders, even if inevitable, was not pleasant. And if he himself had to join the fight…
"That's why I'm counting on you, Ghostblade."
"Hmm?"
"No matter what, even if we can't win… at the very least, we must not disgrace Yongmyeong Merchant Guild."
Wooha's gaze sharpened as he looked past Jang, his eyes glinting coldly.
"At the very least… we must show them this place is not their own backyard."
"Hmm…"
A chill ran down Jang's spine at the sudden shift in Wooha's demeanor. Then his eyes fell on Wooha's right hand, clenched tightly atop the table.
Gulp.
I must win, somehow…
He might appear calm now, but Cheon Wooha was not a patient man. If even one duel were lost, this ceremony would not end quietly. Perhaps he had made a mistake in telling him. With that uneasy thought, Jang Uibo hurried to the training room, determined to throw himself into even more practice.
Shaanxi Province, Xi'an—home of Jongui Gate.
Though not renowned across the martial world, as a branch of Zhongnan Sect they held some influence locally. From early morning, loud shouts echoed through their training grounds.
"Ta-haaat!"
"Eeyaah!"
"Haap!"
Thud! Thump! Bang!
With those cries came three heavy impacts. Three wooden swords flew in from different directions toward a single man, only to be scattered midair.
"Hah!"
With a short but forceful cry, the man parried all three attacks, then immediately thrust his own wooden sword straight forward. Fast, steady, and precise—the tip struck his opponent's chest squarely.
Thwack!
"Urgh!"
The struck man staggered back, clutching his chest. Swiftly reclaiming his blade, the first man struck at the thighs and flanks of the two others at his sides.
Whack! Slam!
"Argh!"
"Gah!"
One fell to his knees, the other collapsed clutching his ribs. The first victim scrambled to defend himself again, only to find the tip of a wooden sword already leveled at his eyes.
"I… I concede, Young Master."
The defeated warrior admitted, and the man called "Young Master" slowly nodded, withdrawing his blade.
Slide.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
Applause rang out at once. Everyone turned to see a middle-aged man approaching from afar.
"Excellent. Even against multiple angles of attack, your balance never falters. Truly, it reflects the very essence of Zhongnan's sword."
"You're here, Father."
"We greet the Sect Master!"
The men, including the Young Master, bowed deeply to the arriving Sect Master of Jongui Gate, So Upae.
When he approached, the Young Master lifted his head and asked,
"What brings you to the training hall?"
"I wished to see everyone's training again after so long."
"I see."
"And… I have something to tell you."
With hands clasped behind his back, the Sect Master's lips curled in a faint smile.
"Yongmyeong Merchant Guild has replied."
"The guild?"
The Young Master's eyes flashed sharply.
"What did they say?"
"They've accepted our proposal for a contest. But they added one condition."
"A condition?"
"Yes. Since they lack warriors, they asked to limit the participants to five each."
At this, the Young Master's brow furrowed slightly.
"…So they truly mean to challenge us?"
"Do you really think so? No, they only wish to avoid disgrace in their own home."
"Still, how presumptuous. A merchant guild daring to oppose a martial sect… distasteful."
His displeasure lingered. The Sect Master nodded slowly.
"Perhaps. But it works to our advantage. An untrained pup bares its fangs—it's the perfect time to break it in."
"…True, but…"
"And it is an opportunity for you."
"For me?"
"From what I've heard, their only true expert is that Ghostblade. The rest are mediocre at best, and they've even reduced their own numbers. Don't you see?"
A meaningful smile touched the Sect Master's lips.
"Why not seize this chance to craft the tale that names you Xi'an's Next Sword?"
"…!"
The Young Master's eyes widened, then gradually narrowed. Soon, his lips curled upward despite himself.
"…Not a bad idea."
"…."
"Though it feels like I'm stealing the stage from their Young Lord's ceremony, haha."
"Hahaha! Splendid! To lead Great Jongui Gate, one must have such magnanimity!"
Pleased with his son's jest, the Sect Master laughed loudly.
"Then leave nothing to chance. Prepare thoroughly in the days remaining. Even prodigies must remember—there are always unforeseen variables."
"I understand."
The Young Master bowed his head in acknowledgment.
Only fifteen days remained before the succession ceremony of Yongmyeong Merchant Guild.
"Hey, Yeongseon! Bring some chairs out to the training ground for the guests!"
"What? But I was just on my way to fetch dishes!"
"Then… ah, Chief Ha! You handle it!"
"Guild Master! Have the warriors do it! Can't you see how busy I am?"
"But the warriors need to prepare for the matches…"
What a mess…
Cheon Wooha clicked his tongue, watching the bustling commotion.
The day of the succession ceremony.
Some servants prepared food according to the guest list, warriors readied themselves for the duels, and others manned the gates and checked the registers, anticipating early arrivals.
Though he thought about lending a hand, Wooha himself wasn't free either.
"Young Lord! Have you put on your robes?"
"Ah, yes. More or less…"
"Then come this way! I'll fix the folds for you!"
"Wait, what about makeup?"
"He's not a woman—why would he need makeup?"
"Just a touch of powder wouldn't hurt!"
"With his fair skin, it'd make no difference!"
"His nails! Have you trimmed them?"
…This was his current situation.
On Mi-ryeong's insistence—that he must look flawless for his first public appearance—most of the guild's maids had swarmed him, tending to him from head to toe.
"Ahem… Is Wooha not ready yet?"
"Almost finished, Master!"
"Then hurry. Guests will arrive soon."
"Yes, don't worry!"
At Cheon Myeonghak's voice from outside, the maids' hands moved even faster. Finally, two of them brought a large standing mirror before Wooha.
"How do you like it, Young Lord?"
Their pride was evident in their voices. And indeed, Wooha had to admit—his reflection was impressive.
In crisp blue formal robes without a crease, hair bound neatly beneath a hero's headband, his sharp brows lent a masculine air to his youthful face. Adorned with modest but tasteful ornaments, he looked every bit the part.
Well… I suppose the effort wasn't wasted.
As he studied his appearance, one maid giggled and asked,
"Don't you think you look handsome, Young Lord?"
"Yes, well… better than expected."
Though he couldn't shake the feeling of being made into a spectacle, he chuckled quietly. At that very moment—
"The Sect Master of Jongui Gate has arrived!"
The chief steward's shout rang from outside. Wooha's gaze shifted from the mirror to the door.
So they've come sooner than I thought.
He could sense the presence beyond the door. More than a dozen men, each no weaker than Jang Uibo.
Time to meet them, then.
With a cold smile playing on his lips, Cheon Wooha strode forward to face the ones who had come to press down upon Yongmyeong Merchant Guild.
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