I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 116

< The Double-Edged Sword 3 >

“It was rather welcome news for us. There was an unspoken agreement not to infringe on each other’s territory, but with these newcomers, that agreement has become meaningless. Just watch. After a bloodbath, their power will be reduced by at least half.”

*That’s not wrong.*

But wasn’t it the Tang Clan that unified the dark side of Sichuan and prevented them from encroaching on each other’s territory?

There’s no guarantee that these newcomers won’t take the Tang Clan’s place.

Tang Neung didn’t have time to persuade them. Even at this very moment, those guys would be striking from the outside.

Tang Neung nipped it in the bud before any more words could be said.

“Everyone may have different opinions, but this time, please follow this old man’s advice.”

“Speak. We will listen carefully.”

Everyone respectfully folded their hands.

“This situation seems to be the beginning of a plot by the Black Faction to covet our Sichuan. So, without further observation, let’s drive them out of this land right now.”

There’s no reason to oppose this. But just because they are leaders of minor factions doesn’t mean they can’t think rationally.

“Elder. Who would oppose driving out the Black Faction from Sichuan? But it’s hard to understand why we have to do it right now.”

“That’s right. How about leaving them alone for a while? The new and old forces are fighting fiercely to take their place… Let’s start cleaning up after their fight is over.”

“Why should we interfere when they’re weakening each other?”

Everyone voiced their thoughts, and Tang Neung found himself increasingly frustrated. To make matters worse, one man added fuel to the fire.

“We’ll strike the remnants when their fight is over. We should wipe them out completely this time.”

*Those remnants are the Tang Clan’s lifeline.*

“The Tang Clan can deal with the newly emerged guys. Then the people of Sichuan will praise you, saying that you are indeed the Tang Clan.”

“Maybe the magistrate of Chengdu and Sichuan Province will give you a big reward. Aren’t they the ones the government couldn’t root out? Haha.”

After hearing everyone’s opinions and even being told what the Tang Clan should do, Tang Neung’s patience finally snapped.

“I’ve been watching and watching, but you’re getting too presumptuous. How dare you order our family around like this?”

Everyone bowed their heads before Tang Neung, who was full of anger.

“It’s a misunderstanding. We were just giving our opinions. How could we, insignificant as we are, dare to insult the Tang Clan?”

“Calm down. It’s just that we’re saying nonsense because we’ve had some drinks. Please forgive us.”

Tang Ok, who had been watching the situation, stepped forward.

“Everyone, go back now. The drinking party is over. Also, I, Tang, will never forget your presumptuous behavior today…”

Tang Ok couldn’t finish his warning.

The front gate became noisy, and someone he never expected appeared.

“Oh, my. I have committed a great discourtesy. I came to quietly pay my respects, but it turns out you’re having a party today… It’s like I’ve become an uninvited guest who suddenly came to get a meal at a feast. Haha.”

Tang Neung and Tang Ok were dumbfounded to see Jo Gwang-yun entering with a hearty laugh.

The only one who didn’t lose his reason was Tang Neung, who was old and experienced. He quickly signaled to his son and welcomed Jo Gwang-yun’s party.

“Oh, isn’t that Chief Jo Gwang-yun? What brings you to this remote place…? Oh, dear. Look at my mind. A merchant can go anywhere, right? Haha.”

He greeted Jo Gwang-yun with a hearty laugh, but he was constantly sending instructions to his five sons through telepathy.

After exchanging greetings with the head of the Tang Clan, Jo Gwang-yun exchanged somewhat awkward eye contact with the leaders of the various factions at this gathering.

*There’s no need to reveal that they are close.*

“So, what brings you here?”

“I came to Sichuan in a hurry to prepare some things for business. Now that I’ve finished my work, I was about to return, but I thought it wouldn’t be polite to go back without paying my respects to the Tang Clan of Sichuan, so I came here unannounced. Please forgive my discourtesy.”

“No, not at all.”

Tang Neung didn’t erase his smile.

「How is it?」

「Only two porters pulling the cart. He came alone.」

The moment Tang Neung heard his son’s telepathic message that he had come alone, he struggled to hold back his hardening face.

「How’s Hyo-won? Make sure to keep a close watch on him.」

「The door to the training room is completely locked. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about. He’s entered closed-door training, so he won’t know what’s going on outside for the time being.」

Another urgent telepathic message was heard.

「I just confirmed. All the warriors of the Azure Dragon Gate are still in Misan. He’s definitely back alone.」

「Did you check around the house too?」

「Yes. There are no hidden warriors.」

Tang Neung cheered inwardly.

*It’s an opportunity given by heaven.*

There are many faction leaders in this place. If they are presented as witnesses, there will be no problem even if Jo Gwang-yun dies in the Tang Clan’s headquarters.

However, there needs to be a justifiable reason to kill him.

Tang Neung was determined to create a reason to kill Jo Gwang-yun in this place.

“Oh, right. I felt bad coming empty-handed, so I prepared a small gift. I hope I don’t get criticized for it being shabby.”

Jo Gwang-yun unloaded one of the sacks from the cart he had brought.

“It’s Maojian tea, a specialty of Xinyang in Henan Province.”

Xinyang has steep mountains, abundant water, and is full of clouds, making it possible to obtain the best tea. However, the tea leaves are difficult to pick, so it’s an expensive item that ordinary people can hardly see.

A handful of dry tea leaves is said to be worth one silver coin, but he brought a whole cartload of that precious tea in sacks, so everyone was speechless.

Unlike the others who were impressed, Tang Neung only strengthened his resolve to kill Jo Gwang-yun.

If he shakes the world of martial arts with that kind of money, most small and medium-sized factions won’t be able to withstand it. You can tell just by looking at the expressions of the faction leaders looking at the cart right now. They’re not just surprised, but they’re looking at an almost awe-inspiring sight.

“Oh, to bring so much of that precious stuff. It’s hard for me to handle. I can’t refuse since you brought it from afar… I’ll distribute it evenly to the great heroes here.”

“No. I brought gifts to give to the martial artists of Sichuan, so just take it. The Tang Clan has so many family members, right?”

He pretended to be a kind elder, but it was a futile effort. He only gave Jo Gwang-yun a chance to show off his money.

“Oh, my. Our Chief Jo is still amazing at surprising people. Come on, sit down.”

The party that was about to end continued again.

* * *

“Did that happen?”

Jo Gwang-yun pretended to be surprised as he listened to Tang Neung’s story about the Black Faction.

“I know, right? Isn’t it amazing?”

“Amazing? I think it’s absurd.”

“Absurd? Why?”

“What kind of place is this? Even a three-year-old knows the power of the Tang Clan, so what on earth are those guys thinking, causing a ruckus here?”

One of the faction leaders handed Jo Gwang-yun a glass of alcohol and subtly interjected.

“If they only operate in the shadows, our righteous factions don’t get too involved, so it seems they’re moving freely.”

“Does that mean we don’t need to be too nervous yet?”

“That’s right.”

Jo Gwang-yun took a sip of the alcohol and said to Tang Neung.

“By the way, what did you mean by ‘amazing’ earlier?”

“I’m saying that this happened as soon as you appeared in Sichuan. Didn’t it seem like it was perfectly timed, as if it was planned?”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled bitterly.

“It’s hard for coincidences to happen. So you think it’s not a coincidence, but a scheme. And of course, you suspect that I’m the one who planned it. Am I wrong?”

*He knew he was a bold guy, but it was very unpleasant to experience it directly.*

Tang Neung hid his embarrassment and said with a smile.

“So it would be nice to have a proper explanation, what do you think?”

“How can I explain a coincidence, but I think it would be a proper explanation to tell you how I felt when I heard this story.”

“Tell me. I’ll listen carefully.”

Tang Neung was genuinely curious about what would come out of Jo Gwang-yun’s mouth.

“There are so many stupid guys in the world. That’s what I think.”

“Chief Jo. Watch your mouth. How dare you say such harsh things!”

Tang Ok, who had been listening silently, began to glare fiercely.

“Huh? Who are you…?”

When Jo Gwang-yun looked at him with a sly smile, Tang Ok’s face turned bright red. *To be ignored in front of so many people.*

But he closed his mouth at his father’s sharp gaze.

“That’s my son; he’s still a young man who can’t control his temper. Please understand.”

“Ah, you’re Young Master Tang.”

Jo Gwang-yun bowed lightly to him and continued.

“I think you misunderstood. The stupid guys I’m talking about are the ones who are fighting right now.”

“I don’t think that sounds like a proper explanation.”

“How much money do they make from running gambling dens, secretly brewing and selling alcohol, and selling women’s bodies, that they’re risking their lives for…? I’m saying this because I’m pathetic.”

Originally, those who have many secrets and those who have committed many sins hear all the insults and sarcasm in the world as if they are being said to them.

*Stupid guys, pathetic…* Tang Neung’s expression became more and more distorted as these words seemed to be directed at him.

“Ah, I keep getting off track… The conclusion is this. I don’t know how much the underground business in Sichuan makes in a year, but the gifts I brought to Sichuan alone are worth that much.”

Jo Gwang-yun pointed to the cart.

“Wouldn’t it be okay if I didn’t bring that and committed a great discourtesy? Even if I reduce the number of expensive gifts I give a few times, it will be equal to the money those guys earn.”

“Are you showing off your money now?”

“No. I mean, I’m not such a stupid guy who would sacrifice warriors to make petty money.”

Jo Gwang-yun looked Tang Neung in the eye and said slowly.

“Elder. The guys who make a living from the dirty work in the shadows don’t have the brains to make money honestly. Stupid guys who are just a little strong. That’s the business of thugs. I’m not stupid enough to do that kind of work. What do you think? Is that an explanation?”

At that moment, Tang Neung was convinced.

All the words that came out of Jo Gwang-yun’s mouth right now were ridicule poured directly at him.

If Tang Neung’s patience was as small as a grain of millet, he would have drawn his sword and ruined everything. But he had enough patience to barely endure all this ridicule.

「Everyone, don’t do anything until I give you instructions. Keep that in mind.」

He also had the judgment to give this warning to his children and family.

Tang Neung also realized that Jo Gwang-yun’s words were not just coming out of nowhere. That guy is now digging a huge trap and luring him in with the bait of provocation.

He tried to define the Black Faction’s bloodbath as Jo Gwang-yun’s work and seize the justification for punishing him, but the moment he realized it was a trap that was tightening around him, the Namgung family came to mind.

The Tang Clan must not become like the Namgung family, who fell into that guy’s trap and went down the path of destruction.

< The Double-Edged Sword 3 > End