I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 117

< Master and Disciple? 1 >

Why Sichuan of all places?

I soon found the answer.

“Aigo, I’m getting old and acting foolish. I didn’t realize the extent of Chief Jo’s connections and blurted out unnecessary things. Hehe.”

Jo Gwang-yun watched Dang Neung, who had suddenly transformed into a kindly old man, and thought that this old man was anything but ordinary.

“You’re too kind. Anyway, I’m glad the misunderstanding is resolved. So, what are your plans now…? Aigo, how presumptuous of me. Of course, the affairs of Sichuan are something you should handle, Great One. I apologize.”

“Not at all. As a fellow member of the orthodox martial arts world, it’s natural to inquire.”

Dang Neung cleared his throat a few times and scanned the expressions of Jo Gwang-yun and the sect leaders, who were looking at him with keen interest.

He had to give an answer befitting an elder of the orthodox faction. He couldn’t reveal even a hint of profiting from the Black Faction, and he had to avoid answers that suggested any personal gain. If he showed any weakness, that fox-like Jo Gwang-yun would exploit it like a ghost.

Solidifying his resolve, Dang Neung slowly opened his mouth.

“They’re still fighting among themselves for power, but they’ll soon bare their teeth. We must nip it in the bud. I plan to eliminate them before their influence spreads any further.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled brightly and clasped his hands together.

“As expected of a great hero. However, in my humble opinion, their strength will be reduced to less than half by the time their territorial disputes end. Wouldn’t it be easier to eradicate them completely then?”

“It’s not always best to look for the easy way.”

Dang Neung looked around at the sect leaders and spoke confidently.

“Our Dang Family will strike down those impure beings of unknown origin. You all take care of the remnants.”

If he didn’t deal with them swiftly, those who were acting as the Dang Family’s pawns would all be killed. The solution was to eliminate the core threat at once and rebuild the destroyed areas.

Dang Neung added one more element to this plan: Jo Gwang-yun.

“Chief Jo.”

“Yes, Great One.”

“It seems that Chief Jo’s arrival here is also heaven’s will.”

At the sudden remark, Jo Gwang-yun frowned slightly.

‘What trick is this old geezer trying to pull now?’

“I heard that Chief Jo came with the brave warriors of the Changryong Sect [Azure Dragon Sect].”

‘He didn’t just hear it; he was watching me.’

And since when did the Dang Family consider the Changryong Sect brave?

“That’s right.”

“Then let’s eliminate that unknown force together with our Dang Family. How about it? Will you lend us some strength?”

‘Oho. So, you’re coming at me like this?’

He was acting like a fellow member of the orthodox martial arts world, but was this the kind of scheme he was planning?

Before Jo Gwang-yun could decipher the intention hidden in Dang Neung’s gleaming eyes, he answered coolly. It would be ridiculous to hesitate and back out now.

“If you offer us such an opportunity, the Changryong Sect will do its best.”

At Jo Gwang-yun’s answer, the corners of Dang Neung’s lips lifted slightly.

“As expected, Chief Jo is a pillar of the orthodox faction. Thank you.”

Jo Gwang-yun also smiled and returned the greeting.

He had caught a glimpse of Dang Neung’s true feelings.

If a storm rages, you get soaked, and if a cold wind blows, you get bloodied.

If he got involved in a fierce fight with the Black Faction, the Dang Family’s sword would target him before the Black Faction’s sword.

The Dang Family might not have a plan to kill him yet, but they would at least create an opportunity to do so, all while praising him as a pillar of the orthodox faction.

But no matter how he considered it, it seemed like there would be no real opportunity to play the role of a pillar of the orthodox faction.

Because someone who would heed Jo Gwang-yun’s words was about to appear.

Two gatekeepers rushed over and bowed to Dang Neung, whispering in his ear.

Dang Neung was startled and jumped up.

“Welcome them quickly.”

As the gatekeepers ran out again, Dang Neung said to the crowd.

“Everyone. The magistrate of our Chengdu Prefecture is visiting this humble place now.”

Everyone stood up and waited for the person who acted as the king of Sichuan’s Chengdu.

The magistrate enjoyed the sight of people bowing to him and walked to the head seat.

“We greet the magistrate.”

As Dang Neung bowed respectfully, everyone shouted.

“We greet the Great One.”

The magistrate’s face was full of smiles.

“Everyone, please be seated. I’m sorry for interrupting your gathering.”

“Not at all. Thanks to the magistrate, this place is even more honored.”

Dang Neung felt like he wanted to give a deep bow to the magistrate who appeared just in time. There weren’t many opportunities to show off his friendship with the magistrate in front of everyone.

The Sichuan factions, which had been lukewarm to the Dang Family, would have reaffirmed the Dang Family’s status.

“But who are the elders who came with you?”

Dang Neung carefully asked, looking at the old men who followed the magistrate.

“Ah, these people once served in the court and devoted their loyalty to this country. This person served as Jeon Hwigwang [Senior Secretary], this person served as Munha Sirang [Vice Minister], and this person served as Pyeongjang Jeongsa [Councilor]. They are all prominent figures. And these two are royal physicians who attended the emperor.”

Dang Neung bowed his head to them, worried his mouth would tear from smiling so much.

Former high-ranking officials even visited the Dang Family. Moreover, even the royal physicians who attended the emperor!

He didn’t know how many people knew the exact titles of their positions, but those who simply guessed they were high-ranking officials couldn’t imagine standing upright while in their presence.

All of this seemed to reflect the Dang Family’s power, and Dang Neung’s shoulders rose sharply.

“I’m worried that this humble place might make the lords uncomfortable.”

To Dang Neung, who was in a very humble posture, the former officials smiled and said.

“They say that when it comes to Sichuan, it’s the Dang Family. It’s amazing. With so many martial artists gathered in one place, their spirit is like seeing the majesty of a large army.”

“It seems that we, like scholars, have disrupted a wonderful gathering by joining the feast of martial artists. I’m sorry.”

Even people who have risen to high positions are humble. As expected, people who have learned a lot are different.

“Please don’t say that. I, Dang Mo, am grateful that the Great Ones have graced this place.”

Dang Neung kept bowing his head.

“But, Dang Family Head.”

“Yes. Please speak.”

“I heard that the head of the Jo Family is here. Where is he?”

He thought he had misheard.

Did the Chengdu magistrate look for Jo Gwang-yun at the Dang Family’s main residence?

And how did the magistrate know that Jo Gwang-yun was in Sichuan?

Seeing Dang Neung, who had become stiff, the magistrate spoke again.

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“Ah, no.”

Jo Gwang-yun saved the flustered Dang Neung.

“I am Jo Gwang-yun, greeting the magistrate.”

Jo Gwang-yun, who had quickly approached the head seat, bowed deeply.

“Oh! Are you the disciple of our lords?”

“I am far from being a disciple.”

Jo Gwang-yun was very humble.

“What are you talking about? If you have learned to read, you are naturally a disciple. It’s okay.”

When the magistrate patted Jo Gwang-yun’s shoulder, the lords also waved their hands.

“This friend. He’s right. He’s so smart that we didn’t have anything to teach him. We just shared our short views. It’s embarrassing to be called a master.”

At the humble words of both sides, the magistrate laughed loudly.

“Aigo, seniors. Now, you’re just spending your days watching your grandchildren, but thanks to this wealthy disciple, you’re traveling the world. I’m jealous. In times like this, just pretend you can’t win and play the role of a master. Hehe.”

The main focus changed in an instant.

The gazes of the people that had been pouring towards Dang Neung turned to Jo Gwang-yun.

Dang Neung felt miserable when he realized that the reason the magistrate had come all the way here was Jo Gwang-yun.

It was like he had only showcased Jo Gwang-yun’s strength to the martial artists of Sichuan.

Their expectant eyes already told him that Jo Gwang-yun was a more reliable lifeline than the Dang Family.

“Oh dear, I’ve only been talking about the guests in front of the host.”

Dang Neung, feeling the magistrate’s gaze, finally came to his senses.

“I apologize. Please, take a seat. This way…”

Dang Neung gnashed his teeth as he looked at Jo Gwang-yun, who had subtly taken the head seat.

“So, what’s the reason why not only our Chengdu but also the nearby martial artists have gathered? Surely you’re not plotting a rebellion, are you? Ehehe.”

“That’s absurd. There’s been an unfortunate incident in the martial arts world, so we gathered to discuss it.”

Dang Neung knew why the magistrate had brought up the word rebellion.

Even those with power in the martial arts world were just commoners, and they couldn’t escape the severity of the national law.

“Unfortunate? What’s going on? I heard that thugs have been cutting each other with knives and spilling blood these days. Is that it?”

“That’s right. You’ve already figured it out.”

Jo Gwang-yun interjected.

“Tell me more. As for the thugs dying, that’s something I welcome, but if even an innocent commoner dies, I can never condone it.”

Dang Neung was desperate. He couldn’t let Jo Gwang-yun take the lead in this place. Wasn’t this his home?

“Great One. It’s a trivial matter caused by the Black Faction in the shadows. It’s not something the magistrate should worry about.”

“What did you say just now? Trivial? Listen here. Even if it’s a matter of the martial arts world, everything that happens in the place I govern is under my jurisdiction. It’s just that I don’t intervene because it’s a matter of the martial arts world, but there’s nothing I don’t need to know or don’t need to care about.”

Dang Neung was flustered by the magistrate’s demeanor, who was not angry but spoke firmly.

“Ah, that’s not what I meant. I just…”

He tried to make excuses, but the magistrate’s gaze was already on Jo Gwang-yun.

“What’s the reason why those guys are fighting with knives?”

“Money.”

“Money?”

“Yes. The various illicit activities in the shadows are means of making money. So they fight to take over the business.”

No sooner had Jo Gwang-yun finished speaking than Dang Neung opened his mouth again. He had to take the lead.

“Great One. Our orthodox martial artists have already resolved to act. We plan to wipe out the thugs who are fighting with knives at once. Chengdu will be quiet again.”

Dang Neung tried his best, but the magistrate closed his mouth without even answering, and no one dared to speak as the magistrate remained silent.

It took quite a long time until the magistrate spoke again.

“Using barbarians to subdue barbarians.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled as soon as he heard these words.

Whether it’s governing a country or governing a small area, the thoughts of the ruler are similar. There is no more efficient way than to conserve my strength and let them suppress each other.

“Dang Family Head.”

“Yes.”

“If they kill each other, won’t the total number of thugs decrease?”

“Th, that’s right.”

“Then, if there is no harm to the general public, it seems best to leave it as it is… What do you think? My thoughts?”

It was a compulsion to agree with his own thoughts, not a request for opinions.

“That is a truly wise judgment.”

Dang Neung said, clasping his hands together, even though his insides were churning.

“Then, when their fight subsides, the Dang Family will step in and wipe them out at once.”

Dang Neung thought he had to start all over again. Even if what his father had built was inevitably destroyed, he was confident that he could rebuild it sufficiently.

But not everything goes as planned.

Especially when a fox-like guy is constantly looking for a chance to ruin it.

“Great One. May I say a word?”

As Jo Gwang-yun came forward with a polite attitude, Dang Neung glared fiercely, but he couldn’t speak because the magistrate was holding his ground.

“Of course. Your wisdom has been praised to me by these respected people. Feel free to speak.”

Jo Gwang-yun spoke more carefully with an even more polite attitude.

“No matter how many mice you catch, they won’t disappear, and the flies in the outhouse will forever buzz around unless you get rid of the outhouse.”

Some of the quick-witted ones had already guessed what Jo Gwang-yun was going to say.

Dang Neung’s intuition is also sharp.

He was beginning to vaguely see what Jo Gwang-yun’s real purpose was.

< Master and Disciple? 1 > End