Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 186

The Grain Distribution Business

The birthday celebration for Prince Heung, Ju Yeong-guk, at the Heungchinwang Mansion lasted for three days. During this time, Hwa-rin worked diligently and achieved considerable success.

Hwa-rin disliked running into his siblings, so he met with Ju Yeong-guk early to tell him he needed to return. He also received some information from him.

After that, Hwa-rin left the Heungchinwang Mansion before breakfast and planned to have breakfast with Seo Dae-yeong at an inn.

“Let’s go there.”

Hwa-rin entered an inn called Migak Inn and took a seat at a table by the window.

It was quiet in the morning, so the inn wasn’t crowded.

“Welcome.”

“It’s better to have a simple breakfast.”

“Wouldn’t that be better?”

“Then order something simple.”

Seo Dae-yeong asked the waiter a few questions and ordered stir-fried eggplant with five spices and soft tofu seasoned with soy sauce, which the inn was most proud of.

“Please wait a moment.”

As the waiter left, Seo Dae-yeong asked,

“When we return to the manor this time, shouldn’t we report to Young Master Baek?”

“The report… there are eyes following us, so they will report on their own. Don’t worry about that. When we return, check what we discussed with the landowners this time.”

“Understood.”

“We need to accurately grasp the amount of grain. We also need to consider variables such as famine and bumper crops.”

“Considering the grain coming from the Travil Kingdom, shouldn’t we have a warehouse?”

“I’m thinking about it. I’m contemplating whether to build a warehouse in Seoseong Province to distribute it to the Jungwon [Central Plains, often referring to the heartland of the country], or to build it in another province and gather everything there like a collection point before sending it elsewhere.”

“Even if the transportation costs are high, it would be easier to manage if you build the warehouse in Seoseong Province. Considering grain theft and fires like the Hwamyeong Merchant Group, Seoseong Province would be more advantageous than other regions.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. And it would be good to purchase a large quantity of crops with a relatively long shelf life among the food ingredients and store them in the warehouse.”

“Bulk purchase?”

“Bulk purchases can lower the unit price, so it will be beneficial for us in many ways.”

“I see. Then I need to find more land in Sanyang County.”

“You can remodel the existing brothels you bought and use them as warehouses.”

There were several brothel owners who sold their brothels because of Guryongnu, and Hwa-rin bought those brothels at high prices and is currently using them.

“No, those have other uses. Let’s look into land in Sangju County.”

“In Sangju County?”

“The road to Seoa is well-maintained, and it’s convenient to go to Hanamese Province via Sangnam County, so let’s look for land in Sangju County and build a warehouse.”

“Understood. I will prepare accordingly.”

“Are you not short on money?”

“The money coming from Guryongnu is enough to cover the purchase.”

“Let’s do it that way. Then there shouldn’t be any other major problems, right?”

“How can there be no problems with work? People are the problem. I don’t think Hwa Jeong-su will just let this go this time.”

Hwa-rin chuckled.

“At best, he’ll hire assassins.”

“Still, you should be careful. Even a mouse will bite a cat when cornered.”

“It might bite a house cat. A mouse can’t do anything against a wild cat.”

Hwa-rin was certain that Hwa Jeong-su was no match for him.

“No matter what he does, he can’t be my opponent, so keep that in mind and focus on our work.”

“Understood.”

At that moment, an old man with a light outfit and a cane, whose gait seemed a bit uncomfortable, entered the inn.

“Hey, give me one dumpling.”

“Yes. Please wait a moment. I’ll bring it to you soon.”

The old man sat down and looked at Hwa-rin, who was sitting by the window, and smiled faintly.

-Is my junior securing a spot over there to allow me to ambush him?

The old man sent a telepathic message to Hwa-rin, who was none other than the Killer Sword Emperor, Baek Jeong-in.

-I just happened to sit here. If necessary, I can avoid it with a spear.

-So the gap on the left is still open, keeping me in mind?

-It’s not that I’m keeping you in mind, senior. When I sense danger, I habitually show a gap on the left to induce the opponent’s attack. When leaving the royal palace, you said you would ambush me, so I think I instinctively left it open.

-I see. It seems useful to learn that too.

-It’s a good way to deceive an opponent you’re facing for the first time.

The two exchanged friendly words telepathically.

-What is the Four Emperors like from your experience? Are they as manageable as me?

Baek Jeong-in was very curious about Hwa-rin’s fight with the Four Emperors. This was an event that attracted attention to the extent that anyone in the Murim [Martial Arts World] Hundred High Ranking Experts would be curious.

-Can I be honest with you?

-Go ahead.

-The Four Emperors were a little stronger than you, senior. It’s not arrogant to say, but I could still fight you, but the Four Emperors felt like they had crossed another wall beyond me.

He might have felt bad hearing that the Four Emperors were stronger than him, but everyone said the Four Emperors were strong, so it seemed like it was time to admit it.

-One wall of enlightenment is a big difference.

-I think I could inflict a light internal injury at the cost of my life. But if I fought the Four Emperors with you, senior, I think we could win.

Baek Jeong-in looked interested in Hwa-rin’s words and asked,

-Would other Hundred High Ranking Experts be able to do it?

-I don’t think so. At least one of the Three Kings and Four Emperors among the top ten experts would have to be with us to win.

-Then it’s better to avoid meeting the Four Emperors in this life.

-If you gain enlightenment, senior, you will reach a similar level as the Four Emperors.

He had thought about that once, but he had long given up on the idea of ​​trying to gain enlightenment.

-I’ll give up in this life and try hard in the next life.

-I don’t think it’s too late yet.

-I’ve gained enough fame as it is. Then let’s talk about our story.

Baek Jeong-in told him the timing and target of his attack on Hwa-rin.

-Hwa Jeong-su will be here soon. I will aim for your neck at that time, so you can avoid it and counterattack.

-Counterattack?

-That’s right. And we’ll exchange telepathic messages and continue our offense and defense like partners in a scam, and you’ll get a shallow sword wound.

-A sword wound?

-That’s right. And I’ll pretend to suffer internal injuries from your attack.

Hwa-rin listened to Baek Jeong-in’s words and wondered if it was really necessary to do this.

-Hwa Jeong-su won’t like it if you ask for more money without any results.

-So you’re saying we should give Hwa Jeong-su hope that you can kill me?

-That’s right. I’ll pretend that I underestimated you too easily and failed, and if you say you’re stronger than I thought and need to prepare something, he’ll give you more money.

-If you get the money?

-As promised, I’ll give you 10%, and I’ll take the money and say I’m going to take a break to treat my internal injuries and leave the Jungwon to spend time leisurely.

Hwa-rin chuckled.

-Hwa Jeong-su, who was scammed by you, will be hitting the ground and crying.

-That’s why I want you to finish it before I get the reputation of running away with the money.

-Hmm…….

-I have a reputation too. So let’s have you take care of the rest.

Hwa-rin thought there was nothing wrong with that.

-Then let’s make it 20% instead of 10%. I’ll take responsibility for your retirement.

-Until retirement?

-That’s right.

Baek Jeong-in thought for a moment and then smiled and accepted Hwa-rin’s offer.

-Then I’ll leave it to you. It looks like Hwa Jeong-su and his brothers are coming over there.

Hwa-rin listened to Baek Jeong-in’s words and looked out the window, and Hwa Jeong-su and his brothers were coming to the inn.

-Then I should change my clothes.

-Clothes?

-Because the boeui [a type of padded armor] is not easily torn.

Hwa-rin did not explain in detail what kind of clothes he was wearing.

Hwa-rin took out a set of clothes from his dimensional pocket and changed into them.

“Why are you changing your clothes?”

“I told you, Senior Baek Jeong-in will ambush me.”

Seo Dae-yeong looked at him as if asking if it was today, and Hwa-rin gestured to look at Hwa Jeong-su and his brothers outside the window.

At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to Baek Jeong-in.

-Shall we start when they come in?

-I will.

Hwa-rin and Baek Jeong-in coordinated their words to deceive Hwa Jeong-su and his brothers. And Hwa Jeong-su and his brothers came into the inn, and Hwa Jeong-su’s expression seemed to indicate that he had already received some words from Baek Jeong-in.

They moved slowly and sat down in the empty seats.

“Welcome.”

The moment the waiter went to greet them, Baek Jeong-in flew towards Hwa-rin.

When he pulled the handle of his cane, a sword came out, and he flew to aim for Hwa-rin’s neck. His actions were so fast that the word lightning was an understatement.

The moment Seo Dae-yeong, who was sitting across from Hwa-rin, made a surprised expression, Hwa-rin’s hand moved.

He grabbed the sword coming towards his neck with both palms as if he was putting his hands together, and at the same time, he twisted his body and arms.

As a result, Baek Jeong-in’s body was twisted to the side and thrown out through the window.

Baek Jeong-in did a somersault in the air to regain his balance, and then swung his sword at Hwa-rin, who came out through the window after him.

Red energy overflowed from Baek Jeong-in’s sword, dominating the space and pressuring Hwa-rin, and Hwa-rin made a gesture of grabbing the air with both hands in the shape of hooks.

Jjeoeoeoeoeoe…….

When Hwa-rin pulled his hands that were grabbing the air, it created the illusion of tearing the space, and tore apart the red energy that Baek Jeong-in had created.

“Heoeot!”

Baek Jeong-in hurriedly stepped back with a surprised expression. Hwa-rin quickly approached him and used his hand.

Cheeeeeng!

Baek Jeong-in blocked Hwa-rin’s hand with his sword, and a metallic sound erupted as if swords were colliding.

Seeing this, Hwa Jeong-su had a surprised expression at Hwa-rin’s martial prowess.

He never thought that he would have martial arts that could fight Baek Jeong-in on equal terms.

‘If I help Baek Jeong-in…….’

Hwa Jeong-su’s head became complicated.

“If you move, I will blow your heads off, so it’s better not to think about anything else.”

Seo Dae-yeong saw Hwa Jeong-su’s actions and revealed strong hostility and murderous intent.

Hwa Jeong-su flinched at the sudden murderous intent and looked at Seo Dae-yeong.

Seo Dae-yeong came to Seoseong Province with Hwa-rin and had little opportunity to show off his martial arts, so he lived quietly, but in reality, Seo Dae-yeong was also a formidable expert.

He came to Seoseong Province and was taught martial arts by Hwa-rin, becoming stronger than when he was in the imperial palace, so even if Hwa Jeong-su had mastered martial arts and the sorcery of the heretical cult, he was no match for Seo Dae-yeong.

‘It’s an opportunity to kill him…….’

The fight between Hwa-rin and Baek Jeong-in was getting rougher and rougher. As the two people’s energy collided in the air, it began to affect the surroundings. Fragments of energy penetrated the surrounding buildings, leaving scars on the buildings.

When the two people’s fight began, people did not dare to come out of the building.

Kwajijijijik!

One of the closest buildings could not withstand the shock wave created by the collision of the two people’s energy and staggered.

“Get out of here!”

The people inside the building hurriedly escaped, and as soon as the people were all out, the building collapsed as if waiting.

-Isn’t this enough?

Hwa-rin sent a telepathic message to Baek Jeong-in.

-Let’s do that. Then according to plan.

The two people who exchanged telepathic messages immediately took action. The moment Hwa-rin rushed into Baek Jeong-in’s arms, his sword cut Hwa-rin’s waist, and Hwa-rin’s right palm touched Baek Jeong-in’s abdomen and exploded.

Peoeoeoeong!

“Eueueuk!”

The explosion caused the two people to fall apart, and Hwa-rin frowned and looked at Baek Jeong-in, who was supporting himself on the ground with both hands.

The moment Hwa-rin jumped to kill Baek Jeong-in, a white smoke rose with an explosion where Baek Jeong-in was.

Hwa-rin covered his mouth and nose with his hands and moved away from the spot.

After a while, the smoke thinned, but Baek Jeong-in, who should have been there, was not visible.

Hwa-rin frowned and looked at his side. It wasn’t a deep wound, but it was a little deeper than the shallow wound he had initially talked about.

“If it had been a little deeper, I would have been recuperating for months.”

Hwa-rin thought of Baek Jeong-in.

He also inflicted a little more severe internal injuries than he had initially discussed, so he thought it was a fair exchange.

“Young Master!”

Seo Dae-yeong approached Hwa-rin.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. I just got cut. More than that, I kept that bastard Hwa Jeong-su inside, right.”

“Yes.”

Hwa-rin went inside the inn with a very angry expression, and Hwa Jeong-su’s expression changed strangely when he saw the wound on his side.

“Is this your doing?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m asking if you hired an assassin.”

“Why would I hire an assassin?”

Hwa-rin, who was glaring at Hwa Jeong-su, who was denying it, gritted his teeth and said.

“I’m warning you one more time, if I find evidence that my suspicion is correct, I will make you feel in your body how painful it is to live.”

Hwa-rin warned Hwa Jeong-su and then went to the window seat and sat down.

“Are you really okay?”

Seo Dae-yeong asked with concern.

“I just got cut a little. If it had gone a little deeper, it would have been really dangerous.”

“Didn’t I tell you to be careful? I told you so many times that it’s not over just because the battle with the Sahyul Alliance is over.”

“I know. I just need to be careful. And how can I be careful of the guys who come to find me.”

“Anyway.”

“I know. I’m hungry because I moved. Tell them to bring the food quickly.”

“Understood.”

“And ask for some hemostatic agent or cloth. Ah, it stings so much.”