Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 28

Nine Dragons Chronicle (28)

Hwa-rin met with Elder Song Cheol of Jongnam and engaged in extensive conversations. Initially, they exchanged polite greetings, but gradually built rapport by discussing missions, battles against masters in the borderlands, and various points of interest in the border regions, Saeoe [foreign lands], and the lands of the Sekmok people [nomadic tribes].

It was uncertain how much trust he had gained from Song Cheol during their first meeting. However, Hwa-rin felt relieved as he descended Jongnam Mountain, believing he had earned enough trust to evacuate his family should the Nine Dragons Unit face difficulties.

Hwa-rin descended Jongnam Mountain and headed to the current Nine Dragons Unit villa, the former manor of the Red Fox Gate, where Chief Seo Dae-yeong was instructing the children.

“You didn’t even mention you were coming…”

“I simply wanted to visit. How is teaching the children progressing?”

“I see outstanding talent in some of them. However, about half seem unlikely to excel in either martial arts or academics.”

“Is that so? What about business acumen?”

“I would need to teach them to be certain, but I cannot say definitively at this point. What one learns from books is different from practical experience.”

“Then, if their determination is strong, they might improve beyond their current abilities.”

“That is likely.”

“I understand. Summon all the children to the main hall.”

Hwa-rin decided to employ a secret art from the Demonic Cult to instill diligence in the children’s minds.

Seo Dae-yeong gathered all the children. Their ages ranged from four to nine, and they appeared significantly healthier than when they had first arrived.

“We greet the Unit Leader.”

The children bowed to Hwa-rin.

“It must be difficult to transition from playing to studying.”

“It is not.”

Hwa-rin made eye contact with each child as he addressed them.

“If you master your studies quickly, I will instruct the Chief to allow you more playtime.”

“Thank you.”

Seo Dae-yeong must have emphasized etiquette, as they responded politely.

While speaking to the children, Hwa-rin’s pupils turned blue and emitted a faint blue light, yet the children listened without sensing anything unusual.

“We are one family, so do not blame your siblings, do not envy those who are more skilled, and do not belittle yourselves. Everyone possesses different talents, so it is important to discover your strengths.”

“Yes, sir.”

The children answered energetically.

“Martial arts and academics are the minimum required to live a fulfilling life. While learning them, dedicate yourselves fully and strive to master them.”

Hwa-rin was using the Demonic Cult’s technique to imprint upon the children’s minds, enhancing their concentration and minimizing distractions during their studies.

“If you study diligently, eat well, and live well, wouldn’t the children on the streets be inspired to work hard as well?”

“We will remember that.”

“Good. Every month, we will conduct a test to assess your progress. Those who achieve excellent results will receive rewards.”

“What kind of rewards?”

A child inquired.

One of the reasons why the Demonic Cult’s technique is considered terrifying is that the subject remains unaware of the soul-seizing术 [mind control technique] and can engage in normal conversation.

Although they were young, they could articulate their intentions clearly, making it impossible for others to detect that Hwa-rin was subtly brainwashing them.

“Hmm… Sweets? Delicious food?”

The children smiled brightly at the mention of sweets and food.

“And I will give you some pocket money, too.”

“He’s giving us pocket money!”

Seeing the children genuinely happy, Hwa-rin felt a slight twinge of conscience, but he believed it would ultimately benefit them, so he remained committed to his plan.

“Then play today, and from tomorrow, resume your studies diligently with Chief Uncle.”

“Yes!”

As the children answered in unison, he dismissed them to play, and they all eagerly ran out of the main hall.

“Children will be children, I suppose.”

Seo Dae-yeong, who had been observing from behind Hwa-rin, commented.

“Still, reward the children based on their achievements.”

“Understood.”

“The construction of the Nine Dragons Pavilion has attracted unwanted attention.”

This was Seo Dae-yeong’s concern. The Nine Dragons Unit had too few capable warriors for its growing influence.

“If danger arises, evacuate the children immediately.”

“I will move them to the Nine Dragons Unit’s main base.”

“Do that. If that’s not feasible, take them to Jongnam and seek out Elder Song Cheol.”

“Elder Song Cheol of Jongnam?”

“Yes. I have established a rapport with him, so we should be able to obtain assistance.”

“Understood.”

“Any other issues?”

“No particular problems. The businesses are thriving. The warriors guarding them report no disturbances.”

“Then that’s good. Give them a bonus.”

“I will. But Hwang, no… Unit Leader.”

“Speak.”

“Are you aiming for dominance in the merchant world or the martial world?”

Hwa-rin looked at Seo Dae-yeong with a questioning expression.

“If you are focused on the merchant world, we can continue as we are. But if you aspire to conquer the martial world, we need to bolster our strength.”

“Why?”

“If a martial arts force attacks the manor, you and I might escape, but the other family members would likely be seriously injured or killed.”

Hwa-rin had considered this issue but hadn’t found a solution.

For now, like the Fierce Tiger Death Squad [elite assassins], he planned to identify and eliminate any threats to the manor before they could strike.

“I am aiming for the martial world. However, ensuring the manor’s family members have sufficient food and resources is my priority before actively engaging in the martial world. In the meantime, I must build my own power.”

“Understood. I will keep that in mind.”

“Do that. Contact me if anything occurs. I will return to the main Unit.”

Hwa-rin left the Nine Dragons Unit’s villa. On his way back to the Nine Dragons Unit in Sanyang County, he visited the businesses he managed to oversee them. His military experience proved invaluable.

After inspecting all the businesses, he arrived at the Nine Dragons Unit, only to discover a problem at the manor.

The manor’s courtyard was in disarray, and the family members looked at him with fearful eyes.

Hwa-rin turned his attention to the unfamiliar men. They were sitting haphazardly on the manor’s veranda, and judging by the swords at their waists, they were martial artists.

“Who are you to trespass on someone else’s property and cause trouble?”

Hwa-rin demanded, and one of the men stepped forward.

“Are you the Unit Leader of the Nine Dragons Unit?”

“That’s correct. Who are you?”

“I am Do-hyung of the Eumsa Gate [Shadow Serpent Gate]. Our Gate Lord wants you to hand something over.”

“To me?”

“I heard you acquired the businesses of the Black Snake Gang and the Red Fox Gate. Did you know those were assets of the Eumsa Gate?”

The man named Do-hyung approached Hwa-rin and spoke. His menacing demeanor might have intimidated others, but Hwa-rin focused his gaze on the man behind him.

Although Do-hyung had stepped forward, the man Hwa-rin was observing possessed greater martial prowess.

“I am unaware of what you are talking about. I acquired the businesses after paying a fair price. Who would believe you if you came here and demanded their return?”

At Hwa-rin’s words, Do-hyung chuckled and turned around.

“Hahaha. Brother, he’s young and naive to the ways of the world.”

Do-hyung said, laughing, to the man Hwa-rin was watching, then brought his face close to Hwa-rin’s.

“You don’t seem to understand. I don’t know who you made a deal with to acquire the businesses, but the true owner is the Eumsa Gate, and we are here to reclaim them. Do you understand?”

“Do you possess documentation proving your ownership of those businesses?”

“Documentation? Why would we need that?”

Hwa-rin smirked at those words.

“You’re making it obvious that you came here to cause trouble.”

Hwa-rin’s hand moved with lightning speed.

He seized Do-hyung’s neck tightly with his fingers, then twisted and broke his wrist.

With a series of sickening cracking sounds, Do-hyung’s neck snapped, killing him instantly.

The Eumsa Gate warriors, startled by the sudden violence, jumped to their feet.

“I heard the Eumsa Gate is the largest of the evil sects in Shanxi Province. Are all evil sects like this? Acting like common thugs, tsk tsk.”

Hwa-rin clicked his tongue as if expressing pity.

Clang!

The Eumsa Gate warriors drew their swords.

The Nine Dragons Unit’s family members cowered in fear, but Hwa-rin smirked as if amused.

“I have a habit of repaying everything tenfold. Whether it’s kindness or resentment.”

Martial artists were bound by the cycle of kindness and resentment. Living among people, creating both, and navigating that cycle was their fate.

“I did not provoke you first. You provoked me.”

As Hwa-rin finished speaking, his figure blurred, and he appeared before the warrior Do-hyung had called ‘Brother,’ placing his palm on the man’s chest.

With a ‘thud!’ sound, the warrior was sent flying backward, crashing violently into a pillar before collapsing to the ground.

“Cough!”

He coughed up blood, indicating severe internal injuries.

The remaining warriors swung their swords at Hwa-rin.

Hwa-rin swayed his upper body, dodging their blades and retreating out of their reach.

‘He’s a master.’

The injured man realized Hwa-rin was no ordinary martial artist.

“Stop!”

He shouted, and the warriors halted their attack.

“We came to deliver the Gate Lord’s message, not to fight.”

“You’re a funny bunch.”

As the Eumsa Gate warrior began to offer an excuse, Hwa-rin interrupted.

“Does delivering a message mean I must surrender what is rightfully mine? If I inform your Gate Lord that everything in the Eumsa Gate now belongs to me, will you hand it over?”

‘Is he insane? Or does he have a powerful backer who disregards our sect?’

He scrutinized Hwa-rin, trying to discern the truth, but he couldn’t determine it.

“We have delivered the Gate Lord’s message and will now depart.”

“You trespassed, caused trouble, and now you expect to leave? After killing someone?”

“We clearly…”

“That’s your perspective, and I don’t believe mine aligns with yours, do you?”

Hwa-rin had no intention of letting them live.

“I stated earlier that I repay everything tenfold, regardless of whether it’s kindness or resentment.”

“That means…”

“It means the Eumsa Gate initiated this, but I will bring it to an end.”

Hwa-rin prepared to attack the bewildered men.

“Now that you have entered my manor, none of you will leave alive.”