Tales Of The Nine Dragons [EN]: Chapter 60

Mount Hua Sect

During the seemingly endless rainy season, Hwa-rin hired young men to drain the waterlogged areas in Sanyang County, while also distributing small amounts of grain to prevent starvation.

Thanks to Hwa-rin’s efforts, the people of Sanyang County praised and trusted the Nine Dragons Guild and its leader. The populace was quicker to act on Hwa-rin’s instructions than on those of the government officials.

That rainy season saw a significant decrease in flooded homes, and, thankfully, no deaths.

Furthermore, he distributed medicine effective against colds and body aches, tending to the sick. These acts of kindness spread beyond Sanyang, Sangju, and Sangnam counties, eventually reaching the ears of the governor of Shaanxi Province.

The governor was greatly pleased with Hwa-rin’s actions and awarded him a commendation as a model citizen of Shaanxi Province, publicizing his deeds and further raising awareness of the Nine Dragons Guild and its leader.

As the Nine Dragons Guild and its leader became increasingly well-known throughout Shaanxi Province, one individual grew increasingly displeased: Hwa Jeong-soo of the Hwa Myung Merchant Group.

The more the good deeds of the Nine Dragons Guild and its leader were publicized, the more difficult it became for him to acquire the Nine Dragons Tower. Moreover, the orthodox sect, Stone Heaven Clan, seemed unable or unwilling to interfere with the Nine Dragons Guild and its leader.

“What the hell is Seok Dae-yeong doing? If he accepted the money, he should be doing the job!”

He was also frustrated with Seok Dae-yeong’s hesitant behavior.

“If I had known this would happen, I would have aligned myself with the Unorthodox Faction.”

The Unorthodox Faction was less concerned with reputation than the Orthodox Faction, and they were easier to manipulate because they would do anything for money.

However, he hesitated to join forces with the Unorthodox Faction because their unpredictable nature could lead to troublesome situations, and ultimately, he might face the consequences.

But now, knowing that the task was being delayed like this, he regretted not taking the risk and partnering with the Unorthodox Faction.

“That stupid girl! I sent her to seduce the Guild Leader, and she ended up falling for a guy working at the inn!”

He already had numerous worries, and the unresolved issues with the Nine Dragons Guild only amplified his frustration.

“If we fail to deliver the grain to the Eight Route Army [historical reference to a communist army] this time, they said they would source it elsewhere, so we need to resolve that first.”

The losses from the two grain thefts were substantial, but more importantly, he risked losing the trust that was essential for a merchant. He had to ensure the grain was delivered this time, no matter the cost.

Once the rainy season ended, grains from various regions of the Central Plains were gathered at collection points in Shaanxi Province.

Then, grains like rice and barley underwent threshing, while others like potatoes and sweet potatoes were sorted before being shipped to trading partners in each province.

Grains requiring threshing, such as rice and barley, were distributed to trading partners after the process was complete.

However, due to the theft incidents, it was decided that this time, grains not requiring threshing, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, would be sorted on-site and distributed directly to each trading partner. Only grains needing threshing, like rice, barley, and wheat, would be transported to the collection points in Shaanxi Province.

This decision was made because someone was deliberately targeting the merchant group’s grain shipments.

“Patriarch!”

“What is it?”

“The Stone Heaven Clan’s Leader, Seok Dae-yeong, has arrived to see you.”

“Leader Seok? Understood. Escort him to the detached residence. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes.”

Hwa Jeong-soo donned his formal attire and left his room.

On his way to the detached residence, he noticed several martial artists standing guard, seemingly members of the Stone Heaven Clan.

He approached the detached residence and spoke softly in front of the room where Seok Dae-yeong had been led.

“Leader Seok, this is Hwa Jeong-soo.”

Even though he owned the property, the detached residence was reserved for guests, so it was impolite to enter without permission.

“Come in.”

When Hwa Jeong-soo entered, he saw a man in his mid-forties sitting there, appearing robust as if he dedicated himself to external martial arts.

Seok Dae-yeong, the leader of the Stone Heaven Clan, was a martial artist who had mastered internal energy, but he had also trained extensively in external martial arts, giving him a formidable presence.

Those unfamiliar with Seok Dae-yeong’s fighting style could be caught off guard by his Internal Energy Heavy Water Technique, potentially suffering serious injuries or even death.

Hwa Jeong-soo sat opposite him.

“What brings you here without prior notice?”

“I’ve come to discuss a few matters with Master Hwa.”

“Discuss with me?”

“Yes. Regarding the Nine Dragons Guild.”

Hwa Jeong-soo’s eyes gleamed with interest.

“Are you aware that a Minor Divine Skill [a rare and powerful martial art technique] has recently surfaced in Shaanxi Province?”

“Minor Divine Skill? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“As a result, experts from Jongnam [a famous Taoist mountain] and Mount Hua have descended from their sects.”

“Is that so?”

“When the people from Jongnam and Mount Hua arrived, they took lodging at the Nine Dragons Guild.”

“What are you implying?”

Hwa Jeong-soo was aware of the close relationship between Jongnam and the Guild Leader of the Nine Dragons Guild, but he feigned ignorance and inquired.

“Were you not aware?”

“Indeed. I am a merchant, so I am not well-versed in the affairs of the martial world.”

“I see. I was wondering if Jongnam or Mount Hua might be connected to the Nine Dragons Guild.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

Hwa Jeong-soo lied about his knowledge, and Seok Dae-yeong seemed to believe him.

“Currently, many martial artists from both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions are gathering at Mount Hua for the Mount Hua Assembly [a martial arts gathering]. Are you aware of this?”

“I have heard rumors.”

“So, if we attack and destroy the Nine Dragons Guild this time, we plan to make it appear as though it was carried out by martial artists from the Unorthodox Faction.”

“Hmm…….”

It seemed like a viable plan.

“Do you have anyone who has mastered the martial arts of the Unorthodox Faction?”

“If we kill them with sufficient brutality, people will assume they are from the Unorthodox Faction, so you needn’t worry about that. However…….”

“However?”

“The problem lies in the timing of the attack on the Nine Dragons Guild.”

“Timing?”

“Whether we should strike the Nine Dragons Guild before or after the Mount Hua Assembly. My personal opinion is that it would be best to strike after the Mount Hua Assembly.”

“The reputation of the Nine Dragons Guild is steadily growing. If it becomes even more esteemed, we may be unable to act at all.”

“You needn’t worry about that. They will be attacked by martial artists from the Unorthodox Faction regardless.”

At the mention of martial artists from the Unorthodox Faction, Hwa Jeong-soo nodded involuntarily.

“If the Nine Dragons Guild is destroyed by martial artists from the Unorthodox Faction before the Mount Hua Assembly begins, both Mount Hua and the Martial Alliance [a governing body for martial arts sects] may launch an investigation.”

“That’s right.”

“So, we plan to proceed with a scheme that sets the stage for the Unorthodox Faction martial artists to destroy the Nine Dragons Guild as an act of revenge on their way back from the Assembly.”

“I understand.”

“When the Nine Dragons Guild is burned down, Master Hwa, please use your merchants to spread rumors that the martial artists from the Unorthodox Faction killed all the members of the Nine Dragons Guild and set it ablaze.”

“Use the merchants?”

“Yes. That way, the rumors will spread quickly, and even if Mount Hua or Jongnam intervenes, they will not suspect our involvement.”

“I will do that. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“No. That is all.”

“I understand. And here, please accept this to assist with your efforts.”

Hwa Jeong-soo retrieved a voucher from his pocket and handed it to Seok Dae-yeong.

“Why are you doing this…….”

Hwa Jeong-soo sneered inwardly as he watched Seok Dae-yeong accept the voucher without hesitation.

“Instead of standing here, let me treat you to a grand feast. Shall we go?”

“Haha, thank you. Please also take care of the martial artists who accompanied me.”

“Don’t worry about that. Come with me.”

* * *

“Is it possible to find someone who is skilled at managing people?”

Hwa-rin needed someone to oversee the mine and workers on Mount Otae in Shanxi Province, which he had acquired from Dongseo Dok. He approached his chief manager, Seo Dae-yeong, and posed the question.

“Why do you need someone……?”

“It seems like things are escalating. Initially, I envisioned a modest operation that could sustain two people comfortably for life, but it has grown far beyond my expectations.”

“How much bigger has it become?”

“In various ways, quite significantly. I’ve decided to acquire a mine in Mount Otae, Shanxi Province, currently being developed by the Yeongcheon Merchant Group. This includes the technicians and workers. I need someone I trust to manage them.”

“Isn’t it more accurate to say you stole it rather than acquired it?”

“That’s from the perspective of the person being deprived of it. From my perspective, it’s an acquisition. So, please refrain from being so harsh.”

“I’m very relieved that I’m not the one being taken from. If you were in that position, I doubt anyone attempting to take from you would survive.”

“I can’t say for sure until I’ve experienced it myself. So, do you have a suitable candidate? Or not?”

“I need to investigate. It’s not that there are no qualified individuals. However…….”

“However?”

“Everyone’s motivations differ, so I can’t guarantee their complete loyalty or whether they might embezzle funds for personal gain.”

“I don’t mind if they embezzle to a certain extent to line their own pockets, as long as they manage people effectively. I’ll handle the rest.”

Seo Dae-yeong’s eyes lit up.

“Could I perhaps embezzle a little as well?”

“You’ll be sent back to the Imperial Palace if you try that.”

Seo Dae-yeong pouted.

“I’ll have to look into it. And we’ve arranged for children who aren’t interested in studying or martial arts to work as cooks or servers at the inn.”

“Aren’t they still quite young?”

“Thirteen years old isn’t that young.”

“That’s up to Chief Manager Seo. What about the children who are interested in martial arts or academics?”

“Two of them seem to possess talent in martial arts. They are intelligent and quick learners, absorbing what they are taught rapidly.”

“Really? Then we should send them to the Jongnam Sect to learn martial arts.”

“The Jongnam Sect? Aren’t you going to teach them yourself?”

“I’m too busy enjoying myself to take care of the kids and teach them. Just send them to the Jongnam Sect as disciples of a lay family [non-ordained members] to learn martial arts. If they have talent and catch the eye of the Jongnam Sect elders, potentially becoming direct disciples, it will benefit everyone involved.”

“I understand. I will make those arrangements. Then I’ll select one of the literary factions in Seorim [a region known for scholarship] and send the children who excel in academics there.”

“Do that. If they demonstrate the potential to thrive in larger arenas, it’s best to send them as early as possible. Provide additional guidance to the more ordinary children to assist us with our endeavors.”

Seo Dae-yeong agreed to follow Hwa-rin’s instructions.

“And I’m traveling to Mount Hua in two days, so prepare accordingly.”

“Are you referring to the Mount Hua Assembly?”

“Yes. I need to assess which of the younger generation stand out. Oh, do you happen to know Namgoong Jin?”

“I’ve heard he’s called the Sword Dragon among the Ten Dragons and Eight Phoenixes [famous young martial artists], and his swordsmanship has already surpassed a certain level, reaching a higher realm.”

“Yes. After meeting him in person, that seemed to be the case. However, he seems a bit too…soft, shall we say?”

That was Hwa-rin’s impression of Namgoong Jin. He appeared strong, but something seemed to be missing.

“How many of the younger generation learning martial arts in the martial world have experienced life-or-death combat like you have?”

Hwa-rin nodded involuntarily at Seo Dae-yeong’s words.

“They have only diligently practiced martial arts within their families, and their only experience consists of minor skirmishes against bandits in the Green Forest [a common term for bandit hideouts] or pirates on the Waterways. Of course, they won’t meet your standards.”

“Is that so?”

“Wouldn’t that be the case? Since it’s not even like the Imperial Palace where conspiracies are rampant, they must have learned martial arts in a sheltered environment.”

“Hmm…….”

“To meet your standards, you should at least be comparing them to sect leaders or elders.”

“Why would I compare them to those people? Don’t say such ridiculous things. I just have that feeling.”

“That’s what I’m saying. But how do I compare to you?”

“Weak.”

“Who are you talking about? Are you talking about me?”

Hwa-rin nodded. At that sight, Seo Dae-yeong soon wore a disappointed expression.

“I said weak, I didn’t say that Chief Manager Seo would lose. I mentioned it a little while ago, that he’s too soft.”

“Wouldn’t he improve with more experience?”

“So, if you were to kill him before he gains that experience, Chief Manager Seo might win. Of course, you might die trying to kill him.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“I don’t joke around with people’s lives, no matter what. So, if Chief Manager Seo wants to travel the martial world with me, you should train a bit. Are you still practicing what I taught you?”

“I’m trying.”

“Then that’s enough. Anyway, I’m going to the Mount Hua Assembly in two days, so get ready.”