Hwayin County
A village nestled at the foot of Mount Hua, one of the Five Great Mountains, and one of the largest villages in Shaanxi.
In the past, when Mount Hua's name was renowned across the land, Hwayin was brimming with vitality. Merchants flocked endlessly to Hwayin, and the footsteps of those who wished to see Mount Hua never ceased.
Thanks to this, the people of Hwayin could live comfortably just by the name of Mount Hua.
But as the moon waxes, it must wane.
As Mount Hua lost its prestige, Hwayin County also began to lose its vitality.
The only place that could still be considered representative of Hwayin was Taihe Tower. And now, on its top floor, about a dozen merchants had gathered.
"Hahahaha!"
A loud, hearty laugh erupted.
"The Sect Leader seemed quite flustered. Did you see his face?"
"He had every reason to be. After all, we delivered the final ultimatum."
"This is going too far! Just the gold they took amounts to a hundred thousand taels! With that kind of money, you could buy several decent taverns and still have some left! We helped them out of respect for our ancestors, but if they had any conscience, they should have repaid it by now."
"Exactly. That's just human decency."
The owner of Taihe Tower, Gong Mun-yeon, nodded quietly. Then, he put on a friendly face.
"Though we merchants chase profit, I feel uneasy about being too harsh on a place with ties to our ancestors."
"What are you talking about, Guild Master Gong! You've done more than enough. Didn't you give them leniency even after they missed the repayment deadline several times?"
"That's right. No one can blame Guild Master Gong for this. If anything, they should praise your generosity."
"If that's the case, then I'm relieved."
Guild Master Gong held back his words and sipped his wine. But inwardly, he sneered at the people sitting before him.
'How simple-minded.'
To think they could live so carefree.
'Mount Hua's influence is not to be underestimated.'
Mount Hua's true power doesn't come from its martial prowess. What one should truly be wary of is the history they've built.
When a sect like that has existed for hundreds of years, whether they like it or not, they form connections with people. At least within Shaanxi, it's harder to find people who don't have ties to Mount Hua.
'You don't appreciate what you have until it's gone.'
Mount Hua's presence is now less than a speck of dust, so most people wouldn't care much if it disappeared.
But what's important is what comes next.
The moment people realize Mount Hua is gone, they'll start looking for the 'reason.' If we don't give them a proper justification, a place like Hwayin could be destroyed in an instant.
Most of those with ties to Mount Hua aren't simple farmers but people of status and influence.
'But this should be enough.'
We've taken it slow, so it won't be hard to digest.
After being stewed this long, they should be as tender as a duck that falls apart at the touch of a chopstick.
"But Guild Master Gong."
"Yes."
"What do you plan to do with Mount Hua's buildings once you take them?"
"Hmm."
Guild Master Gong smiled lightly.
"Those buildings hold more significance than you might think. They may just seem like old structures, but they're valuable assets."
"I don't quite understand."
Idiots.
His expression almost twisted, but Guild Master Gong managed to stop himself.
"The power of Mount Hua's name still remains. Even if we just turn it into a tourist spot, many people will flock to visit Mount Hua."
"But…"
Yu Jong-san, who sold silk in Hwayin, made a dissatisfied face.
"How many people would actually climb that treacherous mountain? Wouldn't it be better to take something else instead of those old buildings?"
"There's nothing else worth taking."
"Hmm."
Guild Master Gong pursed his lips.
"Don't worry too much. I shouldn't say this outright, but there are definitely places willing to pay a high price for those seemingly worthless buildings."
"There are such places? Places that care so much about Mount Hua…"
"Isn't it the opposite?"
"Ah…"
Yu Jong-san nodded as if he understood.
Sects willing to pay a premium to buy the remaining buildings and erase Mount Hua's existence. Just off the top of his head, he could think of two or three such places.
"So, don't worry about that. I'll make sure your money is recovered."
"Hahaha. Worry? We've always trusted Guild Master Gong."
"Of course! The merchants of Hwayin should naturally trust and follow Guild Master Gong, shouldn't we?"
Guild Master Gong, Gong Mun-yeon, nodded with a smile.
But inwardly, he felt quite different.
'I can't plan anything big with these people.'
Hwayin is a dying land.
When Mount Hua's name was renowned across the land, it was a place of great value. But now, there's nothing left in Hwayin. Thanks to generations of leeching off Mount Hua, only a shell remains.
And that shell is now strangling Hwayin.
Hwayin was never a strategic location or a densely populated area. The only reason it became famous and developed was because Mount Hua was here.
If Mount Hua completely disappears, Hwayin won't survive either.
'I need to wrap things up and leave before it's too late.'
If I can sell Mount Hua's buildings for a huge sum, becoming a great merchant isn't out of the question. But to do that…
"Huh?"
At that moment, Gong Mun-yeon sharply turned his head.
"Who's there!"
As soon as he shouted, the guards protecting the tower rushed outside.
"Wh-who's there?"
"Is someone here?"
Gong Mun-yeon didn't say anything and quietly waited for the guards to return.
Soon, the guards returned through the window.
"There's no one."
"…"
When Gong Mun-yeon didn't respond immediately, Yu Jong-san laughed and said,
"Guild Master Gong. This is the top floor of Taihe Tower. Who could possibly come here?"
"That's right. And if someone were here, they would have found them. Unless they had wings, how could anyone hide here?"
Gong Mun-yeon nodded.
'Was I just being overly sensitive?'
It's understandable. He's so close to achieving his long-held ambition.
"I must be tired. I'd like to enjoy this a bit longer, but it's best to call it a night here."
Everyone agreed and got up to leave. Gong Mun-yeon gave them a somewhat tired smile.
But his heightened nerves wouldn't calm down so easily.
He needed some rest.
❀ ❀ ❀
"Ugh…"
Yu Jong-san staggered as he walked through the streets.
"This is great!"
He must have had a bit too much to drink. He's been in high spirits for a while now.
And why wouldn't he be?
'It's an enormous amount of money.'
The money to be recovered from Mount Hua is staggering. The interest has piled up so much over the years that the original loan is now a mere speck.
If he can recover that money, he could live comfortably for the rest of his life.
Guild Master Gong may be untrustworthy, but when it comes to money, he's precise. Whatever schemes he's plotting behind the scenes, as long as Yu Jong-san gets his money, that's all that matters, right?
"The moon is so bright… Huh? There's no moon? Ah, it's a new moon."
Yu Jong-san chuckled and looked around. It's eerily quiet, perfect for a robbery. On nights like this, you should stick to the main roads, but the alcohol led him here.
Haha.
That was shortsighted. If a knife-wielding robber appeared right now…
"Hey, you."
"…"
Yu Jong-san blinked.
Someone was blocking the dark alley ahead. Dressed in black night clothes and a black mask. Truly…
'A textbook robber.'
Though the robber's small stature didn't exude much intimidation, the intent was clear.
Wait, but do robbers usually dress like that? Robbers are supposed to be as discreet as possible, but this outfit practically screams,
'I'm a robber!'
Yu Jong-san forced a laugh and spoke.
"Are you a robber or something?"
"I'm not interested in money."
The night-clad figure took a step forward.
"Just answer my questions, and I'll let you go unharmed."
"Oh?"
Yu Jong-san chuckled.
"I'd like to answer, but this is a bit awkward."
At his words, the night-clad figure tilted his head slightly.
"I have quite a few people with me. I can't just wander around alone."
Swoosh.
With a faint sound, several figures appeared around Yu Jong-san. Armed guards. They seemed to be the guards of the merchant group.
"I'd like to answer, but I don't think they'd be too happy about it. A pity."
The night-clad figure silently stared at Yu Jong-san.
Yu Jong-san, losing interest, closed his mouth with a sigh. Instead, the guards spoke.
"What should we do? Kill him?"
"Hmm."
Yu Jong-san stroked his beard.
"The fact that he's dressed in night clothes and blocking my path means he's not just any robber but has a specific target, right?"
"That seems to be the case."
"Then we should hear what he wants. Bring him here. Make sure he can still talk."
"Yes!"
Just as the guards were about to rush forward.
"Wait."
The night-clad figure raised his hand to stop them.
"Huh?"
"I'd rather not cause a scene. I'll say it again, just answer my questions, and we can end this nicely. So…"
"How long are you going to listen to this nonsense? Grab him!"
"Yes!"
The guards surrounded the night-clad figure with the ferocity of tigers.
'Idiots.'
Yu Jong-san turned his head as he watched. He's never been fond of violent scenes.
These are men hired at great expense. They're not the type to do this kind of work. That's why they tend to be a bit rougher than ordinary guards. So, this time too, it'll be over in an instant…
Crash!
Right.
Crash!
Oh my. This is too much.
Crash!
Yu Jong-san frowned. This was excessive, even for them.
"I said to make sure he can still talk!"
"Huh? Oh, right."
"Exactly. I'm furi… Huh?"
Who just answered?
Yu Jong-san looked up.
"…"
His eyes fell on the guards, foaming at the mouth and collapsed on the ground. And the night-clad figure, who had clearly obliterated them in one strike, was tilting his head and walking toward him.
"A person should understand words to be considered human. But strangely, some just don't get it."
"…"
The night-clad figure wiggled his finger.
"Come here. Here."
"…"
Yu Jong-san, as if entranced, walked toward the night-clad figure.
"I'll say it again, just answer my questions, and nothing will happen. Understood?"
"Yes!"
The answer came immediately.
"Good, then."
"Huh?"
What?
"If you had answered earlier, I would have just asked and left. But since you tried to fight, you'll have to take a hit."
"Huh?"
"Don't worry. I'll make sure you can still talk."
"…"
It was a dark day in Yu Jong-san's life.