NOVEL WEB Chapter 31
“Hey, Great Hero Wi. Is it alright to let them go like this?”
Well, are we planning to hit them from behind or something?
I replied to Elder Baek with an uneasy expression as he looked at the disciples of the Golden Phoenix Sect.
“Letting them go is better for us. We don’t know if only the Golden Phoenix Sect is after this secret manual or if other sects are also interested.”
Should another sect be after the Light Splitting Eighteen Swords technique, the fact that Golden Phoenix Sect returned empty-handed could serve as a deterrent.
The Golden Phoenix Sect may have returned empty-handed, but mobilizing triple-digit numbers was already a considerable force.
As the saying goes, even if there’s no business in numbers, unless we’re dealing with a monster like Xiang Yu, overwhelming by numbers usually makes even the strongest struggle.
In that sense, the sect master bringing all the disciples of the Golden Phoenix Sect to attack us was a rather wise decision.
Had we not declared our intent to kill the sect master regardless of face, we would have had to suffer losses and eliminate all of them.
“How can the Golden Phoenix Sect serve as our deterrent?”
“They ‘returned empty-handed.’ People will think either our strength was so overwhelming that they didn’t dare try or the situation was already over before they could do anything.”
The failure to preserve their strength will likely be interpreted as the Golden Phoenix Sect, with their size, sending subordinates and still coming up short.
While we can’t ensure complete safety, this is a strategy to reduce most potential attackers.
Potential attackers will hesitate before coming after us.
Given the embarrassment, the sect master of the Golden Phoenix Sect would exaggerate our strength.
For instance, they might say there were three supreme martial experts.
“So, are you saying the average ones won’t bother coming after us?”
“That’s right.”
I nodded in response to Hyeryeong’s question that had snuck into the conversation.
“Great Hero Wi, you truly have a great mind.”
“Indeed, I hadn’t expected to meet someone like you on my way to repay a debt.”
At those words, I met the gaze of Muryeong-iron Martial Spirit, who clearly showed a sense of goodwill towards me.
“Too kind.”
“Not quite, our Falling Moon Sect also gained from your brilliance, did we not?”
That’s true. Had we clashed with the Golden Phoenix Sect, many disciples of the Falling Moon Sect would have likely died. Or possibly, all of them.
Thus, it was right that I became a benefactor of the Falling Moon Sect.
Unexpectedly, I managed to achieve two goals with one action.
This was fortunate for me. This situation would allow me to proceed with matters more conveniently.
“Then, let’s wrap up our discussion now, Minister Ming.”
“Minister?!”
“Do you have a contract with our sect?”
“Hm, no!”
It would have been definitive if we had a contract. It’s kind of a letdown.
Taking a glance at Iron Martial Spirit who seemed to want to observe as I dealt with matters, I made a proposal to Minister Ming.
“In any case, as things have turned out, you should realize by now that craving the secret manual of the Light Splitting Eighteen Swords is pointless.”
“…”
Perhaps because he’s a businessman, his greed is full to the brim. He is still hesitating.
Actually, I’ve saved his life twice now.
“Head Sect Master Chul. Can you make one promise?”
“What kind of promise?”
“Receive only the manual and quietly leave.”
“But…”
“Given the near catastrophe that almost happened, wouldn’t it be fitting to leave as a way of repaying your debt to me?”
To repay a debt or to settle a grudge?
A deep conflict was evident on Muryeong’s face.
As a martial artist, it was inconceivable not to repay debts of gratitude or vengeance. As a third party, I waited calmly for Iron Martial Spirit’s reply.
After all, one cannot help but worry when contemplating the vengeance for one’s younger brother.
This is certainly something I can wait for.
Iron Martial Spirit answered after nearly a quarter of an hour.
“Understood. I’ll do it as you said.”
Iron Martial Spirit’s consent was sealed.
Now, there is only one task left.
“Minister Ming. Hand over the manual.”
“Understood…”
He pulled out a small box from his robes with a face of despair. It was just the right size to hold one book.
I took the box from him, unlocked the mechanism, and opened the lid.
“…So this is the cause of all this commotion, the Light Splitting Eighteen Swords technique.”
“It seems the condition has worsened slightly, but it’s correct.”
In the turmoil, Minister Ming who had attempted to steal this and flee was unsure if he should feel relieved or not, as he glanced at us from the corner of his eyes.
His greed was evident.
“In any case, check the content. It could be a perfect forgery.”
Upon hearing me, Iron Martial Spirit nodded and cautiously opened the book to start reading. I was vaguely curious about what kind of form martial arts manuals take but coveting others’ manuals is the kind of thing third-tier people do.
I sat on the cart and waited for him to verify its authenticity.
“…Yes. This is undoubtedly the genuine manual of the Light Splitting Eighteen Swords. The secret incantations transmitted in our Falling Moon Sect match perfectly.”
“Were the incantations preserved?”
“Just half, but yes.”
Muryeong closed the book carefully placed it back in the box. The click of the locking mechanism echoed, and his gaze shifted towards me.
“Great Hero Wi, visit our sect when you have time. I will treat you with great honor.”
“I’ll visit after matters are settled. It’s a pleasure to gain a friend while away from home.”
A new chess piece, I suppose.
It might not be useful right now, but someday, there might be a chance to use it.
I quietly watched the departing backs of Iron Martial Spirit and his subordinates till they disappeared, then shifted my gaze back to Minister Ming.
“Minister Ming.”
“Yes, Great Hero Wi…”
Why does he look at me like prey encountering a predator?
Someone as harmless as me?
I approached him with light steps and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“The pressing matter is settled, so it’s time to bring up a new topic.”
“Yes, yes?”
Why are you afraid? Even someone like me receives respect as ‘master’ on the other side.
“Minister, wasn’t it an accident that I saved your life?”
“I- It was.”
“And not just once, but twice.”
“T-Twice?”
“Once from Falling Moon Sect, and once from Golden Phoenix Sect. That’s two times, isn’t it?”
“Y-Yes…”
“Bring out the paper then; it’s time to repay your debt to me.”
“Paper?”
“Debts in the martial world run deeper than blood. Shouldn’t someone in the Jianghu repay their debts if they’ve received a favor?”
The reason I saved someone who might have been split into thirds is simply one: it’s more profitable to save and exploit someone than to let them die.
And, leaving him to die here would bring dishonor to the Hainan Sword Sect.
As in the case of Golden Phoenix Sect, if Minister Ming were to die here, it would be perceived as our inability to protect him.
“Y-Yes…”
“Now, let’s write a contract. I’m a Westerner who now admires the righteousness of the orthodox sects, and I’ve decided to be one of them, so I have no intention of making excessive demands.”
“Seventh son, bring out some paper!”
“Yes!”
A man named Wang Chil with an innocent appearance rushed to the cart, returned with paper and approached us. I looked at it after taking the paper he had given me.
What am I supposed to do with just paper?
Never mind.
“Hyer-ryeong!”
“Me?”
“Can you write something down for me?”
I can write, but my calligraphy is atrocious, so it makes more sense for Hyer-ryeong, who writes beautifully, to handle it.
“I’ll do it!”
After being quiet for a while, Hyer-ryeong suddenly rushed over and pulled out a long cylinder from between her cleavage.
…Well, there isn’t much to say after seeing that.
“Hehe. What should I write?”
“First…”
I began reciting my demands one by one.
Minister Ming’s complexion grew increasingly pale with each demand written down.
Anyone looking would think it covered his face with his eyes.
“Master, Master, this is…”
“It won’t be bad for Minister Ming either. I hear you’re operating a reputable trade company in the region, but no one can remain in the small pond forever. Now it’s time to venture into the big league, wouldn’t you say?”
“Big league…”
“The path to become a new great merchant, ousting existing ones like the Yangtze River’s preceding crest being pushed by the following, is trade. The trade with the flourishing Western Regions right now.”
“But the risks are too high, right?”
Certainly.
Charting new routes is indeed an issue, but one must either talk with other trade companies or go there in person to find out which goods sell.
“But by selling only the goods I recommend, you could truly become a great dignitary. As you see, I’m from the Western Regions and know what’s in demand there.”
Ming visibly relaxed.
The look in his eyes suggested he was imagining himself as a great merchant.
After all, there’s no one easier to manipulate than someone blinded by imagination.
“Great Hero Wi, I didn’t know you were skilled in trade matters…”
I smiled upon seeing Ming hold his brush.
I’ll have to practice my Aura Armor skills a bit more from now on.