Acquiring the Murim with Money - Chapter 30

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 30. Before Leaving Nangyang

Baek Un Trading Company’s office.
So Ryang had three ledgers spread across the desk. The moment Baek Un-hwi stepped in, he read the expression on his face and fell silent.
“What happened?”
Baek Un-hwi sat down, glanced up at the ceiling once, then lowered his gaze to So Ryang.
“I think we need to pull out of Nangyang.”
So Ryang said nothing. He’d expected fierce resistance, but his expression showed acceptance rather than shock. So Ryang picked up the abacus and turned through the ledger as he spoke.
“Because of the family’s safety?”
“Yes.”
“All right. So what exactly are we letting go?”
“Most of what’s visible on the surface. We’ll need to work out the details together. The North Gate Trading Post’s operating rights, the wholesale business, and probably some of our stake in the Cheong Su Establishment after redevelopment. We’ll have to hand those over.”
“What about our tea business and the unified medicinal materials operation?”
“If we touch those, the negotiations fall apart. And those establishments we took from Gwak Dae-san of the Azure Dragon Association—they’re taking those too. Gu Sang handled it well, so most of the middle managers stay in place, and on the surface they’re not even part of our company anymore, so it should be fine.”
So Ryang nodded and picked up the abacus again.
Clack-clack-clack.
Time passed. So Ryang set down the abacus and spoke.
“Since it’s come to this, let’s squeeze the Cheon Ma Trading Company for all we can. They’ve got plenty of money.”
“Of course we should.”
“The North Gate Trading Post is in much better condition now than when we bought it. We need to get at least double what we paid for it back then.”
“Right. Let’s ask triple.”
“Same with the Cheong Su stake. Man, this one really hurts. Our family’s sweat and hopes are built into that place. You know we can’t let it go cheap, right?”
Baek Un-hwi let out a short laugh.
“So Ryang.”
“Yes?”
“You handle that negotiation yourself.”
So Ryang’s fingers stilled on the abacus.
“Me?”
“Yes. Not a single coin can be lost.”
So Ryang was quiet for a moment. Then he tapped the worn abacus sharply with his palm.
“… Don’t worry.”
“I know. I trust you.”
So Ryang closed the ledger and stood. Then he sat back down and looked at Baek Un-hwi.
“Baek Un-hwi.”
“Yes?”
“Are you really sure about this?”
Baek Un-hwi paused at the short question.
“I’m not sure. Actually, I’ve thought about it, and now that I think again, it seems like it might be for the best.”
“For the best?”
“My vision was too narrow. This is the time to stop thinking just about Nangyang and expand far bigger—across all of Zhongyuan. That way, no one will dare lay a hand on us.”
“Don’t tell me we have to go wandering all over Zhongyuan rolling around everywhere again? I really can’t handle that.”
“What are you talking about? Of course you come with us all the way. The company doesn’t run without our Finance Director—you know that.”
“Flattery won’t help. How did it come to this? I’m the one who uses his head, not his legs!”
So Ryang said this while pulling at his own hair.
“Look, Baek Un-hwi. Anyway, the negotiations might take a few days. While I’m doing that, you make sure the company can at least run on its own without us.”
“All right. Thank you.”
“And we need to tell the company head and Baek Yeon-hwa too. And all the family members at the company…”
Baek Un-hwi nodded, his expression heavy.
“Yes. It’s late today, so tomorrow… I don’t know how to tell them. It’ll be hard for them to accept all at once.”
“It’ll be fine. They’ll know you’ve thought harder about this and struggled more than anyone to reach this decision.”
So Ryang shifted the mood, as if ventilating a heavy silence.
“So where’s our first destination?”
“Well… I’m thinking we head to Namyang first.”
“Good choice. With the waterways, it’s perfect for expanding our logistics throughout the south. But first things first—the negotiations come before we go. Let me get ready.”
So Ryang picked up the abacus and began to work. Soon the sharp clicking of the beads filled the office.
Baek Un-hwi looked quietly out the window. Evening was settling over Nangyang.
He had surrendered the commercial sphere he’d built up with such effort. Yet strangely, alongside the bitterness came a sense of anticipation just as profound.
‘That’s right. All I need is for the next game to be bigger.’

* * *

The morning after.
Baek Un-hwi summoned his core people to Baek Man-seok’s study. So Ryang was there, along with Dang So-yu, Baek Yeon-hwa, Poong Geun, the Old Steward, and even Gwang-du from the Transport Division—all the key figures of the company, save young Seo Seo and Gu Sang, who was occupied managing operations at Man Hong House.
Once everyone had settled, Baek Un-hwi spoke into the grave silence that filled the room.
And when he finished, the office fell utterly quiet.
The attack on Bicheun Peak. The Artificial Blood Ice Jade. A shadow organization suspected to be the Blood Cult. And the decision to sell a portion of Nangyang’s commercial rights to the Cheon Ma Trading Company.
Silence came first.
Dang So-yu had paused mid-sip of his wine gourd. Baek Yeon-hwa kept her hand on her sword hilt, eyes fixed on Baek Un-hwi without releasing her grip. Poong Geun stood with arms crossed, staring downward. Gwang-du, overwhelmed by the sudden cascade of complex information he barely grasped, sat slack-jawed in shock. So Ryang set down his abacus with a bitter expression.
The Old Steward cleared his throat once.
“Manager, is there truly no other way?”
His voice was low and careful.
“Not at present.”
“I see.”
The Old Steward bowed his head.
Baek Yeon-hwa opened her mouth.
“This Cheon Ma Trading Company—can they be trusted?”
“I wouldn’t say complete trust. But it’s better to maintain a certain distance and cooperate with those who share a common enemy than to stand alone against the Blood Cult right now.”
Baek Yeon-hwa asked nothing further.
Dang So-yu set his wine gourd on the table and spoke.
“It can’t have been an easy decision, handing over something you’ve built with such effort. Your heart must be heavy.”
Poong Geun merely nodded quietly from where he stood.
Then, as Gwang-du finally began to grasp the situation, he too found his voice.
“Manager. We folk don’t understand complicated things like this. But we know what kind of person you are. The Transport Division and all our workers believe in you and will follow. Do as your heart sees fit.”
Gwang-du’s words shifted the oppressive weight that had settled over the room.
So Ryang picked up his abacus and spoke.
“Everyone, don’t worry. Our company’s rights won’t be surrendered easily. What is this Cheon Ma Trading Company anyway? Even if ten thousand demons came instead of one, this brilliant Finance Director So Ryang will strip them bare and pocket what’s left.”
No one laughed, but the tension eased slightly.
Then Baek Man-seok turned slowly from the window. Everyone in the room turned to face him.
“Un-hwi.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I don’t fully understand the plan you’ve laid out.”
Baek Un-hwi met his father’s gaze.
“But.”
Baek Man-seok spoke, low and clear.
“Your father stands with you. Do not forget the heart you hold now—that people matter more than what fills your hand. I will tend to the company’s affairs and keep our distance from entanglements with the Blood Cult and the Cheon Ma Trading Company, so go with a clear conscience. Make your journey well.”
The room fell silent once more.
Baek Un-hwi bowed his head.
“Thank you, Father.”

That afternoon, after the meeting concluded, Baek Un-hwi headed to the Geum Shin Money House.
Before his departure, he had settled everything that could be settled. Combined, his converted assets formed a respectable sum.
To launch a new venture in Namyang, one needed capital—the more the better. But for a merchant, reputation mattered more. It was only proper to show the greatest courtesy to Seo Ha-rin, who had trusted him with funding when he had nothing to his name, and to leave with grace.
Inside Seo Ha-rin’s study at the Geum Shin Money House.
Seo Ha-rin tilted her head as she watched Baek Un-hwi enter with a money pouch in hand.
“Repaying the debt?”
“Half of it, for now. With the Blood Cult situation and other matters in Nangyang to wrap up, I’m planning to expand southward. Since this departure may keep me away for some time, I’ll settle the rest when I return. If I don’t make it back, consider my share in the Baek Un Trading Company as collateral.”
“Forget it.”
“Pardon?”
“The interest alone is tidy enough. And you’ve done work for me from time to time.”
“The interest isn’t what matters now. You know as well as I do that with the Blood Cult problem and everything else, neither I nor the Baek Un Trading Company can make any guarantees.”
“Mm, true. Risk management is necessary. But—”
Seo Ha-rin pushed away the money pouch Baek Un-hwi offered.
“Greater risk brings greater returns. Surely you don’t think I invested in you just to collect a pittance of interest and recover my principal?”
Whoosh—
Baek Un-hwi fell silent for a moment, his eyes on the pouch.
“Director Seo.”
“What.”
“Haha. Truly, you’re no ordinary person. Thanks to Director Seo, these already-heavy shoulders of mine grow heavier still. But I promise you this: your investment will return twofold, no—many times over. Give me a little time. I’ll establish myself in Namyang quickly and return with a proper business proposal for you.”
Seo Ha-rin let out a soft laugh.
“A partnership proposal? I’ll consider it if you bring me something concrete.”
Baek Un-hwi rose from his seat and bowed his head.
“And one more thing. If I learn anything new about the Blood Cult, I’ll send word immediately.”
“Good. I’ve no interest in entangling myself with outfits like the Blood Cult, but it pays to keep watch. Either way, I’ll make sure to maintain our messenger pigeon network so I can reach you anytime. Keep that line open.”
Seo Ha-rin waved a light hand toward the window. It was an offhand gesture, the kind one makes when seeing someone off. Yet somehow, worry seemed to linger in that motion.

That afternoon, outside the Baek Un Trading Company Warehouse.
Gu Sang sat crouched in one corner, sorting through documents. There’s truth in the saying that position shapes the person. Ever since Baek Un-hwi had entrusted him with the business operations, he’d become a different man—living each day with quiet diligence. He’d always possessed the ability; it was merely that his circumstances and origins had channeled his cunning down darker paths. But now, having met Baek Un-hwi, that talent was finally shining through.
Gu Sang hurried to his feet when he saw Baek Un-hwi approaching.
“Manager. I’ve organized the status reports on all our establishments. And I’ve also compiled recent movements in Nangyang and the underworld circuits nearby—thought you might find it useful.”
“Is it urgent?”
“No, nothing pressing. But I heard you’d be away for a while, so it seemed right to give it to you before you go.”
Baek Un-hwi took the documents and scanned them.
“Gu Sang. Or rather, Director Gu Sang.”
“Sir? Please, Manager, speak comfortably with me.”
“No. I think you’re ready now. As of today, you’re formally the External Affairs Director of our company. While I’m away, help Seo Seo and Cheon I-mang with the details, and look after Baek Un Trading Company’s affairs. You know the back alleys better than anyone—if you notice anything strange, just send word. Keep managing the establishments as you have been.”
Gu Sang’s eyes grew red, and he nodded.
“Manager, I was truly a cowardly man. I lived cowardly just to survive, and over the years, I became that very person. But ever since you’ve believed in me and accepted me as part of this company, each day feels like I’m living a new life.”
Baek Un-hwi looked at him.
Gu Sang’s eyes held sincerity. The man who’d always been calculating was now gazing at him with clear, earnest eyes.
“I will bury my bones in the Baek Un Trading Company. Trust only in me. Don’t worry about things here—just return home safe and well.”

At the same time, at Dang So-yu’s clinic.
Dang So-yu sat before a table with a thick medical text spread open before him. Across from him sat Heo Ui-won, a physician from the An Sim Medical Clinic, and a young man, both tense and attentive.
The young man was Mo Yong-hu, a rural physician. Despite his youth, he had proven himself among those who’d come seeking out Dang So-yu’s reputation, displaying keen instinct and genuine talent—qualities that had caught Dang So-yu’s eye, and he now assisted both Dang So-yu and Heo Ui-won.
However, Mo Yong-hu’s temperament was somewhat timid, so he often found himself scolded while learning the quirky ways of the irascible Dang So-yu.
Dang So-yu turned a page and spoke lowly.
“The compounding ratios for the Baek Un Pill—you’ve memorized them?”
“Yes. I’ve committed them perfectly to memory.”
“This formula must never leak to the outside. There’s no telling where a blind blade wielded by a greedy martial artist might strike.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Next. The treatment protocol for suspected Blood Heaven Poison symptoms.”
“Yes, that too, I’ve almost…”
“Recite it.”
Mo Yong-hu stammered nervously as he began reciting, and Dang So-yu caught several mistakes along the way.
“This is a matter of life and death.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I apologize.”
“Enough. Heo—your turn.”
Heo Ui-won, who’d been observing, began to recite. He stumbled once or twice in the middle, but fortunately made no errors.
Dang So-yu closed the medical text and spoke.
“Heo will take full responsibility for running the medicinal herb shop as before. Regarding the Poison Pills I’ve made and related antidote materials, don’t attempt new combinations without permission. If any unusual cases arise, document them.”
“Sir, how long will you be away?”
“I don’t know.”
Dang So-yu rose and grabbed his wine gourd.
“And.”
He paused at the door, speaking without turning around.
“Based on what I’ve seen so far, both Heo and you have more than enough skill and talent. Until now, you’ve been too busy reading my moods. From here on, be bolder. A physician sometimes needs daring. Sometimes speed matters more than perfect caution, even if you stumble slightly. While I’m gone, don’t neglect the daily cultivation of the Heart-Mind breathing technique I’ve taught you. Practice it without fail.”
“Yes, sir. I will take it to heart.”
Dang So-yu left the room.
Heo Ui-won watched his departing back and spoke softly.
“This is the first time he’s ever explained so much.”
Mo Yong-hu nodded in agreement.
“I always thought he was frightening and indifferent, but it seems he worries deeply and has a warm heart beneath it all.”

* * *

While Baek Un-hwi made his rounds and Dang So-yu prepared his own affairs, So Ryang too spent his days in equal turmoil.
The largest matter was his negotiations with the Finance Director of the Cheon Ma Trading Company. And in the intervals between meetings, there were countless details to arrange—innumerable matters that he and Baek Un-hwi had to settle and hand over before the two of them left.

The person who visited the trading company the day after Baek Un-hwi met with Baek Un-gyeol was a middle-aged man with a warm, approachable demeanor.
The first day was reconnaissance. Seeing So Ryang, who looked transparently young and inexperienced, the representative felt secretly pleased. Backed by the name of the Cheon Ma Trading Company, he treated So Ryang with consistent, unhurried composure throughout.
On the second day, as negotiations that stretched from morning into evening finally drew to a close, the smile gradually faded from his lips.
The final day. When negotiations ended and the representative left the room with a weary, hardened expression, So Ryang saw him off with an easy smile and gracious courtesy.

Money and the Martial World: Acquisitions — Episode 30

Author
Song Jjuon-vol
Publisher
Daon Creative
Planning / Editing / Production
Yoon Tae-ri
Cover Design
Sik

UCI
G720:N+A036-20260907057.0030

ⓒ2026, Song Jjuon-vol

※ This e-book is a copyrighted work protected under the Copyright Law of the Republic of Korea.
Without permission from the author and publisher, no part or all of this work may be reproduced or reprocessed in any form whatsoever.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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