The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 62

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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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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 062
The New Sangdo Alliance Master
The Tang Sect masters struck by the hidden blades Yu Gwan Ji had thrown were poisoned, but it seemed their conditions were not severe enough to be immediately fatal.
After seeking my permission, Poong Cheong Jin had people send the two of them back to the Tang Sect.
Yu Gwan Ji also did not voice particular objection to my decision, apparently thinking there was no need to take their lives and create deeper enmity with the Tang Sect.
After the hour that Jang Yeon Hwi had mentioned passed, the merchants who had attended the Merchant Conference returned to their places in orderly fashion.
It was evident they were curious about what had transpired here.
The organizers of the Merchant Conference declared that Myeong Shin Trading Company, which had still not appeared by then, would be considered to have forfeited all rights in this conference.
Next in order, it was the turn of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group’s master to present his views.
Jang Yeon Hwi climbed onto the platform with slumped shoulders, staggering.
His face bore an expression of one who had abandoned everything, hollow and vacant.
A long sigh escaped from Jang Yeon Hwi’s lips as he stood on the platform.
“I am Jang Yeon Hwi of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.”
And finally, a voice devoid of strength—as if he had aged ten years in merely an hour—began to emerge.
“I have a confession to make before all of you, my fellow merchants. There were two merchant groups that attempted to smuggle in and distribute the forbidden Biwhacheol from the Western Regions, something strictly prohibited in Kangho. One was Myeong Shin Trading Company, and the other was… our own Cheong Yun Merchant Group.”
At this sudden confession, the merchants began to murmur in unison.
“You have surely heard that the Myeong Shin Merchant Master took responsibility for this matter and stepped down. And our Cheong Yun Merchant Group will not simply let this pass either. I offer my deepest apologies for the shameful acts we have committed. And….”
As his words continued, the murmuring grew louder and louder.
“I take full responsibility for this matter and will step down from my position as master of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group. Of course, I will also withdraw from candidacy for the Sangdo Alliance Master position.”
Earlier, Jang Yeon Hwi and I had conducted negotiations to conclude this matter in the presence of Yu Gwan Ji and Poong Cheong Jin.
My proposal was that if he transferred all rights concerning the Cheong Yun Merchant Group to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, his life would be spared.
To borrow the Sect Leader’s words, it was a proposal that came at a time when it could not possibly be refused, and one that could not possibly be refused.
“M-Minor Sect Leader. No matter what, asking us to hand over the entire Cheong Yun Merchant Group to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect is too much, is it not?”
Even in such circumstances, Jang Yeon Hwi seemed fearful of losing everything he had built over the years.
“Consider yourself fortunate that I am letting you off with this much. Or rather, do you not think this is an extraordinarily lenient punishment compared to the fact that you have twice attempted to take my life?”
“T-Twice, you say?”
“Do you not remember releasing a tiger at the Divine Sect Hunting Grounds to kill me?”
“Ah….”
Jang Yeon Hwi’s expression became one of utter bewilderment.
Not only had his assassination attempt using the tiger been discovered, but he seemed shocked that I had known of his schemes and had followed him all this way.
He must have believed that the Sun and Moon Divine Sect and I had fallen into his trap, but in reality, he had been playing in the palm of the Divine Sect’s hand.
“Then the Sect Leader also knew of this?”
“Of course. Now do you understand? If I return to the Divine Sect and speak but a single word, what do you think will become of you?”
No matter how skilled and renowned a merchant master might be, they could not help but fear Cheon Ma Baek Mu Myeong.
Even if one were to promise to give up one’s liver and gallbladder in this place, there would be no guarantee that one’s life would remain intact.
“I understand. I will accept everything.”
“You should have done so from the start.”
After that, the negotiations proceeded smoothly, and Jang Yeon Hwi had no choice but to accept all my demands without adding a single objection.
“You say you will step down from your position as merchant master? What do you mean by that?”
As Jang Yeon Hwi continued his presentation, the representatives of each merchant group asked in disbelief, as if they could not fathom his words.
Indeed, while attempting to distribute Bi-hwa Steel violated merchant ethics, one couldn’t help but question whether such drastic measures were truly necessary.
The Bi-hwa Steel had never actually been distributed, nor had it caused any particular harm to Kangho.
It was difficult to believe that Jang Yeon Hwi, renowned throughout Tianxia, would confess his crimes with his own mouth and accept responsibility.
Jang Yeon Hwi continued speaking.
“At the last Merchant Conference, hearing the Seo Gang Merchant Master’s stern rebuke, and witnessing the explosion of Bi-hwa Steel at the Ju Ru Building in Chengdu, my understanding deepened greatly. I came to realize that merchant guilds pursuing only profit were pushing Kangho toward ruin. All of this stems from my own moral failings. I believe that accepting responsibility for my past transgressions and stepping down for the sake of the next generation is the only path I can take for the Sangdo Alliance.”
Anyone who truly knew Jang Yeon Hwi would have suspected that his words did not spring from genuine sincerity.
Yet the representatives of each merchant guild seemed impressed by the apology and reflection contained in his words.
And they directed their full attention to what Jang Yeon Hwi would say next.
Logically, it was now his turn to speak about what would become of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group after his withdrawal.
“I will transfer all rights, including ownership of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group, to my second grandson by blood, Baek Hyeon.”
The hall filled once more with murmurs of astonishment.
This was hardly surprising, as nothing about Baek Hyeon was known to Kangho.
The succession of the Cheong Yun Merchant Group after Jang Yeon Hwi’s withdrawal had been a significant concern for me as well.
The Sect Leader had tasked me with securing influence over the Cheong Yun Merchant Group.
However, since I would eventually become the Sect Leader, I could not become the Merchant Master myself, so I judged it advisable to put forward my younger sister Hyeon Yi in various respects.
From Jang Yeon Hwi’s perspective, transferring the merchant master position to his own blood relative Hyeon Yi was infinitely preferable to having it seized by a complete stranger.
The new merchant master Hyeon Yi was merely ten years old, so the actual operational control of the merchant group would effectively fall into the hands of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect.
This result was certainly satisfactory enough for the Sect Leader.
After all the statements were concluded, Jang Yeon Hwi returned to his seat.
“You have chosen well.”
“I am grateful, Minor Sect Leader.”
I offered quiet words of comfort and acknowledgment without looking directly at him.
In his voice, which seemed to have relinquished everything, I sensed more relief than resentment.
And then.
When the Merchant Conference concluded, a new leader of the Sangdo Alliance was elected.
“The newly appointed alliance leader will now deliver his inaugural address.”
The figure who ascended the platform at the moderator’s call was none other than Wang Seok Ho, the Seo Gang Merchant Master.
He was the very same person who had directly criticized the tyranny of the great merchant guilds at the previous Merchant Conference and faced collective opposition.
“I am utterly bewildered. Above all, I wish to express my gratitude to former Merchant Master Jang Yeon Hwi for having the courage to make such a difficult decision.”
Wang Seok Ho paused briefly, then bowed deeply toward where Jang Yeon Hwi sat.
When Jang Yeon Hwi had delivered his statement earlier, he had subtly mentioned Wang Seok Ho’s name, thereby elevating the Seo Gang Merchant Master’s standing.
From Jang Yeon Hwi’s perspective, it was likely preferable for the Seo Gang Merchant Master to assume the alliance leader position rather than another major merchant guild that stood in competition with him.
In any case, the election of the new Sangdo Alliance leader seemed to me a rather favorable outcome.
“I am grateful. I pledge to dedicate myself entirely to restoring merchant ethics once more in Kangho.”
Wang Seok Ho, who had bowed deeply, raised his head again, and the gaze he sent was directed not at Jang Yeon Hwi, but at me, sitting beside him.
I simply offered a faint smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
Although Wang Seok Ho had become the Sangdo Alliance leader, his power remained insignificant compared to the great merchant guilds.
I could foresee that considerable difficulties lay ahead in his endeavors.
Yet, recalling the words he had boldly proclaimed at that time….
‘True merchant ethics exist to ensure that all the common people of Kangho can live full and warm lives!’
I felt a sense of confidence that this person would manage to navigate through anything.

* * *
“Minor Sect Leader, you were magnificent! Truly admirable!”
While our group prepared to return to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, Namgung Eon was effusively praising my accomplishments.
Those unfamiliar with what had transpired the previous night had every reason to marvel at how I had managed to immobilize Jang Yeon Hwi through some ghostly stratagem and strip the Cheong Yun Merchant Group bare.
“That explosion was truly terrifying, but how did you escape it, Minor Sect Leader?”
Baek So Cheong still seemed overwhelmed with gratitude that I had survived the blast.
“Escape from merely an explosion? I simply chose not to mention it, but there were twenty-five formidable masters lurking beneath that warehouse, all lying in wait for me.”
“What?”
“M-Minor Sect Leader. Did you defeat all those enemies alone?”
“Some wielded poison and concealed weapons, which made things somewhat troublesome, but such rabble hardly qualified as worthy sparring partners for me.”
Since only I knew what had truly transpired that night, there was no harm in embellishing the tale somewhat.
Yet.
“Sob, sob….”
“Eh? Sister, what is wrong?”
“…Sniff.”
Upon hearing my words, Baek So Cheong suddenly burst into tears and rushed toward me, burying her face against my chest.
She wept almost uncontrollably, barely managing to force out a few words.
“I’m sorry, Minor Sect Leader. Sending you alone to such a dangerous place. I promised to protect you, and yet…. I’m such a fool, such an idiot!”
I had heard that while Namgung Eon and Young Ho Bin had fallen into panic during my disappearance, it was Baek So Cheong who had maintained the most composure.
Yet now, since my return, she could not contain her emotions.
The hearts of women were truly inscrutable.
“Sister.”
“Minor Sect Leader….”
“Do maintain some dignity.”
“Tch. I don’t care about such things.”
“Sigh….”
At that moment, the door opened and Yu Gwan Ji entered.
Embarrassed to display such vulnerability before Yu Gwan Ji, Baek So Cheong quickly withdrew from my embrace and wiped away the tears that had gathered in her eyes.
Yu Gwan Ji offered an enigmatic smile as he made his report.
“Minor Sect Leader. The Cheong Yun Merchant Group is prepared for departure. But are you certain you need not have me escort them?”
“There is no need for concern. They will travel disguised as ordinary merchants.”
“If you say so, Minor Sect Leader….”
I studied Yu Gwan Ji from head to toe, his expression perfectly composed.
The madness that had characterized him when known as Gwangheosan had vanished entirely; now he appeared merely as a loyal, unremarkable disciple.
Yu Gwan Ji would return with the Cheong Yun Merchant Group to their headquarters to ensure the transfer of ownership was properly executed.
Given our current personnel, he was the only one I could entrust with such a task.
I had not realized it before, but now that he stood with us, I found there was no one more dependable.
“By the way, that monk from Shaolin Temple—has he departed with the Myeong Shin Merchant Guild? I haven’t seen a trace of him.”
Young Ho Bin seemed to regret that Hye Woon, whom we had briefly met at the tavern, had vanished without so much as a farewell.
Though he knew nothing of the full circumstances, he appeared to have grasped the general situation upon hearing that Shaolin Temple had decided to punish the Myeong Shin Merchant Guild.
“That damned Buddhist monk….”
Upon hearing my muttered words, Namgung Eon and Baek So Cheong, who understood nothing of the matter, sparkled with curiosity in their eyes.
Yet Young Ho Bin bore an unusual smile, as though recalling what had transpired that day.
“The tang chao li chi from that Xiaofeng Tavern did look quite appetizing. It would have been wonderful if we hadn’t run short of ingredients.”
“Now that I think of it, you never did taste that tang chao li chi back then.”
“Indeed. Next time, I would hope we might order generously and dine together—you, the Baek Young Lady, and the Namgung Prince as well.”
“A cup of fine liquor to accompany it would be splendid.”
For those who cultivate martial arts, alcohol seems to be nearly forbidden….
Yet even the renowned Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple drink, so there is no reason I should not.
Of course, that would be when I am somewhat older than I am now.
“Haha. Minor Sect Leader, you are right. There shall surely come such a day.”

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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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