The Owner Of The Thousand Gold Coins Is A Military Official - Chapter 111

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

Chapter 111

“First, think about whether you’re qualified to be persuaded by me.”

“….”

Turning his body like that, Cheongun left the room and spoke to Daehang.

“From now on, when you need to make reports, come together with that child.”

“I obey.”

With that, Cheongun left the place.

“You heard what he said, right? Now you are all free, so do as you wish. Those who want to leave, speak up now.”

“….”

Silence.

No one says they want to leave.

The reason wasn’t trust in Cheongun.

It was simply due to fear.

If staying is frightening and leaving is also frightening.

Rather than the unknown territory, what they already know would be easier to endure.

“I’ll take that as none. From here to here. Move to the adjacent room. You’ll stay here until a new place to live is prepared.”

Suddenly acquiring Salmaek.

No, what used to be Salmaek, Cheongun had obtained.

He had been needing an external personal information organization, and that seemed to have been resolved well.

The most important information to handle at this time would naturally be information about the Demonic Sect.

One might think so, but that wasn’t the case.

Of course, matters related to the Demonic Sect were the most urgent and held high importance.

However, the Demonic Sect was already a place where everyone was focusing their attention.

If he had decided to head to the Martial Arts Alliance after finishing business in Shandong, he would be able to find out enough information about the Demonic Sect from within the Martial Arts Alliance.

Moreover, if he went to the Blue Righteousness Corps, it would be like being at the front lines, so he could obtain information quickly.

Therefore, what Cheongun ordered them to do was to find reclusive masters.

Whether those he knew were still staying in the same places.

And whether there was information about reclusive masters he didn’t know.

This too could be learned by going to the Martial Arts Alliance.

Just by asking the leadership directly, several more locations of those Cheongun didn’t know would be revealed.

However, to do that, he needed to have the proper qualifications.

It meant he needed to build up achievements.

“I should return.”

Leaving behind one antidote to give to Daehang, Cheongun immediately left Salmaek.

Now that they would walk a different path than that of assassins, they naturally needed a different name.

“Sammak would be good.”

Not the ‘sal’ that means to kill, but the ‘sal’ that means to scatter.

He wasn’t particularly talented at naming things.

After Cheongun returned like that, various words were being exchanged among the children of Salmaek.

“What kind of person is he?”

“He’s our new leader.”

“But, is it really okay to leave?”

“It’s already too late. You should have said something earlier.”

Fear had not yet disappeared from the children’s eyes.

“You, and you. You come this way. And you…”

Daehang became busy because all the executives who could do the work had died.

“You manage the kids from now on.”

“Me… you mean?”

“Yes. From now on, I won’t pay any attention to you all, so take care of yourselves. I’ll only tell you where to stay.”

“…Yes. I understand. Um, but may I ask just one question?”

“What?”

“What kind of person is our new leader?”

At those words, Daehang’s expression changed slightly.

“Do you think I would know? But one thing’s certain – he’s someone who can kill people like me without lifting a finger.”

“He didn’t look that old though…”

“Tsk tsk. Haven’t you even heard of rejuvenation?”

“Rejuvenation… you mean?”

“Yes. He’s clearly reached a level where he’s become young again. So always treat him with utmost respect.”

“I under… stand.”

Well, he was someone who could create fire with his fingertips, so it seemed entirely possible.

The person who became the new leader was an incredible master.

Not losing his head just moments ago felt like divine fortune.

“If you’re done with questions, follow me. I’ll show you the layout.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Thus, the brutal killing transformed into a scattering , marking a new beginning.

After several days passed, Cheongun finished all preparations for departure with Bugwan and the Branch Manager of the Shaolin Temple branch.

“I’m sorry I cannot accompany you.”

“If you’re doing what needs to be done, it’s no different from being together.”

“…! I understand. Please travel safely.”

There were no other places to stop on the way to Shandong.

As it was the longest journey, Cheongun also changed his mindset.

He hoped it would succeed.

Since he was going to find someone whose desires were unknown, he couldn’t easily predict the outcome.

However, if the Western King joined, in terms of information, he could have something comparable to Gaebang and Haomun.

An individual would become equivalent to a massive organization.

“How long will it take?”

“It will take about a month, Gongja.”

“I understand.”

A month.

It seemed it would be quite a long journey.

* * *

“It’s all done.”

“Oh my… thank you.”

A completely healed body.

Beyond returning to his original state, he felt as if he had become several years, no, several decades younger.

“You have a wonderful grandson.”

“Haha! I’m embarrassed. My son is actually quite satisfactory in my eyes too.”

“They say protecting what exists is the most difficult, don’t they? Your son is also quite an excellent person.”

At Sinui’s words, Cheongin showed a satisfied smile.

Previously traveling throughout Gangho directly to obtain Cheongun’s elixir.

He had gained something several times more valuable than that.

It wasn’t because he had survived.

There’s originally an anguish that comes to those who have accomplished many things with their own hands.

Namely, whether these things will remain even after they disappear.

A family head who created domestic peace would have such worries, merchant Cheongin had them too, and even the emperor who rules all of Zhongyuan would have the same concerns.

That worry had disappeared.

The reason he had wanted to survive until now was to lend strength to protecting what he had accomplished.

Now he simply couldn’t leave because he was curious about what more he could gain and accomplish.

“…ther. Father!”

Then, Cheongjin’s urgent voice was heard.

Since his son rarely showed such urgency in his voice, Cheongin let him in with curiosity.

“What matter makes you act so recklessly?”

“I believe you need to see this.”

What Cheongjin handed over was about the recent movements of the Demonic Sect.

And the fact that some unknown entity had been investigating Cheongeumjang.

“Isn’t this something that always happens? Just handle it as we always have.”

“It’s… different this time.”

“I’ll take my leave now. If there are any other discomforts, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

“Ah, thank you, Doctor Sinui. You’re welcome to stay and listen if you’d like.”

“No, I am one who treats people, am I not?”

“I understand.”

With Sinui’s departure, only two people remained in the room.

“What do you mean it’s different?”

“The current movements. They’re clearly aimed at keeping us in check.”

“…Isn’t that something we’ve always expected?”

Cheongeumjang was able to grasp half the wealth of the world because it maintained perfect neutrality, focusing solely on commerce without distinguishing between orthodox, demonic, or unorthodox factions.

If they had started receiving protection from other sects along the way, the current Cheongeumjang couldn’t have existed.

Thanks to that, it took much longer, but that’s how such a solid Cheongeumjang could be built.

However, there was one important point.

After growing to the point where it couldn’t grow any larger, cooperation with others inevitably becomes crucial.

Already possessing influence equivalent to a major sect through wealth alone, Cheongeumjang had always survived with the feeling of walking on thin ice.

“They say the Demonic Sect’s merchant group has begun operating in earnest.”

“The Demonic Sect’s merchant group…”

The advantage of the Demonic Sect’s merchant group is singular.

Thanks to Cheonsan’s location, it can connect directly to the Western Regions.

Therefore, if the Demonic Sect’s merchant group began operating in Zhongyuan, many of Cheongeumjang’s advantages would disappear.

“It seems the Demonic Sect is moving quite methodically.”

This was actually also a change brought about by Cheongun’s actions.

Originally, there would still be fierce competition for the position of Junior Patriarch, but with Cheonyugjong’s death, that competition had lessened somewhat.

Moreover, the Demonic Sect had made Cheongun their enemy.

Though Cheongsoso hadn’t yet revealed Cheongun’s identity to the Demonic Sect, it was only a matter of time.

Spies from the Demonic Sect had been infiltrating Cheongeumjang from before, and even after Cheongun had weeded them all out, they continued to plant spies steadily.

While Cheongun’s activities were currently happening on the opposite side of the Demonic Sect, conversely, that might make them reach the Demonic Sect’s ears even faster.

Since the two didn’t know that Cheongun had visited the Demonic Sect, they thought the current movements were aimed at overcoming Cheongeumjang’s influence.

“The Demonic Sect proposes to divide trade like merchants, but the boundaries are ambiguous.”

“If we accept those conditions… they seem to be conditions that would make us belong to the Demonic Sect.”

“That’s right. However, surprisingly, they’re not using force.”

At those words, Cheongin burst into laughter and said:

“Look who’s here. Anyone with their wits about them wouldn’t think to use force.”

Of course, it’s true that the Demonic Sect’s power is several times stronger.

However, Cheongeumjang is a place that could join the Martial Arts Alliance at any time.

Just one word would be enough.

That’s why they’re trying to reduce our influence first.

“So, what do you intend to do?”

“For now, I plan to proceed as usual. Then observe their reaction and respond accordingly.”

“Good. I understand. Is there no news about Wun?”

“You know how he is. Like the wind itself, we’ve only heard that he’s currently staying at Shaolin temporarily.”

“Shaolin. If only those bald monks had provided the Daehwandan…”

“Ah, Father. ‘Bald monks’?”

“What’s wrong with that? Even the king gets cursed when he’s not around.”

Even saying that, Cheongin had consistently made offerings during his time as Patriarch.

He knew it himself.

That he was just being a bit spiteful because no one indulged his complaints in his old age.

“Still, why does this boy wander around so much?”

“But thanks to that, haven’t many masters come to Cheongeumjang?”

“That’s exactly why I’m worried. They’re all distinguished names, so what threats might he be facing?”

“Wun already… possesses power that can’t be easily dealt with. You’re worrying too much.”

At those words, Cheongin burst into laughter again and said:

“Fix that expression before you speak. It’s full of worry.”

“Haha… I understand.”

Even if one’s child were the greatest under heaven, worrying is a parent’s heart.

Still, as he said, knowing that Cheongun possessed extraordinary martial prowess, he certainly worried less.

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