A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

Chapter 50

Jo Hwi, frozen in shock and thrill.

Undoubtedly, he was the most surprised since he fell into the world of the Central Plains.

“How on earth…….”

Coffee, which was considered a medicinal or aphrodisiac, began to spread widely thanks to the old Islamic temples.

Because it clears the mind, refreshes it, and prevents drowsiness, it has been very helpful for mental cultivation.

Thus, coffee, which began to spread in this way, later came to be considered a strategic commodity and became a crop under the strict control of Islamic territories.

During the Crusades, it was only after Europeans waged a great war against Islamic civilization that coffee began to emerge prominently in the history of human civilization.

However, such coffee, which might not even be known to exist in this central region, has now appeared in the tavern.

Jo Hwi was well aware of what the current situation implied.

“……followers of the new deity, huh?”

The divine seat (神座) presumed to be of ancient modern humans.

Without him, coffee could never have appeared in the present-day Central Plains civilization.

However, the reaction from Yeosogang was unexpected.

“New Left?” Follower? What is that?

In an instant, Jo Hwi’s face furrows with confusion.

The follower of the God of the Divine, Eun Bong-ryeong, who had met death at the hands of the Elder Sword God in the past, trembled and prostrated on the ground at the mere mention of the word ‘God of the Divine.’

To them, the name “Shinza” is considered sacred.

However, despite mentioning Sinjwa, Yeosogang not only didn’t budge but also had a look on his face that clearly said he had no idea what was going on.

“Not a follower of the New Left?”

At Jo Hwi’s question, Ye So-gang smiled even more innocently.

“Shinjwa? I have never heard of it before. “Has a new god appeared in the martial world besides you?”

Jo Hwi, once again frowning deeply and opening his mouth.

“If you’re going to speak informally, then just keep doing it, you bastard.”

Wait, this sounds like something I’ve heard a lot before…

-Now you look like a black sky killer, haha!Bold, italic

As Zhuge Liang’s mockery echoed in Zhu Huan’s mind, Zhang Yilong, who was standing beside him, clicked his tongue and spoke.

“It feels just like dealing with your eloquence, brother.” You’re not an ordinary person.

Jo Hwi’s eyes shone intensely.

No wonder I felt a strange sense of déjà vu; his way of speaking was clearly reminiscent of my own, which used to drive the executives of the Black Heaven Alliance and the righteous faction’s elite mad.

As Jang Il-ryong said, he is by no means an easy opponent.

However, such a tone from Yeosogang is a natural condescension, as if he has dealt with subordinates and disputes for a long time.

Thus, Jo Hwi was able to infer his background.

“Considering that they don’t practice martial arts, they must not be a prominent family of the martial world… but rather a wealthy clan.”

Yeosogang grinned.

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“You’re so trusting.” What if I’m not Yeoga?

“Not a noble, but a royal?”

“Um.” That’s gone too far.

Jo Hwi took a sip of the coffee he received and made a surprised face again.

“……Even sugar?”

Clearly, this sweetness is not like that of syrup or honey, but the taste of sugar.

Jo Hwi’s face was now stained with shock, beyond mere embarrassment.

The production of sugar is truly a lifelong dream for Jo Hwi!

Even if the supply of sugarcane is somehow resolved, how on earth is the technology for producing sugar handled?

If that’s not it, could it be direct import from the Celestial Realm?

Securing the technology for sugar production and establishing direct trade with Tienchu were both no easy tasks.

Even I, who have become the master of the Grand Assembly shaking the martial world, am still hesitant to take the plunge!

The Joga Daesanghoe was still a provincial-level organization.

A super-large merchant group under the protection of the imperial family, such as Cheonhwa Merchant Group or Manggeum Merchant Group, would be able to attempt trade with Tianzhu.

So, does this boy in front of me have any connection to the super-large sect competing for the title of the best in the Central Plains?

“What is the intention behind showing me the coffee and sugar?”

“Coffee?” Sugar? Are you talking about the fragrant tea and stone honey?

“Great fragrance tea?”

The aroma of coffee is more special, peculiar, and rich than the diverse scents of the central plains.

For the people of the Central Plains, that aroma of coffee is indeed worthy of being called a great fragrance (大香).

“Sugar, or rather, rock honey, that’s one thing, but how on earth do you know about that great fragrance tea… and where did you even get it?”

Yeosogang is sneering again.

“Seems like you’re mistaken.” The superior is this way.

“What?”

“Isn’t it tough for your business now that all the skilled craftsmen have been taken away?”

Are you going to keep holding the initiative in the conversation by using hostages as leverage?

Jo Hwi chuckled softly.

“It seems your understanding of me is still lacking.”

With those words, Jo-hwi turned on his heel and headed out of the estate.

Someone who only spouts such sly and wicked talk is absolutely unwelcome.

In some ways, he was indeed a very difficult type of person, but if you thought differently, he was also the easiest type to deal with.

As long as you don’t get caught up in that talk, you’ll be fine.

However, the opponent was surpassing such a judgment by Jo Hwi.

“Well, if you’re going to come out like that, it’s not too bad in its own way.” Well, I’ve already secured this much of the esteemed masters of the Jogadae Conference. Anyway, I’ll use it well.

All the other words were fine.

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But “I’ll use it well.”

That one remark set Jo Hwi’s heart ablaze.

“You’re not someone who can be reasoned with.”

Srrrng-

Jo Hwi intended to show him just how dangerous reckless bravado without strength could be.

How humble must he have been when he himself had no martial arts skills at all?

However, even though the sword was drawn from the waist of the young swordsman, this Yeosogang guy, who didn’t know the meaning of fear, was instead laughing even more playfully.

“Ah, is this why I find it amusing?” In the realm of the Central Plains, you hold a truly peculiar position.

Just as Jo Hwi’s forehead was about to furrow again.

“There has never been a person in the entire history of the Central Plains who has simultaneously conquered both the martial world and the underworld.” Ah, of course, the underworld side is still quite lacking compared to the great reputation of that formidable sword god, so we need to strive harder in the future.

“……What?”

The Jo Family Association’s influence encompassed all of Anhui and Jiangxi, and now it had begun to extend its reach to the entire Wulin Alliance territory north of the Yangtze River.

Thus, people do not hesitate to call such a merchant association one of the three great merchant associations of the Central Plains, along with Cheonhwa Association and Manggeum Association… What? Make an effort?

That outrageous talk is truly astonishing.

When Jo Hwi silently raised the spirit of the deceased without saying a word.

Sssssssss-

A warrior clad in a dark stealth cloak literally fell from the sky.

Jo Hwi looked at the empty space where the warrior had appeared, as if in disbelief.

There was nothing.

It just appeared out of thin air.

As a result, a shiver ran down Jo Hwi’s spine.

Understanding emptiness (공) and being able to use it freely cannot be explained by anything other than the mind map.

Jo Hwi’s bewildered gaze soon turned towards the Black Armored Warrior.

“Mu-hon…?”

However, the man whose face was completely covered with black cloth showed no response and only glinted his indifferent eyes.

What do you mean by “absolute dog”? It’s not even the name of anyone’s dog, and it just pops up out of nowhere every day!

Does this mean that this body is even a flower that calls the Absolute Sutra?

“Haha, you seem like a god, yet on the other hand, you’re quite foolish.” “How could you possibly think that you didn’t prepare any force while facing the Sword God of the Jo Family’s Grand Meeting?”

The Black-clad Warrior’s unique attire made it impossible to guess their age or the sect they belonged to.

Just in case, Jo Hwi examined the type of Mu-hon by observing the strands of intention he emitted, but he couldn’t sense any color of a sect.

The King of Namgung, Muhon, is completely different from the dark fragrance of the volcano.

Moreover, can one even contain the spirit to the extent that it cannot be sensed by one’s own perception?

This meant that the purity he possessed was at least at the level of the highest realm.

To have an absolute master of the highest caliber among the Seven Martial Lords under his command and treat him like a subordinate!

Jo Hwi sheathed his sword and expressed his overwhelming curiosity.

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“Do you use the Absolute Mirror as just a guard?” Was there ever someone like you in the martial world? Who the hell are you?

Yeosogang faintly smiled and stood up from his seated position.

“Ah, so we’re back to talking with words now.” I was looking forward to a conversation of the body, but now I’m disappointed.

The ever-smiling Yeosogang rummaged through his pocket, pulled something out, and casually tossed it at Jo Hwi’s feet.

It is a tile with a strange shape.

The twisted mask of a demon, so grotesque that just looking at it sent shivers down my spine, was carved.

In the center of such a demon mask, the word ‘bi’ was clearly engraved, adding to its mystique.

“It’s been quite a while since we’ve revealed our undefeated record to the martial arts world.” This is truly an honor.

“……Secret Public Card?” Could it be the secret connection?

“What?” “You know the Flying Dragon One Pulse?”

This time, Yeosogang was glaring with eyes wide open as if they were about to pop out.

The name of the ruler of the underworld and the representative of the dark merchants of the Central Plains was so shrouded in mystery that almost no one knew its true identity.

Only a very few, such as certain members of the royal family, nobility, and absolute rulers, know the long history of the non-public lineage.

Although Jo Hwi had risen to become the absolute ruler and leader of the faction, he was a name that should never be known, let alone recognized, as the head of a newly emerging force.

Jo Hwi grinned.

“Hoho, a secret lineage… then it must be a ploy.”

“…….”

For the first time, as the other person grasped his true intentions, Yeosogang’s face hardened.

Like Jo Hwi, Ye So Gang is also the type who hates having their emotions or intentions read by others the most.

“Yeah, that’s right.” You have quite disturbed the balance of the central plains. You’ve done too many dangerous things.

“Hmm.”

At Jo Hwi’s indifferent reaction, Ye So-gang suddenly started biting her lips.

“Don’t take this lightly.” This is no joke. The entire Central Plains underworld has started paying attention to you. Isn’t it just you who has been disrupting the market in the Central Plains until now? “Being out of the eyes of the Flying Dragon Clan is quite dangerous, so you should make your judgment carefully.”

“So in the end, it’s a waste to kill me and instead, you want me to join the ranks of the Flying Dragon?”

As Jo Hwi kept snickering, Ye So-gang’s fists clenched tightly.

“Remember.” If you refuse, the Jo family will be finished in this central region. This matter is merely a precedent.

He secretly took all the technicians from the Jo Ga Daesang meeting.

At this point, you should have clearly realized the strength of the Bigoong Ilmaek, the absolute ruling group of the Dark Realm, but you’re still so relaxed?

In the world known as Gangho, there are the Murim Alliance and the Cheonma Shinkyo, but the Dark Realm is a world where the Dark Sect is united as one.

Those who knew the true power of the Flying Dragon’s True Blood had immense reverence.

The secret hand that manipulates the world from the shadows, the hidden master of the world, the true sovereign…

If you didn’t know, you didn’t know, but if you mentioned the Secret Dragon, you must have known this fact.

Naturally, Yeosogang couldn’t understand Jo Hwi’s nonchalance at all.

Meanwhile, Jo Hwi, feeling as if all the fog had lifted, called the esteemed elders of the Jo family with a sense of lightness.

Knock, knock, hehe! Is Mr. Maengdeok here?

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Zhou Zhou knew all too well what Zhou Hui was going to say.

-Please wait a moment.

When he had just arrived in the world of Murim, Jo Hwi made a contract with Elder Jojo.

It was none other than the promise of infinite cooperation from the noble lords of the Zhu family in exchange for punishing Sima.

Among such individuals, there was a divine being who was revered as a legendary figure of the Dark Realm in the old days.

– Gang-ah.

-Ho ho…

The name of mystery, known as the Secret Master, and the true ancestor of the Secret Master lineage, Cao Gang, who once ruled the Dark Realm, has finally re-emerged in the forefront of history.

Whaaaaaaaack!

Soon, Jo Kang, who had manifested in Jo Hwi’s body, was looking at Ye So Gang with a satisfied smile, as if looking at a puppy.

Jo Gang, who has manifested in Jo Hwi’s body.

He was smiling broadly, with a warm gaze and a benevolent demeanor.

“What happened to the Scarlet Lotus group?”

Hongryeonilmaek.

Along with the BiGongIlMaek, they were the absolute merchant group that fought over the underground dark realm for the past five hundred years.

When Jogang mentioned that Hongryeon, Yeogogang seemed to have no strength left to be surprised.

This has made it certain.

This person is someone who even understands the world of shadowy merchants.

If one were a merchant, they might vaguely be aware of the existence of the shadowy figures, but knowing the exact details of the forces known as the Black Wind and the Red Lotus was a completely different matter.

In history, the true nature of the underworld has never been revealed to the outside world.

Now, if we can’t win him over, we must eliminate him.

“You’ve crossed a bridge of no return.”

However, Jo-gang did not drop his pervasive smile and continued in his usual gentle tone.

“If they were so brazen as to unilaterally decide on the marriage of the eldest son of a high-ranking official, then we have indeed taken over the royal family that Hongryeonilmaek was occupying?”

They promised the innkeeper of a mere merchant’s inn to arrange a marriage with the eldest son of the Ho-young clan.

The Bigo Ilmaek are the absolute beings that rule the underworld.

Due to the nature of the Am-sang, who value promises and trust as if they were gold, they were never people who made empty promises or spoke without meaning.

“Sigh…”

Yeosogang’s face was even more filled with a bewildered expression.

The sudden change in tone, and that strange behavior as if they know everything about the underworld—what on earth is going on?

Moreover, what? “Us?”

Are you daring to compare yourself to the merchants of the underworld, the absolute rulers?

“Hey, Little Sword God.” No matter how much you are the leader of a powerful faction, if you keep provoking me, the Jogadaesanghoe might disappear from the martial world. If you keep acting like this…

“Are you a descendant of Yeom Ma… no, Yeom Mak-hee?” What happened to the rest of the Seven Secrets? Did Eungcheon-gye and Busapyeong, as well as Wiyoungjeong and Sawugang, form a family?

“What, what, what?!”

Yeosogang almost sat down.

How on earth can the teachings of the Flying Dragon Sect be spilling out of that mouth?

Then he looked at Jogang with an unprecedented serious expression.

“Seriously, who the heck are you?”

Jokang was just smiling politely without saying a word.

Truly, if this child named Yeosogang is a descendant of the female hawk, she deserves to receive his boundless affection.

Then, soft lyrics flow from Jogan’s lips.

The seven rainbows harmonize with the secret world of joy.

Both darkness and hunger have retreated, and in the end, it has become our world (解消餓暗 秘公平天下).

Shiver, shiver, shiver.

As soon as he heard the sound of Jo-gang’s singing, Ye-so-gang couldn’t help but tremble all over.

That song is a secret chant of the Bi-gong lineage, passed down exclusively from the Bi-gong investigator.

It was a song lyric that could never be known by anyone other than the members of the Seven Great Houses and key insiders of the Biconnected Clan.

“Who on earth are you?”

If someone knows the secret song of the Seven Rainbows, the Seven Rainbow Song, then it means they are definitely a person of the Hidden Lineage.

It is inevitable that the utmost respect will come out of Yeosogang’s mouth.

Bi-gong is an underground organization operated as a strict cell structure.

Unless one revealed their identity first, it was common for people not to know each other.

“Did someone from the secret society forget to disregard the hierarchy among themselves?”

“Oh, no.” I’m sorry…

Yeosogang, who can’t stop giving suspicious looks while stammering.

Jokang returned the question to the beginning once again.

“I will ask again, what happened to Hongryeon Ilmak?”

Yeosogang had an even more bewildered expression.

Why do you keep being curious about Hongryeon, who was pushed aside by the secret palace and disappeared into the annals of history?

A member of the Secret Society cannot be unaware of the fact that Hongryeon has been destroyed.

But anyway, the one who summoned the Seven Reds.

Unbearable doubts were swirling in his mind, but in the end, Ye Sogang bit his lip.

“Red Lotus disappeared two hundred years ago.” However, if you are a secret envoy, how could you not know this…

“Heh heh…”

Are you saying that the once powerful Hongryeon Ilmaek has finally been destroyed?

Hongryeon was an obvious evil.

The descendants had thoroughly accomplished what he could never resolve, and he couldn’t express the pride and satisfaction he felt in words.

“Truly admirable.” You did really well.

Although Jokang had been showing his willingness to the fullest, he soon took on a resolute and serious expression.

“How did you obtain the precious item called the Great Incense?” And why did you show it to me?

The descendants’ glory is only temporary.

The world where Jo Hwi lived, the legacy of modern civilization, had to be revealed to the descendants as soon as possible.

It was something that even Jo Hwi and all the lords of the spirit realm were curious about.

Yeosogang looked bewildered and had a puzzled expression.

“I am an Amhaengsu, one who faithfully carries out the secret orders of the Am-sang.” Telling an Amhaengsu to convey a secret order from the higher-ups is like asking them to commit suicide. If you are the secret inspector, you should know better than anyone that such a thing is tantamount to a death sentence. How can you order my death?

“Hmm…….”

Jokang’s expression hardened even more.

Clearly, it is a secret law of his own making.

Suddenly, Jo Gang’s gaze turned towards the black-clad warrior standing next to Ye So-gang.

“Receiving the protection of the Dark Soul Secret Spirit means that you are fulfilling the mission of the current era’s secret.” I will meet him.

The moment the term “Amhonmilryeong” was mentioned from the opponent’s mouth, the pupil of the Black Knight’s eye shook violently.

Among the central secrets of the secret realm, only a few know the hierarchy of the secret soul.

Only the ruler of the Secret Society, Bi-gong, and his closest aides know about it.

And they are all familiar with him.

However, the being in front of him was definitely not someone he knew.

A deadly aura, far beyond what could be inferred from the Dark Soul Seal, has arisen.

“Who are you?”

Jo-gang’s meaningful expression turned towards Amhonmillyeong.

“Do you want your Amhonilpa to return to the miserable life of slaughter once again?”

The eyes of the Amhonmilryeong seemed to tear apart as they widened.

“What, what?”

The Amhon faction, which guards the Flying Dragon Sect, actually traces its origins back to the Salmak, an assassin group in the martial arts world.

However, that was solely a secret between the first Bigoong and Salmak, and the reason the Amhonil faction did not follow the name of the Seven Great Houses, which was originally called the Seven Secrets, was precisely because of that.

The Amhon Ilpa, who follow only the secret orders.

The fact that the Amhon faction was guarding Yeogogang meant that the mastermind behind all these events was the current hidden power.

“Go back and inform the current prince.”

“What…?”

An inexplicable and strange prayer began to flow from Jo-gang’s body.

“Secret public dark scheme, the remaining sun sets.”

Facing the bewildered Amhonmillyeong, Jogang opened his mouth again as if making a declaration.

“If you convey these words, the current emperor will come to me in a hurry.”

Amhonmillyeong instinctively sensed that this matter was unprecedentedly significant.

“I understand.” I will do so.

As Amhonmillyeong vanished eerily like a ghost, Yeosogang called out, “Hey! Where are you going?”

The only one who could stand up to the mighty Sogeomshin had suddenly disappeared, leaving Yeosogang in a state of bewilderment. His face, filled with confusion, turned back toward Jo Gang.

He, too, had just learned of the rank of Amhonmillyeong for the first time. What kind of person is this? Moreover, how could someone make such a powerful figure vanish with just a single word?

His mind was tangled with all sorts of questions, and he couldn’t make sense of his complicated emotions. Just then, Jo Gang’s voice came to him again.

“Go back and deliver my words to your family. If the Yuga family is truly the Yuga family, the head of the family will come to me personally.”

Yeosogang had no choice but to silently nod in acknowledgment.

“…Understood.”

At that moment, Jang Il-ryong carefully approached Jo Gang and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Uh… is that your rival?”

Woosh!

As Jo Gang stepped back, Jo Hwi, who had regained his physical form, grinned faintly.

“Then who is it?”

“…”

Jang Il-ryong and Yeom Sang-rok stared blankly at Jo Hwi.

* * *

There was a murmur among the many employees of the Jo Family Merchant Group, who were nervously watching the front gate of the headquarters.

The reason for their unease was none other than the sudden appearance of their president, Jo Hwi, who had returned with all the senior staff members who had previously gone missing.

Rumors had been circulating that they were the ones who had defected, and the employees’ anxiety was growing serious.

The senior staff members walking behind Jo Hwi looked terrified, their faces full of fear.

Their president was known for his strict policy on rewards and punishments. When someone achieved merit, they were rewarded with enormous gifts, but when they failed or, especially, betrayed him, they faced harsh and terrifying consequences.

When several senior staff members had tried to break off and become independent using techniques they learned from the Jo Family Merchant Group in Hefei, the punishment they received from the president had been truly terrifying.

Jo Hwi, leading the group of staff, suddenly stopped in front of the training hall of the headquarters.

Numerous employees gathered to watch, but Jo Hwi paid them no mind.

His cold, piercing gaze fixed on Yeoyeongso, the head of the Jo Family Wine Brewery.

“Hmm…”

Jo Hwi didn’t ask him what he had been offered by the secretive organization; he simply took out a ledger from his inner robes.

“Quite a fortune. Three grand houses like palaces, silver worth ten thousand nyang left in the battlefield, and if we tally the lands and livestock, there’s another ten thousand nyang or so.”

Jo Hwi turned his gaze toward Lee Yeosong, the Grand Commissioner, who had just arrived.

“Grand Commissioner, please authorize the release of the Jo Family Heavenly Martial Team. Seize everything.”

Upon hearing Jo Hwi’s declaration, Yeoyeongso, the head of the brewery, collapsed in despair before him.

“President! I’ve committed a grave sin! Please, take my life instead!”

For a merchant, the most severe punishment was not death, but the confiscation of the wealth they had accumulated over their entire lives. To take away his wealth would be equivalent to taking away his family’s very survival.

Jo Hwi’s cold eyes turned back to Yeoyeongso.

“I’ve tolerated a lot from you. I turned a blind eye when you smuggled out several cartloads of Hanbingju, and even when you took away Seolhwa Shinju,” Jo Hwi’s voice was cold.

Yeoyeongso, the head of the brewery, turned even paler in despair.

No one had known, or so he thought. To think the president knew about it all along!

“But this is different. You’re finished. Get out.”

Jo Hwi began to seize the wealth of all the betrayers, starting with Yeoyeongso.

For a merchant, taking away their wealth was far more devastating than taking their life. It was a fate worse than death.

He wasn’t interested in getting his hands dirty; it simply wasn’t worth the effort. Moreover, he didn’t feel any value in it.

After disposing of the traitors, Jo Hwi found himself overwhelmed with a sense of emptiness.

How could those whom he had treated with care and dedication turn their backs on him so suddenly?

Indeed, it was true that human hearts couldn’t be bought, not even with wealth.

– The human heart is like water, so don’t be distressed when those who part from you do so.

“Lord Geomshin…”

– If I had a physical form, I would share a drink with you, but alas, I cannot. It is truly a pity.

“….”

Before he knew it, Jo Hwi’s eyes were moist, his heart warmed by the words of Geomshin, which had always comforted him.

“Master.”

Only now, at this point, did Jo Hwi truly begin to see Geomshin not just as a family elder, but as his true master.

* * *

Sorrow could be shaken off with a laugh, and misfortune could be covered with joy.

Seeing the troubled look on Jo Hwi’s face, who had been wandering around the courtyard for several days, Nam Gung-su felt pity for him and suddenly suggested a marriage meeting.

He proposed to personally attend and serve as the official witness, encouraging Jo Hwi to formalize the engagement and set the wedding date as soon as possible.

The public announcement of the marriage between the Sogeomshin and the Northern Sea’s royal family had already become well known throughout the martial world. The longer they delayed, the greater the risk of harm coming to Han Seol-hyeon, so Nam Gung-su emphasized the need to finalize the marriage as soon as possible, a suggestion that Jo Hwi agreed with.

Finally, Jo Hwi gave his consent, and Nam Gung-su sent messengers to the great Seokbinggo in Hefei and the Anhui Cheolbang to notify the Nam Gung family.

Since the Cheolbang family of Jo Sun was in the process of consolidating their assets to settle into the Jo Family Merchant Group, they would come rushing without hesitation at the prospect of a marriage involving Jo Hwi.

The key question was whether Han Seol-baek, the devoted training fanatic, would be willing to attend the marriage meeting, or if he would consider such an event a bother.

Time flew by, and more than a month passed.

Finally, Jo Sun’s family arrived at the entrance of the Jo Family Merchant Group.

The coachman, Pyo Yeong-gwan, was in awe of the sheer scale of the compound. His face had gone pale as he stared at the headquarters.

Having grown up in Bong Taehyun, he had never seen anything of this magnitude. The immense size of the compound was far beyond anything he had ever imagined.

Even Jo Sun, who was no stranger to wealth, was taken aback.

With wide eyes, Jo Yeon also couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

“Wow… wow…!”

It wasn’t just the size.

Many employees of the merchant group were moving briskly through the compound, and large carriages led by horses and packs of workers were constantly coming and going.

It felt like they were in the capital of Anhui, Hefei itself.

“All of this… is my second brother’s, right?”

Even Jo Sun chuckled, as if in disbelief.

“Heh heh heh!”

It was truly an astonishing sight.

Jo Sun had only vaguely imagined the grandeur of the Merchant Group’s headquarters, but now that he saw it with his own eyes, the reality far exceeded his expectations.

Even the formidable Nam Gung family couldn’t compare to this level of power.

Jo Sun had always recognized Jo Hwi’s remarkable talents, but standing here and witnessing the scale of the group in person made him feel as though Jo Hwi was no longer his son, but something more.

At that moment, Jo Sun fully understood what Jo Hwi had meant when he said he had become the leader of a powerful faction.

While Jo Sun felt an overwhelming sense of pride, a contradictory feeling of fear also stirred in his chest. Leading a faction in the martial world meant navigating the tangled web of interests, surviving through constant peril. Such challenges were impossible for an ordinary person to comprehend, let alone endure. Surely, his second son would struggle just as much.

“Master Changcheon Gyeom-hyeop is waiting for us! Let’s hurry, Father!” Jo Hwi’s younger brother, Jo Hyeok, was bursting with excitement.

The fact that the great leader, the King of Hefei, Changcheon Gyeom-hyeop, had personally sent an envoy to summon him was almost too overwhelming to bear. When Jo Hyeok had first seen the royal seal on the letter, he nearly screamed in excitement.

However, if he knew that the martial world had long recognized Jo Hwi’s fame, overshadowing even that of Changcheon Gyeom-hyeop, how would he react?

“Heh heh, yes, yes. We should be on the move today. No time to waste,” Jo Sun laughed warmly.

The marriage of a grown son was a joyous occasion for any parent, and Jo Sun’s wife, Gok A-yeong, also smiled with pride, though tears welled up in her eyes. She was deeply touched by the monumental success of their younger son.

“Let’s go. Let’s go now,” she urged, her voice full of emotion.

Jo Sun was momentarily startled, then smiled to himself. His wife, who had always called him “husband,” had now referred to their son as “Gaga” (brother). It had been years since he had heard such a loving term from her, and he immediately understood how happy she was.

“Heh heh! That’s right! Let’s go see our youngest son!” he chuckled, arms wide open as he embraced both his wife and daughter.

“Ah, such happiness makes all my troubles disappear. Ha ha ha!”

“Father, let go!” his daughter playfully protested.

As the family reached the heart of the Merchant Group’s headquarters, they were greeted by the bright smile of Zhang Yilong, who came running toward them.

“Senior!”

“Ah, Yilong!” Jo Sun greeted warmly.

Among Jo Hwi’s close friends, Jo Sun had always liked Zhang Yilong the most. The man was sturdy, full of determination, and had the build of a true craftsman.

In the past, Jo Sun had jokingly told him he should consider becoming his son, but Zhang Yilong had simply shed a few tears in response, reluctant to accept such an offer since his own father was still alive.

“Ah, call me father, will you?” Jo Sun teased gently, though affectionately.

Zhang Yilong scratched the back of his head awkwardly and smiled.

“Heh, well, I would…” he replied with a chuckle.

“I didn’t ask you to swear allegiance to your stepfather, did I? You’re like a son to me! We need to get closer,” Jo Sun said with a serious tone, though his smile remained.

Zhang Yilong suddenly looked pale at the thought. He knew Jo Sun would likely offer him a drink and then start preaching about the life of a craftsman, asking him if he’d like to learn about the Cheolbang business. But he had already committed to serving Jo Hwi, his true master, and couldn’t afford to change his path.

“Hehe, Father, I’m afraid I can’t learn about the Cheolbang business,” Zhang Yilong said apologetically.

“Ah, can one’s heart never stay the same? Life has a way of changing things,” Jo Sun replied, pondering deeply.

Suddenly, Jo Sun imagined Zhang Yilong holding a hammer in his massive hand, and his eyes widened.

“Wh-why is your hand like that?” Jo Sun asked, taken aback.

Zhang Yilong’s hand was delicate and slender, completely at odds with his broad, muscular build. It was almost embarrassing for him, and his face turned red in response.

“This… this happened by accident…” Zhang Yilong mumbled, looking ready to cry.

Jo Hyeok, witnessing the strange situation, was also startled and rushed over.

“Master Zhang! What happened to your hand?”

In Jo Hyeok’s mind, Zhang Yilong had always been the epitome of strength. His broad shoulders, chiseled chest, and muscular build made him seem like a perfect warrior. But now, the delicate hand undermined everything.

Zhang Yilong smiled brightly, trying to change the subject. “Let’s hurry. Our senior is waiting eagerly.”

“Ah, understood,” Jo Hyeok nodded, still processing the odd scene.

The Jo family, led by Jo Sun, followed Jang Il-ryong towards the Grand Hall of the Sect.

The exterior of the Grand Hall was adorned with red silk and multi-colored threads, with countless hanging boxes inscribed with the character “福” (fortune) displayed in reverse, all in preparation for the auspicious occasion of the sect’s meeting.

Jo Sun was deeply moved as he entered the Grand Hall.

“Father!”

Jo Hwi rushed over to Jo Sun and bowed deeply. Changcheon Geomhyeop Namgung Su smiled broadly and laughed heartily.

“Ha ha! Congratulations! Your grown son has finally become a true man, and his fortune will soon extend throughout the family.”

As the ruler of Anhui, Namgung Su’s words carried significant weight, and Jo Sun hastily bowed, overwhelmed.

“Th-thank you.”

Namgung Su, also flustered, took both of Jo Sun’s hands and helped him rise.

“Lord Jo is a senior elder of our Namgung family, and your parents are also considered elders by our standards. You must now recognize your own position.”

“Ah, I understand.”

But how could this be so easily accepted?

Jo Sun had spent his life revering the Namgung family as the people of Anhui. Such respect couldn’t be switched overnight.

“Elder, this is Namgung Mo paying his respects.”

“Have you been well? I regret the time lost and apologize. Please forgive me.”

Namgung Jangho and Jeongal Un also respectfully offered their greetings.

Jo Sun nodded in a daze, overwhelmed with emotions. Who could have imagined that one day, his life would be honored by the sons of the five great families?

But not all emotions were filled with joy.

“Elder, what on earth happened?”

A man with sharp eyes, Yeom Sang-rok, stood behind Jeongal Un.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you even give birth to that man, Jo Hwi? You should have just given birth to a demon!”

*Smack!*

Namgung Jangho slapped Yeom Sang-rok on the back of the head, his veins popping in frustration.

“It’s an auspicious day! Are you going to behave like this even today?”

“Ai, I told you not to slap me on the back of my head!”

“Well, should I slap you on the front of your head?”

“Why don’t you just go be a sidekick somewhere? A ruler, my foot!”

At that moment, a sharp voice interrupted.

“Control yourselves, both of you!”

Namgung Su’s voice rang out like a warning.

“Apologies, Father,” they both replied, chastened.

Jo Sun was taken aback. After all, he had always been exposed to the refined manners of the orthodox sects, but this was his first experience with the more unruly, side sects.

However, that wasn’t the end.

“Father-in-law!”

Father-in-law?

Jo Sun turned around, bewildered, to see a woman, heavily adorned and dressed in white, with a pale face.

‘A ghost?’

Just looking at her made it feel like frost would descend in the middle of summer.

Who could this woman be, and why was she suddenly calling him father-in-law?

It was, of course, Jin Ga-hee, a woman with unyielding determination.

Yeom Sang-rok couldn’t help but comment.

“Wow, she looks different all dressed up like that.”

“Ha, she looks like a color ghost.”

“No, but today she looks more human than usual.”

As Jo Hwi’s companions gave their various reactions, Jin Ga-hee let out a sharp voice.

“Shut up! If any of you disturb what’s going on today, I’ll kill you all!”

She suddenly shouted, then smiled sweetly, turning back to Jo Sun.

Her actions were like those of a person with a split personality.

“I’m Jin Ga-hee, the second wife of Jo Hwi!”

“Second wife?” Jo Sun frowned and glared at Jo Hwi.

How could he take two wives on the same day, even if he considered himself a hero?

“Don’t look at me like that. This is really none of my business. Just think of her as a crazy woman, and don’t pay attention to her.”

“What’s that?”

Jo Hwi didn’t even bother to look at her, treating her as if she didn’t exist.

“Alright, everyone, stop worrying about it and just sit down.”

As Jo Hwi signaled, the group awkwardly began to take their seats.

At that moment, the grand steward, Lee Yeosong, entered the hall.

“Lord Han Seol-baek has arrived.”

“Ah!”

Jang Il-ryong quickly stood up and looked toward the entrance.

Indeed, Han Seol-baek, dressed in splendid white fur and the White Wolf Robe, entered with a striking, almost celestial appearance. His presence was so remarkable, he could easily be called a heavenly beauty.

Jang Il-ryong smiled broadly and hurried to greet him.

“I’ve heard so much about you, brother! It’s such a pleasure!”

“Hmm?”

Han Seol-baek looked at him with a puzzled expression, and Jang Il-ryong, scanning the room, boomed his voice.

“Let me introduce you! This is the leader of the Northern Sea Seolpung Hanga, the Ice God (氷神) Grand Master!”

“Pffft!”

Jo Hwi barely suppressed a laugh, shaking his head.

What kind of meeting was this? It felt more like a comedy show.

Han Seol-baek’s face reddened. He, of all people, knew the significance of the title “God” among the martial artists of the central plains.

To have a title like “Ice God” when he hadn’t even reached the realm of the supreme martial artists himself—it was too much to bear!

Yet, unable to hide his growing amusement, Han Seol-baek spoke, his face slightly flushed.

“That’s too much. It’s just a nickname I used jokingly with my brother-in-law. It’s far too grandiose, so please disregard it.”

Jang Il-ryong gave him an incredulous look.

“Ha! I know your resolve as the Ice God, so how could I not praise you? With your dedication to your secluded training, you’ll definitely reach the supreme realm one day! I deeply respect you!”

“Such excessive praise.”

Namgung Su smiled contentedly as he welcomed the Ice God Grand Master.

“Ha ha, it’s only natural to exchange congratulations on a day like today. Truly a pleasant sight. Please, come and sit down.”

Han Seol-baek felt the divine aura and the powerful presence of Namgung Su, sensing the immense regal power he emanated. It was a different energy compared to Jo Hwi.

As Han Seol-baek and Han Seol-hyun carefully took their seats, Namgung Su scanned the room, his face turning solemn. As the officiating notary for the ceremony, it was a particularly important day for him as well.

He was about to speak when suddenly—

“Jo Hwi oppa! Are you really going to keep doing this to me?”

Namgung Su’s dignified face immediately twisted with irritation.

“How can a woman speak so frivolously! Jangho, take her outside immediately!”

Namgung Jangho approached Jin Ga-hee wordlessly and restrained her.

“Let me go! Damn it! Are you really going to use the Blood Gang Fist on me?”

Despite Jin Ga-hee’s threats and curses, Namgung Jangho remained unfazed.

Once Jin Ga-hee was removed from the room, Namgung Su resumed his discussion.

“First, the most important matter is choosing the date. We should avoid the upcoming Double Ninth Festival, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes. As long as we avoid the Double Ninth Festival and each family’s memorial days, any other day is fine.”

“No objections here.”

As was typical for the free-spirited martial world, the rest of the marriage discussion proceeded smoothly and efficiently. Since the parties involved had already agreed on the marriage, there was no need to stir up trouble with unnecessary complications.

The selection of the date, wedding scale, gifts, and notary issues were all settled effortlessly, making Namgung Su laugh heartily.

“I’ve never seen such a straightforward marriage discussion in my life! Ha ha!”

As a well-known figure in the martial world of Anhui, Namgung Su had attended many such discussions, especially those involving noble families. Typically, marriage negotiations among high-ranking officials involved countless demands and issues.

He had expected some disagreements regarding the wedding customs, considering that the Seolpung family from the Northern Sea was involved. For outsiders, adopting the customs of the central plains wasn’t an easy decision.

However, Han Seol-baek showed no opposition and accepted everything.

Namgung Su was pleased, impressed by the fact that Han Seol-baek, despite being a noble from the Northern Sea, was not bound by superficial rituals.

After all, just because he was the heir to the Northern Sea’s Ice Palace, causing chaos like the Great Blood Storm wasn’t enough to give him horns or a tail.

With everything settled so quickly that the term “marriage discussion” seemed almost out of place, Jo Hwi was the first to stand up.

“I have an urgent matter to attend to, so I must leave now.”

Han Seol-baek’s expression soured.

“Are you really going to leave without even sharing a meal with the elders of both families? I see you’re already more focused on outside matters; Seol-hyun, you’ll spend your life alone, always working in isolation.”

Jo Hwi looked embarrassed but courteously excused himself.

“I apologize, and I ask for your understanding. Farewell.”

Seeing Jo Hwi’s cold demeanor, Han Seol-hyun pouted in displeasure. Today was a day meant for sharing joy together.

However, Jo Hwi exchanged glances with Jang Il-ryong and Namgung Jangho before disappearing from the hall.