Chapter 423

Guest after guest in the private room threw out endless thanks.

But honestly, the gratitude wasn’t purely sincere.

When you’re in a special room, it’s not just any ordinary guest; these are the big spenders who can drop gold coins like it’s nothing, paying for their drinks in a day!

For these folks, connections are the most precious treasure in the world.

So, under the guise of gratitude, they thank each other and extend invitations, hoping to get cozy over a drink or two, and if things go well, rope in relatives and friends to make it a big family affair. If not, well, it’s a bit of a shame, but no real loss either.

Just then, the big spenders with their daughters began casting glances at potential suitors.

Those daughters would much rather have a charming and dashing martial artist as a partner than an unknown fiancé for a political marriage.

The moment the interests of fathers and daughters aligned, they quickly set their sights on the most approachable target—two girls with sparkling dresses flocked around Chang-bin and two other guys.

The remaining suitors, unfortunately, had to work on raising their own skills if they wanted a chance.

And it left Jo Hak-che with his mouth agape.

Chang-bin found himself in quite the predicament.

“Great Hero! You should have some of my drink too!”

“Mhm.”

“Wow, you sure are quiet. Guess a man has to prove himself through actions rather than words, huh?”

“By the way, Great Hero? Do you happen to have any… other tasks tonight?”

*Gack, cough.*

“Oh wow, your reactions are kind of spectacular! Oh! By the way, I’ve noticed that there seem to be mice visiting the girls’ room lately. If it’s alright, would you be able to help the girl with that? O. N. I. G. H. T.”

“Uhhh… men and women… it’s… complicated…”

Chang-bin’s eyes were swirling with confusion.

And amidst all this, one woman was focused on a different target.

“By my own enlightenment, I’ve realized that human greed is quite a terrifying thing. Truly, it devours everything.”

She stuck her finger out and poked at Qing’s belly.

“Hey, what’s this?”

“I poked to see if it would burst. It’s quite firm.”

During the victory banquet, after a while, Lang-lang had snuck in unnoticed.

She knelt beside Qing, gazing at the spectacle of people eating, with an expression that was anything but human, uttering the occasional, “Oh, wow, how incredible,” with an expression devoid of surprise.

“If this continues, I’ll feel sick just from watching. Why are you staring at them eating like it’s the most fascinating thing?”

“Honestly, it’s certainly quite a rare sight throughout all of Lang-lang’s existence. I guarantee it. Take pride in it, Cheonhwa-geom.”

“Hey lady, move a little, would you?”

“Cheonhwa-geom cannot impose on Lang-lang’s free will.”

“Ugh, I might need to resort to physical means here.”

“Violence is good, but harm against Lang-lang is not.”

Lang-lang said so while gracefully withdrawing.

She didn’t seem to budge from her kneeling position, as if wheels were hidden below her.

And then, as if not satisfied with just one woman on either side, Jo Hak-che sauntered in with three ladies hanging off his arms and froze at the sight of Lang-lang.

“Uh, beautiful Young Lady? Have we met before?”

“Lang-lang prefers not to answer.”

Qing’s spirits lifted.

Yes, go ahead, make your move!

Jo, it’s good to see you looking so eager.

Maybe I should just help Chang-bin, who seems frazzled by the bold advances…

Wow, look at those two! They’re not even trying to hide it; they’re fawning all over him.

At this rate, Chang-bin’s gonna have a handful of trouble.

Thinking it over, I don’t really need to spoil what might be the best moment of Chang-bin’s life.

I guess I ought to offer some consolation to the envious Hwa Ryong Jo folks instead.

Just when Qing was about to rise from her seat.

“Ah! Hahoo Pyo-mae! I’m Jo Hak-che! Don’t you remember me?”

“This guy just doesn’t get it. Yet he can never seem to forget a woman’s face. What a creepy little freak.”

“Uh, Pyo-mae?”

Pyo-mae refers to a cousin, but in the Central Plain, cousins might not need to distinguish themselves from brothers with titles.

If you had to distinguish, it’d be as distant relatives.

“Do you two know each other?”

“Oh, she’s my cousin.”

“No, Lang-lang doesn’t have such a cousin.”

Their opinions split.

But neither was outright lying.

The Jo family and the Hahoo family were probably as close as sworn brothers.

Although Qing had flipped through a brief overview of the Three Kingdoms, she quickly grasped how these two families might have become sworn brothers.

Perfect!

Let them catch up with each other; I’ll just wander off to continue my tour.

Just as Qing was about to shift her hefty backside.

“Lang-lang is just Lang-lang. The Hahoo family has been exterminated. Hahoo Lang-lang is no longer in this world; she’s a dead person.”

“Uh, that’s unfortunate. The family issues…”

“It’s fine. But I’ll graciously accept your condolences.”

Jo Hak-che’s expression grew somber at that.

No matter how much a man lusts after women, he wouldn’t go after romantic interests in front of a cousin whose entire family was slain.

Qing, who had been trying to juggle some discomfort, suddenly adjusted her posture.

Geez, why’s the atmosphere feel like a funeral all of a sudden?

“Really, Lang-lang has already moved on. The past is just that—past. Lang-lang will only look towards a bright future.”

That made Jo Hak-che’s expression grow even gloomier.

Lang-lang tilted her head in curiosity.

“This is the absolute truth. Why don’t you believe me? Ah, I get it! It’s because Lang-lang’s expressions are non-existent! Ever since my family was wiped out, I’ve been unable to express my emotions. I’m not entirely devoid of feelings, so don’t worry, scoundrel of the Jo family.”

Even without expressions, the phrase “scoundrel of the Jo family” made it clear she was none too pleased.

Jo Hak-che seemed to pick up on this, and a bitter smile crept onto his face.

“Right. If you need help, feel free to visit the Jo clan.”

“I need help right now! Lang-lang would like to borrow Cheonhwa-geom to repay her debt.”

“Huh? I don’t want to! Why not?”

Suddenly, a warm, gentle sensation wrapped around Qing’s arm.

Qing halted her words and turned her head.

For some reason, Gyeon Pohee was looking at her with a lingering, sorrowful gaze right up close.

But whatever was happening, Lang-lang was still on a roll.

“There’s no need to decline.”

“I’m not declining; I’m outright rejecting! Who do you think you are?”

“I shall issue my rejection. Lang-lang’s feelings cannot be forced upon by Cheonhwa-geom. Because Lang-lang’s feelings belong to Lang-lang.”

“Lady, how can you be this ridiculous?”

“True! How can you be this ridiculous?”

Gyeon Pohee chimed in.

Still, Lang-lang’s expression remained unchanged.

“Thus, due to this reason, Lang-lang requires a considerable amount of gold to indulge in her current hobby of gourmet food. Brother Jo, you should kindly provide Lang-lang with some financial assistance.”

“How convenient that I’m only ‘Brother’ when you need something from me.”

“Quickly present me the funds, scoundrel of the Jo family.”

To this, Jo Hak-che intriguingly pulled out a ledger from his pocket and handed it over completely.

“It should be around one hundred gold.”

The other ladies clinging to Jo Hak-che gasped in awe.

It was a sight to behold, as if he’d just handed over pocket money with the casualness of nobility.

Qing took a moment to evaluate him.

Honestly, it made sense he deserved the title of respected elder given the company he kept.

“Thank you. But I won’t be visiting your clan. Lang-lang does not wish to dwell on negative memories tied to our past relationship.”

“Right. That makes sense. Then I should excuse myself. Young Ladies, shall we find a quiet place and have a heart-to-heart?”

“Yes!”

“Sure thing!”

The two ladies’ eyes sparkled at that.

“Could it be that Young Lady Seomun would like to join us?”

“Does Brother Jo want a kick to the face?”

Thank you, but I really hope not to see you again.

As they slipped away, Jo Hak-che still brought up the next opportunity to meet, and Qing flung a handful of well-oiled pig hooves at him.

The hooves flew in an arc, landing neatly in Jo Hak-che’s hair.

With envious gazes following, he departed, transforming with the pig hooves into one grotesque sight, leaving just a satisfied Lang-lang behind.

“Are you curious about my past? It’s nothing special. The Hahoo family was annihilated for treason.”

“Oh.”

It’s you again, Emperor? What on earth is happening in this country?

As Qing’s features twisted in discontent, Lang-lang shook her head.

“There’s no need for your pity. I was actually preparing for a revolt.”

“Oh, really, is that so?”

“The Hahoo family was simply too weak to survive. If they weren’t, the imperial family would have been the ones harmed. That’s the whole story. Lang-lang carries no regrets about it.”

“Oh, okay.”

Um, what should I say now?

Just then Lang-lang spoke again.

“However, if you are inclined to offer emotional support to someone like me, let it be known that witnessing the disgraceful scenes of Cheonhwa-geom’s messy and unrefined eating is bringing me unprecedented joy. Human dining scenes can truly provide such immense delight. I have been greatly enlightened.”

“I’m really begging you, could you just leave?”

“I’m sorry. Lang-lang isn’t interested in accommodating requests. Sorry, I’m lying; I’m not really sorry at all.”

“Could you please just go over there?”

—-

Not too long ago, an old man set off on a winding journey over mountains and waters.

It was a sort of escape, and he hurried due to his old age, so the trip wasn’t easy.

Yet the old man was accompanied by robust children and cold beasts he had raised as if they were his own, so he wasn’t too lonely.

The old man, who kept several poisonous snakes in his bosom, was referred to as Boyeol by the people of the martial world.

And he even had a new disciple.

Though he was slow-witted enough to learn one thing after being taught ten, he was obedient enough that the old man hadn’t judged him solely on his innate talent.

Eventually, they arrived in Hubei province at the village!

When the grand manor of the Seolga Merchant Association came into view, Boyeol’s heart grew heavy.

So they said it was a small merchant association, but this truly was tiny.

What kind of introduction is this, really? Did that old man trick me again?

He came since Seomun Qing invited him, but the manor’s size was shockingly small.

There’s no way this could be a proper base.

Naturally, even if staying in Hubei was tricky, the gangster group would find it hard to exert influence here.

But the Zhengpai folks, that’s another story.

Could a place this tiny truly be a safe harbor from the grudges between Zhengpai and the gangsters?

Yet, Boyeol was the most disappointed by it.

Even if it didn’t work out, wasn’t there a chance he could use Cheonhwa-geom’s name to at least wrangle a few coins? He might not be able to eat it himself, but he should buy some nourishing food for his precious little snakes.

He had only stayed in Guangxi for a single season, yet he had already forgotten the harsh winter his home in the Central Plain suffered, as if cold was a natural enemy of the snakes.

Hence, he decided to set down his luggage at the tavern before making his way to the merchant association.

But something felt… off.

Was something…?

Something felt strange, didn’t it?

Folks hauling baggage, those carrying goods, women pushing veggie carts—they were all shooting glances this way.

It wasn’t subtle either.

It felt closer to an outright warning that they were blatantly watching us.

Each and every laborer entering and exiting the Seolga Merchant Association was not hiding their formidable skills, with most at the peak mastery level, some even at the supreme martial artist level, and even a first-rate one mixed in occasionally.

This isn’t your average merchant association.

Boyeol swallowed hard.

When he finally reached the entrance of the Seolga Merchant Association, he found the guards outside to be equally as masterful.

“Greetings, sir. What brings you to our humble association?”

Boyeol cautiously started the conversation.

“Is this the Seolga Merchant Association? I’m a physician known as Sasa. I have connections with someone named Seomun Qing, the Cheonhwa-geom. She invited me to lend a hand and asked for an introduction.”

At that, the guards’ attitudes transformed abruptly.

In a good way.

Their faces lit up with smiles.

“Oh! So the Young Lady has introduced you? You should’ve mentioned that sooner! Come on in! My, it’s utterly frigid this winter, isn’t it? May I ask if you prefer tea or liquor to warm you up?”

“Um, I enjoy tea.”

“Oh! Luckily, we just happened to have some fine old tea with us. Allow me to guide you to the central salon.”

No tea is more celebrated than the specialty from Hubei province.

As with any tea renowned by its region, it was remarkably expensive.

And as a tea enthusiast, Boyeol couldn’t help but, involuntarily, smirk with delight.

“Hey, did you hear? We have a Young Lady guest! Clear the road!”

Suddenly, everyone passing by the merchant association scattered off in all directions, blinking cheerfully for some reason.

A chill ran through Boyeol’s spine.

The workers disguised as common folk weren’t mere workers; the main battle force had been disguised as the passersby, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

Boyeol’s instincts screamed, what was happening? The Cheonhwa-geom had hidden such forces right on the borders of Zhengpai territory, practically in front of her own Divine Maiden Sect?

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