Translator: Nox
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Diversion Strategy
#1
Son Ji-chang, eldest son of the Son Sect, was not staying at the Yellow Crane Tower.
Too many secrets there.
He’d chosen to lodge temporarily in a nearby town, Juru, because he didn’t want to risk letting Peng Sect’s warriors or officials near any of the [operations].
But then—
“I’m sorry, but we’ll have to decline that offer. Apologies for the wasted trip.”
“W-what?”
“What, disappointed? I just think Peng Sect should remain quiet a little longer. We’ll figure things out using our current assets and tributes.”
The Peng Sect’s Sect Leader rejected him politely — but the message was direct.
Son Ji-chang looked stunned.
The Clan Head stood up calmly.
But then, Ji-chang blocked him with internal energy surging through his veins.
“P-please wait! Everything’s ready — how can you refuse now?!”
“I believe it’s better for Yellow Crane Tower to work with others — especially those closer to the Son Sect.”
“You’ll regret this. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Hm... Listen, Son Ji-chang.”
THUD—
Peng Jin-mu, who was a head taller than Ji-chang, gave him a cold, quiet stare.
He didn’t raise his qi.
He didn’t strike.
He simply *looked*.
<Wasn’t he supposed to be just at the peak entry level?>
But Ji-chang’s whole body tensed.
He had to actively circulate his qi just to keep from buckling.
There was something else.
Call it *aura* — or perhaps, the overwhelming pressure of an elder.
Words couldn’t capture the weight Jin-mu exuded.
Then a large hand came down on his shoulder — firm but calm.
And with that strength came soft but heavy words.
“I understand that you carry heavy responsibilities as heir to your clan. But it’s always wise to show proper respect to your elders — no matter who they are.”
“......”
“Just think of this as advice from a senior in life. Either way, we’re grateful for your offer.”
Jin-mu bowed lightly and gave a martial salute.
Ji-chang, acting on instinct, mirrored the salute — unable to utter a single word.
He could only watch helplessly as Peng Jin-mu and the elder turned and left.
And once their presence had fully vanished...
The fear hit.
Why had he been so desperate to involve the Peng Sect?
Because of pressure from the power behind the Son Sect.
<“If you want to save your clan head, bring Peng Sect into the fold.”>
<“If not... your clan, and the entire region of Jiangxi, will be reduced to ash.”>
<“You saw what happened to the Namgung Clan, didn’t you?”>
“What the hell am I supposed to do...?”
Panic set in.
He had assumed everything would go smoothly.
But that plan had just collapsed — and he had no backup.
Because he had *assumed* this wasn’t a variable.
“ARGHHHH—! F***!!!”
CRASH!
He upended the entire drinking table.
Terrified servants rushed in — but Ji-chang’s fury didn’t subside.
Or was it even fury?
More like fear — manifesting as denial.
Thanks to Hyeon-do, Peng Sect had unknowingly escaped a dangerous snare.
Even if just for now.
#2
The Meng Trading Company.
Once spanning Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Zhejiang.
It had fallen into ruin, but had slowly started rebuilding itself — this journey was a key step.
Failure was not an option.
Yet in Hubei, it was nearly impossible to find enough martial artists or escorts.
“Huuu... Can we really make it to the Zhegall Sect with this few people?”
“Father, don’t worry. The Zhegalls said they’ll send warriors too.”
“Still...”
The company’s leader, Meng Ja-seong, had traveled the continent and seen much.
He knew the Zhegall Sect was sharp and well-trained.
But even they couldn’t defend against everything.
“We need warriors who are quick, durable... and strong in close combat.”
His worries deepened.
Just then — someone came running across the large courtyard.
Ja-seong was up early, organizing goods and checking carriages himself.
“Company Chief! You have guests. They say they’re here to see you personally!”
“Now?”
“Yes! They asked if you need warriors...”
“Hm. Drifters? Or mercenaries? Bring them here.”
“Yes, sir!”
The runner dashed off.
And moments later, returned with four figures.
Ja-seong’s eyes widened when he saw one of them.
“Is that... the Chief Steward?!”
“Good to see you. Been a while.”
“You’ve been well?”
“Still breathing — barely.”
“I heard the Son Sect approached you...”
Merchants had to know the flow of information.
Only then could they control the game board and name their price.
Ja-seong was no exception.
He knew the Son Sect had been moving around.
They even had their own affiliated merchant groups.
The Mengs were small, but they had secured a deal with the Zhegall Sect.
That alone was enough to draw unwanted attention.
<And yet... they came here on their own?>
He processed everything quickly — and smiled wide.
“So what brings you to this humble place?”
“Thought you might need warriors. Interested?”
“We depart tomorrow morning... could you be ready in time? Ah, look at me rambling. Come inside!”
“Much appreciated.”
The steward gave a martial salute and followed Ja-seong inside with light steps.
As they walked, he exchanged a glance with Hyeon-do.
“This should go smoothly.”
“Looks like it.”
“And what if he had refused?”
“I was prepared to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
‘I've got some intel. Dirt worth a small fortune.’
Hyeon-do’s smile wasn’t just for the Mengs.
Because the Zhegall Sect had skeletons in their closet, too.
<Man... I remember digging for those secrets in the game. That was hell.>
Either way, this was going to be fun.
And one person in particular would be joining this mission.
With luck, Hyeon-do might even win over someone at the *top* of the Zhegall Sect.
#3
“Please, eat.”
“Thank you.”
“And this is...?”
“This is Peng Hyeon-do. The youngest of our clan.”
“Oho—! So the Young Master himself joins us! This is going to be a good journey, I can tell!”
Ja-seong instinctively examined Hyeon-do.
The lazy young master of Peng Sect — supposedly a deadbeat who only occasionally wandered the streets.
And yet...
<His gaze is sharp. His build is solid. This doesn’t match the rumors at all.>
His actions didn’t fit the image of a lazy noble.
In fact — the boy seemed ready to pounce.
<A hidden dragon, maybe?>
“Let’s get to business.”
Hyeon-do cut straight to the point.
Everyone knew why they were there.
Given the Peng Sect’s current condition, no one would be surprised.
“Ahem. So you're here to support this journey?”
“Yes. The Yellow Tiger Squad, our Outer Hall Lord, and the Young Master will accompany you.”
“You’re putting your elite team on this?”
“We are. We approached quietly, in the early morning, just to avoid Son Sect eyes.”
Ja-seong nodded.
That alone answered his concerns.
The Yellow Tiger Squad — composed of first-rate martial artists — was the Peng Sect’s strongest combat force.
Normally, side branches or subcontracted fighters would be dispatched.
But if they were sending their main force...
<Then this mission must really matter.>
“Then let’s discuss the most important thing.”
“You’ll need to talk with the Young Master about that.”
“Eh? Not the Chief Steward?”
“Hah. Who do you think proposed this visit?”
“......”
Ja-seong turned to the boy.
And Peng Hyeon-do smiled.
“Company Chief, may I borrow your ear?”
“O-of course.”
He leaned in.
And Hyeon-do whispered something.
As the words spilled out, Ja-seong’s expression changed again and again.
“......”
“So, ten silver per day. How does that sound?”
“T-ten...? But the company doesn’t have that kind of budget...”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make up the difference myself.”
“Huff...”
Ja-seong just stared at him.
And nodded.
The intel this boy had?
It was *terrifying*.
But it wasn’t just blackmail.
From a business perspective — it was still a good deal.
Watching silently from the side, the steward couldn’t resist asking.
“Young Master, what did you say to him?”
“I’ll tell you later. Fewer people who know, the better.”
“Haha. You wound me — not even I get to know?”
“Forgive me. But if all goes well, I’ll give you a gift.”
“Now you’ve got me curious.”
So — will you accept?
That final smile from Hyeon-do sealed the deal.
And Ja-seong gave his answer.
【To be continued in Chapter 8】
