Chapter 23
Phew.
I exhaled deeply.
Three exchanges of attacks.
Though I had only swung my sword three times, I had won—but it wasn’t the kind of victory that came easily.
The result was only possible because I had packed quite a lot into those three moves.
Even if it wasn’t my full power, it was as close to my best as I could manage.
Thanks to that, I gained a bit of confidence.
Individual differences aside, it was enough to intimidate even a peak master.
‘Maybe I overdid it a bit?’
I scratched the back of my head while looking at Yu-guk, who had lost consciousness and collapsed.
I had been unsure before the second bout, but now I was certain that Yu-guk was a descendant of Yu-maeng.
The final move he had used before collapsing was exactly the martial technique of Yu-maeng that I knew.
There were similar techniques in the world, but at this level, denying it would be almost laughable.
Still, leaving him on the cold floor like that would make his jaw stiff.
“Can’t be helped.”
I grunted and hoisted the unconscious Yu-guk onto my back.
Since I had provoked him first, I thought it was fair enough that he’d get hit, but still—he was someone helping the Geumhwa Trading Company.
And on top of that, he was a descendant of Yu-maeng, so I couldn’t help but be a little more careful.
They say misery loves company, after all.
The memory of enduring hardship alongside some crazy fool resurfaced, so I couldn’t just leave him there.
“By the way, he won’t ask about this, right?”
Just as I was about to leave the training hall, my eyes fell on Yu-guk’s broken sword lying on the ground.
It was a well-made piece, but not what one would call a “new recruit” weapon.
It was the kind you could buy if you had enough money.
“Well, he probably won’t demand compensation.”
I didn’t really think he would.
I had just given the broken sword a second glance because its severed state reminded me of the volcano incident.
“Compensate me.”
That was the first thing Yu-guk said after receiving treatment and regaining consciousness.
Of course, the one he wanted compensation from was his own weapon.
“It’s not a new recruit weapon or a treasure, but it’s been with me for a long time.”
He believed that since I had cut it in half, I had a minimum duty to take responsibility.
Naturally, his claim was immediately dismissed by someone else.
“You provoked him first, right? Then it’s not your weapon’s fault if it got cut in half.”
The voice that intervened and settled the argument belonged to Geumdanmok.
Firm, yet trustworthy.
Of course, Yu-guk was reluctant to accept this.
“You side with him? I never thought you’d be so unfair.”
“Judging by how long your mouth is today, seems like my words hit a nerve.”
“No, not at all!”
“That’s fine. In life, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you talk too much.”
“No, really!”
“I understand.”
Geumdanmok easily outmatched Yu-guk in verbal skill, even if not in martial ability.
Now that was more like a true merchant.
“If we’re talking about compensation, it should go to Jamu, right? That wish-fulfilling thing? Leave that aside.”
Yu-guk’s demand for compensation finally died down.
Realizing he couldn’t win in words, he fell silent and instead sent a pleading glance to someone nearby.
To Je-gal Myung of Geum-myeong Clinic, who had been treating him.
Of course, Geum-myeong didn’t side with him.
On the contrary, he scolded him.
“You’ve heard of my fees, haven’t you?”
At those words, Yu-guk went silent.
It was widely known that Geum-myeong’s treatment required the patient’s entire fortune.
Je-gal Myung smiled, but I could tell he had no intention of taking Yu-guk’s money.
After all, I had brought him here for treatment.
Geum-myeong, who firmly believed I had repaired the life-and-death acupuncture, had been very friendly toward me ever since.
And with good reason.
The repair might have been a ruse, but the information I provided about the life-and-death acupuncture came from him, so it was authentic.
That information must have been useful because, after a few days, the state of the acupuncture point looked much healthier than the first time I saw it.
Not only did it shine, but the flow of spiritual energy was also stronger and more stable.
‘All thanks to you! Thank you!’
Even the life-and-death acupuncture itself seemed to thank me directly.
Yu-guk initially kept a stern expression, watching Je-gal Myung closely, but soon relaxed and even looked relieved.
“I didn’t realize you were here. Then I don’t have to worry about my friend’s body anymore. Thank you.”
Once the treatment ended, Yu-guk assumed a martial salute toward Je-gal Myung.
Je-gal Myung smiled and returned the gesture.
“I should be the one thanking you.”
Then his gaze shifted to me.
I sensed why.
“I recently found a method that might help even with life-and-death acupuncture. I might have good news soon.”
Je-gal Myung’s expression brightened noticeably.
He didn’t stop there.
“I also want to check on the health of the Jangwon household. What do you think, Gongja?”
“I’d welcome that.”
Actually, it was something I wanted him to do.
Recent events and scams must have left them exhausted, so if Je-gal Myung took care of them, it would improve morale.
“Then as the head of the household, I can’t just stand by.”
Geumdanmok generously provided medicinal ingredients.
Je-gal Myung, a master in creating remedies, agreed to prepare the medicine himself.
“Do… I get anything?”
Yu-guk peeked anxiously.
It wasn’t just that he would miss out; anyone would covet Je-gal Myung’s remedies.
But Geumdanmok stopped him.
“Not only did you try to mess with the Geum family heir, now you want the remedies too?”
Yu-guk had no excuse and sulked.
Then Geumdanmok smiled warmly.
“The medicine is up to the divine to decide, but I’ll prepare something for your broken weapon—usable until you find a new one. Annoying, yes, but you’ve agreed to be an ally.”
Yu-guk couldn’t hide his joy.
“I… I knew you’d do it, Head of Geum!”
Of course, Geumdanmok wasn’t so easy.
“But you have a task to do.”
“W-what task?”
“I’ll tell you slowly.”
Geumdanmok grinned ominously at Yu-guk but smiled warmly at me.
“You may not feel good about it, but what can we do? Your uncle’s childish like this. You, as a grown man, will have to understand.”
Yu-guk pouted, a little out of place.
It was funny, and I wanted to nod in approval.
But our head of the household was a true merchant: calculated and fair.
“In exchange for my apology on your uncle’s behalf, I’ll give you something useful too.”
He thought for a moment, then added:
“It’s better if you choose yourself rather than me giving something randomly.”
He rummaged and pulled out a key.
“Take this.”
“What is it?”
“The key to the Geum family treasury.”
Geum family treasury.
I understood—it was the Geum clan’s treasure repository.
But why was Yu-guk even more amazed?
“You’ve decided Jamu will be your successor?”
Suddenly he mentioned succession.
Geumdanmok smiled faintly, silently.
That was answer enough.
‘He’s serious.’
It wouldn’t be a lie to say there was no pressure, but I wasn’t too concerned.
In a world where today and tomorrow are uncertain, succession is just as changeable.
If it didn’t work out, I could pass it to someone else later.
‘Still, it’s better if it’s someone of my blood.’
In that sense, I felt I had to save my younger siblings this time.
Anyway.
“Thank you.”
If they were giving me anything, I wouldn’t refuse.
Especially if it was treasure.
‘Geum family treasury.’
The name sounded grand, though whether it was immediately useful was another question.
If necessary, I could make what I needed myself, like my Myeolak Sword at my waist.
But treasure isn’t defined only by utility.
‘Even if I don’t need it, I can sell it for funds.’
So I decided to prioritize what I needed, and if nothing suitable, choose something likely to sell for a high price.
“You’ll need to find something you like.”
Geumdanmok, unaware of my intentions, just looked at me with satisfaction.
Geum Family Treasury.
Before establishing the current Geumhwa Trading Company, the Geum family had maintained this treasure repository for at least 200 years.
One question arose: why hadn’t the Black Front touched it?
It seemed they had—but couldn’t take what they wanted.
The reason was simple:
“They cleaned it out.”
The treasury was empty.
All that remained were traces of the Black Front’s raid.
I made my decision immediately.
“I’ll get this back.”
The dead men had gone to the afterlife.
Normally, I’d let them have their due, but a glance told me a significant amount of wealth had been taken.
“Likely moved to the Black Front’s main base.”
I had to retrieve it immediately.
But first… hmm.
“Strange.”
I couldn’t understand Geumdanmok.
He must have known the treasury was emptied.
Yet he sent me here?
There was only one answer.
“There must be something more.”
I rubbed my chin and inspected the treasury again.
If what I saw wasn’t everything, the situation made sense.
The question was how to find it.
I could smash everything open, but that might damage the hidden treasure, so I chose a safer method.
“Please.”
I whispered into the air.
That was enough.
‘It’s easy. Leave it to me.’
A voice answered, and a shadow wriggled before sinking into the ground.
Moments later, a head popped up nearby.
It was Sahoon.
‘There’s a hidden staircase leading underground here.’
Just as I thought.
“Found the location, then.”
The remaining problem:
“How do we get in?”
I scanned the floor and surroundings.
There was no obvious way down.
I was about to consider breaking it down when…
Dr-r-ruk.
With the sound of rolling stones, the floor opened, revealing a hidden space with Sahoon.
‘I noticed a handle, so I used it.’
He had triggered a mechanism from inside to open the door.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
This Reaper might be even more useful than I imagined.
