Chapter 83
After gathering all the spoils, I spoke with the talisman craftsman one last time.
Perhaps thanks to his final display using the talismans, he had inadvertently become their representative.
“I don’t know if you’ll believe me now, but I did not target Seongmang Fortress (星望城) with the intent of plunging the world into chaos.”
Seongmang Fortress seemed to be what they called Honcheon Fortress. Roughly translated, it was like “the star you wish upon.”
Watching the talisman craftsman clean up the bodies of the dead, he wore a bitter expression.
“Even if one is desperate, some actions must not be taken. You’ve received the punishment for that. In that sense, I won’t bother you again.”
His eyes, surprisingly insightful despite his rough first impression, suggested he had learned much. In human affairs, you never know what might happen later, but at least for now, I had no reason to worry.
“Then, once the cleanup is complete, we’ll part ways.”
Regardless of trust, the aftermath needed to be handled properly. Since the Cheonma Sect was involved, leaving behind even trivial traces could complicate things.
‘Eventually, it’s only a matter of time before they hear my name.’
Even if it took a little time, the Cheonma Sect would inevitably learn of today’s events. But even if they did, the forces of the righteous would keep them in check—they wouldn’t go all out against a single merchant group. Just buying time was enough for some measure of defense.
In that sense, the talisman craftsman’s talismans were quite useful. The flames that had proven effective even against Surada were still wiping all traces clean along with the corpses.
I watched the scene for a moment, and the talisman craftsman smiled with satisfaction.
“They’re my talismans, but they’re quite handy.”
“Seems so.”
Judging by their power, a single talisman could easily burn down an entire house, so his confidence was warranted. He gave me a total of ten talismans, seven of which could produce flames like that.
“Hmm.”
Originally, I intended to part ways here. But watching him and the others diligently clean up, my mind began to change.
‘These are definitely useful.’
If I provided them what they needed, perhaps they could give me what I needed in return. That was the idea.
“Coincidentally, my merchant group is planning to recruit someone. Are you interested?”
I made the offer thinking, if it works, good; if not, no harm done.
At first, he naturally refused.
Seeing him decline without even a moment’s thought, I let go of my own expectations.
Still, when I mentioned the pay for joining as a merchant warrior, he continued to act indifferent—but the change in his demeanor was noticeable.
“Since it would be impolite to refuse your generosity outright, I will discuss and consider it carefully before giving you my answer.”
I smiled and said he was free to do so.
Afterward, I made similar offers not only to the talisman craftsman but to other groups as well. Reactions varied—from some who dismissed it as nonsense to others who responded like the talisman craftsman.
Some expressed immediate interest, but I told them to think it over first, as decisions, once made, could not easily be reversed.
‘From the shabby appearances, I guessed most of them have lived modest lives compared to their abilities.’
It’s said that money can solve anything, but I wasn’t offering a fortune. Honestly, with the money I proposed, I could recruit these people and still make roughly ten times the profit—good business by any measure.
‘Even if they were enemies, refusing would be foolish.’
A merchant should prioritize profit over sentiment. Even if I were in a previous life under similar circumstances, I’d think the same. I’ve seen countless situations where yesterday’s enemy becomes today’s ally. Stubbornly refusing rarely turns out well.
In that sense, the Golden Coin Merchant Group was in a position where pride alone wouldn’t do them much good.
‘Do what I can.’
Pride could come later, after a sigh of relief. As I thought this, all the arrangements were completed.
“I’ll give you exactly five days to think it over and visit the Golden Coin Merchant Group.”
After five days, I made it clear I would refuse anyone showing up late. I purposely set a short deadline, knowing that more time only gives people more room to overthink—or even try to exploit the offer.
So I kept the farewell brief:
“See you in five days.”
Thus ended the two-day journey. Of course, the trip back remained, but surely nothing would happen.
‘Things always happen when I think they won’t.’
Life in the martial world was like that. Interestingly, if you hoped or expected something to happen, it often didn’t. In any case, no incidents occurred at the Golden Coin Merchant Group.
I worried that leaving without a word might have caused chaos, but the group was perfectly calm. Even the gatekeeper greeted me: “Did you complete your work safely?”
Covered in blood, it was worth discarding my clothes and stopping by the nearby stream to wash up.
“Peace is best.”
Even if I were absent for longer than two days, my goal was to maintain this peace at the Golden Coin Merchant Group.
To that end, I went to the training grounds, forgetting my fatigue. At this point, my own strength was the most important factor. I needed time to fully integrate the results of the past two days.
I summoned Songgok and commanded:
“Until I emerge, allow no one to enter.”
For the next five days, I would close myself off.
Five days.
A short time, but used entirely for myself, it became meaningful—even if not perfect.
In terms of results, I had hoped for a rebirth transformation but failed again. It wasn’t due to a lack of insight.
During the process of refining and fully mastering the Zahakwon technique over these five days, I firmly reached the early stage of the ultimate level. I knew even without rebirth transformation, the growth speed was incredible.
Had I not lived as a Divine Sword and gained the corresponding insight, this would have been impossible.
Another factor was Gildang’s help. Achieving the ultimate level required balance between mind, body, and inner power—something divine aid alone couldn’t provide. The spiritual elixir Gildang had was exactly what I needed. I didn’t ask its origin; as Gildang’s master, whatever he possessed was mine. Slightly shamelessly put, I consumed it as my own.
“Rebirth transformation can wait.”
The imbalance between insight and body had been serious; left unchecked, I might have fallen into corruption. The five days of training had at least averted immediate danger.
“Time to handle pending matters.”
First on the list were those involved with Sogeom. As expected, none came to meet me.
“Perhaps my persuasion was insufficient.”
Having lived in hiding for years, convincing them wasn’t easy. A few might have come, but it couldn’t be helped.
Next, I turned to matters with the Jungwang Department. It wasn’t urgent; funds weren’t immediately needed, and the department wouldn’t suddenly collapse. Still, I planned to gather information one last time from Haomun before acting.
“Time to bring them out.”
I referred to Jahowang’s residence, where Dongchil and Sogeom were staying. I had delayed retrieving them to monitor the situation.
“Master!”
I expected no issues—they had food and were safe—but seeing Dongchil emerge from Jahowang’s residence lively as ever made me smile.
“It hasn’t been long, but you’re starting to look like a true warrior.”
The last time I saw him was seven days ago. His muscles had clearly increased even in that short span—a sign of serious effort.
“Still far from worthy of praise,” he said, though he grinned happily. I ruffled his hair and turned to Sogeom.
Sogeom had changed slightly too. Where he had once seemed tense, he now moved more naturally.
“Am I okay now?”
His voice showed no trace of anxiety or impatience. Just a few days at Jahowang’s residence had fostered mental growth. I nodded to him.
“At least for now, nothing serious will happen. You can return.”
Using both clairvoyance and insight, I could see no shadow of death over Sogeom. Future incidents might occur, but I didn’t need to worry now.
His reaction to being allowed to return was amusing.
“Why? Don’t you want to go?”
Sogeom looked startled. Indeed, he seemed reluctant to leave. I tested the waters.
“If you don’t want to return, you don’t have to.”
“Really?”
He bit at the bait, but I wasn’t done yet.
“What if you promise to come out of Haomun on all fours?”
“Ah.”
When he first heard he could stay, hope lit up his face—but deciding to leave Haomun wasn’t easy. I had expected this.
“Decide, and then tell me. Of course, I won’t accept it easily.”
Having Honcheon Fortress nearby didn’t harm me; those targeting Sogeom had referred to it as Seongmang Fortress, suggesting Sogeom might possess something I didn’t yet know. At least, I could prevent catastrophes. Allowing some leeway brightened Sogeom’s expression immediately.
“Thank you!”
No need for thanks. I didn’t send Sogeom back to Haomun yet; instead, we left for the training grounds together.
Just then, Songgok approached.
“Master. For several days now, someone from Haomun has stubbornly refused to leave.”
It was obvious he meant Yeonhwa.
Sogeom, it seems leaving Haomun won’t be easy for you.
