Chapter 61
Red Dragon Martial Emperor
Yellow Dragon Syndicate Leader: Yan Youguang
There is a saying: the enemy of my enemy is my ally.
Accordingly, Wang Zhijing had now become, in Yi Hwan’s eyes, an ally—someone who must fight against their common enemy, the Yellow Dragon Syndicate. Of course, Yi Hwan himself had shaped the situation that way.
‘Good thing I changed my approach.’
Originally, his goal had been to eliminate Wang Zhijing.
Clink.
Yi Hwan glanced down at the tea before him.
It was Longjing tea, prepared by Lee Young.
‘I didn’t realize I still had feelings like this.’
In his own era, Yi Hwan had been a cold-blooded man without a shred of mercy or compassion.
He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals—and as a result, he had unified the world.
Though celebrated as a great figure in martial history, he was neither a chivalrous hero nor a true hero in any sense.
“Master, what are you thinking about?”
Cheol Muok’s voice broke his reverie.
Yi Hwan finished the rest of his tea and stood.
“Is it time for the meeting?”
“Yes. It’s almost time to leave.”
Today, Wang Zhijing would attend a meeting. And the Yellow Dragon Syndicate leader would be there as well.
Despite having his life threatened twice by the Yellow Dragon Syndicate, Wang Zhijing hadn’t backed down. His trust in Yi Hwan gave him that courage.
Yi Hwan knew it.
He stepped outside.
Zhu Tai was waiting, looking completely different in his tidy white robe and neatly styled hair.
“Getting used to this yet?”
“Being with you makes every day feel new. Let’s go.”
The three headed toward the main gate.
The carriage and escorts were ready, but Wang Zhijing had not yet appeared.
Click-clack.
Everyone bowed to Yi Hwan.
He was now recognized as their leader—a natural consequence of martial world law, where strength always comes first.
Yi Hwan mounted his horse and waited for Wang Zhijing. No one now questioned his authority.
Soon, Wang Zhijing appeared.
Dressed in more luxurious robes than usual, holding a golden ceremonial fan, his appearance reflected his seriousness for the meeting.
Before boarding the carriage, he spoke to Yi Hwan:
“I’ll be counting on you for this journey.”
Shortly after, they began moving.
The sunlight was unusually bright that day. Yi Hwan wanted to enjoy the brilliant sunlight.
“We’ll go slowly.”
“There isn’t much time left.”
“No matter. We enter after the Yellow Dragon Syndicate.”
His words drew laughter from inside the carriage.
“Hahaha!”
Hero Pavilion (Yingxiong Ge)
A place established to honor heroes who had traveled the world during the era of Emperor Yan. This was the meeting location.
Four people would attend. All were wealthy and renowned figures in the world.
Whistling winds cooled the hot day around Hero Pavilion, thanks to the high mountains and rivers that lessened the sun’s heat.
Three people were already seated.
“Master Wang seems quite late. Are you sure we have the right meeting time?”
“Impossible. Let’s wait a bit longer.”
The two middle-aged men appeared calm, but the Yellow Dragon Syndicate leader’s heart was anything but.
‘Deliberately late to assert his pride? How ridiculous.’
One middle-aged man asked:
“I hear he’s getting into the inn business as well. Is that true?”
“Nothing’s decided yet.”
“So, it’s possible?”
“If it’s profitable, why not?”
The other middle-aged man frowned at the response:
“Control yourself. Stretching your fingers everywhere like an octopus only drags us into criticism. We’re already hated for being rich. Ahem!”
Snicker.
“Isn’t that rich coming from someone making money off courtesans?”
“What?!”
At that moment:
“Master Wang has arrived.”
Yi Hwan’s eyes focused on the carriage. Naturally, they first fell on the Yellow Dragon Syndicate’s guards. However, Shangshan Xuedao was not visible.
[It seems his wrist is broken, so he didn’t come.]
Cheol Muok’s transmitted words reached Yi Hwan as he observed the pavilion. He could not yet identify the syndicate leader.
But soon, he did—thanks to Wang Zhijing’s mocking comment:
“That guy in yellow robes is the leader of the Yellow Dragon Syndicate. Looks like a snake, doesn’t he?”
“Stand tall and walk proudly.”
“Ahem! Understood!”
Yi Hwan deliberately had the carriage wait right beside the Yellow Dragon Syndicate.
The gazes directed at him varied—some aggressive, some anxious.
He sat in the driver’s seat.
Cheol Muok spoke to the Yellow Dragon guards:
“Step back. You stink.”
“Watch your mouth.”
“Can’t?”
“….”
The defiance ended there. No one dared step forward. Zhu Tai swept his gaze over them and leaned slightly against the carriage.
“Shangshan Xuedao isn’t here. Coward running away?”
“What?”
“You’re testing me, huh?”
“….”
When Zhu Tai glared, a Yellow Dragon guard who had been brash bit his lip and stepped back.
Cheol Muok laughed.
[That kid seems naturally gifted in this kind of thing.]
Yi Hwan smiled too.
He stared at the Yellow Dragon Syndicate leader. Though the angle didn’t reveal his face, his upright posture exuded a different aura than Wang Zhijing’s.
‘In a world ruled by gold, he’s the top predator. If I can bring him and the Yellow Dragon Syndicate down, I can overturn everything.’
The easiest method existed: simply kill the leader here. But that would provoke the Empress and the Second Prince, and what would follow was unpredictable. He could not risk it.
It was a matter of having—or lacking—powerful backing.
Then the syndicate leader turned toward Yi Hwan.
Their gazes met briefly—just an instant—before he looked away.
Yi Hwan smirked coldly.
‘I can’t kill him right now, but I won’t let him go easily either.’
Unlike before, there was no loud commotion today.
Yi Hwan watched Wang Zhijing descend Hero Pavilion. His relaxed expression suggested a satisfactory result.
Yi Hwan then turned to the figure behind him: the Yellow Dragon Syndicate leader was descending. Their eyes met once again.
Yi Hwan stepped forward.
The syndicate leader flinched and gestured hurriedly to his guards. Some rushed to block him, but Yi Hwan stopped in front of Wang Zhijing.
Though it appeared to be the guards’ intervention, the syndicate leader’s heart skipped a beat.
Then:
[Better take care of that disgusting thing on your shoulder.]
‘That guy!’
Cheol Muok and Zhu Tai had withdrawn during the escort to the mansion. They reached a secluded place, put on prepared masks, and disappeared.
Only after the group arrived at the mansion and some time had passed did they return.
They entered Yi Hwan’s residence.
The scent of blood hit immediately.
“How did it go?”
“Half of them are dead. Their courage should be shriveled.”
“No injuries?”
“All fine.”
“I’m fine too.”
Cheol Muok and Zhu Tai had attacked the Yellow Dragon Syndicate on the way back. Yi Hwan had intended this from the start.
“Wash up and eat.”
“Yes.”
Elsewhere in the city…
Yellow Dragon Syndicate leader Yan Youguang’s face was bright red. On the way back from the meeting, two masked intruders had ambushed them, wiping out half of his guards.
Though now he trembled with rage, at that moment he had trembled with fear.
Recalling the cruel scene still sent chills down his spine.
Anger also surged.
‘How much did I spend on recruiting these guys…’
The masked intruders had overwhelmed his highly paid guards. Their hands were merciless, forcing even Yan Youguang, who watched through a window, to look away.
‘It must have been him!’
He trembled, remembering Yi Hwan’s warning.
Bang!
Unable to contain his anger, Yan Youguang slammed the table. Teacups flew and shattered, water soaking the floor.
“Where are they?!”
Rattling!
A middle-aged man rushed in, surveyed the mess, and approached Yan Youguang.
“Go to Shangchun Inn immediately. Spend whatever it takes to hire fighters stronger than Wang Zhijing’s guards!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Wait!”
The man paused at the door.
“Contact the Jin branch too. Recruit martial experts there! Quickly, as many as possible!”
“Yes, syndicate leader.”
Once he left, Yan Youguang walked to the window and flung it open.
His neck and chest flushed with rage. Another source of anger: Wang Zhijing.
‘Who does he think he is, running around like that?’
At the meeting, Wang Zhijing had said:
“I’m considering a partnership with the Song family, but I hope there’s no dispute over business in the future. If warnings are ignored as before, I will not sit idly by.”
But it was his attitude that irked Yan Youguang more.
Throughout the meeting, Wang Zhijing exuded an air that he could easily end anyone like him.
‘Partner with the Song family? Has he forgotten who’s behind me?’
His anger built, and even a spasm appeared at his eye.
‘If he acts like this, I have no choice. I’ve tolerated him until now, letting him expand his influence, but from now on, no more mercy. Wang Zhijing.’
The Imperial Palace
Second Prince Yi Tae-ji sat with an advisor.
“I’m curious about Yan’s expression.”
“Why didn’t you meet him?”
“He trusts his wealth too much. We must tame him before he tries to bite. Otherwise…”
“If overdone, it may backfire. Next time, make sure to meet him. By the way, rumors say Wang Zhijing has allied with the Song family.”
“Who’s Wang Zhijing?”
“He amassed wealth rivaling the Yellow Dragon Syndicate through loan business. Some call him the Emperor of the Shadows. If rumors are true, we need to investigate his backers.”
“Is he moving before the Yellow Dragon Syndicate enters the loan business?”
“No. If so, why ally with the failing Song family? The problem is, Wang Zhijing must know who’s behind the syndicate. His boldness means…”
The advisor trailed off.
Yi Tae-ji’s eyes flashed.
‘Could it be connected to the Crown Prince’s palace?’
“Yes. That’s exactly what worries me. If the Crown Prince’s palace has dealings with Wang Zhijing, it could be serious. Currently, our advantage is capital. If that wavers, our plans are in jeopardy.”
The prince’s composure vanished.
“Mobilize the Golden Guards. Gather information immediately! If the Crown Prince is involved, inform Her Majesty and take preemptive action! Contact the governor to strengthen surveillance on the Song family and Wang Zhijing!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Once the advisor left, Yi Tae-ji sank into his chair, steeling his gaze.
‘If this is true, all sprouts must be cut off.’
