Light Novel: Volume 23 Episode 7
Manhwa: N/A

“Excuse me?”

Deung Chol-ung thought he had heard wrong.

He didn’t understand why Gu Jin-wang was asking him such a question, not to mention the fact that there weren’t many individuals possessing such legendary swords in the first place.

Seeing Deung Chol-ung’s puzzled look, an annoyed expression appeared on Gu Jin-wang’s face.

The moment Deung Chol-ung saw the change in Gu Jin-wang’s expression, he felt his heart sink once again.

He hurriedly said,

 “No, no! I’ll tell you!”

“You mean you know someone who possesses a sword of this caliber?”

“Well, there’s a place called the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.”

“Imperial Yuan Merchant Group?”

“Yes! It’s one of the most renowned merchant groups in the world, and its main branch is here at Poyang Lake. Their warehouse holds all sorts of valuable items, including some of the finest swords in the world.”

“Is that true?”

“I can guarantee it with my neck.”

Deung Chol-ung declared loudly.

In truth, he wasn’t entirely sure if the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group indeed housed legendary swords in their warehouse. However, they were the only ones around Poyang Lake with the wealth and capability to secretly store such items. 

They were known to store anything of value in their warehouse. 

Deung Chol-ung’s assertion, despite his uncertainty about whether or not the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group truly had legendary swords in their possession, stemmed from deep-seated resentment.

His downfall, from living like an envied king around Poyang Lake, began the moment he became entangled with the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

Noh Tae-tae sent his great-grandson, Ju Seolpung, to oppress him and the Blood Ant Gang.

From then on, the Blood Ant Gang fell into decline, forced to live and hide in the shadows. He had aligned himself with the Golden Heaven Society in hopes of taking revenge on both the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group and Ju Seolpung, however, by severing ties with Ju Seolpung, the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group blocked any justifiable intervention from others.

As a result, this prevented the Golden Heaven Society and other Jianghu factions from rashly confronting the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

To challenge a colossal merchant group like the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group, a solid justification was needed. 

That’s why no matter how much Deung Chol-ung clamored and insisted on retaliating and punishing the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group, nobody paid any attention.

Because of that, he had never dared to seek revenge until now.

‘If I use this old man well, I will be able to deal a significant blow to the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.’

Deung Chol-ung thought, inwardly smiling wickedly.

It was a scheme he had come up with on the spur of the moment under Gu Jin-wang’s pressure, but considering it was thought up on the spot, it was quite good.

“The Imperial Yuan Merchant Group… Can you really guarantee it with your neck?”

“Of course. But it won’t be easy to take a sword out of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group’s storage.”

“What do you mean? Are you doubting my abilities?”

“How could I doubt the divine might of the Wolf King? What I’m worried about is that the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group has deployed a huge army to their treasury. Their wealth is so great that they’ve hired a large number of incredible mercenaries. It would be extremely dangerous to break through the treasury they’re guarding.”

“Kahaha!”

Gu Jin-wang suddenly burst into laughter.

Tremble!

“Keugh!”

“Geuk!”

The inn shook violently as if it might collapse at any moment from his laughter, and the drinkers covered their ears and fell down.

Yet, Deung Chol-ung, who was sitting right in front of him, remained unaffected.

Gulp!

Deung Chol-ung swallowed his saliva once again.

Just this move alone was enough to know how extraordinary a master Gu Jin-wang was. He momentarily doubted whether his plan to use such an incredible master was the right decision.

‘Maybe I’ve miscalculated…’

He felt a moment of regret, but it was too late to back out.

Once a person is on the back of a tiger, it’s impossible for them to get off halfway.

‘Shit! Never mind! I’m sure it’ll work out somehow.’

If push came to shove, he could use Jang Hoyeon of the Golden Heaven Society.

In the worst-case scenario, he could sow discord between him and Gu Jin-wang, and escape by himself.

He was tired of being controlled by others anymore.

‘Alright! I will carve out my own destiny.’

Deung Chol-ung firmly made up his mind.

Bang!

At that moment, Gu Jin-wang stood up, slamming his large hand onto the table.

The thick table disintegrated into dust and scattered under his hand.

Deung Chol-ung’s eyes widened at the unbelievable sight.

‘My goodness!’

Breaking a table was one thing, but turning it into dust like that required unimaginable internal energy.

Deung Chol-ung had always known that Gu Jin-wang’s martial arts skills were extraordinary, but witnessing it firsthand made his legs tremble even more.

Gu Jin-wang then looked at Deung Chol-ung and said,

“It seems I must show you my power in person. Lead me to the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.”

“Y, You mean r-right now?”

“Yes! Take me there right now.”

“But…!”

“If you hesitate one more time, I’ll rip your head off.”

“I, I understand! I’ll take you there right away!”

Gu Jin-wang turned out to be even crazier than Deung Chol-ung had anticipated.

He knew Gu Jin-wang was unbridled, but he hadn’t expected this extent.

Deung Chol-ung carefully got up from his seat before walking out of the inn.

Gu Jin-wang just followed him from behind.

Once outside, familiar faces appeared.

They were the men Deung Chol-ung had sent out to gather information.

Deung Chol-ung’s men showed perplexed expressions at the unexpected situation. They realized the old man beside Deung Chol-ung was no ordinary martial artist.

As nothing else would explain why Deung Chol-ung was acting so meekly, like a mouse in front of a cat.

Deung Chol-ung exchanged glances with his men.

They were just as perceptive and quick-witted as Deung Chol-ung himself.

They quickly understood that they should not stay around to witness what would happen next.

Deung Chol-ung gave a slight nod.

He meant them to go to the Golden Heaven Society and report.

Fortunately, his subordinates understood his intentions and disappeared into the crowd.

Just then, Gu Jin-wang chuckled and said,

“It seems like those are your men. They’re all as shrewd as rats, just like their master.”

“T, That’s—!”

“I don’t want to hear any of your excuses. Just continue walking and escort me to the warehouse.”

“Yes!”

Deung Chol-ung gave up making excuses and started walking.

“Ahh! So good!”

Gu Jin-wang took a swig from the liquor bottle he brought out from the inn.

The burning sensation of alcohol as it went down his throat excited him even more.

Clank!

Gu Jin-wang threw the empty bottle onto the ground, muttering,

“Ahhh, such a good alcohol!”

Deung Chol-ung shuddered.

Gu Jin-wang’s voice felt like the howl of a wolf.

He felt as if a huge wolf would bite the nape of his neck at any moment. He had never felt like this before.

After walking for a while, Deung Chol-ung finally arrived in front of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

The Imperial Yuan Merchant Group had its huge gates firmly locked. After the onset of the great Jianghu conflict, the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group locked its gates and strictly prohibited external activities.

It completely banned the entry of martial artists, allowing only other merchant groups and traders.

It was a clear declaration that they wanted to completely cut off themselves from the martial world.

Even though Noh Tae-tae’s great-grandson, Ju Seolpung, was with the Silver Lotus Society, they maintained neutrality. Because of this, the Golden Heaven Society did not put any particular pressure on the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

Only two martial artists stood guard at the main gate of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

It was the minimum security force.

They became alert upon seeing unfamiliar faces approaching.

“Who are you?”

“Stop and identify yourselves!”

Despite the guards’ warnings, Deung Chol-ung and Gu Jin-wang didn’t stop walking.

“I told you to stop!”

“Identify yourselves!”

It was at that moment the warriors issued another warning—

“Where are these flies buzzing from?”

Gu Jin-wang swatted his hand as if shooing away some flies.

Thwack!

Instantly, at the next moment, a powerful blow sounded, and the martial artists of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group collapsed. They were killed before they could even scream.

‘Ugh!’

Deung Chol-ung forcibly swallowed a groan at the terrifying speed of Gu Jin-wang’s hand.

He had simply flicked his hand yet the warriors of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group were crushed like fish meat.

He had seen countless deaths in his life, but never anything this terrible.

Even though he was a warrior of Jianghu, accustomed to living with death by his side, he had never seen death in such a horrific manner. 

‘That crazy old man really has exceptional martial arts.’

This must be why he was called the Wolf King. He was indeed like a mad wolf.

He didn’t even seem to think about the consequences of his actions.

Boom!

With a mere gesture from Gu Jin-wang, the massive gates of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group were shattered.

The sound of the gate being shattered caused the martial artists inside to run out.

“Who’s there?”

“What’s going on?”

They alternated glances between the shattered main gate and Gu Jin-wang’s face. Then, they noticed Deung Chol-ung standing behind Gu Jin-wang.

“Is that Deung Chol-ung?”

“Why is the head of the Blood Ant Gang here…?”

They immediately recognized Deung Chol-ung’s identity.

Deung Chol-ung said to Gu Jin-wang,

“It seems they do not wish for the Wolf King to take the precious swords.”

“Hmph! There has never been anything I wanted that I haven’t been able to get.”

Gu Jin-wang snorted disdainfully and waved his hand.

Whoosh!

A powerful force swept over the warriors of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

“Eugh!”

“Ack!”

The warriors were tossed about like leaves in a storm, slamming into walls.

Their heads cracked, and their limbs broke, rendering them unconscious or dead.

Seeing over a dozen people incapacitated in the blink of an eye, Deung Chol-ung shuddered.

“Ugh!”

Although he had prided himself on seeing everything under the sun and surviving the harsh realities of Jianghu, he still couldn’t help but feel nauseated at the sight of Gu Jin-wang’s emotionless slaughter, like swatting flies.

Ding, ding, ding!

A bell urgently rang out throughout the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

The people who had been sleeping soundly then hastily jumped up to their feet and rushed out.

There were armed warriors as well as ordinary workers.

The warriors pushed the laborers back and stepped forward.

“Who are you, old man? For you to cause such a disturbance in someone else’s manor in the middle of the night?”

Stepping forward with an aura as sharp as a blade was Ki Hak-soo, the head warrior of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group.

Though not widely known in Jianghu, Ki Hak-soo was a formidable master.

However, because of his ties with the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group, he spent his life keeping his distance from Jianghu, focusing only on protecting the merchant group. 

Because of this, his existence was not well known among the people of Jianghu, but those around Poyang Lake were well aware. 

Just how formidable a martial artist Ki Hak-soo was.

His martial arts, honed through real combat, were indeed considered among the top in Jianghu.

Gu Jin-wang smiled.

“You seem somewhat useful. What’s your name?”

“I am called Ki Hak-soo. May I ask the esteemed name of the senior before me?”

“My name is Gu Jin-wang.”

“The Wolf King?”

“Yes! I am the Wolf King.”

“Hmm!”

Ki Hak-soo hummed softly.

‘The Wolf King, one of the Eight Constellations. What could have brought this wolf-like old man to the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group?’

He instinctively sensed that today might bring more harm than good.

Gu Jin-wang was like a malevolent star that brought bloodshed wherever he went.

No matter how great the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group was said to be, he could not be confident that the merchant group would be safe from the bloodshed the Wolf King brought with him.

“What brings Senior Gu to our merchant group?”

“I won’t beat around the bush. Hand over your precious swords.”

“Precious swords?”

“I know you have precious swords stored in the warehouse of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group. Hand them over, and I will leave peacefully.”

“I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but there are no such great swords in the warehouse of the Imperial Yuan Merchant Group. Sure, there are a few decent swords, but none of them are grand enough to meet your high standards.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. You just need to open your warehouse wide enough for me to see.”

“Ha! We can’t just open our warehouse to anyone. If we can’t even protect our own warehouse, what would the people of Jianghu think of us?”

“What do I care? You only have two choices. One is to open your warehouse willingly, and the other is to die by my hand. Which will it be?”

“I have long wished to see what a member of the Eight Constellations is capable of.”

Ki Hak-soo said, exuding a chilling aura.

Gu Jin-wang only snorted in response.

“Ha! You don’t know your place.”

“I will have to ask you to teach me a lesson, Senior Gu!”

“A lesson? I’m not so idle as to teach someone a lesson, and you’re not worthy of receiving one from me anyway.”

“Don’t underestimate me, senior!”

“Underestimate? I’m merely stating the facts.”

“Haa!”

Unable to contain his anger, Ki Hak-soo charged at Gu Jin-wang.

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