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Chapter 302
Chapter 302. The Black Flame Dragon Reveals Himself (6)
Sun Tzu's Art of War says that a victorious army first secures victory and then enters battle.
I'd always loved that quote, but I'd thought it was a theory that couldn't be applied in reality.
The idiots at the Murim Alliance had never once made it work.
And yet.
Е ñ u̇ m̌ ӑ
'Wow, so it actually can be done.'
I honestly couldn't help but be impressed by the setup Silver River Merchant Guild had arranged.
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No matter how many times Silver River Merchant Guild had desperately invited people or in what manner—none of that mattered anymore.
One by one, as the warrior called their names, people filed into the inner chamber, offered respectful greetings, and presented gifts.
The Merchant Guild Master would accept each gift and offer a word of blessing in return.
Every person who received those blessings bowed their head again and again as though they'd just heard some precious golden maxim, and some even shed tears.
W ё b n ò v̊ė l Е̇n um̀ă.
Then, when the next turn came, the warrior would call a new name.
The environment itself created authority.
And so the Merchant Guild Master looked like an emperor.
Those seated around him, those waiting in the banquet hall.
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Everyone accepted it as perfectly natural.
"Settling Sword Yeo Mun-gak of Guizhou Province, step forward."
Ёǹ ù.ṁ a
Once the guild affiliates' turns ended, it became the warriors' turn.
"I offer my congratulations on Silver River Merchant Guild's one hundred eightieth anniversary. I was unable to prepare a gift worthy of Silver River Merchant Guild—might I substitute my humble skill instead?"
"Ho ho, the name of the Settling Sword rings thunderously well beyond Guizhou Province—and he calls himself humble."
"I am grateful you would say so."
With a light bow, the warrior began performing a sword dance to the music the dancers played.
Apparently there had been others showing off their skills within Silver River Merchant Guild as well, as some even demonstrated Silver River's proprietary martial arts.
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I'm not one to think that being a warrior means you have to pretend to be some transcendent sage, but the groveling attitude of turning yourself into entertainment—like a performing monkey volunteering as a spectacle—crossed the line, in my opinion.
"Brother Jin."
I turned my head to find Wang So-so staring at me with a deadly serious expression.
"Let's leave right now. This...... this is no way to treat invited guests."
Wang So-so could barely contain her fury, her body tensing as if she might bolt at any second.
I pulled my gaze from her and surveyed the surroundings.
Е n̂ ũm̌ а. і d̈
'Hmm.'
Certain warriors caught my eye.
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Not the elite of the Nine Sects and One Gang, but people with a fair amount of renown—Lay Disciples with distinguished reputations.
Among them, some couldn't hide their flustered expressions.
'Were they invited like me?'
Though their brows were faintly furrowed, not a single one stood up and stormed out.
W̆ еb̈ nо v̆ ě l̂ Е.num̌a
Instead, when the warrior called their name, they let out a small sigh and ended up doing the same thing as those before them.
Because they knew that causing a scene here wouldn't call out the other side's rudeness—it would only backfire and damage their own reputation.
On top of that, if they were entangled in business deals with Silver River Merchant Guild like me, the constraints on their actions would naturally be even tighter.
"Brother!"
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I took Wang So-so's hand as she grabbed and shook my arm again, and gently patted the back of it a couple of times.
"If we storm out of here, we'd be dancing to their tune."
W̆ е b̀n̂о́vė l̂ Е n̊ ŭm̂ а
"Then...... I'll go with you."
I shook my head.
"Don't worry. I have a plan."
I quietly and carefully studied the layout of the banquet hall and the inner chamber.
***
Truth be told, I'd been curious about the Merchant Guild Master.
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After raising all that hell at the entrance, I'd deliberately continued causing commotions in the annex as well.
I'd figured that by this point, the Merchant Guild Master would summon me.
And once we were face to face, I'd be able to gauge what kind of person he was.
But my prediction missed spectacularly.
He didn't summon me, didn't even issue a warning.
As if someone like me wasn't worth his attention in the first place.
W̌ е b ňо v́ е̃ l̆ Ё n̄ ŭm̀а̌
And then, instead of a courtesy-bound gathering where one formally requests to observe martial arts—
'He laid out a stage for performing tricks like a traveling troupe......'
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Clever little head on his shoulders.
No matter what I said about Silver River Merchant Guild outside, people would ultimately think I'd performed tricks for them and lapped up the scraps.
"Next is......"
The warrior scanned the list and flinched to a stop.
Ẇ е́ b ń о̌v ěl Е ňŭ m̊ ӓ
Then he looked my way.
"N-next is the turn of Young Hero Jin So-un of Taeul Sect, Anhui Province."
I rose from my seat.
And, just as those before me had done, I walked into the inner chamber.
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When I stood at the center, those seated on the left and right regarded me with haughty expressions.
The Merchant Guild Master and Jeong So-gun were waiting for me to speak first.
Е̊ n u m̈á. і̆ d̂
"Has the Black Flame Dragon gone mute?"
At the words of the man seated on the left, everyone in the inner chamber began snickering in unison.
"Maybe he's using the Mind-Reading Art."
"Oh! I heard he's called the Black Maitreya in the Black Path murim."
"You'd best be careful yourself. Your hidden mistresses might all be exposed."
"Bwahahaha!"
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The mockery and contempt from those around me felt strangely familiar.
'Well, of course—I went through this countless times when I was paving the way for Gye Cheol-yeong.'
Back then, I'd endured this kind of humiliation from the children of the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Clans over and over.
Insults against my parents, mockery of my sect, the helplessness of being unable to fight back.
Fury that can't reach its target turns inward and kills you from within.
Because I had no power.
Wё bn̈ o̊ v̄ё l̃_ Ѐ n̂ü m̈ a
Because I couldn't stand against them.
"The one hundred eightieth anniversary of Silver River Merchant Guild's founding...... I offer my sincerest congratulations."
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I stood straight and formed a clasped hands greeting.
Perhaps displeased by that posture, someone on the right chimed in.
"You plan to congratulate with just words? Why have you come empty-handed?"
"Come now, friend. As if Taeul Sect is some grand sect that would prepare a gift! And even if they did, could it possibly satisfy the Merchant Guild Master? Haha!"
É n ûṁ а́.і̊ d̆
"Fair point. Hey, Black Flame Dragon—why don't you put on a little show like the others and be on your way?"
They probably already knew.
That I'd choose the option of showing a single humiliating display in exchange for reaping great benefits through Silver River Merchant Guild.
That was why they could flap their jaws so freely.
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My past self would have simply accepted whatever humiliation was being forced on me in a setting like this.
But there's one thing I learned through my past life.
E n um а̊
No matter how great the profit, you must never let yourself be a pushover.
Responding to any rudeness with a pathetic grin only chips away at the very respect I deserve.
So, if I wanted to create a cooperative relationship, I needed to show them I wasn't someone to be trifled with.
"You're absolutely right. Taeul Sect may have gone from two meals a day to three, but we're still struggling in many ways. That's why we need Silver River Merchant Guild's help."
The people who'd been wearing dumbfounded looks at my honest words suddenly erupted in laughter.
"BWAHAHAHA!"
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"Hahahahaha!"
"Puhahaha!"
Was their laughter born from thinking I'd surrendered? Or was it laughter they couldn't contain at the fact that Taeul Sect once barely managed two meals a day?
The Merchant Guild Master at the highest seat silently tipped back his cup, and Jeong So-gun wore a triumphant smile.
Was he pleased that my earlier insolent behavior had turned docile?
"I can't compare to the splendid warriors who went before me, but might I also offer my humble skill as a gift in lieu of a present?"
W е b n о v̈ẽl̂ _Е̇ñ u ḿа
The laughter died instantly and all eyes turned to the Merchant Guild Master.
The Merchant Guild Master merely nodded without a word.
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SHING—
With that, I slowly drew Red Radiance and began performing the Great Heaven Sword Art.
SWISH, SWISH—
Because I wasn't using inner arts, the speed was slow and no Illusion Swords appeared.
En̆ û mа
Unlike the warriors before me, the sluggish sword path quickly bored an audience whose standards had already been raised.
"I'd heard the Academy's top scorer recovered some incredible martial art, but...... tsk, I guess not."
"If you can get into Murim Academy with that kind of skill, I should've sent my son."
"Don't you know? He's the Black Flame Dragon who got into the Academy with help from the Black Path. Heh heh."
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Without anyone leading the charge, criticisms flew freely, and I matched them with clumsy movements.
SLICE—
W̆е̄b̃ñ о̄v̊е̇l̃ Ӗ ǹù m̄ а
I cut one end of a table and deliberately froze mid-motion.
Then I made a show of looking around in panic, as if unable to hide my embarrassment.
"Good grief...... We asked him to show some skill and he's hacking up Silver River Merchant Guild's furniture."
I quickly played the fool.
"S-sorry. This is my first time performing in a setting like this...... L-let me try again."
CRASH—!
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This time, I "accidentally" sliced through tables and the plates of food on them.
"Hey! What kind of worthless......!"
"What sort of warrior swings a sword like that!"
Through the sharp rebukes of those scowling at the food splattered on them, I hung my head low and spoke.
"S-sorry. It's my first time trying to control my strength......"
"Control your strength?"
Ѐ n u m̊а . í d̈
Jeong So-gun's voice, thick with displeasure, came from above.
"Are you saying you can't show your real ability?"
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"Well...... there are many here who aren't warriors. And even among those who are, it might be hard for them to endure......"
"Haaah......"
Jeong So-gun let out a sigh of disbelief, apparently feeling disrespected.
"You thought the people here would be startled by a mere warrior's swordsmanship?"
Е n ǔṁа.і̀d
"Oh, th-they wouldn't?"
When I tilted my head like a naive idiot, Jeong So-gun's body trembled.
"How dare a worm like you disrespect us?"
As Jeong So-gun ground his teeth, the Merchant Guild Master raised a hand to stop him.
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Then he opened his mouth for the first time.
"Having come all this way, it would be absurd not to show your true ability. Young Hero Jin, show us everything you've got."
Е núm а
He jerked his chin with an arrogant air, as if daring me to try.
At that, the guards behind him closed ranks and surrounded him tightly.
'So he anticipated I'd unleash killing intent, at least.'
Well, killing intent was one of the most common threats warriors used on civilians. For someone as experienced as him, it wouldn't have been hard to predict.
Anyway, I'd gotten the answer I wanted.
Hm, but it'd be better to get one more clear confirmation, just to be sure.
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"T-truly...... you're s-sure it's alright if I show everything?"
"......Go ahead."
I made a point of surveying everyone present, as if making them all witnesses.
"Then I shall perform to the fullest."
I sheathed Red Radiance back into its scabbard, then slowly drew it out again.
Unlike before, the sword revealed its vivid crimson glow, and even those who'd turned away began focusing one by one.
Wеbň о̀ v̌e l̀ Е nû m̊ а̀
As I summoned killing intent through my will, I seemed to hear bloodcurdling screams ringing in my ears.
KYAAAAAH!
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Others must have felt it too—everyone wiped the smiles off their faces and began tensing up.
"This...... is the true Great Heaven Sword Art of Taeul Sect."
WHOOOOSH.
The blade fanned out like ribs of a folding fan, spreading in every direction.
Е̄ n u mа̃ . ī d
Starting from the tight space like a flower bud, I gradually expanded the sword's reach into a wider and wider area.
When the blade finally began approaching within arm's reach of the people—
SWOOSH—
I shifted once more, scattering Illusion Swords wildly in all directions.
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And in between, I layered in the Minor Heaven Sword Art and began slicing through tables and food.
SLICE—
E̊nu̇m̌ a.i̇ d
SLICE—
"Wh-what is this!"
"W-wait!"
Those who'd been clamping their mouths shut with tension from the killing intent gaped in shock, and their guards rushed forward to protect their masters, just as the Merchant Guild Master's guards had done.
Not that it would do them any good.
I cranked the intensity of the killing intent higher.
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The level of killing intent that had made even the Gold-Silver-Copper Brothers tense up during their Moving Circulation.
The coarse, ragged killing intent that the Demonic Cult's Demonic Practitioners had once scattered.
"Nggghk!"
"BLEGH!"
"S-stop!"
As the initial "mistake" connected with the subsequent deliberate "mistakes," the Illusion Swords weaving between the onlookers' necks and heads became a perfect threat.
Еṅu m_а̌
Jeong So-gun might be able to distinguish Illusion Swords from True Swords, but people who'd spent their whole lives reading books? There was no way in hell they could tell the difference, right?
WHOOOOOOSH!
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I raised the killing intent even higher and flung the Illusion Swords more boldly.
I didn't forget to slice up tables, plates, and wine cups here and there either.
Moreover, this was an enclosed inner chamber.
The killing intent I'd unleashed had nowhere to go.
Еń u mа̃ .і̂ d̃
People couldn't move a muscle, as if the slightest twitch in that cramped space would cost them their head.
The same went for the guards who'd tried to protect their masters.
"P-please...... p-please!"
"S-stop! Stop!"
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"S-spare me!"
As wails spread in every direction, I recalled every strand of the Great Heaven Sword Art I'd unleashed.
Еǹ ú m а̇ .і d̄
CLICK—
The moment Red Radiance slid back into its scabbard, people gasped and sucked in the breath they'd been holding.
"Haah, haah, haah."
"Kghhk!"
Some had even collapsed onto the floor, their eyes rolling with dizziness.
I wore the most harmless expression I could muster and scratched the back of my head.
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"Ah, dear me...... I did try to control my strength, though. Was it too much?"
Water was spreading beneath the tables on the left and right.
With it spread the stench of piss.
I pinched my nose shut.
"Tho thorry. I didn'th know thuch dishtinguished gentlemen would have thuch thmall bladderth......"
I walked slowly toward the Merchant Guild Master.
Е n̂um а . і d̀
Then, looking at the puddle of urine soaking the floor beneath him, I raised my cup.
Out of courtesy, at least, I lowered the hand that had been pinching my nose.
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"I did put on a show, so surely you'll offer me a cup of wine?"
"......"
The Merchant Guild Master was trembling, shaking with what must have been immeasurable fury.
Unable to hold back any longer, Jeong So-gun slammed the table—BANG—and roared.
W̆ е̄ b̂n̄ о́ vе̌ l _Е n̆ ü m̆ ä
"How dare you pull this in Silver River Merchant Guild!!"
I widened my eyes innocently and tilted my head.
"You told me to show my skill, so I showed it...... Have I done something wrong, by any chance?"
With an expression of genuine bewilderment.
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Honestly, the fact that you couldn't stop me because you were overwhelmed by killing intent—that's your fault, isn't it?
"Ah...... of course, I do apologize for overestimating you all as great personages. But surely that's not entirely my fault."
Wеb̊ n̄ о v̀е ĺ Е̃n̊ u m ä
I cast a thin, mocking smile toward Jeong So-gun, then held the cup out in front of the Merchant Guild Master's face.
"One cup. You'll pour me one, won't you?"
"......"
"H-how dare......! Bring me my spear!!!"
I fixed Jeong So-gun with a steady glare.
"Senior...... Let's not ruin the mood at such a fine gathering."
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"What are you all standing around for! I said bring me my spear!"
A warrior came scrambling over and handed him a silver spear.
Snatching it up, he snarled.
"Today, I'll teach you that there's a heaven above your heaven!"
Gripping the Silver River Spear wrapped with golden tassels, Jeong So-gun kicked off the floor and vaulted over the table.
I held the cup in one hand and drew Red Radiance with the other to block the barrage of spear strikes he scattered.
Wе̌bň о́ve l̀ Ė_ǹ u m̊а
The Silver River Spear thrust at vital acupoints in an instant, radiating killing intent.
CLANG—! CLANG—! CLANG—! CLANG—!
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I deflected his strikes and stepped back, then spoke to Jeong So-gun.
"Senior Jeong, I'll say this one last time. Please stop."
"Shut your mouth! You dared pull this in Silver River Merchant Guild and thought you'd walk out alive?!"
As the spear tip drove toward my chest, I twisted my body to dodge and slipped into his guard, driving the pommel of Red Radiance into his vital acupoint.
Е̄ n̆ um̀ а̃
Jeong So-gun immediately pulled back, stepped onto a table, and launched himself skyward before plunging down like a meteor.
Thunderbolt Meteor—the Ultimate Art of Meteor Spear Jeong So-gun.
Having soared to the ceiling, he sealed every gap in all eight directions and poured down azure Spear Qi.
CRACK—! CRACK—! CRACK—! CRACK—! CRACK—!
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The smart move would normally be to dodge something like this, but instead I poured inner arts into Red Radiance with everything I had.
When showing off your strength, you need to display an overwhelming presence, even if it means overextending.
Е ṅ ũ m̀а̂. і ď
HUMMM.
Instead of the killing-intent-laden crimson, a golden light flickered and forged Sword Force.
That Sword Force shattered every last strand of the Spear Qi raining down without a single gap.
BOOM—! BOOM—! BOOM—! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM—!
Seeing his Spear Qi crumble helplessly, Jeong So-gun hastily tried to raise Spear Force of his own, but—
'See, when you commit, you need to commit boldly.'
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Red Radiance had already crossed his chest.
SLASH—
What should have been stained with crimson blood was merely his clothing, shredded to ribbons.
Jeong So-gun's body, which had been hurtling toward me like an arrow, flew into the wall at an even greater speed than he'd come.
WHAM—!
"Kghk......"
W èbńо̂ v̀е l È num̌ а̃
The impact was so great that he lost consciousness on the spot.
I leisurely slung Red Radiance over my shoulder and addressed the assembly.
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"Senior Jeong was gracious enough to help this junior shine. Let's all give him a round of applause."
"......"
But only silence filled the chamber.
Hm, did they not hear me?
Еn̂ ü mа._іḋ
I summoned killing intent through my will.
At that—
"HEEK!"
"KGHK!"
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"Th-that madman's doing it again......!"
Officials on the verge of rolling their eyes back and fainting.
Е ǹ u m̄ а̇
I looked at them and flashed a bright smile.
"Ev.ery.one. I said give him a round of applause. Is that so difficult? Won't Senior Jeong feel embarrassed?"
Clap, clap-clap, clap-clap-clap.
Only then did applause ring out, and I withdrew the killing intent.
As the applause echoing through the chamber grew louder, I stood before the Merchant Guild Master once more.
"Merchant Guild Master, I've put on quite the show—you really won't pour me a single cup?"
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"......"
Bloodshot eyes brimming with the will to kill me on the spot.
Heh, this old man still hasn't come to his senses.
I gently swirled the cup and murmured in a low voice.
"If...... this had been more than a simple showcase of skill, Senior Jeong would have been struck by the blade, not the flat of the sword."
"......Then Taeul Sect would have been annihilated."
Еn u m̃а̇. ĭ d
"Haha, and that's precisely why we're showing each other courtesy, isn't it, Merchant Guild Master?"
"......"
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After a brief exchange of gazes, the Merchant Guild Master bit his lip hard and slowly lifted the bottle to fill my cup.
I drained it in one go and said,
"I. Do. Hope. We'll. Con.tin.ue. Do.ing. Busi.ness."
Leaving behind the Merchant Guild Master, whose hands were trembling, I stepped out of the inner chamber.
Ёn úm̌a. і d́
"......"
"......"
Every single person in the banquet hall was staring this way with blank, dazed eyes.
Hm? The mood's been killed, hasn't it?
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"What's going on? Why's the music stopped on such a festive day? Who's in charge here! Get the manager out here!!!"
The musicians scrambled to resume playing.
Е́ n u m а̄
Yeah, now it finally feels like a proper banquet.
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