735 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 735 of "World’s Best Martial Artist's Childhood Friend" - Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** In the present central plains, if one were to choose the most crucial element, the first thing that comes to mind would undoubtedly be 'strength.' With martial artists constructing the world and worshiping force, there can be nothing more important than martial power. Yet, does that mean there's nothing else vital in life besides martial strength? Far from it. Despite their reverence for power, martial artists are still human. Beyond physical strength, what else is essential for human sustenance? Well, that would be... 'Money.' Indeed, it was money. Ultimately, if martial artists are humans, they need money to survive. Even if you spend countless days in training, pursuing enlightenment and reaching higher states, money does not magically appear. To eat, to defecate, to change clothes – basic living necessities demand money. Reflecting upon it, this is indeed an odd situation. 'Where do these people who only practice martial arts get their money from?' Whether it's a renowned family or prestigious clan. Despite solely existing for combat, they strangely had ample funds. Certainly, there are groups like the Moyong family of Sichuan's Tang clan, who engage directly in commerce. However, not all families do this. In fact, many do not own any trading or escort businesses. So why is this the case? Why can so many families and sects sustain themselves? This situation parallels why the Martial Alliance still operates today. 'Sponsorship.' The real merchants spread throughout the central plains. Such places, often referred to as trading guilds, pour enormous amounts of money into them. The clothes they wear. The swords they carry. The food they eat. Those who don't earn money independently mostly live by sponsorship money from these trading guilds. And this was also true for the Martial Alliance. The top merchant guilds in the central plains, along with dozens of others, all sent their support to the alliance. Thanks to this, many factions, including the Martial Alliance, led luxurious lives. But then, why go to such lengths? What could the merchant guilds possibly gain from sponsoring the martial artists with such vast sums of money? The answer was simpler than one might think. 'To make them allies.' This world is fraught with danger, with demonic gates opening at any moment. While a martial artist might manage alone, what should those who aren't capable do? Naturally, they would have to rely on martial artists. To this end, the guilds form implicit agreements with martial artists in the guise of sponsorship. It's a strategy to ensure protection when needed and to establish a sense of belonging. This martial artist receives our sponsorship. Thus, they are one of us. It creates an intimidating presence against rival factions or competing guilds, and as the martial artist's reputation rises, it also benefits the guild. For instance, the case of the Yakseon Trading Guild in Shaanxi. They'd been supporting the Huashan Sect for generations, and when they faced a threat from the Heretical Alliance, none other than Maehwa-sun stepped forward to personally resolve the crisis. Thus, there is a plethora of meanings behind a guild offering sponsorship to a martial artist, and it's a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties. Martial artists gain money. Guilds receive advertising benefits and a reliable safety mechanism. In this context. 'Why would this gentleman come to me?' I had much to ponder as I looked at the middle-aged man before me. 'Is this our first meeting in this life?' Including my past life and up to now. Although this was the first direct encounter, he was a well-known figure. The semi-official wealthiest trading guild in the central plains. The leader of the Jangwon Trading Guild, Jang Yongmyung. A man with a benevolent face and an amiable aura, notable even in middle age. He was none other than... 'The sponsor of the Divine Sword…' In my past life, the Divine Sword rose to become the supreme martial artist, fending off the Heavenly Demon. The owner of the guild that sponsored the Divine Sword, Wi Seol-ah. Moreover, he supported warriors during the Great Demon War by providing military equipment free of charge, aiding with provisions or disaster relief, and undertaking several charitable acts. People often say: Without the support of the Jangwon Trading Guild, the Divine Sword wouldn't have attained such heights. Indeed. It's a truth I can attest to. 'The Divine Sword was unaffiliated.' Even though she was betrothed to the Jang family, she was originally only the granddaughter and successor of the Sword Deity. To facilitate her activities effectively, she needed a benefactor. That role was fulfilled by the Jangwon Trading Guild. In retrospect, it was only natural. 'The Jangwon Trading Guild branched from the Jang family.' I've heard they're from a collateral line, but they share the same roots. To what extent they're connected, I do not know, but it led me to believe that was why they sponsored the Divine Sword back then…. ‘Now they have come to find me.’ Why is this happening? I casually observed Moyong Hee-ah and looked at Jang Yongmyung as I spoke. “It’s an honor to meet the esteemed leader of the renowned Jangwon Trading Guild.” “Haha. Esteemed? I’m just an ordinary merchant.” I couldn't help but chuckle at his words. The term ordinary was far too modest for such an influential man. The wealthiest man in the central plains. The presence he possessed was formidable, even if he wasn't a martial artist. “On the contrary, it is my honor to meet Gyu Daehyeop. Aren’t you the most famous person in the central plains right now?” “Your compliments are too grand, it's embarrassing. Please, take a seat…. Oh, right. All I have to offer is plum tea…. Will that be acceptable?” “I’m not particular about my food.” Before Jang Yongmyung could continue, Moyong Hee-ah had already brewed the tea. Shortly thereafter, a small selection of snacks and tea was laid out. Jang Yongmyung took a cautious sip of the plum tea. “This seems to be tea from Shaanxi….” “Correct. It’s a gift from the leader of the Huashan Sect.” (Actually, it was brought over due to the antics of the Emei Sect, but I'm enjoying drinking it after removing the poison.) ‘The tea’s quite delightful.’ Slurp. I silently drank my tea, emptying the cup before speaking to Jang Yongmyung again. “So, what brings you here to see me?” What could be this gentleman’s reason for seeking me out? "To meet you in person, indeed." It was quite unusual for the guild leader himself to come directly, instead of sending an envoy. "Ha ha ha… It seems I've startled you quite a bit." "Yes, I'm as surprised as I've been in a long time." How could I not be surprised by the appearance of such an unexpected figure? "The reason I've come personally is, as you might have guessed, because the Jangwon Trading Guild wants to sponsor you, Gyu Daehyeop." Oh. The directness of his approach momentarily widened my eyes. I expected him to circle around the topic, but he went straight to the point. "The Jangwon Trading Guild wants to sponsor me?" I feigned surprise upon hearing that. "Yes, and to that end, I made an unreasonable request to the branch manager, who thankfully arranged this meeting." I glanced at Moyong Hee-ah. She sat serenely with her eyes closed, as if she had heard nothing. ‘Look at this.’ There must have been some exchange between them, rather than Moyong Hee-ah creating this opportunity just from a request. This implies… Jang Yongmyung went through considerable effort to meet me. Pondering this, I asked him, "What prompted you to suddenly take such an interest in me?" "Oh dear... What else would a businessman see but potential?" "Potential?" "Yes. Like those gathered outside, I see potential in you, Gyu Daehyeop, and I want to invest in it. Which is why I'm resorting to underhanded means." Underhanded. Unlike those outside, he had come through Moyong Hee-ah. "…Hmm." I looked outside at Jang Yongmyung's words. I could still sense those gathered beyond. My overly sensitive intuition picked up on each and every one of them. "Your performances during yesterday's sparring were all impressive. I couldn't restrain myself after witnessing them." "Did you happen to see them yourself, Guild Leader?" "Of course. Though most of it was too fast for an ordinary person like me to perceive, my guards explained, allowing me to grasp it better." As he spoke, I recalled something. 'Jang Yongmyung was not at the pavilion.' There was a special place among the viewing stands around the sparring stage reserved for guild leaders. Representatives and guild leaders had occupied that spot. ‘He wasn't among those present there.’ I had already identified the faces and identities of those seated individuals. There was surely someone from the Jangwon Trading Guild, and I determined him to be the leader's representative. Moreover. ‘A guard?’ The mention of his guard had a subtle undertone in his speech. ‘He must be referring to him.’ The guard of Jang Yongmyung. The martial artist standing just outside the door. Though he concealed his presence and footsteps, I had known of him from the moment Jang Yongmyung entered. ‘His prowess… seems roughly at the Flowering Realm.’ Although I couldn’t discern it precisely, it seemed he was at least in the lower ranks of the top martial artists. Astounding. To have a martial artist at the Flowering Realm as a mere guard? That alone was remarkable, yet my focus remained on Jang Yongmyung’s words. ‘By mentioning it to me, does he want me to know, or is there another reason?’ There’s a guard nearby. The fact that he mentioned it is quite the move. Whether it’s to test if I’m aware of it or as a method to gain my favor, I’m not certain. If it’s the latter, it’s an effective approach. Indeed, it somewhat increased my impression. “I didn't see you among those near the sparring stage. Where were you watching from?” Thus, I offered him a little gift in return. “…!” Jang Yongmyung’s eyes widened at my words. He seemed to grasp the meaning behind my words well. I had information on the guild leaders surrounding us and knew he wasn't among them. I hinted that I had some level of intel. Simultaneously, Jang Yongmyung would recognize that I intentionally let this slip. "Ha ha… Quite interesting." “I genuinely am curious. Where did you watch from?” Even amid this veiled conversation, Jang Yongmyung maintained his smile as he responded. “I was in a general seating area with an acquaintance.” “…General seating?” If he means general seating... Could it be the narrow area available on a first-come, first-served basis? General seating was the lowest tier of spectator seating arranged by the alliance. Why would this gentleman choose such a spot? As a natural question formed, Jang Yongmyung eagerly provided an answer. “For no particular reason. I merely wanted to observe the candid reactions of those around.” To observe reactions? What could this mean…. “Right after the sparring, I was scheduled to discuss sponsorship with Shaolin.” "…I see." His words piqued my interest. By saying it was scheduled, yet here he was, indicates he hadn’t gone through with it. “You postponed talks with Shaolin to express interest in sponsoring me?” “That’s right. This was my original intention from the outset.” What did he see in me to justify such efforts? I refrained from asking such trivial questions. Even if uncertain about tomorrow, today I possessed immense value, and I wasn’t clueless enough to ignore that. ‘Sponsorship, huh….’ I was already sponsored by the Baekhwa Guild. For him to still have this conversation likely meant he had confidence. ‘Perhaps he's testing me.’ Nothing was certain. Yet, the response was predetermined. ‘A refusal.’ Regardless of his intentions, the conclusion of this talk was rejection. I needed no entanglement with the Jangwon Trading Guild, as they weren’t necessary for my plans. As I prepared to give my answer, he spoke first. “However.” Jang Yongmyung spoke before I could continue. "It seems I won’t be able to discuss it immediately." “Yes?” I had to mask my surprise as I watched Jang Yongmyung rise to his feet. Why was he standing up when I hadn’t even refused yet? Just as I puzzled over his sudden actions. “After speaking with you, I realized our conditions might be lacking. I'm considering revisiting you within a few days with them more organized.” "Revisiting...?" …He's planning to return with organized conditions? "If we keep talking now... I don't think we'll reach the conclusion I'm hoping for." Oh dear. It seemed Jang Yongmyung had already sensed that I was likely to refuse his offer. However... "Even when you return next time, I doubt my answer will change." "Haha... that might be true." Jang Yongmyung chuckled at my response. "Still, a merchant's heart is to acquire what they desire." Saying this, he retrieved something from his bosom and placed it gently on the table. "This is the sponsorship offer I wanted to propose to you, Gyu Daehyeop. Please review it and, if possible, do remember it." It was a neatly folded letter. There were just over three sheets in number. "When I return, it will be with much 'better' terms than this. Thank you for your precious time. I won’t trouble you with seeing me off." Before I could even reach for the letter, Jang Yongmyung bowed deeply and calmly made his way out of the room, disappearing from sight. I hadn't intended to see him off anyway. "...Hmm." I sighed as I watched him leave. It's not easy. It was really not easy. 'He never relinquished control.' In our brief exchange, Jang Yongmyung held all the control. It seemed like he was being considerate and yielding, but he took what he needed. He truly employed a skilled and practiced method. This is why talking for long with cunning merchants is something I try to avoid. 'What should I do?' I should report to Lady Mi that Jang Yongmyung had visited. 'Though there's a high chance Lady Mi already knows.' But I still needed to do it. I picked up the letter Jang Yongmyung left and asked Moyong Hee-ah, "What were the terms?" Upon hearing the question, Moyong Hee-ah opened her eyes. She would know immediately what I was asking. "...It's the exclusive trading rights for the handcrafted jewels from the Guangdong Bing Clan." As expected, Moyong Hee-ah replied right away. This was her answer to what she received in exchange for introducing Jang Yongmyung to me. "The Guangdong Bing Clan... the one that makes ornaments?" They weren’t a martial clan per se. Rather, they were a family formed by artisan craftsmen. Renowned for crafting impossibly beautiful jewels. “Yes. It’s a condition that fits perfectly with future businesses…. Jangwon Trading Guild held trading rights with them.” “And… he handed that over?” “Yes.” He handed over his exclusive trading rights just to arrange a meeting with me. The notion was so absurd that I couldn't help but chuckle dryly. "That certainly seems reasonable." If that was true, it was more than understandable. Had our roles been reversed, I too might have made such a trade involving Moyong Hee-ah. “…I’m sorry.” Though she was aware of this, Moyong Hee-ah apologized to me. At her remorseful demeanor, I waved my hand with a slight smile. "It’s fine. I know you didn’t act on your own. If it’s useful, that’s all that matters. Does Lady Mi know about this too?” “…Yes. The branch leader is informed.” “Then I’ll visit her later to inquire.” I decided to ask for details from Lady Mi later, and began to examine the letter I held. What kind of conditions prompted him to write them down… "…Huh?" As I browsed the pages, question marks filled my mind. The more I read, the more my brow furrowed. "What is this?" “Why, what's wrong, Master?” Moyong Hee-ah approached, glancing over the letter beside me. Soon after. “What is….” Moyong Hee-ah reacted similarly to me. "Is this person out of their mind?" It was no surprise. The contents of the letter listed terms of such unbelievable nature. - The Jangwon Trading Guild pledges to donate a portion of their distribution profits to Gyu Daehyeop, a.k.a. Gu Yangcheon. - Gyu Daehyeop will receive VIP treatment equivalent to that of a branch leader at the inns and main facilities operated by the Jangwon Trading Guild. - The living and leisure expenses for Gyu Daehyeop's martial activities in Central Plains will be entirely covered by Jangwon Trading Guild. - Every three months, Jangwon Trading Guild will sponsor Gyu Daehyeop with a Muyoungdan or a pill of equivalent value. And so forth. Numerous other preposterous conditions were sprawled across three sheets. At the end, there was even a seal which appeared to be the stamp of the guild leader. “Are they insane?” It was Moyong Hee-ah’s first utterance after reading the document. She could only stare at it with utter disbelief and bewilderment. “The amount isn’t even specified... A certain portion of profit they say… Plus the branch leader-level treatment? What is a Muyoungdan, even?” Although not as renowned as a Jasodan or Daehandan, the Muyoungdan is still considered a premium pill. One can acquire it, but… it's extremely costly. Among the pills available for purchase, it would probably be one of the most expensive. And what does this “portion of the profits” entail, exactly? The exact value wasn’t clear, but judging by the profits earned by the Central Plains Trading Guild… 'Even if they offer just a minute fraction…' My guess would be, exaggeratedly, it might equal a year’s budget for the Gu Family. Even offering just one of these was a ludicrous proposition. Yet there were several such commitments. What in the world is going on? Staring blankly at the document, still processing its content. "He must be out of his mind. Otherwise, this could never…" Moyong Hee-ah shot sharp words, clearly incredulous, yet I felt I had to intervene. “…Hey.” “Yes?” “Watch your mouth. You shouldn’t speak like that about our guild leader. No matter who you are, if you disrespect our guild leader, I won't let it slide.” “…?” Upon hearing my words, Moyong Hee-ah frowned. In all the years I'd seen her, this was the most appalled expression she’d ever worn.