Chapter 307 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

**Delivery Mishap – 5** **The Doctrine of Blades and Swords (刀劍萬能論).** To escape poverty, with a sword. If conversation is hard, with a sword. If business relationships are strained, with a sword. To create a monopoly, solve it with a sword—an age-old saying of martial artists. Lost a client? Then let's orchestrate a martial arts-style delivery mishap ourselves. Why not even boldly dock a ghost ship at Wuhon for advertising purposes? That's exactly the cunning plan Green Blue Trading Company had in mind, relying solely on a sword to mend everything. “It does seem the most plausible.” “Yes, I think so too.” Both women nodded in agreement with my statement. “You seem to be right, but doesn’t that contradict what the witness heard? They said they heard phrases like 'Search' and 'Can’t see it'?” I was puzzled by that too. I thought the target was the goods. However, after assessing the situation, it could be interpreted differently. "Since Pyo Sa was dead, identifying goods that could cause losses to Seo Cheon Trading Company would have been difficult." The Seo Cheon Trading Company’s Wuhon branch chief had overextended while trying to expand their business. While it was a significant achievement to have taken numerous clients from Green Blue Trading Company, it also came with substantial risks. They made grand promises of compensation if there were any issues with transport for a few clients, including the Ilga’s merchant group. The goods targeted by Green Blue Trading Company likely included those tied to these substantial compensation promises. A single botched delivery could ruin the entire Wuhon branch. When the opportunity arises, I should tell them about the Korean adage that advises not to put all your goods in one cart. “No matter how thriving the company is in Wuhon, attacking a trading company operated by the Tang Family? Are they insane?” Im Ha Yeon spoke with disbelief written across her face as she turned to me. “This isn’t Sichuan; it’s Wuhon in Hubei Province. Plus, the branch chief in Wuhon isn’t a Tang Family member.” “It’s a conflict between trading companies, not an attack on the Sichuan Tang Family?” I nodded at Im Ha Yeon’s sharp observation. The Sichuan Tang Family doesn’t exclusively operate their businesses with their own family members. Their enterprises are open to outsiders and are expanding flexibly. Promising individuals may be incorporated into the family through marriage alliances and become part of the family. “If they calculated perfectly, they could ruin the Wuhon branch, which snatched away their clients, and if necessary, cut ties.” The Pyo Sa assassins involved in the Wuhon incident, and indeed the branch chief, were not Tang Family members. This incident, strictly speaking, wasn’t an attack on the body of the Sichuan Tang Family, but rather, one of their ventures was rendered useless. Even for the mighty Tang Family, they likely calculated that this wasn’t enough to provoke a dramatic response. “Even though the chief of the trading company hails from the sect, it's an impressive way of thinking.” These people believe they can create miracles with just a single sword, so what wouldn’t they dare to do? “It’s all still theoretical. I can't prove the existence of hidden books or anything.” Everything is just pieced together based on evidence and current circumstances. “......I’ll be heading out briefly.” Im Ha Yeon looked at me and Je Gal Hyang in turn with a slightly dissatisfied expression before speaking up. “Is it wise to go when it's getting dark already? Maybe heading out tomorrow is a better option.” It was obvious where she intended to go. With Je Gal Hyang beside me, I gently tried to dissuade her. “I still need to put in my share.” She was used to handling dozens of tasks at once. The fact Je Gal Hyang found evidence so quickly must have been more shocking than anticipated. I considered accompanying her to dissuade her, but seeing her tightly clenched fists convinced me otherwise. “......Take care on your way.” In the end, I nodded at the look of determination in Im Ha Yeon's eyes. ―――― “Did the woman leave?” As I sat on the chair worriedly, Im Ha Yeon leapt in through the window. Goodness. Can't she just use the door normally? “It is inappropriate for a man and woman to be together this late. I sent her home in a carriage.” Her being a properly educated lady from a respectable family ourselves, I hurriedly had her taken home before dusk. “Hmph......” Seemingly amused by something, Im Ha Yeon let out a nasal sound as she approached me. “Don't get too close to my face.” It's overwhelming to have three faces up close. “What are you saying... Here, this was in the Green Blue Trading Company’s storage.” Im Ha Yeon quickly sported a displeased look and handed me something that she had retrieved from the company. It was 'Tang Family Wind and Clouds Volume 3'. As expected, Green Blue Trading Company was behind it. “You did well despite the dangers.” I was anxious she might encounter the master who killed the Pyo Sa, but thankfully, she didn't. “Who do you think I am?” Im Ha Yeon said confidently, with a proud expression on her face. "I’ll still worry every day." Even if she’s the top candidate to become the greatest thief in this world, she's my invaluable partner. I chuckled lightly, swinging Tang Family Wind and Clouds Volume 3 playfully. “Ugh... enough! So, should we contact Seo Cheon Trading Company and act?” Im Ha Yeon pursed her lips slightly, seemingly unsatisfied with something, and then asked about future plans. “It would be difficult. Green Blue Trading Company is based in Wuhon. Seo Cheon Trading Company, having lost even their small branch along with their Pyo Sa members, is at a disadvantage.” This audacious move was likely made because the firm’s influence in Wuhon could easily overwhelm Seo Cheon Trading Company. “Should we just retrieve the books?” “There’s no need for that either.” “You must have another plan?” Sensing something in my confident posture, Im Ha Yeon casually perched on her desk and looked at me. Indeed. “I've already prepared a method.” While Im Ha Yeon was taking her risks, I wasn’t just sitting idly by. ―――― “You’re here for a major transaction? Just in time, the Trading Company’s head is available. I’ll escort you.” The next morning, I arrived at Green Blue Trading Company with a few people in tow. This trading company is larger than I imagined. It seems even bigger than the Wuhon branch of Seo Cheon Trading Company or the new location of Baek Ga Group in Yichang. Given how expensive land is in Wuhon, the scale is quite impressive. If the couriers of Seo Cheon Trading Company are reminiscent of sword-wielding delivery riders, these guys are like reckless motorcycle couriers racing down the road thinking "it's either you or me, today." “I’m the head of Green Blue Trading Company. Let me guide you to a room.” The man who introduced himself as the trading company’s head had the look of a middle-aged martial artist you'd expect to carry a loan shark bag alongside his tattoos, gold necklace, and gold bracelets. And his faded green hair—definitely fueling the rumor that he might have once been with the Green Forest Sect. “I’ve come from Daseogak. We can discuss matters here.” “Daseogak? Ah! I’ve heard of it. Aren’t they the ones suffering losses due to Seo Cheon Trading Company’s transport issues recently? I heard their novels are quite famous…” How could someone living in Wuhon know about a bookstore in Yichang suffering due to transport failures? Only those from Seo Cheon Trading Company’s branch or Daseogak should know about it. I almost let out a laugh at the trading head’s brazen attempt to feign ignorance but maintained a calm facade. “I’ve come because of those goods.” “Aha! Are you looking to switch allegiance from Seo Cheon Trading Company to us? A wise choice. People from Hubei should stick together!” I’m from Joseon, you fool. “I didn’t come to entrust goods. I came to retrieve them.” I shook my head and told the head of the trading company. “There have been no requests to deliver goods to Daseogak over the past week. You must be mistaken.” Upon realizing something was amiss, the head straightened his face and responded. Now to get to the heart of the matter. With a look that conveyed I was fully aware of his schemes, I spoke to the trading company head. “That’s impossible. There must have been goods that arrived just last night.” “What?!” The trading company head’s brow furrowed instantly. “Head of the trading company, if you bow your head now, you might keep it attached.” Needless to say, there’s nobody here who doesn’t understand the meaning behind my words. Let’s proceed swiftly. “What nonsense is this barbarian spouting?!” They say only the guilty become angry. His reaction is quick. The head drew his sword and swung it towards my throat. I could have dodged with my shadowy footwork or blocked it with my defensive skill, but I chose to remain still. “Where do you think you’re going!” The martial artist by my side blocked the attack. “I suspected it was you beneath that suspicious hat! You’re the Seo Cheon Trading Company branch chief! Have you come to punish those who wronged you?” The person accompanying me was the branch chief of Seo Cheon Trading Company, verging on dismissal—a great asset of mine in this endeavor. “Did you think you could get away unscathed after committing such atrocious deeds?” His motivation is high considering his job reinstatement hinges on this match. “It seems you’ve finally lost your mind!” I watched the standoff between the two and then took a step back to address the head of the trading company. “Open the warehouse. If you’re innocent, you won’t mind a confirmation.” “You insolent barbarian! Only those with my permission can see the goods.” If you’re innocent, just grant permission. Trying to act proud without reason. “I’ll say it again. Open the warehouse.” I spoke again with an icy tone. “The only door you can pass through is beneath my feet! Sichuan fool! If you want to live, crawl beneath my legs!” “You wretched!” “You arrogant fools! What are you doing standing around! Subdue them! Perhaps a beating will knock sense into them for daring to accuse an innocent!” In the courtyard of Green Blue Trading Company, the security began advancing toward us in unison to suppress us. A critical moment. Instead, I smiled inwardly. ‘Good. The stage is set.’ I operated my internal energy. Now, with just a breath, I enhanced my vocal power through a small internal chant to amplify my voice. “Once again, I say! We have come from Daseogak to reclaim our stolen goods! Return the goods!” The power behind my voice was so resonant that it echoed throughout Green Blue Trading Company, surprising the security team and causing them to momentarily pause. “What of Daseogak! All you’ll get is a beating with sticks and blades!” Really? “Hahahahaha!” I dramatically laughed, clutching my forehead for all to see. “Has this guy gone mad?” In a situation that might seem like the smile of a madman, the security remained at bay. Thank you. I was worried they’d approach even while I was laughing suspiciously. “Truly, thank you.” Without dropping my smile, I looked directly at the head of the trading company. “What?!” “For responding just as expected.” With those words, I snapped my fingers. A familiar pigeon, observing the situation from the rooftop, soared into the sky in response to my gesture. And then. “Chief of trading company!!! You need to come out immediately!!!” A thunderous voice echoed from the entrance. “What’s happening!” “You scoundrel!!!! What have you done!!!!!” So many of them—numerous martial artists broke through the gates of Green Blue Trading Company. Seo Cheon Trading Company alone cannot resolve this issue. Even if they could, it would likely end as overzealous loyalty by the security staff being used as a scapegoat. No way, they can't expect to just retrieve goods after killing hardworking security staff? They need to cover insurance for the deceased security staff, compensation, and my fees too, right? If Seo Cheon Trading Company can’t do it, and I can’t do it alone, what to do? I looked at the woman behind me wearing a hat, clutching my sleeve. “G-Gang Gong Ja.” “It’s alright. It’s all over.” “Mankum Warzone?! Why is Mankum Jeonju here at Green Blue Trading Company!” “How dare you! To threaten Mankum Jeonju's granddaughter with a sword and target the goods of Daseogak, which belongs to Mankum Warzone! You will face justice for your crimes!!!” “What?!” I told you, head of the trading company.