"Welcome."

As Jin Taesan stepped inside, Hong Mungi and Kang Chaeseok gladly welcomed him.

"Why does it seem like you're aging more by the day?"

At Kang Chaeseok's casually thrown words, Jin Taesan's face heavily crumpled in a frown.

"A guy who does nothing but play and eat wouldn't be able to understand. What the burden of life is."

"P-Play and eat? Who are you saying does nothing but play and eat!"

Jin Taesan's eyes narrowed even further.

"Just when do you plan on drawing out Sword Force?"

"... D-Do you think that's something you can just easily pull out like drawing lots!"

Kang Chaeseok, originally the strongest expert of the Taiyi Sect, had welcomed the recovery of the Taiyi True Scripture more than anyone, and devoted himself to training triumphantly, believing he could finally surpass his limits.

However, perhaps due to his age, he had not made significant progress.

"If Yuseong achieves Sword Force first, we will have to change the Hall Leader of Kwaehwa Hall to Yuseong. When that time comes, you should take the classes at Kwaehwa Hall again."

"..."

Having thrown a joke only to be hit back with words, Kang Chaeseok continuously downed his drink as if to wash away his bitter feelings.

Hong Mungi, who had been watching the two bicker, asked Jin Taesan.

"Are you alright?"

Having passed all the burdens of the Taiyi Sect onto Jin Taesan, Hong Mungi always felt a sense of guilt toward him.

However, Jin Taesan, who knew the Sect Leader's heart better than anyone, gently shook his head.

"I am fine. If we're talking about conditions, now is a hundred times better than ten years ago."

He said that, but Hong Mungi could only feel pity as he watched him wipe his dry face.

As that feeling was conveyed, Jin Taesan shook his head once more.

"Please do not worry. If I didn't have any ambition, I wouldn't be working this hard. If we were to just lose this opportunity we worked so hard to grasp..."

Then he looked toward the training ground where the children would be.

"Wouldn't we regret it for the rest of our lives?"

Seeing the completely unwavering look in his eyes, Hong Mungi also downed his drink without a word.

"So, what wind blew you here today?"

"Did I come to a place I shouldn't have? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"

"Haha, this guy. Coming from someone who hasn't visited the Taiyi Sect even once over these past few months."

"..."

When Jin Taesan scratched his cheek in embarrassment, Hong Mungi smiled benevolently.

"Don't worry. I'm not trying to blame you for that. Your face is full of worry, so I asked because I wanted to share it with you."

After hesitating for a long while at the Sect Leader's words, Jin Taesan opened his mouth with difficulty.

"Unsealing the gates of the Taiyi Sect... how much longer will it be before it is possible?"

"Hmm?"

Both Hong Mungi's and Kang Chaeseok's eyebrows twitched.

It would be one thing if they hadn't sealed their gates, but since they had, they needed to finish making ample preparations.

Furthermore, they currently even possessed the Daecheon Merchant Group.

The moment the gates of the Taiyi Sect opened, it was certain that pressure would come pouring in from all sides.

Since Jin Taesan was not someone who wouldn't know this, he definitely had an intention behind his question.

Letting out a low groan, Hong Mungi asked cautiously.

"Why do you ask?"

Looking at Kang Chaeseok and Hong Mungi in turn, Jin Taesan slowly began to speak.

"The Sura Sect has sent someone."

"..."

"They said they want to buy the Daecheon Merchant Group."

"What?"

The two men's eyes widened, and eventually, Kang Chaeseok slammed his fist on the table.

"The Daecheon Merchant Group is already like a pillar of the Taiyi Sect, so who is blabbering about carelessly buying and selling it?!"

"..."

Only then could Hong Mungi understand why Jin Taesan had carved out time from his busy schedule to come all the way to the Taiyi Sect.

"Are they backed by the Shaolin Sect?"

"... They did mention them."

"I suppose it makes sense for them to be that blatant."

The Daecheon Merchant Group had already surpassed the level of the former Cangqiong Merchant Group's branch.

They were monopolizing the distribution of supplies for the Murim Alliance branches throughout the entirety of Anhui Province, and they also held parts of the commercial rights around Mount Cheonmok, the official route connecting Anhui Province and Zhejiang Province.

The day they advanced into Hangzhou, the largest tourist destination in Zhejiang Province, was not far off, and the day they would dominate distribution throughout all of Zhejiang Province was also not far off.

Because of that, it was only natural for nearby merchant groups and sects to covet the Daecheon Merchant Group.

"Lord Wang was incredibly indignant and said he would step in as well, but if that happens, it will only give the Sura Sect a justification to drag the Shaolin Sect into it."

"Right. And if such a conflict continues, the Murim Alliance will eventually step in."

It was easy to roughly predict what would happen after that.

Holding them responsible for causing the conflict, the Murim Alliance would take back the distribution monopoly in Anhui Province, and the merchant groups of various sects, including the Sura Sect, would divide and eat up the distribution rights.

And the Daecheon Merchant Group would undoubtedly shrivel back down to the level of a local merchant group like before.

Jin Taesan clenched his hands into fists.

"Would it be too much to ask to open the gates?"

At that question, Kang Chaeseok hesitated and sighed, but.

Hong Mungi firmly shook his head.

"I feel sorry to say this to you, but we cannot open the gates right now."

"..."

"If we open the gates now, the children will be driven into fighting. Once you pick up a sword, you shouldn't fear fighting, but even so, I cannot drive children who aren't even ready yet into the jaws of death."

Jin Taesan nodded as well.

He had roughly expected this. No, he already knew himself that it wasn't possible.

He merely wanted to relieve this frustrating feeling even just a little.

"I was thinking the same th—"

"Instead!"

Jin Taesan, who was about to lift his drink, paused.

"I will step forward."

"Sect Leader!"

Kang Chaeseok could not hide his astonished expression.

"I've pushed the burden onto you all this time, so isn't it my turn now?"

"..."

Jin Taesan stared blankly at Hong Mungi.

After acquiring the Taiyi True Scripture, the Sect Leader, Hong Mungi, hadn't rested from his training for a single day.

His skills, which had been stuck at the Second-Rate level, rapidly grew, and recently, he had reached the realm of Sword Qi.

But that was all.

Within the Taiyi Sect, the realm of Sword Qi might be incredible, but in Hefei alone, there was an overflowing abundance of experts who were more outstanding than that.

The biggest chronic problem of the Taiyi Sect was the absence of an expert who could provide teachings.

Since the historically strongest expert in the Taiyi Sect was Kang Chaeseok at the First-Rate level, those who looked toward higher realms were in a situation where they had to accomplish their deep studies alone.

'It would be a little better if there was at least someone who could give teachings...'

He could not make him pay attention to other matters when personal training alone was already overwhelming.

Finishing his thoughts, Jin Taesan shook his head.

"No. Sect Leader. There's no need for you to do that."

"Hmm?"

"Because I've already prepared another method."

Doubt filled Hong Mungi's eyes.

"Another method?"

"Yes."

Of course, he had no such method in mind, but for now, he had no choice but to carry this burden himself.

Instead of answering the two curious men, Jin Taesan forced a smile.

Because if he spouted useless words, it was obvious that both Hong Mungi and Kang Chaeseok would try to throw their lives away.

At times like this, he had to make up an appropriate excuse and handle it alone.

"So, please do not worry."

While forcing a smile amidst the heavy burden, Jin Taesan suddenly thought of his son's face.

'Did that kid also force himself to smile every time?'

Come to think of it, whenever Jin Sowoon smiled, it was always in the worst situations like this.

In situations where no one in the sect could offer help, that kid smiled, saying he could do it himself.

Just how heavy of an emotional burden had he been carrying?

Realizing anew just how massive a burden his son had borne all this time, something surged up within his chest.

'Rotten kid... Was his own father that untrustworthy?'

He spat out a curse out of his apologetic feelings.

But eventually.

He wished his foolish son would smile in front of him.

He earnestly wished for how great it would be if they could resolve this difficulty together.

* * *

"Hmm..."

This, it's no ordinary matter.

As soon as I saw the missive the waitstaff secretly delivered, my brow unconsciously contorted.

"Iff sumthin, om nom, da madda?"

At the muffled pronunciation, I raised my head to see.

"..."

Tang Seo-hee was staring at me with bright, clear eyes, her mouth smeared with twice-cooked pork sauce.

"Goodness... come here."

I pulled out the cloth I carried around just in case and wiped Tang Seo-hee's mouth clean.

... I honestly couldn't tell if I came as a delegation member or a nanny.

Still, I was relieved that she was no longer acting out, trying to play hero.

"It seems a problem has arisen in my sect."

"A pwoblem?"

"Benefactor Jin, what problem is it?"

"..."

Ilmyeong and Ak Byeongbi also looked this way.

Oh, there happens to be a Shaolin Sect disciple right here?

I asked Ilmyeong seriously.

"Senior Ilmyeong, do you know of the Sura Sect?"

"..."

The Taiyi Sect's 'problem' and the 'Sura Sect'.

Just with these two words, a crease formed between the brows of the astute Ilmyeong, who quickly realized what had happened.

"Is it a matter between the Sura Sect and the Taiyi Sect?"

I nodded.

"It seems the Sura Sect is preparing to expand their faction... and it looks like their target is the Taiyi Sect."

"Amitabha..."

While Ilmyeong closed his eyes and thought for a moment, Ak Byeongbi asked me.

"Are you planning to go?"

"I'm not sure."

As a delegation, we had already achieved our intended purpose anyway.

Even if I slipped away for a moment, it wouldn't cause any problems with the delegation's schedule, and the representative officers would handle the academic schedule on their own, so aside from the attendance issue, there wouldn't be any major trouble.

"The Daecheon Merchant Group is the Taiyi Sect's sole asset and source of income. It would be a lie to say I'm not worried."

When I spoke as if intentionally letting Ilmyeong hear, Ilmyeong, who had his eyes closed, gently opened them.

"... I am not well aware of the matters handled by the elders within the temple."

"Of course! I'm sure you aren't."

Without a word, I just stared piercingly at Ilmyeong.

"K-Ahem..."

Until he opened his mouth first.

Eventually, a moment later.

Letting out a small breath, Ilmyeong spoke.

"... Please lend me your wisdom on what I should do."

Anyway, unlike a certain someone, he's a monk who's easy to communicate with, right?

This is why I like the senior.

I answered immediately.

"Please ensure that the Shaolin Sect does not step in. In the first place, isn't the Sura Sect able to act so arrogantly because they trust in the Shaolin Sect's backing? Don't tell me... the monks of the temple, who are more uncorrupted than anyone else in the world, would try to expand their faction out of greed, right?"

"... But whether the elders of our main mountain will listen to my words..."

CRACK, CRACK.

I had no choice but to loosen my wrists.

"Then... I guess I'll have to take this opportunity to properly clash with the Sura Sect."

"..."

When I threw a wrench in the works, Ilmyeong's eyelids trembled.

Soon, after agonizing for a long time, Ilmyeong let out a long sigh.

"I will speak to the elders of the main mountain."

Ak Byeongbi spoke in a voice mixed with concern toward me, as I was watching Ilmyeong's vibrating scalp.

"Are you going to head over right now?"

"I wan to gho doo."

Hey, finish swallowing what you're eating before you talk... Tch, whatever.

I shook my head.

"No. It's fine. If the Shaolin Sect doesn't step in, there's no need for me to go."

"Huh? The Sura Sect occupies a mid-to-upper position even among the 108 Peaks..."

"The Taiyi Sect isn't that weak either."

Even though I spoke confidently, Ak Byeongbi still looked like he couldn't believe it.

"Hey, why is the Delegation Head's expression like th—"

"Ahem, it's nothing."

... As soon as I unseal the gates, I'm absolutely requesting a friendly sparring match with the Shandong Ak Clan.

Well, the public's perception is still like that at the moment.

I don't think the current Taiyi Sect will be able to withstand the Sura Sect's pressure either.

'Because I've prepared something else instead.'

I once again wiped Tang Seo-hee's mouth, which was covered in sauce.

* * *

"What have you decided to do?"

At Wang Geumsan's question, Jin Taesan answered as if it were nothing.

"There's nothing to think about. It's not yet time to open the gates."

"Hmm... Thought so."

As regret clouded Wang Geumsan's expression, Jin Taesan burst into a hearty laugh.

"You don't need to worry. Even if it's just in name, doesn't the Taiyi Sect also hold a spot among the 108 Peaks? Even the Sura Sect won't be able to act rashly."

Wang Geumsan knew better than anyone that Jin Taesan's mind was not at ease either while talking like that.

On the other hand, he felt even more fond of him seeing how he didn't reach out his hand for help even when faced with such a critical situation.

He had spent his whole life seeing only people who reached out and asked for his help, but had there ever been someone who tried to help him instead?

Wang Geumsan thought that perhaps he had become friends with Jin Taesan because of the way he treated him as a human being rather than as the wealthy Lord of Wangga Manor.

And for such a friend, he could use his power as much as needed.

"Do not worry! The Sura Sect? If those bastards act insolently, our Wangga Manor won't sit still. Anyway, isn't Wangga Manor also handling the Murim Alliance's supplies together?"

However, Jin Taesan merely smiled and avoided giving an answer.

Because he knew full well just how much of a burden it would be for Wang Geumsan if Wangga Manor dipped its feet into the matters of Jianghu.

"Why! Do you not trust me? I'm the man who pressured the Mount Hua Sect and the Mount Cangshan Sect! Do you know how much they suffered from financial problems because of me!"

Right now, they had recovered thanks to the Western Regions route pioneered by Wang Soso, but because of that incident, the branches throughout Shaanxi Province had been completely crushed, and Wangga Manor had shaken for a time, had it not?

"... I am well aware."

Their feelings for each other were great, but just as a sigh was about to slip out in a situation where no sharp solution could be found.

A servant cautiously stepped into the office.

"Merchant Group Leader Jin. You have a guest."

At the servant's words, Wang Geumsan's face stiffened rigidly.

"Looks like they're incredibly impatient bastards."

"Are they people from the Sura Sect?"

The servant shook his head.

"No. They said they came after being introduced by someone named Jin Sowoon. Since you share the same surname as the Merchant Group Leader, I'm reporting it just in case."

"Jin Sowoon?"

At the name 'Jin Sowoon,' the two men met each other's eyes.

"Escort them in."

"Yes."

A moment later, a middle-aged couple and a little girl who appeared to be their daughter stepped inside.

The white-haired man was full of a bold and solid presence, and the middle-aged woman stood out with her calm atmosphere.

The rosy-cheeked girl, perhaps afraid of appearing in front of strangers, was half-hiding her body behind her mother's legs.

Jin Taesan stood up from his seat.

"Hello. I am Jin Taesan. Did you say you came through Sowoon's introduction?"

Jin Sowoon would occasionally send people to the Taiyi Sect and the Daecheon Merchant Group.

Because there wasn't just one or two people like Yuseong and Jang Dowon who had come to the Taiyi Sect through Sowoon and settled down, he was taking it in stride by now.

When Jin Taesan lightly clasped his fists to greet him, the man followed suit, clasping his fists as he spoke.

"I tried to survive on my own, but it was not easy, so I brought my heavy steps here."

At the middle-aged man's words, Wang Geumsan, who was standing behind, quietly muttered, "Another money ghost has come in," and Jin Taesan sent him a sharp look to shut him up.

Regardless, they were guests his son had sent.

If he had sent them, there would be a reason, and wouldn't doing his best to help them be at least some way of helping his son?

Jin Taesan asked politely.

"If it isn't too presumptuous, may I ask your name? I will look to see if there is a missive my son left."

"Ah, my apologies. I hadn't even given you my name."

The middle-aged man scratched his head as if flustered.

A moment later, the man clasped his fists once more and politely introduced himself.

"I am called Baek Haegwang."

Out of all the people he had seen so far, he was the person who gave the most unadorned self-introduction.