The sudden profanity caused the figures of the Sura Sect to furrow their brows.

What right did a mere Guest have to spew such curses...

"Darling!"

Even before the Sura Sect people could step forward, the middle-aged woman's shout flew in like an arrow, making the white-haired man look as if he'd been burned!

"M-Madam..."

"Did you not promise to stop cursing?"

The white-haired man's neck shrank back, making it hard to believe he was the same person who had just spewed curses with the face of a yaksha.

"I-I'm sorry... It looked like they were pressuring our gracious host..."

However, the middle-aged woman firmly shook her head and pointed at their daughter.

"Even so, cursing is the beginning of all conflict. Please restrain yourself. What will Jia learn from watching you?"

"Dad...?"

The man glanced once at his lovely daughter's face and hastily cleared his throat.

"R-Right. I understand. Ahem, ahem."

Then, putting a smile on his face, he asked again in a polite voice.

"Why are you dog-like folks being so rude?"

"... Darling."

"Hm? Did I do something wrong? No matter how generously you look at them, those bastards are worse than Underworld thugs, aren't they?"

"Even so..."

Having finally run out of patience with the couple's banter, Ju Yeongsan roared.

"What the hell are you people doing!"

When Ju Yeongsan shot out his killing intent, the white-haired man stepped in front of the woman and child.

At that sight, Ju Yeongsan's brow furrowed deeply.

'He dispersed... the killing intent?'

He hadn't released it with all his might, but it still wasn't something that could be easily brushed off.

Yet the woman and child standing behind the white-haired man seemed completely unaffected by the killing intent, wearing clueless expressions.

Unlike his forehead, where a vein was popping out, the white-haired man's voice remained polite, likely conscious of his daughter.

"I heard from outside that you came from the Sura Sect. Is that true?"

"It is."

However, this politeness was short-lived.

"I heard it was a sect that ranks among the upper echelons of the 108 Peaks, but did I hear wrong?"

"What are you talking about?"

A growl masquerading as politeness slipped through the white-haired man's teeth.

"It makes no sense for motherfuckers like you to be a sect of the 108 Peaks."

"Darling!"

"Ah, I'm sorry."

The woman scolded him again, and the white-haired man took a step back.

Ju Yeongsan, who had been glaring at the two, gave a nod, and the Hogwon Squad Commander who had come as an escort stepped forward.

Step.

At the sight of the Squad Commander extending one hand and taking a starting stance, the white-haired man let out a chuckle.

"Brat, even if I haven't drawn my sword, do I look that easy to you?"

"A mere rice-weevil who picks up and eats the grains of rice spilled by others dares."

Just as the Hogwon Squad Commander raised his internal qi and prepared to strike.

A sound transmission reached his ears.

["Hogwon Squad Commander. Let him hit you."]

When the Hogwon Squad Commander frowned in confusion, Ju Yeongsan continued.

["This can serve as our justification."]

Realizing the Sect Leader's intention, the Hogwon Squad Commander nodded and dashed forward.

"Hiyah!"

As the Hogwon Squad Commander's refreshing fist strike cleaved through the air, the white-haired man lightly raised his hand and caught the fist.

"Stop if you have no intention of doing this properly."

"...!"

The Hogwon Squad Commander panicked when his fist was caught far too easily, contrary to his expectations.

Once again, a sound transmission reached his ears.

["Now!"]

He was curious about the white-haired man's identity, but the affairs of his sect were more important right now.

He did not dodge the incoming attack.

Keheuk!

The Hogwon Squad Commander rolled across the floor.

"Uaargh!"

Seeing him clutching his chest and rolling on the ground as if severely injured, Ju Yeongsan and the elder immediately rushed over.

"Yeong-gi!"

"Hogwon Squad Commander! Are you alright!"

At that moment, Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan, who were coming out of the office after opening the door, froze upon seeing the scene.

"What... is this!"

Cough.

In the midst of it all, the Hogwon Squad Commander spat out blood, and Ju Yeongsan roared as he held him in his arms.

"Daecheon Merchant Group Leader! Is this the Daecheon Merchant Group's intention?"

Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan surveyed the room to grasp the current situation.

It was a situation where anyone could quickly realize a massive problem had occurred.

Glaring at the troubled faces of the two men, Ju Yeongsan suddenly sprang to his feet.

"If you intend to resolve things in this manner, the Sura Sect will not stand idly by!"

With those final words, the Sect Leader stormed out of the Daecheon Merchant Group, and the elder quickly hoisted the Hogwon Squad Commander onto his back and followed him.

"..."

Everyone in the room could realize that things had gone horribly wrong.

* * *

"I am sorry..."

Baek Haegwang bowed his head deeply.

"Those bast... no, those people were acting atrociously toward the benefactor who graciously welcomed our family, so I couldn't discard my past temper and..."

Despite the sincere apologies of Baek Haegwang and Seop Sojeong, the atmosphere in the room was far from bright.

"First, let's move them somewhere else."

It was Wang Geumsan who first came up with a countermeasure in this crisis.

"Regardless of anything else, the Sura Sect has grasped a forced justification, so there's no way they will stay quiet. For now, the best plan is to move them to another region and feign ignorance."

Jin Taesan stared quietly at Baek Haegwang before shaking his head.

"We cannot do that. I have already made a promise to Sowoon."

He was undoubtedly talking about helping him establish a sect.

Wang Geumsan struck his chest in frustration.

"My friend, if they stay here, the problem will only escalate. It means we'll have to stop with blood what we could have stopped with money."

At those words, Baek Haegwang, who had been listening silently, also stepped in to agree.

"In truth, I also thought it was shameless to receive help establishing a sect, and I was just about to tell you."

"See here."

"We have already received enough grace just by you taking in our homeless family of three. If we stay any longer, I believe it will only bring harm to our benefactor."

When even Baek Haegwang spoke like this, Wang Geumsan spoke even more actively.

"I will find a place to send them. So you don't have to worry about their livelihood at all."

However, the worry cast over Jin Taesan's face did not disappear.

"... If we make them take sole responsibility for the problem, won't they have to live as fugitives for the rest of their lives?"

"That is..."

Wang Geumsan, who had been speaking, clamped his mouth shut.

No matter how insignificant the Sura Sect's power might be, the power of the 108 Peaks and the Murim Alliance to which they belonged was immense.

If the Sura Sect were to use this incident to exert influence over the Murim Alliance, Baek Haegwang and his family might have to live as fugitives forever.

Jin Taesan slowly opened his mouth.

"I heard you imparted teachings to Sowoon."

"It wasn't anything great. It was simply something I no longer needed, so..."

Watching Baek Haegwang awkwardly scratch his head, Jin Taesan wore a warm look in his eyes.

"Ever since hair started growing on his face, he was a child who carved out his own path forward without relying on anyone."

A son who was still small in his father's eyes. How proud had he felt seeing that son stand alone, and yet how much had his heart ached with worry?

"I know better than anyone that it wasn't because of an independent nature, but because of his unreliable father and masters."

Recovering the Taiyi True Scripture and protecting the honor of the Taiyi Sect were all done through Jin Sowoon's own power.

The boy had placed even the adults behind him and faced the storms all alone.

When he heard that boy call him 'someone like a master,' how grateful had he been?

"I thought about how much of a support you must have been to that boy, who had to go out alone to foreign lands and even take care of his young junior disciples."

Because of that, he wanted to convey his gratitude twofold, threefold.

"So you do not need to bow your head anymore. Furthermore, there is no reason for you to become fugitives because of us."

Wang Geumsan stomped his foot in frustration.

"Taesan, you fool!"

"..."

However, Jin Taesan raised a hand to stop him and spoke resolutely.

"For the past five hundred years, the Taiyi Sect has never once betrayed a favor. Even if we lose everything, we have continued to uphold our loyalty, and we will continue to do so in the future."

"..."

"Do not worry about a thing. It is a merchant group created by my son in the first place. If it can serve as a good foundation for the master who became a pillar of support for that boy, could there be a better use for it?"

Jin Taesan shifted his gaze to Baek Haegwang.

"Even if the merchant group goes bankrupt, I will help you establish a sect. So..."

Soon, the father cupped his fists toward his son's master.

"I ask that you continue to provide good teachings to my son in the future."

Even on the verge of the massive merchant group being swallowed whole into the enemy's jaws, Jin Taesan bowed his head on his own accord.

Watching this, Baek Haegwang's body trembled slightly.

Seop Sojeong's eyes also grew moist as she looked at him.

"Darling..."

Biting his lip tightly, Baek Haegwang cupped his fists in return.

"First, I want to apologize. Since I decided to walk a new path, my conduct should have followed suit, but I still haven't fully shaken off the shadows of the past. It might not be much of a compensation, but could you leave it to me to resolve this matter?"

"What do you mean..."

A resolute light had already gathered in his eyes.

"I mean exactly what I say. Please grant me permission to deal with the Sura Sect on behalf of the Daecheon Merchant Group."

"..."

"..."

Jin Taesan and Wang Geumsan were left at a loss for words.

They wondered if this man named Baek Haegwang was out of his mind.

It was none other than the Sura Sect.

They were backed by the Shaolin Sect and occupied a top spot among the 108 Peaks.

Even the Iron Sword Sect couldn't easily face them...

"I will turn everything back to the beginning and start anew."

Baek Haegwang bowed his head once again.

Following him, his wife Seop Sojeong also bowed her head, and Jia, who had been smiling innocently, clumsily bent her waist as well.

Wang Geumsan and Jin Taesan exchanged complicated looks.

* * *

'Thank heavens.'

Ju Yeongsan let out a long sigh.

It wasn't that he believed the ridiculous story Jin Taesan had told.

Still, just in case, he had urgently sent someone to Gyeongdosa, only to receive word back telling him to wait until the main temple contacted him.

After four days passed like that, Ju Yeongsan became certain.

'To think that damn bastard's words were actually true...'

For whatever reason, the Shaolin Sect did not wish to step forward in this matter.

Until recently, they had been expressing concern over the Daecheon Merchant Group's expansion and egging on the Sura Sect, only to pull out now.

Even so, Ju Yeongsan had no intention of stopping the steps he had already taken.

The massive distribution network of the Daecheon Merchant Group that he had discovered during his investigation.

Particularly by establishing branches around the Mount Cheonmok area and increasing their dominance, they had fully prepared to expand into Hangzhou.

It was truly a goose that laid golden eggs.

If any sect knew that such an incredible merchant group was in the hands of the Taiyi Sect, they would undoubtedly covet it.

If they just sat back and it ended up falling into the hands of an Underworld sect that was expanding its power...

The shrinking of the Orthodox faction's influence within Anhui Province might be an inevitable outcome.

'Yes, this is all for the sake of justice!'

At that moment, the Hogwon Squad Commander, fully armed, entered with disciplined movements.

"Preparations are complete, Sect Leader!"

The greatest contributor who had accomplished the most in this endeavor.

By being beaten by the Daecheon Merchant Group's Guest and bringing back a justification, the Sura Sect had gained the perfect opportunity to strike the Daecheon Merchant Group.

"Wangga Manor might intervene. But we will absolutely not engage them. We will only quickly subdue the Daecheon Merchant Group's personnel and force them to stamp the contract. Understood?"

"Yes, sir! I have relayed the orders to everyone."

The Sura Sect Leader, who had just been crying out for justice, had eyes gleaming with greed.

"Then let's go."

As Ju Yeongsan took the lead, wearing his favored weapon, the 'Iron Gauntlets,' on both hands, the Sura Sect disciples wearing wrist guards formed a long line behind him.

* * *

"Daecheon Merchant Group, listen! With your insidious schemes and ambush, you have left our sect's Hogwon Squad Commander with a deep, unrecoverable injury. Therefore, hand over the sinner responsible for the ambush and pay compensation for the damages!"

The reason he shouted loud enough to make the entire area ring was because a massive fight was bound to break out anyway.

A 'Guest' was an incredibly important visitor to any group.

Recklessly handing over an honored guest to an enemy would cause a massive plunge in that group's credibility.

There were times when honor was more important than money or martial prowess.

A group that used a guest as a scapegoat out of fear of the enemy would not be able to avoid public condemnation.

If so, the only remaining option was to sneak the guest away.

In that case, the Sura Sect's attack would gain a righteous justification.

'Kuhuhu, it truly is a situation of being surrounded by enemies on all sides with nowhere to run.'

While the Sura Sect Leader wore a triumphant smile at the thought of swallowing the goose that laid golden eggs.

The Hogwon Squad Commander, who had supposedly suffered a deep, unrecoverable injury from the ambush, shouted for the last time.

He was following the custom of taking action after shouting three times.

"Daecheon Merchant Group, listen! With your insidious schemes and ambush, you have left our sect's Hogwon Squad Commander with a deep, unrecoverable injury. Therefore, hand over the sinner responsible for the ambush and pay compen—"

Right then.

CREAAAK.

The tightly shut doors opened, and the white-haired man trudged out.

"... Ahem, ahem, my word, I'm dying of embarrassment."

... It was Baek Haegwang, the very culprit who had left the Hogwon Squad Commander with a deep, unrecoverable injury.

The Sura Sect disciples, who had been ready to burst into the Daecheon Merchant Group at any moment, stared at him in disbelief.

Becoming the center of attention, Baek Haegwang scratched his cheek as if embarrassed and shouted loudly.

"This Seat... a-ah, no. I-I am the Sect Leader of the B-Baekgeom Sect. Ahem, my name is Baek Haegwang... no, it is."

To display such awkward, tensionless behavior in this grave atmosphere.

"Well, uh, what was it. I thought my actions the other day were rash, and I would like to apologize."

The Hogwon Squad Commander wore a dumbfounded expression at the sudden apology.

Regardless, Baek Haegwang cupped his fists and bowed his head toward the Hogwon Squad Commander.

"So I would appreciate it if you could just go back now."

Having finished speaking, Baek Haegwang shuddered as if his entire body was itching.

After a brief moment of silence.

The Sura Sect Leader and the disciples, who had been staring at Baek Haegwang in disbelief, simultaneously burst into uproarious laughter.

Some even showed tears as they mocked him.

"Kuhahahahaha!"

"What an absolute madman!"

"Hey, have you ever heard of a sect called the Baekgeom Sect?"

"Never heard such a name in my life. But just from hearing it, I can tell it's some Third-Rate sect!"

Despite the people's mockery, contempt, and ridicule, Baek Haegwang maintained an impassive expression.

At that moment, Ju Yeongsan stepped forward.

"Why isn't the Daecheon Merchant Group stepping forward?"

Baek Haegwang lightly shrugged.

"I told them that since I caused this mess, I will resolve it."

"Hah... You're saying they abandoned their Guest?"

"They didn't abandon me, I said I would resolve..."

Ju Yeongsan deliberately sighed even louder and raised his voice.

"What sect or group in the world would abandon a guest! Furthermore, isn't the Daecheon Merchant Group operated by the Taiyi Sect!"

"... The Orthodox faction and the Underworld are exactly the same when it comes to not understanding what someone says."

Soon, Ju Yeongsan glared at Baek Haegwang in indignation.

"Hah, you'll resolve this alone? What exactly are you going to resolve? Are you planning to offer your neck?!"

"Good grief, over a single hit, what do you mean offer my life..."

"Then what? Are you saying you're going to fight us?"

Despite the fierce intimidation, Baek Haegwang merely smacked his lips, looking completely devoid of tension.

"... I tried to apologize..."

"You fool! Do you not know the Jianghu saying that blood must be paid for with blood!"

"I know because I've suffered from it a lot. It's really not a good thing..."

"Shut up! If you're going to take responsibility, pay for it in blood!"

"Man, you keep cutting people off. You fucking bast... Ahem, I mean, Sura Sect Leader?"

Baek Haegwang glanced back briefly, scratched his head, and nodded.

"Actually, this is more comfortable for me too."

Then, he drew the sword he had borrowed from the merchant group's warrior.

SHING.

"Causing a commotion might bring harm to the surroundings, so, hmm... will you all come at once?"

"Hah... Haha..."

Ju Yeongsan was dumbfounded by Baek Haegwang's seemingly fearless behavior.

The Hogwon Squad Commander also asked with an absurd expression.

"Sect Leader, what shall we do?"

There were a staggering one hundred of them.

They had brought only the most elite among the Sura Sect's first and second-generation disciples.

To claim he would single-handedly face a force that wouldn't lose even if they went to war against mid-to-small sects right now.

He had to be completely and utterly insane.

"Kill him. After today, there will not be a single person in this world who trusts the Taiyi Sect's Daecheon Merchant Group."

Once the fact that their Guest died became known, no one would want to trade with the Daecheon Merchant Group.

Furthermore, the Murim Alliance might take issue with this incident.

"Strike!"

"Yes, sir!"

With the Hogwon Squad Commander's command, five disciples clenched their fists and dashed forward refreshingly.

"Goodness, I told you to come all at once..."

The five disciples who rushed out were the elite of the elite.

Therefore, that fearless white-haired man would...

In the first move, his clumsy sword would break; in the second, his stance would crumble; in the third, he would be struck in a vital point and his qi and blood would twist; in the fourth, he would vomit blood; and in the fifth move, he would die.

No, that was definitely how it was supposed to go...

THUD, THUD, THUD.

The five disciples who had been rushing toward Baek Haegwang were rolling on the floor like puppets with their strings cut.

"Wh-What is this..."

Baek Haegwang's carefree voice pierced the ears of a wide-eyed Ju Yeongsan.

"Ah, don't worry. I just knocked them uncons..."

"Nonsense..."

"Hah, you keep cutting me off, you fucking bas... Ahem, anyway, if you aren't coming, then I will."

Immediately after, Baek Haegwang took a serious sword-drawing stance for the first time.

SWISH.

In that moment, alongside an unknown sense of dread.

"Wh-What is..."

In Ju Yeongsan's eyes, a massive crimson demon began to appear behind Baek Haegwang.

Ju Yeongsan was not the only one to sense the danger.

Seeing their fallen martial brothers, the Sura Sect disciples also sensed the danger.

Thinking they needed to attack together, they leaped at Baek Haegwang.

However.

"R-Run..."

Ju Yeongsan shouted to stop his foolish disciples' actions, but it was already too late.

White Moon Heaven-Subduing Three Forms

First Form

'Extreme Speed'

SWOOSH—

The sound of the air being sliced apart swallowed all the Sura Sect disciples whole.