“This is the manor.”

At the words of the carriage warrior, Yong Ja-myeong leaned his head out the window.

He could see the manor standing alone in a remote place.

Thinking of the person waiting there, his expression was calm as a lake, but inside, a quiet storm was raging.

After all the hardships and storms, he had become the richest man in the world. He prided himself on being unfazed by most things now, yet seeing his heart race like this, it seemed he was still far from that.

But Yong Ja-myeong never showed his trembling outwardly. The anxiety from Baek Chong sitting in front of him was already enough.

“If there’s a problem, use the code word.”

They had agreed on a code word between them. Depending on that, Baek Chong handled various emergencies.

Yong Ja-myeong smiled and asked,

“When was the last time we ever used it?”

It was so long ago that he couldn’t even remember.

His gaze returned to the outside.

“That much, we’ve lived without tension.”

Since some time ago, tension had been left to the other party.

And like a punishment for that arrogance, tension suddenly returned.

Meanwhile, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

“We’ve arrived.”

At the report from the carriage warrior, Baek Chong looked at the /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ warrior sitting beside him. Without words, the other warrior nodded knowingly.

Yong Ja-myeong had no intention of turning back, so now the three of them had to protect the Danju. Each was an extreme master, but they risked their lives in this matter.

“Trust only us.”

Baek Chong said firmly and stepped down from the carriage first.

Next, Yong Ja-myeong descended calmly and with composure.

Following them were the warrior and the carriage warrior who had come together.

The manor’s gate was closed.

They did not know what traps might await them beyond that door.

Perhaps demon beasts lined up waiting for them. Poison from the Poison King might be scattered, and the great sword of the Blood Heaven Demon might fly over their heads. The cruel So-ma might be watching their dying bodies with a cold smile.

Baek Chong exchanged looks with the other warriors. They shared similar feelings.

‘They asked to meet at a place like this?’

Judging by the surrounding trees and terrain, it was a good place for an ambush. Fortunately, the warriors who had ambushed earlier had all withdrawn, so no unnecessary misunderstandings arose.

What annoyed Baek Chong more was that the meeting place had changed when they were almost at the destination. It was a message from Tongcheongak to meet not at the original manor, but at another manor to the west.

Baek Chong was displeased with that too — being watched by Tongcheongak and having the meeting place changed at the last minute.

Baek Chong slowly walked to the door and gently pushed it open. It was not locked.

Creak.

The door opened with the sound of old age.

Then, an unexpected sight unfolded before their eyes.

There was a table in the courtyard, and people were eating.

Geom Mugeuk, holding a ladle, said,

“Who wants some more soup?”

It was Geom Mugeuk’s unique way of welcoming visitors — a meal, so don’t be tense!

Baek Chong stepped aside, and behind him, Yong Ja-myeong walked forward.

No name tags were attached to the people at the table, but it was instantly clear who the Cheonma (Heavenly Demon) were.

Even if dozens were bustling and eating in this courtyard, he felt he could still recognize them.

Yong Ja-myeong’s gaze turned to Geom Woo-jin.

It was the moment the person known for supreme military power met the one known for supreme wealth. Though it seemed they should have met at least once before, today was their first meeting. Or rather, their second.

On the way here in the carriage, Yong Ja-myeong had imagined how the leader of the Demon Sect would first appear.

Would he be frightening? Nervous? More warm than expected? Handsome?

But the first impression that came to his mind was completely unexpected.

‘Familiar face!’

He looked as if he had seen him somewhere before.

But that was all. He couldn’t remember where.

No, since he had never seen the Heavenly Demon before, it was more accurate to say he didn’t remember who resembled him.

Being at the peak of merchants, how many people had he met in his life? So many he couldn’t remember each one.

‘I’m sure I’ve seen someone who looks like that.’

But his thoughts could not last long — he dared not continue staring at the face of the Heavenly Demon.

Geom Mugeuk knew that Yong Ja-myeong hadn’t recognized his father at once.

Well, it was a matter from their youth.

He surely never thought the person who saved him would be the Heavenly Demon. That was only natural.

“Do not worry. I will fulfill your wish. Before you leave, I will make sure you remember.”

At this moment, Geom Mugeuk wondered,

‘Did my father recognize him?’

But it was impossible to read that from his father’s expression.

Geom Mugeuk put down the ladle and stepped forward.

“Welcome, Danju.”

Yong Ja-myeong recognized immediately. This young man was the Little Pill Master of the Cheonma Sect. He resembled the Heavenly Demon sitting over there in some way.

“I am Geom Yeon of the Western Sword Faction.”

The reason he called Yong Ja-myeong here today was to show that they had a deep connection with the Eunha Trade Guild and to use Geum A-rin to quickly penetrate their core.

They had considered pretending to be part of the Eunha Trade Guild, but his father’s presence made it impossible to believe he was subordinate to anyone.

Instead, they planned to lure Geum A-rin by making her think the Shinbi Sect was trying to join hands with Yong Ja-myeong.

“This is my father.”

With Geom Mugeuk’s introduction, Yong Ja-myeong walked toward Geom Woo-jin. Baek Chong behind him was on high alert.

“My name is Yong Ja-myeong of the Eunha Trade Guild.”

At Yong Ja-myeong’s greeting, Geom Woo-jin stood up.

Geom Mugeuk and Hwi watched with surprise.

Normally, the master of the guild does not stand to greet visitors, even if the guild is the best in the world.

But Geom Woo-jin treated him with respect.

“Thank you for coming.”

He was expressing gratitude to the one who had rushed to his guild.

The moment Yong Ja-myeong heard Geom Woo-jin’s voice, something struck his chest.

Excitement, anticipation, fear — but also a unique and intense feeling different from those emotions.

Like fate was speaking to him.

It was not the first time. He had felt this several times in his life. Each time, his life had changed drastically.

At the mention of Yong Ja-myeong’s name, everyone there was startled.

Especially Geum A-rin.

‘Is that the master of the Eunha Trade Guild?’

She had never seen him personally but had heard many stories about him.

Her father once said about him:

—His power is not wealth. The name Yong Ja-myeong is a power greater than money.

He was a merchant who had surpassed using money to control people and the world. At that time, she felt her father’s jealousy.

The fact that Yong Ja-myeong appeared here was unbelievable, so she looked at her bodyguard, Im Hyuk.

Im Hyuk immediately sent a telepathic message.

—He really is the master of the Eunha Trade Guild.

Im Hyuk had seen him before but could not remember clearly because he was young. Geum A-rin also had seen him.

Im Hyuk’s expression hardened. Just Geom Mugeuk, Geom Woo-jin, and Hwi were already overwhelming.

And now Yong Ja-myeong had come here?

In the upper world, Yong Ja-myeong was the head of the martial alliance and a Heavenly Demon.

‘What should we do?’

Im Hyuk, thinking hard, suddenly locked eyes with Hwi across from him. The calm meaning in Hwi’s eyes matched the message he had sent before.

—Stop thinking and acting, and keep your mouth shut.

Though it was disrespectful, Im Hyuk felt it was friendly advice.

It still applied now.

‘If you want to live, don’t step forward. Don’t fight the current, go with the flow.’

Im Hyuk slightly bowed to Hwi, then looked at the person he must protect.

Geum A-rin was staring at Geom Mugeuk.

‘That legendary person has come to meet you? Who do you think you are?’

Even the head of the Geumryong family to which she belonged had to request an appointment and visit at a set time to meet Yong Ja-myeong.

‘You, whom I can suppress with my internal power, who are you really?’

It was truly an unbelievable sight.

If the Eunha Trade Guild was the best in the upper world, the Geumryong family was among the top three. They maintained a good relationship but were fierce rivals.

‘Something’s not right. I need to find out why this meeting is happening and report it.’

After greeting Geom Woo-jin, Yong Ja-myeong’s gaze turned to Geum A-rin and Im Hyuk.

“Who are these people?”

Geom Mugeuk introduced her.

“I haven’t heard the name of this honored guest yet, but one thing is certain.”

She was nervous about what he would say. Sure enough,

“This is a fortunate person.”

Geum A-rin could not hide her baffled expression. Was she really introduced like that to the Danju of the Eunha Trade Guild?

Yong Ja-myeong smiled and said,

“You carry a very happy kind of fortune.”

He said it politely but thought,

‘If she doesn’t even know my name yet, she must not know who she is facing.’

He suspected the reason he was asked to come here might be related to these people.

Geom Mugeuk then introduced Hwang In.

“This is the Danju of the Hwangdo Trade Guild. He dreams of becoming the master of the world’s best guild.”

Hwang In never imagined he would meet the person he dreamed of today.

“It is an honor to meet you.”

“I have been admiring the rapid growth of the Hwangdo Trade Guild lately.”

Hwang In’s face reddened slightly. It was an achievement gained by questionable means. On the other hand, he was surprised that the Eunha Trade Guild had taken notice of him.

“This guild has been reborn. Please watch over us.”

Hwang In was quick-witted like a merchant.

“Well then, I will take my leave.”

Though he wanted to spend the night talking with Yong Ja-myeong and building ties, he sensed it wasn’t the right atmosphere.

Leaving did not mean distancing. Knowing when to join and withdraw was a step closer to the goal.

At that moment, bodyguard Im Hyuk sent a telepathic message to Geum A-rin.

—Let’s also get up now.

—We need to find out why they met.

—You know, they won’t reveal themselves easily. Staying longer will only expose us.

His judgment had been good from start to finish.

Though he did not lead the decision, Geum A-rin agreed with it.

“Since a precious guest has come, we will take our leave.”

Geum A-rin stood up.

As she said goodbye, Geom Mugeuk said,

“Next time, try the food properly. You won’t regret it.”

Hearing Geom Mugeuk talk about food at parting was like a different person than before.

—Are you a human worthy of living?

Geum A-rin had a premonition that she would soon have to answer that question.

She bowed politely to Geom Woo-jin and Yong Ja-myeong, then left with Im Hyuk.

Walking toward the door, she and Im Hyuk spoke telepathically.

—It’s our appointed place, yet we’re the first to be kicked out.

—Still, we’re leaving alive, aren’t we?

Good judgment was a gift to them.

After the two left, Geom Mugeuk asked Yong Ja-myeong,

“Have you eaten?”

Normally, he would have refused. Who joins a meal after arriving late? Besides, such gatherings hadn’t happened for a long time.

But this place was different.

It was the place where the Heavenly Demon was eating. To finish eating here without joining would be rude.

“Not yet.”

“There’s plenty of food. There’s enough for you to join.”

So Yong Ja-myeong sat down with them. Baek Chong and the three guards stood a few steps away from him.

“Please, join us.”

When Geom Mugeuk offered, Baek Chong politely declined.

“We’re fine.”

Geom Mugeuk did not insist further. Forcing them now would only make things harder.

Geom Mugeuk brought the uneaten food in a fresh bowl.

“This is food I made myself, with my father preparing the ingredients beside me.”

Yong Ja-myeong was surprised.

“A truly precious meal.”

“Of course. You won’t have it again.”

Yong Ja-myeong bowed slightly toward Geom Woo-jin.

“It’s an honor.”

“I hope it suits your taste.”

Yong Ja-myeong tasted the food. Baek Chong’s senses were on high alert.

If there was poison? What if they tried to control Yong Ja-myeong with a poison rather than kill him?

He wanted to rush and test for hidden needles immediately.

But if he pricked the food made by the Heavenly Demon and the Little Pill Master, his heart would be stabbed by their swords.

Without such worries, Yong Ja-myeong ate comfortably.

“It’s really delicious.”

He wasn’t lying. Having tried all kinds of good food, this dish was quite excellent.

“Next time, try the food my father makes with me assisting. Then tell me whose food is better.”

Yong Ja-myeong just smiled. He could never say yes to that — it meant judging between the Demon Sect Master’s and the Little Pill Master’s cooking.

After the simple meal, Yong Ja-myeong finally asked politely,

“I’m curious why such an honorable person called a mere merchant.”

Geom Mugeuk thought his part was done.

Through this meeting, Geum A-rin learned about the connection between them and the Eunha Trade Guild.

But his father said something unexpected, as if he had not called him for that reason.

“I wanted to introduce my son.”