The carriage passed through Junggyeong and headed toward Seomseo.

Since they were traveling with Geum Arin, they decided to stop by Bigo, which the Silver Galaxy Guild Master had given as a reward, on the way back.

“Are you not curious about what’s inside there?”
Despite Geom Mugeuk’s question, Geom Woojin showed no interest at all and just stared out the window.

“Please give me thirty chances to pick as well!”
At the mention of thirty times, Geom Woojin turned his head and looked at his son.

“I thought if I call you this many times at first, I might get even three picks later.”
Geom Mugeuk saw the corner of his father’s mouth hesitating to lift. Yes, he would give at least three.

Following his father’s gaze, Geom Mugeuk looked out the window.
“How long has it been since you’ve been to Junggyeong?”
“It’s been a long time.”
Geom Woojin recalled the past Junggyeong, while Geom Mugeuk imagined the future Junggyeong. Woojin had once traversed this place with Kwonma long ago, and Mugeuk had searched here for Daebeop materials.

At that moment, Woojin spotted an inn up ahead and said,
“Let’s rest there today.”
In response to his father’s words, Hwi answered,
“Understood.”
Until now, the father had quietly followed the schedule led by Hwi and Imhyeok—going to inns, setting up camp.
But today, Woojin was the first to suggest resting at that inn.

After informing the carriage ahead carrying Geum Arin, Hwi brought their carriage to the inn.
Geom Mugeuk was curious — was there a meaningful memory here from before? Maybe the innkeeper remembered his father. He wanted to thank him for helping back then.
But nothing of the sort happened.

After unloading the luggage, Geom Woojin took Hwi outside but did not bring Geom Mugeuk.
“You wait here.”
“Please take me with you. Where are you two going alone?”
“You don’t need to know.”
Leaving only curiosity behind, Woojin and Hwi left the inn.

After walking a while, Woojin quietly asked,
“Is it here?”
Startled, Hwi asked,
“You know this place?”
Woojin nodded. This was Hwi’s hometown. Hwi himself didn’t expect the Guild Master to know and to suggest stopping here.

“I left when I was young, so I have no feelings for it. My parents passed away, and I left soon after.”
“Still, since we’re passing by, we should stop once. Where is your hometown?”
“Over the ridge, a mountain village.”
Woojin stepped forward first, and Hwi quietly followed.
Hwi was surprised that the Guild Master remembered his hometown and more surprised to stop there and come along.

Hwi, who had watched Woojin closely all along, knew this well. The Guild Master was a deeply caring man but not one to show it easily. Hwi knew better than anyone where this change came from.

He recalled Geom Mugeuk, who had been pushing him to take time for himself throughout this journey.

—Why are you going this far?
—There’s a wave of change sweeping the main guild these days. They’re trying to leave you out too.

Yes, he understood better than anyone what kind of change this was. So he asked:

—Where is this change leading us?

The Little Pill Master who made all these changes answered:

—I don’t know either.

Hearing that, Hwi felt a sense of relief instead.

Finally, they arrived at the place where Hwi was born.
Surprisingly, the house was intact but inhabited by others.
No one remembered Hwi. It would have been stranger if anyone did, given he had left as a boy and returned as an adult martial artist.

Though he said he felt no sentiment for his hometown, it was no longer his home.
Memories of childhood came flooding back—especially his mother calling him in from the alley after playing with friends, and the scattered children running home one by one.

After wandering around the house and alley for some time, the two ate noodles together at a small noodle shop in the village.

Geom Mugeuk told him he should change, that he must change, but he himself had already changed a lot. Here he was, sitting with the Guild Master eating noodles.

After the silent meal, they returned to the inn.

They shared no special conversation, but Hwi could feel Woojin’s feelings just from this. It was a way the Guild Master showed he cared in his own way.

At the inn’s entrance, Hwi said,
“Thank you.”
To which Woojin replied,
“No, thank you.”
It was Woojin’s heart toward those who always protected him. Now he had started expressing it to those closest to him.

At that time, Geom Mugeuk was practicing martial arts using the Time-Space Substitution Technique combined with the Four Heavenly Techniques. He focused on martial training whenever he had free time during the journey.

He always thought his strength lay not in techniques but in relationships with people. But that was a thought only possible when he could block incoming attacks. For the days shared with people to shine, nights had to be spent sweating blood.

Thus, Mugeuk’s nights were long.

The carriage traveled far and finally arrived at the Geumryong family estate in Seomseo.

Geom Mugeuk parted ways with his father at a place where the family buildings were visible from afar.

“I will go ahead as a scout.”
He judged it unnecessary to accompany his father to Geumryong family from the start.

“The protagonist usually appears later, doesn’t he?”
No matter how much he tried to hide it, how could he conceal his father’s presence?

Moreover, since the reaction of the family head was uncertain, going alone first to gauge the atmosphere was a wise choice.

Geom Woojin understood his son’s intent and accepted it willingly. Besides, he had reports to receive from the Cheonma Sect and pending tasks to handle.

“I’ll wait at Anga.”
The Cheonma Sect’s Anga was nearby, so if help was needed, it could come quickly.

“I will send word.”
The carriage with his father departed in the opposite direction.

Geom Mugeuk joined Geum Arin’s carriage.

Geum Arin was about to suggest that they all go together but stopped herself. Trust him. He must have a plan.

The carriage arrived at the entrance of the Geumryong estate.

Above the grand gate was a golden plaque, with calligraphy so powerful it looked like a dragon swirling through the air.

The gates opened, and the carriage entered.

Those guarding the entrance were proud warriors of the military family, with well-trained eyes.

Inside the gates lay a spacious courtyard, a garden, and a pond harmoniously and beautifully arranged. The buildings were magnificent, and golden dragon sculptures symbolizing the Geumryong family were everywhere.

Though the place was intended to overwhelm visitors, it had no effect on Geom Mugeuk, who had grown up seeing the gigantic demon statue of the Cheonma Sect.

As they neared the main family hall, Geum Arin’s tension became palpable.

“Nervous?”
To Mugeuk’s question, Arin nodded. It was not the time to hide emotions but to prepare for her father’s reaction.

“Your father might scold you.”
“Don’t worry about that. When it comes to ‘a scary father,’ I’m the veteran.”
“That’s not what I meant!”
Are you really not worried? How can you be so carefree?

At the main family hall, Geum Ajojung was waiting.

“Have you arrived?”
Having definitely misunderstood Geom Mugeuk’s identity, he now looked at him differently.

“You fraud! The cute one who will change my fate!”
His heart was full of desire to connect this fraud with his brother and ruin him.

“Was the journey hard?”
“It was fine.”
“When you have time, let’s drink. Since you’re a guest at the main family, I’ll treat you.”
“Agreed.”
Geom Mugeuk readily accepted the invitation.

After parting with Geum Ajojung, Geom Mugeuk and Geum Arin entered the main family hall.

Walking down the corridor, Geum Arin said,
“It’s suspicious.”
“What do you mean?”
“My brother wouldn’t be kind to you. He’s overdoing it now.”
She was indeed sharp.

“Nothing bad about getting closer, right?”
“I just saw it. Who would it be bad to get closer to?”

The two entered the main family hall where the family head, Geum Cheonbang, awaited.

“Anything to say?”
“No.”
In the end, Imhyeok, who had hesitated, spoke.

“I have one question, may I ask?”
“Go ahead.”
He wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to ask.

“About your niece. I always thought that my always guarding the lady might [N O V E L I G H T] hinder her growth as a martial artist. So I thought she was telling me to rest. That’s why I ask.”
Geom Mugeuk used it as an excuse, but it was his own worry. He truly cared for Geum Arin like a daughter and had always tried to protect her. But was he ruining her? He had pondered this.

He wanted to ask Hwi about this, thinking he would have an answer.

“I don’t know what your niece thinks. Maybe that’s true, or maybe she just wanted you to rest.”
Hwi raised his head and looked at Imhyeok, asking,
“Whatever it is, what does it matter to us?”
“Eh?”
“Martial artist growth is separate from us, right? Those who will grow well will do so whether guarded or not. For mere guards to worry about that is beyond their duty.”

It was a simple answer not to emotionally immerse in the one they guarded, but it felt like a weight lifted.

Didn’t he think that himself?
But no matter how much he thought, he could not find an answer.
Hearing it from someone else felt relieving, especially from someone who seemed like a senior in the guard ranks. He thought he should just follow that advice.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s not my business to interfere. Thank you for your guidance.”
That day, Hwi spoke more than usual. Just as Imhyeok found Hwi special, so did Hwi feel a special connection. He had met a junior worried about guard duty in the martial world. So he said this too.

“Your niece’s words are probably right. When she’s with your niece, it’s okay. So think of this as your last vacation and enjoy.”
Imhyeok felt strange.
It was hard to refuse when with these people: Geom Mugeuk, this guard, and the man standing with his back turned.

He looked toward the direction Geum Arin disappeared.

“So the lady must choose wisely.”

Geom Mugeuk and Geum Arin stood side by side on the hill.

The view from the hill was beautiful.

The reeds waved as if alive, and beyond them, the river flowed gracefully, sparkling in the sunlight.

“I have something to tell you.”
Geum Arin had pondered one thing throughout the carriage ride and had reached a conclusion. She was about to tell Geom Mugeuk.

“The reason I contracted with you is not because you made a deal with the Silver Galaxy Guild and tried to kill me.”
“Then what is it?”
“I wanted help in the succession battle.”
She spoke honestly. This decision was also a hunch. Choosing Geom Mugeuk was a hunch, and being honest was also a hunch. If this hunch was wrong, she would be doomed.

“Make me the successor of the Geumryong family.”
Geom Mugeuk was not particularly surprised.
“You knew.”
“I had a rough idea.”
Geum Arin felt glad she spoke honestly. Even if it ended badly, this stability he gave was comforting. That’s why she could ask such a question.

“Can you make me the successor?”
“That depends on you.”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze was serious.
“How far can you trust me?”

Geum Ajojung was also returning to the family.

He was going faster than Geom Mugeuk and Geum Arin’s carriage. He had sent Ichu ahead to investigate Geom Mugeuk.

And the awaited Ichu returned.

“Did you find anything?”
“Yes, I did.”
Ichu lowered his voice and said,
“Master Gong, your suspicion was right. I overheard their conversation by chance. They said they would make a big move after coming to the family.”
“See? I told you he was a fraud! That damn con man!”
A wave of joy washed over Geum Ajojung as his prediction proved correct.

“Evidence?”
“Not found yet.”
A frown appeared on Geum Ajojung’s face. Without clear evidence, it was useless. Even if Ichu overheard it, they would claim it was a setup since they were their minions.

“We need evidence. Only then can we get rid of Arin.”
Ichu spoke cautiously.
“May I give you my opinion?”
“Speak.”
“It’s better to use them to entangle the Second Young Master rather than the Three Maidens.”
Unexpected words.
“The elder brother?”
“Your true rival is the Second Young Master, isn’t he?”
It was true. Though worried his father might name the younger brother successor, it was close to an obsession. The likely successor was the elder brother. Maybe he lacked courage to confront him and was bullying his younger brother as an escape.

“Good idea, but how?”
“They’re con men, right? Throw the Second Young Master as bait to them.”
Geum Ajojung’s eyes opened wide. It made sense. If he could just connect these frauds to his brother? It would sharply reduce their father’s and family warriors’ trust.

“Will my brother fall for it easily?”
“We have to make him fall.”
“How?”
“I don’t know that part either.”
If explained too perfectly, they’d be suspicious. So he was told only this much and would figure out the rest himself. He was clever enough to handle it.

As Geum Ajojung predicted, he began scheming.

“Getting my brother involved with those con men?”
His eyes gleamed cunningly.

In the martial world, financial accidents were the deadliest. His younger brother caused a two-million-nyang accident.

“How much trouble should my brother cause?”
Unlike typical wealthy merchants with good looks and stature, Geum Cheonbang was small and slightly irritable in appearance. Fortunately, Geum Arin and Geum Ajojung resembled their mother.

Despite such an impression, he made the Geumryong family one of the top five in the Central Plains, a testament to his ability.

Geum Arin thought her father might scold her on sight but was surprised by his calmness.

“I’m back, father.”
“Have you returned?”
Geum Cheonbang’s gaze landed on Geom Mugeuk.
“This is Geom Yeon of Seodo faction.”
After respectfully saluting with folded palms, Geum Cheonbang returned the greeting gently.

Geum Arin was even more tense seeing her father smile at Geom Mugeuk. He wasn’t the kind to smile at someone who had taken two million nyang.

Moreover, the father and uncle weren’t present; they might think he sent a young man instead after taking the money.

Yet, the father showed no displeasure, which made her uneasy. Both her brother and father were unexpectedly composed.

“I heard. You decided to help our Arin?”
“Yes.”
“Our daughter has a good eye for people.”
“Choosing me proves that.”
Geum Cheonbang smiled at Geom Mugeuk’s joke.

“But I heard there are three of you?”
“My father and uncle have places to visit, so they will come later.”
“I see.”
The cautiousness of Geum Cheonbang stemmed from this point.

‘The Silver Galaxy Guild Master personally came to meet the debtors?’
He knew better than anyone the position of the Silver Galaxy Guild Master. He was someone who called others to his place no matter who they were.

If he moved personally, he must be special.

Sure enough, those who broke their contracts with him and re-contracted with the daughter were fearless.

Geom Mugeuk was also watching him carefully.

He thought the key to this matter lay with Geum Cheonbang.

Having examined each other, Geum Cheonbang spoke first.

“I am a merchant. My principle is to buy goods at their price and sell at their price.”
A person like that running a secret organization to absorb the Joo family sword sect?

“Having such admirable principles, you must have built this great enterprise.”
“Thank you for saying that. So, may I ask you a favor?”
Since he had received two million nyang, it meant he should earn his keep.

“What favor?”
“Geumryong family conducts many transactions. Even now, deals happen somewhere. Some are good, others bad. There are many who harm us greatly and ignore us. One such place has been troubling us for a long time.”
Geum Cheonbang narrowed his eyes as he looked at Geom Mugeuk.

“Can you collect the payment there?”
“Who are those shameless ones?”
Geum Cheonbang sighed and answered,
“The Baekseonbang.”
Baekseonbang—named after a faction of a hundred immortals, but if it truly were such a group, they wouldn’t have named themselves that.

Baekseonbang was a den of demons. Geom Mugeuk knew about them.

Now Geum Arin understood why her father had been so kind. He did not want it to end with anger or shouting.

Baekseonbang was more than a long-standing headache for Geumryong family; they were too evil and dangerous.

Even Geumryong family had yet to collect the money they were extorted of by them. Asking to collect from these people was a request filled with malice beyond merely testing ability.

“Father, entrusting that task is…”
At that moment, Geum Cheonbang looked at her coldly. Geum Arin could say no more. She could feel her father’s anger.

Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk was calm.

“How much money is owed?”
“It’s accumulated over a long time, totaling three million nyang.”
It was money they had been extorted under various pretenses. They did not even recognize it as borrowed money, making collection impossible. Baekseonbang was full of experts and was at the

peak of viciousness.

Geum Cheonbang wondered how Geom Mugeuk would react.

It was a kind of counter-move test, to see how he would respond.

Geum Arin urgently sent a message to Geom Mugeuk.
—Refuse! No matter who you are, you can’t handle them!
She had put everything on this man. She could not afford to lose. She had to block it at all costs.

Of course, Geom Mugeuk was not the type to act according to her wishes.

—When you asked me to make you successor, what did I say?
Geom Mugeuk’s question came to mind.

No matter what, to be put to such a test already.

While she hesitated to answer, Geom Mugeuk replied first.

“I will collect it.”
Geum Cheonbang smiled oddly.
‘He’s really going to do it? Does he not know who Baekseonbang are? Or does he know?’

Of course, Geom Mugeuk would not accept such a request easily.

“Then how much will you give me as compensation?”
“What?”
Calmly, Geom Mugeuk explained.
“I am not your family head’s subordinate but a partner of Geum Sojeo here. Since I am doing a task your leader forbids, I should get reasonable compensation. Am I wrong to ask?”
Geum Cheonbang could not refute. It was true. Strictly speaking, he was not a subordinate hired by him.

But demanding money again after taking two million nyang? Normally impossible, but the situation was special.

“How much do you want?”
“You said you haven’t been paid in a long time, so it’s a bad debt. You probably assumed it was uncollectible, and since the family head couldn’t get it, these people are dangerous.”
Setting the stage, Geom Mugeuk made a bold move.
“I will collect half.”