Hwaeum County, a village that embraces Mount Huashan, one of the Five Great Mountains, is one of the largest villages in Shaanxi.
In the past, when Mount Huashan's name echoed throughout the world, Hwaeum was bustling with life.
Merchants lined up endlessly to visit Hwaeum, and those wishing to see the mountain never ceased their footsteps.
Thanks to this, the people living in Hwaeum had no worries about making a living just from the name of the mountain.
However, as the moon waxes, it wanes.
As the mountain began to lose its fame, Hwaeum County also started to lose its vibrancy.
The only remaining symbol of Hwaeum was the Taihua Tower.
At that moment, a dozen merchants gathered on the top floor of the tower.
"Hahaha!" A loud, hearty laugh erupted.
"The Zhang family head seemed quite flustered. Did you see that face?"
"Well, it’s understandable. After all, we issued an ultimatum."
"Isn’t it too much? Just the gold they took amounts to a hundred thousand liang! With that money, one could buy several Taihua Towers! We helped them out because of our ancestors' connections, but if a person had any conscience, they should have repaid it by now."
"Of course. That’s the way of humanity."
The tower's host, Gong Munyeon, nodded quietly.
Then he put on a rather friendly expression.
"Though they are merchants chasing profit, it feels a bit uncomfortable to be so harsh on a place that has ties to our ancestors."
"What do you mean, Gong host? You have done more than enough. They have broken the repayment date several times, yet you still showed them leniency, didn’t you?"
"That’s right. No one could blame you, Gong host. On the contrary, wouldn’t they praise your kindness?"
"Then I suppose that’s a relief."
Gong host kept his words to himself and tilted his wine cup.
But inwardly, he sneered at those sitting before him. 'How easy it is to think like that.' They could live so simply. 'The power of Mount Huashan is not to be underestimated.' The true strength of Mount Huashan does not come from brute force.
What one must be wary of is the history they have built over the years.
When a sect has existed for hundreds of years, whether one likes it or not, connections are formed.
At least within Shaanxi, it would be harder to find someone without ties to Mount Huashan. 'People don’t realize it while it exists.' The presence of the mountain has now diminished to the point of being less than dust, and many would not care if it vanished.
But what matters is what comes next.
The moment people properly recognize that Mount Huashan has disappeared, there will be an increase in those seeking 'reasons.' If they do not provide a proper justification, Hwaeum County could be destroyed in an instant.
Most of those connected to Mount Huashan are not mere farmers but individuals of status and rank.
'But this should be fine.' He took his time, slowly savoring the moment.
After being boiled for this long, it should be tender like a duck that falls apart at the slightest touch of chopsticks.
"But, Gong host."
"Yes."
"What do you intend to do by seizing the temple of Mount Huashan?"
"Mm."
Gong host chuckled lightly.
"That temple holds more significance than you think. It may seem like just an old structure, but it is a valuable asset."
"I don’t quite understand."
Foolish people.
He almost let his expression slip but managed to keep his face from twisting.
"The power of the name Mount Huashan still remains. Even if used as a tourist spot, many will still want to visit."
"However…" Yu Jong-san, who sold silk in Hwaeum, looked displeased.
"How many people would actually go to that treacherous mountain? Wouldn’t it be better to receive something else instead of a temple?"
"There's nothing else to receive."
"Mm."
Gong host curled his lips.
"You need not worry. Though I can’t say it openly, there are certainly places willing to pay a high price for even that seemingly worthless temple."
"Are there really such places? Places that have affection for Mount Huashan…"
"Isn’t it the opposite?"
"Ah…."
Yu Jong-san nodded as if he understood.
Sects that would buy the remaining temple at a premium to erase the existence of Mount Huashan.
Just thinking of a couple of places that came to mind was enough.
"So, do not worry about that. I will ensure that your money is recovered."
"Hahaha. Worry? We have always trusted you, Gong host."
"Of course! The merchants of Hwaeum should naturally trust and follow you, Gong host!" Gong Munyeon, with a smiling face, nodded.
But inwardly, he felt quite different. 'I cannot scheme with such people.' Hwaeum is a dying land.
When Mount Huashan was renowned throughout the world, it was a place of great value, but now, there is nothing left in Hwaeum.
Thanks to the previous generations sucking the life out of Mount Huashan, it has now become nothing but a shell.
And that very fact was tightening Hwaeum's throat.
Hwaeum is neither a strategic location nor a place with many people.
Yet, the only reason Hwaeum became famous and developed was solely because of the presence of Mount Huashan.
If Mount Huashan were to completely disappear, Hwaeum would not be able to sustain itself. 'I must organize and leave before it’s too late.' If he could sell the temple of Mount Huashan and hold a vast sum of money, it would not be impossible to become a wealthy merchant.
To do that, however…
"Mm?" At that moment, Gong Munyeon turned his head sharply.
"Who is it!" As he shouted, the guards stationed outside the tower rushed out.
"Wh-who's there?"
"Is anyone here?"
Gong Munyeon said nothing and quietly waited for the guards to return.
Eventually, they opened the door and came back.
"There was no one."
"……."
When Gong Munyeon did not respond immediately, Yu Jong-san chuckled and said, "Gong host, isn’t this the top floor of Taihua Tower? Who would come here?"
"That’s right. And if there had been someone, they would have found them. Unless they had wings, how could they hide here?" Gong Munyeon nodded. 'Was I too on edge?' It was understandable, as he was close to achieving his long-held wish.
"I must be tired. I would like to enjoy a bit more, but it seems best to end it here for today."
At his words, everyone agreed and stood up, brushing off their seats.
Gong Munyeon offered them a somewhat weary smile.
However, once his nerves were on edge, they would not easily settle down.
It seemed he needed a bit of rest.
"Ugh!" Yu Jong-san staggered as he walked down the street.
"What a good time!" It seemed he had drunk a bit too much.
The excitement had not faded since a little while ago.
Why wouldn’t it? 'It’s a tremendous amount of money.' The money he was to collect from Mount Huashan was of an extraordinary level.
The interest had piled up over the years to the point where the original loan was nothing but dust.
If he could recover that money, living a life of leisure would be nothing.
Gong host may be untrustworthy, but when it comes to money, he is precise.
No matter what schemes he may be plotting behind the scenes, as long as Yu Jong-san receives his money, that is all that matters.
"The moon is bright… What? No moon? Ah, it’s the new moon."
Yu Jong-san chuckled and looked around.
It was dark, and it seemed like a perfect spot to be robbed.
On a night like this, one should stick to the main roads, but he had wandered into such a secluded area due to the effects of alcohol.
He realized he had been shortsighted.
If a knife-wielding robber were to appear at such a moment…
"Hey, wait a minute."
"……."
Yu Jong-san closed his eyes and opened them again.
Someone was blocking the dark alley ahead.
Dressed in black night clothes and wearing a black mask.
Truly… 'A robber in disguise.' Though the figure was small and did not exude much intimidation, there was a clear intent behind that outfit.
But wait, do robbers usually dress like that? A robber should handle things as discreetly as possible, yet this outfit was clearly shouting, 'I am a robber!'
Yu Jong-san let out a hollow laugh and spoke.
"Are you a robber or something?"
"I have no interest in money."
The figure stepped forward.
"If you answer my questions well, I will let you go unharmed."
"Oh?" Yu Jong-san chuckled.
"I would like to answer, but this is a bit troublesome."
At his words, the figure raised their head slightly.
"I have quite a few dependents, you see. I can’t just roam around freely."
Swoosh.
With a small sound, several figures appeared around Yu Jong-san.
They were armed guards.
It seemed they were from the merchant group.
"I would like to answer, but I don’t think they would be too pleased about me answering. Unfortunately."
The figure stared at Yu Jong-san without a word.
Yu Jong-san, losing interest, closed his mouth.
Instead, the guards spoke up.
"What should we do? Should we kill him?"
"Hmm."
Yu Jong-san stroked his beard.
"The fact that you are dressed in night clothes and blocking my way means you are not just robbing anyone, but you have a purpose for coming to me, right?"
"That seems to be the case."
"Then I should hear that purpose. Capture him. Make sure he can speak."
"Yes!" Just as the guards were about to rush forward.
"Wait."
The figure raised a hand to stop them.
"Huh?"
"I would prefer not to cause a scene. I’ll say it again, if you just answer my questions, we can end this nicely. So…"
"How long are you going to keep listening to nonsense? Capture him!"
"Yes!" The guards surrounded the figure with the momentum of a tiger.
'Foolish man.' Yu Jong-san turned his head at the sight.
He did not particularly enjoy violent scenes.
They were people he had contracted with for a large sum of money.
They were not the type to engage in such matters.
Therefore, they had a tendency to be more excessive than ordinary guards.
So, it was clear that this time would also end in an instant…
Bang! Just as expected.
Bang! Oh dear, that was too much.
Bang! Yu Jong-san frowned.
This was excessive even for them.
"Didn’t I say to make sure he can speak?"
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes. I’m… huh?" Who just answered?
Yu Jong-san raised his head and looked ahead. "……."
Before his eyes lay the guards, foaming at the mouth and collapsed.
And the figure who must have smashed them in one blow was approaching him, tilting their head.
"A person must understand words. It’s strange how some people just can’t seem to grasp them."
"……."
The figure beckoned with their finger.
"Come here. Come."
"……."
Yu Jong-san approached the figure as if in a trance.
"I’ll say it again, if you just answer well, nothing will happen. Do you understand?"
"Yes!" The answer came out sharply.
"Now, then…"
"……Yes? What do you mean?" If he had answered at first, they would have just asked and left, but since he wanted to fight, he must be punished.
"Yes?"
"Don’t worry. I will make sure you can speak."
"……."
It was a day when darkness unfolded in Yu Jong-san’s life.