"Goodness, what a mountain range."
Yu Jong-san let out a groan.
The terrain of the volcano was so treacherous that even those living in Hwaeum gasped in awe.
It was only thanks to the guards assisting them that they could ascend the mountain; an ordinary person would not even dare to think about reaching the summit of the volcano.
The fact that he had to climb that perilous mountain again within a week was making both his body and mind uneasy.
"Ugh."
"Master Yu, hang in there."
"I'm already using all my strength!" There was a hint of irritation in Yu Jong-san's voice.
Although the guards were pushing him along, climbing this steep path was no easy task.
They had to rely on a frayed rope to ascend a cliff so steep that it seemed impossible for a person to pass.
With such conditions, how could the volcano ever hope to prosper? 'Once I get my payment, I won't ever have to come back to this dreadful place again.' He was already tired of the sight of the volcano.
Finally, after a struggle, they reached a slightly flatter area.
Gong Mun-yeon, the leader of Taehwa-ru, glanced back to confirm that everyone had made it before speaking.
"Let’s take a short break here."
"Oh dear. Master Gong, that’s a good idea. My legs are trembling..."
"Master Yu, you need to exercise more."
"Haha, I’m not someone who lacks stamina, but no matter how many times I climb this mountain, I never get used to it."
"That’s why it’s called Oak."
Yu Jong-san shook his head and sat down on a rock.
"By the way, Master Gong."
The volcano’s leader, Bang Yeom, who had been quietly observing, approached Gong Mun-yeon.
"What is it?"
"Why do you think the sect leader suddenly called us to the volcano?"
Everyone who had been massaging their legs turned their attention to Gong Mun-yeon.
"Could it be that he has found the money?"
Gong Mun-yeon smiled gently.
"That’s unlikely. One hundred thousand nyang is not a small amount."
Gong Mun-yeon spoke decisively.
"But if he borrowed it..."
"No one in the world would lend one hundred thousand nyang to a failing volcano. If someone had such a good heart, they wouldn’t be so poor."
"That’s true..."
Yu Jong-san shrugged.
"Then what do you think, Master Gong? Why do you think the sect leader called us?"
"Perhaps he’s trying to plead for something?"
"Plead?" Gong Mun-yeon turned to look at the summit of the volcano.
Up there was the Hwasan sect.
"There’s no way for money to come from nowhere, and even if he pleads that he has no money on the repayment date, it won’t hold any weight. So he must have called us to seek another solution."
"Ah."
Yu Jong-san clicked his tongue.
"So you’re saying that someone who has no money is asking us to come and go? Ah, I’ve never seen such a stubborn debtor in my life."
"Though he is in trouble because of money, he is still the sect leader of the Great Volcano. Please refrain from speaking too harshly."
"Master Gong, you are truly kind-hearted. Do you still want to think well of someone who has borrowed money and hasn’t repaid it for decades?" Gong Mun-yeon chuckled awkwardly.
"Let’s maintain our manners. After all, the name of the volcano will soon disappear from the world. Isn’t it too cruel to make it miserable until the very end?"
"Everyone in the world will know of Master Gong’s kindness."
"Indeed, your character is different."
"Don’t mention it."
Gong Mun-yeon bowed slightly in respect.
Yu Jong-san watched this and clicked his tongue inwardly. 'What a ridiculous display.' He was planning to seize the building and kick them out, yet what kind of manners were these? Would those suffering be grateful for the courtesy shown to them?
'By the way...' Yu Jong-san raised his head to look at the summit. 'There’s no way I’ll lose my money.' He had always worried whether he could sell the buildings he received at their proper price.
Although Gong Mun-yeon had spoken confidently, when it came to money, it was only natural for a merchant to worry first.
But now, Yu Jong-san was no longer worried. 'Since someone has come from Jongnam, it must mean there’s interest.' The fact that Hwasan and Jongnam had been at odds was known throughout the world.
Although the existence of Hwasan had faded and Jongnam was rising to prominence, the grudge that had lasted for hundreds of years would not easily vanish.
Moreover, the current leaders of Jongnam were those who remembered the time when Hwasan had oppressed Jongnam.
If that grudge still existed, it was clear they would not allow the buildings of Hwasan to remain and testify to that history.
'Master Gong must be thinking of selling the buildings to Jongnam as well.' Yu Jong-san’s heart warmed.
One hundred thousand nyang.
Of that, he was supposed to receive five thousand nyang.
Five thousand nyang was an enormous sum.
With just one nyang, an ordinary family could live comfortably for a month.
And this was not just one nyang, but five thousand gold pieces! With that money, he wouldn’t even need to do business.
He could spend it freely, and it would last for generations.
Finally, the long tug-of-war was coming to an end.
The thought of finally receiving the money made Yu Jong-san’s heart flutter. 'I wonder what the sect leader will look like.' Just thinking about that stern face twisting made him smile involuntarily.
Though there was a hint of bitterness, Yu Jong-san suppressed the rising sympathy.
After all, in front of money, there are no family or friends.
"Alright, let’s continue our ascent."
"Yes."
Everyone looked visibly tired, but no one suggested taking a longer break.
Blinded by money, the dead began to climb the volcano once more.
"This place feels strange every time I see it."
Someone joked.
"It’s just a crumbling building."
There was a hint of unease in their tone.
The crumbling buildings, the walls, and the front gate with its fallen door.
To anyone’s eyes, it was the appearance of a sect that was failing or had already failed.
Yet, strangely, there was something that drew the gaze of those who looked upon it.
The weight of Hwasan, which had protected the region for hundreds of years.
Though unspoken, everyone shared the same feeling.
But they turned away.
They had come to cut off the breath of the volcano.
If they did not accept the sect leader’s proposal today, Hwasan would not survive even seven days.
The lineage of Hwasan, which had protected Hwaeum for hundreds of years, was finally coming to an end.
"Ahem."
"Ugh!" Did they understand how heavy that matter was? Everyone merely cleared their throats in silence.
They had no intention of turning a blind eye to the reality of money, but for those born in Hwaeum, Hwasan held deep significance in many ways.
Faced with the situation of cutting off the breath of such a place, they could not help but hesitate.
"Let’s go in."
Only Gong Mun-yeon maintained a calm demeanor.
As he stepped forward, everyone hesitated but eventually followed him with awkward expressions.
"Welcome."
Upon entering the main gate, Unam greeted them.
"Unam, it’s been a long time."
"I’m still not worthy of being called a sage. Just call me Unam."
"Then I shall call you Daoist. Is that alright?" Unam smiled silently.
"The sect leader is waiting. This way."
"Hmm."
Gong Mun-yeon slightly furrowed his brows. 'He seems relaxed.' When they had come before, the disciples had blocked them with anxious faces.
Yet now, Unam showed no signs of urgency at all.
No matter how much the sect leader had called for them and knew they would arrive at this time, wouldn’t it be normal to show some basic discomfort?
Gong Mun-yeon quietly watched Unam’s back as he began to walk behind him. 'Who knows? Perhaps this is the true nature of Hwasan.' Perhaps they had accepted the fact that everything was coming to an end and had let go.
Thus, instead of showing the discomfort and obsession with money as before, Unam might be revealing the true essence of Hwasan.
'My worries have increased.' Perhaps the moment had finally come for all grudges to be settled.
Ordinary people tend to let their guard down when they reach their goals, but Gong Mun-yeon was someone who became even more alert at such times.
As he quietly followed Unam, they arrived at the sect leader’s residence.
There, Hwasan’s sect leader, Hyun Jong, was already waiting for them.
"I greet the sect leader."
As Gong Mun-yeon bowed first, those following him lowered their heads in unison.
It seemed they had taken his words about maintaining manners to heart, especially since it was their last journey.
"Welcome. Thank you for your hard work on the treacherous road."
Hwasan’s sect leader, Hyun Jong, smiled gently and greeted everyone.
"I apologize for taking your time amidst your busy schedule. I know it’s customary to come down to greet you, but please understand that I couldn’t do so."
"Don’t mention it. While we may be busy, surely we cannot be busier than the sect leader. It is only natural for us to come."
Gong Mun-yeon also responded to Hyun Jong’s words with a smile.
"But what is the matter...?"
"Haha. Is there any need to rush? You must have had a hard time climbing the mountain, so how about a cup of tea...?"
"Sect leader."
Gong Mun-yeon interjected politely but firmly.
"Enjoying tea and chatting is a good thing. However, we are humble merchants. We would like to discuss matters related to business first."
"Umm."
"Merchants are the type who can’t eat or drink when they have problems to solve. Please understand with a generous heart, sect leader."
"No, I was only thinking of my own thoughts."
Hyun Jong burst into laughter and quietly looked at the merchants.
"Let’s get straight to the point without wasting time."
"Thank you."
Gong Mun-yeon smiled lightly.
"The reason we have gathered you all here today is to convey the position of Hwasan."
"The position of Hwasan?" Hyun Jong glanced at Gong Mun-yeon.
From that small gesture, Gong Mun-yeon could already anticipate what would come next.
"I have inquired everywhere, but I could not find anyone willing to lend money to Hwasan. In other words, it seems that no matter what we do, we will not be able to repay the money by the due date."
"Umm."
Gong Mun-yeon frowned at Hyun Jong’s words.
"Sect leader, we have given you enough time. We are merchants who need to earn a living. We cannot extend the due date."
"That’s what I’m saying."
Hyun Jong met everyone’s gaze and spoke.
"I know that we cannot delay any longer. However, repaying one hundred thousand nyang by the due date is impossible for Hwasan. So I ask you."
Hyun Jong bowed his head and offered a respectful gesture.
"While we cannot repay all the money, we can repay some. So if there is anyone among you who can personally extend the repayment date, please help Hwasan."
The fact that the sect leader had bowed his head left everyone in shock, staring blankly.
The atmosphere began to shift strangely.