23. In the realm of the sects, there is much construction work.
This is because conflicts with rival factions occur frequently.
Creating formations or mechanical devices ultimately falls under the realm of construction.
Harmoniously linking these elements with the location is not the responsibility of those who cultivate martial arts; it is entirely the domain of builders.
Moreover, when a major battle erupts in the martial world, it is not uncommon for sects or branches to be consumed by flames.
A sect that collapses in such a manner can be considered finished, but prestigious sects or influential families often invest vast sums of money to build even grander structures.
In this sense, architects also gain their own reputation, and those who handle mechanical devices are treated as masters in the martial world.
A man named Yeon Ja-seong was among the top three architects in the martial world during the time I was known as the Lord of the Zaha Sect.
He was a master craftsman frequently invited for large-scale projects.
Of course, now he, like me, appeared twenty years younger.
When he approached me to greet me, aside from his deeply tanned face, he looked like a young man a year or two younger than me.
Yeon Ja-seong looked me straight in the eye and said, “I am Yeon Ja-seong. I have been entrusted with this task through the introduction of Uncle Geum Cheol-yong.” I smiled and welcomed Yeon Ja-seong.
“I am the owner of the Zaha Inn.”
Although I introduced myself as the owner of the Zaha Inn, Yeon Ja-seong's reaction was different.
“As I heard from our sect leader, you are indeed quite young.”
“Our sect leader?”
When Cha Seong-tae and I exchanged glances, Yeon Ja-seong spoke with a determined expression.
“Uncle Geum insisted that I must call you sect leader. He mentioned that if I complete this task excellently, I might be able to take the position of the head of the sect. He also said there would be no need to pay any tribute to the sect. Is that correct, sect leader?”
I nodded.
“That is correct.”
Yeon Ja-seong smiled.
“Good. I am very pleased with that. I will make the Zaha Inn splendid, and I will take the position of the head of the sect. I have great ambitions when it comes to construction.”
Ah, welcome.
And I know better than anyone that this man has great ambitions.
As I smiled, Yeon Ja-seong looked at the open space and said, “Although it was a small inn before, the land is very spacious and good. It is a great place to build, and since it is on a slightly elevated hill, the evening view is quite beautiful.
In any case, you can leave all matters regarding the construction entirely to me, sect leader.” Yeon Ja-seong turned to me and said earnestly, “I have heard that you will protect those who work hard in the future. Is that correct?”
When I nodded, Yeon Ja-seong smiled brightly and said, “Since it is being built in your name, I want to make sure to mention that I have kept the price as low as possible.” With this, both Cha Seong-tae and I laughed.
“Haha…”
Yeon Ja-seong pointed to one side of the open space and said, “I will set up a temporary barracks over there. It will serve as both accommodation and a place to eat. While there are basic cooking tools, there are limits to cooking every day.
It would be appreciated if you could occasionally treat the workers and me to some delicious food with your own funds.” Yeon Ja-seong was indeed a man of great spirit.
He always made his needs known boldly.
He understood that clear words and actions were essential for survival among the people of the martial world.
In fact, the people of the martial world respect those who are clear in their words and actions.
There are times when the black and white do not kill each other; this happens when they find the other’s words and actions or character agreeable.
Given Yeon Ja-seong's character, he would surely build connections with the people of the martial world and thrive thereafter.
He was undoubtedly a clever man.
After conversing, I felt a desire to ensure that Yeon Ja-seong would not be taken away by any faction once he was seated as the head of the sect.
I nodded and looked at Yeon Ja-seong.
‘You are now one of the Hao Sect.’
I commanded directly, “Seong-tae.”
“Yes, sect leader.”
“Always serve the workers from Meihwa House, Ihwa House, and Shihwa House with the best food. And where are those ruffians who burned down the inn?”
“I have instructed them to do the hardest work, so do not worry. As the head of the Saengmun, I will take responsibility for that.”
Yeon Ja-seong looked at Cha Seong-tae, seemingly surprised.
“Saengmun?”
Cha Seong-tae nodded as if feeling a sense of competition.
“I forgot to mention. I am the head of Saengmun. Saengmun is a subordinate organization of those working in the Gilu.”
Yeon Ja-seong nodded.
“Ah, I see. Understood. In any case, you are indeed beneath our Zaha sect leader, right?”
Zaha sect leader? That was a new way of addressing.
Cha Seong-tae immediately confirmed, “Of course. Saengmun, Chukmun, Cheolmun… all are allied forces of the Hao Sect.” I asked, “When did you two start speaking informally?”
At my remark, Yeon Ja-seong seemed to realize something.
“Ah, Seong-tae hyung said I could speak comfortably since he is older than me. I also know that you are older than me, sect leader. Please feel free to speak comfortably.”
I replied without much thought, “Understood.
Ja-seong.”
As soon as I spoke informally, Yeon Ja-seong seemed slightly flustered and responded, “Yes, hyung.”
“Ja-seong, it was nice to meet you. See you again.”
My pleasure was sincere.
I had managed to keep a man who would become famous for his construction skills.
It seemed I would have to treat Uncle Geum to a bowl of soup from Chunyang Banjum.
I was also curious about how he had brought him here.
Uncle Geum, of course, had far more connections in this regard than the innkeeper or Cha Seong-tae, who managed the Gilu, so it was no surprise that he had made the connection, but curiosity was unavoidable.
“How was Ja-seong?” “He is a spirited man. I like him.” “I knew you would like him.” I asked Uncle Geum while we ate soup. “Where did you find such talent?” I was genuinely curious.
In his previous life, Geum Cheol-yong had only made handles with dragon heads, so he was somewhat distant from being a famous figure.
Of course, he was a capable man who managed the Cheolbang well.
However, Yeon Ja-seong was in a different league, so it was only natural to be curious.
Geum Cheol-yong replied, “Ja-seong is a man who works tirelessly day and night to secure jobs. He even visited our Yongdu Cheolbang once to ask if there was any work available. He has made several proposals about expanding the Cheolbang.
I had no intention or means to do so.”
“Was it because you didn’t want to stand out?”
“Of course, that is part of it. In any case, I couldn’t give him work, but he still visited often to greet me. He is a man who instinctively knows how a merchant should survive. Of course, he should be called a craftsman rather than a merchant. Out of curiosity and a sense of obligation, I arranged a few jobs for him elsewhere, and now he calls me big brother.”
“I see. A man who roamed around to secure work…”
Eventually, he would become famous, and people in the martial world would seek out Yeon Ja-seong, but that was not the case now.
It was fortunate for me that Yeon Ja-seong had come to know Geum Cheol-yong while diligently seeking work.
“Is there any progress with Gwang-in?” At my question, Geum Cheol-yong smiled as he sipped his soup. “There isn’t any specific progress. However, once I started working, I found it enjoyable. It has been a source of contemplation. My days had always been the same, but thinking about Gwang-in has brought a bit more vitality.” The same was true for the deputy head. “Can we create weapons that do not break? He was deep in thought.” It seemed the entire Cheolbang had found a purpose.
I nodded. “That’s good to hear.” “Just wait. People see me as a man who only makes handles, but I will change that perception this time.” Could Geum Cheol-yong really achieve that? It was not something I could predict.
However, seeing him move with a purpose unlike in his previous life made me feel rather good.
While I was washing the dishes, Jang Deok-su, who had been listening to the conversation, spoke up. “It seems Il Yang-hyeon is quite lively. I passed by the construction site and saw that the Zaha Inn is going to be quite large.” I looked at Geum Cheol-yong and Jang Deok-su.
He seemed to have something he wanted to say.
Jang Deok-su continued, “How about we hold a feast? To celebrate the disappearance of the ruffians.”
“A feast?”
Jang Deok-su wiped his hands and turned around.
“I mean the Zaha Inn. After all, it will be built with the ruffians’ wealth. The ruffians caused a lot of trouble in Il Yang-hyeon. I thought it would be nice to gather the elders of the village to celebrate, putting aside all grievances. If you agree, I can gather the innkeepers and restaurant owners to discuss it. After all, we will have to prepare the food ourselves.”
Geum Cheol-yong nodded.
“That sounds good. Everyone should gather to see each other’s faces. There used to be many feasts like this in the past. Now it feels too desolate.”
I tilted my head and looked at Jang Deok-su.
“Is that all you wanted to say?”
Jang Deok-su hesitated for a moment before answering.
“If there isn’t anyone suitable to take charge, I was thinking of becoming the head of the Jeommun. I think there should be an organization for the innkeepers, restaurants, and tavern owners.”
Geum Cheol-yong spat out the water he was drinking with a laugh.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Jang Deok-su wiped his face and replied, “It’s fine.” I said, “The heads of Saengmun, Cha Seong-tae, the head of Cheolmun, Geum Cheol-yong, the prospective head of Chukmun, Yeon Ja-seong, and the head of Jeommun, Jang Deok-su.” It was a trivial matter, yet I found it amusing.
Jang Deok-su looked at my expression and asked, “Are you laughing? Am I funny?” “No. If it’s Deok-su hyung, you would do well. Let’s do that.” Now, if we added Salmun, the temporary Hao Sect would be on its way to becoming another Hao Sect.
I hoped this Hao Sect would last a long time.
Moreover, it was time to start looking for the head of Salmun.
While talking with Uncle Geum and Jang Deok-su, I was also reviewing my memories to find a suitable candidate for the head of Salmun.
I needed to determine who would be the right fit.
I was aware of most of the strong figures from the time I was active and the events occurring in the martial world at this time.
This left me with much to think about.
After a while, Geum Cheol-yong suggested it was time to leave. “Alright, we’ve eaten, so let’s get back to work. Today was a good meal.” Jang Deok-su smiled and asked, “Yes, guest. Who will pay?” “Of course, our sect leader should pay. I think I’ll have to eat for free for the next ten years since I introduced such a fine man.” It was naturally my turn to pay, but it felt a bit strange that I was the only one paying.
In any case, I took out money from my pouch and paid for the soup. “Deok-su hyung, it was delicious.” Jang Deok-su replied as he took the money, “No need to mention it. Please come again.” I stood up and said to the two of them, “Then, let’s meet again, sect leaders.” Uncle Geum boasted, “Wait for it. I will give you a belief that will not break…” I nodded and replied, “I look forward to it.”
As I left Chunyang Banjum and returned to Meihwa House, men who clearly seemed to be looking for me blocked my path.