Chapter 461: A Legend Came to See You?

TL: FoodieMonster007

"That is the manor."

At the driver's words, Yong Jamyeong leaned his head out the window. He could see the manor standing in a secluded place.

Thinking of the person waiting for him there, his expression was as placid as a lake, but a silent typhoon raged in his heart.

He had overcome all sorts of hardships and storms to become the wealthiest man in the world. He had prided himself on reaching a point where he wouldn't bat an eye at most things, but seeing how his heart was pounding, it seemed he still had a long way to go.

However, Yong Jamyeong never let his trembling show on the surface. The anxiety of Baek Chong, sitting before him, was more than enough for the moment.

"If a problem arises, say the code word."

They had a prearranged code word between them. Following that code, Baek Chong had dealt with various emergencies.

Yong Jamyeong then smiled and asked, "When was the last time we had to use that?"

It had truly been so long ago that he couldn't even remember.

Yong Jamyeong's gaze turned back to the window.

"That's how long we've lived without tension."

At some point, tension had become something for the other party to feel. As if to punish that arrogance, the tension had suddenly returned.

While they spoke, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

"We've arrived."

At the driver's report, Baek Chong glanced at the martial artist sitting next to him. The martial artist understood without words and nodded.

Yong Jamyeong had no intention of turning back, so the three of them now had to protect the Director. Each was a master of the highest caliber, but they were staking their lives on this task.

"Just trust us," Baek Chong declared forcefully and was the first to step out of the carriage.

Yong Jamyeong disembarked next, his movements calm and unhurried. Following him, the other two martial artists got out one after another.

The manor gate was closed.

They had no way of knowing what kind of trap awaited them beyond it.

The Demon Supremes might be lined up, waiting for them. The poison of the Poison King could be sprayed, and the giant dao of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon might fly at their heads. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon might even look down on their dying bodies and laugh coldly.

Baek Chong exchanged glances with the other martial artists. They were all thinking the same thing.

He wanted to meet in a place like this?

Judging by the surrounding trees and terrain, it was a good place for an ambush. Fortunately, the martial artists who had been lying in wait earlier had all withdrawn, so they avoided any unnecessary misunderstandings.

What grated on Baek Chong's nerves even more was that the meeting place had been changed just as they were about to arrive. A message from the All-Knowing Hall had told them to meet at a different manor, and he was displeased that they were being watched.

Baek Chong slowly walked to the gate and pushed it open. It wasn't locked.

CREAAAK.

The gate opened with a sound that spoke of its old age. An unexpected scene then unfolded before their eyes.

A table was set up in the courtyard, and people were eating a meal.

Geom Mugeuk, holding a ladle, said, "Anyone want more soup?"

This was his unique way of welcoming them. We're just having a meal, so don't be nervous!

Baek Chong stepped aside, and Yong Jamyeong walked forward from behind him.

Even without name tags, he could tell at a single glance which one of them was the Heavenly Demon.

He felt he would have been able to recognize him even if dozens of people had been bustling about and eating in the courtyard.

Yong Jamyeong's gaze fell upon Geom Woojin.

It was the moment the man known to possess the greatest martial power met the man known to possess the greatest wealth. They might have had a chance to meet at some point, yet this was the first time the two had met. No, perhaps it was the second.

While riding in the carriage, Yong Jamyeong had imagined what his first impression of the Demonic Cult Leader would be.

Would he be frightening? Would I tremble? Would he be more warmhearted than I expected? Would he be handsome?

However, the first impression that came to his mind was something he had never considered.

He looks familiar!

He truly looked as familiar as someone he had seen somewhere before. But that was all. He couldn't remember where.

No. Since he had never seen the Heavenly Demon, it would be more accurate to say he couldn't remember who it was that resembled him. As a man who had reached the pinnacle of the merchant world, how many people must he have met in his life? Countless people he couldn't possibly remember one by one.

I've definitely seen someone who looks like that man.

However, his thoughts could not linger. He did not dare to keep staring at the Heavenly Demon's face.

Geom Mugeuk could tell that Yong Jamyeong hadn't recognized his father at first glance. Then again, it was something from when they were both young.

He would never have imagined that the person who saved him was the Heavenly Demon. Perhaps it was only natural.

Don't you worry. I'll fulfill your long-cherished wish. I'll make sure you remember before you leave.

And in that moment, Geom Mugeuk was curious.

Did Father recognize him?

However, it was impossible to discern such a fact from his father's expression.

Geom Mugeuk put down the ladle and stepped forward.

"Welcome, Director-nim."

Yong Jamyeong could tell at a glance that this young man was the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. He bore a subtle resemblance to the Heavenly Demon sitting over there.

"I am Geom Yeon of the Western Blade Sect."

The reason they had summoned Yong Jamyeong to this place today was to show that they had a deep relationship with the Milky Way Trading Company, and then use Geum Arin to instantly infiltrate their inner circle. He had also considered pretending to be a member of the Milky Way Trading Company, but his father's presence made it impossible to believe he was someone's subordinate.

Instead, he planned to bait her with the idea that a mysterious sect was trying to join hands with Yong Jamyeong.

"This is my father."

At Geom Mugeuk's introduction, Yong Jamyeong walked up to Geom Woojin. Behind him, Baek Chong had all his senses on high alert.

"I am Yong Jamyeong of the Milky Way Trading Company."

At Yong Jamyeong's greeting, Geom Woojin rose from his seat.

Geom Mugeuk and Hwi watched the scene, inwardly surprised.

His father was not the type of person to stand up to greet the owner of a trading company, not even if it was the world's number one.

However, Geom Woojin greeted him with due respect.

"Thank you for coming."

He was likely expressing his gratitude for him rushing over in response to his messenger pigeon.

The moment Yong Jamyeong heard Geom Woojin's voice, he felt as if something had struck him in the chest. It was a unique and intense feeling, different from excitement, anticipation, or fear.

Was this what it would feel like if fate itself were to speak to him? It wasn't the first time. He had felt this emotion a few times in his life, and each time, he had experienced a great change.

Meanwhile, when the name Yong Jamyeong was mentioned, everyone there was startled. The person most surprised was Geum Arin.

That man is the owner of the Milky Way Trading Company?

She had never seen him in person, but she had heard so many stories about him.

Once, her father had assessed him like this. "His power is not his wealth. He is a man whose name, Yong Jamyeong, has become a greater power than money."

It was an assessment that he was a figure who had transcended ruling with money. At that time, she had sensed her father's jealousy.

Unable to believe that such a man had appeared here, she glanced at her bodyguard, Lim Hyuk.

Lim Hyuk's voice transmission immediately came through. "He really is the owner of the Milky Way Trading Company."

Lim Hyuk had seen him before. Geum Arin had also seen him, though she was too young to remember.

Lim Hyuk's expression hardened. The ones he had seen earlier, Geom Mugeuk, Geom Woojin, and Hwi, were already more than they could handle.

And now Yong Jamyeong had come here?

In the merchant world, Yong Jamyeong was the backer of the Murim Alliance and a Heavenly Demon in his own right.

What should I do?

As Lim Hyuk racked his brain, his eyes suddenly met Hwi's. The meaning in Hwi's calm gaze was the same as the voice transmission he had sent earlier.

"Stop thinking, stop acting, and shut your mouth."

They were words that disregarded him, but Lim Hyuk had felt it was clearly well-intentioned advice. It was the same now.

If you want to live, don't step forward. Don't try to go against the current, just entrust your body to the waves.

Lim Hyuk gave a very slight nod to Hwi, then looked at the person he was supposed to protect. Geum Arin was staring at Geom Mugeuk.

A man like a legend came to meet you? What are you to deserve that? Even the Patriarch of the Golden Dragon Clan, to which she belonged, had to request an appointment in advance and visit him in person at a time they designated just to meet Yong Jamyeong.

What are you, a man whose inner qi was suppressed by me?

It was truly a sight that was hard to believe even after seeing it with her own eyes.

If the Milky Way Trading Company was the best in the merchant world, the Golden Dragon Clan she belonged to was also among the top three. They maintained a good relationship with the Milky Way Trading Company, but they were also fierce competitors.

Something isn't right. I have to find out why this meeting is happening and report it.

After finishing his greetings with Geom Woojin, Yong Jamyeong's gaze turned to Geum Arin and Lim Hyuk.

"And who might these people be?"

Geom Mugeuk introduced her. "I haven't yet heard the name of the Young Lady here, but one thing is certain about her."

She was inwardly anxious about what on earth he would say. And it was just as she expected.

"This is a Young Lady who is very blessed when it comes to food."

Geum Arin couldn't hide her dumbfounded expression. He was introducing her like this to the Director of the Milky Way Trading Company?

Yong Jamyeong smiled and said, "Of all the blessings, you possess a very happy one."

He spoke politely, but he thought to himself, If she hasn't even given her name yet, it must mean she doesn't know who she's dealing with.

He thought that the reason he was asked to come here today might be related to them.

Geom Mugeuk next introduced Hwang In. "This is the Director of the Yellow Road Trading Company. He's a man who dreams of one day becoming the owner of the world's number one trading company."

Hwang In truly never imagined that he would meet the person he dreamed of in this place today.

"It is an honor to meet you."

"I have been admiring the recent rapid growth of the Yellow Road Trading Company."

Hwang In's face flushed slightly. His success had been achieved through improper means, and he was surprised that the Milky Way Trading Company had been paying attention to him.

"My trading company has been reborn. Please watch over us in the future."

Like a true merchant, Hwang In was quick-witted.

"Then, I will take my leave now."

If he had his way, he would have loved to talk with Yong Jamyeong all night, but he sensed that this was not the right atmosphere for it.

Leaving now wouldn't necessarily mean distancing himself. Knowing when to join in and when to step back was another way of taking a step closer to his goal.

Just then, Lim Hyuk sent a voice transmission to Geum Arin.

"We should get up and leave now, too."

"I have to find out why they're meeting."

"You know, don't you? They aren't people who will easily reveal themselves. If we stay any longer, we'll only further expose our own identities."

His judgment was excellent. Geum Arin's judgment in accepting it was also good.

"Since a distinguished guest has arrived, we will also take our leave."

Geum Arin rose from her seat.

As she bid her farewell, Geom Mugeuk said to her, "Next time, try the food properly. You won't regret it."

The Geom Mugeuk who spoke of food felt like a different person from the one who had spoken earlier.

"Are you a human being worthy of living?"

Geum Arin had a premonition that she would soon have to answer that question.

She bowed politely to Geom Woojin and Yong Jamyeong, then left the place with Lim Hyuk.

As they walked toward the gate, she and Lim Hyuk conversed via voice transmission.

"We chose the meeting place, yet we're the ones being kicked out first."

"Still, at least we're leaving with our lives, aren't we?"

It was a gift that their good judgment had given them.

After those two had also left, Geom Mugeuk asked Yong Jamyeong, "Have you eaten?"

Normally, he would have naturally refused. Who would join a meal late just because they happened upon people eating? No, it had been a long time since such a situation had even occurred in the first place.

However, this occasion was different. It was the table where the Heavenly Demon was dining. He couldn't just stand by and watch, telling him to finish his meal.

"I haven't eaten yet."

"I cooked plenty, so there's more than enough for you to join us."

And so, Yong Jamyeong sat down at the table with them. Baek Chong and the other two bodyguards stood a few steps away.

"Please, join us."

When Geom Mugeuk invited them, Baek Chong politely declined.

"We're fine."

Geom Mugeuk didn't insist further. Forcing them to sit in this situation would only be an ordeal for them.

He brought over the food he had set aside, dishing it into a new bowl.

"This is a dish I cooked myself, while my father helped prepare the ingredients."

Yong Jamyeong was startled by those words.

"This is truly a precious meal."

"Of course. You'll never be able to eat it again."

Yong Jamyeong bowed his head to Geom Woojin and said, "I am honored."

"I'm not sure if it will suit your palate."

Yong Jamyeong tasted the food. Behind him, Baek Chong's nerves were stretched to their absolute limit.

What if it contains poison? What if they aren't trying to kill him, but to control him with a gu poison?

He wanted to rush forward right now and check it with a silver needle.

However, if he dared to stick a silver needle into the food made by the Heavenly Demon and the Young Cult Leader, his own heart would be pierced by their swords.

Yong Jamyeong ate the food comfortably, without any such worries.

"It's truly delicious."

It wasn't an empty compliment. As someone who had tried every delicious dish imaginable, he found this particular dish to be quite excellent.

"Next time, you should try a dish my father cooks while I assist. Then you can tell us whose food is more delicious."

Yong Jamyeong merely smiled.

He could never agree to such a thing. It was a request to judge the food of the Demonic Cult Leader and the Young Cult Leader and decide which was superior.

After finishing the simple meal, Yong Jamyeong finally asked politely, "I am curious as to why such an esteemed person would summon a mere merchant."

Geom Mugeuk thought he had already done everything he needed to do. Through today's meeting, Geum Arin now knew that they and the Milky Way Trading Company had some kind of relationship.

However, as if to say that wasn't why he had summoned him, his father said something unexpected.

"I wanted to introduce you to my son."