Chapter 462: How Can We Talk About Money Without a Drink?

TL: FoodieMonster007

All the way here, Yong Jamyeong had been pondering why the Demonic Cult Leader had summoned him for both good and bad reasons. He never imagined, however, that the reason would be an introduction to his son.

Naturally, Yong Jamyeong's gaze turned to Geom Mugeuk. He was the next generation's Heavenly Demon and the most talked-about figure in the murim recently. The various rumors and information about him were always contradictory.

Trivial and yet amazing. The trivial things were too trivial to be believed, while the amazing results he achieved were too amazing to be believed.

As if to prove the rumors were not just rumors, he was holding a ladle during their first meeting. The first words Yong Jamyeong heard from him were, "Anyone want more soup?"

Geom Mugeuk bowed his head to his father.

"Thank you, Father."

He didn't know his father's hidden intentions, but he had faith that it was for his own sake. He could feel it just from the way his father glanced at him.

Since he didn't yet know what kind of people Geom Woojin and Geom Mugeuk were, Yong Jamyeong's suspicion was only natural. The Demonic Cult Leader arranged this meeting for his son's connections? That couldn't be right.

One conclusion naturally emerged.

In the end, was it about money?

It was a conclusion drawn from long experience. No matter how it was packaged, what a martial artist ultimately wanted from a merchant was money. Was the Heavenly Demon using his son to demand money under some pretext because he couldn't step forward himself?

Of course, the amount would be enormous, befitting the names of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Milky Way Trading Company.

What if that was the reason? A martial artist would get angry and try to retaliate against unreasonable demands, but a merchant must not. A merchant should ask himself at a time like this.

What will I get in return?

Hiding his inner thoughts, Yong Jamyeong spoke politely to Geom Woojin.

"Forming a friendship with the Young Cult Leader is something I earnestly desire."

He was sincere. There was nothing to lose by building a friendship with the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. It meant he could have exciting conversations like this in the future.

"If you're going to be like that, I'll have to call someone I know."

"Who would you dare call against us?"

"The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult."

It meant he could have such thrilling conversations, as long as the other party had no hidden, impure intentions.

Geom Woojin rose from his seat.

"I'll see you later."

This meant he should spend some time with Geom Mugeuk. And "see you later" meant he shouldn't leave right away but stay for the day.

Yong Jamyeong was inwardly flustered. He hadn't expected Geom Woojin to leave him alone with the Young Cult Leader.

What is this situation? This was not something that he, the Director of the Milky Way Trading Company, could easily experience.

In any case, Geom Woojin had said he would see him later.

"I will see you later."

Yong Jamyeong replied with a smile, his tone respectful. His flawless etiquette was not just because his counterpart was the Heavenly Demon. As a merchant, Yong Jamyeong was not a person whose emotions dictated his attitude.

Geom Woojin slowly began to walk away.

Baek Chong, who was behind Yong Jamyeong, grew more tense. He hadn't noticed it when they were sitting and eating, but now that Geom Woojin was walking, the feeling was different. Though he walked slowly, it didn't feel slow. The air around him seemed to move with him at its center.

Before leaving, Geom Woojin left Yong Jamyeong with one last remark.

"This won't be a bad thing for you either."

What did he mean? Was it faith in his son? Or was it a hint? Yong Jamyeong couldn't tell. He had met countless people and had all sorts of experiences, but today, that experience was of little help.

Meanwhile, after the Demonic Cult Leader left, Baek Chong became even more tense. He sent a voice transmission to the martial artists with him.

"Don't let your guard down. There might be some trickery afoot."

He too couldn't understand Geom Woojin's actions. He wasn't focused on the fact that he had left Yong Jamyeong behind.

He's leaving just the Young Cult Leader behind?

Since the Demonic Cult Leader had left, he could act on his own authority.

Yong Jamyeong looked around and asked Geom Mugeuk, "Come to think of it, I don't see a single bodyguard. Where are they?"

"I left my bodyguards behind at our Cult."

Geom Mugeuk looked at the three martial artists standing behind Yong Jamyeong. "I told them to train until they've built up their skills as much as those gentlemen over there."

No one here would believe it, but it was the truth. They were likely deep in a training trance right now, determined that even if they couldn't protect him, they at least wouldn't be a burden.

Neither of them were people who would allow an awkward silence, so the conversation continued naturally.

"Since we've eaten, shall we go for a walk?"

"Let's."

The two men left the manor. Yong Jamyeong started by asking what he had been curious about.

"Why did you ask to meet at this manor?"

"It's because of the woman with the good fortune for food you saw earlier."

"What is your relationship with that woman?"

"She is someone who came to kill us."

From Geom Mugeuk's earlier comment that he didn't even know the woman's name, Yong Jamyeong had guessed that she didn't know their identities. If she had known, she would never have dared to reveal her own name. It was because she didn't know that she could plot such a thing.

The problem was this. They just let a woman who tried to kill the Demonic Cult Leader and the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult go? It was something that should never happen.

The reason for his visit was revealed.

"So you called me here because of that woman."

"I believed so as well."

Geom Mugeuk looked at Yong Jamyeong and said, "Father had a different idea. You're surprised, aren't you? I was surprised too."

This private meeting between them wasn't arranged beforehand? Could that really be true? Yong Jamyeong didn't believe it. He was sure there was something they wanted.

As if reading his thoughts, Geom Mugeuk said, "I have a favor to ask."

Of course. There's no such thing as a good demon. Even those who claim to be from the orthodox sects engage in all sorts of schemes, let alone demons.

Hiding such thoughts, Yong Jamyeong said gently, "Tell me anything."

What do they want from the Milky Way Trading Company? How much do they want?

However, what came from Geom Mugeuk was not that kind of request.

"Please tell me your story, Director."

Yong Jamyeong stopped walking. Geom Mugeuk also stopped.

"My story?"

"Yes, any story will do."

"May I ask why?"

"I thought deeply about why my father wanted to introduce you to me, Director."

Geom Mugeuk had truly pondered it. This was a matter between him and his father before it was a matter between him and Yong Jamyeong.

"It's not like he'd say something like, 'Since you've met, you might as well get along, right?' Father is definitely not that kind of person."

"So? Did you find an answer?"

Geom Mugeuk nodded. The answer he had come up with was this.

"He must want me to learn from you, Director."

"Learn what?"

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk said, "The life of a person who has reached the pinnacle in their field."

Yong Jamyeong was speechless for a moment, feeling as if he'd been caught off guard. He had never thought the Heavenly Demon would introduce him to his son with such an intention.

However, Yong Jamyeong soon began to doubt his intentions. No, that couldn't be right, he thought. This would be the start, and then he would demand something. The gaze looking at him was so clear and deep that he was momentarily confused, that's all.

"The Cult Leader thinks too highly of a mere merchant. All I know are stories about money."

Geom Mugeuk, on the contrary, seemed excited.

"Isn't that the most interesting story of all?"

Geom Mugeuk strode ahead and said, "Let's go. How can we talk about money without a drink?"

The two men sat facing each other in an inn in the marketplace. It was the very same inn where all his meetings here had taken place.

Geom Mugeuk and Yong Jamyeong sat at a corner table. He had ordered Baek Chong and the other martial artists to stay as far away as possible. He thought it was inappropriate to have bodyguards standing behind him while the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult was asking about his life.

After the two men poured each other a drink, they emptied their first cups.

"It's been a long time since I've had a drink in an inn like this. I used to come and drink here sometimes in the past."

"You're quite humble for someone who could buy this entire inn with the cost of a single meal."

Yong Jamyeong responded to Geom Mugeuk's sweet words with a smile.

"I enjoy being evaluated like this."

Geom Mugeuk refilled his cup and said, "That's a healthy pastime."

"Healthy? Not bluff and arrogance?"

"It's fine as long as that pastime isn't directed at people."

For a moment, Yong Jamyeong flinched.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that when a person who has this much money directs that sense of superiority toward people, problems arise. At first, it might just be enjoying their envy, but gradually it turns into looking down on people, and eventually, it inflicts deep wounds. Just like how problems arise when the tip of a sword is pointed at someone."

Yong Jamyeong listened to Geom Mugeuk's words in silence.

"On the other hand, enjoying a sense of superiority alone in a shabby inn like this is a healthy pastime. So please, come often and enjoy it."

Yong Jamyeong was lost in thought for a moment, silent. He had never thought about it in this way before.

"Is that why you do it too?"

As the owner of the Milky Way Trading Company, Yong Jamyeong naturally knew about the tripartite meeting between the factions. The news that the meeting was held in a small tavern had come with the treasured information that it was the Young Cult Leader's regular spot.

In the end, his question was this. So, do you also enjoy a healthy pastime at the Alluring Inn?

Geom Mugeuk immediately understood what he meant by the question. That's why his answer was confident.

"No, I'm different."

"How so?"

"I genuinely like the owner of that tavern. The alcohol is good, the side dishes are delicious, and most importantly, he makes his customers feel comfortable. Next time you come to our Cult, I'll be sure to take you there."

Yong Jamyeong also smiled at the brightly smiling Geom Mugeuk.

"You're quite the smooth talker. That's a necessary talent for a merchant. What do you say? Have you ever thought of entering the world of commerce?"

"Perhaps my father recognized that I have the potential to become a money tree and introduced me to you, Director?"

The atmosphere was good as they exchanged such jokes. Unexpectedly, Yong Jamyeong was enjoying this meeting. Even though he was with someone whose true intentions were unknown, his conversation with him flowed without a hitch. For some reason, it was enjoyable.

However, when the sword and money meet, a good atmosphere can't last forever. It was better to ask while the mood was still good.

"What is it you want from me? Is it money?"

Staring into Yong Jamyeong's eyes, which held no fear of death, Geom Mugeuk asked back, "If it is money, will you give it?"

A tense atmosphere flowed between the two men.

"How much do you want?"

A smile played on Geom Mugeuk's lips.

"How much do I want? To hear those words from the richest person in the world? That's everyone's dream."

Despite Geom Mugeuk's joke, Yong Jamyeong answered seriously.

"The amount isn't what's important. What you can give me in return is what's important."

Now, the playfulness vanished from Geom Mugeuk's face as well.

"I think it's a situation where you could easily misunderstand, but you saw my father, didn't you? Does he look like someone who would summon you here because he needs money, Director?"

A meaningful addition followed.

"When my father needs money, he is someone who goes to get it, not someone who summons people."

Yong Jamyeong could tell there was a double meaning in those words. At first glance, it might sound like he meant visiting respectfully, but that wasn't it. It meant he would invade and take everything.

If he was going to say this much, it seemed he hadn't been called here for money.

"I misunderstood. I apologize."

"It would be strange not to misunderstand."

No, if that's the case, then this situation is even stranger. What on earth do the Demonic Cult Leader and this Young Cult Leader want from him?

"Do you know what question people ask me the most?"

Geom Mugeuk guessed it exactly.

"What do I have to do to earn a lot of money?"

Yong Jamyeong nodded and asked, "Why don't you ask that?"

Then came an unexpected answer.

"Because the answer will be in your life story anyway, Director. That's why I said I wanted to hear your story."

Yong Jamyeong himself didn't trust the other's words. People were beings who could lie at any time. What he trusted was a person's life. When he looked at a person, he looked at the path they had walked.

"Are you really curious about my story? When talking about the past, it tends to get glorified and ends up as bragging. Won't someone else's bragging be boring?"

"Bragging is only boring when someone who isn't great is bragging. The bragging of a truly great person is a magnificent adventure tale."

Yong Jamyeong's admiration naturally made him think of bloodlines. The Heavenly Demon's son is his son, after all. Otherwise, there was no way to explain the intensity emanating from someone so young.

"I always try to live by two principles."

"What are they?"

"The first is to try not to fear death, and the second is to not place the fun of making money as the highest value."

"Neither of those seems to fit the principles of the richest man in the Central Plains. Could you please elaborate?"

His life story began to flow naturally.

"The reason I don't place the fun of making money as the highest value is that I've confirmed I'm a person who finds more fun in earning money than in spending it."

Most successful merchants had this tendency.

"I've seen too many people get consumed by the fun of making money and get devoured by that thing called money."

This way of thinking was likely the reason why the name Yong Jamyeong carried a power stronger than money.

"It seems similar to martial arts. I mean, when you get too obsessed with winning, you can get devoured by your martial arts."

"An apt analogy."

The two men drank together. Their cups clinked more forcefully than before.

"Then what's the reason for trying not to fear death?"

Recalling that unforgettable day, Yong Jamyeong's gaze deepened.

"I almost died when I was young. I was saved right at the brink of death. Since that day, I've approached everything with courage, with the mindset that I'm living on borrowed time."

"Since I'm a martial artist, I'm naturally interested in stories about overcoming such life-or-death crises."

This is your chance to fulfill the lifelong wish that would have been your regret until death. So, recall the events of that day well.

"What happened that day?"