Chapter 16

Value is a relative thing.

If you mock what belongs to others, they too can mock what is yours.

There was no reason to scoff in a situation where they weren’t enemies.

More than anything—Yang So.

He had definitely heard that name before.

Roughly twenty years from now, Yang So would come to command an entire martial force of the Everlasting Snow Palace. At that time, his cultivation level would reach the fourth stage of the Four Realms of Heaven and Earth—the Realm of Heaven and Man.

“Hahaha! No wonder I felt good energy from this morning. I’ve finally had the honor of meeting a noble guest!”

Yang So clasped his hands in greeting.

“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Yang So of the Iron Mountain Sword Sect.”

“Seol Unwi of Seolap.”

“Haha! Well now, it's already been over five years since we settled in Seolap, and only now do we finally get to meet. I, Yang So, feel quite delighted.”

There was a slight edge to his words, but it wasn’t a problem. This much could be laughed off.

“Shall we head inside? I just received a fine new tea—Yang Snow Tea. Uses the same ‘Yang’ as my name. Hahaha.”

With a nod, Seol Unwi stepped inside.

Together, Seol Unwi and Yang So headed toward a detached residence, where they sat down facing each other.

It was quite strange.

That was Yang So’s thought.

Five years.

When the Iron Mountain Sword Sect had first settled in Seolap, Yang So had tried to meet the Branch Lord, Seol Unwi, before anyone else—but had been rejected.

If you were establishing a base in a region, it was only proper to pay respects to the one in charge.

Especially since—even as an illegitimate son—Seol Unwi still carried the bloodline of the Everlasting Snow Palace.

And yet, he had been turned down. Not once, but three times.

Instead of Seol Unwi, it had been Yawoon Sang, the Deputy Branch Lord at the time, who visited Yang So.

And Yang So had said this:

“If you’re not here by order of the Branch Lord, then get lost.”

Because Yang So had known full well.

That Yawoon Sang was nothing but a cockroach strutting around under borrowed authority.

To be blunt, Yang So didn’t hold any particular grudge against Seol Unwi—but he didn’t have any goodwill either.

After all, it was Seol Unwi’s negligence that had allowed the likes of Yawoon Sang to thrive.

And now, after five long years—Seol Unwi had come in person.

“Honestly, I never expected you to visit me directly.”

“Is it strange?”

“Of course it is. When I kept requesting to meet you, you wouldn’t even spare a breath through your nose.”

Seol Unwi let out a faint chuckle.

“If you’re asking that without knowing, then there’s no reason for me to be here. But if you’re asking while knowing—then I’ll let it slide, just once.”

“...”

“There won’t be a second time.”

A strange smile curled at Yang So’s lips.

“You’re a curious one indeed. Was the scarecrow who lived all these years the real you? Or is this version of you the real one?”

“They’re both me. Must we really draw a line between the two?”

“...I suppose not. Humans are dual-natured beings. No matter what kind of personality one has, it can be understood. But... I still can’t tell. Why have you come to see me?”

To be honest, Seol Unwi had no intention of involving this man in his plans.

“What’s your ultimate goal?”

“...Ultimate goal, you say.”

“I’m curious. Why don’t you tell me?”

Yang So paused, as if thinking, and then quietly said:

“Several things came to mind, but in the end, they all lead to a single answer.”

“And what is it?”

“Power.”

“Power?”

“Branch Lord. I am a martial artist. And as a martial artist, I am endlessly curious—just how far someone like me can climb.”

“...”

“The sky. Yes, my goal is the sky.”

Seol Unwi finally couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

And at that very moment, Yang So’s expression hardened.

“...Why are you laughing?”

Yang So’s voice had gone cold. Understandably so—he had taken Seol Unwi’s laughter as mockery.

Seol Unwi’s smile vanished.

“Do you feel insulted?”

“Don’t you?”

“I’d rather you not misunderstand.”

“Then why did you laugh? I need to hear the reason.”

Staring at Yang So with a strange expression, Seol Unwi let out another soft laugh.

Truly—

He hadn’t expected to hear something like that here.

“The sky, huh... Are you confident?”

“I am.”

“A bit of a shame.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Because my goal is the same.”

“...”

“You said your aim was the sky. Mine is also the sky. And the sky should only have one master.”

“...Because there can’t be two skies.”

“That’s why I laughed. No matter how it ends, you’ll always be beneath the sky I occupy.”

Only then did Yang So laugh as well.

“Who knows? I might end up standing above you.”

“I sincerely hope you do.”

That was enough.

This was plenty.

Seol Unwi had wondered what kind of man Yang So was—and this conversation had resolved every doubt.

“I intend to resume mining operations at the Cheongneung Mine.”

“...I heard Yangnyeong’s people were mining there until now. Did you take it from them?”

“I didn’t ‘take’ it. It always belonged to Seolap.”

“...”

“But unfortunately, no one in Seolap has the strength your Iron Mountain Sword Sect possesses. So, let me ask—would you be willing to join me in a job?”

Yang So’s expression grew serious as well.

“Listening to you... something comes to mind.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Is it escort duty?”

“You’re quick.”

“I’ve survived on my instincts. But if it’s escort duty... are you talking about protecting not only the Cheongneung Mine, but also the Cheongwoon ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) Trading Company?”

Seol Unwi nodded.

Yang So fell silent, lost in thought.

He was weighing the pros and cons in his head—and he quickly realized that this would be a net loss.

Conflict with Yangnyeong was inevitable, and the damages would be significant.

But there was still something he hadn’t heard—

What Seol Unwi was offering in return.

And right then, Seol Unwi spoke.

“I’ll give you twenty percent.”

“...From net profit? Or total revenue?”

“Twenty percent of the net profit.”

It wasn’t nearly enough for something worth his life. That was what Yang So thought as he began to prepare his refusal.

But then—

“You said your goal was the sky, didn’t you.”

“Yes. I did.”

“Then how exactly do you plan on reaching that sky?”

“...”

“You’re only capable of using Refined Qi-level techniques at best. Even if you were to go hunting in secret realms, with that level of cultivation and those kinds of martial arts, you'd need divine luck to succeed—and even then, the chances aren’t good. Ten percent at most.”

“...”

“Which means you’re left with two options.”

“Two?”

“One—join the Everlasting Snow Palace. If they recognize your talent, you’ll be given high-level martial arts. And if you’re placed in charge of a strike unit... even if it’s lower-tier, you might get access to Heaven and Earth-grade techniques. If your talents prove extraordinary, you might even be selected for the White Spirit Guard.”

“...I’ve considered that, but—didn’t you say there were two options?”

“I did.”

Seol Unwi continued in a quiet voice.

“The other is—take it from me.”

“...From you, Branch Lord?”

“Have you heard of the Heaven-Reversing Sword Art?”

The moment Yang So heard that name, his already large eyes widened to the point of almost bursting out of their sockets.

“How could I... not know? That’s the signature martial art of Han Cheonu, the Heaven-Reversing Sword Emperor—one of the Ten Masters of the World from 800 years ago. The same man who split Mount Wudang in half by himself!”

“You’re surprisingly well-read. Then what martial art is required to perform the Heaven-Reversing Sword Art?”

“...Of course I know. The Heaven-Following Sword Art. One must fully master it first before one can even attempt the Heaven-Reversing Sword Art. But why are you bringing that up...?”

Seol Unwi quietly recited a chant.

“Respond to Heaven, align with the Way, and grasp the mysterious principle.

Let the profound transformation reach infinitely, until it connects with the mechanism of Heaven.”

CRASH.

Yang So jumped so violently that his chair toppled backward.

Silence filled the detached residence.

As Yang So sat there, eyes trembling like mad, Seol Unwi met his gaze and asked,

“No matter how much of a prerequisite it is, the Heaven-Following Sword Art is still a Heaven and Earth-grade technique. Do you want to hear the rest of the chant?”

“Y-Yes... Yes! I do!”

“Then, are you accepting my offer?”

“...If I accept, will you really give me the technique?”

“Of course.”

“Not just the Heaven-Following Sword Art, but... the Heaven-Reversing Sword Art as well?”

Seol Unwi nodded.

“And if it’s fake—?”

“I’ll stake my life on it.”

Gulp. Yang So swallowed hard. He truly couldn’t understand.

“For a technique that powerful... why wouldn’t you use it yourself?”

“It’s of no use to me.”

“...”

“But for you—it will be useful. And Yang So.”

“...Yes?”

“I don’t know how far you’ll be able to go with this martial art. But remember one thing.”

“...I’m listening.”

“Don’t stab me in the back. And don’t stab the Everlasting Snow Palace in the back either. If you don’t... then not only the Heaven-Following Sword Art, but the Heaven-Reversing Sword Art as well will be yours.”

“...You don’t have to worry about that. I, Yang So, may have only lived thirty years, but in all that time, I’ve never once lived like a petty coward.”

“Good.”

Seol Unwi rose from his seat and recited the remaining lines of the chant.

“The Way follows nature and inherits the path of Heaven.

One sword becomes truth and reaches the heart of Heaven.”

And then, to the trembling Yang So, whose arms were now shaking as well, Seol Unwi spoke as if tossing the words at him:

“Come to the branch office before the caravan departs tomorrow. I’ll teach you the first stance then.”

“...Thank you—for this grace. I won’t forget it.”

Seol Unwi was curious.

In his past life, Yang So had wielded a Heaven and Earth-grade martial art and reached the level of a Heaven and Earth-class martial artist.

So then—what if he gave him a Martial God-grade technique?

Could he possibly ascend to the Five Realms of the Martial God?

In Seol Unwi’s eyes, Yang So clearly had enough talent to reach at least the upper edge of the Heaven and Earth Realms.

He needed more hands. But for now, he would wait and watch.

And with that, Seol Unwi returned to the branch.

Without a word to anyone, he walked straight into his quarters.

The moment he shut the door—

All strength left his body.

He passed out completely.

But before his collapsing body could hit the floor, someone rushed in with lightning speed and caught him.

It was Inspector Seong.

Lifting Seol Unwi with ease, Inspector Seong gently laid him down on the bedding.

Staring at the peacefully sleeping Seol Unwi, his expression was full of concern.

****

Seol Unwi couldn’t get up easily.

Thanks to the inner energy that Inspector Seong had infused into him, he’d been able to move around for a brief while—but once that wore off, he could do little more than lie in bed.

That lasted for four full days.

Even so, Seol Unwi did what needed to be done from bed.

First, all members of the branch had successfully memorized the basic stances of the Heaven-Slaying Wolf Star Technique.

Yang So of the Iron Mountain Sword Sect received the full Heaven-Following Sword Art from Seol Unwi, and took charge of the escort mission for the Cheongneung Mine.

Ore extraction went smoothly, and no interference came from Yangnyeong.

The Cheongwoon Trading Company’s caravan also departed without trouble.

With the start of sales of uncut Hanreung jade, money began to circulate through Seolap again, and the people slowly began to smile.

All of this happened in just four days.