Chapter 73
「Strike while the iron is hot.」
It’s a proverb I like, and a belief I always believe to be true.
Especially when it comes to money matters, it’s important to push through quickly. This is an efficient strategy that deprives the opponent of time to hesitate.
Moreover……
I’m not a merchant or businessman, but a ‘murder specialist.’ I’m weak when it comes to playing with numbers related to money.
So I chose a meticulous trading method where I asked how much they would give me first, completely blocking the time for the man in front of me, Oh Won-jung, to calculate on his abacus in his head.
‘Hoo…… It’s a bit awkward though.’
As expected……
Oh Won-jung was silent with a strange expression at my direct question.
“Oh So-hyeop. By any chance, am I being rude?”
“……Sect Leader-nim. No. Rude, you say? However, when escort agencies or martial arts sects usually receive transportation requests…… they often set the price themselves rather than making counteroffers…… I just don’t have a sense of how much I should offer you.”
For a moment……
Oh Won-jung’s expression and voice felt serious, almost solemn.
What in the world……
Why is he so nervous just to entrust me with one item?
“Oh So-hyeop. I’ll just be honest. It hasn’t been long since the Dawn Heaven Sect started its escort business. So, it’s true that the operation itself is inexperienced. However, since the escort business is basically about ‘delivering goods,’ I think the Dawn Heaven Sect is no less than any other escort agency.”
“You are absolutely right.”
“So…… This is the first time we’ve set a price for such a large request, so I made a counteroffer.”
“Hmm…… Sect Leader-nim.”
“Speak.”
“……I think I should first explain in detail how dangerous this request is.”
“……”
“First of all, this request comes with the condition that Sect Leader-nim must personally transport it to the main house of the Tang Clan in Sichuan.”
First……
Add the Sect Leader’s business trip expenses.
Shall we hear more?
“Continue.”
◈ ◈ ◈
“This is confidential, but currently, there is an internal spy within our Taewha Guild. Of course, I can’t reveal who it is, but because of that, there is a considerable risk to this transport.”
“Risk……?”
“That’s right. The Yin-Yang Mago, which is the item to be transported, is a type of Gu poison, and unlike ordinary Gu poison, it has several unique characteristics…… I’ll skip the explanation as it will take a long time. First of all, there are many people who are after this Yin-Yang Mago. However, the Yin-Yang Mago is such a dangerous item that the moment it enters a place other than the main house or the Tang Clan, we don’t know what will happen, and since the Yin-Yang Mago itself is a secret poisonous insect of the main house and the Tang Clan, it is an important item that must be protected at all costs.”
“In other words, can I interpret it to mean that this request carries a high risk of theft and robbery, and the difficulty of transportation is also tricky?”
“That’s right. That’s why Sect Leader-nim must personally take charge of the transport. Also……”
“Also?”
“I heard that the Dawn Heaven Sect compensates for theft and loss tenfold. That was also a factor in entrusting the request to the Dawn Heaven Sect……”
Now I see……
I understand why a famous ‘poison specialist group’ like the Taewha Guild would entrust a request to the Dawn Heaven Sect, which has just set foot in the escort business.
In short, the Taewha Guild’s request was a ‘very dangerous’ one, so there was a high probability that ordinary escort agencies or other sects would refuse the request itself, and even if they accepted it, they would demand an astronomical fee.
Then, wouldn’t they think of directly requesting me, who is known to have high martial arts skills, to pay a reasonable fee, and in case I lose or get the item stolen, they would make up for the loss with a huge compensation?
In other words, it’s because the Dawn Heaven Sect has excellent cost-effectiveness, and even if something goes wrong, it’s easy to hold them ‘accountable.’
Then……
“I’ll do it.”
I’m going to live up to that expectation.
“Really, Sect Leader-nim?”
“Yes. Of course, I know that your guild’s request is not an easy one. But a martial artist who makes a living in Jianghu can’t just do what they want.”
“You are absolutely right.”
“Then let’s agree to accept the request and discuss more specific details.”
“Yes, Sect Leader-nim.”
“It will take at least a month to reach Sichuan. If I, the Sect Leader, have to personally transport it, that means the Sect Leader of our sect will be away for a month, so it can’t help but be expensive.”
“I agree.”
“Also, this request carries a considerable risk of theft and robbery, so that part also needs to be taken into consideration, and the item itself is a ‘poisonous insect,’ which is also dangerous……”
“Yes, yes.”
“Lastly, since security is also important, this request is highly likely to be the most ‘difficult transport’ of all time.”
“……Ha……Haha. I admit it’s difficult, but the most difficult transport of all time……”
“Three gold ingots.”
“Huh?”
“The transportation fee will be three gold ingots. If you think it’s expensive, you can go elsewhere, but keep one thing in mind.”
“……”
“Our Dawn Heaven Sect will safely transport your guild’s goods even in extreme situations, and if an unexpected situation arises, I will stake my name on it and compensate you tenfold.”
◈ ◈ ◈
Three gold ingots for one transport.
Actually, it’s expensive if you think it’s expensive, and cheap if you think it’s cheap.
For example, if you entrust a dangerous request to a place like the Nine Great Sects and attach the condition that the Sect Leader must personally transport it, three gold ingots wouldn’t be enough, even ten might not be enough……
On the other hand, if you entrust the same request to a somewhat successful escort agency, a fee of three gold ingots is expensive.
But……
Paying three gold ingots for a month-long request to a backwoods sect that’s just starting its escort business?
Anyone would think this is nothing short of ‘profiteering.’
That’s right.
I offered Oh Won-jung a price close to ‘profiteering.’
Why?
Because in this deal, I’m in a completely advantageous position from the start.
But Oh Won-jung accepted my offer.
First of all, more than anything, they secured stability from the ‘tenfold compensation for theft, robbery, and loss’ promised by the Dawn Heaven Sect, and since the Sect Leader had to leave the sect for a month, they were in a position to endure this level of financial burden.
「Sect Leader-nim. Although it’s a somewhat expensive price…… I will pay it. However! I urge you to ensure safe transportation.」
Thus, Oh Won-jung paid 50% of the fee upfront and wrote a ‘contract’ stating that he would pay the remaining 50% after the work was completed, then left……
I summoned Master Dongbyeok, Il-dong, Yi-dong, Sam-dong, and Yeon-u and said.
“There’s a sect that earns three gold ingots a month?”
Then, Deputy Sect Leader Il-dong tilted his head and asked.
“What are you talking about out of the blue, Sect Leader-nim?”
“It’s a request from the Taewha Guild. The Sect Leader has to personally transport a ‘poisonous insect’ to the Tang Clan in Sichuan, and I asked for three gold ingots.”
“I, is that true?”
“Three gold ingots?”
“Wow…… You asked for a lot, Sect Leader-nim.”
At the mention of three gold ingots, Il-dong, Yi-dong, and Sam-dong’s eyes widened like lanterns, Yeon-u also seemed inwardly surprised, and Master Dongbyeok smiled as if I had done well.
“But actually…… I told the Taewha Guild it would take a month, but I’m planning to shorten that month to ten days. It’s a time that’s sufficiently possible if I sprint with Fast Whale Steps.”
At my words, Il-dong’s face brightened.
“Sect Leader-nim. Then……?!”
“That’s right. We’re going to earn three gold ingots in just ten days.”
“Wow! Sect Leader-nim. That’s amazing, really. Don’t mention this anywhere. If anyone hears, they’ll call us robbers.”
“Shut up. It’s only natural for someone with my skills to get paid that much.”
“……Let’s just say that’s the case.”
“And.”
“What else?”
“Do you think there’s such a thing as a free lunch?”
“Huh?”
“The Taewha Guild is a guild that deals with poison, so they’re ‘poisonous’ people. If those poisonous people are willing to spend three gold ingots, how difficult do you think this task is?”
At that moment, Yeon-u spoke with wide eyes.
“Now that I hear it, that’s true, Brother. It seems like it’s not an ordinary task……”
“Yeon-u.”
“Yes?”
“This is rather an opportunity. Why? Because the usual dangers are just like picking my nose, an ‘easy task’ for someone like me. What’s so dangerous about transporting a few poisonous bugs? People who use poisonous bugs like Gu poison are limited. Simply put, the people who are tough enough for me are the real strongest ones who don’t use things like Gu poison.”
“Ah……”
“In other words, I don’t have to worry because most guys aren’t a threat to me, so you guys just watch and enjoy the show.”
“Brother! Then…… Are you going alone again this time? To the Tang Clan in Sichuan?”
“Of course. Manpower is money. Also, our disciples can’t skip training for even a day, and if you guys follow me, it’ll only be a hindrance. Anyone who can keep up with my Fast Whale Steps?”
At my question, the Dongdong brothers and Yeon-u couldn’t answer with sullen expressions, and Master Dongbyeok laughed heartily and said.
“Huh-huh. Sect Leader. You’ve caught a good deal.”
“Indeed.”
“However, Jianghu is a place where cunning schemes abound. No matter how outstanding your martial arts are, you could be robbed blind if you’re not careful.”
“I know. But I’m not that stupid, am I?”
“That’s true. You’re not just strong because your martial arts are strong, but also because your mind is sharp, so I’m not too worried. However, the Taewha Guild is a long-standing sect, so they’re not the type to lose out. The fact that they’re paying a large sum of money proves that it’s not an easy task, so be careful and be careful again.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Elder.”
At that moment,
“Ah, Sect Leader-nim!”
Il-dong spoke in an urgent voice.
“What is it?”
“What should we do if we receive transportation requests while Sect Leader-nim is away? The same goes for those who wish to join the sect…… These days, there’s something that needs to be decided every day.”
“Il-dong.”
“Yes.”
“You’re the Deputy Sect Leader of the Dawn Heaven Sect. When the Sect Leader is away, you’re the acting Sect Leader.”
“Ah…… And then later, if you don’t like it…… you’ll nag me again.”
“So please do a good job.”
“Ha……”
“If there’s anything difficult, ask the Elder for advice. And if possible, charge as much as you can for ‘requests.'”
“What’s that again……”
“When it comes to making money……”
“Huh?”
“It means rip them off as much as possible.”
“Geez. I’m so speechless.”
“I’m also speechless every time I see your face, so wouldn’t we be in the same boat?”
“……”
As Il-dong’s face began to contort in a mix of red and blue,
Yi-dong, Sam-dong, Yeon-u, and Master Dongbyeok,
everyone burst into giggles.
“But.”
“???”
“Yeon-u is an incredibly handsome man, and even considering Master Dongbyeok’s age, he’s quite handsome, so I understand.”
“……”
“Why are you laughing, Yi-dong and Sam-dong?”
At my question, Yi-dong and Sam-dong snorted as if it was ridiculous and answered.
“Huh! What are you saying right now, Sect Leader-nim?”
“Sect Leader-nim. I’m at least more handsome than my brothers, right?”
I was so dumbfounded that I was speechless, but I forced myself to shake off the embarrassment and spoke again.
“Yi-dong. And Sam-dong.”
“What?”
“Yes?”
“I confess, Il-dong is better than you guys.”
Actually……
This is So-yun’s opinion.
Have you seen those kids lie?
◈ ◈ ◈
I met Oh Won-jung again the next day.
He brought a dozen people from the Taewha Guild and a small ‘iron-clad box.’ It seemed that the ‘Yin-Yang Mago’ was inside the iron-clad box.
“Sect Leader-nim. This is the promised amount. I will pay the remaining balance when the work is done.”
“Thank you for entrusting us.”
“No, we should be the ones thanking you. And this is……”
After handing over the down payment, Oh Won-jung once again presented a pair of ‘gloves.’
“What is this?”
“These are gloves made of Golden Silkworm Thread. If you wear these, you won’t be poisoned by the Yin-Yang Mago, so please use them in case of emergency.”
“Ah…… Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.”
“You’re welcome. It’s only natural.”
“But, Oh So-hyeop.”
“Yes.”
“These gloves…… Are they really made of Golden Silkworm Thread?”
I was curious about that part more than anything else, so I asked abruptly.
Then, Oh Won-jung nodded.
“Yes. If it’s not Golden Silkworm Thread, it can’t withstand the Yin-Yang Mago’s poison, so……”
“Then, by any chance……”
“……”
“After this task is successfully completed.”
“……”
“Can I keep these gloves…… as a souvenir?”
“???”