A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

Chapter 59

Ya-jeop (Night Butterfly).

A butterfly that flies at night.

When discussing the world’s number one information organization, the name that is always mentioned is that of Ya-jeop, a secretive underground organization that rivals the mysterious underworld of the martial world.

It is a place where all the information in the world is gathered, and those who use Ya-jeop are not to be underestimated either.

Not only the most renowned martial artists in the world, but also the leaders of powerful factions and even influential figures in the imperial palace are familiar with the name of Ya-jeop.

Many powerful figures who have maintained close ties with Ya-jeop over the years can be found, and naturally, its influence is special in the martial world as well.

Even Bi-gong Il-maek, no matter how much it controls the underground world, must have close relations with Ya-jeop.

However, to destroy Ya-jeop just to suppress Xiao Jian Shen (Small Sword God) and the Zhao Family Trade Association?

It was something that Zhou Hui found hard to understand.

“It means that they see Xiao Jian Shen as a serious and fearful threat,” whispered the Dark Ghost Lang.

Disguised as a drunken beggar, Zhou Hui frowned and complained.

“Why should I, who’ve been living quietly, be targeted? What did I do wrong?”

Dark Ghost Lang looked at him with a look of disbelief.

“If you’ve been living quietly, does that mean everyone else should just die?”

“What? What do you mean?”

Dark Ghost Lang sighed deeply.

“You are plotting the Black Heaven Alliance and have seized control of the Jiangxi region, disrupting the balance between justice and evil. And after seizing control of Jiangxi, you allied with the Wulin Alliance. Of course, the evil factions would be in turmoil.”

“But isn’t it natural that the martial world people fight and sometimes form alliances or fall into decline?”

Dark Ghost Lang seemed even more baffled.

“Are you even a martial artist?”

“Since I inherited the martial arts of the Sword God, I should be a martial artist, right?”

“Yes, Xiao Jian Shen can be considered a martial artist. But the Zhao Family Trade Association is not, right?”

“Hmm…”

“If you have any brains, at least think a little. In all of martial arts history, there has never been a case where a mere trade association rose to power, let alone becoming the overlord of a region. How could those in power just sit idly by when faced with such unprecedented chaos?”

The Zhao Family Trade Association, with its complex nature blending martial and commercial influence, was something the martial world had never encountered before.

“Moreover, your biggest mistake was limiting your interactions only to the Wulin Alliance in the north. Now, the vast financial power of the southern forces is pouring into the north. If you are a person who controls the martial world, how can you just watch this happen?”

Zhou Hui turned his head slightly, feeling a sting of guilt.

Wow, this assassin’s speech is really sharp.

He thought someone who wielded a sword would be taciturn, but once he opened his mouth, his words were anything but ordinary.

“There is no one who can sit idly by while power is concentrated in one place. You were far too foolish, or perhaps you overestimated your abilities.”

Has anyone ever criticized him this harshly before?

Zhou Hui stared at Dark Ghost Lang with a surprised expression.

Is this guy possibly even smarter than Je-Gal Un, or perhaps even Zhang Il-ryong?

“Then should I have been more lenient with the evil faction folks?”

“In the long history of the martial world, no faction that publicly declared their stance on the righteous and the evil has ever succeeded. In fact, there’s never been an instance where a business faction directly engaged in the martial world.”

“So what should I have done?”

Dark Ghost Lang gave him a pitying look as if to say, “Is that even a question?”

Sigh… “If I were you, even if I took control of Jiangxi, I wouldn’t have revealed the Zhao Family Trade Association to the martial world. Instead, I would have created numerous sub-organizations and gradually infiltrated the market. By diversifying all the businesses, I would have covertly extended my influence to both the righteous and the evil sides, without anyone discovering the true nature of the operation.”

Zhou Hui scowled fiercely.

This sounded like something he had heard before.

“You really are from the Bi-gong Il-maek, huh? Isn’t this a little too sinister? Isn’t the essence of an assassin supposed to be martial skill?”

“I’m talking about probability. The underground world’s method has been successful for over a thousand years. Your approach has no successful examples.”

Just then, Baek Hwa-lin, fully disguised as Chun Seon, let out a big yawn and exposed her peculiar fake teeth.

“Ugh, damn, just listening to this is giving me a headache. When are we going to get to Ya-jeop’s main headquarters?”

“We’ll be there as soon as we pass this gate.”

Clunk, clunk.

Having traveled in a regular carriage, Zhou Hui’s thighs and waist were aching terribly.

He suddenly missed his own great invention.

“Earlier, you said it was just a little further!”

“I’m telling you, we’re almost there after this gate.”

Chun Seon’s (disguised) behavior filled Dark Ghost Lang with awe.

As someone who had guarded Chun Seon for nearly a decade, he could find no flaws in her perfect disguise!

Having spent nearly half a month observing Chun Seon, including her mannerisms, habits, eating preferences, and even her sleeping style and vocalizations, it was no wonder that even people who had known her for decades could be fooled.

As Dark Ghost Lang marveled at her, he turned back to Zhou Hui.

“When can I learn the one-sword-kill technique?”

“If you’re ready, we can start anytime.”

In an instant, Dark Ghost Lang’s eyes gleamed with the sharpness of a hawk.

“I’m always ready.”

Spot!

Zhou Hui smiled meaningfully at the still stunned Dark Ghost Lang.

“Did you see it?”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Look behind.”

Through a tiny hole that had appeared at the back of the carriage, faint light was seeping in.

The expression on Dark Ghost Lang’s face twisted in shock.

“I didn’t see it…”

There was no sound of Zhou Hui’s move, not even the slightest noise from the hole.

“Only when you can see this will you truly be ready.”

Dark Ghost Lang nodded gravely, as if agreeing with Zhou Hui’s words.

The speed of the sword that could not be tracked even by the eyes could not be unleashed by someone who could not even perceive such a subtle thing.

“Don’t rush. When the time comes, I’ll teach you.”

“I’ll remember.”

As much as he admired Zhou Hui’s business acumen, Dark Ghost Lang’s respect for him as a martial artist and his admiration for the Sword God’s martial arts were natural.

Yet, there was a lingering question.

“I can’t understand. Just inheriting the Sword God’s martial arts is already astonishing, but the one-sword-kill technique… If the martial world knew about this, Xiao Jian Shen’s reputation would only grow.”

Zhou Hui couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Oh, dear assassin.

And then, add the Demon God and the Martial God to the mix, not to mention the Nangong and Hua Shan clans, and the Tang Family too.

It was only now that Zhou Hui realized the incredible experiences he had been through.

At that moment, the carriage driver opened the window and stuck his head out.

Zhou Hui then removed the mental barrier covering the carriage.

“Heh, we’ve just arrived at the place you mentioned.”

“Good work.”

Zhou Hui, now speaking again in his usual formal tone, looked out the window.

“We’re here. Let’s get down, Madam.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Baek Hwa-lin also flawlessly mimicked Chun Seon’s tone, giving off an air of elegance with a hint of arrogance.

Looking at Zhou Hui and Baek Hwa-lin, Dark Ghost Lang’s feelings were mixed.

The true nature of Xiao Jian Shen, as known by the world, was just the tip of the iceberg.

Xiao Jian Shen was a representative figure, symbolizing the righteous martial artists.

But if it were known that this noble, great swordsman had been secretly using the techniques of evil spies and mastering dark arts like the body-transformation technique, what would happen then?

Even if such rumors spread, most people would not believe them.

“Ghost Lang…”

Baek Hwa-lin gave a subtle gesture with her eyes, and Dark Ghost Lang quickly shook off his thoughts and got out of the carriage.

Zhou Hui handed a silver coin to the carriage driver while mimicking the warm smile of a beggar king.

“Stay at a nearby inn. We’ll be heading on another long journey, so make sure the horses are well-fed.”

“Would there be any doubt about that, sir!”

The driver, Zhang Gai, had no intention of letting go of the big customers he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Once the carriage driver and his vehicle disappeared into the distance, Zhou Hui’s eyes gleamed with sharpness.

“Follow me.”

As Zhou Hui weaved through the dense crowd of people, Baek Hwa-lin and Dark Ghost Lang silently followed him.

***

The Butterfly Inn (Hojeok Gyeokjan).

A shabby-looking woman was wiping down the tables with a rag, wiping the sweat from her forehead and furrowing her brow.

“Ji Bang’s Leader?”

“Yes.”

Few knew that this ragged woman was the famous owner of the underground organization, Yajeop, and the highly respected Hong Ye (Hongyi), who was notorious in the information world.

“What brings Chwi Seon Gae here?”

Of course, Ji Bang, being an information network, would be aware of the major branches of Yajeop. But the fact that she was hiding under the guise of the innkeeper of the Butterfly Inn was a different story.

“How could Chwi Seon Gae find out about my disguise? Who was the fool who gave it away?”

“Is, is that possible?”

Yajeop and Ji Bang were long-time rivals in the information business. Being exposed while hiding her role as the owner was something Hong Ye’s pride would never allow.

What frustrated her even more was that Chwi Seon Gae, as famous as he was, didn’t know her cover identity yet.

Ji Bang, as an information organization, would inevitably have to interact with people from the underworld, and thus she, too, must have a hidden identity.

“Is it just him?”

“No, he’s accompanied by his wife and one signalman.”

“Ha!”

Hong Ye’s frustration deepened.

For two leaders of information networks to meet secretly and bring two outsiders was an obvious sign of disrespect.

“Chwi Seon Gae is known for handling matters with caution. What is he trying to do now?”

“……”

Her subordinate remained silent, and Hong Ye, still fuming, threw down the rag in her hand.

She sighed deeply and sat down.

“The deed has been done. What can we do about it now? Clear the inn, send everyone out.”

“Excuse me? The customers are still eating…”

“Did I stutter? I said, send them all out, whether you give them double or triple the payment, just get them out!”

“Y-Yes, Mistress!”

The inn quickly descended into chaos as scuffles broke out here and there, but Hong Ye, instead of reacting, rubbed her forehead and fell into deep thought.

‘What is going on?’

Up until now, it was customary for two factions to exchange secret letters if they had private matters to discuss.

But why would Chwi Seon Gae go so far as to provoke Yajeop, and even come to see her personally?

No matter how much she thought, she couldn’t figure it out.

Just then, Chwi Seon Gae and his group entered the now-empty inn.

With a warm, somewhat mocking smile on his face, Chwi Seon Gae confidently sat opposite Hong Ye.

“Hmm, you’ve gotten more beautiful, haven’t you?”

“What… What are you talking about?”

Chwi Seon Gae (or rather Zhou Hui) gave his trademark sly smile.

“Even if you hide it with a disguise, how can you conceal the beauty of Hong Ye? Have you eaten something good in the meantime?”

He casually placed his feet on the table, looking unnervingly similar to someone Zhou Hui knew.

Hong Ye raised her internal energy and closely examined the person across from her, but it was clear this wasn’t a disguise.

Still, she couldn’t shake off her suspicions.

“Are you really Chwi Seon Gae? No, who are you?”

“Ah!”

Chwi Seon Gae, or Zhou Hui, gave a loud shout and then put on a stern expression.

“Again, again! Always trying to take advantage! If you get on my nerves, I might not pay my tab!”

“Tab?”

There was only one reason Yajeop would make credit transactions.

When the value of the client’s information surpassed the worth of what was being sold!

Zhou Hui’s information, especially his, was undoubtedly the highest value in the martial world, and Yajeop would surely treat him with the utmost respect.

Thus, the only client Yajeop had a credit deal with was none other than…

“Young Master Zhou Hui?”

Only then did Chwi Seon Gae’s face change into the legendary Xiao Jian Shen’s, and Hong Ye’s expression lit up.

“Truly disappointing. You only just figured it out now.”

Zhou Hui’s astonishing ability to change his appearance in such a way shocked Hong Ye, but she quickly broke into a bright smile.

Xiao Jian Shen—who was he?

He was the one who shattered all conventional wisdom of the martial world!

For her, this was undoubtedly a relief.

Of course!

How could Chwi Seon Gae know about this place?

As for her, Xiao Jian Shen would always be welcome.

“Why disguise yourself as Chwi Seon Gae all of a sudden? What’s going on?”

“Well, it’s a long story.”

Perhaps frustrated, Hong Ye ripped off her disguise, revealing her beautiful face, and smiled brightly.

“Well, alright. But what’s going on this time?”

Zhou Hui grinned.

“Well, I think it’s time for your Yajeop to go under.”

Hong Ye, not quite believing her ears, dug into her ears to make sure she heard correctly.

“What? What did you say, Young Master?”

“I said, I want your Yajeop to go under.”

“What?”

When a person is extremely flustered, their thoughts freeze, and they enter a state often referred to as “brain death.”

Hong Ye froze for a moment, her eyes suddenly flashing with sharp killing intent.

“You know better than anyone that I absolutely detest the game of twenty questions, Young Master. Stop with such absurd talk and reveal your true intentions. If you don’t, even though you’re a Young Master, I won’t hold back.”

However, Zhou Hui’s response was a masterpiece in itself.

“Well, I’ve had a little fallout with the Big Void Clan. Some crazy people want to destroy my Choga Daesanghoe, right? And then they want to use Yajeop to do it? They’ve realized you and I are particularly close.”

Zhou Hui casually said this, as if joking, but the content was so outrageous that Hong Ye could not ignore it.

“Th-the Big Void Clan wants to target us?”

“Yeah. Isn’t it hilarious? They want to wipe out an entire information organization just because I’m friendly with Xiao Jian Shen.”

“Ahhh…!”

For anyone who knew the true power of the underground world, or understood the terrifying reach of the Big Void Clan, this was the last situation one would ever want to consider.

“Why? Why would the terrifying Big Void Clan target your Choga Daesanghoe?”

“They probably think they can control the whole world. They believe that the money from the North should stay in the North, and the money from the South should stay in the South.”

This was a clear indication that the Big Void Clan, not wanting any particular faction to grow too powerful, was trying to maintain control over all things.

Zhou Hui continued to make light of such an enormous matter, and Hong Ye couldn’t understand it.

“Do you even understand what the Big Void Clan is like? Until now, the Central Plains have been under their control. They are the ones who can replace the leaders of the Martial Alliance, or even the Emperor. Their power is beyond imagination!”

“So what? Do you want to just sit back and let them do as they please?”

Hong Ye stared at Zhou Hui as though he were crazy.

Just a moment ago, he had threatened her to take down the signboard of Yajeop, and now he was talking like this?

“First, you said to shut down the organization, and now you’re talking about taking them down?”

“Did I say I’d shut it down forever? What’s with this, acting like an amateur… or rather a newbie?”

Hong Ye let out a deep sigh.

“Listen carefully, Young Master. When princes cause chaos, the first thing they prioritize is the cooperation of the Big Void Clan. Without their support, any rebellion is doomed to fail.”

“…….”

“All the ministers of various departments, including the Emperor’s closest confidants like the Inner Secret Guards and even the Prime Minister, are all people from the Big Void Clan. They are the ones holding this empire in their hands.”

“Hmm.”

“Do you think things are any different in the martial world? Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, the leaders of all forces strictly follow the principle of being neither too close nor too far from the Big Void Clan. Do you know why?”

Neither too close, nor too far.

It means you must neither get too close nor distant.

“For survival, their cooperation is absolutely necessary, but that power is truly terrifying. The reason the former Demon Sect, the strongest faction in history, withdrew from its conquests in the Central Plains several times was because they couldn’t secure the support of the Big Void Clan. This is the prevailing view in this industry.”

Suddenly, Hong Ye’s expression became more urgent.

“You must appease them, no matter what. Kneel, make a pledge, use any means necessary to win their favor. If you fail, you will definitely die, Young Master. Of course, before that, Choga Daesanghoe will be destroyed.”

Despite hearing all of this, the smile on Zhou Hui’s face showed no sign of fading.

“Hong Ye.”

“What?”

Zhou Hui’s smile grew even more pronounced.

“How well do you think you know me?”

“…….”

This question had been gnawing at Hong Ye for some time.

She knew a lot about Xiao Jian Shen through various transactions they had made. His background as a member of the Nangong family, the swordsmanship lineage, the iron ore deals with the Sichuan Tang family, and the origins of the incredible inventions distributed by Choga Daesanghoe.

But even though she had learned these things through dealings, what she knew now was simply what the entire martial world already knew.

Of course, it was a good thing from an information perspective to secure information early, but in the end, once it became public knowledge, the scarcity of that information diminished, leading to its eventual death.

As this repeated itself, Hong Ye had gradually begun to understand Xiao Jian Shen’s nature.

He had never intended to reveal his true self. Unless he chose to, no one would ever know the real Xiao Jian Shen.

The martial world only cared about his great martial prowess, but Hong Ye was different.

Sometimes, Xiao Jian Shen would think in ways that defied the common sense of this world. He would come up with answers that no one could have imagined, or plan things in entirely unpredictable ways, sending a shiver through her.

It was as if he came from an entirely different world.

That strange feeling, something beyond words, was a sensation Hong Ye alone could perceive.

“……I still don’t understand.”

Xiao Jian Shen was clearly standing before her, but he was as mysterious as the Big Void Clan, if not even more so.

Zhou Hui smiled slyly.

“Then let me rephrase the question. Can you trust me?”

Trust is usually built based on how well you know someone and how confident you are in that understanding.

However, strangely, despite knowing almost nothing about So Geom Shin, Hong Ye felt an intense trust toward him—stronger than the bond of a lifelong confidant.

Why did she feel such contradictory emotions?

Then, with his next words, Jo Hwi startled Hong Ye.

His tone was as if he could see right through her feelings.

“Do you know why?”

“Why, why is that?”

Jo Hwi’s face shifted from a casual smile to one filled with mystery.

“Before I formed the Joga Daesanghoe, when I first came to you and revealed the alliance with the Namgung family, what did you say?”

Hong Ye lowered her head.

“You said I was a madman… told me to get lost…”

“And when I told you that I had become close with General Myeong Cheon?”

“You showered me with insults…”

“And when I drove out Heuk Cheon Ryeon, took over the Jiangxi region, and declared my intention to build power across the martial world?”

“You looked at me with disdain…”

“And when I revealed I was a direct disciple of the Sword God?”

“I… I had guards take you away…”

“Now do you get it?”

Only then did Hong Ye realize why she had come to trust Jo Hwi so deeply.

“All those things that seemed like illusions to you, I have answered them all with truth. The reason you see me as incredible is because of that. Now, let me ask you again.”

Jo Hwi’s face softened back into his usual playful smile, though his voice was serious.

“Will you close the doors? Or will you pretend to submit?”

Hong Ye, who had been completely overwhelmed by the tension, was silent. But her gaze was unwavering as she stared directly at him.

“So, what do I get out of this?”

In an instant, Jo Hwi’s eyes sparkled coldly, like stars in a winter sky.

“If we erase the underground society of the Bi Gong Il Maek, who do you think will take over their place?”

“What?”

The underground society, which had ruled the continent for over a thousand years, erased? Hong Ye wanted to argue that such a thing was impossible, but she was so stunned by the trust she felt for Jo Hwi that she shivered.

“Can our Joga Daesanghoe possibly fill that massive void?”

Jo Hwi laughed as if amused by her question.

“Isn’t that a bit too greedy? Who’s going to give you that chance?”

“Huh?”

“Of course, the Joga Daesanghoe should be the one to take over the underground society. Why would you be so greedy?”

Hong Ye furrowed her brow.

“Then you shouldn’t have been spouting such unrealistic things.”

“What you can have is the exclusive right to the information. What do you really know about the Bi Gong Il Maek? Just skimming the surface, right?”

With another sly grin, Jo Hwi continued, “You’ll be granted the right to buy all the information that flows through the underground society cheaply and distribute it exclusively. Consider it my response to your efforts.”

“Ah!”

Hong Ye, overwhelmed by strange excitement, could feel her heartbeat quicken.

The underground society influenced the royal family, the generals, local officials, and every major faction in the martial world. The Bi Gong Il Maek, in particular, was connected to all of the power structures across the continent.

Now, the Joga Daesanghoe would have exclusive control over this information?

If the Joga Daesanghoe could wield such power, it would become the greatest intelligence organization in history, surpassing even the most powerful factions.

“So, what should I do?”

Hong Ye’s eyes narrowed, her focus sharp as a predator’s.

Jo Hwi gestured toward Am Deok Gwi Rang, who stood silently, shaking his head in response.

His words were sharp, cutting through the air.

“The Bi Gong Il Maek wants one of two things: either the complete surrender and subjugation of the Joga Daesanghoe, or its total annihilation.”

The mention of “annihilation” made Hong Ye’s face drain of color.

“A… annihilation?”

“The Bi Gong Il Maek is not an easy faction. To ensure their annihilation, we would need to take at least 100 of the leaders of the Joga Daesanghoe.”

“Madness!”

If they were to take the lives of 100 of the leaders, it would mean the complete and irreversible destruction of the organization.

“Didn’t they want us to just pretend to sever ties with the Joga Daesanghoe? Wouldn’t that be enough?”

Am Deok Gwi Rang smiled wryly.

“You’re underestimating the Bi Gong Il Maek. Their days begin with suspicion and end with suspicion. What will happen if they catch a trail? Then their true power will be revealed.”

The very idea of the Bi Gong Il Maek revealing its true power was terrifying.

Yet, once again, an uneasy question rose in Hong Ye’s chest.

“How can they trust our surrender and believe it, given their suspicion of everything?”

Am Deok Gwi Rang replied bluntly.

“They’ll plant blood curses on everyone in the Joga Daesanghoe, including you.”

“Blood curses?”

The words that followed were chilling.

If such a thing happened, it wouldn’t just be a fake surrender—it would mean they would truly become part of their ranks.

The situation was now impossible to escape from.

At that moment, Bai Hua Lin, who had been adjusting her fangs, spat out a drop of blood and turned to Hong Ye.

“Hey, are you a virgin?”

“What… what are you saying?”

Bai Hua Lin, her elegant face twisted into a rough expression, spit out another drop of blood with a growl.

“Did you do it or not?”

Hong Ye, completely stunned by Bai Hua Lin’s crude words, struggled to respond.

“A… why are you asking something like that all of a sudden?”

With a scowl, Bai Hua Lin spat out blood again, wiping her mouth as she spoke irritably.

“Why are you hesitating? You could either accept the blood curse and become a real slave, or not.”

Jo Hwi, curious, asked, “What’s going on?”

“I have a conscience, you know? If she’s a virgin, then it’s a different matter.”

At Bai Hua Lin’s words, Jo Hwi’s gaze returned to Hong Ye, now filled with an intense focus.

Hong Ye, her face flushed crimson, bowed her head deeply.

“I… I’m not…”

In that moment, Baek Hwa-rin’s expression brightened.

“That’s great. Then marry the current Bi-gong (Secret Lord).”

“Oh?”

“What?”

“Pardon?”

Everyone’s surprised gazes turned toward Baek Hwa-rin, who gave a small laugh.

“Why is everyone so surprised? Across all time and place, what’s a better symbol of an alliance than marriage? Otherwise, just accept the blood sacrifice and be done with it.”

Despite the shock, Jo Hwi could only marvel inwardly. Why is it that people who seem careless or sloppy always become geniuses in the most crucial moments?

Baek Hwa-rin stood up and lightly patted Hong Ye’s shoulder.

“In the end, it’s just a passing ripple on the Chang Jiang River, right?”

* * *

The Tang family’s power was growing day by day, with their momentum increasing each time.

Tang Gata had expanded to more than double its original size. This was due to their ability to preserve their strength rather than always having to keep an eye on the Sichuan branch of the Ma Sect. Furthermore, they secured an enormous deal with the Jo Ga Daesanghoe, ensuring a steady supply of iron ore.

Additionally, as high-value products from the Jo Ga Daesanghoe flowed into Sichuan, the market became even more vibrant.

Tang Mu-ho, the head of the Tang family, now saw the dream of becoming the “number one family in the world” was no longer just a dream.

If the current rate of growth continued, it seemed possible they could eventually surpass the ruler of Heifei.

The thought alone filled him with excitement! It felt like a compensation for all the past criticisms, when they were regarded as a family of cheats and poisoners.

The martial artists in Sichuan had even started calling him “Fei Long Ti” (Flying Dragon Emperor), a title that was surpassing even the revered Ba Mu Zuo.

In the beginning, the Tang family had feared losing so much to the Sword God, but it turned out to be mere worry. Looking back, the decision to offer up the family’s treasure, the Tian Bing Ling, to earn the Sword God’s favor was the best decision they made.

Now, they were almost monopolizing the rare goods from the Jo Ga Daesanghoe, goods so valuable that even the best merchants could not acquire them. They were exclusively supplying them throughout Sichuan, guaranteeing immense profits.

The power of money was indeed terrifying. The once-closed-off Tang family had now begun negotiating prices with merchants.

The merchants in Sichuan welcomed this change, and the entire province was experiencing a complete transformation.

But in the world, things are never as easy as they seem.

That night, while the Tang family’s leader was lost in joyous thoughts, a figure wrapped in black appeared like a ghost, silently approaching Tang Mu-ho.

“Chung, it’s the leader of the Fei Du Ling,” the messenger reported.

Tang Mu-ho, who had been lost in his thoughts, quickly came to his senses and furrowed his brow.

“What is this about at this late hour?”

It was well past the time for official duties, yet someone was bothering him in the quiet courtyard! If this was something trivial, he had every intention of reprimanding the visitor.

However, the news the messenger brought was a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

“The Ma Sect’s Sichuan branch has raised the Tian Ma Zun Sheng Qi.”

“The… Tian Ma Zun Sheng Qi?”

The calm expression on Tang Mu-ho’s face immediately turned to shock.

Since ascending to the position of family leader, the Tian Ma Zun Sheng Qi had never been raised.

Hadn’t the Sichuan branch been withdrawn?

“Has the Tian Ma moved?”

The Tian Ma Zun Sheng Qi was a banner signaling the full power of the Tian Ma, and it meant the Ma Sect was starting to assert its dominance. Historically, every time this banner appeared, it was a precursor to an invasion of the Central Plains.

This wasn’t something that could be handled simply by the Tang family alone.

“Gather all the Fei Long troops!” Tang Mu-ho ordered.

“Yes!”

“Also, report this to the Martial Alliance as soon as possible! This is an order from the Lord of the Five Poisons!”

“Understood, Lord.”

With that, the Fei Du Ling leader disappeared into the shadows. Tang Mu-ho quickly moved with the fastest martial arts to reach the headquarters, where the crucial Tang Men Five Poisons Conference would be held, a meeting that hadn’t occurred in two hundred years.