A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

Chapter 72

In fact, the sight of constructing the hall was not a very good spectacle.

It was a common sight for people, and above all, quite boring.

However, the construction scene of the ten-story building, namely the Cao Family Complex Sky Tower, as claimed by the Cao Family Association, was indeed different at every moment.

Even filling a pit as big as a house is enough for half a moment.

It doesn’t even take a moment to firmly hammer dozens of rectangular slabs with a large wooden mallet.

The enormous procession of carts, clearly being pulled by people, was faster than most wagons, and such an immense variety and scale of raw materials were flooding towards the site like a tidal wave.

The construction, which began early in the morning, was proceeding without a single break until the sun set in the west.

Even though people were seeing with their own eyes, they couldn’t feel any sense of reality.

The winding hills and small streams, the forested mountains and the meadows of the fields…

Various forms of topographical features were truly becoming ‘level’ in every sense.

With a single swing of the sword by the minor sword deity, the mountains are split, the fields are overturned, and the rivers are completely buried.

In just half a day, the once diverse terrain had been flattened into a solid, square plain.

Such an extraordinary scene was rather awe-inspiring.

People’s perception of ‘warriors’ eventually changed.

To ordinary commoners, martial artists, or gangsters, were more formidable beings than government officials.

They were as lofty as their idle state, sometimes arrogant, and also ruthless.

People were so afraid to even look those strong warriors in the eye that they always had to lower their gaze when meeting someone with a sword.

It was precisely that: dealing with the disputes of martial artists that didn’t end with mere insults, where one could lose a limb or even their life.

But the fact that such incredible people are doing the same kind of ‘hard work’ as they are.

Just that alone was a cultural shock, let alone witnessing firsthand the incredible efficiency of a person’s martial arts, making one acutely aware of the power of a martial artist.

Also, the awe towards the Little Sword God.

The Black Heaven Alliance warriors, who had been dominating the western region until now, were truly the epitome of arrogance and insolence.

However, those world-renowned demons were executing commands like ants at the light gesture of the minor god, who was manifesting in the sky like a celestial being.

People have come to realize even more deeply how immense the majesty and authority of the leader of the faction truly are.

However, the Little Sword God was not merely a master who commanded subordinates.

He suddenly disappeared into the sky and then reappeared, holding something of immense thickness with both hands.

Soon, he threw it onto the flat ground.

Crash!

The ground shakes with a thunderous roar.

Only then did people realize that it was a bundle of steel with an enormous weight, and they were taken aback.

Are you telling me that one person can carry such a massive bundle of steel so easily?

However, that was not the end of it.

The workers hurriedly gathered and dismantled the bundle of steel columns.

Once again, the small sword deity embraces a steel pillar with both arms and straightens up.

Anuncios

It was as if immense willpower and inner strength had been exerted, as the lower part of the pillar touched by the small sword god’s hands glowed bright red.

Giggity giggity-

With a bizarre noise, the steel pillar slowly begins to soar into the air.

A massive steel pillar so thick that it seems only three grown men holding hands and hugging could barely reach it, and yet, he is lifting it purely with his own strength, gripping it from the very bottom.

People were literally unable to even gasp in amazement.

So surprised that her mouth fell open and she froze like a statue.

However, the might of the Sword God did not end there.

KWA-AAAAAAANG-

With a shock that feels like the entire earth is shaking, the massive steel pillar gets driven straight into the hardened ground.

The steel pillar, which boasted an enormous length, had disappeared more than halfway into the ground.

Then, the small deity precisely struck the steel pillar, which was embedded at a perfect right angle, with a single punch.

Kuuuuung-

The steel pillar, which only shook the ground but didn’t budge an inch, seemed to please him, and only then did he show a satisfied smile.

That was the beginning.

Kwaaaang-!

KWA-AAAAANG-!

An astonishing sight of dozens of steel columns being sequentially inserted into a well-compacted foundation.

Before even half an hour had passed, all the steel columns were finally completed as per the design.

Workers holding wooden planks rush in like lightning, check the boundaries of the square plot, and form a neat rectangular mold.

As soon as the formwork was completed, the workers, carrying the wet clay on their backs, began to orderly untie the bags and pour the contents.

It is commonly known as ‘concrete’.

Even after completing such an enormous foundation work, perhaps feeling uneasy, they added several layers of rammed earth on top to secure the pillars even more firmly.

The ultimate in modern construction methods!

Such a crude finish on such a sturdy steel column!

It is clear that even if the earth dragon underground goes on a rampage, they won’t budge an inch.

As soon as the designed thickness of the fine-grained soil layer was completed, the junior officer raised his hand and stopped the on-site command.

“Alright!” That’s it for today! Everyone worked hard! Let’s go back!

The workers of the Black Heaven Lotus, who had burned themselves out completely, finally collapsed to the ground all at once.

Going back? Not a chance, I don’t even have the strength to stand.

“What?”Don’t you want to eat? “Do you know that all the inns of the Chongdan close after Yushi?”

The faces of the Black Heaven Lotus workers, who were gasping for breath while lying on the ground, turned pale all at once.

I had no idea about that!

Why did the inn of the gang that was operating even after being hash suddenly become empty?

“You need to rest a bit more if you want to work tomorrow!” Aren’t you getting up quickly?

Oh, so that’s why they are trying to make me go to bed early by force?

“Until the construction of the JoGaBokHapCheonSangRu is completed, no drinking for anyone!” Pour all your strength into the construction! Instead, upon completion, we will pay a performance bonus equivalent to three times your monthly salary! Got it?

The workers didn’t even pay attention to the performance bonuses that amounted to three times their monthly salary.

What?

Are you telling me not to drink until it’s completed?

For the Black Heaven Alliance warriors, who had never spent a single day without alcohol, it was truly a bolt from the blue.

Shiver shiver shiver.

However, recalling what had happened to the comrades who had already defied the minor deity a few times, the workers could only silently swallow their anger.

“Alright, let’s go!”

As the minor deity led the workers away from the construction site.

“Wh-what did we just see?”

This river! Today, I experienced true enlightenment!

“Is it true that the martial arts of the martial world were originally this incredible?”

“If I could just command such incredible people, I could complete that magnificent palace in no time!”

Starting with the merchants, people’s eyes gradually turn with greed.

They have begun to recognize the martial artists as ‘workers.’

“How much would their daily wages be?”

“One… silver coin, ten nyang?”

“Each one seemed capable of matching fifty men!” If it’s ten nyang in silver, it’s a complete profit, isn’t it?

“Oh ho!” Once the construction here is finished, won’t they become useless? From the perspective of the small merchant, it would be better for merchants like us to… rather than the guild’s workers idly wasting food.

“Hey, you!” It seems you’re not scared at all! “Would the Sword God so easily give up his subordinates?”

“Isn’t it worth a shot?”

“Can you handle those terrifying Black Heaven remnants?”

“Ah…….”

The construction site of Hoyeonpyeong, which began in that way, soon became a famous attraction in Gangseo Poyang Lake, drawing countless visitors.

Please provide the text you would like to have translated.

Inside Jo Hwi’s office.

To the insatiable curiosity expressed by Jegalun, Jo Hwi simply answered.

“Rumors should be covered with rumors.”

Covering an issue with another issue was a conventional yet powerful modern journalism technique.

Zhegalun once again expressed a strong question.

“A nail in the pocket will eventually stick out again.” The issue of the Three Gorges Dam cannot simply be brushed aside without a clear explanation.

“How can we possibly do that to the people who are being honored with memorial tablets in each sect?” They are already treated as dead by even our own faction. “Unless we bring back the reclusive masters from long ago, there will be no one left to testify to the existence of the Three Heroes of the Wulin.”

“We need to find a person who can confirm the existence of the adults!” If we can’t wrap this up, the Murim Alliance will treat the Jogadae Merchant Association as frauds until the end!

“How are we supposed to find the old people who have hidden away in the deep mountains?” If we waste time for no reason, we’ll end up doing exactly what the Meng wants. You shouldn’t get involved in a losing battle. We must move the battlefield here!

As Jo Hwi claimed, it was indeed true that the entire martial arts world was buzzing with the news of the Jo family meeting’s extraordinary construction method.

However, in the minds of the martial artists, the issue of the Three Heroes of the Rainy Night could never be forgotten.

Because the source of that news is none other than the “Tales of the Wind and Clouds in the Martial World.”

Unless the revised “Rivers and Lakes” goes out of print or the author, Man Bakja, retracts his claims, this issue will continue to torment the Jo Ga Daesang Association.

Of course, Jo Hwi also knew that the public disclosure of the construction site of the Jogachun Sang Complex was merely a temporary measure.

However, there was no other effective way.

“Isn’t it possible to bring that Master Kongkong over to our side?”

He is the oldest elder of the sect, known as a living Buddha, an incarnation of the Buddha.

Thinking of his nearly two hundred years of life, the only person who immediately came to mind to prove the survival of the Three Heroes of the Rain was him.

“The first person to seal the proposal of the Grand Army was the Grand Minister.” It’s better to give up on that expectation. He should already be regarded as a perfect commander-in-chief.

“Then, do you not have it?”

If anyone is to declare the survival of the Three Gorges Dam, it is impossible unless they are at least a senior figure who has lived through the same era as the public ambassador.

Once again, Jo Hwi was astonished by the incredible age of the Unnamed Trio (?).I couldn’t help but be amazed.

“Wait, weren’t you supposed to be the great hero of the Great War?” Why isn’t there even a common portrait like a Shinwido (portrait of a deceased person)? Above all, isn’t it normal for there to be at least one portrait of him left on the outside? In the righteous faction, he’s a great hero, but in the underworld, he’s a villain who deserves to be torn apart, right?

“That’s because they were such elusive individuals.” They were people who did good deeds and helped others in the shadows.

“Isn’t the underworld originally the domain of people with dirty hands?”

Zhegalun let out a deep sigh towards Jo Hwi, who was tilting his head in confusion.

“You can’t just look at the world through your own perspective.”

“What?”

Thinking that the trouble might come to him for no reason, Jegal Woon quickly got up and left.

“Anyway, it’s a matter that needs to be resolved, so you handle it.” Since you are the head of the Joga Conference.

“After causing so much trouble, you’re just going to leave like this?” Aren’t you going to mobilize the troops?

“Rather, I should just continue as vice president.”

As Jeongal-un shuddered and hurriedly left the place, the voices of the lords echoed in Jo-hwi’s mind.

-How could someone who meditated for three thousand long years lose all their cleverness like this?

-Tsk tsk. He only looks lively on the outside, but in reality, he’s older than us, isn’t he? Of course, that brilliance can only fade.

Jo Hwi frowned harshly.

“I’m not joking, I’m really stressed right now.” Don’t really make me angry. Just go straight to the afterlife, huh! There might be a way to turn everything upside down!

The continued voice of the swordsman, sounding frustrated.

-You bastard. Who, pray tell, is the hero of the Great War with the most powerful public trust?

“No, that’s obviously martial…… hmm?”

God of War.

The name of the great hero in history who ended the Great War and is the very legend of the Three Gods.

That lofty reputation still encompassed the entire world through the Samase family.

But soon, Jo Hwi tilts his head in confusion.

“But how did the martial god manage to leave the spirit realm?”

The sigh of the sword god continues.

– Hey, you jerk. Have you really forgotten that bizarre reverse transformation technique you mastered?

“Ah?”

Jo Hwi scratched the back of his head, his face turning red.

That could happen!

Elders, why don’t you try being locked up for three thousand years!

In the history of the martial world, the names of the Three Gods were a mysterious legend in themselves, but the War God was special.

For the martial artists of the time, the Great War of the New Era was the most recent history of bloodshed.

The martial hero who almost single-handedly ended such a tremendous bloodbath and has remained a legend is still warmly cherished in the hearts of the people of the martial world.

Even though the Samase family had closed their doors and were not engaging in external activities, the reason why the martial artists still unhesitatingly regarded them as the number one family in the world was precisely because of that.

A family that is qualified to be called the best in the world, not by their current abilities but by the reputation of their ancestors.

However, the Samase family, which had remained so quiet for hundreds of years, suddenly sent out a martial arts proclamation to the Eastern factions of the world.

Justice Heroes Assembly!

Surprisingly, Samasega announced a gathering to the entire faction.

Moreover, in that martial arts manual, the title of the Martial God was clearly stamped with the seal of the Samase family as an observer!

The meeting place was also Ojangpyeong, which was the final battleground of the Saewae War.

The place where the great history of the warrior who faced the five thousand bandits alone lives on.

Will the god appear again in such a symbolic place?

It’s a situation where even a three-year-old would be swinging a wooden sword in excitement!

If they could actually see the legendary great hero who saved the Central Plains from the outside, it was certain that all the righteous sect members would come running without hesitation.

In the end, the area around Ojangpyeong became a spectacle of countless people within just over a month after the Wulimjeop incident.

However, it was not the banner of the Samasega that welcomed the people gathered at Ojangpyeong.

People thought that since the Samase family had circulated the Murim Manual, it was only natural that the Middle Heaven Guardian Flag with the White Tiger emblem would be displayed.

However, the countless flags fluttering along the ridge that encircled Ojangpyeong all bore the emblem symbolizing the Jogadae Association.

Another Joga Daesang meeting?

Even so, they are causing a great upheaval in the martial world, and they had some connection with the gods?

The preparation for the Joga Grand Conference was truly thorough.

They had already set up an enormous number of tents, ready to cover the entire Ojangpyeong to accommodate the influx of people.

The mobile inn, converted from a ground vehicle, was also operating as it passed through the tents, allowing people to enjoy the food from the banquet to their heart’s content.

Such a landscape looks almost like a grand festival.

No wonder, because the Jokadaesanghoe provided the tents for free, including the mobile taverns where people could eat and drink.

Recently, the food and drinks at the banquet have become ridiculously expensive, to the point where even those well-off in the martial arts community find it burdensome.

However, it was a golden opportunity to taste the Heukcheongsu, Hanbingju, and Yukgyeomyeonpo of the Jogadaesanghoe for free, so the righteous faction members were truly eating and drinking to their heart’s content, praising the Jogadaesanghoe without exception.

As they watched the entire sentiment of the martial world turn towards the Jo Family Association, Mu Huang’s group and Jo Hwi’s companions were all shaking their heads in disbelief.

“Heh heh… that guy really…”

Mu-hwang thought he knew Jo-hwi better than anyone else.

Because I have been repeatedly taken in by his shallow schemes in the past.

The guy who turned the master’s tomb into a tourist attraction and charged an entrance fee is throwing such a huge festival for free?

Since So Geomshin had acted as if he would never lose a single penny until now, Muhwang was even more astonished by the current scene.

“How much is all that right now…?”

Even for Jang Il-ryong, who had spent a long time in the merchant guild and had a good grasp of calculations, the scale was so vast that he couldn’t make any sense of it.

Did our group association really have this much money?

Zhegalun, with half-closed eyes, scanned the area around Ojangpyeong for a long time and then made a look of astonishment.

“At least… around three thousand gold coins a day.”

“That, three thousand nyang in gold?” In just one day?

Zhegalun nodding slowly.

“I only calculated the cost of ingredients and the transportation fees for materials.” I didn’t even count the wages of the workers and other miscellaneous expenses.

“Huh?” So, if we add up their monthly bonuses, it increases even more?

“Of course.” Moreover, the number of horses brought by those countless people alone exceeds three thousand. How much will it cost to take care of those horses?

Horses are incredibly sensitive animals.

Therefore, it is essential to receive regular care from an experienced trainer.

Just carrying water and food to those horses and replacing the straw soiled with their droppings required an enormous amount of manpower.

“Wait, but it’s been almost a month?”

Even at this very moment, the faction members from Gangbuk are crowding in.

However, it seemed that Jo Hwi had no intention of even starting the meeting.

At a glance, even though the members of the Jo Ga Dae Sang Hwi are leaving like the tide going out, he is not moving an inch.

“Brother, what on earth are you thinking?” Isn’t this like pouring all the money we earned this year?

“How would I know?”

With a meaningful smile, Manbakja Jegal Yoon, who was enjoying the situation, spread the Phoenix Golden Line wide.

“Heh heh…!”

His eyes, gazing at the vast plain, were filled with wonder.

Even the largest event hosted by the Murim Alliance, the So-ryong Grand Feast, has a limited number of spots due to strict selection criteria.

Accepting even the most dubious characters like this, and organizing an event on a scale that seems to encompass the entire world, is something that even the strongest martial arts alliance in the history of the martial world has never attempted.

Feeding and accommodating all those countless crowds covering the entire plain is something that only a nation, at least a local warlord, could manage.

Even for the Murim Alliance, sustaining an event of this scale for nearly a month requires enduring a tremendous financial hemorrhage.

The thought that a merchant’s wealth could buy the hearts of the people of the martial world was something I had never considered before.

But this is…

The scale of wealth is so vast!

Now, it was obvious as day that those enormous crowds would disperse to various parts of the Central Plains and gossip about the Joga Daesanghoe.

Little Sword God.

In the history of the martial arts world, there has never been anyone like this.

It was impossible to evaluate it simply by the standard of reputation.

If he were the culprit, the situation where thousands of gold coins are lost every day would make him so anxious that he wouldn’t be able to sleep properly.

Even just being able to maintain composure while making such a big decision shows that the person’s character is fundamentally different.

Rather than a hero of the martial world, isn’t he more like a ruler, or rather, a kingly talent?

“I’ve truly met a formidable opponent.” You are truly unfortunate once again this time.

Until now, the Murim Alliance had never once faced such a massive scale of financial power.

I can vividly imagine the expression my son will have upon hearing this news.

“When heaven sends down an extraordinary hero, there is always a reason.” What is heaven trying to achieve through that small sword god?

Manbakja’s face darkened gloomily.

The history of the Lesser Sword God, the history of that omen, gives a foreboding feeling that Zhuge (諸葛) will also meet his end.

But what can you do?

They made the choice, and in the end, they are the ones who must pay the price for their sins.

So, when Manbakja is feeling conflicted with all sorts of thoughts.

Swoosh-

With the sound of the cool breeze, the sky is dyed in a truly dazzling autumn.

The old man with a celestial demeanor who appeared with immense radiance.

His figure, leisurely drifting through the clouds with his hands clasped behind his back and without any resistance, was reminiscent of a celestial primordial being.

Looking at the divine being wandering in the flowing clouds, someone sits down as if entranced and mutters to themselves.

“Mu, Mugukhonwon Gong…!”

Wuji Hunyuan Gong.

With the martial god’s unique self-cultivation technique, whenever he unleashed his internal energy, a cool breeze would always blow, and a brilliant aura would spread throughout the world.

In that divine form, the martial god, who freely traversed between heaven and earth, was still being captured on canvas by countless painters.

“Mu… Mu… God of War…!”

“Ah!” Lord of War!”

Thud thud-

The sight of an enormous crowd kneeling down all at once was truly a magnificent spectacle.

Those who are so moved that they can’t bring themselves to speak.

Those who collapse and wail as they are.

The legendary martial god’s divine presence, witnessing his pure and sacred form with my own eyes, how could I not be moved!

Soon, a powerful yet calm voice was heard from above.

The Jianghu is listening.

Jang Il-ryong stood still and shivered.

Even though that War God clearly knew that Jo Hwi was angry, the divine presence, overwhelming authority, and the voice imbued with a sense of grandeur made his entire body tense involuntarily.

If someone else had done it, they would have been met with ridicule from the masses, but that being is none other than a god!

Because he had secured the stronghold himself, and there could be no one above him, this was a proud declaration that he could make.

– “My dear friends, the three brothers who endured the great war together with me, I declare by the name of this Martial God that they are still alive. I also testify that they are currently guests at the Great Assembly of the Patriarchs.”

To the righteous sects, the Martial God was as good as a living god.

The divine words flowing from such a god’s lips carried an authority greater than that of a ruler’s command.

“Aaah! I will remember!”
“I will not doubt it for a moment!”

– “The martial world is at peace, and I am truly satisfied. Future generations, eat and drink well. And cooperate with the Small Sword God. He is the one who will make you prosperous.”

At that moment, someone shouted as if departing.

“Obeying your command!”

The Martial God was not the leader of the righteous sects.

However, he possessed an authority far greater than that.

The members of the righteous sects gathered on the Five Pillars Mountain, and without anyone having to take the lead, they all knelt and paid their respects in unison.

“We obey the command! We follow the Martial God’s decree!”

With that, the Martial God’s divine presence disappeared.

As the sunset faded and the Martial God vanished beyond the western mountains, the people continued to stare, their faces still filled with emotion.

“Wow, really…”

“Seriously, that gave me chills.”

Impressed by Jo Hwi’s incredible acting skills, Yeom Sang-rok and Jin Ga-hee shuddered, constantly brushing off the goosebumps.

“Quiet down, will you?”

Yeom Sang-rok glared at Nam Gung Jang-ho, who was growling lowly, worried someone might overhear.

“Wow… You’re really unfazed by such a huge con job, huh?”

Nam Gung Jang-ho, the embodiment of nobility and a man who never turned a blind eye to injustice, was now covering up this incredible fraud! How could that be?

“W-well, it’s all for the martial world.”

Jin Ga-hee smirked.

“Are you telling me you’d even support someone pretending to be an emperor, if it’s for the martial world?”

“Shut up! You stupid woman!”

“What? ‘Woman’?”

She had heard countless insults in her life, but hearing it from Nam Gung Jang-ho felt like a different kind of blow.

Was it worse than any crude swearing?

*Wham!*

Jin Ga-hee swung her blood-red sword, her eyes flashing fiercely.

“Damn, now I have to hear ‘woman’ even from righteous sect leaders? You really want me to teach you a lesson, huh?”

“Shut up, you idiots!”

As Jo Hwi’s companions were bickering, the place where his beard had been plucked was still red and irritated when Jo Hwi appeared.

Whirr—

Silently stepping on the secret footwork, Jo Hwi hid under the tent where his comrades were standing, awkwardly smiling with a sheepish grin.

“So, how was it? Was it good? Didn’t it look convincing?”

Yeom Sang-rok couldn’t help but give a thumbs up in approval.

“Damn, I thought the Martial God had reincarnated.”

Seemingly impressed by his disciple’s dignified appearance, Baek Hwa-rin, the leader of the Ten Thousand Bloodline Clan, let out a strange exclamation.

“Hmph, that’s my disciple! Why don’t you just keep acting as the Martial God? With that skill, you could easily take over the Martial Alliance.”

Jo Hwi tilted his head, making a strange expression.

“Oh, that sounds interesting.”

* * *

Boom!

The deputy military officers of the Martial Alliance’s military division all turned pale and stiffened.

They had never seen General Zhuge Chan-hwi slam his desk like that.

The way his long, elegant beard was trembling, it was clear just how intense his anger was.

“What the hell…!”

From such a refined face, from those beautiful lips, how could such crass insults come out?

Meanwhile, Zhuge Chan-hwi was absolutely livid.

The news of the survival of the Three Brothers of the Underworld was nothing short of a thunderclap.

The fact that such a great elder of the righteous sects was collaborating with the Great Assembly of Patriarchs was a story that, if it spread throughout the martial world, would undoubtedly cause the new Martial Emperor’s authority to plummet.

To prevent the rumors from spreading, the military division had poured all their efforts into stopping it.

Just as they were focused on preventing the news of the Three Brothers from spreading, suddenly, the incident at Five Pillars Mountain had occurred.

“What the hell were the Three Military Advisors doing until now? Wasn’t it your responsibility to monitor the movements of the Sema Clan?”

“S-Sorry! I’ve committed a grave mistake!”

Of course, not everything could be blamed on the Three Military Advisors.

However, when the Sema Clan had been sending couriers and missives to all the martial sects, and the news of the martial spies spread throughout the entire martial world, the Three Military Advisors hadn’t noticed anything.

‘This is definitely not an act of the Sema Clan.’

Although they were known as the number one clan in the world, after years of secluded cultivation, it was clear that their capabilities were no longer as sharp as they once were.

The events they were orchestrating were bound to be slow and sloppy.

But the fact that the martial spies had been quickly and meticulously sent across the entire Central Plains meant that there must be someone else cooperating with them.

“Small Sword God…!”

The collaborator of the Sema Clan was obvious.

There was no need for the military division to investigate the matter any further. The group that gained the most from this incident was none other than the Great Assembly of Patriarchs.

And the righteous sects that had gathered at Five Pillars Mountain numbered a staggering sixty thousand.

It was said that they had been provided with free lodging and meals for more than a month.

This was a scale so unimaginable that even the General of the Martial Alliance, who had managed huge budgets, couldn’t fathom it.

To have more than ten thousand people—it was no trivial matter.

And it wasn’t like they had been served some poor-quality provisions.

The exquisite wines and dishes of the Great Assembly of Patriarchs, which had begun to gain fame throughout the world!

Even when receiving a drink from a friend, it could feel like a debt, moving the heart.

But if such a feast was provided for more than a month, how much would the hearts of those people be touched?

At least among the righteous sects, no one could fail to praise the tremendous generosity shown by the Great Assembly of Patriarchs.

Zhuge Chan-hwi himself was left in awe of such an extraordinary display of generosity.

He felt overwhelmed by the sheer financial power!

It felt as though he were dealing with a country.

Such immense generosity was something that had only been seen at the level of a nation.

Moreover, the Martial God himself had manifested and blessed the Great Assembly of Patriarchs.

This was even more stirring for the righteous sects than any of the previous events of the Great Assembly of Patriarchs.

“Hah…”

Zhuge Chan-hwi stumbled, feeling completely drained, as the military officers of the division rushed to support him.

“General!”

“Lord General!”

“Aah… It’s fine. I’m okay.”

A strategy can only be effective if it’s tailored to an appropriate target.

But this—bringing the financial power of a nation and the Martial God—had completely overwhelmed his mind.

This was beyond the capabilities of the military division and the general himself.

However, seeking help from the mysterious and terrifying “them” once again was something he dreaded more than death.

For now, he had no choice but to ask the one person he trusted for advice.

“I’ll be leaving for a while, so I’ll leave the military division in your hands, First Military Advisor.”

The First Military Advisor looked utterly bewildered.

Due to the secretive nature of the military division, it was customary not to inquire about the destination of others, but the First Military Advisor simply couldn’t restrain his curiosity.

Moreover, it was famous that Zhuge Chan-hwi carried out solo missions without any bodyguards.

“Lord General, may I ask where you are headed?”

Zhuge Chan-hwi sighed and spoke.

“To Shaolin.”

As expected of the brilliant minds of the Martial Alliance, the military officers immediately understood the general’s intent.

The Great Monk Kong Kong!

He was planning to meet with the living Buddha of Shaolin and negotiate, aiming to mobilize the entire Old Sect.

* * *

“Aaaah!”

“Uaaah!”

Zhuge Un and the Treasurer were simultaneously pulling at their hair and screaming.

Jo Hwi had handed them the financial report for the expenses at Five Pillars Mountain.

Even after seeing it with their own eyes, they couldn’t believe the numbers!

Especially the Treasurer, who was in charge of the entire financial operation of the Great Assembly of Patriarchs, felt like the sky was falling on him.

How on earth were they going to manage the finances of the Great Assembly of Patriarchs going forward? It was all a blur!

“Why are you making such a fuss? Money can always be earned again.”

Jo Hwi’s voice followed.

“Do you think the people who enjoyed the Great Assembly’s wine and food for over a month can simply forget the taste?”

The shock that struck Zhuge Un, who had been completely overwhelmed by the massive financial expenditure, felt like a sharp needle piercing the top of his head.

“Wait, so that’s what it was?”

“Of course. Do you think I’m some fool, spending all that money just to gain the favor of some righteous sect members?”

If the sect wars were the Great Assembly’s product placement for the leaders of the righteous martial world, then the Five Pillars Festival was the Great Assembly’s product placement for the common members of the righteous sects.

Jo Hwi had interpreted the way major global companies invest astronomical sums in Super Bowl ads into a style suited for the martial world.

The advertising effect from this event was likely comparable to, or perhaps even greater than, Super Bowl ads.

“Hah!”

Zhuge Un gasped in disbelief.

Not only had Jo Hwi firmly resolved the question of the Three Brothers’ existence, wiping out the Martial Alliance’s sabotage efforts in one fell swoop, but he had also used the appearance of the Martial God to bolster the Great Assembly of Patriarchs’ power and transformed it into a perfect “righteous martial power.”

And through the month-long “Five Pillars Festival,” he had completely captured the hearts of the righteous sects in the northern region.

But to top it all off, everything had essentially been a massive promotional campaign to advertise the goods of the Great Assembly of Patriarchs!

How many steps ahead was this monstrous person planning?

“Since we’re already enemies with the Martial Alliance, there’s nothing left to worry about. It’s actually better this way. We’ll take over the entire North. Send couriers to the major sects in the North.”

Zhuge Un still seemed dazed, shaking his head vigorously.

“Already this quickly?”

“When the tide is high, you row the boat. You strike relentlessly when the enemy is disoriented.”

“W-What about the contents of the couriers?”

Jo Hwi, looking annoyed, snapped.

“Damn it. After working together all this time, you still need me to draft the details? It’s obvious, isn’t it? We need to figure out how much stock each sect can distribute. For those who show the most enthusiasm, we’ll grant them exclusive distribution rights in that area. From the Great Assembly’s standpoint, managing it all in one place is far easier. If you try to deal with multiple sects to make a little extra profit, you’ll get yourself killed. Do you want to work overtime?”

“N-No!”

“No, no!”

Jo Hwi’s eyes gleamed more sharply.

“Right. And, Sang-rok.”

Yeom Sang-rok, who had been dozing off in the corner of the office, startled awake, drooling.

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes, you. Didn’t you say you know a lot of handsome playboys? You mentioned something about a gathering of courtesans and their patrons a while back.”

“Why are you bringing them up all of a sudden?”

“Get in touch with them. They’re just idle good-for-nothings, but if we give them a little money, they might work hard.”

Those who had devoted their lives to the pursuit of pleasure could only be good at one thing—seducing women.

“Are you planning to use those pretty boys to take down the mafia now?”

Jo Hwi opened his eyes wide, then shook his head slowly.

“Wow, you’re sharp. But this isn’t that kind of thing.”

Jo Hwi then gave a meaningful smile.

“Didn’t you hear the news? Our leather jackets from Jo Ga Pihyeok are causing a stir.”

The jackets Jo Hwi had developed were clearly showing signs of becoming a huge success.

The unique style of the leather jackets had dazzled the martial artists, and the ‘outside pocket’ design was unprecedented in the central plains’ fashion.

For martial artists who were used to rummaging through their sleeves to find their belongings, the convenience of the rider jacket was nothing short of revolutionary.

“What does that have to do with the handsome playboys?”

“Ugh…”

Jo Hwi shook his head with a sigh, then smiled slyly.

“According to you, they must be quite stylish, right? So, give them leather jackets and a nice sword each, then have them roam around the entire northern region.”

Even in ancient China, the principle of “appearance first” still applied.

If handsome, sword-wielding men in leather jackets traveled across the martial world, making women’s hearts flutter, what do you think would happen?

The Jo Ga Pihyeok leather shop would likely expand by dozens of times.

It’s called being a model!

There were no TV or magazines, so it would be tedious and expensive to advertise, but the effect would definitely be worth it.

“Wow, you’re going to use those playboys like that?”

“It’s like paying them a stipend while they travel around the northern region. They’ll be happy to do it.”

It took sixty years for the Banwoldo (half-moon knife) from the Hebei region to be introduced to the Qinghai people.

The central plains were so vast and wide that trends spread very slowly.

Fashion, by nature, grows gradually, but Jo Hwi was deliberately trying to create a trend.

Advertising was a very unfamiliar concept to people in the central plains.

However, Jo Hwi, being a modern person who had struggled in the world of advertising, thought in a way that was completely natural to him, but utterly foreign to his companions.

It felt like a completely different type of human had fallen from the sky.

“Do you think this will work?”

“Is that such a big deal? I’ll start recruiting them right away.”

“Good.”

Jo Hwi, wearing a satisfied smile, suddenly rummaged through his coat, took out a pair of white cotton gloves, and put them on.

“Treasurer, please call Jin Ga-hee and Baek Hwa-rin.”

“Understood.”

A little while later, when the Treasurer entered the office with Jin Ga-hee and Baek Hwa-rin, Jo Hwi carefully opened a drawer and placed a strange object on the desk.

He handled it like a treasure, as if it would be ruined if it got dirty, and this caught Jin Ga-hee’s curiosity.

“Oppa, what is that?”

At a glance, it was something that would make a woman’s heart race.

The texture of the leather, its color, and the subtle sheen!

She couldn’t take her eyes off its stunning appearance.

“It’s made from the finest sheepskin, crafted by the best leather artisans of Po Yang Ho. It’s called a *pi-nang*.”

Pi-nang, literally meaning “leather pouch.”

Jo Hwi then unfolded the intricately twisted strings hanging from the bag and carefully draped it over Jin Ga-hee’s shoulder.

Jin Ga-hee froze.

Just having the strap on her shoulder, she felt a sense of superiority.

“How is it? Don’t you think it would be very convenient for a woman to carry her belongings in this?”

“I, I think this is amazing!”

Baek Hwa-rin’s eyes lit up.

“What about mine?”

Jo Hwi smiled faintly.

“You’ll get yours in Chanel.”

The *pi-nang* that Jin Ga-hee was wearing.

At the center of it, the Gucci emblem stood clearly.

The women from various workshops had gathered around Jin Ga-hee and Baek Hwa-rin, giving up their lunch break to crowd around them like clouds.

Jin Ga-hee, with a somewhat smug expression, opened the Gucci *pi-nang* and pulled out a small bronze mirror, holding it up to reflect her face in every direction.

In the central plains, the way people carried items was still either tucked into their sleeves or strapped to their waist in a bundle.

After World War II, when the fervor of war had not yet fully dried up, Gabrielle Chanel introduced the 2.55 vintage bag.

At that time in Europe, women’s bags were all either carried by hand or tucked under the arm.

The bag with straps was hailed as a revolutionary design, granting women the freedom of both hands in a society where they had long been oppressed and unequal.

What would such a revolutionary design, which ruled Paris and Europe’s boutiques, look like to the women of the central plains?

Modern people might dismiss it as a simple design not worth the fuss, but back then, the idea of carrying a bag over the shoulder was unheard of.

Innovation comes from a shift in perspective.

The level of impact might be similar, but the women of the central plains were no different from medieval European women in terms of what they saw and felt.

“It’s incredible…”

“Ahh…”

The women from the workshops, mouths agape in admiration, were staring at the dazzling bag draped over Jin Ga-hee’s shoulder.

Setting practicality aside, the sheer elegance and style of it was overwhelming.

As always, the price of an item was the first question.

“Sis! You said that’s a *pi-nang*, right? How much is something like that?”

Jin Ga-hee lifted her chin with a haughty look.

“Sisters, this is a prototype. It doesn’t have a price tag yet.”

“Wow! So that *pi-nang* is the only one in the world?”

Oh, is that really the case?

Jin Ga-hee puffed her chest with pride.

“Ho ho! Well, you could say that. Want to try it on?”

“Wow! Really? You’re the best!”

The woman from the workshop who carefully draped the *pi-nang* over her shoulder trembled with excitement.

Just having the strap on her shoulder was enough to make her feel an odd sense of superiority and deep emotion.

“Sis Jin! Would you sell this to me?”

Jin Ga-hee’s eyes widened as she quickly snatched the *pi-nang* back.

“You brat?”

Jo Hwi, watching from a distance with a satisfied expression, was filled with confidence.

‘It’s done!’

Just like the rider jacket made the men of the central plains’ hearts race, he was sure that the *pi-nang* would do the same for the women.

The prototype was the most basic design.

Even with such a simple design that didn’t take into account the tastes of the women in the central plains, they were already making a fuss about it.

If it were decorated with beautiful patterns, jade, and gold leaf, and with a proper lineup, it would definitely sell like wildfire.

The problem was that the simple design meant other bag makers would quickly copy it.

Unless there was something truly overwhelming about it that others couldn’t replicate, a premature release would be a mistake.

Jo Hwi thought of the luxury brands of the modern world.

While the difference in quality from the superior finish was clear, that alone did not make an item a luxury good.

Gabrielle Chanel’s brilliant invention gave European women the same attitude as European gentlemen who strolled with their hands in their pockets, simply by carrying a bag with straps over their shoulders.

To establish the identity of a luxury brand, there needed to be a ‘story,’ like the legendary life of a renowned designer.

To establish a timeless luxury good, launching a new brand with the spirit of a great designer’s life was the only answer.

This, however, was impossible with the brand *Jo Ga Dae Sang Hoe*.

The problem was that it was difficult to find a suitable seamstress who could establish such luxury.

Even if a seamstress was somewhat famous, it would only be relevant in their local area.

If someone like Mok Go-wol, who had received the title of *Cheonsu Jangin* (Heavenly Hand Craftsman) from the emperor for making the *Cheonryongbo* and *Yukmaek Shin-gyeom*, were involved, it might be different, but in the field of tailoring, there was no one who could influence the entire central plains.

Since leather wasn’t a material that was familiar to the people of the central plains, as their clothing culture was dominated by textiles, it was even harder to find a skilled craftsman.

In the end, Jo Hwi decided to wait a little longer until a solution presented itself.