The Ruler of Darkness

Book 8: Chapter 4

That day, at dawn, when Yeon So-hyeon took his first steps.

“Brother! A letter of surrender has arrived from the Emei Sect!”

It was Yeon Ha-eung, who was still much older than Yeon So-hyeon but for some reason called him brother.

He handed Yeon So-hyeon the letter of surrender from the Emei Sect that had arrived through the urgent communication system of the Outer Court.

“What about the Daseollang?”

“They have all just woken up, but it’s as if they spent the night wide awake.”

No matter how determined they were, it was naturally impossible for them to sleep peacefully when their families were being held hostage.

“Call them to the office when they are ready.”

Yeon So-hyeon showed them the letter of surrender from the Emei Sect without any delay.

***

Present time.

In the meeting room of the House of Compassion’s headquarters.

“Next, we, the Daseollang, will report to the leader.”

Sanggwan Nanhwa rose from her seat and spoke in the highest honorific form.

As expected of a high-ranking official’s daughter from Sichuan, she was quite adept at using the highest honorifics.

“…Sanggwan Nanhwa.”

“Please speak.”

Yeon So-hyeon, who was reviewing the Daseollang’s report, looked at her over the report.

“There’s no need to stand up to report. Sit down.”

On the contrary, unlike before, Yeon So-hyeon was lowering his speech to them.

“No, I cannot dare to be so rude to the leader.”

Since seeing the Emei Sect’s surrender document yesterday at dawn, the Daseollang had been treating Yeon So-hyeon with that attitude.

Yeon So-hyeon shrugged his shoulders as if telling them to do as they pleased.

“This is a report on the ‘list’ I had given you.”

“That is correct.”

After seeing the Emei Sect’s letter of surrender, Yeon So-hyeon had assigned tasks to the Daseollang, who were embracing each other in joy, along with a ‘list’.

A separate operation from Yeon So-hyeon.

The escort team leader was Yeon So-hyeon’s personal bodyguard and Yi-ryeong, one of the triplet maids.

It was also his way of testing them, both to hide them from the potential clutches of the Emei Sect and to verify their skills.

“But….”

Yeon So-hyeon furrowed his brows while looking at the report submitted by the Daseollang.

“You completed the evaluation of all the businesses on this list in just one day?”

“One day was enough.”

Sanggwan Nanhwa confidently nodded at Yeon So-hyeon’s words.

“The list you gave us was a list of small and medium-sized businesses that had potential but were currently experiencing difficulties in operation.”

She held up the report.

“We evaluated those businesses and selected the ones with sufficient potential for future success.”

Yeon So-hyeon looked at the report they had written throughout the night and inwardly admired them.

‘Precise.’

In the history of his memories, the businesses that had later succeeded and gained fame were accurately selected.

The Daseollang had identified the real deal among the struggling businesses.

And in just one day.

Of course, the Daseollang members, who had undoubtedly stayed up all night, were currently half-dead, except for Sanggwan Nanhwa, who possessed internal energy.

“What criteria did you use to select the separately marked businesses?”

Those businesses were not in Yeon So-hyeon’s memory.

In other words, they were businesses that had eventually failed to succeed in the previous history.

“The separately marked businesses are the ones that we, the Daseollang, judged could be successfully operated if we intervene in their management.”

“…I see!”

“Due to the lack of time, we marked them separately to conduct a more accurate evaluation after obtaining the leader’s permission.”

A smile appeared on Yeon So-hyeon’s lips.

The Daseollang was showing skills that met his expectations, no.

They were exceeding his expectations.

“Then what was the intention behind this additional report?”

Yeon So-hyeon held up the additional report they had submitted.

“The additional report is a document assessing the owners’ willingness to sell their shares in the businesses.”

“We are going to purchase their shares?”

Sanggwan Nanhwa smiled at Yeon So-hyeon, who was deliberately playing dumb despite having already seen through her intentions.

“We, the Daseollang, judged that these businesses were the ones the leader intended to have us assess in order to have them settle in the Valley of Sins or Hodu Village.”

It was a judgment they could make because they had seen Yeon So-hyeon’s business plan.

She casually placed a hand on her waist, and the smile on her face deepened.

“Businesses that can achieve success. If they are such businesses, rather than simply having them settle, purchasing or acquiring their shares before having them settle would be a way to maximize profits.”

At her words, those who were focusing on the meeting unconsciously exclaimed, “Ooh,” in admiration.

“Since we had to conceal the name of the Daseollang or the leader yesterday, the results are still inaccurate. If the leader makes a decision, we expect to be able to purchase the shares or acquire them as a whole more easily.”

They had accurately grasped the intentions of the highest decision-maker and acted with utmost efficiency to produce excellent results.

And they didn’t stop there; they had made preparations to persuade the decision-maker in the direction they judged as ‘possible’.

Satisfactory skills that couldn’t be better.

‘Indeed, this is the skill of those who later made it to the top ten merchant groups in the Central Plains.’

The title of the top ten merchant groups in the Central Plains could never be an empty name.

How could those who created one of the top ten merchant groups, designated as the best by experts among the countless businesses in this vast Central Plains, lack ability?

However, that was a story for the future, and the current Daseollang members were still young.

Moreover, there was no guarantee that the businesses that had succeeded in the previous history would succeed again this time.

History was constantly changing even now.

That was why Yeon So-hyeon had the Daseollang diagnose the businesses, also as a way to test them.

But the result was….

There was no need for words.

Yeon So-hyeon clapped his hands.

Those who were attending the meeting also sent enthusiastic applause to the Daseollang.

[What, what’s going on?]

In response to Guard Cheongho’s dumbfounded sound transmission, Su-ran, who was clapping, replied.

[Hey! For now, just follow along!]

They jumped up from their seats and clapped vigorously, not losing to the others.

“Thank you! Thank you!”

The faces of the Daseollang members, who were bowing here and there in response to the applause pouring in from all directions, were bright.

They didn’t forget to express their gratitude to Yeon So-hyeon, who had asked them about the process step by step and took the lead in acknowledging their abilities.

Yeon So-hyeon had given them an opportunity to fully explain to everyone, ensuring that they could receive definite recognition from the members of the House of Compassion’s business department, whom they had to lead.

“Excellent.”

When Yeon So-hyeon raised his hand, the applause died down.

“I will give you full authority over the matters related to this report from now on. Boil it, roast it, do as much as you want to your heart’s content.”

The faces of the Daseollang members became even brighter.

Yeon So-hyeon handed them the documents he had prepared in advance.

“What is this?”

Yeon So-hyeon grinned at Sanggwan Nanhwa, who came forward and politely received the documents.

“It’s the second list.”

Yeon So-hyeon said.

“The businesses on the first list were just small businesses centered around stores like Daruna Restaurant, inns, and such.”

He pointed to the second list that Sanggwan Nanhwa had received.

“Unlike the businesses on the previous list, these are properly scaled businesses.”

Sanggwan Nanhwa met his gaze and shared a meaningful smile.

“Just like the previous businesses, they have potential but are currently facing difficulties in operation.”

“There are many assigned tasks, including the current relocation plan. Can you handle them all?”

“There are five of us.”

Yeon So-hyeon took out a bundle of payment slips from his bosom with a satisfied expression.

“This is the down payment.”

Half of the budget that the Inner Court had underpaid to Yeon So-hyeon, which was paid in payment slips.

And the punitive compensation imposed on the Inner Court by the decision of the Council of Elders.

In addition, the investment he had received from the commander of the Sword House’s Battlefield.

The entire payment slips.

Even without counting, it was an enormous amount at a glance.

[Uh, uh?! How much is that?!]

[…I don’t know for sure, but it’s definitely an amount that you and I can’t accumulate even if we live a hundred lives.]

[But he said that’s the down payment?!]

[I don’t know! It seems that proper businesses are that expensive!]

Yeon So-hyeon smiled, revealing his teeth.

“No need to even look at the report. Devour all the ones that you judge will succeed. Make them become the House of Compassion’s businesses.”

The Daseollang members knelt on one knee in unison.

“We shall obey your command.”

***

The meeting ended, and everyone had left the room.

The only ones remaining were Su-ran and Guard Cheongho from the Spring of Luoyang.

“You have waited a long time.”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s invitation, the two of them sat across from him, answering in a tense manner.

“No, not at all!”

“We didn’t wait long at all, not even a bit!”

They even showed apologetic expressions.

“Originally, we should have helped you with the fire in the Valley of Sins last night….”

Yeon So-hyeon shook his head.

“No, I was aware that most of the members of the Spring of Luoyang are currently tied up with the ‘Dragon and Phoenix Conference arena construction site’.”

The Dragon and Phoenix Conference arena construction site.

It was the area where a large-scale riot had occurred, which the Third Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House was dealing with.

Of course, the riot was being thoroughly concealed by the Luoyang Sword House.

“As expected. You knew…?”

“We barely managed to get away to meet the Eldest Young Master….”

“Thank you for your understanding, Eldest Young Master.”

Those who repeatedly dedicate themselves to the weakest apologize for not being able to provide more help.

Seeing the two of them, Yeon So-hyeon showed an expression full of goodwill that came from his heart.

“There’s no need for understanding.”

Su-ran and Guard Cheongho.

The famous solvers of the slums.

It would be nice to have a calm conversation with them.

But time was the most precious thing for Yeon So-hyeon right now.

“I believe you have already guessed by now why I showed you the newly emerging House of Compassion.”

“Since you have shown us this much….”

Surprisingly, Guard Cheongho, who had only shown a relatively slow-witted appearance until now, answered while scratching the back of his head.

“Even with our uneducated and dull minds, we have no choice but to know.”

Yeon So-hyeon leaned back comfortably and looked at him.

“A member of the renowned Cheong family, who even graduated from the Gong family’s Grand Academy, claims to be uneducated?”

Guard Cheongho showed an embarrassed expression.

“At best, I’m just a mere constable, unlike the elders of my family who have been renowned as distinguished judges for generations.”

“Weren’t you a renowned constable whose name was widely known not only in Luoyang but throughout Henan?”

“…That’s a story of the past now. Now, I’m just a mere odd-job worker in the slums. Rather than that….”

His empty sleeve fluttered.

Alcohol had taken away not only his arm but also his position.

Someone who had lost one of the arms that were crucial for martial arts could no longer maintain the position of a constable.

“I cannot dare to waste the Eldest Young Master’s precious time with trivial stories about someone like me.”

Guard Cheongho smiled bitterly and brought the conversation back to the main point.

“What the Eldest Young Master has shown us so far is the ‘path’ that we, the Spring of Luoyang, should walk in the future, isn’t it?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“That’s right.”

He personally poured tea for the two of them, which had been prepared.

“I thought that the effect would be minimal even if I directly explained it to you one by one, so I had no choice but to use this method.”

Seeing is believing.

How could they not understand Yeon So-hyeon’s intention?

“The girl deeply resonates with the path the Eldest Young Master has shown us. The same goes for Guard Cheongho.”

Unlike Guard Cheongho, who was born into a distinguished family, Su-ran, whose origins were low and had not received etiquette education, finally opened her mouth properly.

Because Yeon So-hyeon had shown a friendly attitude in the conversation with Guard Cheongho, she could expect the Eldest Young Master to understand the lack of manners stemming from ignorance.

“The Spring of Luoyang is indeed full of capable individuals. There are extraordinary people incomparable to us. And I am confident that our will and spirit are second to none.”

Guard Cheongho took over.

“But if we continue like this, without proper organization and relying solely on our sense of justice and individual abilities, we will soon….”

While he was choosing his words, Su-ran spoke first.

“It’s the end.”

Her expression was extreme, but the meaning was the same as what he had in mind.

“That’s right. So far, we have managed to prevent our names from being known to the government or the Sword House, but we cannot expect this state to be maintained indefinitely.”

“Once our names start to be known, it’s obvious that we will be stigmatized as an anti-establishment organization.”

Initially, they had thought it would be nice if Yeon So-hyeon could join the Spring of Luoyang, establish a good relationship, and exchange necessary help.

However, Yeon So-hyeon had instead given them a glimpse of the path that the Spring of Luoyang should take in the future.

Organization and systematization.

And securing enough power and influence to protect themselves.

“But….”

Yeon So-hyeon continued Guard Cheongho’s words.

“I am well aware that the Spring of Luoyang is a group that is not a group, where individuals move based on their own judgment without a decision-maker.”

Su-ran nodded and wrinkled her nose bridge.

“Among the members, there are many who express distrust towards those in power from the start. Getting them to move and rebirth the Spring of Luoyang is….”

“It is likely to be a very difficult task, no. It has a high possibility of becoming an impossible challenge.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled at the two of them, who had gloomy expressions.

“You two don’t need to worry about that.”

He met the gazes of the two who had raised their heads.

“If I, the Eldest Young Master, say that I will join the Spring of Luoyang as a member and reform the organization, will you two agree?”

The two of them immediately nodded.

“Of course.”

“Certainly.”

Yeon So-hyeon tapped the desk with a pleased expression.

“That’s enough for me.”

The boy sitting with his back to the sunlight showed a refreshing smile full of confidence.

“Ah, of course. You two will have to invite me to a secret meeting.”

Why was it?

Was it because of the abilities he had shown so far?

Or was it because of that boundless confidence?

The Spring of Luoyang, heading towards a foretold destruction.

They had a feeling that the Eldest Young Master in front of them could sufficiently change that fate.

“Of course, we will invite you.”

“The meeting is scheduled for tonight, and we will guide you personally.”

At that moment, there was a sound of knocking on the iron door.

“Come in!”

Jung-ah, who was waiting outside, reported to Yeon So-hyeon.

“There is a problem with the relocation of the residents of Hodu Village.”

“Explain in detail.”

“The district head of Cheong-hak District, which includes Hodu Village as its administrative area, is causing trouble with the relocation by mobilizing government soldiers.”

“It’s their doing.”

The response from the Second Young Master’s forces was evident.

Yeon So-hyeon rose from his seat.

“Inform them that I will go directly.”

At those words, Jung-ah bowed her head and went out to spread her master’s order.

“The, the district head personally intervened?”

“This is serious…!”

The two of them were startled by the mention of the district head.

The ones that the members of the Spring of Luoyang were most reluctant to clash with were the high-ranking officials.

Directly confronting those who had been delegated power by the Emperor was virtually equivalent to committing suicide.

They asked Yeon So-hyeon.

“Eldest Young Master. How do you plan to respond?”

“If the district head, who has control over the residents, has personally intervened, it won’t be easy!”

At their words, Yeon So-hyeon rolled up his sleeves and spoke.

“It will be easy.”

“Pardon?”

He smiled.

“I will crush that bastard.”

The two of them looked at Yeon So-hyeon with a dumbfounded expression, as if they had seen something incomprehensible.

With his back to the sunlight, Yeon So-hyeon spoke to them.

“The district head of Cheong-hak District has been notoriously rotten for a long time.”

The sunlight approaching noon became more intense, making it impossible to clearly see his expression.

However, they could guess his expression from the aura emanating around Yeon So-hyeon.

“If I don’t even use it to crush a mere bastard like that, what’s the point of all the power and influence this body possesses?”

Yeon So-hyeon referring to a high-ranking official of Luoyang as a ‘mere’ bastard.

Those words sent shivers down their spines.

That’s right.

He was none other than the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House and the Yeon So-hyeon who had frequented Mount Bukmang as if it were his own home.

They were convinced.

The existence in front of them was, more than anyone else, the person needed by the Spring of Luoyang.

“Will you wait here?”

Yeon So-hyeon asked them.

“Or will you come with me?”

There was no need to ask; their answer was already determined.