Book 22 Chapter 14

Negotiate

—Donwang’s Office

He always looked down at the circular arena from a place where the gladiators were most visible, where the moments that decided life and death were most visible. To ascend to his office, which doubled as a viewing box, one had to make an appointment with him at least several months in advance.

Otherwise, one had to endure the fervent welcome of dozens of sword-wielding guards. Yet, today, the door to his office opened at an unscheduled time, and two visitors arrived. To his surprise, both were young women. One was a beauty in black attire as dark as the night, holding a black umbrella. The other wore a veil-covered straw hat, obscuring her face, but she possessed a figure as beautiful and elegant as a sculpture, with every step exuding grace.

"How were you able to come all the way up here?"

Donwang, who usually addressed others condescendingly, was being polite for once, even though his visitors were young women.

"Oh my, of course, we walked up," replied the woman in black, Yeonbi, with a cheerful voice and a smile.

Donwang, who had seen it all, felt a chill at her nonchalant words.

"And what about the fifty guards?"

"They'll all be sleeping outside by now."

Donwang swallowed a muffled groan at the statement that fifty guards had all been incapacitated.

"This is unacceptable. Sleeping on duty. I'll have to cut their pay or fire them."

Donwang replied, feigning indifference.

"That's a good judgment. But even if there were twice as many, the outcome wouldn't have changed."

It was a way of saying they had shown enough of their skill.

"That's hard to believe…"

"Shall I prove it?"

The smile on Yeonbi's lips deepened. Donwang found that smile very ominous.

"No, I'll pass."

"Then, since the escort guards are all asleep, shall we begin negotiations?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Well…"

At that moment, two figures shot out like flying leopards from the shadow of the corner of the wall behind Yeonbi and Nayelin, emitting streaks of light.

"Because there are still protectors remaining," Donwang said calmly. The two who emerged from the shadows of the corner were of a different caliber than those guarding the stairs.

However…

"So?"

As if she knew, Yeonbi thrust her black umbrella into the streaks of light without looking back. Instantly, the storm of sword energy, emitting killing intent, subsided.

*Thwack!*

The next moment, the one who had charged from the right corner lay sprawled on the ground. The side of his head must have been throbbing.

Nayelin also didn't need Yeonbi's help. While their stealth techniques were excellent, their martial arts power was far from enough to deceive her senses.

Her white sword cut through the air like a swift bird. In that instant, the opponent's sword was also cleaved. The next moment, before the shock had even subsided, a wave of sword energy pierced an acupoint, and the man fell to the ground like a stiff log.

*Click!*

Nayelin calmly sheathed her sword as if nothing had happened.

"Now they're all asleep again. Wouldn't you say?" Yeonbi chuckled.

"When did you know?"

"Why, from the moment we entered, of course," Yeonbi replied as if it were obvious. Cold sweat broke out on Donwang's forehead. He had never imagined that he would be cornered by such young girls. Being a merchant, he decided to make the most rational choice.

"Sigh, I concede. So, what is your business? You must have had a reason to come all the way up here?"

"Of course. Do you think we would have gone through such trouble without a reason?"

"Speak, I am ready to listen."

"Good, you're direct. Let me put it simply. We want to fight Jilsang Heun. But they wouldn't accept us at the reception. They said that was your job as the owner, and they had no authority, so they told us to come here for consultation, which is why we bothered to come like this."

If Receptionist Jang had heard this, his face and mind would have turned completely white.

"Heh, really. Receptionist Jang said that?"

"Well, he kindly advised that it would be more effective if we showed that there could be some business, so we went through the trouble and showed off our skills to come up here."

If the already pale Jang had heard this, he might have experienced an out-of-body experience from the shock.

"Why do you want to fight Jilsang Heun so badly?"

Unlike Dan Mokgang, who had come before, they didn't seem to have any grudges.

"Do we need a reason? And even if we had one, I don't think we need to tell you, do we? Well, for now, let's say it's for the 'prize money.' That should be easier for both of us to accept."

"You might die. No, there's a ninety-nine-point-nine percent chance you will die. Are you still going to do it?"

"Oh my, anyone would think you value life! You don't care whether these young girls live or die, do you? You just make money in the process, right? As long as it's entertaining for others, that's all that matters, isn't it?"

Her words were sharp with barbs, but Donwang didn't bother to deny them.

"Well, I won't deny it. The problem is whether you two can be a hit out there."

He seemed to be solely concerned with the entertainment value.

"With two pretty young ladies like us, how could it not be a hit? If it's not a hit even with such a great draw, then you should blame your own lack of ability, old man."

"Old… old man…"

This was the first time since becoming the ruler of the underworld that Kanghuran had heard such a title.

"So, how much prize money do you want?"

"Hmm… let's set the minimum at around three hundred thousand taels." Yeonbi said nonchalantly.

"Th-three hundred thousand taels? Miss, are you in your right mind?"

Donwang's eyes widened at the mention of such a large sum of money.

"Of course, I am." Yeonbi replied, as if surprised he would ask. Donwang pressed his temples with his thumb and index finger, looking troubled.

"Sigh, I know the black-clad lady is strong. I admit she's attractive. But that alone isn't enough. It won't draw an audience. Besides, you said there are two pretty young ladies, but the other lady isn't even taking off her straw hat. I don't have clairvoyance, so how can I know if she's a beauty without seeing her face?"

Then Yeonbi exclaimed in shock, "Oh my, didn't you know? Covering your face with a straw hat or veil is proof of being an absolute beauty! I can't believe you don't know such common sense!"

However, Donwang, who had been through countless trials, was not an easy opponent. One couldn't conduct business based solely on old wives' tales.

"If you get caught up in such prejudices, you won't be able to do business for long. What I see with my own eyes is what's real."

He was the type who needed to see things for himself to be satisfied.

"Is it possible if I just let you confirm?" Nayelin, who had remained silent, letting Yeonbi handle everything, spoke in a quiet voice.

"Lin?!" Yeonbi exclaimed in surprise.

"Hmm… it's still difficult. Even if you are beauties, you two are critically lacking something."

"What is that?" Donwang answered curtly.

"Fame!"

"Reputation?" Nayelin countered.

"Exactly! Fame! You can call it reputation or name value. You two critically lack fame! A name that can move and captivate many people! A name that can shake the martial arts world! How can I invest such a large sum of three hundred thousand taels in someone without such fame? Impossible. Absolutely impossible."

"Then, what about me?"

Saying that, Nayelin quietly removed the veiled straw hat she was wearing. The beauty that appeared from within made Donwang gasp for breath for a moment. It was a beauty he had never encountered before, despite having experienced many beautiful women.

"Oh, such beauty exists…"

Beauty that took one's breath away, regardless of age, truly existed. It was enough to sway a seasoned man like himself… It was beauty that made the term 'beauty that can overthrow a kingdom' seem inadequate.

"Lin, you didn't need to take off your straw hat!" Even Yeonbi seemed flustered, not expecting Nayelin to remove her hat here.

"Lin? Could it be… the 'Number One Beauty Under Heaven', Bingbaebong…?"

Nayelin nodded calmly.

"It's an undeserved and burdensome title, but if you ask if I, Bingbaebong Nayelin, am she, then yes. I am Nayelin, daughter of Baekroe Jincheongeom Na Baegcheon, the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, and Bingwolseonja Ye Qing. Is 'my' fame sufficient?"

"Sufficient? Of course! Of course, it is. You, Miss Na, who is called the Number One Beauty Under Heaven, are more than sufficient. If Miss Na directly shows her face, it's not just three hundred thousand taels, but five hundred thousand taels are possible!" Donwang exclaimed excitedly. The moment Nayelin removed her straw hat, Donwang intuitively felt, 'This will work!' This intuition had never been wrong.

"Then let's make it a million taels. Three hundred thousand taels is not enough anymore." Yeonbi's expression was no longer smiling.

"My mind has changed. The sacrifice on this side is too great." She couldn't accept being treated cheaply for such a sacrifice.

"A… a million taels?"

"Why? Is it too little?" Donwang seemed to ponder for a moment.

"I may have spoken excitedly for a moment, but a million taels is frankly too much. Hmm, how about five hundred thousand taels? I think we can compromise at that amount."

"Fine. It's a bit short, but we'll settle for five hundred thousand taels." Yeonbi agreed.

*Clap!*

Donwang clapped his hands to celebrate the agreement.

"Very well, young ladies! I will accept your challenge!"

"You've made a good decision." Lin, who would not have stood by if things had gone wrong after she had even taken off her straw hat, replied.

"However, there are conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"You are still two people. Make it three. And the remaining person must also be a woman. Especially a beautiful one, please. People like the blood of beauties, you see."

"Oh my, to say such discriminatory things. An old man like you should be ashamed." Yeonbi chided him, but Donwang remained unfazed.

"Not really." Donwang replied indifferently.

"Then it seems our conversation is over."

Next, there was a detailed discussion about the match schedule and process.

"You are not the only ones who wish to challenge Jilsang Heun. If there are others, you will have to compete with them. If the rumor of Bingbaebong's participation spreads, there's a high chance that many women who wish to compete with you will participate."

"It doesn't matter." Nayelin replied in a quiet but firm voice.

"Very well, then there are no objections?"

"No objections. So, is it decided?"

"Not yet."

"What? Not yet?" Suddenly, a chilling aura emanated from Yeonbi's entire body. It was an aura that made even the seasoned Donwang's heart turn cold.

"I cannot make such a significant decision alone. I need to consult with some people."

Did he intend to back out after speaking as if it were all decided? Yeonbi glared at Donwang with suspicion and said in a cold tone,

"Oh, is the Golden God of Wealth, Donwang of Kanghuran, the type to meticulously consult with his subordinates about business?"

He didn't look like it at all.

"Of course, I do. The bigger the matter, the more so it should be."

"Then do we have to wait here indefinitely?"

"Don't worry. You can rest at your lodging, and I will inform you by messenger."

"Do you know where we are staying?" The two had not even decided on lodging yet.

"Ah, that doesn't matter. We can find out wherever you stay, so don't worry about that."

Indeed, as the ruler of Kanghuran, he must have been able to obtain such information quickly.

"Alright. We will await your good news." If the news was bad, it wouldn't be good for them either.

"Don't worry, I won't disappoint you."

"I hope so. It will be good for both of us. Let's go, Lin." Nayelin nodded and put her straw hat back on. As her radiant beauty was hidden by the straw hat and veil, a strange sense of regret spread through Donwang's heart. Even as they disappeared, that ripple continued to dominate his thoughts. He quickly shook his head.

"Now is not the time. I must contact that person at once!" Donwang sprang from his seat and hurried towards the bookshelf that filled the wall. The bookshelf had six compartments, densely packed with various ledgers. The first book he pulled out was a famous book about the rice market, titled 'Complete Conquest of the Staple Food Market,' located second from the left in the top compartment. Behind the book was a handle. He pulled it.

*Rattle!*

But nothing happened beyond the initial operational sound. It wasn't a malfunction. It wasn't a mechanical failure. There was no need for a return or free repair. Undeterred, he picked out books located fifth from the right in the second compartment and in the center of the third compartment. They were titled 'Young Rich of the Martial World' and 'Bury Your Money in the Martial World!' respectively, but the titles were not important. These books also had handles behind them, and he pulled them in order. He repeated the same process in the remaining three compartments below. After pulling out one book from each compartment and pulling the handles behind them in sequence.

*Rumble!*

Only after pulling all six handles from the six compartments did a secret door finally open, revealing a hidden entrance. The handles of this bookshelf's mechanism were not only behind the books he had just pulled out. Even if someone invaded and pulled out all the books on the shelf, they would find handles of the same shape, twenty-four in each compartment, arranged in rows and columns. If even one was out of order, the door would not open. If you made three mistakes, there would be retaliation. Twenty-four in each compartment, six compartments, a probability of one in the twenty-second power to the sixth power.

Finally, the door to 'that person' opened.

Who could possibly be called 'that person' by Donwang, the dark ruler of Kanghuran? Donwang's figure disappeared into the darkness of the secret passage. Soon, only silence filled the empty space.

Golden God of Wealth (Geumjeoksin) Donwang!

The ruler of the underworld, who dominates the night of Kanghuran. That's what people knew. However, Donwang knew that he was merely a shadow of the true ruler of this place. He had a master whom he served. Having experienced his master's fear and power, he thought that he was the one truly suited to be the ruler of the night. Donwang himself was merely managing this place as his master's proxy. He had the skill to spend and gather money, while his master had power and fear. Donwang had been delegated almost all authority regarding various businesses and transactions. However, this time, the matter was too big. No matter what, he had to consult with his master.

This dark corridor was the secret passage leading to his master. At the end of the passage was a secret room where his master stayed in seclusion. Today was the day the owner of the room was staying there. It would be disrespectful to disturb his master's rest. He knocked cautiously and politely on the door and entered.

His master, clad in blood-red attire, sat in his own seat. He exuded an aura of overwhelming presence just by being there. Donwang began to recount what had just happened.

"Hahaha…" It was a laugh.

"Hahahahaha…!" It was a small laugh.

"Hahahaha!" However, the laugh, which had been small, began to grow and soon filled the entire stone chamber.

"Bwahahahaha! I never thought I'd meet you again in a place like this!" The laugh, which had been shaking slightly, finally erupted into madness. The laughter echoed, bouncing off the walls. He had never seen his lord laugh with such joy.

"Did you say that woman in white was Bingbaebong Nayelin?"

"Yes, my lord." Donwang replied with the utmost politeness. Even he, the ruler of the Kanghuran underworld, was merely a servant before this man in red.

"Are you sure?" If he was wrong, Donwang's own head might disappear.

"I am sure. There can't be many women with such beauty and such swordsmanship. She is indeed Bingbaebong Nayelin." The man in red laughed again. Donwang had never seen his master laugh like this. His master, whom he considered a cold-blooded demon devoid of all emotion, was now genuinely happy. It was a laugh that mingled madness and ecstasy.

"My, my! Hahaha! Such great joy comes to me so easily! The world is truly amusing!" The man caressed his right shoulder with his left hand. It had been nearly a decade, but the pain, which had not yet faded, was etched there. Not only that. The moment he heard the name Nayelin again, the black desires that had been suppressed for so long began to burn fiercely. He truly wanted to torment her. He wanted to see her cry out. He wanted to see her beg on her knees. He wanted to see her utterly defiled.

At that moment, his clenched right shoulder began to ache as if burned. The hatred etched there whispered to him. Go! Go and defile and destroy!

"Hehehehe…" The man trembled with the joy and thrill that slowly crept up from the depths of his heart, from the bottom of his dark desires.

"To receive such a gift from heaven without doing any good deeds! This is truly a surprise present." He didn't know why the pure maiden was here, but it didn't matter at all. As long as he could enjoy it, that was fine. He couldn't end such ecstasy all at once. He savored it slowly. Good food is not eaten quickly.

"Do you know those women?" Donwang's tone was rough, as he had already been humiliated by the two women and had no more shame to lose.

"Heh heh, I know them a little. Especially the white-clad girl, we have a deep connection." The man, called lord, laughed again, as if amused. The eerie laugh, filled with a chilling aura, made even Donwang, his trusted subordinate, flinch.

"I have one question. What do you think when you see a garden covered in white snow?" The man, who was Donwang's master, suddenly asked. Donwang replied,

"When I was young, I thought I wanted to be the first to leave footprints there. Though I've already forgotten."

"Heh, why do you feel that way?" His master was unusually talkative today.

"I don't know." His master was not seeking an answer but wanted to give one.

"It's because you want to defile it! Because you don't want to leave pure white things untouched!" The man said resolutely, a cruel smile on his lips.

"Donwang!"

"Yes, my lord!"

"Let's have a feast, a feast of blood! A match, with prize money of five hundred thousand taels."

"F-five hundred thousand taels…" It was an amount that made even Donwang, who had handled countless sums of money flowing into Kanghuran, tremble.

"I apologize, my lord, but three hundred thousand taels is already a substantial amount. I will negotiate again…"

"Why? Is there a shortage of funds?"

"Ah, no. While five hundred thousand taels is a lot of money, it's not impossible to procure. It would strain our existing funds, but… it's not impossible. However, to spend it solely as prize money for a mere speculative match…" It was inconceivable from a common-sense perspective. People would call it irrational.

"If you want to catch a big fish, you need big bait. Especially if you want to catch that busy hypocrite." Having finished speaking, he turned and approached the window side of the viewing box, as if his conversation was over and he would not listen to further objections, and looked down.

"Soon, three beauties will be offered as sacrifices up there. The thought of them vividly stained with blood excites me already."

*Whoosh!*

He turned to leave, then said as if he remembered, "Oh, send an invitation!"

"To where, my lord?"

"The Martial Arts Alliance!"

Then, after a moment of silence, he instructed again, "The recipient is the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance himself!" His right arm, as he left the secret door, flapped in the wind.

The man in red, who ruled the darkness of Kanghuran. He was a one-armed man.