Chapter 27
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Chapter 27
Five days after they left Wenzhou for the mercantile journey, the Eun Merchant Group’s party arrived in Xiangshan, Zhejiang Province without any issues. They decided to spend the night there.
The martial artists of the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect decided to split their members into three groups and take turns guarding the merchant ship overnight. After all, anyone could try to rob it while it was docked in the port. Baek Mu-Gun decided to take the lead on the third shift, staying in the accommodations the Eun Merchant Group prepared until it was time to rotate again.
The room their client gave hosted ten people, all of which were executive-level members. The rest of the crew had to settle in the cabin of the ships docked in the port. If every single member were to stay in the inn, their expenses would be enormous.
Even the Eun Merchant Group, which had a pretty high income, couldn’t do that much. Even if they had the money to do so, it was unlikely for them to take care of even the ordinary warriors. They prioritized profits, after all.
In any case, Mu-Gun and Jeong Ho-Gun were able to use the inn with their status as the young patriarchs of their respective sects.
After having a quick wash, the two went down to the inn’s restaurant to have dinner.
By the time they got there, Eun Ye-Sang, still cross-dressed as a man, and the middle-aged man whom she visited the Baek Sword Sect with were already eating. Mu-Gun bowed lightly to greet them, occupied an empty seat, and sat down.
Ye-Sang bowed her head in response, then focused on her meal again. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun ordered food and chatted while waiting for their order. They didn’t care about Ye-Sang at all. On the other hand, Ye-Sang felt conscious of Mu-Gun as she ate. She was well aware of her own beauty, which was why she unilaterally broke up the marriage. Nevertheless, she thought Mu-Gun would at least be interested in her to some extent.
She didn’t intend to accept Mu-Gun’s attention. Well aware of his behavior for the past three years, she refused to receive the attention of a man who frequented the brothel like it was his own home. However, Mu-Gun showed no interest in her, which hurt her pride for some reason.
‘Hmph! I wonder if he can still be so indifferent if I stop cross-dressing as a man.’
Ye-Sang was confident that Mu-Gun wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her if she took off her male attire and dressed up as a woman. She was soon dumbfounded, however, upon realizing she was too concerned about Mu-Gun.
‘Why am I even thinking about him?’
Ye-Sang didn’t want to concern herself with Mu-Gun. However, the more she tried, the more he attracted her attention. Ye-Sang unknowingly stared at Mu-Gun but quickly turned away to avoid being caught.
She then swiftly finished her meal and went up to her room, deciding to avoid being in the same space as him lest she’d involuntarily divert her attention to Mu-Gun again.
“The Eun Merchant Group’s young mistress kept glancing at you throughout her meal. She’s probably interested in you.” Ho-Gun told Mu-Gun with excitement after seeing her leave after her meal.
“Mind your own business,” Mu-Gun chided.
“Why don’t you try hitting it off with her? With her wealth and beauty, you’ve got nothing to lose.”
“Are you being serious?”
“It’s disgraceful of her to break up the marriage, sure, but with her looks, that much was totally understandable.” Ho-Gun nodded in understanding. The inception of this content can be traced back to n0ve1bin★
“Now that I think about it, you’re the kind of person to let his family go to ruin for a beautiful woman,” Mu-Gun said with a raised eyebrow.
“I wish I could meet such a beautiful woman.”
“You saw one just now, didn’t you?”
“Who do you take me for? No matter how beautiful she is, it’s an ironclad rule not to mess with a friend’s woman.”
“She’s not my woman. Not at all.”
“You guys have gone into talks of marriage. She’s basically halfway there,” Ho-Gun tried to defend himself.
“If Lady Eun heard this, she would be flabbergasted.”
“On a more serious note, won’t you need the Eun Merchant Group’s financial resources to keep the Byeok Sword Manor in check?” Ho-Gun stopped joking around.
“Since when did you think that far ahead?” Mu-Gun asked as he gave Ho-Gun a surprised look.
“I would hate to see the Byeok Sword Manor swallow the Zhejiang Martial Alliance with the Hangzhou Merchant Company supporting them from behind.” Ho-Gun shrugged.
“And it’s okay for the Baek Sword Sect to take over the alliance?”
“If someone was going to take it, I’d prefer the Baek Sword Sect does it.”
“You’re speaking as if the Justice Martial Sect doesn’t have any opinion on this.”
“That’s not it. We simply know exactly where we stand. Becoming the Zhejiang Martial Alliance’s leader with the Justice Martial Sect’s current power is simply impossible.”
“But you think it’s possible for the Baek Sword Sect?” Mu-Gun questioned.
“In my opinion, it would be difficult to make that happen right now. However, depending on the steps you’d be taking, it is certainly possible.”
“What do you mean the possibility of a battle happening is very low?” Ho-Gun asked, confused.
Mu-Gun kindly explained what he meant.
“As expected, there’s always a reason for peace.” Ho-Gun then nodded in understanding.
“That’s why you shouldn’t be too nervous. That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, though.”
“Got it.”
Ho-Gun finally relaxed a little after hearing Mu-Gun’s explanation. Mu-Gun didn’t inform the White Tiger Squad or White Wolf Squad of this fact. The possibility of a fight happening with the Four Seas Gang was low, but that didn’t mean there was no chance of it happening at all. Hence, he needed them prepared to engage in combat at any moment.
If a battle broke out while everyone was relaxed and complacent, they could suffer a lot more damage than necessary. It was far better to have their guards up even if it was for naught.
It had already been two hours since they entered the waters of the Zhoushan Archipelago. They had sped up to get out of these waters as soon as possible.
If they continued like this for another hour, they’d likely pass this region without encountering the Four Seas Gang’s fleet.
However, just before they could leave the Zhoushan Archipelago, three ships bearing the sigil of the Four Seas Gang appeared and began to approach them quickly.
“Prepare for battle! However, you are to hold your fire until an order to attack is issued!”
Cheon-Ho and Cheon-Ung gave instructions to the martial artists on board the White Wolf Ship and White Tiger Ship. The warriors equipped their respective weapons and readied themselves for a fight. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun also did the same.
With the Four Seas Gang ships now fifty feet away, a robust man stood on the bow of the ship in the center and shouted at them.
“I am Shim Gi-Hwan, in charge of the Tenth Great Warship of the Four Seas Gang! I want to talk to your representative!”
In response, the middle-aged man accompanying Ye-Sang stood on the bow of the Eun Merchant Group’s merchant ship.
“I am Ho Jung-San, the business representative of the Eun Merchant Group. we would like to pass the route ahead for the sake of a mercantile journey, so I ask for your generous understanding, good sir of the Four Seas Gang.”
“Master Ho of the Eun Merchant Group. This is my first encounter with your organization, is it not?”
“That’s right. This is our first mercantile trip to Nanjing.”
“I see. Then I’ll kindly explain how things work here since you don’t seem aware of it. This is a sea route controlled by the Four Seas Gang, and you will have to pay a price to pass through.”
“We, the Eun Merchant Group, will pay the toll fee in respect of the Four Seas Gang.”
“You’re very straightforward, Master Ho. I’ll gladly make a demand, then. If the Eun Merchant Group wants to pass through here, you will have to pay one thousand silver nyang.”
The price flabbergasted Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun.
“Are they out of their minds? Sure, they’re the Four Seas Gang, but one thousand nyang? Are they trying to con us?” Ho-Gun complained, bewildered.
“I think they’re overcharging us because it’s our first encounter,” Mu-Gun replied.
A thousand silver nyang was equivalent to two months’ worth of the Baek Sword Corps’ monthly wages. It was a ridiculous amount to pay just to pass through the sea route.
“You have great humor, good sir. Who would want to use this route if they had to pay one thousand silver nyang just to pass by once? If this was a one-time thing, then perhaps so, but if not, how could this amount be justified?” Jung-San tried to haggle for a lower price.
“Hahaha, if the Eun Merchant Group intends to be a regular customer of the Four Seas Gang, I will give you a special discount on the toll fee.”
“We, the Eun Merchant Group, will continue to use this sea route if the Four Seas Gang is willing to open it to us. We would also like to build good relations with your organization.”
“Then I’ll reduce the toll fee by half to answer the Eun Merchant Group’s sincerity. I’ve shown you my goodwill, so I hope you also respond in kind.” The representative of the Tenth Great Armada kindly offered a discount.
Five hundred silver nyang was still a large amount. However, the profit that the Eun Merchant Group expected to gain through this mercantile journey was at least ten thousand silver nyang. Even if they paid thirty percent of the profits to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect, it would still amount to seven thousand silver nyang. Compared to that, five hundred nyang wasn’t that much.
The problem was that there was a chance this wouldn’t be the only toll fee they’d have to pay. After all, they could still come across two other fleets of the Four Seas Ten Great Warships before arriving in Nanjing. If they also demanded five hundred silver nyang each, the Eun Merchant Group would have to pay a total of 1500 silver nyang.
No, including their return home into the calculation, they would have to pay up to three thousand silver nyang. Thirty percent of the profits obtained from this mercantile journey would be wasted on toll fees. From the Eun Merchant Group’s standpoint, that would be too much.
It would be great if they could save on the money paid to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect. However, without them as escort guards, the Four Seas Gang wouldn’t just demand a toll fee. They would choose to take over their merchant ship.
On the other hand, they would make an enemy of the Four Seas Gang if they refused to pay the toll fee and a battle ensued here, ultimately making it difficult for them to use this sea route again in the future. The best move the Eun Merchant Group could make was to reduce the toll fee as much as possible.
“I will pay up to three hundred silver nyang. I refuse to pay any more than that.” Ye-Sang suddenly stepped forward while Jung-San was racking his brain.
“Who are you to stand forward thoughtlessly?” Gi-Hwan asked rudely, having confirmed Ye-Sang’s young face after she pushed Jung-San aside.
“This person is the young master of the Eun Merchant Group,” Jung-San replied.
“It seems to me the Eun Merchant Group doesn’t intend to repay my kindness. If so, we can no longer offer you our goodwill. Man, whenever I try to be kind to others, they just take it as me being a pushover instead of appreciating it,” Gi-Hwan said with a tone that seemed like he would issue an attack order at any moment. Growing anxious, the warriors on both sides fixed their grip on their weapons.
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Chapter 27
Five days after they left Wenzhou for the mercantile journey, the Eun Merchant Group’s party arrived in Xiangshan, Zhejiang Province without any issues. They decided to spend the night there.
The martial artists of the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect decided to split their members into three groups and take turns guarding the merchant ship overnight. After all, anyone could try to rob it while it was docked in the port. Baek Mu-Gun decided to take the lead on the third shift, staying in the accommodations the Eun Merchant Group prepared until it was time to rotate again.
The room their client gave hosted ten people, all of which were executive-level members. The rest of the crew had to settle in the cabin of the ships docked in the port. If every single member were to stay in the inn, their expenses would be enormous.
Even the Eun Merchant Group, which had a pretty high income, couldn’t do that much. Even if they had the money to do so, it was unlikely for them to take care of even the ordinary warriors. They prioritized profits, after all.
In any case, Mu-Gun and Jeong Ho-Gun were able to use the inn with their status as the young patriarchs of their respective sects.
After having a quick wash, the two went down to the inn’s restaurant to have dinner.
By the time they got there, Eun Ye-Sang, still cross-dressed as a man, and the middle-aged man whom she visited the Baek Sword Sect with were already eating. Mu-Gun bowed lightly to greet them, occupied an empty seat, and sat down.
Ye-Sang bowed her head in response, then focused on her meal again. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun ordered food and chatted while waiting for their order. They didn’t care about Ye-Sang at all. On the other hand, Ye-Sang felt conscious of Mu-Gun as she ate. She was well aware of her own beauty, which was why she unilaterally broke up the marriage. Nevertheless, she thought Mu-Gun would at least be interested in her to some extent.
She didn’t intend to accept Mu-Gun’s attention. Well aware of his behavior for the past three years, she refused to receive the attention of a man who frequented the brothel like it was his own home. However, Mu-Gun showed no interest in her, which hurt her pride for some reason.
‘Hmph! I wonder if he can still be so indifferent if I stop cross-dressing as a man.’
Ye-Sang was confident that Mu-Gun wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her if she took off her male attire and dressed up as a woman. She was soon dumbfounded, however, upon realizing she was too concerned about Mu-Gun.
‘Why am I even thinking about him?’
Ye-Sang didn’t want to concern herself with Mu-Gun. However, the more she tried, the more he attracted her attention. Ye-Sang unknowingly stared at Mu-Gun but quickly turned away to avoid being caught.
She then swiftly finished her meal and went up to her room, deciding to avoid being in the same space as him lest she’d involuntarily divert her attention to Mu-Gun again.
“The Eun Merchant Group’s young mistress kept glancing at you throughout her meal. She’s probably interested in you.” Ho-Gun told Mu-Gun with excitement after seeing her leave after her meal.
“Mind your own business,” Mu-Gun chided.
“Why don’t you try hitting it off with her? With her wealth and beauty, you’ve got nothing to lose.”
“Are you being serious?”
“It’s disgraceful of her to break up the marriage, sure, but with her looks, that much was totally understandable.” Ho-Gun nodded in understanding. The inception of this content can be traced back to n0ve1bin★
“Now that I think about it, you’re the kind of person to let his family go to ruin for a beautiful woman,” Mu-Gun said with a raised eyebrow.
“I wish I could meet such a beautiful woman.”
“You saw one just now, didn’t you?”
“Who do you take me for? No matter how beautiful she is, it’s an ironclad rule not to mess with a friend’s woman.”
“She’s not my woman. Not at all.”
“You guys have gone into talks of marriage. She’s basically halfway there,” Ho-Gun tried to defend himself.
“If Lady Eun heard this, she would be flabbergasted.”
“On a more serious note, won’t you need the Eun Merchant Group’s financial resources to keep the Byeok Sword Manor in check?” Ho-Gun stopped joking around.
“Since when did you think that far ahead?” Mu-Gun asked as he gave Ho-Gun a surprised look.
“I would hate to see the Byeok Sword Manor swallow the Zhejiang Martial Alliance with the Hangzhou Merchant Company supporting them from behind.” Ho-Gun shrugged.
“And it’s okay for the Baek Sword Sect to take over the alliance?”
“If someone was going to take it, I’d prefer the Baek Sword Sect does it.”
“You’re speaking as if the Justice Martial Sect doesn’t have any opinion on this.”
“That’s not it. We simply know exactly where we stand. Becoming the Zhejiang Martial Alliance’s leader with the Justice Martial Sect’s current power is simply impossible.”
“But you think it’s possible for the Baek Sword Sect?” Mu-Gun questioned.
“In my opinion, it would be difficult to make that happen right now. However, depending on the steps you’d be taking, it is certainly possible.”
“What do you mean the possibility of a battle happening is very low?” Ho-Gun asked, confused.
Mu-Gun kindly explained what he meant.
“As expected, there’s always a reason for peace.” Ho-Gun then nodded in understanding.
“That’s why you shouldn’t be too nervous. That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, though.”
“Got it.”
Ho-Gun finally relaxed a little after hearing Mu-Gun’s explanation. Mu-Gun didn’t inform the White Tiger Squad or White Wolf Squad of this fact. The possibility of a fight happening with the Four Seas Gang was low, but that didn’t mean there was no chance of it happening at all. Hence, he needed them prepared to engage in combat at any moment.
If a battle broke out while everyone was relaxed and complacent, they could suffer a lot more damage than necessary. It was far better to have their guards up even if it was for naught.
It had already been two hours since they entered the waters of the Zhoushan Archipelago. They had sped up to get out of these waters as soon as possible.
If they continued like this for another hour, they’d likely pass this region without encountering the Four Seas Gang’s fleet.
However, just before they could leave the Zhoushan Archipelago, three ships bearing the sigil of the Four Seas Gang appeared and began to approach them quickly.
“Prepare for battle! However, you are to hold your fire until an order to attack is issued!”
Cheon-Ho and Cheon-Ung gave instructions to the martial artists on board the White Wolf Ship and White Tiger Ship. The warriors equipped their respective weapons and readied themselves for a fight. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun also did the same.
With the Four Seas Gang ships now fifty feet away, a robust man stood on the bow of the ship in the center and shouted at them.
“I am Shim Gi-Hwan, in charge of the Tenth Great Warship of the Four Seas Gang! I want to talk to your representative!”
In response, the middle-aged man accompanying Ye-Sang stood on the bow of the Eun Merchant Group’s merchant ship.
“I am Ho Jung-San, the business representative of the Eun Merchant Group. we would like to pass the route ahead for the sake of a mercantile journey, so I ask for your generous understanding, good sir of the Four Seas Gang.”
“Master Ho of the Eun Merchant Group. This is my first encounter with your organization, is it not?”
“That’s right. This is our first mercantile trip to Nanjing.”
“I see. Then I’ll kindly explain how things work here since you don’t seem aware of it. This is a sea route controlled by the Four Seas Gang, and you will have to pay a price to pass through.”
“We, the Eun Merchant Group, will pay the toll fee in respect of the Four Seas Gang.”
“You’re very straightforward, Master Ho. I’ll gladly make a demand, then. If the Eun Merchant Group wants to pass through here, you will have to pay one thousand silver nyang.”
The price flabbergasted Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun.
“Are they out of their minds? Sure, they’re the Four Seas Gang, but one thousand nyang? Are they trying to con us?” Ho-Gun complained, bewildered.
“I think they’re overcharging us because it’s our first encounter,” Mu-Gun replied.
A thousand silver nyang was equivalent to two months’ worth of the Baek Sword Corps’ monthly wages. It was a ridiculous amount to pay just to pass through the sea route.
“You have great humor, good sir. Who would want to use this route if they had to pay one thousand silver nyang just to pass by once? If this was a one-time thing, then perhaps so, but if not, how could this amount be justified?” Jung-San tried to haggle for a lower price.
“Hahaha, if the Eun Merchant Group intends to be a regular customer of the Four Seas Gang, I will give you a special discount on the toll fee.”
“We, the Eun Merchant Group, will continue to use this sea route if the Four Seas Gang is willing to open it to us. We would also like to build good relations with your organization.”
“Then I’ll reduce the toll fee by half to answer the Eun Merchant Group’s sincerity. I’ve shown you my goodwill, so I hope you also respond in kind.” The representative of the Tenth Great Armada kindly offered a discount.
Five hundred silver nyang was still a large amount. However, the profit that the Eun Merchant Group expected to gain through this mercantile journey was at least ten thousand silver nyang. Even if they paid thirty percent of the profits to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect, it would still amount to seven thousand silver nyang. Compared to that, five hundred nyang wasn’t that much.
The problem was that there was a chance this wouldn’t be the only toll fee they’d have to pay. After all, they could still come across two other fleets of the Four Seas Ten Great Warships before arriving in Nanjing. If they also demanded five hundred silver nyang each, the Eun Merchant Group would have to pay a total of 1500 silver nyang.
No, including their return home into the calculation, they would have to pay up to three thousand silver nyang. Thirty percent of the profits obtained from this mercantile journey would be wasted on toll fees. From the Eun Merchant Group’s standpoint, that would be too much.
It would be great if they could save on the money paid to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect. However, without them as escort guards, the Four Seas Gang wouldn’t just demand a toll fee. They would choose to take over their merchant ship.
On the other hand, they would make an enemy of the Four Seas Gang if they refused to pay the toll fee and a battle ensued here, ultimately making it difficult for them to use this sea route again in the future. The best move the Eun Merchant Group could make was to reduce the toll fee as much as possible.
“I will pay up to three hundred silver nyang. I refuse to pay any more than that.” Ye-Sang suddenly stepped forward while Jung-San was racking his brain.
“Who are you to stand forward thoughtlessly?” Gi-Hwan asked rudely, having confirmed Ye-Sang’s young face after she pushed Jung-San aside.
“This person is the young master of the Eun Merchant Group,” Jung-San replied.
“It seems to me the Eun Merchant Group doesn’t intend to repay my kindness. If so, we can no longer offer you our goodwill. Man, whenever I try to be kind to others, they just take it as me being a pushover instead of appreciating it,” Gi-Hwan said with a tone that seemed like he would issue an attack order at any moment. Growing anxious, the warriors on both sides fixed their grip on their weapons.
Chapter 27 Five days after they left Wenzhou for the mercantile journey, the Eun Merchant Group's party arrived in Xiangshan, Zhejiang Province without any issues. They decided to spend the night there. The martial artists of the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect decided to split their members into three groups and take turns guarding the merchant ship overnight. After all, anyone could try to rob it while it was docked in the port. Baek Mu-Gun decided to take the lead on the third shift, staying in the accommodations the Eun Merchant Group prepared until it was time to rotate again. The room their client gave hosted ten people, all of which were executive-level members. The rest of the crew had to settle in the cabin of the ships docked in the port. If every single member were to stay in the inn, their expenses would be enormous. Even the Eun Merchant Group, which had a pretty high income, couldn't do that much. Even if they had the money to do so, it was unlikely for them to take care of even the ordinary warriors. They prioritized profits, after all. In any case, Mu-Gun and Jeong Ho-Gun were able to use the inn with their status as the young patriarchs of their respective sects. After having a quick wash, the two went down to the inn's restaurant to have dinner. By the time they got there, Eun Ye-Sang, still cross-dressed as a man, and the middle-aged man whom she visited the Baek Sword Sect with were already eating. Mu-Gun bowed lightly to greet them, occupied an empty seat, and sat down. Ye-Sang bowed her head in response, then focused on her meal again. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun ordered food and chatted while waiting for their order. They didn't care about Ye-Sang at all. On the other hand, Ye-Sang felt conscious of Mu-Gun as she ate. She was well aware of her own beauty, which was why she unilaterally broke up the marriage. Nevertheless, she thought Mu-Gun would at least be interested in her to some extent. She didn't intend to accept Mu-Gun's attention. Well aware of his behavior for the past three years, she refused to receive the attention of a man who frequented the brothel like it was his own home. However, Mu-Gun showed no interest in her, which hurt her pride for some reason. Hmph! I wonder if he can still be so indifferent if I stop cross-dressing as a man.' Ye-Sang was confident that Mu-Gun wouldn't be able to take his eyes off her if she took off her male attire and dressed up as a woman. She was soon dumbfounded, however, upon realizing she was too concerned about Mu-Gun. Why am I even thinking about him?' Ye-Sang didn't want to concern herself with Mu-Gun. However, the more she tried, the more he attracted her attention. Ye-Sang unknowingly stared at Mu-Gun but quickly turned away to avoid being caught. She then swiftly finished her meal and went up to her room, deciding to avoid being in the same space as him lest she'd involuntarily divert her attention to Mu-Gun again. The Eun Merchant Group's young mistress kept glancing at you throughout her meal. She's probably interested in you. Ho-Gun told Mu-Gun with excitement after seeing her leave after her meal. Mind your own business, Mu-Gun chided. Why don't you try hitting it off with her? With her wealth and beauty, you've got nothing to lose. Are you being serious? It's disgraceful of her to break up the marriage, sure, but with her looks, that much was totally understandable. Ho-Gun nodded in understanding. The inception of this content can be traced back to n0ve1binNow that I think about it, you're the kind of person to let his family go to ruin for a beautiful woman, Mu-Gun said with a raised eyebrow. I wish I could meet such a beautiful woman. You saw one just now, didn't you? Who do you take me for? No matter how beautiful she is, it's an ironclad rule not to mess with a friend's woman. She's not my woman. Not at all. You guys have gone into talks of marriage. She's basically halfway there, Ho-Gun tried to defend himself. If Lady Eun heard this, she would be flabbergasted. On a more serious note, won't you need the Eun Merchant Group's financial resources to keep the Byeok Sword Manor in check? Ho-Gun stopped joking around. Since when did you think that far ahead? Mu-Gun asked as he gave Ho-Gun a surprised look. I would hate to see the Byeok Sword Manor swallow the Zhejiang Martial Alliance with the Hangzhou Merchant Company supporting them from behind. Ho-Gun shrugged. And it's okay for the Baek Sword Sect to take over the alliance? If someone was going to take it, I'd prefer the Baek Sword Sect does it. You're speaking as if the Justice Martial Sect doesn't have any opinion on this. That's not it. We simply know exactly where we stand. Becoming the Zhejiang Martial Alliance's leader with the Justice Martial Sect's current power is simply impossible. But you think it's possible for the Baek Sword Sect? Mu-Gun questioned. In my opinion, it would be difficult to make that happen right now. However, depending on the steps you'd be taking, it is certainly possible. What do you mean the possibility of a battle happening is very low? Ho-Gun asked, confused. Mu-Gun kindly explained what he meant. As expected, there's always a reason for peace. Ho-Gun then nodded in understanding. That's why you shouldn't be too nervous. That doesn't mean you should let your guard down, though. Got it. Ho-Gun finally relaxed a little after hearing Mu-Gun's explanation. Mu-Gun didn't inform the White Tiger Squad or White Wolf Squad of this fact. The possibility of a fight happening with the Four Seas Gang was low, but that didn't mean there was no chance of it happening at all. Hence, he needed them prepared to engage in combat at any moment. If a battle broke out while everyone was relaxed and complacent, they could suffer a lot more damage than necessary. It was far better to have their guards up even if it was for naught. It had already been two hours since they entered the waters of the Zhoushan Archipelago. They had sped up to get out of these waters as soon as possible. If they continued like this for another hour, they'd likely pass this region without encountering the Four Seas Gang's fleet. However, just before they could leave the Zhoushan Archipelago, three ships bearing the sigil of the Four Seas Gang appeared and began to approach them quickly. Prepare for battle! However, you are to hold your fire until an order to attack is issued! Cheon-Ho and Cheon-Ung gave instructions to the martial artists on board the White Wolf Ship and White Tiger Ship. The warriors equipped their respective weapons and readied themselves for a fight. Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun also did the same. With the Four Seas Gang ships now fifty feet away, a robust man stood on the bow of the ship in the center and shouted at them. I am Shim Gi-Hwan, in charge of the Tenth Great Warship of the Four Seas Gang! I want to talk to your representative! In response, the middle-aged man accompanying Ye-Sang stood on the bow of the Eun Merchant Group's merchant ship. I am Ho Jung-San, the business representative of the Eun Merchant Group. we would like to pass the route ahead for the sake of a mercantile journey, so I ask for your generous understanding, good sir of the Four Seas Gang. Master Ho of the Eun Merchant Group. This is my first encounter with your organization, is it not? That's right. This is our first mercantile trip to Nanjing. I see. Then I'll kindly explain how things work here since you don't seem aware of it. This is a sea route controlled by the Four Seas Gang, and you will have to pay a price to pass through. We, the Eun Merchant Group, will pay the toll fee in respect of the Four Seas Gang. You're very straightforward, Master Ho. I'll gladly make a demand, then. If the Eun Merchant Group wants to pass through here, you will have to pay one thousand silver nyang. The price flabbergasted Mu-Gun and Ho-Gun. Are they out of their minds? Sure, they're the Four Seas Gang, but one thousand nyang? Are they trying to con us? Ho-Gun complained, bewildered. I think they're overcharging us because it's our first encounter, Mu-Gun replied. A thousand silver nyang was equivalent to two months' worth of the Baek Sword Corps' monthly wages. It was a ridiculous amount to pay just to pass through the sea route. You have great humor, good sir. Who would want to use this route if they had to pay one thousand silver nyang just to pass by once? If this was a one-time thing, then perhaps so, but if not, how could this amount be justified? Jung-San tried to haggle for a lower price. Hahaha, if the Eun Merchant Group intends to be a regular customer of the Four Seas Gang, I will give you a special discount on the toll fee. We, the Eun Merchant Group, will continue to use this sea route if the Four Seas Gang is willing to open it to us. We would also like to build good relations with your organization. Then I'll reduce the toll fee by half to answer the Eun Merchant Group's sincerity. I've shown you my goodwill, so I hope you also respond in kind. The representative of the Tenth Great Armada kindly offered a discount. Five hundred silver nyang was still a large amount. However, the profit that the Eun Merchant Group expected to gain through this mercantile journey was at least ten thousand silver nyang. Even if they paid thirty percent of the profits to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect, it would still amount to seven thousand silver nyang. Compared to that, five hundred nyang wasn't that much. The problem was that there was a chance this wouldn't be the only toll fee they'd have to pay. After all, they could still come across two other fleets of the Four Seas Ten Great Warships before arriving in Nanjing. If they also demanded five hundred silver nyang each, the Eun Merchant Group would have to pay a total of 1500 silver nyang. No, including their return home into the calculation, they would have to pay up to three thousand silver nyang. Thirty percent of the profits obtained from this mercantile journey would be wasted on toll fees. From the Eun Merchant Group's standpoint, that would be too much. It would be great if they could save on the money paid to the Baek Sword Sect and Justice Martial Sect. However, without them as escort guards, the Four Seas Gang wouldn't just demand a toll fee. They would choose to take over their merchant ship. On the other hand, they would make an enemy of the Four Seas Gang if they refused to pay the toll fee and a battle ensued here, ultimately making it difficult for them to use this sea route again in the future. The best move the Eun Merchant Group could make was to reduce the toll fee as much as possible. I will pay up to three hundred silver nyang. I refuse to pay any more than that. Ye-Sang suddenly stepped forward while Jung-San was racking his brain. Who are you to stand forward thoughtlessly? Gi-Hwan asked rudely, having confirmed Ye-Sang's young face after she pushed Jung-San aside. This person is the young master of the Eun Merchant Group, Jung-San replied. It seems to me the Eun Merchant Group doesn't intend to repay my kindness. If so, we can no longer offer you our goodwill. Man, whenever I try to be kind to others, they just take it as me being a pushover instead of appreciating it, Gi-Hwan said with a tone that seemed like he would issue an attack order at any moment. Growing anxious, the warriors on both sides fixed their grip on their weapons.
