Chapter 22

Chapter 21. Did you come from Zhongnan? (1)

Huayin County.

A village that houses Huashan, one of the Five Great Mountains, and is one of the largest villages in Shaanxi.

In the past, when Huashan was renowned throughout the four seas, Huayin was brimming with vitality. Merchants lined up endlessly to visit Huayin, and the footsteps of those who wanted to see Huashan never ceased.

Thanks to this, the people of Huayin had no worries about making a living just by the name of Huashan.

However, as the moon waxes and wanes, Huashan began to lose its fame, and Huayin County started to lose its vitality.

At least, the Taohualou, which could still be considered the representative building of Huayin, was where over a dozen merchants were gathered on its top floor.

"Ha ha ha ha."

A loud, hearty laugh burst out.

"Zhang Wumen seemed very flustered. Did you see his face?"

"He had every reason to be flustered. After all, we issued an ultimatum."

"Isn't this going too far! The gold they took alone amounts to 100,000 taels! With that money, you could buy several decent taverns and still have some left over! We helped them because of the connection from the previous generation, but if they had any conscience, they would have paid it back long ago."

"Indeed. That's only right."

The owner of Taohualou, Gong Wenlian, nodded silently and then showed a very amiable face.

"Though merchants chase profit, I feel uneasy about pressing too hard on a place with which we have a long-standing connection."

"What do you mean, Lord Gong! You've done all you could. You even provided them with convenience despite their repeated failures to meet the repayment deadlines."

"That's true. At this point, no one could blame Lord Gong. They would rather praise Lord Gong's benevolence."

"Then that's fortunate."

Lord Gong took a sip of his wine, but inwardly he sneered at those sitting before him.

'So comfortable.'

To think they can live so simply.

'Huashan's strength is not to be underestimated.'

The true power of Huashan does not come from martial prowess. What needs to be most wary of is the history they have built.

A sect of such stature, having existed for hundreds of years, inevitably forms connections with others. At least within Shaanxi, it would be harder to find people who have no connection with Huashan.

'You don't realize it until it's gone.'

Huashan's presence is now less than a speck of dust, and more people would not care much if it disappeared.

But the important thing is what comes next.

The moment people realize Huashan is gone, more will start to seek the 'reason.' If we don't provide a proper justification, Huayin County could be destroyed in an instant.

Most of those connected to Huashan are not simple farmers but people of status and position.

'But this should be enough.'

He took his time, as if he had no worries.

After living so long, one should be as tender as a duck that falls apart at the touch of chopsticks.

"But, Lord Gong."

"Yes."

"Why do you intend to take over that hall of Huashan?"

"Hmm."

Lord Gong laughed lightly.

"That hall has more significance than you think. It may seem like just an old hall, but it's a good asset."

"I don't quite understand?"

Fools.

His expression almost changed, but Lord Gong managed to stop his face from twisting.

"The name Huashan still carries weight. Even if it's just used as a tourist attraction, many people will still want to visit Huashan."

"But..."

Yu Zhongshan, who sells silk in Huayin, looked displeased.

"How many people can actually go to that treacherous mountain? Wouldn't it be better to receive something else instead of that hall?"

"There's nothing else to receive."

"Hmm."

Lord Gong curled his lips.

"There's no need to worry. To put it bluntly, even a worthless hall can be sold for a high price."

"Are you saying there are places that would buy it? Places that have such affection for Huashan..."

"Or the opposite?"

"Ah..."

Yu Zhongshan nodded as if he understood.

Sects that would pay a premium to buy the remaining hall to erase Huashan's existence. He could think of a couple of places.

"So don't worry. I will ensure your money is recovered."

"Ha ha ha. Worry? We always trust Lord Gong."

"Of course! The merchants of Huayin should naturally trust and follow Lord Gong."

Lord Gong, or Gong Wenlian, nodded with a smile.

But inwardly, he felt differently.

'I can't plot with such people.'

Huayin is a dying land.

When Huashan was renowned throughout the land, it was a valuable place, but now there is nothing left in Huayin. Thanks to the previous generations who drained Huashan, it is now just a shell.

And that shell is choking Huayin.

Huayin is not a strategic location or a populous place. The only reason it became famous and developed was because of Huashan.

If Huashan completely disappears, Huayin will not last.

'I need to settle things and leave before it's too late.'

If he can sell the hall of Huashan for a huge sum, becoming a great merchant is not impossible. To do that...

"Hmm?"

At that moment, Gong Wenlian suddenly turned his head.

"Who's there!"

The guards who were protecting the tavern rushed out.

"Who, who is there?"

"Is anyone here?"

Gong Wenlian said nothing and waited for the guards to return.

After a while, the guards returned.

"No one was there."

"..."

Gong Wenlian did not immediately respond, and Yu Zhongshan laughed.

"Lord Gong, this is the top floor of Taohualou. Who could come here?"

"That's true. If someone was here, they would have been found. Without wings, how could they hide here?"

Gong Wenlian nodded.

'Was I too sensitive?'

It's understandable. He is close to achieving his long-held ambition.

"I must have been tired. I want to enjoy more, but it seems we should end here today."

Everyone nodded and got up. Gong Wenlian gave them a somewhat tired smile.

But his heightened senses did not easily calm down.

I need to rest a bit.

* * *

"Ahem!"

Yu Zhongshan staggered down the street.

"Great!"

He seems to have had a bit too much to drink. His excitement has not waned since a while ago.

Why wouldn't it?

'An enormous sum of money.'

The money to be received from Huashan is substantial. Over the years, interest has piled upon interest, making the original loan insignificant.

If he can recover that money, living a life of leisure is nothing.

Lord Gong may not be trustworthy, but he is precise when it comes to money. Whatever schemes he has, as long as Yu Zhongshan gets his money, it's all good.

"The moon is bright... What? No moon? Ah, it's a new moon."

Yu Zhongshan chuckled and looked around. It was a secluded place, perfect for a robbery. On such a night, he should have stayed on the main road, but the alcohol led him here.

Heh heh.

He was shortsighted. If a robber with a knife appeared at this moment...

"Hey, you there."

"..."

Yu Zhongshan opened and closed his eyes.

Someone was blocking the dark alley. Dressed in black and wearing a black mask, he looked like...

'A typical robber.'

The robber was small, not very intimidating, but the outfit clearly conveyed his intent.

But do robbers usually dress like that? Robbers should act discreetly, but this outfit clearly says,

'I am a robber!'

Yu Zhongshan chuckled and spoke.

"Are you a robber?"

"I'm not interested in money."

The robber took a step forward.

"Answer my questions, and I'll let you go easily."

"Hmm?"

Yu Zhongshan chuckled.

"I'm not unwilling to answer, but it's a bit complicated."

The robber slightly raised his head.

"I have a large family to take care of. I can't just wander around freely."

Swoosh.

With a small sound, a group of people appeared around Yu Zhongshan. They were armed with swords, likely the guards of a caravan.

"I'd like to answer, but these people won't be happy if I do. Unfortunately."

The robber remained silent, staring at Yu Zhongshan.

Yu Zhongshan, his excitement dampened, closed his mouth. The guards spoke up.

"What should we do? Kill him?"

"Hmm."

Yu Zhongshan stroked his beard.

"By wearing a robber's outfit and blocking my path, you must have a specific purpose, not just robbing anyone, right?"

"That seems to be the case."

"Then we should hear his purpose. Bring him in, but make sure he can speak."

"Yes!"

Just as the guards were about to charge forward,

"Wait."

The robber raised his hand to stop them.

"Huh?"

"I don't want to cause trouble. I'll say this again, just answer my questions, and we can part ways peacefully. So..."

"How long do you think I'll listen to your nonsense? Bring him in!"

"Yes!"

The guards surrounded the robber with a fierce momentum.

'Stupid.'

Yu Zhongshan turned his head. He didn't like violent scenes.

They were hired with a large sum of money and were not supposed to do this. Therefore, they were more brutal than ordinary guards. So, as expected, it would be over in an instant...

Bang!

That's right.

Bang!

Oh, that's too much.

Bang!

Yu Zhongshan frowned. This was too brutal.

"Didn't I say to make sure he can speak?"

"Huh? Oh, right."

"Yes. I was about to... Oh?"

Who just answered?

Yu Zhongshan looked up.

"..."

He saw the guards, foaming at the mouth, lying on the ground. The robber, who had clearly taken them out with one blow, was approaching him.

"People should understand what is said. Strangely, they often don't."

"..."

The robber snapped his fingers.

"Come here. Come."

"..."

Yu Zhongshan, as if in a trance, approached the robber.

"Again, just answer my questions, and nothing will happen. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

The answer came quickly.

"Alright, then answer."

"..."

What?

"Initially, I would have just asked and left, but since you tried to fight, you need to be punished."

"..."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you can speak."

"..."

It was a dark day in Yu Zhongshan's life.