The Ruler of Darkness

Book 3: Chapter 2

“Is there anyone here who doesn’t know about the Dragon and Phoenix Conference?”

The room fell silent at the 4th Young Master’s words.

Who could possibly not know about the famous Dragon and Phoenix Conference?

But, surprisingly, one person raised his hand.

“Big Brother?!”

It was none other than Yeon So-Hyeon.

He shrugged his shoulders and said nonchalantly, “I know about the Dragon and Phoenix Conference from the past, but I’m not exactly sure how it’s conducted these days. I’ve heard it has grown substantially in scale, though.”

“Make way!”

At that moment, the 4th Young Master rushed to the podium and pushed the moderator aside.

“Hehe. Big Brother, since you’re curious, it wouldn’t do to let a lesser man explain. Allow me, this humble little brother, to tell you personally!”

His face flushed with excitement.

What an opportunity to explain something to his knowledgeable Big Brother, who seemed to know everything!

“There’s no need to exaggerate. Ultimately, it gathers martial artists who want to show off their skills and pits them against each other.”

The room filled with murmurs from the warriors, but no one disputed his point.

Because what he said was true.

However, if this were any other place in the Luoyang Sword House, the warriors would have shown their outrage.

Many couldn’t tolerate someone belittling the sacred act of martial artists testing their skills against each other.

But this was the 4th Young Master’s camp.

Here, they were people who served their master, who incessantly talked about the greatness of his Eldest brother as the norm.

“You’re absolutely correct! However, I dare say that the current Dragon and Phoenix Conference isn’t focused solely on the fights!”

Yeon So-Hyeon shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s about money, isn’t it.”

“Exactly! The bloody battles of the martial artists are now nothing more than a means!”

He spread his arms wide.

“The countless spectators who flock to see them! With the economic, technological, and institutional growth of the Central Plains Kingdom, their numbers have become incomparable to the past. Now, even audiences from abroad are pouring in! The current Dragon and Phoenix Conference has truly become a grand festival of the whole continent!”

“Money.”

“Very accurate! Truly, Big brother really have a discerning eye! Yes! Tremendous privileges that guarantee massive profits have been amassed, befitting its enormous scale! Therefore, our Luoyang Sword House also secured the hosting rights for the Dragon and Phoenix Conference after a decade of effort!”

“Money.”

“That’s right! Newly constructed stores! Expanding inns! Renovated streets! Maintenance of the main roads! Maintenance of the grand canal! A designated percentage of the national budget is being supported for all of these, and even now, large and small investments are pouring in from all over the Central Plains!”

“Money.”

“That’s right! Naturally, our Luoyang Sword House is also making a huge investment! It’s virtually guaranteed to yield tremendous profits!”

The 4th Young Master then poured the tea that was prepared on the podium.

“To sum it up, what is the current Dragon and Phoenix Conference?”

“Money. And even more money.”

“Correct!”

***

The presentation was once again being led by the moderator.

Returning to his seat, the 4th Young Master whispered to Yeon So-Hyeon.

“Of course, the real money-making is executed by the main house. The larger pieces have already been taken by the 2nd and 3rd  Young Masters.”

“Hmm.”

It was Yeon Bi, who decided to refer to his other elder brothers as 2nd and 3rd Young Masters.

“What has trickled down to us is mere crumbs. However, we can’t just sit idly by; we plan to push forward with this venture.”

“I see.”

The 4th Young Master’s eyes sparkled.

He then grabbed his eldest brother’s hand and shook it, saying, “I’m so happy that Big Brother is joining us in this situation!”

“I’m happy too, kid.”

Yeon So-Hyeon tousled his younger sibling’s hair.

As they exchanged conversation, the presentation was heading towards its grand finale.

“…Well then, according to the business plan, let’s go see the site where the new commercial complex will be built!”

Upon the moderator’s signal, the staff on both sides simultaneously lifted one side of the tent.

As the tent was lifted, bright sunlight poured in, revealing the landscape beyond in sharp detail.

“Hmm.”

Yeon So-Hyeon rose from his seat and moved forward.

The area that was spread out over a gentle hill was currently occupied by a large slum.

“How is it, big brother? The location is great, right? It’s facing south, has a gentle slope, and is close to the center of Luoyang.”

Seeing that Yeon So-Hyeon was looking not where the host pointed but beside it, the secretaries quickly intervened.

“Ah, the area His Highness is looking at is not our planned business site.”

“That area is one of the largest slums in Luoyang.”

The moderator chuckled.

“That place, even if it’s not us, is an area where nobody dares to touch.”

“I see.”

Yeon So-Hyeon refocused on the moderator’s explanation.

The moderator gesticulated here and there as he spoke.

Of course, the secretaries had naturally prepared a large bird’s-eye view map.

“So, we’re planning to transform this entire site into a commercial complex. From guesthouses to gisaeng houses and tea establishments, and so on and so forth. Can you imagine various businessmen flocking here with their wallets?”

Yeon So-Hyeon nodded his head.

“Indeed. There’s nothing to criticize about the location itself. Now, let’s talk about the problems.”

The moderator shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, the biggest issue is definitely attracting investment capital. The budget allocation for the Dragon and Phoenix Conference given by the main family was already completed last year, and with the 2nd and 3rd Young Masters’ eyes watching closely, there’s no room for additional budget.”

“I’m sure you’ve already pulled in funds from your maternal relatives in Sichuan, the Tang Clan, haven’t you?”

“Yes. Not just from the main family, the Tang Family, but we’ve also used up all the emergency funds we could gather from the entire Tang family.”

Yeon So-Hyeon showed a meaningful smile.

“…And now you’re eyeing the money from Sichuan itself, huh.”

At his words, the 4th Young Master’s eyes widened.

“As expected, Big Brother!”

He turned around and clapped his hands.

“Alright, let’s conclude the meeting here for now! Big Brother has already moved onto the main issue.”

At his command, the meeting ended right there and the scholars gathered around.

“Think of today’s experience as a dry run, and let’s do it even more perfectly when investors from Sichuan come.”

As his surrounding advisors responded loudly, the 4th Young Master nodded his head as if satisfied.

“Great! From now on, I’ll address your questions directly through conversations with Big Brother.”

Although his advisors responded loudly, strong suspicion towards Yeon So-Hyeon still remained in their eyes.

“Questions?”

The 4th Young Master nodded at Yeon So-Hyeon’s question.

“They couldn’t understand why they had to offer you an equity.”

Yeon So-Hyeon smiled.

“And that’s also the second issue you haven’t spoken about yet.”

“Yes, you’re quite accurate.”

The 4th Young Master’s gaze shifted into the distance, aiming at the planned business site.

“The problem is the removal of that slum.”

He sighed.

“If only we could offer sufficient compensation, it would be somewhat better, but limited funds are the issue.”

He looked at Yeon So-Hyeon.

“So, if Big Brother can step in and resolve the issue for a small amount, then it’s not a waste of equity. That’s the logic.”

The surrounding advisors also nodded.

If Yeon So-Hyeon could make it happen, then the equity wouldn’t be much of a loss.

However, they all judged that even if Yeon So-Hyeon were to step in, both equity and money would still be spent.

Everyone’s eyes turned towards Yeon So-Hyeon.

What skill could the Grand Young Master who’s most famous for having no swordsmanship possibly use to easily evict so many squatters?

Unperturbed by their gazes, Yeon So-Hyeon calmly opened his mouth.

“Originally, there are three ways to do it.”

He spread out three fingers.

“Three ways?”

Yeon So-Hyeon nodded.

“The first is the traditional method that the swordsmen used. Issue a notice through the officials, and mobilize the public forces to evict those who do not comply.”

The 4th Young Master shook his head.

“That’s not a feasible method for me.”

“Then, the second method.”

A malicious smile spread across Yeon So-Hyeon’s lips.

“This is the method your second older brother commonly uses. Utilizing the power of the Dark Clan, he destroys their homes, smashes their tools, intimidates, and oppresses them. In the end, everyone is forced to leave.”

The 4th Young Master shivered.

“It’s despicable, truly fitting for someone who inherited the lineage of the evil sect.”

Yeon So-Hyeon burst into laughter.

“Still, that wickedness is better than the third method your third brother uses, who is from the righteous sect.”

“What is that?”

“Reporting that the Demonic Cult has spread in the slums. Then mobilizing his own elite forces to kill and burn. The evidence can be fabricated as needed.”

“….”

“Then you can claim the credit for exterminating the Demonic Cult and easily proceed with eviction.”

“….”

The 4th Young Master’s mouth fell open.

The surrounding advisors also shook their heads.

Some were swearing into the air, and others spat on the ground.

“…Did this really happen?”

At 4th Young Master’s question, Yeon So-Hyeon snickered.

“Yes. The top echelons of our family are well aware of this.”

The 4th Young Master, who was momentarily lost for words, shook his head.

“Sure enough, the second and third brothers are genuinely insane.”

Yeon So-Hyeon chuckled.

“They are indeed rotten from the root.”

“So that’s why I don’t get along with them.”

The 4th Young Master also laughed heartily, following his eldest brother.

However, no one else laughed with them.

It wasn’t a conversation they dared to join.

“Then, fine.”

Yeon So-Hyeon wore a meaningful smile.

“You want to see my way of doing things, I assume.”

The 4th Young Master nodded his head deeply.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

As Yeon So-Hyeon snapped his fingers, his attendant, Jung-ah, approached him and draped a thick coat over him.

“In that case, let’s go.”

“To where?”

Yeon So-Hyeon pointed.

“To that slum.”

Soon after, objections poured in.

—It’s dangerous.

—It could provoke the poor.

—You might catch a disease.

—There were even talks that real heretics might be hiding there.

Of course, the people of the Sword House weren’t actually afraid of the poor.

The discussions were all to ensure that nothing small or trivial happened to Grand Young Master and 4th Young Master.

The 4th Young Master clapped his hands.

“That’s enough!”

Once the surroundings quieted down, 4th Young Master spoke to Yeon So-Hyeon.

“Nothing will happen, right, Big brother?”

The 4th Young Master’s biggest concern was his older brother Yeon So-Hyeon, who lacked inner energy.

“Of course.”

***

A moment later, at the entrance of the slum.

Having made all preparations for close escort, they stood at the entrance, stopping of their own accord without anyone asking them to.

They had no choice but to do so.

The 4th Young Master spoke.

“Everyone on escort duty, take your hands off your swords. It’s an order.”

At his command, the escorts reluctantly removed their hands from their sword hilts, unable to relax their guard.

Young literary men who knew nothing of martial arts huddled together, stiffening up.

The maidservants, on the other hand, looked considerably more composed.

All eyes turned toward the slum dwellers appearing at the entrance of the alley.

It was not just one or two people.

There were children, mothers, elders, and young people.

One woman had no nose or ears, and one man had no arms.

One was blind, and another had no legs.

Those who came out lined up at the entrance of the alley.

In a flash, over a hundred of them stood as if forming a wall, facing Yeon So-Hyeon and his party.

Then the crowd parted, and the last to appear was the figure of an old woman leaning on a cane.

Walking out laboriously with her hunched back, she took her place at the very front of this human wall.

Then she put her palms together in the most solemn manner, performing a “hapjang” (putting palms together).

Then, all the commoners joined their palms together.

The man covered in burn marks, the girl who had come out holding her younger siblings’ hands, they all joined their palms in respect.

Some were bowing.

Those who had lost both legs lay prostrate to bow, and even those too old to properly stand did the same.

The gestures varied among them; their manners of reverence were all different, yet their piety was genuinely heartfelt.

Everyone was in a rush, not knowing what the situation was or to whom these actions were directed.

At that moment, one person stepped forward.

It was Yeon So-Hyeon.

He bent his waist and respectfully joined his palms towards them.

He joined his palms in all directions with due respect.

And as he finished his gesture, others also ceased their own one by one.

When everyone had finished, an elderly woman who had been at the forefront bowed to Yeon So-Hyeon.

“I pay my respects to Bodhisattva King Earth-Matrix of the Great Vow¹, Medicine Buddha, and the son of Medicine Fairy Woman.”

1. This is a Bodhisattva known for his vow to not achieve Buddhahood until “all the Hells are empty”. He is the Bodhisattva of the Earth Treasury and often symbolizes the protection of the people.[↩]