Chapter 235 – The Small Forest Where the Giant Resides, Shaolin Temple (1)

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When asked to name the greatest merchant group in the world, everyone would point to Morning Fire Merchant Group first. They dealt in anything profitable—salt, textiles, grains, weapons, and more.

There was even a saying that if Morning Fire Merchant Group couldn’t procure something, no other company in the world could. With their powerful internal escort team as well, it was no exaggeration to call them the best merchant group under heaven.

The warriors of Morning Fire Merchant Group were controlled by strict discipline. Their precise movements and behavior made them resemble soldiers more than the free-spirited warriors they truly were.

This became especially evident during their journey to Dengfeng County when they camped out in the wilderness.

Whenever they set up camp, they arranged their wagons in a circle like a military formation and stationed guards between the wagons to keep watch. Each person performed their assigned role with flawless coordination, whether it was cooking or guarding.

Even Dam-ho’s group had their meals prepared by Morning Fire’s warriors, leaving Bang Jin-bo with nothing to do. Thanks to this, the three of them could sit back and simply enjoy the meals provided by Morning Fire.

Muk Il-gwang couldn’t help but comment on Morning Fire’s warriors.

“This is really something.”

“What is?” Bang Jin-bo asked.

“Morning Fire Merchant Group. I’ve met countless merchant groups and escort agencies in my time, but I’ve never seen one as disciplined as this.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! There isn’t a single weak warrior among them. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Is that really so surprising?”

“Of course it is. Normally, when it comes to escorting a merchant group’s goods, you’ll find all sorts of people involved—those who handle the cargo, warriors protecting the company, and merchants conducting business. It takes a mix of people to keep things running smoothly. But look at Morning Fire! Is there anyone here who looks weak? Even those doing menial tasks have sharp eyes and disciplined movements—they must have trained in some serious martial arts.”

“Hmm!”

Muk Il-gwang came from Green Forest and was more sensitive than anyone when it came to merchant groups or escort agencies. Naturally, his perspective on Morning Fire Merchant Group was unique.

Only then did Bang Jin-bo begin to look at Morning Fire’s warriors with renewed curiosity. Slowly but surely, they began to appear different in his eyes.

Bang Jin-bo then turned his gaze toward Dam-ho.

Dam-ho was leaning against a rock, sipping tea that Bang Jin-bo had brewed for him. The flickering red fire cast deep shadows across his face.

His eyes were so dark and deep that not a single glimmer of light could be seen within them. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

‘Brother!’ Bang Jin-bo silently stared at Dam-ho for a while.

At that moment—

“Master Dam!”

Yoon Sa-il, the outer manager of Morning Fire Merchant Group, approached them.

Dam-ho looked up as Yoon Sa-il spoke.

“I hope you’re able to rest comfortably. Is there anything you find uncomfortable?”

“No.”

“That’s good to hear. In two days’ time, we’ll arrive at Dengfeng County where Shaolin Temple is located. I just wanted to inform you.”

“…”

“It seems that word has spread about Master Dam traveling with us, and fortunately, no one has tried to target our goods. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you.”

“There’s no need for thanks.”

“Pardon?”

“It benefits both sides equally, doesn’t it? I get a peaceful journey, and you’re safe from enemy attacks.”

“Well… yes.”

“That’s all there is to it.”

With those words, Dam-ho closed his eyes again.

Yoon Sa-il stood there for a moment, staring at Dam-ho. A strange glint flickered in his eyes briefly before he returned to his usual expression and smiled.

“I must have spoken unnecessarily. Please rest well.”

After bowing respectfully toward Dam-ho, Yoon Sa-il retreated.

As he withdrew, he didn’t forget to smile at Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang as well. Feeling awkward about Dam-ho’s bluntness, both men returned hesitant smiles.

What they didn’t notice was that at that very moment, the window of Won Seol-hwa’s carriage had opened slightly—and she had been watching Dam-ho with an intense gaze for some time.

As Yoon Sa-il had mentioned, the journey to Dengfeng County was incredibly smooth. There were no incidents that required Dam-ho’s intervention, nor were there any threats to be wary of.

When Morning Fire Merchant Group was nearing Dengfeng County, Won Seol-hwa called Dam-ho into her carriage.

“How was your journey? I hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable,” she asked.

“I traveled comfortably,” Dam-ho replied.

“That’s a relief,” Won Seol-hwa said with a gentle smile. Her smile was so beautiful that it seemed to brighten the entire carriage.

“We’re almost at Shaolin Temple now.”

“I know.”

“So, I was wondering…” she began.

“…”

“Have you decided where you’ll go after Shaolin Temple?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I’m just curious,” Won Seol-hwa answered, her radiant smile unfaltering. Her beauty was enough to make any man’s heart race, but Dam-ho’s gaze remained steady and unwavering.

His eyes were so deep and dark that they seemed bottomless, like an abyss. Even Won Seol-hwa couldn’t help but inwardly admire his composure.

Dam-ho finally responded.

“I have someone I need to find.”

“Who might that be?”

“Do I need to tell you?”

“No, of course not. I was just curious. I hope you’re not offended,” she said with a light laugh.

“…”

“The reason I’m asking is that if you have some time, I’d like to invite you to visit Morning Fire Merchant Group.”

“Morning Fire Merchant Group?”

“Yes! You may not know this, but my father, the head of Morning Fire Merchant Group, has a passion for befriending renowned martial artists. He would be absolutely delighted to meet someone like you, Master Dam.”

Won Hoi-sang, the head of Morning Fire Merchant Group, was known for his insatiable greed—so much so that his nickname was “The Myriad Gold Bug.” He had a particular obsession with gathering talented individuals and took great pleasure in hosting esteemed martial artists as guests.

Because of this, Morning Fire Merchant Group housed many renowned warriors who were treated with the utmost respect as part of the “Ten Great Guests.”

“If you were to join us as a guest, you would receive treatment unlike any other in Jianghu. You’d be showered with wealth beyond imagination and could easily have countless beautiful women at your side.”

As Won Seol-hwa crossed her legs, her dress slipped slightly, revealing her smooth, pale legs.

Her flawless skin and perfectly shaped legs naturally drew Dam-ho’s gaze. Seeing his eyes momentarily shift toward her legs, Won Seol-hwa’s smile grew even brighter.

With every subtle movement she made, an intoxicating fragrance filled the air—a sweet yet subtle scent potent enough to cloud the minds of most men.

Won Seol-hwa was an extraordinary beauty.

A woman whose every smile, gesture, and movement exuded a seductive allure capable of paralyzing a man’s soul. No man could easily resist her charms.

She lightly licked her red lips with her tongue and spoke softly.

“Perhaps the most beautiful woman in all the world could become yours.”

“You mean someone like you?” Dam-ho asked bluntly.

“Perhaps,” she replied with a sultry smile.

Her voice was low but strangely clear as it echoed in his ears, as if she were whispering right next to him.

Dam-ho nodded slightly.

“It’s an enticing offer.”

“Is it now?”

“Yes.”

“So, will you take it?”

“I’ll visit Morning Fire Merchant Group soon enough.”

“Really?”

“I don’t lie.”

“I believe you! Who else could I trust if not Master Dam?” Won Seol-hwa’s eyes sparkled with a strange light. The subtle hues in her gaze were so alluring that it was almost impossible to look away from them.

“Well then, I’ll be going now.”

“I won’t see you off,” she said teasingly as Dam-ho stood up and left the carriage without another word.

Once alone, Won Seol-hwa smiled faintly to herself.

“No one can resist Complete Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique. It may not seem like much now, but as time passes, my voice and image will become more deeply engraved in his mind.”

She knew well that no matter how cold-hearted or strong-willed a man might be, he would eventually lower his guard in front of a beautiful woman.

Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique was designed precisely for that purpose—it was an infamous technique used to seduce men by exploiting every aspect of a woman’s allure. It was one of the most dangerous Demonic Techniques, or evil arts.

This was the first time she had used Mind Spirit-Capturing Technique on someone. That alone showed how highly she regarded Dam-ho as a target worth pursuing.

“Hmph!”

Won Seol-hwa reclined on her crimson cushions. Her posture exuded sensuality in every way possible—it was nothing short of breathtakingly seductive.

***

“Brother!”

“Brother!”

Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang approached Dam-ho, curious about the conversation that had taken place inside the carriage. However, Dam-ho’s expression was so stoic that they didn’t dare ask.

“Let’s go,” Dam-ho said simply, falling back with them to the rear of the procession.

Yoon Sa-il watched Dam-ho closely.

“Could it be… the young lady?” His eyes wavered with uncertainty.

The worst possible scenario flashed through Yoon Sa-il’s mind.

‘No! He’s not someone the young lady’s techniques would work on. If we’re not careful, everything we’ve been hiding could be exposed.’

Yoon Sa-il hurriedly rushed into the carriage, unaware that Dam-ho had paused for a moment to glance back at him.

“Brother, is something wrong?” Bang Jin-bo asked.

“No,” Dam-ho replied, closing his eyes briefly.

‘Perhaps…’ he thought to himself.

Just then, murmurs began to spread among the people around them.

“It’s Dengfeng County.”

“Look ahead, there’s Dengfeng County.”

Opening his eyes again, Dam-ho saw that they had indeed reached Dengfeng County, just as the people had said. Behind it loomed a massive mountain—Mount Song. It was one of the Five Great Mountains of China and home to Shaolin Temple, the leader of the Nine Great Sects and a revered symbol in Jianghu.

As befitting a sacred place of Buddhism, Mount Song seemed to glow with a soft radiance. The sight alone was enough to inspire reverence in those who beheld it.

“So that’s where Shaolin Temple is…” Bang Jin-bo murmured in awe, and even Muk Il-gwang wore a solemn expression. The sheer weight of Shaolin’s name had that effect on people.

Dengfeng County was teeming with warriors. Most of them were somehow connected to Shaolin Temple.

Each warrior walking through the streets looked extraordinary. Some had bulging temples from extreme external martial arts training, while others had sharp gleams in their eyes that betrayed their inner strength.

“There are so many experts here.”

“Is this the power of Shaolin?”

Both Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang gaped in astonishment.

It was a scene that defied simple descriptions like “impressive.” Only now did they begin to understand what kind of strength a sect could accumulate after more than a thousand years of history.

‘Now I understand why Chief Hwang was so wary and fearful of these prestigious sects in Zhongyuan.’

Although Green Forest had recently reached its peak strength under Chief Hwang Gyeong-mun, with tens of thousands of bandits united under his command, it was clear that even Green Forest would struggle against just Shaolin Temple and the warriors gathered here alone.

Knowing this, Hwang Gyeong-mun had always tried to avoid direct conflict with prestigious sects like Shaolin Temple whenever possible. Of course, if push came to shove, he would fight to the death—but avoiding such situations was always the best course of action.

As Morning Fire Merchant Group’s procession entered Dengfeng County, it naturally drew attention from those on the streets. With so many people present, it was impossible not to stand out.

“It’s Morning Fire Merchant Group.”

Once they spotted Morning Fire’s banner, the wary gazes softened. At least those present knew that Morning Fire Merchant Group had a contract with Shaolin Temple to supply war materials.

Since Morning Fire was directly contracted by Shaolin Temple, there was no reason for anyone to be suspicious. In fact, most people looked at Morning Fire Merchant Group’s procession with favorable eyes.

The attention of the crowd was focused on Morning Fire’s large banner and the lead carriage. As a result, they didn’t notice Dam-ho and his companions riding quietly at the very rear of the procession.

Dam-ho’s gaze was fixed on Mount Song in the distance.

‘Shaolin Temple.’

There stood Shaolin Temple—the Mount Tai and Big Dipper of Jianghu.