Volume 3 Chapter 2 – Dragon and Phoenix Gathering

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Translated by Rain

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“Is there anyone here who by any chance does not know the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering?”

At the Fourth Young Master’s words, the gathering fell silent.

For how could there be anyone who did not know the famous Dragon and Phoenix Gathering?

Yet, unexpectedly, one person raised his hand.

“Eldest Brother?!”

It was none other than Yeon So-hyeon.

He shrugged his shoulders and said casually,

“I know of the past Dragon and Phoenix Gatherings, but I do not know exactly how they conduct it these days. I only heard that the scale has grown immensely.”

“Everyone, out of the way!”

At that, the Fourth Young Master ran to the podium and bumped the MC aside.

“Hehe. Eldest Brother is curious, so I cannot leave the explanation to an incompetent person. This younger brother will explain it in person!”

His face flushed red with excitement.

It was an opportunity to explain something to his eldest brother, who knew everything in the world!

“There is no need for a grandiose explanation. In the end, it is just gathering martial artists who want to show off in one place and having them fight.”

At his words, the warriors in the gathering stirred, but no one particularly refuted him.

Because fact was fact.

Nevertheless, if this had been anywhere else in the Luoyang Sword Family, the warriors might have expressed their anger.

There would have been many who could not tolerate a swordless person belittling the sacred act of competing in martial arts.

But this was the Fourth Young Master’s camp.

Basically, they were people who served a lord who spoke of his eldest brother’s greatness dozens of times a day.

“You are exactly right! However, I dare say that the current Dragon and Phoenix Gathering is not about that fighting!”

Yeon So-hyeon shrugged.

“It is money.”

“You are exactly right! The blood-spattered battles of martial artists competing in martial arts are now nothing but a means!”

He spread his hands wide.

“The countless spectators who gather to watch them! Along with the economic, technological, and institutional growth of the Central Plains, those spectators have now reached an enormous number incomparable to the past! Spectators are flocking even from foreign lands now! The current Dragon and Phoenix Gathering has truly become a grand festival of the continent!”

“Money.”

“Exactly right! As expected of Eldest Brother’s insight! That is correct! Interests that guarantee enormous profits matching that grand scale are piled up! Thus, after ten years of effort, our Luoyang Sword Family has won the hosting rights for the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering!”

“Money.”

“That is correct! Newly built commercial districts! Newly increased inns! Newly decorated streets! Maintenance of major roads! Maintenance of the Grand Canal! National funds are supported at a set rate for all of these, and even now, small and large investment funds are flooding in from all over the Central Plains!”

“Money.”

“Right! Naturally, our Luoyang Sword Family is also investing a huge sum of money! In fact, it is as good as having huge profits guaranteed!”

The Fourth Young Master gulped down the tea prepared on the stage.

“To summarize, what is the current Dragon and Phoenix Gathering?”

“Money. And more money.”

“Correct!”

* * *

The presentation was being conducted by the MC again.

The Fourth Young Master, who returned to his seat, whispered to Yeon So-hyeon.

“Of course, what really makes money is executed directly by the Main Family, and a few large pieces among them have already been occupied by the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master.”

“Hmm.”

It was Yeon Bi who referred to his brothers as the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master.

“What fell to us is just crumbs. But we could not just sit idle either, so we are trying to push this project forward.”

“I see.”

The Fourth Young Master’s eyes sparkled.

He grabbed his eldest brother’s hand, shook it, and said:

“This younger brother is so happy that Eldest Brother is with me in this situation!”

“I am happy too, you rascal.”

Yeon So-hyeon ruffled his younger brother’s hair.

While they exchanged conversation, the presentation was rushing toward the grand finale.

“…Now then, according to the business plan, let us directly see the site where the new commercial district will be established!”

As the MC gave a signal, the staff stationed on both sides rolled back one side of the tent all at once.

As the tent was cleared, bright sunlight poured in, and the landscape beyond was clearly revealed.

“Hmm.”

Yeon So-hyeon rose from his seat and stepped forward.

At the place where gentle hills spread out widely, a huge slum was currently located.

“How is it, Eldest Brother? The location is good, is it not? It is south-facing, with a gentle slope, and close to Luoyang’s main street.”

When Yeon So-hyeon looked not at the place the Fourth Young Master pointed to, but next to it, the scholars quickly intervened.

“Ah, the side you are looking at now, Eldest Young Master, is not our planned project site.”

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

The Fourth Young Master laughed.

“Even if it is not us, no one dares to touch that place.”

“I see.”

Yeon So-hyeon focused on the Fourth Young Master’s explanation again.

The Fourth Young Master continued pointing here and there as he spoke.

Of course, it was natural that the scholars had brought a huge bird’s-eye view map.

“We intend to transform this entire site into a commercial district. From inns to brothels, tea houses, and so on. Can you picture all kinds of business owners gathering with their purses?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“Indeed. The location itself has nothing to criticize. Now let us talk about the problems.”

The Fourth Young Master shrugged.

“Well, the biggest problem is, as expected, attracting investment funds. The Main Family’s budget allocation for the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering ended last year, and since the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master are watching with wide eyes, an additional budget is out of the question.”

“You must have already pulled in funds from the Sichuan Tang Family, your maternal family.”

“Yes. We swept all the urgent money we could pull not only from the main Tang Family but from the entire Tang Sect.”

Yeon So-hyeon wore a meaningful smile.

“…And now you are aiming for the money lines of Sichuan.”

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

“As expected of Eldest Brother!”

He turned around and clapped his hands.

“Now, let us wrap up the presentation here! Eldest Brother has already entered the main point.”

By his command, the presentation ended on the spot, and the scholars gathered around.

“Think of today’s experience as a rehearsal, and let us make it more perfect when the investors come from Sichuan.”

As the surrounding scholars answered loudly, the Fourth Young Master nodded in satisfaction.

“Good! From now on, through a direct conversation with Eldest Brother, I will resolve your doubts.”

Although the scholars replied loudly as well, strong doubts toward Yeon So-hyeon were still visible in their eyes.

“Doubts?”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s question, the Fourth Young Master nodded.

“They do not understand why we are trying to give Eldest Brother even a share.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled.

“And that is also the second problem you have not mentioned yet.”

“Yes. You are exactly right.”

The Fourth Young Master’s gaze turned far toward the planned business site.

“It is the problem of demolishing that slum.”

He sighed.

“It would be better if we could provide sufficient compensation, but the problem is that our funds are limited.”

He looked at Yeon So-hyeon.

“So, the logic is that if Eldest Brother steps forward and solves the problem with a small amount of money, the share is not wasted.”

The surrounding advisors also nodded.

If Yeon So-hyeon could do that, the share was not a waste.

It was just that, according to their expectations, even if Yeon So-hyeon stepped forward, the share would go as a share, and the money would go as money.

Everyone’s gaze turned toward Yeon So-hyeon.

By what talent could the Eldest Young Master, whose stigma of being swordless was the most famous, easily kick out those many slums?

Regardless of their stares, Yeon So-hyeon opened his mouth calmly.

“Originally, there are three methods for that.”

He showed three fingers.

“Three methods?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“The first is the traditional way the Sword Family operates. Issuing a notice through the government, and mobilizing government troops to kick out all those who do not comply.”

The Fourth Young Master shook his head.

“That is not a method available to me.”

“Then the second.”

An ominous smile hung on the corner of Yeon So-hyeon’s mouth.

“This is the method your second brother mainly uses. Mobilizing the power of the underworld to smash their houses, shatter their household goods, rape them, and oppress them. Then, in the end, everyone is bound to leave.”

The Fourth Young Master shuddered.

“It is a loathsomeness befitting one who inherited the blood of the Unorthodox Sect.”

Yeon So-hyeon burst into laughter.

“Even so, that unorthodox style is probably better than the third method used by your third brother, who inherited the blood of the Orthodox Sect.”

“What is that?”

“Accusing the slum of having the Demonic Cult spread within it. Then mobilizing his personal guard to kill and burn them. The evidence, of course, is up to how they make it.”

“…”

“Then he can establish achievements in subjugating the Demonic Cult and easily accomplish the demolition.”

“…”

The Fourth Young Master’s mouth fell open.

The surrounding advisors also shook their heads.

Some swore in empty space, and others spat on the ground.

“…Did that really happen?”

At the Fourth Young Master’s question, Yeon So-hyeon snorted.

“Yes. It is a fact that the top leadership of the Main Family knows precisely.”

After failing to find words for a moment, the Fourth Young Master shook his head.

“The Second Young Master and the Third Young Master are truly crazy bastards.”

Yeon So-hyeon chuckled.

“Originally, those guys showed bad signs since they were young.”

“That is why I do not associate with them.”

The Fourth Young Master also laughed loudly following his eldest brother.

However, no one laughed along with them.

It was not a conversation they dared to join.

“If so, good.”

Yeon So-hyeon wore a meaningful smile.

“You want to see my method.”

The Fourth Young Master bowed his head politely.

“Yes, that is correct.”

As Yeon So-hyeon flicked his finger, his head maid, Jeong-ah, approached and draped a thick coat over him.

“Then, let us go.”

“Where?”

Yeon So-hyeon raised his hand and pointed.

“To that slum.”

Moments later, opposition poured out.

It was dangerous.

It might provoke the poor.

He might catch a disease.

There were even mentions that real members of the Demonic Cult might be hiding there.

Of course, it was not that the people of the Sword Family were afraid of mere beggars.

It was to prevent even the slightest incident from happening to the Eldest Young Master and the Fourth Young Master.

The Fourth Young Master clapped his hands.

“Stop!”

When the surroundings quieted down, the Fourth Young Master said to Yeon So-hyeon:

“Nothing will happen, right, Eldest Brother?”

The Fourth Young Master’s biggest worry was his eldest brother, who lacked internal energy.

“Of course.”

* * *

A short while later, at the entrance of the slum.

Having completed all preparations for close escort, those who stood at the entrance stopped in their tracks without anyone telling them to.

They had no choice but to.

The Fourth Young Master opened his mouth.

“All escorts, take your hands off your swords. It is an order.”

At his command, the escorts took their hands off their sword hilts, yet they could not lower their tension.

The young scholars, who knew nothing of martial arts, all huddled together, stiff as boards.

Rather, the maids looked much more composed.

Everyone’s gaze turned toward the beggars emerging from the entrance of the alley.

It was not just one or two people.

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

Some women lacked noses and ears, and some men lacked arms.

Some were blind, and some lacked legs.

Those who came out like that stood in a long line at the entrance of the alley.

In an instant, more than a hundred of them stood facing Yeon So-hyeon’s group, forming a wall.

And then, their middle parted, and what appeared at last was the figure of an old woman leaning on a staff.

Walking out with difficulty with her bent back, she stood at the very front of the human wall.

Then, she clasped her hands in prayer in the most solemn manner.

At that, all the beggars clasped their hands in prayer together.

The man whose entire body was covered in burn scars, and the girl who came out leading her younger siblings by their hands, also clasped their hands in prayer.

Some even bowed.

Those who had lost both legs prostrated themselves to bow, and those who were too old to stand properly also prostrated themselves to bow.

Their appearances were all different, and their ways of paying respect were all different, but their reverence was truly sincere.

Not knowing what the situation was or toward whom the action was directed, everyone was flustered.

At that moment, one person stepped forward.

It was Yeon So-hyeon.

He bowed his waist and clasped his hands in prayer toward them in a polite manner.

He clasped his hands in prayer politely toward all directions.

And when he withdrew his clasped hands, the others also withdrew their hands one by one.

Once everyone had finished their prayer, the old woman who stood at the very front bowed to Yeon So-hyeon.

“We pay our respects to the son of the Medicine Fairy, who was Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Medicine Buddha to us.”