Book 11: Chapter 5: The Changing Tide

The Valley of Sin business headquarters of the Eldest Young Master.

The rooftop.

"Now, you must have sufficiently realized your position in this alliance."

This statement from Yeon So-hyeon no longer felt merely supercilious.

The downward-looking gaze.

The posture with hands behind his back.

None of it felt arrogant anymore.

Now, the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

Was indeed a person in a position who should naturally act and speak that way. "……."

While the patriarchs of the new allied families were all scanning each other's expressions.

"…I have sufficiently understood the Eldest Young Master's words."

It was the young acting patriarch of the Seo Family who stepped forward first.

"But."

She continued her words as calmly as possible.

"Our Seo Family intended to do our best in this alliance from the beginning, and didn't the Eldest Young Master also confirm the proof of that?"

It was a statement referring to the tower of human heads still stacked outside.

"Even if you tell our Seo Family to realize our position, we no longer know what else we should do—" Yeon So-hyeon cut her off.

"Loyalty."

A short but strong single word.

At that single word, the meeting place instantly fell into a stir.

"Loyalty…"

"Does the Eldest Young Master want an alliance relationship based on loyalty instead of an alliance relationship at an equal position…?!"

Yeon So-hyeon's gaze swept over the crowd.

"As the leader of this alliance, I wish for the loyalty of all alliance members."

Clearly, the individuals here had realized their positions.

And naturally, they had also thought of devoting themselves to this alliance.

But.

What Yeon So-hyeon wanted from them was the next level.

It was more than that.

"Leader and loyalty…"

The acting patriarch of the Seo Family shivered.

"That is absurd. Are you telling us to become the Eldest Young Master's vassals?"

Her husband, the son-in-law of the Seo Family, also stepped forward.

"In the Luoyang Sword Family, there were those called vassal families throughout the state of Zhongyuan. Does the Eldest Young Master want our families to become such vassal families?"

"Vassal families of the main family?"

At those words, Yeon So-hyeon chuckled.

"The vassal families of the main family have proven their loyalty through infinite devotion to the main family since ancient times, and were appointed as vassals as a reward."

Now, Yeon So-hyeon's tone became entirely informal.

"But you want to take the position of such a vassal family for free. Isn't your greed excessive?"

Yeon So-hyeon's gaze carried displeasure.

"What I, this Eldest Young Master, want from your families is only unconditional loyalty."

"Ha…!"

Here and now, anyone would think Yeon So-hyeon's demand was excessive.

"Indeed."

Then, the other patriarchs, who had been scanning the atmosphere until then, also began to protest.

"We have seen the Eldest Young Master's capability well, and we also felt that our necessity has decreased that much, but…"

Once one started to step forward, they began to open their mouths and chatter one after another.

"Unconditional loyalty, I think that is a somewhat difficult demand."

"Although our families' growth has stopped due to bad relationships with the Second or Third Young Masters."

"You must keep in mind that even in the midst of that, our families have enough power to maintain the position of influential families in Luoyang."

"Eldest Young Master."

Stepping a foot further forward, the acting patriarch of the Seo Family spoke as if driving a wedge.

"Do not forget. Even if our value has decreased, the Eldest Young Master is still in a situation where you need us."

Her sharp voice was chilling, as if trying to hack Yeon So-hyeon with words.

"Although you coaxed the district chiefs well and somehow got past it, don't you see the government soldiers they brought?"

Her hand pointed toward the upper reaches of the valley.

"They brought not only the government soldiers they control, but also the government soldiers of the central office."

Yet, her gaze was still sharply fixed on Yeon So-hyeon.

"The fact that the government soldiers of the central office stepped forward means that among the highest-ranking officials in Luoyang, those who decided which line they should stand on have emerged."

Ever since Yeon So-hyeon first visited Mount Beimang.

The highest-ranking officials had stepped back one by one, maintaining neutrality.

It was because the former patriarchs of the Sixteen Families of the Imperial Capital were that terrifying.

But.

"The former patriarchs of the Sixteen Families, excluding the Gong Family, aren't even showing their faces properly."

The son-in-law chimed in.

"It means the effect of the Eldest Young Master's visit to Mount Beimang has now ended."

An assertion.

The surrounding patriarchs nodded as if agreeing with those words.

But naturally.

"Some of the highest-ranking officials have decided which line they should stand on?"

"At least, it is clear that those who made the decision to mobilize the government soldiers of the central office chose a line other than the Eldest Young Master's."

Yeon So-hyeon did not agree.

"Not at all. I, this Eldest Young Master, do not think so."

The son-in-law spoke as if sighing.

"Eldest Young Master. Even if it is a moment when the Eldest Young Master shows off your power and your momentum is high."

He continued in a subtle tone as if coaxing Yeon So-hyeon.

"You cannot change reality with momentum alone. So—" Yeon So-hyeon raised his hand and cut off his words.

And at the same time, the clear voice of his head maid, Jeong-ah, echoed.

"Master. The district chiefs of Gahyo District and Tanryung District are requesting to see you."

"Perfect timing."

Yeon So-hyeon said to the patriarchs.

"Since they are members of the highest-ranking officials of Luoyang, shouldn't we hear the atmosphere of the highest circle directly from them?"

"…If the Eldest Young Master wishes, then do so."

The son-in-law of the Seo Family shook his head with a sigh.

"Although the riverbed of the Yellow River may twist, the position of its estuary does not change…"

His words were to himself, but they were clearly meant for Yeon So-hyeon to hear.

But Yeon So-hyeon did not even care and waved his hand to head maid Jeong-ah.

"Tell the district chiefs to come in."

And.

The district chiefs of Gahyo District and Tanryung District.

They were those who had recently chosen to become Yeon So-hyeon's allies in exchange for being excluded from the investigation network regarding the Great Immortal Merchant Group of the Second Young Master's side.

"We greet the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family."

"We came to visit again like this because we have urgent news to deliver."

They did not even acknowledge the patriarchs. "……." "……."

The patriarchs also did not acknowledge them.

It was because the district chiefs had a history of standing on the Second Young Master's line in the past and causing much administrative disadvantage to their families.

'Urgent news.'

The son-in-law of the Seo Family, who would usually be disgusted just by seeing their faces, was glad to see them today.

'There must be some unusual movement among the highest-ranking officials.'

No matter how distracted and short-handed the Second and Third Young Masters' sides were.

They would not leave the Eldest Young Master to run wild as he pleased.

'Once you confirm the reality, Eldest Young Master, you will also have no choice but to retract your absurd demands on our families.'

It was not only the son-in-law of the Seo Family.

The patriarchs of all families were sending expectant glances toward the two district chiefs.

"Yes. What news is it?"

The district chief of Gahyo District stepped forward.

"Taking this opportunity, we wish to state the position of the Luoyang central office regarding the Eldest Young Master."

Taking out a statement from his chest, he read it without pausing.

"For the central office to order an investigation against the Eldest Young Master regarding the recent attack on the merchants was a clear mistake…" "……!"

As they heard the statement, the eyes of the patriarchs widened.

"We express deep apology and regret to the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family, Yeon So-hyeon, regarding that."

'The highest-ranking officials are backing down so helplessly…?!'

The acting patriarch of the Seo Family momentarily looked at Yeon So-hyeon.

And she could see Yeon So-hyeon listening to the statement casually, as if it were natural.

"Also, the Luoyang central office officially and clearly states once again that it will maintain neutrality without supporting any successor of the Luoyang Sword Family."

The voice of the Gahyo District chief reading the statement was unchecked.

"Accordingly, we naturally promise that there will be no political obstruction of any kind toward the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family in the future as well."

As the reading of the statement ended, the Tanryung District chief standing beside him spoke toward Yeon So-hyeon.

"The above is the statement directly written by the Vice Governor serving as the Acting Governor of Luoyang, representing the highest-ranking officials."

The patriarchs stood blankly. "……." "……."

Unable to say anything.

Because their minds had gone blank, they were in a situation where they could not speak even if they wanted to.

"Eldest Young Master."

Rather, the ones who spoke were the district chiefs.

"We were also extremely baffled when we received the request to deliver this statement."

"So, we quickly visited the central office to find out the situation."

"And we found that a piece of information with very high credibility is circulating around the highest level of the central office."

The two district chiefs spoke to Yeon So-hyeon with unbelievable expressions.

"According to the information."

"The former patriarchs of the Sixteen Families, excluding a few, have arrived in the Imperial Capital and are scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor…"

The patriarchs who were standing blankly were astonished.

It could not be helped. "……!" "……!"

The Emperor.

No matter how weak the imperial power was in this era.

The weight carried by that name was to the extent that a mere family could not dare to approach it.

"Oh, come to think of it."

Yeon So-hyeon spoke as if suddenly recalling.

"Earlier, you talked about the estuary of the Yellow River."

"Ah? Yes."

His gaze was directed toward the son-in-law of the Seo Family.

"Did you say that although the water flow twists, the position of the estuary does not change?"

"Yes, I said so, but…"

Yeon So-hyeon clicked his tongue.

"Actually, the estuary of the Yellow River has changed its position greatly several times in history."

"Yes…?"

Yeon So-hyeon explained to him in a quiet voice.

"Thousands of years ago, the Yellow River flowed out to the north of the Balhae Kingdom at the time, and there was also a time when it flowed to the south of Mount Tai."

A meaningful smile hung on Yeon So-hyeon's lips.

"What you are seeing right now seems to be the Yellow River's estuary changing its position."

The general trend.

The words of Yeon So-hyeon that the flow was changing. "……."

The son-in-law of the Seo Family did not dare.

To say anything.

* * *

"Line up! Everyone must wait for your turn!"

The business headquarters in the Valley of Sin was crowded with new visitors.

"Did you also come after hearing the rumor?"

Someone spoke to an investor who was waiting endlessly in line.

"…You?! Didn't you say this morning that you were going to retrieve the money you invested in the Valley of Sin?"

"I did."

The one who spoke to the waiting investor was none other than.

One of the investors who had come to retrieve the investment funds, but then rushed back to invest again.

"But after visiting in person, I changed my mind and decided to invest three times the original amount."

He omitted the fact that he had shown an extremely ugly appearance in the process and that he had not saved a single penny of his original investment.

"Ah! I should have moved quickly too…!"

Because only then could one feel a sense of superiority from seeing the opponent stamping their feet.

"At first, you had no intention of investing, saying that the Eldest Young Master was not trustworthy."

"No… that was because it was a risky investment."

At those words, the stamping opponent smacked his lips.

"Who would have known that things would turn out like this?"

"That's true."

The investors who were listening to the conversation nearby also nodded in agreement.

"It's not that the Eldest Young Master borrowed the power of the Sword Family, but he conquered the Valley of Sin with his own strength…"

"And they say he even received a letter of apology from the highest-ranking officials of the central office."

"There was also some rumor related to the Imperial Capital…"

One investor shook his head.

"Only this morning, when merchants were dying left and right, there were even rumors that the Eldest Young Master's cruelty was no different from his brothers."

"But by afternoon, everyone is hoping to at least see his face once."

"Terrifying, the Swordless One."

"An individual who achieves whatever he wants even without a sword."

"I don't know who reinterpreted his nickname, but they did it perfectly."

The gazes of those who were exchanging conversations soon turned toward the investor who said he invested three times the original amount.

Their eyes carried envy.

"I heard that the minimum investment amount has changed now."

"Since investment has increased like this, I heard the dividend has also decreased overwhelmingly compared to before."

"It is now recognized by everyone as a stable business."

"Before all of this happened, you who invested three times the amount are the true winner."

At those words, the investor burst into a hearty laugh.

"Haha, it was just good luck!"

In fact, he also had to accept quite unfavorable conditions as he wrote a new contract.

But.

Nevertheless.

Looking at the train of investors lining up long, even outside the entrance.

He could smile happily.