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Unexpectedly, people often fail to recognize peace as peace and chaos as chaos.

In a situation of ongoing peace, the tranquility is not felt as special, and in a situation of ongoing chaos, the urgency is not felt as strange.

It’s been three years since the Yangtze disaster.

At first, those who were groaning at the great chaos that started from the Yangtze River eventually began to accept such a situation as a normal part of their daily lives.

Even in chaos, stability exists.

Despite the conflict between the Evil Tyrant Alliance and the Ten Great Sect and the existence of proliferating Evil Sects, the people of the world were somehow establishing stability in their lives.

That was until an unexpected rumor started spreading across the Yangtze River like a baseless tale.

“The Tang Family is withdrawing from Hubei?”

Hearing this, the man’s eyes widened in shock as he jumped to his feet.

“What, what kind of bullshit is that? The Tang Family is withdrawing?”

“Exactly that. It is said they’re returning to Sichuan.”

“What are we supposed to do then?”

The faces of the people gathered in twos and threes turned pale.

Those who work on the land of the Yangtze River cannot be unaware of how much work the Sichuan Tang Family has done over the past few years. Without their protection, several of them wouldn’t be in this world today.

However, when such Tang Family suddenly withdrew from the Yangtze River, they couldn’t help but be alarmed.

“Wh- Why all of a sudden?”

“It looks like Evil Sects have been spotted in Sichuan.”

“What? In Sichuan?”

“Yes. Recently, Evil Sects in Sichuan have been causing chaos, burning homes, and looting wealth.”

“Now even Sichuan….”

“Also, I heard that Evil Sects wreaked havoc in Shaanxi a while ago. Shaanxi, Sichuan, there’s no safe place anymore.”

“Ah….”

The faces of those speaking were filled with unspeakable sorrow.

As its name suggests, Sichuan Tang Family is the ruler of Sichuan. If Evil Sects exist within Sichuan, of course, the Tang Family should go back to protect Sichuan.

“…I’m worried. What will happen after the Tang Family leaves?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“Does the Tang Family really lack the resources? Even if there is a problem in Sichuan, to completely withdraw…”

“What is this man talking about?”

One of the listeners burst out with a face heated with anger.

“It is Sichuan Tang Family! Sichuan Tang Family! They have been protecting us for several years without any return in this Hubei where they have no ties, haven’t they?”

“Tha- That’s right, but….”

“Then, not only are you not able to send them with grateful tears as they leave, but what? There’s a fire in their house, yet you want them to leave their house alone and protect us? What’s with this sorry excuse for a human being?”

“I was just saying because I was so sad. why are you getting so worked up…”

The one who brought it up shrank his shoulder and was dejected.

“That is the right thing to say! Isn’t there somewhere else that should take responsibility for those damn Evil Sects bastards?”

At those words, the name of a sect came to everyone’s mind. A clan that was their pride until the Yangtze River disaster occurred.

“Even those Tang Family do not complain about the far distance and go back because there are problems in their area. Where and what on earth are those damned Wudang doing while the people of Hubei are suffering so much?”

“…Who doesn’t know that? It’s because Wudang has closed its gates and is nowhere to be seen.”

“Then we should go and protest Wudang! Honestly, what has Wudang done so well to close its gates and go into Bongmun? Moreover, from what I heard, Mount Hua that went into Bongmun came out as soon as Evil Sects came to Shaanxi!”

“That Mount Hua Sect?”

“I told you so!”

Hearing the name ‘Mount Hua’ made people’s faces change subtly.

In fact, to the people of Hubei, Mount Hua was a name that evoked very complicated thoughts.

A forgotten Taoist sect that cannot be compared to Wudang, which was once the representative clan of Hubei. However, after the Yangtze River disaster, it was the only great sect that fought against the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

Now, three years later, Mount Hua’s position was somewhere in between.

“To think Mount Hua came out from their Bongmun.….”

“Isn’t that what I’m saying? To be honest, is Mount Hua’s Bongmun the same as Wudang’s Bongmun?”

“Different. It’s different.”

Mount Hua declared Bongmun to strengthen itself. However, Wudang was unable to cope with the pouring criticism and declared Bongmun as if running away.

“If Mount Hua had been active in Kangho for the past three years, they would have received all kinds of praise. Isn’t Mount Hua the only one who kept the pride of Righteous Sects in that damned Yangtze disaster? And yet Mount Hua refuses to do so and proclaims they lack strength. That Mount Hua!”

“…Yes, it’s a great sect.”

“Even such a sect opened its gates and came out to protect people when there was trouble in Shaanxi, but those damned Wudang don’t care whether the people of Hubei live or die. Ah, damn it!”

The fear caused by the Tang Family’s withdrawal started to turn into condemnation against Wudang.

In fact, any thinking person has no choice but to say that.

“Are there only Wudang? What on earth are the small and medium-sized sects in Hubei doing now? They used to strut around as Wudang’s subsidiary sect! If Wudang isn’t there, should the subsidiary sect just sit around? They say that the subsidiary sect of Shaanxi fought against the Evil Sects even before Mount Hua arrived!”

“It is said that even the subsidiary sect of Southern Edge Sect, who are currently under Bongmun, risked their lives to fight.”

“What about Wudang, really…”

In essence, what stimulates people the most is anxiety.

The anxiety that the absence of the Tang Family might exacerbate chaos was making Hubei people seething.

“I heard the people of Gyunhyeon went up to Wudang, let’s wait a bit more. If they have any shame, they should now open their gates.”

“…If they had any shame left, would they have declared Bongmun?”

“Ei. Damn it! It’s making my stomach explode!”

The news of Sichuan Tang Family’s withdrawal was enough to turn the Yangtze region upside down. But there was a separate place where the fire really fell.

* * *

“What? What did you just say?”

“…Plum Blossom Island is withdrawing.”

Sama Gong (???(司馬功)), Haengsu of Numerous Blessing Merchant Guild (????(多福商會)), turned pale.

“Plum Blossom Island?”

“……Yes, Haengsu.”

“N- No! Why is Plum Blossom Island Island suddenly withdrawing? Are you sure you heard right?”

“No, the rumor is widespread. They’ll accept cargo until tomorrow, and then no more.”

“A- Are they doing maintenance? Is that it?”

“…It seems like they’re pulling out completely.”

“No! Why are they leaving Plum Blossom Island? They’re raking in money there! And what about all the facilities they’ve built there? What’s going to happen to them?”

“I guess they’re thinking of throwing it all away, too.”

“…What the hell is this….”

Sama Gong was utterly flabbergasted and mumbled in disbelief.

How much effort did Heavenly Comrade Alliance put into Plum Blossom Island and the adjacent ports? In the past, it was just an empty field, but now it is a huge city that is second to none in Hubei.

And now they’re planning to completely withdraw from such a place?

‘Have they lost their minds?’

It is beyond his comprehension.

As a merchant, he knew he couldn’t fully understand the thoughts of those in Kangho, but still…

“No, if that’s the case, they should never have started the business there! You can make more money, but why quit the business here? Are they insane!”

Unable to contain himself, Sama Gong abruptly stood up.

“Ha- Haengsu-nim, what are you going to do…?”

“I must see this for myself! I can’t believe it!”

Sama Gong ran outside just like that.

Fortunately, his branch is located not too far from Plum Blossom Island. This is because not only the Numerous Blessing Merchant Guild of which he was a member, but also numerous merchant guilds established branches near Plum Blossom Island and had merchant members presiding over them to ensure smooth shipping.

Running until he was out of breath, he arrived at the port and saw many others who had heard the same news.

“Doju! How on earth is this happening?” (Do: Island; Ju: Master, just like the Ju in Munju, Maengju etc.)

“Are Mount Hua really withdrawing from Plum Blossom Island?”

“Then what do we do? If this happens, we will all starve to death!”

Im Sobyong, surrounded by crowds, sighed deeply.

‘I’m screwed.’

He had rushed to Shaanxi and now, without rest, returned to Plum Blossom Island. But as soon as he came back, he was besieged by people and suffering, so he couldn’t help but cry.

No, it isn’t.

Maybe he’s a little happy. After being harassed as a lowly bandit by those damned people, at least being with those who treat him as Doju is somewhat comforting.

“Everyone, please calm down.”

Im Sobyong opened his mouth as he cleared his throat.

“Is that really true? Doju-nim?”

“It’s true. Unfortunately, Plum Blossom Island will cease operations from tomorrow.”

“What, what are we supposed to do then?”

“Without Plum Blossom Island, we can’t ship goods to Gangnam! Those pirate bastards are still causing chaos!”

“Mount Hua! What does Mount Hua say? Is this the will of Mount Hua?”

“Now, now. Everyone, please calm down.”

Im Sobyong waved his hands to soothe the agitated crowd.

“I’d like to stay in business longer, but… Unfortunately, the situation in Gangnam is not looking good. You all must be aware of the situation, right?”

Those who were protesting fell silent at his words.

They also knew that Evil Tyrant Alliance had finished internal reorganization. They’re merchants. No matter how vicious Evil Tyrant Alliance is, they will not try to catch and kill them one by one.

But Plum Blossom Island is the territory of Mount Hua. This is the place they will most likely target first when they cross the Yangtze River.

“So, it’s really…”

Im Sobyong nodded his head.

“But you don’t have to worry too much. Isn’t this Plum Blossom Island? Obviously, even if it’s not Mount Hua, someone will try to continue operating it.”

“R- Right, but….”

“Then, does Heavenly Comrade Alliance have no knowledge about who will take over?”

“Well, I can’t say.”

Im Sobyong smiled knowingly.

“It’s not our place to say much as we’re leaving. But…”

“But?”

“Everything flows according to its natural course, right? The rightful owner will reclaim their place.”

“The rightful owner, you say…?”

“Well, I think I’ve said all I need to say. We’ll be working through the night and until sunset tomorrow to ensure all goods are shipped, so if you have any unshipped goods, bring it quickly!”

Hearing his words, the merchants’ eyes shook violently.

“Mo- Move!”

“Damn it, there’s still so much goods left in the warehouse!”

“Wa- Wait a minute, even if I’m moving my goods now, how do I bring the exchanged goods back?”

“That’s something to think about later!”

They were suddenly caught up in confusion and could not think of asking Im Sobyong anything more.

In the middle of the mess, Im Sobyong ended up smirking.

‘Evil Sects’ scheme?’

Such a notion was almost laughable.

When it came to concocting schemes, they didn’t even come close to that devil’s toes.

Im Sobyong took in the view of the vast city before him. A commercial city where the richest merchants of the world gathered – a bait any man would covet.

‘Is there a bigger bait in this world?’

Im Sobyong did not know whether Chung Myung really thought of this ever since three years ago or whether he thought of this as the situation progressed. He had his suspicions but no solid evidence.

Whatever the intention was, it was clear that this Kugang would be the nucleus of a typhoon that would wipe out countless people.

“…It’s a shame, though.”

Im Sobyong licked his lips and gestured to his subordinates.

“Load the wealth in advance. We need to leave as soon as it’s tomorrow.”

“Yes! Nokrim… No, Doju-nim!”

“Tsk.”

Im Sobyong spread his fan and gently waved it in front of his face.

“It’s a pity to lose the title of ‘Doju’, but it’s probably good.”

His gaze drifted across the river.

“Because I think it’s going to be more fun now.”

A soft sound of laughter flowed through the shouts of the confused people.