The Mad Dog Inspector of the Martial Alliance

He had only taken a few bites of the delicious-looking fish-fragrant shredded pork.

Yang Gwan put down his chopsticks and glared at the uninvited guest with dissatisfaction.

'Tsk. Looks like a pale-faced scholar.'

His clothes were shabby, a book was tucked under his arm, and though his expression was calm, his head was strangely stiff and his gaze arrogant. It was obvious he was the type of person known as a pale-faced scholar. Yang Gwan was a martial artist by nature, so he was physiologically incompatible with them. The situation was already not to his liking, and now it was even less so.

'Is that a blowfly on the bridge of his nose, or is it a booger?'

The scholar had a handsome, delicate appearance, but there was a large mole right on the bridge of his nose. If it weren't for that, he would have been a handsome young man who made many women cry. Yang Gwan inwardly criticized the scholar's flaw and stood beside Jang So-gil. As instructed, he untied the iron spear from his back and held it in his hand, which made the man flinch.

"I'm asking just in case, but are you not the Fire Dragon, Yang Gwan, who was chosen as one of the Ten Dragons Under Heaven at last year's Dragon and Phoenix Assembly?"

"I am."

"Hah-! To think there was a dragon in a place like this. This is surprising."

The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was a stage for a battle of wills between sects, held once every ten years to gather the rising stars of the Central Plains and rank them. Yang Gwan had shown outstanding performance at that assembly and was proudly selected as one of the Ten Dragons.

Naturally pleased to be recognized, Yang Gwan forgot all about his earlier dissatisfaction and slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

Then Jang So-gil said.

"Are you that happy about a compliment, you fool?"

Wasn't he just raining on his parade?

The corners of Yang Gwan's mouth, which had been slightly raised, drooped.

Watching this, Jang So-gil, in turn, sneered at the scholar again.

"This fellow being happy is understandable since he's like an ox, but what's there for you to be so surprised about?"

"What?!"

"The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly is held once every ten years anyway, and they pick ten dragons and ten phoenixes there, so it's a position that produces twenty people regularly without any incident. Even if he's called the Fire Dragon, it's no big deal. If you think about it, it means two people are guaranteed to come out every year."

"You speak very arrogantly."

"From the looks of it, you're just a messenger sent from the Martial Alliance, but you're the one whose head is too high and arrogant."

"You're getting more and more arrogant. Don't cross the line, you mere merchant."

"You're the one crossing the line. It would have been enough to just deliver the letter and leave, but your attitude of deliberately striking up a conversation and poking around is completely wrong."

"Ha..."

His words were disrespectful and grating. The scholar felt the desire to reveal that he was the Martial Alliance's strategist, Sama Hwi. If he revealed his true identity, no matter how audacious the fellow was, he wouldn't dare treat him like a mere messenger. But he also knew that was part of the scheme. Looking at that smirking face, it was impossible not to know.

'That bastard-! He intends to provoke me!'

It was a provocation tactic often used by merchants. He had heard it was a scheme to grasp the opponent's personality by speaking rudely at the first meeting and leading the deal in their favor. The current situation was likely no different.

If the messenger who brought the Alliance Lord's letter were to commit an act of rudeness, it would tarnish the Alliance Lord's honor and give this worn-out merchant leverage. Furthermore, the great strategist of the Martial Alliance had come in person to adjust the contract terms while borrowing the hand of a mere merchant. If that fact became known, it would not benefit his name in the slightest. It was best to keep his identity hidden.

Unable to commit the folly of suffering a loss due to a moment of anger, Sama Hwi suppressed his rage and calmly collected his breath. It was then. Jang So-gil downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and sneered.

"Being the Alliance's strategist must be a tough job. Having to hear things like this from a kid young enough to be your little brother, and having to stick a blowfly on your nose. Tsk tsk."

"You little brat! Really-!"

"Hmm? I don't know why you're suddenly getting angry."

That look of feigning ignorance while knowing everything-!

Sama Hwi's hand trembled. Then, this time, Jang So-gil waved his hand impatiently.

"Well then, since we're both busy people, let's stop wasting time and just give me the letter. A person so idle is unlikely to make big money. Then again, your face doesn't show much luck with money. It's a face that will squander all the wealth it has."

Sama Hwi felt his mind going blank.

The one who started a fight with useless words and needlessly dragged out the time was now blaming him. His head was spinning.

But he had to do what he had to do. He held onto his wavering mind and delivered the Alliance Lord's letter.

Jang So-gil took the letter arrogantly with one hand and put it straight into his bosom.

When he looked on with curiosity, the fellow started to eat the fish-fragrant shredded pork deliciously.

"Munch munch. There's no need to read something like this."

"No need to read it?"

"Because I know the contents. Isn't that obvious?"

"I've never seen such an arrogant fellow. Who do you think you are to dare make such a judgment!"

"Tsk tsk tsk. Scholars have their eyes closed and their ears shut."

"This insolent brat, you keep-!"

"Alright, then I'll explain it. If there's anything wrong with what I say, I'll buy you a grand table of drinks."

"Hmph."

"But if I open the letter and what I said is correct, you will have to give me that book in your hand."

"This book?"

Sama Hwi flinched and covered the book. A question arose in Yang Gwan's eyes.

'It's just a book, why is he trying to take it? Aha, that damn habit of his has acted up again.'

From a young age, Jang So-gil hated losing to death. If someone he didn't like talked back to him, or if an incompetent person with only a glib tongue made a situation worse or ruined it, he wouldn't be satisfied until he had completely crushed them with words. In that process, taking something from the opponent was a common occurrence.

"This book cannot be wagered..."

"My, to be on such a meager salary that you can't even bet a book that costs a few silver coins. The job of a Martial Alliance strategist must be a thankless one. If you're scared, then back out."

"You bastard! Fine, let's do it!"

"It's settled. A man who has already taken a step back won't change the fact that he retreated, no matter how much he puffs out his chest now."

"I'll add this to the book."

Sama Hwi gathered his brows and took out a brush from his bosom. The bristles were of good quality and the shape was well-formed; even to Yang Gwan's eyes, it looked quite expensive. It seemed to be an expensive brush indeed, as Jang So-gil let out a low whistle.

"An Ox-Ear. And a top-grade one at that. I can't help but accept this."

The Ox-Ear brush was made from the hair of a cow's ear. It was high-grade on its own, but if it had a faint glow, it was considered a top-grade product. Judging by its elegantly gathered shape, it was the best of the best, a masterpiece that couldn't be bought with money.

"But if I accept the bet as it is, a table of drinks won't be enough. So if you're wrong, how about you go out to the marketplace and perform a prostration of apology, reflecting on your own arrogance?"

"I accept. Yes. I accept, of course."

An attitude that didn't even consider the possibility of losing. Sama Hwi furrowed his brow. It was at that moment.

Words poured out of Jang So-gil's mouth.

"'I will accept all other conditions, but the use of the martial library will be granted temporarily at the Alliance Lord's own discretion when you have accomplished something very great.' A phrase like this will be at the beginning, and this must be the Alliance Lord's words. And probably attached to the end of it would be, 'I will review your work and adjust the performance bonus. Also, for your safety during the collection, I will assign the Alliance's top-class martial artists, but their salaries will have to be paid with your money. And a few inspectors sent from the Alliance will observe whether your methods as an inspector are reasonable, whether you cross the line, and whether you have considered benevolence and righteousness, and will grant you limited authority. And if the result does not please me, I will cut off your head~' This must be the esteemed opinion of the world's greatest strategist, Sama Hwi, who possesses the greatest military knowledge of all time. Am I wrong?"

"..."

"Gwan-ah, open it and read it to him."

Jang So-gil tossed the letter nonchalantly. Yang Gwan caught it and read it, and it was just as Jang So-gil had said.

Sama Hwi's face hardened.

"How did you know?"

"Hmm, it's nothing special. If you listen to the stories of the people of the world, you can roughly figure it out."

The disposition of the Martial Alliance Lord, Gu Munryong, was already widely known in the streets of Luoyang.

He was truly a man like a tiger, brave, magnanimous, and cheerful like a tiger. He was born with a disposition that was loved by people.

"A person like that can't help but feel sympathy for a tragic child whose family was annihilated. Especially since the child is capable and in a perfect situation to be used by him, he must have been very favorable. Above all, since the strategist he trusts so much praised his skills, he would be emotionally inclined to trust him. Once a person like this makes up his mind, that's the end of it. If he likes it, he likes it, and if he doesn't, he doesn't. The fact that he tried to ask me for my conditions means he liked me, so it's certain that I've gained his trust!"

"Then how did you know the rest?"

"The people of the world say that the genius of the world, Sama Hwi, is victorious in every battle he enters, and that his divine strategies have reached a level where he can look down from a mountain. That's why the rumors were all praises for his strategies without exception. But if you look at the substance, it's not that great."

While the rumors about the Alliance Lord were favorable, the rumors about Sama Hwi were like this. He is arrogant in using people and ruthless in his methods. If it doesn't fit his calculations, he cuts them off with a single stroke and forces his iron rule on everyone. He treats people like pieces on a chessboard and has a side to him that gets angry like fire at anyone who creates an error in his plans.

"Rumors are not always true, but if they are so consistent, they are usually the truth. A person with such a disposition would never tolerate a commoner who arrogantly presents conditions. Especially since he himself was the one who provided the opportunity, who could he blame? In his fit of anger, it's as plain as day that he would volunteer for the role of inspector himself and, while he's at it, try to negotiate and ease the conditions. On the side, he also had the intention of crushing the spirit of a lowly commoner to make him know his place, and he must have been confident that with his outstanding abilities, he could quickly grasp the knack just by watching what the commoner did. On top of that, he probably had the intention of using me for a couple of months and then kicking me out and taking over the job himself."

Sama Hwi was at a loss for words, and Yang Gwan, with his mouth slightly open, asked blankly.

"So you confidently made the bet?"

"Of course. Now, give me the book and the brush."

Jang So-gil held out his hand.

Then, as if squeezing it out, Sama Hwi said.

"I will give you the brush. But I cannot give you the book."

"Ha, you're quite the one for saying things twice, just like when you called me here. Are you going to do this when there's a witness?"

"Kuh..."

To make a bet and lose, and then not admit defeat, even Sama Hwi himself thought it was shameless. If this incident became known, it would be a huge disgrace. He wouldn't be able to hold his head up in public anymore.

But this book, the brush is fine, but not this book. It's no ordinary book.

'I can't give it, and I can't not give it.'

His face turned red with embarrassment.

Not knowing what to do, his body fidgeted.

Then Jang So-gil said coldly.

"Are you coming to your senses now?"

"Ugh. Ughh."

"Tsk. The most important thing in business is trust. You kept changing your words back and forth and playing games with me, so I played a little prank. I don't need that book."

"Really?"

"Really. The brush is enough."

"Here you go."

Color returned to Sama Hwi's face.

He quickly handed over the brush.

Seeing that, Jang So-gil inwardly clicked his tongue.

'I don't need a book like that.'

The book that a person from the Sama family carries has no content.

It is a strange book with only people's names written in it.

Why are only people's names written in it?

'Because it is a death list.'

The Sama family does not forget a grudge.

If a name is put on the death list, they will take revenge, even if it takes generations.

'Why would I need a book like that?'

He never needed a book like that from the beginning.

Jang So-gil was content with just punching the high and mighty chief strategist on the bridge of his nose.

On the side, he had obtained an Ox-Ear brush worth dozens of gold pieces, so it was a great success.

"Now, let's talk about the future."

"Alright."

Where did his initial fierce demeanor go?

Jang So-gil smiled as he looked at the now docile Sama Hwi.

(End of Chapter)