Multivers, Leveling Up in the World I Created

Chapter 427: 427 Return to the Volcano 13

After the treatment, Hwang Dae-in’s complexion improved dramatically, and he began to regain consciousness. The young master rushed to his side.

"Father, are you awake?!"

"Ah... Jong-ui. How long have I been bedridden?"

The young master, tears streaming, replied,

"You’ve been ill for months—I thought I’d lost you. Fortunately, the young master of the Jin Estate used a precious elixir to save you."

"I see... So you must be the young master of the Jin Estate."

"Yes, Father."

I performed a fist-and-palm salute and greeted him.

"I am Jin, the young master of the Jin Estate. I congratulate you on your recovery, but I ask that you keep the elixir a secret—others might try to take it."

"Very well. I promise."

"And you mentioned you weren’t attacked—is that true?"

"Yes. I was never attacked. Why do you ask?"

"Then there’s someone within your household who practices demonic arts. They likely slowly infused demonic energy into your body over time."

"Wha, what? Demonic arts???"

"Yes."

I repeated the explanation I’d given the young master.

"Hah... I can’t believe it..."

"I don’t know if this is connected to the Demonic Cult, but if someone is using demonic arts, it’s very dangerous."

"What should we do?"

"The solution is simple. First, keep your recovery a secret. Then, the young master should spread word that I can create a cure and procure various medicinal ingredients. I’ll pretend to brew them. That should provoke a reaction—and that person will be the culprit."

"Oh~ That’s a good plan. But the opponent uses demonic arts—won’t it be dangerous?"

"Don’t worry. I’m quite strong myself. It won’t take long—please stay here and recover until the culprit is caught."

"Understood. I’ll do that."

With the plan set, I stayed in the quarters provided by the Eunha Trading Company, waiting. The young master, as planned, announced he’d found a way to cure his father and began procuring various ingredients. I pretended to brew the medicine and waited.

As expected, a masked assailant appeared at night, trying to destroy the brew and attack me—I quickly severed both his arms and subdued him. Since there were only the two of us, there was no need to hide my strength.

The commotion drew the young master, who arrived with his private guards. He was shocked to see the subdued culprit.

"Unbelievable... The steward was the one using demonic arts..."

"He’s definitely the one—his internal energy matches the demonic energy I found in Hwang Dae-in."

"I see..."

With the culprit caught, the Eunha Trading Company quickly stabilized. The steward confessed to all his crimes—probably realizing resistance was futile after losing his arms and seeing Hwang Dae-in healthy.

He revealed he was the son of a merchant family that had once competed with Hwang Dae-in, pouring out a long story, but no one sympathized with a criminal. The demonic art he used was called "Damsuma," which he’d found on a corpse in the mountains while traveling. Ultimately, it had no connection to the Demonic Cult.

Afterward, the Eunha Trading Company treated me to several days of lavish meals prepared by top chefs. But to me, they were only fancy, not particularly delicious. The liquor, however, was decent, so I took a few bottles and drank them with dongpo pork.

’The Nü’er Hong here is quite good.’

I’d had Nü’er Hong before during my long stay in Murim, but quality control was nonexistent—it varied by region, and I hadn’t bothered seeking it out. But the Eunha Trading Company, being a major trading house, knew where to find good liquor.

One day, Hwang Dae-in and his son visited my quarters.

"We were worried you didn’t eat much of the food we prepared—but I’m glad to see you enjoyed the pork and liquor."

"The liquor is quite good—I’ve been enjoying it."

At that, Hwang Dae-in suddenly prostrated himself before me and spoke with utmost respect.

"Please accept my gratitude. I am deeply indebted to the Jin Estate and its young master. You not only saved my life with your family’s precious elixir but also caught the assassin, protecting my household. I can never fully repay this kindness, but I wish to do whatever I can. Please, tell me what you desire."

I helped him up and said,

"I would usually decline any reward, but I must obtain something that satisfies the estate for using its precious elixir. I apologize."

"Not at all—that’s only natural. What would you like?"

"What we need is a way forward. As you may know, our estate sells Western goods. But Sichuan is dominated by the Tang Clan, making expansion difficult. We’re looking for places to open shops. We’d appreciate your help."

"Oh~ I see. Of course, I’ll help. But that alone isn’t enough—my life is not so cheap."

Hwang Dae-in then guided me outside, where two ingots of gold and a cart laden with the Nü’er Hong I’d been drinking awaited.

"This is too much."

"Hehe, not at all. This much is fitting for the estate’s honor. I’ll also prepare a prime location in Seoan for your shop."

I considered pushing further but decided to accept.

"Thank you."

Through this, the disciples who had only been training at the estate now had work, and our growing household could be supported.

’This should be enough.’

As I’d said before, I didn’t want the estate to grow too large—standing out was never a good thing.

Still, the estate’s population continued to grow over time. We were still in the black for now, but at this rate, we might soon slip back into the red. I could just spend my own money freely, but if that went on too long, people would get suspicious. That’s why I’d taken on Huashan’s work and made this request to the Eunha Trading Company.

And this much was fine—compared to other sects, the estate only managed a few Huashan businesses and ran two shops, hardly enough to attract attention.

’I’ll use this money to expand the estate.’

I relayed the news to the clone via telepathy and, under the Eunha Trading Company’s escort, moved the gold and liquor to Hwaeum at the foot of Huashan. After sending the escorts away, I stored everything in my inventory and returned to the estate, handing all the gold to the estate lord.

The lord and steward would use it for expansion and purchasing necessities. I also filled the warehouse with Western goods in advance.

With that done, I bought some chickens for Yi-seol and returned to Huashan.

"This is a pretty good martial art, but it’s incomplete—there are gaps in the middle..."

"Yes, that’s right. The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique hasn’t been fully restored yet. But with the sect leader’s help, I’ve managed to restore it to a usable level."

"I see."

After dinner, I was teaching Yi-seol the partially restored Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique. She seemed stimulated by the new material and learned eagerly, but she couldn’t help lamenting the missing parts.

Then I sensed someone watching us.

"Who’s there!"

Cheongmyeong emerged from behind a tree, looking startled.

"What sword technique is that? How do you know it..."

"Ah, it’s you. I thought it was someone else."

Yi-seol asked,

"Brother, do you know him?"

"Yeah, he’s the kid I met when I went to buy chickens—he wanted to join Huashan, so we climbed together. He’s now a third-generation disciple. His name was Cheongmyeong, wasn’t it?"

"Cheongmyeong? He’s already received his Taoist name?"

"No, that’s just his name. Right?"

Cheongmyeong nodded.

"But what are you doing out here at this hour? It’s past curfew."

"I... I couldn’t sleep, so I sneaked out to train..."

"Kid! Even so, it’s dangerous at this hour—wild animals roam. And watching others train is forbidden."

"I see... But what is your relationship?"

"Ah, this is Yi-seol—she couldn’t receive a Taoist name, so she joined Huashan as a lay disciple. She’s my sister and also my betrothed."

Cheongmyeong tilted his head.

"Sister and betrothed?"

"That was misleading—she’s not blood-related."

"Ah! I see. That makes sense."

"Since you’re here, wait a moment—it’s snack time. Yi-seol, keep him company."

Yi-seol nodded. I quickly fried three chickens and brought them with some liquor.

"Here, eat. It’s seasoned chicken."

Cheongmyeong tilted his head again.

"Seasoned chicken?"

"That’s the name of this dish."

"I see."

We spread a cloth on the ground, sat down, and began eating.

Munch, munch.

Yi-seol ate with surprising enthusiasm, and Cheongmyeong looked a bit taken aback—seeing the normally cold and reserved girl eat so heartily seemed to shatter her image. After watching her for a moment, he picked up a piece of chicken and took a bite.

"Whoa! This is amazing! How does it taste like this?"

Having only eaten bland Murim food, Cheongmyeong was blown away by my cooking. His expression was like discovering a new world.

"Is that so? Good. I made plenty, so eat up."

Cheongmyeong and Yi-seol began devouring the chicken as if competing. I slowly enjoyed my liquor.

"Instructor Jin, is that alcohol?"

Cheongmyeong stared at my drink, drooling, as if asking for a sip.

"It is. I’d give you some, but you’re too young—I’d get scolded by the sect leader. If you’re thirsty, I have water."

Cheongmyeong stopped eating and fell into deep thought, scheming how to get alcohol. Even with the delicious chicken, alcohol was his priority.

"Um... Instructor Jin, I’d like to try alcohol—I’m curious why adults like it so much."

I saw right through him. With the most innocent expression he could muster, he looked at me as if to say, "I’m just curious." I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Seeing him try so hard, I felt sorry for him and decided to allow it.

"Really? Then just a little."

Cheongmyeong’s eyes lit up as he snatched the bottle, ready to chug it down.

But in that instant, Yi-seol reached out and took it from him. She downed every last drop as he watched in stunned silence.

Setting down the empty bottle, she declared firmly,

"Third-generation disciple, no alcohol!"

"Th-that’s..."

Cheongmyeong looked like he’d lost his homeland. He beat the ground, his eyes welling up—the shock of being denied alcohol was that great. The funny thing was, while he was lamenting, Yi-seol had polished off the remaining chicken as if nothing had happened.

"Huff... Brother, I’m done. Let’s go back."

"R-right. Cheongmyeong, you should head back too. I’ll let it slide tonight, but don’t come out this late again—your senior disciples will scold you."

"Hmph... My alcohol..."

Cheongmyeong seemed not to have heard a word I said.