Upon returning to Yangnyeong, Unwi immediately summoned Han Seokhyeon of the Tianha Trading Company.

Han Seokhyeon.

Having built a connection with Unwi back in Seolap, he was no longer some low-ranking steward.

“Hahaha! Chief Administrator of the Tianha Trading Company, Han Seokhyeon, humbly greets the exalted young master!”

The way he respectfully offered a cupped-fist salute was so formal that even Unwi found it difficult to scold him.

To this ever-polite Han Seokhyeon, Unwi presented the corpses of the Snow Mountain Black Bears.

“...These are Snow Mountain Black Bears... At least a hundred years old...”

“You’re observant.”

“Well, I haven’t spent all my time just playing around as a merchant... But why have you brought me these bears, my lord?”

“Before that—recite everything you know about them.”

At Unwi’s remark, which implied he wanted to hear more, Han Seokhyeon’s eyes lit up as he continued.

“They’re far larger than ordinary black bears... It’s said that when a Snow Mountain Black Bear reaches around two hundred years of age, it forms a core. But the two you’ve shown me clearly haven’t formed one yet. I’d say... perhaps another forty to fifty years, and they would have.”

A faint smile curled on Unwi’s lips.

He wasn’t just throwing out guesses—his observations were calculated and precise.

This was someone he could entrust the task to.

“Even if they’re under two hundred years, their hide is thick and strong enough to speak for itself. I intend to craft Snow-White Fur Robes for the branch officers out of these hides. Think it can be done?”

“What kind of timeframe do you have in mind?”

“As quickly as possible.”

“...Then I’ll begin by searching for a skilled artisan.”

Martial artists of the Snow Mountains didn’t just wear outer coats. Over their robes, they donned fur cloaks made of white sable or white fox pelt—known as Snow-White Fur Robes.

There was no need to measure arm length or shoulder width.

“At most, it’ll take two weeks.”

“Good. Bring them as soon as they’re complete.”

“Yes, my lord.”

After answering, Han Seokhyeon heard Unwi ask:

“Are you still satisfied with your time at the Tianha Trading Company?”

“To speak frankly, yes. The young branch master keeps a close eye on me, but his methods are so crude, I find it quite entertaining.”

“If the Tianha Trading Company oversteps its bounds, report it to me immediately.”

“You have my word.”

With that, Han Seokhyeon left.

Only then did Unwi turn his gaze toward Chief Steward Seong.

“What’s the status of the gold mine excavation?”

“...I’ve been wondering when I should bring this up. I suppose now’s the time.”

“Speak.”

“Warriors from Bongnae have taken up position in the mine.”

“Bongnae?”

“Yes.”

“Lightning Sword Gate and three sects under them have dispatched martial artists. According to my investigation, there are twenty from the Flame-Screen Realm, and over a hundred from the Heaven-and-Earth Spirit Realm.”

And—

“They don’t maintain constant presence, but I’ve also confirmed a Harmonization Stage cultivator.”

“Is it the sect leader of the Lightning Sword Gate?”

The leader, Lightning Thunder Sword Song Euigyeong, was a Harmonization Stage master.

He ruled over Bongnae, and as rulers often do, had others flock to his side.

Three sects operated under him—collectively forming the Four Great Sects of Bongnae.

But then—

A somewhat unexpected answer followed.

“No, it’s the Martial Alliance.”

“The Martial Alliance?”

“Yes. Cold Star Iron Sword Su Gwangho has been traveling between Bongnae and the mine.”

Unwi pondered for a moment, then let out a short laugh.

“So they’ve made their move.”

It didn’t matter if the gold mine excavation was delayed.

What mattered most was identifying who was interfering, and who was getting involved.

Chief Seong had brought back that intel. That was enough.

“Did they send any official letter or message?”

“There was a letter, but...”

Trailing off, Chief Seong pulled out a crumpled letter from his sleeve—but didn’t immediately hand it over.

“Give it here.”

“...It’s just... ah, I really hesitate to hand this one over...”

Judging from his reaction, even Unwi grew curious.

He simply held out his hand in silence.

With a heavy sigh, Chief Seong eventually handed him the letter.

Unwi unfolded it and let out a dry laugh.

Now he understood why Chief Seong had reacted that way.

From his position, this was not something he would ever want to hand over.

The contents were as follows:

—I am Song Euigyeong. Before we speak, let me clarify something. The gold mine at Bongnae originally belonged to us. We were the ones who shared the Spirit Mines of Shinsam. And now, with the Martial Alliance stepping in, I trust you’ll make the wise decision.

That was it.

Absolutely absurd.

Chief Seong asked cautiously.

“What will you do?”

“What do you think I’ll do?”

“...There’s only one thing coming to mind... but you’re not serious, right?”

“You’re thinking it’s serious based on how nervous and anxious you sound. So I’d say you guessed correctly.”

“...This is insane. Are you playing territorial war or something?”

“I’d prefer to stop. But they keep provoking. So I’ll respond accordingly.”

“But... it’s the Martial Alliance.”

“And?”

“...”

“They want to play a major game—I’m not going to avoid the board.”

Chief Seong scratched his head.

Then he noticed Sim Munryong, who was gasping on the opposite side.

“Still here?”

“...Taking a break before I leave. It’s not like I enjoy sticking around to see your face.”

At that, Chief Seong turned his head.

“So you’re the newly appointed Hanryeong Guard of the Baekryeong Unit, yes?”

“What about it?”

“Just saying—your tone is unpleasant.”

“This is how I talk. If you want to pick a fight, go find someone else.”

Chief Seong calmly looked at him and said,

“My lord.”

“Speak.”

“Shouldn’t we just kill that one?”

Sim Munryong, still resting, shot him a cold smile—and Chief Seong did not flinch.

Unwi, watching the exchange, spoke to Seong.

“Leave it. Let him be.”

“...Still, that foul mouth of his should be corrected now, while we can.”

“As long as there’s respect underneath it, I’m willing to overlook the rest.”

“...”

“I’m the one who brought him. I should at least bear that much responsibility.”

Sim Munryong let out a snort of laughter.

At that moment—

Unwi spotted a Go board.

He had no immediate plans to return to the main palace, nor any pressing matters with Sim Munryong... Perhaps now was the time to extract a little interest.

“Chief Seong.”

“...Yes, my lord.”

“We posted a notice about selecting sects to join the mine excavation in Yangnyeong, didn’t we? Has the ❀ ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) list been finalized?”

“Of course. Jade Tiger Gate, Blue Cloud Sect, the Yeong Family, and the Tianha Trading Company.”

“Assemble their branch officers and martial artists.”

“...All of them?”

“Mining begins today. Gather the warriors and the laborers.”

Whether it was fortunate or not—he wasn’t sure. Normally, miners were hired with money, but occasionally, they also bought prisoners for the job.

Chief Seong had already purchased a good number of prisoners from Geongon Fortress in preparation.

Half had been sent to the Seolap Mines, while the other half had been idle.

And it had been bothering him.

“Understood. I’ll gather them all.”

“No rush. Do it slowly. And Sim Munryong.”

“...What?”

“How about a game of Go?”

Sim Munryong smirked.

“Go? You? With me?”

“Confident?”

“Don’t you know? Before they called me the Lone Phoenix of Mount Hua, they called me the Go Master of Gangnam. I was the best player in the south. All the scholars there lost to me, and I made good money off it too.”

“And?”

“So I’m not playing. Go isn’t just placing stones—it’s about strategy, sharp timing, deception. It’s a battlefield of countless blades. You’re, what, seventeen? Playing against me? Don’t embarrass yourself.”

“So you’re refusing because you’re afraid of losing?”

Sim Munryong’s smirk vanished.

“...You really know how to push someone’s buttons.”

“Bring the board. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Still scoffing in disbelief, Sim Munryong finally brought the board and stones and set them before Unwi.

“But just playing isn’t fun. Let’s bet something.”

“If that’s what you want, fine. Is there something you want from me?”

“There is.”

“Say it.”

“If I win, treat me like your elder brother every time we meet. Use honorifics.”

A smile touched Unwi’s lips.

“Quite the wager. Fine. If I lose, I’ll use honorifics and serve you like an older brother. I’ll even bow every time I see you.”

“Straightforward. Alright, now your turn. What do you want?”

“I’ve nothing in mind right now. I’ll bring it up later if I think of something.”

“Fine. Think hard. Not that it’ll happen.”

***

“You placed a stone by the ear.”

Unwi spoke.

Sim Munryong had placed a black stone in the corner—but its intent was clear. Not merely claiming territory, but setting the foundation for a central invasion.

“I just like this spot.”

His tone remained arrogant—but the tension beneath it was visible.

Unwi smiled faintly.

“Your technique is impatient. So this is the level of Go in Gangnam?”

“...Watch your mouth.”

He ignored him.

Unwi placed a white stone in the center. Calm, yet heavy. A move that sat firm like the peak of the Snow Mountains.

Sim Munryong blinked.

“...When I watch a game, I get a sense of the kind of person someone is. And you—you’re cold. Like that cub earlier. Maybe your choices are all calculated, but isn’t this too much? Killing the innocent...”

Perhaps it wasn’t a question he truly expected an answer to. Holding his stone, he hesitated. He didn’t know where to place it.

It was vague.

Truly vague.

But he had to make a move.

As soon as he did—Unwi spoke again.

“Innocent? As I said then—a resident of the Snow Mountains was killed in the Snow Mountains. That alone is crime enough.”

Placing another stone, he continued.

“Just like your Go board. If you invade the enemy’s territory, you must pay the price.”

Sim Munryong’s hand trembled.

“...You...”

“Look.”

Unwi pointed at the board.

“Your stones stretch out everywhere in attack. But their connections are weak—defenseless. Just like the martial arts of Mount Hua you chase.”

Sim Munryong’s expression changed drastically. Unwi placed his final move. With that one stone, several of Sim’s black stones were placed in peril.

“Now do you see? How hollow the strength you’ve been chasing truly is.”

“...”

“True strength comes from the center.”