It must have been from his childhood.
The prodigy who read countless books—that seemed to make it possible.
‘Are my memories gradually returning?’
Until now, memories resurfaced only when martial arts advanced or his brain meridians were shocked. But now, it felt like picking one of millions of light specks from a hidden treasure chest.
“As expected, you recognize it.” Yuk Jangcheon smiled proudly. “Even if nothing else, this single painting alone makes it worth gathering the Commanders. Isn’t that right? Hahaha.”
Erasing the thoughts in his mind, Bu Eunseol answered politely,
“Indeed.”
‘Strange.’
Yet Bu Eunseol’s expression grew subtle as he gazed at the painting.
For reasons unknown, an odd sense of dissonance arose each time he looked deeper.
Bzzz.
White light flowed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he stared.
He had raised Void Heart Command.
‘So that’s it.’
Now he saw the paint types and paper quality. The paper was deliberately aged in appearance only.
In truth, made less than two or three years ago.
“My Lord.”
“Hm?”
“We should send someone back to the Myriad Goods Store immediately.”
“What do you mean?”
Bu Eunseol said with utmost seriousness, “It’s a forgery.”
“What?” Yuk Jangcheon’s eyes widened. He shook his head. “No way. Everything here is guaranteed authentic by Henan’s Myriad Goods Store.”
“Call experts with appraisal knowledge; they’ll quickly verify authenticity.”
“Is it really fake?”
“Yes.” At Bu Eunseol’s firm answer, Yuk Jangcheon looked troubled momentarily.
Then his eyes sparkled as if struck by an idea.
Likely something else occurred to him.
“Excuse me a moment. I forgot urgent business.” Before Bu Eunseol could speak, he rose and hurried out.
‘He has a plan.’
Bu Eunseol tilted his head. No matter how he looked, it wasn’t storming out in anger.
Clearly scheming something.
‘He will handle it.’
Shaking his head, he left Ascendant Martial Hall.
But how could he know?
Identifying one rare painting would plunge Bu Eunseol into an unforeseeable vortex of conspiracy.
***
Martial Alliance, Myeongmi Pavilion.
Scratch-scratch.
In the office, a woman in white sat upright, ceaselessly writing.
Skin pale as porcelain, eyes fixed on the book dyed blue-red. Her expression solemn, elegance emphasized over beauty.
The Martial Alliance Chief, Gongsun Dankyung.
She was handling duties in Myeongmi Pavilion due to Silver Moon Pavilion’s major renovation.
“Sorry.” She looked at the awkwardly standing Bu Eunseol, apologetically closing the book. “I had to write an urgent letter. I had to keep the Captain waiting long.”
For a Commander, it was overly humble.
Bu Eunseol pressed palms together, protesting, “Not at all. Take your time.”
“Sit. Let’s talk seated.” She indicated the opposite reception table.
As Bu Eunseol sat, she sighed deeply,
“I heard Captain Seon, from a merchant background, can discern art authenticity and value. Is that true?”
“It is.”
“You identified Master Chu Myeong’s Moonlit Pine Radiance—traded secretly among high officials, never publicly—as a forgery?”
Gongsun Dankyung opened with surprise.
Now Bu Eunseol recalled why Yuk Jangcheon rushed out yesterday.
For some reason, he had informed her.
‘Did he buy it at a high price from the Commander, and not the store?’
The thought nearly made him laugh.
“Captain Seon?”
“Ah, sorry.” Regaining composure, Bu Eunseol answered politely, “It was just a coincidence.”
“Humble. But there’s no way it’s a coincidence.”
Gongsun Dankyung smiled gracefully, “Even the Myriad Goods Store’s renowned experts couldn’t distinguish the forgery.”
She suddenly rose, lowering her voice, “As a merchant heir, you know Myriad Goods Store well.”
Under her direct gaze, Bu Eunseol answered brightly, “It was made to resolve the Alliance’s funding woes and ease merchants’ suffering from black rooms and demonic forces. A clever shop, I’ve heard.”
“Correct. And I proposed it.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened. Gongsun Dankyung conceived and launched Myriad Goods Store?
Why wasn’t this known?
“Building the Myriad Goods Store wasn’t easy. The Martial Alliance said it was to protect the merchants, but there were various vested interests at stake… and they had to quell opposition from various sectors.” Her voice grew heavier. “They needed someone to take full responsibility.”
“That was you, Commander?”
Gongsun Dankyung tapped her chair, laughing.
“Yes. And the result is this seat.”
The sudden Commander appointment.
It was possible because she not only conceived Myriad Goods Store but also executed it, instantly filling the Alliance’s deficit.
That wasn’t everything, but it was undeniably a major influence.
“Then the current Myriad Goods Store management responsibility is yours.”
“Correct.”
Bu Eunseol now understood Yuk Jangcheon’s frantic exit.
He knew Gongsun Dankyung oversaw it.
Upon forgery discovery in Henan branch, he reported while deepening ties with her.
‘Incorrigible, Lord Yuk.’
Acting instantly on opportunity.
Truly a model for the ambitious.
“Actually, forgeries aren’t new.” Gongsun Dankyung said seriously, “Someone deliberately planted them in the Myriad Goods Store.”
“Demonic or black room work?”
“Possible. From their view, we stole a gold mine.” She continued calmly, “Especially in the Henan branch—a symbol of the store, frequented by tycoons—a forgery means there’s an organized force behind it.”
“Hmm.”
“Not only that, but customers visiting the stores are pouring out various complaints.” Gongsun Dankyung stared at Bu Eunseol, “Our top priority is to filter out the displayed forgeries. We need someone to spot what even store masters miss.”
Before he could respond, she continued quickly, “Then verify on-site why complaints arise. Then to head to the joint warehouse in Soho Lake and check for more forgeries.”
Her expression grew grave.
After all, she was the one overseeing all the operations.
Consecutive forgeries tarnished both her name and the Alliance’s.
“I got Lord Yuk’s prior consent.”
She added, “Come with me to Myriad Goods Store, confirm forgeries, and devise countermeasures.”
“Don’t you have many talented subordinates?” Bu Eunseol said troubled, “If I step in, won’t it get complicated?”
Her deputies likely labored much to launch the store. He was asking if bypassing them for him to help with this was fine.
“Don’t worry.” Gongsun Dankyung said calmly, “The Myriad Goods Store was my personal project. My subordinates all opposed it.”
Surprising, yet understandable.
It was a revolutionary idea to help the funding issues in the Martial Alliance, but it was far too risky.
Likely all opposed due to the danger, and she proceeded alone.
“And you must know this.”
Gongsun Dankyung said solemnly, “Publicly, my management of the stores is a secret. This matter demands utmost secrecy.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
She was a new Commander, with her support base still growing. If known, doubts about her ability would arise and opposers would seize the chance to gossip.
“I understand.”
She said, “I requested leave to handle this quietly. As an intelligence corps leader, you’ll understand.”
“That won’t do.” Bu Eunseol opposed immediately.
She meant to go quietly without telling anyone about this incident and without any escort
“It’s too dangerous. At least some guards…”
“That would reveal everything.”
“But—”
“Let’s not discuss this anymore.”
A calm yet desperate light passed through her eyes.
She had just ascended to the position of Commander and was slowly establishing herself.
At a time like this, she was willing to risk anything for a quiet resolution to the matter.
‘Hmm.’ Bu Eunseol pondered.
Identifying the Moonlit Pine Radiance was a coincidental past memory. He knew nothing of rare books or art.
But this mission was an opportunity.
If it was resolved well?
He could gain the approval of a high-ranking figure ranked tenth in the martial arts alliance protocol.
‘No choice.’
Bu Eunseol nodded, pressing palms,
“Understood.”
***
The Myriad Goods Store in Henan had already become a landmark in the region.
Sprawling across thirty thousand pyeong of land, the massive store was surrounded by beautiful gardens and unique structures dotted throughout.
For visitors coming from afar, there was a carriage depot reminiscent of a waystation.
True to its name “Myriad”, it lacked nothing, with specialties from every region displayed all in one place. It was said that tourists who came to admire Henan’s scenery would always stop by the Myriad Goods Store on their way back.
Clatter, clatter.
At that moment, a carriage stopped in front of the Myriad Goods Store.
When the carriage door opened, a man in white robes slowly emerged.
He was a tall young man with a very gentle appearance, resembling a scholar.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woojin.
Thud.
Following him, Gongsun Dankyung stepped down from the carriage, dressed in ornate silk robes with a veil covering her face. Her appearance was so striking that she wore a veil to completely hide her face.
“Hmm.” The attendant standing in front of the Myriad Goods Store was greeting incoming customers.
As Gongsun Dankyung passed by, the attendant bowed deeply and opened the door.
But when Bu Eunseol passed, he opened the door with a sour expression.
The items in Henan’s Myriad Goods Store were so expensive that even renowned tycoons hesitated to buy them easily. However, because a variety of goods were gathered for viewing all in one place, many customers came just to browse, even without intending to purchase. Seeing Bu Eunseol’s plain attire, the attendant seemed to think he was a servant following his master.
Upon entering, a luxuriously decorated space came into view, with several shops divided into distinct sections.
Unlike typical market stalls, there was no hawking here.
The clerks selling goods also maintained neat appearances and attire.
“Let’s head to the art shop first.” At Gongsun Dankyung’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
There were stairs at the end of the building, and each floor up revealed different shops. The higher the floor, the more expensive the items for sale.
“What do you think?”
Bu Eunseol shook his head. “I haven’t spotted any forgeries yet.”
Bu Eunseol’s astonishing Void Heart Command allowed him to detect not just visible things but even traces from up to ten years ago. Thus, even without expertise in art, he could distinguish recently made forgeries.
“Your knowledge and discernment surpass imagination, Master Seon.”
But Gongsun Dankyung had no idea about this fact…
She mistakenly believed he had the ability to appraise forgeries just by looking. As Bu Eunseol examined the artworks displayed on this floor, his eyes suddenly sparkled.
It was a painting that looked quite worn, but in reality, it had been made less than three years ago.
“There’s one suspicious item over there.”
“Then quietly purchase it.”
“Understood.”
Bu Eunseol entered the shop where the suspected forged painting was hanging on a scroll.
“Welcome…” The attendant started to greet warmly but, seeing Bu Eunseol’s shabby appearance, clicked his tongue.
“What brings you here?”
“I’d like to buy that item.”
When Bu Eunseol pointed to the painting on the scroll, the clerk smirked and said, “I’m sorry, but the items here are expensive.”
“Naturally, they would be.” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “I’d like to take a closer look first.”
“Sir.” The attendant wore a peculiar smile. “That painting aside, even the scroll alone is worth over three hundred taels.”
The scroll’s edges were lined with silk borders, decorated with white jade.
“I’m asking about the price of the painting, not the scroll.”
The attendant furrowed his brow, sighed, and said, “It’s eight thousand taels.”
“Eight thousand taels, I see.”
Bu Eunseol smiled subtly.
“How much are you worth?”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, how much do you earn working here day in and day out?”
“What do you…”
As the attendant frowned, Bu Eunseol smiled brightly and shook his head.
“Just kidding. You kept saying it’s expensive, so I asked.”
Before the attendant could respond, Bu Eunseol pulled out an eight-thousand-tael banknote from his bosom.
It was a note from the Shaanxi Silver Exchange, the most reputable in the martial world.
‘I didn’t recognize a wealthy man!’
The attendant bowed deeply and fawned over him.
“My lord, we’ll have it delivered directly to your residence.”
“No need.”
Bu Eunseol rolled up the scroll as is and held it in his hand. Since it was a forgery anyway, it wouldn’t be a loss even if he tore it up right away
Afterward, Bu Eunseol scoured the Myriad Goods Store, identifying more forgeries.
Even with her face veiled, Gongsun Dankyung’s beauty and poise stood out. As a result, many people subtly approached her.
To block them entirely, Gongsun Dankyung stuck close to Bu Eunseol.
Bu Eunseol was mentally exhausted, distinguishing forgeries while dealing with her clinging to him like glue.
In the end, after finding two more forgeries, he nodded at Gongsun Dankyung.
It meant there were no more forgeries.
“Shall we go, then?”
Murmur, murmur.
But from the antiquarian bookshop in the corner, loud voices echoed.
There, a fiercely looking middle-aged man was shouting at the attendants.
“Who do you think I am to speak to me like that!”
The attendants were at a loss in the face of the middle-aged man’s commotion. Bu Eunseol immediately went over, assessed the situation, and asked the attendant standing nearby.
“What’s going on?”
“Ah, that customer was trying to buy Wang Juzheng’s calligraphy album from the antiquarian shop.” The attendant whispered quietly to Bu Eunseol. “But… it turns out the customer couldn’t read. And the attendant explaining it probably noticed and had a disrespectful expression.”
“I see.”
In short, an illiterate nouveau riche was trying to buy the expensive Wang Juzheng calligraphy album, got mocked by the attendant, and was now furious.
‘It’s truly an endless wellspring of wealth.’
What the nouveau riche wanted was respect. They bought art not to appreciate its beauty, but simply to flaunt their wealth.
At that moment, Gongsun Dankyung took a deep breath and said, “Alright. Shall we go discuss things now?”
She ascended the stairs and entered a small room at the top of the Myriad Goods Store.
The floor was covered with carpets imported from India, and the ground was laid with marble.
It seemed like the office where she, the manager of the Myriad Goods Store, handled business.
“You’ve seen roughly what’s happening, but incidents like this are commonplace. The other branches are no different.” Bu Eunseol calmly recounted his observations of the Myriad Goods Store so far and suggested improvements. “First, systematic training for the attendants is needed. Since they always deal with high-priced items and wealthy magnates, they tend to see themselves as elevated figures.”
“We issue training guidelines every time, but it’s not easy to improve.”
“Don’t just issue guidelines—train them before hiring. Create a manual clearly outlining response protocols and establish a systematic training policy.” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Of course, provide allowances during the training period. And only those who complete the training should be employed as attendants.”
“Hmm.”
“That way, even if they’re not quick-witted or clever, at least issues like this won’t arise.”
“That sounds like a good method. I’ll consider it.” Gongsun Dankyung said with a satisfied expression.
“Do you have any other improvement suggestions?”
“The inner shops should be restructured for better flow and accessibility, with ways to attract more people.” Bu Eunseol spoke without hesitation. “It would be good to unify items by floor levels. Also, the magnates who come here often bring their families. They can get quality fabrics and clothing here without going to famous specialty shops.”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“If you create structures and facilities that children would enjoy, it will draw even more customers.”
Gongsun Dankyung nodded repeatedly.
Honestly, she hadn’t expected much in terms of improvement plans for the Myriad Goods Store.
The Myriad Goods Store was a completely different concept from the shops they’d operated before, not aligning with typical merchant group policies. But Bu Eunseol was discussing its pros, cons, and improvements as if he were a merchant who had run the Myriad Goods Store for years.
“Impressive.” Gongsun Dankyung exclaimed in admiration.
Though he was the heir to the merchant group, he was still young. She had thought it would be enough if he could just identify forgeries. Yet, he was suggesting ideas she hadn’t considered, many of which would help in operating the Myriad Goods Store.
‘Is it because of the merchant group’s education? No, that can’t be.’
Gongsun Dankyung wondered.
What kind of education had this young heir received to handle all matters so skillfully and accumulate considerable experience and knowledge across fields?
In truth, this was possible thanks to his grandfather Bu Zhanyang’s teachings.
Bu Eunseol, who had lived as a mortician and faced much disdain, had stayed mostly in the Pyeongan Funeral Home, rarely interacting with people. His grandfather Bu Zhanyang had told him stories about a wide variety of human characters for his sake.
Bu Zhanyang had seen and heard much.
Not limited to the Central Plains, but including India, Tibet, the Southern Barbarians, and more.
He had met people from the vast world and meticulously explained the characteristics of each region.
Thus, even while staying only in the funeral home, Bu Eunseol could indirectly gain vivid experiences as if he had clashed with countless people from all over the world.
