Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

Imperial Capital of Central Plains. Experience tales with empire

Just as usual, the lively atmosphere could be seen all over the city. People bustled around, going to work, shopping, and visiting friends.

However, if one paid attention, they could see something unusual.

For example, the number of guards increased, and their gazes were sharper. There were also rumors about the Murim being restless and a lot of people disappearing.

The reason was clear.

War.

"When will the Murim Alliance finish this? The enemy is just a new group that came out of nowhere, right?"

"Those martial artists are fighting each other. It's scary. Also, the daily necessities price has risen since the war started."

"Right? Even so, my monthly pay hasn't changed. Heck, they even cut off some of my pay for protection money!"

"As a servant, all I can say is that I want the war to end soon. This has gone for too long, and nothing actually happened to us. Is this a real war or just the Murim Alliance's ploy to increase the price? I began to question it."

"Ssh! People who can hear you are everywhere. Do you want to get caught by the guards and thrown into jail for spying or conspiracy? Be careful, okay?"

"Sorry. I was just frustrated. My daughter has been starving lately and I can't do anything!"

"I hope the price will decrease soon. If this continues, then we might starve to death!"

Civilians suffered the most in this war. Fortunately, the Emperor also didn't like the war. He already ordered his subordinates to send aid to civilians who suffered. It elevated his reputation a bit.

Meanwhile, in the darker side of the city, the criminal organization and underground society were more active.

Thefts, black market, slave trade, and many more. They took advantage of the chaos to increase their profits and gather information.

Many people were missing, and no one knew their whereabouts.

There was a rumor about a group of martial artists kidnapping people and turning them into slaves. And there were rumors about a strange force trying to take over the city, slowly but surely.

Anyway, the unrest spread. That was the reason behind the guards sharp gazes. Thanks to them maintaining the peace in the Imperial Capital, the lively atmosphere it had years round didn't fade.

However, it wasn't like the war was a bad thing. It created a lot of opportunities for the black market and crime.

A few days had passed since the Murim Alliance's failed first attack on the Mercenary Union. And once again, the merchant Yang Ji and his wife, Yang Rong stepped into the Capital. This time, they brought a proper guard, a 3 Stars martial artist from the Wudang Sect, Kim Min-Gu and Rong-Yue, whom they met near Sichuan.

"Wow, this is the Capital? It's the first time I've been here." Rong-Yue marveled at the view.

She had never been outside of the mountain, and the view in front of her was something she had never seen before.

Many people walked on the street, their expressions a mix of tiredness and nervousness. There were also a lot of guards, and the streets were clean.

The city was beautiful and well-maintained, unlike the villages and small cities they had been through.

A beautiful carriage the Wudang Sect disciple escorted rolled down the street, and everyone looked at them.

"It's amazing, right? But, we can't stop and gawk. We have a task to do. After that, I will allow you to move with your lover to look around the city."

"L-L-Lover, p-please don't say nonsense, Young Lord. Kim Min-Gu and I am not like-"

"Calm down, Rong-Yue. Young Lord was just teasing you." Kim Min-Gu patted her shoulder, his face blushing slightly. He knew it was just a mere teasing, but he wasn't used to it.

Both were innocent and naive, and they couldn't even hold a grudge against him.

That was interesting.

Leo didn't say anything, and he continued walking. His gaze was sharp, and his ears picked up every sound around him. Bloody Guards moved around the street, looking busier than usual.

No matter how lovely the Capital was, he knew it had changed since he last visited. And he was glad that he did. Because his feelings told him the darkness he had been searching for was hiding somewhere in the Capital.

It was just a feeling, and he didn't know whether it was true or not.

However, Leo was a patient person. He was willing to spend his time and resources to investigate.

There were a few goals to visit the Capital this time. Firstly, to find the source of his uneasiness by using his new beast, Kim Min-Gu's nose.

Secondly...

"Let's move to the Four Wind Merchant association immediately. I don't know why Ming Yuchan sent me a letter, especially at times like this, but this should be important." Leo spoke quietly to Jessica as he looked at the letter in his hand.

When he returned to Chengdu after destroying the Supreme Evil's followers, Jessica said that a letter was delivered to him, saying that Ming Yuchan had something urgent to show him. The content was normal, but he could feel the urgency and tension.

And so, he decided to go visit him before finishing his main goal.

'I also have Kim Min-Gu to report to the Wudang Sect that he escorted me, his benefactor, before returning to the Sect. This way, his reputation would rise, and he can rise easier within the Sect, which would benefit me in the long run.'

Anyway, the commerce district was already in sight. Outside the carriage, Leo could see people bustling with activities more than usual. It was a perfect cover for him to move around unnoticed.

But, he couldn't relax.

"This is not a vacation. It's work. Let's focus."

His voice was sharp and commanding, and the two nodded their head. Yang Rong, the disguised Jessica, also nodded. She had been working with a transparent hologram screen only the two of them were able to see since earlier, which explained her silence.

Even when she was away, there was a lot of work to do, especially now that they were at war.

Leo had given her the task to monitor the war and collect information while he was away. It was the most important task, and he had given her full authority over the network. Some small skirmishes still happened in a few places, but they weren't big enough to be noticed by the Empire.

It was better to wait and see the situation.

Anyway, Leo had his own plan, and he couldn't afford to lose focus.

At that moment, a knock was heard on his door, and Leo could see Kim Min-Gu's face through the window.

"Young Lord, we have arrived." Kim Min-Gu said with his soft and polite tone.

Nodding, Leo had him open the door and he stepped out. He saw a familiar estate in front of him, one with a lot of people gathered for a banquet in the past. But now, the estate was empty, with only a servant standing in the front.

Once again, Leo was familiar with this merchant. He identified him as someone who followed and assisted Ming Yuchan, the Four Wind Merchant's CEO in terms of power, everywhere.

"Welcome, Master Yang. My Lord has been waiting for you in a banquet hall." The servant bowed, his expression polite and respectful. "Allow me to escort you."

"Thank you."

Leo didn't want to waste any more time and headed to the banquet hall. As he approached, he could feel the tension and urgency in the air. The people in the estate moved faster than usual as if something had chased them on their tail.

At first, Leo thought it was because he arrived as a guest that the servants were busily moving to prepare for his arrival. However, after sensing the energy and emotions, he realized it was not the case.

When he entered the banquet hall, he found himself facing Ming Yuchan, whose expression was a bit tense. He was talking to a young man in a modest dark robe. They talked with a smile on their faces, but Leoe could see clearly that Ming Yuchan was a bit nervous.

That Ming Yuchan, who was known for his sharp and calculating mind, was nervous. That was a worrying sign.

'Who is that man?'

He thought as he observed the situation calmly.

No servants were present in the room, only Ming Yuchan and the mysterious young man. Then added Leo and Jessica, as well as the servant who guided them, only five people were present. Not even the shadow guards he felt hiding in the wall before was here.

Now, who was Ming Yuchan? He was the top merchant in the Empire, and no one dared to mess with him. Even the Emperor had a lot of respect for him. So, who was this mysterious young man that could make Ming Yuchan so nervous?

Only a few people in Leo's list could do that.

The young man suddenly turned his gaze toward Leo, and a smile formed on his face. His gaze was sharp and cunning, and he looked at Leo as if he knew his secrets.

Ming Yuchan noticed Leo at the same time. The servant from earlier seemed to move first and informed them of his arrival as he delved into his thoughts.

"Master Yang, you're here." Ming Yuchan rose from his seat and smiled awkwardly, "My apologies for sending such a letter to you. And allow me to offer my gratitude for going along with that rude request."

"Please, Master Ming. Our relationship is something that cannot be measured by money or favor. It's a relationship that comes from a shared hatred and mutual understanding. We can ignore the past, and you can ask me for anything."

"I am truly honored." The Four Wind Merchant's CEO laughed at Leo's pleasantries. "Speaking of which, allow me to introduce this honored individual over here. He's the-"

"No need to introduce me, Yuchan." The young man suddenly spoke, his voice clear and his words filled with power and authority. "It seems that our friend here has already recognized me."

A sly smile formed on his face, and he stood up, approaching Leo.

"Master Yang, or should I say, the Mercenary Union's Leader?"

Hearing the title, Ming Yuchan widened his eyes and turned his gaze toward Leo, who was still smiling politely.

"What a surprise." Leo answered calmly. He managed to keep his expression straight without betraying any emotions.

Almost all names on his list were written off with just that one sentence, leaving only the most dangerous person he wary of in this Central Plain behind. And that person was...

"Should I say that it's an honor to meet you, Emperor?"