Chapter 49: The Reappearance Of The Black-Haired Storyteller (2)

Chapter 49: The Reappearance Of The Black-Haired Storyteller (2)

How did a martial artist earn money?

By offering their sword skills for a fee. It was the simplest way.

In martial arts fiction, these individuals were known as sword mercenaries or ruffians. In a fantasy setting, theyre considered mercenaries. Most of these people lived lower-class lives and faced short life spans due to the dangerous nature of their work.

If such martial artists chanced upon a lucky break or possessed innate talent that allowed them to reach a higher realm, they would become guests of other sects. They gained affiliation, convenience, and, in critical times, lent their strength as guests of the sect.

So, how did sects in martial arts fiction make money?

The well-known righteous sects, often called the Nine Sects and One Union, had considerable means of generating income. These sects typically embraced a religious aspect and received substantial donations from the affluent, officials, and followers.

They owned vast expanses of fields and land, the rents and agricultural yields from which bolstered the sects coffers. They also charged for imparting martial arts skills to non-sect disciples and sometimes engaged in business, depending on the circumstances.

For entities like the Nine Sects and One Union, monetary concerns were minimal. However, this was true only for the renowned righteous sects and the larger ones.

But what about the smaller sects, such as Changgeommun in Chilgok County, which could barely assert their presence within the county?

They might accept disciples in exchange for money or delve into business ventures, but what if these efforts fell short?

The most effective strategy was to demand protection fees from local shops.

From handling troublesome customers, drunkards, and hooligans, to dealing with sword-wielding followers of the black path, smaller sects patrolled the streets in the tumultuous world of martial arts. They resolved issues for merchants, safeguarded their interests, and collected fees regularly.

However, withdrawing protection due to non-payment was a line they must never cross.

Yoon something-or-other.

Whats the point of claiming to be a righteous sect then?

We lend our swords for a rightful price. Since we dont swing our swords at commoners, were called a righteous sect.

Those were the words Yoon something-or-other had spoken that day.

No, swinging a sword at just anyone made you a madman. Was it right to draw your sword simply because oppressed commoners were delivered to your doorstep like a courier service?

Was that your idea of justice?

Then, I shall serve justice in my own way.

To be, or not to be, that is the question!

With a resonant voice, I began with the famous quote, instantly captivating the large audience.

Yoon something-or-other was startled by my booming voice, his eyes widened, and his mouth agape.

My father has passed away. Assassinated by a stranger! The family headship didnt pass to me but to my uncle.

Although my attention was on Yoon something-or-other, my lines flowed smoothly. The muscle memory in my mouth was real.

The storytellers voice is so clear.

Who could the stranger be?

I heard the last time I was here

Hey! Dont spoil it for those hearing it for the first time!

Sorry! Everyone, ignore me. Scary. I wont talk!

Like the others, Yoon something-or-other was engrossed in my story, unaware of the impending calamity.

I moved to the part where Prince Hamurin, angered by his uncles and stepmothers conversation, took the stage.

Oh, heavens!! Have you seen this sight!!

Instead of the heavens, I pointed at the audience with my fan, wailing as Prince Hamurin.

I want to kill those damn villains right now!! What do you say?!!!

Usually, I merely pretended to be angry, but with my real target before me, my lines were charged with genuine rage.

Kill them!!!

Tear them limb from limb!!!

My father is wailing in his grave!! Kill them quickly!!

Sleep with the stepmother, but just kill the uncle!!

Huh? Thats a good idea.

The stepmother must be pretty, right? Just kill the uncle!!! Hehehe!

What are these idiots saying! Just kill them all!

Aww, the way this storyteller talks about his fathers death feels so real.

Its gripping, isnt it?

The audience, fueled by my rage, was highly responsive. Yes, they should be killed, definitely and decisively.

But, oh heavens, even if I kill those villains, without evidence, I too will be executed. Ill be branded a patricide for killing my mother and uncle. However, if I go to the scene of my fathers death and gather evidence, I can kill those villains!

Now was the time to use the crucial tactic for a storytellers daily earnings.

The wealth of the family headship is now in the hands of those filthy villains. I cant use such tainted money to avenge my father. Oh, heavens! Grant me travel expenses!

As usual, I quickly descended from the stage and took out a bowl. Normally, I would walk in front of people who seemed likely to donate.

But today was different.

I only needed to focus on one person.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Oh, heavens!

I walked straight towards Yoon something-or-other without looking at anyone else.

Normally, I wouldnt go this close. It was better to keep a distance so multiple people could reach out to donate.

Huh?

Yoon something-or-other seemed slightly taken aback as I extended the bowl right in front of his chest.

Oh, heavens! If I dont have travel expenses, I cant go to the scene of my fathers murder!

Today, youre my heaven, or rather, my easy mark. Hand over the money!

Here you go.

Yoon something-or-other surprisingly handed over the money quickly. He was quicker to react than I thought. Being a martial artist, his judgment was swift.

The coins he tossed into the bowl werent of the usual color.

Wow! Yoon Daehyeop of Changgeommun has given silver!

Todays storytelling is going so well! Im so envious!

If the story is interesting, some audience members even give silver!

Was he really giving silver?

And not just one or two pieces. I had planned to fleece him, but I never expected him to give so generously.

Usually, I only received small coins for my storytelling, not silver.

Yoon something-or-others action was like throwing a 50,000-won note at a homeless person begging in the subway.

I should at least show some gratitude.

Was he actually giving silver because he found my story that captivating? I looked at Yoon Daehyeop with a smile brimming with joy.

Ah, no. I didnt mean to give that.

Yoon something-or-other was clearly in a panic. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open as he reached for the bowl, but the silver coins had already vanished.

Oops.

I quickly hugged the bowl to my chest.

No! That was a mistake! Give it back!

Didnt this man understand the principle of once given, it could not be taken back?

Yoon something-or-other, in his desperation, looked as though he might grab my collar to retrieve the money.

A real mistake?

Then I ought to return it.

I was that decent.

Oh, heavens!! Ah! Oh, heavens! Are you trying to rob a young man who lost his father and is living in hardship!! Ahhh! Oh, heavens! Fine!! Take it!!!

I yelled loud enough for the entire crowd around us to hear.

Ah, no. Just keep what I gave you and give me the change.

Despite my outburst, Yoon something-or-other reached for the bowl in my arms.

Wow. Such shamelessness.

Unlike someone like me, who couldnt even complain when the hairdresser gives me a bad haircut.

Then Ill make him feel even more ashamed.

Oh, heavens!! If you intend to strip me of my livelihood!! Then take this travel money too!! I might as well die right here!!!

I lay flat on the dirty ground, not caring that my clothes were getting dirty, and placed the bowl of money on my chest.

Take it if you dare.

People, dont you know once dropped, it cant be taken back?

If youve given, its given! Why are you trying to take it back?!

Why stop the interesting story?!

If the story ends like this, will Yoon Daehyeop be responsible?

As I lay there refusing to get up, people began insulting Yoon something-or-other again. As the criticism grew, Yoon something-or-other clenched his teeth, trying to contain his anger.

Can you take it?

If you do, Ill just go back to the inn.

The backlash is your responsibility.

Fine! Take it! But if you come near me again, I wont give you a thing!

Eventually, Yoon something-or-other conceded.

Oh, heavens! I will spread the help of the heavens across three or four generations! Thank you!

I stood up, dusting off my clothes.

Hey, storyteller, take this money too!

Ill give a bit as well!

Some audience members, who had not yet given me any money, began to pull out money from their pockets to throw at me.

I gestured with my hands for them to stop.

Keep it! The help of the heavens is overflowing! I will rush to the scene now!

A storyteller who even refuses the offered money! Such upright character!

Wow! The story was interesting, and he even has a conscience!

Urgh!

Watching this, Yoon something-or-other spat out his words in frustration, but no one paid him any attention.

Keep it! The grace is overflowing!

I deliberately held the bowl high to prevent the audience from throwing in more money and made my way back to the stage.

Wow. This amount of money was already well over my daily earnings.

Yoon something-or-other. With such a donation, I shall now refer to you as Yoon Daehyeop.

I looked at Yoon Daehyeop with a radiant smile. He was glaring at me with fury, his teeth still clenched.

Are you angry?

What are you going to do about it?

Hey, Yoon Daehyeop.

I didnt plan on forgiving the one who tore out my heart just like that.

Onto the next plan.