A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

As the head of the Namgung family, Namgung Su, was tending to the garden, his hands suddenly paused.

He felt a familiar yet immense presence at the entrance of the courtyard.

“Lord Cho Bonggong?”

Chohwi, who had quietly approached to the center of the courtyard, respectfully bowed towards Namgung Su.

“Lord,” Chohwi said.

Namgung Su gazed at him with a pleased expression.

“Has your grueling training with the sect been completed?”

“Yes. It’s all done.”

“Heh, well then, it seems I won’t be seeing you for a while. You may be someone who can’t easily be harmed, but still… be cautious, always cautious.”

Namgung Su had thought that Chohwi had come to visit simply to say goodbye before heading to Namchang.

However, seeing the serious expression on Chohwi’s face, he immediately realized that this was not the only reason for his visit.

“Do you truly think my martial arts are absolute?” Chohwi asked.

Namgung Su’s face showed a hint of surprise.

This was understandable, as he had personally witnessed the *White Eye* that bore the inscription of *Muheon* (the soul of martial arts). It was a phenomenon that could only occur in someone who had transcended the usual realm of martial ability.

“What is this nonsense? Lord Cho’s martial arts are undoubtedly *Yi Hyeong Ji Do* (意形之道, the Way of Intent and Form). If that’s not the absolute, then what is?”

“Yes, that is true. After experiencing the state of *Mua* (無我) during my training at the Sword Pavilion, I reached a state where I could manifest *Yi Nyeom* (意念, intent). However…”

“However?”

“I must confess. I reached the state of *Yi Hyeong Ji Do* through a stroke of fortune, but… I have never learned footwork or movement techniques. I don’t even know how to use *Cheonyeom* (the principle of sound movement).”

Namgung Su was even more bewildered.

“Then what about the incredible movements you demonstrated during the martial competition? What was that?”

“Ah… that was…”

The extraordinary moves, which seemed impossible for a human body to perform, were only possible due to the *Gyeomcheon Jeonnyeong Jiche* (검천전능지체), a unique ability that allowed Chohwi to move with an almost supernatural agility. At that time, he simply used the power of *Jeonnyeong Jiche* to execute rapid evasive maneuvers.

“I’ll explain that later. But surely, you, Lord, have stated that my position grants me the right to study the martial arts of the Namgung family. How far can I go in mastering them?”

Namgung Su, though confused, decided to answer based on principle.

“…As an elder, as long as you don’t seek to learn the core martial arts of the Namgung family, you are free to learn all other martial arts.”

At that moment, Chohwi’s eyes lit up with passion.

“Please teach me the martial arts of the Namgung family.”

*Absolute*.

Even if one were to stand alone as a grandmaster and found their own sect, it would still be an achievement worthy of respect.

His mysterious and refined swordsmanship even surpassed the *Jeongwang* (Ruler’s Sword), an extraordinary weapon. Now, this supreme sword master was asking to learn the martial arts of the Namgung family, which was beyond belief.

“What exactly do you want to learn from the family?” Namgung Su asked, his face full of disbelief.

Without hesitation, Chohwi bluntly replied, “I want to learn everything from the basics. I want to learn everything that my position allows me to.”

Did he mean basic stances or beginner forms? Namgung Su was dumbfounded by Chohwi’s answer.

He stared at Chohwi, trying to read his intentions. Using his *Yi Nyeom* (intent), he probed Chohwi’s unique aura to understand his essence.

There was no discernible flow of internal energy, which meant it was *Kongdan* (Void Pill). His will was not in conflict with the natural energy of the world, indicating *Cheoninhapil* (the union of heaven and man). The energy felt as if it had already reached the state of *Yeonheo* (Void Smoke), and the deep, mysterious eyes also seemed filled with profound wisdom.

It was clear—there was no doubt—this was an absolute mastery.

“…Heh, well then.”

Namgung Su thought carefully but then decided that this might not be such a bad thing after all.

If this young master, an absolute swordsman, were to travel the world with the Namgung family’s martial arts, the family’s fame would undoubtedly rise even higher.

“Very well. I will personally oversee your training.”

Chohwi bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Thank you.”

Namgung Su, who had been smiling with satisfaction, immediately began demonstrating his footwork, shattering the air in all directions.

*Pafat!*

*Papapat!*

“**Cheonpungbo** (Heavenly Wind Step), first movement: *Yukryunpung* (Six-Wheel Wind). Next, *Hwaryeongpung* (Returning Wind).”

Namgung Su’s body spun so fast it became nearly invisible, and whirlwinds began to form around him.

“Third movement: *Daeyunpung* (Great Evolution Wind).”

*Whirl!*

His form swayed for a moment before sliding away, covering over twenty feet in an instant.

“Fourth movement: *Noejeonpung* (Thunderstorm Wind).”

Like the flickering of a fluorescent light, Namgung Su appeared and disappeared repeatedly in the blink of an eye.

“Fifth movement: *Paewangpung* (Overlord Wind).”

His pace slowed, but the overwhelming aura he exuded pressed down on everything around him, intimidating anyone nearby.

Even the most skilled martial artists would be forced to retreat in confusion from the force of his presence.

Chohwi observed all this calmly with his *Baegyeon* (White Eye).

The Namgung family was not particularly known for their footwork or movement techniques.

However, indeed, a prestigious family is still a prestigious family.

For Chohwi, who only knew the basic *Chilseongbo* (Seven Star Step), the *Cheonpungbo* (Heavenly Wind Step) demonstrated by Namgung Su was of an entirely different level.

Yet, the constant stream of information in Chohwi’s mind, filled with physical schematics, was causing numerous errors and grinding against the flow.

From a physical standpoint, it wasn’t optimal.

“This is the *Cheonpungbo* of the family. How is it?”

Without saying much, Chohwi moved his body.

*Whirr!*

*Whirririck!*

Chohwi, whose every ability had blossomed through the *Gyeomcheon Jeonnyeong Jiche*, moved in a way that was… how should it be described?

It felt… unnatural?

*Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!*

*Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!*

Massive whirlpools, no, this couldn’t even be described as whirlpools.

Gigantic vortices sprang up from all directions!

These tremendous whirlwinds grew in size, like the *Yonggwonpung* (Tornado Wind) of a desert storm, destroying everything in Namgung Su’s carefully tended garden.

But Namgung Su didn’t even care about the devastation.

‘Could this be…?’

*Hwaryeongpung*?

The nature of *Hwaryeongpung* is *Hwan* (illusion) and *Bi* (avoidance).

A footwork technique that creates wind to confuse the enemy’s sight, helping the practitioner escape the battlefield.

However, what Chohwi demonstrated felt more like an offensive martial art, despite being the same footwork.

*Fsssssss.*

As the thick dust began to linger with no signs of clearing, Namgung Su exerted wind pressure with his internal energy.

When the dust settled, Chohwi awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

“I apologize. I had a sudden insight and, in haste, tried to demonstrate it…”

“Oh, no. More importantly, is this really *Hwaryeongpung*?”

“Yes, it is.”

“……”

Chohwi then erased all unnecessary physical schematics from his mind. He inserted numerous physical vector values into *Cheonpungbo*, enhancing its perfection.

As the completeness increased, it transformed into an entirely different footwork technique.

However, Chohwi could not explain any of this in words.

The only way to justify it was to demonstrate it slowly, at one-tenth of the original speed.

Chohwi, moving slowly with internal energy and strength relaxed, began to demonstrate.

Namgung Su, who was staring at every movement with wide, stunned eyes, was soon left in awe.

“This is impossible!”

It was a completely different *Hwaryeongpung* (Wind Illusion).

It felt like witnessing a footwork technique from a different realm. The refined perfection of it was immediately felt.

Could this be the level of completion seen in the world’s greatest martial arts like *Jeunwongjong* (Ascending Cloud Step), *Yeondae Guipum* (Nine Layers Connecting Steps), and *Unryong Da Palshik* (Cloud Dragon’s Great Eight Forms)?

Though he had practiced the *Cheonpungbo* for his entire life, Namgung Su had never even imagined such movements.

The movements that Chohwi had deleted and added, blending together like gears, created an entirely new realm of footwork.

“And this too.”

*Flash!*

The speed at which it vanished was on a whole different level.

It felt as if dozens of Chohwis were attacking from all directions, creating an illusion.

Was this not a technique of immortals, like *Bunshin-jutsu* (Clone Technique)?

Chohwi, casually demonstrating this entirely different realm of *Noyeonpung* (Brainstorm Wind), frowned and spoke to Namgung Su.

“This consumes too much energy. I should refrain from using this footwork unless in special circumstances.”

Normally, there would be a resistance to interpreting or editing the footwork of a secret martial school.

But such thoughts didn’t even cross Namgung Su’s mind. The perfection was so overwhelming that it left no room for doubt.

“…Could you slow it down and show me the path more slowly?”

“Certainly.”

As Chohwi continued his demonstration, Namgung Su opened his eyes wide, trying not to miss a single motion.

“Wait! Wait a moment!”

Namgung Su stopped Chohwi’s movements, his face turning pale as though he had seen a ghost.

“That last movement! What on earth was that? How could such movements be connected like that?”

The movements Chohwi had made just now had felt like space itself was shifting, transferring from one point to another.

It was a movement that could never be performed by a human body, draped in fabric.

“….”

Chohwi could not answer.

The *Gyeomcheon Jeonnyeong Jiche* (Sword Heaven All-Powerful Body) he had attained through three years in the mental realm, the realization from *Holwang* (the spiritual awakening), was not something that could be explained with words.

It was a realm that allowed impossible physical movements for a human body, making all physical limits possible.

To explain this to Namgung Su, he would have to first teach him physics.

“It is a unique characteristic of my martial arts. For now, please just think of it that way and teach me the next martial art.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, Namgung Su nodded helplessly.

“Understood.”

—

The *Changcheondamro Won* was turned upside down.

In the backyard of the main estate, a powerful energy swirled, and the elders were shocked when they arrived three days ago. The scene of Namgung Su first demonstrating his martial arts and Chohwi accepting it continued for three whole days.

Despite their age and energy levels, none of the elders left during the long demonstration.

“Hehehehe…”

When a person is shocked, they often break into an uncomfortable laugh.

Namgung Seongchan couldn’t believe what he had seen and felt over the past three days.

Beside him, Namgung Muchan muttered, his face dazed as if possessed by a spirit.

“Brother… what are we witnessing?”

The four-century-long tradition of the Namgung family was crumbling like a house of cards.

A new Namgung was being born right there.

An entirely different transcendent realm, the perfect rebirth of their family’s martial arts.

Look at that *Changgoong Muyae* (Heavenly Destruction Sword)!

*Changgoong Muyae*, meaning the boundless sky, represents the infinite vastness of the heavens.

That true realm was there.

The pure sword intent, the ultimate will of a ruler, was evident.

The vast sword cutting through the clear sky seemed to transcend something beyond human existence.

The perfect sword path, with no flaws to be seen, took complete control of space.

The immense presence of a ruler, that overwhelming force, pressed down on the entire world.

The sword of the true ruler, the one they had longed for.

Here, in this backyard, a more perfect ruler than even the *Jeongwang Geom* (Emperor Sword) was being born.

“…How could that be the *Changgoong Muyae Sword*? I… I…”

In the end, Namgung Muchan couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst into tears.

His lifelong practice of *Geomhak* (Sword Arts) and the arduous years of cultivation felt utterly negated.

Namgung Seongchan, with a somber gaze, patted his back to console him.

“Such a thing cannot be imitated by ordinary people.”

*Ordinary people?*

How could those of *Changcheon Damro Won* be called ordinary, Brother?

Namgung Muchan’s face showed confusion, unable to understand.

The elders of *Changcheon Damro Won*, who had never reached the inner circle and had retired after living their lives, were all over fifty years old.

To become an elder respected by the family meant they had been the greatest in their generation.

These elders had all been renowned geniuses, spending their lives cultivating their swords.

Yet how could they be called ordinary people?

“Don’t try to interpret our *Bongong* by the standards of the world.”

A strange light flickered in Namgung Seongchan’s eyes.

“There is an extraordinary power emanating from him. It doesn’t feel like something that can be obtained through the cause-and-effect laws of the world.”

“What do you mean…?”

Namgung Seongchan smiled bitterly.

“He’s someone who cannot be interpreted through the eyes of this world. He’s the one who shattered all common sense believed by the martial world. Hasn’t the Central Plains already encountered such transcendent beings three times?”

“God…!”

Namgung Seongchan nodded.

“I am now certain. Our *Bongong* is undoubtedly a candidate for godhood.”

The view of his brother, who had achieved the absolute realm, made Namgung Muchan feel a bit lighter.

Soon, the demonstration by the family head came to an end.

Perhaps the greatest shock fell upon Namgung Su, who had witnessed everything firsthand.

“…I have shown you everything of the Namgung family, except for the family vision.”

Chohwi respectfully returned the gesture.

“Thank you for your teachings.”

It had only been three days.

In that short period, Chohwi not only learned but also transformed all of Namgung’s martial arts into a completely different dimension.

It was a feat that could never have been achieved without the *Gyeomcheon Jeonnyeong Jiche*.

A legendary story of a martial artist learning and mastering martial arts from a higher level.

It was likely the first time in martial history that someone who had reached the absolute could turn back and learn lower-level martial arts.

Meanwhile, the family head, Namgung Su, was consumed by a desperate desire.

He wanted to show Chohwi the *Jeongwang Geom*.

But to properly demonstrate the *Jeongwang Geom*, he would need to reveal even the path of the *Changcheon Da Yeon Shin Gong* (Great Sky Circular Internal Energy), thereby exposing all of Namgung’s martial arts.

Of course, the *Jeongwang Geom* itself was already an absolute sword technique.

Its fame was on par with the *Taeguk Hye Geom* of Wudang and the *24 Swirling Plum Blossom Sword* of Mount Huashan.

But Chohwi had already raised Namgung’s martial arts to an entirely new level, and Namgung Su knew that Chohwi would surely grasp the final form of the *Jeongwang Geom*.

Did he perhaps read Namgung Su’s thoughts?

Suddenly, Namgung Seongchan, who had been walking in footwork, approached Namgung Su and gently shook his head.

“It must not happen. Family head.”

“…Uncle.”

Chohwi, looking a little weary, properly saluted.

“May I return now? I believe my body is a bit worn out after three days of continuous training.”

Namgung Su, nodding as he too felt exhausted, responded.

“Go ahead. You’ve worked hard.”

At that moment, Nam Gung-su could never have known what an enormous event would unfold in the future by passing on the family’s martial arts to Jo Hwi.

* * *

Inside the vast conference room of the Jo Ga Daesang Conference.

Jo Hwi was coldly examining a pile of documents scattered across a large conference table.

The most noticeable was a large map of Jiangxi Province.

Jiangxi was the region where the most powerful faction of the Black Heaven Alliance was based.

This was understandable, considering that Jiangxi had an overwhelming population compared to other regions controlled by the Black Heaven Alliance, such as Zhejiang or Fujian, and, in particular, over 80% of the trade and logistics in the southern Yangtze River basin passed through Jiangxi.

The enormous commercial network around Lake Poyang was incomparable to the old Hubu.

Originally, the Black Heaven Alliance had no reason to target Hubu. With just Jiangxi, they could expand infinitely. If purely considering the scale of commerce, Jiangxi was easily several times larger than Anhui.

The Black Heaven Alliance had been extracting wealth from Jiangxi efficiently.

Around Lake Poyang, the natural freshwater fishing grounds, and in the surrounding regions, all the fish traded were under the strict control of the Black Heaven Alliance. The intricate waterways in Guzhang County were also tightly controlled, and the Alliance took tolls from merchants passing through.

Jiangxi, the vast plain at the edge of the Yangtze River, was rich in water resources and had a temperate climate, resulting in abundant grain harvests.

Most importantly, the high-value fruits cultivated in the warm climate, the tea industry developed in the Wuyuan area, the jade products from Western Jin, and the vast forest resources in the south, all contributed to making Jiangxi a commercial paradise.

The Black Heaven Alliance was deeply involved in all of these industries, reaping massive benefits.

As Jo Hwi studied all the information on Jiangxi, a flame of greed lit up in his eyes.

This land, more suited than Anhui for applying modern commerce.

“Lord Gong, over here.”

Guided by the Chief Officer, Zhuge Wun arrived at the meeting room, attempting to open his fan but quickly closing it again with an embarrassed look.

“Jo So-hyeop.”

Zhuge Wun greeted Jo Hwi with a slight bow, but his face showed signs of irritation as he dropped his hands in frustration. The words from Jang Il-ryong, which emphasized propriety, kept bothering him, and he was in a foul mood.

“Please have a seat.”

After being guided to a chair by the Chief Officer, Zhuge Wun looked around the room, fascinated by the diverse foreign artifacts scattered about.

“Now, before we set off to Jiangxi, please enlighten me on the plans of the esteemed General Zhuge. Let’s see if they sound plausible.”

Zhuge Wun shot a sharp glare at Jo Hwi, who was leisurely watching him from his seat with his fingers intertwined.

“I already told you everything. We will be tracking down Eun Bong-ryeong.”

Jo Hwi grinned, his face darkening as he spoke.

“Let’s say we’re lucky and meet Eun Bong-ryeong, or even the Eun Bong-ryeong Chief. What’s next?”

Zhuge Wun answered in disbelief.

“What next? If we meet the Chief, there’s a high chance he holds all the gathered information of the Black Heaven Alliance. You’ll be able to know all the movements of their resources, troops, the list of their experts involved in this operation, their strongholds, and the timing. This will change the entire way we prepare for the alliance.”

Jo Hwi nodded eagerly before asking another question.

“Let’s say we relay all that information to the Alliance. What happens next?”

“If we lose Anhui, then Zhengzhou, where the Alliance headquarters is located, will be face-to-face with the Black Heaven Alliance. They will definitely send forces—at least four or five large units will march toward Anhui,” Zhuge Wun replied.

Jo Hwi’s assumptions were a bit off, as Zhuge Wun suggested a weaker response.

“Four units? Isn’t that a bit light? The Alliance has over a dozen combat units.”

“The Alliance’s enemies aren’t just the Black Heaven Alliance. They also face the Xiatian Association on the long borders of Hunan and Guizhou. Plus, the strength of the Nam Gung family’s forces is nothing to scoff at,” Zhuge Wun retorted.

“Four units from the Alliance, and the Nam Gung family…” Jo Hwi mulled over it. It was still an impressive scale.

Even though the Black Heaven Alliance had made their moves, if the Alliance deployed a force of at least half their total strength, they would be able to challenge the Black Heaven Alliance.

“Alright, let’s assume the Alliance wins. What happens next?”

Jo Hwi always looked beyond the immediate scenario.

“Considering the nature of our Commander, he will likely avoid direct conflict while exerting heavy pressure. The ideal outcome would be negotiating for some of the northern Jiangxi region to join the Alliance’s sphere of influence.”

Zhuge Wun gestured toward the map of Jiangxi as he speculated the potential strategies of the Alliance.

Jo Hwi listened intently, but the more he heard, the more his smile grew. Even the so-called genius strategist Zhuge Wun couldn’t help but seem simplistic in Jo Hwi’s modern perspective.

Eventually, Jo Hwi cut him off.

“Is that really the best we can do? After mobilizing such a huge army, the best result would be just absorbing a portion of the Black Heaven Alliance’s territory?”

Zhuge Wun froze in confusion. Did Jo Hwi not understand how profitable controlling the northern part of Jiangxi was? The Black Heaven Alliance was one of the three major powers south of the Yangtze River, and its reach could not be compared to that of a single sect.

Jo Hwi’s face hardened as he made a decision.

“I will refuse the Alliance’s support. You should go back to them.”

“What… what did you say?”

“I said, I will refuse the Alliance’s support.”

“What?” Zhuge Wun blinked, unable to believe his ears.

“You heard me right. I will refuse the Alliance’s support,” Jo Hwi repeated coldly.

“But… but the Black Heaven Alliance has already wiped out the Eun Bong-ryeong. The Alliance believes the Black Heaven Alliance will likely attack Hubu. In this situation…”

“Don’t worry about it. It won’t happen. You can go back to the Alliance now,” Jo Hwi interrupted.

Zhuge Wun was stunned. The master of the vast commercial network in Hubu could never be this careless.

“Then what are you planning to do?” Zhuge Wun finally asked, his curiosity piqued.

Jo Hwi smiled broadly.

“Ah, that’s where the real plan comes in. The Alliance will never get involved.”

Zhuge Wun frowned, still skeptical.

“You might have the Nam Gung family’s support, and I understand your confidence as an expert, but you’re up against the Black Heaven Alliance, which has over a thousand experts, including more than twenty at the ‘Transformation Realm’ level. How will you handle that?”

Jo Hwi smirked. He had no intention of sharing his plans yet.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll be joining us shortly, and I’ll need your expertise,” Jo Hwi said, with a gleam in his eyes.

Zhuge Wun sighed. “Am I going to be imprisoned?”

Jo Hwi gave a slight laugh.

“Imprisoned? No need for anything so drastic. All you need to do is join my plan. You’ll be working for me from now on. You’ll leave the Alliance for good.”

Zhuge Wun blinked in disbelief.

“Leave the Alliance? You want me to betray them?”

“Exactly,” Jo Hwi said with a cold smile.

Zhuge Wun hesitated, knowing Jo Hwi had already foreseen this and planned accordingly. He was caught in a trap, unable to escape.

“You’re seriously asking me to betray the Alliance?” Zhuge Wun asked again, trying to grasp the full magnitude of the situation.

“I’m not asking, I’m telling you. You’ll either join my side or go back to the Alliance now. The choice is yours,” Jo Hwi said, his eyes flashing with cold determination.

When Je Galyun asked his question, Jo Hwi sneered.

Not only Je Galyun, but most of the people around believed that Hapbin-gwan and Jo Ga Seong Shim Dang were the representative businesses of Jo Ga Daesang Hoe.

But the reality was quite different.

Over half of the income generated by Jo Ga Daesang Hoe was actually being handled by An Hwi Cheol Bang.

An Hwi Cheol Bang was the exclusive supplier of weapons and military equipment for the Great General Division of An Hwi, a military group with an army of nearly 30,000 soldiers.

This was due to the fact that no other ironworks in An Hwi could compete with the mass production methods and the division of labor system that An Hwi Cheol Bang had implemented.

Before the emergence of An Hwi Cheol Bang, the largest ironworks in An Hwi was Dae Hwa Heuk Cheol Bang.

Even that ironworks could only produce more than a hundred swords in a month.

However, An Hwi Cheol Bang could produce 5,000 swords in just one month.

Moreover, the cost difference was double. From the perspective of General Hoh Myeong, there was no other choice.

Did this mean that the quality of the weapons was vastly different? Not necessarily. The skilled workers at An Hwi Cheol Bang, who had been systematically trained by the ironworks’ masters for years, were only getting more and more proficient.

Let’s do a simple calculation.

Three years ago, the price of a single infantry sword, the Samcheopdo (Three-fold knife), that An Hwi Cheol Bang supplied to the Great General Division was 16 silver nyang each.

The total payment for a six-month delivery amounted to a staggering 50,000 gold nyang.

This was just one of the contracts with the military in the city of Hapbi.

Additionally, the repair fees for weapons like the battle horse spears, swords for chaotic combat, cavalry polearms, and infantry shields, all stored as surplus weapons, amounted to another 20,000 gold nyang.

That was just one year’s business with the military in Hapbi.

When adding the income from the Tian Zhi Ren (天地人) transport vehicles of Ji San Gak, the hundreds of types of iron farming tools from So San Gak, and the profits of Dae San Gak?

Now, can you imagine how much An Hwi Cheol Bang earned in one year?

The reason Jo Hwi was able to turn Hapbi into a separate realm in just three years was because the massive profits from the ironworks were entirely reinvested into the business.

“First, I’ll invest about 100,000 nyang. If it’s still not enough, I’ll double or triple it. If I’m going to invest, I’ll do it boldly. If I do that, even those Black Sky Bandits will probably be too busy to handle it,” Jo Hwi said confidently.

“…”

Je Galyun couldn’t even respond.

He had no idea how much money Jo Hwi had at his disposal.

The reason the Murim League had been so eager to assimilate Jo Ga Daesang Hoe was because of this.

Je Galyun looked at Jo Hwi with a new perspective.

Despite mentioning such a huge amount of money, Jo Hwi’s eyes didn’t waver.

His face was full of confidence, certainty.

For a person who studied modern history, one could hardly deny how much a businessman could transform society.

“Now, please take the contract and let’s get moving, Manager Je Galyun.”

Je Galyun, finally snapping out of his daze, glanced at the contract.

He was still bothered by the title Jo Hwi kept calling him, so he carefully examined the contract again.

“Wait a minute, wasn’t it vice president before? You were the second in command, and now the amount offered for Wolbong is half of what was initially proposed?”

Jo Hwi glared at him.

“Salary is fluid. Back then, I was the one trying to recruit, but today is different. What’s wrong? Acting like a fool?”

“…!”

Je Galyun didn’t back down.

He sharply narrowed his eyes.

“Then teach me your mountain method skills,” Je Galyun challenged.

“Mountain method skills?”

“Yeah.”

Jo Hwi looked puzzled.

Having never grasped the concept of zero as a number, how could Je Galyun understand modern arithmetic?

“As I’ve told you before, unless you accept that the concept of ‘empty’ is also ‘number’, you can’t learn my mountain method skills.”

“Ah, really! Again with that nonsense? How can ‘empty’ be a number?”

“Nothing is a number,” Jo Hwi answered.

“Wait! So you’re saying ‘nothing’ is a number?” Je Galyun’s mind began racing.

Je Galyun tried to understand. In multiplication, 5 × 0 equals 0. If nothing (zero) is multiplied by five, it would result in nothing, but Jo Hwi had different logic.

Jo Hwi gave a smile. “Zero is a number, but let’s leave it at that.”

As Je Galyun absorbed the concept of zero, his entire mathematical system, everything he had known about numbers, started to shift and transform.

As he slowly opened his eyes again, Je Galyun seemed to realize something profound.

“This… this isn’t genius, is it? What exactly are you?”

This simple yet profound concept had changed everything.

Jo Hwi, seeing that Je Galyun understood, smiled and picked up a brush.

“I’ll teach you the Arabic numerals,” he said, as he drew the numbers 0 to 9 with annotations in Chinese.

“How long would it take to memorize these?”

“I’ve already memorized them.”

Jo Hwi then showed him the basic arithmetic symbols like addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷).

“Did you memorize these as well?”

“Yes.”

Finally, Jo Hwi gave Je Galyun some elementary arithmetic problems to solve.

How fast could he solve them? Could the genius Je Galyun, who was famed for his advanced mountain method skills, tackle basic modern arithmetic?

Je Galyun, who had mastered mountain methods, couldn’t solve simple calculations in modern arithmetic.

The gap between the knowledge of the ancient world and modern knowledge was immense.

Soon, Jo Hwi demonstrated how to solve them step-by-step, and Je Galyun marveled at the simplicity of the methods.

“I see, I see!” Je Galyun exclaimed, as the mysteries of modern arithmetic unfolded before him.

“Is that all?” Je Galyun asked, eager to learn more.

Jo Hwi’s smile deepened as he sensed Je Galyun’s growing curiosity.