10.Modern Strategies, Martial World’s Traps

The Pyo-Guk escort group advanced cautiously along the silent mountain path. Lee Do-Hyun sat quietly at the rear of a carriage, his body tense and alert as his eyes scanned their surroundings. The towering peaks and dense forests appeared peaceful, yet his instincts whispered otherwise.

"Places like this are always the most dangerous. The quieter it gets, the more certain trouble becomes."

At the front of the formation, Han Kang-Hyun, the escort chief, reviewed a weathered map alongside a few seasoned Pyo-Sa (鏢師)—escort guards. One of them cast a sideways glance toward Do-Hyun and sneered,

"That outsider… Who knows what kind of scheme he's plotting? Carries a sword but doesn't seem to know how to use it. Useless, isn't he?"

Another Pyo-Sa chuckled darkly in agreement.

"Still, they say he was treated well at Pungwolru. Maybe there's something special about him. But here in Murim, fists speak louder than brains."

Do-Hyun overheard their muttered jabs but chose to remain silent. Instead, he quietly pulled out a small piece of paper and a brush, meticulously sketching the terrain and noting potential resource points.

One of the nearby guards scoffed.

"Ha! Look at that—some scholar-warrior playing with ink and paper."

"Maybe he's upset there's no proper desk around!"

Their laughter died instantly as Han Kang-Hyun silenced them with a single sharp glare. Then, approaching Do-Hyun, the chief asked quietly,

"Is something bothering you?"

Do-Hyun met his gaze steadily.

"Chief, there's a high probability of an ambush ahead. The terrain is too organized, and the forest's silence feels unnatural."

Han Kang-Hyun nodded thoughtfully.

"Even if we expect an ambush, how do you suggest we counter it?"

Do-Hyun hesitated for a moment before answering with quiet confidence.

"There's a way… though my methods might seem unconventional here."

With the chief's approval, Do-Hyun gathered the Pyo-Sa together. Their faces were painted with skepticism and subtle hostility.

"What's this guy planning now?"

"We're trained warriors—what could this outsider possibly teach us?"

Do-Hyun spoke calmly, ignoring their doubts.

"I know you're all skilled fighters. But brute strength won't win every battle. What we need now is a way to survive—while minimizing risks."

Drawing a rough map in the dirt with a stick, he began outlining his plan.

"Here—this is likely where they'll ambush us. If we split off a small group to take this route, the enemy will be forced to divide their forces. Meanwhile, those hiding in this part of the forest can strike from behind."

The guards remained doubtful.

"And what if they're stronger than we expect? Paper strategies won't save us in a real fight."

Do-Hyun smiled faintly.

"Then let's prove it through action. I'll lead the first strike."

His voice carried the weight of quiet conviction as he explained further,

"This may be Murim, but strategy doesn't change. If the enemy outnumbers us, we divide them. If we're faster, we exploit that speed. Thinking ahead wins battles, not reckless courage."

Slowly, skepticism faded as some Pyo-Sa began nodding in reluctant agreement.

"Maybe he has a point. Charging headfirst isn't always the best idea."

When they reached the suspected ambush point, Do-Hyun's strategy unfolded flawlessly. The enemy, forced to split their numbers, found themselves overwhelmed by the perfectly timed counterattack from the guards hidden in the forest. The battle ended swiftly, leaving the escort group unscathed.

Afterward, a grizzled Pyo-Sa approached him with a grudging nod.

"I thought you were just a clueless outsider… but you were right. Your methods actually work, even in Murim."

Do-Hyun offered a faint smile.

"It doesn't matter whether it's Murim or anywhere else—the one who thinks ahead always holds the advantage."

Laughter and approving murmurs rippled through the group. Do-Hyun had proven his worth and, more importantly, earned their trust.

That evening, Han Kang-Hyun handed him a cup of wine.

"What you showed today was… refreshing. It's rare to see such tactics in Murim. The Pyo-Sa are starting to see you differently now."

Do-Hyun accepted the drink, his voice low but steady.

"Even these methods will have their limits in this world. But for now, it's the best I can do."

His gaze drifted toward the darkened sky.

"I can fight without mastering the sword… but eventually, that won't be enough. My limits will find me soon enough."

His determination sharpened. Though he had earned respect within the escort group, he knew his journey was far from over.

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The Schemes of Deceitful Merchants

When the Pyo-Guk escort group arrived at a bustling town market, Lee Do-Hyun quickly understood that survival in the Martial World wasn't solely about strength or swordsmanship. Here, survival also depended on navigating the webs of deception spun by merchants who hid their greed behind polite smiles and honeyed words.

Han Kang-Hyun approached a merchant's stall to settle a trade deal.

"You have the supplies we requested?"

The merchant bowed slightly, handing over a meticulously detailed invoice.

"Of course, Escort Chief. Everything is listed here, exactly as agreed."

One of the Pyo-Sa gave the invoice a cursory glance.

"Hmm… Looks complicated, but the numbers seem about right."

Yet something about the merchant's demeanor made Do-Hyun pause. Taking the invoice in hand, he examined it carefully, his sharp gaze scanning the figures.

His eyes narrowed.

"Something's wrong. The totals don't add up."

The unit prices and quantities appeared correct at first glance, but upon closer inspection, certain items had been duplicated across the list—subtle enough that only a trained eye would catch it.

Turning to Han Kang-Hyun, he spoke quietly but firmly.

"Chief, hold on. There's a mistake here."

The escort chief's brow furrowed.

"A mistake? Explain."

Do-Hyun pointed at specific entries on the invoice and addressed the merchant directly.

"This entry here says we ordered ten sacks of grain, but the same item appears again later—making it seem like we ordered twenty. Is that a mistake… or something else?"

The merchant's face stiffened, his smile faltering.

"A mistake? Are you accusing me of fraud, outsider?"

The Pyo-Sa muttered among themselves.

"Could he really be trying to cheat us?"

"Or maybe Do-Hyun's just seeing things?"

Remaining composed, Do-Hyun flipped to another section of the invoice.

"And here—this item's price differs from the agreed amount. Why has the price suddenly risen?"

The merchant quickly forced a strained smile.

"Ah, that must be due to rising market prices. I've suffered losses myself, you see…"

Do-Hyun's voice turned icy.

"Interesting. If prices are rising, why is this other item discounted? Are market fluctuations so selective in your business?"

A bead of sweat trickled down the merchant's forehead. The air around them grew heavy with tension.

One of the guards leaned in cautiously.

"Do-Hyun, are you certain about this?"

His voice remained steady.

"I'm certain. This wasn't an accident—it's deliberate fraud."

Han Kang-Hyun stepped forward, his gaze sharp as steel.

"You dare try to cheat the Pyo-Guk? Do you take us for fools?"

The merchant's composure crumbled.

"I-It was just a miscalculation! No ill intent, I swear!"

Do-Hyun cut him off coldly.

"Curious how every 'miscalculation' conveniently works in your favor."

Unable to keep up his act, the merchant finally bowed his head in defeat.

"…Fine. I'll correct the invoice."

The Pyo-Sa murmured their approval.

"Without Do-Hyun, we would've been completely robbed."

"He might not be a swordsman yet, but he's sharp with numbers."

Han Kang-Hyun clapped a hand on Do-Hyun's shoulder.

"You're proving your worth in the Pyo-Guk. We're fortunate to have you on our side."

Do-Hyun nodded, though his gaze remained distant.

"Winning with numbers is one thing… but survival in the Martial World requires more than cleverness."

As he gazed out toward the bustling streets, a new resolve settled over him.

"Whether by numbers or by the sword… I must master both if I wish to survive here."

Though this victory gave him confidence, Do-Hyun understood all too well—his real trials were only just beginning.