The Patriarch of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 9

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Master of the Bukcheon Sword Family – Chapter 9

I had immersed myself in training for several days.
Perhaps because I had only recently returned to the past, even the slightest effort yielded visible improvements in my abilities.
Or rather, my body was being rebuilt to match my original skill level?
At this rate, it seemed I would soon be able to test myself against Sa Gong-cheon.
Of course, I couldn’t be certain, given that he was a prodigy who had reached the Harmony Realm at such a young age.
In any case, such were those days.
I received an urgent report from Sa Gong-cheon.
“The Moonlight Iron Workshop was attacked?”
“Yes. To be precise, a merchant caravan from the Golden Frog Merchant Guild, which supplies iron to the Moonlight Iron Workshop, was attacked.”
The Golden Frog Merchant Guild was not among the ten greatest merchant guilds under heaven, but it was still regarded as one of the major powers just below that tier.
Furthermore, it was contracted with our Bukcheon Sword Family’s Moonlight Iron Workshop, supplying iron and selling the completed weapons we produced.
And such an organization had been attacked?
“It appears the Red Wolf Gang, a bandit organization, was responsible. They apparently intercepted the iron shipment destined for the Moonlight Iron Workshop.”
“The Red Wolf Gang, you say.”
I had heard of them before.
They were not a particularly large bandit group, but their leaders and officers had mastered mounted martial arts, making them formidable opponents.
Even the Government Military was struggling to suppress them, though they would eventually be eliminated by a wandering swordmaster within a few years.
In any case, these were the ones who had launched the attack?
“The Golden Frog Merchant Guild and the Moonlight Iron Workshop have appealed to us for assistance. They are asking us to eliminate the Red Wolf Gang and recover the stolen iron.”
“Hmm. We cannot ignore this.”
No matter that the Moonlight Iron Workshop was under the Bukcheon Sword Family’s authority, their influence was considerable.
They were one of our primary sources of income.
Of course, I could have ignored this request and brushed it aside carelessly.
But doing so would certainly shatter the trust between us.
Therefore, I had to honor this request.
Moreover, if I let this matter slide, there was no guarantee that such incidents would not occur again in the future.
“Then we must convene a family council immediately.”
“The Elder Council Chairman has likely already begun discussing countermeasures. You should head there at once, Young Master.”
“Very well.”
We arrived at the Meeting Hall, where preparations for the council were already underway.
“You have arrived. Young Master.”
Lee Tae-gyeom, the Elder Council Chairman, greeted me with a gentle smile.
I exchanged light greetings with him and the other senior members before taking my seat.
Everyone appeared grave, suggesting they had already heard the details of the situation.
“Now that everyone is assembled, let us begin the council. The matter at hand is, of course, the request from the Golden Frog Merchant Guild and the Moonlight Iron Workshop. They are asking us to eliminate the Red Wolf Gang.”
“Elimination rather than future protection or prevention of recurrence?”
One of the senior members spoke with evident confusion.
To be honest, this was also a point that bothered me.
Normally, when something like this happens, they ask to participate in the merchant convoy together and strengthen the escort—they don’t ask us to subjugate the bandits and retrieve the goods.
Lee Tae-gyeom answered in response.
“It seems the Golden Frog Merchant Guild suffered considerable losses from this attack. That’s why they’re seeking revenge.”
“Ah….”
“So that’s the situation.”
“Since we conduct business with them, they’ve turned to us for help. They likely believe their own forces alone are insufficient to subjugate these bandits.”
“Then we should dispatch a military unit.”
When I spoke, all eyes in the hall focused on me.
Lee Tae-gyeom nodded.
“Unfortunately, the Iron Blood Sword Squad—our main family’s elite force—is currently on assignment and cannot be spared. Considering mobility and various other factors, I intend to dispatch some members from the Gale Wind Brigade. However, the problem is that there’s no one to take responsibility for them….”
“If you’re detaching personnel from the Gale Wind Brigade, wouldn’t it be appropriate to send the Brigade Commander?”
“He sustained injuries during a recent mission and hasn’t fully recovered yet. It would be unreasonable for him to undertake this expedition.”
“Hmm.”
I nodded as if I understood.
Then a voice came from beside me.
“In that case, wouldn’t it be fitting for the Young Patriarch to lead them personally?”
“Elder Wang?”
“What are you suddenly saying!”
His identity was none other than Wang Jin.
Wang Jin ignored the bewildered gazes directed at him and spoke, looking only at me.
“The Young Patriarch has grown considerably now. I simply thought it would be good for him to gain some experience in the martial world in this manner. With the Gale Wind Brigade alongside him, there would be no danger, would there?”
“But to suddenly entrust such a task to the Young Patriarch, who has no experience whatsoever!”
“Are you in your right mind?”
Criticism poured down upon him.
Mostly from senior members who were favorable to my father and me.
Meanwhile, there were also those who supported Wang Jin.
“Enough. Elder Wang’s words aren’t wrong, are they?”
“The Young Patriarch has indeed reached that age. Rather, I think it’s fortunate that he can seize such an opportunity.”
“And shouldn’t the final decision be left to the Young Patriarch’s judgment? What’s the problem with all of you?”
They were the faction of elders who followed the Elder Council Chairman.
Ah.
Now I could finally understand how the situation was unfolding.
‘This is the Elder Council Chairman’s doing.’
For Wang Jin, who harbored resentment toward me, to have orchestrated this alone—there were too many people responding in support.
That meant pressure was coming from above.
And only the Elder Council Chairman possessed the power to pull off something like this.
In fact, after Wang Jin voiced his opinion, the Chairman hadn’t refuted it.
‘He wants me to accept this subjugation request.’
What could his purpose be.
Tarnishing my reputation by failing the commission?
Or perhaps… using those fools to orchestrate an indirect murder scheme?
It could very well be both.
Either outcome leaves them with nothing to lose.
However.
‘The rewards for success are far greater.’
“I accept.”
I smiled broadly as I spoke.
At my words, those quarreling in the Meeting Hall turned to stare at me in shock.
Even those who had been advocating for my involvement wore expressions of bewilderment.
They had never expected me to step forward so readily.
Only the Elder Council Chairman wore a satisfied smile.
“Heh heh. Are you truly certain, Young Master? Even with the Gale Wind Brigade accompanying you, this mission carries considerable danger. A hasty decision made in the heat of the moment could lead to disaster.”
His words feigned concern, but I understood his true intent.
If I backed down now, he would spread rumors throughout the family that I was a coward.
That could not happen.
I answered with conviction.
“I can do this. Besides, as Elder Wang said, I am of an age where such trials are expected. As the one destined to lead the Bukcheon Sword Family, I cannot afford to falter before a task of this magnitude.”
“Excellent!”
“I never knew the Young Master possessed such resolve.”
“Still, isn’t this far too dangerous?”
The Gale Wind Brigade marches with him—what cause for concern remains? Or do you doubt their capabilities?”
“N-no, that’s not it, but…”
“Let us respect the Young Master’s wishes in this matter.”
The moment I declared my participation, praise erupted from various quarters.
Primarily from the Elder Council Chairman’s faction.
Their transparent maneuvering was obvious, but I showed no reaction.
Since I had already resolved to go, I saw no reason to obstruct their narrative.
Still, they surely hoped for my failure.
‘I’m afraid I must disappoint them.’
Soon enough, they would gnash their teeth in regret.
Once I returned victorious after crushing the Red Wolf Gang.
I grinned wickedly at the thought.
Imagining the expression the Elder Council Chairman would wear, I could scarcely contain my laughter.

* * *

I was promptly introduced to the members of the Gale Wind Brigade.
The ones I would be commanding were three of the five squads within the Gale Wind Brigade.
A unit composed of sixty soldiers in total. Among them were faces I recognized from time to time.
“I am So Ho, squad leader of the First Squad of the Gale Wind Brigade.”
“I am Gwang Hye-won, squad leader of the Second Squad.”
“I am Jung Ik, serving as squad leader of the Third Squad. It is an honor to serve alongside you, Young Master So.”
Despite their courteous words, the expressions of most Gale Wind Brigade members were far from welcoming.
Their faces screamed: who does this nobody think he is, commanding us?
I smiled at a situation I had already anticipated.
I knew from the start that I would not be welcomed.
“I am Jin Muyeol, currently serving as Young Master of the Bukcheon Sword Family. This is Sa Gong-cheon, my escort. I look forward to working with all of you.”
“….”
“Most of you here likely find me disagreeable. An inexperienced youth commanding seasoned warriors—I understand the sentiment well. I would think the same in your position.”
“…!”
The expressions of the Gale Wind Brigade members shifted at my words.
They hadn’t expected me to voice such candor myself.
But I pressed forward regardless.
“Therefore, I will not burden you with reckless orders. The actual command will fall to the squad leaders here. Does that suffice?”
I could feel the soldiers’ gazes soften considerably at this.
After all, as Young Master, my humble demeanor gave them no real reason for resentment.
I spoke to the three squad leaders in a measured tone.
“Let us move out at once. If they catch our scent and flee, we’ll have wasted our effort.”
We currently knew the location of the village where the Red Wolf Gang was stationed, based on intelligence that they had emerged from the Golden Frog Merchant Guild’s direction.
But I was honestly skeptical.
What if this information wasn’t from the Golden Frog Merchant Guild, but rather leaked by someone collaborating with the Red Wolf Gang?
To trap me in danger. If so, there was a real possibility this was an ambush.
“Yes. We shall depart.”
“Everyone, move out!”
But I couldn’t simply ignore this lead.
There was no choice.
Knowing the enemy’s location and failing to act would deserve condemnation.
The family would surely criticize me heavily if they learned of such hesitation.
So I mounted my horse and deliberately took the lead position as we moved.
So Ho, the First Squad leader, approached from the side with a look of surprise.
“Young Master. You ride exceptionally well.”
“Do I?”
“Yes. Your posture is impeccable and your seat is steady. Did you receive special training in your youth?”
“My father—the Family Head—taught me himself, back when he was still in good health.”
“Ah….”
His eyes reflected sympathy.
Anyone who knew the situation would inevitably react this way.
My father’s health had deteriorated to the point where everyone in the family knew of his condition.
‘By now, he must have expelled a considerable amount of the poison through the Purification Technique.’
But revealing that would come later.
In any case, we had quite an extensive conversation because of this.
Who the enemy’s leader was, how large their force numbered, how formidable their martial techniques were—such matters occupied our discussion.
As we spoke of these things, we arrived at our destination: Hyoeul Village.
The village that the bandits had forcibly occupied and were holding.
“It seems like there’s no one here?”
“Could they have fled?”
“No, we came as soon as we heard the information….”
I could sense the unease rippling through the members of the Gale Wind Brigade.
Indeed, despite venturing deep into the village, there was no sign of the bandits anywhere.
But that was precisely when it happened.
“Everyone, prepare for battle!”
As I infused my voice with inner energy and shouted, everyone turned to stare at me in shock.
But rather than explain in detail, I fixed my gaze on one direction.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
A considerable number of bandits came charging toward us with ferocious momentum.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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