Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 130

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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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Third-rate Martial Arts Family, Greatest Under Heaven – Episode 130
A guest room in a high-class establishment.
Chu Yong-wol poured a drink with confident flair and extended the cup to her counterpart.
“Please, Master Bang-ju.”
The man across from her was the proprietor of Okwhoa Bang, one of Nanchang’s most renowned jewelry houses.
Hong Gyo-bang-ju accepted the cup with a troubled expression.
“Miss Chu. I have already made my position clear. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from arranging such meetings.”
Okwhoa Bang, true to its name, specialized in crafting and selling jade and floral ornaments—a family business rooted in artistry.
In other words, they could not afford to ignore the gaze of Baek Ui-mun, who maintained intimate connections with Nanchang’s influential figures.
“I understand. After today, I will not presume to request such meetings again.”
“Then I trust you, Miss Chu. But what brings you here today?”
“I wish to discuss our contract between the Baek Bookstore and Okwhoa Bang once more.”
The Baek Bookstore had long dealt primarily in books and writing materials.
To expand their influence further, they had chosen to add luxury goods—ornaments that could be considered companions to books and scrolls.
For Chu Yong-wol, this meeting represented a crucial juncture that would determine the Baek Bookstore’s future direction.
‘The discussion had progressed well before, but Baek Ui-mun’s interference derailed it. Today will be different.’
“Miss Chu. I am unaware of your circumstances. Our house simply cannot overlook Baek Ui-mun’s position.”
The same response as before. Yet the outcome would differ this time.
“I understand that as well. However, would you examine this book?”
“Hmm? This book is…”
Hong Gyo-bang-ju’s eyes widened slightly.
Unlike ordinary volumes, it was embroidered with golden thread and adorned with plum blossom patterns—clearly a precious object at first glance.
But there was more.
Considering the elegant calligraphy of the title and the signature inscribed in the corner…
“Could this be a new work by Il-pil-hwi-seo?”
“Precisely correct. According to Il-pil-hwi-seo himself, this is a masterpiece he has labored over for several years—a work of unparalleled brilliance!”
Il-pil-hwi-seo had not released any new works in recent years.
He had been occupied with various matters, and Yang Hwi had determined it necessary to maintain silence until Il-pil-hwi-seo’s reputation spread sufficiently far and wide.
‘But the people know nothing of this.’
Thus, Chu Yong-wol had transformed a novel born in less than two hours into a masterwork unveiled after years of dedication.
This way, people would anticipate it all the more and value it far more highly.
“Would you care to examine it? After you’ve read it, we can continue our discussion.”
Hong Gyo-bang-ju was the master craftsman overseeing the artisans of Okwhoa Bang.
Many assume craftsmen are illiterate, but this is a grave misconception.
How could those who inscribe renowned verses upon ornaments lack knowledge of literature?
Moreover, Hong Gyo-bang-ju was renowned throughout the region as a literary connoisseur with deep expertise in the written arts.
He had risen to his position as proprietor precisely through his cunning—leveraging the demand for his own literary compositions.
“Forgive me for a moment, Miss Chu.”
Watching Hong Gyo-bang-ju eagerly examine the book, Chu Yong-wol could not help but smile.
Once he had read the contents, today’s meeting would surely conclude in success.
Thus, about two hours passed.
Hong Gyo-bang-ju laughed and wept, marveled and gasped in astonishment.
All while reading the book.
The manuscript contained such entertainment and emotional depth that it moved an elderly man of Hong Gyo-bang-ju’s experience to openly display his feelings.
“Phew… I have read it well. Truly, a magnificent novel.”
“I share that sentiment.”
“Would you tell me why you showed this manuscript to me?”
The reason was simple.
Chu Yong-wol picked up the book.
“This manuscript contains many beautiful passages. What do you think would happen if we were to engrave such passages onto ornamental objects and sell them?”
“…Everyone without exception would clamor to purchase them. Surely.”
In Hong Gyo-bang-ju’s estimation, Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work possessed enough power to draw crowds and more.
Even he himself felt his body trembling with the desire to possess the manuscript before his eyes.
“Would not the influential young masters who are the primary customers of Okwhahang harbor the same thoughts?”
“Ah, indeed. That would be so. Now I understand what the young proprietor aims for.”
Even if Baek Ui-mun applied pressure, he could not stop all the young masters of numerous influential families.
Rather, they would unite as one and resist Baek Ui-mun.
“This is the power of literature—the power to unite countless people as one.”
Just as the writings of Confucius and Mencius are revered even now, more than a thousand years after their time.
‘I believe we have overcome this hurdle.’
Chu Yong-wol, smiling faintly, resolved to add the final flourish.
“Please accept this, sir.”
Hong Gyo-bang-ju, receiving the manuscript, wore a bewildered expression.
“Young proprietor…?”
“It is a gesture of respect from Baek Bookstore to you.”
The first edition of every novel written by Il-pil-hwi-seo held precious value.
Beyond its beautiful presentation, only the first edition bore the author’s signature.
Moreover, this novel was destined to be a masterwork passed down through the ages.
A first edition of such a masterwork?
‘A treasure worth a thousand gold pieces…!’
Emotion washed over Hong Gyo-bang-ju’s aged face.
“To receive something so precious! I am ashamed of my past self, who bowed his head under Baek Ui-mun’s pressure. I failed to recognize the beautiful intentions and character you possess!”
Chu Yong-wol simply bowed her head in humble response.
“I look forward to our continued partnership, sir.”
“What words these are! I too look forward to our partnership, young proprietor!”
After concluding the meeting, Chu Yong-wol hurried toward another establishment.
She had arranged three contracts for today alone.
She had delivered Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work to all three parties, drawing the same reactions and results as with Hong Gyo-bang-ju.
‘As expected, Namgung Cheon-yeong is remarkable. Things proceed so smoothly!’
Baek Ui-mun’s influence and pressure?
Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work was nothing more than a drizzle under clear skies compared to the tempest of Gyeok-rang.
His new work swept through Nanchang with the force of a storm.
People spoke of nothing else whenever they met.
“Have you seen Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work?”
“Of course I have! The moment the Baek Bookstore sent word, I rushed over and placed my order!”
“It’s truly a masterpiece.”
“I’ve seen plenty before, but this time it’s clear the author ground his teeth while writing it!”
As fame serves as authority, so too does renown become power.
The more people spoke of Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work, the wider the scope of influence the Baek Bookstore could wield.
Trade requests that had been cut off by Baek Ui-mun’s pressure now flooded in like a tidal wave!
“The Baek Bookstore’s momentum has become extraordinary of late.”
“I’ve noticed it as well. I’m thinking of conducting business with them next time.”
“You too? Well, it is the establishment that Il-pil-hwi-seo himself trusts and contracts with.”
“Everyone thinks alike! Haha!”
But that was not all.
Il-pil-hwi-seo’s fame finally crossed the Yangtze River.
“Have you heard? There’s a novel from Jiangxi Province spreading with tremendous renown in the southern regions.”
“In the south? Typically, the finest literati dwell in the north. I’m curious—I should read it once.”
What had been confined to the southern regions near Gangwon began to spread even to the north, where celebrated scholars and renowned literati abounded.
The reaction there differed little from what had occurred in the south.
“This cannot be!”
“Such beautiful prose in a mere novel!”
“And the narrative progression! My heart raced throughout—I was exhausted by the time I finished!”
Rumors spread. His reputation grew.
The four characters of Il-pil-hwi-seo’s name became the subject of discourse across the realm.
Thus it reached even Shaanxi in the north.
“Master! A novel has recently gained tremendous fame among the people!”
“Ah, a novel. I should read it once.”
In the chamber of the Master of Mount Hua in Shaanxi.
The Master of Mount Hua received the book and began to read.
A guest seated beside him, sharing tea, read along as well.
After they had finished reading the entire novel.
“Master Baek.”
“Speak, Master Yang.”
Two figures—the Master of Mount Hua and the Master of Mount Zhongnan—wore expressions of bewilderment.
“Are we…?”
“On bad terms…?”
“Since when?”
“Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan are like brothers…?”
A small side effect brought about by Il-pil-hwi-seo’s book.

* * *
“Damn it! Damn it!”
Baek Ui-mun repeatedly slammed his fist against the table.
The force was such that an ordinary person’s hand bones would have shattered, yet instead the wooden surface cracked and splinters scattered in all directions.
Baek Ui-mun commanded his subordinate to continue the report.
“So what happened?”
“That is… upon hearing news of Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work, we instructed them to distance themselves once more from the Baek Bookstore and Baek Manor. However, instead we faced collective resistance.”
“Il-pil-hwi-seo! That cursed Il-pil-hwi-seo!”
All because of one mere scholar, the situation had come to this.
How could such a thing even be possible!
“What? They dare defy me simply because of a desire to read and possess a mere novel? Have they all lost their minds?”
The subordinate merely bowed his head.
At the same time, he thought to himself.
‘To call it “mere”… it’s almost excessively entertaining…’
In fact, Baek Ui-mun himself had already read Il-pil-hwi-seo’s new work.
Which was precisely why his anger burned so fiercely.
“Damn it! If this matter had succeeded, I could have made Il-pil-hwi-seo an asset of my household!”
The reason Baek Ui-mun had chosen the Baek Bookstore as his first move against the Baek Manor.
It was to acquire Il-pil-hwi-seo, who was regarded as the finest writer in Nanchang.
If he could coax and persuade him to produce writings periodically, it would surely become a great fortune.
Yet he had bungled the matter, and instead the influence of Baek Ui-mun had only diminished.
‘Once they have resisted once, the next time will be easier. More will begin to waver and take notice.’
If the influential figures who had been the very foundation of Baek Ui-mun’s power now turned to join hands with the newly rising Baek Family?
The decline of Baek Ui-mun’s faction was merely a matter of time.
In other words, the fate of the entire sect hung in the balance.
“You there.”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
“Send people secretly to the Black Blade faction.”
Having issued the command, Baek Ui-mun gazed toward the direction where Yeongnak Road lay, his eyes gleaming with cold intensity.
‘I can endure no longer.’
The time for patience had already passed.
Now was the moment when he could not afford to be choosy about his methods.

* * *
“Brother Seo! We have a serious problem!”
Gu Ak, who had been commanding the resident Baek Ik-gak warriors and patrolling Yeongnak Road alongside the escort masters of the Gaecheon Escort Bureau, came rushing in breathlessly.
“What is the matter, Elder Brother?”
“The black blade factions of Nanchang have mobilized as a group!”
“Then we simply crush their leaders and be done with it.”
“Their numbers are far from insignificant! They’re demanding protection money from the entire Yeongnak Road!”
Yang Hwi tapped his teacup thoughtfully before asking again.
“This has never happened on Yeonghuiro before.”
“With our Baek Family making a full-scale advance into Nanchang and new streets being established, they’re trying to establish dominance from the start. The momentum is extraordinary.”
What never occurred on Yeonghuiro at the branch estate now happens on Yeongnak Road at the main estate.
The implication of this fact was abundantly clear.
‘So they’re making their move exactly as expected.’
I had been contemplating how to set the stage, and they’ve handed me the perfect opening move—how thoughtful of them.
With such thoughts, Yang Hwi smiled faintly.

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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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