Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 142

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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 142
The Namgung Family had arrived at the Baek Family without warning.
There were two major schemes the Namgung Family could orchestrate.
First: placing a spoon on the table.
‘As the main family, we have no choice but to suppress the black bandits of Kangso.’
Setting aside the declaration of Gaecheon’s righteousness, we must advance westward for the ten-year pact with the Dang Family.
The essence of the ten-year pact is to form an alliance with the Dang Family and extend influence over Honam, so we can only begin once we border Honam.
‘The Namgung Family doesn’t know the details of the ten-year pact, but considering the positions of our family and the Dang Family, they’ve likely made educated guesses.’
If the Namgung Family contributed forces to the suppression and established their power in Kangso?
Then we could check them regardless of how the Dang and Baek Families move forward.
‘Since they don’t seem to want the suppression to succeed, the first scheme isn’t it.’
Therefore, the second.
The Namgung Family’s objective could only be to overturn the table entirely.
The problem was the method.
‘Let me probe a bit.’
“Our main family intends to establish a defensive line at the border between Gilju and Muzhou.”
Dang-gun raised his hand.
“The black bandits of Kangso are distributed from the north, stretching through Gugang, Wonju, and down to Gilju. Can you understand why we’re more cautious about Gilju at the bottom, Hwi’s Younger Brother?”
“Before I speak, I must ask the Dang Family’s Soga-joonim: could the Dang Family shake the northwestern region of Honam?”
Dang-gun’s expression grew troubled.
“That seems unlikely. Our main family would gladly help by raising the Baek Family’s banner high, but our forces would be limited to the members of Bunta.”
-Hwi’s Younger Brother, the Baek Family hasn’t yet satisfied the conditions of the ten-year pact. We must exercise caution as well.
After hearing the transmitted voice as well, I nodded.
“That’s precisely why. To prevent the fire from spreading, we must eliminate the justification for Honam’s black bandit martial world to intervene as quickly as possible.”
Among Gugang, Wonju, and Gilju, the five black bandit factions of Gilju receive support from Honam’s black bandit martial world.
We must drive them out and confine the battlefield.
Whatever happens, we must repel interference from elsewhere by claiming it’s a matter of Kangso’s martial world alone.
“I see. If the conflict between black and white grows too large, it could become the beginning of a martial arts war.”
“I wonder if that’s excessive concern, but there’s no harm in being cautious.”
“However, in this black bandit suppression, wouldn’t the true enemy be Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju?”
That was true. Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju controlled two of the three regions and was called the greatest power in Kangso.
“Correct. If we only prepare for attacks from Gilju, Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju wouldn’t simply remain idle.”
“Then wouldn’t we need a sharper strategy, Young Master?”
Yang Hwi’s answer was simple.
“Wonju, where Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju operates. Gilju, where Honam’s reach extends. And Muzhou, our main family’s domain. We must make the region where these three provinces meet our battlefield.”
“In other words, a three-way battle.”
“And a three-way battle where we must face two of the three.”
“Young Master, if the situation develops that way, wouldn’t it be disadvantageous for our main family? Considering the number of warriors we command and the size of our forces, we cannot avoid being at a disadvantage.”
This too was a valid point.
No matter how much the Gaecheon Baek Family had placed Muzhou and Namchang under their influence, it still fell far short compared to Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju.
“Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju has swollen its coffers over the long years, devouring every profitable venture across both regions.”
“If we measure by military strength, Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju would be twelve, while the main family combined with Baek Ui-mun, Jeong Wol-mun, and the Namcheon Martial Arts School would barely reach seven.”
“And if we add the black path factions from Gilju, they’d account for another four… we must reckon the enemy’s strength at roughly double ours.”
“Though if we factor in the Dang Family’s combat forces, we shouldn’t count it as quite that severe.”
However, this calculation preceded the Namgung Family’s offer to assist.
With Soga-joonim Namgung Cheon-hu and the Changcheon Sword Sect Members he brought counted as combat strength, they would match Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju and then some.
‘Adding everything up, they have fourteen. We have roughly twenty when fully counted. Though ten of those shouldn’t be trusted as reliable strength.’
“I would ask Soga-joonim Namgung. In a three-way confrontation, should we clash strength against strength, it seems we would hold the advantage. What are your thoughts?”
Namgung Cheon-hu stroked his chin.
“Numerically we are at a disadvantage, but qualitatively we hold superiority. Should I and the Changcheon Sword Sect Members move, we could annihilate even one of the black path factions in a single night.”
It was only natural, given that all under his command were masters of the highest caliber.
“I understand. However, they will certainly prepare countermeasures.”
“What use are the black path’s preparations when Changcheon makes its move? Baek Family, follow Namgung Cheon-yeong’s words and create a three-way standoff. Then we of Namgung shall methodically eliminate the five black path factions of Gilju one by one.”
Beyond the stratagem of striking the east while attacking the west, he spoke of deploying a separate force composed entirely of masters to strike from behind once the full-scale battle took shape.
On the surface, it seemed the finest strategy available at present.
‘So he dislikes engaging in a three-way full-scale confrontation?’
A moment ago, he had said he would follow as a subordinate rather than lead, yet now he suddenly offers his own counsel?
It meant he had a separate direction he desired.
“Thank you for the excellent counsel. Family Head, I believe we should proceed with the strategy put forth by Soga-joonim Namgung.”
“I share that opinion.”
The meeting concluded with the decision to dispatch forces to Seohang County, which lay at the border of three territories.

* * *
Inside Yang Hwi’s quarters within the Baek Family Head’s residence.
I poured tea for each of my guests.
“Thank you, Hwi.”
“Don’t mention it. Seolha, have some tea. Adu, would you like some?”
“Yes, hyung.”
“I don’t like it. Tea is bitter.”
“I figured as much. Seo, what about you?”
“I’ll have a cup, please, hyung.”
As I took a sip of tea, I sensed an awkward tension in the air.
Come to think of it, this was the first time Dang-gun and Jegal Seol-ha had faced each other.
‘No wonder it feels awkward.’
The Jegal Family, to which Jegal Seol-ha belonged, was one of the Nine Great Sects and Five Major Families that held the Dang Family on a leash.
It was only natural they’d feel uncomfortable around each other.
Unlike Namgung Cheon-hu, who openly looked down on others, Jegal Seol-ha wasn’t the type to do such a thing.
“Elder Dang, this is Jegal Seol-ha. As you know, she’s my sworn sister from my inner family. Seolha, you know who Elder Dang is, right? We address each other as sworn siblings in private.”
“Since you’re sworn siblings with my hyung, I’ll call you Elder Dang as well.”
“Understood, young lady.”
Even after the introductions, the awkwardness didn’t fade.
Well, there’s nothing to be done about it for now.
Trusting that time would resolve it, I changed the subject.
“As I mentioned before, the confrontation with the Black Bandits of Gangseong has been decided. Before that, I wanted to ask both of you once more for your thoughts. First, Adu.”
“Huh?”
“We’re going to take down some bad guys. Want to come with us?”
“Yes. Yang Hwi good person. Want to go.”
“Then what about you, Seolha?”
Jegal Seol-ha plucked her pipa once.
“Any female hero of the martial world must practice righteousness. I’ll join you.”
‘This way, I can call upon the Jegal Family if needed.’
I asked just to be sure.
“Won’t your uncle object?”
“My master ordered me to walk the path of boundless compassion, so even if my father objects, there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Jegal Seol-ha’s face was filled with anticipation and interest as she spoke.
Well, at that age, people tend to be fascinated by heroic acts of righteousness like those in tales and legends.
Judging by her attitude, if the Jegal Family faced backlash later, she’d likely step forward on her own.
‘Still, I should do everything I can to keep Seolha out of danger.’
In that regard, it was crucial to uncover Namgung Cheon-hu’s true intentions.
“Elder Dang. What could Namgung Cheon-hu’s real purpose be in coming all the way here?”
The Namgung Family would never send their full strength out of goodwill.
This was something Dang-gun, who had fought alongside me at the Sword King’s Fortress, also understood.
“There’s definitely some scheme at play here. It’s the Namgung clan, after all.”
Jegal Seol-ha suddenly asked with a puzzled expression.
“What if they simply came with good intentions? Or perhaps to jointly suppress the Black Bandits and claim their share?”
“That’s not likely, Sister.”
“That’s not likely, Miss.”
“Repeat after me, Sister. The Namgung clan’s hearts are pitch black.”
“All the Five Great Families are… Oh, forgive me. That was out of line, Miss.”
Jegal Seol-ha wore an exasperated expression as she watched Dang-gun and Yang Hwi rebut in perfect unison.
“Regardless, discovering what scheme the Namgung clan is plotting is our priority.”
“For now, there’s no clear method. It seems we’ll have to wait and observe their movements over time to make our guesses.”
“That’s not necessarily true.”
“Hmm? Do you have a good idea, Hwi?”
Yang Hwi looked at Dang-gun and grinned.
“If there’s something you don’t know, you just ask someone who would know. Right?”
“That’s true, but….”
As anxiety flickered across Dang-gun’s face, Jegal Seol-ha’s expression turned amused.
“You’re thinking of something ridiculous again, aren’t you, Elder Brother?”
“I’ve never done anything ridiculous.”
“That’s just how it seems. Anyway.”
“Well… I did think of something good. Let’s all go together.”
Dang-gun, Adu, Jegal Seol-ha, and Baek Heon-so followed after Yang Hwi.
Yang Hwi stopped by Han Supervisor’s quarters and reported that he would step out for some fresh air.
“You wish to go out for leisure at a time like this, Young Master?”
“Because of the situation, we will fight together. I’ll go briefly to coordinate our efforts.”
“Hmm. Young Master Seo.”
“Yes, Supervisor.”
“Young Master Seo will remain. It wouldn’t be good for both young masters to leave.”
“Eh?”
Baek Heon-so had reached the first-rate realm through bone-grinding training.
Baek Heon-so looked at Yang Hwi with an aggrieved expression.
Yang Hwi subtly averted his gaze.
“Brother!”
“Ahem! We already have permission, so let’s go!”
“Broooother!”
The party of four deployed their lightness technique the moment they stepped through the main gate.
“Hwi, but where are we going?”
“That’s right, Elder Brother. Tell us the destination.”
“To meet Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju.”
A brief answer. Dang-gun’s eyes widened.
“What? Are you serious?”
“Ahahaha, just as expected from Elder Brother! You don’t worry about what comes after!”
Watching Jegal Seol-ha laugh with delight as if she’d known this all along, I lifted the corners of my mouth into a grin and drew upon my inner energy more deeply.
“Considering our time constraints, we need to hurry. Anyone who can’t keep up gets left behind!”
After two hours of riding like that, our group left Muzhou and arrived in Wonzhou, yet we continued galloping onward.
“Hmm, I wonder where he might be.”
“You mean Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju?”
“Yeah. He couldn’t still be in Gugang by now, so he should be somewhere around here. That Chu Dal—the bastard is never around when you actually need him.”
Baek Ik-gak, the information division, its director Yeo Un-hyeok, and his disciple Chu Dal were currently away from the main family, undergoing training.
Therefore, I couldn’t obtain information about Toumang through Yeo Un-hyeok, and the main family’s intelligence network wasn’t at full capacity.
“Now that I think about it, Elder Brother spoke of this Chu Dal quite often. What kind of person is he?”
“Ah, you’ve never met him. Well, he’s an ugly fellow who looks like an otter.”
I stopped walking after seeing Jegal Seol-ha’s face light up with curiosity.
“Going any further like this would just waste time. I should call him here instead.”
Wonzhou’s most bustling district happened to be nearby.
Our group climbed onto the tallest pavilion in the area.
“Hwi’s Younger Brother, how are you planning to call him?”
“You’re not thinking of just shouting for Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju to come, are you?”
“Of course not. Seol-ha, can I borrow your pipa?”
“Here you go.”
Taking the Heavenly Sound Pipa, I drew upon my inner energy and plucked the strings.
Chara-rang!
The melody infused with inner energy spread in all directions.
Subtle enough that only masters at the pinnacle could sense it, yet intense enough that once detected, it could never be ignored.
Chara-rang!
It was after spreading the melody for about an hour.
“I didn’t anticipate a situation like this.”
Along with a deep voice, five shadows appeared atop the pavilion’s roof.
“The Soga-joonim of the Dang Family. And isn’t this the First Young Master of the Baek Family?”
A giant wielding an impressive spear with a massive spear head.
Behind him stood four masters at the pinnacle.
I waved my hand with a subtle smile.
“Well, well, Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju. I came looking for you because I had something to ask.”
Dang-gun, wearing an expression of exasperation, pressed his forehead with his hand.
Meanwhile, Jegal Seol-ha maintained a faint smile throughout, alternating her gaze between me and Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju.
Adu simply had no thoughts on the matter.
“You brat, what were you thinking doing something like this? Are you trying to become a hostage for our faction’s victory?”
I let out a scoff and replied immediately.
“This one here is the young lady of the Jegal Family, and that bald monk is a Shaolin Monk. You’re really going to take them as hostages? Let’s see how big you can make this. The guys from Gilju might not care, but you don’t want this, do you? Am I right?”
“….”
Even as I bore the sharp gaze of Heuk-gyeong Bang-ju, I simply grinned and grinned.
“It shouldn’t be difficult to have a brief conversation before we engage in a full-scale battle. Right?”

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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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