Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 17

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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 017
A handful of the Baek Family Estate’s senior members gathered in a single room.
Family Head Baek Moo-ryang, Supervisor Han Seok-eon, and Gwak Moon, the most skilled martial artist among the family’s retainers.
And finally, Yang Hwi, who was somewhat out of place but had tactfully inserted himself into the gathering.
“Cheongsabang and Red Bridge Hall have finally begun open warfare. Instruct the family members to refrain from venturing outside as much as possible.”
“Ak-an County was already unsettled enough, and I cannot fathom why the situation is spiraling in this direction.”
Baek Moo-ryang opened his mouth with a grave expression as he regarded the three men. The Supervisor’s voice in response was heavy with concern.
“From what I hear, Cheongsabang is pushing Red Bridge Hall into a corner. Red Bridge Hall should have greater numbers, yet I cannot understand how this came to pass.”
“I’ve heard that Cheongsabang’s disciples are remarkably adept at countering Red Bridge Hall’s techniques and are gaining the upper hand.”
To those unaware of the existence of the Flaw-Breaking Method, this was truly bewildering.
“I fear our main family may become entangled in this conflict between the two halls, Family Head.”
“Is this because of the woman staying in the separate quarters?”
“Indeed.”
Rang-rang was Gu Ak’s beloved, so Cheongsabang would not hesitate to use her as leverage if the opportunity arose.
Should they develop ambitions toward Baek Manor, they could exploit her as justification.
Yang Hwi quickly interjected.
“Only Hong Gyo-bang-ju and a handful of his subordinates know of the relationship between Sister Rang-rang and Brother Gu. There should be no cause for concern regarding Cheongsabang’s attacks.”
Gu Ak was no fool. He understood that Rang-rang, lacking power and backing, could become his weakness, so he kept her very existence a secret.
“Even if Cheongsabang were aware, the tyranny of Black Island would make it dishonorable to cast out a mere woman out of fear. Tell him to set his mind at ease should Gu Ak make contact, Hwi.”
“Understood.”
“And be certain to mention that we will provide compensation.”
Yang Hwi grinned widely.
“There is no need to belabor such an obvious point.”
Honor and unpaid service were not synonymous. Naturally, Yang Hwi intended to either place Gu Ak in his debt or extract payment from this opportunity.
“Furthermore, Hwi. I have something to impress upon you. For the time being, do not venture beyond the manor. I fear harm may befall you in your youth.”
Upon hearing Baek Moo-ryang’s admonishment, Yang Hwi felt a slight shock.
‘I did not anticipate this.’
Still unaccustomed to my current circumstances, I kept forgetting that I was merely eight years old.
“But, Father.”
“Now, now. Heed your father’s words.”
That was impossible. I needed to meet regularly with Yeo Un-jeok to coordinate matters.
Yang Hwi quickly devised an excuse that could serve as a pretext for leaving.
‘Gu Ak as an escort? No, that would only make him more displeased about the connection to Red Bridge Hall. Then…’
“Father. I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“In my estimation, this conflict will not end with merely these two halls.”
“Hmm? Why do you think so?”
Because I myself will be stoking the flames.
“Black Island’s gang is fundamentally like a pack of wolves. They do not simply pass by a wounded beast.”
“Knowing such nature, could not Cheongsabang and Red Bridge Hall end this conflict with restraint?”
“Truth be told, I encountered Gu Ak during a recent excursion outside the manor.”
Baek Moo-ryang’s brow furrowed deeply.
“What? How could you engage in such a reckless act?”
“The conflict between the two halls will undoubtedly influence the family’s future direction, so I wished to gather intelligence. Since the boy is easily caught off guard, there was scarcely any danger involved.”
“Hmph!”
Before Baek Moo-ryang could respond, Han Supervisor interjected swiftly.
“Young Master Hwi, did you discover anything of significance?”
“I did not learn the detailed reasons, but he stated that this conflict will not end until one of the two halls is utterly destroyed.”
“Truly invaluable intelligence.”
“Young Master Hwi has rendered great service.”
Shortly thereafter, Baek Moo-ryang, Han Supervisor, and Gwak Moon huddled together to discuss their subsequent course of action.
Their schemes centered primarily on avoiding calamity and preserving the family. I observed briefly before interjecting.
“Father—or rather, Family Head. What if we seized this opportunity as a chance for the family to advance?”
“What do you mean?”
“The power structure and balance in Ak-an County are destabilizing. Why not use this moment to establish a profitable enterprise that serves as a revenue source for our family?”
“Impossible. The risk is far too great.”
Han Supervisor, observing Baek Moo-ryang’s firm refusal, took my side.
“It seems Young Master Hwi possesses a scheme. Would it not be wise to hear him out, Family Head?”
Han Supervisor made a subtle gesture toward me—his thumb and forefinger forming a circle—hidden from Baek Moo-ryang’s view.
“Rather than siphoning away the shares of Red Bridge Hall and Cheongsabang, if we place the unwanted burdens of both halls into our own coffers, we incur no risk whatsoever—indeed, we might even place both halls in our debt.”
“Young Master Hwi, is such a thing truly possible?”
“Of course. With careful scheming, it can be accomplished without difficulty.”
The war between the two halls never occurred in my previous life.
Yet, the knowledge from that past life is not entirely useless.
I explained my scheme with the utmost logic and plausible reasoning.
After approximately half an hour had passed, the senior members of Baek Manor unanimously decided to execute my plan.
‘Since the game is already afoot, I shall extract every advantage possible.’

* * *
The war between the two halls, initiated by Cheongsabang’s unilateral offensive, grew fiercer with each passing day.
Moreover, contrary to public expectation, Cheongsabang continued to drive Hong Gyo-bang-ju into a corner.
The reason was singular: the method of sabotage.
“Young Master. Hong Gyo-bang-ju has already lost three business establishments to Cheongsabang. Their momentum grows stronger by the day. When do you intend to deploy the next sabotage method?”
Yeo Un-jeok, who posed the question, quietly observed the child spinning before his eyes.
Unlike other children of that age, this one’s thoughts remained utterly inscrutable.
Rather than a child, he carried the bearing of a seasoned martial artist worn smooth by decades in the jianghu.
‘Truly a remarkable child. No matter how exceptional one’s talent, can a child truly possess such an aura?’
“It is indeed time to advance to the next phase. Have you uncovered the information I requested previously?”
“Ah yes. As it happens, today the Sadoo Leader will lead his subordinates to strike at one of Hyeol Bu Gu-ak’s establishments.”
“The timing is remarkably fortuitous. Then we must deploy the new sabotage method today.”
Yang Hwi shared the scheme he had devised with Yeo Un-jeok, and the old man felt genuine admiration.
“If matters proceed according to the Young Master’s stratagem, the Baek Family Estate shall reap considerable gains.”
“Will you assist me, Elder?”
“There is nothing difficult about it, though it does fall outside our original agreement.”
“I noticed that Sister Rang-rang has grown rather bored of late. I intend to entrust the management to her.”
“I shall help.”
Having successfully persuaded Yeo Un-jeok, Yang Hwi imparted several instructions and promptly rose to his feet.
“Then I entrust this to your capable hands.”
He rushed forth and arrived at the Baek Family Estate.
Before proceeding to his next destination, he needed to report to Baek Moo-ryang and request his accompaniment.
“Father, I have gathered the information. The target has been identified.”
….
Baek Moo-ryang appeared displeased that his young son would assume such risk.
Yet this matter promised considerable benefit to the Baek Family, and with no alternative course available, he exhaled a sigh and reconciled himself to his unease.
“Very well, where then?”
“Today, the two halls shall clash at Geumseollu, I am told.”
Geumseollu—among Hong Gyo-bang-ju’s establishments, a pleasure house of considerable renown.
One of the enterprises under Gu Ak’s direct management.
“Must you truly accompany me?”
To voice an already-decided matter anew spoke to the depth of his concern.
Yang Hwi responded with playful irreverence.
“Should you visit the pleasure house alone, Father, Mother would surely be displeased. And besides, bringing a child along makes the appearance of coincidence far more convincing.”
Observing Yang Hwi, who possessed a fearlessness unbefitting his years, Baek Moo-ryang sighed once more.
“True enough. Very well, let us go.”
The moment those words left his lips, Baek Moo-ryang’s demeanor transformed.
From a father concerned for his son, he became the patriarch moving for his family’s interests.
Though the family’s standing was modest, Baek Moo-ryang lacked nothing as the head of his household.
‘Indeed, Father is truly remarkable.’
I could reach Ho-yeong-ru in less than half a quarter of an hour.
A four-story pavilion situated on the banks of Yu-hang-ho. From within, the clang of metal colliding, the shouts of men, and groans of pain were already erupting.
“It appears Cheongsabang and Red Bridge Hall are engaged in combat, as expected, Father.”
“So it seems.”
Instead of a guard warrior at the entrance, only bloodstains decorated the empty space. Baek Moo-ryang took the lead ahead of me and entered Ho-yeong-ru.
From the first floor onward, corpses lay scattered here and there, and Black Island members writhed and groaned.
As I climbed the stairs, bloodstains became increasingly prevalent, and finally upon reaching the third floor, more than a dozen men were locked in fierce combat.
‘Cheongsabang has eleven, and Red Bridge Hall has three including Gu Ak.’
By any measure, Red Bridge Hall was in a disadvantageous position. This worked out perfectly.
I watched Gu Ak wielding twin axes like a demon and called out cheerfully.
“Brother Gu! I’ve arrived!”
A child’s voice utterly out of place in this realm of blood and steel rang out, and the combat ceased momentarily.
Gu Ak, who had just embedded his axe blade into the wrist of the Cheongsabang fighter before him, wore an expression of bewilderment.
“Little brother, why are you here…?”
“Didn’t you agree to be present here today alongside our Family Head?”
Before Gu Ak could question further, I continued hastily.
“And look, the Cheongsabang members are here too. Since today’s purpose was to mediate between Red Bridge Hall and Cheongsabang, this works out perfectly!”
I turned my head to regard the leader of the Cheongsabang fighters present.
“Are you the Sadoo Leader?”
“What kind of brat is this? If you don’t want to die, get out of here with your father.”
The Sadoo Leader, who had been interrupted while gaining the upper hand, growled menacingly.
Understanding his frustration, I regarded the Sadoo Leader with a smile.
“Please, just hear me out.”
“Ha, even if you speak, I have no intention of listening to a child. Is your father a scarecrow?”
Indeed, smiling faces are a luxury when dealing with Black Island members.
“My father is a man of such high standing that he wouldn’t deign to exchange words with Black Island dogs who feast on alley filth.”
While Gu Ak, one of those Black Island dogs who feasted on alley filth, wore an awkward expression.
The Sadoo Leader decided to tear apart this impudent brat before him and moved into action.
Clang!
The Sadoo Leader’s blade was blocked by Baek Moo-ryang’s sword.
I hid behind Baek Moo-ryang and stuck out my tongue.
“A sneak attack! You truly are an alley rat through and through, knowing nothing of courtesy and propriety!”
“Brat. I’ll tear your mouth open myself.”
The Sadoo Leader released a thick killing intent, and the other Cheongsabang fighters repositioned themselves to reform their encirclement.
Yet watching this, I didn’t flinch.
“Care to wager? I’ll stake my life that you’ll leave Ho-yeong-ru within half a quarter of an hour.”
“Ha, I’ll stake everything that I’ll sever your life with my own hands within half a quarter of an hour.”
I laughed wickedly.
“A man’s word is worth a thousand gold? Brother Gu, accept it.”
What I tossed toward Gu Ak was a thin booklet.
Gu Ak’s eyes widened as he immediately read through the booklet.
“This is…!”
“That’s right. A method to counter the martial techniques of Cheongsabang.”
“Where on earth did you find this!”
“I picked it up on the way here.”
“…?”
Literally picked it up on the way.
This was after Yeo Un-jeok, acting on my request, had scattered dozens upon hundreds of these countermeasures throughout the marketplace.

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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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