Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 177

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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 177
The Peak Realm is a state where one induces transformation through inner qi.
A swordsman’s sword aura, a sound master’s transformed voice, a poison master’s qi poison.
Those who have reached the Peak in manipulating qi are called Peak Realm masters.
Then what is the Beyond-Peak Realm?
The answer is simple.
A state where one induces transformation through will itself.
A state where humanity among heaven, earth, and man asserts its existence against heaven and earth.
In truth, it is a strange thing.
A warrior’s inner qi is ultimately the breath of nature itself.
Thus it is not strange that qi transforms heaven and earth—it is merely the natural order.
But how can the spirit of a mere human imprint its existence upon heaven and earth?
The answer lies in the Way.
This is precisely what distinguishes martial arts as Divine Arts.
“Poison and assassination are merely means to kill an opponent. Therefore, our family’s martial arts contain no Way.”
Silence hung in the Family Head’s office.
The conversation began with a single remark the Family Head offered to the Soga-joonim.
“Yet, Family Head, are not swords and blades equally born as weapons to kill opponents?”
“Your words are correct. Then what do you think the difference is?”
“Even theft has its Way. If our family’s martial arts lack the Way, might it not be because our history is too short?”
When Dang-gun, pondering deeply, offered his answer, Dang Seong smiled with satisfaction.
“Precisely. The Gu-pa and Five Great Families claimed poison and assassination could never possess the Way, and thus our family’s martial arts have limits. But that is not the truth. We received incomplete martial arts and, with our short history, could not refine them. This is why the Dang Family lacks the Way.”
Yet the Young Master who came from the Baek Family proved that the Dang Family too could forge a path and establish their own Way.
“The enlightenment Yeon-a attained will become the foundation of all poison arts in our family. At last, we can establish a martial theory of poison arts, not mere poison application.”
What is poison arts? Until now, for the Dang Family, poison arts meant mixing poisons well and dispersing them well.
In other words, it was poison application with clear limits, not true martial arts that could ascend in realm through the Way and enlightenment.
This was also why Soga-joonim Dang-gun trained in assassination arts instead of poison toxin techniques.
“Of course, there have been elders who attained enlightenment of qi poison before. But the achievements of outstanding individuals cannot become the foundation of a family.”
Dang Seong and Dang-gun did not know, but this was also something Yang Hwi, who had regressed, had agonized over.
This was why he considered Baek Heon-so as the next Family Head.
“My younger brother has accomplished something great. Now our family can produce Peak Realm poison masters more reliably.”
“Only more grains of sand can build a higher sandcastle. In a sense, we have drawn considerably closer to our family’s long-cherished dream.”
The faces of the two men darkened as they recalled that dream.
“Yet even so… the path remains arduous.”
“Yes. Though easier now, it is still a difficult road.”
The Dang Family’s long-cherished dream: the creation of Divine Arts that can reach the Beyond-Peak Realm.
It is absurd. How can one create Divine Arts when not a single Beyond-Peak master has ever been produced?
It is like drawing a map without ever climbing the mountain.
Thus Baek Yang-hwi became extraordinarily important.
His recent feat was akin to drawing a map with eyes closed.
Seon-gi. That aura was to the Dang Family what the divine power of heart-reading was to others.
“My boy. I must learn more about Baek Yang-hwi and what he truly represents.”
He had said he would help as a friend, without expecting repayment.
But any Family Head worth his salt must never take words at face value.
Even if sincere, they must be interpreted from multiple angles.
Such was the duty of a Family Head guiding a clan.
“We owe the Young Master of the Baek Family a considerable debt. The finest gift is always to give what the other desires. So tell me everything you know of him.”
“Hwi’s Younger Brother is… truly a fine person. He possesses exceptional martial talent, and a mind equally sharp to match. Beyond that, he has many other remarkable gifts.”
But what had impressed Dang-gun most was something different entirely.
“I stake my position as Soga-joonim of the Dang Family on this—Hwi’s Younger Brother possesses the qualities of a righteous wanderer. His righteousness… is one of protection.”
Looking back, it was true. His behavior was certainly unique enough that adding the character “eccentric” to his name would seem fitting.
Yet beneath it all lay a heart devoted to protecting others.
“You trust him. You believe he is worthy of becoming a friend to our Dang Family.”
“Yes, that is correct, haha.”
“Good. Are there any other peculiarities?”
Dang-gun thought carefully before answering.
“This is merely my observation, but strangely, he seems to favor our main branch. Especially toward me—he treats me differently than he does others.”
I had heard from Gu Ak about Yang Hwi’s first meeting with him.
A young upstart he’d never met before kept calling him “Elder Brother” despite being twenty years his senior, which had left him quite bewildered.
Certainly, Yang Hwi was far removed from being courteous.
And yet.
“Though we speak casually with each other, he has consistently shown me respect. Beyond my position as Soga-joonim, he displays an inexplicable deference.”
Thinking about it, Yang Hwi was particularly lenient toward him.
According to Chu Dal, he showed weakness specifically toward him to a remarkable degree.
Though I didn’t know why, it was a feeling he was grateful for.
“In other words, if you were to be somewhat rude, the Young Master of the Baek Family would overlook it?”
“That would be the case, but…”
Dang-gun’s expression grew uncertain. The look that crossed Dang Seong’s face was far from ordinary.
“Since we owe a debt, we must repay it. But separate from that debt, there is a task I need you to undertake.”
“What might that be?”
“The Young Master spoke of friendship, but as they say, family is always better than mere friends.”
“You mean a betrothal? But… honestly, I’m not sure it would be possible.”
“Why not?”
Dang-gun spoke of Jegal Seol-ha.
Beauty that transcended mortal standards. Superhuman charm born from her very constitution.
And on top of that, the bond between master and disciple.
“A formidable rival indeed. Our main branch has many beautiful daughters, but if one won’t do, what of two or three? I could even arrange for three wives and concubines if needed.”
“Even so, I don’t think it would work. Hwi’s Younger Brother is not the lustful type at all. Moreover, it would seem to trouble him…”
“My boy.”
Dang Seong cut off Dang-gun’s words with a grave tone.
“It’s for the family. You can do this, right?”
At the mention of family, Dang-gun’s expression grew solemn.
Once the Young Master came of age, it was the Dang Family tradition for the Family Head to spend the rest of their life in seclusion, dedicating themselves to innovating martial arts.
For decades, they would live as if imprisoned within those walls.
In other words, the Family Head and Young Master of the Dang Family could not help but be those who loved the family most of all.
“For the family. Yes. Then I will succeed. I feel sorry toward Hwi’s Younger Brother, but… for the family.”
“Right. It’s for our Dang Family.”
“I will absolutely make Hwi’s Younger Brother a member of the Dang Family!”
And so.
The Dang Family’s chaotic kidnapping operation was set in motion.

* * *
Considerable time had passed. In that span, twenty members of the Dang Family had been turned into poison users of Baek-dok-bul-chim.
In exchange, Yang Hwi was enduring countless attacks.
The method of attack was singular.
Close-quarters assault.
“Young Master Baek! Premium beef has arrived at the Dang Family’s inn today! The young girl’s culinary skills are said to rival the greatest chefs of Sichuan. Won’t you give her the opportunity to serve you?”
“My apologies. I have matters to attend to.”
I’d refuse and flee, only for another woman to appear and subtly link her arm with mine.
“Young Master Baek! It’s hot outside—wouldn’t you like to enjoy a cool drink at Juru?”
“I’m afraid I cannot drink alcohol.”
I’d pull my arm away before she could even make contact, bow my head quickly, and escape.
But then, yet another beautiful young lady would appear.
“Young Master Baek!”
“I’m busy. I’m full. I’m not bored. I need to cultivate my inner qi alone. What else was there?”
“I was going to ask if you’d help me research Geom-gak Dok-eung.”
“Ah, that’s actually quite tempting… No, wait. I’ll do it with Elder Dang.”
“Then wouldn’t the Young Master have called me?”
“Right. Elder Dang was the source of evil. So Elder Dang Yang… is also on the Dang Family’s side.”
Wow. There’s no way out?
“In any case, I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Ah, Young Master! Young Master!”
As I fled, a sigh escaped me naturally.
I felt like I’d rejected them about a hundred times by now.
Yet the women of the Dang Family were all warriors of perseverance.
‘Surely they should give up after this many rejections?’
Once, I even asked seriously.
Deliberately using a cold tone to discourage them.
“No, young lady. I have no interest in you whatsoever. No matter how much it’s for the family, do you have no pride?”
Clinging to a man one doesn’t love inflicts great wounds upon a woman.
So if I said it that way, I could make her back off….
“Pride? I don’t have any.”
It was completely useless.
“For the sake of my family… sacrificing this one body would be as trivial as dust.”
When she said that, it made it sound like I was the one forcing her into compliance.
Was this a guilt-inducing tactic?
“And honestly, I don’t dislike you.”
“Pardon?”
The woman’s eyes gleamed as if she were gazing upon a perfectly cooked cut of meat, or some precious commodity.
“You’re handsome.”
Well, I couldn’t deny that.
“Young, with an excellent physique.”
That’s undeniably true.
“And on top of that, your talent is exceptional?”
When it comes to talent, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t hear “greatest under heaven.”
“Once you fall for me, a lifetime of wealth and glory is guaranteed, isn’t it?”
“…I suppose so?”
“Right? So how about just once….”
“My apologies.”
I threw myself into the room and slammed the door shut.
“Young Master! Young Master! Just once!”
I covered my ears.
‘Is this… even right…?’
To realize the Dang Family’s covenant, I would need to do far more.
But if I’m already this exhausted, what about later?
It really looked like I’d never escape the Dang Family.
“Sigh. At this rate, it feels like I’m repaying kindness with resentment. Don’t you think so, Chu Dal?”
Chu Dal beside me responded.
“Don’t talk nonsense. It makes me want to hit you.”
“This bastard?”
For reference, the reason Chu Dal was in the same room as me was simple.
We’d been sleeping together lately.
“That’s right, Elder Brother. Honestly… I’m envious.”
Baek Heon-so, who was on the other side, chimed in.
For reference, the reason Baek Heon-so was in the same room as me was simple.
We’d been sleeping together lately.
Since my real younger brother complained about why I only shared a room with Chu Dal, the three of us men just started using it together.
‘Ugh. If only it weren’t the Dang Family.’
The Dang Family had given the Baek Family an entire annex building.
In other words, there were plenty of empty guest rooms.
Yet the reason the three of us shared a room was simple.
We feared uninvited guests might slip in during the night.
Specifically, a woman of stunning beauty bearing the Dang surname.
‘At this rate, I’ll actually become a live-in son-in-law. I can’t afford to be careless.’
“I’ve made my decision. Boys, let’s leave the Dang Family for a while.”
“Understood, Elder Brother. Where shall we go?”
“Huh? Where are we going? The food here has been delicious lately….”
Two contrasting reactions from my younger brothers.
I gave Chu Dal a solid punch before continuing.
“A true master strategist of the realm must always pursue killing two birds with one stone.”
I hadn’t traveled all this distance to Sichuan merely to visit the Dang Family and leave.
There was something I needed to obtain from Sichuan.
“Brother, have you finally decided to become a strategist?”
“You’ve devised another scheme! How exciting!”
“You brats, just follow me for now. Let’s go.”
Sichuan. A remote region even within the Central Plains, historically marginalized, yet precisely because of this, a land abundant with exotic goods and agricultural products.
Merchandise from Yunnan, the Southern Barbarians, and the Western Regions converged here, making Sichuan the waypoint toward the Central Plains.
Moreover, Sichuan itself possessed numerous resources and products.
In other words, money lay scattered everywhere—seize the right opportunity and one could amass a fortune.
‘The Baek Trading Company should expand beyond Gangseong as well. As a bonus, I’ll broaden the main family’s business interests too.’
Fortunately, an excellent opportunity had presented itself.
‘Now then, shall I become the benefactor of the Three Greatest Magnates of the Realm?’

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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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