Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 52

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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 052
A deep basin nestled within towering mountains. In the center, a campfire crackled, and on one side, bundles of goods were stacked like a mountain.
Atop the pile, a flag fluttered in the wind, its six embroidered characters—Sichuan Tang Family—dancing with each gust.
“Young Master Soga, is there anything troubling you?”
A man with a stern, resolute countenance posed the question to the young man seated beside him.
The boy, Dang-gun, the Young Master Soga, who had been gazing blankly at the campfire, snapped to attention and answered with vigor.
“Of course, Il-dok Dae-ju. I’m doing quite well.”
Despite the arduous journey from Sichuan to this place, his answer remained spirited and unwavering.
Il-dok Dae-ju smiled as he observed Dang-gun.
‘Indeed, the Young Master possesses the qualities of a true leader.’
There is a saying that circulates among the merchants.
A one-day journey requires three days of rest; a four-day journey demands ten days of recovery; and after a ten-day expedition, one must rest for at least a month.
This spoke to the hardship of sleeping rough on the road.
If even experienced and seasoned merchants suffered so, what of a mere boy of fifteen, still in his youth?
‘He crossed that treacherous mountain pass and endured more than two months of constant travel and sleeping under the stars. For one so young and new to the martial world, the exhaustion must be considerable.’
There are only three routes from Sichuan that lead westward to the rest of the realm.
One could head toward the ancient city once called Hanzhong during the Three Kingdoms era and escape into Shaanxi Province.
Or traverse the treacherous mountain terrain famous for its narrow plank roads—the Sword Gorge.
Or take a boat down the legendary Three Gorges of the Yangtze River into Hubei Province.
The path chosen by Dang-gun and the Tang Family members, including Il-dok Dae-ju, was the narrow plank road through the Sword Gorge.
“A martial artist wandering the rivers and lakes must guard against the toll of sleeping rough. Even with martial prowess, carelessness can lead to chronic illness. If you feel anything amiss, tell me at once.”
Dang-gun had lost his father at a young age and carried burdens far heavier than his years should allow.
Il-dok Dae-ju’s words carried a tender concern for Dang-gun, and Dang-gun understood this well.
“I shall do so. Thank you, Il-dok Dae-ju.”
Dang-gun answered resolutely, then let out a small sigh.
“Still, I worry. When will I finally be able to tear that bastard Saek Gwang-hori to shreds?”
Bastard—it was hardly language befitting a young master of a noble house, yet the words slipped from his lips.
Il-dok Dae-ju said nothing in response.
He entirely agreed that Saek Gwang-hori was a bastard, and besides, most of the Tang Family members possessed fiery temperaments by nature.
“I should have caught and killed him in the Sword Gorge. Now that we’ve left Sichuan, there’s no way to pursue him.”
Though the Tang Family’s influence grew by the day, it extended only within Sichuan’s borders.
Beyond Sichuan, both the intelligence networks to draw upon and the connections to rely on were woefully insufficient.
Dang-gun’s expression twisted into a bitter smile.
‘We call ourselves a great family, but this is the limitation of a newly risen martial clan in its main residence.’
Il-dok Dae-ju, taciturn by nature, could find no words of comfort for Dang-gun.
Instead, it was the Vice-leader of the Yakdok-dang, who traveled with them, who spoke to Dang-gun.
“Do not be too hasty, Young Master. One of the goals of this journey is to find a suitable region to establish a branch operation.”
When viewing the realm as a whole, Sichuan is remote and isolated.
The famous Yangtze River flows along Sichuan’s borders, serving as a natural barrier—that says everything.
Though Sichuan itself boasts many fertile plains, all the routes leading westward are treacherous beyond measure, making travel difficult.
“Saek Gwang-hori’s last movements were headed toward Gangwon. Fortunately, that works in our favor. There are no great martial sects in Gangwon that discuss dominion over the realm.”
“That may be fortunate, but… doesn’t that mean there are all the more black path factions? It would make it easier for him to hide.”
Dang-gun suddenly ground his teeth together.
“I stake my position as Soga-joonim on this—I will not return until I’ve poisoned that dog to death. He dared steal an aphrodisiac meant for beasts and use it as a toxin on women!”
Though it was created for animals, it still produced mild effects when consumed by humans.
More precisely, it had the efficacy of stimulating one’s base desires.
That was exactly why Saek Gwang-hori, who forced himself upon women regardless, had stolen the aphrodisiac to feed to his victims.
“Still, it’s fortunate that even while fleeing, that dog couldn’t abandon his lust. Thanks to that, we can continue our pursuit.”
“Il-dok Dae-ju speaks truly, Soga-joonim. Excessive haste is worse than leisurely patience. Do compose yourself.”
Dang-gun nodded after hearing the counsel of Il-dok Dae-ju and the Yakdok-dang Bu-dangju.
As a young man new to the martial world, the advice of experienced warriors was truly precious beyond measure.
Yet, given his youth, it was inevitable that worry weighed heavily upon him as well.
“Even after capturing Saek Gwang-hori, there remains the problem. Sigh… where exactly should I establish a branch faction.”
For the Dang Sect, establishing a branch outside Sichuan was not a choice but an absolute necessity.
The reason was simple—they could no longer expand their power within Sichuan itself.
The reason was straightforward.
Since ancient times, Sichuan had been the domain of Emei and Qingcheng.
“To avoid the restraint of Emei and Qingcheng, establishing a branch is indispensable. One could say the future and fate of the Main Residence rests upon this journey.”
Dang-gun suddenly bit his lip and muttered to himself.
“If only the Main Residence weren’t bound by such constraints…”
Even if Emei and Qingcheng, as members of the Nine Sects, imposed restraints, Sichuan was vast, and the Dang Sect was the most rapidly rising new martial family in recent times.
In other words, it meant they could endure the restraints and pursue expansion if they wished.
Yet despite this, the reason the Dang Sect brought their young Soga-joonim on this distant journey to establish a branch faction was clear.
The reason was simple.
When Emei and Qingcheng said not to do something,
The Dang Sect had to obey their command.
“There’s no helping it. It’s the limitation of the Main Residence, cultivated by the Nine Sects and Five Great Families.”
“Damn it. Don’t forget we’re tools of poison control and poison restraint! Hah!”
The Yakdok-dang Bu-dangju laughed bitterly while Il-dok Dae-ju bared his fangs and growled.
They spoke the truth.
The Sachen Tang Family. Their very origin lay with the Nine Sects and the Five Great Families.
“Come now. Lamenting changes nothing. Only diligent effort can alter the future. So let us speak no more of this and retire for the night…”
A rustling sound drifted from the distance.
All the martial artists tensed their senses and turned their gaze in one direction.
“We… saw your firelight and came seeking shelter.”
The ones who appeared were several merchants.
After confirming they were not enemies, Il-dok Dae-ju gave a hand signal, and all the martial artists immediately adopted proper etiquette and composure.
“Pardon us, but might we impose upon you for shelter for one night?”
The merchants, upon seeing the clearly martial Tang Family members, asked with brightened expressions.
But that was only momentary.
The Sichuan Tang Family. Upon reading the characters written on the banner, the Merchant’s face changed drastically, and before Dang-gun could even utter a word of permission, he fired off a question.
“Gasp! Are you perhaps esteemed guests of the Sichuan Tang Sect?”
“…That is correct.”
“I, I beg your pardon! We shall take our leave at once!”
Dang-gun offered a bitter smile and nodded his head.
He didn’t bother offering empty pleasantries about staying the night without worry.
They wouldn’t listen anyway, and even if they did, they would spend the entire night trembling in fear.
“Heh heh heh. When will the Main Residence ever shed this stigma?”
“Meeting people who judge based on mere rumors happens more than once or twice, alas!”
“This too is a challenge the Main Residence must overcome.”
The Wudang school follows the black yin-yang symbol.
Thus, most disciples of Wudang possess gentle and easygoing temperaments.
The Namgung school wields the sword of emperors and the spear of creation.
Therefore, the martial artists of the Namgung Family exude an aura of dominance over all others.
Then what of this?
What of the martial artists of the Sichuan Tang Family, who deal in poison and hidden weapons?
At least, those who have never encountered members of the Tang Family speak thus.
Matching the martial arts they practice, the Tang Family members are universally described as ruthless and contemptible.
“Let us retire for the night. Tomorrow we must move with haste as well.”
“Understood, Soga-joonim.”
“Especially Il-dok Dae-ju, who must conduct pursuit while traveling. Rest is particularly vital.”
“I shall take special care, Soga-joonim.”
And so the sun rose the next day.
The Tang Family entourage immediately began their journey.
They traveled toward their next destination throughout the day, and periodically received reports from martial artists who separated from the main group to conduct tracking and reconnaissance.
Moving about in such haste, by the time the sun began to tilt slightly, they arrived at a small village.
“Soga-joonim, this place is called Wailyu Village at the entrance to Ak-an County. Might it be wise to lodge at an inn here rather than continue traveling today?”
“I was about to suggest the same. We’ve found a village—this is the perfect time to shake off our travel weariness.”
However, entering the inn required them to endure one more unpleasant experience.
“Welcome… wait, the Tang Family? Are you perhaps esteemed guests of the Sichuan Tang Family?”
“We are.”
The innkeeper, who had been grinning widely at the arrival of a large group of guests after so long, turned pale the moment he saw the character Tang (唐) embroidered on their martial robes.
‘The stigma of our Tang Family has spread even here.’
Dang-gun, wearing a bitter smile, opened his money pouch.
Through experience, he had learned that at least when one is a paying guest, money can wash away infamy.
“Prepare rooms for everyone, provide water for washing, meals, and wine. Keep any remaining silver for yourself.”
“Such a generous sum… thank you!”
The innkeeper, clutching the bundle of silver, hurried away frantically.
Though fear still lingered in his expression, if the Tang Family members demonstrated the courtesy befitting orthodox martial artists during their stay, positive rumors about the Tang Family would surely spread anew.
After being guided by the Innkeeper and assigned their respective rooms, they gathered on the first floor to await their meal.
“Excuse me, honored martial artist from the Dang Family.”
The young innkeeper approached while his legs trembled visibly.
Il-dok Dae-ju spoke on behalf of Dang-gun.
“What is it? Don’t be afraid—speak freely, we mean you no harm.”
“A… a letter has arrived from a place called Baek Manor in Wuzhou.”
The eyes of Il-dok Dae-ju, the Yakdok-dang Bu-dangju, and Dang-gun all widened.
“Baek Manor? I’m not familiar with the place, but how did they know we’re staying here?”
“I… I don’t know either. The messenger simply asked me to deliver the letter.”
Il-dok Dae-ju took the letter and examined it carefully from all angles.
“There appears to be no poison or trap of any kind.”
Dang-gun accepted the letter and began reading its contents.
His eyes widened immediately.
“This cannot be!”
“Soga-joonim, what is wrong?”
“They say Baek Manor has captured and is holding Saek Gwang-hori!”
“Is that truly the case!?”
Dang-gun laughed heartily. “They wish to establish ties with the Main Residence through Saek Gwang-hori! The letter extends a formal invitation!”
“This is wonderful news indeed! Innkeeper, how long does it take to reach Baek Manor from here?”
The young innkeeper’s trembling intensified at the raised voice.
Seeing this, Dang-gun handed him a silver coin, and emboldened by the unexpected payment, the young innkeeper answered.
“From Wailyu Village here to Baek Manor in Ak-an County takes three hours.”
“Three hours! If we hurry, two hours should suffice!”
“Ha! Soga-joonim, why not finish a quick meal here and dine at Baek Manor this evening?”
“An excellent idea! They mentioned they would prepare a banquet upon our arrival!”
Since departing Sichuan, the Dang Family had rarely experienced such hospitality.
Yet the mere letter from Baek Manor was enough to lift everyone’s spirits.
“Everyone, finish eating and depart at once!”
“As you command!”
The Dang Family members left Wailyu Village with such enthusiasm that they moved with remarkable speed.
Indeed, they flew across the ground using their lightness techniques.
Though the physicians of Yakdok-dang accompanied them, they too were martial artists of the Dang Family.
Not a single person lacked the ability to employ lightness techniques, and they reached Ak-an County before sunset.
There, Dang-gun spotted a group of martial artists standing at the mountain pass entrance.
“Hmm? Soga-joonim, their aura is extraordinary.”
“Indeed it is.”
Six martial artists and a handsome man who appeared to be their leader.
‘Could these be people from Baek Manor?’
The Dang Family members slowed their pace and approached the unfamiliar martial artists.
Dang-gun stepped forward as their representative and performed a martial salute.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Dang-gun of the Dang Family. Are you representatives from Baek Manor?”
The handsome man’s eyebrows twitched upward.
That was the moment.
“Ah, Brother Dang-gun!”
Dang-gun tried to hide his surprise as he looked at the newly arrived group.
‘Brother Dang-gun? But we’ve never met before…?’
Peculiarly, a martial artist party with a young child leading the way.
The child grinned at the sight of me, but upon seeing the handsome man who had been there before, his expression hardened instantly.
‘What in the world is happening here?’
Thus began a strange three-way standoff.

* * *
“Little brother. Do we really need to go out to greet them?”
“Of course we do. Aren’t distinguished guests arriving?”
“…You’re not trying to score points to win the wager, are you?”
“Does this younger brother seem like such a petty person to you?”
“….”
“Hmph. Should I show you what a true petty person really is….”
“That can’t be. I never thought of you as petty, little brother.”
Yang Hwi chuckled at Gu Ak before glancing at the retainers following behind.
‘They’re all trapped by their preconceptions.’
The Tang family members are cunning and despicable. That’s why they use poison and assassination techniques.
Everyone who had heard such rumors from the world wore expressions of disapproval.
‘The truth is completely opposite to the rumors.’
Well, that problem would disappear once we met the Tang family members.
After giving them a warning not to show it outwardly, I quickened my pace.
Thus, when we arrived at the boundary of Ak-an County.
A familiar face visible in the distance. Without thinking, I cried out.
“Brother Dang-gun!”
‘So this is what that stern Brother Dang-gun looked like as a boy. How rare.’
As I approached with such thoughts, my gaze suddenly shifted slightly to the side.
A handsome man conversing with the Tang family members while commanding six martial artists.
‘Why is that Namgung clan bastard…here?’
The situation began to unfold in a way completely different from what I had heard in my past life.

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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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