Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 53

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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 053
I glanced back and forth between the Dang Family entourage and the Namgung Family entourage.
The Dang Family’s presence made sense since they had sent a letter, but why were these Namgung bastards here?
‘The eldest son of the Namgung Great Family, Namgung Cheon-hu. It must be him.’
A strong sense of traversing time washed over me anew.
Because Namgung Cheon-hu was the man who would be displaced by his younger brother, the Second Son Namgung Cheon-yeong, in the future a decade hence.
At least until I came of age, he maintained his position as Soga-joonim, so it was highly likely he still held that title now.
Though it was possible he had not yet been appointed to the position of Soga-joonim.
My eyes narrowed.
‘I have no memory of hearing that Namgung Family bastards came near Ak-an County in my past life.’
I was someone who could recite thick tomes word-for-word after reading them once—such was my memory.
Had I heard even the slightest mention of Namgung in my previous life, I could not have forgotten it.
-Elder Brother. It seems I should step forward in my stead.
-Hmm? The Young Master won’t speak directly?
-Yes. For now, please do as I instruct.
Gu Ak stepped forward and began reciting words as I transmitted them through sound transmission.
“I am Baek Ik-gak-ju of the Baek Manor, Gu Ak.”
After performing a martial salute, Gu Ak continued, addressing the Dang Family entourage.
“I came out to receive guests of the Main Residence, yet I see there are outsiders present. If you were in the midst of conversation, I shall wait.”
The one who responded was Dang-gun, the Soga-joonim of the Dang Family.
“I am Dang-gun, Soga-joonim of the Dang Family. Not only did you send a letter, but you came to greet us as well—I am grateful for the Baek Manor’s kindness.”
“Ah, so you are the Soga-joonim.”
Though young in years, he was the Soga-joonim of a family. I spoke to Dang-gun with respect.
“What is your relationship with those standing over there?”
Namgung Cheon-hu, who had been silently observing the Dang Family and my people in turn, interjected into the conversation.
“I am Namgung Cheon-hu, Soga-joonim of the Namgung Family.”
‘So he was already Soga-joonim at this point. Then Namgung Cheon-yeong, despite being sixteen years younger and having served as Soga-joonim for over a decade less, surpassed his elder brother through talent alone?’
While I pondered such thoughts, Dang-gun’s eyes widened.
“Namgung! Soga-joonim, what brings you to this place? I was under the impression the Namgung Great Family was situated in Anhui.”
From Dang-gun and the other Dang Family martial artists asking the question came a faint sense of wariness.
I understood the reason well.
‘I didn’t know much about information from childhood, but it seems the Dang Family was being checked by the Nine Sects and Five Great Families even at this point.’
Suddenly, a memory surfaced of when I met Dang-gun in my past life.
Back then, while I traveled through Gangho to elevate my martial prowess, I met Dang-gun and his siblings through a certain incident and built a friendship with them.
‘After we grew close, every time we drank, he would lament sorrowfully and vent his anger about grievances and injustices.’
“I must ask, Soga-joonim Namgung Cheon-hu. What is the reason for your presence here? Were you perhaps waiting for the Main Residence?”
Namgung Cheon-hu nodded.
“Indeed. It seemed our Namgung Family’s ally, the Dang Family, was in need of assistance, so I came forward.”
“Assistance, you say?”
“Saek Gwang-hori. And the installation of a poison formation.”
Dang-gun’s face hardened like stone.
The former he knew nothing of, but the latter was being conducted in secret.
“In a sense, I stepped forward because I couldn’t simply stand by and watch the Dang Family—whom one might call a friend—fall into such distress. But I never anticipated matters would unfold like this.”
Namgung Cheon-hu’s gaze turned toward Gu Ak, who had come forward as the representative of the Baek Family.
“The Baek Family, you say? I’ve never heard that name before.”
His tone was practically condescending. Considering the age difference, he was brazenly displaying his contempt.
Gu Ak’s brow twitched, his pride wounded.
-Elder Brother Gu. This won’t do. You must endure.
“I am Baek Ik-gak-ju of the Baek Family Estate in Ak-an County, known as Gu Ak of the One-Strike Covenant.”
“Ah, I see. Very well.”
Namgung Cheon-hu turned his body toward Dang-gun.
A dismissal plain for all to see. Yang Hwi sent another transmission.
-Elder Brother Gu. You must bear with this.
-Bear with such arrogance after seeing that?
-I actually find this quite favorable.
I genuinely viewed Namgung Cheon-hu’s haughty demeanor as something positive.
‘Just as I thought. There’s no way our Baek Family Estate would register in the eyes of such prideful people.’
Though it was nearly a certainty, I had worried whether I’d moved too conspicuously.
But I’m grateful. Thanks to this, I can rest easy.
While you all keep your eyes fixed upward, I’ll grow steadily stronger.
Growing and flourishing until I can drive a dagger through your throats.
‘At least within Ak-an County, or better yet, throughout Wuzhou, I can make the Baek Family’s name resound and expand our influence as I wish.’
With that thought, I sent another transmission to Gu Ak.
-Just endure for now, Elder Brother Gu. Soon enough, your heart will be completely satisfied. After all, we have Saek Gwang-hori in our hands.
-…You’re right. That bastard’s pride will be utterly crushed.
“Dang-gun, head of the Dang Family. Won’t you come with me? I’ve made various preparations to aid the Dang Family, so it should prove helpful. Not only in capturing Saek Gwang-hori, but also in matters concerning the formation’s installation.”
-Now’s the moment, Elder Brother Gu!
Gu Ak immediately interjected into the conversation.
“I’m afraid the proposal made by the Namgung head will prove useless.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Saek Gwang-hori was captured by the Main Residence long ago.”
For the first time, Namgung Cheon-hu’s perpetually expressionless face showed a change.
“What did you say?”
Gu Ak replied with an expression of complete satisfaction.
“Exactly as I said. Saek Gwang-hori, whom the Dang Family officially designated as a target, is already imprisoned in the Main Residence’s dungeon.”
“….”
In that brief moment, watching the frost settle across Namgung Cheon-hu’s face, I grasped one crucial fact.
‘That bastard seems bewildered that Saek Gwang-hori was captured.’
One image formed in my mind.
Could it be that the Namgung Family had helped Saek Gwang-hori escape?
Now that I think about it, something seems odd.
No matter how much Saek Gwang-hori is a Color Demon bastard accustomed to fleeing his entire life, how did he manage to evade the Il-dok Dae’s pursuit—the Dang Family’s greatest military force—for several months?
‘If the Namgung Family had been secretly helping Saek Gwang-hori, then handed him over to the Dang Family at an opportune moment and received a favor in return…’
It would be a crude act for a martial artist walking the righteous path, but the Namgung Family was certainly capable of such scheming.
“Even if Saek Gwang-hori is merely a scarecrow with abundant internal energy, he should still be a master approaching the pinnacle. How did you capture him?”
The fact that he bothered to ask suggested it was genuine.
He was curious how they’d found someone who had been hiding so well.
“Unlike other demon leaders, Color Demons are easy to find. Creatures like Saek Gwang-hori cannot abstain from lust, so once we located his hideout and set a trap, capturing him proved remarkably simple. Does that answer your question?”
“…I see.”
-Elder Brother. Now let us drive the wedge home and take the Dang Family people with us.
“Dang-gun, Soga-joonim. The Master of our Main Residence has always expressed great admiration for the Dang Family’s reputation that echoes across the four seas. The moment he learned the Dang Family was facing hardship, he commanded us to offer assistance. Would you not consider visiting our Main Residence, both to guide Saek Gwang-hori and to receive our proper hospitality?”
Gu Ak’s tone was extremely courteous, and not a trace of reluctance toward the Dang Family could be detected.
‘Perfect. Now there is no room for the Namgung Family to interfere.’
Had it not been the Dang Family, I would naturally have sought the Namgung Family’s assistance over the Baek Manor.
Building a connection with the Namgung Family would have been more advantageous than the Baek Manor in many ways.
But the Dang Family was different.
They were the only clan that valued righteousness, duty, and chivalry above all other martial sects, making propriety and ritual the law of their house.
‘Though some call it an obsession born from their origins, throughout the realm, only the Dang Family’s chivalry can compare to Father’s chivalry.’
In my estimation, the greatest righteous warrior under heaven was none other than my father, Baek Moo-ryang.
Therefore, this thought represented the highest praise I could offer.
“Namgung Soga-joonim. I regret to say the timing does not seem opportune. I shall send someone to express my gratitude for the goodwill you have shown. May we meet again on a more auspicious day.”
Dang-gun performed the cupped-fist salute and walked toward Gu Ak, then performed the salute once more.
“Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Dang-gun of the Dang Family. You cannot imagine how delighted I was to receive your letter. I am truly grateful for the Baek Family’s kindness!”
Gu Ak glanced at Namgung Cheon-hu, who stood like a stone monument, and smiled with a sense of victory before responding to Dang-gun.
“Kindness, you say? We have barely shown anything yet, haha. Allow me to escort you to the Main Residence, Soga-joonim.”
The Dang Family and Baek Family became one group and moved toward the Baek Manor.
The Namgung Family’s warriors left behind, along with Namgung Cheon-hu, could only watch them depart.
“Soga-joonim. It appears the matter has become complicated.”
“So it has. It was a mistake to employ a cur like Saek Gwang-hori.”
“It seems we should have lured him more decisively to a place without nearby dwellings. I apologize for my subordinate’s failure.”
“Enough. The effort of this long journey has come to nothing. The Baek Manor, you say? What sort of place is it?”
“I hear it is a third-rate martial family in the vicinity. If you command it, I shall investigate the Baek Manor in detail.”
Namgung Cheon-hu let out a derisive snort upon hearing his subordinate’s response.
“Investigate a third-rate martial family? That would obviously be a waste of time. Forget it. We withdraw.”
“As you command!”
As he hurled himself toward Anhui, Namgung Cheon-hu found himself thinking thus.
‘The Baek Manor, is it? They swallowed the bait the Main Residence prepared without hesitation. Quite fortunate fellows.’
As the Soga-joonim of the Great Namgung, which held one of the five great seats under heaven, the arrogant Namgung Cheon-yeong could think no differently.

* * *
Gu Ak and I led the Dang family members to the Baek Manor.
Flags fluttered beside the ancient gate.
[Welcoming Friends from Sichuan with Honor]
Upon reading the inscription welcoming friends from Sichuan with respect, Dang-gun found himself trembling involuntarily.
‘The Main Residence has always been shunned by others simply because we deal with poisons and toxins!’
So this is the Baek Manor. Goodwill toward them naturally blossomed within me.
Yet simultaneously, a thread of suspicion took root.
Such fervent hospitality, unlike what others showed, suggested they might harbor ulterior motives.
But.
That suspicion shattered the moment I saw who had come to greet us.
“Dang-gun, esteemed head of the Dang family. I am Baek Moo-ryang, the patriarch of the Baek Family. Welcome to our Main Residence.”
I had been raised under a family tradition that pursued righteousness and propriety, courtesy and restraint with rigorous discipline.
As the ancients said, like calls to like—those of the same character recognize and complement one another.
From Baek Moo-ryang’s entire being emanated an integrity as straight as bamboo and a righteous temperament.
To my eyes, Baek Moo-ryang’s presence and bearing were genuine.
‘Though I have never heard the name of this family, seeing the patriarch reveals what the family’s future holds.’
“Why does the patriarch of such a distinguished house speak so formally to one who is not a patriarch? Please, be at ease.”
“Heh, is that acceptable?”
“Of course. You have even shown kindness to our Main Residence, so it is only natural that I should make such a request.”
“Then I shall be at ease. I am grateful for your consideration.”
After exchanging proper greetings, I proceeded directly to the matter at hand.
“Though it may breach propriety, might I see Saek Gwang-hori first?”
Baek Moo-ryang nodded readily.
“I am familiar with the Dang family’s traditions, so I understand. Hwi, show them the way.”
“Yes, Father!”
Seeing the boy respond so cheerfully, I suddenly recalled what had happened earlier.
“That child called me Elder Brother Dang.”
It appeared he was the patriarch’s son.
I had been momentarily flustered when a child I didn’t know called me so familiarly….
“Elder Brother Dang! Please follow me!”
“…Young Master. Your form of address seems rather familiar.”
“All the world is one family, is it not? In return, you may call me Younger Brother Hwi.”
….
After a moment’s hesitation, I smiled.
“Very well, Younger Brother Hwi. You certainly have a gift for warmth, don’t you?”
Yang Hwi also chuckled upon seeing my smile.
Had I belonged to another family, he would not have approached so openly.
But.
‘Everyone shuns the Dang family and keeps their distance, which wounded him in childhood. I’ve earned some points.’
“It’s not that I have good interpersonal skills. It’s just that Elder Brother Dang feels approachable to me.”
“Hahahaha, the way you’re even flattering without offending anyone proves your interpersonal skills are excellent!”
“Anyway, the prison is this way. Please forgive us if it’s a bit shabby.”
The prison had been built back when the family was in its heyday.
Inside, Saek Gwang-hori lay sprawled out, drenched in blood.
This was because his injuries from the time of capture had been treated just enough to keep him alive.
When Saek Gwang-hori saw Dang-gun wearing a martial robe with the character for “Dang” written on it, along with the martial artists standing behind him, his eyes widened.
“So you’ve brought the Dang Family after all. Perfect. You Dang bastards, listen! This brat also knows that I used your aphrodisiac poison! Ahahahahaha!”
Saek Gwang-hori truly didn’t doubt even a shred of the rumors about the Dang Family.
But it was all futile struggling.
However, Dang-gun’s reaction was somewhat unexpected.
“Younger Brother Hwi. You’ve learned the Main Residence’s secret.”
Watching Dang-gun speak with his face hardened into a rigid expression, I forced down the corners of my mouth that were trying to rise.
‘It seems he wants to conduct a simple test.’
“Exactly. Since he’s learned the secret, we should become closer ties.”
Dang-gun, who had been staring at me with a bewildered expression, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Looking at courage alone, it surpasses a full-grown man. Hahaha, that’s right. Once you know the secret, becoming closer ties is all that matters. Hahaha!”
The laughter stopped abruptly.
Dang-gun, his face now as fierce and vicious as an evil spirit, glanced over Il-dok Dae-ju and the martial artists once before nodding.
A sinister poison began to seep out slowly.
‘True to the Dang Family name, he’s about to kill him right away.’
I quickly stepped forward.
Whether to kill or spare him didn’t matter, but there was one thing I needed to ask.
“Elder Brother Dang, before you act, I have something to ask. Please spare me a moment.”
“Hmm? Very well.”
I approached Saek Gwang-hori, crouched down, and posed my question.
Since I was going to kill him anyway, I might as well extract every bit of information I could.
“Hey. You didn’t get help from anyone when you escaped?”
“….”
Saek Gwang-hori remained silent. But his expression was speaking volumes.
Even a demon who had experienced all manner of hardships couldn’t manage his expression well when facing death.
‘So it was true. The Namgung Family really was involved.’
I decided to extract every last bit of information I could before killing him.

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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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