Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 55

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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 055
I couldn’t be certain what the Baek Manor was truly like to seek assistance in creating a faction base there.
Even after investigating everything, establishing a faction base within another martial family’s manor would be disrespectful.
Setting aside these considerations, the real reason Dang-gun rejected Yang Hwi’s words before even hearing him out.
“If our Dang Family were to settle in the Baek Manor, there would be nothing good about it for them.”
The moment Yang Hwi heard the response, he understood what Dang-gun was thinking.
‘He’s worried that the Dang Family’s bad reputation and negative rumors might harm the main house. Well, that’s the kind of person Elder Brother Dang is.’
If that was the case, persuasion would be simple.
“If that’s your concern, it matters little, Elder Brother Dang. The main house’s reputation isn’t particularly favorable either.”
The reason was straightforward.
“Recently, gossips have been spreading about the main house. They say the Baek Manor, unable to bear the family’s decline, accepted the Black Blade Gang as vassals.”
“Hmm? Isn’t the Baek Manor the martial sect of the White Blade? Yet they accepted the Black Blade Gang?”
Gu Ak, catching Yang Hwi’s glance, rose from his seat.
“I shall explain that matter, Young Master Soga.”
Gu Ak continued speaking.
How Ak-an County had originally been a region where the Black Blade dominated.
How the family accepted the Black Blade Gang—those seeking redemption through the principle of using poison to cure poison—and was training them to practice righteousness.
And how he himself, who once bore the alias Bloodless, had gained a new alias: One-Day Righteous.
“The Family Head of the main house gave even this worthless Black Blade member a chance to live a new life. I have received such grace.”
Admiration and emotion flickered across Dang-gun’s face.
“Such noble intentions. The gossips are too harsh, judging only by appearances.”
“The same applies to the ill rumors about the Dang Family, does it not? As long as the Dang Family’s purpose lies in righteousness, we of the Baek Manor pay no heed to such trivial rumors.”
“I see…”
“To speak honestly, Elder Brother Dang, our main house is indeed lacking in power to join hands with the Dang Family. However…”
Yang Hwi gestured, and one of the servants brought forth a map and unfolded it.
Now I needed to convince him that joining hands with the Baek Family would bring the greatest advantage to the Dang Family.
“The Dang Family of Sichuan. The Baek Family of Gangwon. As you know, Gangwon has no great martial sect of sufficient magnitude to be discussed in the context of the realm. This means the region is ideal for the Dang Family to establish a faction base.”
“That’s true. Your words aren’t wrong.”
“Furthermore, the Family Head of our main house is sworn siblings with Jegal Seon, the Young Master of the Jegal Family. Should we cooperate, we could also receive the support of the Jegal Family.”
“Hmm. The Jegal Family.”
Dang-gun’s expression stiffened slightly.
The Jegal Family occupied one of the five great families.
In other words, they were among those who had nurtured the Dang Family and now sought to check them.
“The Nine Sects and One Alliance. The Five Great Families. Though spoken of together, they are not one. There are righteous orthodox sects pursuing purity with integrity, while others repeatedly engage in political maneuvering to pursue profit.”
The Jegal Family was not like the Namgung Family, crossing lines to pursue their interests.
Even if they were, the bonds formed over time meant there would be no problem.
‘From the start, having sent Seolha as a disciple of Eum Hu, I cannot openly pursue profit.’
While I couldn’t reveal all these facts, I managed to convince Dang-gun by providing information and speaking around the matter appropriately.
Before long, Dang-gun wore an intrigued expression.
“I see. So far, everything makes sense. But I have a question.”
“Please ask away, Brother Dang.”
“If we proceed as my younger brother Yang Hwi suggests, the main family stands to gain considerable benefits. But what advantage does the Baek Family gain from this?”
It was simple.
“Mutual protection. And a blood oath for even greater gains.”
“Mutual protection, you say. It seems there are hostile forces in the vicinity?”
“That’s correct.”
Since the Jegal Family’s people departed, the Gyojin-bang had become the largest black martial sect faction in the region, constantly watching for opportunities.
‘Without justification, I can’t sweep them away. They’re like a thorn lodged beneath a fingernail—utterly irritating.’
With the Dang Family backing us, there would be no need to worry about troublesome incidents.
The Gyojin-bang would know the ill rumors about the Dang Family as well.
“I understand the mutual protection. But what do you mean by even greater gains?”
Yes, this was truly the crucial part.
Yang Hwi extended his hand and pointed to a location on the map of the realm.
“Honam.”
To the right of Sichuan. And to the left of Gangwon.
A region situated between the Dang Family and the Baek Family—a place where, decades ago following the Sword King’s catastrophe, the orthodox martial sects had declined into obscurity, and now the black sects and heterodox schools held sway.
In other words, a prize we could seize without fear of interference from the orthodox martial sects.
“I pledge this to you. Within the next ten years—within ten years, I will make our main family’s power sufficient to be called an ally worthy of the Dang Sect. And simultaneously, the Baek Family and the Dang Family will prepare a grand strategy to make Honam our sphere of influence.”
A plan I had conceived since shortly after my return—the Ten-Year Grand Strategy.
“The Dang Family advances from left to right, the Baek Family from right to left. Brother Dang, in ten years we shall together devour Honam. Thus the Dang Family transcends its natal limitations, and our family lays the foundation to become a great sect!”
Dang-gun stared at Yang Hwi with widened eyes.
Such a colossal vision flowing from the lips of a mere child.
‘I knew he was no ordinary boy. But he truly is remarkable.’
Without realizing it, Dang-gun released his qi to probe Yang Hwi.
Though only fifteen years old, Dang-gun was the Young Master of the Dang Family.
Having already reached the second-rate realm, he could estimate an opponent’s level through qi alone.
‘Hmm!’
In that moment, Dang-gun suddenly nodded and saw Yang Hwi grinning widely, and was astonished once more.
“Yang Hwi… I have taken a dragon as my younger brother.”
“You flatter me, Brother Dang.”
The second-rate realm. Was it such a low level that even a child under ten could reach it?
No, that was not the case.
Had not Dang-gun himself only last year reached the second-rate realm and received praise as a prodigy of the age?
“Haha. Hahahaha. A frog in a well—no, a frog in Sichuan’s Dang Family. Thanks to you, my eyes have opened.”
There was one more reason to join hands with the Baek Family.
Or perhaps it was the greatest reason of all.
Baek Yang-hwi himself.
“Very well. Our Dang Family accepts the Baek Family’s proposal. Or rather, I shall return to the main family and obtain the Family Head’s approval.”
“That alone is sufficient. Thank you for your kindness, Brother Dang.”
“Kindness? It is we who are receiving the favor. Did you not offer a portion of the manor as well?”
As a martial family, lending out a manor to warriors from other clans was hardly an honorable affair.
The gossips would surely snicker once more, questioning whether the Baek Family had any dignity left.
‘It doesn’t matter. The most important thing is building up our power as quickly as possible.’
For that purpose, a bit of infamy was nothing.
Besides, it was infamy that would disappear once our family became sufficiently powerful.
“By the way, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you.”
“I’m listening. Since the Baek Family still owes us a debt, I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”
“Well, someone of the Yakdok-dang Physician’s caliber must be quite skilled in elixir refinement, yes?”
“Of course. Our Tang Family was able to expand our power so rapidly because we can create miraculous elixirs through medicines and poisons. Though it does require considerable expense.”
‘Considerable expense, huh… Hehe.’
Upon hearing this answer, I broke into a shameless grin.
“Hehehehe, Elder Brother. Surely you could give this younger brother just one spirit elixir… or rather, just the formula for making spirit elixirs, couldn’t you?”
“Hmm?”

* * *
Unfortunately, my brazen charm offensive ended in failure.
Dang-gun firmly refused to hand over the spirit elixir formula.
Instead, Dang-gun made a counter-proposal.
“While our main family borrows the Baek Manor, we’ll refine as many spirit elixirs as you need if you simply bring us the materials.”
In truth, this alone was a tremendous favor compared to capturing Saek Gwang-hori and surrendering part of the manor as a share.
Moreover, during their stay, they would also take responsibility for my mother Jeong In-hwa’s health.
‘I’ve gained quite a lot from this affair. This is a very favorable turn of events.’
I had prevented my mother’s health from deteriorating and her death.
I could now rely on the Tang Family and conduct myself with authority.
Moreover, thanks to the Tang Family members creating spirit elixirs, the inner power of our main family’s warriors surged forward dramatically.
‘And I’ve even laid the groundwork for a ten-year grand plan for the future.’
Of course, one new problem had emerged in the process.
“Kraaaagh!”
You cannot spit in the face of one who smiles at you.
Upon hearing the shout, I flashed the brightest, most childlike smile I could muster.
“Even you, Young Master Hwi, whom I trusted! How could you do this!”
Han Supervisor’s outburst was so forceful that spittle sprayed across my face.
Ah. That didn’t work.
The smiling face strategy, utterly defeated.
“Hehehehe, Supervisor. You see, the thing is…”
“I believed you were the reincarnation of a financial genius! How could you do this! Young Master Hwi, you’ve personally punched a hole in our finances! At this rate, it’s not even a hole—it’s as if you’ve demolished the entire wall!”
There was no choice. I had to create the Seven-Finger Wound Elixir into spirit elixirs before the Tang Family delegation returned to Sichuan.
Needless to say, spirit elixir refinement required not only the essential spirit herbs but also various other expensive materials.
“We barely escaped the financial crisis just two weeks ago! How have you put us in the same predicament in just two weeks! Argh!”
‘But wait, we’re about to obtain twenty spirit elixirs that increase inner power by ten years for just a few thousand taels. Isn’t that a profit?’
Even as these thoughts crossed my mind, I grasped Han Supervisor’s arm with meticulous deference.
“Supervisor. Or rather, Elder Han. First, let me stabilize things….”
“Stabilize? What nonsense! Creating something from nothing takes mere days!”
Han Supervisor’s outburst had its reasons.
“I held banquets for three days to welcome the Dang family. The expenses alone exceeded a hundred taels! Well, that’s already past, and it was necessary spending, so I’ll let it slide. But! But!”
Han Supervisor recalled the sum I had extracted, claiming I needed to create a Spirit Elixir.
More than nine-tenths of the reserve funds.
Though I had vehemently opposed it as Supervisor, the Family Head’s approval meant I had no choice but to release thousands of taels—blood money from the coffers.
‘Even for a martial family, there are limits! Everyone’s eyes glaze over at the mention of inner cultivation and Spirit Elixirs!’
Han Supervisor thrust the contracts before my eyes.
“Within three days, I must deliver two thousand taels—two thousand taels! If I can’t, one of our precious enterprises disappears!”
But Supervisor, enterprises can be acquired anytime, yet a Spirit Elixir cannot.
The sooner I increase my cultivation and adapt to training, the faster my martial prowess will advance.
‘Ah… where can I find money?’
I combed through my memories from before regression, but found no way to earn two thousand taels within three days.
…Since it’s come to this, should I shake down some black market faction?
Should I ask Elder Yeo Un-hyeok to teach me thievery?
‘I need to make excuses and escape for now.’
If I remained trapped in the Supervisor’s quarters any longer, I’d end up washing my face with tears.
It seemed better to make some excuse, leave, and revisit the matter once Han Supervisor had calmed down.
It was at that moment.
“Um, Supervisor Han.”
A servant entered to announce a visitor, and my face brightened.
‘An excuse to escape!’
“Supervisor! A guest has arrived, so I’ll take my leave!”
Without waiting for a reply, I rushed toward the door and locked eyes with the visitor waiting outside.
‘Huh?’
I immediately turned away.
My chest and shoulders tensed and swelled.
My nose lifted with arrogance.
“Supervisor. Please follow my lead.”
“What are you suddenly saying, Young Master Yang Hwi?”
Watching Han Supervisor’s bewildered expression, I formed a circle with my index and thumb.
Han Supervisor immediately recognized who the visitor was.
“Could it be?”
“Supervisor. Who am I?”
“The Sage! Ehehehe! Young Master Yang Hwi is truly the reincarnation of the Sage!”
Han Supervisor rushed out barefoot to greet the visitor.
“Welcome, Miss Chu!”
The visitor’s identity was none other than Chu Yong-wol, the Sub-Manager of Baek Bookstore.
“Young Master! Han Supervisor! We’ve struck gold!”

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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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