Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 57

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Third-rate Martial Arts Family, Greatest Under Heaven – Episode 057
It had been some time since a gathering of the Baek Family’s core members was convened.
The agenda was naturally to determine who would claim ownership of the Spirit Elixir.
The Yakdok-dang Physician emerged from his closed quarters and respectfully presented Baek Moo-ryang with a box containing the Spirit Elixir.
“Family Head. Of the twenty Spirit Elixirs we agreed to create, five have been completed first.”
Refining Spirit Elixirs required not only profound knowledge of medicine but also complete mastery of alchemical techniques.
Moreover, one had to pour tremendous effort into mobilizing expensive materials, harmonizing their essence into a unified whole, and maximizing the medicinal potency.
Thus, after nearly two months of work, only five elixirs had been produced.
“Physician, you have truly labored greatly.”
“Not at all. When an alliance is formed, one must do their utmost to support it. In the larger sense, this is also a matter of conduct befitting our main house.”
“I am genuinely grateful for such words.”
The Physician replied with a subtle smile.
“With the additional funds provided, I have enhanced the Spirit Elixir’s potency by approximately ten percent. The amount of inner strength gained from consuming one elixir is roughly equivalent, but for young children, there is the added benefit of greater latent potential being embedded within their bodies.”
As the Yakdok-dang Physician spoke, his gaze fell upon Yang Hwi.
A child who appeared sharp and possessed martial talent far from ordinary.
In truth, the Physician did not regard the Baek Family as highly as the young master Dang-gun did.
He harbored doubts about whether a family of the Tang’s caliber was truly worth forming an alliance with.
However.
‘If we raise him while feeding him Spirit Elixirs… at the very least, this child alone would make the alliance worthwhile.’
The strongest alliances were always blood bonds.
The Physician believed that if he could bring this child into his family through various means—such as a son-in-law arrangement—it would become a tremendous blessing.
Meanwhile.
Baek Moo-ryang gazed at the five Spirit Elixirs in the box, his expression contemplative.
All those who participated in the family council meeting wore the same expression.
The immediate question was: to whom should the newly created Spirit Elixirs be distributed?
This was quite an important matter.
“…First. Baek Ik-gak-ju Gu Ak.”
“Gu Ak awaits the Family Head’s command.”
“In recognition of your past contributions, I shall bestow upon you one Spirit Elixir.”
Gu Ak’s expression brightened considerably.
“I am honored! I shall dedicate myself entirely to the Baek Family from this moment forward!”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Gu Ak’s receipt of the elixir seemed only natural, given how much he had labored for the family in recent times.
It was hardly noticeable that he had been the successor to the Black Sword faction until not long ago.
‘As the Branch Head, he now bears responsibility for our family’s core strength, so supporting him is only right.’
‘I hear he has been working hard at night alongside the young master recently? I hope his recovery has progressed well.’
‘Young Master Hwi has troubled him the most… that alone is sufficient reason to receive a Spirit Elixir. Congratulations, Baek Ik-gak-ju.’
Now four elixirs remained. Baek Moo-ryang placed two of them before himself.
“Forgive my shamelessness in speaking thus. Of the four remaining elixirs, I intend to claim two for myself.”
“No one regards you as lacking, Family Head! Please take them and achieve great accomplishment!”
“Achieve great accomplishment!”
No one objected to Baek Moo-ryang taking two Spirit Pills.
Baek Moo-ryang was more than worthy of them.
This wasn’t about the rights that came with the position of Family Head.
It was a respect earned only by those who gave to all and advanced before all.
“I’m grateful you all speak so readily.”
“Not at all, Family Head. The Family Head is the pillar of the household, after all.”
Baek Moo-ryang, gazing at the remaining two Spirit Pills, cast his eyes toward Yang Hwi.
“Hwi.”
“Family Head, I don’t need them.”
“Hmm?”
“Didn’t I mention it before?”
Since the Physician of Yakdok-dang was present, I spoke briefly and sent a glance.
But what Baek Moo-ryang intended to say was slightly different from what I had guessed.
“Hwi, you decide what to do with the two pills.”
“Pardon?”
“You have the qualification. You may take them yourself, or give them to someone else.”
“…Thank you.”
A touch of emotion. I had already decided who to give them to.
‘First, I need to make sure Chu Dal gets one.’
It wasn’t because of sentiment from my past life.
For a family’s laws to stand firm, rewards and punishments must be clear.
Since Chu Dal earned merit at the Namgeum Trading Company, he deserved recognition.
‘Little Seo will probably feel a bit jealous that I’m taking care of someone else before my brother… but there’s no helping it.’
Besides, Seo tends to work harder when jealousy stirs in him.
With the right coaxing, I could actually turn it into something positive.
‘As for the last pill… I’ll save it for now. There might be an unexpected need for a Spirit Pill later.’
“Then I shall return to seclusion. Han Supervisor.”
“Yes, Family Head.”
“Please handle all matters great and small well. I always trust and rely on you.”
“Your words are too kind, but I shall do my utmost.”
And so the family council meeting ended.
Yang Hwi immediately rushed to Yeo Un-hyeok’s quarters, where Chu Dal had been staying recently.
“Chu Dal, you rascal… huh?”
I was about to call out loudly but quickly lowered my voice.
At the entrance to the quarters, Chu Dal and Yeo Un-hyeok were in conversation, and the atmosphere seemed serious.
‘What are they discussing?’
I softened my footsteps and listened carefully.
“Hua-ya.”
“Yes, Master.”
Oh, I hadn’t paid proper attention to Chu Dal this past month.
Fortunately, it seems I’ve succeeded in becoming a disciple of Old Man Yeo Un-hyeok.
Excellent fortune indeed. With the successor of the Divine Blade Scripture as my disciple, he’ll be perfect material for leading an intelligence organization in the future.
“As your master, I must offer you counsel.”
“I am all ears.”
“You became my disciple through Young Master Yang Hwi’s will, and I see you work with corresponding diligence. However, you push yourself too far. You are already a talent of considerable promise as my disciple—there is no need for such worry.”
“….”
Chu Dal fell silent. Looking at him now, his physical condition was clearly not good.
‘From the looks of it, he’s been pushing himself to the absolute limit and damaged his body in the process.’
To reach such a state in just one month meant he had truly driven himself to the extreme.
“Excessive training becomes poison rather than medicine. Henceforth, show restraint. Do you understand?”
“…But.”
Seeing that Chu Dal did not readily accept his master’s words, Yeo Un-hyeok smiled gently.
“My intuition tells me that is not the whole reason. What drives you forward so relentlessly?”
“….”
“I find your aptitude most pleasing, Hu. Your natural disposition, temperament, and even your very bones—all are suited to inheriting the Divine Blade Scripture. Unlike myself, that is.”
Though the praise was directed at Chu Dal, it was Yang Hwi whose shoulders shrugged with satisfaction.
‘Just as I thought—he’d see his worth. That fellow Chu Dal certainly doesn’t fall short anywhere.’
Whether in this life or the last, there was one skill at which he excelled above all: the art of escape and pursuit.
It was precisely because I understood this that I recommended him as the successor to the Divine Blade lineage.
In any case, that wasn’t what mattered now.
“Speak freely, Hu.”
“…I must repay a debt of gratitude.”
“A debt, you say?”
“To the mysterious wanderer who rescued me from the Moo-myeong Moo-sal-gok. That person was strong enough to single-handedly destroy an entire sect. To repay such a debt, I too must grow stronger quickly. And….”
“And?”
“I must also repay the kindness shown to me at Baek Manor. My older brother, who brought me here from my life as an assassin. And all those who welcomed me without hesitation. I have many debts to repay.”
Yeo Un-hyeok laughed with satisfaction.
“Your master shares that same sentiment. I too have received immense kindness. However, such is the way of the world—rush forward in haste and stumble, and you’ll end up slower than one who walks with measured steps. Will you not trust in your master?”
Only then did Chu Dal realize that his relentless self-driven efforts, despite his master’s caution, had not been the right path.
“…I understand. My apologies.”
“Our Yeongwi Sect’s martial arts are worthy of being called supreme under heaven. Is it any wonder that it has been passed down through generations as the Divine Blade Scripture?”
‘That’s true. Even if the sword techniques themselves are unremarkable, the renown of the Divine Blade and the profound mysteries of the meridian foundation that underlies it cannot be dismissed.’
As Yang Hwi entertained such thoughts, Yeo Un-hyeok continued.
“Have faith. And follow my guidance. You will not fall behind. Indeed, you may advance even further. Is that not so, Young Master Yang Hwi?”
Ah, so I was discovered after all. Well, Old Man Yeo Un-hyeok has reached the pinnacle of mastery.
I stepped forward with an awkward scratch of my head.
“I had no intention of eavesdropping, but somehow I found myself listening. My apologies, Old Man.”
“Never mind. Had this been a conversation you shouldn’t hear, I would have warned you beforehand. But what brings you here?”
I looked at Yeo Un-hyeok and Chu Dal for a moment.
Especially at Chu Dal, and I couldn’t help but grin.
Watching this, Chu Dal instinctively shrank back, an uneasy feeling washing over me.
‘So the brat harbored such ambitious thoughts. I’ll have to put him through his paces properly.’
To use something effectively, one must first cultivate it properly.
Yang Hwi tossed a Spirit Pill toward Chu Dal.
“Ow! Why did you suddenly throw a stone at me—wait, what is this?”
“Can’t you tell by looking? If you can’t figure it out, at least smell it.”
As I brought my nose close, a faint, ethereal and fragrant aroma wafted forth.
Chu Dal’s eyes widened.
“Could it be?”
“Yes. It’s a Spirit Pill. Eat it and grow strong. Understood?”
“Y-yes….”
“I’m giving this to you before Soro and Yeon-a. It means you need to catch up quickly with what you’ve fallen behind on, and it’s my faith in you. Can you live up to it?”
“….”
Chu Dal, who had been silent, lifted his head.
Yang Hwi suddenly overlapped the image of the child’s face with the memory of Chu Dal from his past life.
“Brother, I will never disappoint you!”
-Brother, have I ever disappointed you?
…Without realizing it, my hand moved.
Smack!
“Ow! Why did you hit me!”
“You little brat, you disappointed me all the time.”
“When did I ever! Seriously!”
“When did you ever? You insolent little thing.”
Smack!
“Aaah!”
Yeo Un-hyeok watched the two children bickering with a pleased expression, stroking his beard.
‘Young Master Yang truly cherishes my disciple from the heart. My, what a good sight this is.’

* * *
On a day when the first morning of the new year drew near.
Though Gangwon lay to the south even among the realm, by this time the tip of one’s nose began to sting with cold.
‘It’s already been more than half a year since I reversed the flow of time.’
More than half a year had passed—a span of time that made one think it more accurate to say nearly a full year.
During that period, the Baek Manor had undergone tremendous transformation.
‘I never imagined we could expand our power so rapidly. Truly, fortune has smiled upon us in every way.’
Indeed, the emergence of Yeo Un-jeok as a general, the advantage gained from the Black Blade Conflict, Gu Ak’s defection, the Jegal Family and Eum Hu—all these favorable events interlocked like gears turning in our favor.
As a result, the Baek Manor now boasted roughly three times the personnel and nearly dozens of times the financial resources compared to immediately after my regression.
‘Four business enterprises under our control. They generate roughly a thousand silver taels monthly.’
We poured vast sums into repairing and restoring all the business operations damaged during the Black Blade Conflict.
Now we operated them with minimal maintenance costs while extracting maximum profits.
And that was not all.
The power structure of Akan County had been reorganized.
With Cheongsa-bang and Honggyo-bang in decline, Gyojin-bang and the Baek Manor’s faction held sway, while the Suhoji Guild watched for opportunities.
An obscure third-rate martial family that no one paid attention to had risen to become a central power of the county in less than a year.
‘Hehehehe, let us continue at this pace. No, let us accelerate even further and surge ahead.’
Yet such is the way of life, as the old saying goes.
When fortune arrives, calamity follows.
“A grave matter! Gyojin-bang has launched a surprise attack on the Suhoji Guild!”
“More than half of the Suhoji Guild’s affiliated forces have surrendered, and Gyojin-bang has seized most of their business operations!”
Gyojin-bang had begun to move.
And with the momentum to see it through to the end.
“Han Supervisor. And Young Master Hwi. Gyojin-bang has sent an emissary.”
“For what purpose?”
“…A life-and-death duel challenge.”
Gyojin-bang’s Master, Lee Ho-yang.
He had issued a life-and-death duel to the Baek Manor, wagering everything his family possessed.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————