Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 90

—————
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 090
Yang Hwi and his companions boarded the carriage once more.
To examine the clues the Jin Family possessed regarding the Sword King’s Spear, they had no choice but to travel to the Jin Family Manor in Taiyuan.
A week had passed since departing from Soho.
Thanks to urging the horses forward, they arrived considerably faster than anticipated.
“This is the Jin Family Manor.”
The Jin Family Manor was far too modest to bear the name “manor.”
Though larger than the homes of common folk, it was woefully inadequate to be called an estate.
‘Having faced near-annihilation and spending years thereafter not rebuilding their wealth but searching for the Sword King’s Spear, this is hardly surprising.’
As I stepped through the gate bearing the nameplate, a boy sitting on the veranda reading a book turned his head, his eyes brightening.
“Father!”
“Haha, Sam. Have you been well?”
His name is Sam?
“Could he be your third son?”
“…My firstborn. And it’s a different character for Sam, not the numeral three.”
“Ah, my apologies.”
“No matter.”
As Jin Geum-bo enjoyed a reunion with his young son, an elderly servant approached and bowed.
An aged servant, his son Jin Sam, and Jin Geum-bo.
These three comprised the entirety of the Jin Family Manor.
“Please, come inside.”
I followed Jin Geum-bo into the interior.
The largest room appeared to be a study, with maps and papers inscribed with ciphers covering every wall.
“The clues our Jin Family possesses are…”
Jin Geum-bo handed me a large sheet of paper.
“Is this… a treasure map?”
“In this era, the Sword King’s Spear is little more than legend. Clues regarding it remain scattered in small fragments across the realm. This treasure map was created by combining clues I collected directly.”
So it wasn’t an actual map but one constructed from conjecture.
Since the Namgung Clan successfully excavated the Sword King’s Spear in my previous life, its credibility appears quite high.
“Beyond the treasure map, there are additional clues. For instance, evidence that the Sword King’s Spear lies in Gyeongsu.”
Jin Geum-bo produced an ancient document and read aloud a passage.
“Where the heavens wear their brightest hue, where earth draws nearest to the sky, there the immortal path shall dwell.”
It sounded like grasping at clouds, yet I understood immediately.
“It must be Baek Su-san.”
“Indeed.”
“Elder, how does that passage lead to Baek Su-san?”
“Simple.”
Baek Su-san earned its name—meaning “white-haired mountain”—because snow perpetually cloaked its peaks.
However, Baek Su-san was not a mountain so lofty that its summit snow never melted and accumulated endlessly.
“Hmm. Then why doesn’t the snow melt?”
“The flow of yin qi or cold qi must be exceptionally strong in this place.”
“Ah, a dragon vein, then.”
Across the realm, there exist locations where the flow of natural earthly qi is particularly fierce or where vital energy accumulates.
Places commonly known as dragon veins or dragon lairs.
“Snow that refuses to melt is the very color of heaven, and mountains that lack height are closest to the earth itself. It seems the Namgung Clan remains ignorant of this passage.”
“How did you discern that?”
“Because if they had known, they would have acted upon it.”
“True. Only Jang Bo-do was informed by the Namgung Clan.”
“Naturally, you must have explored Baek Su-san yourself. Yet you found no entrance?”
“I found none. Ever since the Namgung Clan came searching, I’ve avoided approaching it altogether, just to be safe.”
“Hmm.”
I recalled the clues that Yeo Un-hyeok had provided me.
“Do you know what clues the Namgung Clan possesses?”
“I cannot say for certain, but I can make an educated guess. It’s likely information regarding the internal structure of the tower.”
“It appears the Namgung Clan did not order an investigation in that direction.”
Jin Geum-bo felt genuine admiration stirring within him.
The young man before him possessed a remarkable ability to deduce the full context from mere fragments of clues.
“Precisely. Once the Namgung Clan learns that the tower exists on Baek Su-san, they will immediately be able to locate the Sword King Tower.”
I examined Jang Bo-do in Jin Geum-bo’s possession once more.
‘The Namgung Clan possesses two clues: Jang Bo-do and the internal structure. The internal structure, in particular, is known only to the Namgung Clan.’
For now, I need not concern myself with the internal structure.
Though it’s obvious that mechanical traps will be installed, careful exploration should suffice.
What truly matters is….
‘No, wait. Let me address the immediate problem first.’
“Jin Merchant, I believe it would be wise for your family to withdraw from this matter. There is a risk you could become targets of the Namgung Clan’s retaliation.”
“I share your sentiment entirely.”
“What if you did this instead? Beginning tomorrow, you and your family should journey to Baek Manor in Gangwon.”
“May I ask the reason?”
“I intend to accept all members of the Jin Family as part of our main house.”
I continued as I watched Jin Geum-bo’s eyes widen.
“As it happens, our Supervisor is currently searching for talented individuals with exceptional aptitude. I believe you would be perfect for the role.”
This was no mere flattery—it was the truth.
Our family’s fortunes had grown so rapidly that Han Supervisor was already struggling under the burden of his duties.
It was time for the Baek Family to establish a dedicated department to handle financial matters.
Jin Geum-bo could serve as the cornerstone of such a department, assisting Han Supervisor.
“But what of my son? What of Jin Sam…?”
“If he shows talent in the literary arts, he will study under the Supervisor. If he shows talent in martial arts, I will personally teach him.”
“Oh…!”
Baek Manor was currently the fastest-growing martial family in Gangwon.
Moreover, with the Tang Family backing them, there was nothing to lose by entrusting one’s fate to them.
No, for Jin Geum-bo, it was the optimal choice.
“Namgung Cheon-yeong. I am grateful for your kindness. However… please, you must succeed in exploring the Sword King’s Arsenal. It is the long-cherished wish of our Jin Family… I beg of you.”
“Leave it to me with confidence. I shall gather all the treasures from the arsenal and return to the main residence. We can discuss the division of spoils when the time comes.”
“Very well. Once again, my gratitude. But… may I ask what your plan is?”
Judging by the exceptional intellect and cunning he had displayed thus far—a perfect blend of both martial and scholarly prowess—he was trustworthy. Yet the exploration of the Sword King’s Arsenal was another matter entirely.
Yang Hwi’s current party consisted of one peak master, three first-rate experts, and one second-rate expert.
It meant their forces were woefully insufficient for exploring the Sword King’s Arsenal.
‘From the start, because of our meeting in Soho, the Namgung Clan’s surveillance has only grown thicker. The moment we head to Baek Su-san, we’ll certainly be discovered.’
But then.
“Kekekeke!”
As I suddenly burst into a sinister laugh, Jin Geum-bo’s eyes filled with bewilderment.
“There is a way, after all.”
From the beginning, I had never intended to explore the Sword King’s Arsenal with just my party alone.
It was impossible by any reasonable standard, and drawing the full attention of the Namgung Clan would bring nothing but trouble.
‘The main residence and the Tang Family must also avoid the Namgung Clan’s retaliation.’
So, I needed to redirect their attention.
I would make it so the Namgung dogs had no time to concern themselves with the main residence and the Tang Family, and I would put forth a puppet so they wouldn’t view us as targets of retaliation.
In other words.
Simply put.
‘Let’s stir up some chaos.’
My shoulders heaved with barely contained excitement.
“Kekekekeke!”

* * *
Yang Hwi and his party decided to depart from the Jin Manor the very next day.
They needed to maintain the appearance of completing their mission and returning, as the Namgung Clan’s watchful eyes would surely be upon them.
“Jin Merchant, exactly half a month from now, begin settling your affairs and depart for Gangwon.”
“Is there a reason?”
“By then, the Namgung Clan will be too preoccupied to maintain surveillance here.”
Jin Geum-bo regarded Yang Hwi with slightly anxious eyes.
He couldn’t fathom what this cunning schemer was truly plotting.
“Understood. Safe travels to you.”
After exchanging farewells, Yang Hwi led his party toward Taehua.
Taehua was situated slightly south of Gyesu, a city that had sprung up at the intersection of several major roads.
“Younger Brother, what is your reason for insisting on going to Taehua?”
Yang Hwi turned toward Gu Ak and withdrew a money pouch from his breast.
As he shook it lightly, the coins they’d obtained from plundering the Sleeping Dragon Stronghold jingled merrily.
“Now that we have substantial funds, we must eat and drink well.”
“Hmm? You mean we’re going to enjoy ourselves?”
“At least, that’s how it must appear on the surface.”
There was nothing immediately suspicious about their actions, but the Namgung Clan would certainly be watching.
So first, they needed to lower their guard.
Besides, there was a genuine reason they needed to visit Taehua.
“We’ll spend about three or four days indulging ourselves. We’ll completely shake off the fatigue accumulated from our mission and prepare ourselves for returning to the manor.”
The entire party’s expressions brightened with anticipation upon hearing this.
Nearly a month had passed since they began their mission.
Though they’d stopped at inns along the way, they’d never truly enjoyed themselves or eaten well.
“Hehe, Elder Brother. We’re allowed to drink alcohol too?”
Smack!
“Ow!”
Yang Hwi regarded Chu Dal, clutching his head, with a look of exasperation.
“A young pup like you asking about alcohol—absolutely not.”
“We’re only one year apart!”
“Still no.”
“But you didn’t say anything last time!”
“Last time? When?”
“When that punk Jeong-meong started trouble near Gugang! You ordered alcohol then!”
“I had no intention of giving it to you then either. You didn’t even get to drink it because the fight broke out.”
“….”
A boy whose body hadn’t even fully matured had no business with alcohol.
‘Ah, now that I think about it, I’m getting thirsty.’
A wanderer and alcohol were inseparable companions.
True kindred spirits, as one might say—childhood friends bound by fate.
But ever since reversing time, Yang Hwi had not touched a single drop of alcohol to his lips.
Having already regressed, it seemed wasteful to squander his body by drinking at such a young age.
‘But now I can drink.’
The efficacy of Seon-gi, which strengthened the body in beneficial ways.
Thanks to this, I had been able to perfect my body during the recent closed-door training.
An achievement several years ahead of schedule.
“Well, Chu Dal is still not of age. Alcohol is too early for him.”
“Ugh, even you, Elder Dang! I’m only one year younger than Yang Hwi!”
“Though he hasn’t undergone the coming-of-age ceremony, fourteen is still too young.”
It was a characteristically rigid response from Dang-gun.
Chu Dal’s spirits completely deflated.
“But I can drink well too….”
“Enough. Just keep a tight rein on yourself. See that way? That’s where we need to go.”
Upon arriving in Taewhoa, the group settled into the most splendid tavern.
“Hmm. The marketplace is unusually vibrant.”
“It appears there’s a festival happening.”
When they asked the Innkeeper, they learned it was indeed the annual festival day.
“In that case, it wouldn’t be bad to buy some food from the street stalls?”
“Festival food has its own unique charm.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
“I want to see the festival too!”
Instead of ordering food at the tavern, they headed out to the marketplace.
“Oh! That person is breathing fire?”
“He’s likely holding strong liquor in his mouth and spewing it out.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Those scallion pancakes over there look quite delicious.”
“Brother, can I buy a whole roasted chicken?”
“Buy them all. We have plenty of money!”
As they were looking around the marketplace and buying various things.
“Hmm?”
In a somewhat secluded corner, an open space where several young children were wielding sticks and beating a man.
“Yap! Yap!”
“This monster! Monster!”
“Wow! His body is incredibly hard!”
The man showed no anger, simply covering his head and curling his body as he took the blows.
Seeing this, Dang-gun’s brow furrowed.
“These children clearly haven’t been taught proper manners.”
Finding the sight unpleasant, he shouted.
“You brats!”
Spotting Yang Hwi with a sword at his waist, the children fled in panic.
“Well, it’s… wow, he really is massive.”
As I drew closer, I understood why the children had called him a monster.
‘Even crouching like that, if he stood up, he’d be at least eight feet tall…’
That’s when the man turned his head and looked at me.
Eyes as simple and honest as an ox working in the fields.
Not baldness—a head shaved clean and bare.
Even the mark between his brows and forehead.
‘Now that I think about it… those clothes he’s wearing.’
A monk’s robe. The color was earthy brown.
There was only one kind of monk in all the world who wore a yellowish robe dyed from hemp cloth with mud.
“Could it be… Shaolin?”
Then the man rose to his feet.
And looking at me, he grinned widely.
“Good person!”

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