Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Planning to Become Ruthless
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Riverbank Manor in Soheung, Zhejiang Province.
Around noon, about three hundred burly warriors arrived. They were all dressed in the sleeveless vests favored by seafolk, exposing their arms and chests. Leading them was a sturdy man in his forties, the only one properly attired in martial robes.
With thick black sideburns framing his cheeks and a sharply angled jaw, he cut an incredibly tough figure.
Dragon Hatchling Stronghold Leader Yong Dae-cheon.
He was the master of the Dragon Hatchling Stronghold, stationed on the Zhoushan Archipelago as a beachhead by the Sea Dragon King, who was called the emperor of the oceans, in his bid to seize the Hangzhou region. For over a decade, fierce resistance from the merchants and orthodox sects of Hangzhou had stalled any real progress. But recently, Riverbank Manor in nearby Soheung had united the region's unorthodox factions, ushering in an unexpected new phase.
"Welcome, Stronghold Leader Yong. We're honored to have you at Riverbank Manor."
Greetings Yong Dae-cheon was Kang Il-hae, master of Riverbank Manor.
Radiant Cloud Sword Kang Il-hae.
He had long been renowned as a top expert in Zhejiang Province. Though tangled in various scandals, he was known as an orthodox sect member. Yet a few months ago, he had suddenly changed course, rallying unorthodox warriors—which had piqued curiosity. That's when envoys were sent to Dragon Hatchling Stronghold. Yong Dae-cheon's visit was in response to Kang Il-hae's invitation.
"I'm Yong Dae-cheon."
"Rumors don't do your heroic presence justice, Hero Yong. Come, let me introduce you. This is Hero Sang of the Yin-Yang Twin Hooks."
Kang Il-hae's explanation made Yong Dae-cheon's eyes widen noticeably.
Yin-Yang Twin Hooks!
An old dwarf barely three feet tall, wielding weapons like twin sickles chained to iron links. One blade was as long as a man's arm, the other half that size—making for unpredictable, relentless assaults that were notoriously hard to counter. He was a famed unorthodox master.
"I never expected to see Hero Sang here."
"The feeling is mutual. I never imagined I'd join forces with the Sea Dragon King for something grand."
"We'll see about that. The envoy from my headquarters arrives tomorrow, but whether we forge great plans together or spill blood here depends on today's meeting."
Yong Dae-cheon's pointed words drew a laugh from Yin-Yang Twin Hooks.
"Why so guarded? From Shandong to Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Fujian—who along the coast would dare cross the Sea Dragon King? No one but those meddlesome orthodox fools. No need to sharpen your blades just yet."
"Well said. As I sent word, signs of chaos are stirring. Let's join hands with like-minded souls and drive those orthodox meddlers from Zhejiang once and for all."
Kang Il-hae chimed in, echoing Yin-Yang Twin Hooks. If true, it was music to the Sea Dragon King's ears. That was precisely why Yong Dae-cheon had come.
"Very well. Let's head in and see who else you've gathered."
Yong Dae-cheon nodded broadly, easing his guard.
Kang Il-hae smiled in satisfaction and led the way.
"This way. Today's gathering will shape the future of Zhejiang."
"Indeed. We must sweep away every last one of those tiresome orthodox meddlers."
Yin-Yang Twin Hooks boomed as they headed into Riverbank Manor. At that moment, a sinister smirk curled Kang Il-hae's lips as he guided Yong Dae-cheon.
'Iron Divine Dragon! Come on over! You think I'll just sit here and take it?'
Baekri Clan Leader had hoped his clan's younger generation would bond with the Iron Lion Sect disciples. He gathered them all together, even setting aside time to speak privately with Do Cheon alone.
But bonding in just one day wasn't easy. By the time Do Cheon and his group departed the next morning, expectations remained unmet.
"You should have stayed a few more days. Such a shame."
The Baekri Clan Leader voiced his regret to Do Cheon.
"As I mentioned, we're heading to handle Fourth Junior Brother Neung's affairs, so no one could relax fully. We'll have to be content with this visit. Next time, Clan Leader, come to our main sect. You're always welcome—drop by anytime."
"Of course. I'll bring these kids along then."
The Baekri Clan Leader glanced at his children and the clan's juniors. The boys couldn't tear their eyes from Byeon Ryeo-gun's beauty, while the girls looked bored, as if none caught their fancy.
'Hopeless fools—even with the table set, they can't eat!'
Displeasure crossed the Baekri Clan Leader's face. But turning back to Do Cheon, he resumed his usual expression.
"Safe travels. As I said, if you have time on the way back, stop by."
"Understood."
Do Cheon bowed deeply and turned to his martial siblings.
"Pay your respects to the Clan Leader."
Starting with Byeon Ryeo-gun, they all bowed politely. At Do Cheon's gesture, they boarded the carriages.
"We'll be off."
"Go well."
With Do Cheon last, the two carriages rolled out beyond Baekri Clan's main gate.
The Baekri Clan Leader stood watch until they were fully out of sight.
"He doesn't seem all that impressive, from what I've heard."
Baekri Gang, the clan's young master and the leader's eldest son, approached and spoke.
"The rumors you know don't even cover half of what he is."
"Pardon?"
Baekri Gang blinked in surprise.
The Baekri Clan Leader turned to him.
"I can't say more yet, but remember one thing: as long as he's with Iron Lion Sect, they are the world's finest."
"...!"
Not just Baekri Gang—everyone nearby gaped in shock. Soon, the Baekri Clan Leader shot displeased looks at his daughter and niece.
"No one caught your eye?"
"Their faces are decent enough, but their skills didn't impress."
"Last autumn, they were scrapping with street thugs. In mere months, they've grown strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with you. Thanks to that Iron Divine Dragon, sure—but next time you see them, they'll be looking down on you. And by then, rivals will have appeared too. You pathetic lot!"
"Why didn't you say so sooner?"
"What did I tell you? 'Father's set the table—reel one in.'"
"We thought you were joking."
"Enough. It's your luck anyway. You'll cross paths again—handle it then."
The Baekri Clan Leader shook his head and turned away. Then his second son muttered.
"Miss Byeon was truly remarkable."
"Don't even dream."
"Huh?"
"She's Iron Divine Dragon's match."
"Wha? But they're martial siblings."
"Who says siblings can't pair up? I've observed closely—don't even glance her way. Falling out with Iron Divine Dragon could twist our clan's future."
Those smitten by Byeon Ryeo-gun's beauty deflated in disappointment.
"What about Little Sparrow?"
"Compared to Miss Byeon..."
"Hah!"
The Baekri Clan Leader sighed. Blinded by Byeon Ryeo-gun, they overlooked the girl beside her.
"She wielded a sword, inheriting the ultimate art of Lady Yi Gun-ok, one of the Iron Lions... Ugh, enough! Inside, all of you! Go train!"
Frustrated by his children's failure to recognize gems, the Baekri Clan Leader bellowed.
As they entered Zhejiang, Neung Sa-woon's face grew darker. The group's buoyant mood sobered in response. That shift, in turn, reached Neung Sa-woon fully.
"Sorry. With home so near, the thoughts keep coming."
"That's only natural. Two days from now, you'll see them—and take revenge. Let the anger build."
Do Cheon's unexpected words drew Neung Sa-woon's gaze.
"Why?"
"I figured you'd tell me to calm down and stay cool-headed."
"For revenge? No point calming it. Save that for stronger foes. Rage freely—you can afford it."
Neung Sa-woon smiled at Do Cheon's words. A reflexive grin.
"Why?"
"Feels reassuring, having Big Senior Brother here. Nothing scares me now."
"No fear. All I can do is block those stronger than you—that, I'll do thoroughly. So unleash your fury and avenge as your heart demands."
Neung Sa-woon clenched his lips, stared, then reddened around the eyes.
The others, mid-meal and tea, watched silently.
"Father was a good man. Had nothing to his name, no great skills—but he did everything to raise us. Spring: tending fields. Summer: mending nets, repairing ships by the sea. Autumn: logging in the mountains. Mother sewed well, taking in needlework. My sister..."
Recalling his sister's fate, Neung Sa-woon teared up.
"Her face was smashed. Bludgeoned with rocks, no doubt. Parents beaten with clubs..."
A few words painted horrors enough. The Iron Lion Sect brothers, unknown faces in Kangsa Castle, inwardly cursed them and vowed death.
"Big Senior Brother."
"Yes."
"I plan to become ruthless."
"You should."
Neung Sa-woon looked up at Do Cheon's reply, scanning his siblings before pausing at Little Sparrow.
"Little Junior Sister, please don't watch."
"I won't. I'll stay with Young Ki."
"Thanks. That's how I can go all out."
"I understand. Do it. Give them worse than they gave the departed. I won't watch, but I'll cheer you on, Fourth Senior Brother."
"Thank you."
Neung Sa-woon nodded, tears finally spilling. His siblings watched without empty encouragements—they'd witness his vengeance, fight overwhelming foes alongside him.
As Do Cheon pondered how to help Neung Sa-woon find some peace post-revenge, an elderly man ascended to the inn's second floor. He scanned the room, approached Do Cheon, bowed, and whispered.
"From the Hao Gate. Over four hundred warriors are assembling at Riverbank Manor. They know you're heading this way."
"Where's Kangsa Castle?"
"Since relaying your message last time, no movement from Riverbank Manor's inner quarters."
"Good. Thank you."
"Wishing you martial fortune, Young Master Do."
"Thanks."
The Hao Gate agent withdrew.
The message relayed last time was Do Cheon's threat to Riverbank Manor Lord Kang Il-hae: Hao Gate is watching—don't dream of leaving.
"Over four hundred gathered. This just got interesting."
Do Cheon said to Neung Sa-woon, who paled at the number. Do Cheon grinned wider deliberately.
"Fourth Junior Brother."
"Yes."
"Let's teach them: even four hundred can drown in fear."
"...!"
Soft words carried the thick stench of blood.