Seizing the Jang Family

Just twenty years ago, the Jang Family had been nothing more than an insignificant little clan on the fringes of Northern Murim. Their rise to one of the major families began when Jang Cheon's sister took the place of the deceased first lady as the principal wife of Sword Lord Yi Yeom.

Yi Yeom, who cherished his sister-in-law above all else, began heavily promoting Jang Family members from that point on. With her immense political ambition, she wielded her formidable influence from the shadows, supporting the Jang Family in every way possible—materially and otherwise. Thanks to her, they had grown into a force rivaling even the Iron Blood Family, the overlords, and Jang Cheon himself had become the strongest candidate to succeed the Sword Lord on the throne of overlord.

Thud! Jang Cheon's expression remained surprisingly calm as he set ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠down his teacup. Considering the humiliations he'd suffered at Yeon-hoo's hands, it was unexpected. Even though the throne he'd thought within his grasp had slipped slightly further away because of Yeon-hoo, he showed no sign of distress.

Jang Hoe, seated across from him, asked, "Are you really going to give up just like this?"

"Nonsense. It's simply not the right time yet. No matter how dire the situation, with the Sword Lord's legitimate heir returned, rushing things now could backfire on us."

"Of all times, for the second young master to return now... I'm worried things might go wrong."

"No need for concern. This could even turn into an opportunity for us."

"What do you...?"

"There are still many factions that haven't sided with us. The second young master gives them a perfect excuse to oppose me. If I force my way onto the throne in this situation, I'll be mired in endless political strife."

"Please explain it more plainly."

Snort. Jang Cheon wore a meaningful smile. "I'm thinking of letting the second young master hold the overlord's seat for a while."

"Brother!"

"Hear me out."

"......"

"I don't know where he's been or what kind of life he's lived these past years, but at his age, he can't possibly have the capacity to rule Northern Murim. Especially now, with the Wall Thunder Family's assaults from Northwest Murim growing fiercer by the day—the overlord's seat would be poison to him. Heh heh heh."

"Then your intent is...?"

"When that fool's incompetence is laid bare before the world, it would be best for me and the family if I naturally ascend the throne at that moment. Even those opposing our house will be forced to shut their mouths."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jang Hoe's expression transformed, and he let out a gasp of admiration. "As expected of you, brother. I never even considered such a thing!"

Jang Cheon drained the last of his tea.

Thud.

"That fox put on a tiger's act so convincingly. Those two idiots were utterly overwhelmed, not even able to breathe properly."

"...Was it that bad?"

"Do you know who he brought with him?"

"Who?"

"Yeom Gong, the leader of the Salmun who killed the eldest young master. He dragged him in."

"Impossible! Tracking Yeom Gong down is unthinkable in the first place, and even if found, with the Wall Thunder Family backing him and his own peerless martial prowess as a supreme master—how could the second young master...?"

"That's why those two idiots cowered like frightened chicks, necks shrunk back. I was pretty shocked myself back then."

Jang Cheon recalled the events in the grand hall, his eyes darkening.

Don't make me commit the filial impiety of killing my own uncle with these hands.

'How dare he...' Jang Cheon reached for his teacup again. At that moment, a handsome young man entered the room. Early twenties, perhaps? His looks and very aura were strikingly similar to Jang Cheon's.

"I've returned, Father."

The youth was Jang So, Jang Cheon's only son, whom he treasured more than his own life. At his entrance, Jang Cheon's face brightened as if the gloom had never been.

"Glad you made it back safely. Did everything go well?"

"Yes. Thanks to your arrangements, Father, it all wrapped up without issue. But on my way in, I heard the second young master has returned..."

"We'll discuss that later. Go pay your respects to the Grand Lady first."

"Yes, Father."

Jang Cheon watched his son's retreating figure for a moment before rising.

"Are you heading out?"

"I need to consult with the Elder Council, so go rest ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠first."

"I'll go with you."

"No need."

* * *

Ancestor Hall.

Sama Song came to find Yeon-hoo. Fortunately, Seok Cheong had permitted his entry. Sama Song handed Yeon-hoo two thick books and a large map.

"What are these?"

"These books contain information on the overlord family and the major clans and experts of Northern Murim. And this is the current troop deployment map of the Wall Thunder Family opposing us."

Yeon-hoo unrolled the map first.

"The mountains form the center: our forces to the north, the Wall Thunder-led Northwest Murim to the southwest. Enemy main forces are marked with red dots."

"The size differences indicate troop numbers?"

"Yes."

"Nearly three times as many."

"Regrettably so."

Wall Thunder Family. Known as the warriors of fire, they were one of the White Night Eight Great Families like the Iron Blood Family and overlords of Northwest Murim. Since Yeon-hoo's childhood, Northern and Northwest Murim had been locked in endless war, maintaining a perfect balance where neither side could claim superiority.

'Pushed back this far...'

The red dots on the map overwhelmed their forces in both numbers and terrain.

Thud. Yeon-hoo folded the map and asked, "What about funds and supplies?"

"Not good. The war intensified around the time you left, and in the midst, our two most vital iron mines—our lifeline—were destroyed by enemy attacks..."

Sama Song trailed off, unable to continue.

"Troop morale?"

"They've held on with the spirit of desperate resistance until now, but the Sword Lord's death has shaken even that."

"The Jang Family seized on that and hurried their move."

"Yes. With many worrying over the Sword Lord's absence..."

While listening, Yeon-hoo read about Northern Murim's major clans and experts. His eyes sharpened on one faction name written in especially bold letters.

"What's this Red Wolf Corps?"

"The world calls them bandits, but they're more like mercenaries. They fight wars for pay, with extremely strong forces. Even the Sword Lord put effort into bringing them under his command, but..."

No need to hear the rest. He wouldn't phrase it that way if successful.

"Why list them among Northern Murim's major families?"

"They're a force we must recruit, so I marked them boldly."

"Meaning the Red Wolf Corps hasn't sided with anyone yet?"

"Correct."

Thud! Yeon-hoo closed the book.

"Not going to read more...?"

"Seeing it all now won't change anything. First, finish the funeral, then head straight to the battlefield."

"That makes sense, but wouldn't it be better to take some time and move carefully? The current situation is like a cloud bridge—one slip, and you can't climb back. Caution in all things..."

"I have a plan. Prepare the troops to depart with me."

"...Understood. Then, see you in three days."

As the bowing Sama Song turned to leave, Yeon-hoo called him back.

"Sama family head."

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For not forgetting ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠me and welcoming me back."

* * *

Three days later.

A crowd surged toward the Ancestor Hall. Word of Yeon-hoo's return had spread late, turning the surroundings into a chaotic throng. Reactions varied. Some welcomed him, but ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠most did not. If anything, the latter outnumbered the former. Yet both sides shared a common anxiety over the political turmoil to come.

The people waited for Yeon-hoo to emerge. Among them were heads of major families like Sama Song, and Iron Blood Family's assault captain Gwak Yang. Notably absent was Jang Cheon, who'd clashed with him from day one.

Creeeak... At last, the Ancestor Hall doors opened, and the crowd held their breath. Moments later, Yeon-hoo appeared, and Sama Song stepped forward.

"The troops are waiting. Shall we depart at once?"

"One stop first."

"A stop...?"

"To the Elder Council. No matter how busy, I must pay respects to the council head."

"Understood."

Yeon-hoo headed straight for the Elder Council. People parted left and right as he walked. Sama Song, at his side, said, "Just in case: the council head wants Jang Cheon on the throne more than anyone. His subordinates won't differ."

"Got it."

Soon, at the Elder Council, warriors blocked Yeon-hoo's path.

"Halt!"

"Here to see the council head."

"Wait a moment."

Snap. Yeon-hoo seized the nape of the turning warrior.

"Do you know who I am?"

"The second young master."

Thwack!

"Urk!" The warrior flew back.

"Then fix your attitude and speech first."

"What is this...?"

Slap!

"Kuh!" Blood sprayed from the warrior's mouth.

Sama Song glared with tiger-like eyes. "Dare call it 'this' to the young master...? You've gone mad wanting death."

The other warrior paled, frozen in place. Yeon-hoo shoved past and entered. Crossing the vast courtyard, two more warriors blocked him—but having witnessed the gate incident, they hesitated.

"The young master wishes to see the council head. Open the doors."

"If we do... we'll be punished. Allow us to announce your visit first."

Sama Song looked to Yeon-hoo, who nodded silently.

"...Thank you."

Soon after the warrior entered, an elder emerged with him.

"Is the council head inside?"

"...Enter."

Yeon-hoo passed the elder and went in. Three old men sat inside. Yeon-hoo locked eyes with the one in the head seat, gazing down imperiously: Elder Council Chairman Song Gyeom.

"It's been a while, Council Head."

"Come in. Seeing the young master so hale and hearty finally eases this old man's heart."

For a reunion after fifteen years, the greeting was dry. Neither Yeon-hoo nor Song Gyeom so much as twitched.

"Yield your seat."

"No need. I must leave soon."

"I hear you're heading to the battlefield... Shall we get to the point?"

Song Gyeom's demeanor suggested he knew exactly why Yeon-hoo had come. Yeon-hoo cut straight to it.

"By overlord family law, from this moment, command of Northern Murim's forces falls to me. I came to inform the council head procedurally before departing for the front."

"Asking permission?"

"Notifying you."

The other elders frowned at Yeon-hoo's boldness, but Song Gyeom's gaze remained unchanged. He even smiled faintly.

"Understood. Proceed."

"Council Head! How can you handle something so vital so lightly?!"

"It's by overlord family law. Elders, raise no objections."

Dismissing the others, Song Gyeom finally rose and gave Yeon-hoo a slight bow.

"I should go with you, but my health fails me. I can only wish you martial fortune. Go carefully, young master."

"Thank you."

Yeon-hoo exited the Elder Council. At the entrance, he paused and turned back to Song Gyeom, who still watched him.

"I heard you had a great-grandson recently. Must be nice. An elder's house is never short on hands, after all."

"I'll take that as congratulations."

"...!"