Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Ancient Clan's Martial Genius
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Yuk Eon placed a black stone on the Go board and spoke.
"It seems you've taken quite a liking to teaching those visiting warriors lately. The rumors are everywhere."
It was a warm autumn midday, sunlight pouring down gently. In the pavilion of Flying Stream Pavilion, the father-son Go match had been going on for some time.
Yuk Jin-yang, seated across from him, responded by placing a white stone.
"It's less about enjoyment and more about necessity. The disciple selection ceremony is coming up soon."
"Necessity? Well, the visiting warriors might flock to Flying Stream Pavilion seeing your promising future."
Yuk Eon acknowledged it readily, though a hint of concern showed on his face.
"They're your people anyway, so it's not my place to interfere. Still, I can't help but worry. Gaining permission to enter Martial Valor Hall is a huge opportunity. Don't let minor distractions derail your training."
"I'll keep that in mind. Besides, the visiting disciples also aid my own cultivation. It's beneficial for both sides."
"Is that so? Let's spar sometime soon, then. I'm curious to see how much you've grown."
"It'll be worlds apart from before."
Yuk Jin-yang declared confidently.
His martial prowess grew day by day. He had already reached the pinnacle of Moon Maiden Sword Art and Moon Stream Subtle Steps. Ten Thousand Rivers Single Source Art was on the verge of completing its first form.
Yuk Eon felt pleased by his son's confidence. He knew the boy wasn't one to spout empty boasts.
Thud! Thud!
Someone was deliberately stomping loudly. There seemed to be a commotion beyond the paper-screened door. Yuk Eon, who had been studying the board, furrowed his brow.
"Looks like an unwelcome guest. We'll finish the game later."
"You've already had your big dragon captured at Turtle Shell Temple."
"...Hmm, it's a bit early to resign just yet."
Yuk Eon stood, feigning nonchalance. Yuk Jin-yang swept up the stones with a faint smile.
That was when it happened.
The paper door burst open, revealing the intruder. It was Distant River Pavilion Leader Yuk Gyun. Behind him followed warriors from his pavilion.
Yuk Gyun pointed straight at Yuk Jin-yang, a wildly aggressive move.
"You!"
"Brother, what's this commotion without even sending word?"
"Step aside. I have business with that punk!"
Yuk Eon glanced at his son and replied firmly.
"If you're here to interrogate my son, state your business first."
The atmosphere was tense. Even Yuk Gyun, who had been glaring fiercely, took a step back.
Silence stretched between them. Yuk Gyun's eyes twitched. With a face full of fury, he spat out his words.
"The riffraff following that brat have been spouting nonsense everywhere. It led to a brawl with my men at the tavern, so I'm here to hold him accountable."
"Accountable, you say?"
"If underlings aren't kept in line, it's the superior's failing!"
Yuk Jin-yang snorted inwardly.
Pure nonsense. He wasn't explaining the details, just bullying based on vague suspicions.
If it had been entirely one side's fault, Yuk Gyun wouldn't have come on so strong. This was him posturing because both sides were at fault.
Flying Stream Pavilion and Distant River Pavilion already had plenty of entanglements. This was surely a ploy to knock them down a peg.
As Yuk Jin-yang opened his mouth to retort, an unexpected intervention came from the side.
"So what do you want us to do about it?"
"What?"
"The disciple selection is right around the corner. Petty squabbles like this happen all the time before the event. What's new?"
Yuk Eon mocked him coolly. A sneer curled his lips. His bold attitude left Yuk Gyun speechless. Even seeing his third brother's flushed face didn't stop Yuk Eon.
"And who drew their sword first?"
"What?"
"I'm asking which side struck first. If we're to sort out right and wrong, shouldn't we start there?"
Fights between Yuk Clan warriors outside were forbidden. Grudges had to be settled solely through spars in the training grounds. It was the ironclad law of the Zhejiang Yuk Clan.
When both sides were at fault, the one who struck first bore greater guilt, regardless of reason.
Yuk Gyun couldn't answer.
A lie could escalate things beyond control. From the start, his goal wasn't justice but intimidating his nephew for some gain.
Sensing this, Yuk Eon lowered his voice.
"Not so sure, are you?"
"..."
"Then you have no standing to hold our boy accountable. Did you come just to bully a child?"
His tone was soft yet resolute.
Their gazes clashed sharply in the air. Yuk Gyun twisted his lips and sneered at his younger brother.
"How impressive. A guy who wandered outside for over a decade still remembers clan law."
"My memory's always been better than yours, brother. It brings back old memories. When we were kids, I even helped you memorize all the relatives' names since you couldn't."
"...You bastard."
"Anything else to say?"
"Enjoy your fleeting authority. I'll be watching to see how long it lasts."
Leaving the warning, Yuk Gyun turned away with a scowl. The thudding footsteps faded as he stormed out.
Silence returned.
Yuk Eon gazed steadily at his son. Yuk Jin-yang met his eyes without flinching.
Yuk Eon broke the awkward silence first.
"Now that the unwelcome guest is gone, tell me what happened—from start to finish."
His tone made it clear he was convinced his son had pulled some scheme. Yuk Jin-yang didn't bother denying it and explained honestly.
"Grandfather sent some people my way, so I used them as bait to draw in more."
He went into the details. Once finished, Yuk Eon's face clouded with worry.
"That's dangerous. I told you to keep a low profile."
"No need to worry."
"I'm already plenty worried. I'm holding back only because I don't want to crush your ambitions with my fussing."
Yuk Eon lowered his voice even further.
"But, Jin-yang."
"Yes."
"You might not know this, but our family's history is steeped in blood. Fratricide is all too common."
I know. All too well. Yuk Jin-yang swallowed his inner thoughts.
Yuk Eon continued.
"Either stay out entirely. Or if you step in, see it through to the end. Either way, you need the resolve for it."
It was a loaded statement.
Was he probing? Yuk Jin-yang hesitated briefly before replying.
"On the Chongyang Festival, when I crossed the gates of Yuk Clan Great Compound, I already knew I was riding a tiger's back."
He glanced at his father. His face was stiff, expression hard to read.
"Riding a tiger, eh."
Murmuring like a lament, Yuk Eon closed his eyes and crossed his arms. He let out a sigh with his words.
"Let's settle this now. You want to inherit Grandfather's position, right?"
"Yes."
The immediate answer. Hiding it now was pointless.
Yuk Eon's expression grew complicated.
"It won't be easy. If I were the eldest son and you the eldest grandson, maybe. But as things stand, you lack even the legitimacy."
"I suppose so."
"Your faction is weak too. Cloud Sea Hall commands hundreds of retainers. Your eldest uncle probably has ties to court officials as well."
"And yet Grandfather hasn't named a successor."
Yuk Jin-yang replied calmly throughout.
The eldest uncle and other relatives were mere candidates. The board could flip anytime.
Above all, Yuk Jin-yang knew the outcome. It was the privilege of one who had seen the future.
The clan head never named one. Without a word, he ascended to immortality, leaving the mortal world. It meant no one met his standards.
"If Grandfather truly favored your eldest brother, the successor issue wouldn't drag on like this."
"..."
"But he let his children form factions, even granting them hall and pavilion names. Isn't he openly pitting them against each other?"
Yuk Eon nodded silently. Then, in a heavy tone, he asked.
"So you need to be acknowledged as one of the competitors first?"
"That's the immediate goal."
"Fine. I'll hand over the pavilion leader position to you soon."
"Pardon?"
"Why so surprised? To compete, you need to be in the right spot. That means surpassing me first."
Yuk Eon was dead serious. No sign of joking.
Yuk Jin-yang agreed it made sense. The first rival he needed to overtake was his own father. Yuk Eon was direct kin and qualified to enter the succession race if he chose.
"But let me say this upfront: I'm not interested in the clan. Even if Grandfather offered me the position, I'd decline. Not that he'd consider me, haha."
"I figured as much."
"If things stay this way, all your efforts will be seen as mere filial piety for your father's sake, not your own ascent."
His words were indirect, but the meaning clear: use your father as a stepping stone to rise higher. Only then would everyone see him as qualified to rival his uncles.
Yuk Jin-yang was at a loss for words.
His father's attitude was too nonchalant. He treated the pavilion leader role like an unwanted burden.
Did he still harbor resentment toward the clan? Yuk Jin-yang didn't pry.
Misreading his stiff expression, Yuk Eon quickly added.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying I'll dump everything on you and bow out as a father. It just means I'll back you to take the forefront."
"...Thank you, Father."
"Save the thanks. I might change my mind later."
Yuk Jin-yang grinned.
"That won't happen."
A few days later, Hwang Dal-pyeong visited Flying Stream Pavilion.
Yuk Jin-yang happened to be in the training grounds, practicing the linkage of footwork and external arts.
The silver deer sword in Yuk Jin-yang's hand danced lightly through the air. Sunlight scattered dazzlingly from the tip.
The rippling energy waves were no joke. Similar to Moon Maiden Sword Art's forms yet different. It flowed continuously rather than in sharp cuts—a harmony with Moon Stream Subtle Steps.
Hwang Dal-pyeong was momentarily entranced. The sword trail's afterimages played tricks on the eyes like a mirage. Even to an outsider, it was impressive swordsmanship.
The admiration was brief. Collecting himself, Hwang Dal-pyeong cleared his throat awkwardly. Yuk Jin-yang reined in his energy and slowly turned.
"What brings you here?"
"Things outside got noisy, so I came urgently without notice."
Yuk Jin-yang asked calmly.
"Because of the dispute with Distant River Pavilion?"
"No. That wouldn't ruffle the entire Yuk Clan Great Compound. Power plays before the disciple selection happen every time."
"Then?"
"Rumors are spreading among the visiting guests—about irregularities with Young Master."
Yuk Jin-yang's eyebrow twitched.