Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Entering the Alliance
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“You might not know this, but the main force of the Five Harmony Alliance isn't the Four Great Families.”
Yuk Hang, who had brought Yuk Jin-yang to his own barracks, said.
“We're not all that attached to alliance matters. At best, we've just put our names on the roster. For branch family members, maybe it'd be different. But the other ancient clans are quite devoted to the alliance, even their direct descendants. They treat their clan and the Five Harmony Alliance as one and the same.”
“I've heard something like that before.”
There weren't many ancient clans based in the provinces like the Four Great Families. Most had their bases in Kaifeng, where the alliance headquarters was located. Separate from their main estates.
They aimed for positions within the alliance rather than lording over provincial fiefs. The imperial court offered them considerable privileges as well. It was all to keep them there and draw even more clans to Kaifeng.
After all, clustered powerhouses were far easier to manage than scattered tiger clans dispersed everywhere.
These subordinate clans of the alliance formed its core strength.
But this incident was too massive. They alone couldn't handle it. Moreover, the Four Great Families were now deeply involved. Organizational restructuring was inevitable.
“Did Ryul tell you? Then this'll be quick. I want you to stick with Go-eon until this blows over.”
“With Uncle?”
Yuk Jin-yang glanced at his cousin standing beside his second granduncle. Yuk Go-eon wore an impassive expression.
Unlike Yuk Ju-jin, whom he had served as a subordinate, he had barely exchanged words with Yuk Go-eon. Just greetings when they crossed paths.
It had been the same in his previous life. He had hardly even heard the names Yuk Hang or Yuk Go-eon back then. They had already been exiled from the clan.
Still, he had caught some rumors. While Yuk Ju-jin was a troublemaker known for all sorts of villainy, Yuk Go-eon was said to be overly dependent on his parents.
Even now, he just stood there blankly. Despite this being a discussion about his own affairs, he showed no interest. As if he left all decisions to his father.
“It won't be a bad thing for you either.”
Yuk Hang said meaningfully. Yuk Jin-yang feigned ignorance with a straight face.
“Sticking with Cousin does sound reassuring. I don't have much experience in the martial world, after all.”
“Haha, that's not what I meant.”
A faint smile played on Yuk Hang's lips. His tone softened noticeably.
“Cousins like you two rarely get a chance to bond. I just want you to spend time together and build some rapport.”
Rapport? Yuk Jin-yang kept his expression neutral as he replied politely.
“I'm not sure if that's up to me... I'm sorry.”
“It's just a suggestion, so no need to worry too much. I'll talk to Go-eon separately as well.”
Yuk Hang hesitated a moment before adding,
“Just one request: take care of yourself.”
At the unexpected concern, Yuk Jin-yang momentarily lost his words. Yuk Hang continued with a sigh, as if he could read his thoughts.
“I get your wariness. But not everyone in our family sees each other as prey.”
“......”
“I share your grandfather's view. Regardless of the succession struggle, I don't want to see family blood spilled. Your eldest and third uncles are different, though. That's why I'm desperate too. Who knows what would happen if either of them became patriarch.”
Even as he spoke, Yuk Hang subtly glanced at his son, Yuk Go-eon. Worry was evident in his eyes.
'Is he purely concerned for his son?'
Or was he trying to intimidate him?
Yuk Jin-yang recalled his second granduncle's actions so far. Unlike the openly ambitious eldest granduncle or the third filled with resentment, Yuk Hang had shown little interest in their family.
As Yuk Jin-yang remained silent, Yuk Hang let out an empty laugh to diffuse the awkwardness.
“Oops, did I go too far? If you can't trust me, go ahead and tell your father what I said today. Go-eon will understand why I said this.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
Yuk Jin-yang maintained his innocent nephew act to the end and left the tent. Once outside, he muttered softly.
“Can't read his intentions.”
At that very moment, as Yuk Jin-yang conversed with his second granduncle.
Yuk Eon was catching up with his cousin, Yuk Ryul, after a long time.
“I heard you returned to the alliance. Didn't expect to meet here again.”
“The patriarchs' excursion must have been quite the spectacle. I was nearly sent to Sichuan, but the black道 scum all vanished into the hills and forests.”
“Anyway, sorry for the late greeting. When you said you'd check on my boy's martial arts, I should've at least pretended to know.”
“I know your situation, brother. No need to apologize.”
Yuk Ryul waved it off.
The return of Yuk Eon's family had been a hot topic even among the branch members.
Of course—who could expect the patriarch to yield easily? With all that attention, caution was only natural.
“Anyway, what did you want to see me about privately? Do you need a favor?”
“Yes. Sorry, but I need your help.”
“You're not the type for personal requests. It must be about Jin-yang.”
At the words that pierced right through him, Yuk Eon gave a wry smile.
“The patriarch wants to pull Jin-yang into the succession competition.”
“Makes sense. Your nephew's talent is astonishing.”
“But our clan's competition isn't something raw talent alone can overcome.”
“You want me to back Jin-yang? Easy enough. The son of my blood brother is like a nephew to me too.”
Yuk Ryul had lost his parents young. To 사파 thugs.
For all that it was the Yuk Clan, few cared for a distant branch orphan. If the patriarch and his wife hadn't taken pity and raised him, he would've suffered greatly.
But life at the main house wasn't easy either.
The patriarch's children treated him like a servant when no one was around. Amid the contempt and neglect, only Yuk Eon treated him like a brother. Their bond was special.
“The alliance must have guessed the purpose of this Four Families meeting too, right?”
“Of course. Who do you think bore the brunt of the court's suspicions and complaints?”
“Once the other patriarchs are persuaded, the Five Harmony Alliance will draw swords against the rising clans.”
Yuk Ryul nodded instead of replying. Yuk Eon continued.
“At that time, I want you to take Jin-yang with you. So he can rack up merits.”
“Why me specifically? The direct Yuk Clan line will head to the battlefield anyway.”
“There will definitely be interference.”
Yuk Eon stated the facts plainly.
They might not even get a chance to earn merits. Excuses abounded. He's still a child, no need to see blood, and so on.
Yuk Ryul asked cautiously.
“What does the boy himself want?”
“Jin-yang is different from me. He has grand ambitions in his heart. As a father, I can't clip his wings—even if I can't help him spread them.”
“Hmm. For his first foray into the martial world, it might be a dangerous mission.”
“If you advise against it, I'll listen.”
After a brief thought, Yuk Ryul nodded readily.
“Let's do it. The alliance is short on manpower anyway.”
The Five Harmony Alliance was always understaffed. Monitoring the world was a massive burden. Threats were endless.
사파 gangs tormenting commoners, shadowy cults lurking everywhere. Hypocrites in righteous garb. Even corrupt officials colluding with them. All enemies of the Five Harmony Alliance.
The foes fought desperately against the alliance. To the bitter end.
Unlike the Nine Great Sects confined to their territories, the Five Harmony Alliance roamed everywhere, making them far trickier and fiercer. That was why diverting forces was so difficult.
“They'll probably include a few direct descendants from the Four Families in the main force. Jin-yang's lack of experience is a concern, but with his talent, it'll work out somehow.”
“The 사파's depredations must still be severe.”
“Always are.”
Yuk Ryul replied nonchalantly and stood first. He added,
“A sudden thought, though. Do you think the patriarch will just sit idly by?”
“What do you mean?”
“If he's as worried as you say, he'll look after Jin-yang. Say, by attaching him directly to the alliance. Then the vulture-like granduncles have no pretext to interfere.”
“Jin-yang hasn't even undergone his coming-of-age ceremony.”
“Reasons can be made. You seem to understand the patriarch less than I do, brother.”
Yuk Eon frowned. His cousin was right. The father he knew would fabricate any justification to achieve his goals.
“Anyway, take good care of him.”
“And you?”
“What?”
“You'll have to join this campaign if the patriarch orders it. Why send me instead of going with your son?”
Yuk Eon shook his head.
“No, I'm sitting this one out.”
“Did the patriarch approve?”
“He told me himself. Jin-yang set up a branch, so he wants me to manage it.”
Yuk Ryul scowled.
“That's too much. Making a father clean up after his son.”
“That's what parents do. Clean up after their kids.”
Yuk Ryul didn't laugh at the joke. Yuk Eon added awkwardly,
“Honestly, I think it's right too. Jin-yang just stepped into the martial world; he doesn't have time to manage a branch and haggle with merchants.”
“Haven't seen you in ages, and your personality's changed a lot, brother.”
Yuk Ryul grumbled.
Yuk Eon stood without retorting. Outside, he looked up at the sky.
A falcon soared toward Kaifeng.
It was the third day since the Four Families' meeting.
At dawn, as the sun faintly rose. The falcon sent to Kaifeng returned, a reply tied to its leg.
Confirming the contents, the patriarchs finally ordered the march into the city.
The warriors of the Four Families formed ranks and advanced on Kaifeng. Gone was the free-spirited air of martial artists. Only the stern discipline of an elite army remained.
It was rare for over a thousand martial artists to gather in one place. A truly extraordinary sight.
Spectators emerged here and there to watch the procession. Kaifeng's bustling main streets were packed, unable to handle the crowds.
“To think I'd live to see the Four Patriarchs' meeting again!”
“What's so great about it, Grandpa?”
“Come here, let this old man tell you tales of the grand old days.”
But the crowd's clamor soon died down. They watched the approaching group in hushed awe, overwhelmed by the immense presence of the assembled warriors.
That was when the warriors of the Four Families finally arrived at the Five Harmony Alliance headquarters.
A single woman boldly blocked their path. Claiming to be the princess's maid, she stated her business.
“Her Highness the Princess wishes an audience with the Yuk Patriarch.”