Chapter 177
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Anyone with Complaints? (3)
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Sajung-mu's shouts didn't even reach the ears of the three. Mujin was over there. It wouldn't do for the So Family Manor—no, even if the Hebei Peng Clan brought their full force—to act rashly.
They smashed the dantians of the subdued warriors.
Thud! Kraaaack!
Screams erupted unhindered from the warriors whose dantians were shattered. With their acupoints sealed, they couldn't even thrash about freely. The sight of their bloodshot eyes rolling back was utterly chilling.
Shiver!
Even the warriors of Guo Family Manor shook their heads as they watched. It would have been better to just kill them outright.
"...These bastards, doing something like this... Kraaaack!"
He screamed as if he thought he'd be spared, but Taejin smashed So Jeong-mu's dantian like a butcher slaughtering a cow. Not even his expression flickered as he destroyed what was essentially everything to a martial artist.
'Gotta do what Father's orders say.'
Safety first, self-preservation above all.
Taejin had no desire to play the hero. When his father gave an order, he just shut up and followed it, whatever it was. He didn't want to annoy his father by asking why. Living within one's means brought peace of mind, or so they said.
'Better not piss him off. That little punk!'
Lukchil thought he knew Taejin pretty well, but sometimes the boy reminded him of his own father. And this was a kid who could actually wield power in real combat. His potential wasn't just budding—it was blooming into something complete.
'What kind of people are they?'
'Just who the hell are they?'
To the Guo Family Manor warriors, these three seemed utterly abnormal amid the chorus of groans.
The spar between Guo Family Manor and So Family Manor ended in victory for Guo Family Manor. It wasn't a small sect, but it wasn't headline news compared to famed clans or major sects.
However, what followed drew all eyes. The So Family Manor, refusing to accept defeat, ambushed Guo Family Manor. They weren't even an unorthodox faction; as a righteous sect with enemies in the orthodox world, it was more than enough to incite public outrage.
So Family Manor lost not just their interests but their legitimacy too, making it nearly impossible for them to rise again. The mercy shown by Guo Family Manor spared them from total annihilation.
Thus, Guo Family Manor gained recognition of their martial prowess from the world and built up their prestige. They secured a foundation to exert influence not just in Danyang but across all of Jiangsu Province.
"What about Hosan?"
"His trail has gone cold."
In the Mixed Origin Pavilion, where the family head resided.
Even after centuries, it exuded a majestic spirit and grandeur.
Peng Wicheon, head of the Hebei Peng Clan, felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. He closed his eyes and sighed. When he opened them again, regret lingered in his gaze.
"He was the last one we should've let go like that."
Peng Hosan was the hidden child his father had brought home. He couldn't call his father "Father," nor his brother "Brother," and he hadn't even received the family name.
Yet Peng Hosan had sought recognition, taking on the dirtiest jobs without complaint. He longed to truly belong as a member of the clan. But before he could be rewarded for enduring those harsh years, he vanished into nothingness.
"We should've brought Hosan into the family sooner and given him a proper position."
"It's not your fault, Clan Head. The Grand Madam was so vehemently opposed back then."
"It's been over ten years since Mother passed. And she wasn't pleased about this incident either."
"It was decided by the elders' council."
For Peng Wicheon, it was a bitter reality. The elders held immense power. For his word to carry weight, he needed a majority from the council. He lacked the virtue to match his father, the incarnation of hegemony. That was why he couldn't lift a finger while his half-brother was used as a pawn.
'Thank goodness it failed.'
Had it succeeded, his uncle's shadow—controlling the elders—would have grown even darker. His uncle had led this affair. Unlike when Father was alive, the uncle's faction had gained strength at some point.
"What is Uncle doing?"
"It seems he's refraining from outside activities for the time being."
That was only natural.
Hosan's and the Plundering Dragon Squad's might were among the clan's elite. Guo Family Manor couldn't handle the Plundering Dragon Squad.
If they applied pressure to Guo Family Manor while external aid was suspect, it could backfire. If So Family Manor had justification, fine—but if Guo Family Manor suffered, the world would suspect the clan.
This wasn't good.
'Now's our chance.'
He needed to sever the link between his uncle and the elders, weakening their power. This was the perfect opportunity.
But there was something to investigate first.
"Look into Hosan's death."
"Understood."
Hearing of her clan's crisis, she urged her husband to hurry back. She wanted to check on her parents and family as soon as possible.
But it was impossible right now. Circumstances had to align. Her husband, away on Baemun Merchant Group business, couldn't make time easily.
Only after he returned did they head to the clan. Along the way, she heard they'd overcome the hardship. Not the worst outcome, but the best. The clan would stabilize and grow stronger.
She planned to solidify the clan's position this time and pay back that child for what he'd done.
Upon arriving, she sought out her husband and father.
"Father, are you alright?"
"Sorry for making you come all this way. I should have sent a letter, but I was too preoccupied."
"No, it's fine. As long as it turned out well."
"What about the merchant group?"
"The busy work is done, so I can stay a few more days."
Guo Cheol-yong was glad to see his daughter after so long, but his heart wasn't at ease. Knowing her emphasis on clan strength, he could predict her reaction. He wished she wouldn't go there.
"Father-in-law, I apologize for not visiting more often."
"Can't be helped if you're busy. All good."
While concerned for the clan, he subtly hoped for support. Guo I-yeong wanted influence through Baemun Merchant Group. Things had gotten awkward in the clan since that guy showed up. Even her husband seemed wary of his younger brother. Especially Father and Mother—they'd fallen completely for him.
And there he was, right in front of her.
"Oh, fancy seeing Brother-in-law and Sis-in-law here."
"How did you know to come here?"
"Could I ignore it when Guo Family Manor was in crisis?"
"This isn't for you to meddle in, brother-in-law!"
The room's air chilled at Guo I-yeong's sharp retort toward Mujin. Her husband and son had been humiliated at the main house. As a mother, how could she not be angry?
"Looks like I've intruded where I'm not welcome. Should I go?"
"Go? Where to! This is practically your home too. Make yourself comfortable. Yeong-ah, what are you saying! Apologize for your rudeness right now!"
At her father's demand for an apology, Guo I-yeong was dumbfounded. She couldn't understand why she had to apologize to her brother-in-law. And her father's attitude was off—he fidgeted every time Mujin glanced his way.
"Yeong-ah, apologize."
"Little sis, apologize!"
"Sis, apologize. It's a big mistake!"
Not just Father, but Uncle, big brother, and little brother all urged her to apologize. Their eyes said they wouldn't let it slide if she didn't.
'What the hell?'
As Guo I-yeong floundered, Mujin delivered the finishing blow.
"Yeah, I get why you wouldn't want to. Fair enough. But I don't want to stick around someone who dislikes me either. I hope Guo Family Manor prospers from here on."
"Please don't go. Let me apologize on my daughter's behalf. I spoiled her rotten, making her willful. Should've corrected her young, but it was my failing. For my sake, please forgive us."
"I apologize on Yeong-i's behalf too!"
"Apologies on my little sister's behalf, Great Hero Kang!"
"I'll apologize on Sis's behalf too!"
Guo I-yeong found her father, uncle, and brothers strangers. They didn't match the family she knew. Should she check with Mother? But Mother was no different, begging Mujin earnestly to let it go.
'Why?'
No matter how she thought about it, it made no sense. Sure, her brother-in-law's martial arts were strong, but Guo Family Manor wasn't weak. Having subdued So Family Manor, they could make a name in Jiangsu Province. Cooperating with Baemun Merchant Group could even extend influence to Anhui Province.
What gave him the right?
He'd gained fame, but he was still just a braggart.
'What is it? Am I the only one out of the loop?'
She wasn't clueless. Absurd and infuriating as it was, there had to be a reason for her family's behavior.
"I was rash! Brother-in-law!"
"Family makes mistakes sometimes. I'll graciously understand."
"...Thank you!"
"Don't make the same mistake again. My wife would want that too."
Mujin's mouth was specialized in needling people. Every word from that venomous trap made his personality seem worse. And for an absurdly supreme master, he was petty beyond words.
"...Got it, brother-in-law (grind)!"
"You leaving?"
"No!"
"Good thing."
Sincerity didn't matter. And if you received something, repay it a hundredfold—that was how the world worked. How dare she treat her sister's husband like that!
"I've come with something important to discuss."
"Speak freely."
"Not for outsiders' ears."
"...Understood. Yeong-ah, you and him go to the inner courtyard. I'll join soon for dinner."
Guo I-yeong and Baek Yucheon were held back unintentionally, then practically shoved out. Receiving an eviction from her own home left her standing there, mouth agape in shock.
"Sis, just let it go."
"You think I can just swallow this? Why's Dad acting like that toward me?"
"No choice."
"You too!"
Guo I-seon's consolation fell flat on Guo I-yeong. There must be a reason for the cold shoulder, but it was too much for a daughter and son-in-law visiting after so long. She hadn't come for this treatment.
"Dear, sorry!"
"I'm fine, don't worry."
Baek Yucheon felt awkward too. But considering the clan's attitude and what his son had said about the Little Dragon Tournament—if true—his brother-in-law wasn't bluffing.
'Sigh, my own failings.'
It was his fault for driving out his brother and hoping he'd thrive. All his sins had come full circle.
For her brother-in-law and sister who needed context, Guo I-seon explained recent events. The opponent was too big a deal to act blindly.
The more they heard, the paler Guo I-yeong and Baek Yucheon's faces grew. It transcended everything they knew—like tales from another world.
And this one line summed it up.
"If you don't wanna die, don't act cocky."
"...!"
Crass, but nothing more precise. Guo I-yeong and Baek Yucheon were utterly convinced, left dazed. Realizing reality, they felt small.
Now the tide had fully turned.
'Should I go see little brother.'
'Gotta soothe the young lady first!'