Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Third-Rate Martial Family Becomes World's Best 017
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Among the Baek Clan Manor's retainers, the few who could be called true heavyweights had gathered in one room.
Clan Leader Baek Mu-ryang, Chief Steward Han Seok-eon, and the retainer with the highest martial prowess, Gwak Mun.
And finally, somewhat out of place but shrewdly having wedged himself into a seat, Yang-hui.
"The Blue Serpent Gang and Crimson Gang have finally started an all-out war. Tell the retainers to refrain from going outside as much as possible."
"The atmosphere in Yakan County was already tense enough, but I have no idea how the situation is going to turn out."
Baek Mu-ryang spoke gravely, looking at the three men. The chief steward's response was heavy with worry as well.
"I've heard that the Blue Serpent Gang is the one pushing the Crimson Gang hard. The Crimson Gang should have the larger force, so what's going on?"
"Word is, the Blue Serpent Gang's gang members are handling the Crimson Gang's fighters with eerie skill and seizing the advantage."
To those unaware of the countermeasure manuals' existence, it was truly bizarre.
"I'm worried our clan might get dragged into the fight between those two gangs, Clan Leader."
"Because of the woman staying in the annex?"
"Yes."
Rang-rang was Blood Lord Gu-ak's lover, so the Blue Serpent Gang had every reason to latch onto her.
And if they ever got greedy for the Baek Clan Manor itself, they could use her as an excuse.
Yang-hui quickly jumped in.
"Only the Crimson Gang Leader and a handful of his underlings know about Rang-rang and Brother Gu's relationship. We don't need to worry about an attack from the Blue Serpent Gang."
Gu-ak was no fool. He knew Rang-rang, with no power or backing, could be his weakness, so he'd kept her very existence a secret.
"Even if the Blue Serpent Gang knew, kicking out an innocent woman just because we're afraid of black path thugs would go against righteousness. Hui, if Gu-ak contacts you, tell him to relax."
"Understood."
"And be sure to mention preparing compensation."
Yang-hui grinned.
"That's a given; no need to spell it out."
Righteousness and free charity weren't synonyms. Naturally, Yang-hui planned to use this chance to put Gu-ak in his debt or squeeze some rewards out of him.
"Also, Hui. I have a request for you. Don't leave the manor for a while. I'm afraid you'll get hurt, child that you are."
Yang-hui was slightly taken aback by Baek Mu-ryang's plea.
'Didn't see that coming.'
Not yet used to it, he kept forgetting he was only eight years old now.
"But, Father."
"Now, now. Listen to your father."
He couldn't do that. He needed to meet Yeo Un-jeok periodically to coordinate.
Yang-hui quickly thought up an excuse for going out.
'Use Gu-ak as an escort? No, that would tie us to the Crimson Gang, which he'd hate even more. Then...'
"Father. I have something to say."
"What is it?"
"In my view, this fight won't end as just a matter between those two gangs."
"Hm? Why do you think that?"
Because he'd be the one lighting the fire, of course.
"Black path packs are like wolf herds by nature. They never pass up wounded prey."
"Knowing that nature, couldn't the Blue Serpent and Crimson Gangs just call it quits at some point?"
"Actually, I met Brother Gu recently when I went out."
Baek Mu-ryang frowned.
"What? How could you take such a dangerous risk?"
"Their fight is sure to affect our clan's movements, so I wanted some intel. As a child, it's easy to let my guard down, so there wasn't much risk."
"Heavens!"
Before Baek Mu-ryang could scold him, Chief Steward Han quickly interjected.
"Young Master Hui, did you learn anything?"
"I didn't get the full details, but he said this fight won't end until one of the gangs collapses."
"That's valuable information indeed."
"Young Master Hui has earned a merit."
Soon, Baek Mu-ryang, Chief Steward Han, and Gwak Mun put their heads together to discuss future steps.
Mostly plans to avoid trouble and play it safe. Yang-hui watched for a moment before chiming in.
"Father. No, Clan Leader. How about turning this into an opportunity for our clan?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yakan County's power balance is shaking. Why not use this chance to set up a business for our own revenue?"
"Impossible. Too dangerous."
Chief Steward Han took Yang-hui's side against Baek Mu-ryang's firm refusal.
"It seems Young Master Hui has a plan. Why not hear it out, Clan Leader?"
Chief Steward Han secretly made a circle with his thumb and forefinger toward Yang-hui.
"It's not about siphoning from either the Crimson or Blue Serpent Gang. If we play both sides against each other and put the hot potato in our mouths, we avoid risk and could even indebt both gangs to us."
"Young Master Hui. Is that even possible?"
"Of course. If we scheme it right, absolutely."
The war between the two gangs hadn't happened in his previous life.
But that didn't mean he couldn't use intel from it.
Yang-hui explained his scheme with logical, plausible reasoning.
About half a shichen later, the Baek Clan Manor's heavyweights unanimously decided to implement Yang-hui's plan.
'Since we've stirred the pot, might as well take maximum profit.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The war between the two gangs, which had begun with the Blue Serpent Gang's one-sided assault, grew fiercer by the day.
And contrary to everyone's expectations, the Blue Serpent Gang kept pressing the Crimson Gang.
The reason was simple. The countermeasure manuals.
"Young master. The Crimson Gang has already lost three businesses. The Blue Serpent Gang's momentum is rising daily. When do you plan to distribute the next countermeasure manual?"
Yeo Un-jeok, who had asked the question, stared quietly at the child spinning in circles before him.
Unlike most kids his age, he couldn't read the boy's inner thoughts at all.
Less a child and more like a grizzled warrior with decades in the jianghu.
'What a mysterious kid. No matter how brilliant his mind, can a child really carry this aura?'
"It's about time to move to the next phase. Did you get the information I asked for earlier?"
"Ah, yes. Word is, the Blue Serpent Gang's Fourth Division Leader is leading his men to hit Blood Lord Gu-ak's business today."
"Perfect timing. Then we release the new countermeasure manual today."
Yang-hui shared his prepared scheme with Yeo Un-jeok, who was impressed.
"If it goes according to your clever plan, the Baek Clan Manor stands to gain immensely."
"Will you help, elder?"
"No problem, but it's outside our agreement."
"Rang-rang's been bored lately. I'll leave the management to her."
"I'll help."
Having successfully persuaded Yeo Un-jeok, Yang-hui gave a few instructions and stood up.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
He raced back to the Baek Clan Manor.
Before heading to his next destination, he needed to report to Baek Mu-ryang and request an escort.
"Father, I've got news. The target is set."
"......"
Baek Mu-ryang looked displeased at the thought of his young son taking risks.
But this matter promised huge gains for the clan, and with no other options, he sighed and eased his unease.
"Alright, where?"
"The two gangs are set to clash at the Golden Thread Tower today."
Golden Thread Tower. One of the Crimson Gang's largest pleasure houses.
One of the businesses under Gu-ak's direct management.
"Do you really have to go along?"
Repeating a settled matter showed just how worried he was.
Yang-hui replied playfully.
"If you go to a pleasure house alone, Mother will be upset, Father. To make it seem coincidental, bringing a kid along is the safest bet."
Looking at Yang-hui, who showed no fear despite his apparent age, Baek Mu-ryang sighed once more.
"True enough. Alright, let's go."
In that moment, Baek Mu-ryang's aura shifted.
From a worried father to the clan leader moving for his family's gain.
Though the clan was modest, Baek Mu-ryang lacked nothing as its head.
'That's my father.'
They reached Lake Shadow Tower in less than half a shichen.
A four-story building at the foot of Yuhang Lake. Inside, the clash of metal, men's shouts, and groans already echoed out.
"As expected, the Blue Serpent and Crimson Gangs are fighting inside, Father."
"Seems so."
No guards at the entrance, just bloodstains marking the empty spots. Baek Mu-ryang took the lead ahead of Yang-hui and entered Lake Shadow Tower.
From the first floor, corpses lay scattered here and there, along with writhing, groaning black path thugs.
Bloodstains grew thicker up the stairs, and on reaching the third floor, over a dozen men were locked in fierce combat.
'Eleven Blue Serpent Gang members against three from the Crimson Gang, including Gu-ak.'
The Crimson side was clearly at a disadvantage. Perfect timing.
Yang-hui spotted Gu-ak swinging his twin axes like a demon and called out brightly.
"Brother Gu! Your little brother is here!"
The child's voice, utterly out of place amid the blood and blades, rang out, halting the fight for a moment.
Gu-ak, who had buried his axe blade in a Blue Serpent thug's throat, stared in disbelief.
"Little brother, why are you here...?"
"Didn't we agree you'd join our clan leader here today?"
Before Gu-ak could ask what he meant, Yang-hui pressed on.
"The Blue Serpent Gang is here too. Since today's meeting was meant to mediate between the Crimson and Blue Serpent Gangs, this works out perfectly!"
Yang-hui turned to look at the leader of the Blue Serpent Gang members present.
"Are you the Fourth Division Leader?"
"Whose brat is this? If you don't wanna die, take your old man and fuck off."
The Fourth Division Leader snarled, his momentum interrupted mid-victory.
Understanding his frustration, Yang-hui smiled at him.
"Don't be like that. Hear me out first."
"Ha, even if I talk, it's not with brats. Is your old man a scarecrow?"
A smile was indeed a luxury with black path scum.
"My father is too noble to converse with black path dogs who eat gutter filth from back alleys."
As Gu-ak—one of those black path dogs eating gutter filth—made an awkward face,
the Fourth Division Leader decided to rip apart the cheeky brat whose guts were spilling out before him and lunged.
Ching!
The Fourth Division Leader's sword was blocked by Baek Mu-ryang's blade.
Yang-hui stuck out his tongue from behind Baek Mu-ryang.
"A sneak attack! As expected of back-alley trash, no manners at all!"
"You brat. I'll tear your mouth off myself."
The Fourth Division Leader exuded thick killing intent, and the other Blue Serpent members shifted to reform their encirclement.
But Yang-hui didn't budge.
"Want to bet? I'll stake my neck that you'll leave Lake Shadow Tower within half a gak."
"Haha, I'll bet everything that I'll personally cut your throat within half a gak."
Yang-hui smirked.
"A man's word is gold? Brother Gu, catch."
What Yang-hui tossed to Gu-ak was a thin booklet.
Gu-ak's eyes widened as he read it.
"This is...!"
"Right. The countermeasure manual for Blue Serpent Gang techniques."
"Where did you...!"
"Found it on the way."
"...?"
Literally picked it up on the way.
Yeo Un-jeok, at Yang-hui's request, had scattered hundreds of countermeasure manuals through the markets.