Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Third-Rate Martial Family Becomes World's Best
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Baek Yang-hui alternated his gaze between the Tang Clan group and the Namgung Clan group.
The Tang Clan being here made sense since he'd sent them a letter, but why the hell were the Namgung bastards here?
'Namgung Clan's eldest young master, Namgung Cheon-hu. That has to be him.'
The sensation of having turned back time hit him harder than ever.
Because Namgung Cheon-hu was the guy who got pushed out by his younger brother, the second young master Namgung Cheon-yeong, over a dozen years later in the future.
He'd at least held the position of young clan leader until Baek Yang-hui was in his early twenties, so he was probably still the young clan leader now.
Maybe he hadn't even been appointed yet.
Baek Yang-hui's eyes narrowed.
'I don't remember hearing anything about Namgung Clan guys showing up near Yak-an County in my previous life.'
Baek Yang-hui was the kind of person who could recite a thick book flawlessly after one read.
If he'd even heard a whisper about the Namgung Clan in his previous life, there's no way he wouldn't remember it.
-Brother Gu. Looks like you'll have to step up for me.
-Hm? You're not doing it yourself, little brother?
-Yeah. Just do as I say for now.
Gu-ak stepped forward and began reciting exactly as Baek Yang-hui transmitted via internal energy transmission.
"I am Gu-ak, leader of the Baek Clan Manor's White Victory Hall."
After cupping his hands in salute, Gu-ak continued while looking toward the Tang Clan group.
"We came out to greet guests of our clan, but it seems outsiders are present. If you were in the middle of a conversation, we'll wait."
The one who responded was the Tang Clan's young clan leader, Tang Jun.
"I am Tang Jun, young clan leader of the Tang Clan. Not only did you send a letter, but you even came out to greet us—our deepest thanks for the Baek Clan Manor's hospitality."
"Ah, you're the young clan leader."
Young as he was, he was still the young leader of his clan. Gu-ak spoke respectfully to Tang Jun.
"What is your relationship with those people over there?"
Namgung Cheon-hu, who had been silently scanning the Tang Clan and Baek Clan Manor people alternately, cut into the conversation.
"I am Namgung Cheon-hu, young clan leader of the Namgung Clan."
'Already the young clan leader at this point. So Namgung Cheon-yeong overthrew his older brother—who's at least ten years his senior and had been young clan leader for over a decade—just based on talent alone.'
While Baek Yang-hui was lost in those thoughts, Tang Jun's eyes widened.
"Namgung! What brings the young clan leader to this place? I thought the Namgung Clan was based in An-hui."
A faint wariness emanated from Tang Jun as he asked the question, and from the other Tang Clan warriors as well.
Baek Yang-hui knew exactly why.
'I didn't know much about their early days, but it seems the Tang Clan was already under scrutiny from the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Clans even at this point.'
Suddenly, he recalled the time he'd met Tang Jun in his previous life.
Back then, Baek Yang-hui had been wandering the martial world to hone his skills and ended up building a friendship with Tang Jun and his sister Tang Yeon through some incident.
'Once we got close, he'd pour out his sorrows and rage over drinks every time, complaining about how aggrieved and frustrated he felt.'
"Allow me to ask, Young Clan Leader Namgung Cheon-hu. What brings you here? Were you perhaps waiting for our clan?"
Namgung Cheon-hu nodded.
"That's right. It seemed our ally, the Tang Clan, needed help, so we stepped in."
"Help?"
"Saek Gwang-ho-ri. And setting up a branch hall."
Tang Jun's face stiffened rigidly.
He might not know about the former, but the latter was being done in secret.
"One might call us friends, so we couldn't just stand by while the Tang Clan faced trouble... but I didn't expect things to turn out like this."
Namgung Cheon-hu's gaze turned toward Gu-ak, who had stepped forward as the Baek Clan Manor's representative.
"Baek Clan Manor, was it? First time hearing the name."
His tone was almost flat, but considering the age difference, it blatantly showed he was looking down on them.
Gu-ak's brow twitched, his pride wounded.
-Brother Gu. No. Hold it in.
"I am Gu-ak, leader of the White Victory Hall of the Baek Clan Manor in Yak-an County, the One-Armed Hero."
"Ah, I see. Got it."
Namgung Cheon-hu turned back toward Tang Jun.
It was blatant disregard, plain for anyone to see. Baek Yang-hui sent another transmission.
-Brother Gu. You have to hold it.
-You want me to put up with that arrogant prick?
-Personally, I think it's a good thing?
Baek Yang-hui genuinely viewed Namgung Cheon-yeong's arrogant attitude in a positive light.
'As expected. They figured a clan like ours wouldn't even register in their high-and-mighty eyes.'
He'd been a bit worried that maybe he'd moved too noisily, even if it was close to a sure thing.
But thanks. Now I can relax.
While you lot keep looking down your noses, we'll grow like weeds.
We'll shoot up tall and strong until we can plant a dagger right in your throats.
'In Yak-an County—no, at least within Mu Province—we can make a name for ourselves and expand our forces as much as we want.'
With that thought, he sent another transmission to Gu-ak.
-Hold it for now, Brother Gu. You'll feel a lot better soon anyway. We have Saek Gwang-ho-ri in our hands, after all.
-...True enough. Their noses are gonna get rubbed flat.
"Young Clan Leader Tang Jun. Why not come with me? We've made various preparations to help the Tang Clan, so it should be useful. Including capturing Saek Gwang-ho-ri and the branch hall setup."
-Now, Brother Gu!
Gu-ak immediately jumped into the conversation.
"Unfortunately, Young Clan Leader Namgung's proposal seems pointless."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We've had Saek Gwang-ho-ri in custody at our manor for quite some time."
A change finally crossed the perpetually expressionless Namgung Cheon-hu's face for the first time.
"What?"
Gu-ak replied with a deeply satisfied expression.
"Exactly that. Saek Gwang-ho-ri, publicly named by the Tang Clan, is already locked in our manor prison."
"......"
In that brief moment, Baek Yang-hui observed the shifting expressions on Namgung Cheon-hu's face and realized one thing.
'That bastard seems puzzled that Saek Gwang-ho-ri got caught.'
A picture formed in his mind.
Could the Namgung Clan have secretly helped Saek Gwang-ho-ri escape?
Now that he thought about it, it was strange.
No matter how much of a lifelong fugitive Saek Gwang-ho-ri was, for him to evade pursuit by the Tang Clan's elite One Venom Unit for months?
'What if the Namgung Clan secretly aided Saek Gwang-ho-ri and then handed him over to the Tang Clan at the right time for a reward?'
It was petty for a righteous sword clan, but plausible for the Namgung.
"Even if Saek Gwang-ho-ri is just a paper tiger with a lot of internal energy, he's still a peak-level expert nearing the top. How did you capture him?"
The fact that he even bothered asking confirmed it was true.
He was probably curious how they'd found the guy hiding so well.
"Unlike other demonic bastards, perverts like Saek Gwang-ho-ri are easy to track. They can't stay away from women. Once we found his hideout, we set a trap, and he walked right in. Satisfied?"
"......I see."
-Brother Gu. Now drive it home and take the Tang Clan folks with us.
"Young Clan Leader Tang Jun. Our clan leader has always greatly admired the Tang Clan's reputation that shakes all of Sichuan. The moment he heard you were in trouble, he ordered us to help. Why not visit our manor? We'll even hand over Saek Gwang-ho-ri."
Gu-ak's tone was exceedingly polite, with no hint of aversion toward the Tang Clan.
'Perfect. No room for the Namgung to butt in now.'
If it weren't the Tang Clan, they would naturally seek the Namgung Clan's help over the Baek Clan Manor's.
Linking up with the Namgung Clan would be far more beneficial in many ways.
But the Tang Clan was different.
More than any righteous sect, they valued loyalty, righteousness, and chivalry, making courtesy and propriety their clan laws.
'It's an obsession from their poison origins, but in all the world, only the Tang Clan's chivalry can compare to Father's.'
In Baek Yang-hui's view, the greatest chivalrous man under heaven was his father, Baek Mu-ryang.
So this thought was the highest praise Baek Yang-hui could offer.
"Young Clan Leader Namgung. Regrettably, the timing isn't right. We'll send someone to express our thanks for your kindness someday. Until we meet again on a better day."
Tang Jun cupped his hands in salute, then walked toward Gu-ak and did so once more.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Tang Jun of the Tang Clan. You can't imagine how happy I was to receive your letter. Our heartfelt thanks for the Baek Clan's grace!"
Gu-ak glanced at the statue-still Namgung Cheon-hu, flashed a victory-filled smile, and responded to Tang Jun.
"Grace? We haven't even shown proper hospitality yet, haha. Please, follow us to the manor, Young Clan Leader."
The Tang Clan and Baek Clan Manor groups merged and headed to the Baek Clan Manor.
All the Namgung Clan warriors—and Namgung Cheon-hu—could do was watch them go.
"Young Clan Leader. Things seem to have gone awry."
"So it has. Our mistake for trying to use trash like Saek Gwang-ho-ri."
"We should have lured him to a spot with no nearby settlements. This subordinate apologizes for the error."
"Enough. No point in a long journey like this. Baek Clan Manor. What kind of people are they?"
"Word is, they're a third-rate martial family in the area. If you command it, I'll investigate them thoroughly."
Namgung Cheon-hu snorted at his subordinate's reply.
"Investigate a third-rate martial family? A obvious waste of time. Forget it. We're pulling out."
"Understood!"
As he turned toward An-hui, Namgung Cheon-hu suddenly thought.
'Baek Clan Manor. Swallowing our bait whole. Lucky bastards.'
True to form as the young clan leader of the Great Namgung—one of the Five Great Clans under heaven—he couldn't think otherwise.
* * * Gu-ak and Baek Yang-hui escorted the Tang Clan members back to the Baek Clan Manor.
A flag fluttered right next to the stately front gate.
[Welcoming and Honoring Friends from Sichuan] Reading the phrase welcoming and honoring friends from Sichuan, Tang Jun shuddered involuntarily.
'We've only ever been shunned by others just because we handle poisons and hidden weapons!'
Baek Clan Manor, was it? He couldn't help but feel goodwill toward them.
At the same time, a sliver of suspicion grew.
Unlike others, their fervent welcome might mean they had ulterior motives.
But.
That suspicion shattered the moment he saw who came out to greet them.
"Young Clan Leader Tang Jun. I am Baek Mu-ryang, clan leader of the Baek Clan. Welcome to our home."
Tang Jun had been raised in a strict family tradition emphasizing loyalty, righteousness, courtesy, and propriety.
As the old saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.
The upright character and righteous aura emanating from Baek Mu-ryang's presence.
To Tang Jun, Baek Mu-ryang's demeanor and bearing felt genuine.
'Though I've never heard of them, seeing the clan leader tells me what kind of clan they are.'
"How can the clan leader speak so formally to someone who isn't one himself? Please, be at ease."
"Haha, is that alright?"
"Of course. Especially since you've even bestowed silver upon us—it's only right that I ask."
"Very well, I'll be at ease then. My thanks for your consideration, Young Clan Leader."
After exchanging names, Tang Jun got straight to the point.
"I know it's improper, but may I see Saek Gwang-ho-ri first?"
Baek Mu-ryang nodded readily.
"I know your clan's ways well, so I understand. Hui-ya, show them the way."
"Yes, Father!"
Seeing the cheerful young boy respond, Tang Jun suddenly recalled what happened earlier.
"That kid called me Brother Tang."
He seemed to be the clan leader's son.
He'd been momentarily flustered by a strange kid calling him so familiarly...
"Brother Tang! Follow me!"
"......Young master. The form of address is a bit too familiar."
"All under heaven are brothers, aren't they? So Brother Tang can call me little brother Hui too."
"......"
Tang Jun hesitated briefly before smiling.
"Alright then, little brother Hui. You've got a real knack for winning people over, huh?"
Baek Yang-hui smirked back at Tang Jun's smile.
If he were from another clan, he wouldn't have stepped forward like this.
But.
'He said everyone shuns the Tang Clan and keeps their distance, leaving scars from childhood. Score.'
"It's not a knack for winning people over—Brother Tang just feels approachable."
"Hahaha! Flattering me in a way that doesn't feel bad at all—definitely a knack for winning people over!"
"Anyway, the prison is this way. Forgive the shabby state."
The prison had been built back in the clan's glory days.
Inside lay Saek Gwang-ho-ri, sprawled in a pool of his own blood.
They'd only treated his capture wounds enough to keep him from dying.
Spotting Tang Jun in Tang Clan uniform emblazoned with the character "Tang" and the warriors standing behind him, Saek Gwang-ho-ri's eyes bulged.
"You finally brought the Tang Clan bastards. Perfect. Listen up, Tang scum! That kid knows I used your aphrodisiac poison! Uhahahahaha!"
He truly believed every rumor about the Tang Clan without a shred of doubt.
All pointless thrashing, though.
But Tang Jun's reaction was unexpected.
"Little brother Hui. You've learned our clan's secret."
Baek Yang-hui barely suppressed a rising grin at Tang Jun's rigidly serious expression.
'He wants to test me simply.'
"You're right. Now that I know the secret, we should become even closer, huh."
Tang Jun stared in brief disbelief before bursting into laughter.
"In terms of guts alone, you're better than grown men. Haha, exactly! If you know the secret, we become close—that's it. Haha!"
Suddenly, the laughter stopped.
With a face like a murderous demon, Tang Jun glanced at the One Venom Unit leader and warriors, then nodded.
A sinister poison aura began to rise.
'Typical Tang Clan—going straight for the kill.'
Baek Yang-hui quickly intervened.
It didn't matter if they killed or spared him, but there was one thing he wanted to ask.
"Brother Tang, before you act, I have a question. Give me a moment."
"Hm? Go ahead."
Baek Yang-hui approached Saek Gwang-ho-ri, squatted down, and asked.
He planned to squeeze out every bit of info before they killed him anyway.
"Hey. When you were running, did anyone help you?"
"......"
Saek Gwang-ho-ri fell silent. But his expression spoke volumes.
Even a seasoned demonic bastard like him couldn't control his face with death staring him down.
'Bingo. The Namgung Clan really was involved.'
He'd wring out everything he could before the kill.