Chapter 131

Chapter 131
Chapter 131

The underworld was everywhere and yet nowhere at the very same time.

This remained true even in Namchang, where the orthodox faction known as the Baekui Gate had maintained its reign as supreme ruler for many years.

“Who on earth knows where all those underworld rats crawled out of.”

“It’s Namchang, after all. In a major metropolis like the provincial capital, it would be far stranger if there weren’t any underworld syndicates.”

“Over ten different factions banding together to demand protection money? Isn’t Namchang squarely within Baekui Gate territory?”

Come to think of it, Brother Gu possessed a rather innocent disposition.

Within the domain of an orthodox sect, that exact circumstance was precisely why underworld syndicates proliferated.

“Brother Gu. What do orthodox sects require in order to earn the admiration of ordinary people while patrolling the highways?”

“Superior martial arts… Ah, I understand now.”

“Precisely. They need underworld thugs or evil faction scum to knock down.”

Underworld thugs or evil faction bastards might continue emerging like vermin from the shadows no matter how many times you exterminated them.

Fundamentally, to orthodox factions, the underworld and evil sects constituted a necessary evil.

They served as a vehicle for mercenaries and warriors to bask in adoration rather than terror from the defenseless populace.

“Yet aren’t underworld factions practically nonexistent within our Baek Clan Manor’s territory?”

“That is correct. We have poured relentless effort into eradicating and reforming them.”

This very fact was what distinguished the Baek Clan Manor.

Even within Gangbuk Province, where two or three of the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Clans were headquartered in a single province, there were undoubtedly more underworld gangs than in the Baek Clan’s territory.

“Regardless, Brother Gu. Please summon Subleader Chu and Leader Yeo. I have something to discuss in front of everyone.”

Shortly afterward, four individuals assembled inside Yang-hui’s guest quarters.

No, five if one counted young Ado snacking on rice cakes in the corner of the room.

“I shall come straight to the point. The Baekui Gate is behind this entire disturbance involving the underworld syndicates.”

Not merely “probably,” but definitively “is.”

His tone carried absolute certainty.

“Young Lord, do you possess some grounds for such a belief? Even when this Yeo maintained friendly relations with the Baekui Gate Leader, I never heard a whisper regarding ties to underworld syndicates.”

“Isn’t the timing altogether too convenient?”

“It is simply the nature of the underworld to prey upon weaker clans.”

That was the truth, and most people throughout the martial world would think along the exact same lines.

That was precisely why the Baekui Gate Leader could resort to such tactics.

Because scum of that caliber drew minimal suspicion from the very beginning.

However.

‘Even in my past life, the Baekui Gate utilized the underworld to construct their reputation.’

It was a reality he had only recognized belatedly after being employed by them, once everything had already concluded.

Back during his early days as a wandering swordsman following his departure from his clan, his lack of worldly experience had delayed that realization.

‘I was furious enough back then. It is time to settle all of those accounts.’

Moreover, it mattered little whether the Baekui Gate was actually behind it or not.

Because.

“Even if they are not, we shall make it so. This uprising of Namchang’s underworld is the handiwork of the Baekui Gate.”

Following a brief silence, Yeo Gu-wi spoke up.

“That is a remarkably bold assertion.”

“Is it? Then let me pose this question to you.”

Yang-hui smiled faintly before continuing.

“With the underworld rising up in full force, why has the Baekui Gate, the self-proclaimed overlord of Namchang, failed to make a move?”

Because they desired their fierce rival, the Baek Clan Manor, to suffer heavy losses.

Because merely sitting back fulfilled their strategy of borrowing someone else’s knife to slay the chicken.

“The Baekui Gate prioritizes its own gains over the suffering of the common folk. Therefore, as the young lord of the Baek Clan Manor, I intend to set matters right.”

Silence descended upon the room once more.

Gu-ak nodded profoundly, while Yeo Gu-wi remained startled by this resolute new facet of Yang-hui he had never witnessed before…

And Chu Yong-wol simply observed him in quiet contemplation.

‘As anticipated… the young hero is truly extraordinary.’

The reason behind Chu Yong-wol’s renewed reverence was straightforward.

The Ascending Sword Dragon of the Baek Clan Manor in Wuju, Young Lord Baek Yang-hui.

A junior celebrated enough to hold the sobriquet of dragon, and a rising young hero whose renown expanded with every righteous patrol.

At first glance, Yang-hui appeared to place righteousness above all else.

Yet in reality, the truth was somewhat different.

‘Take this affair with Subleader Somwolhyang… He accumulates fame through righteous deeds, but the young hero is not pursuing righteousness for its own sake.’

The Yang-hui she had known since childhood invariably acted for the sake of his clan.

It merely happened that the core philosophy of the Baek Clan Manor centered on righteousness and chivalry.

‘Perhaps I am misjudging him…’

Yet to Chu Yong-wol, such was the nature of the man named Yang-hui,

And when it came down to personal affinity, she leaned distinctly toward fondness.

“Our main house has consistently prioritized the lives of the common people. Should Namchang be incorporated into our territory, its inhabitants will likewise enjoy better lives. For instance, a daily routine free from the torment of underworld gangs, much like this current crisis.”

In other words, driving out the Baekui Gate constituted an act of righteousness in its own right.

A thoroughly self-serving and convenient argument…

Yet entirely rational and calculated.

He trod the path of chivalrous righteousness upheld by his clan, sparing no methods so long as the premise of chivalry remained intact.

Much like a merchant.

‘What happens when a warrior from a chivalrous clan simultaneously possesses the acumen of a master merchant?’

Harboring such reflections, Chu Yong-wol rose to her feet.

Her long robes billowing, she executed a deep bow toward Yang-hui.

“Our merchant association likewise operates an establishment on Yongnak Street. We have suffered catastrophic losses due to the underworld unrest. Consequently, we earnestly implore the young lord of the Baek Clan Manor to extend compassion to us wretched commoners and dispense your chivalry.”

Whether allies of the Baek Clan or otherwise, the Baek Book Merchant Group remained an independent collective of common citizens.

At that exact moment, Chu Yong-wol and Yang-hui had successfully established a pretext.

A valid justification for the Baek Clan Manor of Wuju to dispatch an armed military force into Namchang.

‘As expected, Subleader Chu possesses a razor-sharp mind.’

Yang-hui chuckled softly before tossing out a query.

“Leader Yeo. Can you hold them off at present with the escorts from Baekik Pavilion and the Heaven-Covering Escort Agency?”

“It would prove difficult. Those underworld scoundrels employ hit-and-run tactics every single time.”

When adversaries utilized guerrilla warfare, even ten times their numerical strength on the defensive could not fully contain the assailants.

“And their numbers vastly exceed our own…”

“I see. Then, as Subleader Chu noted, the plight of the commoners frequenting Yongnak Street must be dire indeed.”

“Indeed, cries of anguish echo from every corner.”

“Yet the Baekui Gate sits idly on their complacent rear ends without making a move… We cannot simply stand by as a chivalrous orthodox clan.”

Yeo Gu-wi’s expression tightened slightly.

“However, young hero. Should the Baek Clan Manor deploy a massive military force… that signifies an outright war with the Baekui Gate.”

“I am well aware.”

That was precisely why the Baekui Gate presumed the Baek Clan would not act rashly.

They could never imagine the Baek Clan dispatching an overwhelming force capable of obliterating ten underworld syndicates within Baekui Gate territory.

‘Truthfully… they would be entirely correct. Handing them the justification on a silver platter would be sheer idiocy.’

Slaying intruders within one’s own front courtyard was not an error; it was entirely natural.

And judging purely by the numerical strength and caliber of their warriors, the Baek Clan Manor remained vastly inferior to the Baekui Gate.

Exterminating underworld gangs was one matter, but a direct head-on collision with the Baekui Gate…

Much like the Jeongwol Gate from his previous life, the Baek Clan Manor would face total annihilation.

However.

Even so.

‘In the end, everything hinges upon the pretext.’

Conflicts between orthodox sects could only be won by the faction that secured the moral high ground.

And Yang-hui possessed an additional pretext designed to transform the Baekui Gate’s blunder into an irreversible, fatal error.

‘My apologies regarding this, Seol-ha.’

Namchang was a magnificent city.

As a provincial capital, it bustled with vibrant commerce, its outskirts lined with bustling markets and encircled by countless rural hamlets.

Yang-hui cast his gaze around, mentally estimating the density of dwellings.

‘A substantial multitude of spectators will gather the moment a disturbance breaks out.’

The sole reason he had journeyed all the way to the outskirts of Namchang was precisely because of today.

The reinforcements hailing from the main house were scheduled to arrive,

“Young Lord. Word has just arrived that they will reach us in approximately one hourglass.”

Such was the report delivered by the messenger he had dispatched to verify the exact timing.

Yang-hui nodded in acknowledgment and swept his gaze across his surroundings.

Members of the Baekik Pavilion spearheaded by Gu-ak, escorts from the Namchang branch of the Heaven-Covering Escort Agency stationed behind Yeo Gu-wi.

Along with Ado.

For the record, he had deliberately excluded Zhuge Seol-ha.

A specific reason existed as to why she could not participate today.

“Seol-ha, you did not dispatch a separate letter to Uncle, did you?”

“No, I did not. But why do you keep reiterating that question since yesterday?”

Zhuge Seol-ha responded with an expression of mild bewilderment.

“You are well aware that Father would dispatch dozens of guards the instant he discovered I was out traversing the secular world. It would create far too much commotion—we would be unable to properly walk the path of righteousness.”

“That is true, but.”

“Furthermore, he would sulk endlessly about my failure to visit the main house. It is quite bothersome.”

The endearing young maiden who had once loudly proclaimed “I love you, Daddy!” openly had vanished.

All that remained was the slightly cheeky, fiercely independent Zhuge Seol-ha.

‘Whom on earth did she pick such traits up from… Ah, that constitutes an impolite thought regarding my master.’

Regardless.

“I was merely curious.”

“Are you feeling nervous prior to the grand event? How utterly foolish.”

It was at that exact moment.

A tremendous commotion erupted from behind as nearly a hundred martial artists suddenly materialized.

At the very vanguard stood the Baekui Gate Leader.

“Puhahaha! Who could this be? If it isn’t the young lord of the Baek Clan!”

“Baekui Gate Leader. What brings you all the way out to this place?”

Yang-hui offered a light fist salute by way of greeting, yet the Baekui Gate Leader responded with mockery instead of common courtesy.

“What else could it be? As the self-proclaimed master of Namchang, how could I possibly ignore such troubling reports? I had no choice but to step out personally!”

‘Arriving precisely in time to welcome the incoming reinforcements. As expected, they have been monitoring the movements of the main house very closely.’

Since the maneuver had been anticipated, Yang-hui maintained a completely placid expression rather than displaying any panic.

Yet the Baekui Gate Leader mistakenly interpreted his reaction as dismay.

‘Who could have guessed you would play the fool so transparently. You have made this remarkably easy for me, boy!’

Utilizing sound transmission for posturing? That happened to be their specialty.

It was regrettable that he could not retort, as revealing one’s inner thoughts prematurely remained unwise.

While such notions flashed through his mind, a formidable aura began radiating from the frontlines.

Warriors surged forward utilizing exceptional lightness techniques, spearheaded by a prominent sword-bearer.

Baek Mu-ryang, the clan head, alongside the elite Cheonu Corps of the Baek Clan Manor.

“All units, halt!”

The Cheonu Corps came to an immediate, flawless halt in perfect unison at the command.

Baek Mu-ryang directed a deep, penetrating gaze toward those standing ahead.

The first to break the silence was the Baekui Gate Leader.

“Baek Mu-ryang, head of the Wuju Baek Clan Manor?”

Baek Mu-ryang returned the gesture with a formal fist salute.

“You must be the leader of Namchang’s premier sect, the Baekui Gate. This Baek extends his greetings to the celebrated leader of the renowned Baekui Gate.”

His courteous salutation was met with an icy retort.

“All units, draw your swords!”

At the command, the disciples of the Baekui Gate drew their blades in absolute unison.

“Namchang has remained the domain of our Baekui Gate for generations! Explain yourselves clearly—what possessed the Baek Clan Manor to march an armed force of this magnitude into Namchang? Unless you can provide a convincing reason, you shall pay dearly for this transgression!”

The Baekui Gate Leader added, as though the thought had only just occurred to him.

“Oh, and should you attempt to utilize the underworld syndicates as an excuse, we shall not let the matter slide. Our sect has hardly ignored their uprising—we have merely awaited the optimal moment to uproot them entirely!”

A flush of triumph stemming from his scheme’s success and anticipated victory colored the face of the Baekui Gate Leader.

Baek Mu-ryang silently stared down the Baekui Gate Leader.

Yang-hui watched his father in quiet observation as well.

Not a single trace of panic registered on either man’s countenance.

Because they had already exchanged private correspondence concerning the events of today.

‘Father, today is the day.’

At long last, our Baek Clan casts down the gauntlet.