Chapter 142

Chapter 142
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**Chapter 142: Namgung Clan’s Sudden Arrival**

Without warning, the Namgung Clan appeared at the Baek Clan Manor.

There were two distinct courses of action the Namgung Clan might pursue here.

The first was to meddle where they had no business.

“Our main house has no choice but to subdue the black path forces in Gangseo,” came their declaration.

Setting aside their grand pronouncements of upholding Heaven-Covering righteousness, they intended to march west—no matter what—bound by the ten-year pact with the Tang Clan. The core of that agreement lay in aligning with the Tang Clan to expand their influence across Honam; they could not make any meaningful headway until they shared a border with the region.

“The Namgung Clan may not know the full details of the ten-year pact. But given our main house’s position alongside the Tang Clan, they have most likely pieced together the truth.”

If that was the case, what if they lent their support to the subjugation effort and established a firm Namgung presence in Gangseo? They would be in a position to counter every move the Tang Clan or Baek Clan made thereafter.

“They do not want this subjugation to succeed, so this cannot be their true aim.”

Which left only the second possibility: the Namgung Clan intended to overturn the entire arrangement. The question remained—how?

“Perhaps I should make a few discreet inquiries,” someone suggested.

“Our main house intends to establish a defensive line along the border between Gilju and Muju,” Tang Gun said, then raised a hand. “The black path forces in Gangseo stretch from the north, sweeping down through Gukang, Wonju, and Gilju. Do you know why we are prioritizing the southernmost reaches of Gilju, Brother Hui?”

“Before I answer, let me ask the Young Tang Clan Leader one thing: could the Tang Clan disrupt the balance across northwest Honam?”

Tang Gun’s expression grew troubled. “I do not believe so. Our main house holds the Baek Clan in high regard and would gladly offer all possible aid, but our presence there amounts to no more than the full strength of a single branch division.”

“Brother Hui, the Baek Clan has not yet fulfilled the terms of the ten-year pact. Our main house must also proceed with caution,” the other replied. After receiving the message he had been waiting for, he nodded. “Precisely. To contain this conflict before it spreads, we must remove any pretext for Honam’s black path murim to intervene—and we must do so quickly.”

Of all the regions—Gukang, Wonju, and Gilju—the five black path gangs operating in Gilju received direct backing from Honam’s black path communities. These gangs had to be driven out to limit the scope of the coming battle. No matter what unfolded, they needed to frame this as an internal matter for Gangseo’s murim, thereby fending off outside interference.

“I see now. If the black path and white path clash on such a large scale, it could ignite a full-blown murim war.”

“It may seem overly cautious, but caution serves us well.”

“Is not the true target of this campaign the Black Mirror Gang?”

This was undeniably true: the Black Mirror Gang dominated two of the three contested regions and stood as the most powerful faction in all of Gangseo.

“Exactly. If we focus our preparations solely on repelling attacks from Gilju, the Black Mirror Gang will not remain idle.”

“Then do we not require a more precise strategy, Young Master?”

Yang-hui offered a straightforward answer. “The Black Mirror Gang holds Wonju; Honam’s reach extends into Gilju; and Muju remains ours. We make the border where these three territories converge our battlefield.”

“Meaning a three-sided conflict.”

“One in which we face two foes at once.”

“Young Master, if events unfold as you describe, our clan stands at a disadvantage,” came the concerned reply. “By sheer numbers and overall might, we cannot avoid being outmatched.”

This was an undeniable reality. Even with the Heaven-Covering Baek Clan’s influence spanning Muju and Namchang, their strength paled in comparison to the Black Mirror Gang’s.

“The Black Mirror Gang has grown powerful over the years, amassing wealth and power from both regions they control.”

“In terms of fighting strength, if their forces number ten, then Baek Gate, Jeongwol Gate, and Namcheon Martial Hall combined bring us to only seven,” Yang-hui calculated. “Add the five black path gangs in Gilju to their side, and the enemy holds at least twice our numbers.”

“Even with the Tang Clan’s branch forces counted among us, the gap remains wide.”

This assessment had been made before the Namgung Clan extended their offer of support. With Young Clan Leader Namgung Cheon-hu and the entire Heavenly Sword Squadron joining their ranks, their strength would match—and surpass—that of the Black Mirror Gang.

“Their combined strength would stand at fourteen; ours would rise to roughly twenty. Yet we cannot assume every one of their ten units will commit fully to the fight.” Yang-hui turned to their new ally. “Young Namgung Clan Leader, in a direct clash of arms, do you believe we hold the advantage?”

Namgung Cheon-hu stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Our numbers may be fewer, but our warriors are superior. My Heavenly Sword Squadron and I could wipe out an entire black path gang in a single night, should we choose to strike.”

Since every member of the unit was a peak-level expert, his claim carried obvious weight.

“I do not doubt your prowess. Yet they will prepare for us as well.”

“What defense can stand against the might of the Heavenly Sword? Let us maintain this three-way standoff, just as Baek Young Hero has proposed. Then we shall pick off Gilju’s five black path gangs, one after another.”

It was a strategy of feinting east to strike west, of concealing formidable strength in plain sight—pretending to launch a full frontal assault while sending elite peak-level forces to strike from the rear. At first glance, it appeared the most promising course of action.

“So you do not seek an all-out three-sided war?”

This man, who only moments before had pledged to follow their lead, now voiced his own distinct vision.

“Your counsel is wise. I believe we should adopt the strategy Young Clan Leader Namgung has put forward,” someone declared.

“I concur.”

The meeting concluded with orders to deploy their forces to Seohang County, the border town where the three territories met.

—

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

Later, within Yang-hui’s private quarters at the Baek Clan Manor, Yang-hui poured tea for his assembled guests.

“Thank you, Brother Hui,” Tang Gun said.

“Think nothing of it. Seol-ha, please have some as well. And you, A-du?”

“Yes, senior brother.”

“Nah, I will pass. Tea is too bitter for my taste.”

“I knew you would say that. What about you, So?”

“I would welcome a cup, brother.”

As they sipped their tea, Yang-hui could sense a distinct awkwardness hanging over the room. Come to think of it, this was the very first time Tang Gun and Jeon Seol-ha had met face to face.

“No wonder the mood feels tense,” he thought.

The Jeon Clan stood among the Eight Great Clans and Five Great Families—factions that effectively held the Tang Clan under their influence. Natural friction was inevitable. Unlike Namgung Cheon-hu, who made his disdain openly known, Jeon Seol-ha was far too gracious to show such feelings.

“Brother Tang, allow me to formally introduce Jeon Seol-ha. As you know, she is my clan’s junior sister. Seol-ha, you are already acquainted with Brother Tang, are you not? You may address him as your elder brother, as is fitting.”

“If senior brother considers him a brother, then I shall call him Brother Tang as well.”

“It is settled then, little sister.”

Even after the introductions, the awkwardness lingered. Yang-hui figured time alone would ease the tension, and so he shifted the conversation forward.

“As we discussed, our confrontation with Gangseo’s black path factions is now set. I would like to hear each of your thoughts once more before we proceed. Let us begin with you, A-du.”

“Huh?”

“We are going to stand against those who do wrong. Will you join us?”

“Of course. You are a good man, Yang-hui. I will stand with you.”

“And you, Seol-ha?”

Jeon Seol-ha plucked a single note from her pipa. “Every woman who walks the path of murim must uphold righteousness. I shall join you too.”

This would allow him to call upon the Jeon Clan’s support should matters take a dire turn. Still, he felt compelled to ask: “Your uncle may object to this. Are you certain?”

“This journey was set forth by my master as part of my Thousand Li Journey. Even if my father disapproves, his wishes cannot countermand my master’s orders.” Excitement and curiosity lit Jeon Seol-ha’s face. At her age, tales of heroism felt like the stuff of legend. She appeared prepared to take full responsibility should the Jeon Clan face repercussions.

“Still, I must do everything in my power to keep Seol-ha out of harm’s way,” Yang-hui resolved. To do so, he would first need to unravel Namgung Cheon-hu’s true intentions. He turned to his friend. “Brother Tang, what game is Namgung Cheon-hu playing by coming here?”

The Namgung Clan would never send their finest warriors out of simple kindness. Tang Gun, who had fought beside them at the Sword King Tomb, agreed.

“They are plotting something—there is no doubt. Those Namgung whelps are always scheming.”

“Could it not be genuine goodwill?” Jeon Seol-ha wondered aloud. “Or perhaps they intend to share in the victory and claim a portion of the territory?”

“Unlikely, junior sister,” Yang-hui said at once.

“Absolutely not, little sister,” Tang Gun added in unison.

“You are both saying the same thing,” Jeon Seol-ha remarked, amused.

“The Namgung line is rotten to the core,” Yang-hui continued. “Though I must apologize—speaking so plainly of one of the Five Great Families was rude of me.”

Seeing both men dismiss her idea in perfect harmony, Jeon Seol-ha rolled her eyes.

“In any case, our first priority remains uncovering their scheme,” Yang-hui pressed on.

“We have no way of knowing yet. We must observe their movements and deduce their plan over time.”

“Not necessarily.”

“Hm? Do you have an idea, Brother Hui?”

Yang-hui grinned at him. “If we cannot figure it out ourselves, we simply ask someone who might know. Is that not so?”

“That is true, but…” Tang Gun looked uneasy.

Jeon Seol-ha, however, seemed amused. “You are hatching another wild plan, are you not, senior brother?”

“I have never done anything wild.”

“You speak figuratively, I know. Still…” Yang-hui’s smile widened. “An idea has come to me. Everyone—let us depart.”

Tang Gun, A-du, Jeon Seol-ha, and Baek Heon-so followed Yang-hui out. Before leaving, Yang-hui stopped at the steward’s quarters to inform him he would be stepping out briefly.

“To go out for leisure at such a time as this, Young Master?”

“Precisely because things are urgent. We are about to fight together; it is best we align our intentions beforehand.”

The steward regarded him seriously. “Young Master…”

“Yes, Steward?”

“You must remain here. It would not do for both young masters to leave the manor at once.”

“Eek?” Baek Heon-so, who had risen to the rank of first-rate through years of grueling discipline, looked thoroughly wronged.

Yang-hui looked away, feigning innocence. “Brother!”

“Ahem! Permission granted—go then!”

“Brother!”

The four companions slipped out through the main gate and set off, employing their lightness skill to travel swiftly.

“Brother Hui, where exactly are we going?”

“Yes, senior brother—do tell us the destination.”

“We are going to see the Black Mirror Gang Leader,” Yang-hui replied simply.

Tang Gun’s eyes went wide. “What? Are you serious?”

“Ahahaha—only you would do something so bold, senior brother!” Jeon Seol-ha laughed, clearly impressed.

Yang-hui gave her a knowing smirk, then focused his qi to quicken their pace. “We must make haste. Cannot keep up? Then stay behind!”

Two hours later, they had crossed out of Muju and entered Wonju.

“I wonder where he is,” Yang-hui mused. “The Black Mirror Gang Leader, I mean.”

“He is no longer in Gukang, that much is certain,” Tang Gun observed.

“Yeo Un-hyeok and Chui-dal are away on training duties,” Yang-hui recalled. “Without the head of the Baekik Hall Intelligence Division and his most trusted disciple, our network is not fully operational.”

“Senior brother, you speak of this Chui-dal often. What sort of person is he?”

“You have not met him? He is… well, he looks rather like an otter—and not a handsome one at that.” Noting Jeon Seol-ha’s curiosity, he came to a halt. “There is no sense wandering aimlessly. I will call him to us instead.”

They made their way to the busiest commercial district in Wonju and climbed to the highest pavilion overlooking the city.

“Brother Hui—how will you summon him?”

“You are not going to shout for the Black Mirror Gang Leader, are you?”

“Of course not. Seol-ha, may I borrow your pipa?”

“Here you are.”

Taking the Heavenly Sound Pipa in hand, Yang-hui channeled his qi and plucked a single string. The note rang out—clear and resonant, carrying far and wide. It was subtle enough to escape ordinary notice, yet unmistakable to anyone who had reached the peak level.

He played the note once more, letting its echo linger for a time.

“I did not expect to be summoned this way,” a deep voice rumbled.

Five figures appeared atop the pavilion roof. The foremost was an imposing man carrying a massive spear, with four peak-level experts standing directly behind him.

Yang-hui waved casually. “Greetings, Black Mirror Gang Leader. I have come to ask you a few questions.”

Tang Gun pressed a hand to his forehead, wincing. Jeon Seol-ha watched Yang-hui and the gang leader in turn, an amused smile playing on her lips. A-du simply stared, wide-eyed.

“Brat—what were you thinking?” the gang leader growled. “Have you come to offer yourself as a hostage to secure victory for your faction?”

Yang-hui met his gaze without flinching. “The lady beside me is from the Jeon Clan. The monk is from Shaolin. Would you truly dare take us as hostages? Do you wish to see this conflict escalate? The fools in Gilju might risk it, but you know better than anyone where that would lead—do you not?”

Even under the gang leader’s sharp, searching glare, Yang-hui remained unshaken. “I only wish to speak with you before the fighting begins. It is a simple request—surely you can grant it?”
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