Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven
Allowing three young children to wander through the bustling marketplace on their own was an undeniable hazard.
Even within a third-rate martial clan, common townsfolk would still perceive them as pampered scions of a wealthy house. Shady opportunists might easily take aim at the coins in their pockets or plot a kidnapping for ransom.
Unfortunately, the clan’s depleted coffers could not spare any capable retainers to serve as an armed guard.
That harsh constraint was made painfully obvious the moment Baek Yeonyeon came trotting back after washing up.
“Brother, will the grown-ups truly permit us to leave? I feel certain they’ll forbid it…”
Fully mindful of their clan’s plight, Yanghwi offered an air of effortless composure.
“Yeon.”
“Hm?”
“Your elder brother specializes in achieving what everyone deems impossible.”
Flashing a sly smile, Yanghwi shifted his focus to Baek Heonso.
“Which means you have my apologies in advance.”
“Wait… what? Why are you apologizing…?”
A ripple of dread crossed Baek Heonso’s features. Sure enough, that instinctual panic materialized in an instant.
Guiding both Baek Heonso and Baek Yeonyeon along, Yanghwi marched straight up to Steward Han Seok’eon and announced without hesitation:
“Steward. So insists that because of my past as a vagrant beggar, he refuses to acknowledge me as his elder brother.”
“W-wait, hold on, what?!”
Drained of all color, Baek Heonso stood utterly flabbergasted, choking on his own breath as he tried to speak.
Ignoring the boy entirely, Yanghwi pressed forward.
“Father commanded us to cultivate both the brush and the sword. However, I believe that before one polishes literary grace or martial prowess, anchoring one’s heart with upright moral character must take precedence.”
Shifting his gaze from Baek Heonso to Yanghwi, Steward Han released an exhausted breath.
He felt an ominous intuition that this newly brought-in ward of the Clan Patriarch would become an unending headache for the household.
“Young Master Hwi. Pray tell, what is your actual point?”
“I believe So must venture past the estate gates and receive instruction from the world beyond.”
“To put it bluntly, you simply wish to take an excursion. That cannot be permitted. The streets are far too perilous.”
Watching Steward Han reject the idea without a second thought, Yanghwi countered with practiced poise.
“Naturally, having three noble fledglings roam unprotected poses a danger. However, I spent eight long years surviving upon the cobblestones. I dare say not a single soul in this residence understands the marketplace’s intricacies better than I do.”
“I do not doubt your familiarity with the streets. Yet what if cutthroats with venomous schemes reach out their hands to strip your silver? What will you do then?”
The steward spoke the truth. If three unattended youths stepped out into the open, even common rabble who lacked the standing of genuine dark-path scoundrels could pose a serious threat.
Nevertheless.
Even trapped inside his miniature physical frame, Yanghwi remained confident he could thrash typical third-rate riffraff with ease.
‘Revealing such ability is out of the question, so an excuse will have to do.’
“Then let us compromise. We shall invite Brother Gu to act as our bodyguard.”
“Brother Gu? Do you refer to the Blood Axe who inva—ahem, who paid a visit to our halls only yesterday?”
“The very same.”
“I find it exceedingly difficult to imagine the Blood Axe displaying such charity, Young Master Hwi.”
“Allow me merely to dispatch a single missive. If Brother Gu fails to provide protection, I shall not take a single step beyond these gates.”
The corner of Steward Han’s mouth arched into a wry smirk.
‘Offering to yield on his own… Wait, did a similar scene not play out yesterday?’
No. Today would surely differ.
There was simply no earthly reason a feared dark-path operative—the very son of the mighty Honggyo Gang leader—would stoop to playing wet nurse to children.
“Very well, Young Master Hwi. Can you pen the note yourself?”
The steward meant to inquire if Yanghwi could even handle ink and parchment. When the boy gave a tranquil nod, a flash of pure bewilderment swept across Steward Han’s gaze.
It was genuinely shocking that an urchin who had begged for scrap crumbs across eight winters could read and write so fluently.
Setting brush to parchment in one seamless stroke, Yanghwi folded and sealed the letter firmly to hide its text before handing it over.
“Here you are, Steward.”
“Hmph. I shall see that it reaches him at once.”
A short while later.
Steward Han’s jaw hung open in sheer disbelief.
Gu Ak stood within the Baek Estate’s courtyard, his expression dark with seething irritation.
“…”
“…”
What occurs when an ambushed victim encounters the very thug who stormed his doorstep, only to be stripped of his own money pouch?
Yanghwi gracefully slipped right into the gulf separating the stunned Steward Han and the brooding Gu Ak.
“Steward Han. Since Brother Gu has graciously arrived in person, I trust you will keep your word and grant an older brother the chance to instill a meaningful lesson in his kin.”
“…Haaaaah. Very well. Be that as it may, I must report this development directly to the Patriarch.”
“Naturally! No need to trouble yourself, however; I shall personally give him an account upon our return!”
Concluding his remarks, Yanghwi glanced back at Gu Ak with a cheerful, knowing grin.
“Brother Gu. For now, my intention is to guide my brother and sister on a stroll through the stalls. Why don’t we settle the matter described in my letter once I deliver them back safely?”
“…I shall abide by Little Brother’s pleasure.”
And so, accompanied by their towering escort, the three Baek siblings set off on their promenade.
“Incredible! Brother! I think four whole months have passed since I last set foot outside!”
“Has it truly been that lengthy a span?”
“Uh-huh! Father is always occupied with clan duties…”
Indeed. When an estate fell so deep into hardship that even simple guards were a luxury, the patriarch could hardly afford time to indulge his young children.
Beholding Baek Yeonyeon’s radiant delight brought a gentle upturn to Yanghwi’s lips.
“Then let us enjoy ourselves to the absolute fullest before returning.”
“Yes! Hehehe.”
“You as well, So.”
“…Yes.”
Though maintaining a cautious quietude, Baek Heonso also seemed quietly thrilled to be out after such confinement.
In truth, across the entire entourage, only Gu Ak was stewing in misery.
“The entire day? Little Brother, this Gu Ak is hardly a fellow blessed with limitless hours to burn.”
“Then look at it this way. Weigh the stakes on a scale.”
“Kh…”
As Yanghwi flashed another innocent, dazzling smile, Gu Ak swallowed a bitter groan.
‘Damnation. If only I hadn’t let my cursed tongue flap so loosely.’
The correspondence Yanghwi had sent contained only a single, pointed line:
— Brother Gu. Should you desire to be addressed as Brother Gu once more, grant me a single day of your time.
The mess had originated when Gu Ak scoffed at Yanghwi’s vow to wipe away debts and animosity by conferring a massive boon upon the Honggyo Gang, swearing that if the urchin actually pulled off such a feat, he would happily take the subordinate role of younger brother.
‘My foul mouth will be the death of me.’
To any martial practitioner, dignity and face were valued on par with breathing itself.
Even if his craft walked the dark path, he remained a true martial artist to the core.
Enduring the utter indignity of calling a child the size of a thumb his elder brother was an outcome he simply could not stomach.
‘And it is not as though I can slaughter him to keep his mouth shut, either.’
Beyond his personal distaste for wanton bloodshed compared to his fellow dark-path cohorts, the core dilemma lay in the brat’s status as the freshly adopted scion of the Baek Estate.
Regardless of how decayed the Baek Estate’s present might appeared, its patriarch possessed a dependable sworn brother of formidable strength.
Moreover, Gu Ak was already locked in a cutthroat struggle against more than ten rival siblings for the throne of the gang’s future leader.
Rather than igniting a disastrous conflict over a scandal he could never publicly justify, surrendering a handful of hours was by far the lesser toll.
“Brother Gu. Smooth out your scowl a bit. You will invite early wrinkles upon your brow.”
“…”
White-hot fury flared through Gu Ak’s chest, prompting a fleeting urge:
‘Should I just lose my mind and snap his neck where he stands?’
Completely detached from the turmoil raging inside Gu Ak, Yanghwi led his young charges along the street, purchasing whatever their eyes lingered upon.
“Brother! Traditional pastries!”
“Let us see… shall we purchase ten wraps? That way, we can offer some to the household retainers when we return.”
“Hooray!”
Baek Heonso stood nearby, watching Baek Yeonyeon nibble on her pastries with lingering longing.
Come to consider it, the boy leaned toward savory flavors rather than sugary confections.
Such as the roasted skewered chicken emitting aroma from the wooden cart just ahead.
‘Silly child. He is far too self-conscious to speak his mind.’
Stepping over to the cart without prompting, Yanghwi secured ten chicken skewers.
“Here, So. Eat.”
“…Thank you.”
“Do not look so melancholy. Today was meant for us to celebrate without worry.”
“…Understood.”
Reflecting on why the boy still carried such a suppressed demeanor, Yanghwi quickly caught the thread.
‘Ah. I framed So when presenting my plea to Steward Han.’
The child was terrified that the fabricated claim—that he looked down on Yanghwi for his beggar lineage—would find its way to their father’s ears.
“So. If anyone inquires as to what profound lesson you absorbed from today’s venture, recite this: ‘No man stands above men, and no man kneels below men’ (人上無人 人下無人). Utter that, and no scolding shall reach you.”
There are no humans elevated above others, and none cast below.
Hearing a seven-year-old voice such staggering philosophical clarity would leave any elder thoroughly astonished and pleased.
“T-truly?”
“Truly. Did I not mention it before? Your elder brother has a knack for bending reality to his will. Place your faith in me.”
With his pallor visibly warming with relief, Baek Heonso finally threw himself into enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Afterward.
Rather than merely indulging them with delightful spectacles, Yanghwi escorted them beneath stone bridges to distribute copper coins to the destitute, offering his siblings practical exposure that would nurture grounded, noble virtues.
Only once the sun began its descent did they make their way back to the Baek Estate.
“So. Yeon. Did you find today worthwhile?”
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had!”
Beaming at Baek Yeonyeon as she skipped on her heels, Yanghwi then met Baek Heonso’s gaze. The young boy silently studied Yanghwi.
While a trace of aloof pride lingered, Yanghwi caught sight of a fresh emotion stirring within those eyes—admiration—and recognized that this was plenty for their first day.
‘As anticipated, winning the devotion of a youngster is simple enough.’
Display an overwhelming brilliance that leaves no room for petty jealousy, while carrying it with sufficient warmth and charm, and reverence blossoms naturally.
“Then why don’t you two head inside and carry word to the steward? Let him know I shall return shortly after a brief exchange with Brother Gu.”
Watching his siblings slip through the front entrance, Yanghwi pivoted back toward Gu Ak.
“My gratitude for your diligence today, Brother Gu!”
“…Little Brother. I have fulfilled my debt in full, so I expect this farce never to be reenacted. If you attempt it again…”
Gu Ak’s voice sank into a menacing growl.
It was an open warning that he would never permit himself to be steered about by the same petty leverage a second time.
Yanghwi, of course, did not flinch in the slightest.
“Naturally, Brother Gu. Shall we attend to proper business now?”
“Business? Little Brother, I hardly reckon you possess either the rank or the years to discuss affairs of trade with me.”
The thug was entirely accurate. Yet Yanghwi commanded knowledge potent enough to make Gu Ak not merely listen, but clamor desperately for more.
“A certain whisper has traveled far through the alleys of the market. Word claims that the sixth son of the Honggyo Gang leader claimed a concubine before even securing a lawful first wife.”
In an instant, Gu Ak’s countenance hardened into a mask of pure lethality. The strike had landed squarely upon his most agonizing nerve.
“You miserable whelp, my restraint has its boundaries.”
Like a seasoned butcher of the dark path, heavy, suffocating killing intent billowed forth, pressing in from every direction.
Even so.
“Hear a person out before drawing steel. This miserable whelp might hold the remedy to Brother Gu’s greatest affliction, you know.”
Observing how the child stood utterly motionless, absorbing the crushing aura of a first-rate master without a single tremor of fear, Gu Ak was gripped by raw disbelief.
‘Is this whelp’s audacity forged of tempered steel…?’
‘Did he gut a wild tiger somewhere and stitch its innards into his chest?’
“What nonsense are you trying to spin?”
“It is quite straightforward. I must attend to an errand before dusk, and I require your cooperation. If you assist me—”
“If I do?”
For a passing heartbeat, memories from Yanghwi’s past life flickered across his thoughts.
Gu Ak. And the hidden lover at his side. The very spark that would ignite a horrifying bloodbath within the Honggyo Gang in the years to come.
“I shall elevate your secret lady, who currently cannot step into the light, into your legally recognized first wife.”
This time, Gu Ak’s features stiffened from an entirely different shock.
“What did you say?”
“Precisely what you heard. I shall ensure that your father, the revered Honggyo Gang leader, formally embraces Brother Gu’s true love.”
The reason the gang leader forbade his son from elevating the single woman he cherished to a legitimate spouse was brutally simple.
She originated from a courtesan house. Much like the leader’s other offspring, Gu Ak was bound by duty to participate in a strategic alliance with the direct bloodline of another prominent dark-path syndicate to cement their future power.
“You have been fighting that arranged union, have you not? A man of genuine honor, Brother Gu. However, continuing along this path guarantees your ejection from the succession race.”
“What could a milk-toothed runt like you possibly know?!”
“I know this much: lending me your ear will cost you nothing, Brother Gu.”
Concluding his point, Yanghwi reviewed the mental ledger of everything he remembered concerning Gu Ak from his former life.
Gu Ak diverged from conventional cutthroats in several crucial aspects.
He had broken into the first-rate realm prior to reaching thirty years of age despite walking the treacherous dark path. Furthermore, given that he held no appetite for mindless vice and remained devoted to a solitary woman, his inner fiber remained far from hopeless. He made for an ideal instrument in the present board.
A child’s physical shell imposed severe boundaries on what could be executed alone.
Operating through Gu Ak as his public spearhead would grant him boundless room to maneuver.
That was precisely why Yanghwi was steadily drawing the snare around him.
“Speak your piece. Yet know this: should you waste my breath on empty lies, the price you pay will be steep.”
Though the threat remained venomous, uttering those terms was practically an surrender to the proposal.
Yanghwi held an offer no ambitious man could refuse.
“I happen to know the exact chamber where the Cheongsa Gang conceals their illicit emergency reserves. Would you care to join me in cleaning them out? In exchange, eighty percent belongs to me, while Brother Gu claims twenty.”
“The hidden vault of the Cheongsa Gang? Where on earth did you uncover such intelligence?”
“Let us simply say I have my methods.”
Gu Ak’s eyes dilated in pure shock, before twisting into an annoyed grimace at the evasive answer.
Yet the revelation that dropped next from Yanghwi’s lips stripped away the last remnants of his composure.
“I even understand they smuggled in several dozen poison bombs in secret, preparing an ambush against the Honggyo Gang. Is that not so?”
“What?! Poison boooombs?!”
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