The World’s Strongest Is from a Third-Rate Martial Clan [Novel] Chapter 63

Chapter 63

What does it take for a family to stand tall?

The dignity of the Family Head? The expansion of family wealth? The extension of its influence?

All of these are vital, yet the most paramount among them is the rigor of its laws and doctrines.

Then, what exactly are laws and doctrines?

Law and Doctrine. In other words, the family’s martial laws and ancestral teachings.

‘Our main family currently harbors two core issues.’

First. By accepting the surrender of the men from the dark factions, a deep divide has formed between the old and the new.

‘Furthermore, the disparity in martial prowess is severe. This will inevitably breed conflict.’

At the very least, until they could nurture new pillars of talent to serve as the driving force of the family, they required a method to seal this rift.

Which brought forth the second issue.

‘We need someone to take on the role of impressing the importance of our laws upon everyone.’

They needed to hand authority to the existing family members to balance the scales. At the same time, it had to be someone the Family Head could trust with his life.

There was exactly one person perfectly suited for the task.

‘Gwak Mun.’

A man born and raised within the Baek Family Manor, and the one who possessed the highest martial realm before Gu Ak and the dark faction martial artists joined their ranks.

‘His talent is… truthfully, quite ordinary. Yet, he is fiercely loyal.’

A trustworthy talent is just as vital as a brilliant one.

In that regard, Gwak Mun was a far more outstanding talent than anyone else in the Baek Family Manor.

“Father, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it? Speak your mind freely.”

“Our family has become the undisputed overlord of Agan County in both name and reality. This holds true when comparing the sheer size of our forces, and it remains true when measuring the heights of our reputation. Therefore, I believe we must establish laws and doctrines that befit our new station.”

Baek Muryang’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Baek Yanghwi.

He had already been agonizing over countermeasures ever since a spy emerged from among the former dark faction members.

To have his exact concerns addressed so perfectly brought him immense gratification.

“Continue speaking, Hwi.”

“Yes, Father.”

He cast his gaze toward Gwak Mun, who stood among the family members that had ceased their labor to gather around.

“We have accomplished a great deed, so we must execute proper rewards and punishments. I implore you to bestow a reward upon the one with the greatest merit among our family members, setting a clear example for the rest.”

“I see. Who do you believe holds the greatest merit?”

Baek Yanghwi kept his eyes fixed upon Gwak Mun.

In private, he addressed the man as Uncle Gwak, yet he could not use such an informal title now.

“It is the martial artist of our main family, Gwak Mun. I request that you bestow two elixirs upon him and appoint him as the Pavilion Master of the Disciplinary Pavilion.”

Gwak Mun’s eyes widened at being singled out so unexpectedly.

“Y-Young Master Hwi. I have not exactly done anything… of note…”

Gwak Mun trailed off. It was a natural reaction.

He was originally the second strongest martial artist in the Baek Family Manor after the Family Head, yet he could not even rank within the top ten anymore.

“The martial artist Gwak Mun has served our main family for the longest time, and I believe he is more well-versed in our family’s laws and doctrines than anyone else. Thus, I firmly believe it is only right to grant him the position of Disciplinary Pavilion Master as his reward.”

Baek Muryang asked.

“Hwi, what do you believe our family’s laws and doctrines are?”

“I believe it is more fitting for the martial artist Gwak Mun to answer that question rather than myself.”

“You are not wrong. Gwak Mun. Speak your thoughts.”

Every gaze converged upon a single man. Gwak Mun’s body turned rigid under the crushing weight of their expectations and tension.

It was then.

[Uncle Gwak. You may speak comfortably.]

[Look at the eyes of the other family members.]

Baek Yanghwi’s telepathic transmission suddenly echoed in his mind.

Gwak Mun looked around and finally realized a single truth.

Excluding the members of the Pavilion of Rehabilitation, every single person was looking at him with eyes overflowing with unwavering trust.

In that instant, Gwak Mun realized exactly what his duty was.

‘I see. The reason Young Master Hwi singled this Gwak out…’

“The laws and doctrines of our family lie in Chivalry, Righteousness, and Harmony.”

In a slow, steadfast voice, Gwak Mun continued.

“We pursue chivalry, we value righteousness, and therefore, we march toward harmony. That is the doctrine of the Baek Family, felt in the bones and learned in the mind by this Gwak, who was born and raised here.”

A deeply satisfied smile appeared on Baek Muryang’s face.

“Gwak Mun. No, Disciplinary Pavilion Master. Your words ring true. Righteousness and chivalry. And thus, harmony. The will of our family aligns perfectly with your words and actions.”

Laws and doctrines were discipline.

They were the solemn promises every family member had to keep, and the convictions they had to follow.

“Disciplinary Pavilion Master. Will you be able to fulfill your duties?”

Gwak Mun dropped to one knee and cupped his fists in a martial salute.

“If you entrust this to me, I will dedicate my life to carrying it out.”

“Excellent. Everyone, listen well.”

Baek Muryang unleashed his aura from his entire being.

“In high recognition of his lifelong devotion to our family, I hereby bestow two elixirs upon Disciplinary Pavilion Master Gwak Mun. If anyone harbors dissatisfaction with this, step forward now.”

“…”

No one dared to step forward.

The Baek Family Manor had been a mere third-rate martial family just a year ago, yet it had birthed a peak realm master.

‘Excluding Elder Yeo, he is the undisputed strongest in Agan County.’

Baek Muryang’s overwhelming dignity was more than enough to command the reverence of every family member.

“It seems no one has any complaints. Then, I will continue dispensing rewards and punishments.”

Five new elixirs had been crafted over the past month. The family members’ eyes gleamed with anticipation.

“Pavilion Master of Rehabilitation, Gu Ak. Step forward.”

Gu Ak stepped forward in silence and cupped his fists.

“You possessed much, yet you cast it all away to become a member of our family, a devotion I have always been grateful for. I bestowed an elixir upon you previously, but I deem it insufficient, so I grant you one more. I ask that you continue dedicating your loyalty and righteousness to our family.”

“I obey!”

Naturally, the one to follow Gu Ak was Baek Yanghwi.

“Eldest Young Master Baek Yanghwi.”

“Yes, Family Head!”

“I do not need to speak at length for everyone to understand. I bestow two elixirs upon you; use them as you see fit.”

“Thank you!”

Two elixirs remained. Baek Muryang sought the understanding of the family members and gifted one each to Baek Heonso and Baek Yeonyeon.

For the rest, he continued the rewards by distributing wealth.

“That concludes it. Now then, since we have finished all our crucial matters.”

Baek Muryang smiled and let out a booming shout.

“It is time for the banquet we delayed! Drink until you pass out tonight!”

“We obeyyy!”

* * *

Harmonizing all energies beneath the heavens to nourish the origin.

Having circulated his qi through one complete cycle according to the profound principles of the Harmonious Heaven’s Origin Art, Baek Yanghwi opened his eyes.

“Huuu.”

‘My internal energy has increased by five years’ worth of cultivation in that short span.’

This was entirely the effect of consuming the elixir pill left behind by Sword Immortal Lu Dongbin.

The immortal qi condensed within the immortal pill unraveled strand by strand, gradually expanding his dantian.

He harbored slight concerns that the immortal qi’s influence over his Harmonious Heaven Qi was growing denser, but it did not feel detrimental, so he let it be for now.

‘In the first place, the immortal qi had settled in my dantian the moment I regressed. Judging by its nature, the chances of it causing harm are minuscule.’

Even so, he needed to investigate the exact cause behind this phenomenon whenever an opportunity presented itself.

Well, it was not as if he could take action right this moment.

‘I should swiftly establish an intelligence department as well.’

When expanding a faction’s influence, an intricate information network serves as its very lifeblood.

This meant he absolutely had to create an independent intelligence department if he wished to ascend to the ranks of a Great family.

‘Goodness, I have accomplished so much, yet a mountain of tasks still remains.’

Starting from raising his younger siblings properly, all the way to training the newly accepted pillars of talent into proper martial artists.

Furthermore, he could not forget his duty to prevent the tragedies that occurred in his past life.

‘I have already secured a method to improve Mother’s illness. However, I have yet to completely guarantee the prevention of Yeonyeon and Father’s deaths.’

Yeonyeon might be an innocent and pure child right now, but as time passed, she would blossom into a woman of elegant and pristine charm.

Countless men would inevitably harbor dark and lustful intentions toward her.

The power of our main family was incomparable to his past life, yet it was still insufficient.

After all, they were merely the overlords of a single county.

‘The bastard directly tied to Yeonyeon’s death was the Young Sect Leader of the White Clothing Sect.’

The White Clothing Sect. Also known as the Number One Sect of Nanchang.

Just as the title implied, it was a martial faction boasting the greatest influence in Nanchang.

Considering that massive gap, their family still had a long journey ahead.

‘As for Father’s case… I can practically consider the disaster thwarted. Yet, I must not lower my guard.’

In his past life, his father had passed away after being dragged into a tragedy born from Heonso’s twisted actions.

Thus, the same disaster would not unfold in this life.

‘However, the head of a martial family can face danger at any given moment. Thinking ahead to the day our family completely dominates the martial world, even the peak realm will fall short.’

Therefore, he needed to take measures on this front as well. Perhaps by continuing to act as a martial arts expert guiding his father.

‘Ah, I also need to investigate the Vanguard Sect’s backer. A mastermind is definitely pulling the strings.’

An expert on the level of the Blood Night Wolf Blade stepped into a life-and-death duel.

To accept a condition for a life-and-death duel rather than a standard commission, one would require at least ten thousand taels of silver.

It meant shedding enough blood to hand over an entire profitable business.

‘No matter how desperately they wanted to secure their victory, this was excessive.’

Furthermore, considering how those dark faction bastards always bowed to the strong and trampled the weak, it was incredibly suspicious.

Upon discovering their ties with the Jegal family and the Tang family, they should have tucked their tails and fled. Yet they initiated a life-and-death duel instead?

There was no doubt they had a backer to handle the fallout.

‘Well, they probably do not share a deep relationship. If they did, the backer would have provided far more aggressive support.’

Regardless, he needed to look into this matter.

His thoughts kept circling back to how wonderful it would be to have an intelligence department… Ah, wait a moment.

Come to think of it, he had definitely heard in his past life that thieves possessed a method of exchanging information amongst themselves.

‘It will not compare to the Beggars’ Sect or the Lower District Sect, but it will be highly useful for the time being.’

Thieves valued information just as much as any proper intelligence organization.

They had to investigate the wealthy households they intended to rob and evade pursuit. Without information, they would be captured in an instant.

‘Elder Yeo is the Divine Thief of this era. He will undoubtedly know of it.’

Baek Yanghwi immediately rushed to the pavilion where Yeo Hyeok resided and asked about his realization.

Yeo Hyeok nodded obediently.

“You must be speaking of the Thieves’ Net. Naturally, I can make contact with them.”

The Thieves’ Net. The name was rather fitting.

“Elder, would we be able to obtain the information our family requires through the Thieves’ Net for the time being?”

“It is no great burden, so I do not mind. However, utilizing the Thieves’ Net costs a hefty sum of money.”

Yeo Hyeok explained that because its true nature was an information network for thieves, the intelligence was restricted and highly expensive.

“The thieves treat the very fact that someone is seeking specific information as intelligence in itself. The Lower District Sect does the same, but the Thieves’ Net prices it even higher.”

“I understand. It is fortunate that we can utilize it at all. Then, I have an immediate request.”

“Speak.”

“The source of the money the Vanguard Sect used to hire the Blood Night Wolf Blade.”

“Understood.”

Nodding his head, Yeo Hyeok immediately launched his body and vanished.

With this, a weight was lifted from his chest.

‘If the Vanguard Sect squeezed their own coffers dry to hire him, that is a relief. If they have a backer, we can uncover their identity, which is also a relief.’

Concluding that it was worth paying the intelligence fee either way, he let out a short breath.

‘My head is throbbing from thinking so much.’

Perhaps he should cool his head by teasing Chudal for a bit.

While he was at it, he could also review his martial arts in place of the elder.

“Chudal! You little rascal, where are you?!”

His voice booming across the manor as he wandered around, a family member other than Chudal approached him.

“Young Master Hwi. I have a message for you.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

What the servant handed him was a sealed letter.

[From the Empress to the Young Hero]

Baek Yanghwi’s eyes widened slightly.

From the Empress to the Young Hero.

The sender of the letter was none other than the Sound Empress.