My Father Is the Number One Under Heaven [Novel] Chapter 152

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[Chapter 152] I Will Protect It, No Matter What

“…That was the extent of what we had uncovered.”

The Patriarch’s Hall.

The one who had visited the Hebei Peng Clan was Jin Sobaek.

Right now, a heavy silence hung over the Patriarch’s Hall following the story delivered by Jin Sobaek, who had introduced himself as the Leader of the Hao Clan.

Peng Mugang, along with Peng Seojin and Elder Gu Wangpyo, wore exceedingly grim expressions.

It was due to the news that the Demonic Cult was marching toward the Hebei Peng Clan with a massive force, accompanied by four of the Ten Demonic Stars.

Of course, they could have doubted Jin Sobaek’s identity and his story.

However, he possessed a sacred token proving that he was indeed the Leader of the Hao Clan.

The Red Feather Fan (紅羽扇).

It was the sacred relic symbolizing the Leader of the Hao Clan.

True to its reputation, a peculiar aura emanated from the crimson fan.

In other words, it meant that everything Jin Sobaek had just shared was the truth.

There was no reason for the Leader of the Hao Clan to go out of his way to visit and spout nonsense.

“Heo, is the Demonic Cult truly heading this way?”

“How could such a thing happen…”

It was unbelievable.

What on earth was their objective, and why had such a situation come to pass?

Everyone was bewildered and flustered, but discussing that in their current situation was utterly meaningless.

The incident was already in motion, and from now on, they had to decide what to do.

That came first.

However, among the details Jin Sobaek shared, what infuriated everyone in the Patriarch’s Hall the most was the news regarding the Murim Alliance.

Even though Jin Sobaek had informed them of the situation, they showed no intention of mobilizing at all.

Hearing that they hadn’t made a single move even to verify whether the intelligence was true caused everyone to let out hollow laughs.

That was no different from declaring their intent not to lift a single finger in the crisis currently facing the Hebei Peng Clan.

“How can the Murim Alliance act this way!”

“Indeed! For those who represent the Orthodox Murim to turn a blind eye in a situation like this!”

Peng Mugang was just as dumbfounded.

How had things become so utterly rotten?

Even in the past, their relationship hadn’t been particularly great, but back then, the Orthodox Murim had treated a crisis as their own, stepping up to help and uniting as one.

Yet now…

“In any case, thank you. For coming personally to deliver such news.”

Peng Mugang conveyed his sincere gratitude to Jin Sobaek.

“It was nothing.”

“Still, may I ask why you are offering us such aid?”

Peng Mugang found it baffling that the Hao Clan—which didn’t even belong to the Orthodox faction and had never shared any particular ties with them—had stepped forward like this.

At that, Jin Sobaek smiled faintly and replied.

“A while ago, I had the opportunity to interact with a certain member of the Peng Clan and built a connection of sorts. When I coincidentally caught wind of this news, I simply couldn’t turn a blind eye, which is why I came to see you.”

“Who is that person?”

“I apologize, but I am a man who buys and sells information for money. The news I delivered today is all I can offer without expecting anything in return, so I ask for your understanding.”

“Hmm. Right. I understand.”

Knowing that someone in the Peng Clan had ties with the Hao Clan made him curious about their identity, but he couldn’t press any further.

Above all, this man had willingly stepped up to help the Peng Clan.

“Then what should we do from here on?”

If the Murim Alliance took such a stance, the only ones they could realistically request aid from were the Five Great Clans and the Nine Great Sects.

However, it would take far too long for them to arrive.

They might only arrive long after everything was already over.

Even so, they couldn’t just sit idly by.

Peng Mugang dispatched messengers to every possible location.

Since no one knew how things would unfold, it was better to try everything within their power.

“For now, I believe it would be best for you to evacuate with all your household members.”

“I agree that would be wise. Just until we can join forces with others later…”

“No. We cannot do that.”

Peng Mugang shook his head at the elders’ suggestions.

“Patriarch, for now, this is our only option…”

“I am not saying this out of pride. If we leave like that, how do you think they will react?”

Would they obediently withdraw after marching all this way with such military might, only to find an empty estate?

Not a chance.

In the end, their wrath would inevitably turn upon the innocent commoners living in Hebei.

Right for all to see.

“Surely they wouldn’t go that far…”

At Peng Mugang’s words, everyone’s faces turned pale.

“Why else would they be called the Demonic Cult? Besides, they have pulled such atrocities multiple times in the past.”

“Then…”

“We must fight. However we can.”

Of course, it was a reckless battle, but shouldn’t they bear the responsibility that came with the title of the Overlords of Hebei?

Regardless of what outcome it brought.

‘As expected of the Hebei Peng Clan.’

Yet no matter how much he thought about it, it was a battle without any chance of victory.

Having seen the decision they reached, Jin Sobaek offered his respects and exited the Patriarch’s Hall.

His head throbbed, prompting him to rub his temples.

He had already done everything he could.

Yet what was this lingering feeling?

It was then.

“Ah! It’s Daddy’s friend!”

A little girl appeared and greeted Jin Sobaek brightly.

She had run into him while strolling through the garden with Peng Seoyeon.

Peng Seoyeon also smiled warmly, having met him once before.

“What brings you here today? My husband is currently away, though.”

“Ahaha. Well, I stopped by on some other business.”

“I see. Then I will see you again.”

“Yes.”

“See you later! Goodbye!”

Yul waved her hand with an adorable smile.

Jin Sobaek smiled unconsciously and nodded.

Daddy’s friend… Good grief, haha…

Soon after completely exiting the Peng Clan estate, Jin Sobaek’s subordinate, Bae Chojin, approached him.

“Did the conversation go well?”

“What’s there to go well? I merely delivered despairing news.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Jin Sobaek vigorously scratched his head.

“Haa. This is driving me crazy.”

The image of Yul from moments ago lingered in his mind.

Furthermore, the Hebei Peng Clan he had seen was truly a wonderful place.

A place filled with warmth and humanity, yet never losing the dignity of a regional overlord while exuding a positive influence.

To think such a place might vanish because of the Demonic Cult.

Jin Sobaek then looked at Bae Chojin, the woman who always followed him.

“Perhaps it’s time to choose a successor in advance. Think you can handle it?”

“Pardon? What do you mean by…”

“How many armed units can the Hao Clan assemble the fastest?”

“Why are you asking that? D-don’t tell me! No, right? Please tell me it’s not!”

“We can’t just lose such a valued client so easily, can we?”

“No! We have no chance of winning! None at all!”

No matter how many armed units the Hao Clan mustered, the enemy’s strength far surpassed it.

Fending them off with only the Hebei Peng Clan and the Hao Clan was utterly impossible.

Just what on earth was this man thinking!

“We can just fight moderately and pull back. Don’t worry. And I’m counting on you.”

As if that’s even possible!

And what do you mean you’re counting on me when you claim you’ll pull back on your own!

Yet Bae Chojin fell silent at the resolute gaze of Jin Sobaek, who had already made up his mind.

The thought crossed her mind that the Hao Clan might end up perishing right alongside the Hebei Peng Clan.

Leaving behind a Clan Leader like this and saying ‘good luck’ before running away alone simply wasn’t an option.

“Aaargh! Damn it! Why did I have to end up with such a crazy Clan Leader!”

“Hey, hey! I think your inner thoughts just leaked out.”

“Ah, I don’t care! You’re insane! Truly!”

Soon, the two began moving with even greater urgency.

Meanwhile, the Peng Clan was in a state of chaotic preparation.

Now that they had decided to stand their ground and fight following Patriarch Peng Mugang’s will, they had to prepare for battle.

So they could hold the enemy off as much as possible!

However, evacuating the non-combatant household members before the battle began was the utmost priority.

“…Therefore, all of you must leave as quickly as possible. If you hear news that the Hebei Peng Clan is safe, you may return, but if not, never come back.”

Peng Mugang gathered all the members of the household and spoke.

Everyone who heard the news was left utterly dumbfounded.

What on earth was happening out of nowhere?

Today had started just like any other ordinary day, yet the Demonic Cult was invading?

And those who did not know martial arts were told to leave immediately.

“Patriarch… How can we leave by ourselves? We cannot.”

“That’s right. We will fight as well!”

Everyone voiced their desire to stay together.

However, Peng Mugang firmly shook his head.

“They are members of the Demonic Cult. They show no mercy to anyone, regardless of who they are. Furthermore, if those who do not know martial arts remain, we will not be able to fight properly either.”

“But Patriarch, we…”

“You have all worked hard all this time. I pray for your safety.”

At the sudden farewell, everyone shed tears.

“D-dear.”

“Father.”

The faces of Dan Heeyoung and Peng Seoyeon were also deathly pale.

The joyful time they had spent together in the garden moments ago felt like a dream.

“I will fight too.”

“You must take care of Yul.”

“Do not worry. The Peng Clan does not fall so easily. I will protect this place so that everyone can return.”

Yet Peng Seoyeon knew.

Just how impossible of a task that was.

“Grandpa, is something wrong?”

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Yul looked up at Peng Mugang with a slightly anxious expression and asked.

At that, Peng Mugang smiled gently and scooped Yul up into his arms.

“Wrong? Nothing is wrong! Our Yul is just going on a fun little picnic with Grandma and Mommy. Sounds fun, right?”

“Isn’t Grandpa coming?”

“Grandpa has some work left to finish, so I can’t go.”

“Aww. That’s too bad.”

“Let’s make sure to go together next time, alright?”

“Really?”

“Of course!”

“Hehe. Yay!”

“Hahahaha!”

Yul smiled brightly, her anxiety seemingly washed away.

Peng Mugang laughed heartily as well.

Soon, Peng Mugang set Yul down, looked at her quietly, and spoke once more.

“Yul. Always stay healthy and strong, alright?”

“Okay!”

At her grandfather’s words, Yul simply replied with a brave tone.

Afterward, Peng Mugang tightly held Dan Heeyoung’s hands.

Dan Heeyoung knew.

At times like this, she couldn’t afford to show weakness.

“Make sure to protect it. Both the Peng Clan, and yourself. Understand?”

“Of course. Whose words would I dare disobey?”

Next, Peng Seojin also exchanged farewells with the family.

He stood gallantly beside Peng Mugang, more dependable than anyone else.

Before long, all the non-combatant household members quickly packed their belongings and set out on the road.

Watching Dan Heeyoung, Peng Seoyeon, and Yul mingling among the departing household members, Peng Mugang suddenly called out to Peng Seoyeon.

Feeling that he might never get the chance to say these words again.

“Seoyeon.”

“Yes, Father.”

“The truth is… I was truly happy that you came back.”

Peng Mugang finally conveyed his belated sincerity to his daughter.

At his words, Peng Seoyeon desperately held back the tears threatening to burst forth.

Dan Heeyoung gently patted her shoulder.

Soon, all the household members departed from the Peng Clan estate.

All that remained were the martial artists of the Peng Clan, fully prepared to fight.

“If there is anyone who wishes to leave even now, you may go. I grant permission.”

“As if we would! Aren’t you looking down on us too much, Patriarch? Every single one of us is ready to lay down our lives for the Peng Clan.”

At Peng Mugang’s words, Gu Wangpyo laughed heartily and spoke.

Everyone’s eyes shone brightly, as if agreeing with Gu Wangpyo’s words.

Thus, excluding the White Wolf Troop that had gone to the Heretic Alliance, the White Martial Troop, the White Tiger Troop, and even the Ink Dragon Guard—the direct escort unit of the Patriarch, all revealed themselves.

In addition, prideful martial artists belonging to the Peng Clan filled the grounds.

They were individuals who had already resolved to die here for the sake of the Peng Clan.

Peng Seojin was no different.

When Peng Mugang told him to take refuge with the household members just in case, he had shaken his head.

Before being the Eldest Young Master, he was a martial artist of the Peng Clan.

He intended to stake his life alongside everyone here today.

Having confirmed everyone’s resolve, Peng Mugang nodded and raised his voice.

“From this moment on! Do not even think about losing or having no chance of victory! No matter what happens, we will protect this place to the very end! Understood?!”

“Yes, sir!”

And so, the Hebei Peng Clan prepared to meet the enemy in a state of absolute readiness.

And,

“They are here!”

Before long, they appeared.

The Demonic Cult, those blood-thirsty murderers.