Chapter 17
A rare gathering of the Baek Clan’s inner circle had convened in a single room.
There sat the clan head Baek Mu-ryang, the steward Han Seok-Eon, and the clan’s strongest martial artist among the retainers, Gwak Moon.
Lastly—though somewhat out of place—was Yang-hwi, who had managed to slip into the meeting with practiced subtlety.
“The Cheongsa Sect and Honggyo Sect have finally entered into full-scale war. Tell our men to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.”
“In any case, Akan-hyeon has already been unstable. I don’t know where the winds of politics are blowing anymore,” replied Steward Han, his voice heavy with concern.
Baek Mu-ryang’s grim expression didn’t waver as he addressed the others.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s the Cheongsa Sect that’s pushing the Honggyo Sect back. Odd, considering Honggyo Sect has the superior numbers.”
“I’ve heard the same. Supposedly, Cheongsa Sect’s warriors are surprisingly adept at countering their opponents and have been gaining the upper hand.”
To those unaware of the breaking techniques, the shift in power did seem inexplicable.
“My concern is whether our household might get dragged into this mess, Clan Head,” said Gwak Moon cautiously.
“You’re worried because of the woman staying in the annex?”
“Yes.”
Rang-rang was Gu-Ak’s beloved. If Cheongsa Sect wanted an excuse to drag the Baek Clan into their war, using her as a pretext wasn’t out of the question. They might even covet the Baek residence itself, and her presence could serve as a convenient justification.
Yang-hwi quickly cut in.
“Only Honggyo Sect’s Leader and a few of his direct subordinates are aware of Sister Rang’s relationship with Gu-hyung. It’s unlikely that Cheongsa Sect knows, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about on that front.”
Gu-Ak wasn’t a fool. He knew that Rang-rang could become a fatal weakness, so he had kept her existence under tight wraps.
“And even if Cheongsa Sect did know, casting out a defenseless woman out of fear for a bunch of dark thugs would be a disgrace to the values of the martial world. Hwi-ya, if Gu-Ak reaches out, tell him not to worry.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Also, make sure you let him know he’ll be expected to pay for it.”
Yang-hwi smiled slyly.
“There’s no need to spell out the obvious, Father.”
Martial virtue and free favors were not synonymous. Naturally, Yang-hwi was already planning to use this opportunity to squeeze either a favor or a reward from Gu-Ak.
“One more thing, Hwi-ya. I have a request. Don’t leave the estate for a while. You’re still a child, and I worry for your safety.”
Yang-hwi blinked, caught off guard.
‘Didn’t see that coming.’
He still hadn’t fully adjusted to his new life. It was easy to forget that he was currently only eight years old.
“But, Father—”
“Ahem. Listen to your father.”
That wouldn’t do. He had to meet with Yeo Un-jeok regularly to coordinate plans.
Yang-hwi quickly racked his brain for an excuse that would justify a few outings.
‘Should I say I’m acting as Gu-Ak’s escort? No… Father would hate me getting involved with the Honggyo Sect even more. In that case…’
“Father. There’s something I must tell you.”
“What is it?”
“In my opinion, this fight won’t end with just the Cheongsa Sect and the Honggyo Sect.”
“Oh? And why do you say that?”
Because he would be the one to make sure the flames spread.
“The Dark Dao Gang are like a pack of wolves. They never pass up the scent of blood. If they catch wind of weakness, they’ll pounce.”
“Even so, knowing that, wouldn’t Cheongsa Sect and Honggyo Sect prefer to settle things quickly and avoid further chaos?”
“During my last outing, I happened to meet with Gu-hyung.”
Baek Mu-ryang’s brow furrowed.
“What? You did something that dangerous?”
“Given how this conflict could affect our clan’s future, I needed information. Besides, children are often overlooked. I was never in real danger.”
“Hmph!”
Before Baek Mu-ryang could scold him further, Steward Han quickly cut in.
“Young Master Hwi, did you learn anything useful?”
“Not the full details, but Gu-hyung said the fight won’t end until one of the two factions is completely crushed.”
“A valuable insight.”
“You’ve rendered the clan a great service, Young Master.”
The conversation shifted as Baek Mu-ryang, Han Seok-Eon, and Gwak Moon huddled to discuss the clan’s next moves.
Most of their ideas focused on evasion and protecting the clan. Yang-hwi listened for a moment, then spoke up.
“Father—no, Clan Head. What if we use this situation as an opportunity?”
“What do you mean?”
“The power balance in Akan-hyeon is starting to crack. Wouldn’t this be a good time for our clan to establish a new business—something that could become a future revenue stream?”
“Out of the question. It’s too dangerous.”
Baek Mu-ryang was firm, but Steward Han glanced toward Yang-hwi and offered support.
“It seems Young Master Hwi has a plan. Why not hear him out first, Clan Head?”
Han Seok-Eon discreetly made a gesture toward Yang-hwi behind Baek Mu-ryang’s back—forming a circle with his thumb and index finger.
“Instead of stealing Honggyo Sect’s or Cheongsa Sect’s spoils, what if we turned the shared burden they both find useless into something we can profit from? If done right, we could actually make both factions owe us.”
“Is that even possible, Young Master Hwi?”
“Of course. With the right finesse, I believe it’s entirely doable.”
This war between the two factions hadn’t happened in Yang-hwi’s previous life.
However, that didn’t mean the knowledge from his past life was useless.
Yang-hwi laid out his plan with calm confidence, backing every step with logical and convincing arguments.
Half an hour later, the senior members of the Baek Clan reached a unanimous decision.
They would follow Yang-hwi’s strategy.
‘Since we’ve already set the board, might as well squeeze every bit of profit out of it.’
****
The war that began with an aggressive offensive fromthe Cheongsa Sect was escalating by the day.
Contrary to public expectations, it was the Cheongsa Sect that continued to overpower the Honggyo Sect.
There was one simple reason: the breaking technique.
“Young Master. The Honggyo Sect has already lost three of its businesses. Cheongsa Sect is growing stronger by the day. When will you release the next breaking method?”
Yeo Un-jeok studied the boy twirling in front of him.
Unlike most children his age, this one was unreadable.
There was nothing boyish about him—his presence resembled that of a battle-worn veteran who had spent decades in the martial world.
‘What a curious child. No matter how gifted he is, how could a child carry such an atmosphere?’
“It’s about time we move to the next phase. Have you found the information I requested?”
“Ah, yes. Coincidentally, today Cheongsa Sect’s Sa-du Hall Commander is planning to strike a business run by Blood Tiger Gu-Ak.”
“Perfect timing. Then today, we’ll release the next breaking method.”
Yang-hwi laid out the updated plan.
Yeo Un-jeok found himself genuinely impressed.
“If things go as you predict, the Baek Clan stands to gain a great deal.”
“Will you assist me, Elder?”
“It’s not difficult, but this is outside the scope of our original agreement.”
“Sister Rang has been quite bored lately. I plan to leave the execution to her.”
“...Very well. I’ll help.”
Having successfully convinced Yeo Un-jeok, Yang-hwi gave a few final instructions before rising from his seat.
“Then I’ll be counting on you.”
****
Yang-hwi headed straight back to the Baek Clan Estate.
He needed to report his findings and get clearance for the next step of the plan.
“Father, I’ve gathered the intel. The target is confirmed.”
Baek Mu-ryang didn’t look pleased.
He clearly wasn’t comfortable with his young son being involved in such dangerous affairs.
But the potential benefit to the clan was significant, and there were no better alternatives.
He sighed, trying to soothe the unease in his chest.
“Where is it?”
“At Hoyoungru—the two factions are expected to clash there today.”
Hoyoungru—one of Honggyo Sect’s largest brothels and a major business under Gu-Ak’s control.
“Are you sure you need to be there?”
The fact that he was asking again showed how worried he truly was.
Yang-hwi responded with a playful smile.
“If you go to a brothel alone, Mother will be heartbroken, Father. Bringing a child along makes it easier to claim it was all just a coincidence.”
Watching his son show not an ounce of fear—acting far too mature for his age—Baek Mu-ryang sighed again.
“Right… Let’s go, then.”
The moment he said those words, Baek Mu-ryang’s demeanor shifted.
He was no longer just a concerned father—he had become the clan head once more, a man fully committed to the family’s gain.
Though the Baek Clan was not among the great sects, Baek Mu-ryang lacked nothing when it came to leadership.
‘That’s my father for you.’
****
They arrived at Hoyoungru in less than half an hour.
A four-story building near the banks of the Yuhang Lake—from inside came the clash of metal, the roar of men, and cries of pain.
“Just as we expected, Cheongsa Sect and Honggyo Sect are already fighting, Father.”
“So it seems.”
There were no guards at the entrance—only bloodstains where they should’ve stood.
Baek Mu-ryang stepped in front of Yang-hwi and led the way into Hoyoungru.
From the first floor, scattered corpses and groaning members of the Dark Dao Gang littered the building.
As they climbed higher, the blood trails thickened.
By the time they reached the third floor, a full-on battle was underway.
‘Eleven from Cheongsa Sect, and just three from Honggyo Sect—including Gu-Ak.’
Anyone could see that the Honggyo Sect was at a severe disadvantage.
And that worked out perfectly.
Yang-hwi cheerfully called out, eyes gleaming as he watched Gu-Ak swing his twin axes like a demon possessed.
“Gu-hyung! Junior Hwi is here!”
The boy’s bright voice rang out through the blood-soaked battlefield—utterly out of place amid the carnage.
Everyone froze.
Gu-Ak, who had just buried his axe into a Cheongsa Sect warrior’s neck, blinked in stunned disbelief.
“What in the… Why are you here, Junior brother?”
“Weren’t we scheduled to meet here today with our clan head?”
Before Gu-Ak could respond, Yang-hwi quickly continued.
“And look! Cheongsa Sect’s people are here too! Perfect timing—this meeting was supposed to mediate between Honggyo Sect and Cheongsa Sect, after all!”
He turned toward the group of Cheongsa Sect fighters and fixed his gaze on their leader.
“You must be the Sa-du Hall Commander, right?”
“What the hell is this brat? If you don’t want to die, get lost with your old man!”
The Sa-du Commander snarled, clearly irritated that his victory had been interrupted.
Understandable, honestly.
Still smiling, Yang-hwi addressed him politely.
“No need to get so worked up. Why don’t you just hear me out?”
“Even if I were to listen, it wouldn’t be to some snot-nosed brat. Is your father mute or just a puppet?”
Apparently, being polite to Dark Dao thugs was a waste of time.
“My father doesn’t waste words on sewer rats like you who crawl around in back alleys.”
At that, Gu-Ak—himself technically one of those ‘sewer rats’—wore a conflicted expression.
The Sa-du Commander, however, had made up his mind.
This brat needed to die.
He lunged.
CLANG!
His blade was stopped mid-swing—by Baek Mu-ryang.
Yang-hwi peeked from behind his father, sticking out his tongue.
“A sneak attack? Tsk. So fitting of a back-alley mongrel. No manners, no class.”
“You little bastard… I’m going to rip that smart mouth wide open.”
Killing intent radiated from the Sa-du Commander, and the rest of the Cheongsa Sect fighters began to close in, surrounding them in formation.
But Yang-hwi didn’t so much as flinch.
“Care for a wager? I’ll bet my throat that you, Sa-du Commander, will be out of Hoyoungru within 7.5 minutes.”
“Hah! Then I’ll stake everything I have on slicing your throat open before that.”
Yang-hwi grinned.
“A man’s word is worth its weight in gold. Gu-hyung, catch!”
He tossed something to Gu-Ak—a slim booklet.
As soon as Gu-Ak opened it, his eyes widened in shock.
“This…!”
“Exactly. It’s the breaking technique for Cheongsa Sect’s martial arts.”
“Where in the world did you get this?!”
“Found it on the way here.”
“...What?”
He meant that quite literally.
Earlier, Yeo Un-jeok—at Yang-hwi’s request—had flooded the local market streets with dozens, maybe hundreds of copies of breaking techniques.
---The End Of The Chapter---
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