Chapter 17

The few who could be considered key figures among the retainers of the Baek Clan gathered in one room.

Patriarch Baek Mu-ryang, Manager Han Seok-eon, and Gwak Mun, the retainer with the highest martial prowess.

Lastly, though somewhat out of place, Yang-hwi had tactfully slipped in and taken a seat.

“The Cheongsa Gang and Honggyo Gang have finally begun an all-out war. Tell the retainers to refrain from going outside as much as possible.”

“E’an County was already in a state of unrest, so I do not know where this situation is headed.”

Baek Mu-ryang spoke with a grave expression as he looked at the three of them. Manager Han’s voice as he replied was also laden with worry.

“By the way, from what I have heard, the Cheongsa Gang is driving the Honggyo Gang into a corner. The Honggyo Gang should have greater numbers, so I wonder how this happened.”

“From what I hear, the members of the Cheongsa Gang are handling the members of the Honggyo Gang with strange efficiency and gaining the upper hand.”

To those unaware of the existence of the counter-method, it was indeed a strange phenomenon.

“I fear our clan might get dragged into the conflict between the two gangs, Patriarch.”

“Is it because of the woman staying in the annex?”

“It is.”

Since Rangrang was Gu Ak’s beloved, the Cheongsa Gang could easily use her as a pretext if they wanted to target her.

They could use it as a justification if they happened to covet Baek Manor.

Yang-hwi quickly chimed in.

“The only ones who know about the relationship between Sister Rang and Brother Gu are the Leader of the Red Bridge Gang and a small number of his subordinates. There seems to be no need to worry about an attack from the Cheongsa Gang.”

Gu Ak was by no means a fool. Knowing that Rangrang, who had neither power nor background, could become his weakness, he had kept her very existence a secret.

“Even if the Cheongsa Gang knows, casting out a helpless woman into danger out of fear of the Unorthodox Faction’s tyranny would go against chivalry. Hwi, if Gu Ak contacts you, tell him not to worry.”

“Understood.”

“And be sure to mention that he should prepare compensation.”

Yang-hwi grinned.

“There is no need to add what goes without saying.”

Chivalry and free service were not synonymous. Naturally, Yang-hwi intended to use this opportunity to put Gu Ak in his debt or extort compensation from him.

“Also, Hwi, I have a word of advice for you. Do not leave the manor for the time being. I fear you might come to harm in a child’s body.”

Hearing Baek Mu-ryang’s earnest advice, Yang-hwi was slightly taken aback.

‘I didn’t expect this.’

Because he wasn’t used to it yet, he kept forgetting that his current age was merely eight years old.

“But, Father.”

“Now, now. Listen to your father.”

He couldn’t do that. He had to meet with Yeo Un-jeok periodically to coordinate the situation.

Yang-hwi quickly thought of an excuse he could use to go outside.

‘Gu Ak as a bodyguard? No, he’d dislike that even more since it involves the Honggyo Gang. In that case…’

“Father, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“In my humble opinion, I do not think this fight will end as a matter between just two gangs.”

“Mmh? Why do you think so?”

That was because he was going to stoke the flames himself.

“The Black Path Band is essentially like a pack of wolves. They are a crowd that will never pass by a wounded beast without striking.”

“Knowing that nature, couldn’t the Cheongsa Gang and Honggyo Gang settle things at an appropriate point?”

“Actually, I met Brother Gu when I went out a while ago.”

Baek Mu-ryang frowned.

“What? Why would you do something so dangerous?”

“The conflict between the two gangs will clearly have a great impact on our clan’s course, so I wanted to gather information. Since a child easily lowers people’s guard, there was no real danger.”

“Hah!”

Before Baek Mu-ryang could scold him, Manager Han quickly chimed in.

“Young Master Hwi, did you discover something?”

“I did not hear the detailed reason, but he said this fight will not end until one of the two gangs collapses.”

“That is truly valuable information.”

“Young Master Hwi has performed a great service.”

Soon, Baek Mu-ryang, Manager Han, and Gwak Mun put their heads together to discuss their next course of action.

They were mostly plans to avoid trouble and protect themselves. Yang-hwi watched for a moment before stepping in.

“Father. No, Patriarch. How about turning this matter into an opportunity for our clan?”

“What do you mean?”

“The power structure and balance of E’an County are shaking. I wonder if we might use this opportunity to secure a business as a source of revenue for our clan.”

“Impossible. That is far too dangerous.”

Seeing Baek Mu-ryang speak firmly, Manager Han took Yang-hwi’s side.

“It seems Young Master Hwi has a plan, so how about we hear him out, Patriarch?”

Behind Baek Mu-ryang’s back, Manager Han surreptitiously made the gesture of curling his thumb and index finger into a circle toward Yang-hwi.

“If we take in a chicken rib—a burden to both—rather than stealing the shares of the Honggyo Gang and Cheongsa Gang, far from being dangerous, we could actually put both gangs in our debt.”

“Young Master Hwi, is such a thing possible?”

“Of course. If we devise our scheme well, I believe we can easily accomplish it.”

The war between the two gangs was something that hadn’t happened in his past life.

However, that didn’t mean he couldn’t utilize information from his past life.

Yang-hwi explained his plan using arguments that were as logical and plausible as possible.

After about half an hour, the key figures of Baek Manor unanimously decided to execute Yang-hwi’s plan.

‘Since I’ve already set the stage, I might as well reap as much profit as possible.’

* * *

The war between the two gangs, which had begun with an offensive from the Cheongsa Gang, grew more intense by the day.

Furthermore, contrary to the expectations of the public, the Cheongsa Gang continued to push the Honggyo Gang back.

The reason was singular: the counter-methods.

“Young Master. The Honggyo Gang has already lost three businesses. The Cheongsa Gang’s momentum is rising daily. When do you plan to spread the next counter-method?”

Yeo Un-jeok, who posed the question, quietly watched the smirking child in front of him.

Unlike ordinary children of that age, his true thoughts were entirely unreadable.

Rather than a child, his attitude was like that of a battle-hardened martial artist who had spent decades navigating the jianghu.

‘He is truly a mysterious child. No matter how extraordinary his comprehension may be, can a child really possess such an air?’

“It is indeed about time to move on to the next phase. Did you find out the information I requested before?”

“Ah, yes. As it happens, the Four-Headed Hall Master of the Cheongsa Gang is said to be leading his gang members to strike the business of Blood Axe Gu Ak today.”

“The timing is most opportune. In that case, we must spread the new counter-method today.”

Yang-hwi shared his devised scheme with Yeo Un-jeok, and Yeo Un-jeok felt a sense of admiration.

“If things go according to the Young Master’s scheme, Baek Manor will reap immense profits.”

“Will you help me, old sir?”

“It is nothing difficult, but it is outside of our agreement.”

“Sister Rang has been quite bored lately. I intend to entrust the management to Sister Rang.”

“I shall help.”

Having successfully won over Yeo Un-jeok, Yang-hwi gave him a few instructions and stood up immediately.

“Then I leave it in your capable hands.”

Running swiftly, the place he arrived at was Baek Manor.

It was to report to Baek Mu-ryang and ask him to accompany him before heading to the next destination.

“Father, I have found out. The target has been set.”

“…….”

Baek Mu-ryang showed displeasure at young Yang-hwi taking risks.

However, since this matter would bring immense profit to the Baek Clan, and there was no other alternative, he let out a sigh and calmed his uneasy mind.

“Right, where is it?”

“They say the two gangs will collide at Geumseon Pavilion today.”

Geumseon Pavilion. A courtesan house among the largest of the Honggyo Gang’s businesses.

It was one of the businesses under Gu Ak’s direct charge.

“Must you really accompany me?”

Bringing up a matter already decided was only because he was that worried.

Yang-hwi replied playfully.

“If you go to a courtesan house alone, Mother will be upset, Father. Besides, bringing a child along makes pretending it was a coincidence far more convincing.”

Seeing Yang-hwi, who was fearless in a way unbefitting his age, Baek Mu-ryang let out another sigh.

“Indeed. Very well, let us go.”

The moment he spoke those words, Baek Mu-ryang’s aura changed.

From a father worrying for his son to that of a patriarch acting for the benefit of his clan.

Though the family was humble, Baek Mu-ryang was a man who lacked nothing as the patriarch of a family.

‘As expected of Father.’

They were able to reach Hoyoung Pavilion in less than a quarter of an hour.

A four-story pavilion situated on the shores of Yuhang Lake. Clashing metal, shouting men, and groans were already erupting from within.

“It seems the Cheongsa Gang and Honggyo Gang are locked in battle as expected, Father.”

“So it seems.”

Instead of guard martial artists securing the entrance, bloodstains decorated the vacant space. Baek Mu-ryang took the lead in front of Yang-hwi and stepped into Hoyoung Pavilion.

Right from the first floor, corpses fallen here and there and squirming, groaning members of the Black Path Band were visible.

The bloodstains grew thicker as they climbed the stairs, and when they finally reached the third floor, more than a dozen men were in the midst of a fierce battle.

‘Eleven Cheongsa Gang members, and three Honggyo Gang members including Gu Ak.’

Anyone could see the Honggyo Gang was at a disadvantage. This was perfect.

Yang-hwi called out brightly as he looked at Gu Ak, who was swinging twin axes like a demon.

“Brother Gu! Your younger brother has arrived!”

As the voice of a child—entirely out of place in a venue where blood and blades flew—echoed out, the battle halted for an instant.

Gu Ak, who had just buried his axe blade into the throat of a Cheongsa Gang member standing before him, wore a dumbfounded expression.

“Why is Young Brother So here…?”

“Didn’t you agree to meet here today with our Patriarch?”

Before Gu Ak could ask what he was talking about, he quickly pressed on.

“It seems the Cheongsa Gang is here as well. The purpose of today’s meeting was mediation between the Honggyo Gang and Cheongsa Gang, so this turns out to be perfect!”

Yang-hwi turned his head to look at the leader of the Cheongsa Gang members present.

“Are you the Four-Headed Hall Master?”

“What kind of brat is this? If you don’t want to die, get the hell out of here with your father.”

The Four-Headed Hall Master, who had been gaining the upper hand before being interrupted, snarled.

Understanding his feelings, Yang-hwi looked at the hall master with a smiling face.

“Now, now, why don’t you hear me out?”

“Ha! Even if I talk, I have no intention of talking to a brat. Is your father a scarecrow?”

As expected, a smiling face was a luxury to the Black Path Band.

“My father’s status is far too high to mingle words with an Unorthodox bastard who feeds off back-alley gutter water.”

While Gu Ak, one of those Unorthodox bastards feeding off back-alley gutter water, wore an awkward expression…

The Four-Headed Hall Master decided to tear apart the daring brat in front of him and moved his body.

Clang!

The Four-Headed Hall Master’s saber was blocked by Baek Mu-ryang’s sword.

Hiding behind Baek Mu-ryang, Yang-hwi stuck out his tongue.

“A surprise attack! As expected of a back-alley scum, you know nothing of courtesy or propriety!”

“Brat. I will make sure to tear your mouth open.”

The Four-Headed Hall Master exhaled thick murderous intent, and the other Cheongsa Gang members moved to re-establish their encirclement.

Yet Yang-hwi did not budge in the slightest as he watched them.

“Care to make a bet? I will stake my neck that you, Four-Headed Hall Master, will leave Hoyoung Pavilion within a quarter of an hour.”

“Haha! I will stake everything I have that I will sever your neck with my own hands within a quarter of an hour.”

Yang-hwi smirked.

“A man’s word is as heavy as nine tripods. Brother Gu, catch!”

What Yang-hwi threw toward Gu Ak was a thin booklet.

Reading the booklet immediately, Gu Ak’s eyes widened in shock.

“This is…!”

“That’s right. The counter-method to the Cheongsa Gang’s martial arts.”

“Where on earth did you get this?!”

“I picked it up on the way.”

“…?”

Literally, he had picked it up on the way.

Because Yeo Un-jeok, at Yang-hwi’s request, had already scattered tens and hundreds of copies of the counter-method across the Marketplace.