Chapter 273 – Outside Of Beijing (3)

The head of the Chang’an Escort Agency was astonished after losing the escort goods.

He had thought it impossible to catch the thieves, but the Baek Noble Clan’s Biyeon Squad found them in less than a day.

Indeed, the power of the Seven Great Clans was something to behold.

However, it was too early to be impressed by that alone.

First, the Young Clan Head of the Baek Noble Clan had left swiftly and single-handedly eradicated the thieves.

Thanks to being near the squad leader of the Biyeon Squad, the escort chief could hear the news immediately.

Among the enemies were three masters at the peak of martial prowess.

They were certainly not weak individuals, so how had the Young Clan Head managed to defeat the three Peak masters and their subordinates alone?

“Impossible…” he muttered unconsciously.

At that moment, the squad leader of the Biyeon Squad stared at him quietly.

The escort chief froze and shut his mouth.

It wasn’t because he feared the squad leader of the Biyeon Squad.

It was because of the middle-aged man standing beside him.

“…So, Ha-jun caught those guys?”

How could he not be afraid?

It was Iron-Blooded Merciless Baek Ryu-san.

Baek Ryu-san, the Clan Head of the Baek Noble Clan, and the current Vice Alliance Leader of the Murim Alliance.

He was undeniably one of the top swordsmen in Jianghu.

“Yes. It is presumed to be the Three Hawks of Heshuo.”

“The Three Hawks of Heshuo? I heard the Red Dragon Corps missed them, and they dared to come to Xi’an.”

“They’re madmen, indeed.”

Pil Hwan and Baek Ryu-san continued their conversation, not paying attention to the escort chief’s presence.

“They’re a bunch worse than pigs and dogs, but their skills aren’t weak. Yet Ha-jun took them down alone?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Do you think that was reasonable?”

Baek Ryu-san’s question was casual.

However, Pil Hwan, looking slightly tense but confident, answered with certainty, “Young Master Ha-jun, as the Young Clan Head, was more than capable of handling them.”

Baek Ryu-san’s lips twisted into a slight smirk.

Pil Hwan quickly added, “Of course, I had the Biyeon Squad warriors follow him.”

“But Ha-jun ditched the Biyeon Squad warriors and tracked them down on his own?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“The Young Clan Head commands the Xi’an branch of the Low Down Sect. Both the pavilion leader and their higher-ups have sworn loyalty to Young Master Ha-jun and Young Master Yi-gang.”

Baek Ryu-san was impressed by this revelation.

“He commands the Low Down Sect? You’re saying it’s not just a business relationship?”

“They’ve sworn loyalty. Of course, given their nature, it’s something we should monitor closely… but it seems the relationship has been longstanding.”

“Wait a minute, why is Yi-gang’s name involved?”

“They say the relationship started before Young Master Yi-gang went to the Azure Forest…”

That would have been when Yi-gang and Ha-jun were still children.

Baek Ryu-san chuckled to himself as he muttered, “Those Low Down Sect bastards. They really picked the right side.”

Using their current connections with the Low Down Sect was a sign of good management, but having formed that relationship in their childhood was a stroke of luck for the sect.

Baek Ryu-san continued to exchange a few more words with Pil Hwan.

Pil Hwan hesitated with a strange expression, which Baek Ryu-san quickly noticed.

“Do you have something to ask?”

“Well… I heard that Young Master Yi-gang is staying at Shaolin.”

“Hmm, so you’ve heard as well.”

Given that Pil Hwan was part of the Baek Clan’s Biyeon Squad, it was expected that he would be privy to information not available to the general public.

“That child is recuperating at Shaolin.”

“Is his condition that serious?”

“Fortunately, it’s not life-threatening. The Divine Monk is personally taking care of him, so he should be fine.”

“For what reason…?”

Even as part of the Biyeon Squad, Pil Hwan didn’t have detailed knowledge of the imperial secrets.

Baek Ryu-san didn’t respond but instead asked quietly, “Does Ha-jun know?”

“Though I didn’t tell him, it seems he has heard about it.”

“The Low Down Sect must be quite resourceful.”

Ha-jun was aware that Yi-gang’s condition wasn’t good.

If he were merely ill, he could have returned to the Azure Forest and received treatment from the Golden Needle Phantom.

The fact that he had gone to Shaolin instead was ominous.

“So, when it was reported that Yi-gang’s belongings were stolen, that child personally took action?”

“That seems to be the case.”

Baek Ryu-san and Pil Hwan were standing in front of the Council of Elders.

The first place the returning Clan Head sought out was none other than the Council of Elders.

Ha-jun, who had just returned to the Baek Clan, was ordered to tidy up and come before the front of the Council of Elders.

Soon enough, Ha-jun appeared.

He was dressed neatly in a cleanly pressed blue uniform.

“Clan Head.”

“Ha-jun.”

Baek Ryu-san and Baek Ha-jun exchanged words and looked at each other.

There was no display of affection, and outwardly, it appeared rather dry.

However, Pil Hwan knew that the relationship between father and son was far from bad.

At that moment, Ha-jun’s eyes widened.

“…No way, Father.”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations on your great achievement!” Ha-jun said, kneeling on one knee.

Baek Ryu-san smiled faintly.

As Pil Hwan and the warriors processed Ha-jun’s words, they hurriedly knelt as well.

“Congratulations on your great achievement, Clan Head!”

They all bowed respectfully to the Clan Head of the Baek Noble Clan.

“Heh heh heh… You’ve got sharp eyes, kid.”

The phrase “great achievement” referred to an advancement in martial prowess.

His son, who he hadn’t seen in a long time, immediately noticed the change in him.

Baek Ryu-san felt pleased.

“It’s all thanks to my body recovering well.”

“When did you achieve this?”

“Recently, I fought against the Wolf Fang Deviant Blade of the Unorthodox Union.”

“Ah…!”

The Wolf Fang Deviant Blade was one of the most dangerous individuals, even among the Supreme Peak masters.

He was known to be just below the Ten Grandmasters.

The fact that Baek Ryu-san fought him and remained unharmed…

“He wasn’t an easy opponent to defeat, but because of that, I gained something.”

Everyone, including Ha-jun, realized that Baek Ryu-san’s left arm seemed stiff.

“Then… could it be you’ve reached the Absolute realm?”

“No, not yet.”

It was a bit disappointing.

However, reaching the Absolute realm was no easy feat.

Even the former Clan Head of the Namgung Noble Clan, once hailed as the greatest swordsman among the Seven Great Clans, could not surpass the barrier of the Absolute realm.

“Still, I feel like I’m finally grasping a thread,” Baek Ryu-san said.

Ha-jun and Pil Hwan could not hide their joy at his words.

If that were true, his level would be on par with those barely making it into the ranks of the Ten Grandmasters.

It was an achievement that could shift the balance of power in the martial world.

“There are things that have become possible because of it… but those can wait for another time.”

At Baek Ryu-san’s signal, Ha-jun stood up.

“The Grand Elder is waiting. Let’s go pay our respects.”

Although she had relinquished the title of Grand Elder, Baek Young-ryeong was still the most revered elder of the Baek Noble Clan.

Father and son quietly walked toward the Council of Elders.

“Cough, cough!”

Baek Young-ryeong let out a violent cough.

She no longer hid herself behind a curtain, and her frail, aged appearance made her seem all the more pitiable.

“Are you alright, Grandmother?”

Even Baek Ryu-san, known as the Iron-Blooded Merciless, could not be indifferent toward his grandmother.

As he asked about her well-being with concern, Baek Young-ryeong waved her hand dismissively.

“I still have plenty of days left. Don’t worry about me.”

“Please don’t say such things…”

“It seems you’ve achieved a great feat. Congratulations.”

Baek Young-ryeong lightly bowed her head in congratulation.

As expected, her insight was exceptional. Baek Ryu-san, flustered, humbly accepted her praise.

“Thank you.”

“And you, Ha-jun…”

Baek Young-ryeong’s gaze shifted to Ha-jun.

The cold and sharp look in her eyes seemed to be a trait inherited by all members of the Baek family.

“Have you made any progress in your martial arts?”

“…There hasn’t been much progress yet.”

“I see.”

Baek Ha-jun hadn’t noticed any significant changes since reaching the level of a Peak master.

He trained daily, but he had yet to experience a breakthrough worthy of note.

“Are you feeling stuck?”

“…Yes.”

Baek Young-ryeong’s words were not a reprimand, but they didn’t carry any warmth either.

“Persevere. You are the future of the Baek Noble Clan.”

“I will do so.”

Ha-jun bowed his head.

If others from the martial world saw this conversation, they would find it absurd.

Ha-jun had reached the level of a Peak master before even turning twenty.

It was an achievement so fast it shocked the world, yet he was being told to progress even faster. It seemed almost too harsh.

“The saying that heroes rise in times of chaos also means that those who fail to become heroes are all crushed. You must not become one of them.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

But this was the Baek Noble Clan.

Ha-jun’s older brother, Yi-gang, had already reached the level of a Supreme Peak master. There was no room for relaxation for Baek Ha-jun.

-Don’t worry too much.

At that moment, Baek Ryu-san sent a quiet voice transmission.

-You don’t need to be oppressed by your brother’s shadow. Don’t let yourself feel any inferiority.

-Yes.

-You must walk your own path.

Once again, Baek Ha-jun felt a strange mix of emotions.

The comparison to his older brother came in the form of mockery from the Three Hawks of Heshuo and concern from his father.

-I’m fine.

But Ha-jun truly was fine.

Yi-gang had always been the forsaken son, while Baek Ha-jun was the one who received expectations and love.

However, Baek Ha-jun himself had never once thought that his older brother was lesser than him.

His brother was a far superior person. No one else thought so, but Ha-jun knew it to be true.

Now, people might be concerned for Ha-jun, calling Yi-gang the Immortal Divine Dragon, but Ha-jun wasn’t worried.

In fact, he was happy with the situation.

However, Baek Ryu-san spoke gravely.

-It seems you’ve already developed an inner demon. If you can’t resolve it, you won’t be able to advance to the next realm.

An inner demon? Ha-jun didn’t fully understand.

But given the discerning eye of Baek Ryu-san, who was knocking on the door of the Absolute realm, it couldn’t be ignored.

At that moment, Baek Young-ryeong said something shocking, “And, it’s about time the Young Clan Head started thinking about marriage, isn’t it?”

“…What?”

Ha-jun was so startled that his expression became blank.

“Now that he’s grown up, shouldn’t he start considering a good match, Clan Head?”

“Uh….”

Baek Ryu-san seemed at a loss for words and stammered.

Ha-jun quickly interjected, “It’s still a bit too early.”

“Too early? What do you mean by that? You’ve already passed your youth. In fact, you’re late.”

“But I haven’t even formally completed the process of becoming the Young Clan Head.”

“Ahem, the Young Clan Head should stay quiet. I’m speaking directly with the Clan Head.”

Baek Ha-jun’s remarks were immediately dismissed.

He quickly glanced at his father, but Baek Ryu-san was equally flustered.

“Clan Head, what do you think?”

“I don’t think there’s any need to rush…”

“Cough, cough!”

Suddenly, Baek Young-ryeong started coughing violently as if she were about to spit blood.

Her coughing was so severe it seemed as though she might stop breathing, and Baek Ryu-san hurried over in a panic.

But Baek Ha-jun clearly saw his great-grandmother sneak a sly glance.

“I feel as though my life is coming to an end.”

“Just a moment ago, you said you were still in good health…”

“Are you going to let me die without seeing my great-great-grandchild’s face?”

“Isn’t Ha-jun your great-grandchild?”

“Cough! Cough!”

The sound of that almost choking cough was enough to make anyone forget their words.

Ha-jun realized he couldn’t stay silent any longer.

So, breaking the command, he shouted, “My brother!”

“Cough… Huh?”

“How can I think of marriage when my brother, Yi-gang, hasn’t even married yet?”

“Yi-gang, that child…”

Yi-gang still hadn’t cured his meridian blockage disease.

Baek Young-ryeong paused, stopping her cough, deep in thought.

“It’s not right for me, as the younger brother, to find a partner before my older brother.”

“Still…”

“I’ll speak with Brother first.”

Even Baek Young-ryeong, who seemed as though no emotion could pierce her, softened.

Not missing this opportunity, Baek Ryu-san stood up as well.

“I was planning to send Ha-jun to see Yi-gang anyway.”

“Is that… really true, Father?”

Baek Ha-jun was pleasantly surprised.

“Deliver the gift from Beijing and visit Shaolin. Also, bring up the marriage matter.”

“Yes!”

Baek Young-ryeong looked quietly between Ha-jun and Baek Ryu-san before asking Baek Ryu-san for confirmation, “Is this true?”

“Yes, it’s true.”

She also asked Ha-jun, “Ha-jun, will you ask Yi-gang? If he agrees, I will personally arrange the marriage talks.”

“I’ll do my best to persuade him.”

Though Ha-jun doubted Yi-gang would accept a political marriage, he answered accordingly.

“If that’s the case…”

As Baek Young-ryeong’s pressure eased, Ha-jun sighed in relief.

Meeting the family elders was truly intimidating.

Baek Ryu-san then sent a quiet sound transmission.

-You don’t have to force a political marriage. I’ll stop it if necessary, so don’t worry.

Having experienced a great love himself, Baek Ryu-san didn’t want his children forced into an arranged marriage.

Baek Ha-jun felt warmth in his heart as he realized his thoughts aligned with his father’s.

-Still, if you find a good match while you’re at Shaolin, that would be even better.

-Yes.

-For both you and Yi-gang.

Though he hadn’t intended it, there was no harm in the idea.

Just as Ha-jun composed his expression again, he flinched in surprise.

‘At Shaolin?’

Shaolin was a place for monks, wasn’t it?

There couldn’t possibly be anyone there to match with.

Cautiously, he glanced at Baek Ryu-san, who only smiled gently.

Could it be that a marriage proposal was waiting for him when he arrived at Shaolin?

Baek Ha-jun entertained this odd thought.

However, what was being prepared at Shaolin was far more extraordinary than that.

It was something Baek Ha-jun could never have imagined.

Meanwhile, Yi-gang, who had just regained consciousness at Shaolin, was already very close to uncovering that secret.

When Yi-gang opened his eyes at Shaolin, the first thing he saw was the smiling, wrinkled face of the Divine Monk.

He was holding something small, black, and round, resembling a bead.

“…Ugh.”

As Yi-gang groaned, the Divine Monk smiled and said, “It’s goat dung.”

“What…?”

Then, without hesitation, he popped it into Yi-gang’s mouth.

It tasted extremely bitter.

Yi-gang suddenly thought, ‘It must be some kind of elixir.’

But the Divine Monk shook his head.

“I said, it’s goat dung.”

“Ugh.”

He pressed down to prevent Yi-gang from spitting it out.

‘This monk is crazy!’

Yi-gang tried to struggle, but the Divine Monk just laughed heartily.

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