Upon returning to the Yi Family Manor, Namgung Geom relayed to Yi Geom-baek everything that had happened at the Black Bear Gang.
He then handed over the key to the Black Bear Gang's secret storehouse in Tiger Head Valley.
Yi Geom-baek was deeply moved.
Not only had Namgung Geom recovered the tea stolen by the Black Bear Gang, he had even secured compensation from them.
He never imagined Namgung Geom would resolve matters so swiftly and cleanly.
What was truly astonishing was that a master from the Evil Tyrant Alliance had been at the Black Bear Gang.
And not just any master—it was Yama Spear Ak Seung-do, one of the most feared fighters in the Evil Tyrant Alliance.
Had the opponent been Ak Seung-do, Yi Geom-baek would have understood if Namgung Geom had simply retreated.
Yet Namgung Geom had achieved this remarkable outcome against Ak Seung-do.
Yi Geom-baek could see just how extraordinary Namgung Geom's abilities were.
Above all, the fact that Namgung Geom had not been pushed back at all in his fight against Ak Seung-do was astounding.
Though Namgung Geom was only at the Age of Twenty, Yi Geom-baek was convinced he had what it took to stand at the center of the Namgung Family.
If that was the case, building a connection with Namgung Geom early would only be to his benefit.
"Had it not been for you, First Young Master, we would have been helpless against the Black Bear Gang. I am truly grateful."
He began by expressing his gratitude.
"The Yi Family Manor is under the main family's protection, so resolving the manor's difficulties is only natural."
Yi Geom-baek shook his head at Namgung Geom's modesty.
"Even so, I cannot ignore the Namgung Family's help. If there is anything you desire, please say the word."
"I did not do this expecting a reward. Please do not trouble yourself, Manor Lord."
Namgung Geom declined.
"Please, speak freely. If it is within my power, I will do whatever I can."
When Yi Geom-baek pressed again, Namgung Geom fell into thought for a moment.
He considered what might be of benefit to the Namgung Family.
Before long, an idea came to mind.
"Then please grant the tea distribution rights of the Yi Family Manor to the Minor Lake Trading House."
The Minor Lake Trading House was a trading firm run by a branch family of the Namgung Family.
Tea distribution rights were a highly profitable interest, and the Namgung Family had long sought to obtain them.
However, the Yi Family Manor had refused, leaving that ambition unfulfilled.
Upon hearing Namgung Geom's request, Yi Geom-baek's expression stiffened for a moment.
"If this is not something you are willing to do, Manor Lord, I have no intention of forcing the matter. Please consider it at your ease and decide."
Yi Geom-baek thought it over briefly, then spoke as if he had made up his mind.
"I will do so."
"Truly?"
Namgung Geom had brought it up with the mindset that he had nothing to lose by asking.
So when Yi Geom-baek accepted his proposal, he was genuinely surprised.
"There is no guarantee something like this won't happen again. Rather than risk it, I think it would be wiser to entrust the distribution to the Minor Lake Trading House."
Yi Geom-baek had chosen safety over profit.
"That must have been a difficult decision, and I am grateful you accepted so readily."
Namgung Geom smiled with satisfaction.
Securing the Yi Family Manor's tea distribution rights was an unexpected windfall.
And it would be recorded as Namgung Geom's achievement.
"While we are on the subject, there is something I would like to ask of you, First Young Master."
"What might that be?"
"I must deliver tea to the Taeho Tea House within five days, but finding escorts on short notice has been difficult."
The transport crew's original escorts had been injured in the Black Bear Gang's earlier attack and could not move.
The Yi Family Manor's own martial artists were in the same state.
"So you are asking me and the Azure Dragon Pavilion cadets to serve as escorts?"
"I know it is a great deal to ask, but you are the only person I can turn to, First Young Master."
Yi Geom-baek spoke with an apologetic expression.
He thought Namgung Geom might refuse the escort duty, as it could be seen as beneath the dignity of a First Young Master.
But Namgung Geom nodded without hesitation.
"Very well. You have granted the distribution rights to the Minor Lake Trading House—an escort is hardly a burden compared to that."
Considering the profits the Minor Lake Trading House would gain going forward, escorting goods to Namgyeong was barely worth calling an effort.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you. I will never forget this kindness."
Yi Geom-baek spoke as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"Then since time is pressing, we will depart as soon as the tea stolen by the Black Bear Gang is recovered."
"I would be grateful. I will have the transport convoy prepared and ready to leave at once."
Yi Geom-baek immediately set about organizing the convoy bound for Namgyeong.
And the moment the tea was retrieved from the Black Bear Gang's secret storehouse, they set out.
***
The Yi Family Manor's tea convoy traveled overland to Angyeong, then took to the waterways to head for Namgyeong.
Namgung Geom and his group also boarded the vessel to escort the convoy.
"I've been hearing that the Yangtze Waterway Alliance has been getting more brazen by the day. Surely they wouldn't target our ship?"
Namgung Cheol-ung spoke up at Namgung Cheon-sang's worry.
"What good are you if you're this timid?"
"You've never heard the saying that preparation prevents disaster?"
"You think the Yangtze Waterway Alliance would be crazy enough to touch the Yi Family Manor when it's under the main family's protection?"
Namgung Cheol-ung spoke as if the concern were entirely unnecessary.
"Then how do you explain the Black Bear Gang attacking the Yi Family Manor?"
"That was just the Black Bear Gang Leader being too bold for his own good."
"Well, the river pirates of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance might be just as bold."
At Namgung Cheon-sang's retort, Namgung Cheol-ung scoffed.
"Even if they were, what's there to worry about? With our skills, beating down some river pirates wouldn't even be a challenge."
"If we were on land, I wouldn't be worried. But this is the Yangtze. We've never fought on water, so regardless of skill, we could be at a disadvantage."
Namgung Cheol-ung shook his head at Namgung Cheon-sang's words.
"For a man, you sure do worry a lot."
"Better than being an idiot who only knows how to charge in headfirst."
"What did you just say? You want to go right now?"
"Try me, if you dare."
Namgung Cheol-ung and Namgung Cheon-sang snarled at each other as if a fight might break out at any moment.
Namgung Geom shook his head as though he couldn't stop them.
"Both of you, enough."
At Namgung Geom's single word, both of them sat back down as if nothing had happened.
"Namgung Cheon-sang is right that the Yangtze Waterway Alliance has been growing more brazen by the day. I've heard that raids on forces under the protection of the Five Great Families have been happening frequently. So the Yi Family Manor can't afford to let its guard down."
"So do you have a plan?"
Namgung Chang asked.
"If we reveal who we are, the Yangtze Waterway Alliance shouldn't dare touch us."
"That seems too complacent. They might actually be insane enough to attack us."
At Namgung Chang's challenge, Namgung Geom smiled and said,
"That's why, before leaving the Yi Family Manor, I sent a Dispatch to the Yangtze Battle Corps requesting support."
The Yangtze Battle Corps was one of the Namgung Family's external corps, tasked with overseeing the Yangtze waterways through Anhui Province.
They patrolled the Yangtze routes up and down, monitoring and restraining the Yangtze Waterway Alliance.
However, the stretch of the Yangtze passing through Anhui Province was long, and there were limits to how much they could surveil.
The Yangtze Waterway Alliance, well-versed in the waterways, evaded the Battle Corps and conducted their raids freely.
Still, having the Yangtze Battle Corps was better than not having them at all.
Even the Yangtze Waterway Alliance could not operate with full impunity because of them.
Namgung Geom had requested support from the Yangtze Battle Corps as a precaution.
Had there been more time, he would have waited for the Battle Corps to arrive before moving.
But time was too tight, so they had no choice but to depart without waiting.
"To think that far ahead—that's our Class Leader for you."
Namgung Cheol-ung gave a thumbs-up.
Namgung Chang, too, nodded in acknowledgment of Namgung Geom's thoroughness.
Namgung Geom was not simply strong in martial arts—he was sharp in strategy as well.
And it was not just this time.
The decoy shipment that had drawn the Black Bear Gang out at the Yi Family Manor was also Namgung Geom's strategy.
As much as he hated to admit it, Namgung Geom was more than fit to be the Namgung Family's Young Lord.
The more Namgung Chang observed Namgung Geom, the more he felt himself leaning toward him.
His own father weighed on his mind, but for the sake of the Namgung Family, Namgung Geom becoming Young Lord was better than his father.
Even without Namgung Geom in the picture, the chances of Namgung Byeok becoming Young Lord were slim.
The one currently leading the Young Lord competition was Namgung Seong, the Azure Sky Hall Master.
Namgung Seong held the advantage over Namgung Byeok in both martial strength and political influence.
Objectively, Namgung Byeok had virtually no chance of beating Namgung Seong.
Of course, even Namgung Geom would struggle to defeat Namgung Seong right now.
But Namgung Geom had potential.
An overwhelming talent that had reached the Pinnacle realm at the Age of Twenty.
And the legitimacy of being the Namgung Family's eldest grandson.
Even a small display of prowess in the murim world would raise his support.
And given Namgung Geom's talent, surpassing Namgung Seong's martial strength was only a matter of time.
Above all, the fact that Family Head Namgung Pae still had not named a Young Lord suggested he was likely keeping Namgung Geom in mind for the position.
If that was the case, aligning with Namgung Geom early was the wise move.
When Namgung Geom's claim to the Young Lord seat became inevitable, everyone would scramble to take his side.
"The Yangtze Waterway Alliance has been spotted!"
At that moment, a panicked shout rang out from the Yi Family Manor's transport crew.
Namgung Geom and his group immediately stepped out of the cabin.
Ships of the Yangtze Waterway Alliance were closing in from both fore and aft of the transport vessel.
It was the Alliance's signature tactic—surrounding from front and back to cut off any escape.
The Yi Family Manor's transport vessel stopped for the time being and waited for the Alliance ships to approach.
The Yangtze Waterway Alliance did not plunder from the outset.
They usually demanded a toll first, and only resorted to plunder when the toll was refused.
The key question was how much the Alliance would demand.
If the amount was reasonable, it would be better to pay the toll and pass through.
The problem was when they demanded an outrageous sum.
Then a choice would have to be made.
Pay the toll and accept the loss.
Or refuse and fight the Yangtze Waterway Alliance.
For now, they needed to see how the Alliance would play it.
As the Alliance's ship drew near, Yi Hong-baek, the man in charge of the convoy, stepped to the bow.
"Yi Hong-baek of the Yi Family Manor pays his respects to the gallant men of Black Water Stronghold."
Yi Hong-baek had identified the stronghold from the emblem on the flag of the Alliance ship.
"Well, if it isn't Master Yi of the Yi Family Manor."
A river pirate who climbed to the bow of the Black Water Stronghold's ship greeted him with familiarity.
"Our vessel wishes to pass through Black Water Stronghold's waters. I humbly ask the gallant men of the stronghold to grant us passage."
"It's a ship from the Yi Family Manor, no less—of course we'll grant you passage. But you can't expect us to come all the way out here and go back empty-handed, can you?"
The pirate demanded a toll.
"Naturally, one must pay a toll to pass through Black Water Stronghold's waters."
"The thing is, the toll has gone up quite a bit this time."
The pirate spoke with a look of feigned difficulty.
"How much would it be, then?"
Yi Hong-baek asked.
"Just a hundred silver taels."
Yi Hong-baek's face crumpled.
"A hundred silver taels? Since when does a toll jump tenfold in one go?"
"Managing the Yangtze waterways takes no small amount of effort, you see."
The pirate said with a brazen face.
"Even so, a hundred silver taels is far too much."
If they paid a hundred silver taels as a toll, the cost would far exceed the value of the goods—the tail wagging the dog.
"If the Yi Family Manor can't afford the toll, there's always the option of handing over what's on the ship instead."
The Black Water Stronghold pirate spoke as if they had no other choice.
Yi Hong-baek's expression hardened at his words.
"Are you saying you intend to seize our goods by force?"
"We can't very well go back empty-handed, can we?"
The Black Water Stronghold pirate shrugged and said.
Yi Hong-baek was about to speak in fury, but Namgung Geom held him back and stepped forward.
"The Black Water Stronghold's gotten awfully bold."