The World’s Greatest is Dead - Chapter 177

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Heavenly Supreme Has Died – Episode 177
Cheon Rijin-an, Jegal Jin.
Commonly known as the second-in-command of the Martial Arts Alliance.
While his martial prowess remained unclear in direct comparison, he was not widely regarded as a master, yet—
Even so, not a single person in the Central Plains dared to dismiss Jegal Jin.
Anyone who had witnessed the Jeongma Great War or heard tales of it would understand.
‘Jegal Jin is the god of war.’
‘Without him, the Jeongma Great War would have been lost.’
Every martial artist who participated in that war spoke in unison to this effect.
Jegal Jin had exerted the greatest influence on the outcome of that war.
The most brilliant genius in the history of the Jegal Clan.
A figure spoken of as never to be born again in future generations.
When asked who possessed the greatest influence in the Central Plains today, everyone would answer the same.
That person was none other than Jegal Jin.
“…Cheon Rijin-an…!”
“To think the Strategist would come in person….”
Martial artists for whom martial prowess was their entire existence, dreaming only of enlightenment and the elevation of their realms through it.
Those with contempt for the weak embedded in their very nature showed reverence upon seeing Jegal Jin, who might even be weaker than themselves.
“We did not meet at the last Dragon Phoenix Gathering, yet I never expected to see you here, Strategist.”
“…The atmosphere feels quite different. Just as Moonju described.”
Standing upon the platform and gazing down at the disciples, Jegal Jin’s eyes remained steady and serene, yet sharp as a blade.
Then our eyes met.
‘…!’
My body trembled as our gazes locked.
-So it’s you, that damned Dang Clan bastard’s child.
The voice still echoed clearly in my mind.
I couldn’t discern hostility in his tone, but I certainly felt no affection.
‘This is bad.’
It was certain. Jegal Jin did not view me favorably.
Still, I had harbored a faint hope that perhaps, as my grandfather, he might see me differently, but that was clearly wishful thinking.
‘Why does his gaze carry such killing intent?’
The way he looked down at me was far from ordinary.
I had gathered information before coming, but facing him directly was entirely different.
He was sharper than I’d heard. More cutting than I’d heard.
A man who, despite being well into his twilight years, still held the position of Lord of the Clan.
Perhaps because he wielded unwavering influence as the second-in-command of the Alliance, his presence was equally formidable.
It was almost incomprehensible.
‘…Which is precisely why it’s so strange.’
That’s why I couldn’t understand.
‘How on earth did you manage this?’
How in the world did my father manage to seduce the daughter of such a man?
‘Even if looks were everything, this is too much.’
Considering I’m the youngest, it means he seduced her when he was already a married man with children.
And yet the bloodline of the Odae Clan fell for his tricks?
And she actually ran away from the clan to go to Yoryeong?
‘…This is a complete mess.’
I could understand why that old man despised me.
His precious daughter was stolen by some clueless fool—I could comprehend his hatred, though it hardly helped my situation.
‘Of all times, why now?’
Right in the middle of attending the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly.
Being viewed unfavorably in this current situation was far from ideal.
As I contemplated this, I kept my gaze on Jegal Jin.
Flinch!
I couldn’t help but recoil involuntarily.
Jegal Jin, who had been looking at me, contorted his face.
What’s more.
“Tsk!”
He clicked his tongue sharply and turned his gaze away.
At such an unmistakable reaction, I licked my parched lips.
‘This won’t be easy.’
Shin Chang was like that, and so was Jegal Jin.
If things continue this way.
‘Am I being despised by both the first and second strongest in the Alliance?’
How could life be this difficult?
Just as a sigh was about to escape me.
[You’ve got a long road ahead, kid….]
Yoo Cheon-gil made a gesture as if sympathetically patting my shoulder, though he couldn’t actually touch it.
“….”
A curse nearly escaped instead of a sigh.
Hearing such words from the very cause of all this made my blood boil even hotter.

* * *
The explanation of the secondary preliminaries was not particularly lengthy.
Though Jegal Jin provided the explanation himself as expected, it was so straightforward—much like the first round—that it concluded in an instant.
In fact, Jegal Jin delivered the explanation only once, left us with words of encouragement, and vanished without further ado.
As Jegal Jin disappeared, the disciples gazed after him with longing expressions.
Yet among them, I could only release a sigh of relief.
‘…I haven’t actually suffered anything?’
Whether I truly haven’t been subjected to anything yet or simply haven’t been targeted, I couldn’t say.
But for me, the current situation was more terrifying than anything else.
‘Damn it. Why did Grandfather suddenly say that?’
I had lived as though I had neither paternal nor maternal grandfather.
Yet it turned out he was not only alive, but the Lord of the Jegal Clan?
‘This is truly ridiculous.’
Why has my life been so tumultuous?
It’s genuinely astounding.
“The explanation regarding the preliminary matches concludes here. I sincerely hope blessings await all of you as you advance forward.”
The closing remarks were merely formalities.
Once the Alliance members vanished, I could finally catch my breath.
“Phew….”
This wasn’t easy. It truly wasn’t.
Wondering if I had broken into a sweat, I wiped my forehead.
“Are you alright?”
Someone spoke to me. Looking over, a handsome face caught my eye first.
“…Naelyong.”
It was Naelyong of the Namgung Clan. He approached me with a friendly smile.
“Your expression has looked troubled since earlier. Are you certain you’re alright?”
He spoke with genuine concern in his tone.
“Ah, I’m fine. I simply didn’t sleep well last night.”
Between the lack of sleep and the difficult situation, my composure had slipped.
At my words, Naelyong chuckled softly.
“I see.”
“Yes.”
What is this about?
After our brief exchange, I furrowed my brow. Something felt off.
‘Something.’
It felt like he wanted something from me.
Realizing this, I asked directly without hesitation.
“Is there something you wish to say?”
“Oh….”
My blunt question caused Naelyong’s eyes to widen slightly.
“Refreshingly straightforward.”
“I dislike roundabout ways of speaking. What is the matter?”
At my insistence on getting straight to the point, Naelyong laughs awkwardly.
And shortly after, he brings up the subject.
“The thing is, regarding the second preliminary round…”
“Yes?”
“Would you not participate together with me?”
“Hmm?”
I tilt my head. He wants us to compete in the preliminaries together?
“You and the Namgung prince?”
“That is correct.”
I turn my thoughts to this proposal.
I had learned the rules of the second preliminary round, but this time it required pairs.
The fact that the numbers work out perfectly might have been calculated by the Alliance’s side.
So, after hearing the test details, what came to mind was this:
‘I naturally intended to pair with Do-hyeong, Cheon Euijin, or perhaps Dok-ryong.’
I never expected Naelyong to suggest this out of nowhere.
Moreover.
“Should you not compete with your younger brother?”
Naelyong had a twin brother named Socheongeom.
And besides.
‘He also shares a bitter history with me.’
Socheongeom was someone with whom I had deep grievances. Especially.
‘A demon still follows him around.’
Seeing the demon trailing behind him, it was certain he was someone I should not entangle with.
In such circumstances.
“Are you unaware of what your brother and I have experienced?”
The fact that Naelyong extended his hand to me was quite extraordinary.
“Ah.”
Understanding my words, Naelyong laughs awkwardly.
Did he not know? The question arose in that instant.
“It does not matter.”
“What?”
Naelyong erases the smile he had been wearing and adds to his words.
“To begin with, aside from that face, I have no desire to compete with someone so incompetent, and this seemed more interesting. What do you think, Socheongeom?”
“….”
His assessment of his own brother as incompetent carries complete sincerity.
His tone of not wanting to be entangled was refreshing even to my ears.
This seems to be.
‘Their household circumstances are quite troubled, it appears.’
The Dang Clan, the Namgung Clan—they’re all the same.
And the Jegal Clan’s state of affairs, though partly due to my Father, isn’t much better either.
I suspect the child-rearing of all five great clans is falling apart, but that’s not important so I’ll skip over it.
‘Hmm.’
Joining hands with Naelyong?
‘…Yes.’
I paused to consider. I’d never imagined doing this with Naelyong before.
Thinking about the test’s content…
‘It wouldn’t be bad, would it?’
Unexpectedly, it seemed like it could work out well.
There were a few things that bothered me, though.
‘What does it matter.’
It seemed like I could handle them beforehand.
“Sounds good. Let’s do it.”
“Oh!”
The moment I agreed without hesitation, Naelyong breaks into a wide smile.
He looks identical to Socheongeom, but he’s definitely different.
Still.
‘If you ask whether the feeling is good, I’m not sure.’
Having met the Seven Prodigies, they’re all subtly off.
Is it because their talents are so exceptional? Fundamentally, they all carried arrogance within them.
‘Their contempt for the weak is strong.’
They were people with a fundamental disdain for those weaker than themselves.
Even setting that aside.
‘Naelyong is, how should I put it.’
Like a vast ocean. A broad, deep sea stretching far into the distance.
It appears beautiful and feels refreshing to look at.
‘But if you look closely, you feel like there’s garbage floating around.’
Small, irritating pieces of trash bobbing gently on the surface of that ocean.
That was the kind of person he was.
‘Well, it doesn’t matter either way.’
If we were just taking the preliminaries together, anything was fine.
And the moment I joined hands with Naelyong.
“Ah, too bad. I’m late.”
A large figure who had joined in belatedly expressed regret.
It was Heuk Taedo.
“I was going to claim you first. Trust the Namgung Clan to be quick on the draw.”
“Peng Hyeong. You’ve arrived late.”
Heuk Taedo looks at the hands Naelyong and I are holding and smacks his lips.
Why is that bastard’s reaction always like that? It’s absolutely disgusting.
“Tsk. Ah, if things go like this….”
Heuk Taedo rolls his eyes, searching for someone.
Seeing this, it seems he’s found me too.
‘…Why is he here again?’
I don’t know how he’s connected to Muyong Youngsoon.
It does seem right that Heuk Taedo should keep his distance from me, yet he approached with an oddly familiar manner.
“Ah.”
Having found someone after turning his gaze, Heuk Taedo waves his hand.
“Hey! Geombong!”
All eyes turn at his words.
Heuk Taedo called out to Maehua Geombong, and she.
‘Hm?’
Was looking at me.
As if she had no interest in Heuk Taedo calling her.
While I held her gaze quietly, Heuk Taedo approached her.
“Want to team up if you don’t have a partner?”
“….”
At his words, Geombong glances at Heuk Taedo slightly.
Then she briefly turns her gaze back toward me.
Nod.
She nods her head, accepting Heuk Taedo’s proposal.
“I like how quick your decisions are.”
Heuk Taedo laughs at Geombong’s response.
Seeing that, I hear others letting out sighs of resignation.
It’s only natural.
Heuk Taedo and Geombong are among the strongest in the current Seven Prodigies.
The two of them joining hands was nothing short of a calamity.
‘I should avoid getting entangled with them.’
That much is clear to me as well.
I was thinking not to even glance in Heuk Taedo and Geombong’s direction.
-Hey.
Someone sends me a telepathic message.
-Behind.
I turn around. There.
-Hi there?
Bang Seo-jin stands there, smiling brightly at me.
-We still have things to talk about, don’t we?
“….”
At her words, annoyance floods through me, while.
‘This works out well.’
I happened to have something I wanted to ask as well.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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