The World’s Greatest is Dead - Chapter 263

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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 263
Grandson.
The moment that word escaped my lips, the eyes of everyone gathered before me widened like lanterns.
Something entirely different from the gaze I’d felt when I mentioned killing the Sword Demon poured forth.
“…Grandson, you say?”
“Wol-hyeop is the Scholar’s grandson?”
“Could that rumor truly have been fact?”
Their expressions of shock carried more surprise at confirmation than simple astonishment.
‘…The rumors have spread, then.’
Likely when I went to see Jegal Jin during the wartime situation. That must be when those words propagated.
‘Well, of course.’
I knew that particular detail would spread. I’d used it hastily despite knowing, so I have nothing to say about it.
‘I never expected him to mention it so directly.’
I hadn’t anticipated that Jegal Jin, of all people, would bring this up so explicitly. It would have been different if he’d kept it hidden.
‘What’s his intention?’
Even as I struggled to discern his purpose, my actions diverged from my thoughts.
I immediately arranged a smile around my eyes and lowered my head.
“…I am Bangseong-yeon of the Cheongwol Sect. It is an honor to meet such esteemed seniors.”
I infused my deep bow with angular courtesy—as dignified yet humble as possible.
Once I corrected my bearing and offered my greetings, the atmosphere noticeably relaxed.
“To exchange pleasantries with the great hero of Hanan, no less. Not bad at all.”
“Delighted to meet you, young friend. Your spreading reputation has reached our ears.”
“You bear a striking resemblance to your grandfather.”
[Madness.]
Upon hearing that last remark, Yoo Cheon-gil spoke with visible displeasure.
[Resemble? What resemblance? That withered, twisted stick of a man and this one—I see no similarity whatsoever. That old fool’s eyes are clearly crooked.]
I’d harbored similar thoughts myself, but I hadn’t expected him to voice it so bluntly.
In the midst of this, someone approached as if they’d been waiting for my greeting.
“Delighted to meet you. I am the Lord of Taeseong Sect—”
As he extended his hand while speaking, I cut him off.
“You must be Geumyuhan, the great master. It is my honor to meet you, senior.”
“Oh…”
Upon hearing his name, the Taeseong Lord’s expression brightened.
“You know of me?”
“How could I not know of the renowned Taeseong Sect of Shanxi? I am well acquainted with the benevolent achievements of the Seongyul Sword Saint.”
“Ahahaha! There’s no need to go that far!”
The Taeseong Lord laughed with genuine pleasure.
‘Perfect.’
Observing his reaction, I nodded inwardly.
The Seongyul Sword Saint of Taeseong Sect.
By standing, it could be called a prestigious sect, but compared to Gupaibang or Cheongwol Sect, it ranks considerably lower.
The man who serves as Moonju there isn’t particularly highly regarded as a martial artist either.
‘Still, he’s notable enough to attend the Jeongma Conference.’
He wasn’t someone to dismiss.
I shift my gaze accordingly. The next person to approach extends their hand with an eager glint in their eyes.
“Pleased to meet you….”
I let my words trail off. My speech slowed. They must be hoping for something.
‘That I’ll recognize them.’
Based on the actions they’ve shown so far.
It was also what I desired.
I scan quickly.
‘Purple martial robes. Eyes tilted upward, eyebrows slightly lowered in contrast. Height exceeding seven feet. The weapon….’
No sword at the waist. There’s a possibility they didn’t bring one.
‘If I’ve confirmed the characteristics correctly.’
Their weapon is likely a spear.
“I greet Song Hyeon, Lord of the Song Clan.”
As I extend my hand for a handshake and speak with certainty, the Song Clan Lord breaks into a smile.
He looked satisfied.
That’s the right answer.
After that, more people approach to shake my hand and greet me.
What’s amusing is that most don’t introduce themselves.
It seemed like they were testing how much I knew.
And it was clear they hoped I would recognize them too.
‘In any case.’
The desire for recognition in that age group is particularly strong, and given my current situation, they would want it all the more.
‘The hero of Hanan.’
Embarrassing as it is, that’s the name I’m called now.
Moreover, a young disciple.
Even the most promising disciples have me recognize them and express honor at it.
Though it might be mere flattery, there are plenty of people here who would feel good about just that.
The tense atmosphere from the Jeongma Conference will ease somewhat.
And along with that.
‘…I build connections here.’
That was the advantage I needed to gain.
Gaining advantage from people I could never normally meet.
There was no better method to employ than this right now.
“Aha… how does such a young Wol-hyeop understand the world so well.”
“I hear you’re called Wol-hyeop, and you certainly have the makings of a hero.”
“Certainly… your master who taught you is exceptional, and your grandfather as well. It’s impossible for you not to be outstanding.”
The atmosphere is favorable.
I rolled my eyes as I observed their condition.
‘At this rate, can I brush away the envy?’
Having been called a hero of Hanan at such a young age, and now bearing the alias Wol-hyeop.
The likelihood of unnecessary jealousy and enmity arising was quite high.
While I couldn’t eliminate all the jealousy and envy through this method, I judged it would be helpful.
“Scholar, you have a fine grandson.”
“To have such a grandson and only reveal him to the world now.”
“Seeing his surname isn’t Jegal, he doesn’t appear to be your biological grandson?”
“Family matters are simply full of such complications, are they not.”
Jegal Jin answered plainly to the voices reaching us.
Watching that, I slightly squinted one eye.
‘…Even in this situation.’
Why did he suddenly introduce me as his grandson?
That was my question.
‘This man. Even now, he’s using me to gain advantage.’
Making my actions beneficial to himself as well.
He leveraged the rumors already circulating by acknowledging me, thus capturing the mood of the moment.
If I made a good impression on them here, it would also benefit Jegal Jin.
However, if there was a problem.
‘That means….’
Had Jegal Jin anticipated that I would employ such a method here?
Or.
‘Was it a gamble?’
A gamble by Jegal Jin, betting that I would gain advantage regardless?
I couldn’t know what he was thinking. But one thing I could discern.
‘A man who never loses, even in death.’
Jegal Jin was evaluated as someone who would extract profit from any situation.
Impressive.
Just as I was genuinely admiring this.
“Wol-hyeop, was it.”
A heavy voice cut through the gathering.
Whoosh.
The atmosphere shifted in an instant.
The martial artists surrounding me, who had been smiling, stiffened slightly and created distance of a step back.
And from that gap, someone approached me.
‘He’s arrived.’
The figure I had been subtly vigilant about.
Seeing the middle-aged man appear, I offered proper courtesy.
“I greet the Lord of the Peng Clan.”
Dojol Peng Wusung, the Lord of the Peng Clan of Haebuk.
He approached me with a smile.
“Why won’t you call me by my epithet? I’m disappointed.”
“You are far too renowned, sir. I judged it unnecessary.”
“Ha. I felt it before, but you certainly know how to sweeten your words.”
He laughed aloud, yet I could discern the hidden blade beneath that laughter.
‘A different man from Heuk Taedo.’
Unlike that simpleton who sees only one path forward.
A man with a bear’s body but a fox’s fangs.
‘An individual consumed by ambition.’
I couldn’t fathom how far his gaze extended, but he was clearly reaching for lofty heights.
And he made no effort to conceal it.
“When I first saw you, I wondered how someone so wretched could become a hero. I didn’t even believe the rumors that you killed the Sword Demon.”
Dojol’s eyes narrowed as he studied me.
“Truth be told, I still don’t believe it regarding the Sword Demon. But seeing the current situation, I suppose you must have had some method.”
….
I nearly lost my smile hearing those words.
The implication behind them was utterly bitter.
[I still don’t believe it regarding the Sword Demon.]
-Your skills don’t seem that exceptional.
[Seeing the current situation, I suppose you must have had some method.]
-Since you’re skilled at politics, didn’t you obtain your epithet and position through such means?
That was the true meaning woven into his words.
‘Ah, this old man irritates me.’
I’ve never been fond of such people, yet here I was meeting one in this place.
“Thank you for viewing me favorably.”
I simply smiled for now.
I hadn’t expected him to scratch at me so openly.
It was so blatant that even the others present seemed to notice.
“My son lost to you, yet… he’s not that kind of man. It seems he was simply careless again.”
He mentioned Heuk Taedo’s defeat, but showed no inclination to believe I had won through superior skill.
‘Hmm.’
This man really doesn’t sit well with me.
At least Heuk Taedo, for all his ignorance, was straightforward.
This one, though…
‘Turbid and sharp.’
The feeling that a careless cut from him would poison the wound.
A man I preferred not to entangle with.
‘This won’t be easy.’
His opinion of me was already poor.
There was little I could do about him in this situation.
Moreover.
‘I don’t even want to get involved with this man.’
That was the moment I became certain—I had to stay away from him.
“That’s enough, Lord of the Peng Clan.”
Cheon Rijin-an stepped forward to block Dojol.
“This doesn’t look good.”
“Haha.”
Dojol laughed softly, looking at Cheon Rijin-an.
“You’re stopping me for the sake of your grandson? Ah, I suppose that’s reasonable. You’re right. I overstepped, so I’ll stop here.”
Dojol stepped back slightly.
“I apologize for my excessive behavior. My disappointment with the Alliance led me to vent my frustrations.”
He appeared to be admitting fault, but his attitude was far from sincere.
“My son was caught up in this matter and walked the line between life and death. Surely I’m entitled to this much anger?”
At the mention of Heuk Taedo, Jegal Jin’s expression twisted slightly.
Heuk Taedo had thrown himself forward to stop the Sword Demon.
“I’m also displeased with how the Jeongdo Conference concluded. But if that was the best we could do, I’ll accept it. However.”
Dojol spoke to Jegal Jin, his eyes devoid of laughter.
“As for whether the Peng Clan can maintain good relations with the current Martial Arts Alliance going forward… I think we’ll need to wait and see.”
With those words, Dojol turned his back and left.
Jegal Jin let out a quiet sigh upon seeing him go.
“…Hmm.”
Discomfort was evident, but only for a moment.
Jegal Jin turned his expression and spoke to those remaining.
“Thank you all for coming. I would like to continue our conversation, but given the circumstances, there’s no time for a proper banquet. Please forgive me.”
Jegal Jin clasped his fists in a respectful bow.
As the Scholar bowed, the others hastily returned the courtesy.
They wouldn’t leave immediately, but with the conference concluded, there was no reason for the martial artists to linger.
As the martial artists departed, only Baekwang and a few others remained.
Only then did Jegal Jin speak to them.
“This matter is roughly settled. I must attend to another pressing issue.”
Another issue. I immediately understood what he meant.
‘It must be the matter concerning the Namgung Clan.’
The Sword King, whom we had been waiting to deal with until the Jeongdo Conference ended, still needed to be handled.
Just as I was about to move.
“Cheonwol Munchu,”
Cheon Rijin-an spoke.
“Yes.”
“…!”
When did he appear…? I hadn’t even sensed him, yet Wol Seon-geom was already standing beside Jegal Jin.
“I don’t need an escort right now. As I mentioned before, please handle what we discussed.”
“Understood.”
Jegal Jin departed with the Daejus in tow, and Baekwang followed, vanishing after them.
Baekwang had glanced at me briefly before leaving,
but went on his way regardless.
With Jegal Jin and the others gone like that,
I suddenly found myself alone and furrowed my brow.
“…Hmm.”
Wol Seon-geom beside me was about to speak.
“Follow me.”
Instead of explaining, Wol Seon-geom moved forward.
“Huh? Ah, yes.”
I followed after him. There had to be some reason behind Jegal Jin’s parting words for us to move like this.
We proceeded without exchanging a single word between us,
and before long, we arrived at a certain location.
Martial artists stood guard, their auras radiating outward.
The security was absurdly stringent.
The moment Wol Seon-geom appeared, the martial artists quietly stepped aside.
“Please enter.”
Permission granted, I entered the quarters alongside Wol Seon-geom.
Before long, a chamber came into view and Wol Seon-geom opened the door.
Creak—!
The door swung open, and what lay before me made me gasp.
“…Ah….”
There, lying down, was Shin Chang.
His entire body was wrapped in bandages,
and he was breathing very shallowly.
As if his breath could stop at any moment.

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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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