Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 113
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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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Third-rate Martial Arts Family, Greatest Under Heaven – Episode 113
Since my return, I have devoted myself entirely to elevating my martial prowess.
The reason was simple.
I was suffocating with frustration.
I had reached the pinnacle and cut through everything, yet as time reversed, I found myself trapped in an eight-year-old body with all my martial arts stripped away.
The regression itself was fortunate, but in another sense, I was imprisoned in a young and weak form.
‘Now that I’ve touched the realm of the pinnacle, it’s time to pay attention to my surroundings.’
Stepping into the realm of the supreme pinnacle was still far too arduous at this stage.
To reach the supreme pinnacle, I had to overcome a wall far thicker and higher than the one at the pinnacle.
In truth, I had merely placed my foot on the first of many steps leading to that wall.
Even with the memories of my past life, I was confident I could defeat any pinnacle master who came my way.
‘Since I need to train again anyway.’
I truly accepted Seon-gi and ascended to the pinnacle realm.
Thanks to that, the body I thought had reached its limit could advance further.
Since my mind, energy, and body had all transformed, I could rise by that much more.
‘If I train them all together while I’m at it, I’ll truly have my cake and eat it too.’
With that in mind.
“White Sprouts Group, assemble!”
Those who heard my call gathered at the Training Grounds.
White Sprouts—the young shoots of the Baek Family.
All who gathered were prodigies of their generation.
The next generation of forces to be carefully nurtured and refined, entrusted with the Baek Family’s future.
“Leader of the White Sprouts Group.”
By the way, the leader of the White Sprouts Group is Seo.
“Yes, brother!”
“From now on, call me Instructor, not brother.”
“Understood!”
Baek Heon-so shouted with a crisp and sharp demeanor.
Though he’d caused trouble, he seemed overly tense.
Well, I’d loosen him up gradually.
With that thought, I surveyed the members of the White Sprouts Group.
‘They have many shortcomings, but they’re quite usable.’
All members of the White Sprouts Group were learning martial arts obtained from the Jegal Family, based on the Six Harmonies Body Refinement Art that Eum Hu had transmitted.
Even those who had trained the longest had only done so for about seven years, so they still had a long way to go.
Their foundation was solid. Still, their inner energy in the dantian alone was worth acknowledging.
‘Well, they’ve consumed that many spirit pills.’
The Baek Family was spending more than half of its earnings on purchasing spirit medicine.
It was to overcome the weakness of lacking senior masters and skilled experts as quickly as possible.
When overall training time is limited, one must rely on inner energy reserves.
‘On average, about twenty years’ worth.’
Considering that the Baek Manor’s level right after my return was such that even the Family Head possessed only twenty years of internal energy, it was truly a complete reversal of fortune—the difference between a mulberry field and the sea.
“First, Jin Sam, step forward.”
The young man took a step forward, slightly tense.
The son of Jin Geum-bo, who had become a retainer of the Baek Family.
When we first met, he was reading a book, so I thought he had an interest in literature, but surprisingly he chose to join the White Fang Unit—a commendable choice.
“Take this.”
As I handed over a spirit pill obtained from the Central Authority, Jin Sam was startled.
“M-Master, am I truly worthy of receiving this?”
“Ah, I told you to call me Instructor.”
“Oh, yes, Instructor.”
“Your father’s contributions are not insignificant, so do not hesitate and accept it. If you consume it and cultivate your energy, you should gain approximately fifteen years of internal power. I will assist you.”
I personally transmitted the fundamental technique, the Six Harmonies and Two Unions Method, and even completed the energy guidance.
“Thank you, Instructor.”
After ordering Jin Sam to return to his position in line,
Yang Hwi swept his gaze across the White Fang Unit members and raised his voice.
“All of you must become the pillars supporting the future of this main family. To forge thicker and stronger pillars, I stand here as your instructor.”
The White Fang Unit members each wore expressions filled with determination.
Most were orphans or those in unfortunate circumstances who had been saved by the Baek Family.
I had deliberately composed the White Fang Unit from talented children among such individuals, and their loyalty and passion for training were exceptional.
“I ask you this: Are you prepared to become the thickest pillar for this family?”
“Of course!”
“We will make bone-grinding efforts!”
“Please teach us!”
All the unit members cried out with shining eyes, their voices ringing out.
The greatest successor under heaven who had reached the pinnacle at merely sixteen years of age.
To them, Yang Hwi could only be an object of admiration and respect.
“Good. Now I will tell you what training you must undertake. White Fang Unit Leader, step forward.”
“Yes!”
Baek Heon-so, intoxicated by the atmosphere, stepped forward spiritedly.
“White Fang Unit Leader.”
“Yes, Instructor!”
“Let’s spar a bit.”
“Pardon?”
Thwack!
“Gaaaah!”
Baek Heon-so’s body, kicked in the abdomen, soared into the air before gravity pulled him down.
Thwack!
His body shot upward once more.
Baek Heon-so was struck repeatedly while suspended in the air for approximately half a moment.
“I suppose that will do.”
Baek Heon-so’s body crumpled to the ground, convulsing violently.
The Baek Family disciples watched in silence, their faces drained of color by fear.
“Brother….”
“Instructor.”
“Instructor… why….”
Suddenly Baek Heon-so’s words trailed off into silence.
He believed this was punishment for the accident he had caused.
“I apologize….”
“Hmm? For what? Ah, you thought this was punishment? Don’t worry, it’s not like that.”
“Then why…?”
Baek Heon-so’s face was a mixture of grievance and confusion.
“Listen, everyone. The human body is like steel. Do you understand what this means?”
“….”
“….”
“Steel grows tougher the more it’s struck. Humans are the same. The more you’re hit, the stronger you become.”
“….”
“….”
…That doesn’t seem right. Usually people get sick from beatings.
Some even die from the injuries.
“Yang Hwi is correct. Getting hit makes you stronger.”
It was Adu, who had been watching, who spoke.
Coming from a Shaolin monk of such massive build, his words carried weight… yet somehow made everyone even more terrified.
‘This kind of training seems suited only for someone like that monk, clearly born with supernatural strength.’
‘Surely the Shaolin monk won’t hit us too? Please no.’
‘Father… I’m scared….’
No one dared voice their objections, but Yang Hwi discerned their true feelings through their eyes.
“Don’t worry. I’ll beat you well enough that you won’t die.”
“….”
“Ah, I should explain why we do this training too. The effects should be showing by now. Seo, get up.”
Baek Heon-so pushed himself up from the ground with effort.
Then he suddenly realized something.
“My body feels light?”
“Yes, Instructor. What is this?”
“That’s because you weren’t simply being beaten.”
Pushing Palace Through Acupoints—infused with abundant Seon-gi.
Seon-gi possesses the function of guiding the physical body in the correct direction.
Thanks to this function, I was able to perfect my body at merely fifteen years of age.
Now it was time to share this with all the Baek Family disciples.
With that in mind.
“Since we’re doing this anyway, let’s combine it with other training, shall we? Avoid my attacks as much as possible without leaving the Training Grounds. Counterattacks are permitted too.”
Yang Hwi’s expression turned cold and cruel as he smiled.
“Then let’s begin now.”
Thwack! Thwack! Thwaaack!
* * *
The Training Grounds, where hundreds of Baek Family disciples lay sprawled like corpses.
Yang Hwi rolled his arms with a refreshed expression on his face.
“Ah, that feels good. It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper workout.”
Baek Heon-so watched him with a weary look.
Then his eyes met Yang Hwi’s.
“Eek!”
“Boy, why are you scared? Come here.”
“Y-yes….”
He sat down in a cross-legged position.
Seo hesitantly approached and sat beside him, and Yang Hwi gently stroked his head.
“I’m sorry.”
“Pardon? What could you possibly apologize for, Instructor?”
“Call me brother.”
Yang Hwi gazed at his younger brother for a long moment.
“You went to Seo Ak-hyeon because of me, didn’t you?”
“…No, brother. It was simply because I was lacking….”
He continued stroking his head.
Then he spoke.
“Seo. You cannot become like me.”
“….”
After a long silence, Baek Heon-so opened his mouth.
“I… know that, brother.”
Baek Heon-so was well aware of his own shortcomings.
He couldn’t help but know.
‘I’m lacking not just compared to brother… but compared to Lee Hu as well.’
It was obvious from the fact that during the last expedition, he hadn’t been taken along, but Lee Hu and Chu Dal had been.
Yet he strived desperately to follow in their footsteps.
Though he felt frustration at the gap in innate talent, he tried not to show it.
It remained an unchanging truth.
‘I don’t even dream of shining like brother. I just….’
He wanted to at least tread upon his shadow.
The shadow of Yang Hwi, who had taught him what an older brother meant to a young and foolish boy like himself.
Yang Hwi looked at Baek Heon-so with an approving gaze.
“Seo. You must not become like me either.”
The reason he hadn’t taken Baek Heon-so on the expedition was simple.
That boy was the legitimate heir of the main branch, destined to become the Family Head in generations to come.
Though young and a warrior at heart, I understood his desire to venture out and earn merit, but the time wasn’t right yet.
At least, that’s what I believed until recently.
‘He went out and created his own situation.’
It meant he was no longer a child to be kept sheltered.
If that were the case, I needed to take measures to ensure Baek Heon-so wouldn’t fall into danger.
This was also why I intended to bring Baek Heon-so to the first-rate level by the martial tournament a year from now.
Furthermore.
‘Heon-so, you cannot become like me, nor should you.’
You lack the talent. If you walked the same path, you would collapse.
But here’s the thing.
‘Because you are as you are, the Baek Family can continue.’
In my past life, I ran toward a single dream.
In this life, I continue down that same path without change.
The revival of the Baek Family. Rising to the ranks of the great families and achieving a martial clan renowned throughout the realm.
Moreover, maintaining that lineage for generations to come.
‘My martial arts… in that sense, they are unsuitable. They would only be a hindrance.’
Martial arts meant only for geniuses cannot be passed down.
Martial arts that even the least talented can learn and master to become strong.
Only such martial arts can be inherited unbroken through the generations.
“Heon-so, you will become the most important cornerstone in continuing the Baek Family’s legacy.”
Baek Heon-so stared blankly at me.
He couldn’t understand the meaning of my words, but at least he could feel how his older brother regarded him.
I stroked Baek Heon-so’s head once more.
“So dedicate yourself and act on your resolve. I’ll handle all the consequences. That’s what your older brother is here for.”
“Brother.”
“In that spirit, shall we begin training again?”
“Brother?”
You’re clenching your fist in the middle of this beautiful moment?
Can’t you let me savor the emotion a bit longer?
Before Baek Heon-so could even speak, my fist struck.
“Kyaaaagh!”
On the roof overlooking the Training Grounds.
Chu Dal watched Baek Heon-so and me with serious eyes.
“Elder Brother, I too will become different from before.”
From Pyohang to the Sword King’s Fist.
The three-month journey had been a time for Chu Dal to keenly feel his own shortcomings.
‘I’m lacking. So very lacking.’
Though he had reached the second-rate level at fourteen, Chu Dal could not afford complacency.
Because Yang Hwi stood right beside him.
Despite being merely one year older, there existed a once-in-an-age prodigy who had already reached the pinnacle of the Second-rate realm.
‘Even reaching the Second-rate realm itself….’
It was not through my own talent and effort.
Had I not consumed the two spirit pills Yang Hwi gave me and gained forty years of inner power,
Had that abundant inner power not opened the path before me,
No matter how much I received guidance from Yeo Un-hyeok, I could never have reached the Second-rate realm so quickly.
“Brother, you said this to me once.”
If you’re afraid, don’t do it. I’ll do it instead.
“I refuse. That’s not why I survived.”
That pathetic wretch who only received protection died along with Father.
So I must strive even harder.
Even if I must carve through bone and shed blood instead of sweat, I must keep pace.
“Master.”
Yeo Un-hyeok appeared and responded.
“Yes, my disciple.”
“I wish to change.”
Yeo Un-hyeok gazed at his remarkably earnest disciple with a benevolent smile.
“Even if that process is like hell itself?”
“Yes.”
The answer burst forth without hesitation, yet it was filled with unwavering resolve.
Yeo Un-hyeok felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
“Our Yeong-gwi Sect, which has been passed down for five hundred years, possesses one special training method.”
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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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