Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 210

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

Third-rate Martial Arts Family, Greatest Under Heaven – Episode 210
“As you know, marriage is a great matter of human relations decided by elders. However, the most important thing is surely the opinion of those directly involved, is it not?”
The Taeguk-mun Master nodded at Yang Hwi’s words.
“You speak truly.”
To be honest, if the one proposing the betrothal had been an ordinary daughter of a prestigious family, he would not have nodded.
For the children of renowned sects and families, marriage held greater meaning as a means to expand their clan’s influence.
But Jegal Seol-ha was different.
She was a disciple of Cheonmu-sip-jon.
If the elders wished to push forward the betrothal while ignoring Seol-ha’s wishes, they would need to obtain the consent of Pacheon Eumhu.
‘But Seol-ha said she didn’t want to accept the betrothal.’
In other words, Pacheon Eumhu would not approve of her disciple entering into a marriage contract as the senior members of the Jegal Family desired.
-Seol-ha. I’ll need compensation for pretending to be your betrothed.
Upon hearing the transmission, Jegal Seol-ha answered readily.
-I think I know what kind of compensation. It sounds fun, so let’s do it right now!
-Hehehehe, now you’re quick on the uptake.
-Of course. How many years have we spent together, older brother?
With her agreement secured, it was time to set the stage properly.
“Taeguk-mun Master. Seol-ha is my betrothed.”
Speaking it aloud made my limbs curl with embarrassment, but I pushed through and continued with an iron face.
“Since I’m acquainted with Pacheon Eumhu, she will not deny the relationship between Seol-ha and myself.”
At that moment, the Taeguk-mun Master realized that a marriage alliance between the Shaman sect and the Jegal Family was impossible.
A sigh escaped him involuntarily.
“Hmm… I see.”
“However.”
“Hmm?”
“For the children of prestigious families, marriage is also a duty. I am well aware of this fact.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“It’s simple. Until the Dragon Phoenix Assembly convenes, we plan to stay at the most famous inn. We’ll choose a place befitting for the members of prestigious families to reside.”
Yang Hwi smiled wickedly. For some reason, the Taeguk-mun Master suddenly felt anxiety welling up inside him.
“Send Hyeon Geom Namgung Cheon-yeong there.”
“Namgung Cheon-yeong? The Current Sword Daoist is hardly someone to be called by such a title. Neither in skill nor in standing.”
This old man was nitpicking over trivial matters.
“Then we’ll call him the Daoist instead. The Current Sword Daoist… wait, can a Daoist even enter into a betrothal?”
“Ahem. The Shaman sect does not forbid the marriage of core disciples.”
“Still, for a Daoist to use a betrothal as a means seems rather…”
“Ahem! Let’s overlook such trivial matters. So? What is the reason the Current Sword Daoist must go to the inn the Baek young master mentioned?”
“Seol-ha is my betrothed, but… I don’t wish to continue our relationship against the opposition of the Jegal Family elders. So, I propose we compete fairly.”
The Taeguk-mun Master’s face brightened considerably.
“I see. What matters most is the heart of Miss Jegal. The one who wins her heart shall be the one to enter the betrothal. Hahaha! Baek young master, you didn’t seem like it, but your heart is truly magnanimous.”
He seemed confident that if given the chance, the Current Sword Daoist would certainly be able to capture Jegal Seol-ha’s heart.
A bit of irritation flared up, but what could I do?
Let’s just wait and see how this plays out.
‘The reality will be vastly different from what he’s imagining, hehe.’
“Then, I shall keep that in mind.”
“Understood. I’ll also send word to my main sect to ensure the promise is kept without fail!”
The conversation ended. The Taeguk-mun Master left the guest room with a grin plastered across his face.
“….”
“….”
After a brief silence, Dang-gun looked at me with a hint of sympathy.
“You held back well. Your pride must have taken quite a hit.”
Certainly, the Taeguk-mun Master’s words and behavior were rather rude.
After all, he’d essentially said to me, a man with a betrothed, “You may be her lover now, but your heart will change if you meet another man.”
What made it worse was that he hadn’t intended to be disrespectful at all.
But.
“I wasn’t bothered in the slightest.”
Why would I be hurt by the thoughtless words of someone who doesn’t understand anything?
No matter how exceptional Hyeon Geom is, he could never surpass me.
“A prodigy who made the Cheonmu-sip-jon break their single-line succession tradition and whom they desperately wanted to recruit. A handsome face paired with an impressive six-foot frame. My hidden identity is Il-pil-hwi-seo, a renowned literary master known throughout the realm. Moreover, I’m the descendant of the greatest martial artist under heaven and the Young Master of the fastest-rising family in the current martial world. That’s me. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
The guest room fell silent in a different sense.
“….”
“….”
“Well, it’s true, but….”
“If anyone’s unlucky, it’d be you being the greatest under heaven, brother.”
“If stating facts earns me the label of unlucky, then I’d be the greatest unlucky person under heaven!”
Jegal Seol-ha laughed as if amused.
“Brother Hwi, you’re planning to invite the Soga-joonim of the Namgung Family as well, right?”
Having to face those Namgung Family members was somewhat unpleasant, but what could I do?
If I could humiliate them in the process, it was more than worth enduring.
“Yes. And I’ll spread word that all the young talents who wish to form a betrothal with you should come.”
The betrothed of Jegal Seol-ha—a disciple of the Cheonmu-sip-jon, daughter of a prestigious family, and the most beautiful woman under heaven—is to be decided!
Once such rumors spread, wouldn’t young men swarm like bees to honey?
“Everyone except Brother Hwi will look like a swarm of bees, won’t they? Ahahaha!”
When Namgung Cheon-yeong and Hyeon Geom learned of this, they’d surely be caught off guard.
They’d realize they’d been reduced to mere bees drawn to a flower.
Yet they wouldn’t be able to back away.
Because I also planned to spread word that the Namgung and the Shaman had proposed a formal betrothal!
“After proposing a formal betrothal, backing out because there are too many competitors? That would make them lose face in an instant.”
“Wow! Brother, your mind really is something to admire.”
“Hehehehe!”
“Gahahaha!”
Jegal Seol-ha’s laughter suddenly ceased.
Then she fixed her gaze upon me.
“But you see, Senior Brother.”
The way she addressed me had changed to Senior Brother. A chill ran through me in that instant.
“Il-ik-maeng-yo…? I’ve never heard of it…?”
“Ah.”
Right, I hadn’t mentioned it yet.
“I feel so left out….”
Just moments ago, the way Gu-pa and the Five Great Families had insulted the Jegal Family.
And this designation of Il-ik-maeng, which clearly appeared to be an alliance forged between close families.
In every way, I felt excluded.
And Jegal Seol-ha was someone entirely unaccustomed to being left out in such a manner.
“I’m truly hurt. I’m tempted to tell Master about this. If I stand beside Master while she scolds you, I think this hurt feeling would go away.”
“…Please bear with me.”
I was already going to receive quite the scolding from Eum Hu anyway.
“Let’s make a deal. Is there anything you want?”
“Grant me one wish. How about that?”
“Can’t you just tell me what you want beforehand?”
“Using your own words, Senior Brother, that wouldn’t be fun, would it?”
“….”
I had no choice but to nod.
“Fine. I’ll grant you one wish. Does that settle it?”
“Yes, Elder Brother. Hehe.”
The way she addressed me had returned to normal.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

* * *
Because of the Dragon Phoenix Assembly, those seeking to participate in the later stages and curious onlookers would rent Juru’s guest rooms or small estates in advance for extended periods.
In other words, even now with nearly a month remaining before the Dragon Phoenix Assembly convenes, the city was already teeming with people.
Moreover, Wuhan in Hubei Province, this year’s host city, faces the Yangtze River and serves as a crucial crossroads for trade.
It was already one of the world’s most prominent logistics centers, and now the Dragon Phoenix Assembly was being held here?
“Have you heard the rumors?”
“Of course I have! You’re talking about Pye Wol-ok-bong, aren’t you?”
Rumors spread like arrows in such an environment.
“Wow! That’s truly remarkable!”
“I agree. They say hundreds of young heroes have already flocked here, and it’s even been given the name ‘Yeon-wol Great Battle’!”
A minor source of entertainment had emerged before the Dragon Phoenix Assembly.
A competition to publicly determine the betrothed of Jegal Seol-ha, the most beautiful woman under heaven!
It was called the Yeon-wol Great Battle because those who admired Pye Wol-ok-bong were fighting over her.
“Literally a great battle, a massive clash.”
“Who would have thought so many men would gather just to determine one woman’s betrothed?”
“And the caliber of these men is extraordinary!”
“Exactly! Namgung Cheon-yeong, the Soga-joonim of the Namgung Family! Hyeon Geom, the greatest prodigy of the Shamanic Sect!”
Men whom one would normally never dare face directly were now competing for the favor of a single woman?
It was the perfect gossip for people to chew on and discuss.
The rumors spread like the ocean and like arrows, until there was hardly anyone in Wuhan who didn’t know of it.
“But did you know something?”
“What is it?”
“They say Pye Wol-ok-bong already has someone she admires.”
“Moreover, they say it’s a mutual affection—a true love match.”
“Oh my! How fascinating! Who could it be? The man who captured the heart of the most beautiful woman under heaven?”
“Have you heard of the Gaecheon Baek Family from Jiangxi?”
“Ah, the Baek Family! Isn’t that the clan that’s been rising fastest in recent years?”
“Indeed. In the past thirty years, the Baek Family is the only one to be called a great family.”
“But why the Gaecheon Baek Family all of a sudden?”
“Their Young Master is Pye Wol-ok-bong’s true love.”
“Oh my, how could the precious jewel of the Jegal Family be with a minor martial family’s son?”
“I heard that the Soga-joonim of the Jegal Family and the Family Head of the Gaecheon Baek Family are sworn brothers. They’ve been in contact since childhood.”
“Ah… so they grew close from childhood and their eyes met. It seems Pye Wol-ok-bong is quite the romantic.”
“Not at all. In Jiangxi, there’s no one who doesn’t know the Young Master of the Gaecheon Baek Family.”
“Why is that?”
“His alias is Gaecheon Geomryong. Those who know him call him the Dragon Born from Gaecheon. He’s a master of such skill that it’s hard to believe he’s merely a minor family’s son.”
The Yeon-wol Great Battle—perfect gossip for idle minds to chew on and discuss.
This led to admiration and curiosity about Yang Hwi among the people.
It couldn’t have been otherwise.
The man chosen by Pye Wol-ok-bong, the most beautiful woman under heaven!
I couldn’t help but be curious about it.
“Gaecheon Geomryong is called the greatest prodigy under heaven in Kangso. His past deeds are so extraordinary they strain belief. Even the elders of several prestigious sects have acknowledged his talent, or so I’ve heard?”
“Hmm… well, considering that Pacheon Eumhu herself permits her disciple to associate with him… he can’t possibly be an ordinary man.”
People from all directions began gossiping about Gaecheon Geomryong.
However, there were also malicious rumors circulating.
“But seeing how the Yeonwol Grand Tournament was held, doesn’t it suggest that Pye Wol-ok-bong has left room to form a betrothal with another?”
“That’s a fair point. In truth, Gaecheon Geomryong might be nothing but an empty cart.”
Those who had been gossiping about the Yeonwol Grand Tournament and Gaecheon Geomryong reached their conclusion.
“Well, the greatest hero will claim the most beautiful woman under heaven.”
“Indeed. Whoever earns her choice would be the supreme dragon.”
The man chosen by the most beautiful woman under heaven is the greatest prodigy, the supreme dragon.
The rumors that began with the Yeonwol Grand Tournament had gradually become linked to the title bestowed upon the champion of the Dragon Phoenix Assembly.
“So the man chosen by Seolha is the supreme dragon. How amusing.”
In truth, it was far from amusing. Tremendously so.
At least not for those who had suffered from these rumors.
The man currently chosen by the most beautiful woman under heaven.
In other words, Yang Hwi, who had become the closest candidate to the supreme dragon, smiled wryly as he looked at the two seated before me.
“Isn’t that right, Namgung Soga-joonim? And Current Sword Daoist?”

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