Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 227

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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 227
The Shaman, having taken charge of this Dragon Phoenix Gathering, dispatched a considerable force to Mu-han.
It would be no exaggeration to say that nearly half the sect had relocated here.
Given such circumstances, lodging was necessary, and the Shaman had constructed a massive hall to accommodate everyone.
Inside the hall, christened the Dragon Phoenix Guardian Pavilion.
The Shaman’s senior disciples gathered with furrowed brows, their heads bent together in deliberation.
“The flow of the Dragon Phoenix Contest is deviating significantly from our projections.”
“The preliminaries matter little, but the first main round—that is the problem.”
The Dragon Phoenix Gathering consisted of the Dragon Phoenix Contest, a martial competition among promising disciples, and the Dragon Phoenix Grand Assembly, a gathering attended by senior disciples.
“Only if the Dragon Phoenix Contest proceeds as calculated can the Dragon Phoenix Grand Assembly yield predictable results.”
“Though it remains but a minor variable now, a single misaligned cornerstone can topple an entire structure.”
There was but one reason for their concern.
A single promising disciple from a minor martial family.
“Gaecheon Geomryong…”
“To possess such martial prowess…”
“Though he was merely a puppet sent by the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Sect Leader, to achieve victory in a single strike…”
The elders conversing inadvertently glanced toward the Taeguk Sword Master’s face.
He listened quietly to the proceedings with eyes half-closed.
A being of overwhelming presence and martial power, one whom even the sect leader himself looked up to.
The sole disciple of Sambong Jin-in, revered as the Shaman’s founder, and the sect’s true patriarch.
‘The Grand Master surely knew of this already.’
‘Then the current situation must fall within his calculations.’
‘Hmm. My dull mind cannot fathom such depths.’
Yet he could not pose a question.
One dared not commit such rudeness before a living legend.
With reverence and respect, to answer when asked and obey when commanded.
This was the fundamental bearing all the Shaman’s disciples maintained toward the Taeguk Sword Master.
“We should decide today how to handle this variable called Gaecheon Geomryong.”
“Variables are best eliminated swiftly, are they not? What if we pit Hyeon Geom’s master against him?”
“You speak of match manipulation?”
“The second main round has no fixed brackets anyway. Should the master step forward, we can naturally remove him from contention.”
Hyeon Geom was also present in the conference hall.
Like the Taeguk Sword Master, he sat with eyes half-closed, cradling his sword.
“What are your thoughts, Master?”
Hyeon Geom, though a promising disciple, possessed the rank equivalent to the current sect leader’s master.
His answer was brief.
“Is subduing the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Sect Leader in a single strike such a remarkable feat, Sect Leader?”
Jang Moon-in fell silent for a moment.
He had rendered the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Sect Leader helpless in a single strike.
Certainly, it was an achievement that would draw admiration from the world.
But those with genuine skill saw things differently.
“It’s nothing remarkable. The Sect Leader could accomplish the same.”
“Yes. I believe it’s possible. Under the same conditions, not just I, but Hyeon-hyeon could manage it as well. Though fortune would need to favor us.”
The name of one who had been called the Shaman’s finest talent before Hyeon Geom’s emergence was spoken.
In Yang Hwi’s past life, this man had monopolized all the glory, standing in the shadow of Hyeon Geom instead.
“Perhaps so. That child Hyeon-hyeon would also be called one of the championship favorites if not for the Sect Leader.”
“Then I believe it’s best to follow the current flow.”
What Hyeon Geom was saying was simple.
He did not consider Gaecheon Geomryong threatening enough that our Shaman would need to resort to methods we couldn’t openly justify.
“….”
Jang Moon-in wanted to voice a counterargument but could not.
No matter how young he was, openly contradicting the Sect Leader’s opinion would be tantamount to treason.
However.
‘Our Shaman’s great enterprise is of such magnitude that even the founding of the Martial Alliance serves as merely its cornerstone. We cannot afford to commit the error of overlooking a thousand possibilities for one certainty….’
It was then.
A radiant sword of light materialized before the Taeguk Sword Master’s brow.
Strangely, the sword of light seemed to wash away the weight that had settled upon everyone’s hearts.
“Hyeon Geom.”
“Yes, Master.”
Hyeon Geom quietly bowed his head.
“You shall walk a path that shines brighter than all others, becoming the leader who guides the entire martial world.”
“I do not wish for such.”
“I know well. Yet this is what your master desires of you.”
“Then I shall follow and fulfill it.”
Always the same answer. Yet the Taeguk Sword Master posed one question.
“Then I ask: was your judgment regarding Gaecheon Geomryong free from emotional involvement?”
Had it been the usual Hyeon Geom, he would have answered immediately.
But Hyeon Geom unconsciously recalled the face of Jegal Seol-ha.
And the image of Gaecheon Geomryong walking beside her.
“…Yes. I believe that to be true.”
The Taeguk Sword Master did not miss Hyeon Geom’s hesitation.
“Affection is one of the paths of humanity. I am pleased that you seek to awaken a new way. Yet it must not influence our great enterprise.”
Therefore, the Taeguk Sword Master commanded.
“I shall consider everyone’s opinions. Pitting Hyeon Geom against the others may be premature, but a match with someone else would be entertaining for the spectators.”
Thus the Shaman’s course was determined.

* * *
After instructing the Sect Leader on several matters and sending him off.
I ordered Chu Dal to monitor his movements for several days.
“He doesn’t seem to be planning to leave immediately. It looks like he’ll probably wait until the selection of the First Dragon before departing.”
“Is that so?”
If he had believed everything I told him and simply returned to Guiju, I would have been disappointed.
So he’s not a complete fool after all.
Besides, I deliberately called the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Sect Leader that bastard at the end of our conversation, yet he didn’t take offense to it.
It meant he wasn’t the type to offer blind loyalty even while being used as a disposable pawn.
He’s the thoughtful sort with a keen eye for his own interests. Such men are useful to manipulate.
‘The Sect Leader situation is settled. But there’s no word from the other side.’
I had hoped to receive two more guests before the second preliminary round began, but it was disappointing.
Even Okcheon, whom I had anticipated, hadn’t come to visit.
‘So there was a connection between Hwa-san and the Blood Sect. If I discover that link, a new thread might reveal itself.’
Among the Three Demonic Sects, both the Ming Sect and Singyeo were carefully watching Jeomchang and the other threads, ready to seize them at any moment.
The problem was the Blood Sect, which had managed to discover that the Sect Leader participated in the Dragon-Phoenix Struggle, yet still hadn’t found the thread to grasp.
‘Among the Three Demonic Sects, the Blood Sect causes the most severe civilian casualties. I should eliminate these bastards first if possible.’
The Blood Sect grew stronger through blood and vitality, requiring countless victims as a result.
Cutting them off at the root would make things easier going forward.
‘But… somehow the Shaman is the one requiring more attention.’
The Shaman’s actions kept diverging from my expectations.
Even with this recent rumor alone, revealing that I was a secret disciple of Pacheon Eumhu would have been more effective than striking down the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Sect Leader.
‘If I had constructed the logic that it wasn’t the Baek Family that was remarkable, but rather Pacheon Eumhu who was remarkable for raising even a secret disciple with such tremendous potential, I could have prevented the Baek Family’s growing influence while using Hyeon Geom’s reputation as a sacrifice for the future.’
Why didn’t he do that? What picture was the Taeguk Sword Master drawing?
Since even Hyeon Geom’s participation in the tournament hadn’t occurred in my past life, it was difficult to know exactly what variables were at play.
‘Hmm. Should I ask Eum Hu? Now that I think about it, she’s also strangely not giving any hints.’
Eum Hu and the Great Sea Dragon King, and even Yeon and Lakbul who had joined for amusement.
Three of the Cheonmu-sip-jon were staying in Mu-han because of their agreement with the Taeguk Sword Master.
Since they were all in the same place, it shouldn’t be difficult for them to visit, yet something felt odd.
Could it be? Were they waiting for the disciple to come greet them first?
If that were the case, I’d receive a scolding disguised as a sparring match the moment I arrived.
‘That shouldn’t be it. Even if Seol-ha doesn’t know, I haven’t revealed myself as a disciple, so I can’t visit them anyway.’
The Cheonmu-sip-jon all seemed to know, but there was such a thing as the gaze of the world.
If that was the case, then Eum Hu also had something in mind.
‘…Could she have been upset when she heard that the Great Sea Dragon King suggested taking me as a disciple…?’
A chill suddenly ran down my spine. If that were true, there was no reason sparks wouldn’t fly.
Just in case, I asked Seol-ha about it.
“Pardon? No, I saw her yesterday and she said nothing special.”
“Is that so? She didn’t mention me?”
“Not a single word.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
The conversation lapsed into silence.
Feeling as though I’d monopolized the discussion, I added another comment.
“You shouldn’t have any issues with the Dragon-Phoenix Struggle, right?”
Jegal Seol-ha wore a confident expression.
“How could there be?”
“True. There shouldn’t be.”
The Dragon-Phoenix Struggle was divided into the Dragon Tournament and Phoenix Tournament based on gender.
Each selected a First Dragon and First Phoenix respectively, and on the final day of the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Meeting, the two would demonstrate their martial prowess, concluding the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.
‘The Dragon Tournament is packed with brilliant late-stage cultivators, but the Phoenix Tournament lacks any particularly outstanding talent.’
The Phoenix Tournament had almost no talent worth the Cheonmu-sip-jon’s disciples being wary of.
Compared to the Dragon Tournament, that is.
‘Out of five hundred total, three hundred fifty advanced to the secondary main rounds.’
One-on-one matches would begin once thirty-two remained.
The secondary main rounds must also have different rules.
Judging by the rumors spreading about the Sect Leader being overthrown, something seems to be in motion.
“The Jegal Family also doesn’t know about the secondary main rounds?”
“…We don’t. This Dragon-Phoenix Gathering is entirely under the Shaman’s control.”
Jegal Seol-ha’s expression grew bitter, and understandably so.
Outwardly, the Shaman appeared to be collaborating with the Jegal Family, the original owners of Mu-han.
‘Yet they’re being excluded from the actual proceedings. If the goal is establishing the Martial Alliance, why would they give the Jegal Family reason to harbor resentment?’
That was when it happened.
“Brother!”
Chu Dal burst through the door.
“The format for the secondary main rounds has been announced! Even the matchups!”
“Hmm? The matchups are being determined?”
“Yes! But your opponent, brother…”
Before Chu Dal could finish, someone knocked on the open door.
My gaze turned toward the entrance, and I could make out a man standing there.
“We meet for the first time, I believe. Greetings.”
…It was indeed someone I’d never seen before. Yet his tone was remarkably curt for a first meeting.
Even so, he was someone I knew.
Or rather, someone I couldn’t possibly not know.
“Yang Hwi of the Baek Family pays respects to the Soga-joonim of the Peng Family of Hebei.”
“Seol-ha of the Jegal Family pays respects to the Soga-joonim of the Peng Family of Hebei.”
Jegal Seol-ha rose gracefully and offered a bow.
Peng Wang, observing her alongside Yang Hwi, clasped his hands together.
“Peng Wang of the Peng Family greets the young talents of both families.”
True to his status as the Soga-joonim of the Peng Family of Hebei—the current greatest family under heaven—his bearing radiated authority and formality.
…it would have looked more convincing if his expression weren’t so sullen.
‘Anyway, what brings him here?’
“Might I inquire what matter brings such an esteemed guest?”
“…What matter. You ask what matter brings me.”
In that instant, fire blazed in Peng Wang’s eyes.
“What matter! Do you truly not know why I’ve come!”
Goodness, the man suddenly burst into flames.
They say the Peng Family of Hebei is famous for their boldness and passionate nature, and this was certainly befitting of the Peng name.
“Gaecheon Geomryong! You have no right to ask me for reasons!”
In that moment, realization struck me.
It seems Elder Peng Fan did something.
“Could it be that the Great Sea Dragon King gave you some instruction?”
“Instruction? He did. With his very body!”
“…?”
Peng Wang let out a deep sigh upon confirming my bewildered expression.
“In truth, I had planned to step back after mingling moderately with the younger generation. As the previous generation’s greatest dragon and at thirty-six years old—the maximum age allowed—it would look unseemly to push forward aggressively.”
His sigh ignited into fury.
“But! If a junior throws excrement upon a senior! Then the story changes!”
“…Excrement?”
“Indeed!”
“By me?”
“Indeed!”
“When?”
“That wager you proposed to your grandfather, Gaecheon Geomryong! Because of that cursed wager, I’ve been suffering miserably!”
If I pointed out that Elder Peng Fan was the one who threw the excrement… he’d only grow angrier.
It was obvious he’d been slapped by the stream and come here to vent his frustrations in the marketplace.
“It landed quite well! Most fragrant indeed! So now this senior intends to throw some excrement upon the junior!”
As I wondered how, Chu Dal provided the explanation.
“The main tournament this round will be conducted in groups. You, Elder, Soga-joonim Peng, and one other will be on the same team.”
Three people per group competing against other groups, with advancement determined by the level of contribution.
The moment I heard the explanation, it clicked.
Over three hundred participants, and I’m grouped with Peng Wang of all people?
The Shaman must have orchestrated this.
‘It’s speculation, but practically certain. And the Great Sea Dragon King must already know.’
I suspected they’d manipulated Peng Wang to harbor resentment, both to win the wager and create a more entertaining situation.
“Steel yourself! Though the rear waves of the Yangtze push forward the front waves, this Peng Wang is quite the substantial wave!”
It seemed dialogue alone wouldn’t resolve this with laughter and good cheer.
So then.
“This should be interesting.”
That sounds fun.
“Fun! Ha! It’s bound to be absolutely thrilling!”
I deliberately smirked at Peng Wang’s animated expression.
“Lakbul once said that while excess in worldly matters brings ruin, enjoyment alone is the exception.”
If teams could eliminate other teams while also producing casualties within their own ranks,
then by Peng Wang’s own logic, it was the perfect setup to sow discord within the same group.
‘Conversely, there are plenty of ways to exploit this. Hehehehe.’
“Shall we place a wager to make it even more entertaining?”
The Peng Family’s characteristic temperament—bold and passionate.
A hot-blooded man like this was perfect to manipulate.

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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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