Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 23

—————
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 023
An incomprehensible situation unfolded before me.
‘How did that girl notice?’
I hadn’t released my qi or fumbled about. I had merely attempted to read the aura she was emanating to understand my opponent.
To use an analogy, it was as if I had merely looked at her body rather than actually touching it.
Therefore, Jegal Seol-ha should have been completely unable to detect my attempt.
‘Yet she detected it.’
That wasn’t the only strange thing.
“Seol-ha, what’s the matter! Hmm? Tell your father what happened!”
Jegal Seol-ha had merely opened her mouth slightly.
Yet Jegal Seon was reacting with excessive alarm as if something catastrophic had occurred.
“Why such surprise, Uncle? Is there perhaps something troubling you?”
“No, Brother. It’s simply that my daughter rarely reacts in such a manner.”
“Hmm… Could the child be afflicted with some ailment…?”
Jegal Seon examined Jegal Seol-ha’s condition once more, then smiled bitterly.
“I shall explain in detail later. But Uncle, would you not introduce your family to me?”
“Of course, Brother. You’ve already seen my wife before, so you’ll remember her. These three are my children.”
Jegal Seon’s gaze fixed upon the three Baek siblings.
Baek Heon-so, tense yet showing interest in Jegal Seol-ha, who was his peer.
Baek Yeon-yeon, curious and delighted by the new people and situation.
And Yang Hwi, possessing eyes that didn’t appear childlike but rather held profound depth.
‘Both children are quite exceptional, but the eldest appears to be a true prodigy. Is this the adopted son my brother mentioned in his letter?’
Yang Hwi’s appearance had transformed dramatically compared to several months ago.
Thanks to eating well daily and never neglecting his training, one could sense at a glance that he possessed martial talent far from ordinary.
“It’s been nearly eight years since I last saw your father, so this is our first meeting. I am Jegal Seon, your uncle.”
“Pleased to meet you, Uncle Jegal.”
“It’s an honor to see you, Uncle!”
Yang Hwi also coordinated with his siblings to offer proper greetings.
Even as he did so, I observed Jegal Seol-ha, who remained cradled in her father’s arms without uttering a word.
‘Given that we’re similar in age, one would expect introductions between us, yet none were made.’
Moreover, Jegal Seol-ha had covered her entire face with pristine white silk cloth.
The material was translucent enough that one could see her features without difficulty, yet I couldn’t fathom why she chose to wear it.
‘It would be awkward to ask about it.’
Jegal Seol-ha would die within the not-too-distant future.
Could this peculiar attire be related to the reason for her departure from this world?
Even now, Jegal Seol-ha’s gaze remained fixed upon me.
Though she said nothing, it was certain she had detected my attempt to read her qi.
‘That means either she possesses some special spiritual ability, or her innate senses are as acute as mine.’
When I also considered the peculiar quality of qi I sensed from Jegal Seol-ha…
My mind suddenly grew complicated.

* * *
That night, a grand banquet was held at the Baek Family Estate.
Naturally, it was a welcoming banquet for Jegal Seon, the Family Head’s designated successor and Minor Patriarch of the great Jegal Family.
Yet peculiarly, throughout the banquet, Jegal Seon never once set his young daughter Jegal Seol-ha down from his arms.
He ate while cradling his daughter and even indulged in wine without releasing her.
“Brother Jegal, your daughter seems quite fond of you.”
“Ha ha, when Seol-ha is in unfamiliar places, she refuses to part from her father or mother even for a moment.”
“I see. It would be wonderful if she could spend time with Hwi, So, and Yeon-yeon as well.”
“Indeed. By the way, Elder Brother, your family’s circumstances seem to have improved considerably since before.”
Just as Baek Moo-ryang harbored questions about Jegal Seol-ha’s situation, Jegal Seon likewise felt curiosity toward the visibly improved state of the Baek Family Estate compared to years past.
“It appears something fortunate has befallen your household recently.”
“Mm. I cannot deny it. Hehehehe.”
Baek Moo-ryang smiled gently and stroked his beard.
“Heaven has woven destiny, and the threads of fate have brought prosperity.”
As he spoke, Baek Moo-ryang’s gaze fell upon Yang Hwi.
From that moment, a father’s shameless boasting of his son began.
Baek Moo-ryang shrugged his shoulders and poured forth all the deeds Yang Hwi had accomplished thus far.
Since there were numerous feats remarkable enough to seem almost fantastical, even Jegal Seon found himself interjecting with admiration as he listened.
“Is that truly so, Elder Brother? That child?”
“Indeed, such cunning from the mind of a mere eight-year-old.”
“His fearlessness is perhaps his only flaw. You must have endured considerable worry, Elder Brother.”
Jegal Seon’s gaze fixed upon Yang Hwi, who was displaying humility.
“Though my Jegal Family is known as the Miraculous Jegal, judging by your accomplishments alone, you deserve that title yourself.”
“You honor me far too much, Uncle.”
The corners of Jegal Seon’s mouth rose further.
Standing before the Minor Patriarch of the Jegal Family himself, yet maintaining such composure.
This confirmed what his sworn brother had said—the boy’s courage was extraordinary.
“Never forget the kindness your Elder Brother has shown you, and dedicate yourself to advancement. For the Baek Family.”
“I shall carve it into my very bones and never forget.”
“Excellent!”
A man of imposing stature with a particular love for martial arts and exceptional martial prowess, earning the epithet “Sleeping Dragon Without Equal.”
Jegal Seon, the Minor Patriarch of the Jegal Family, was the one who had earned the title of “Unparalleled” alongside Lü Bu’s renown as the greatest warrior under heaven.
The demeanor Yang Hwi displayed pleased Jegal Seon greatly.
“Yang Hwi, and Heon-so and Yeon-yeon as well. Is there anything you desire? I wish to give you gifts to commemorate this first meeting.”
“Brother, there is no need for such things.”
Though Baek Moo-ryang tried to dissuade him, Jegal Seon laughed heartily and drank his wine before declaring boldly.
“Then perhaps Elder Brother could give my daughter a gift as well. In truth, I came here with a request for you, and I believe this works out quite conveniently.”
‘So it wasn’t merely a casual visit to the area? There was a more pressing reason.’
The fact that he had deliberately brought his daughter, who refused to part from her parents even for a moment, suggested the reason was likely connected to Jegal Seol-ha herself.
While I was lost in such thoughts, Baek Heon-so and Baek Yeon-yeon watched me with slight tension.
“Since your uncle is offering, why don’t both of you tell me what you’d like?”
The faces of the two brightened at my words.
They had been worried about how to respond appropriately to Jegal Seon’s generous proposal, and now that I had given my permission, their concerns lifted.
“Uncle, I’d like to receive a sword like the ones used for training in the Jegal Family! I’ll practice hard and become a strong martial artist!”
“Uncle, Yeon-yeon wants to try sweets that are much sweeter and prettier than red bean pastries!”
“Hehehehe, these are requests this uncle can easily grant! I’ll fulfill them all! Now then, Yang Hwi, what is it that you desire?”
The gazes of everyone seated at the table turned toward me.
I fell into brief contemplation.
Ideally, I wanted to ask for the Jegal Family’s protection, but setting aside such materialistic desires, the likelihood of that being granted was low.
‘What could I request that would be both childlike yet beneficial?’
The martial arts tournament between the Yuhang Guild and the Suhoji Guild.
The reason Jegal Seon visited the Baek Manor with Jegal Seol-ha.
The peculiarity that Jegal Seol-ha possessed. And the nature of the qi technique I had discerned.
‘In the end, gathering information would be the most advantageous.’
I deliberately opened my mouth with a more childlike voice, speaking brightly.
“Uncle, how should I address your daughter?”
“Since you’re the same age, just call her Seol-ha.”
“So we’re the same age! Would it be possible for me to see my friend’s face?”
In that instant, Jegal Seon’s expression hardened.
It wasn’t a rebuke for overstepping boundaries, but rather an attitude of unbearable sorrow and pity.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Our Seol-ha cannot reveal her face carelessly.”
A gentle refusal. I did not give up.
“As the saying goes, ‘friends share robes without reserve’—between friends there is no need for such caution. Why does Seol-ha hide her face from everyone? I wish to know the reason.”
“….”
“Friends share robes” is a classical idiom from the Book of Poetry, one of the Five Classics.
It refers to friends so intimate they could share a single garment—friends without pretense or distance.
The Jegal Family is the most academically rigorous among all martial arts sects in the Martial Arts World. Jegal Seon felt admiration and delight that an eight-year-old child could already recite verses from the Book of Poetry.
Combined with the influence of alcohol, Jegal Seon spoke words he would not ordinarily reveal so easily.
“Seol-ha does not choose to hide her face. She cannot reveal it. So ask no further.”
It seemed he had no intention whatsoever of sharing the detailed truth.
‘Still, this is enough. She’s being forced to cover her face with cloth—that much is clear.’
“Yang Hwi, I shall grant your request in another form. Tell me what else you desire.”
I had achieved my immediate purpose, and there was nothing else I wanted that a child could appropriately ask for at this moment.
Since the opportunity had arisen, I decided to use it for my father’s sake.
“Then, Uncle, would it be possible for you to watch over my younger brother and me at the martial arts tournament that will be held in a few days?”
“Hmm? A martial arts tournament is being held?”
The Baek Family had decided to accept the Yuhang Guild’s invitation from the Suhoji Guild.
Since Jegal Seon, the young master of the Jegal Family and my sworn uncle, had come as a guest, it was inevitable that we would attend together.
I had stepped forward before Baek Moo-ryang, as my sworn father, could make such a request of my sworn uncle.
‘The two of them may have no ill will between them, but from my perspective, it’s better if Father doesn’t appear to be making a request.’
Both Baek Moo-ryang and Jegal Seon caught the drift of Yang Hwi’s true thoughts.
“Elder brother. The matter you mentioned in your letter before—is it still valid?”
Baek Moo-ryang shook his head firmly.
“Not a chance, younger brother. Find your disciple among the Jegal Family instead.”
“So clever, yet so filial! I must say, I’m quite envious!”
Jegal Seon laughed heartily and declared with gusto.
“Excellent! The Yuhang Guild, you say? I was thinking of staying a few days anyway and looking for something to occupy my time—this works out perfectly. I’ll go along with you, elder brother. But!”
Jegal Seon struck the table once, keeping rhythm as he continued.
“A martial tournament, naturally, so participants will be divided by age. Win the championship in your age bracket, and your uncle here will reward you handsomely!”
The corners of Yang Hwi’s mouth lifted slightly.
What kind of fortune is this?
“By reward, I wonder—how far might that extend?”
Not asking what the reward is, but rather where the limit lies.
Jegal Seon clicked his tongue.
The child before him, his sworn brother’s adopted son, was so cunning and shrewd that one would doubt he was truly only eight years old.
And that was by the standards of the Jegal Family’s children.
“Testing your uncle’s limits, are you? No need for that! You have such boldness beyond your years that I’ll satisfy you and then some!”
Hearing Jegal Seon’s boastful declaration, Yang Hwi grinned.
‘Since he’s a young master of the Jegal Family itself, he must be quite generous.’
However. While freebies were always welcome… now wasn’t the time to claim a reward immediately.
Understanding more about Jegal Seon and Jegal Seol-ha was the priority.
With that in mind.
“The reward this one desires is… to accompany you, Uncle, to wherever you intend to go for Seol-ha’s sake.”
As Yang Hwi stated his wish with a smile, Jegal Seon’s eyes widened.
“Ha ha ha! Now this is interesting!”

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