Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 273

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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 273
“Ugh. This is uncomfortable.”
As I pulled down the collar that was chafing my neck, Jegal Seol-ha chided me and adjusted my clothing once more.
“Court robes are always uncomfortable no matter when you wear them.”
“But they look good, so just bear with it a little longer. Today’s main attraction is us, after all.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
I grumbled in response and surveyed my surroundings.
A vast and ornate banquet hall. The senior members of the Jegal Family, Dang Family, and Baek Family were seated all around.
‘Is this the last day?’
The Yongfeng Gathering schedule spans one month following the finals of the Yongfeng Competition.
The curtain falls after the grand Yongfeng Banquet is held on the final day.
Today is the final day of this long and arduous journey—the day of the grand Yongfeng Banquet.
‘Phew, I thought I’d die from wasting time all this while.’
The moment I became the First Dragon, my business at the Yongfeng Gathering was concluded.
Though I needed to foster goodwill through exchanges with other sects, that was my father’s responsibility as Family Head.
However, I was constantly dragged around by those who wished to see the First Dragon.
‘It would benefit the family, so I couldn’t refuse.’
This waste of time continued even after I received the martial arts of Daehaeyongwangdo and Pacheon Eumhu.
The martial arts of two of the Cheonmu-sip-jon, no less!
Yet I had no time to cultivate them.
‘Once today is over, I can return to the main residence and immerse myself in cultivation for a while. Heh heh, I should also try to derive new techniques that will benefit the family.’
The goal of the One-Wing Alliance. And the passage from the Sword Selection Records that came to mind.
Considering all of that, I’ll need to begin contending with the Yangtze River Waterway Alliance within a few years.
Since the Yangtze River Waterway Alliance is counted among the two greatest evil sects alongside the Blood Silk Alliance, I must prepare thoroughly to face such a formidable enemy.
‘For now, it’s cultivation!’
While thinking such thoughts, I noticed gazes fixed upon me.
It wasn’t just one or two.
“Elder brother, the stares are relentless. Nearly half of them are looking our way.”
“As they should. We’re displaying it so openly, after all.”
The three families had narrowed the distance between themselves by moving their designated chairs and dining tables.
Anyone could see that we had clearly formed a secret alliance.
“I didn’t expect it to be this obvious even without Jeomchang.”
Well, it was natural when the current First Dragon and First Phoenix were in the same place.
‘Either way, this is no longer in my hands.’
I drank the wine Seol-ha poured for me and organized what I had gained from the Yongfeng Gathering.
First, the most significant things.
I met Cheonma and I met Yeo Dong-bin.
It was a time when I could see how lofty my goals were and readjust the path I needed to walk.
‘The enhancement of Seon-gi’s abilities is also an enormous harvest.’
I still don’t know the reason for the enhancement, but there must surely be a use for it somewhere.
One could tell just by looking at Jeil-ryong’s championship prize, the Geom Seon’s Decisive Strike Manual.
Heaven itself—Yeo Dong-bin had a path he desired.
The only problem was not knowing where to use the Daopath Token I’d received along with him.
Since pondering wouldn’t help, I set it aside.
‘Unexpectedly, I’ve obtained the martial techniques of two Cheonmu-sip-jon masters. This is an enormous harvest.’
As a result, the Baek Family’s martial arts would advance to the next level and become far more diverse.
After all, I even had a hidden weapon prepared for the imminent confrontation with the Yangtze River Alliance.
Beyond that, I’d gained both the Jegal Family as a reliable ally and Jeil-ryong’s reputation.
Gae-cheon-baek Family was no longer a minor martial clan on the fringes of Gangxi Province.
We were a sleeping dragon harboring one of the Five Great Families, one of the Heavenly-ranked martial sects, and even the future greatest under heaven.
This wasn’t merely my perception—it was how the world saw us.
Just look at this very moment.
Weren’t countless people approaching and watching for an opportunity to speak with us?
‘The attention is somewhat bothersome, but… it’s exhilarating.’
What truly delighted me was that the entire Baek Family was being revered, not just myself.
It was a sight I could never have experienced in my past life, not for a single moment.
Thus the banquet deepened, and finally the time came for it to end.
“Fellow disciples, this Sword Master has something to say.”
The Taeguk Sword Master rose to his feet.
He seemed about to deliver some closing remarks.
“Through this Dragon-Phoenix Grand Gathering, we have confirmed that the bonds between Baek and Dou remain steadfast and shall never waver.”
‘Steadfast, indeed. Let’s accept that.’
From the Sword Master’s perspective, it wasn’t an inaccurate statement.
Though the grand objective of establishing a Martial Alliance had failed, he’d aligned with numerous sects and significantly expanded the Shaman faction’s influence.
“Moreover, we have learned that the future of Baek and Dou is bright! The numerous rising talents have displayed heroic qualities, and through testing their strength against one another, they’ve gained the opportunity to advance further.”
At this point, all eyes converged on one place.
Upon Jeil-ryong and Jeil-bong, seated side by side.
As the two protagonists of the Dragon-Phoenix Contest, it was inevitable.
For the Sword Master, this was surely a painful point.
“Then, for the final moment of the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Gathering—shall we add the finishing touch?”
As if waiting for this, I rose to my feet.
Jegal Seol-ha beside me also stood with a face full of anticipation and smiled.
For generations, it had been custom and tradition for the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Gathering to conclude with a martial contest between Jeil-ryong and Jeil-bong.
“Seol-ha, is this the first time we’ve had a proper match between us?”
“Aside from when we trained together as children, yes, it’s the first time.”
“This should be interesting.”
“Indeed it will be. Truly.”
A competitive fire kindled in her eyes.
If there was anyone in the world she most wanted to defeat, it was me.
“I’ll show you my true strength. Be prepared.”
“Yes. I look forward to it.”
Anticipation filled the banquet hall.
After all, it was only natural—a clash between two of the greatest prodigies of this era.
But then.
That very moment arrived.
-Kiiiiiiaaaaaaaa!
A hawk’s piercing cry tore through the air.
A single hawk was rapidly approaching from the distance.
Though a flying creature had disrupted the banquet, no one voiced complaint.
It was no ordinary hawk—it was the spiritual beast of Shaman Yeo Dong-bin.
“Won-woo?”
-Kiiiiaaaaa!
Won-woo landed urgently on Yang Hwi’s forearm, crying frantically and extending his talons.
I quickly untied the message and read it.
[Urgent.]
[Main family under attack.]
[Primary threat: Jang River Water Bandits.]
[Return requested.]
My expression twisted. Without hesitation, I cried out.
“Father!”
Baek Moo-ryang read the message at a glance and immediately issued orders.
“All Baek Family members, prepare to return!”
“Understood!”
“Understood!”
Then Baek Moo-ryang bowed respectfully to the Taeguk Sword Master.
“An urgent matter has arisen at the main family. I must take my leave. Please forgive my rudeness.”
The Baek Family members departed the banquet hall, deploying their lightness techniques.
As I turned to follow, someone grabbed my sleeve.
“Seolha?”
“Elder brother, let me come with you.”
But that wasn’t all.
“Hwi, come on. Let’s go together.”
“I can’t sit this out either.”
“Yang Hwi! I want to go too!”
“Hwi. Bin-do will accompany you as well.”
The Tang Siblings—Dang-gun and Dang-yeon.
Adu of Shaolin. Neung-o of Jeomchang.
All four asked to come along.
‘Elder Dang, Sister, and Adu I understand, but even Elder Neung-o?’
“Elder Neung-o, you’ve become the Sect Leader. Can you really do this?”
“Bin-do is an arrow that has been released. If he dies, another disciple will inherit the position of sect leader, and they will seek revenge.”
A sect leader is not the one who stands at the front.
He stands behind, yet leads everyone.
However, Jeomchang seems to be different.
All his disciples are nodding their heads in agreement.
‘There’s no time to decline or dissuade them.’
I would handle the approval from my own sect myself.
I immediately leaped into motion, leaving one final word.
“Those who wish to come, follow at your own discretion.”
That’s what I said.
But I was grateful.

* * *
From Mu-han in Hubei to the Baek Family in Jiangxi was well over two months of travel.
That’s measuring by waterway, mind you.
Yet all of the Baek Family members were leaping across mountains and fields, displaying their lightness of body.
Assuming one doesn’t conserve inner energy, overland travel is faster than waterways for martial artists.
But.
It still wasn’t enough.
“Family Head! I’ve brought an urgent message!”
Baek Moo-ryang received the letter from Chu Dal, who had rushed from afar.
His expression grew grave.
“We halt for a moment.”
“Understood!”
“Understood!”
As everyone stopped and caught their breath, Baek Moo-ryang explained the situation.
“If we continue at this pace, we’ll arrive too late. Therefore, I will select only those with exceptional inner energy and movement techniques to form a separate vanguard unit.”
The condition for the vanguard unit was possessing the strength to reach the Baek Family within seven days.
“I will join.”
“So will I.”
“Count me in!”
“Bin-do also volunteers.”
“Sect Leader Neung-o, please lower your tone.”
“How could I do otherwise to the father of one I regard as a brother? Please prioritize our bond over rank.”
“If you speak so… then I understand.”
There were many volunteers beyond just the Baek Family members.
Jegal Seol-ha, the Tang Siblings, Adu, and Neung-o.
Additionally, five disciples from the Jegal Family, Dang Family, and Jeomchang’s sect.
“Brother, I will go as well.”
Seeing Baek Heon-so raise his hand with a resolute expression, Yang Hwi instinctively tried to stop him, but held back.
I’m worried, but… Seo has the qualifications too.
‘He’s no longer a child. So that makes fourteen of us—Father, me, Seo, and Chu Dal.’
“We can’t afford to waste time on recruitment, so all volunteers will form separate units and depart ahead.”
Baek Moo-ryang finished speaking and kicked off the ground.
Fourteen figures followed in his wake.
Their speed accelerated relentlessly.
Yet not a single one fell behind.
Despite more than half being in the late stages of cultivation.
‘Those bandit bastards—I’ll crush every last one of them.’
Yang Hwi, grinding his teeth, kicked off the earth with fury burning in his chest.
His body soared high into the air.
As if declaring he would reach the Baek Family this very instant.

* * *
The bandits’ primary weapon was the harpoon.
Similar to a spear, but with barbed hooks along the blade—one such harpoon had pierced someone’s chest.
“Krraaaaaaagh!”
Gu Ak’s eyes blazed crimson and his face swelled with bulging veins, yet he only gripped harder.
“Die, you wretches!”
Holding the harpoon firmly to prevent it from driving deeper, he swung his axe with his other hand.
“Krragh!”
Having cleaved the bandit in two, Gu Ak wrenched the harpoon out roughly and picked up the axe he’d set down moments before.
Then, crossing his twin axes, he roared.
“I am Gu Ak, the Regenerated One of the Yilil Cooperation! Come at me, you damned bastards!”
Blood streamed from his chest, yet his momentum seemed capable of slaughtering them all.
Like a tiger made more ferocious by its wounds.
Yet it was not enough.
No single bandit was particularly strong, but their numbers were overwhelming.
-I must protect the direct bloodline. Even if it costs my life.
-Yes, Lord Gu Ak.
After sending a transmission to his subordinate, Gu Ak swung his twin axes and killed five or six more bandits.
Mist erupted from the axes in thick streams, causing the bandits’ momentum to falter.
“Tch! You look like frightened rats!”
‘Fortunately, my inner power is sufficient.’
This was thanks to the abundant spiritual medicines distributed after discovering the spiritual medicine field in Sichuan.
But… even if things are manageable now, can I truly hold out until reinforcements from the main family arrive?
Gu Ak could not be certain.
‘Damn these wretches. They know far too well how to drain a man’s blood.’
The bandits’ attacks were not a single overwhelming assault of numbers.
They maintained their numerical advantage while splitting into multiple groups, attacking at staggered intervals.
They took turns resting while keeping me awake without respite.
‘Family Head. And Hwi’s Younger Brother. Please, I beg you to hurry.’
One day passed.
Two more days went by.
Just as I crossed the seventh night, Gu Ak reached a state where I could endure no longer.
“Huff. Huff. Huff.”
One of the bandits snickered and threw mockery my way.
“You look so exhausted, like some old geezer who’s lived a hundred years.”
In return for the mockery, I buried an axe in his skull.
But it was my limit.
With no strength left to stand, I dropped to one knee.
“I’m done!”
“He lasted quite long!”
“If we just kill this bastard of a Family Head, the Baek Family’s formation will crumble!”
“Everyone, attack!”
The bandits swarmed in like a pack of dogs.
I had no strength to rise, but my arms still had power to swing.
‘I’ll take at least one more with me. Junior Disciple, please… protect my wife and Hwa-hwa.’
That was when Gu Ak thought this.
At that very moment.
“You worthless maggots, worse than insects!”
-Kiiiiiiiiiii!
-Kiiiiiiiiiii!
Gae-cheon-bak-pal-geom, Second Form.
Heavenly Wings Suppress All Under Heaven!
A violent gale swept through.
Pure white feathers engulfed and consumed the surroundings.
‘Junior Disciple… you weren’t too late after all…’
Only then did Gu Ak lose consciousness.

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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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