Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 359

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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 359
As the victory banquet drew closer, a melancholy settled over the Baek Family.
It couldn’t be helped.
If the banquet’s purpose was to celebrate victory, then those who deserved the most celebration were the ones who killed Seon.
And among them, it should have been Yang Hwi who had achieved the greatest merit.
“Hwi, is there anything uncomfortable?”
“Brother. Shall I bring you some water?”
“Hwi’s Younger Brother. I’m sorry… My abilities fall short; I still haven’t found a way. *cough cough*.”
Every time I saw the reactions of those around me, guilt pricked at my heart…
Yet Yang Hwi secretly enjoyed this atmosphere.
‘I never knew such a desire was hidden within me.’
Throughout my life, I had never experienced being worried about by someone.
Especially not comfort and concern this powerful.
Whether in my past life or this one, I had always excelled beyond measure.
“Ten days remain until the victory banquet. I’ll train in near isolation during the carriage ride to Taeho.”
Everyone agreed.
Baek Moo-ryang even ordered Baek Cheol, the master craftsman, to construct a special carriage that wouldn’t shake at all.
As a result, Baek Cheol had to spend four full days hammering without sleep.
‘It truly has almost no vibration.’
The carriage was clearly moving, yet it was as comfortable as lying on the main residence’s bed.
With this, I could focus on training with peace of mind.
‘The mind. In the end, everything depends on the mind.’
I drew upon the Shaman’s teachings from among my various learnings.
The Taeguk Sword before it transforms into the Twin-Life Dual Blades.
The Wisdom Blade and the Half Blade.
Opposite, yet a pair.
Yin and yang.
Also, the positive.
Intent.
Intention.
Mental imagery is ultimately the form of the mind. A picture drawn forth by intention.
Therefore, it can be controlled.
Perfectly, without wavering.
Because it is correct, it is true.
Thus, no-mind.
The reason I must achieve the no-mind of stillness within motion…
‘If Seol-ha finds out, I’ll get beaten to death.’
Yang Hwi broke into a cold sweat.
My plan to feign loss of martial arts and extract substantial benefits.
Seol-ha was the only flaw in the plan, and personally, the greatest crisis.
Thus, I had to achieve a state of unattachment.

* * *
After hearing Elder Nangwang’s final testament in Nangsi, Seolha parted ways with Yang Hwi and returned to the Jegal Family.
The reason was simple.
She wanted to dress herself up beautifully!
‘The Baek Family feels comfortable like home now, but it’s still awkward to command their servants.’
This was a victory banquet commemorating the end of the Yangtze River War.
In other words, she and her betrothed Yang Hwi were the guests of honor at this celebration.
Of course, many others like Adu and Neung-o had played their roles….
‘A betrothal ceremony. My brother said we should hold a betrothal ceremony!’
It was a shame they weren’t holding a proper wedding, or rather.
It wasn’t a shame at all.
Neither of them had any intention of marrying without first confirming their feelings for each other.
The most beautiful woman under heaven, Jegal Seolha.
The most elegant maiden under heaven, Jegal Seolha.
She was certainly not an easy woman.
‘Hehe, what should I wear?’
Her room had more than five wardrobes.
Though she didn’t particularly favor her own appearance and disliked people’s gazes.
That didn’t mean she was unaware of her own beauty.
Rather, she took pride in it.
She disliked people’s stares only because she preferred to be seen by those she wished to see her.
“Hehehehe. My brother will probably wear white and blue tones, won’t he?”
Should she match colors for the betrothal ceremony?
No. Rather than that, something more dazzling.
So that everyone attending the betrothal ceremony couldn’t tear their eyes away.
It was a bit burdensome, but just for that day, she would enjoy the attention with a glad heart.
‘So that… my brother’s heart might flutter even a little.’
…If Yang Hwi had known this thought, he would have struck himself on the head from guilt.
“Seolha, let’s go now.”
It was her brother Jegal Hwa-un.
The direct line of the Jegal Family had decided to make a full appearance at this victory banquet.
From Family Head Jegal Pae to Vice-Head Jegal Seon, and including Jegal Hwa-un and Jegal Seolha.
The main figures of the victory banquet were the Il-ik Alliance. This was to demonstrate that the Jegal Family was a central pillar of the Il-ik Alliance.
“Now that we can travel along the Yangtze River, we won’t need to worry about mercenaries anymore.”
“Even before, ships flying the Jegal Family flag could never be invaded by mercenaries.”
“From now on, most merchant vessels will be the same. We must restore Mu-han as a vital hub of water transport. That is our family’s greatest task.”
“For that to happen, this victory banquet is crucial.”
“The Baek Family will cooperate with us, so it shouldn’t be difficult.”
The victory banquet will be held at Taeho, the domain of the Namgung Family.
Considering geography, it would be proper to hold it in Hubei where the Shamans and Jegals reside, specifically in Mu-han.
However, the decision was made at the Il-ik Alliance’s discretion to raise the banner of the declining Namgung Family.
By now, the young Family Head Namgung Cheon-yeong was likely bustling about preparing the banquet.
“It should take about ten days, shouldn’t it?”
“Let’s take our time and enjoy the scenery. There’s no need to rush.”
As the Jegal Family drew closer to Taeho, they harbored a vague sense of anticipation.
The reassurance felt from seeds they had sown bearing fruit.
A calculation of profit and loss—expecting returns in kind for the fertilizer they had provided.
The refined pleasure of drinking heartily with good people, including sworn brothers, in a fine setting.
Even Seol-ha, who waited for the betrothal ceremony with a racing heart.
“Ah! I can see Taeho now.”
Numerous martial sects had sent envoys for the banquet.
The Jegal Family headed toward the section where the Il-ik Alliance’s flags were planted.
Gathering nearby and securing lodgings in close proximity was an excellent way to display goodwill.
“Father, I’ll go ahead to the Baek Family’s quarters!”
“Seol-ha, shouldn’t you first rest from the journey?”
“We’re all warriors—what travel fatigue is there?”
She couldn’t go to the Baek Family alone. Ordinarily it might be different, but not now, on the eve of her betrothal ceremony.
She had to move with the elders and observe proper etiquette.
Thus, Jegal Pae and Jegal Seon had to head to the pavilion where the Baek Family was staying without even unpacking their belongings.
Their beautiful granddaughter and daughter had urged them on.
‘Hehe, my brother will be so surprised, won’t he?’
Yang Hwi was usually composed, but every so often he would show a surprised expression upon seeing her beauty.
Each time… she had come to like her cursed appearance bit by bit.
‘This time, he won’t just be a little surprised—he’ll be absolutely astounded, brother.’
She had made considerable effort to achieve that.
She had even secretly met with So Wol-hyang, the finest courtesan of Hangzhou, to learn cosmetic arts from her.
‘Without question, I am now the most beautiful woman in all history!’
…and then she felt a little embarrassed.
Having followed Yang Hwi since childhood, she had picked up many of his traits, from his rough manner of speech to his way of thinking.
But she had yet to fully adopt his habit of boasting about her own accomplishments.
‘Well, it’s not a lie anyway. Let me show my brother how joyful it is to have the most beautiful woman under heaven as one’s betrothed.’
With her heart swelling with anticipation and joy, Seol-ha arrived at the Baek Family’s pavilion.
“Yes…?”
No. That couldn’t be right.
“Say it again, brother.”
Yang Hwi, standing before Seol-ha, had no expression on his face.
As if he no longer had the strength to show any emotion.
“I’ve lost my martial arts.”
Seolha found herself unable to speak.
‘It must be a joke. My brother loves to tease, after all.’
She peered into Yang Hwi’s inner nature through her Daohua Eye.
But she saw nothing.
Though her eyes were open, the world remained shrouded in darkness.
Because her own heart trembled, everything appeared to tremble with it.
She could not see.
No—she could not bear to see.
What if. What if.
What if it were true, and she was terrified.
Afraid.
“….”
Seolha’s spirit dissipated like wind.
“Tell me, Eung-hyo Je-il. Have you truly lost your martial arts?”
Jegal Pae’s question. Yang Hwi answered briefly.
“Yes….”
There was no need to ask why.
It must have been that he could not overcome the injuries sustained fighting Seon.
In truth, losing his martial arts was a mercy—a feat that could have ended far worse.
So no one dared to harbor suspicion.
“Yang Hwi. Ah… the brightest star has dimmed.”
Jegal Seon offered comfort to Yang Hwi.
Jegal Pae and Jegal Hwa-un, standing behind, exchanged glances.
-Grandfather. Should we not alter the plan?
-Indeed. So it has come to pass.
The seed they had sown had grown into a mighty tree, and they had rejoiced at the thought of harvest.
They had anticipated savoring its fruit year after year.
Yet the mighty tree had withered, leaving behind only a handful of fruit.
The chariot and cannon—the most powerful pieces on the board of strategy.
With these pieces lost, one cannot simply remain idle.

* * *
The day of the victory banquet arrived.
Around Taeho, colorful paper already danced through the air and lanterns floated lazily—the entire atmosphere brimmed with festive celebration.
‘…Did I deceive them for nothing?’
Had it not been a lie, I would be enjoying the festival atmosphere with Seol-ha by now.
But there was no helping it.
“Chu Dal, how many proposals have we received so far?”
“Twenty-six in total, sir.”
The victory banquet served as the occasion for distributing merit and rank from the Yangtze River Great War.
Twenty-six proposals offering full cooperation in the Five Great Families’ ascension in exchange for a share of these rights.
In other words, twenty-six jackals attempting extortion or threats to seize what belonged to us.
“These righteous sects are truly despicable.”
“Such is the way of the world, sir.”
These rights were earned through the Baek Family’s total sacrifice and struggle.
For the sake of the retainers who died and were wounded in the great war, I could not surrender these rights.
So the deception was justified.
‘…I’m sorry to Seol-ha. Had I known it would come to this, I wouldn’t have even mentioned the betrothal.’
Of course… there was a reason.
Or rather, there seemed to be one.
In truth, I still didn’t fully understand why I had kept it secret even from Seol-ha.
‘If I’m being honest… there was no real need to deceive her.’
She would have gladly played along.
Yet the reason I didn’t want to tell her.
The reason I gathered various techniques to deceive, even creating the Heartless Profound Art to perform heartlessness.
What could it possibly be?
“Let’s go, Chu Dal.”
“Yes, sir.”
The victory banquet had begun.
“I, Baek Moo-ryang, offer my gratitude to all of you gathered here to celebrate the conclusion of the great war!”
Standing at the highest place before those sent by countless martial sects across the realm, before the very eyes of the eastern heroes of all lands—my father.
It was always a sight I longed to see.
‘Yet somehow it feels rather hollow.’
The banquet proceeded according to the schedule.
Joyfully celebrating the victory.
Taking time to honor the Taeguk Sword Master, who had greatly contributed to the war’s triumph.
Music rang out, and entertainers displayed their dancing and performances.
At last, the moment to discuss merit and rank had arrived.
“The Yangtze River has been liberated from the oppression of the Suro League. The lifeblood of all under heaven has returned to the hands of all people.”
Rights. In truth, most gathered at this place were here for the rights to the Yangtze River.
“Mu-han has been the center of Yangtze River commerce since ancient times. Therefore, restoring Mu-han’s position is of paramount importance.”
“The Yangtze begins at the Three Gorges. Before the Three Gorges, the waters originating from Sichuan must also be connected.”
“We must extend the waterways all the way to Anhui and Hangzhou. It seems the cooperation of many fellow Daoists will be necessary.”
Numerous opinions were raised and clashed against one another.
The clash became conflict, and the atmosphere grew increasingly sharp.
It was time for me to step forward.
“Fellow Daoists.”
All eyes converged upon me.
The protagonist of this victory banquet.
Eung-hyo Je-il Baek Yang-hwi.
Many thought it strange that I had remained silent until now.
“The atmosphere seems to have grown heated, so I, Eung-hyo Je-il, wish to display a light skill to comfort you all.”
After offering proper courtesy, I drew my sword.
“Just as wings come in pairs, sword dances too must have a partner. Who will stand with me?”
“….”
“….”
“….”
Everyone understood that “sword dance” meant a martial contest.
The greatest under heaven, Hu Gi-jisu.
Or rather, the next greatest under heaven.
No one wished to face Eung-hyo Je-il and suffer humiliation.
Thus, none of the higher-ranking figures stepped forward.
“Eung-hyo Je-il! It would be an honor if you would spar with this Sang Gwan-hyeok!”
Sang Gwan-hyeok. The Soga-joonim of the Sang Gwan Family, who would have been the most likely candidate for elevation to the Five Great Families had the Baek Family not existed.
He, still brimming with youthful vigor, stepped forward.
“Very well, Senior Sang Gwan.”
“Senior? For one whose reputation is dozens of times greater to address me thus would be disrespectful instead.”
“Then what should I call you?”
Sang Gwan-hyeok hesitated. Though he was a few years older in age, he could not presume to call himself my senior.
“…Address me by my title.”
“Understood, Soga-joonim. Then let us begin.”
“Will you grant me first move?”
“Though I am your junior in years, I cannot commit such rudeness.”
Everyone sensed it instinctively.
That I intended to strike with ruthless force.
No one was ignorant of my temperament being far from pleasant.
“Then, I shall begin.”
Sang Gwan-hyeok was drawing a deep breath, tensing his entire body.
‘…Why so slow…?’
Yang Hwi charged forward, sword raised high.
Yet it was slow.
While far swifter than an ordinary person, by a warrior’s standards, it was merely second-rate at best.
‘Ha! So you’re toying with me!’
Sang Gwan-hyeok’s expression darkened as he drew upon his inner energy forcefully and unleashed his blade.
Though he called it a strike, it was merely a basic technique to parry the sword.
But.
“Ugh!”
From just a single sword strike, Eung-hyo Je-il was sent flying backward.
He even coughed up blood as he struggled to push himself upright, his arms trembling.
“…?”
“…?”
“…?”
Barely rising to his feet, Yang Hwi offered a faint smile and clasped his fist in salute.
“That was an excellent match, Soga-joonim.”
“Eung-hyo Je-il. Are you mocking me right now?”
“Not at all. That was the result of my utmost effort.”
One by one, those present began to grasp what had transpired.
Several emotions settled over the assembly.
Shock. Astonishment. Bewilderment.
Sang Gwan-hyeok asked, his voice trembling.
“Could it be… you’ve lost your martial arts?”
The answer came back with a bitter smile.
“Yes. I was unable to recover from the injuries sustained at Seon’s hands… my inner energy has dissipated.”
Eung-hyo Je-il, the next greatest martial artist under heaven, had lost his martial prowess.
This was the moment that truth was revealed to all.

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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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