Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 398

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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 398
In my past life, I had no master.
In this life, there is only one being I call Master—Eum Hu.
But.
If I had to choose just one master,
‘It would have to be Sword Immortal, wouldn’t it?’
“Transformation Realm is the state where one becomes what one desires to become.”
“Young one, what is it you wish to become?”
The answer was simple.
Shatter Heaven.
If anything blocks my path, I will shatter even the heavens themselves to forge a way forward.
Even now, with Swaecheon-sinjyo transformed into Heuk-baek-sin-jo, the direction my wings beat remained unchanged.
‘Twin-Winged Feather Swords. Go and shatter.’
The mental image from my past life—Feather Shaving.
The feather swords flew like plumes, beginning to shave away at the Great Sea Dragon King’s Daogang.
The Daogang was vast as the great sea itself, yet singular in form, while the pristine white-glowing feather swords were ordinary sword-sized but numbered in the dozens.
Still, a disparity in power clearly existed.
An overwhelmingly vast difference in strength.
But…
‘Force against force cancels out. I seize and amplify.’
The Absorption Technique, a foundational Yin-based martial art that converts force into vibration—Feather Transformation Great Dissipation.
To this, the mysteries of the Tai Chi were layered upon the feather swords.
The Shaman’s Four-Direction Heaven-Breaking Technique, one method among the Graft-Fusion techniques, was added to Feather Transformation Great Dissipation.
‘So I shall name it Wing Movement Mutual Generation.’
A new path forward—the Heavenly Opening Sword Path now had a third route.
Heavenly Opening Sword Path, Third Route. Twin-Winged Mutual Movement Mutual Generation!
A single exchange with Cheonmu-sip-jon.
I had seized the advantage.
Exhilaration filled my chest.
“Impressive. You’ve woven together Eum Hu’s teachings, Geom-ong’s mysteries, and even this Dragon King’s enlightenment.”
Rather than answer immediately, I smiled.
Twin-Winged Mutual Movement Mutual Generation was also a tribute to the three Cheonmu-sip-jon who had offered me fragments of their martial way.
“Indeed, I understand your meaning well. I merely wanted to taste whether you’d become a tiger, but you’ve exceeded that. Kehehe.”
For a moment, I felt dizzy. Surely he hadn’t read even the hidden half?
-I have not yet reached Transformation Realm, Immortal.
-Enough. You’ve already reached it. You simply haven’t realized it yourself.
A relief. He hadn’t read it after all.
Conversely, the fact that showing only half was enough for Cheonmu-sip-jon, the Great Sea Dragon King, to believe I’d fully reached Transformation Realm spoke to how remarkable the realm I’d achieved truly was.
‘Besides, Sword Immortal himself said I was the first to unify Immortal and Demonic paths.’
In other words, a Transformation Realm unprecedented throughout all of history.
As such, there was no need to speak of his potential.
‘If I continue down this path, that is all that matters. My way is not mistaken.’
It was then that Yang Hwi solidified this resolve.
Suddenly, Yongwang-do’s expression turned playful.
-Even if you are still only half-complete, would it not be better for you and the martial world of Baek Do if you became a true young hero who has ascended to the Hwajing realm?
-That is certainly true, is it not?
The Great Sea Dragon King then burst into hearty laughter and proclaimed aloud.
“Eung-hyo Je-il! Yang Hwi of the Baek Family! I, Cheonmu-sip-jon the Great Sea Dragon King, shall bestow upon you a new epithet! I shall call you thus! A hawk soaring skyward to ascend the heavens, the Divine Eagle of Ascension!”
Yang Hwi gazed upward at the sky and closed his eyes.
Divine Eagle of Ascension.
There exists one unspoken rule in this martial world.
It concerns the character for Deity.
‘For the character Deity to appear in an epithet, one must ascend above the rank of Cheonmu-sip-jon.’
In other words, this is what it meant.
The Great Sea Dragon King, one of the Cheonmu-sip-jon, had proclaimed that Eung-hyo Je-il of the Baek Family had ascended to the Hwajing realm and bestowed upon him a new epithet befitting that achievement.
And he did so before all thirty-six major sects of Baek Do.
But.
I was unsatisfied.
There was a different epithet I desired.
‘It is time to proclaim it myself.’
“Elder, why do you presume to decide another’s epithet on your own?”
“…Huh?”
Even the Great Sea Dragon King of all under heaven could not help but be taken aback.
Despite making his intentions to help so transparently clear, to raise an objection now?
“The Divine Eagle That Covers Heaven. I am a hawk that dreams of the sky, yet I wish to spread my wings with unwavering resolve.”
To walk at the very front is not because I desire to be first.
It is to forge a new path.
“Therefore, I, Yang Hwi of the Baek Family, shall proclaim my own epithet as the Divine Eagle That Covers Heaven!”
Given the senior disciples gathered here, this was tantamount to a proclamation to the entire martial world of Baek Do.
Though it was the cry of a young warrior of merely twenty-five years, one who could still be called a late-stage cultivator without reproach, no one raised an objection.
For there was no one present who could exchange moves equally with the Great Sea Dragon King.
“Excellent, you impudent young disciple! No, that is no longer fitting. I, the Great Sea Dragon King, acknowledge this. You have the right to proclaim yourself the Divine Eagle That Covers Heaven!”
Without realizing it, Yang Hwi looked toward his father, Baek Moo-ryang.
The Covering Heaven Sword inherited from his previous life.
At last, I had proclaimed myself as one who covers heaven.
Father’s face was filled with emotion.

* * *
Amidst the atmosphere of emotion and fervor, Chu Dal suddenly posed a question.
“So Illik Alliance and Yongwang Alliance are becoming one?”
“….”
“….”
“….”
‘Why does Chu Dal lack such basic perception?’
Not just Yang Hwi, but everyone was looking at Chu Dal with the same sentiment.
-No, brother! Shouldn’t we address this! Someone had to speak up! Don’t look at me like that just because I’m being wronged!
Well, it wasn’t entirely wrong.
Some things needed to be clarified.
“Sword Immortal. When two tigers share one mountain, they fight, don’t they?”
“So each occupies their own mountain, and when the wolf pack from across the way comes, we join hands then.”
“Though we gather separately, we walk the same path—that of Baek Do.”
It was essentially a conversation meaning the two alliances would never truly merge.
“Then I have a proposal.”
I sensed it instantly.
The true purpose of Yongwang Alliance wasn’t the new weapon auction, but this very matter.
“Those bloodstained Mado disciples—the ones called Hyeol-sin and Blood Sect. I’ve discovered where their headquarters is located.”
Even I couldn’t help but be astonished.
‘What?! It was never revealed even in my past life?’
“Lakbul and Eum Hu worked very hard on this.”
No wonder Master hadn’t shown his face recently.
Given his nature, he would have rushed over the moment rumors spread about losing his martial prowess.
Certainly, ever since the Cheonmu-sip-jon began moving in earnest before the social upheaval occurred, many things had changed.
“Where is it, the headquarters? Is the proposal for both alliances to strike together?”
“No. We only have rough information that it’s hidden somewhere in Gansu and Qinghai.”
Some of the wind had been let out, but even this much was an enormous achievement.
‘I thought it would be in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces considering their operational range. This is unexpected.’
“Finding the exact location of the headquarters will be handled by myself and the other Cheonmu-sip-jon. However, our Yongwang Alliance and Illik Alliance cannot simply idle about either. How about each alliance fulfill their own duties in Baek Do?”
The duties of Baek Do—eliminating wicked factions and bringing peace to the common people.
I could roughly guess what was coming.
“After returning to the family after half a year, I found that the three greatest sects under heaven had changed.”
Hyeol Sa-ryeon, which had been one of the three greatest sects alongside Jang Gang-su Ro-maeng, had become the greatest sect under heaven.
And simultaneously, a newly incorporated sect.
Its name was Haewang-hoe—the Sea King Society.
“Those arrogant pirates daring to call themselves king. We can’t leave Hyeol Sa-ryeon alone, nor the Sea King Society. So each alliance will choose one location and eliminate them.”
“Hmm….”
He said each would take one, but this felt like he was trying to dump work on us.
The Sea King Society controlled Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian as their territory.
In short, it means that wherever there’s a coastline, they appear and plunder without mercy.
Whether it’s true or not, rumors claim they even influence distant lands like Haedong and Dongnyeong.
‘The main sects of the Yongwang Alliance are all located near the coast.’
“Considering the geography, wouldn’t it be better for the Yongwang Alliance to take charge of the Sea King Society? What do you think?”
As expected.
“So you’re saying our Il-ik Alliance, which is merely a drop in the bucket compared to the Yongwang Alliance, should take charge of the Hyeol Sa-ryeon, the greatest sect under heaven?”
“Well, I thought you’d say that, so I’ve already separated out several sects to give you.”
So this old master had drawn up the entire plan and simply didn’t appear at the auction?
In any case, beneath his bold demeanor lay a cunning shrewdness.
The kind of strategic mind befitting the architect who made the Paeng Family the greatest under heaven.
“If we’re thinking about efficiency, that would be the right approach.”
“Very well, then.”
Yongwang-do’s expression showed surprise.
Though he spoke of efficiency, what was really happening was that a larger and more dangerous threat was being handed off to the Il-ik Alliance.
I had expected him to protest, but his acceptance came far too readily, leaving me bewildered.
-What are you thinking, boy? I thought you’d press the issue about Fukien bordering Jiangxi.
-Since I’ve received a concession, I should reciprocate.
-…I didn’t expect such thoughtfulness from you.
Well, that’s actually a lie.
You’re quite sharp, old master.
I could never be so thoughtful as that.
‘Hehe, one of the Five Divine Generals of Yeokcheon Singyeo is in Zhejiang, you know.’
What does this mean?
It’s quite likely that the Sea King Society is already in Cheonma’s grasp.
Once we see what’s really there, the Sea King Society might actually be the more dangerous enemy.
‘Come to think of it, when I went to Hangzhou back then, I nearly got caught in something terrible. Well, my Master would have handled it somehow.’
With less than two months remaining until spring arrived.
I had to secure the granaries of Hunan until this year’s autumn harvest.
If droughts, floods, and other natural disasters brought about the predicted famine, the Baek Family would suffer enormous losses.
‘In the end, we’ll have to fight the Hyeol Sa-ryeon soon anyway. So it’s better to pretend to yield and step back.’
“However, old master, this matter seems to be something the Alliance Leader should decide directly.”
“That is also true. What say you, Alliance Leader?”
Baek Moo-ryang opened his mouth, looking at Yang Hwi.
“Though I hold the position of Alliance Leader, the burden has been heavy, and now a new Cheonmu-sip-jon has been born among our ranks—a blessing for the Alliance. Therefore, I shall appoint Gae-cheon-sin-eung as Vice Leader and delegate full authority to him.”
Somehow I’d ended up wearing yet another hat.
“I accept the Alliance Leader’s command. Then, old master, let us proceed as you’ve suggested.”
Thus ended a day that was brief yet felt endless.

* * *
“Have you heard? The Baek Family Heir! They say he’s reached the Hwa Realm!”
“What nonsense. The man lost his martial arts half a year ago—how could he possibly reach the Hwa Realm?”
“You haven’t heard yet, it seems. The Great Sea Dragon King, one of the Cheonmu-sip-jon himself, has personally acknowledged it!”
“What?! Is that really true!”
Over a hundred people had witnessed the exchange of techniques between Gae-cheon-sin-eung and the Great Sea Dragon King.
Moreover, thanks to the Baek Family’s intelligence division, the Thousand-Li Pavilion, working at full capacity, the rumor spread across the entire realm in an instant.
“Eung-hyo Je-il, or rather, Gae-cheon-sin-eung—how old is he this year?”
“He turned twenty-five after his birthday not long ago.”
“…!”
“Twenty-five! Has there ever been anyone who claimed a seat among the Cheonmu-sip-jon at such a young age?”
“Never. Not that I know of!”
“Then….”
“Hahaha! Hahahaha! Eung-hyo Je-il is living up to his own declaration!”
Eung-hyo Je-il—an epithet born from his proclamation that he himself would be the next greatest martial artist under heaven.
Now everyone had no choice but to acknowledge it.
No, they had already acknowledged it long ago, and now there was only admiration and astonishment.
“At most twenty years. By then, he’ll surely become the greatest martial artist under heaven.”
“The world grows turbulent, yet this is truly joyous news!”
Gae-cheon-sin-eung, the center of rumors and the whirlwind of discussion.
Naturally, everyone was curious about his next move.
“I wish Gae-cheon-sin-eung would subjugate those bandits. I’ll have to leave for the merchant caravans soon, and it’s giving me a headache.”
“I hope he’ll deal with those bastards coming over from Honam. When did Gangseong become the Baek Family’s territory? Yet they still cause trouble.”
“Whichever direction he moves, he’ll surely astound us again.”
“Of course! He’s the next greatest martial artist under heaven!”
Thus, Gae-cheon-sin-eung, who had set the entire realm ablaze with enthusiasm, was now….
“Hwi. How many strikes will you take?”
Standing before his father with his trouser legs rolled up, holding a cane.
“You reached the Hwa Realm and hid this fact even from your father.”
“Father! There were circumstances!”
“Yes. There were circumstances. Seolha told me.”
“What?!”
As Yang Hwi jerked his head up, stung by betrayal, a voice transmission reached him.
-I’m sorry, older brother. From my position, I needed to earn some points with Father.
Knowing well Baek Moo-ryang’s unbending character, and having semi-forcibly run away with Yang Hwi, Seolha had no choice but to make this decision.
-Hehe, it won’t hurt anyway. Just take the beating.
“….”
“Now answer. How many strikes will you take?”
“…Ten strikes.”
“Understood.”
Baek Moo-ryang infused his inner qi into the whip.
—Kiiiieeee!
With a sharp resonance, sword energy crystallized along the whip’s length.
My awe at Father’s breakthrough in cultivation was fleeting—my face drained of color.
“Father! If that hits me, my legs will be severed!”
“Then wrap yourself in protective qi.”
Baek Moo-ryang immediately swung his arm.
Shhhhiiiiing!
At twenty-five, I had surpassed the Cheonmu-sip-jon—a prodigy of unparalleled brilliance, Yang Hwi.
Yet I remained my father’s child.
“Argh, Father! My legs really will be cut off! They’re really going to be severed!”

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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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