Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven - Chapter 401

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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 401
On a moonless night, in a deep forest where even faint light could not penetrate.
In short, the perfect place for a clandestine meeting.
A man stood waiting for someone, his anxious expression betraying his restlessness.
Namgung Cheon-yeong, Sect Leader of the Hyeol Sa-ryeon. That was the man’s identity.
“Damn it. Curse it. Hell.”
Not long ago, Namgung Cheon-yeong had received a message via a white hawk.
The contents written in the letter were remarkably simple.
[Wait at the designated time and place. If you don’t show, I’ll expose everything.]
[I’ll send another message with the time and location later, so wait quietly.]
Even recalling it now made his blood boil.
The meticulous cunning of summoning him unilaterally while revealing the time and place only just before the meeting, preventing any ambush.
The treachery of using something that happened five years ago as leverage to blackmail him.
“Damn bastard. I should have known from the start what kind of scoundrel he was, but I was the fool who believed him.”
Yet as Namgung Cheon-yeong, he had no choice but to follow the message sent by the Baek Family Heir.
His position within the Hyeol Sa-ryeon was far too precarious.
If it became known that he had made a secret agreement and pact with Baek Do…
In truth, this was what truly infuriated and aggrieved Namgung Cheon-yeong.
‘He said if I followed his plan, I could firmly establish myself as Sect Leader within the Hyeol Sa-ryeon.’
Believing his words, he had even pledged the name of the Hyeol Sa-ryeon itself in making a non-aggression pact with Baek Do.
Without even obtaining permission from the absolute being, the Master—no, the Highest One.
Naturally, Namgung Cheon-yeong had expected that afterward he would maintain secret contact with the Baek Family Heir, moving together for mutual benefit.
That was why he had taken the risk and made his gamble.
‘Yet that bastard pretended not to know and gave no contact or help for five whole years, and now…’
Grinding his teeth, Namgung Cheon-yeong muttered to himself.
“No matter how I think about it, that bastard isn’t Baek Do. He said he was born a beggar, so it must be…”
“What did you just say?”
“Gasp!”
Yang Hwi appeared before Namgung Cheon-yeong, leaning on one leg.
“A beggar’s origin? Keep talking.”
“…When did you arrive.”
“I said keep talking, didn’t I?”
Namgung Cheon-yeong’s lips trembled in silence.
His expression looked exactly like a fool.
I need to establish discipline with this bastard first.
‘I’m the one in need right now, it’s true. But I can’t afford to lose ground from the start.’
Upon returning from the Western Fortress, the Yongwang Alliance had suddenly appeared.
Its leader was none other than Cheonmu-sip-jon, the Great Sea Dragon King, who had already seized over seventy percent of the martial world of Baek Do.
Because of this, he had to rapidly expand the power of the Il-ik Alliance through the recruitment of new members, and had even revealed that he had reached the Hwagyeong realm.
‘It was something I would have to reveal eventually. But there was much to gain by keeping it hidden…’
Anyway, regardless of the details, I’ve agreed with Yongwang-do to dismantle both the Sea King Society and Hyeol Sa-ryeon respectively.
If I use this Sect Leader properly, I can maximize profits without incurring losses.
‘So I’ll seize the initiative first.’
“That’s enough. Go on your way. Live well, you bastard.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong’s face brightened.
“You’re really just leaving like this? Not extorting money or information?”
“I never intended to extort anything in the first place. I came to honor my promise to solidify your position as Sect Leader, but since it seems unnecessary, so be it.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong’s expression shifted rapidly.
If I added one more thing to this.
“Since I came for nothing, I’ll spread some rumors to vent my frustration. That Sect Leader Namgung Cheon-yeong signed a non-aggression pact under the orders of Gae-cheon-sin-eung. Thanks to that, Gae-cheon-sin-eung prevented the establishment of a martial alliance led by the Mudang Faction, allowing the current Il-ik Alliance to be born.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong’s expression shifted dramatically once more.
What is this bastard, some kind of face-changing sorcerer?
Thud!
Namgung Cheon-yeong dropped to his knees and slammed his forehead to the ground, crying out.
“Young Master! I will fulfill my duty as a loyal servant!”
“Isn’t that a loyalty oath? Are you giving me another weakness to hold over you?”
“Please, spare my life. I beg you, let me live as Sect Leader for the reasons you mentioned at first. If you do, I will fulfill my duty with utmost devotion.”
I’ve felt it before, but despite his weakness, he’s quite sharp-minded.
Or rather, his instincts are keen.
Like a rat scurrying about, gathering scraps and fleeing.
‘Once his circumstances improve and his weaknesses cease to be weaknesses, he’ll switch sides immediately.’
What the heterodox sects do is all the same anyway—transparent as glass.
Besides, whether he betrays or not doesn’t matter to me.
Whether rat or dog, they won’t bite their master if fed well.
‘Still, I’ll conduct a simple test to keep him from entertaining other thoughts.’
“Then can you betray your own master, the Hyeol Bu Gu-ak?”
“Of course!”
I didn’t expect such an immediate answer.
“I was never granted the title of disciple in the first place. To me, the Sect Leader is merely the Highest One.”
So he received martial instruction but was never treated as a true disciple.
Come to think of it, during the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, he was nothing but a puppet Sect Leader anyway.
The Hyeol Bu Gu-ak periodically received disciples from his subordinate sects, accumulating hundreds of disciples in total.
Namgung Cheon-yeong was chosen among them as a disposable pawn.
‘Yet seeing how well he walked the tightrope to maintain his position as Sect Leader for five years, hmm.’
He should handle the tasks I assign him well enough.
“I promise you this. If I’m at your side when the Sect Leader tries to kill you, I will surely save you.”
“That means….”
Namgung Cheon-yeong swallowed hard and continued.
“Have you truly ascended to the Transformation Realm? To the same level as the Highest One?”
Instead of answering, I grinned and drew forth my energy.
Three flowers blooming above my head—the Tri-Flame Gathering.
Namgung Cheon-yeong gazed at the condensed energy with entranced eyes.
A dazed murmur escaped his lips.
“You really did ascend. A bastard younger than me.”
Tsk, watch your tongue.
I was about to punch him in the face, but the despair and sense of deprivation etched across his features were so profound that I decided to let it slide.
“Bastard, is that really what matters now? What matters is that Cheonmu-sip-jon is your backing.”
“…You speak the truth, sir.”
Now that we’d established our respective positions and hierarchy, it was time to broach the main subject.
“What’s your ranking among the Sect Leader’s disciples?”
“…Roughly around seventieth place.”
“Seventieth place with a Sect Leader position?!”
That’s quite the feat in itself.
How are you still not fired?
“Well, the exact ranking doesn’t matter. You’re aware that demonic techniques from the Blood Sect have been running rampant in Honam recently, aren’t you?”
“Of course. We in the Hyeol Sa-ryeon view it as a serious matter.”
“Then naturally you’ll organize a suppression force and dispatch it, including disciples ranked higher than you.”
A question formed on Namgung Cheon-yeong’s face.
“I’ve been desperately trying to go myself. Are you saying I should pass up the chance to earn merit?”
So that’s what he thinks?
“Every suppression force that goes will be wiped out.”
“Why? It’s only been a month since the demonic techniques spread. Even if they’re just rabble, it’s an opportunity to earn merit by slaughtering them.”
Now was the time to weave truth with lies.
“According to our Baek Family’s intelligence network, the Demonic Sect plans to dispatch a Cheonmu-sip-jon-level master to Honam.”
“What?! A master of that caliber will personally intervene?”
“Moreover, their plan is to initially hide their identity and operate in secret while devouring your Hyeol Sa-ryeon’s suppression forces.”
No. That’s my plan.
The clueless Namgung Cheon-yeong’s expression grew grave.
“I see. They’re gathering those who’ve learned demonic techniques in Honam and consolidating power?”
“Exactly. I heard there’s even a Transcendent Master among your disciples?”
“There is.”
I casually scanned Namgung Cheon-yeong from head to toe.
“You’re still at the peak stage?”
“….”
“It’s fine. At your age, that’s understandable.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong swallowed his rising indignation.
It was true, but hearing it from someone younger than him was utterly humiliating.
“In any case, start by sending disciples ranked around sixtieth, then gradually increase their ranks?”
This bastard really does have a sharp mind for these schemes.
“Eventually send disciples with single-digit rankings as suppression force commanders, until only you remain as a suitable successor.”
“To make this work, I’ll need to keep packaging opportunities that let me accumulate merit proportional to my actual strength.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong laughed with cunning.
“Don’t worry. I’ve coaxed and cajoled countless times before.”
Such a pretty way to say you’re flattering and scratching where it itches.
“Don’t you feel any guilt? We’re still sworn brothers.”
A glint of murderous intent flickered in Namgung Cheon-yeong’s eyes.
“A man with ambitions cannot simply leave obstacles in his path. Besides, I only need to send those who never saw me as a sworn brother in the first place.”
“Well, that’s true enough.”
Thank you for saying that, you bastard.
Now I can use you without a shred of guilt.
“Wait. But the information is certain, yes? If complications arise, things become very troublesome.”
“Troublesome enough to what?”
It seems his position is even more precarious than what outsiders could discover.
“Hmm. Let me think on it.”
“You’re asking about the credibility of information, and you need to think?”
“Wait, boy.”
If I plant the conviction that Sect Leader Namgung Cheon-yeong is a reliable ally.
I can use him most deliciously until he’s no longer needed.
Especially considering that Baek Do would never believe anything a heretic sect member says anyway.
“There’s no need to worry about credibility.”
“Then what’s your basis?”
“Me.”
“…?”
“An unidentified Cheonmu-sip-jon-level Madu. That’s me.”
“…?”
Namgung Cheon-yeong remained bewildered.
The context made so little sense that cognitive dissonance had set in.
I laughed and added more.
“I’ll pretend to be a Madu and devour the disciples of the Hyeol Sa-ryeon, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
After finishing, I drew my spirit from the Seonhon Iwon-dan.
Simultaneously, a white mask covering my face was pulled out by the Heogong Seop-mul.
“Injoong Sinma. A Hwa-gyeong-level Madu from the Demonic Sect who swept through Seo-jang and appeared in the Central Plains.”
“…How is this…!”
“Injoong Sinma will unite the Madou of Honam to create a subordinate force under the Blood Sect. So the Hyeol Sa-ryeon must continue sending suppression forces to avoid losing control of Honam.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong’s body trembled. A Transcendent Master unable to control his own body.
Was it really that shocking?
“Baek Do’s young hero Gae-cheon-sin-eung. The Demonic Sect’s Hwa-gyeong-level Madu Injoong Sinma. Both are this very person.”
“….”
“Did you catch on to why I shared this secret?”
Only then did Namgung Cheon-yeong regain his senses.
“Unless you plan to kill and discard me later….”
“That’s right. We go all the way together. Until we meet one of two ends—death or seizing the Central Plains.”
Namgung Cheon-yeong trembled once more.
It was the whisper that struck directly at the ambitions he had harbored since childhood.
“Namgung Cheon-yeong. If things proceed according to plan, you might even become the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Leader. Though you’d be my puppet, you’d hold a position second only to me and above all others. How is it? Does ambition stir in you now?”
Thud!
Namgung Cheon-yeong knelt once more.
“You are my Highest One! I shall devote myself with the loyalty of a horse and dog!”
A fervent oath of allegiance. I had confirmed through my earlier question that there was no need to feel guilt about this.
Still, I weighed my conscience once more.
Question: Is it wrong to toy with the heart of a heterodox bastard?
Answer: No.
‘I’ll use him well and discard him. Since he’s lived that way, he won’t harbor resentment, I trust.’
Still, I intended to keep my promise.
I said he might become the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Leader, not that I would make him one.

* * *
After the secret meeting ended, Yang Hwi returned to his dwelling.
Though dwelling was merely a repaired abandoned house left to rot in a mountain valley.
“Divine Being, you have arrived!”
As I approached while subtly releasing my aura, the Madu swarmed out.
“Fifteen of them now, it seems.”
These were the ones I had filtered through—killing those who overstepped, casting aside the foolish, and sending away the irritating.
Well, since they had all already consumed humans, I planned to kill them all eventually anyway.
‘Sigh, I’ll have to put up with these bastards for a while longer.’
With the Hyeol-ma-dae spreading throughout Honam, I had substantially revised my plans.
Instead of assassinating the Hyeol Sa-ryeon Leader’s sworn brother, I would gather those who had learned Hyeol-ma-dae and use them as expendable pawns.
As a result, I had agreed to separate temporarily from Chu Dal and Seolha who had traveled with me.
‘We agreed to meet in half a month, so I just need to endure until then.’
“Hyeol-ma-dae. Reestablish the rules of conduct.”
“First, consume only Warriors!”
“Why?”
“Because those without cultivation are murky when consumed!”
“Next.”
“Yes! Second, target the stronger as prey!”
“Why?”
“Because a strong one’s essence is no different from a spiritual elixir!”
“Finally.”
“Third! Absolute obedience to the Divine Being’s commands!”
“Why must it be so?”
“It is because the Divine Being will lead us all to the highest place!”
Yang Hwi found himself thinking casually about this.
‘When I first discovered the Hyeol-ma-dae technique had been released, it was troublesome. But this is convenient.’
The members of the Hyeol-ma-dae, hastily named as it was, all possessed eyes burning with fanaticism.
The Blood Sect spreads like a plague. One can grow stronger simply by consuming others and draining their blood and vitality.
Yet precisely because of this, the Blood Sect requires a mechanism to control its followers.
‘Foolish bastards. Simply by learning the Blood Sect’s demonic arts, they develop fanaticism toward Hyeol-sin.’
This was what made the Blood Sect truly terrifying.
Once the demonic arts were sown, the followers could be harvested after time passed.
This was also why the Blood Sect had been treated as a plague in my past life.
But.
I now possessed Hun-gi, the source of all demonic energy.
It was incredibly simple to manipulate the Hyeol-ma-dae practitioners’ fanaticism by dissecting the acquired Hyeol-ma-dae technique and redirecting their devotion toward myself.
‘In any case, fifteen should be sufficient to begin.’
“Let’s go. It’s time we ventured outside.”
“Yes, Divine Being!”
“Do any of you know a decent-sized Heuk-do Faction branch nearby?”
“There is a faction called Yangryangpa. They number approximately a hundred strong, and their leader, Ssang-tu-gwon, is known to have reached the Transcendent Realm.”
Notably, not a single member of the Hyeol-ma-dae was a Transcendent Master.
It had only been a month since the Hyeol-ma-dae technique was distributed—those who had hastily learned it could hardly be called true warriors.
It didn’t matter though.
‘I’ll feed them with Heuk-do and heterodox sect bastards to raise them up.’
“Let’s go. Time to feed.”
“Yes!”
“We shall follow!”
Grow strong, you bastards.
You need to become shackles around Hyeol Sa-ryeon’s ankles.

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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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