Chapter 29

The Position Every Martial Artist Desires The seat of the Martial God Sect Leader—every martial artist in the world dreams of claiming it. And yet, Yeon Woo Jin saw it as nothing more than a tiresome burden. If Yeon Woo Jin were to take that position, the Martial God Sect would solidify its place as the strongest, an unshakable force above all others. “Will you keep this a secret?” Yeon Woo Jin winked as he spoke. Ma Ryang and Cheon Ho-seong nodded without hesitation. “Thank you. As a reward, I’ll take a look at your martial arts.” “...What?” “I noticed something while you were using them—there are a few weak points. If you reinforce them, they’ll become much stronger.” Ma Ryang and Cheon Ho-seong exchanged glances. “If you don’t want to, I won’t force you.” At those words, they both shouted in unison. “No! Please take a look!” “What should we do? Should we give you our manuals?” Of all people, it was Yeon Woo Jin who said they could become stronger. The idea that they could still improve seemed almost impossible, leaving them stunned for a moment. “Hmm, then will you give me the manuals? I’ll study them in detail and make the necessary corrections.” “Understood!” “We’ll have them prepared for you by today!” A Few Days Later Holding the refined martial arts manuals in their trembling hands, Jeokseong, Ma Ryang, and Cheon Ho-seong carefully flipped through the pages. Sha-rak—sha-rak— The only sound in the room was that of the pages turning. When they reached the final page, they all reacted the same way. Their hands trembled violently. Their faces were filled with shock and disbelief. “M-My god... Who would have thought it could be interpreted like this?” “So this is what being stuck in a mold truly means... I’ve never even used this incredible martial art properly until now.” “Where does the limit of the Young Master’s abilities even lie?” “My Hell-Heaven Decapitation Blade... It has finally lived up to its name.” “The same goes for my Lightning Death Sword.” “My Dark Soul Art has become the embodiment of perfect darkness.” At the end of the book, a handwritten note from Yeon Woo Jin was inscribed. ‘Master it completely, then come challenge me in a duel.’ The three men exchanged glances before nodding with solemn determination. Without another word, they scattered in different directions. They had to master these completely redefined techniques as soon as possible. Only then would they be able to face Yeon Woo Jin in the perfect duel he was waiting for. Inside the Boundless Library—Yeon Woo Jin’s Residence “Hahaha! So, how is life at the academy treating you?” “It’s so much fun!” “Oh? Fun, is it? Have you made any friends?” “Of course! I’ve already made two!” “Hahaha! Well done! Well done!” For the first time in a while, Yeon Cheon-baek was enjoying dinner with Yeon Woo Jin. “No one is bothering you, are they?” “No.” “If anyone dares, you come straight to me. Understood?” “Grandfather, come on. I’m a man too! That’s something I have to overcome myself.” “Oho! My little one! How can you speak so well! Hahaha!” Yeon Cheon-baek wasn’t worried. After all, he had already warned Ma Ryang in no uncertain terms. ‘If anyone dares to bully Yeon Woo Jin, break their limbs immediately and report which family they belong to.’ He had been ready to annihilate entire bloodlines for the sake of protecting Yeon Woo Jin. Since he hadn’t received any such reports, it was clear that nothing had happened. Seeing Yeon Woo Jin enjoying his life at the academy, Yeon Cheon-baek regretted not sending him sooner. He looks so happy. He had always felt guilty about leaving Yeon Woo Jin alone, but now that he had made friends, he could finally breathe a little easier. Come to think of it, even his way of speaking and behaving had changed. He was starting to act more like a playful child—just like other kids his age. Perhaps spending time with others his age had naturally influenced him. He’s finally discovering his own personality. It was a good sign. For so long, he had treated Yeon Woo Jin as too precious, sheltering him too much. If he had continued down that path, he might have ended up stifling the boy instead. Yeon Cheon-baek studied his grandson closely before his eyes lit up with delight. “Oh? Look at this! My Woo Jin’s inner energy has increased quite a bit!” “Huh? How did you know?” “You fool, your grandfather is the Martial God. Noticing something like that is nothing to me.” In truth, Yeon Woo Jin hadn’t even bothered to hide his inner energy. He didn’t have enough to make it worth hiding. If anyone else had possessed the same amount, Yeon Cheon-baek wouldn’t have even glanced their way. “Hmm... I’d say my Woo Jin now has about fifty years’ worth of inner energy.” “You’re right.” “Hahahaha!” In the Martial God Sect, fifty years of inner energy was so insignificant that it wasn’t even considered real cultivation. To be acknowledged as a martial artist in the Martial God Sect, one had to have at least three hundred years’ worth. But Yeon Woo Jin was an exception. Even if he had only ten years’ worth, Yeon Cheon-baek would have been overjoyed. “Have the successor candidates been chosen?” “Hahaha. Why? Are you curious?” “Yes.” “Hahaha. So, now that you’re attending the academy, you’re interested in the Martial God Sect’s affairs? You’ve truly become one of us.” “It’s the most common topic among the students. I couldn’t help but get curious.” “Well, that makes sense. After all, this is about choosing the future leader of the Martial God Sect.” “Are you okay with passing down your position to someone else?” “It doesn’t matter who takes it. The Martial God Sect isn’t mine alone. As long as they are strong enough, they can become the Martial God Sect Leader. That is the law of our sect.” Yeon Cheon-baek then looked at Yeon Woo Jin with a warm smile. “I’d rather throw away this position as soon as possible and spend my days leisurely by your side.” Yeon Woo Jin smiled back. “I’d like that too.” “Hahaha! Hearing you say that makes me happy.” “But it’ll take a long time before that happens, right?” “There’s no helping it. I hope you can understand.” “Of course! I’m a proud member of the Martial God Sect now.” Hearing Yeon Woo Jin say that so confidently filled Yeon Cheon-baek’s heart with pure joy. There was no doubt about it. His grandson was growing into a truly remarkable man. **** The Merciless Training at Baegyeong High School “Ghhkk...!” “Huff... Huff...!” Heavy breathing and painful groans echoed through the training grounds of Gwak Pyeong, the strongest martial artist at Baegyeong High School. There, the top lower-class students from each class were balancing atop giant urns, heavy metal weights placed on their heads as part of their training. Swiiish—! “Your upper body is moving! Are you not paying attention?!” A whip cracked through the air. The man beside Gwak Pyeong was watching them closely, lashing out the moment he saw even the slightest flaw in their movements. “Ghhkk!” “This is exactly why you’re so pathetic! I’ll say it again—if you disgrace Lord Gwak Pyeong, you’d better be prepared for the consequences!” The one driving them to their limits was none other than Gwak Pyeong’s personal guard. “Yes, sir!” “You lack even the fundamentals! You’re privileged—you have food on your table, and your families are well off! That privilege has made you lazy, and unless you rid yourself of that weakness, you will never become strong!” “Yes, sir!” From the side, Gwak Pyeong observed the scene, sipping his tea. Yet, his mind was elsewhere—on Seon Woo Baek. What was Seon Woo Baek doing right now? Was he also undergoing grueling training like this? Suddenly, a vivid memory of Seon Woo Baek surfaced in his mind. His entire body was covered in wounds, yet his eyes burned with fighting spirit. That image was truly breathtaking. ‘Yes... That’s what a man should look like.’ He glanced back at the students struggling through their training. It wasn’t enough. Seon Woo Baek was undoubtedly enduring something far more brutal at this very moment. “...Haah.” No matter how he looked at it, this felt like a battle he couldn’t win. No. He couldn’t allow himself to sink into defeatist thoughts. Sip— He took another sip of tea, steadying his emotions. Still, he had to make sure his students wouldn’t embarrass him. More than anything, he needed to prepare them for the upcoming martial contest against another high school. This wasn’t just any duel—it was a battle for Baegyeong High School’s honor. Losing would mean humiliating himself. ‘No... This isn’t enough. I need to find another way.’ Gwak Pyeong rose from his seat. “Where are you going, my lord?” “Hm. This training isn’t sufficient. I need to come up with something new. In the meantime, make sure they complete all the exercises prepared for them.” “Understood.” **** The Next Day Seon Woo Baek noticed the battered and exhausted figures of the top lower-class students from each class as they arrived at the academy. It was clear they had undergone harsh training. But compared to what he endured? Compared to fighting life-or-death duels against Yeon Woo Jin? It was nothing. His own condition wasn’t exactly pristine either. Still, their efforts meant he couldn’t let his guard down. Losing wasn’t the issue. If he lost, he wouldn’t be able to handle Yeon Woo Jin’s wrath. He had to win. And if he couldn’t? Then he’d have to fight as if he were prepared to die. Dying in battle would be easier to accept. As he stepped inside, his body trembling, his gaze met those of three individuals. Their eyes were filled with killing intent. They stared at Seon Woo Baek with pure venom, as if they wanted to tear him apart right then and there. Their eyes screamed, "Why the hell did we have to go through this suffering because of you?" Once, that look would have frightened him. But now? It was laughable. Childish. With a shrug, Seon Woo Baek walked past them and entered the classroom. The room, once lively with conversation, fell silent the moment he stepped inside. Everyone avoided making eye contact. “Why are you scaring everyone?” Jang Un’s comment made the students flinch. At one point, Seon Woo Baek had treated them like playthings. Now that they were getting along, Jang Un had crossed a line with that joke. Under normal circumstances, Seon Woo Baek wouldn’t have let that slide. “Oh, really? My bad. I walked in without thinking.” “Ugh, try smiling for once. You always look so stiff. That’s why people are afraid of you.” “You don’t seriously not know the reason, do you? You know damn well. You must be having an easy time, huh? Should I tell Woo Jin that you’re comfortable?” “H-Huh?! N-No! Why is Woo Jin even being brought up?! I was just saying we should try to laugh even when things are tough!” “I can’t. My whole body aches too much to even think about laughing. Every step I take, my bones feel like they’re falling apart.” “...Fair enough. Same here.” Hearing that, Seon Woo Baek let out a dry chuckle. “But still... we’ve gotten so much stronger, haven’t we?” Jang Un smirked. “I could probably fight you now.” “Oh? Gained some confidence, have you? How about we test that tonight?” Jang Un instinctively took a step back. He wasn’t ready to face Seon Woo Baek yet. But ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) before he could say anything, the worst possible person overheard their conversation. “Oh? That sounds fun.” “...H-Huh? W-Woo Jin?” “You guys are having a pretty entertaining discussion first thing in the morning. Tonight? Sounds good.” “N-No, wait! That’s not what I meant—” Too late. “Should be interesting,” Yeon Woo Jin said, grinning. “The loser trains with me all night long.” Seon Woo Baek smirked in amusement, while Jang Un’s face crumpled in despair. He slapped his own mouth repeatedly, cursing himself for ever speaking. It was too late to take it back. Meanwhile, the rest of the class was confused. It was clear as day that both Seon Woo Baek and Jang Un were afraid of Yeon Woo Jin. But that wasn’t the only strange thing. Lately, Gok Yang-woo and his group, who used to hang around with Seon Woo Baek, had stopped coming to the academy altogether. Apparently, Yeon Woo Jin had noticed too. “By the way, the guys you used to hang out with... haven’t seen them lately. Something happen?” Seon Woo Baek spoke internally. ‘They’re scared of you! They’re trying to transfer to another academy!’ Of course, he wasn’t stupid enough to say that out loud. “Uh... Who knows? Maybe they’re dealing with some family issues.” “...All of them? At the same time? You think I’m stupid?” “H-Huh?! No, of course not! I wouldn’t dare think that!” Yeon Woo Jin narrowed his eyes. “Then just tell me the truth. Or should I find out myself?” “...Uh...” Seon Woo Baek hesitated, searching for a way out. Eventually, he sighed and spilled everything. “...They’re all preparing to transfer to another academy.” “Transfer?” “As in... moving to a different academy?” “...Yeah.” “...Wait.” Yeon Woo Jin’s gaze darkened. “Is it because of me?” “...Yeah.”