Chapter 42

The duel between Seon Woo Baek and Heo Wook had spread throughout the entire Baekyeong Martial Academy, drawing a large crowd eager to witness the clash. Seeing the crowd gather, Heo Wook smiled. Today was the day he would engrave the name Heo Wook, the Lower-Class First into everyone’s mind. He never once imagined he would lose. His father, Heo Sang, the Master of Cheongwan Gate, had given him his full support. He even gave Heo Wook a rare Small Rejuvenation Pill, along with countless other elixirs to massively boost his internal energy. On top of that, he had undergone Gwak Pyeong’s systematic and merciless training, which pushed him to his limits and made his body tougher. His martial level had risen, and he had reached the First-Class, Nine-Star Stage. From his position in the top row of the spectator stands, Heo Wook spotted Gwak Pyeong watching him. I’ll make sure to catch your eye and become the next heir of Baekyeong Martial Academy. Gwak Pyeong also watched Heo Wook with trust in his eyes. He was more tempted by Seon Woo Baek, but he didn’t believe Heo Wook would lose. Spending time with Heo Wook had made him grow more attached to the boy. Come to think of it, Seon Woo Baek had rejected his guidance. Unforgivable. –Show him. Show him what it means to turn down my hand. Heo Wook nodded at the voice transmission. Seon Woo Baek noticed and asked casually, “What? Did someone just beg you to beat me to a pulp?” “And what if they did?” “Whoever it is, they’ll be disappointed. Their wish won’t come true.” “You sure talk more since the field trip.” “Are you sure it’s just the talking that changed?” “I should crush that damn mouth of yours first.” “If you think you can, go ahead.” “Yeah, keep flapping that mouth.” “How long are you gonna talk? Shouldn’t we get started?” “Bluffing, huh? I’ll put an end to it real fast.” “Funny, I was just about to say the same. I almost feel bad for everyone who came out—this will be over in seconds.” “Seriously... I need to shut that mouth first.” Heo Wook lowered into a stance and said, “I’m coming.” “Bring it.” Whoosh— Heo Wook’s form shot forward like a blade aimed straight at Seon Woo Baek. Watching him, Seon Woo Baek gave a quiet nod of respect. His movements were definitely different. “Langya Chain Strike!” Pop—pop-pop— Heo Wook’s hands and feet moved with speed and force. But Seon Woo Baek dodged everything with ridiculous ease. Unlike his awkward past attempts, this Langya Chain Strike was perfectly executed. Still, Heo Wook grew frustrated. This wasn’t how he’d imagined the fight. No way. This can't be happening. He summoned more energy. Whummmm— His fist gathered power, radiating a fierce aura. “Celestial Wolf Strike!” Whooosh— Crackle— A series of even stronger attacks surged toward Seon Woo Baek. But he dodged those just as smoothly. He really did get stronger, Seon Woo Baek admitted inwardly. If not for the Yoga-Reversing Heavenly Martial Formation that Yeon Woo Jin had performed on him, this fight might’ve been evenly matched. For Heo Wook to improve this much in such a short time... It meant that Gwak Pyeong was no ordinary man either. No wonder he was considered a legend at Baekyeong. Still, Seon Woo Baek couldn’t keep dodging forever. Yeon Woo Jin was watching with that terrifying stare. He had to end this in one blow. Otherwise... Tonight’s going to be hell. Just as Heo Wook gathered energy for another strike, Seon Woo Baek closed the distance at terrifying speed. “Sorry. I’ve gotta wrap this up quickly too.” “What?” Boom— As a powerful burst of energy surged from Seon Woo Baek’s hand— Smack—! “Gahk!” Heo Wook’s body flew upward from a devastating blow to the abdomen. Crash—crash—crash— He slammed into the ground, completely still. Startled, Seon Woo Baek rushed over and held a hand to Heo Wook’s nose. Luckily, he was still breathing. “Whew. That scared me. I thought I needed to hit harder to knock him out, but... guess I overdid it.” Even he was surprised by the force of his own technique. Standing up straight, Seon Woo Baek looked over at Yeon Woo Jin. That should be enough to satisfy him... right? Yeon Woo Jin smiled. By now, Seon Woo Baek could tell the difference. That was definitely a satisfied smile. He let out a sigh of relief, walked over to Heo Wook, lifted him onto his back, and headed toward the infirmary. As he walked away, the silent crowd suddenly erupted. “Of course! That’s Seon Woo Baek!” “No doubt about it! He really is the Lower-Class First!” He had won in just one strike. There was no room for doubt. Gwak Pyeong’s lips twitched. It was a mix of joy at having found the real deal—and frustration that the boy he had personally raised was defeated in a single blow. Next to him, Ho Jae, the second-ranked senior student, leaned over. “You okay?” Gwak Pyeong gave a crooked smile. “Of course.” “Looks like your pride took a hit.” Gwak Pyeong glanced at him. Ho Jae quickly looked away. “S-sorry.” “No, it’s fine. My pride did take a hit. I just... didn’t expect him to be that exceptional.” “So, are you going to make Seon Woo Baek the next heir of Baekyeong?” “I have to. Everyone saw what he did. I have to acknowledge him.” Gwak Pyeong looked in the direction Seon Woo Baek had left. “He’s got a good personality too. Just goes to show—rumors aren’t worth much.” “Right? I heard he was arrogant and impossible to work with, but honestly, from what I’ve seen, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He gets along with the Black Tortoise kids and even looks after students from other divisions. He’s a born leader.” “He has to be, if he’s going to succeed me.” “But won’t the intermediate students push back? I bet they won’t like a lowerclassman skipping the line to become the next heir.” “Those punks aren’t fit. Give Baekyeong to them, and the other academies will devour us in no time. The intermediate students are a disaster.” “But what about Go Seung, the top-ranked intermediate student? He’s strong. I doubt he’ll accept this.” “He is strong. But give the academy to him, and Baekyeong has no future. I’m investing in the future here.” “He might retaliate. He might come for Seon Woo Baek himself.” At Ho Jae’s words, killing intent flickered around Gwak Pyeong. “Then I’ll make sure he regrets it.” He took a deep breath to calm down and said, “Go tell Seon Woo Baek I want to see him after this.” “Got it.” After Ho Jae left, Gwak Pyeong turned to Tae Sa-jin, still sitting nearby. “You go to Go Seung. Tell him this—The next heir of Baekyeong Martial Academy is Seon Woo Baek.” “Understood.” **** Go Seung, the top-ranked intermediate student. He was the second son of the Hegemonic Blade Clan, ranked fifty-eighth under the Martial God Sect. His current level was Peak-Class, but thanks to his innate divine strength, he could fight with power two to three tiers above that level. Wielding a massive blade weighing eighty geun—over 40 kilograms—his sheer physical might and overwhelming size made him capable of sweeping away most martial artists with a single swing. In terms of raw strength alone, he had all the qualifications to be the next heir of Baekyeong Martial Academy. But the problem... was his personality. He was a lone wolf—a man who always insisted on doing everything his own way. He drove people away. He was always alone. Some students followed him, but not out of respect—only out of fear. He was also ignorant. And that was exactly why Gwak Pyeong hated him. The very thought of Go Seung becoming the next heir of Baekyeong made him nauseous. He couldn’t bear the idea of the radiant golden era he had built for the academy being crushed under the heel of such a brute. So he decided to pick a successor not from the intermediate students—but from the lowerclassmen. As long as they had talent, he could teach them himself. That decision enraged Go Seung. He came to confront Gwak Pyeong directly. Why had some low-ranking student been chosen over him as the heir? That night, Gwak Pyeong had been drinking in the courtyard, using the moonlight as his companion. He was already irritated when Go Seung barged in. "You really don't know why?" Gwak Pyeong asked flatly. "I do not! That is why I'm asking like this!" "Your attitude—that's the first problem. Don’t you think you’re being a little too rude, speaking like that to your elder?" "This is how I talk! Regardless, I can't accept this!" The moment Go Seung finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room shifted—thick, heavy, and suffocating. “Kh-!” Go Seung choked on the pressure, instinctively resisting it. In his anger, he had forgotten— This man standing in front of him was the same person who had once defeated him in a single move. “You can’t accept it?” Gwak Pyeong’s voice turned cold. “Then I’ll just have to make you.” His gaze sharpened into something icy and dangerous. “What should I take from you—your dantian? Or maybe your arms? I’ll let you choose. That much freedom, I can offer.” Go Seung knew all too well— Gwak Pyeong was the type of man who meant it when he said such things. “I-I apologize. I let my emotions get the better of me...” “No... that’s not the answer I wanted. Let me ask again: your dantian, or your arms?” There was no doubt about it now—he was seriously about to cripple him. Go Seung couldn’t ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) let that happen. He reached behind him and drew his massive blade, aiming it straight at Gwak Pyeong. “I am not the same man I was a year ago! Since then, I have trained with bitter resolve!” At that, Gwak Pyeong chuckled. “Well, well. You even know what ‘bitter resolve’ means. So you have been trying.” “Don’t mock me!” Go Seung shouted as he charged, swinging his giant blade with fury. But— Clang! Out of nowhere, a figure jumped in and parried the blade away. Irritated, Go Seung snapped his head toward the interloper. “Who the hell are you? I’ve never seen your face before!” As Go Seung shouted, Gwak Pyeong stepped forward. “See? That’s exactly your problem. You have no interest in anything beyond yourself. You don’t even know who the Lower-Class First is.” “W-wait... is this the guy you picked as your successor?” “That’s right. And that’s your biggest flaw. You don’t pay attention to the academy. Being the heir of Baekyeong isn’t something you earn just by being strong.” “I can change! I’ll start caring! If it’s your will, I’ll follow it to the letter!” Hearing the two go back and forth, Seon Woo Baek politely bowed with a martial salute. “It seems I’ve walked into something I shouldn’t be part of. I’ll excuse myself and return later.” “No, perfect timing. I need you to show this guy what you’re made of.” “Pardon?” “Let him see it for himself—why I chose you.” Go Seung stepped in and growled. “If I defeat him decisively, will you reconsider?!” At that, Gwak Pyeong turned to Seon Woo Baek and said, “Fine. I’ll give you that chance. But don’t think it’ll be easy—this kid’s almost as strong as me.” He smiled as he spoke, praising Seon Woo Baek outright. It made Go Seung rage even harder. “If you’re trying to intimidate me, it won’t work!” “He’s a hopeless case. I’m counting on you to educate him a little.” Gwak Pyeong’s words made Seon Woo Baek sigh. He bowed again. “I may be lacking, but I’ll do my best.” Hearing that, Gwak Pyeong smiled brightly and stepped back, folding his arms to watch. “Come then! I’m your elder, so I’ll let you make the first move.” At Go Seung’s invitation, Seon Woo Baek took a stance. Before coming here, he had heard something from Yeon Woo Jin: No matter what, win Gwak Pyeong’s favor and become his chosen heir. If not... Just thinking about what would happen was enough to make his stomach twist. He had to follow Yeon Woo Jin’s command. That meant defeating Go Seung clearly and completely—and securing Gwak Pyeong’s approval. “Then I’ll gratefully accept that generous offer, senior.” As soon as he finished speaking, Seon Woo Baek charged. Go Seung, despite his massive frame, dodged with surprising agility and avoided every strike. “My turn.” He swung his massive blade down toward Seon Woo Baek. Whoosh— With a roar that split the air, it came flying toward him like a meteor, aiming to crush. Boom— The blade smashed into the ground—but Seon Woo Baek wasn’t there. He had already shifted to Go Seung’s side. Both of his palms extended toward his opponent’s ribs. “Jincheon Twin Tiger Palm!” Smack—! “Grrgh!” Thud—thud—thud— Go Seung groaned in pain and staggered back, pushed aside by the force—but only a few steps. His natural resilience was terrifying. Seon Woo Baek had expected that one strike to finish it. But then— A chilling sound of air being sliced rang out. Go Seung’s enormous blade was already in front of Seon Woo Baek’s nose. “When did he—?!”