Chapter 127

Chapter 127
Chapter 127
Chapter Title: Third-Rate Martial Family Becomes World’s Best

Eumhu had remained an observer from the very moment Baek Yang-hui stepped into the fray alongside Adu to face the Blood Night Gang’s swordsmen. Jeonggal Seolha actually wondered if she alone felt such concern, given how utterly unconcerned he appeared.

“Master… do you believe Senior Brother can overcome them?”

Even though Eumhu had already stated Baek Yang-hui’s cultivation level, he was only sixteen—he could not have held the Peak Realm for very long. Meanwhile, his opponents were seven seasoned experts of that same realm, reinforced by more than a dozen additional warriors: nearly twenty foes in all. Put simply, Baek Yang-hui and Adu were hopelessly outmatched.

“Who can say? I find myself curious as well. If he stepped forward with such confidence, he must have a plan in mind.”

The true battle commenced. Four warriors charged toward Adu, while three set their sights on Baek Yang-hui. True to their Peak Realm skill, the assault launched by the Blood Night Seven Blades was blindingly swift. Yet—

Clang! Clang! Clang!

With a single stroke of his sword, Baek Yang-hui shattered all three blades opposing him. Even as they pressed their follow-up attacks, his opponents belatedly realized two of their number had already fallen. Jeonggal Seolha clicked her tongue watching the swordsmen writhe upon the ground.

“Senior Brother’s Sound Arts have grown even stronger.”

“Precisely. Ascending to the Peak Realm has made them far more formidable.”

Sound Arts were techniques that weaponized vibration, channeling qi to deliver attacks from a distance. They represented an advanced form of martial arts that allowed one to project qi without first achieving unity between qi waves and sound waves, or attaining the enlightenment that gave form to intent—though the path to mastering them was notoriously difficult and slow.

“And he has barely received formal instruction, yet he fights at this level? Senior Brother’s talent is truly extraordinary.”

“His talent is matched by his resolve. Even now… he is making excellent use of what I have taught him.”

Nor was that all.

“Now I see why this young hero stepped forward.”

Eumhu’s gaze fell upon Baek Yang-hui unleashing brilliant, dazzling sword strikes—moves that transcended mere physical form, revealing profound mysteries woven within them.

“Ah, I see. Now that I have made my presence known, he is treating this battle as training.”

“Or perhaps Senior Brother simply wished to avoid being scolded by Master?”

“That may play some part, but his true aim seems to be self-improvement. He has not yet fully consolidated the enlightenment that came with ascending to the Peak Realm.”

Crossing the threshold into Peak Realm changed everything, depending on whether one succeeded or faltered. No matter how exceptional one’s gifts, solidifying that new state demanded grueling effort and great lengths of time. He fought with remarkable skill, yet it was clear their disciple had not yet fully embodied the full potential of the Peak Realm.

“Gaining the insight to break through the barrier is one thing; adapting to the world beyond and imprinting that truth upon one’s very body is another. This young hero is treating them no differently than wooden practice dummies.”

Jeonggal Seolha stared in disbelief.

“Senior Brother has not even properly settled into the Peak Realm… yet he is completely dominating three experts of that level?”

“Exactly.”

Jeonggal Seolha could scarcely comprehend it, and Eumhu offered guidance to her pupil.

“It comes down to the foundations each has laid.”

True mastery of the Peak Realm required perfect harmony of mind, qi, and body—along with enlightenment regarding the primal qi born of consciousness, intent that shaped reality itself, and the manifestation of Sword Qi. To reach such heights was like stacking three distinct sets of bricks, bound together with three different mortars to create something unshakable. Naturally, two structures might rise to the same height, yet differ entirely in shape, size, and sturdiness, determined by the materials used and the care with which they were joined.

“He fights as though he has already walked this path before. To use a metaphor: his mind has already ascended to those heights, and now he is pulling his body upward to meet it—even though his body is not yet fully ready.”

It defied all logic, yet Baek Yang-hui had performed one impossible feat after another since childhood. Talent… sometimes it truly did exceed all understanding—a gift so extraordinary it could leave the world breathless. Moreover, the enlightenment he had uncovered seemed to resonate with the very heavens themselves, or perhaps the deepest mysteries of the sword. Even Eumhu, one of the Ten Supreme Martial Sovereigns, marveled at its profound principles.

“We shall have much to discuss afterward, young hero.”

Boom!

A sudden explosion drew both Eumhu and Jeonggal Seolha’s attention. The warrior struck by Adu’s fist went sailing through the air like a bird.

“Damn it—this monk is no easy opponent!”

“Attack together! Overwhelm him with numbers!”

“Kill him!”

“Hahaha! This is wonderful fun!”

Foes went flying in every direction, one after another. Adu did not take lives, remaining true to his monastic vows—yet even if they survived their flight, they would be fortunate to escape without lasting injury. Such were Jeonggal Seolha’s thoughts as she watched on.

“Shaolin has truly produced a monster.”

“Is he truly that impressive?”

His display of divine power was indeed tremendous, yet Jeonggal Seolha found it somehow less remarkable than Baek Yang-hui’s—impressive more for sheer volume of internal energy than for depth of insight or refined martial understanding. At least, that was how it seemed beside her Senior Brother.

“Remarkable? He will not even need to undergo Bone Transformation when he advances to the Super Peak Realm.”

Bone Transformation: the process by which a warrior remakes their body into the perfect vessel aligned with their accumulated enlightenment and chosen path.

“He already possesses the ideal physique for Shaolin practice—the ultimate culmination of Shaolin external arts, made flesh.”

A sword cloaked in Sword Qi struck Adu squarely upon the head, yet he stood unharmed, grinning broadly. Jeonggal Seolha fell silent.

“…I am sorry, Master.”

“For what?”

She was disciple to one of the Ten Supreme Martial Sovereigns, yet she could not match such brilliance. She felt shame, and pride kept her from speaking it aloud—but Eumhu saw into her heart and smiled gently.

“Seolha, listen well: of all in this world, you are the one best suited to be my disciple.”

“…Master.”

“A dragon may take a thousand years to ascend, yet once it does, it soars higher than any other. The same holds true for our school’s arts.”

She possessed the sharp intellect for which the Jeonggal Clan was known, along with natural talent for both martial practice and music. Eumhu smiled, envisioning the heights her disciple would one day reach.

“Sound Arts truly shine only after entering the Peak Realm. Their very nature makes the beginning hard and the road long. Remember this: with diligence, we shall stand together.”

“I will not lag behind. I promise to catch up.”

“Good. Never abandon that resolve.”

As they spoke, the fighting drew to a close. Between them, Adu and Baek Yang-hui had subdued the entire Blood Night Gang. Shwaa! Baek Yang-hui flicked the blood from his blade and slid it back into its sheath. He stepped past the fallen and wounded, stopping before the Master of Moon Lake Tower, who stared back in stunned silence.

“Old man… I will give credit where it is due—you have some nerve, standing your ground.”

The Master of Moon Lake Tower remained silent. It was not courage; he simply knew there was nowhere to run.

“…Who… is she?”

He did not know her name, only that she was addressed as Master and clearly stood far above ordinary mortals—a girl of fifteen wielding such absolute power made that plain enough.

“Far too noble a name for the likes of you. Now… what should I do with you?”

It would be a shame simply to let him go; better to ensure he could never scheme again. But Baek Yang-hui did not need to decide. Eumhu, who had watched from above, leaped lightly to stand before them.

“You treated people as nothing more than possessions. Through your greed, you brought suffering down upon the innocent.” Her eyes were clear as glass, free of all anger. “Now I shall pass judgment.”

Snap!

The sound of her fingers snapping swelled into a haunting melody that drifted into the Master of Moon Lake Tower’s ears.

“Kaaaaah! Kraaaaaah!”

He clutched his ears, twisting upon the ground. He could feel his own screams fading away—even as his vocal cords continued to vibrate.

“My voice… what has happened to my voice?!”

“You turned a deaf ear to what was right and true. What purpose do ears serve if they hear nothing of value? To spend your days in silence is no injustice.”

The Master of Moon Lake Tower would never hear again. Baek Yang-hui clicked his tongue. *Master truly shows no mercy at such times.* The Sound Jade Command School taught that the wicked must answer for their crimes, yet even so… she could be terrifying. Though it was absurd, of course, to hold one of the Ten Supreme Martial Sovereigns to ordinary standards.

With that, the matter was settled.

“Master, shall we be on our way? Allow me to escort you. Seolha may guide us, but surely we may speak together for a while?”

“Indeed. There is much I wish to hear from you, young hero. Yet…” Eumhu looked toward the horizon. “I have business elsewhere.”

Her words made one thing clear: there would be no loose ends left behind. The Blood Night Gang would meet its end this day, struck down by an expert who had descended from the heavens themselves.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The Dongpa Inn had escaped harm entirely—Eumhu had barred anyone from drawing near, ensuring it would never be used as a hostage. *The young innkeeper has had quite a shock.*

“Innkeeper! Prepare the finest food and drink, with Dongpa pork! Make it delicious, in Master’s honor!”

Her cheerful voice finally roused So Wolhyang from her daze.

“Y-yes! One moment, please!”

Baek Yang-hui asked first for wine, which he drank straight from the bottle. “Ah… nothing beats a drink after battle. Fancy dishes can wait.”

“Senior Brother… may I try some too?”

“Hey, now—aren’t you still a child?”

“We are the same age!”

He took a sip. *Perhaps she should not, after all… though this is nothing like what happened with Chui-dal.*

“Wow… it is my first time drinking wine.”

“Is it not good?”

“To be honest? It tastes bitter.”

“Tch. Still a child, then. It is not bitter—it is the taste of life, Junior Sister.”

“I told you—we are the same age.”

He offered a cup to So Wolhyang, who still trembled from all she had witnessed. “Just one cup. Do not fear for your family—we will see to everything. If you are willing, come with us to Gangseo.”

So Wolhyang bowed deeply, cup in hand. “Young master… thank you. Truly, thank you.”

“It is simply the reward for what you commissioned of us.”

“How can you speak so lightly? I shall never forget your kindness… never.”

The moment was filled with warmth—until Jeonggal Seolha spoke up.

“Senior Brother… was it not Master who truly saved Wolhyang?”

“Hmm?”

“Truly. It seemed you planned for her arrival all along.”

She was not wrong. “A song as payment, a commission to bring aid…” He nearly laughed. One day he would teach her proper respect between senior and junior disciples.

An hour passed in friendly banter before the door opened and Eumhu stepped inside. *She had settled the entire affair in barely an hour.* Truly worthy of being called one of the Ten Supreme Martial Sovereigns—he could not help but admire her.

“Master! You have returned!”

“I have kept you waiting.”

“Not at all—the food has only just been served.”

Eumhu sat beside So Wolhyang, Adu, and her two disciples, turning first to Baek Yang-hui. “Young hero… you have grown much since last we met. Tell me all that has happened.”

He recounted his journey to the Sword King’s Mausoleum and all he had found there. When he finished, Eumhu nodded.

“So that is how it came to pass. I offered but a single clue, yet you found the mausoleum yourself—truly impressive.”

“Not at all, Master. It was all because of your guidance.”

“To reach the Peak Realm, and to inherit even a portion of the Sword Sage’s wisdom… I find myself eager to see what you will become.”

“That is exactly what I wished to discuss.” Baek Yang-hui met her gaze. It was best to seek permission first.

“Give Seolha to me!”

Jeonggal Seolha’s face turned bright red.

“Senior Brother!! How can you say such a thing!!”