Chapter 37
Chapter 37: Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven
Like an endlessly rushing river, the march of time moves in only a single direction, never reversing its course; nonetheless, its perceived pace is known to shift under various circumstances.
Deep focus, for instance.
Channeling every shred of his mental power into the single pace he took, Yanghwi perceived the flow of moments stretching out, dragging far slower than normal.
A lone pace bearing the weight of a thousand.
He set his foot down.
Ever since an infant takes their very first wobbly steps, striding forward is an act repeated hundreds, thousands, tens of millions of times across a person’s life.
Yet this particular step was fundamentally different.
I have to transform one into a thousand.
A single unit and a thousand could never be identical. In terms of sheer scale, they were separated by a thousandfold margin.
What if he fractured that one into a thousand parts, thereby giving birth to the single step of a thousand?
With my present cultivation… that is out of reach.
The cause was clear and straightforward.
Though he had witnessed the miraculous martial arts belonging to the heavens beyond the heavens and deciphered their inner workings, the Sound Empress dwelled in a realm far too exalted for him to absorb everything through a mere glance.
Even so… ten is certainly within my power.
He had not been taught the internal cultivation pathways or the exact circulation of true qi required for such footwork.
Indeed, even the external stances would have remained utterly beyond him had he not observed and mirrored them while slipping through the wooden constructs inside the Five Halls of Proper Sound.
Yet possessing those forms changed everything.
I can forge it. A pace belonging solely to me.
Yanghwi possessed extensive familiarity with dissecting the outer forms of diverse martial arts and crafting matching circulatory routes of true qi from scratch.
Relying on the Harmonious Heaven Primordial Art as his anchor, he had the mastery to bridge meridian points one by one, opening a brand-new channel of internal energy to drive his movement.
One Step, Ten? No, that merely sounds like a crude imitation. Let it be Vessel Thousand Steps instead.
[Vessel Thousand Steps (器千步)]. A technique of movement that crafted a vessel ([器]) capable of containing a thousand ([千]) within a solitary step ([步]).
It was an original footwork art conceived on the spot, weaving together the stolen principles of the Sound Empress’s One Step, One Thousand with his own sudden spark of realization, melding them into a cohesive whole.
The instant Yanghwi completed the placement of that solitary stride…
“…!”
Observing the Sound Empress’s eyes stretch wide in pure disbelief, Yanghwi felt an intoxicating swell of satisfaction.
Go ahead and be amazed, Empress.
The capability, martial aptitude, and execution he had just revealed constituted a stunning display—magnificent enough to shock even one of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven, an exalted sovereign whose feet rested in the heavens beyond the heavens.
“The Empress graciously offered her guidance to enlighten the junior generation, so this junior merely ventured a crude imitation as a humble tribute from the rising tide. Did it prove worthy of your notice?”
“…”
In that breath, the Sound Empress found herself genuinely rendered speechless.
His inborn gifts outstrip anything this one could have conceived.
[One Step, One Thousand (一步千)]. Enfolding a thousand within a single stride.
Here, a thousand could denote a thousand variations.
It could signify a thousand forward surges.
Or it could represent a thousand individual paces.
The foundational truth lay in concentrating an entire thousand within just one step.
That stood as the ultimate profound truth and primary foundation of the Sacred Sound Jade Spirit Gate’s secret movement art, One Step, One Thousand.
Three paces. Across just three paces, the Sound Empress had brought forth three thousand variations ([變]), phantoms ([幻]), and directional shifts ([動]).
This constituted the very core of her enlightened comprehension regarding the unfolding of the universe and the progression of time.
Even if merely a fragment, that boy undeniably grasped my enlightenment. What is more, he actually held it within his vessel.
Common wisdom held that even a hound lingering by a village schoolhouse for three years might bark out verses, yet a beast remained a beast.
Could such a creature truly comprehend and master the Thousand Character Classic?
Hardly.
And what if the subject were not the basic Thousand Character Classic meant for young children, but the Four Books and Three Classics that overwhelmed mature scholars?
Such was the vast chasm between the Ten Paragons Under Heaven and common martial practitioners.
How infinitely wider, then, was the gulf separating her from an eight-year-old youth?
“Young hero. I have no choice but to admit defeat.”
Only a short while earlier, Yanghwi and the Sound Empress had engaged in an unspoken contest of wills.
The Sound Empress intended to bind her new pupil closely to her side, molding him into an heir fitting the legacy of the Sacred Sound Jade Spirit Gate.
Yanghwi, conversely, wished to stay within the walls of his family manor, maintaining the detached standing of a mere outer disciple.
“Your natural brilliance is so overwhelming that I find myself eager to claim you, even at the cost of surrendering my own preferences.”
The Sound Empress had unveiled the mystical technique of Shifting Form, Changing Position explicitly to crush Yanghwi’s unyielding defiance.
Yet confronting that trial, Yanghwi had displayed such staggering genius that she had no recourse but to yield.
Does this mean I have secured a win against one of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven?
Even harboring that thought, he felt no urge toward arrogance.
The prevailing sensation washing over him was unadulterated reverence for his teacher, the Sound Empress, who could encapsulate the myriad workings of heaven and earth in three short strides.
Assuming an attitude of total deference and decorum, identical to how he would address his own father, Yanghwi offered the Sound Empress a formal salute with cupped hands.
“This disciple is simply overwhelmed with humility and gratitude that Honored Teacher regards him with such favor.”
Calling her Honored Teacher while designating himself as her disciple.
A gentle warmth blossomed within the Sound Empress’s heart.
His impeccable manners, harmonizing with her awe at his talent, completely dissolved her reservations.
“Unshakably confident, yet entirely devoid of pride. In truth, you embody every virtue required of a martial artist.”
“Having caught a glimpse of the vast heavens, how could this student ever carry himself with foolish haughtiness? I shall etch this realization into my mind as yet another profound instruction from Honored Teacher.”
The corners of the Sound Empress’s lips curved upward a fraction further.
Truly, each time he speaks, I am reminded of how remarkably eloquent this child is.
Flattering phrases, yet entirely free of falseness or cheap cunning.
Far from repulsive sycophancy or self-serving sweet talk, his manner of speaking carried sincere charm, turning every word into a delight to hear.
The remaining wariness within the Sound Empress softened completely.
“Very well, young hero. I shall state my terms.”
“This disciple attends your decree, Honored Teacher.”
“I shall permit my student the freedom to descend Gokyeol Mountain, where my sanctuary lies, whenever he pleases. With one condition.”
Yanghwi kept his gaze steady upon the Sound Empress, patiently awaiting her continuation.
“Such leave may only be taken once you have obtained both my consent and the agreement of your junior martial sibling, Seolha.”
Put plainly, he was expected to honor his master while never looking down on his fellow apprentice.
It was essentially an arrangement granting him permission to reside at his family manor, visiting the Sound Empress on the mountain only when he sought her guidance.
“Honored Teacher’s generosity is as boundless as the vast ocean. This disciple tenders his deepest gratitude.”
Having formally cemented their bond as teacher and apprentice, the two exchanged subtle smiles as their eyes met.
Nearby.
Observing Yanghwi, Zhuge Seon found himself gripped by profound wonder.
At a mere eight years of age, he exhibits the bearing of a generational marvel. No, far beyond mere brilliance, he is an unprecedented genius whose name will echo across the four seas.
It was chronicled that the Hegemon-King Xiang Yu, at the age of eight, had boldly proclaimed his intent to master knowledge capable of vanquishing ten thousand adversaries.
In Zhuge Seon’s eyes, the display Yanghwi had delivered moments ago matched that very legend.
A manifestation impossible for any ordinary mortal to conjure. A brilliance bestowed exclusively upon those favored by heaven with sublime intellect.
Had I acceded to Brother’s plea back then and taken this boy under my wing… I would have been thoroughly disgraced.
The child was simply a grand vessel far beyond his capacity to hold.
Who could ever imagine standing firm and refusing to surrender before one of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven?
Though Zhuge Seon was the esteemed young master of the Great Zhuge Clan, carrying immense dignity and self-assurance in that lineage, he had never once managed to sway the Sound Empress’s intentions.
He felt neither humiliation nor shame regarding that reality.
It was, after all, only natural.
Even when the Sound Empress exhibited Shifting Form, Changing Position, he had stood frozen in profound shock, unable to even try absorbing its hidden principles.
He could not decipher them, lacking the necessary qualifications to behold such secrets.
This boy walks a different path entirely. Brother, your Baek clan has taken a true dragon into its fold.
What heights would he reach when he reached the age of formal study at fifteen?
What of his coming-of-age at twenty? His establishing of self at thirty? His attainment of absolute certainty at forty, and his realization of the celestial decree at fifty?
Zhuge Seon felt absolute certainty, willing to pledge his life upon the outcome.
He would become more than just one of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven… he would reign as the Greatest Under Heaven.
The Ten Paragons Under Heaven, lauded for ascending into the heavens beyond the heavens, represented the ten most terrifying combatants across the land.
Yet that young boy was destined to surpass even those ten legends, standing alone and unmatched under the sky.
…So long as he is not cut down or broken before attaining that peak.
Yanghwi. It appears I have discovered the means to repay my debt to you.
Zhuge Seon resolved that the instant he stepped foot back inside his clan’s territory, he would mobilize their intelligence apparatus around the Baek Estate and Yanghwi.
Precisely as the boy desired, he would orchestrate the rise of the Baek family’s and the eldest son’s reputations across the realm, while carefully keeping potential adversaries from growing excessively threatened.
All to ensure the fledgling prodigy would not be crushed prematurely.
…And besides.
Zhuge Seon shifted his attention toward his young daughter, who had quietly scampered forward when no one was watching and was now playfully wrestling with Yanghwi.
Although engaging with peers was far more thrilling than clinging to a father at that tender age, witnessing his little girl—who had wept in his arms until recently—behave so warmly toward the boy caused a slight twinge of bittersweet melancholy in his chest.
Still, no matter whose blood runs in her veins, she is utterly adorable.
Charming enough that any youth, regardless of age, would find it impossible not to be captivated.
When a dragon reveals itself, one must seize the chance to draw it close.
A contented, subtle grin spread across Zhuge Seon’s face.
Zhuge Seolha remained behind on Gokyeol Mountain under the Sound Empress’s tutelage, while Yanghwi journeyed back toward the Baek Estate under Zhuge Seon’s escort.
The instant Yanghwi crossed the threshold and shared the happenings of the preceding fortnight, a massive commotion erupted throughout the Baek Estate, prompting the elders to convene an emergency council without delay.
“Tell me again, Hwi.”
Baek Muryang, who had abruptly terminated his secluded training upon catching wind of the news, spoke with a noticeable quiver running through his voice.
“Are you truly saying that you have been accepted as the disciple of the revered Wave-Piercing Sound Empress, one of the legendary Ten Paragons Under Heaven?”
“I am.”
Having answered that precise inquiry thirty-seven times since setting foot inside the clan compound, Yanghwi delivered his response in a flat, monotone cadence.
Having received that exact confirmation thirty-seven times, Baek Muryang reacted in precisely the same ecstatic fashion.
He was practically bouncing on his heels with exhilaration.
“This is extraordinary. Truly magnificent!”
Merely a few months prior, Baek Muryang had been plagued by feelings of personal inadequacy upon witnessing Yanghwi’s monstrous potential.
As the patriarch of the Baek house, he had felt incapable of providing anything of value to his heir.
Yet this son, who had received nothing from him, had returned bearing great fortunes, recruited skilled subordinates, and now had even secured an extraordinary master entirely through his own efforts.
And not just any master, but one of the ten absolute supreme figures under the sky!
“My profound congratulations, Lord of the House. And to you as well, Young Master Hwi. With this development, our clan now commands the formidable patronage of the Wave-Piercing Sound Empress, one of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven.”
Hearing Steward Han’s excited declaration, every retainer gathered in the hall broke into murmurs of reverence and awe.
“With such backing, we no longer need to fear any conflict with the Gyojin Gang. We were safe temporarily thanks to the Zhuge Clan’s presence, but our prospects had been a lingering worry.”
“Well said, Gwak Mun. Hahaha!”
“How could petty scoundrels like the Gyojin Gang ever dare to offend the majestic prestige of the Ten Paragons Under Heaven? What an immense relief.”
Brisk laughter resonated through the council chamber for several minutes.
Rather than allowing himself to be swept into the celebratory atmosphere, Yanghwi observed the chortling elders before turning his focus back toward Baek Muryang.
Although a faint smile lingered upon his father’s lips, a subtle shadow of apprehension flickered within his gaze.
It seems Father shares my concerns.
When Yanghwi lifted his hand, Baek Muryang immediately directed his attention toward him.
“Speak, Hwi.”
“Father. I believe it would be most prudent to keep my acceptance as Honored Teacher’s disciple entirely confidential.”
“What leads you to that conclusion?”
“It is straightforward. I expect the disadvantages would far exceed the benefits.”
Yanghwi intended for the Baek Estate to establish unchallenged dominance not only across Ak’an County, but over the whole of Muju within a single decade.
To legitimately push its boundaries outward, a righteous martial family required righteous pretexts.
There must be arrogant fools who underestimate us and strike first, allowing us to crush them and claim their spoils. If the whole world cowered in terror and retreated behind their gates, our path forward would only grow complicated.
Naturally, he could not voice such pragmatic calculations aloud.
Yanghwi offered alternate justifications instead.
“To begin with, we cannot be certain whether Honored Teacher would look favorably upon our family brandishing her renown for our own gain. Furthermore, our house risks drawing the hostile gaze of colossal dark-path factions.”
Weighing Yanghwi’s words, Baek Muryang stroked his beard thoughtfully and gave a firm nod.
“You speak wisely. Your father harbored identical misgivings. How does this strike you, Brother?”
Having played a central role in the unfolding events, Zhuge Seon, who was seated among the assembly, voiced his full agreement.
“This brother likewise believes that making it public knowledge that the Wave-Piercing Sound Empress has claimed an apprentice will invite unnecessary complications from multiple quarters. For the time being, I plan to conceal the fact that Seolha has entered her tutelage as well.”
In reality, Zhuge Seon harbored an even deeper desire to keep Yanghwi’s monstrous genius veiled from the wider world.
Only under such secrecy could the Zhuge Clan entwine their fates with this emerging dragon without interference.
“Since Brother concurs, let every person here maintain absolute silence regarding the Wave-Piercing Sound Empress.”
“We understand.”
“We shall obey the Lord’s mandate.”
“Moving to our next order of business…”
As Baek Muryang began sorting through his documents, Yanghwi raised his hand once again.
“Father. Your son has an additional favor to ask.”
“What might that be?”
“Would you grant me permission to depart the estate for roughly a month to travel?”
“Hmm? You have not even spent a full day at home since returning from Gokyeol Mountain.”
“I have no intention of leaving immediately; I will rest for several days to shake off the fatigue of the road first.”
“Explain your purpose.”
“During our previous gathering, your son stated that our clan must gather and cultivate gifted individuals. There was a promising youth I encountered during my time living among the beggars, and I wish to retrieve him. In addition…”
“In addition?”
“I intend to pass through Nanchang and call upon the Baekseo antiquarian bookshop to inspect the state of our commercial venture. Should any proceeds have accumulated, I shall collect them. To that end, I believe having an escort would be wise.”
“Oh!”
Steward Han’s eyes instantly flared with avarice, his thumb and index finger snapping together to form the shape of a gold coin.
“Lord of the House! Both tasks Young Master Hwi has outlined carry immense significance, so pray grant your approval! What are you doing standing there, Pavilion Master Gu? Step forward and offer yourself as his personal guardian this instant!”
“M-Me, Elder Han?”
Steward Han delivered a hearty slap to Gu Ak’s back while the man stood blinking in surprise.
“Silver, man! Cold, hard silver! Young Master Hwi was born under the auspicious sign of the deity of wealth—wherever his footsteps wander, mountains of coin inevitably follow! Furthermore, if you accompany him, you will be spared all these tedious household duties, Pavilion Master Gu!”
“Ooooh!”
Gu Ak immediately snapped into a formal salute toward Baek Muryang, bowing deeply.
“Lord of the House! This humble Gu shall guard the bra—the Young Master with my very life and guarantee his flawless safety!”
With Gu Ak stepping forward so aggressively, Baek Muryang found himself unable to decline out of paternal worry.
In any case, he would need to return to his solitary training before long.
“Very well, let it be so. Hwi, exercise utmost vigilance over your well-being.”
“Understood, Father.”
Lowering his gaze, Yanghwi allowed his thoughts to drift toward a distant memory from his previous existence.
— Why do you pry into this older brother’s history so persistently?
— I was simply begging on the streets for scraps when someone snatched me up and molded me into a killer, nothing more.
— Hey, wait! You finished all the wine by yourself again! Curse you!
Chudal, ah, Chudal. You whose name is inscribed with the characters for ugly and otter.
Your older brother is coming for you.
A sly, knowing smirk crept across Yanghwi’s lips.
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