The Third-Rate Martial Arts Family Becomes the World's Strongest Chapter 23

Chapter 23

A series of baffling events unfolded—none of which made much sense.

‘How did that child notice?’

It wasn’t as if he had extended his energy to probe her. All Yang-hwi had done was quietly observe the aura she emitted, trying to understand her presence.

To put it in metaphorical terms, it was like looking at someone without ever laying a hand on them.

Which meant that Jegal Seolha should have had no way of noticing Yang-hwi’s probing attempt.

‘And yet... she did.’

That wasn’t the only odd thing.

“Seolha, what’s wrong, my dear? Hmm? Tell your father what happened!”

But Jegal Seolha merely parted her lips slightly.

And yet Jegal Seon was reacting like something catastrophic had occurred.

“What’s got you so worked up, brother? Is something bothering the child?”

“No, it’s nothing, Brother. It’s just... Seolha doesn’t usually react this way.”

“Hmm… Could it be some sort of illness...?”

Jegal Seon composed himself after checking on Jegal Seolha again and offered a wry smile.

“I’ll explain in more detail later. For now, Brother—why don’t you introduce me to your family?”

“Of course, Brother. You’ve already met my wife, I believe. And these three here are my children.”

Jegal Seon’s gaze landed on the Baek siblings.

Baek Heon-So, visibly tense, kept glancing curiously at Jegal Seolha, who was around his age.

Baek Yeon-Yeon looked utterly delighted by the new people and surroundings.

And finally, Yang-hwi, whose eyes held a depth far beyond his years.

‘The two younger ones are impressive, but the eldest… He’s a genius, no doubt about it. That must be the adopted son Brother wrote to me about.’

Indeed, Yang-hwi’s appearance had changed dramatically from just a few months ago.

Healthy meals and consistent training had given him a presence that made it clear—this boy was no ordinary martial artist.

“It’s been almost eight years since I’ve seen your father, so I suppose this is our first time meeting. I am your uncle, Jegal Seon.”

“Pleased to meet you, Uncle Jegal,” the children chorused.

Even Yang-hwi joined them in greeting.

All the while, his gaze remained fixed on Jegal Seolha, who still said nothing and remained in her father’s arms.

They’re the same age. One would think they’d introduce them to each other, but they haven’t.

And then there was the veil—Jegal Seolha’s face was completely covered with a thin white cloth.

It was sheer enough to see through, so it wouldn’t hinder her sight—but why wear something like that?

‘It would feel wrong to ask.’

In a not-too-distant future, Jegal Seolha would die.

Could her strange attire have something to do with that?

Even now, her gaze was locked onto Yang-hwi.

She hadn’t said a word, yet she had clearly detected his attempt to read her qi.

‘That means she either has some kind of supernatural ability… or her senses are just as sharp as mine.’

And considering the unique energy he had picked up from her…

Suddenly, Yang-hwi’s head felt like it was spinning.

***

That night, the Baek household hosted a banquet.

Naturally, it was held in honor of the visiting guest—Jegal Seon, both the patriarch’s sworn brother and the young head of the prestigious Jegal clan.

Yet oddly enough, throughout the banquet, Jegal Seon never once let Jegal Seolha leave his side.

He ate, drank, and even enjoyed wine—all while keeping his daughter in his arms.

“Jegal Seon, your daughter must really adore you.”

“Haha, yes. Whenever Seolha finds herself in an unfamiliar place, she refuses to be separated from her father or mother for even a moment.”

“I see. It would be lovely if she could spend some time with Hwi, So, and Yeon.”

“Yes, I agree. By the way, Brother… you’re looking much more spirited than the last time I saw you.”

Just as Baek Mu-ryang had found himself curious about Jegal Seolha, Jegal Seon was also intrigued by the noticeable improvement in the Baek household’s fortunes.

“It seems some good fortune has come to your house lately.”

“Well, I won’t deny that. Haha.”

Baek Mu-ryang chuckled softly, stroking his beard.

“Heaven has woven a fateful thread for us, and through that bond, blessings have followed.”

He said this while gazing fondly at Yang-hwi.

And so began the proud father’s barrage of praises for his son.

With a puffed-up chest, Baek Mu-ryang listed off all the amazing things Yang-hwi had accomplished.

Each tale more extraordinary than the last—so unbelievable that even Jegal Seon couldn’t help but react with surprise.

“Is that really true, Brother? That child did all that?”

“Hard to believe such cunning came from the mind of an eight-year-old.”

“I suppose the only flaw is his fearlessness. That must have given you no end of worry.”

His gaze then returned to Yang-hwi, who remained politely modest.

“They say the name Jegal* belongs to our clan, but based on your deeds, I’d say you deserve the title more than anyone.”

“That’s far too much praise, Uncle.”

Jegal Seon smiled even more broadly.

Even in front of the young master of the Jegal family, Yang-hwi didn’t bat an eye.

Just as he’d heard—this boy’s nerve was anything but ordinary.

“Never forget the kindness your father has shown you. Continue to strive forward—for the sake of the Baek family.”

“I’ve etched it into my bones, Uncle. I will never forget.”

“Hah! Excellent!”

He had the build of a heroic giant, an exceptional love for martial arts, and unmatched skill in combat. For that, they called him The Unmatched Sleeping Dragon.

Despite being the young lord of the prestigious Jegal family, it was Jegal Seon who had earned a title rivaling even Lü Bu Fengxian*’s “Peerless Under Heaven.”

To Jegal Seon, Yang-hwi’s demeanor was more than just pleasing—it was impressive.

“Yang-hwi. And Heon-So and Yeon-Yeon as well. Is there anything you three want? To commemorate our first meeting, this uncle would like to give you a gift.”

“There’s no need, Brother,” Baek Mu-ryang tried to object gently.

But Jegal Seon just burst into hearty laughter, raising his cup in one hand and declaring loudly, “Then why don’t you return the favor by gifting something to my daughter as well? To be honest, Brother, I came to ask a favor of you anyway—so this seems like a perfect opportunity.”

‘So he didn’t just drop by on a whim. There’s a deeper reason behind this visit.’

Bringing along a daughter who refused to be separated from her parents, especially on an important visit, likely had something to do with Jegal Seolha.

As Yang-hwi thought that over, Baek Heon-So and Baek Yeon-Yeon exchanged glances and nervously looked to him.

“Uncle is being generous. So, Yeon, go ahead and tell him what you’d like.”

Their faces lit up at Yang-hwi’s words.

They had been unsure of how to respond without being rude, but with his reassurance, they now had permission.

“Uncle, I’d like a sword like the ones used for training at the Jegal clan! I want to train hard and become a strong warrior!”

“And I want candy! But not just any candy—super sweet and pretty ones, better than what they sell at our market!”

“Haha! Those are easy requests for this uncle. I’ll see to both of them!” Jegal Seon laughed heartily. “And what about you, Yang-hwi? What would you like?”

All eyes at the banquet turned toward him.

Yang-hwi paused to think.

What he truly wanted was the protection and backing of the Jegal clan—but asking for something so blatant, especially as a child, felt both risky and greedy.

‘I need something that sounds childlike, but still benefits me.’

He thought of the upcoming Martial Meet, hosted by the Suhoji Assembly, and of Jegal Seon’s real reason for visiting. Of the uniqueness he’d sensed in Jegal Seolha’s qi.

‘In the end, getting more information is the best gain here.’

With that, he put on a bright smile and asked in a cheerful, innocent voice,

“Uncle, how should I address your daughter?”

“She’s the same age as you, so just call her Seolha,” Jegal Seon replied.

“Oh! So we’re the same age! Could I see her face, maybe?”

Suddenly, Jegal Seon’s expression stiffened.

Not with anger—but with sorrow, almost unbearable sorrow, as though the question had touched something deeply painful.

“I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible. Our Seolha cannot show her face to others.”

It was a soft refusal, but Yang-hwi didn’t back down.

“There’s a saying, true friends can even share the same robe. If we’re to be friends, why does Seolha have to hide her face? May I ask the reason?”

“…”

True friends can even share the same robe—a line from the Book of Songs in the Five Classics—symbolizes close friendship, free of barriers or formality.

The Jegal clan is known among all martial sects for their scholarly traditions. That an eight-year-old could quote the Book of Songs moved Jegal Seon deeply—especially with the wine now warming his mood.

He finally spoke words he would not have shared under normal circumstances.

“Seolha doesn’t hide her face by choice. She simply… cannot show it. Please don’t ask any further.”

It was clear he had no intention of sharing the details.

‘That’s enough. She’s being forced to keep her face hidden—it’s not by her own will.’

“Yang-hwi, why don’t you pick a different gift instead?” Baek Mu-ryang gently redirected.

He had already gotten what he wanted. For now, there was no material item he could ask for without sounding unnatural.

So instead, Yang-hwi decided to use this moment for his father’s sake.

“Then, Uncle… a few days from now, there’s going to be a martial arts tournament. Would you be willing to come watch me and my brother?”

“Oh? A tournament, you say?”

The Baek family had recently agreed to the invitation from the Suhoji Assembly to attend the Martial Meet.

And with Jegal Seon, the young lord of the Jegal clan, already here as a guest, it was only natural that he would accompany them.

By stepping forward now, Yang-hwi was making sure the request came from him, not from his father later.

‘Though they’re sworn brothers, it’s better if Father doesn’t have to ask.’

Both Baek Mu-ryang and Jegal Seon saw through his intentions immediately.

“Brother,” Jegal Seon asked, “is the matter you mentioned in your letter still valid?”

Baek Mu-ryang shook his head firmly.

“Out of the question, Brother. If you’re looking for a disciple, choose from among your own clan.”

“So wise, and so filial… it’s hard not to be tempted,” Jegal Seon said, chuckling as he raised his voice.

“Good! You said it’s the Meet, yes? I was looking for something to pass the time anyway. I’ll join you. But!”

He slammed the table with a thud, adding a playful challenge.

“Since it’s a tournament, there’ll be age groups, right? If you can win in your category, I’ll give you a proper reward!”

Yang-hwi’s lips curled up slightly.

‘What luck!’

“And what kind of reward are we talking about, exactly?” he asked, still smiling.

It wasn’t a question of what he wanted—but how far the reward could go.

Jegal Seon let out a scoff.

This boy—his sworn brother’s adopted son—was so sly and calculating that he began to doubt if he really was only eight years old.

Even by Jegal clan standards, Yang-hwi was unusually sharp.

“You trying to test your uncle’s limits? Don’t bother! Whatever it is you want, I can promise it’ll be more than enough for someone as bold and big-hearted as you!”

Hearing the boast, Yang-hwi let out a quiet grin.

‘He is the young lord of the Jegal clan, after all. He’s bound to be generous.’

Still… gifts are best earned. And now wasn’t the time to cash in.

There were more pressing things—like understanding Jegal Seon and Jegal Seolha better.

With that in mind, he spoke again:

“What this child wants for a reward… is to accompany you wherever you are planning to go for Seolha’s sake.”

Jegal Seon’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer.

Then he burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Now that… that’s interesting!”

[TL: Jegal - “Jegal” (Zhuge in Chinese) is most famously associated with Zhuge Liang (제갈량), the brilliant strategist of Shu Han during China’s Three Kingdoms era. His legacy as a master tactician and wise advisor gave the surname symbolic weight, often used in literature to imply genius-level intellect or strategic brilliance.

lü bu fengxian -Lü Bu Fengxian is widely remembered as the mightiest warrior of the Three Kingdoms era—so powerful that even three heroes (Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei) had to join forces to fight him. ]

---The End Of The Chapter---

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