Chapter 37
Time, like a flowing river, never runs backward. It only moves forward—but its speed can change, shaped by countless factors.
Take focus, for instance.
For Yang-hwi, each step he took—poured into with total concentration—made time slow to a crawl.
A single step, as weighty as a thousand.
He moved.
A step—a thing so trivial, so ordinary. Since infancy, humans take hundreds of millions of them without ever thinking twice.
But this step was different.
To turn one into a thousand.
One and one thousand—numbers separated by a chasm of scale. Literally, a thousandfold difference.
But what if you broke that one into a thousand pieces… and made each piece count?
‘Right now… I can’t do that.’
The reason was simple.
He had glimpsed the divine technique of Heaven beyond Heaven—he had even stolen a sliver of its truth.
But to grasp it all in one glance? Eumhu’s level was still far too high for that.
‘Still… I can reach ten.’
He didn’t know the full flow of the technique. Not the internal energy pathways, not the secret art behind the motion. In fact, if he hadn’t passed the wooden puppets in the Hall of Five Trial of Sound, he wouldn’t have even seen the form.
But now that he had—
‘I can recreate it. My own way of moving.’
Yang-hwi had watched countless martial forms over the years, inventing matching energy techniques to replicate what he saw.
With his foundation in the Heavenly Harmony Art, he had the ability to craft inner paths of qi that supported his movement by connecting blood to blood, vein to vein.
‘Single step, tenfold? No, that sounds too much like copying. Let’s call it—The Thousand Vessel Step.’
The Thousand Vessel Step. A step that crafts a vessel large enough to hold a thousand.
A step formed on the spot, born from the stolen principles and sudden insight inspired by Eumhu’s A Thousand Miles in a Single Step.
And the moment Yang-hwi completed that single step—
“……!”
He looked at Eumhu, her eyes wide with shock, and felt a rush of pride.
‘Please, be even more impressed, Master Eumhu.’
What he had just shown—his understanding, his skill, his innate talent—
It was something that would startle even the Ten Divine Masters of Heaven who stood above the skies themselves.
“You’ve been so generous with your teachings, Master. As your student, I merely wanted to show my gratitude with a small performance. Did it meet your expectations?”
“……”
In that instant, Eumhu was truly stunned.
His innate gift exceeds even my expectations.
A Thousand Miles in a Single Step. One step containing a thousand.
A thousand changes, a thousand advancements, a thousand motions—all compressed into a single step.
That is the very essence, the secret of the technique passed down in the Sacred Sound Jade Spirit Sect.
Three steps. With just three steps, Eumhu had once compressed the entire universe—the myriad changes of creation, the flow of time—into movement.
‘It may only be a fragment, but he truly grasped my insight… and even embodied it.’
They say a schoolhouse dog can recite poems after three years, but in the end, a dog is still a dog.
Could such a creature ever learn the Thousand Character Classic?
Of course not.
And this wasn’t even a children’s primer. It was the Four Books and Three Classics—texts that challenge even scholars.
That was the difference between the Ten Divine Masters and ordinary martial artists.
So then, what of the difference between someone like her… and an eight-year-old child?
“Young master… I have no choice but to admit it.”
Moments ago, Yang-hwi and Eumhu had entered a silent wager.
Eumhu, strict and unyielding, intended to raise her disciple to fit the standards of her sect.
Yang-hwi, though called her disciple, insisted on staying with his original clan.
“Your talent… it’s enough to make me want to go back on my own beliefs.”
The reason she had shown him her Shape-Shifting Illusion Technique was to crush his will.
But Yang-hwi had stood against her, countering with his own brilliance—and left her with no choice but to yield.
‘Did I just win… against one of the Ten Divine Masters?’
And yet, he didn’t feel the least bit arrogant.
What filled him now was admiration. Admiration for Eumhu, who had once contained the universe in three steps.
Yang-hwi respectfully brought his hands together and bowed deeply.
“Master, I am truly grateful for your favor.”
He called her “Master” and himself “Disciple.”
A soft warmth bloomed in Eumhu’s heart.
His gift was one thing—but his sincerity and manners completed the picture.
“You carry confidence without arrogance. A quality any true martial artist should have.”
“How could I raise my chin after gazing at the heavens? This, too, I will take as your teaching and engrave upon my heart.”
Eumhu’s lips curved slightly more.
‘Really… he’s quite something. Always says just the right thing.’
Sweet words, but not flattery. Polite, but not cunning.
Pleasant to hear—and sincere enough to be cherished.
Her heart softened even more.
“Very well, young master. I shall grant you something.”
“I humbly accept, Master.”
“You are hereby given the right to leave Mount Gokyeol at will. However…”
Yang-hwi looked at her with calm eyes, awaiting the rest.
“You may only exercise this right with my permission and that of your senior, Seolha.”
In other words, respect your teacher—and don’t look down on your peers.
In essence, he could now stay with his clan and return to Eumhu only when needed for guidance.
“Your generosity is boundless, Master. I am deeply thankful.”
And so, the bond between Master and Disciple was truly forged.
They exchanged a quiet smile, eyes meeting with unspoken mutual respect.
Elsewhere—
Jegal Seon watched Yang-hwi and felt awe from the depths of his heart.
At just eight years old… this boy already stands apart. No—he’s a talent that may one day rule the world.
They say that Xiang Yu once declared, at age eight, that he would master the arts needed to overcome all men.
What Yang-hwi had just displayed was no different.
A radiance only those born of heaven could show.
‘A rare genius indeed. If I had accepted him as a disciple when my brother first asked… I would have been humiliated by now.’
That child… is not someone who can be contained.
Who could ever dare to stand before one of the Ten Divine Masters of Heaven and not bend to their will?
Even Jegal Seon, heir to the great Jegal clan and a man proud of his lineage and status, had never once gone against Eumhu’s wishes.
And he had never felt ashamed for it.
Because it was only natural.
Even when Eumhu displayed her Shape-Shifting Illusion Technique, he had only stood in stunned silence, unable to even try grasping its secrets.
Because he couldn’t see it—and didn’t have the right to.
‘But that child… he’s different. Truly different. Brother… your clan has birthed a dragon in every sense of the word.’
What kind of man would he become at fifteen? At twenty? At thirty, or even fifty?
Jegal Seon was certain. Without a doubt.
Not just one of the Ten Divine Masters… he’ll be the greatest under heaven.
The Ten Divine Masters may have ascended beyond the sky, but even they were still defined as the ten strongest within the mortal world.
That child, however, would go beyond even that.
…If he didn’t break first.
‘Yang-hwi… I think I’ve finally found a way to repay you.’
Jegal Seon resolved to begin a full-scale intelligence operation centered around Yang-hwi and the Baek clan as soon as they returned home.
He would make Yang-hwi’s name—and that of the Baek clan’s heir—known far and wide, while avoiding unnecessary suspicion or hostility from other powers.
So that this child wouldn’t be broken too soon.
…And perhaps—
His eyes turned to his daughter, who had scampered over and was now excitedly chatting and patting Yang-hwi on the back.
Sure, at that age, friends meant more than fathers. Still, to see the child who once wouldn’t leave his arms now laughing with someone else—it brought a faint sting to his heart.
‘Still, I must say… she’s grown up beautifully.’
Any man, no matter how young, would be drawn to her.
‘If you’ve found a dragon, you must make sure to keep it close.’
Jegal Seon smiled contentedly.
*****
Later…
Jegal Seolha remained behind at Mount Gokyeol with Eumhu, while Yang-hwi returned home with Jegal Seon.
As soon as he reported the events of the past two weeks, the Baek clan manor erupted into chaos, and an emergency council was convened.
“So, Hwi…?”
It was Baek Mu-ryang, the clan head, who had even come out of secluded training after hearing the news. His voice still trembled with disbelief.
“You’re saying you… actually became the disciple of none other than Master Eumhu, one of the Ten Divine Masters?”
“Yes.”
Having been asked this question exactly thirty-seven times since returning, Yang-hwi’sreply was flat and disinterested.
But Baek Mu-ryang, having received that same answer thirty-seven times, reacted the same way yet again.
He practically jumped for joy.
“This is… this is truly incredible!”
A few months ago, Baek Mu-ryang had realized the sheer scope of his son’s talent—and felt only helplessness.
As head of the clan, he couldn’t offer his son anything more.
Yet now, that same son who had brought in wealth and allies on his own… had even secured a master—by himself.
And not just any master—one of the ten greatest martial artists in the world!
“Congratulations, Clan Head—and to Young master Hwi as well. With Master Eumhu now backing us, our clan has a powerful force behind it.”
Everyone burst into applause and cheers.
“This should solve any future conflict with the Gyojin Sect. For now, we’ve had the protection of the Jegal clan, but we couldn’t rely on them forever.”
“You’re absolutely right, Gwak Moon. Hahaha!”
“How could a lowly sect like Gyojin ever dare to oppose the authority of a Divine Master? This is beyond reassuring!”
Laughter and joy rippled through the room.
But Yang-hwi, instead of basking in the moment, looked calmly around at the celebrants—and then turned to his father.
There was a smile on Baek Mu-ryang’s face, but something in his eyes seemed to hold back.
‘Looks like Father feels the same way I do.’
Yang-hwi raised his hand.
All eyes turned to him.
“Speak, Hwi.”
“Father, I believe it would be best if we kept my apprenticeship under Master Eumhu a secret.”
“Why do you think so?”
“It’s simple. I believe the risks outweigh the rewards.”
Yang-hwi wanted the Baek clan to rise—within ten years—to rule not just Akan-hyeon but the entire Muju region.
And for a martial family to grow, it needed an excuse—a cause. Something to justify war.
You need enemies. Fools who underestimate you. That’s who you break down and feed on. But if they’re all too scared to even fight… well, that’s a problem.
Of course, that wasn’t something he could say out loud.
So he offered other reasons instead.
“First, I don’t know if Master would permit us to use her name for power. Second, it might attract the eyes of larger, darker factions.”
Baek Mu-ryang stroked his chin and nodded.
“You make a fair point. I’ve had my own concerns as well. What do you think, Brother?”
As one of the key people involved, Jegal Seon gave his agreement.
“I believe it would cause unnecessary complications if news spread that Master Eumhu had taken on a disciple. Even in Seolha’s case, we’re keeping it quiet for now.”
In truth, Jegal Seon hoped Yang-hwi’s talent could remain hidden for a little longer.
That way, the Jegal clan could claim the dragon more fully when the time came.
“Then it’s decided. No one is to speak of anything related to Master Eumhu outside these walls.”
“Understood.”
“We obey the Clan Head’s will.”
“Now, onto the next order of business…”
As Baek Mu-ryang shuffled through papers, Yang-hwi raised his hand again.
“Father, I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like permission to leave the clan for about a month.”
“You just returned from Mount Gokyeol—and haven’t even rested a full day.”
“I won’t leave right away. I plan to rest a few days first.”
“Then why do you want to leave?”
“I once said, during a clan meeting, that we need to raise the next generation of talent. I came across one such talent while I was still a beggar… I’d like to bring him back. And while I’m at it…”
“Yes?”
“I’ll also stop by Nanchang to check on our publishing deal with White Scroll Antique Bookstore. If there’s any profit, I’ll bring it back. I’ll need an escort as well.”
“Oho!”
The moment he heard Yang-hwi’s request, one of the clan stewards, eyes practically turning into gold coins, quickly formed a circle with his thumb and index finger.
“Clan Head! Young master Hwi’s reasons are all solid and noble—please grant him permission at once! What are you waiting for, Gu-Ak? Step up and offer to be his escort already!”
“M-me?!”
The steward gave Gu-Ak a hearty slap on the back.
“Money, man, money! Young master Hwi was clearly born under the God of Wealth’s blessing! Whenever he goes out, he comes back richer! That means you, Gu-Ak, get to avoid all the annoying stuff for a while!”
“Ooooooh!”
Without hesitation, Gu-Ak turned toward Baek Mu-ryang and offered a respectful martial salute.
“Clan Head! I, Gu-Ak, will humbly accompany… no, faithfully guard Young master Hwi on this journey to ensure his absolute safety!”
With Gu-Ak stepping forward so eagerly, it became difficult for Baek Mu-ryang to object on the grounds of concern for his son’s safety.
Besides, he would soon be returning to secluded training anyway.
“Very well. You may go. Hwi, just be careful.”
“Of course, Father.”
Yang-hwi bowed his head and, for a moment, his thoughts drifted to memories from his past life.
—Why do you even want to know about this junior brother’s past?
—I just begged for food, got kidnapped, and ended up raised as an assassin. That’s the whole story.
—And seriously! You drank all the wine again?! You damn old drunkard!
Chudal. Chu as in ‘ugly’, Dal as in ‘otter.’ Chudal, you bastard.
‘This time… this hyung will come get you.’
Yang-hwi couldn’t help but lift the corner of his lips into a small, crooked grin.
---The End Of The Chapter---
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