The Martial God with Psychic Powers

It was Jang Woon speaking, his expression delighted as he looked at Bu Cheon Gi and Gi Ho, who were visibly surprised.
“You’ve been chosen by a being of that magnitude.”
“That’s something to be happy about.”

At those words, the expressions on the two men’s faces gradually brightened.
“So it’s true! We were chosen by someone truly incredible.”
“We weren’t unfortunate. We were the lucky ones.”

And then they thought of the families that had abandoned them.
“They must still be indulging in their sweet delusion of having produced the next Lord of Mushincheon.”
“I can’t wait to see what their faces look like the day that fantasy shatters.”

Seeing their bitter expressions, Jang Woon spoke.
“Those clans will come to watch your expressions instead.”
The two of them opened their eyes wide at that.
“Do you really think that could happen?”

“Of course it will.”
At Jang Woon’s bold declaration, Gi Ho and Bu Cheon Gi let out faint laughs.
“Right. If things turn out the way you say… that would be great.”

Of course, even if that did happen, Gi Ho had no intention of returning to the Hyeok Ryeon Clan.
He would create a clan of his own.
One that could rival the Hyeok Ryeon Clan.

Bu Cheon Gi shared the same thought, and a fierce determination burned in his heart.
“Those are truly good eyes you have.”
At the sudden voice, everyone turned their heads.

Yeon Woo Jin was standing there, smiling faintly.
One who has a goal does not collapse easily.
Their goal was probably the clans that had cast them aside.

“I’ll make sure the House of Gi and the House of Bu stand above the Hyeok Ryeon and Jang Son Clans. So until that day comes, do not neglect your training.”
At Yeon Woo Jin’s words, the light in the two men’s eyes grew even more intense.
Then they dropped to one knee and shouted in thunderous voices.

“Loyalty!”
 
****
Time passed, and before long, Yeon Woo Jin’s graduation day approached.

When had time flown by so quickly?
Ever since the fight against Jungcheon ended, only peaceful days had followed.
During the final field study, they had gone to the Muryang Archives, organizing the secret arts of the Central Plains sects.

Since the return process had been clearly established, everything had to be perfectly arranged.
Originally, they’d intended to leave with copies in hand, but things had flipped in an unexpected way.
Even so, they barely managed to finish organizing all the secret manuals in time.

Yeon Woo Jin looked at the gathered students and for a moment recalled the past.
Back when he had been at the Muryang Archives, the only people he held dear were his grandfather and Jeok Seong.
Now, there were so many.

Meeting Jang Woon when he first joined the High Division, and his less-than-pleasant first encounter with Sunwoo Baek.
Meeting Fang-un and Jo Deok, bearers of the Four Divine Beast Physiques he’d only read about in books.
And beyond them, so many other ties now stood before him.

Among this group were also Gi Ho and Bu Cheon Gi, companions he’d met not long ago.
Wasn’t it for the sake of being with them that he’d resolved to become Lord of Mushincheon?
They were all precious bonds.

The students all waited for Yeon Woo Jin to open his mouth.
Had he gathered them to bid farewell?
Or was it to propose yet another endeavor?

Each of them waited, half-expectant, half-nervous.
Then Yeon Woo Jin opened his mouth.
“I’m… going to the Central Plains.”
Gulp—

“There, I’ll build a force of my own.”
With each of Yeon Woo Jin’s words, the students’ eyes burned brighter.
“I won’t force anyone. Those who want to follow me, over there…”

He hadn’t even finished speaking when every student leapt in the direction he indicated.
Seeing this, Yeon Woo Jin gave a faint chuckle and said,
“…I was going to say ‘go,’ but… I suppose there’s no need.”

At that, Jang Woon shouted loudly,
“Wherever our lord goes, we will always follow!”
At Jang Woon’s cry, the students burst into a great cheer.

“It might have grown bigger than expected, but fine. Let’s all go. To the Central Plains.”
“Yaaaaah!”
Thus began the rise of the Transcendent Corps, a force that would one day be remembered in Mushincheon as an embodiment of terror.

 
****
The organizations and sects of Mushincheon were shaken by the news that all the talents of Baekyeong High Division had vanished without a trace.

Where could they have gone?
Those who had been eyeing them for recruitment wore dumbfounded expressions, unable to make sense of it.
Then came the announcement from Cheonjudang.

That the legends of Baekyeong had all been taken by Cheonjudang.
And that they had been personally chosen by the Lord of Mushincheon himself—those words made everyone lower their heads and quietly withdraw.
And so, the key figures who had led Baekyeong to legend faded swiftly from the memories of the people.

 
Cheonjusan, Anhui Province.
There stood the Namgoong Clan, long holders of a prestigious name in the Central Plains’ history.

As people began to flock to the area to live under the Namgoong Clan’s protection, a city naturally formed.
Not only commoners, but merchants seeking the Namgoong Clan’s patronage also gathered, paying protection fees in exchange for safety.
Even minor sects entered the Namgoong Clan’s territory, becoming subordinate branches and continuing their sect life under the Namgoong banner.

From these developments, it was clear why the Namgoong Clan had come to lead one of the orthodox pillars of the Central Plains.
Though the rising power of Mushincheon had somewhat dimmed their glory, the Namgoong Clan’s influence in Anhui Province still held strong.
Then, one day—

New people moved into a manor located by Myeonggyeong Lake behind Cheonjusan.
The manor faced a lake, offering beautiful scenery, but had long stood empty due to its high cost.
Originally, this manor had been built as a retreat by a scholar named Yi Dae In, a former academic of Hakrim Academy.

After Yi Dae In’s death, the manor had remained vacant for years.
Now, for the first time in a long while, the once-silent manor was brimming with life.
Servants hired to manage the estate and laborers conducting renovations created a bustling scene.

And among the watchers of this activity—
—was a martial artist affiliated with the Namgoong Clan.
He had come to verify the ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) rumors that the manor had been sold and was undergoing renovation.

After closely inspecting the place, he quietly left.
 
****

Namgoong Clan Patriarch’s Study.
Patriarch Namgoong Cheon was receiving a report about the high-class manor located near Myeonggyeong Lake to the north.
“Hahaha. It was such a waste to let that manor sit empty, but it seems it’s finally found a new owner. That’s a relief.”

He had been feeling regretful, thinking the place was gradually becoming a ruin. But now, that concern seemed unnecessary.
There had even been talk of the Namgoong Clan purchasing it themselves, but at the time, they couldn’t afford it.
Too many resources had been used to treat Hong Seol Hwa’s illness over the years.

Thankfully, Hong Seol Hwa had recovered, but until the emptied treasury could be replenished, strict austerity measures had to be followed.
Namgoong Cheon was deeply grateful to his retainers who followed without complaint.
“It doesn’t appear to be a simple case of a wealthy family buying a manor.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”
“They’re building what appear to be martial training halls throughout the property, and the land in the rear has been leveled with foundation stones being laid for new buildings.”
“You’re saying structures are being erected behind the manor as well?”

“Yes. Judging by the fact that pavilions suitable for residence are being built, it seems some faction has purchased the manor to establish a proper base there.”
“Hooh, is that so? It’s been a long time since that’s happened. These days, everyone seems to be moving closer to Mushincheon, and almost no one chooses to come here anymore.”
“One unusual thing is that all the martial artists present at the manor were young.”

“Young?”
“Yes! They gave off the impression of just having reached adulthood.”
“Hmm, really? Strange. For now, keep watching. Once their move is complete, they’ll likely come pay their respects.”

“Understood.”
 
****

Once the renovations were complete, a signboard of exceptional calligraphy was hung at the main gate of the manor.
Sincheonjang (New Heaven Manor).
“A new heaven,” it said.

Truly a grand name for a manor.
What stood out even more was that the majority of the manor’s residents were young men.
The only older people present were the servants.

Upon hearing this, Namgoong Cheon tilted his head in puzzlement.
“They really do appear to all be barely into adulthood?”
“Yes, sir. Any older individuals seem to be servants.”

“How peculiar.”
“If I may offer my humble speculation… it seems like a group of passionate young heirs from wealthy families have gathered, purchased the manor, and are trying to form a force of their own.”
“And why do you think that?”

“I overheard their conversations. Most of them seemed to be friends.”
“Friends?”
“Yes.”

“That really is unusual.”
Was it truly possible that these young men had joined forces to create their own power base?

Or simply observed for the time being?
That too was a dilemma.
Besides, the fact that they’d bought such an expensive manor just for their gathering meant they weren’t sons of ordinary households.

“Do they all seem to know martial arts?”
“Yes. More than anyone, they appeared deeply devoted to martial training.”
“Hmm. Just what households do these children come from?”

As Namgoong Cheon pondered, the steward who had been quietly listening finally spoke.
“From what I saw… they seem to be disciples from Mushincheon.”
“Mushincheon?”

“Yes. The Nine Great Sects and Five Grand Clans are all well aware that Mount Cheonju is part of our Namgoong Clan’s territory. If they were from those groups, they would’ve come to seek permission before relocating.”
“You’re right. What you’re saying makes sense. That’s very likely.”
“If they’re from Mushincheon, then there’s nothing in the world they fear. It’s entirely possible they paid no attention to whose territory this was.”

“Hmm. That’s plausible. Then… what should we do?”
“Obviously, we must inform them of whose domain they’ve entered. No matter if they belong to Mushincheon, it’s a violation of martial etiquette to intrude upon someone else’s land like this.”
“Yes! You’re absolutely right. Then you go and tell them.”

“Pardon? M-me?”
“Yes. Steward! I’m counting on you.”
He had only made one passing comment…

“Ah… understood.”
Just as he responded and was about to leave—
“Patriarch! A guest from a place called Sincheonjang is here!”

At the voice coming from outside, all eyes in the room turned to Namgoong Cheon.
Namgoong Cheon gave a faint chuckle.
“Looks like we won’t have to go to them. Well then, let’s see what household this young man belongs to.”

Namgoong Cheon slowly rose from his seat and said,
“Guide the guest to the reception hall.”
“Yes, sir!”

 
****
When Namgoong Cheon arrived at the guest room and saw the person sitting there, he froze on the spot.

“…It’s been a while, Patriarch.”
“I-Is it really you?”
“Pardon?”

“Is it really you I’m seeing? Is this… real?”
“…I’m not quite sure what you mean—”
“You… you’re that physician—”

“Ah! My identity as a physician is supposed to be a secret.”
“I-I see? Forgive my blunder.”
“No one else heard it, so it’s fine.”

“Then what should I call you?”
“Just call me Woo Jin comfortably.”
The guest who had come to visit Namgoong Cheon was none other than Yeon Woo Jin.

Namgoong Cheon practically leapt up at Yeon Woo Jin’s words.
“Absolutely not! I could never address you like that!”
“Then since I’ve come as the Master of Sincheonjang, you can call me Manor Master.”

“Wait… the Master of Sincheonjang… was you, benefactor?”
“Yes. I came to the Central Plains for some matters. I was looking for a place to settle and thought of you, Patriarch, so I decided to establish myself within Namgoong Clan territory. I apologize for not seeking permission beforehand.”
“Not at all! Please, don’t speak in such a distant manner! If it’s you, I would offer even my own bedchamber!”

Namgoong Cheon was overjoyed.
The person he had been waiting for so long had come.
Finally, he had a chance to repay his debt.

He couldn’t wait to tell Hong Seol Hwa the good news.
But… he had business in the Central Plains?
What kind of business?

If it was Central Plains-related, surely he could help.
He would mobilize the full power of the Namgoong Clan if necessary.
“What brings you to the Central Plains? Allow me to assist you!”

“I did need your help, Patriarch. And since you offered first, it makes it easier to speak.”
“You needed my help? Then let me remain by your side and assist you!”
“Eh? No, no need to go that far—”

“What are you saying? There’s no one who knows the Central Plains better than I do! I’ll pass the leadership of the clan to my son. I have to do it eventually, so I might as well do it now!”
“N-no, that’s really not…”
Too late.

It was the kind of expression that wouldn’t register any further argument.
Should he really give this to him now?
It felt like he shouldn’t.

But still, he had come to deliver it.
Yeon Woo Jin took a silk-wrapped bundle from inside his robes.
“I came to deliver this.”

“What is it?”
“It’s the Emperor’s Sword Manual.”