The Martial God with Psychic Powers

Only now were all his doubts cleared up.

He had been curious about who had arrived that the kitchen was bustling so much.
Even when he asked the servants carrying the food, all they gave him were clueless answers, which had left him frustrated.
Jegal Munyeok had only shown the Daechun Star Divine Art to the upper ranks.

The Celestial Transfiguration Divine Art, he had not shown them.
That technique was a true secret, passed down only to those destined to become the family head.
It was that outstanding, that incredible of a martial art.

The upper ranks had gathered together, examining the secret manual, unaware that there existed a technique surpassing even the Daechun Star Divine Art.
“What on earth… Why did Mushincheon return this secret manual to us?”
That was the question lingering ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) in everyone’s mind.

Why? For what reason?
All eyes turned to Jegal Munyeok.
“Did they say why they returned this?”
“Are they trying to lure us under their command?”

“They said no such thing.”
“No such thing? You mean they just gave it back?”
“Exactly.”

“…Hmph.”
“And there is something else, something important I need to tell you.”
At those words, everyone’s attention focused sharply.

“When circulating qi, does anyone experience numbness in the Yin and Yang meridians?”
At Jegal Munyeok’s question, most people raised their hands.
“Isn’t that the case for everyone? Why do you ask?”

“That’s a disease.”
“…What?”
What was he saying now?

“It’s a hereditary illness within our bloodline. After I received treatment for it, my cultivation advanced.”
“I-Is that true?”
“It is. So I’ve asked him to treat your illness as well.”

At Jegal Munyeok’s words, the expressions of the upper ranks brightened noticeably.
If their cultivation would rise after treatment, then they too needed to be treated.
Everyone looked at Jegal Munyeok with hopeful eyes.
“Is it a famous physician?”

“No. It’s the one who brought back the Daechun Star Divine Art.”
“So, someone from Mushincheon?”
“Yes.”

At the mention that the person who cured the illness was also from Mushincheon, everyone began murmuring anxiously.
“There might be some hidden motive behind this. We must be cautious.”
“Agreed. Kindness without reason… It’s suspicious.”

“There is a reason.”
“And what is it?”
“He asked that, when the day comes and he becomes Mushincheon’s Lord, we stand as his supporters.”

For a moment, the hall fell utterly silent.
They had assumed he was just an envoy of Mushincheon—but was he one of those rumored young lord candidates?
“Could it be… that the rumored candidate for young lord came here personally?”

“No. He’s not formally registered as a candidate.”
“Then what nonsense is this? How can someone not even a candidate speak of becoming Mushincheon’s Lord?”
“He is more than qualified. He is the direct grandson of the Mushincheon Lord himself.”

Boom—
It felt as though such a sound erupted inside everyone’s heads.
That was the scale of the shock.

“T-The Mushincheon Lord has a grandson?”
“Then why the competition for young lord candidates?”
To that question, Jegal Munyeok relayed everything he had heard from Yeon Woo Jin.

After hearing the full story, the upper ranks were dumbfounded.
Especially upon learning of Yeon Woo Jin’s strength, some even showed looks of empty defeat.
“In short, it means the next generation won’t be able to surpass Mushincheon either.”

“More than that. A more perfect Mushincheon Lord will be born—stronger, and possessing virtue and righteousness. How many sects would refuse to follow such a man? When he becomes Mushincheon’s Lord, the Central Plains will inevitably reorganize around him.”
Jegal Munyeok’s tone felt strange.
His words made it sound as though the Jegal Clan should fall under Mushincheon’s banner.

“Clan Head… You’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, are you?”
“And what might that be?”
“That we should submit under Mushincheon.”

Jegal Munyeok let out a faint chuckle.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to be Mushincheon’s top-ranked vassal?”
“C-Clan Head!”

“What nonsense is this?!”
“We cannot betray the Martial Alliance!”
To their protests, Jegal Munyeok calmly replied.

“It’s not just us.”
“What do you mean?”
“He said he intends to return the secret manuals to other clans and sects as well. Can you guarantee they won’t give in?”

“They all have pride. They wouldn’t fall for it.”
“No. The Sword Pavilion has already submitted. So has the Namgoong Clan.”
“What?”

“Which is why we must seize our position quickly. In all things, timing is key. If you follow after everyone else, it’s already too late.”
At Jegal Munyeok’s words, the expressions of the upper ranks turned grave.
“Well then, I’ve already requested treatment for your illness from my benefactor. Get treated first, then decide. I will respect your opinions.”

Since he wasn’t making a unilateral decision, but would respect their will, everyone nodded in agreement.
“Understood. Since the Clan Head says so, we’ll meet him first, then decide.”
Jegal Munyeok smiled faintly.

He was confident.
Once they met Yeon Woo Jin, they would think exactly as he did.
 

****
A few days later.
The situation had completely reversed.

“We must make our decision immediately!”
“That’s right! It seems the Namgoong Clan is still hesitating. We should act first!”
“Our Jegal Clan must become the top-ranked vassal of Mushincheon under that man’s leadership!”

Those who had met Yeon Woo Jin and received treatment.
Especially after they had even taken the Harmonization Pills personally gifted by him.
They had been shocked to learn Yeon Woo Jin was the one who created the famed Harmonization Pill—and shocked again to realize that at his young age, he had already reached the Mythic Realm.

There was no chance the Martial Alliance could surpass Mushincheon and reclaim its past glory.
They had to choose the future of their clan.
Sensing the mood was ripe, Jegal Munyeok spoke.

“It is only natural to repay grace. If my benefactor becomes Mushincheon’s Lord, I shall follow him and have us join Mushincheon.”
“I agree as well.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to serve him from this moment on?”

Many agreed with that suggestion.
Naturally, Jegal Munyeok continued.
“I intend to bring along the Young Clan Heir.”

“Ohh! As expected, you are always one step ahead of us!”
“Haha! Hopefully, our benefactor will look favorably upon the Young Heir.”
“By bringing him along, you’re already acknowledging him as one of ours, aren’t you?”

“Hahaha! That’s right, that’s right!”
Thanks to that, Jegal Un accompanying Yeon Woo Jin proceeded naturally, without resistance.
“What about the Martial Alliance?”

“For now, we remain within it. Our benefactor also doesn’t wish for unnecessary chaos in the martial world because of him.”
Everyone nodded in understanding.
“In any case, with time, the entire Martial Alliance will bow their heads to him on their own. He is a god. And before a god, all mortals will naturally submit.”

A common pattern among those who received Yeon Woo Jin’s energy.
At first, it began with favorability—but as time passed, they would come to follow him fanatically.
The mysterious aura implanted by divine beings was no longer limited to Yeon Cheon Baek; it was beginning to affect all living beings.

Even at that very moment, without Yeon Woo Jin realizing, that aura was growing stronger, evolving rapidly.
 
****

Two days later.
They set off toward their next destination, with Jegal Munyeok, the clan head, and the upper ranks seeing them off.
Among the group was Jegal Un, the Young Heir of the Jegal Clan.

His heart pounded as he followed the path—but there was something odd about the direction the Sincheon Escort Agency was heading.
That direction is… Guihwa Mountain?
Guihwa Mountain was home to the headquarters of Nokrim (Green Forest).

Green Forest—a union of bandit factions across the Central Plains.
For an escort agency to pass openly through there was blatant disregard for Green Forest.
A direct provocation, essentially saying, Try to rob us if you can.

Of course, it was the fastest route.
Crossing Guihwa Mountain saved at least five days.
Still, no merchant groups or escort agencies dared traverse that mountain.

Yet, Sincheon Escort Agency was heading there.
“Lord Escort Chief, we should avoid that area.”
Jegal Un was disguised as an escort under Sincheon, so he addressed Yeon Woo Jin formally.

“I know.”
“…Pardon?”
“It’s Guihwa Mountain—the main headquarters of Green Forest.”

So he knew.
Then why…?
Jegal Un stared at him with questioning eyes, and Yeon Woo Jin replied.

“Perfect for live combat training. And we can clean up the bandits harassing innocents while we’re at it.”
The problem was, those weren’t ordinary bandits.

Yeon Woo Jin gazed at Jegal Un intently.
Why is he looking at me like that?
“Have you ever had real combat experience?”

Of course not.
In these peaceful times, how many martial artists their age had tasted real battle?
Probably none among his peers.

“No, I haven’t.”
Why ask that?
“Then get ready. You’ll have it today.”

“…What?”
“Guard the cargo properly, understood?”
Gulp—

Jegal Un swallowed nervously and glanced toward Jang Woon and Sunwoo Baek.
The two were calmly preparing for combat, as if it were routine.
Looking around, everyone else was preparing too—just as familiar with battle.

Except for one.
The guide leading the way was trembling uncontrollably.
Jegal Un felt a strange sense of camaraderie with him.

Sudden real combat?
“I’ll heal you if you get badly injured, so don’t worry—just fight.”
What nonsense is this now?

Heal after injuries?
He wasn’t some cloth doll.
If cut by a blade, it was straight to the afterlife.

Should I not have come…?
Suddenly, he missed his father dearly.
Meanwhile, they approached the foot of Guihwa Mountain.

“It’s been a while… real combat.”
“Indeed. Wonder how strong Green Forest’s lot is these days?”
“Strong or not, they’re just bandits.”

Hearing the escorts chat, Jegal Un interjected.
“They’re not mere bandits. In name only—they’re martial artists. The bandit chief guarding the mountain entrance, Gwangyeo, is famed for his Short Axe Blade Technique. His cultivation is Apex-Level, Seventh Star.”
The escorts chuckled lightly.

“Weak compared to our sub-leaders.”
What?
“Our sub-leaders are Apex-Level, Eleventh Star. No worries.”

“They’ll handle it before it escalates.”
“Even if stronger foes appear, no need to fear.”
“Right, those two Guardians are Hwagyeong-level.”

Truly, they were from Mushincheon’s escort agency—nothing about them was ordinary.
“Relax. If we’re ever in real danger, our Escort Chief will clean it up instantly.”
“That’s right! So just focus on wiping out the enemy.”

“All we have to do is fight. How easy is that?”
They’re all insane.
Everyone here was insane.

Maybe that’s why they were so strong.
In that case…
“Understood! Then I’ll go mad right along with you!”

“Kahaha! Bold one! Let’s do this!”
 
****

At the entrance of Guihwa Mountain—Daeho Stronghold.
The bandit chief, Gwangyeo, passed the time drinking idly.
“Damn it. Things were better back at Yeohwa Mountain.”

At his grumbling, the nearby upper ranks nodded.
“You’re right. What are we, guard dogs?”
“This is driving me mad with boredom.”

“But just a few more months and we’re done here.”
Gwangyeo chugged his drink, wiping his beard.
“Phew… True. Heh heh. What’s our next rotation?”

“Yuryeon Mountain—Black Tiger Stronghold.”
“They’ll suffer too, stuck here for two years.”
“Worry about ourselves. We’re desperate.”

“Haha, true! Half a year left. Half a year! Damn…”
Guarding Guihwa Mountain’s entrance rotated every two years among the mountain strongholds of the Central Plains.
“It’s damn boring. No travelers, no one to rob.”

At his frustrated muttering—his subordinate burst in urgently.
“What now?”
“Chief! We’ve got guests approaching!”

“Guests? Who? The Grand Master?”
“No! Not those guests—real guests!”
“Real guests?”

In bandit slang, “guests” referred to merchant groups or escort agencies.
“What? Real guests?”