Chapter 10

Yeon Woo-jin’s guess had been sharp.

Jeok Seong hesitated, slightly flustered.

He needed to explain without causing any misunderstandings, but what could he possibly say?

“Young Master, the Elder has his reasons—”

Before Jeok Seong could finish, Woo-jin cut him off with a smile.

“I know. It’s because he’s worried about me. But there’s only one way to make sure he doesn’t have to worry anymore—I need to become so overwhelmingly strong that no one in the world can even think of touching me. That’s it.”

Thud—

Woo-jin’s eyes burned with determination.

Jeok Seong looked at him with admiration.

Indeed, this was someone worth serving.

“Well said! I’ll do my best to support you, Young Master!”

“Thank you. I can’t wait to become stronger and show my grandfather what I’m capable of.”

“You can do it, Young Master! I believe in you.”

“Thank you.”

Yeon Cheon-baek would surely be shocked—shocked by the true power hidden within Yeon Woo-jin.

*****

Later.

“So, he wants to study and gain knowledge?”

“Yes. He believes his progress is slow because he lacks sufficient knowledge.”

“Hahaha, that kid. It seems he’s been thinking deeply about his growth.”

Hearing Jeok Seong’s report, Yeon Cheon-baek stroked his white beard and chuckled with satisfaction.

“Knowledge, huh? The Boundless Library (무량서고) has plenty of that… but none of its books can be taken out.”

If he could, Yeon Cheon-baek would have moved the entire library here for Woo-jin’s sake.

But that was impossible.

No matter how much he loved his grandson, the rules of Mushincheon couldn’t be ignored.

Besides, access to the Boundless Library was highly restricted.

After thinking it over for a while, Yeon Cheon-baek muttered,

“If Woo-jin were to stay inside the Boundless Library, he’d be able to learn everything he wanted. No one would notice if I sneaked him in, right? It’s completely cut off from outsiders.”

“Wait, Elder… are you planning to reveal your identity to the Young Master?”

“I suppose I’ll have to. I can’t keep it hidden forever.”

“You made the right decision. Honestly, I was struggling earlier today when he started asking questions about you.”

“Was he? Hahaha. That boy… he’s so curious about his old grandfather.”

No matter what Woo-jin did, Yeon Cheon-baek just found him adorable.

“I need to have a proper talk with him.”

*****

That Evening.

Alone with Yeon Woo-jin, Yeon Cheon-baek’s eyes were full of affection.

“I heard what you want, Woo-jin. So you’d like to study?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“Hahaha.”

Seeing Woo-jin’s determined expression and bright eyes, Yeon Cheon-baek’s heart melted.

‘This is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. It feels like all the frustrations I built up in Mushincheon have been washed away.’

Yeon Woo-jin was the greatest gift heaven had ever given him.

Now it was time to reveal his identity.

“Jeok Seong told me you were curious about who I am.”

“Oh? Y-yes.”

“Today, I’ll tell you about myself.”

“Really?”

“You’re that excited?”

“Yes!”

“What if I’m a bad person?”

“No way! You’re my grandfather!”

“Hahaha!”

Hearing Woo-jin declare his trust without a hint of hesitation filled Yeon Cheon-baek with even more affection.

“Woo-jin.”

“Yes?”

“I am the leader of a group called Mushincheon.”

“Mushincheon?”

“Yes. Have you heard of it?”

Woo-jin shook his head.

He had no memories of his past, so the name didn’t ring any bells.

“Mushincheon is the most powerful force in the martial world.”

“Wow! If you’re the leader of the strongest group, then you’re the strongest in the martial world too?”

“Hahaha. That’s right. I’m the strongest.”

“That’s amazing! My grandfather is the best!”

Woo-jin jumped into his grandfather’s arms, and Yeon Cheon-baek laughed happily.

“Hahaha!”

He felt like Woo-jin’s warmth was cleansing his soul.

But when Woo-jin pulled back, his expression had turned gloomy.

Yeon Cheon-baek was startled.

“Why do you look so sad?”

“You’re so amazing, but… I’m weak. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”

“What nonsense is that? Just existing makes you my pride and joy. And what if you’re a little weak? I’m strong enough to protect you. No one in the world can look down on you.”

Look down on Woo-jin?

Whether it was a person or a faction, Yeon Cheon-baek would erase them from existence.

He would do anything for Woo-jin.

If Woo-jin wanted elixirs, he’d bring them.

If Woo-jin wanted martial arts manuals, he’d find them.

Jeok Seong, who had been watching, couldn’t help but smirk.

Weak?

There was no way Woo-jin was weak.

He was growing stronger at an astonishing pace, mastering his unique abilities with incredible skill.

At this rate, even Jeok Seong wouldn’t be able to predict the outcome of a fight with Woo-jin.

Qi and cultivation realms didn’t mean much to Woo-jin.

His voice rang out confidently.

“No!”

“Huh?”

“I’ll become strong on my own so I won’t tarnish Grandfather’s reputation!”@@novelbin@@

Zzzing—

A tremor echoed in Yeon Cheon-baek’s chest.

Suddenly—

“Ahh! My precious boy! How can you always say such wonderful things?!”

Smooch— Smooch— Smooch—

Yeon Cheon-baek planted kisses all over Woo-jin’s cheeks, overcome with joy.

“Argh! G-Grandfather! I’m almost fourteen, you know!”

“What nonsense? You’re still just a child in my eyes.”

After showering Woo-jin with affection, Yeon Cheon-baek finally pulled back, though he looked reluctant to let go.

“So you’re studying to become stronger?”

“Yes!”

“Do you think gaining knowledge will help you grow stronger?”

“Yes! I’m sure of it!”

“Oh-ho.”

Interesting.

What kind of plan did Woo-jin have?

He was a clever child, so there had to be something behind his words.

‘Could it be that he wants to develop that strange power even further?’

That had to be it.

To advance his abilities, he needed knowledge.

But would there even be resources in the Boundless Library about such unique powers?

It didn’t matter.

If it made Woo-jin happy, that was enough.

There was no need to overthink it.

“Fine! I’ll send you to the place with the most books in the world.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But… you’ll have to stay there. It might feel stuffy—are you okay with that?”

“Yes! Absolutely!”

“Once you enter, you won’t be able to leave the library. Are you sure you’re fine with that?”

“Yes!”

Woo-jin answered enthusiastically, but Yeon Cheon-baek’s heart ached.

The thought of leaving his beloved grandson in that damp, musty place made him miserable.

‘Should I order a full cleaning first?’

No—there was something more urgent.

He needed to introduce Woo-jin to the library staff and make sure they kept their mouths shut.

Having Woo-jin nearby would let him visit more often, which was a good thing.

In fact, with Woo-jin so close, protecting him might actually be easier.

He’d also station Jeok Seong there permanently to guard against any unexpected dangers.

He’d modify the staff quarters into a living space for Woo-jin, complete with a training area.

There was so much to do.

‘I should also assign a dedicated defense force to guard him. I’ll repurpose the Heavenly Martial Corps (천무대) into his personal escort.’

The Heavenly Martial Corps was Yeon Cheon-baek’s elite unit.

Loyal only to him, they were the strongest fighting force under Mushincheon.

He’d put them in charge of guarding Woo-jin.

Since they already protected the Boundless Library, assigning them to Woo-jin wouldn’t raise any eyebrows.

It wasn’t excessive.

He’d do anything to protect his most precious treasure in his twilight years.

*****

The Heavenly Martial Corps .

They followed Yeon Cheon-baek’s orders without question.

Some called them his bodyguards; others called them his hunting dogs.

As Yeon Cheon-baek’s personal force, their strength was beyond ordinary.

Each member was skilled enough to dominate entire regions of the martial world.

Even among such elites, one man stood above the rest—Chun Ho-seong, the Blade Emperor (초살검제).

He was one of Mushincheon’s eight supreme masters, the Eight Martial Gods (무신팔천).

The martial world had a ranking system for warriors:

Beginner Level : Novices who had just entered martial arts.

First-Class Level : Martial artists who could freely control their energy.

Peak Level : Recognized martial masters.

Transcendent Level : Perfected martial artists beyond the peak.

Transformation Level : Warriors who had reached the realm of transcendence.

Semi-Divine Level : Demigods who neared godhood.

Divine Level : True gods in martial form.

Each level had sub-stages marked by “stars,” indicating the number of breakthroughs a martial artist had achieved.

For example, a Peak Level 5-star master had broken through five times, bringing them closer to perfection.

Twelve stars marked the pinnacle—Perfection —after which one more breakthrough elevated them to the next level.

Martial artists were required to report their breakthroughs to Mushincheon, ensuring their ranks were updated.

It wasn’t just a formality.

Rising in rank let them secure higher positions and recognition.

Lying about one’s rank was impossible since challengers often tested claims.

The Semi-Divine Level was a realm achieved by only 100 masters among millions in the martial world.

These warriors were called the Hundred Great Masters .

Chun Ho-seong was a 7-star Semi-Divine Level master.

After receiving Yeon Cheon-baek’s summons, Chun Ho-seong was hurrying to meet him, his face full of curiosity.

Yeon Cheon-baek had never called for him like this before.

When Chun Ho-seong arrived at the designated location, another high-level martial artist was there to greet him.

“The Elder sent me to guide you. Please follow me.”

“The Elder?”

“Yes. Aren’t you here to meet the Lord of Mushincheon?”

“Yes, I am. Did he send you?”

“That’s correct.”

“May I ask how you’re connected to the Elder?”

“Oh, I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Jeok Seong.”

“Jeok Seong?”

A famous name.

“Wait… are you the Black Death God?”

“Hahaha! It’s an honor that the Blade Emperor recognizes me.”

Chun Ho-seong’s eyes widened briefly before he nodded in understanding.

Of course.

If his lord was involved, it made perfect sense for someone like the Black Death God to be under his command.

He had heard that Jeok Seong was at a similar level—7-star Semi-Divine Realm (현경급 칠 성).

“To think the Black Death God is one of us. That’s reassuring. I look forward to working with you.”

“Likewise. Let’s go. The Elder is waiting.”

“Understood.”

*****

Inside the Chamber.

“You’re here.”

Hearing Yeon Cheon-baek’s voice, Chun Ho-seong immediately dropped to the floor in a deep bow.

“Your humble servant, Chun Ho-seong, answers your call!”

“Rise.”

“Yes, my lord!”

Chun Ho-seong stood, his posture flawless, without the slightest sign of hesitation.

Yeon Cheon-baek addressed him directly.

“I called you here because I have a favor to ask.”

Chun Ho-seong lowered his head further.

“A favor? My lord, I am but your loyal hound and steed! Command me as you wish!”

His loyalty seemed to reach the heavens.

“If I were to command, it wouldn’t feel personal. Let’s call it a favor instead.”

“I live only to follow your will.”

Satisfied with his response, Yeon Cheon-baek smiled and turned to Jeok Seong.

“Bring him in.”

“Yes, sir!”

Bring who?

Chun Ho-seong wondered if another new figure was about to appear.

Moments later—

Bam!

“Grandfather!”

The door burst open, and a boy ran inside.

But what truly shocked Chun Ho-seong wasn’t the sudden appearance—it was the word.

Grandfather? Who?

Surely not Jeok Seong.

There was only one person in this room who could be addressed as “grandfather.”

“Why did you call me?”

“Hahaha! Must there always be a reason to call you?”

“Hehe, no. It’s just that you suddenly sent for me, so I thought something urgent had happened.”

Yeon Cheon-baek’s voice overflowed with warmth, and his face radiated fatherly affection.

It was as if even the coldest winter could melt under his gaze.

This… this was unbelievable.

No, it was shocking.

Chun Ho-seong’s normally impassive expression cracked, his eyes widening and mouth hanging open.

Yeon Cheon-baek turned and chuckled at the sight.

“Careful, boy. Your eyes might pop out of your head. What’s got you so startled?”

“I-I… I’m sorry, sir!”

Realizing his slip, Chun Ho-seong quickly bowed again.

But he made another mistake almost immediately.

“Introduce yourself. This is my grandson, Yeon Woo-jin.”

“…What?”

Chun Ho-seong’s head snapped up.