Translator: Nox
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: The Ripples Begin
#1
After the exchange concluded, the Peng Sect’s name echoed across the martial world.
A third-rate sect? Not anymore.
The victory was no fluke.
They beat elite sects.
On their own terms.
With tactics and force.
All centered around one name—
**Peng Hyeon-do.**
But back at the Peng Sect, someone wasn’t smiling.
Peng Jin-hyeok.
He stood outside the training hall, gripping his saber.
Sweat drenched his clothes.
His muscles trembled from overtraining.
“You’ve improved.”
A voice came from behind.
Jin-hyeok didn’t turn.
“I haven’t caught up yet.”
“Still, you’re trying.”
It was the Clan Head.
He watched his son silently.
Then spoke again.
“Hyeon-do’s path is not yours. You don’t have to compete.”
“I *do*.”
“Why?”
“Because... he changed. While I was standing still.”
There was pain in his voice.
And shame.
The Clan Head said nothing more.
But he left a training manual behind as he walked away.
Its cover read: **Heaven-Earth Phantom Divine Art**.
Jin-hyeok stared at it for a long time.
Then picked it up.
#2
Elsewhere, Hyeon-do was in his quarters, reading through the Zhegall scroll.
An invitation to study.
To reside temporarily as a guest disciple.
To receive formal instruction in military strategy.
It was an honor.
But also... a message.
<We want you on our side.>
He closed the scroll and stared at the ceiling.
“No.”
Peng Sect came first.
He’d shake up the world — not as a borrowed sword, but as his own.
#3
The next morning, a guest arrived.
A rider bearing the colors of the **Tang Clan**.
Hyeon-do met them at the gate.
“You’re Peng Hyeon-do?”
“I am.”
“A word of caution. You’ve attracted attention. Not all of it good.”
“And you are?”
“An observer. For now.”
They handed him a letter.
“From the Tang Clan’s Lord.”
Hyeon-do opened it.
Inside: an invitation.
Another one.
This time... more dangerous.
<The Tang Clan doesn’t invite lightly.>
They were assassins. Poison masters. Deadly and hidden.
To receive their letter meant you were either a target — or a potential weapon.
Hyeon-do smiled.
“They’re all watching now.”
The ripples had begun.
【To be continued in Chapter 18】
