Translator: Nox
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: The Youngest Has Changed?
Many believed that thunderforce and lightning arts were exclusive to the Namgung Sect.
But that wasn’t true.
To be honest, if you asked anyone about the Peng Sect’s martial arts, most people could only name one — the Five Tiger Severing Saber.
Even Hyeon-do didn’t know much more, despite having explored the game thoroughly.
But one thing was certain:
The Peng Sect was a sect of brute strength — known for overwhelming their enemies with sheer force and an indomitable body.
They were upright, straightforward, and bold.
Which also meant... they had a reputation for being dumb muscleheads.
Even Hyeon-do had once thought that.
But now he knew better.
[“The martial artists of the Peng Sect require resilient bodies. That’s because of this Thunderforce Divine Art.”]
**Mixed-Origin Thunderforce Divine Art.**
An unfamiliar name.
But this was the ultimate technique pursued by the Peng Sect — and the reason they relentlessly trained their bodies.
[“The Namgung brats only borrow the heavens’ power. They can't even summon thunder properly unless they brute force it. But Peng Sect is different! We *become* the thunder. One strike to obliterate all!”]
“I see.”
In other words, the Mixed-Origin Thunderforce Divine Art was a technique that pushed the body to its limit.
It was something the original work never explained in depth.
Most players probably never knew why the Peng Sect valued brute strength so much.
Hyeon-do slowly nodded.
[“Do you understand now?”]
“Yes.”
[“Origin is important. Origin is your foundation, your insight, your direction, and your ultimate goal. It’s the conviction you must always carry.”]
“So this is where the Peng Sect’s philosophy stems from.”
[“Indeed. Knowing this is the difference between starting with enlightenment and stumbling in darkness. Your inner understanding is already at the Transformative Realm. Why shouldn’t your physical body catch up?”]
Inside the ancestral shrine, Hyeon-do sat cross-legged, absorbing the teachings of Peng Mu-hyeok.
He was learning the Thunderforce Divine Art — and beyond that, the origin of the Peng Sect itself and the root of their lightning-based power.
History had never felt this fascinating or this alive.
Peng Mu-hyeok had resolved to pass on all his knowledge — through voice alone if necessary.
Thunderforce had vanished from this sect.
What once roared as a clash of immense Yin and Yang had now turned to stillness.
But through this boy, it would be reborn.
His echoing voice filled the shrine — a forgotten legacy coming back to life.
[“Unity flows in one direction. When Yin and Yang collide as one, immense power erupts. If you slice through the extreme poles with overwhelming speed, thunder is born.”]
‘Electricity. This is basically electricity theory.’
[“Now, I’ll guide your qi. Follow carefully.”]
Hyeon-do began circulating his energy as instructed.
The Peng Sect’s martial arts focused on rotation — and acceleration.
Like a railgun — dividing the body’s energy into two polarities, forming electrodes.
[“Start from your Qi Sea, pass through the Perineum, then send the split energies to your Middle Abdomen and Gate of Life. This activates the front and back meridians — that’s Small Heavenly Cycle. Once you trace both Governing and Conception vessels, activating Crown Point and Perineum simultaneously, it becomes the Large Heavenly Cycle.”]
Hoooo...
All internal energy practice was, at its core, breathing.
Depending on how you moved your qi — and the principle behind it — the nature of your martial art was determined.
From that angle, the Thunderforce Divine Art was undoubtedly a top-tier cultivation method.
‘It’s flowing.’
Different natures of qi surged through his body.
Crackle—
The clashing energies created friction — generating a powerful current.
BZZZZT—
The energy returned to his dantian, absorbing ambient qi and growing slightly larger.
Hoooo...
As he repeated the process, his awareness of internal energy became clearer.
And the energy gathered in his dantian swelled in volume.
Just then, an admiring voice came.
[“As I expected — your vessel surpasses even mine.”]
His dantian was expanding at an exponential rate, and Peng Mu-hyeok was sincerely impressed.
He was no longer a man with jealousy — just a spirit who could offer pure admiration.
Hyeon-do chuckled.
“Not bad, huh?”
[“To fully comprehend the principle after just one explanation — that’s true genius. No, something beyond genius.”]
Of course.
He’d learned this kind of thing in high school physics, after all.
Hyeon-do smiled softly.
Being praised like this — by one of the greatest martial artists in history — filled him with joy.
‘Getting praised through the game UI was fun, but hearing it directly? This hits different.’
[“The Five Tiger Severing Saber still survives. Learn the Thunderforce Saber Art next. What? You say the forms are missing? Ugh, frustrating...”]
“Understood, Master.”
[“Hoohoo, it’s been a while since I’ve been called that. How nostalgic.”]
“After receiving such a once-in-a-lifetime teaching, calling you Master is only proper.”
Peng Mu-hyeok chuckled heartily.
It wasn’t just the inner art that had been lost — the matching saber forms were also gone.
[“You didn’t seem promising at first, but now... I really like you. That talent of yours... so enviable. And that special physique? Perfect.”]
His grin said he was thoroughly satisfied.
Seeing that made Hyeon-do smile too.
He wanted to continue this deep conversation with his first true connection in this world.
“PENG HYEON-DO!”
If only that voice hadn’t interrupted.
“HYEON-DO! WHERE ARE YOU?!”
“Someone’s calling me. I’ll be going now.”
[“Very well. Keep cultivating regularly.”]
“Yes, Master.”
He bowed respectfully toward Peng Mu-hyeok’s portrait and left the shrine.
The one calling for him was his older brother — Peng Jin-hyeok.
‘I remember now.’
A guy whose name he’d seen a hundred times — mostly while cutting him down.
That guy, now in his childhood form, stood in front of him.
“Father wants to see you. Go quickly.”
“...Alright.”
“And don’t cause trouble this time. Got it?”
Geez, why does he look like such a delinquent even when he's not?
---
Inside the family head’s chamber.
The few remaining elders had gathered to discuss the future of the Peng Sect.
Hyeon-do had been summoned — and faced a strange situation.
“You’re here.”
“Yes, Father.”
“We’re expecting a guest today. I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Please go ahead.”
Despite his massive build and intimidating features, the clan head’s face was lined with concern.
A massive saber rested beside him.
‘According to the lore, he’s at the early peak realm... A bit lacking for a clan head, honestly.’
In Murim, sects controlled entire regions based on martial power, commerce, and influence.
The government existed, sure — but mostly in name.
Just like the old warlords of Three Kingdoms China.
And the most important qualification for a sect leader?
Martial strength.
Those who dominated the world were often peak experts — and sometimes, even transcendent masters.
But here, the strongest person in the Peng Sect was barely peak realm.
No wonder the sect was falling apart.
Still, he was the clan head.
Might as well hear what he had to say.
“It’s fine if you stay quiet today. But it’s time you started taking care of your own body.”
“...”
“You’re too frail. If you want to handle sabers, you need strength. And soon, you’ll have duties for the clan.”
“I understand. Actually, I was planning to start my training today.”
That answer made the elders and the clan head visibly brighten.
“Oh? The youngest finally awakens.”
“Truly a blessing.”
Hyeon-do smiled politely, hiding his thoughts.
Blessing? This clan’s on the verge of collapse...
“But Father.”
“Yes?”
“This guest... It’s not the Lord of Yellow Crane Tower, is it?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
Oh, Father...
That money is laced with poison.
No way he’d believe him if he said that outright — better to hint at it.
Or maybe he could just take the money and backstab them later...
No. Better to sow a bit of caution first.
After all, even righteous factions get blamed when they mingle with evil.
“I know you’re working tirelessly for the clan’s revival, but... do we really need to stain ourselves by accepting the hands of those who hide in the shadows?”
“...What did you just say?”
“It’s just the concern of a foolish son. If you ever recall it, I hope you’ll reconsider.”
“......”
The clan head was speechless.
Did this boy... just say all that?
He was only ten!
Everyone in the room — the elders, the steward, even the returning Outer Hall Lord — stared in astonishment.
“Then, I’ll take my leave. I plan to train with the disciples today.”
“...Very well. That’s a good idea.”
After bowing deeply, Hyeon-do exited the chamber.
The clan head stared at his back for a long moment... and then laughed.
“Never thought I’d live to see the day. Did he grow like this just from lazing around?”
“Haha, indeed.”
“He’s still too thin though. If he’s to learn saber forms, it’ll take time.”
Amidst all the murmuring, the clan head nodded in satisfaction.
This boy, who hadn’t even bothered learning basic techniques...
Now he seemed serious.
Time to teach him the Peng Sect’s core art — the Heaven-Earth Phantom Divine Art.
‘If we gain one more capable fighter, we can entrust outside duties again.’
So he decided to watch the youngest carefully.
But the clan head had no idea—
Hyeon-do wasn’t learning the Heaven-Earth Phantom Divine Art at all.
He was already cultivating a peerless divine art.
【To be continued in Chapter 3】
