Chapter 128: Lord of the West
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 128: Lord of the West
Click.
Click.
Mysterious sounds echoed in the silent room.
The faint noise tickled the ears, distracting but not enough to warrant action. It lingered just at the edge of tolerance.
Namgung Jin sat with his eyes closed, listening.
Normally, he would have criticized such an intrusion, but he had no time to spare for distractions. He needed to etch every new movement he had learned deep into his mind.
He focused on the placement of his wrist, the tension in his waist, the angle of his feet. He was relearning the basics he had first mastered in his twenties, erasing old habits and overwriting them with new forms. It would be a long, arduous process.
So absorbed was he that he failed to notice the presence right in front of him until he heard the scrape of a chair. His eyes snapped open.
“I heard you had business to attend to,” a voice said.
“It has been handled,” Namgung Jin replied.
Before him stood a gaunt old man—Gu Changjun, the First Elder of the Gu Clan, master of the Old Gate known as Gu Sunmoon. He was also called the Blazing Rain Sword.
“This is unexpected,” the elder said. “I did not think the Lord would seek out an old man like me.”
“Our conversation last time was left unfinished. It weighed on my mind.”
“Ah… You are always welcome here.” The First Elder smiled.
What a snake, Namgung Jin thought, sensing a cold, dark aura emanating from the man.
To Namgung Jin, the First Elder was the least fitting member of the Gu Clan. The clan lord, Gu Cheolun, the Tiger Warrior, had a foul temper, but he was straightforward—he crushed whatever stood in his path without deceit. Lately, he seemed to have mellowed, though his temperament remained fierce.
And he has a son just like him.
Gu Yangcheon not only resembled his father but shared his monstrous talent. Namgung Jin couldn’t even call him a brat anymore.
Both father and son were perfect for the Gu Clan—blazing with talent and ambition. The thought made Namgung Jin’s stomach churn. Every one of Gu Cheolun’s children was prodigiously gifted.
The Sword Phoenix, the eldest daughter, was the greatest genius of their generation. The second daughter was also rumored to be highly talented. Little was known about the fourth child, but her association with Mount Hua suggested she was no weakling.
And then there was Gu Yangcheon. His abilities surpassed mere talent. Throughout history, only a handful of martial artists his age had broken through that realm. Even Namgung Jin’s grandfather, the Heavenly Venerable, had reached the peak realm around the same age as Namgung Cheonjun.
So he must be connected to them.
The secret group within the Murim Alliance—the one his grandfather called “Meteor.”
Gu Cheolun, you denied it to the end.
He claimed he would never associate with them again, yet here he was, contradicting himself.
How did he manage it? I couldn’t uncover a single clue.
Had he already contacted the Beggar’s Sect? Given the false rumors about Gu Yangcheon, it seemed likely.
And that seal.
Namgung Jin recalled the technique placed on him. It was based on the Murim Alliance’s sealing methods, yet its complexity and power far exceeded theirs, making it nearly impossible to break.
Once he returned to his clan, he would have to question his grandfather about Meteor.
“I heard,” the First Elder began, breaking the silence, “that the engagement was set for an auspicious date.”
“Everything proceeded smoothly.”
Compared to his last encounter with Gu Cheolun, this meeting had gone remarkably well.
“This is truly unexpected. I never dreamed the Namgung Clan would seek an engagement with our Yangcheon…”
‘Our Yangcheon,’ Namgung Jin noted. The elder’s affectionate tone clashed with the coldness in his voice.
“I heard the Gu Clan’s Second Elder worked diligently to make it happen,” Namgung Jin said. “I’ve never seen our elders respond so favorably.”
The First Elder’s expression flickered almost imperceptibly before returning to normal. Namgung Jin didn’t miss it.
It seemed the elder disapproved of the engagement—and likely had a strained relationship with the Second Elder.
Namgung Jin sipped his tea, organizing his thoughts.
“As you mentioned earlier, there was a minor incident.”
“I heard you unfortunately bore the blame for it.”
“Yes. A regrettable situation.”
Initially, Namgung Jin had considered aligning with the First Elder if their interests coincided. But after the incident damaged his clan’s reputation, that possibility vanished. If the elder had indeed orchestrated the trap, any alliance was out of the question.
Even a hint of suspicion was enough. There was no need to court danger.
Despite these thoughts, Namgung Jin’s expression remained neutral.
“Is there anything you desire?” he asked.
“My Lord?” The First Elder seemed taken aback, his surprise genuine.
The elder was skilled at masking his emotions, but his greed was palpable. Namgung Jin wondered why the Gu Clan tolerated such a man. The old Gu Cheolun would have burned this snake alive.
Not my concern.
Their motives mattered little to him.
-You just have to pretend.
He remembered Gu Yangcheon’s request.
What was his goal? To lower the elder’s guard? Or to test me with this seal?
It was all meaningless. Namgung Jin had no time for such games.
He smiled. “It’s possible our goals align.”
The First Elder’s eyes gleamed at his words.
* * *
A day had passed since I taught Namgung Jin the sword.
“I heard the two of them met again,” the Second Elder said, approaching as I finished my training.
Wi Seol-Ah was wiping the sweat from my face with a towel. The elder wore a troubled expression.
“Where do you hear these things?” I asked.
“I think they’ve formed an alliance,” he continued, ignoring my question.
“Is that so?”
“Young Master, you’re drenched!”
“C-Could you be a bit gentler?” I asked Wi Seol-Ah, feeling the rough texture of the towel. She was scrubbing so hard it felt like my skin was peeling off.
Then again, I had sweated enough to justify it. I hadn’t expected to perspire so much even after reaching the Fifth Star of my Flame Arts.
[That just means you’re still not used to it. Keep training.]
Yeah… I really should.
Compressing my qi and executing precise movements was still exhausting. Adapting to unfamiliar techniques was the hardest part of martial arts—but also the most thrilling. It was a process of growth, of experiencing progress firsthand.
Is this why Namgung Jin strives for higher realms?
I felt I could understand him a little. The Second Elder’s shout snapped me from my thoughts.
“What do you mean, ‘is that so,’ you brat?!”
“What am I supposed to do about them meeting? Let them be.”
I considered telling him about my arrangement with Namgung Jin, but it was better he knew less. Seeing my nonchalance, the elder tried to smack my head, but I dodged.
“Hey! I finally dodged one! Ugh!”
I avoided the first strike, but the second landed with a loud thwack, sending me to the ground. My head throbbed as if split open.
“Your grandfather is dying of stress, and you do nothing!”
“Since when are you my grandfather?!”
We shared blood, but we weren’t that close.
“I raised you and cleaned up your messes when you were young! How dare you?!”
As he moved to hit me again, I pulled Wi Seol-Ah in front of me.
“Huh?”
The Second Elder halted. He couldn’t possibly strike the granddaughter of the Sword Venerable.
“Stop trying to hit me and tell me what happened at the Namgung Clan.”
I was referring to his sudden visit to discuss matters with their elders. He’d returned after only a few days—far sooner than I’d expected.
At the mention of it, his expression turned awkward.
“Don’t ask. I already got an earful from the lord on my way back.”
“Oh? Did my father catch you?”
“Shut your mouth… How did he catch me? I was sure I’d been stealthy. You didn’t snitch on me, did you, Gu Yangcheon?”
He eyed me suspiciously.
How absurd. Did he really think someone his size could be stealthy?
“Second Elder… Look at yourself. With that build, you couldn’t hide if you tried.”
“You little…! Back in my day, I wagered with the Shadow King himself over who had better stealth!”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Grandpa Ryoon, are you going to grow bigger?” Wi Seol-Ah asked innocently.
“No… this old man can’t grow any larger.”
“Really? It seems like you did.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes! The bigger, the cooler!”
“Right… thank you.” The Second Elder forced a smile at her brightness.
But betting with the king of assassins? That was a bluff if I ever heard one.
“Anyway, the Namgung elders didn’t seem pleased with the incident. There’s a problem.”
I’d expected some resistance, but the elder found the outcome peculiar. Despite his brutish appearance, he was more perceptive than most. If he sensed an issue, there was likely more to it.
“I also heard you had trouble with the Sword King. Did that resolve well?”
“You even heard about that?”
“I told you, this old man’s eyes and ears are always open within the clan.”
“Yeah, it’s settled.”
My main concern was the servant’s well-being. The Immortal Healer assured me that, though she’d bear a scar, she would live normally. She hadn’t regained consciousness yet, but I planned to visit her as soon as she did.
As I pondered this, the Second Elder spoke irritably.
“Yangcheon, if you keep giving me flippant answers, I’ll take it upon myself to discipline you.”
“Could you just stay qu—I understand.”
Why does this old man always resort to his fists? I need to get stronger just to avoid his strikes.
When I flinched half-jokingly, he sighed and changed the subject.
“Also, I heard you’re participating in the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament. Is that right?”
“Did you hear that from the lord?”
“Yes.”
“I plan to.”
“When do you leave?”
“In about a week. Early.”
The tournament was held at year’s end, so leaving in late autumn would ensure I arrived with time to spare.
“That’s sooner than I expected.”
“Better early than late.”
Initially, I felt pressured to go because of Tang Soyeol’s request and my father’s approval. But considering Elder Shin’s involvement and the tournament’s significance, I had good reasons. Plus, I wanted to meet someone there personally.
I believed that person would arrive around the same time.
“Judging by your face, you’re not planning to sit idle.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“True. At your level, you’ll have to cause a stir at least once.”
He ignored my denial and spoke with certainty.
…He’s a sly fox.
As he said, I did have plans, though nothing too drastic. Given future events, I needed to make a name for myself.
Of course, revealing my past deeds would spread my fame quickly, but it was too soon—associating with the Black Palace would bring trouble. The Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament was the easiest path. Even small actions there garnered attention.
For instance, rumors claimed a lightning bolt had split the sky when Namgung Cheonjun entered, heralding a new star.
Lightning from a clear sky? That’s the stuff of legends.
I wasn’t being arrogant, but I expected to gain something from the tournament. If anything, I felt guilty for participating in a youth competition. It was like being the strongest among children, though I was hardly one myself.
[It would be embarrassing if others knew.]
Good thing no one does.
[You must be relieved.]
Ugh…
I had no rebuttal for Elder Shin’s teasing. He was blunt when it suited him.
The Second Elder smiled. “Have fun devouring the competition. You have the lord’s approval.”
“Am I some beast? ‘Devour’…”
“You look like one.”
“…”
He pulled something from his pocket. I recognized it immediately—the invitation letter Tang Soyeol had shown me.
“You got one too, Second Elder?”
“Uh… you could say that.”
“What kind of answer is that? You’re making me nervous…”
I’d assumed my invitation had already arrived at the Gu Clan and he’d brought it. But I was wrong.
“It’s not an invitation,” he said. “It’s a recommendation.”
“A recommendation? For me?”
“I brought it just in case, but I should’ve chosen something more impressive.”
Recommendation letters were typically given by a master to their disciple or a parent to their child—a pledge of support and responsibility.
For Tang Soyeol, the Tang Clan lord would have provided hers. Namgung Bi-ah likely received hers from Namgung Jin.
In my case, I expected my father to furnish mine. Though I wondered what would happen if Gu Yeonseo were freed and decided to enter.
So who is recommending me?
The Second Elder was certainly qualified, but why him instead of my father? The letter’s issuer would stake their reputation on me—and the rumors circulating about me were far from positive.
“Take it. I obtained this last year. I’m glad it can be used now.”
I frowned. Last year? That was before my regression. Yet I had no memory of receiving such a letter in my past life.
I accepted it carefully. My body froze the moment I saw the word written on it.
How could it not?
There was only one word:
Dishonor.
“Second Elder… This is…”
I was reeling, but the elder wore a proud smile.
There was only one reason a single word could carry such weight.
This letter…
Came from one of the Three Venerables—the Dishonored Venerable, Bijuu.