Chapter 372
Chapter 372
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 372
Chapter Title: An Invitation and a Trap
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Namgung Jeong’s sword-like eyebrows shot up.
“Your sworn brother?”
“Yes. In truth, the credit for my accomplishments this time is all thanks to my sworn brother.”
“You mean that wandering warrior, Seol So.”
For a moment, Namgung Un felt as if he’d been struck on the back of the head.
“You knew?”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
A chill ran down Namgung Un’s spine.
“Does the main family have spies in the Beggars' Union?”
“Spies?”
Namgung Jeong’s brow furrowed slightly.
“No one calls the informants we have placed in various locations spies.”
“Ah, I see. I misspoke.”
Namgung Un scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
He had heard from Bu Eun-seol about a power that had planted spies in every major righteous and unorthodox faction.
Wasn’t even No Bong, the Chief of the Beggars' Union, a spy for an outside force?
Because of that, Namgung Un had learned about the existence of spies in the factions and had developed an aversion and fear towards the idea.
“They say that wandering warrior, Seol So, is one of the top-class warriors in the Red Heaven’s Veil. Even the Water Mirror Pavilion Lord praised him highly.”
Surprisingly, Namgung Jeong had thoroughly investigated the wanderer named Seol So and seemed to have an acquaintance with Dam Yu-yeon, the Water Mirror Pavilion Lord of the Red Heaven’s Veil.
‘It must be because he accompanied them to the Divine Maiden Palace.’
Namgung Un then recalled that the disguised Bu Eun-seol had gone with Namgung Se-a to the Divine Maiden Palace.
‘My aunt is there.’
Namgung Se-a, being at the Divine Maiden Palace, would have surely sent a report to the Namgung Clan about a person named Seol So.
As a result, the clan must have conducted a comprehensive search and investigation into him.
“So you’re saying you handled this matter with that wandering warrior, Seol So, as well.”
“That is correct.”
‘Thankfully, he hasn't found out that Brother Bu is the successor of the Demonic Cult.’
Namgung Un inwardly sighed in relief. But Namgung Jeong misinterpreted his expression and spoke.
“Honesty is good, but you can’t say you had no part in it.”
“No, sir. My sworn brother truly handled everything.”
Namgung Un spoke honestly.
“Uncovering the Beggars' Union’s conspiracy was all his doing from the start.”
“Are you really saying you will give him the Token of Gratitude?”
“Yes, I am.”
Namgung Un swallowed hard.
He expected a thunderous reprimand from Namgung Jeong to fall upon him at any moment.
There was no way he would permit giving away a Token of Gratitude, an item of incalculable value, to an outsider.
“Do as you wish.”
But an unexpected answer returned.
Namgung Jeong surprisingly gave his ready approval to Namgung Un’s decision.
“Will that be alright?”
“This family has upheld integrity as its foundation for generations. If you say you cannot take another’s credit, then I must permit it.”
“Thank you…”
“However, there is a condition.”
Namgung Jeong cut Namgung Un off firmly.
“Tell him that if he wants the Token of Gratitude, he is to come to the main family estate and retrieve it himself.”
“To the main family… you mean?”
Namgung Un blinked, unable to understand.
But Namgung Jeong’s gaze was already fixed back on his book.
It was a silent dismissal.
“I understand. I will relay the message.”
Namgung Un cupped his hands as if he had no other choice.
Among the most famous mountain sceneries in the martial world, the Five Great Mountains are often cited.
But what the renowned travelers of the Central Plains truly prized was Mount Huang.
Mount Huang, filled with strangely shaped pine trees and uniquely formed rocks.
It held countless peaks, and the secret vistas seen from the highest Lotus Peak and the flat-topped Bright Summit offered a mysterious beauty and overwhelming grandeur.
And near that Mount Huang was the seat of the Namgung Clan, the leaders of the Eight Great Families of the martial world.
“Brother Bu. Over here.”
Namgung Un, seated on the third floor of the Cloud Sea Pavilion, the largest tavern near Mount Huang, waved his hand.
A man in gray robes who had come up the stairs sat down across from him.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seol So.
“It’s so good to see you again.”
A bright smile graced Namgung Un’s lips.
Being at the family estate felt suffocating, as if he would die.
But coming out into the martial world felt like a liberation, as if he were soaring into the sky.
Moreover, being with his sworn brother, whose mere presence filled his heart with pride, made him feel even better.
“You must have had a long journey.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded and said.
“But did the Patriarch really permit you to give the Token of Gratitude to me?”
“He did.”
Namgung Un said with a proud expression.
“Our family is quite famous for its integrity, isn't it? When the Patriarch learned that a wandering warrior named Seol So was responsible for all the achievements, he permitted me to give him the Token of Gratitude.”
“Hmm.”
Bu Eun-seol’s expression wasn’t very bright. At that, Namgung Un also nodded.
“I know. The Patriarch is likely suspicious of your identity, Brother Bu.”
Namgung Un was no fool.
Namgung Jeong’s directive to come and get the Token of Gratitude himself was probably to ascertain Bu Eun-seol’s true identity.
“Knowing that I’ve sworn brotherhood with you, he probably wants to confirm whether you pose a threat to the family. I apologize.”
“There’s no need to worry about it.”
Bu Eun-seol wore a relaxed smile.
“Since the Patriarch has taken an interest in me anyway, it was something that had to be resolved.”
Namgung Jeong was the head of the Eight Great Families, a man of outstanding martial prowess and strategic mind.
Since such a man had decided to investigate the wanderer, Seol So… it was a matter that had to be confronted and settled at some point.
‘And this might be a chance to find the one who tried to kill Pavilion Lord Dan.’
Bu Eun-seol had previously discerned that the first three forms of the Imperial Sword Style used by the masked assailants against Namgung Un were the same sword techniques used by the masked man who had attacked Dan So-ok in the past.
—My older brothers have already learned it all; I was the only one who learned it late.
That meant one of Namgung Un’s brothers was the culprit who had attacked Dan So-ok.
However, Bu Eun-seol had no intention of actively seeking out the masked man hidden within the Namgung Clan.
Not only would there be no opportunity to infiltrate the heavily guarded Namgung estate and identify the culprit, but he also didn’t want to stir up trouble in the clan where Namgung Un lived.
The Namgung Clan was the most righteous of the righteous factions. Attacking one of the leaders of the Demonic Cult wouldn't be considered a great crime to them.
But if the Namgung Clan themselves extended an invitation, that was a different story.
Bu Eun-seol resolved to ascertain the identity of the masked man who had targeted Dan So-ok, in addition to receiving the Token of Gratitude.
“What are you thinking about?”
Bu Eun-seol, pulled from his thoughts by Namgung Un’s words, shook his head.
“It’s nothing.”
He then offered a sincere smile.
“Thank you.”
“For what, all of a sudden?”
“The Token of Gratitude is something I truly needed.”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
“For you to give it to me, I can only be deeply grateful.”
“Grateful? In reality, you handled everything, didn't you, Brother Bu? I was just standing by your side.”
Namgung Un said with a smile.
“The Patriarch knows that as well, which is why he intends to give you the Token of Gratitude.”
At that moment, a strange thought occurred to Bu Eun-seol.
The way he specifically referred to his father as ‘Patriarch.’
And how every time he uttered the word ‘Patriarch,’ Namgung Un’s expression seemed to deflate, and his eyes darkened.
It was an attitude that didn’t suit the ever-cheerful Namgung Un.
“Is something wrong?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you on bad terms with the Patriarch?”
“Ah, no. Of course not.”
Waving both hands, Namgung Un smiled.
“How can there be good or bad terms between a father and son?”
Namgung Un waved his hand as if it were nothing.
“I have a bit of a wild streak, so I suppose he doesn’t find me to his liking.”
Though he said that, his eyes were downcast.
“So on the days I have to see the Patriarch in person, I just habitually feel a bit down for a few days.”
What son’s eyes in the world would darken every time he referred to his own father?
“I see.”
But Bu Eun-seol simply nodded as if it were nothing.
Prying into another family’s affairs was not right. There was no need to force someone to speak of things they didn’t wish to.
“Hmm.”
Seeing Bu Eun-seol’s gaze, which seemed to peer into his very soul, Namgung Un felt a sudden urge to speak his mind. To share the worries he had never told anyone.
And that was likely because he truly trusted and liked Bu Eun-seol.
“Actually, the Patriarch does not like me. No, he despises me.”
In the end, Namgung Un began to unravel the stories he had hidden deep in his heart to Bu Eun-seol.
“My mother passed away while giving birth to me.”
His head lowered, Namgung Un shook his head and muttered.
“The unfilial son who was born by killing his beloved mother. That’s me.”
Bu Eun-seol let out a quiet sigh.
It was not entirely uncommon for a mother to pass away during childbirth.
But was the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan so resentful over such an event that he would fiercely hate his own beloved child?
“I’ve said something unnecessary.”
As the mood darkened, Namgung Un quickly changed the subject.
“Oh, and thank you for accepting my selfish request. For keeping the matter of Chief No Bong a secret.”
In truth, No Bong was a spy who had entered as a disciple of the former chief, Sangguan Un.
His true identity was a descendant of the Blood Emperor, one of the Three Sovereigns of the Eight Desolations, and he had long used the Beggars' Union to commit various evil deeds.
If this truth were to be revealed, the Beggars' Union would be unable to shake off its infamy even after hundreds of years.
Namgung Un had asked Bu Eun-seol to ensure that the fact No Bong was a spy was not made public.
“It’s no big deal. The Beggars' Union would have sealed their gates regardless of that matter.”
“Still, if it became known that their chief was a spy… the Beggars' Union would never have been able to recover, not even after hundreds of years.”
“That may be so.”
This time, it was Bu Eun-seol who changed the subject.
“But are you sure you’re okay with giving away the Token of Gratitude?”
He spoke frankly.
“Just possessing this would increase your chances of becoming the next patriarch of the Namgung Clan.”
“Hey, how could a guy like me become the patriarch?”
Namgung Un waved his hand and said.
“And you don’t need to worry. The Patriarch always keeps his word.”
Then, as if a thought occurred to him, he sighed.
“But if he finds out your true identity, Brother Bu… he will definitely not let it go.”
Patriarch Namgung Jeong’s older brother, Namgung Gyeol.
In the past, he had been brutally murdered, his head severed by Bu Jan-yang of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword.
Ever since then, Namgung Jeong had come to despise the demonic path, especially figures from the Demonic Cult, with a burning hatred.
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”
Even if Namgung Jeong had other intentions, Bu Eun-seol had no choice.
From his perspective, the Token of Gratitude was something he had to obtain, no matter the risk.
***
The territory of the Namgung Clan, situated near Mount Huang, was limited to the vicinity of Anhui.
Therefore, among the Eight Great Families, their sphere of influence was actually on the smaller side.
Nevertheless, the reason the Namgung Clan was the head of the Eight Great Families and wielded immense influence in the martial world was for one reason alone.
The true power of the Namgung Clan was its people.
There was hardly a righteous faction in the Central Plains whose leadership did not include a member of the Namgung Clan.
Not only that, but they were also widely positioned in key posts within the government and merchant circles. Therefore,
—You might somehow survive displeasing the Martial Alliance, but if you displease the Namgung Clan, there will be no place left for you.
A saying like this had come to exist.
As if to prove it, a constant stream of magnates from various factions, wealthy figures, and merchant guild leaders from all over visited the main gate of the Namgung Clan.
‘As expected.’
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes glinted as he entered the Namgung estate with Namgung Un and looked around.
The Namgung Clan’s manor, established in the Mount Huang area, was like a smaller version of the Martial Alliance’s headquarters.
Not just martial artists, but figures from all walks of life were constantly coming and going, and a long line of people had formed at the guest register.
“It must be difficult.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, Namgung Un tilted his head.
“What is?”
“To become the patriarch who must manage a clan like this.”
Just as Namgung Un was about to open his mouth with a smirk,
“Youngest Master.”
A guard who recognized Namgung Un approached him and cupped his hands.
“The Patriarch has requested the Young Master and his guest to the Naseon Hall.”
“Naseon Hall?”
As Namgung Un’s expression stiffened, Bu Eun-seol asked.
“What kind of place is Naseon Hall?”
“Well… it’s the armory where the family stores its ancient weapons. There’s a small training ground inside as well.”
“An armory, you say.”
Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes.
“I should prepare myself.”
“Brother Bu.”
“It’s fine. He probably intends a light test. As long as I don’t reveal my martial arts, it should be fine.”
Though he said that, Bu Eun-seol’s gaze had grown heavy.
The two followed the guard’s lead and entered the armory, located a little away from the central area.
The interior, paved with solid bluestone slabs, housed a variety of the eighteen classical weapons, with a separate warehouse in the back for ancient armaments.
And standing tall in the center was a middle-aged man dressed in indigo martial robes.
It was the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Jeong.
“The wanderer, Seol So, greets the Patriarch.”
“I am Namgung Jeong.”
After Namgung Jeong’s brief reply, a silence fell over the hall.
“As one who also wields the sword, I have long admired the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan, known as the Righteous Sword.”
Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands and bowed his head once more.
“To be able to meet you in person like this is the honor of a lifetime.”
Such a greeting was a courtesy meant to save face for his sworn brother, Namgung Un.
But something was strange.
Normally, even if he was displeased, the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan would have uttered a word or two of humility.
But why was Namgung Jeong remaining silent, merely glaring with piercing eyes?
“You, get out.”
Namgung Jeong gestured with his chin towards Namgung Un.
“I have something to discuss in private.”
“Patriarch.”
Realizing the atmosphere was unusual, Namgung Un forced a smile and cupped his hands.
“My sworn brother is the savior of my life who has rescued me from danger many times.”
“I told you to get out.”
As Namgung Jeong’s gaze turned stern, Namgung Un lowered his eyes.
Normally, just seeing that look would have sent him outside immediately.
But he did not back down and pleaded once more.
“Brother Seol visited the main family from a thousand li away, believing your word about the Token of Gratitude.”
“Are you now making the Patriarch of this family repeat the same words a third time?”
Namgung Jeong’s presence grew severe, but Namgumg Un did not yield.
“Am I not a member of the Namgung Clan?”
“What did you say?”
“My sworn brother saved my life multiple times, so he should rightfully be a benefactor of our family as well.”
Namgung Un spoke as if shouting, his expression aggrieved.
“But instead of offering him a warm welcome… how can you summon a person to such a bleak armory?”
Namgung Jeong looked slightly surprised.
It was the first time since Namgung Un was born that he had ever talked back to him.
“It’s fine.”
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol calmly patted his shoulder.
“Retreat as the Patriarch commands.”
“But…”
“I have the Namgung Clan’s golden-tasseled command medallion you gave me. For that sake, at least, he will not harm me.”
An unapproachable aura, much like Namgung Jeong’s, flowed from Bu Eun-seol’s eyes.
But its nature was different.
It did not instill fear in Namgung Un, but rather a sense of infinite security.
“I understand. However… I will only retreat as far as the outside of Naseon Hall.”
Those words were Namgung Un’s declaration that he would share Bu Eun-seol’s fate if things went wrong.
Bu Eun-seol smiled and nodded calmly.
“I understand.”
“Then I will be just outside.”
Namgung Jeong watched intently as Namgung Un retreated.
Then, he stomped his foot hard on the ground.
*Clank. Rumble.*
Suddenly, a metallic sound echoed from the outer walls of Naseon Hall, and the walls and ceiling began to be covered in a dark, metallic substance.
This Naseon Hall, where ancient weapons were stored, was equipped with a secret mechanism to prevent any thieves who entered from escaping.
“You’ve managed to wrap my flesh and blood around your little finger quite well.”
A white light emanated from Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
“Lord of the Martial Soul, Bu Eun-seol.”
Shockingly, he had seen through Bu Eun-seol’s identity from the very beginning.
“You don’t seem very surprised.”
“Because it is not something to be surprised about.”
“What did you say?”
Bu Eun-seol spoke with an unconcerned expression.
“Is not the Sunflower Pavilion Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace the Patriarch’s younger sister?”
“…”
“Since I am engaged to the Young Palace Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace… she would have at least told the two people she trusts most about my true identity.”
When Bu Eun-seol entered the Divine Maiden Palace, Namgung Se-a had seen his true face.
And she had tried to connect him with Yeon So-ha.
Given that, it was impossible that Yeon So-ha, upon returning to the Divine Maiden Palace, would not have revealed that Seol So’s true identity was Bu Eun-seol.
“Knowing your identity was exposed… why did you come to the main family estate?”
At Namgung Jeong’s words, Bu Eun-seol let out a short huff and spoke firmly.
“I need the Token of Gratitude.”
The Token of Gratitude.
The token that could grant him an answer from the greatest sage in the martial world was something Bu Eun-seol absolutely needed.
“I trust that the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan would not go back on his word.”
Namgung Jeong’s eyebrows twitched.
“The one I promised the Token of Gratitude to was the wanderer, Seol So.”
He then glared at Bu Eun-seol with cold eyes.
“Not a vile scion of the demonic path who hides his identity and seduces the son of this family.”
“What exactly have I seduced him into?”
Contempt flowed from Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
It was the typical gaze of a righteous faction master who loathed those of the demonic path.
“Did you think I wouldn’t know that you recognized Un’s talent and sought to build a connection with him in advance?”
“Talent, you say.”
Bu Eun-seol stared intently into Namgung Jeong’s eyes before shaking his head.
“So that was it.”
Now understanding everything, Bu Eun-seol sighed.
Seeing Bu Eun-seol’s reaction, Namgung Jeong’s curiosity was greatly piqued.
“What do you mean by ‘that’?”
“I now understand why Namgung Un has been unable to blossom his innate talent and has lived his life so suppressed.”
A sharp glint flashed in Namgung Jeong’s eyes.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Patriarch of Namgung. You cherish and love Namgung Un too much, do you not? Excessively so.”
Namgung Jeong’s expression turned peculiar.
Until now, every member of the Namgung Clan believed he hated and treated Namgung Un coldly.
But now, an outsider from the demonic path was suddenly claiming he loved Namgung Un to an excessive degree?
“I don’t know what nonsense you’re spouting.”
“The fact that the Patriarch quietly summoned me to this armory to deal with me alone. Is it not so that there will be no gossip when Namgung Un becomes the next patriarch?”
If he had intended to lure Bu Eun-seol to the Namgung estate and kill him, then what?
There would have been no need for the patriarch to act alone.
The moment Bu Eun-seol set foot in the estate, a simple order would have brought forth the world-renowned sword squadrons and elite swordsmen of the Namgung Clan.
But Namgung Jeong hadわざわざ summoned Bu Eun-seol to an empty armory.
It was a situation designed to prevent the relationship between Namgung Un and Bu Eun-seol, the successor of the Demonic Cult, from leaking to the outside.
And here, Namgung Jeong intended to kill Bu Eun-seol in one fell swoop.
Bu Eun-seol stared fixedly at Namgung Jeong and said.
“And Namgung Un, who went outside, has likely been quietly detained by the confidants you had on standby.”
“Your cunning is impressive.”
Namgung Jeong, who admitted everything without protest, had a pale, murderous aura rising in his eyes.
“Then you must be prepared to die, yes?”