Chapter 374
Chapter 374
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 374
Chapter Title: The Namgung Brothers
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Namgung Jeong hung his head in silence.
The original forms of the Azure Sky Swift Sword were exceedingly complex, composed of intricate maneuvers.
That was why someone with a free-spirited nature like Namgung Un could not easily master them.
After much deliberation, Namgung Jeong had modified the Azure Sky Swift Sword forms, passed down through the generations of the Namgung family, to be grand and upright.
And Bu Eun-seol had performed a variation of those modified forms, perfectly capturing Namgung Un’s habits and quirks.
The sword intent within that style... it was upright, yet tinged with sorrow; honest, yet filled with indignation.
And those emotions... were resentment toward the father who had taught him the sword.
“He never had any ambition for the position of family head.”
Bu Eun-seol said.
“The reason he risked his life to infiltrate the Beggars' Sect was to gain recognition from his cold-hearted father.”
Understanding Bu Eun-seol's meaning, Namgung Jeong shook his head.
“There is no need for you to say such things. This is a private family matter.”
“I have no intention of meddling in another's family affairs either.”
Bu Eun-seol said with a serious expression.
“But what must be said, must be said. If this continues, his life will be ruined.”
“Ruined?”
“How long do you intend to let him play the part of a ruffian?”
Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned as sharp as a dagger.
“Will you wait until so much time has passed that it's irreversible, only to regret it then?”
“I told you not to interfere!”
“And I told you. I am not interfering in your life, but I cannot stand by and watch his be ruined!”
Bu Eun-seol's voice, which had been low, gradually grew louder.
“If you had just said one honest word from your heart, it would not have come to this.”
Namgung Jeong fell silent.
Never before had anyone shouted at him to his face. He couldn't have even imagined someone scolding him and blaming his personality.
“Even between parent and child, you cannot see into each other's hearts. You, of all people, should know that well, shouldn't you?”
Namgung Jeong shook his head.
“So what? Am I supposed to spell out everything in my heart just to get my son's approval?”
“It's not about you getting approval. It's about having a conversation to guide your son onto the right path.”
Bu Eun-seol knew.
Unlike what Namgung Un thought, Namgung Jeong cherished him dearly.
Otherwise, he never would have attacked him personally.
“Watch closely.”
Seeing no change in Namgung Jeong's expression, Bu Eun-seol drew his sword.
*Swish!*
He then swung the Ink Sword forcefully toward the floor.
A sharp, piercing sword-qi was etched into the solid bluestone slab.
“You must think the sorrow and indignation Namgung Un poured into the Azure Sky Swift Sword are resentment toward you.”
“Are you saying they're not?”
“That's right. He doesn't resent you; he loathes himself.”
A deep light of compassion flowed from Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
“So much so that he calls himself an unfilial sinner.”
“Unfilial sinner? What are you talking about?”
As Namgung Jeong's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol spoke coldly.
“He was born by killing his mother and has destroyed his father's life... Is it not natural for him to think that way?”
For a moment, Namgung Jeong's fingertips trembled.
“That child... told you such things?”
“Yes. And that because of it, you hate him.”
“Hah...”
Namgung Jeong sighed with a look of utter devastation.
Namgung Un was the fruit of the love his beloved wife had left behind, her very double, exchanged for her life.
Moreover, Namgung Un's talent was so exceptional it could surpass his own.
That was why he treated him strictly and punished him mercilessly for his mistakes.
So that his talent would blossom quickly, allowing him to become a greater man than himself.
To mold him into a prudent and dignified head of the Namgung family, so he could proudly present him to his wife in heaven.
But to think that this very approach had instead poisoned his son's heart.
“The more precious the child, the stricter one must raise them. I was only trying to raise that child to be exceptional.”
“I know. However, that method of education is for a child who is insightful and perceptive of others' feelings.”
Bu Eun-seol explained.
“Namgung Un may seem boisterous, but he is actually very sensitive and prone to emotional swings. For a child with such a personality, isn't it too much to ask him to understand his father's heart?”
“I have five children. To ask me to treat only that child delicately...”
“A child does not ask to be born. The parents choose to have a child. Therefore, shouldn't you do your best to raise each one according to their individual personality?”
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
“Just as people's faces are all different, so too must be the way they are raised.”
Understanding Bu Eun-seol's meaning, Namgung Jeong sighed.
In truth, he loved his youngest son, Namgung Un—the last gift from his beloved departing wife—the most.
And he knew well that he was the most sensitive and soft-hearted.
But such a disposition was unbefitting of a family head. That was why he had been even harsher... yet that very upbringing had caused his son's heart to rot.
“What am I to do?”
“Treat him with kindness. And do not say things you do not mean.”
“You ask the impossible.”
“If that is too difficult, then at least start by calling him by his name.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“Start there. If you gradually increase your expressions of affection... he too will come to understand your heart and grow into a more outstanding person.”
Namgung Jeong wore a bitter expression.
Bu Eun-seol had grasped Namgung Un's heart, which even he had failed to understand, and had even seen through the sword intent of the Azure Sky Swift Sword.
Furthermore, not only his internal energy but also his mastery of the sword was in no way inferior to his own.
A true dragon among men. The demonic youth before him was the most exceptional member of the younger generation Namgung Jeong had ever seen.
'So there are men like this in the demonic path as well.'
Understanding another's heart is possible for anyone with outstanding insight.
But to empathize and help them heal is something only a person who truly understands and cares for them can do.
'Moreover, he has not once asserted his status.'
Bu Eun-seol had consistently referred to himself not as 'the Lord' but simply as 'I'.
He was humbling himself before Namgung Un's father, speaking not from his position of authority but as a mere warrior.
'To think he genuinely cares for Un.'
Namgung Jeong felt a strange emotion.
The successor to the Demonic Sanctum, destined to become the leader of the demonic path, was showing such delicate consideration for his son?
'Then again...'
Namgung Un doesn't care for the boundaries between the righteous and demonic factions; he knows how to truly see a person.
That must be why he could become sworn brothers with such a great man.
'In that case, it's something to be proud of.'
It means Namgung Un is a great man in his own right.
“Very well.”
Namgung Jeong said with a deep breath.
“Calling him by his name, that much I can do.”
He had no choice but to acknowledge it.
Bu Eun-seol's character, his martial arts, and even his concern for his son.
“While you are in this house, you will go by the name Seol-so.”
Namgung Jeong said flatly.
“I will not expose your identity.”
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint smile.
Namgung Un. He had wondered how that cheerful man could so quickly grasp and correct the flaws in his martial arts...
It seemed he had inherited Namgung Jeong's forthright nature of quickly admitting his faults.
“When Un awakens, take the Token of Gratitude. And if you wish... you may stay here a while longer.”
Namgung Jeong's last words were so quiet they were almost inaudible.
Bu Eun-seol smiled once more.
Namgung Un.
He had wondered why that cheerful man sometimes grew uncharacteristically shy; it seemed he had inherited Namgung Jeong's bashful nature as well.
***
“What on earth happened?”
As Namgung Un asked again, Bu Eun-seol, finished with his recollection, shook his head.
“I merely exchanged a few words with the family head after crossing swords.”
“Crossed swords? With my father?”
Namgung Un's mouth fell open.
He knew very well that Bu Eun-seol's skills were immense.
But Namgung Jeong was a grandmaster of the righteous faction's sword arts, enough to earn the title of the 'Righteous Sword'.
To have faced such a man at full strength and emerged unscathed... did that mean his skills were so superior that he could afford to hold back?
“We only sparred formally. It wasn't a real fight.”
Bu Eun-seol gave a rough explanation of the situation.
That they hadn't truly crossed swords but had expressed their sword intents, and fortunately, Namgung Jeong had understood everything and stopped the fight.
“And he promised to at least call you properly by your name.”
“The family head did?”
Namgung Un couldn't understand.
He couldn't even begin to guess what kind of conversation had passed between Bu Eun-seol and the family head.
“That's strange. The family head is not one to listen to others.”
Muttering under his breath, Namgung Un walked to the table. He opened a drawer and held out a worn coin.
It was the Divine Calculator's Token of Gratitude.
“Take it, Brother Bu.”
Bu Eun-seol slowly took the Token of Gratitude from Namgung Un's hand.
He had finally obtained the divine object of the Divine Calculator he had been searching for.
'...!'
As Bu Eun-seol took the token, a peculiar light appeared in his eyes.
From the feel of the coin against his fingertips, it had not been made long ago.
This meant the Divine Calculator had clearly created a new token for the Namgung family.
'He doesn't make the divine objects long in advance, but creates them anew whenever needed... I see.'
That meant the Divine Calculator was still very active in the martial world, creating and distributing these tokens to people of his choosing.
'Whatever the case, this is not a good sign.'
The Token of Gratitude was not something the Divine Calculator made to express thanks.
Perhaps it was bait used to manipulate people? The thought crossed his mind.
“Thank you.”
“No need for thanks. It was something you should have had in the first place, Brother Bu.”
Namgung Un said with a regretful expression.
“Since you've come all this way, it would be nice if you could stay for a while... but that would be difficult, wouldn't it?”
Bu Eun-seol was, after all, the successor to the Demonic Sanctum. If he stayed at the Namgung estate and his identity were revealed, it would be a disaster.
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to speak,
*Creek.*
The door suddenly opened and a large man strode inside.
He was tall and solidly built, like a well-forged longsword.
“Youngest. Are you all right?”
“Third Brother.”
This was the third son of the Namgung family, Namgung Pung, the Seven-Colored Sword.
Namgung Pung was known for his swift movement and incredibly flashy sword techniques. He earned his title because seven colors were said to spread with every swing of his sword.
“What? You're perfectly fine.”
After looking Namgung Un over, Namgung Pung stretched his cheek in disbelief.
“You brat! Making me worry for nothing.”
Then he noticed Bu Eun-seol and blinked.
“Ah, so this must be the wanderer you call your sworn brother.”
Word of Bu Eun-seol had already spread quickly throughout the Namgung family.
This was likely Namgung Jeong's consideration, ensuring there would be no trouble for Bu Eun-seol during his stay.
Namgung Pung smiled warmly and cupped his hands.
“I am Namgung Pung.”
“Seol-so.”
Seeing Namgung Pung's agile body and long legs, Bu Eun-seol was suddenly reminded of Wi Cheon-gyeong.
But his straightforward way of speaking was more like Won Se-mun and Jo Nam-cheon than Wi Cheon-gyeong.
“What brings you here?”
“What brings me here? I heard you were seriously injured after defying Commander Mok.”
Namgung Pung said with a laugh.
“Besides, you brought home a sworn brother you made in the martial world. How could I not come to see him?”
Namgung Un was a famous rogue, not just in the Namgung family but throughout the martial world.
Therefore, no disciple from any sect or scion of any great family ever thought of befriending him.
For such a person to not only make a sworn brother in the martial world but also bring him home?
Everyone in the Namgung family was curious about who this person could be.
“Young Master Seol. It seems we are of a similar age. How about we become friends as well?”
“How could I dare?”
“Hahaha. Since you are my younger brother's sworn brother, we can all be considered friends.”
Unlike the arrogant scions of other families, Namgung Pung was acting very politely, even to a wanderer like Bu Eun-seol.
“Come, come, since you've come to our home, come this way. A tea party is just starting, so I'll introduce you to my brothers.”
“A tea party?”
As Bu Eun-seol blinked, Namgung Pung said.
“In our family, we are required to hold a tea party for the brothers once a month at the Cloudwind Pavilion. It's to strengthen our fraternal bonds.”
Having calmly explained to Bu Eun-seol, Namgung Un looked at Namgung Pung and said.
“Third Brother. Brother Seol has to leave now.”
Namgung Un was being extremely cautious, worried that Bu Eun-seol's identity might be exposed.
And now he suddenly wants to introduce him to the Namgung brothers? Anxious, Namgung Un tried to send Bu Eun-seol away quickly.
“Leaving already? Why?”
“Well... Brother Seol is a wanderer, so he has to take on another commission.”
As Namgung Un stammered, Namgung Pung laughed and waved his hand.
“He can get work anytime, can't he? How can we just send him away after he's come all this way? Isn't that right, Young Master Seol?”
And without waiting for an answer, he took Bu Eun-seol's hand and said.
“Come, come, this way. The view from our Cloudwind Pavilion is quite something to behold. Let's go there and chat.”
'He's giving me an opportunity on his own.'
Bu Eun-seol had intended to investigate the Namgung brothers one by one, if given the chance, to find the masked man who attacked Dan So-ok.
But now he was being invited to a place where all the brothers were gathered. There was no reason to refuse.
“Let's do that.”
But something was strange.
Even though Bu Eun-seol had stood up, Namgung Un was hesitating with an awkward smile.
“I don't join the tea parties my brothers have.”
Feeling Bu Eun-seol's gaze, Namgung Un smiled and said.
“It's just awkward drinking tea with brothers who are so much older.”
“Hahaha. Un. Aren't you a proper candidate for family head now?”
Namgung Pung then said.
“Besides, you've made a great contribution this time, so it's fine for you to attend the tea party.”
Bu Eun-seol's eyebrows twitched.
He had clearly said the tea party was to strengthen fraternal bonds.
But now Namgung Pung was telling Namgung Un to attend because he had become a candidate for family head and made a contribution?
'So they haven't been letting him attend until now.'
Having grasped the situation, Bu Eun-seol said.
“Let's go together.”
At those words, Namgung Un nodded as if he had no choice.
“Understood.”
The Cloudwind Pavilion boasted a view worthy of the Namgung family's pride.
Not only could one look down upon the vast Namgung estate at a glance, but a cool breeze was also ever-present.
Turning one's head, one could also admire the sunset over the high peaks of Mount Huang.
And in the pavilion built there sat three strapping men.
They were Namgung Un's brothers.
They were leisurely drinking tea while watching the sunset.
Unlike other families, the Namgung family had strong fraternal bonds.
This was because the Namgung family, having absorbed retainers and outside forces for generations, was less a single clan and more of a coalition.
The closer one served the family head, the higher one's status and authority were guaranteed.
The Jiangnan Martial Alliance.
That is why people referred to the Namgung family as the Martial Alliance of Jiangnan.
“Brothers. Hwan.”
Namgung Pung, leading Bu Eun-seol, waved at his brothers.
They were the eldest son of the Namgung family, Namgung Su; the second son, Namgung Heon; and the fourth son, Namgung Hwan.
The Namgung brothers were all over thirty, with a two-year age gap between them.
Only the youngest, Namgung Un, was born much later, making him about ten years their junior.
“You're late.”
The eldest, Namgung Su, said in a low voice as he looked at Namgung Pung.
“Your brothers have been waiting for you.”
“Hahaha. My apologies. I was checking to see if Un's injuries had recovered.”
As Namgung Pung scratched his head and laughed, Namgung Su looked at Namgung Un.
Then his gaze fixed on Bu Eun-seol, who was next to Namgung Un.
“So this is the wanderer who became sworn brothers with Un.”
“Hahaha. That's right.”
Namgung Pung looked at Bu Eun-seol and gestured.
“Young Master Seol. Please greet him. This is our eldest brother, Namgung Su.”
Namgung Su, the Cold and Virtuous Line Sword.
He was the eldest of the Namgung family and a sword master who primarily used the Unhyeon Sword Style, not the family's Heavy Sword.
He spoke very little and had an icy demeanor. However, his personality was benevolent, which is how he earned the title of the Cold and Virtuous Line Sword.
“Seol-so.”
As Bu Eun-seol calmly cupped his hands in greeting, the fourth brother, Namgung Hwan, who had been watching, twitched an eyebrow.
Even if he was a special-grade wanderer from Jeokcheonmakji, the profession of a wanderer was the second most lowly in the martial world, right after assassins.
Yet he offered such a blunt greeting to the eldest son of the Namgung family, merely raising his hands slightly.
“He seems to be a bit clueless.”
Just then, the fourth brother, Namgung Hwan, who had been lifting a teacup to his lips, set it down and spoke with an offended, arrogant expression.
“Now that you've set foot in the Namgung estate, wouldn't it be better for your well-being to adopt a more respectful attitude?”
Namgung Hwan was naturally arrogant and held great pride in the Namgung family.
Therefore, he considered Bu Eun-seol's nonchalant greeting to Namgung Su an insult to himself.
—Though he is a wanderer, he is Un's sworn brother and a guest of this family. Do not, under any circumstances, treat him disrespectfully.
If not for the strict order from the family head, Namgung Jeong, he would have acted immediately.
“Please understand. Our fourth brother has a rather prickly personality.”
Sensing the chilly atmosphere, Namgung Pung quickly pointed to the handsome man sitting next to him.
“This is our second brother, Namgung Heon.”
Namgung Heon, the Autumn Moon's Bright Radiance.
He was a man more famous for his handsome features than his swordsmanship.
So much so that his title was not a feature of his martial arts, but 'Autumn Moon's Bright Radiance'.
When his eyes met Bu Eun-seol's, Namgung Heon narrowed his handsome eyes slightly and cupped his hands.
“I am Namgung Heon.”
Fortunately, Namgung Heon had an amiable personality and offered a greeting first, even knowing Bu Eun-seol was a wanderer.
“Seol-so.”
Bu Eun-seol also cupped his hands to show his respect.
“Now, and this is our fourth brother, Namgung Hwan.”
Finally, Namgung Pung gestured to Namgung Hwan.
Namgung Hwan then looked down at Bu Eun-seol with arrogant eyes.
“Young Master Seol. I hear you're a special-grade wanderer from Jeokcheonmakji. Is that correct?”
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, he gave a subtle smile.
“A wanderer from Jeokcheonmakji should reek of having been knocked around here and there. But your appearance and aura are both ordinary. I can't feel any ripples of internal energy.”
His words were incredibly insulting and arrogant.
Namgung Un's expression, who had been listening quietly, changed.
“Brother.”
“I'm just making an observation.”
Namgung Hwan said, the corner of his mouth lifting.
“I hear wanderers learn all sorts of tricks and special techniques.”
Namgung Hwan was thinking that Bu Eun-seol had learned a special technique to hide his aura.
As the atmosphere grew cold, Namgung Pung smiled and spoke to Namgung Su.
“Eldest Brother. Un is here as well, so how about we have Young Master Seol join us for tea this time?”
“Together?”
“If he comes all this way and we don't even offer him a cup of tea, Young Master Seol will curse the Namgung family for being stingy.”
Namgung Pung was a skilled speaker.
His joke eased the frozen atmosphere considerably.
“Very well.”
With permission granted, Namgung Pung gestured with his hand.
“Come, come, Young Master Seol, please sit. Un, you sit here too.”
As the two sat down, waiting maids poured them tea.
The tea had a golden hue reminiscent of amber, and its clean fragrance seemed to wash one down to the bone.
“It is Tieguanyin, the finest of the oolong teas. This particular one is from Anxi, said to be of the highest quality.”
At Namgung Heon's explanation, Bu Eun-seol lifted his cup and took a sip.
A sweet, smooth taste and a subtle, clear aroma like that of an orchid simultaneously filled his mouth.
“How is the taste?”
Namgung Heon asked Bu Eun-seol with a serious expression.
“I was the one who prepared the tea for this party.”
Bu Eun-seol let out a dry laugh.
Why did tea lovers always serve tea to others only to ask them how it tasted?
“The aroma is nice.”
When Bu Eun-seol gave such a bland response, Namgung Heon looked disappointed.
“Is that so?”
Bu Eun-seol turned his gaze to Namgung Un, who had been sitting awkwardly the whole time.
“How about it? The tea.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Can you tell me what you think?”
Namgung Un gulped down the tea and nodded.
“This is Tieguanyin from Songyan Village. Since it was made with spring leaves, it has a strong roasted aroma, yet the flavor is very deep.”
“Not bad at all.”
As Namgung Heon smiled, Namgung Hwan sneered.
“After getting scolded by Father for knowing so little about tea, you must have studied in secret.”
All the Namgung sons were either dignified or cheerful, but Namgung Hwan alone seemed to have a difficult personality and a hatred for Namgung Un.
“By the way, Un, how did you manage to get inside information on the Beggars' Sect?”
Namgung Pung asked curiously after downing a cup of tea.
“The Beggars' Sect runs a vast intelligence network, making it a difficult place for outsiders to investigate.”
“That was...”
Just as Namgung Un was about to speak, Namgung Hwan cut in.
“He must have had help. How could Un possibly have spied on the inner workings of the Beggars' Sect himself?”
“That's right.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol's voice echoed inside the Cloudwind Pavilion.
“I was the one who directed everything.”
The corners of his mouth lifting, Bu Eun-seol looked down at Namgung Hwan.
“He was merely a servant who faithfully followed my orders.”
“What did you just say?”
For a moment, Namgung Hwan's pupils dilated.
“A servant?”
He could tolerate someone agreeing with him when he mocked Namgung Un.
But calling a direct descendant of the Namgung family a 'servant' was absolutely unbearable.
“Are my ears deceiving me?”
Setting down his teacup, a thick killing intent began to rise from Namgung Hwan's body.
“Did you just call a member of the Namgung family a servant? Is that right?”
“That's right.”
Bu Eun-seol said flatly.
“The youngest of the Namgung family, Namgung Un, acted as my servant.”