Chapter 149
Chapter 149
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 149
Chapter Title: Setting Out Early
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Clink-clink! Clang-clang!
Geum Cheomsang crammed clothes, herbs, and the like into a box and bundle before glancing at Namgung Hyuk.
"But why are you packing again, Young Master?"
Geum Cheomsang let out a sigh and spoke toward Namgung Hyuk, who was noisily rummaging through the room in one corner.
"Seriously, how long has it been since you got back to the main house, and you're packing again? Where are you off to this time!"
"I'm just heading out somewhere, so what!"
"...No, so where exactly are you going?"
"You'll find out if I tell you?"
"You have to tell me first."
"Pack first."
"How am I supposed to pack without knowing the plan? I'll pack because you told me to, but this might all have to be unpacked again..."
Geum Cheomsang wore a troubled expression as he stealthily backed away.
'I can't get dragged along again. What kind of mess would that be?'
In the old days, he would've been thrilled to follow Namgung Hyuk anywhere outside the Namgung Clan.
He'd never even gotten a proper trip to Mount Huang while tending to him.
But after seeing Namgung Hyuk rampage like a mad bull at the Hebei Peng Clan, those thoughts had fled a thousand miles away.
'Following the Young Master means guaranteed suffering.'
Even without travel, nothing good ever came from going out with Namgung Hyuk.
It would've been nice if it were just pouring drinks, but there was always some other problem.
This time, he was absolutely staying at the Namgung Clan...
"Just in case, make sure to pack the fishing rod."
"Yes! ...Yes? Wait, why the fishing rod?"
"It's a carp, so it should live in water. Tsk, but what if it's made its home in lava? How do I catch it then? Ah, whatever. I'll think about that later."
Lava? Carp?
What was this nonsense?
Geum Cheomsang cursed his body for reacting automatically against his will as he looked at Namgung Hyuk.
And Namgung Hyuk kept spouting more incomprehensible ramblings.
"Pack the net too. Since it's a millennium-old one, it'll be bigger than my arm, right? Ha, I've never seen one, so I can't even picture it."
He'd seen azure spiritual oil a few times, but he had no idea how big a millennium fire carp was.
Even rummaging through memories of hearsay, every storyteller described it differently in shape and size.
"About this big?"
Namgung Hyuk clicked his tongue and raised his arm.
"...Young Master, that's not an insult, is it?"
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Cut the nonsense and pack quickly. Skip the herbs."
Geum Cheomsang cautiously eyed Namgung Hyuk.
'What crazy thing is he planning this time...'
Fishing rods and nets? It didn't feel good at all.
He couldn't even guess what it was for.
It hadn't been this chaotic even before heading to the Hebei Peng Clan, and lately, with his improved complexion, he seemed even more energized.
Geum Cheomsang desperately wanted to dissuade him but couldn't muster the courage.
A strange madness gleamed in Namgung Hyuk's bloodshot eyes, and his mouth looked ready to foam at any moment.
Was it his imagination that he could hear a low growl when he strained his ears?
Screeech! Screeech! Graaaate!
Namgung Hyuk dragged over a dusty sack he'd stored in one corner of the room.
"Y-Young Master. Are you taking that too?"
It was the dirt-caked sack he'd brought back from the Hebei Peng Clan.
Inside were items so poorly maintained they reeked of mold, but to Geum Cheomsang's eyes, none of them looked ordinary.
They were worth at least a tael or two of silver each.
Namgung Hyuk snapped his head up.
"Of course!"
"What the heck is that thing?"
"Important stuff."
"...Th-then leave it here."
"And what if someone steals it while I'm gone? Who can you trust in this world?"
"Put it in the warehouse..."
"No way. I'm taking it. Pack it up."
Namgung Hyuk stated firmly.
'He said there's definitely a use for it.'
There were endless ways to make use of those items.
Just look at the Hebei Peng Clan—they'd gone mad over a piece of scrap metal sword and shelled out a million taels for the Sword King's manual.
In his Poison Tyrant days, he wouldn't have glanced at them, but not anymore.
Namgung Hyuk slung a bundle over his shoulder and said,
"Let's go!"
"Huh? M-me too?"
"Ha, when I'm this busy."
Namgung Hyuk grabbed Geum Cheomsang by the scruff of the neck.
"Gasp!"
Geum Cheomsang, clutching heavy loads in both hands, was dragged along helplessly.
He flailed to break free, but he couldn't match Namgung Hyuk's strength.
'...Why does it feel like the healthier you get, the harder it is for me?'
For a moment, he missed the bedridden Namgung Hyuk, but he quickly dismissed it as irreverent and squeezed his eyes shut.
If only this were a dream...
Drag, drag...
* * *
In the Azure Palace Hall, a large table was set, and Namgung Jangcheon gathered with the elders.
It was a meeting for the elders to report on clan affairs.
As the reports dragged on, Namgung Jangcheon, who had been silently scanning the elders, quietly asked,
"How are the Peng Clan guests and the Sword Pavilion's Young Sword Marquess doing?"
Great Elder Namgung Wigeong replied.
"As per the Family Head's orders, we've given the Young Sword Marquess from Sword Pavilion a separate annex with its own training ground, and housed the Peng Clan here in the Azure Palace Hall. We inquire about their needs three times a day and attend to them immediately, so no need to worry."
They were guests from the Hebei Peng Clan and Sword Pavilion, no less.
Even one would stir any sect, but both arriving together had the mighty Namgung Clan on edge.
Namgung Jangcheon nodded and said,
"Entertain them impeccably until their departure."
"Of course."
Namgung Wigeong nodded, then quietly opened his mouth.
"But, Family Head."
"Speak."
"Isn't there some intent behind the Hebei Peng Clan—who've had no prior dealings—suddenly sending such treasures? Especially right after the birthday banquet ended..."
Namgung Jangcheon knew exactly what Namgung Wigeong meant.
It was a natural suspicion.
Anyone who knew anything knew the rocky history between the Namgung Clan and Hebei Peng Clan since the previous generation.
It was reasonable to doubt that the Hebei Peng Clan, long overshadowed by the Namgung Clan's prestige, had come with good intentions.
As Namgung Jangcheon wore a troubled look,
"...Perhaps it's because of some good news?"
"...?"
"The Peng Family Head wouldn't send his daughter back home without reason, would he? Especially with all those treasures! There must've been something at the birthday banquet. Ahem!"
"..."
Namgung Jangcheon, who knew the truth behind the Peng Clan's gifts, could only feel baffled.
Unfortunately, the others were clueless.
The elders nodded in satisfaction.
"I agree with the Great Elder. At that vigorous age, anything's possible."
"Heh heh, so the main house and Hebei Peng Clan have this day too."
"So who is it? Probably the eldest young master? He was already admired by the ladies at the last gathering... ahem, drawing admiration."
...What nonsense from these old fogeys?
Namgung Jangcheon clamped his mouth shut as he stared at the elders fantasizing wildly.
'Don't stir up trouble.'
But not stirring only made the elders endless.
Namgung Wigeong smiled softly and said,
"With even the Young Sword Marquess as a noble guest, isn't it a sign of a bright future for the clan?"
"Indeed! Who'd have thought the Sword Pavilion's Young Sword Marquess would come. The ties from our forebears have lasted until now."
"But what's this 'Mu Ga Ji Bo' that's earning us such favor?"
"Whatever it is, the fact that we've helped the Peng Clan and forged a good connection is what matters, no?"
Heh heh heh!
Laughter bloomed in the Azure Palace Hall.
Namgung Jangcheon let out a small sigh and lightly rapped the table.
Tap tap tap!
The chattering elders turned their gazes to him.
Their eyes asked why he was interrupting such good talk.
Namgung Jangcheon said lowly,
"That's not what's important right now."
"No, what could be more important than..."
"Shouldn't we discuss the martial tournament hosted by the Orthodox Heaven Alliance?"
"Hmm!"
The elders finally wiped the smiles from their faces and stared at Namgung Jangcheon.
Namgung Wigeong asked on their behalf.
"Are we selecting participants for the martial tournament?"
"Yes!"
"The dragon can represent us, with our finest elites as escorts—what's the issue?"
It was only natural for the Namgung Clan's eldest son to represent them at the tournament.
The elders saw it as no big deal.
Namgung Jangcheon let out a low hum before quietly speaking.
"I'm thinking of sending the second son this time..."
"You mean the second young master?"
"Yes."
"That's no problem either, Family Head. With his skills, the tournament should be a breeze!"
Namgung Wigeong said with a hint of excitement.
What worry?
He could turn the tournament upside down!
He'd witnessed Namgung Hyuk's prowess firsthand during the rebellion at the Harmony Alliance.
Namgung Hyuk had long surpassed the late-stage experts, and just imagining the storm he'd stir at the tournament had him anticipating already.
Namgung Jangcheon cleared his throat awkwardly before replying.
"I think so too. But the problem is he's only interested in the prize."
"The prize?"
"The Orthodox Heaven Alliance is offering a top prize this time: azure spiritual oil..."
Namgung Jangcheon trailed off mid-sentence, then suddenly looked toward the Azure Palace Hall entrance.
Boom!
The doors flew open as if about to shatter, and Namgung Hyuk strode in with his bundle.
Everyone stared at him in bewilderment.
Not only had he burst into the meeting hall unannounced, but the massive load on his back raised even more questions.
Bathed in all their gazes, Namgung Hyuk grinned.
"Departure preparations complete!"
Namgung Jangcheon gaped in disbelief.
"What? Departure preparations?"
"Yes!"
"No, the tournament is still two months away—what departure!"
"Better to go with plenty of time!"
Namgung Jangcheon pressed his temple as Namgung Hyuk spoke as if it were obvious.
"What kind of lunacy is that!"
This guy's lost it over the azure spiritual oil... Ah, he really has!
Namgung Hyuk said calmly,
"We're heading out right now!"
"W-Wait! Just like that?"
Behind the wide-open doors stood the puzzled Namgung Ryong, Geon Cheonhwi, Tak Hyeokdong, Jang Woong, and Geum Cheomsang.
All of them were amiably shouldering bundles bigger than themselves.
Namgung Hyuk nodded vigorously.
"Any problem?"
Namgung Jangcheon's jaw clenched at the brazen tone.
Problem?
You bet there is!
"We haven't even decided who's going to the tournament yet, so stay put..."
It was then.
"Heh heh heh heh! Family Head! Hyuk wants to go too!"
"No..."
"The win will be our second young master's anyway—what's there to worry about?"
What was there to worry about?
Couldn't they see Namgung Hyuk's eyes were spinning?
How could those be the eyes of a sane man!
As Namgung Jangcheon lost his words staring at the madness in Namgung Hyuk's eyes, Namgung Wigeong chuckled.
"Heh heh heh! Let him go, Family Head!"
"...Can't you see? The guys heading to the tournament are carrying fishing rods! And why so much luggage..."
"Probably planning to catch something."
The elders chimed in as Namgung Wigeong laughed heartily.
"There are plenty of fishing spots around the Orthodox Heaven Alliance!"
"Maybe he's fishing for the win!"
"You rascal, with jokes like that! Haha!"
Amid the elders' cheerful atmosphere, Namgung Jangcheon's face soured.
Have these fools all eaten something bad...!
Namgung Hyuk's lips curved in delight.
"I'll definitely win and return. Heh heh!"
As Namgung Jangcheon stared blankly at him, the elders laughed warmly from behind.
"Heh heh heh heh! What a true man! Such grand ambition!"
"That's right! The win is the second young master's!"
"Family Head, the clan's rise is near!"
Namgung Jangcheon clutched his head quietly.
Hah, they won't listen.
Frustrated to the point of bursting, he let out a deep sigh.
Regardless, Namgung Hyuk was already heading out, basking in the enthusiastic send-off.