Chapter 230
Chapter 230
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 230
Chapter Title: Tracking the 'Association' and Hellish Training
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He couldn't figure out the purpose or identity of those guys calling themselves the 'Association,' but Namgung Hyeok could guess they shared the same goal as him.
No, it was almost a certainty.
'They found Huge Tree's secret cave first. Those bastards definitely know about Huge Tree's secret.'
Then everything fell into place.
The black-clad figures appearing at the Black Dragon Sect, and them rummaging around for the secret cave—it all made sense.
The Nangong family might have had other reasons, but one thing was clear: their target.
The Black Dragon Sect had found the inner core of the Golden Turtle, comparable to that of the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp.
And that Black Dragon Sect had handed the inner core over to the 'Association.'
Namgung Hyeok's gaze swept over the more than thirty spirit medicines laid out on the table.
"These are ingredients."
Even if they weren't necessarily ingredients, just the fact that they'd gathered this much and sent it to the Association was highly suspicious.
There were spirit medicines spread out that even major sects couldn't easily obtain, and some among them were materials for Golden Thread Pills.
"No wonder they rubbed me the wrong way from the first impression. Ptooey."
He didn't know why they'd popped up at the Nangong family, but he'd disliked them from the moment they started yapping about 'His Excellency' this and that.
There was a reason he'd kept running into them everywhere he went.
Suddenly, a Jianghu adage came to Namgung Hyeok's mind.
'Once is coincidence, but if it happens two or three times, it's fate, right?'
And the saying that there's no such thing as coincidence in Jianghu.
Even brushing sleeves was considered fate, so this level meant he had an inevitable bad karma with these bastards.
Namgung Hyeok shook the half-fainted Sogulgae awake.
Shake shake shake!
"Hey! Beggar! Wake up!"
"......Y-yes?"
"You passed out, punk. We're in the middle of talking?"
"Huh? When?"
"I'm about to start now."
Goddamn, that means I haven't even started yet.
Sogulgae stared at Namgung Hyeok with a sullen face.
Namgung Hyeok asked Sogulgae with the most serious face in the world.
"Did you happen to see any suspicious guys while searching for the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp?"
"Huh, there were plenty of suspicious types. We thought they were a passing merchant caravan, but they were bandits, or we thought they were mountain bandits, but they were undercover constables."
"Not that crap. Were there guys after the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp?"
"There's always those kinds wherever a Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp is rumored to appear."
Martial artists staked their lives on martial arts, spirit medicines, and divine weapons.
For a legendary spirit beast like the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp, even just a glimpse of its tail fin would bring martial artists swarming like a tidal wave.
That was how obsessed with spirit medicines these martial artist folk were.
Just look at Namgung Hyeok himself.
His eyes had gone crazy at the news of the Golden Turtle's inner core, ransacking the medicine hall, and not long ago he'd scaled the Black Dragon Sect walls hunting for spirit medicines.
Sogulgae, who had been chuckling, tilted his head.
"Oh, now that you mention it, I heard there were some weird guys."
"What kind of guys?"
"They were the type that charged at us ready to kill on sight, all wearing masks...... Huh? That's right. Just like those guys we saw on the pirate ship......"
"Right?! Exactly!"
"Gurk, gurk! Why, why are you choking me!"
"Oh, sorry. Got excited."
Namgung Hyeok released Sogulgae's collar and let out a sigh of admiration.
'As expected, those guys are after the same thing as me!'
Sogulgae's answer confirmed it for Namgung Hyeok.
Namgung Hyeok asked.
"So? What happened then?"
"What do you mean what? We ignored them and kept searching for the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp."
"You goddamn idiot!"
Namgung Hyeok grabbed Sogulgae's collar again and shook him violently.
Veins bulged on his forehead.
"You fool! You should've caught those guys! They were after the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp!"
"Ah, ah, why!"
"Tell your beggar bastards! If they spot those suspicious punks, chase them down no matter what!"
"What about the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp?"
"Where those guys are, that's where the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp is!"
Huh?
Sogulgae looked at Namgung Hyeok with bewildered eyes.
'Is this guy going mad from obsession with the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp?'
How could those guys find the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp that even the Beggar Clan couldn't?
No, wait, how does he even know they're after it in the first place?
'So this is it! That feeling like everyone looks like a thief after you've found gold by luck!'
Everyone in the world seems like a thief, paranoia that they'll steal your gold—yeah, he'd clearly lost it to greed.
Otherwise, why would Namgung Hyeok be throwing such a fit?
'The greed of man......'
Heh heh, that's why the beggar's life is the best......
"Hey, hey!"
"Yes?"
"What did I say?"
"......Chase the suspicious guys."
"From now on, the Beggar Clan tracks those guys."
......Are you the Beggar Clan Leader?
Regardless of Sogulgae's dumbfounded face, Namgung Hyeok said.
"The moment those bastards show up, run after them, you punk."
"No, weren't you telling us to catch the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp? Why suddenly chase suspicious guys?"
"That's because!"
......You punk, those guys are better at finding it than you.
The ones who'd dug up Huge Tree's secret cave first—when he thought he was the only one who knew—were the Association guys, and the ones who'd snatched the Black Dragon Sect's Golden Turtle kill were also the Association.
What had the Beggar Clan been doing in the meantime?
Just playing catch-up over and over.
'I'd sooner trust the Association punks than these beggar idiots!'
While the Beggar Clan flailed around splashing dirty water, the Association would definitely find the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp.
Sogulgae cocked his head to the side.
What?
What was with that distrustful look?
But strangely, it seemed like he had some ace up his sleeve?
Still, it sure wasn't trust in the Beggar Clan.
Sogulgae's eyes narrowed as he saw the fierce fire blazing in Namgung Hyeok's eyes.
"Excuse me, Young Master. Why'd you stop talking? What is it?"
"It's because! Those guys are chasing the Ten Thousand Year Flower Carp too!"
"We can just find it ourselves with the Beggar Clan......"
"Ah, come on!"
Goddamn, why get mad. The Beggar Clan said they'd search hard.
Namgung Hyeok said to Sogulgae.
"And one more thing to check."
"......What?"
"If those suspicious guys showed up at places where spirit medicines, spirit pills, or spirit beasts recently appeared. Or if any weird incidents happened."
Might as well do it thoroughly.
He needed to confirm if the 'Association' really shared his goal, if they were targeting the same prey.
For now, just track their locations.
'Dealing with them comes after.'
At Namgung Hyeok's words, Sogulgae dusted off his shoulders and spoke.
He got what Namgung Hyeok meant.
"So, investigate suspicious guys like at the Black Dragon Sect? The ones with thunder bombs and fire cannons."
"Oh, not bad, beggar."
"I'm a Beggar Clan disciple, even if I look like this. Blink and you'll miss it."
Sogulgae puffed up proudly.
He'd thought it was fishy too.
Even if the Beggar Clan's attention was diverted by the Yellow Valley mess, it was too big to ignore.
Sogulgae puffed out his chest and said.
"Prepare a hot bowl of noodle soup. I'll be back before it gets cold."
Damn punk, even his begging is beggar-like.
Namgung Hyeok let out a hollow chuckle as he watched Sogulgae hop back over the wall.
He stretched languidly.
"So from now on, just keep an eye on the Association guys?"
Nice, then I can slack until he brings news?
Namgung Hyeok didn't trust the Beggar Clan to the end.
If Sogulgae knew his inner thoughts, he'd probably shed bloody tears.
* * *
Namgung Hyeok looked at Namgung Ryong entering his quarters.
"You come three times a day now."
"......Training. Black Wind Squad. Lacking."
"Oh, here to do your overdue homework?"
Perhaps feeling a backlog from training he couldn't do while roaming outside for leads, Namgung Ryong had come doggedly.
Namgung Hyeok chuckled.
"But why'd you come alone?"
"......"
"No camaraderie, these guys have no camaraderie."
These days' kids, give 'em an inch and they take a mile.
Namgung Hyeok smirked, then crooked a finger at Geon Cheon-hwi, who was spacing out in the corner drooling.
Crack! Drip drip!
"Urk! Y-yes!"
Geon Cheon-hwi, who'd somehow endured(?) Namgung Hyeok's teachings to learn the Iron Soul Thirteen Paths, stifled a scream and got up.
"Go drag them all here. Time for training!"
"......Yes!"
Look at that twisted expression.
Paeng siblings and Little Sword Princess must be done for.
Geon Cheon-hwi shook his head as he ran out to fetch the three.
While Namgung Hyeok stood crookedly throwing glances, the Paeng siblings and So Hye-yeon followed Geon Cheon-hwi in.
The three had very varied expressions.
Paeng Junghyeok kept sighing as he looked at Namgung Hyeok, while Paeng Yeonhwa clenched her fists with a stiff mouth.
And So Hye-yeon sparkled her eyes, hand already on her sword hilt, waiting to draw any second.
Paeng Junghyeok flinched upon seeing Namgung Hyeok and the Thunder Dragon Squad sprawled around.
'......Damn, it's come.'
Why wouldn't he know that Namgung Hyeok's teachings and training were chances to grow as a martial artist?
But the wounds in Paeng Junghyeok's heart—abandoned by his clan, betrayed by his father—were bigger than he'd thought.
On the other hand, his sister Paeng Yeonhwa had no particular thoughts.
She'd simply prepared to tangle with the Thunder Dragon Squad as ordered.
So Hye-yeon looked at Namgung Hyeok with shining eyes.
'Finally!'
She'd been wondering how to ask for training help when Namgung Hyeok's summons came—like rain in a drought.
She clearly remembered Namgung Hyeok leading the Black Wind Squad and sweeping through unorthodox groups, displaying his prowess.
That strength, judgment, and ability to read situations—all exceeded what she'd imagined.
It was a realm she couldn't even approach.
And the pinnacle of Namgung Hyeok's prowess was escaping the Black Dragon Sect.
'Black Dragon King!'
She hadn't seen the fight herself, but it starkly showed how strong he was.
Defeating Jiangxi Province's overlord without a scratch meant his realm reached unimaginable heights.
Receiving teachings from such an expert was no different from a fated opportunity.
No sect she'd encountered during her sparring tour had done it like Namgung Hyeok.
She believed one lesson from him was worth a hundred spars.
So Hye-yeon brimmed with endless trust and reliance in Namgung Hyeok's teachings.
Namgung Hyeok slowly scanned the group.
Those catching his gaze flinched.
"Hey."
......What was that gentle yet rude tone?
"From the Black Dragon Sect incident this time, I've got a lot of thoughts."
"......"
"Weakness isn't a sin. People gotta run sometimes when alive. Better than stupidly fighting when odds are bad. Of course, I wouldn't, but can't force cowards to fight, right?"
Wow, so gentle.
But is this an insult or praise?
Namgung Hyeok grinned, ignoring their reactions.
People's faces turned blank at Namgung Hyeok's benevolent smile.
That punk isn't the type to smile like that?
"So let's train together. Learn bit by bit, and you'll get strong quick. I'll teach you well. Let's do it right this time."
Huh?
For real?
Is he really sorry about the Black Dragon Sect thing? Gonna teach properly?
Different league, different league.
Namgung Hyeok, soft smile on his face, placed a hand on his waist.
"Alright, let's start."
Shing!
The magic sword was drawn from his waist.
The moment the pure white blade appeared.
Whoooosh!
A chilling sword intent swept the room, sending shivers down spines.
At the same time, the explosively pouring killing intent and demonic qi from the magic sword crashed over them.
Those facing the magic sword went wide-eyed.
'M-madness! Wh-what is this......?'
'......The killing intent's stronger than before?'
'Wh-why draw the sword all sudden?'
The killing intent squeezing their hearts and the gushing demonic qi pressed down on their shoulders.
Those versed in orthodox arts instinctively circulated inner energy to withstand the demonic qi.
Namgung Hyeok grinned and thrust the sword forward.
Gulp.
Wow, different league indeed.
'Namgung Hyeok, that mad dragon's trying to kill us.'
Namgung Hyeok wagged the magic sword at the dazed group, twisting his lips.
"What're you doing? Come on in."
"......Huh?"
"All at once."
"......"
"Let's do some stress relief together today."
......You said training, you bastard.
Goddamn.
The bewildered group grimaced as they drew their weapons.
Namgung Hyeok smiled contentedly.
"Wanna go back to Black Dragon Sect? Why so slow? Hurry up!"
By then, his magic sword was already swinging at the trainees in front.
Screams suddenly echoed from Namgung Hyeok's quarters.