Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Namgung So-yeon and the Black Moon Sword (8)
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Namgung So-yeon strode toward the Clan Leader's Hall, her expression grimly determined.
Seeing her, the instructor who was leading her class called out urgently.
"Young Lady, where are you going?"
"I am going to see my father. Do not stop me."
"But the Clan Leader..."
The instructor could not finish his sentence.
He realized he could not stop her when he saw the firm resolve in her eyes.
A short while later, when she arrived at the Clan Leader's Hall, the warriors guarding it saw her and bowed hastily.
"Greetings, Young Lady."
"Young Lady, you've arrived."
The warriors guarding the hall greeted So-yeon, but they were puzzled, as they hadn't been told she was coming.
However, they did not dare ask the reason for her visit.
Her determined steps and clear eyes created an overwhelming atmosphere that left them unable to speak.
And so, So-yeon entered the Clan Leader's Hall without incident and headed for Namgung Cheon's office.
Watching her, the demonic sword spoke.
[So you've finally made up your mind.]
Hearing its words, So-yeon gave a small smile and replied.
"It seems this was bound to happen someday anyway."
[Hmph, interesting.]
A moment later, So-yeon stood before the Clan Leader's office.
Before opening the door, she took a deep breath, steeling her resolve once more.
'Yes. I can do this. If I don't, who will?'
Just as she was about to open the door, she heard voices from within.
From the sound of it, Namgung Cheon's third son, Namgung Hwi, was inside.
'Why is that brat in the Clan Leader's office...?'
She was curious but decided to put it aside and wait patiently.
After a short while, she sensed a presence approaching from inside.
*Creeak—*
The door opened, revealing Namgung Hwi with his fierce, sharp eyes.
"Hmm? Oh, it's you, Sister."
"Namgung Hwi..."
As they held a mutual dislike for each other, no lengthy conversation passed between them.
"I thought you'd decided to focus on your studies after Father scolded you."
"It's none of your business."
"....."
Namgung Hwi shot his sister a glare before brushing past her.
'And he's only a first-rate warrior.'
Watching her brother's retreating back, So-yeon thought that she would have to put him in his place someday.
Just then.
"Come in."
Namgung Cheon called to So-yeon from his office.
At her father's words, she quickly entered the room and closed the door.
"Father."
The moment she spoke, Namgung Cheon opened his mouth, his tone laced with displeasure.
"You should be studying your etiquette at this hour. What brings you here?"
"Father, I can't do this anymore. I wish to focus on the martial arts I desire."
"There is nothing more to be said on that matter. Go back."
"Father, what I mean is..."
"I do not wish to hear it. If you are a member of the Namgung, you will obey the words of the Namgung Clan Leader."
She nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"You are right. A member of the Namgung Clan should naturally do so."
Noticing his daughter's surprisingly compliant attitude, Namgung Cheon frowned and looked at her, sensing something was amiss.
He was trying to discern her true intentions.
"That is why I intend to leave this place."
"...What did you say?"
Stunned by his daughter's shocking declaration, Namgung Cheon couldn't help but ask again.
"Are you saying you will leave the Namgung?"
"Yes."
"Have you finally gone mad?"
"No. I have given this deep thought and made my decision."
"...Hah."
Namgung Cheon was at a loss for words, unable to speak.
He could only stare silently at Namgung So-yeon.
Feeling her father's incredulous gaze, she stood her ground even more firmly.
"I know that as long as I receive the Namgung's support, I must follow your will, Father. That is why I intend to leave this place and walk my own path."
His daughter's shocking announcement that she was running away.
A sudden headache washed over Namgung Cheon, and he frowned, pressing a hand to his forehead.
"Haaaah..."
He had tried to raise his daughter to be a proper person, but for some reason, she seemed to be turning into more of a ruffian.
A thick silence hung in the air.
So-yeon also realized that her father's mood was more serious than ever and kept her mouth shut.
She felt that if she said anything else foolish, he might truly become enraged.
After a moment, having calmed himself somewhat, Namgung Cheon spoke.
"Do you know what it means to leave the Namgung?"
"Yes. It means I will not receive any support from the family."
"It cannot be expressed with such a simple phrase. It means you are giving up everything you have enjoyed your entire life."
"Yes. I know. Even so, I wish to embark on a journey to train deeply in the martial arts."
"...Hah."
Hearing the unwavering conviction in his daughter's voice, Namgung Cheon had no choice but to admit it.
She was his daughter, who had inherited the blood of the Namgung.
He slowly rose from his seat, turned his back, opened a window, and looked outside.
As he silently gazed at the scenery, calming his mind, he spoke.
"Stubborn, with an unyielding goal. Who on earth did you take after?"
"....."
So-yeon said nothing and lowered her head, and Namgung Cheon replied without turning around.
"Do as you wish."
Namgung Cheon's voice was weary.
So-yeon, listening, noticed this and carefully called out to him.
"Father..."
But he had already made his decision and had no intention of interfering further. He answered firmly.
"Do as you please. However, as you said, there will be no more support from the family."
He slowly turned his head, looked at his daughter's face, and continued.
"Leave by tonight. If you are still here tomorrow, you will unconditionally follow my will."
At his words, So-yeon quietly bowed her head in farewell.
"Thank you for everything, Father."
After saying this, So-yeon left the Clan Leader's office without a hint of hesitation.
Left alone, Namgung Cheon let out a deep sigh.
"Hooo...."
If his daughter had hesitated, he would have mercilessly bound her to the family, but being his daughter, he knew all too well that she would leave tonight.
"You are so much like her."
He quietly recalled a memory from the past.
He reminisced, picturing the face of a woman he could no longer see.
"You look just like her, and your stubborn personality is so similar that it's like seeing the you of old."
He didn't know what to do, his heart in turmoil.
"This is truly difficult."
With those words, he continued to stare blankly outside.
***
After leaving the Clan Leader's office, Namgung So-yeon felt her heart pounding.
A strange excitement, a mix of fear and joy, washed over her.
"Th-This is the right thing to do, isn't it?"
She asked the demonic sword in a slightly trembling voice.
However, since her eyes were staring into empty space, it seemed as if she were talking to herself.
The deed was done.
Since its influence had been a major factor in her leaving home, the demonic sword decided to help her as responsibly as it could.
[It is your choice. If the path you wish to walk lies outside, then so it must be. Do not fear a path you have not yet taken.]
Though it was for its own amusement, the demonic sword was not so irresponsible as to meddle in a person's life and then wash its hands of the matter.
[But know that I am with you on the path you wish to take. Until our bet is over, I am your sword.]
Hearing its words, So-yeon stared at the demonic sword with considerable surprise.
When they first met, it had a very dangerous and evil feel, but now it seemed somehow different.
"...Well, I suppose it's necessary if I want to win my bet with you, Lord Black Moon."
She quickly averted her gaze from the demonic sword.
It was a great demon trying to steal her body, so she was determined not to give it her heart.
However, her feeling was not wrong.
Realizing that Namgung So-yeon's mental fortitude was not particularly strong, the demonic sword was holding back a great deal.
It had almost completely suppressed the aggressive side it had shown to its other masters.
Therefore, it was no wonder that So-yeon felt she could rely on the demonic sword, as if it were a senior in life.
She felt a strange sense of dissonance but quickly shook it off and headed straight for her room.
She needed to pack the necessary items before leaving tonight.
After entering her room, she scanned it once and felt her mind go blank.
"...What should I take?"
Now that she thought about it, everything seemed necessary.
She had yet to learn.
That leaving home was a world of hardship.
***
As the sun began to set.
Namgung So-yeon had more or less finished her preparations.
She had packed only the bare minimum of supplies and food needed for her journey into a bundle.
Of course, at first, she had packed enough things to practically move house, but after listening to the demonic sword's realistic advice, she had lightened her load considerably.
[A journey into the martial world means taking only what is necessary, unless you have a porter.]
Later, as she came out into the Namgung manor to leave, Namgung Gyeong was waiting for her.
"Oh, Gyeong."
"Looks like you're finally leaving, Sister."
"It turned out that way."
Namgung Gyeong had a disappointed expression, but he didn't seem surprised, as he had somewhat expected it.
"A choice befitting of you, Sister. Do you have a destination?"
"I'm going to Henan."
"Henan? That's where Shaolin is."
"The Martial Alliance is holding a tournament called the Heavenly Martial Assembly. I'm going to participate."
"The Heavenly Martial Assembly... I've heard of it recently, but it's not a tournament I'm particularly fond of."
It was a strange tournament for the Martial Alliance, which placed great importance on lineage, to allow anyone to participate as long as they had the skill.
"I want to prove my skills there."
"Hmm, well, it's your choice. Still, travel safely."
"I might not come back, you know?"
"I doubt that."
Namgung Gyeong replied with a grin.
"Because none of our family wants that."
He was right.
She didn't know what Namgung Hwi thought, but at least Namgung Cheon, Namgung Yeol, and Namgung Gyeong would all want her to return safely.
"Alright, one last goodbye!"
Namgung Gyeong spread his arms wide.
Seeing this, So-yeon hugged her brother tightly and said.
"I'll be sure to come back as a master!"
After their brief hug, So-yeon walked out of the manor with no lingering regrets.
When she opened the gate and stepped out, the Head Steward was waiting for her.
"Young Lady, are you really leaving? The martial world is a far crueler place than you imagine."
"It's fine. I'm a Peak-level martial artist now. I can take care of myself."
Confirming the firm resolve in her words, the Head Steward nodded and offered a word of caution.
"You are indeed at an outstanding level, Young Lady. However, there are many in the Central Plains with even greater skill, so you must never let your guard down."
"I know. Head Steward, thank you for everything."
As So-yeon replied with a gentle smile, he took something out from his robes.
It was a wooden plaque inscribed with the Namgung crest and characters.
"The Clan Leader asked me to give you this."
The Namgung plaque itself carried a great deal of meaning.
Given to members of the Namgung or their honored guests, this plaque could wield great power just by being shown.
"The Clan Leader didn't say anything specifically, but you may return whenever you need to..."
"Don't worry. I'll handle things myself."
After taking the plaque, So-yeon set off on her way.
The look in the Head Steward's eyes as he watched her retreating back was like that of someone who had left a child alone by the water.
How could he not worry, having let a young woman raised in luxury in a wealthy family go out on her own?
Although she was a Peak-level master, there was no shortage of masters in the world more skilled than her.
"Please finish your journey safely and return."
In response, So-yeon waved her hand and slowly disappeared from sight.
Thus began Namgung So-yeon's first journey into the martial world.