Chapter 783
Chapter 783
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 783
Chapter Title: Radiant Ascension Path
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〈 Chapter 783 〉 Radiant Ascension Path
"Welcome to Anhui Fortress. I am Namgung Dan-mo, an elder of the Namgung Clan."
A massive man over two meters tall stepped forward from the Black Dragon Fortress contingent. He had two spears strapped to his back.
"I am Obi Hwan, captain of the Black Dragon Fortress's Fury Horse Squad. Thank you for the welcome. We have come with gifts to apologize for the discourtesy shown to the Namgung Clan by Black Dragon Fortress."
Obi Hwan's eyes were sharp. Namgung Dan-mo didn't so much as blink.
"Are those wagons behind you the gifts?"
"We have brought rare treasures. Surely even the Namgung Clan will find them to their liking."
"Hmm. Are they really gifts? Before taking them to the main household, may we inspect them here?"
Obi Hwan furrowed his brow.
"...Feel free to check as much as you like."
The atmosphere between the Namgung Clan and Black Dragon Fortress was tense from the start.
Even a dog takes a bite or two before entering its own home. For the Namgung Clan, it wasn't just that. This was Anhui Fortress, land they ruled. With so many eyes watching, kowtowing to Black Dragon Fortress could shake the Namgung Clan's prestige and disrupt governance. So they deliberately treated Black Dragon Fortress with prickly disdain.
"Check if there's anything dangerous in the wagons."
Namgung Dan-mo gave the order. Namgung Clan warriors moved briskly through the Black Dragon Fortress group to inspect the wagons. I joined them. Though I was Namgung Seol's fiancé, I couldn't ignore an elder like Namgung Dan-mo.
I approached a nearby wagon and checked its load. Mostly luxury goods: hides from rare animals not seen around Anhui Fortress, expensive-looking furniture, and ornate wooden boxes. Opening one revealed spirit herbs and elixirs—high-quality ones at that.
As we Namgung Clan warriors admired the spirit herbs, Obi Hwan boasted proudly.
"We heard the Namgung Clan was recently seeking spirit herbs that boost yang energy, so we prepared these."
"...I didn't expect Black Dragon Fortress to go this far for us."
Namgung Dan-mo spoke, hiding his dismay. He hadn't anticipated such rare spirit herbs as gifts.
"Know that Black Dragon Fortress has no intention of antagonizing the Namgung Clan."
"Mm. I understand your intentions. However, I lack the authority to represent the clan. I'm merely here to greet you. Discuss details with the clan head."
"Very well."
"...A warning. Follow quietly. Cause trouble in Anhui Fortress, and we won't forgive you."
"Rumors paint Black Dragon Fortress as brutal and ruthless. But I assure you, they're exaggerated. We're cruel to enemies and gladly share drinks with friends."
"Hmph. Pity we're not friends, then."
"No need to lament. We can become friends anytime."
Namgung Dan-mo and Obi Hwan traded subtle barbs as they headed toward the Namgung Clan estate.
???
Once inside the Namgung Clan grounds, I made my way to Namgung Seol's pavilion.
I had no duties in the Namgung Clan. This time, I'd just followed orders to assist. My position was ambiguous. Not yet married to Namgung Seol, and my martial prowess wasn't low either. With no specific commands from the clan head, I mostly lounged around.
"Darling!"
Namgung Seol ran up and threw herself into my arms. I spread my arms and held her. She was light. Behind her stood Namgung Gu-ha, who blushed faintly and bowed her head as our eyes met.
Namgung Seol stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to mine with a smack, then beamed radiantly.
"Have you eaten?"
"I ate with Gu-ha. How were the Black Dragon Fortress warriors? As scary as they say?"
I recalled the Black Dragon Fortress warriors. Only three or four, including Obi Hwan, were noteworthy. The rest were mediocrities.
"Nothing special. Shall we go inside and chat?"
I grabbed Namgung Seol's small bottom. She nodded slowly.
"Yeah."
We entered Namgung Seol's room. I stationed her guard, Namgung Gu-ha, outside the pavilion. Now it was just Namgung Seol and me in the room.
The moment we stepped inside, Namgung Seol clung to me. I gently stroked her cheek. As always, we stripped familiarly until we were both naked.
I cupped Namgung Seol's breast. Small, but the firm, springy feel was delightful. Her nipples were tiny, pretty pale pink.
"Darling. My breasts are so small compared to big sis's."
"Small ones taste just as good."
"Really?"
"I wouldn't lie about this. Honest."
I stood Namgung Seol up and kissed her nape. Her snow-white skin easily bore kiss marks. My lips trailed downward. I left a few more on her small breasts, sucked a nipple once, then moved to her navel.
Her low body temperature made her skin feel somehow cool. I teased her navel with my tongue, licked her lower belly, and headed to her secret place. A hairless, tightly closed pussy awaited. The top was slightly indented, thick white labia majora hiding the inner lips.
I knelt before Namgung Seol, gripped her bottom with both hands to hold her steady, parted my lips, stuck out my tongue, and licked her pussy thoroughly from bottom to top.
"Haah... Ahh...!"
Namgung Seol trembled, pressing my head down with her slender arms. I didn't stop, lapping at her pussy. It had a faint musky scent mixed with sweetness.
The more I licked, the wider her thighs spread, making it easier. After a while, I parted her pussy with my fingers. Pink flesh emerged: tiny clitoris, inner lips, vaginal opening—all petite.
Small, but fully functional. Hot, clear love juices trickled from her entrance.
"Hngh... Darling... Put your cock in me. I want to have sex with you like big sis does."
Namgung Seol pleaded in a lustful voice. I'd taught her the word "sex." It rolled off the tongue better than "intercourse."
I rolled her small clitoris with my tongue a few times, then stood.
"Seol-ah. No sex."
"Why? You did it with big sis."
"I promised her."
"Promised...?"
I held back a laugh. She'd hear this for the first time.
"Big sis obeys my commands and has sex with me, but in return, no sex with you."
"...Why?"
Her red eyes went vacant. I kissed her mouth. Smack. Peck. After tangling tongues a bit, I explained.
"She's doing it for you. Technically, we shouldn't even be doing this... But you're so cute, I can't help it."
I laid her on the bed and rubbed my cock against her pussy. Love juices smeared, making sticky sounds.
"Hnnngh... Darling... I want sex. Put your cock in my pussy."
"No. Can't break a promise. Once we're officially married, we can do it without big sis watching."
"No... I want it now."
"Stubbornness won't work. Seol-ah, suck my cock."
I climbed over her upper body and presented my erect cock.
"...Okay, darling."
She opened her small mouth and took it in. Barely the glans fit, but her desperate sucking felt good.
???
Namgung Clan head Namgung Ho-cheon summoned me. Known in the world as the Blue Sky Sword.
His study was as neat and humble as his character.
"It's been a while since we've spoken alone. Any discomfort living at the main house?"
His voice was steady and calm. Namgung Ho-cheon was highly regarded in the clan, not just as head, but for his innate qualities that drew people.
"I'm as comfortable as in my own home. Did you call me about my marriage to Seol?"
"Sorry it's been delayed."
The Black Dragon Fortress matter had postponed it. I didn't mind.
"It's fine. I know how important it is."
"Thank you for understanding. I hear you haven't visited Flower Moon Pavilion lately. Because of our clan?"
"As a Namgung Clan member, I'm mindful of our reputation. ...Though now it seems pointless."
"You can visit Flower Moon Pavilion. No issue."
"...Pardon?"
"Not too often, but occasionally unwinding there isn't bad. Even my sons go sometimes—no need to feel burdened."
"Ah. Yes. Thank you."
I nodded awkwardly. This world was lenient toward men. Who'd think a father-in-law would greenlight brothel visits?
I knew his intent: don't neglect networking. Flower Moon Pavilion drew Anhui Fortress notables—perfect for connections.
"Clan head. What's the real reason you called me?"
"You're aware Black Dragon Fortress warriors are staying in the clan now?"
Namgung Ho-cheon remained composed, back straight, expression unreadable.
"Yes. Yesterday, I helped Elder Dan-mo escort them here. Have they caused trouble?"
"This is Namgung Clan land. Even Black Dragon Fortress warriors can't act freely. They're behaving."
"I see. Then why me?"
"Obi Hwan, captain of their Fury Horse Squad, proposed a martial duel to the clan."
"...Not involving me, surely."
Black Dragon Fortress's aim was obvious: crush Namgung Clan pride under duel pretext, spread rumors of victory.
Irrelevant to me. Plenty of experts here. Clan head wouldn't step in; elders or combat squad warriors would.
'Wait. No reason to call me, then.'
"The duel has conditions. Only warriors under 100 years old—young ones to lead the next generation."
I scratched my cheek. In this world, higher cultivation meant longer life; under 50 counted as young.
"I have to participate."
"Represent us. Pride is at stake. No defeat allowed."
"Understood."
"...Quick answer. No worries or burdens?"
"I'm confident."
I grinned. Warriors under 100? Most at Entry Form realm; even geniuses at Exit Will. Me, not yet thirty, at Arrival realm—that was the anomaly.
"With your skill, expected..."
"Do you know my cultivation, clan head?"
"We elders know, though you haven't said. No intent to hide, right? Seems you gained fortune recently."
"Yes. A fortune, indeed. But is it really okay for me? If Black Dragon Fortress suspects..."
"They have sorcerers to verify age via spells—no issue. You're insurance. Only as last resort."
"Last resort...? How does the duel work?"
Namgung Ho-cheon explained.
Five from Namgung Clan, five from Black Dragon Fortress—total ten.
Format: winner's continuous bouts. Victor fights on until all five opponents defeated. One could sweep all.
I'd be Namgung Clan's fifth, final fighter.
"Did Black Dragon Fortress propose the format too?"
"Yes. Quite confident. Likely trusting their young master."
"Anything at stake?"
"No bets. But our reputation is. Can't lose to Black Dragon Fortress."
"Of course. We won't lose to the likes of them."
With me participating, victory was assured.
"Clan head. When does the Paradise Saintess arrive in Anhui Fortress?"
"Next month at earliest. By the month after at latest. Prepare your heart."
"Yes, clan head."