Chapter 185
Chapter 185
Chapter 185
"The imperial palace joined hands with the White Lotus Cult?"
While traveling in the carriage, Seo-jin heard Dan Mok-hyeon's explanation about the current state of the imperial family and the martial arts world.
As Dan Mok-hyeon was someone who directly experienced the series of events, his information was far more accurate than Hyeon-wol's uncertain memories.
"Yes, it's not just that they lent strength during the uprising, but they seem to be deeply allied even now after establishing the dynasty."
"Then perhaps the current oppression of martial arts forces is because the interests of the two powers aligned."
At Nam-gung Rin's words, Dan Mok-hyeon nodded.
"That's what I think as well."
Seo-jin organized his thoughts based on the information he'd heard so far.
'The picture is roughly drawn.'
Though he didn't know how long the alliance between the imperial palace and White Lotus Cult would last, the two forces had sufficient justification to join hands.
As mentioned before, the imperial palace wouldn't like the martial arts armed organizations themselves.
From the White Lotus Cult's perspective too, the Taoist and Buddhist sects would be thorns in their side when it came to expanding their influence.
Moreover, the orthodox martial arts those sects used had an incompatible relationship with the heretical martial arts learned by White Lotus Cult members, so that aspect would also be quite uncomfortable.
'Perhaps the annihilation of the Gongsun Family was also because of that.'
The harmony and Pasa energy contained in Primordial Unity Technique would be a great threat to the White Lotus Cult.
Seo-jin asked about Gongsun Yu-hwa, who had now become the Gongsun Family's sole heir.
"Has the young lady learned Primordial Unity Technique?"
"Yes, though her training is still lacking due to her young age, she has more talent than anyone I've seen in the family. She's a natural genius."
"……."
Seo-jin silently watched the girl who had cried herself to exhaustion and fell asleep in the old man's embrace.
Then he glanced at Hyeon-wol sitting beside her with a blank expression.
'They seem somewhat similar.'
It couldn't be called a delusion—Gongsun Yu-hwa had considerable similarities to Hyeon-wol's appearance.
Though he didn't know if Hyeon-wol's appearance when alive was similar to the artificial body she was using now.
Seo-jin tapped the back of Hyeon-wol, who was staring blankly into space, with his palm.
"What are you spacing out about?"
"Ah……."
Hyeon-wol snapped to attention and shook her head vigorously.
"It's nothing. I just have something to think about."
"Think about that later on your own. There's something you need to help with."
"What?"
"We need to get our stories straight before entering the Nam-gung Family."
***
Several days later.
The carriage safely reached Hefei in Anhui Province where the Nam-gung Family was located.
Dan Mok-hyeon gave travel expenses to the few remaining Gongsun Family members and disbanded them.
Since what the imperial palace targeted was the Gongsun Family's bloodline, the retainers and warriors weren't the actual purge targets.
If they hid from the imperial palace's eyes or disguised their identities, they could preserve their lives.
Afterward, Seo-jin's group along with Dan Mok-hyeon and Gongsun Yu-hwa stayed at a suitable inn while observing the surrounding situation.
They needed to determine whether the Nam-gung Family was an ally they could trust and rely on, or another threat that had pledged obedience to the imperial palace.
Nam-gung Rin, who had gathered information while wandering the marketplace as befitting the Thief Guild's leader, spoke.
"The current head of the Nam-gung Family, Nam-gung Hwi, has expressed his intention to fight against the imperial palace's tyranny to the end."
"As expected, there's no way he'd give up easily."
At this, Nam-gung Cheon clenched his fist and smiled.
Even though the Nam-gung Family here wasn't of the same blood as him, he seemed to feel some inexplicable sense of kinship.
"But the common people don't seem to care much. There's even a feeling that they're cheering for the imperial palace's use of force."
"What? Why?"
Nam-gung Cheon asked in surprise, and Seo-jin answered calmly.
"Because the common people have no interest in fights between high-ranking people."
Whatever the martial arts world did, whatever the imperial family did, to the common people it was all matters of a different world.
For common folk struggling just to put food in their mouths, what mattered wasn't the survival of the martial arts world and power struggles, but what they would eat and drink tomorrow.
After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the Red Turbans that had swept across various regions subsided, and the corrupt officials were all dragged away and purged.
It was natural for the common people to support the imperial palace's will.
It was only this much because the Nam-gung Family had a good reputation and helped the common folk—if it had been a sect that committed tyranny, the people would have rushed to report them to the authorities hoping for their annihilation.
"Then shall we go? We might be able to receive the Nam-gung Family's support."
The Nam-gung Family's influence in Anhui Province was considerable.
They knew the Nam-gung Family's intentions and had confirmed the common people's attitude toward this situation.
If they received the Nam-gung Family's help, they could escape the imperial palace's grasp and flee to the frontier or foreign countries without much difficulty.
***
"Who are you?"
Seo-jin's group headed to the Nam-gung Family along with Gongsun Yu-hwa, whose face was covered with a veil, and Dan Mok-hyeon.
The gatekeepers blocking Seo-jin's group's path.
Perhaps because the recent situation was chaotic, the gatekeepers were extremely on edge.
Seeing this, when Seo-jin gave a look, Nam-gung Rin stepped forward and bowed to the gatekeeper.
"You're working hard. I am a traveler who has come from afar, and I've come here because there's someone at the Nam-gung Family I wish to meet."
Perhaps their wariness softened at Nam-gung Rin's beautiful appearance, as the gatekeeper asked in a much gentler manner.
"That's enough pleasantries. Please tell me your business."
After exchanging a brief glance with Seo-jin, Nam-gung Rin fabricated an appropriate story based on the information she heard from Hyeon-wol.
"I am Nam-gung Rin, a descendant of Nam-gung Jin (南宮震), who was the 17th generation heir of the Nam-gung Family. At that time, the heir severed ties with the secular world to gain enlightenment in the martial way and left home, settling near Mount Changbai to pursue martial arts."
"And so?"
"I too am a martial artist of the Nam-gung bloodline who inherited that lineage and teachings. Since I heard the family was preparing for a decisive battle with firm resolve, I came with my companions to lend our strength."
The secret history Nam-gung Rin revealed wasn't something that could be judged by mere gatekeepers.
"……Please wait a moment."
Soon one of the gatekeepers hurried inside to make a report.
And shortly after.
"The family head wishes to see you."
Seo-jin's group successfully crossed the Nam-gung Family's main gate.
Seo-jin's group headed to the Family Head's Hall under the strict vigilance of Nam-gung Family martial artists.
Moreover, unlike what they'd worried about, they weren't even asked to disarm.
Just from allowing outsiders to wear weapons, one could see that the Nam-gung Family's confidence was extraordinary.
Seo-jin's group soon encountered the head of the Nam-gung Family, Nam-gung Hwi.
A middle-aged man with a strong impression wearing a navy blue robe with cloud patterns drawn on it.
The aura he possessed was extraordinary.
Nam-gung Rin bowed her head to Nam-gung Hwi sitting in a chair on the high platform.
"It's an honor to meet you. I am Nam-gung Rin, great-granddaughter of ancestor Nam-gung Jin, who was the 17th generation heir of the Nam-gung Family. And this is my younger brother Nam-gung Cheon."
Crack—
Veins rose on Nam-gung Cheon's forehead at the same time as Nam-gung Rin's introduction.
Since Nam-gung Rin, with her background as the Thief Guild's leader and political acumen, was perfect for carrying out such schemes, Nam-gung Cheon had no choice but to take the younger brother role.
It would also look strange to others if the younger sister stepped forward to explain while leaving the older brother idle.
The head of the Nam-gung Family, Nam-gung Hwi, glanced down at the Nam-gung siblings and asked in a displeased voice.
"Why have descendants of one who severed ties with the family for many years come here?"
Nam-gung Rin answered as if she'd been waiting.
"After our ancestor left home pursuing enlightenment in the martial way, our family line has walked a different path from the Nam-gung Family. However, since Nam-gung blood still flows in our bodies, we couldn't help but move to help upon hearing the family was in difficulty."
"Difficulty? Yes, well said. But how can a few of you help our great Nam-gung Family? Especially before the enormous threat that is the imperial palace."
A cold gaze piercing Nam-gung Rin.
Nam-gung Hwi's question could be seen as rude at first glance, but it was a sharp and completely accurate point.
How could the joining of a few outsiders claiming Nam-gung blood help before the enormous threat that was the imperial palace?
However, she presented the answer she'd prepared in advance without showing nervousness.
"More than whether numbers are many or few, what matters is whether the cause is right or wrong. Even if it's an imperial command, if there are wrongs, rising up to present proper remonstrance is loyalty and righteousness and chivalry. We hope to help however slightly in upholding that Nam-gung spirit."
"……."
Nam-gung Rin's eloquent answer.
Soon Nam-gung Hwi, who had been sitting with a cold expression, laughed heartily and spoke.
"Hahaha—!"
After his laughter that seemed to shake the Family Head's Hall, he stopped laughing and opened his mouth.
"I apologize. I was merely testing you for a moment, so don't take it to heart. Since you've come to help the family in such turbulent times, how can I not welcome you? It seems we'll have much to discuss."
Swish swish—
Nam-gung Hwi waved his hand to dismiss all the family members and warriors gathered in the Family Head's Hall.
Then.
"And……."
Nam-gung Hwi rose from his seat and carefully asked the old man bowing behind them.
"Are you not the Medicine King, sir?"
At those words, Dan Mok-hyeon removed the veil he'd been wearing.
"Hehe, indeed I cannot deceive your eyes. It's been a long time."
Dan Mok-hyeon had treated children of the Nam-gung Family in the past, so he was acquainted with Nam-gung Hwi.
"Then the one over there must be Young Lady Gongsun Yu-hwa."
At Nam-gung Hwi's words, Yu-hwa greeted and bowed with a trembling voice.
"I-I greet the h-head of the Nam-gung Family."
Nam-gung Hwi let out a deep sigh and carefully parted his lips.
"……I heard the news. They were good people, so it's regrettable. You must be suffering mentally, so rest comfortably. Let's keep it secret from others. We'll discuss details later."
Since he'd dismissed the family members for now, but ears listening could be hidden anywhere.
"And those?"
Nam-gung Hwi turned his gaze to Seo-jin, Se-yeon, and Hyeon-wol.
Each one felt extraordinary.
At Nam-gung Hwi's question, Nam-gung Rin answered.
"They're my companions. They're talented individuals lacking in neither strategy nor martial prowess, so they'll be of great help."
"I look forward to it."
For outstanding talents to lend their strength in such difficult times—it would truly be a great help.
After briefly finishing the conversation, Nam-gung Hwi decided to adjourn for now.
"Since it's late, let's have a meal together tomorrow and talk more. While you stay here, the servants will guide you to your accommodations."
***
A bright moonlit night.
In one hall of the Nam-gung Family, lights were still on.
Nam-gung Heun, the younger brother of family head Nam-gung Hwi and Master of the Finance Pavilion.
Information about the foreigners who visited the Nam-gung Family today was delivered to him.
"……They came from the Nanjing direction via the main road."
To Nam-gung Heun tapping the table with his fingers, a shadow continued speaking.
"That's correct. Before coming here, they disbanded the retainers they brought and collected information about the Nam-gung Family."
Since there was nowhere in the Hefei area the Nam-gung Family's reach didn't extend, if one wanted such information, it could be easily obtained.
"Then they might be people from the Gongsun Family, which has been the subject of ominous rumors lately."
Recently, ominous rumors had been circulating that the Gongsun Family members who went to pledge loyalty to the emperor were annihilated.
Though the truth couldn't be confirmed, it probably wasn't a completely absurd rumor.
"Yes, I'll confirm further."
"Right, but regardless of whether they're really people from the Gongsun Family, the fact is they're troublesome people who greatly interfere with our plan."
Nam-gung Heun clenched his fist recalling the foreigners who came claiming they would help the Nam-gung Family.
His elder brother was already insisting on the absurd intention of opposing the imperial palace, and their appearance could give strength to that foolish intention.
For Nam-gung Heun, who was trying to seize control of the family by ousting his elder brother, the current family head, for the family's peace and survival, they were thorns in his side.
"First, it would be good to assess their abilities."
"How about holding appropriate sparring matches to see if they'll greatly interfere with the plan?"
At the shadow's suggestion, Nam-gung Heun nodded.
"Right. The pretext of wanting to see the Azure Sky Boundless Sword Technique or Emperor Sword from the branch line that split off long ago should be sufficient."
If their abilities turned out to be nothing special—just riffraff—he'd proceed with the existing plan, and if not, he'd have to use other methods.