Chapter 94: The Namgung Clan is Obsessed with Me (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 94: The Namgung Clan is Obsessed with Me (3)
“…I apologize. The Hidden Sword of the Darkness has rejected the request.”
“Even after you explained everything properly?”
“Yes. Even when I explained our plan to lure Jin Gi-jae-cheon out into the open, she wouldn't even pretend to listen. She claimed the risk was too high due to the lack of information.”
The man snorted at his subordinate's report, a thick cloud of smoke billowing from his nose.
Cowering slightly, the subordinate continued.
“What should we… do about the Hidden Sword of the Darkness? Should we eliminate her?”
“Forget it. Leave her be. She’s so elusive that catching her would be a chore in itself. I’d rather spend that energy on something else.”
Tsk. The man clicked his tongue and issued a new order.
“Just send some capable assassins after him. If we can force him to keep his head down, I’ll consider it half a success.”
“As you command!”
The subordinate vanished in a blur. The man stared out the window for a moment before bringing his long pipe back to his lips.
As the thick smoke filled his lungs, his mind felt strangely elevated.
“Jin Gi-jae-cheon…”
Whoosh—
Exhaling the smoke, the man’s eyes drifted to the table. A brief dossier regarding Jin Gi-jae-cheon rested there.
‘A Super Peak master of the Namgung Clan. Martial arts: unidentifiable. All we have is a physical description.’
The brief record of his past actions wasn't particularly helpful. He was a master from the wilderness who had appeared out of nowhere like a comet. Even his true level of skill remained a total mystery.
‘Hwangbo Jun isn't skilled enough to defeat Geom Bi-yeong and Baek Yu-ryeon on his own.’
If the Chief of the Green Forest had truly betrayed them, it would have been a three-on-two situation. Because of that variable, it was difficult to accurately gauge Jin Gi-jae-cheon’s actual strength.
It had only been a few months since his name first started spreading. Since martial artists were tempered through blood and flesh over long, grueling years, it didn't seem likely that a newcomer like Jin Gi-jae-cheon could truly be that formidable, but…
“It’s better to check, just in case.”
The man closed his eyes. If everything went according to plan, he wouldn't even have to cross paths with the man, but he had a nagging feeling they would be coming face-to-face before long.
* * *
Namgung Baek, the Chief of the Heavenly Martial Pavilion who managed most of the Namgung Clan’s martial arts, had officially classified the Azure Lightning Heart Method and the Thirteen Lightning Sword Forms as Human-grade and Earth-grade Divine Arts, respectively.
Within the Namgung Clan, martial arts that reached the exalted level of a Divine Art were assigned grades of Heaven, Earth, or Human based on their efficacy. Thus, the Azure Lightning Heart Method was ranked Human-grade, while the Thirteen Lightning Sword Forms was ranked Earth-grade.
“Hmm. I don’t think they’re really that special, though.”
Seo-jun scratched his head upon hearing the news.
Being called a Human-grade Divine Art—the lowest rank—made it sound like nothing special, but the title of 'Divine Art' was never given lightly. (The Giant Spirit Divine Art used by the Green Forest bandits was a rare exception.)
Setting aside the fact that it was inherently difficult to categorize martial arts into simple grades, the word 'Divine' wasn't just tacked onto anything.
So, even though he had put genuine effort into creating them, it felt strange that techniques he’d made purely to supplement basic training were now being treated as Divine Arts.
Naturally, the Chief Steward looked at Seo-jun with an odd expression.
“That is only because your talent is simply too exceptional, Young Master.”
“Pardon?”
“The two martial arts you created this time can drastically increase the growth rate of martial artists below the Peak Realm. They are, quite literally, Divine Arts. How should I put this… exceptionally talented martial artists often harbor a certain misconception, but it usually takes a very long time to reach the Peak Realm.”
“Ah, I see?”
“A martial art that allows one to quickly reach the Peak Realm—the level where one can finally be considered a true combat asset. Furthermore, reaching the Peak Realm quickly means the time required to reach the Super Peak Realm is also drastically shortened. If such a martial art were released into the heart of the Central Plains, it would cause a literal bloodbath.”
“Oh…”
He wasn't entirely sure, but hearing it put that way made it sound incredibly impressive. It was a compliment, anyway.
Seo-jun grinned sheepishly and took a sip of his tea.
“Well, as long as it’s good. By the way, didn't you say there was something you wanted to ask of me?”
“Ah, yes. That is correct.”
The Chief Steward suddenly bowed his head deeply.
“I feel nothing but apologies for burdening you again so soon after the incident with the Chief of the Green Forest.”
They hadn't even been able to give him a proper reward yet.
Naturally, it wasn't that the Namgung Clan was trying to cheat him. It was simply that Seo-jun hadn't asked for anything, so they had postponed the matter.
Martial arts? There were no techniques he wanted right now.
Money? He already had too much.
Spirit herbs? Did he really need them? He could just ask for them later if the need arose.
The only thing he truly wanted was to poke Chun-bong’s cheeks just once.
But that was something the Namgung Clan could not grant…
“Hey, don't worry about it. If you're coming to me, it must be urgent. Let’s hear what it is first.”
Seo-jun smiled and urged him to explain.
The Chief Steward’s explanation could be summarized as follows:
The bastards from the Black Lotus Union had been hammering at the Hebei Peng Clan in Beijing, but when things didn't go their way, they shifted their offensive toward Shanxi.
Currently, a massive battle had broken out in northern Shanxi. Not only were the forces of various sects involved, but members of the Namgung Clan were stationed there as well.
The current situation was highly unfavorable. Many martial artists from the Righteous Faction had already been killed, and if things continued this way, the Namgung Clan’s forces would be completely wiped out.
“Originally, we intended to entrust this to Elder Namgung Yeon, but… a detached unit of Super Peak masters has been running rampant in Shaanxi, so she headed there instead.”
“Ah, my aunt? No wonder I haven't seen her lately.”
“I can only apologize repeatedly…”
“No, it’s fine. Of course I should help.”
Seo-jun accepted a scroll from the bowing Chief Steward.
“Shanxi, huh…”
“Will you be taking the Heavenly Wind Unit with you again?”
“No, I think I need to get there quickly.”
The Heavenly Wind Unit were elites, but even so, it would be impossible for them to keep up with Seo-jun when he used his Lightness Skill at full power.
“I’ll just go with Uncle Jang-geuk.”
“With the Green Forest Unit?”
“No. Just Uncle Jang-geuk. The others aren't at a high enough level yet.”
Seo-jun tucked the scroll into his robes and stood up. The Chief Steward watched him for a moment before abruptly rising to his feet.
“Young Master, are you truly feeling alright? If you are even slightly unwell, I will find another way, no matter what it takes.”
“Huh? Oh, I’m fine. I’m perfectly healthy.”
“I heard that you were carried back on the back of a Heavenly Wind Unit member last time.”
“Ah, I just did something a bit reckless back then… I’m all better now, really.”
“…I see. Please, take care of yourself.”
“Will do.”
* * *
Seo-jun set off with Jang-geuk. Naturally, he handed the map straight to him.
“Uh, my Lord. There’s no way a mountain bandit like me knows how to read a map.”
“I’m not very good at reading maps either.”
“Ummm… Are you certain we are heading to Datong County in northern Shanxi?”
“Yep.”
“That’s a relief. I know the way there.”
“Mm. Good.”
“Gud?”
“It means it’s good.”
Just how fast could a group consisting of two Super Peak masters move?
The answer was: incredibly fast.
In just a few days, they reached the Yellow River. Jang-geuk scratched his head as he looked out at the vast expanse of rushing water.
“I’ll go find a boat first. Wait here for a moment…”
“Ah, Uncle, you really don't get it. Who are we?”
“Who are we?”
“Super Peak Murim masters…!”
Seo-jun suddenly dashed straight into the Yellow River, executing the technique of Walking on Water. After sprinting across the turbulent surface for a bit, Seo-jun skidded to a halt and looked back, tilting his head.
“What are you doing? Come on!”
“Well… I’ve never actually tried Walking on Water before…”
“This won't do.”
Clicking his tongue, Seo-jun ran back to the shore and hoisted Jang-geuk onto his shoulder.
“Wh-whoa? Wait, my Lord?”
“We’re in a hurry. Let’s go!”
“Wait! Do you have any idea how wide the Yellow River is—! Uwaaaaaah…!”
It was a spectacular sight: one man carrying a giant of another man while sprinting effortlessly across the surface of the Yellow River. Countless people on the banks saw it and rubbed their eyes in sheer disbelief.
“What in the world is that…?”
“Is it an Immortal?”
“Oh my! We shouldn't just be standing here!”
Commoners who had never seen a true Murim master began to bow deeply, praying to the rushing figure for a safe and prosperous year.
However, they weren't the ones most bewildered by the spectacle.
“…….”
Hidden in the shadows, a group of assassins exchanged dumbfounded glances.
They had already bribed the local boatmen, set deadly traps, and made all sorts of meticulous preparations. But watching their target literally sprint across the Yellow River made them question everything.
“First… we change the plan.”
The subordinates nodded. The leader, looking at his men who couldn't even make a sound because their vocal cords had been removed, quickly checked his map.
If the target was heading to Datong County, there were several specific paths he had to take.
Given the target’s monstrous speed, they wouldn't be able to catch up by any normal means.
First, they had to send word to Team 2 via carrier pigeon, and Team 1 would have to run through the night just to join them.
The probability of success was near zero. Their only purpose now was to use their own lives as pawns to instill a sense of caution in a Super Peak master.
The leader’s eyes sank into a grim darkness.
“…Let’s go.”
* * *
Namgung Su-ah swung her greatsword.
She swung it without rest, practicing until the tough skin of a Peak Realm master began to tear, and until the metallic stench of blood permanently stained the hilt of her sword.
Only when she could no longer stand on her own two legs did she realize the sky had grown pitch black.
She looked up at the moon and the scattering of stars. As she lay there staring blankly into the night sky, she heard the crunch of approaching footsteps.
“Su-ah…”
“…Father.”
Namgung Su-ah forced herself up. Namgung Jin-cheon was standing there, looking down at her.
“Are you worried about your fiancé…?”
“…Yes. I know he’s strong, but I can’t help it.”
“That is only natural… Do not forget that feeling… The sword of Namgung does not break, but if it loses its purpose, it will only grow dull and rust…”
Namgung Jin-cheon sat down beside Namgung Su-ah. Su-ah caught her breath, a strange tension settling over her.
Father. Family. She knew of his clumsy, unspoken love, but she couldn't help the awkwardness that came with their historically distant relationship.
“Can you still go on…?”
After sitting by her side in silence for a while, Namgung Jin-cheon stood up.
Looking up into his hollow eyes, Namgung Su-ah also forced herself to stand.
“Yes…”
His daughter looked back at him silently. Slowly, Namgung Jin-cheon drew his sword.
“A realm is something that moves further away the more you crave it… Only when you let go of what needs to be let go will the path finally reveal itself…”
Namgung Jin-cheon leveled his blade. His daughter looked so much like his late wife. Facing her like this, his mind threatened to be buried under the backflow of old, painful memories.
Even so, would he avoid her?
No. Even if it was difficult, he had to do this. Because that was what a parent did, and it was surely his wife’s wish.
All he desired was a single fragment of a dream from those days, a dream that could never again be made whole.
“Show me… your sword…”
To ensure his daughter would not suffer the same pain he had, he moved his fingertips, which were as stiff and cold as a corpse’s.
“You must protect it with your own hands…”
The swords of father and daughter clashed under the moonlight.
* * *
Cr-crack—
Fissures appeared in the thick ice.
“Sss—”
As Chun-bong inhaled deeply, the broken shards of frost were drawn directly into her body.
Having finally passed the greatest hurdle of her cultivation, a faint smile played on her lips.
‘Soon…’
The descendant of the Divine Sword Geum Family would finally show her true spirit to the world.