Chapter 168
Chapter 168
That's the past." "The Imperial Sword Formation will pass to you." The imperial name belonged solely to the family's skies. "You're the heir." Gazing at his brother's resolute profile as he turned away, Nangong Yong-ho thought. 'Does brother know?' That the bizarre swordsmanship from the Octagonal Pavilion faintly resembled the imperial shadow.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ At that moment. In a clearing not far from the river. Nangong Chan and Nangong Mu-san, resting after stopping their carriage, heard unexpected news. "...
Yun-ho?" Displeasure crossed Nangong Chan's usually impassive face. "Yes, Father." Nangong Il-jun glanced at Nangong Mu-san. But Nangong Mu-san was equally displeased. "Still not giving up? Tarnishing the family name has its limits." At the harsh reply, Nangong Il-jun remembered something he hadn't mentioned and quickly added. "That's not it, brother." Nangong Il-jun hurriedly explained. But he omitted Nangong Yong-ho's involvement. 'No need to mention Yong-ho's defeat.' No point stirring trouble. Besides, that outcome wasn't important. 'Just bad luck. He got rattled against his first real foe.' Objectively, rematch would favor Nangong Yong-ho with superior arts and inner power. But even without that, the prior news drew their attention. "Yun-ho really changed? You're sure you didn't missee?" "No, brother. I confirmed it myself." "Hard to believe." Even hearing of his son's growth, Nangong Mu-san showed distrust first. "The family's assessments rarely err." "What will you do?" Nangong Il-jun's question carried layers. Not fooled, Nangong Mu-san replied. "If he's truly shown great talent as you say, we make a place for him again." The answer made Nangong Il-jun's stomach twist a bit. 'Would he really come back easily?' A boy the family had neglected. He'd even declared leaving recently. When further explanation didn't sway, Nangong Mu-san found it odd. "His heart's twisted, hard to turn?" "Yes. Especially, he's relying on someone lately, and this guy's quite..." Troublesome. Recalling the ghostly moves at the Octagonal Pavilion, Nangong Il-jun added. "Shouldn't we turn his heart before giving chances?" "Why bother with that?" "Because his insides aren't right." "Family and father call, child returns to serve. That's duty." "Not that simple." The looping talk ended with Nangong Chan's intervention. "Family Head's right." Stopping them with a raised palm, he said. "Yun-ho's heart doesn't matter. What matters is if the main family wants him." "Father." "If main family wants, it happens. Has that ever failed?" Much to say, but Nangong Il-jun held back. "...
No." "Same here. If we want, it will." "If not as planned..." "Make it so." At the ruthlessly absolute reply, Nangong Il-jun knew better than to argue. "More pressing is the Murim Alliance matter." As Nangong Chan began, his jade token shook. "Hm?" Tang! Kicking off, he soared like a bird, skimming treetops. Grass-On-Flying. Stepping on leaves like wind, incredibly swift. Peng! Peng! Peng! Bushes exploded seconds after he passed. Pa-pa-pa-pat! Bursting through in moments, Nangong Chan's form leaped twice to the top of a ten-zhang tree. Gently. Even on a branch thinner than a child's pinky, he stood steady as ground. "Let's see." Shading his eyes, scanning around. Tat! Nangong Mu-san and Nangong Il-jun gathered, followed by Heavenly Sky Hundred Swords Brigade. Swift response. 'Not bad.' Satisfied, Nangong Chan extended his senses. Whoooong. Power ripples centered on him sent birds fleeing and silenced insects. --- How much time passed? Recalling his aura, Nangong Chan muttered. "Illusion?" Rare for him. Hop. Gliding down feather-light, the brigade formed a perimeter, swords drawn. Ready to slash any approacher. "No need." Dismissing the overkill guard, Nangong Chan brushed his white robes. "Seems I was mistaken." "The Supreme Family Head mistaken?" Whispers filled the brigade's eyes with doubt. Used to his perfection. "Heh heh. It's fine." Approaching one brigade member casually, Nangong Chan spoke. "Sorry to startle you." "We're fine, Supreme Family Head." Satisfied with the firm bow, his hand touched the man's shoulder. "How can you serve with such sloppiness clinging to you?" Flutter. The man flushed, spotting the leaf on his shoulder. "S-sorry—." As he spoke. "Which bastard?!" Crack! Boom! Whirling like lightning, Nangong Chan flicked his sword finger. Whiiiish—! The leaf between fingers, infused with power, shot fiercely into the woods. Tat! Following like a bird, he found a leaf pinned to rock, dangling. And. "Ho. This?" A worn bandage scrap, still warm. Picking it up, Nangong Chan grinned fiercely. "Seems the jianghu's full of fun lately." Crumple. A savage smile curled on Nangong Chan's lips as he crushed the bandage.