Chapter 19
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: The Great Namgung Family
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Hefei was the largest city that Seol Hwa-un and his group had passed through since entering the Central Plains.
There were crowds of people, and the buildings lining the streets were tall and massive. Above all, the city brimmed with vitality. The group felt overwhelmed by it.
People whispered upon seeing Seol Hwa-un's party and gave them a wide berth, but it was a familiar sight by now, so they paid it no mind.
Dong Ho-won looked around in awe and muttered,
"Wow...! Hefei really is a huge city!"
"It wasn't always this big. No matter what anyone says, the Namgung Family is the reason Hefei grew to this size."
The Great Namgung Family.
The Namgung Family hadn't started out as the world's greatest house. At first, they were just an ordinary martial clan.
However, their aptitude for the sword was rare even in the world, and they constantly refined their swordsmanship.
Eventually, they created the timeless supreme art known as the 'Emperor Sword Form,' becoming one of the world's top sword houses.
Even so, they still fell short of claiming the title of the greatest in the world. It was only in their generation, with the emergence of the absolute master known as the Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable, that they were recognized as the supreme family.
Dong Ho-won nodded at Eom Mu-hwi's explanation.
"I see. So they became the world's greatest thanks to the Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable?"
"You simpleton. Do you think an absolute master like the Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable just fell from the sky? The Namgung Family had the ability to raise such a master, and that's why he appeared today."
"Hmm. I see. As expected, Mu-hwi knows all about this stuff."
"I studied it. A lazy bum like you probably never even thought about it."
In fact, ever since the decision to head to the Central Plains, Eom Mu-hwi had practically lived in the Ice Palace's central administration office, absorbing information about the region.
"You'll handle everything anyway, so why should I bother?"
"......"
Meanwhile, Seol Hwa-un was just as astonished by Hefei.
'No matter that two hundred years have passed, I never imagined it would change this much.'
In his previous life, when he'd visited, it had been nothing more than a small town.
'Well, as Mu-hwi said, it's the front yard of the world's greatest family—maybe it's only natural?'
As they passed through the heart of Hefei and headed south, a massive estate finally came into view.
"......!"
A grand gate, towering at least ten meters high, bore a plaque reading 'Great Namgung Family.' The gates stood wide open, as if welcoming visitors.
"That's...!"
"The Namgung Family estate."
Seol Hwa-un marveled at the scale of the manor, which was unlike anything the group had seen before.
'Our palace is no small feat, but this...'
'Incredible. As expected of the Namgung Family!'
In front of the main gate stood six warriors who appeared to be gate guards, lined up in formation. Beside them sat men who looked like clerks at a large table.
As Seol Hwa-un's group approached the gate, a warrior who had been watching closely stepped forward and bowed.
"This is the main estate of the Namgung Family. What brings you to our house?"
His demeanor was polite yet measured.
Eom Mu-hwi stepped forward and said,
"Pleased to meet you. We've come from the North Sea Ice Palace to attend the Grand Assembly."
At the mention of the North Sea Ice Palace, a glint of recognition appeared in the warrior's eyes.
"Noble guests from the Ice Palace, I see. Before entering our estate, would you please fill out the guest registry?"
"Certainly."
The warrior led them to the table. He addressed who seemed to be the head clerk.
"Chief Steward, these are guests from the North Sea Ice Palace."
The middle-aged clerk, who had been writing documents, looked up.
"North Sea Ice Palace?!"
He rose from his seat and offered a courteous clasped-hands salute to Seol Hwa-un's group.
"I am Namgung Hyeon, the Third Chief Steward of the house. Who among you is in charge?"
Seol Hwa-un, who had been silent, stepped forward. Namgung Hyeon had expected the North Wind Brigade Leader, so he looked surprised to see a young man take the lead.
"Me."
"Pardon my rudeness, but may I see your invitation?"
Seol Hwa-un pulled a small gold-sealed envelope from his robes and handed it over.
Namgung Hyeon checked it and promptly returned it.
"Verified. And if I may ask, are you...?"
"The Vice Palace Lord of our palace."
"......!"
Namgung Hyeon's expression shifted instantly.
"Welcome, Vice Palace Lord. We sincerely appreciate your visit to our house."
"......"
The Namgung Family's response—neither overly flattering nor dismissive—was refreshingly straightforward.
Namgung Hyeon immediately summoned someone to guide them.
As Seol Hwa-un's group passed through the main gate and followed the warrior, they took in the surroundings.
The azure stones paving the path and the luxurious buildings seemed to flaunt the Namgung Family's wealth.
'At this level, it's on par with the Shaolin or Wudang at their peak. No, in terms of sheer scale, it surpasses them.'
He wasn't sure about the current state of Shaolin or Wudang, but he doubted they exceeded the Namgung Family.
'The Namgung Family has truly grown immense.'
Even two hundred years ago, the Namgung Family hadn't lacked talent.
There had been an exceptional swordsman named 'Namgung Hu' who strutted around calling himself the 'Sword King,' only to get thoroughly thrashed by the Heavenly Collapse Fist Emperor.
'He showed decent swordsmanship, but it fell short of Mount Hua or Wudang...'
Seol Hwa-un grew curious about the caliber of the Heavenly Outer Sword Venerable, hailed as the world's greatest swordsman and the supreme martial artist.
Lost in thought, Seol Hwa-un soon arrived at the guest hall with the group.
As befitting the world's greatest family, the guest hall was enormous. New buildings dotted the area, apparently constructed for this Grand Assembly.
Seol Hwa-un's group was assigned a building on the outskirts of the guest hall, somewhat separated from the others.
It was a considerate arrangement, mindful that the North Sea Ice Palace might clash with other guests.
The building was spotless and spacious enough for over thirty people. Even a small training ground had been prepared at the back.
"Please unpack and rest. We'll bring your meal shortly."
"Understood."
Once the warrior left, Seol Hwa-un's group unpacked. Seol Hwa-un gave no special orders beyond telling them to rest.
The North Wind Brigade members gathered in small groups, chatting about the Namgung Family.
"I knew it was the world's greatest house, but I didn't expect it to be this big."
"Did you see those azure stones on the ground? Just those must have cost a fortune."
The North Wind Brigade had frequented the Central Plains and seen countless sects and families. Even they were impressed—the Namgung Family was indeed exceptional.
Before long, maids arrived with dinner. The food was neatly prepared and delicious.
They were told meals would be delivered every time during their stay, sparing them the hassle of going to the dining hall.
'They're providing more conveniences than I expected.'
That wasn't the end of it.
As the meal concluded, a man named the Fifth Chief Steward visited. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with a gentle and amiable demeanor.
"We are truly grateful that you accepted our invitation."
After a polite clasped-hands salute, he spoke with an apologetic expression.
"Naturally, the Family Head should greet noble guests personally, but preparations for the Grand Assembly have him occupied. He will visit once things settle. I ask for your understanding."
It was proper etiquette for the host to receive guests.
Yet, as the central figure of this Grand Assembly, the Namgung Family Head couldn't easily step away—Seol Hwa-un understood that.
He nodded.
"I understand perfectly. Think nothing of it."
"Thank you."
Night fell.
Seol Hwa-un, alone in his small room, meditated for quite some time.
He had planned to retire immediately, but the extended session chased away his sleep.
'Shall I step out for a bit?'
As he emerged, a North Wind Brigade member on night watch bowed.
"Vice Palace Lord."
"You've had a long day. I'm just going to get some air."
"I'll accompany you."
It was their duty, so he couldn't brusquely refuse.
"Very well. But keep your distance."
"Understood."
The warrior followed three zhang behind.
Seol Hwa-un entered the small garden in the center of the guest hall.
An artificial pond featured water plants arranged in perfect harmony.
'It has a certain charm.'
As he admired the moon's reflection in the pond, his senses picked up something.
'Hm?'
It was definitely a human presence, but faint.
'An assassin? No, there's no killing intent.'
An assassin detectable this easily should have emitted killing intent just as readily.
Intrigued, Seol Hwa-un slowly moved toward it.
'Hm.'
Soon, he spotted a small figure cleverly hidden beneath a rock's shadow.
'A child?'
The figure was a girl of about ten years old. Her big eyes and chubby cheeks made her utterly adorable.
'What is she doing?'
The girl's eyes met Seol Hwa-un's.
"Ah!"
Startled, she let out a yelp, and Seol Hwa-un asked,
"What are you doing here?"
Examining his face in the moonlight, the girl tilted her head.
"Huh? You're not Golden Sister?!"
"......"
"How did you find me? I was hiding really carefully."
"I sensed your presence. But you hid quite well."
"Eh? Golden Sister couldn't find me... Big brother, you're a master, aren't you?"
"......"
"What's your family name?"
"Me?"
"Yeah. Tell me quick."
At the girl's bold demand, Seol Hwa-un unwittingly replied.
"......Seol."
"Great! Then I can call you Seol Big Brother, right?"
As Seol Hwa-un stared blankly, the girl shrugged and said,
"You should feel lucky. You got called 'big brother' by the future world's greatest beauty."
"Hahaha!"
Seol Hwa-un laughed heartily for the first time in ages.
The girl's eyebrows shot up in an inverted V.
"What? Are you laughing at me?"
"No, no. You're a fun kid."
"Kid?! That's rude to a full-grown young lady!"
"Hm? How old are you, exactly?"
"I'm twelve, even if I don't look it!"
Seol Hwa-un looked surprised.
'Twelve? She looks no more than ten, even being generous...'
As if reading his thoughts, the girl protested,
"I'm just a little late to grow! So don't you dare look down on me!"
"......Got it."
Just then, Seol Hwa-un sensed someone approaching. As he turned, the girl quickly asked,
"Who's coming?"
"I see. But the footsteps aren't light, so probably not a martial artist—or a novice at best."
"It's Golden Sister!"
The girl darted back into the rock's shadow. It was so skillful that no one would notice at a glance.
She whispered softly,
"Seol Big Brother, keep my being here a secret, okay?"
Seol Hwa-un gave a wry smile and nodded.
"Got it."
Moments later, a plump, kindly-faced woman came rushing up, breathless.
"Huff huff... Where... on earth did you go?"
Scanning the area, she spotted Seol Hwa-un and brightened.
"Excuse me... could I ask you something?"
"Certainly."
"Have you seen a little girl around here? About this tall, with a cute face..."
Her description matched the girl perfectly.
Seol Hwa-un feigned ignorance and shook his head.
"Sorry. Haven't seen her."
"Oh..."
The woman seemed oblivious to the girl's presence right under the rock beside them.
The girl covered her mouth, grinning.
'She doesn't seem to have trained long in martial arts... but that stealth is truly exceptional.'
"Pardon the intrusion."
The woman bowed her head and hurried off, scanning around. Once she was out of sight, the girl emerged from under the rock.
"Hehe! Fooled her again~!"
Seol Hwa-un chuckled at the girl's innocent mischief.
"Thanks, Seol Big Brother."
"......"
"Guess I should head back? Golden Sister will get in trouble if I'm out too late. See you! It was fun."
The girl left without lingering. Seol Hwa-un called after her,
"What's your name?"
She paused, pondered briefly, then said,
"Hmm, I wasn't gonna tell you, but you helped me earlier, so specially—I'm 'So-gyo.'"
"So-gyo."
This was the first meeting with Dang So-gyo, who would later be known as the Poison Phoenix, striking fear into countless martial artists.