Chapter 374
Namgung Jeong lowered his head in silence.
Originally, the Sword Forms of the Azure Sky Flying Swallow Sword were exceedingly complex, composed of intricate and cunning techniques.
Because of this, someone like Namgung Un—with his free-spirited nature—could never easily master them.
After much deliberation, Namgung Jeong had modified the Azure Sky Flying Swallow Sword's forms, passed down through generations of the Namgung Family, into something upright and disciplined.
And yet, Bu Eun-seol had taken that modified version and transformed it again, preserving Namgung Un's habits and idiosyncrasies within it.
The Sword Intent embedded within those techniques—it was righteous yet steeped in sorrow, honest yet brimming with indignation.
And those emotions... were resentment toward the father who had imparted those sword techniques to him.
"He never desired the position of Family Head to begin with," Bu Eun-seol said.
"Yet he risked his life infiltrating the Beggars' Sect solely to earn recognition from his cold-hearted father."
Understanding the implication of Bu Eun-seol's words, Namgung Jeong shook his head.
"There's no need for you to say such things. This is merely a private family matter."
"I have no intention of interfering in another's family affairs either," Bu Eun-seol replied with a grave expression.
"But there are words that must be spoken. If left like this, his life will be ruined."
"Ruined, you say?"
"How long do you intend to force him to keep playing the role of a reckless brat?"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze sharpened like a dagger.
"Must we wait until so much time has passed that it becomes irreversible? Will you only regret it then?"
"I told you not to interfere!"
"And I told you—this isn't about interfering in the Family Head's life, but about refusing to stand by while his is destroyed!"
Bu Eun-seol's voice, which had remained low until now, gradually rose.
"Had the Family Head properly conveyed even a single word of what was in his heart, things would never have reached this point."
Namgung Jeong fell silent.
Never before had anyone dared raise their voice in his presence. He had never even imagined someone would chastise him, blaming his own temperament.
"Even between parent and child, one cannot peer into the other's heart. Surely the Family Head understands that better than anyone?"
Namgung Jeong shook his head again.
"So what? Must I lay bare every thought in my heart just to earn my child's approval?"
"Not to earn approval—but to guide your child onto the right path. To have a conversation."
Bu Eun-seol already knew.
Contrary to Namgung Un's belief, Namgung Jeong cherished him deeply.
Otherwise, he would never have personally stepped forward to attack me.
"Look closely."
Seeing no change in Namgung Jeong's expression, Bu Eun-seol drew his sword.
Swish!
With full force, he swung the Ink Sword downward.
A sharp and piercing Sword Qi carved into the solid bluestone floor.
"The Family Head believes the sorrow and indignation Namgung Un embedded into the Azure Sky Flying Swallow Sword are resentment toward you."
"Is that not the case?"
"No. He does not resent you—he loathes himself."
A deep, pitying light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
"Enough to call himself an unfilial monster."
"An unfilial monster? What nonsense is that?"
As Namgung Jeong's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol spoke coldly.
"He believes he killed his mother by being born and ruined his father's life... How could he think otherwise?"
For a moment, Namgung Jeong's fingertips trembled.
"That child... told you such things himself?"
"Yes. He said that because of it, the Family Head despises him."
"Ah..."
Namgung Jeong let out a sigh, his expression devastated.
Namgung Un was the final fruit of his beloved wife's love—a child born in exchange for her life.
Moreover, his talent surpassed even Namgung Jeong's own.
That was why he had been so strict, punishing even the slightest misstep without mercy.
So that he could bloom his potential as quickly as possible—so that he could become someone greater than his father.
So that he could be molded into a prudent and dignified Family Head of the Namgung Clan, someone he could proudly present to his wife in the heavens.
Yet that very upbringing had instead poisoned his child's heart.
"The more precious the child, the stricter the rearing must be. I only sought to raise him into someone remarkable."
"I understand. However, such methods are meant for children with deep insight—those who can easily discern others' emotions."
Bu Eun-seol explained patiently.
"Namgung Un may seem bold, but in truth, his temperament is exceedingly delicate, and his emotions fluctuate greatly. To expect a child of such disposition to intuitively understand his father's heart—is that not unreasonable?"
"I have five children. To single him out for delicate treatment—"
"A child is not born by their own will. It is the parents who choose to have them. Should they not then be raised with the utmost care, tailored to their individuality?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"Just as each person's face differs, so too must the manner of their upbringing."
Namgung Jeong exhaled deeply, comprehending Bu Eun-seol's meaning.
In truth, he loved Namgung Un—his youngest son, the last gift left by his beloved wife—most of all.
And he knew better than anyone how sensitive and tender-hearted the boy was.
But such temperament could never suit a Family Head. That was why he had been even harsher... yet ironically, that very discipline had been rotting his heart from within.
"What would you have me do, then?"
"Treat him with affection. And do not say things you do not mean."
"You ask the impossible."
"If that is too difficult, then at the very least, start by calling his name."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was quiet.
"Begin with that. Gradually, as you express yourself more... he will come to understand the Family Head's heart. And he will grow into a greater man for it."
Namgung Jeong's face twisted bitterly.
Bu Eun-seol had discerned the depths of Namgung Un's heart—depths even he himself had failed to grasp—and pierced through the very Sword Intent of the Azure Sky Flying Swallow Sword.
Moreover, his Internal Energy and mastery of the sword was not a single step inferior to his own when compared.
A true dragon among men. The young man of the Demonic Path before him was the most outstanding young martial artist Namgung Jeong had ever seen in his life.
So even the Demonic Path has such a figure.
Understanding another's heart—anyone with keen insight could do that.
But to empathize with it, to help heal it—only someone who truly comprehended and cared for that person could accomplish such a thing.
And he hasn't once flaunted his status.
Bu Eun-seol had consistently referred to himself not as "Lord" but as "myself."
That meant he had lowered himself before Namgung Un's father, speaking not from a position of authority but as a mere martial artist.
He genuinely cherishes Un.
Namgung Jeong felt strangely moved.
The future leader of the Demonic Path, the Heir of the Demon Hall, was carefully considering the feelings of Namgung Jeong's son?
Well...
Namgung Un had never cared for the boundaries between the Righteous and Demonic Paths—he saw people for who they truly were.
That was why he could become sworn brothers with such a towering figure.
If anything, that's something to be proud of.
It only proved that Namgung Un, too, was someone extraordinary.
"Very well."
Namgung Jeong took a deep breath and spoke.
"Calling him by name... I can concede that much."
He had no choice but to acknowledge it—
Bu Eun-seol's character, his martial arts, even the depth of his concern for his son.
"You may stay here under the identity of Seol-so."
Namgung Jeong spoke plainly.
"This Family Head will not expose your true standing."
A faint smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips.
Namgung Un...
That lively young man had always been quick to recognize and correct flaws in his martial arts—
Now he understood why. He must have inherited Namgung Jeong's straightforward nature, the ability to swiftly admit his mistakes.
"When Un wakes, take the Gratitude Coin. And if you wish... you may stay in the main house a while longer."
Namgung Jeong's last words were so quiet they nearly went unheard.
Bu Eun-seol smiled again.
Namgung Un...
That cheerful young man sometimes acted uncharacteristically bashful—
Now he realized he must have inherited that, too, from Namgung Jeong's own deeply restrained shyness.
"What in the world happened?"
When Namgung Un pressed the question again, Bu Eun-seol shook his head, snapping out of his reminiscence.
"After crossing swords with the Family Head, we merely exchanged a few words."
"You crossed swords? With Father?"
Namgung Un's jaw dropped.
He knew full well how terrifyingly skilled Bu Eun-seol was.
But Namgung Jeong was a Grandmaster of the Righteous Path's Sword Studies, one who bore the epithet "True Sword."
To have faced the Family Head at full strength and emerged unscathed—did that mean Bu Eun-seol's skill was so overwhelming that the fight had been a mere formality?
"It was a symbolic exchange. Not a true battle."
Bu Eun-seol gave a vague explanation.
They had not truly clashed blades but expressed their Way of the Sword—and fortunately, Namgung Jeong had understood everything and ended the confrontation.
"And he promised to call you by your name properly from now on."
"The Family Head said that?"
Namgung Un couldn't comprehend it.
He couldn't even begin to guess what kind of conversation had passed between Bu Eun-seol and the Family Head.
"Strange. The Family Head never listens to anyone."
Muttering under his breath, Namgung Un walked to the table and opened a drawer, pulling out an old copper coin.
The Divine Calculator's Gratitude Coin.
"Take it, Brother Bu."
Bu Eun-seol slowly accepted the coin from Namgung Un's outstretched hand.
At last, he had obtained the sacred relic he had sought for so long.
A peculiar light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he held the Gratitude Coin.
Judging by the feel of the coin against his fingertips, it had not been made long ago.
Which meant the Divine Calculator had crafted this Gratitude Coin specifically for the Namgung Family.
He doesn't create sacred relics long in advance—he makes them anew whenever needed...
That implied the Divine Calculator was still highly active in the martial world, producing Gratitude Coins and distributing them to those who wanted them.
This doesn't bode well.
The Gratitude Coin wasn't made by the Divine Calculator to express gratitude.
Could it instead be... bait to manipulate people?
"Thank you."
"Thank me? This was yours to begin with."
Namgung Un pouted slightly.
"Since you're here, it'd be nice if you could stay a while... but that's impossible, isn't it?"
After all, Bu Eun-seol was the Heir of the Demon Hall.
If his true identity were exposed while staying at the Namgung Family estate, it would spell disaster.
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to respond—
Bang!
The door burst open, and a towering figure strode inside.
Tall and solidly built, he resembled a finely forged longsword—unyielding and sharp.
"You alright, youngest?"
"Third Brother."
It was the Namgung Family's third son, the Seven Colored Sword—Namgung Poong.
Namgung Poong was renowned for his swift Movement Techniques and flamboyant swordplay. His blade radiated seven hues with every swing, earning him his epithet.
"What's this? You're perfectly fine!"
After inspecting Namgung Un's condition, Namgung Poong tugged at his cheek in exasperation.
"You brat! Making me worry for nothing."
Then he noticed Bu Eun-seol and blinked.
"Ah, so you're the wandering swordsman—Un's sworn brother."
Word of Bu Eun-seol had already spread rapidly through the Namgung Family.
No doubt part of Namgung Jeong's arrangements to ensure no trouble arose during his stay.
Namgung Poong grinned warmly and clasped his hands together in greeting.
"It's Namgung Poong."
"And Young Hero Seol."
Seeing how Namgung Poong's figure was slender and his legs long, Wi Cheon-gyeong suddenly came to mind.
But his blunt way of speaking resembled Won Se-mun and Jo Nam-cheon more than Wi Cheon-gyeong.
"What brings you here?"
"What brings me? I came after hearing you got badly injured while opposing Unit Commander Mok."
Namgung Poong said with a laugh.
"And I heard you brought the sworn brother you made in the martial world back to the main house—how could I not come to see him?"
Namgung Un was infamous not just within the Namgung Family but throughout the martial world as a reckless brat.
Because of that, neither disciples of orthodox sects nor scions of prestigious families ever considered forming ties with him.
And yet, not only had he sworn brotherhood with someone in the martial world, but he had even brought them home?
Every member of the Namgung Family had been burning with curiosity about who this person could be.
"Young Hero Seol. Judging by your age, how about becoming friends with me as well?"
"How could I dare?"
"Hahaha. Since you're my little brother's sworn brother, we can consider ourselves close friends as well."
Unlike the arrogant young masters of other prestigious families, Namgung Poong treated Bu Eun-seol—a mere wandering warrior—with utmost courtesy.
"Now, now, since you've come all the way to the main house, come this way. A tea party is being held right now, so I'll introduce you to our brothers."
"A tea party?"
As Bu Eun-seol blinked in surprise, Namgung Poong explained,
"The main house holds a mandatory tea party once a month at the Cloud Wind Pavilion, where all the brothers gather. It's to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood."
After calmly explaining this to Bu Eun-seol, Namgung Un turned to Namgung Poong and said,
"Third Brother. Brother Seol should be heading back now."
Namgung Un was being extremely cautious, afraid Bu Eun-seol's true identity might be exposed.
But now, suddenly, they wanted to introduce him to the Namgung brothers? Anxious, Namgung Un was trying to send Bu Eun-seol away.
"Leaving already? Why?"
"Well... Brother Seol is a wandering warrior, so he has to take on another request soon."
As Namgung Un stammered, Namgung Poong waved his hand with a laugh.
"Work can be taken anytime, can't it? You've come all this way—how can we just send you off like that? Isn't that right, Young Hero Seol?"
Without even waiting for an answer, he took Bu Eun-seol's hand and said,
"Come, come. The scenery from the Cloud Wind Pavilion is quite something. Let's go there and chat."
'He's handing me the opportunity himself.'
Bu Eun-seol had planned to investigate the Namgung brothers one by one if given the chance, hoping to find the masked man who had attacked Dan So-ok.
But now, they were inviting him to where the brothers were already gathered. There was no reason to refuse.
"Very well."
But something was strange.
Even though Bu Eun-seol had risen to his feet, Namgung Un was hesitating awkwardly, wearing an uncomfortable smile.
"I don't join the tea parties the elder brothers hold."
Feeling Bu Eun-seol's gaze, Namgung Un explained with a smile.
"Drinking tea with brothers much older than me would just be awkward."
"Hahaha. Un-ah. Aren't you a proper Family Head Candidate now?"
Namgung Poong interjected.
"Besides, you've accomplished a great feat this time—there's no reason you can't attend."
Bu Eun-seol's brow twitched slightly.
He had just been told the tea party was held to strengthen brotherly bonds.
Yet Namgung Poong was saying Namgung Un could attend now because he had become a Family Head Candidate and achieved merit?
'They never let him attend before.'
Having grasped the situation, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"Let's go together."
At that, Namgung Un nodded helplessly.
"Understood."
The Cloud Wind Pavilion boasted one of the Namgung Family's proudest views.
Not only could one overlook the vast expanse of the Namgung estate, but a refreshing breeze constantly swept through.
Turning one's head, one could admire the sunset draped over the towering peaks of Yellow Mountain.
And within the pavilion stood three dignified men seated together.
They were Namgung Un's brothers.
Leisurely sipping tea, they gazed at the sunset.
Unlike other clans, the Namgung brothers shared an unusually strong bond.
This was because the Namgung Family, having absorbed guest warriors and external factions for generations, was less a traditional clan and more of a coalition.
Those who supported the Family Head closely enjoyed higher status and guaranteed authority.
The Jiangnan Martial Alliance.
This was why outsiders often referred to the Namgung Family as the Martial Alliance of Jiangnan.
"Elders. Hwan-ah."
Leading Bu Eun-seol forward, Namgung Poong waved to his brothers.
They were the eldest, Namgung Su, the second brother, Namgung Heon, and the fourth, Namgung Hwan.
All the Namgung brothers were in their thirties, with two-year gaps between them.
Only the youngest, Namgung Un, was a late-born child, making him nearly ten years their junior.
"You're late."
The eldest, Namgung Su, spoke quietly as he looked at Namgung Poong.
"The rest of us have been waiting for you alone."
"Hahaha. My apologies. I was checking if Un-ah had fully recovered."
Scratching his head sheepishly, Namgung Poong laughed. Namgung Su's gaze then shifted to Namgung Un.
And then his eyes fixed on Bu Eun-seol standing beside him.
"So this is the wandering warrior who swore brotherhood with Un."
"Hahaha. That's right."
Namgung Poong gestured toward Bu Eun-seol.
"Young Hero Seol. Pay your respects. This is our eldest brother, Namgung Su."
The Cold Virtuous Thread Sword, Namgung Su.
He was the eldest of the Namgung Family and a master swordsman who primarily used the Cloud Virtue Sword Method rather than the clan's main sword arts.
A man of few words, he carried an atmosphere as cold as ice. Yet his nature was benevolent—hence his epithet, the Cold Virtuous Thread Sword.
"Young Hero Seol."
As Bu Eun-seol calmly clasped his hands in greeting, Namgung Hwan—the fourth brother who had been observing—twitched his eyebrows.
Even if he were a Special-Grade Wanderer of the Red Sky Curtain Branch, wanderers were considered the lowest profession in Murim, just above assassins.
And yet, this man had the audacity to offer only a perfunctory two-handed salute to the eldest son of the Namgung Family?
"Seems this fellow lacks a bit of awareness."
At that moment, Namgung Hwan—who had just set down his teacup—spoke with a sneer, his face twisted in arrogant displeasure.
"If you've set foot in the Namgung estate, wouldn't it be wise to adjust your attitude to something more respectful? For your own sake."
Namgung Hwan was inherently arrogant, brimming with pride for his family.
To him, Bu Eun-seol's indifferent greeting to Namgung Su was nothing short of a personal insult.
—Even if he's a wanderer, he's Un's sworn brother and a guest of the main house. You must not treat him discourteously.
Had it not been for the strict command of the Family Head, Namgung Jeong, he would have struck immediately.
"Please understand. Our fourth brother has always been... sharp-tongued."
Sensing the tension, Namgung Poong swiftly gestured to the handsome man seated beside him.
"This is our second brother, Namgung Heon."
Namgung Heon of the Autumn Moon Rising Bright Sword.
He was a figure renowned not for his swordsmanship, but for his breathtakingly handsome appearance.
So much so that his epithet wasn't derived from martial prowess, but from the phrase "the autumn moon that casts radiant light."
When Namgung Heon met Bu Eun-seol's gaze, his fine eyes crinkled slightly as he clasped his hands together.
"Namgung Heon, at your service."
Fortunately, his temperament was amiable—even knowing Bu Eun-seol was a wanderer, he offered the first greeting.
"Young Hero Seol."
Bu Eun-seol mirrored the gesture with equal courtesy.
"Now, this here is the fourth brother, Namgung Hwan."
Finally, Namgung Poong indicated Namgung Hwan.
In response, Namgung Hwan looked down at Bu Eun-seol with disdainful eyes.
"Young Hero Seol. I hear you're a Special-Grade Wanderer of the Red Sky Curtain Branch. Is that correct?"
When Bu Eun-seol nodded, a subtle smirk curled at his lips.
"If you're a wanderer from that den, you should reek of the gutter. Yet your looks, your qi—utterly unremarkable. I don't sense even a ripple of internal energy."
The words were dripping with arrogance and insult.
Namgung Un, who had been silently listening, paled.
"Brother."
"I'm merely stating facts."
Namgung Hwan lifted the corner of his mouth.
"Wanderers are known for learning all sorts of tricks and underhanded techniques, aren't they?"
He clearly believed Bu Eun-seol had mastered some method to conceal his qi.
As the atmosphere turned icy, Namgung Poong interjected with a smile, addressing Namgung Su.
"Eldest Brother. Since Un is here, why not let Young Hero Seol join us for tea?"
"Together?"
"If we don't even offer him a cup after coming all this way, he'll surely curse the Namgung Family for being petty."
Namgung Poong was skilled with words.
His jest loosened the tension slightly.
"Very well."
Once permission was granted, Namgung Poong gestured warmly.
"Come, Young Hero Seol, take a seat. Un, you sit here too."
As the two settled in, attendants served the tea.
Its golden hue resembled amber, and its fragrance was so pure it seemed to cleanse the very marrow of one's bones.
"Among green teas, this Tieguanyin is the finest. And this batch is from Anxi—the highest quality available."
At Namgung Heon's explanation, Bu Eun-seol lifted his cup and took a sip.
A sweet, mellow taste unfurled in his mouth, accompanied by an orchid-like aroma—subtle yet crystalline.
"How do you find it?"
Namgung Heon asked with genuine curiosity.
"I prepared this tea for today's gathering myself."
Bu Eun-seol suppressed a quiet laugh.
Why did tea enthusiasts always insist on asking others their opinion after serving it?
"The aroma is pleasant."
His bland response visibly disappointed Namgung Heon.
"Is that so?"
Bu Eun-seol turned to Namgung Un, who had been sitting stiffly.
"What about you? How's the tea?"
"You mean me?"
"Yes. Can you describe it?"
Namgung Un gulped the tea down and nodded.
"It's Tieguanyin from Pine Rock Village. Since it's made from spring-picked leaves, the roasted fragrance is strong, but the flavor itself is remarkably deep."
"Not bad at all."
Namgung Heon smiled, but Namgung Hwan scoffed.
"After getting scolded by Father for not knowing tea, you've been studying in secret, haven't you?"
While all the Namgung sons were refined and cheerful, Namgung Hwan stood out—his edges were sharp, and his hostility toward Namgung Un was palpable.
"By the way, Un—how did you manage to uncover the Beggars' Sect's internal information?"
Namgung Poong took a sip and asked curiously.
"The Beggars' Sect operates an extensive intelligence network. It's not easy for outsiders to investigate."
"Well—"
Just as Namgung Un opened his mouth, Namgung Hwan cut in.
"He must have placed a spy. How else could Un possibly infiltrate their ranks?"
"Right."
Then, Bu Eun-seol's voice resonated through the Cloud Wind Pavilion.
"I was the one who directed everything."
His lips curled as he looked down at Namgung Hwan.
"He merely followed my orders—nothing more than a loyal subordinate."
"What did you just say?"
Namgung Hwan's pupils dilated instantly.
"Subordinate?"
Mocking Namgung Un was one thing. Playing along with his jokes was tolerable.
But to call a direct descendant of the Namgung Family a subordinate—that was beyond endurance.
"My ears must be playing tricks on me."
As Namgung Hwan set down his teacup, thick waves of Killing Intent began radiating from his entire body.
"You just referred to a personage of the Namgung Clan as a servant. Did I hear correctly?"
"You did."
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"The youngest of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Un, served as my own personal attendant."