Chapter 375
The warm breeze that had been blowing around Cloud Wind Pavilion suddenly turned the air as frigid as the depths of winter.
A sharp glint erupted from Namgung Hwan's pupils.
"What did you just say?"
But Bu Eun-seol maintained an unperturbed expression and replied with perfect nonchalance.
"Wasn't that what you wanted to hear?"
"'A clueless brat who got lucky solving a major incident. And it was all thanks to an accomplice's help...' Isn't that what you meant?"
"How dare—!"
Just as Namgung Hwan, left speechless, began trembling with rage—
"Hahaha!"
A clear laugh rang out as Namgung Heon interjected.
"Looks like our fourth brother just got schooled by Young Hero Seol. Isn't that right?"
"Second Brother."
Namgung Hwan spoke with murderous eyes.
"He referred to a member of the Namgung Family as a mere attendant."
"True. But who started it in the first place?"
At Namgung Heon's pointed remark, Namgung Hwan's face flushed crimson.
Because it was undeniable.
He himself had been the one to claim that everything was resolved only through an accomplice's assistance, just to diminish Namgung Un's achievements.
"But I never used the word 'attendant,'"
Namgung Hwan bristled, prompting Namgung Heon to sigh and shake his head.
"Young Hero Seol deliberately used strong language to critique your rhetoric. If he genuinely believed that, would he have said such things in front of the main family's brothers?"
"I've had my fill."
Bu Eun-seol stood up as if his interest had waned.
Then he said to Namgung Un,
"I'll take my leave first. Stay and drink a while longer."
"Where do you think you're going?"
At that moment, Namgung Hwan rose to his feet, eyes flashing.
"Our conversation isn't over yet."
It was a blatant provocation.
Then Namgung Su, who had been silently seated all this time,
narrowed his eyes.
"Sit down."
"Eldest Brother. This man insulted a member of the Namgung Family."
Namgung Hwan glared at Bu Eun-seol as he spoke.
"This is entirely different from whatever I said about our younger brother. How can we extend guest courtesy after hearing such words?"
"So. You intend to defy Father's instructions?"
"That's—"
Recalling Namgung Jeong's stern face, Namgung Hwan's aggression faltered.
"Brother. How about inviting Young Hero Seol to a Sword Debate instead?"
At that moment, Namgung Heon stepped in with a mediating smile.
"Don't we often receive guests who come to test their swordsmanship?"
The gates of the Namgung Family are always wide open, and they never hesitate to accept challenges from martial artists seeking duels.
In fact, it's said that any swordsman who has made a name for themselves in Jiangnan must have visited the Namgung Family to learn a thing or two.
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed briefly.
Partly because of Namgung Heon's sudden duel proposal, but also for another reason.
'How curious.'
As Bu Eun-seol's mind raced to piece together what he had just noticed—
"That's an excellent idea."
Namgung Hwan curled his lips and stared at Bu Eun-seol.
"No need to feel pressured. In our family, we don't use killing moves in sword duels."
Then he added one more thing.
"Well, you might still get seriously injured."
Bu Eun-seol simply crossed his arms and observed him quietly.
Having publicly dueled with the Heavenly Sword, he couldn't use the Infinite Sky Flow, the Wish-Fulfilling Qi Formula, or the Myriad Forms One Style.
Moreover, Namgung Hwan's skill, as a direct descendant of the Namgung Family, meant ordinary martial arts wouldn't suffice.
He could use the Thirteenfold Qi Induction, but in an open duel—especially here at the Namgung estate—there was no need to resort to the Martial Emperor's techniques.
"That does sound like a fine idea."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"I've been meaning to witness the Namgung Family's sword techniques, renowned as Jiangnan's Best Sword."
'At any rate, this man isn't the Masked One.'
Bu Eun-seol knew full well that the probability of Namgung Hwan being that masked figure was practically zero.
Yet he accepted the duel for another reason—to observe the reactions of the other Namgung brothers and narrow down the culprit.
'Though I can't share this with Namgung Un.'
Namgung Un was straightforward, his emotions plain on his face.
If he learned that one of his brothers was involved with the Shadow Force of the martial world?
He would never be able to hide it.
'Still, it's baffling.'
As a direct descendant of the Namgung Family head, one would hold a position where he needn't envy anyone in the martial world.
So why would he conspire with the Shadow Force and target Dan So-ok? She was only the Secret Order Lord, one of the candidates for the Demon Hall’s next Chief Secretary.
"Very well."
As Bu Eun-seol lost himself in thought, dissecting time itself, Namgung Su nodded.
"If Young Hero Seol agrees, then a sword duel would be permissible."
With the solemn approval of the eldest brother, Namgung Hwan smiled faintly and looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"Then let's begin right now."
「Brother Bu, why are you doing this all of a sudden?」
Namgung Un, worried that Bu Eun-seol was escalating things despite needing to conceal his identity, sent a Voice Transmission.
「Fourth Brother may have a foul temper, but his martial arts—the Flying Sky Continuous Style—have been honed to Grand Perfection. If you're not careful, your true identity could be exposed.」
"Don't worry. That won't happen."
Bu Eun-seol sent the telepathic transmission before speaking aloud again.
"But how could I, as a guest of the Namgung Family, recklessly cross swords with the Family Head's own son?"
"Are you running away? Your words don't make sense."
As Namgung Hwan sneered, Bu Eun-seol replied,
"Then fight him first."
The one Bu Eun-seol pointed to was none other than Namgung Un.
"If you can defeat him, I'll face you myself."
"Nonsense. I proposed this duel to gauge your skill, yet you suddenly demand I fight this brat instead?"
Namgung Hwan wore an arrogant smirk.
"Young Hero Seol. If you're afraid, just admit it."
"You won't even be able to defeat him. Why bother with an obvious outcome?"
"What did you say?"
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"If he loses, I'll take it as my own defeat. And I'll do anything you ask."
"If you tell me to kneel, I'll kneel. If you tell me to lick your shoes, I'll lick them. If you order me to leave, I'll go immediately. If you demand I become a servant of the Namgung Family, I'll become one."
"Hahahaha!"
Namgung Hwan was incredulous.
"Young Hero Seol. You speak far too easily of things you should never say."
"If you're afraid, we can pretend this wager never happened."
"Afraid?"
Namgung Hwan had always seen Namgung Un as a thorn in his side.
There was no reason to refuse such a challenge.
"Fine. Let's do it."
"Brother Bu. Why are you...?"
"Trust me. You've already begun your breakthrough."
"Me?"
Breakthrough.
It meant shattering one's limits and reaching a new realm.
The problem was that Namgung Un had never felt such a thing before.
"Trust me. Trust me, and trust yourself."
Bu Eun-seol nodded at Namgung Un.
Trust—it was the greatest strength one could give another.
"Understood."
Namgung Un took a deep breath and nodded.
"Let's do it."
Bu Eun-seol and the Namgung brothers descended from the Cloud Wind Pavilion and moved to the nearest martial arts stage.
The Namgung Family's estate was vast, and many outsiders came to spar.
Thus, they had built martial arts stages throughout the grounds where one could duel without interference.
"Begin."
At Namgung Su's command, the battle between Namgung Hwan and Namgung Un commenced.
'I'll finish this in one strike.'
Namgung Hwan smirked darkly.
Truthfully, he had meticulously prepared to solve the Artificial Inner Elixir incident and seize the position of Family Head Candidate in one move.
But Namgung Un had resolved it in an instant, leaving him no further opportunity to shine.
'How dare you aim for the Family Head's seat?'
Namgung Hwan was furious.
He had always been overshadowed by his elder brothers' talents.
And now, even this reckless brat, Namgung Un—whom he had never even glanced at—was trying to surpass him?
That was absolutely intolerable.
'I'll show you the true gap in our strength!'
Whoosh!
In an instant, Namgung Hwan unleashed the Flying Sky Continuous Style, and Namgung Un's figure was obscured by the surge of sword qi.
This technique not only cut off the enemy's retreat but also blinded their vision, delivering an unavoidable strike—the essence of the Flying Sky Continuous Style.
Sshing!
Namgung Un drew his sword and barely managed to block the attack.
"Haha! How pathetic!"
With a booming laugh, Namgung Hwan let out a sharp cry and flicked his sword tip.
Countless sword flowers bloomed in the air as his stances shifted unpredictably.
Clang! Clash!
Namgung Un barely defended himself, unable to fully grasp or keep up with the rapid changes.
Slash! Slash!
Namgung Hwan's Golden Needle Sword twisted and curved unnaturally, making it impossible to predict his next move.
Clang! Clang!
Yet despite the cuts opening on his body and the blood dripping down, Namgung Un stubbornly held his ground.
'This bastard?'
In the past, this fool would have thrown down his sword and surrendered within ten moves. Now he was holding out for over thirty?
Could that vagabond's words be true—that Namgung Un could actually defeat him?
'Impossible!'
Panicked, Namgung Hwan intensified his Flying Sky Continuous Style, shifting forms once more.
His blade skimmed the ground as if aiming for the ankles, but in truth, it was a killing move meant to slash Namgung Un's chest and throat.
Shing—!
The relentless chain of strikes, like interlocking rings, finally closed in on Namgung Un's neck—
Thud.
Namgung Hwan's Golden Needle Sword suddenly dipped downward.
Namgung Un had executed the Emperor Sword Form's First Three Styles, unleashing overwhelming pressure onto Namgung Hwan's blade.
'He redirected the Emperor Sword Form's pressure into my own sword?'
In truth, heavy sword techniques didn't always need to be directed at the opponent's body.
Even the slightest disruption in movement could expose countless openings.
Namgung Un was applying the insights he had gained from fighting a hundred Soulless Ones.
"Ridiculous!"
Namgung Hwan gathered his internal power and unleashed the Flying Sky Continuous Style once more.
Whoosh!
The essence of the Linked Ring Sword Form was its unbroken continuity.
But Namgung Un kept disrupting the flow with precise bursts of pressure, greatly diminishing its power.
"This bastard! He's truly grown immensely in martial arts."
Namgung Hwan was greatly astonished.
Namgung Un was suppressing speed with slowness, and overcoming length with brevity.
In other words, he had deeply grasped the profound principle of martial arts—defeating an enemy's strengths by exploiting their weaknesses.
"Then, good."
Namgung Hwan dashed forward like a gale, closing the distance between himself and Namgung Un.
At the same time, he kicked off the ground and soared into the air, rising above Namgung Un's head. His momentum was like that of a hawk diving from the heavens to seize its prey.
"That's—"
A gleam flashed in Namgung Un's eyes.
In close combat, leaping into the air was an absolute taboo.
But this was the decisive stroke of Namgung Hwan's Flying Sky Continuous Style—a technique he was supremely confident in. From midair, he would unleash a relentless barrage of sword strokes, trapping his opponent before descending upon them with a lethal strike aimed straight for the crown of the head.
"Good!"
Had this been the Namgung Un of the past, he would have never dared to face such a razor-sharp killing move and would have retreated in haste.
But for Namgung Un, who had repeatedly crossed the boundary between life and death in countless battles, this level of offense was nothing more than ordinary compared to what he had endured.
"Haaap!"
Drawing a deep breath, he summoned every ounce of his internal power.
At the same time, he swung his sword upward in a vicious slash—as if declaring, "If I die, you die with me!" It looked like the opening move of a Mutual Destruction technique.
Namgung Hwan's face twisted in shock as Namgung Un, far from retreating, instead closed the distance and charged forward.
CLANG—!
A deafening metallic clash rang out as their blades collided midair.
One man hovered in the air, pouring down sword strokes, while the other stood firm, defending against them.
This bizarre exchange lasted for over forty moves.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Namgung Un eased his offensive pressure.
Tap.
Seizing the opportunity, Namgung Hwan abruptly halted his continuous sword strokes and landed back on the ground.
Once grounded, Namgung Hwan no longer pressed the attack, instead shifting into a defensive stance.
Had Namgung Un stubbornly maintained his stance and prolonged the exchange?
Namgung Hwan would have been forced to block Namgung Un's relentless assault while suspended in midair.
In other words, he would have had to waste internal power just to stay airborne while continuously unleashing sword strokes—inevitably putting him at a disadvantage in the exchange.
Namgung Un had deliberately slowed his movements, allowing Namgung Hwan to land safely.
"A draw, then."
At that moment, Namgung Heon approached the two with a light laugh.
"Since both of you halted your attacks simultaneously, we can consider this a tie."
Though he said that, no one responded in agreement.
Namgung Hwan, expending internal power to remain airborne while unleashing sword strokes.
And Namgung Un, standing his ground on the earth, fighting as if his life depended on it.
Had Namgung Un not held back—had this been a life-or-death battle—
The outcome would have been clear.
"Indeed."
Bu Eun-seol knew full well that Namgung Un had won, but he played along with Namgung Heon's words.
Namgung Hwan, his pride wounded, had nothing to say.
"Hmph."
With an awkward expression, he snorted and fled the training grounds like a man escaping disgrace.
"Haaah..."
Namgung Un exhaled a sigh of relief as he planted his Golden Needle Sword into the ground.
He had only managed to counter the Flying Sky Continuous Style through quick thinking.
If it had come down to pure swordsmanship and martial prowess, he still wasn't at Namgung Hwan's level.
Yet he remained unaware that this very adaptability was part of his true strength.
"You've worked hard."
Bu Eun-seol approached and patted his shoulder. Namgung Un replied in a voice tinged with relief.
"Thanks to me, you avoided a life of servitude, Seol-Elder Brother."
At his joke, Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to touch his lips.
"So it seems."
With Namgung Hwan's defeat, Namgung Su stared coldly at Namgung Un before silently turning and leaving the training grounds.
"You've improved greatly."
Namgung Heon patted Namgung Un's shoulder with an approving expression.
"I should take my leave as well."
Then, Namgung Poong hurriedly approached and asked,
"That was truly impressive! The variation Hwan used earlier—that Flying Sky Continuous Style—was a sword form he learned from the Murim Top Gang, you know?"
"So that's what it was."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize why Namgung Hwan had used such an unorthodox swordsmanship—one that involved raining sword strokes from midair—instead of the Namgung Family's traditional techniques.
He must have secretly formed a master-disciple relationship with someone from the Martial Alliance, separate from the Namgung Clan.
"Ah, I just got lucky, really. Hahaha!"
Namgung Un scratched his head sheepishly, his laughter ringing brightly across the training grounds.
Bu Eun-seol's quarters were assigned to West Forest Pavilion, the most scenic location within the Inner Court of the Namgung Family.
This was Namgung Jeong's consideration—so that Bu Eun-seol could rest undisturbed, free from the attention of those coming and going from the Namgung estate.
After sharing dinner with Namgung Un, Bu Eun-seol returned to his chambers early.
Bu Eun-seol had given Namgung Un time to review his battle experience and gain further enlightenment.
'That was an unexpected reaction.'
Pitting Namgung Un against Namgung Hwan—
Bu Eun-seol had been observing the reactions of the remaining brothers to identify the mysterious masked man who had attempted to assassinate Dan So-ok.
However, apart from Namgung Hwan, whose vision was clouded by jealousy, the other brothers of the Namgung Clan all possessed either noble or straightforward personalities.
Moreover, they each seemed to harbor a quiet fondness for Namgung Un.
'Which means, Namgung Un isn't the target.'
The reason Bu Eun-seol had seized this moment to uncover the masked man's identity—
Was because he couldn't shake the fear that this person, possibly affiliated with the Demonic Path, might ultimately pose a threat to Namgung Un.
After all, the position of Young Clan Head within the Namgung Clan had yet to be decided.
But the other brothers, with the exception of Namgung Hwan, were behaving in a manner completely contrary to expectations.
'How could a child of the Namgung Clan possibly be part of the Shadow Force?'
Looking back, the Shadow Force had always lured or manipulated their targets by dangling their deepest aspirations or most desperate desires before them.
But the children of the Namgung Clan were not in a position where such tactics would work.
'That said, the Namgung Clan itself couldn't be the Shadow Force's main stronghold either.'
Knock, knock.
Just then, a low voice accompanied the sound of knuckles rapping against the door.
"Namgung Su."
Not the gentle voice of an attendant, but one cold and detached—it was the eldest of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Su.
"Come in."
Bu Eun-seol, who had already detected the footsteps and stride from afar, gave a slight nod.
With that, Namgung Su stepped inside, his expression as frigid as ever.
"What brings you here so late at night?"
Truthfully, the one Bu Eun-seol had most suspected of being the masked man was Namgung Su.
Among the brothers, his martial arts were the strongest, and he never revealed his true thoughts. Yet here he was, seeking Bu Eun-seol out of his own accord?
"A hundred-year-old Plum Blossom Wine."
Namgung Su set a weighty liquor bottle down on the table.
"Those who do not enjoy tea usually take pleasure in wine... You should find this to your taste."
Then, as if he had said all he needed to, he turned to leave.
"Why give this to me?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Namgung Su paused mid-step.
"Some time ago, Un returned from his travels in the martial world, his skills having improved by leaps and bounds. And he boasted endlessly about the remarkable sworn brother he had made."
His gaze fixed on the moonlight spilling through the window, he continued.
"And this time, too, after journeying through the martial world once more, his abilities have grown yet again. Not to mention, he even crushed the grand conspiracy of the Gae Bang organization."
Namgung Su stared directly at Bu Eun-seol.
"This is simply my gratitude for that."
Despite his cold demeanor, Namgung Su deeply cherished Namgung Un in his own way.
"You know he resents the Family Head?"
"That was the Family Head's decision."
Namgung Su's expression remained indifferent in response to Bu Eun-seol's question.
"Understanding a father's heart is also a child's duty."
With those cryptic words, Namgung Su turned away again.
"Well then. Rest."
And with that, he strode briskly out of the room.
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky.
Namgung Un referred to himself as an unfilial son, convinced that his father despised him.
But in truth, not only his father—all his brothers loved him.
Each in their own way.
Just like Family Head Namgung Jeong.
'What a fortunate bastard.'
Though tangled like a knotted thread, time would eventually unravel it all.
Meaning the conflict with the Family Head would resolve itself without Bu Eun-seol's further interference.
"This is troubling."
Heaving a deep sigh, he stared at the far-off heavens.
Even if one of the Namgung brothers was the masked man who had attacked Dan So-ok, none among them would ever harm or threaten Namgung Un.
So was there really any need to dig deeper? After all, nothing had happened so far, and things had been peaceful.
"If they truly don't touch the Namgung Clan or Namgung Un..."
For the first time, Bu Eun-seol hesitated.
What if the masked man was a loyal member of the Namgung Clan, targeting only the Demonic Path? Would exposing him truly be the right thing to do?
If he were to uncover this—
He couldn't shake the thought that he might be the one sowing discord in a family so harmonious and tightly knit.
"The Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions are already riddled with such forces. And no one knows just how deep their roots run."
Letting out a long sigh, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"There's no need to meddle in the Namgung Clan's affairs."
For the first time, he rejected the idea of exposing the truth, choosing instead to leave quietly.
The next day, as twilight faded and darkness settled in—
In the end, Bu Eun-seol slipped out of the Namgung Clan without a word.
Though guards were stationed throughout the estate, Bu Eun-seol was a distinguished guest staying in the West Forest Pavilion under Namgung Jeong's special orders.
And since they were already familiar with his portrait, no one stopped him.
After walking for some time along the desolate road beyond the Namgung estate, Bu Eun-seol suddenly halted.
'Ah.'
Only then did he realize he had forgotten one crucial fact.
The Gratitude Coin.
Those aligned with the shadowy forces would surely be after the Gratitude Coin Namgung Un had given him.
And as long as he held it—
Leaving the Namgung Clan as he pleased was impossible.
Swish.
From behind a towering great tree opposite him, a tall, slender shadow emerged.
It was Namgung Heon.