Chapter 676
"I apologize for my tardiness."
Namgung Jeong pressed his palms together in a formal greeting.
"Various matters delayed me, but..."
Then he spoke with utmost candor.
"I never imagined you would still be waiting."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Given your caliber, you must already know—the decision to support Hall Leader Baek has been finalized."
Only then did Namgung Jeong glance at the dumbstruck Namgung Gwang and nod.
"You may leave. This will only be a brief conversation."
"Y-yes, of course."
Namgung Gwang scrambled away in a fluster.
'Had the Family Head not arrived in time...'
A chill ran down Namgung Gwang's spine.
What if he had lost his temper and resorted to force?
That Martial Alliance Commander with the piercingly clear eyes—he would have struck without hesitation, regardless of the Namgung Clan's dignity.
'Never provoke a madman.'
As Namgung Gwang and his attendant hastily retreated, a heavy silence settled over the guest hall.
Namgung Jeong sighed, his voice tinged with regret.
"Even I, as Family Head, have heard of the martial exploits you've accomplished. But my stance remains unchanged."
"I appreciate your honesty."
"Good that you understand."
As Namgung Jeong turned to leave, Bu Eun-seol spoke again.
"However, I am confident I can persuade you."
"Persuade me?"
Only then did Namgung Jeong notice the profound gleam in Bu Eun-seol's eyes, and his expression flickered with surprise.
It wasn't the flicker of madness—rather, it resembled the serene radiance of a grandmaster who looked down upon the world.
Though he had heard the name before.
Seeing him in person, the man's presence far exceeded his reputation—his bearing was impeccable, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
"Hmm."
Namgung Jeong exhaled thoughtfully and nodded.
"Since Commander Seon-u has waited this long, let us share a cup of tea."
Then he stated firmly:
"I only hope you can change my mind within that time."
"That will be more than enough."
At Namgung Jeong's order, an attendant brought warm tea—the famed West Lake Dragon Well.
"Exquisite."
After tasting it, Bu Eun-seol offered a word of praise.
In the past, he could never understand why the martial world's superlative experts were so fond of tea.
Even now, he doubted he would ever grow to love it. But he thought he might finally grasp why they savored it.
"Calling it 'exquisite' suggests you don't usually enjoy tea."
"Correct. Frankly, it made no sense to me."
Bu Eun-seol set down his cup.
"Back then, it seemed like nothing more than an overpriced drink with little flavor."
"And now?"
"Now is different."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was calm.
"My standing has changed. My perspective has shifted... and I think I've begun to understand its taste."
"'Because your standing has changed, you can now drink tea'... is that it?"
Namgung Jeong let out a contemplative hum.
He could guess what Bu Eun-seol was implying.
"Unfortunately, I am a man who drinks tea quickly. Already half gone, you see."
Namgung Jeong spoke plainly.
"You didn't come here to critique tea, so speak your piece."
"You must lend me your support, Family Head."
"And why is that?"
"For generations, the Namgung Clan has treated people as its greatest asset—and through that, it has taken root in the martial world."
—Talent First.
A clan's greatest treasure is its people, and nurturing talent must take precedence above all.
That was the Namgung Clan's creed, the driving force behind their towering presence in the martial world.
When Bu Eun-seol emphasized this, Namgung Jeong frowned slightly.
"Then shouldn't I support Baek Mu-seong all the more? Even if he doesn't become Leader, he is a man who could bring immense benefit to our main house."
The Buddhist Venerable, who had lived over two centuries, was a symbol of Orthodox Murim itself.
And that Venerable had groomed Baek Mu-seong as the next grandmaster to lead the martial world's new generation.
In the current era, no other figure of his age had built such extensive connections with the Orthodox Faction's high command or wielded comparable influence.
"If the Family Head could live eternally, then supporting Hall Leader Baek would indeed be the right choice."
Bu Eun-seol met Namgung Jeong's gaze unflinchingly.
"But when age inevitably forces you to pass the mantle to the next Family Head, that successor will bear the duty of furthering the Namgung Clan's prosperity."
His voice carried quiet strength.
"In that case, you must make a different choice."
"I don't follow."
"Namgung Un."
Bu Eun-seol spoke evenly.
"He possesses abilities surpassing even yours. But Baek Mu-seong is not the one who can aid him."
Namgung Jeong's eyes widened.
Though Namgung Un had shed the stigma of being a reckless ruffian, his true potential remained largely unknown in the martial world.
Yet this Commander of the Martial Alliance had accurately gauged his capabilities?
"Hall Leader Baek is extraordinary, but his temperament clashes with the Young Clan Head's."
"How can you be so certain?"
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"His demeanor makes it obvious. You've likely sensed it yourself for years."
Namgung Jeong found himself nodding unconsciously.
Baek Mu-seong always treated everyone with courtesy.
But Namgung Jeong knew.
That it wasn't humility—it was arrogance born from a sense of superiority.
Such a temperament would never align with Namgung Un, who was free-spirited and unrestrained.
"Truly, your analytical skills are remarkable, as expected of someone leading the Information Warfare Unit."
Namgung Jeong spoke with an air of leisure, though his surprise was evident.
"But even knowing that, I can't say choosing you over Leader Baek is the right decision, can I?"
"You must already know, Family Head. How I became a candidate for Unit Leader in the first place."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with confidence.
"I rose to the position of candidate by completing my missions alone, without anyone's help. And that's despite being from the commercial world, the very origin most martial artists despise."
"..."
"The Young Master is no different. Though rumors paint him as a reckless ruffian, in truth, he possesses deep emotions, a heroic disposition, and an innate talent no ordinary person could ever match."
Namgung Jeong took a deep breath.
It was astonishing—Seon-u Jin understood Namgung Un more deeply than his own father, who had watched over him for twenty years.
'A Divine Being.'
Only now could he feel it.
From the very presence of the man called Seon-u Jin.
A terrifying aura, one capable of looking down upon the world itself, radiated from him.
'One who could stand as his equal.'
At last, Namgung Jeong realized.
Just how extraordinary the man before him truly was.
"Hahaha."
In the end, Namgung Jeong let out a hollow laugh.
Both were men who could shake the world with their brilliance. Between such Divine Beings, there was no need for lengthy conversation.
A mere few words were enough to instantly grasp the measure of the other's vessel.
"Very well."
Namgung Jeong nodded readily.
"I'll write you a recommendation letter in my own hand."
Then, calmly, he added:
"I'll also apologize to Leader Baek for being unable to write one for him."
It was a shocking decision.
The Namgung Family was the head of the Eight Great Houses.
For its head to support Seon-u Jin over Baek Mu-seong carried immense significance.
"May I ask what made you change your mind?"
"Though I've never spoken of it, there was someone I've respected deeply for many years."
Namgung Jeong smiled faintly.
"And Commander Seon-u resembles that person. That's all there is to it."
Bu Eun-seol was puzzled but nodded in understanding.
Had he known that the person Namgung Jeong respected was none other than himself—
He might have been too mortified to bear it.
"Thank you."
As Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together, Namgung Jeong returned the gesture.
"Just take good care of Un."
Namgung Jeong wasn't concerned about his own glory.
Only about Namgung Un.
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol bowed his head.
Namgung Jeong smiled at the sight.
A steadfast silence was far more reassuring than any solemn oath.
'Un will do well.'
Namgung Jeong, too, had sensed the great upheaval that had arisen in the Murim, the dark clouds gathering.
But in the Demon Hall, there was that dependable sworn brother of his.
And now, in the Martial Alliance, there was someone who recognized his worth.
No matter what dangers lay ahead, the Namgung Family would endure.
"What do you mean by this?"
Baek Mu-seong's gentle eyes flickered faintly as he stood alone with Namgung Jeong.
Hadn't he promised to write him a recommendation letter? How could he flip his stance so abruptly?
"You clearly said you would write one for me."
"My apologies."
"Family Head."
"You can secure recommendations from the Nine Sects, including Shaolin, can't you?"
Namgung Jeong spoke with a regretful expression.
"But Commander Seon-u told me that with my family's recommendation, he would seek no others. So... I ask for your understanding."
Baek Mu-seong's expression darkened.
Namgung Jeong was speaking on Seon-u Jin's behalf.
That meant... he had already made up his mind. Nothing Baek Mu-seong said would change it.
"Is this truly acceptable?"
Baek Mu-seong smiled as he spoke.
"By doing this, the Namgung Family is effectively turning its back on the goodwill of the Nine Sects."
"Leader Baek."
Namgung Jeong's lips curled slightly as he let out a soft scoff.
"Do you truly believe the Namgung Family needs to beg for the Nine Sects' favor?"
His eyes betrayed nothing—no joy, no sorrow, no anger, no delight.
Not out of indifference, but because his spirit and mind was under perfect control.
'So this is the Namgung Family's pride.'
Baek Mu-seong swallowed his rage.
There was no need to make an enemy of Namgung Jeong over a mere recommendation letter—not when he hadn't even secured the position of Sect Leader yet.
"Very well."
Baek Mu-seong forced a smile, as if resigned.
"If the Family Head has judged it so, then you must have seen something I haven't."
Then, with deference, he clasped his hands together.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
"Go safely."
As he turned away, Baek Mu-seong's eyes were ice-cold.
No matter how he looked at it, that bastard Seon-u Jin couldn't be left alive.
To become Sect Leader, he would have to kill him.
"I shall now announce the results of the second test."
Finally, the examination concluded, and Deputy Leader Bukri Seung declared the outcome.
Heavenly Might Hall Leader Baek Mu-seong: seven letters.
Clear Radiance Hall Leader Mu-gyeol: three letters.
Peak Leader Seon-u Jin: one letter.
Hall of Ascending Martial Leader: one letter.
The reason for these numbers?
It was to verify whether candidates could personally visit sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Clans—those with whom they had no prior connections—and secure their endorsements.
Thus, the recommendation letter from the Wudang Sect, which Bukgung Ryeong had obtained for Bu Eun-seol, was rendered invalid.
"All of you have passed."
Bu Eun-seol had personally gone to the Namgung Clan to receive his letter.
Baek Mu-seong, who had been rejected by the Namgung Clan, had also directly visited the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Clans without intermediaries to secure his recommendations.
Yet, an unexpected result emerged.
The Hall of Ascending Martial Leader, who was expected to receive numerous recommendations thanks to Yuk Cheong-a, had obtained only a single letter.
And that single letter was one he had personally secured.
Surprisingly, Yuk Cheong-a had traveled alongside Mu-gyeol, visiting the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Clans to jointly obtain recommendation letters.
"What in the world is this situation?"
The Martial Alliance members gaped at the unforeseen outcome.
The Hall of Ascending Martial Leader, who was presumed to have the deepest experience and widest connections, had unexpectedly no close ties with the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Clans?
Moreover, his own daughter, Yuk Cheong-a, had funneled recommendations to Mu-gyeol?
Just what kind of absurdity was this?
"Yet another disgrace!"
Yuk Jang-cheon, seething with rage, slammed his palm onto the table.
BANG!
With a thunderous crash, the rosewood table shattered into splinters.
It was only because he had personally gone to the Seomun Clan to obtain a recommendation letter—just in case—that he narrowly avoided the humiliation of being eliminated from the Sect Leader candidacy.
But since the results had been publicly announced, the disgrace of nearly failing to qualify as a candidate was just as humiliating as actually failing.
Through this series of tests, it had been revealed—twice—that his standing among his peers had plummeted to rock bottom.
Even if he were to become Sect Leader in the future,
the label of being a man without trust would undoubtedly haunt him for some time.
Of course, once he attained the position, he could rebuild his network and erase such stains.
But in the beginning, whispers of this would circulate endlessly.
"Summon Cheong-a here at once—no, I'll go myself!"
Growling under his breath, Yuk Jang-cheon stormed toward the Dragon Coil Hall's office where Yuk Cheong-a was stationed.
Thud.
Ignoring the attempts of the guards to stop him, Yuk Jang-cheon barged straight into Yuk Cheong-a's office.
"What brings you here?"
Yuk Cheong-a regarded her father's furious expression with detached calm.
"Without even sending word first?"
"What brings me here? How can you ask that now?"
Yuk Jang-cheon gnashed his teeth.
"Why did you aid the Clear Radiance Hall Leader? Are you betraying your own father?"
"Isn't it only natural?"
Yuk Cheong-a replied impassively.
"I've told you before."
"Told me what?"
"That I will never tolerate anyone stabbing me in the back."
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"If you can't trust your subordinates, just cast them aside."
Yuk Cheong-a's voice remained steady.
"But I was never your subordinate—I was your ally. From the moment I joined the Martial Alliance until now, I've been the one guiding you."
"That's true. So why—?"
"If you hadn't discarded me the moment you became infatuated with that man Seon-u Jin, none of this would have happened."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke coolly.
"Did you really think of me as a pawn you could discard at any time?"
"Are you seriously still worried I'd cast you aside?"
"You still don't understand, do you?"
Yuk Cheong-a's tone turned icy.
"Shall I teach you how to never be betrayed? You betray others before they can betray you."
Then she raised her voice.
"Escort the Hall of Ascending Martial Leader out."
"You must have a reason for acting like this."
Swallowing his fury, Yuk Jang-cheon pressed.
"Am I not even owed an explanation?"
"You don't trust me anyway, do you? You've always been prepared to abandon me."
Yuk Jang-cheon fell silent.
Even as father and daughter, there had never been warmth between them.
Having suffered countless betrayals in the past, it was true he had never fully trusted Yuk Cheong-a.
A crimson flame seemed to flicker in Yuk Jang-cheon's pupils.
But once again, he forcibly suppressed his rage and spoke.
"Cheong-a. There's something you don't understand either."
"And what is that?"
"Building trust is incredibly difficult. But destroying it? That's frighteningly easy."
Yuk Jang-cheon's voice was heavy.
"That's why those in high positions don't speak of trust. Every human is capable of betrayal."
"Exactly. So instead of trust, we negotiate."
"Now we're speaking the same language."
Yuk Jang-cheon exhaled deeply.
"There must still be room for negotiation between us."
"Of course."
Yuk Cheong-a nodded.
"If you wish to maintain our relationship, you will fully open the hidden warehouse in your office's secret chamber."
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyebrows twitched.
"You've been snooping through my warehouse?"
"There was no need to snoop. I merely located the warehouse secured by the Supreme Six Paths Lock in your secret chamber."
The Supreme Six Paths Lock was the mysterious lock that the Ultimate Great Thief Sang-gyeong—who first made the name "Divine Thief" known to the martial world four hundred years ago—had used to seal away the treasure vault where he stored all the plundered riches he'd accumulated over the years.
It was not something just anyone could handle.
Only those recognized as its rightful owner through a special method could wield it.
"Why do you want to see it? Do you know what's inside?"
"If we're sharing the same boat, shouldn't I at least know what you're hiding?"
"Hiding?"
Yuk Jang-cheon burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha!"
Then he shook his head.
"You're mistaken."
His expression was one of disappointment.
"I thought you were sharp-witted, but it seems you're still just a foolish child."
His smile turned cold as he continued.
"Now I understand why you weren't even a match for Chief Gongson."
"What do you mean?"
"Chief Gongson excels at reading people's hearts. That's why he's never been betrayed."
"Was that all you had to say?"
Yuk Cheong-a's voice was icy.
"You're right. I'm not good at understanding others' hearts."
Her expression was laced with contempt.
"But I can at least grasp what's going on in your mind."
"What are you talking about?"
"You decided to sell me off at a high price once I became hall leader, didn't you? You went ahead and arranged an engagement with the only son of the Geumseon Sect's leader without consulting me."
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyebrows twitched.
He had no intention of staying content as a mere hall leader.
He had to become the Alliance Chief.
And for that, he needed not only martial prowess capable of breaking through to the Extreme Heaven Realm but also immense financial power.
That was why he had secretly reached out to the Geumseon Sect leader. If he could form an in-law relationship with the Geumseon Sect, they would become an invaluable backer for him.
His plan was simple—once Yuk Cheong-a became hall leader, he would marry her off to the Geumseon Sect leader's only son. That was all he had discussed with Nu Nam-gwang, the Geumseon Sect leader, regarding the marriage proposal.
"How did you find out about the Geumseon Sect?"
Yuk Cheong-a's face remained cold at his question.
In truth, it was Mu-gyeol's words that had first made her suspicious of Yuk Jang-cheon's intentions. She had mobilized her intelligence network to investigate relentlessly.
And in the process, she had stumbled upon an unexpected revelation.
She had discovered that Yuk Jang-cheon had secretly discussed a marriage proposal with the Geumseon Sect leader behind her back.
"You've always been like this."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke as if finally releasing the resentment festering in her chest.
"You sold me off to the Martial Alliance when I was a child, and now you're planning to sell me again to the Geumseon Sect for another hefty price?"
Yuk Cheong-a was naturally a composed person.
But even she harbored deep-seated resentment that she had never voiced to anyone.
The fact that her father was a cold-blooded man.
That he had sold off her talent and future to others for a high price when she was just a child.
"Do you think this father only acts for his own benefit?"
Yuk Jang-cheon roared as if his fury had exploded.
"Wasn't it thanks to this father sending you to the Divine Nun of the South Sea that you achieved this much success?"
Yuk Cheong-a couldn't hide her incredulous expression.
"Was that really for my sake?"
"In the end, wasn't it a good outcome? Why do you always look at the bigger picture with such a twisted perspective?"
"Bigger picture? And whose bigger picture is that?"
Yuk Cheong-a spat out her words as if chewing on something bitter.
"The only foolish one here is me, for ever thinking I could accomplish great things alongside someone like you."
"What did you say?"
"I should have realized it long ago—when you kept treating your subordinates as expendable. That you're someone who could never achieve anything truly great."
At those unforgivably insulting words, Yuk Jang-cheon's pupils burned with fury.
"Leave."
Yuk Cheong-a met his gaze and spoke firmly.
"I won't walk the same path as you anymore."
"Well said."
Yuk Jang-cheon responded coldly before turning away.
"Don't ever seek this father out again."
He had already crossed an irreversible river with Yuk Cheong-a.
At this point, no words would change anything.
Stepping outside the Dragon Coil Hall, he gazed bitterly at the distant sky.
He had faced countless setbacks in his life, yet he had ultimately overcome every trial.
Looking back, a situation like this was nothing.
The only regret was that Yuk Cheong-a, whom he had believed to possess exceptional intelligence, had turned out to be far more foolish than he'd expected.
"It can't be helped."
He shook his head.
Yuk Cheong-a had outstanding talent in martial arts and intellect, but her youth made her prone to being swayed by trivial matters.
With time, as experience accumulated, those flaws would naturally resolve themselves.
But for now, no words would reach her.
"Eventually, you'll understand. That those people are no match for this father."
After one last glance at the Dragon Coil Hall, he slowly turned away.
At that moment, in a quiet tavern far removed from the Martial Alliance's bustling center—
Bu Eun-seol was drinking with Baek Mu-seong, whom he held in high regard, and Bukgung Ryeong.
And for the first time—
He found himself sharing a drink with someone he had no particular fondness for.
Mu-gyeol.
"Tell me."
Bu Eun-seol spoke quietly to Mu-gyeol, who was silently downing his liquor.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Hohoho. You really are a man of your word."
Mu-gyeol snorted in amusement.
"To actually intend to fulfill such an absurd condition—agreeing to grant any request I make..."
Mu-gyeol's approach to Yuk Cheong-a to expose Yuk Jang-cheon's schemes—
That had all been part of Bu Eun-seol's stratagem.
Though calling it a stratagem might be too generous, given the outrageous condition he had imposed on Mu-gyeol.
Namely—that he would fulfill any request Mu-gyeol made, no matter what it was.