#57. The First-Rate Warrior Who Astonished the Divine Sword (5)
Namgung Taeha had picked up a sword at the age of six and roamed the jianghu for over half a century, encountering unimaginable events and bizarre figures along the way. Even after turning sixty, he thought nothing could surprise him anymore—yet the words tumbling from the mouth of this young man, not even in his thirties, left him utterly stunned.
"What did you say you want?"
"The Changgung Merchant Group, as I mentioned."
"Hah…."
A hollow laugh escaped at the sheer absurdity of it.
"You're making an outrageous demand just to force my refusal, aren't you?"
"If I can deliver what you've asked for, wouldn't that be the perfect opportunity? No reason to refuse."
His unwavering demeanor and level tone. Was this young man truly serious about such an impossible condition?
"Are you asking for the whole house to catch bedbugs?"
The Changgung Merchant Group was the bedrock sustaining the Namgung family. Demanding it was no different from demanding all their assets.
"The rafters are on fire. Shouldn't we rip them out before the pillars burn too?"
"…?"
Something was off about this insolent youth's words. He hadn't mentioned it even once—how did he know?
"What nonsense is that?"
"Don't you have a problem with the collateral branch? That's why you called me."
"!!"
Had their internal affairs leaked out? Impossible. No one in the Namgung family wanted to publicize such a humiliating situation. Besides, the rebellious collateral branch wouldn't openly reveal their plans—that would invite immediate suspicion and expose their crimes.
Even the attack on his grandchildren at Gu-eom Mountain had left no trace of their backers, thanks to the branch's airtight secrecy. And even if rumors had spread quietly, this young man was just a disciple of Tae-eul Gate. There was no way he could know the family's inner workings in such detail.
"…No way."
That realization sparked curiosity about Jin Sowoon's true identity. He didn't seem like just any Tae-eul Gate disciple. Suspicion stirred his inner energy, unleashing a ferocious killing intent.
It was no ordinary pressure—far beyond what his evident skill and inner strength could withstand.
"How do you know about that?"
"…!"
"Speak. Your answer may decide whether you live or die."
Even Namgung Jinmyeong would struggle against this intent head-on, yet astonishingly, the youth merely furrowed his brow and endured.
Wondering if he'd held back unconsciously, Namgung Taeha glanced at Namgung San standing aside. The boy, sensing the gravity from afar and keeping his distance, had fled to the end of the Great Connection Hall under the radiating pressure.
What in the world….
As Namgung Taeha reeled, Jin Sowoon continued.
"…I first grew suspicious when Senior Brother Namgung San came looking for the academy plaque. The Five Great Families aren't so weak they can't even pass the Murim Academy entrance exam. He was desperate to seize it."
Killing intent was primal fear, stimulating instincts. Even those with iron wills found it nearly impossible to withstand when unleashed in earnest.
"The second clue came when Seonhwa visited Ma-ryeong Plateau for the Mita Sacred Water. With the Great Connection Divine Pill every five years and your family's superior pure yin heart method, it wasn't worth risking life against black path foes for some elixir."
"…."
Enduring such intent required prior exposure to something even greater. What could this young man have faced stronger than a divine sword's pressure?
"The third was the assault at Gu-eom Mountain. Five hundred men moved on your direct descendants in Anhui Province—practically your front yard—yet you had no prior warning. Your eyes and ears failed you."
Sweat poured down his face, paling with strain, yet he pressed on.
More than his martial insight or mysterious reserves, Namgung Taeha marveled at the youth's mental fortitude holding against his intent—like someone who'd crossed through hell itself, unfazed by mere killing pressure.
"The fourth was your willingness to pay any price for a sword art I supposedly know. Now that you understand, could you ease up? I can't hold out much longer."
"…."
Namgung Taeha withdrew his intent. Thud. Jin Sowoon collapsed like a puppet with cut strings.
The elder shared his honest awe.
"…For the first time in my life, I feel reverence toward an opponent."
"…."
Even praised by the Creation Divine Sword himself, Jin Sowoon made no reply.
"Are you angry?"
Wondering if he'd overdone it and offended the boy, he approached—only to see blood trickling from Jin Sowoon's mouth. He'd passed out.
"Haha… He held his ground until he collapsed like this?"
Namgung Taeha had never seen such tenacity. Glancing at Namgung San rushing over upon seeing the fall, he understood why the boy stood no chance.
Deep into the night. Tae-eul Gate's key figures—Hong Moon-gi, Gang Chaeseok, and Jin Taesan—gathered, each clutching a bottle of liquor.
"It's been too long since we've all met like this."
Hong Moon-gi's words drew wry smiles from the others. In the old days, they'd carouse nightly, but now days blurred into sleepless frenzy.
Of course, they all knew who was to blame without saying it.
"You said there's something important to discuss?"
Today's meeting was at Jin Taesan's insistence on a "very important matter." Dark circles shadowed Hong Moon-gi and Gang Chaeseok's eyes; they looked ready to collapse into bed.
"Why'd you call me? I've been swamped with that Yu-seong kid lately."
One day, a wandering swordsman had dumped four children on them. The oldest boy delivered a letter claiming Jin Sowoon had accepted them as disciples and asked for their care—an absurd request.
"I still get a headache thinking about it…."
"You hate it?"
Gang Chaeseok clutched his head but sipped his drink with a faint smile. The four disciples had finished Busengdang training, but to place Yu-seong, they'd wait for the next cohort. At fourteen, however, he risked missing prime training years.
So, private lessons matched his pace with Kwaehwa Dang students. Astonishingly, Yu-seong's aptitude outshone all past disciples.
One lesson, ten insights—a prodigy. Barely into Busengdang, he already rivaled Kwaehwa Dang levels.
"He'll be Tae-eul Gate's greatest talent."
Gang Chaeseok, burning nights on lessons, laughed heartily, fatigue forgotten. Jin Taesan smiled wryly.
"That's actually why I called you."
"Huh?"
"One more disciple to teach."
"…What? Did that Sowoon punk send someone else?"
"He did."
"…?"
"…?"
Gang Chaeseok eyed Hong Moon-gi. No siblings like Yu-seong from Sowoon, as far as he knew. Hong seemed clueless too.
"Jegal Cheongi, right?"
"…?"
Gang Chaeseok rubbed his ears.
"Did I hear wrong?"
Jin Taesan still smiled wryly. Gang Chaeseok paled.
"Hey! Enough joking! Why drag a tired guy here for this?!"
"No joke."
"…."
Jin Taesan turned to Hong Moon-gi.
"Jegal Cheongi… wants to learn Tae-eul Gate's martial arts."
"…Is that possible?"
"With the sect leader's permission."
"…No, I mean, will the Jegal family allow it?"
Jin Taesan had said the same initially. Jegal Cheongi handed him a letter. He passed it carefully to Hong Moon-gi.
From Jegal Hyeonun, family head and father of Jegal Cheongi.
We cannot accept him as a true disciple for study, but we would be grateful if you take him as a lay disciple.
Hong Moon-gi's eyes widened like a rabbit's upon reading.
"…I don't get it."
Family scions joining sects as lay disciples wasn't new—Five Great Families' children often did if family arts didn't suit, entering the Nine Great Sects.
But one of the Five Great Families sending to lowly Tae-eul Gate, bottom of the 108 Peaks? Even as sect leader, it baffled Hong Moon-gi.
"…Haha, really."
"He promised the head: once self-sufficient, no more shadow warrior duties. He's dead set on learning martial arts."
Understanding eased refusal, but unease lingered—why Tae-eul Gate's arts over their own?
"Cheongi insisted on joining his sworn brother Sowoon."
Hong Moon-gi burst into hearty laughter.
"You really birthed a gem."
"…He's your disciple too."
"Master-disciple isn't just father-son."
"What'll you do?"
"What else? Can't turn away one seeking our teachings. Gang Chaeseok, more work for you."
"…Damn it. That punk's tormenting me from a thousand li away."
Grumbling, but Gang Chaeseok smiled. Training talents always fulfilled him.
"Yu-seong's running out of things to learn anyway."
"Already?"
"Don't ask. Thought it was just aptitude. Kid's a workaholic—never seen him sleep."
Gang Chaeseok shook his head in exhaustion.
"Hope Cheongi isn't as intense. Teaching prodigies is blood-draining."
Hong Moon-gi asked Jin Taesan.
"Finances okay?"
Changes brought expenses.
"Holding for now, but it'll bottom out soon."
"…Not sure if to cheer or worry."
"Cheer. We're growing. Iron ore's trickling from the mine—we'll manage."
Mine development took time.
"Wang Geumsan suggested starting a merchant group."
"A merchant group?"
"Yeah. Base it on the iron mine for stability. He offered initial investment."
"Can't thank him enough. Pass on my gratitude."
"Will do."
"But in Hebi? Changgung's there."
The trio knew: Changgung HQ in Hebi drove all Namgung commerce.
"Start with iron ore trading. Expand slowly via forges and smelters."
"Even with Wang's help, no need to irk Namgung. Check with them first on ironworks."
"Got it."
Hong Moon-gi eyed them.
"I know you're both swamped. Hang in there. I think these changes are good for Tae-eul Gate."
"Same here."
"Hear, hear!"
The three sipped bitter liquor, smiles faint, ignoring snacks.
Damn old man. Hurling killing intent like a brute.
Without past-life experience enduring the Heavenly Demon Black Sword Squad, I'd have bolted. Pride held me first, sheer grit last—then blackout. Woke to morning light.
Not Je-wang Hall. A maid entered.
"Awake, sir?"
"Where am I?"
"Great Connection Hall."
"…The family head's quarters?"
"Yes. He's waiting at the training ground."
She left. I straightened my robes and headed out.
The Creation Divine Sword gazed at Hwang Mountain's peak.
"Awake?"
No playful glint from yesterday.
I dodged reply over yesterday.
"…Sorry. I need to trust your words easily."
My brow twitched. The world's Creation Divine Sword apologizing to a Murim novice like me.
Couldn't stay petty.
"It's fine. From your position, suspicion was natural."
"…Dealing with you feels less like a young man, more like a sly old demon."
Praise or insult? He drew his sword.
"For our talk to proceed, you need proof your life is safe. Then we can continue."
With that, he began sword dance—starting with Changgung Formless Sword's introductory stance, but twisting oddly.
"…."
By end, it morphed into something else entirely. Each path blocked Changgung Formless Sword's vital lines, stabbing its flaws.
The intent clearly aimed to dismantle it.
"What do you think?"
"…My life's in more danger now."
The family head researching counters to his clan's secret art. Crude compared to Jegal Cheongi's analysis, but undeniable rejection of Changgung Formless Sword.
"Heh heh. No worries. This secret dies with you."
"…."
"Now, your life assured—back to the deal. Do you have what I want?"
"I do."
"As expected. …What do you truly seek?"
Same answer as yesterday.
"The Changgung Merchant Group."
His brow furrowed.
"You think that's feasible?"
"Precisely, the Hebi branch."
"Hmph! Hebi isn't a branch—it's HQ. Same as demanding the whole group."
"That's why I specified Hebi. Why is Changgung HQ in Hebi, not Hwang Mountain with the Namgung family?"
"Well… It's the transport hub, naturally…."
He clamped his mouth. The crisis stemmed from HQ's separation from main house.
The branch's efforts boomed economy, but distant HQ eroded main influence, boosting theirs—chief cause of tragedy.
"Don't you see the flaw in that reasoning? Hebi's Anhui's biggest city, sure, but affiliates looking to Hebi HQ? They should look to Hwang Mountain."
"Haha…."
Empty laugh.
"One word from you worth millions. I almost want to hand over Hebi's Changgung."
"Precisely—not you giving, me removing your greatest worry."
"Haha, right you are."
Smile vanished.
"But most, including Changgung, is under Namgung Songju's grip. Elders won't approve this farce; he'll oppose on any pretext."
"I'll convince the group leader."
"Huh? You?"
"Yes. He'll have no choice but to yield Hebi branch to me."
"…."
Imagining Father's joy, my smile lingered.