#59. The Black Flame Dragon Frolicking with Dragon and Phoenix
The Changgung Merchant Group's Hefei headquarters was to be dissolved. The institutions that had served as its core would return to the Hwang Mountain family's main estate, and until Tae-eul Gate took over, it would operate as the Changgung Merchant Group's Hefei branch.
The Creation Divine Sword handled matters with swift efficiency. He promptly established the Changgung Upper Pavilion to manage the merchant group along with mines, transport, inns, and more, appointing Namgung Songju—the former head of the branch families—as its lord. This quelled opposition from the Elder Hall and the branches.
With Namgung Songju, their leader, staying silent, the branch families had no choice but to follow suit.
While all this unfolded over two days, I spent my time in the Emperor's Pavilion reviewing my martial arts and retracing my insights.
Two days later, I took my seat to receive the transfer deed for the Changgung Merchant Group. To my surprise, the one who appeared to draft it was none other than Namgung Songju.
"……."
"Sit."
Namgung Songju calmly handed over the deed as if nothing had happened. I scrutinized it meticulously, wondering if he'd tampered with it somehow. Having memorized thousands of such documents from the Murim Alliance, even a sharp operator like Wang Geumsan couldn't outdo me.
As I examined it, Namgung Songju murmured to himself.
"My father laid the foundation for the Changgung Merchant Group and expanded our businesses, paving the way for the Namgung family's golden age."
"……?"
"For 200 years, the Namgung family produced only 100 Dae-yeonnan-dan pills. But after my father took charge, we could make at least ten every five years. Thanks to him, the direct line received one every five years."
"……What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
Ignoring me, Namgung Songju continued.
"My father lamented that the fruits of his labors didn't reach me. But I didn't mind. In the Namgung family, branch families exist to serve the direct line, and only through their strength does the family grow."
"……."
"Yet the man who toiled his life away outside the family, shedding blood and sweat, never received even a single Dae-yeonnan-dan before his death."
Namgung Songju's gaze drifted into the void, tracing some distant memory. Was this meant to stir my conscience?
"Because by then, it was already in the bellies of the direct line."
"……."
"What you've done has crushed the dreams of the Namgung branch families, oppressed for centuries. Are you satisfied?"
I asked after hearing his tale.
"I just need to sign here, right?"
"……."
As I signed, I replied.
I felt no pangs of conscience whatsoever.
"Everyone thinks their own lot is the most pitiable. The most unjust, the most miserable."
"……We……."
I understood his feelings. Or rather, I could sense them.
"If it was so unjust, why not just leave the Namgung family?"
"!"
In my past life, how bitterly had I resented my weak sect? It gave me nothing, only took, and I cursed it endlessly.
"The Changgung Merchant Group's rise was impressive. But could it have happened without the Namgung name?"
Blinded by resentment, he couldn't see straight—what I'd gained from Tae-eul Gate, the protection it offered, what I'd fled from. I only realized after losing everything.
"Impossible. And I understand that branches aren't bound to the family once they become branches. Isn't that right?"
"……."
"No obligations mean no rights. Yet you stayed in the Namgung family to borrow its name, didn't you?"
"……."
The man before me now had achieved all he desired in my past life, only to die by the Creation Divine Sword's hand. Watching the Namgung family burn, seeing branch bloodlines perish by the sword immortal's blade—would he have been satisfied?
"I too once bitterly resented being born into Tae-eul Gate. My father was the Outer Hall Lord, so I couldn't even leave. Only after losing countless precious things I took for granted did I realize."
"……What was it?"
"That the things I took for granted weren't guaranteed."
"……."
"Lord, your situation may seem endlessly miserable, but from my view, it's enough to live without envy. At least when people speak of the Namgung family, they won't mock you."
"……."
"Of course, my happiness won't come at your misery's expense, but if you're going to complain, do it before high officials, not beggars under a bridge."
"……Then tell me, are you satisfied now?"
I held up the deed.
"More than satisfied—overflowing. It's just one of dozens of branches to you, but for my sect, it's enough for everyone to eat hot meals three times a day and wear unpatched clothes."
"……."
"If you're truly dissatisfied, leave anytime. That's my advice."
I folded the deed carefully, tucked it into my bosom, and rose.
Only then did Namgung Songju speak, as if it had just occurred to him.
"That matter……."
"The bodies? Already taken care of. Wild beasts wouldn't leave shallow burials alone."
"……Fooled."
Namgung Songju didn't react strongly.
"Looking forward to working with you."
I left without waiting for a reply.
#
The Creation Divine Sword decided to enter secluded training with Namgung San. Namgung Seonhwa needed to join, but with the Murim Academy exam looming and no set end to the training, her new swordsmanship practice was postponed with Namgung Jinmyeong.
Even as branch businesses flooded back to the main house, throwing the entire Namgung family into chaos, vacating the family head's seat was a bold move—likely because perfecting the ascension ritual was the only true way to quell the turmoil at its root.
"Changgung Unwi Sword Method."
"What about it?"
"The name of the new sword art."
I clicked my tongue at the Creation Divine Sword's words.
"Why include the 'Un' character? Changgung Muwi Sword Method would be better."
"Isn't your name Jin Sowoon?"
"……."
I was speechless, mouth agape. The Creation Divine Sword smiled faintly and continued.
"Planning to take the Murim Academy regular exam, I assume?"
"Yes."
"Then take good care of my granddaughter."
He pointed at Namgung Seonhwa. Namgung Jinmyeong and Seonhwa, overhearing, tilted their heads.
"Shouldn't I be the one asking that? I'll probably take the exam alone or with a few juniors."
Namgung Jinmyeong and Seonhwa gasped in shock.
"That's ridiculous!"
"Jin Gongja! You can't!"
The Creation Divine Sword tsked at them.
"Such children. You'll have to help him a lot."
"Why? Haven't we settled all accounts?"
"Well…… I wrote a few lines for a letter to the Poison King. Guess I shouldn't send it."
He referenced my earlier request to put in a word with the Sichuan Tang family about using the White Demonic Flower Bomb.
"That was to save your grandson and granddaughter……."
"Ahem. You bought it through uncertain channels, didn't you? The Tang family might wonder what else you have."
"Haa……."
Using one of the Tang family's prized hidden weapons meant word would reach them soon. Without someone like the Namgung family—or the Creation Divine Sword—backing me, who knew what trouble might befall Tae-eul Gate in my absence? A poison-specialized clan as ruthless as any Black Path sect couldn't be left with seeds of doubt.
"We can't travel together, but if paths align, I'll keep an eye out. Satisfied? I have juniors to bring too."
"Good. Very good."
As the Creation Divine Sword nodded, Namgung Jinmyeong and Seonhwa still looked baffled.
#
The Namgung family's seclusion cave could only be opened from inside, and only Family Head Namgung Taeha held the key.
Namgung San stood at the entrance, lost in thought.
"What are you doing? We must perfect and master the sword art without delay."
"Ah, it's not that. I feel like I forgot to tell him something."
"Tell who?"
"Jin Gongja."
"What?"
"That the Dragon-Phoenix Society is visiting Tae-eul Gate this time."
"Kids visiting a sect—what's the big deal?"
Even the prestigious Dragon-Phoenix Society—open only to top Murim Academy graduates with proven martial prowess—seemed like child's play to the Creation Divine Sword.
Namgung San gave a wry smile.
"This time, it's for inspection."
"Inspection?"
"Yes. It's an annual audit ritual, but for some reason, Tae-eul Gate has been slated for a special one."
Namgung Taeha frowned as he listened.
"Tch, still pulling those stunts."
He seemed to know the story. Having been in the Dragon-Phoenix Society himself in his youth, it made sense.
"……Should I go back and tell him?"
"Leave it. That kid will handle it. Come here."
"……Yes."
Even after the exchange, Namgung San felt uneasy, soon realizing it wasn't just about the message.
"……."
It was because his grandfather, Namgung Taeha, had used words toward Jin Sowoon he'd never uttered to him, his sister, or even his father.
"'He'll handle it fine.' Hah."
A bellow echoed from inside the cave.
"Hurry up instead of dawdling!"
"Yes! Coming!"
#
These days, Jin Taesan minimized reports to the sect leader to steal more sleep, but he visited Hong Moon-gi's quarters with a single letter.
"……You okay?"
Hong Moon-gi's eyes filled with concern at Jin Taesan's face.
"……Ah, yes. But look at this."
"From the Murim Alliance's Hefei branch."
"The Dragon-Phoenix Society is visiting. Standard audit procedure."
Hong Moon-gi nodded, folding the letter after reading.
"I see."
"How should we prepare? Clean the halls first, maybe."
"No need."
"Sect Leader."
"It's the usual. And Tae-eul Gate is in far better shape than last audit. Don't they send servants from the Wang Merchant Group weekly?"
"……True."
"Clear one hall and prepare fresh bedding. They'll need a place to stay."
"Understood."
"The kids will be thrilled anyway."
The Dragon-Phoenix Society's audits were practically a touring spectacle by the Alliance's young idols—untarnished youthful masters upholding justice. Meant to let pure-hearted youths enforce the jianghu's order, it had evolved into inspiring dreams in the young.
Members enjoyed the prestige too.
"More importantly, go sleep. You look half-dead."
"……Yes, after the Dragon-Phoenix Society leaves, I'll sleep for days."
"Good. Well done."
Hong Moon-gi chuckled, watching Jin Taesan shuffle out.
"He loves his son's tasks that much? Heh."
#
I stayed an extra day to absorb Namgung Seonhwa's share of Dae-yeonnan-dan pills. Then I packed and informed the maids I'd return to the sect. The one tending the Emperor's Pavilion passed the word to Namgung Jinmyeong and Seonhwa.
They came to see me off personally.
"Leaving already?"
"You've treated me far beyond my station. Thank you."
"You've been father's guest until now. Stay as my guest from here on?"
Reluctance dripped from Namgung Jinmyeong's eyes.
"I'd love to, but later."
"Hm? Something come up?"
"Dragon-Phoenix Society visiting Tae-eul Gate."
"Ah…… I see. Right at that age to idolize them."
Namgung Jinmyeong nodded understandingly. Then Namgung Seonhwa cut in.
"Father, can I visit Tae-eul Gate too?"
"With the regular exam so close? Focus on getting in."
Namgung Jinmyeong shook his head at her pout.
Unfortunately, my rush to leave stemmed from the exact opposite reason the Namgung father and son imagined. Thinking of them from my past life made my teeth grind.
'Dragon-Phoenix Society…….'
Right around this time in my past life, the Dragon-Phoenix Society visited Tae-eul Gate. And because of them, the sect leader fell into qi deviation.