Chapter 41: First Solo Mission (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 41: First Solo Mission (6)
Namgung Jun sat cross-legged, deep in meditation.
He was reviewing his recent battle against the three Peak Experts of the Clear-Center Sect.
Although their cultivation realms varied, none of them were objectively weaker than him. Even so, by relying on his experience as the Sword Emperor and his superior sword techniques, he had not only overcome the numerical disadvantage but had completely overwhelmed his opponents. Yet, Namgung Jun was not satisfied.
‘I could have finished it in fewer moves.’
At the time, he had believed it was his best option, but reviewing it now, he could see better alternatives.
It meant he still had a long way to go.
But Namgung Jun welcomed this realization. It meant he still had plenty of room to grow.
‘I must improve the flow and connection between my sword techniques.’
If he could naturally weave together the various sword arts he knew, he might be able to create an entirely new technique that surpassed them all.
A new sword technique that he hadn't created even in his past life.
The thought made Namgung Jun’s heart flutter with excitement.
Creating this new technique would be his first true step toward surpassing his past self, the Sword Emperor.
“Huu.”
Finishing his meditation, Namgung Jun let out a soft breath and regulated his breathing. At that moment, he sensed a familiar presence outside his door.
“Young Hero Namgung.”
It was Jang Il-su, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Yeongjun Merchant Group.
Knowing why Jang Il-su had come in person, Namgung Jun immediately straightened his clothes.
“I will be right out.”
Namgung Jun headed straight to a pavilion with Jang Il-su. Inside, about a dozen people were gathered.
They were the leaders of various organizations in Hefei, including escort agencies, merchant groups, martial arts halls, and small-to-medium sects. Excluding those who had submitted to or sided with the Clear-Center Sect during the banquet, all the other leaders had been gathered here.
As Namgung Jun entered, the assembled leaders stood up in unison to show their respect.
“Young Hero Namgung.”
“You’ve arrived? Please, take a seat.”
“Are you feeling alright?”
The leaders guided Namgung Jun to the seat of honor.
He politely declined, but they insisted. It seemed the discussion wouldn't proceed unless he sat down. Left with no choice, Namgung Jun offered a polite bow and took the seat they had prepared for him.
“After reviewing the documents we recovered, it is clear that the Clear-Center Sect has committed numerous misdeeds,” Namgung Jun began.
Everything after he had subdued the Clear-Center Sect and the Clear-Center Fourth Sword had proceeded smoothly. With the help of Jang Il-su and other factions supporting him, they had secured all the evidence and documents from within the sect’s headquarters.
“We have confirmed that they extorted and seized assets and businesses through illicit means, growing their sect through all kinds of underhanded methods.”
The leaders nodded. Since everyone in the room was a victim of the Clear-Center Sect's tyranny, no further explanation was necessary.
“By cross-referencing the Clear-Center Sect's ledgers with the documents you brought, we will return all the assets and businesses they stole from you.”
As the words they had been desperately waiting to hear left Namgung Jun's mouth, emotional reactions erupted from all sides.
“Ah…!”
“Thank you so much, Young Hero Namgung.”
“Thanks to you, we can finally breathe again.”
The leaders bowed repeatedly, expressing their gratitude. As the thanks wound down, Jang Il-su asked cautiously, “Young Hero Namgung, what will happen to the Clear-Center Sect?”
“Once all the illicitly seized assets and businesses are settled, the Clear-Center Sect will be forced to Seal the Sect.”
The leaders nodded.
“Mhm.”
“So that is how it will be.”
Though they looked relieved, they could not entirely hide the lingering anxiety in their eyes. Despite all its faults, the Clear-Center Sect had undoubtedly been the leader of the Righteous Faction in Hefei. With its absence, there was a very high chance that Hefei's unorthodox factions would run rampant. This would only create another headache.
For an organization of the Clear-Center Sect's size, its absence would leave a massive void, for better or worse.
Observing the leaders' expressions, Namgung Jun spoke up.
“And now, for the final agenda item.”
Unaware that there was another matter to discuss, the leaders focused their attention on him once more.
“Our association intends to re-establish a branch in Hefei.”
The Azure Heaven Association established different types of branches depending on the situation and purpose. Usually, there were public, general branches—similar to standard sect branches or sub-sects—and secret branches hidden in the shadows. Secret branches were primarily established in regions where the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult or major unorthodox sects held strong influence.
The branch to be established in Hefei, Anhui Province, would be a general branch. Since the goal was to fill the void left by the Clear-Center Sect and expand their influence in northern Anhui Province, establishing a general branch was the correct course of action.
The unexpected news made the leaders' eyes widen.
“An Azure Heaven Association branch in Hefei?”
“Oh! That is wonderful news!”
“If the Azure Heaven Association fills the void left by the Clear-Center Sect, that would be a blessing on top of a blessing.”
Namgung Jun watched their reactions before asking, “I heard there was originally an Azure Heaven Association branch in Hefei as well.”
Jang Il-su and the other leaders nodded.
“Yes. But it was burned to the ground a few years ago during a sudden raid by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.”
“Come to think of it, that was when the Clear-Center Sect began to slowly run wild.”
“Because there was no one left to keep them in check.”
Namgung Jun nodded. “I determined that a Hefei branch is necessary to fill the void left by the Clear-Center Sect and to facilitate our association's movements within Anhui Province. Thus, I have already proposed this to the headquarters.”
The leaders' eyes widened, surprised that Namgung Jun had thought so far ahead.
‘I thought he would just clean up the current situation and leave, but he was already worrying about the aftermath.’
‘He is young, but his vision is remarkably broad.’
‘What an incredible caliber. Is this the standard of the Azure Heaven Association?’
Namgung Jun stood up and clasped his hands in a polite fist salute.
“Therefore, I ask of you. Once the Hefei branch of the Azure Heaven Association is established, please lend us your support.”
The leaders also jumped to their feet, waving their hands in deprecation.
“No, it is we who should be asking that of you.”
“With the Azure Heaven Association's Hefei branch here instead of the Clear-Center Sect, we will feel incredibly secure.”
“Young Hero Namgung, you have truly done us a great service.”
The leaders already held Namgung Jun in high regard. After his proposal to establish the branch, they did not hesitate to bow deeply to him.
‘Peace in Hefei... Young Hero Namgung truly kept his word.’
Watching the rejoicing leaders, Jang Il-su felt deeply grateful to Namgung Jun. Lately, these men had been barely scraping by, holding on only because of their responsibilities. But then, out of nowhere, Namgung Jun had appeared and dismantled the Clear-Center Sect's tyranny overnight.
It was like watching a dark, cloud-covered sky suddenly clear in an instant.
To the leaders of Hefei, Namgung Jun was like warm sunlight gently enveloping them.
‘A chivalrous hero...’
Witnessing the deeds of a chivalrous hero—something he had only heard about in stories as a child—right before his eyes, Jang Il-su felt his heart swell with an inexplicable excitement.
*
The Azure Heaven Association immediately dispatched personnel to establish the Hefei branch in Anhui Province. The person leading them was none other than Kang Mong of the Ink Fragrance Department.
“Namgung Jun. I had high expectations, but I didn't expect you to handle this so magnificently. Considering the nature of the mission, it wouldn't have been strange for a Hall Master to step in.”
“It is all thanks to the Ink Lord trusting me and granting me the authority.”
Kang Mong crossed his arms and continued walking as he spoke. “The leaders couldn't praise you enough. Most of them even recommended you as the Hefei Branch Leader.”
Having just finished his meeting with the local leaders, Kang Mong looked at Namgung Jun with pride. Because Namgung Jun had won their favor in such a short time, the association would receive immense help in establishing the Anhui branch. Not only that, but if they continued to cooperate organically with the local powers, the Hefei branch would take deep, sturdy root.
This was an achievement that could never have been realized had Namgung Jun acted rashly, focused solely on punishing the Clear-Center Sect.
‘As expected, his vision is broad and his thoughts are deep for his age.’
Kang Mong considered Namgung Jun's innate character to be another of his great strengths. Possessing both martial prowess and a noble character, he was bound to play a crucial role in the Azure Heaven Association in the near future.
‘The position of Branch Leader is important, but it would be a waste of Namgung Jun's potential.’
Kang Mong suddenly grew curious. In a year, just how high would Namgung Jun have climbed?
He had a gut feeling that the days he could speak to Namgung Jun like this were numbered.
“Namgung Jun. Now that the handover is complete, do you plan to return immediately?”
Namgung Jun shook his head.
“No. I plan to stay at the Yeongjun Merchant Group for a short while. Would that be alright?”
“As long as it doesn't exceed seven days, it doesn't matter. I'll see you back at headquarters.”
“Yes, Scholar Kang.”
*
Holding his sword in a middle stance, Namgung Jun unleashed the forms of the Great Derivation Sword Technique one by one.
With just that, his sword paths connected seamlessly, scattering a barrage of strikes that blocked off all five directions.
Steadfast Blade, who had attempted to face the attack head-on, hastily retreated. He managed to parry a few strikes, but he lacked the leeway to handle the rest. Drawing from his long experience as a wandering warrior, he knew it was wiser to pull back rather than force a confrontation.
But as if he had anticipated the move, Namgung Jun immediately executed the Infinite Steps to close the distance. Without giving Steadfast Blade a single moment to swing his saber, he brought his sword straight down.
Clang!
Under the fierce weight of the strike, the broadsword in Steadfast Blade's hand was sent flying.
“Gasp!”
Staring at the tip of the sword resting just before his throat, Steadfast Blade broke out in a cold sweat.
Namgung Jun sheathed his sword and bowed politely. “Your skills have improved significantly.”
“Pant… pant… It is all thanks to your help, Young Hero Namgung.”
“If you keep practicing like this, you will soon be able to reach the Peak Realm.”
Steadfast Blade couldn't bring himself to answer and merely nodded, struggling to catch his breath. Part of it was his exhaustion from the intense duel, but mostly, it was because he still couldn't believe his reality. After being stuck at the entry level of the First-Rate realm for years, he had somehow reached its pinnacle.
Their sparring over the last seven days had elevated him to this height.
He was truly an astonishing young man.
“I heard you have become an official guard for the Yeongjun Merchant Group,” Namgung Jun said.
“That's right. The Merchant Guild Leader offered me very generous terms. Besides, I was starting to feel like settling down in a stable place.”
Thanks to their connection from the previous trade caravan, Steadfast Blade had decided to stay with the Yeongjun Merchant Group. It was a welcome development for Jang Il-su as well, who had been searching for trustworthy talent.
“Since it's Hefei, I'm sure I will visit from time to time. I look forward to seeing your growth.”
“Ah.”
Steadfast Blade let out a soft sigh without realizing it. Today was Namgung Jun's last day in Hefei.
‘It has been a truly busy few days.’
Namgung Jun had single-handedly taken responsibility for Hefei's security until the personnel dispatched to the Azure Heaven Association's Hefei branch arrived and completed the handover. In fact, a few of Hefei's unorthodox factions had tried to test the waters, but Namgung Jun had preemptively taken action and decapitated their leaders, leaving no one else daring to make a move.
He had fully backed up his words with his sword.
“Ah. And about the disciple you mentioned before…”
“How embarrassing. Please forget what I said back then.”
Namgung Jun shook his head. “There is a rather promising talent here. It might be worth looking into him yourself while you work together at the merchant group.”
“Oh? Tell me who it is, and I will go see him right away.”
Namgung Jun thought of Un-chan, who had been protecting his younger siblings all on his own.
‘With his determination to protect his siblings and the grit he showed by never giving up, even while doing hard labor, he will be a better martial artist than most.’
After introducing Un-chan to Steadfast Blade, Namgung Jun set off.
Now that his mission was complete, it was time to return.