Chapter 47: The Azure Heaven Association Leader (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 47: The Azure Heaven Association Leader (1)
The master and disciple boarded a boat with the Tang siblings.
Traveling by water was the fastest way to reach the association’s headquarters on Huangshanshan, and it also served as a precaution in case the Second Young Master of the Martial Strike Sect decided to break his promise.
Fortunately, nothing unusual happened before they parted ways. Their time aboard the vessel was peaceful.
Namgung Jun didn't stop training, even on the boat, occasionally engaging in duels with the assassins of the Nether-Fathoming Hall.
'It's hard to call them pure assassins,' he thought.
The Nether-Fathoming Hall seemed to be a group of martial artists who blended the identities of swordsmen and assassins. In particular, their use of dual swords piqued Namgung Jun's interest.
He felt his horizons in swordsmanship expanding in a new direction. In his past life, he had only swung dual swords a few times for amusement, which made this experience feel all the more novel.
He felt he might be able to incorporate their style into his own swordsmanship someday.
“That was a good duel.”
“…”
When Namgung Jun offered his respects, the Nether-Fathoming Hall assassin he had just crossed blades with responded with a silent nod.
The Tang siblings, who had been waiting for the duel to end, immediately approached. It was nearly time for Namgung Jun and Lee Se-ha to disembark.
“Now that we’ve come this far, the Second Young Master of the Martial Strike Sect will find it difficult to pursue us,” Tang Bo-seon said.
The Tang siblings expressed their gratitude to the master and disciple.
“Young Master Namgung. Please accept this.”
Tang Yeo-jin handed him a thick stack of papers. The scent of fresh ink still clung to the sheets, suggesting she had been writing nonstop since they boarded the boat. The handwriting looked rushed, as if she had scrambled to get everything down in the limited time they had.
“What is this?”
“I wrote down some medicinal prescriptions, acupuncture techniques, and general information about the Nine Yin Severed Meridian that might help. I hope it will be of some use.”
Tang Yeo-jin had meticulously recorded the precious information she had gathered to treat her own Three Yin Severed Meridian.
Though the contents of the papers were as valuable as the mnemonic formulas of a secret manual, she didn’t hesitate to hand them to Namgung Jun.
It was the least she could do for her savior.
“And once my Three Yin Severed Meridian is cured, I will begin researching the Nine Yin Severed Meridian. So that I can be of help to you one day, Young Master Namgung.”
“I accept your kind gesture with gratitude.”
Tang Bo-seon also clasped his hands in a polite salute.
“If you ever find yourself in Sichuan Province, please seek out the Tang Clan in Chengdu. Though we are a small family, we have a deep understanding of medicine and metallurgy. We will surely be of help.”
“The Tang Clan of Chengdu, Sichuan. I will keep that in mind.”
“Furthermore, although the Tang Clan walks the line between the orthodox and unorthodox, we will support anyone from the Azure Heaven Association with all our heart. Please let the other righteous heroes know of this.”
Lee Se-ha welcomed Tang Bo-seon's words.
“Thank you. That will be of immense help to our Association's Clouds operating in Sichuan Province.”
The western regions of the Jianghu were dominated by the Demonic and Heretical Paths, and Sichuan Province was no exception.
Of course, the Azure Heaven Association had a secret branch in Sichuan, and a few small sects, including the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect, offered some assistance. But it was far from enough to stand against the overwhelming influence of the Demonic and Heretical Paths.
Under such circumstances, gaining an ally—even a small family—was a massive benefit.
Especially an ally in Sichuan.
“A great achievement,” the Nether-Fathoming Hall Master, who had been listening from the side, muttered in a low voice.
“I certainly lucked out with my disciple,” Lee Se-ha said with a smile.
“Heavenly Sword. Teach him well.”
“Of course. More importantly, please take good care of those siblings.”
Lee Se-ha glanced toward the Tang siblings. It was time for him and Namgung Jun to disembark.
The Nether-Fathoming Hall Master and his assassins, however, were heading to Hubei Province, so they could accompany the siblings for a while longer.
“Do not worry.”
The two Hall Masters exchanged brief farewells and went their separate ways.
*
When they arrived at the Heavenly Sword Hall, the atmosphere was bustling. It seemed some joyous event had occurred.
The master and disciple crossed the threshold side by side.
“Oh? Hall Master?”
“The youngest is back too. You two must have met on the way.”
“Perfect timing. A newcomer has arrived.”
The swordsmen of the Heavenly Sword Hall welcomed them, parting to make way. As they did, the newcomer, who had been surrounded by the swordsmen, was revealed.
“Ah. Hello?”
Contrary to expectations, the newcomer was a familiar face.
It was Man Ye-won, the granddaughter of the Head of the Elders' Council, Man Hun.
Man Ye-won gave an awkward smile and waved at Namgung Jun.
“So you passed the entrance exam and joined the Ten Halls.”
“It’s all thanks to you. My skill with the Great Wind Sword Technique has improved tremendously.”
Man Ye-won bowed her head, her expression turning apologetic once more.
“I'm really sorry about what happened back then at the Self-Reflection Martial Repository. Thinking back on it, I realize I was incredibly rude.”
“As long as you realize it now, it’s fine. Everyone makes mistakes.”
When Namgung Jun accepted her apology so casually, the tension gripping Man Ye-won’s face finally melted into a bright smile.
“Another fine swordsman has joined us,” Lee Se-ha commented, having listened to the exchange between the two youths. Hearing her voice, Man Ye-won stiffened again and quickly clasped her hands in salute.
“Greetings, Heavenly Sword Hall Master.”
“There's no need for such formalities among us. Just call me Hall Master.”
Lee Se-ha gently placed a hand on Namgung Jun's shoulder.
“Jun, make sure to guide our newcomer well.”
“Understood.”
At Namgung Jun's unhesitating reply, Man Ye-won’s eyes sparkled with delight as she watched him.
Yes!
She cheered inwardly.
Having placed in the top three among all the examinees, she had been given the privilege of choosing which hall to join.
Although several other halls had extended invitations, Man Ye-won had stubbornly chosen the Heavenly Sword Hall.
Because Namgung Jun was here.
I can become stronger.
Man Ye-won was certain of it. Just by staying near Namgung Jun, there would be so much to learn.
Grandfather recommended the Heavenly Sword Hall too, so there was nothing to hesitate about.
She resolved to stick as close to Namgung Jun as possible.
“Follow me for now. I'll show you around the Heavenly Sword Hall.”
“Great.”
Man Ye-won quickly caught up to Namgung Jun as he walked ahead.
“What should I call you? Senior Namgung?”
“Call me whatever you want.”
“Then I'll just call you by your name. Namgung Jun, do you have any plans to place the secret manual of the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique in the Self-Reflection Martial Repository?”
“We'll see.”
Though Man Ye-won chattered endlessly beside him, Namgung Jun simply began guiding her, his expression calm and unbothered.
*
After returning to the Heavenly Sword Hall and unpacking his belongings, Namgung Jun headed straight for the Ink Fragrance Department.
Normally, submitting a written report would have sufficed, but this case was different.
The scope of the mission had changed drastically, culminating in the establishment of the new Hefei Branch.
Therefore, Namgung Jun had to report directly to Yun Gyeong-jong in person.
“I see. So that is how things unfolded.”
Yun Gyeong-jong, lost in thought for a moment, asked, “But considering when the message arrived at headquarters, you suggested establishing the branch even before the Clear-Center Sect held their banquet.”
“Yes.”
“Did you send the letter because you judged that the situation would unfold exactly as you anticipated?”
“Even if it hadn't, I believed that establishing a branch was ultimately the best course of action.”
“Hmm.”
The meaning behind Namgung Jun's words was simple.
One way or another, he had intended to bring down the Clear-Center Sect and fill the resulting vacuum with the Hefei Branch.
To execute his very first solo mission so flawlessly...
Moreover, it was a mission where discretionary authority had been temporarily granted.
Depending on the situation, Yun Gyeong-jong often granted capable Clouds authority beyond their rank, but only a select few made proper use of it.
Yet Namgung Jun, despite this being his first mission, had used his authority perfectly to produce the best possible outcome.
A faint light of admiration shone in Yun Gyeong-jong's eyes as he looked at the rookie Cloud, who had displayed capabilities far exceeding his expectations.
Not only his martial arts, but his overall vision and judgment are outstanding. Is it because he experienced the Jianghu early on, even if only as a sword attendant?
Yun Gyeong-jong shook his head.
It was highly unlikely that merely experiencing the Jianghu early could produce such results.
Though the boy was a youth in appearance, Yun Gyeong-jong felt a strange sensation, as if he were facing an experienced old master.
Yun Gyeong-jong smiled faintly as he looked at the remarkable boy before him.
As expected, my eyes did not deceive me.
Namgung Jun was undoubtedly a sprout destined to grow into a giant tree of the Azure Heaven Association. A talent that must never be lost.
For the first time in a long while, Yun Gyeong-jong felt a deep sense of warmth and relief.
The Azure Heaven Association possessed various talents, but none capable of shifting the massive tide driven by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.
But Namgung Jun was different.
He possessed a talent sharp enough to pierce the world itself.
“Excellent. You are likely the first in the history of the Second Cloud rank to achieve such a monumental feat.”
Nodding humbly, Namgung Jun asked, “How is the current situation at the Hefei Branch?”
Even though the branch’s establishment had been a success, he had personally taken responsibility for it. It was only natural for him to wonder how things had turned out.
“With the appointment of the new branch leader, the branch seems to be running stably. Kang Mong should also be preparing to return by now.”
Yun Gyeong-jong paused to take a sip of his tea, his expression hardening slightly.
“Furthermore, something suspicious was discovered among the documents you secured.”
“What is it?”
“The Ink Fragrance Department is currently analyzing them, but it appears the Clear-Center Sect and the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult were exchanging some form of correspondence.”
Namgung Jun's brow furrowed coldly.
“The Sun-Moon Demonic Cult again.”
“They were reaching their hands into Hefei from the shadows. If this connection is confirmed, it will lead to a further investigation, and your achievements will only grow.”
Despite the mention of his achievements growing even greater, the harsh line of Namgung Jun's brow showed no sign of relaxing.
Observing his rigid demeanor, Yun Gyeong-jong stroked his beard as if suddenly remembering something.
“Come to think of it, you have yet to meet the Association Leader.”
“Yes.”
“He returned while you were away on your mission. The Association Leader expressed his desire to see you as well.”
“The Association Leader?”
Nodding, Yun Gyeong-jong stood.
“Since we’re on the subject, let's go together now.”
It was a sudden proposal, but Namgung Jun nodded. He had been curious about what kind of person the Azure Heaven Association Leader was.
Yun Gyeong-jong and Namgung Jun headed straight for the Association Leader's residence. It was not far from the Ink Fragrance Department.
“We are here.”
The Azure Heaven Pavilion.
It was a remarkably simple place for the leader of the Azure Heaven Association to reside. Had it not been for the worn plaque bearing its name, one might have passed it by, assuming it was just another ordinary pavilion.
Stopping before the door of the Azure Heaven Pavilion, Yun Gyeong-jong called out respectfully.
“Association Leader. May we enter?”
“Come in.”
With the reply, the door of the pavilion slid open smoothly.
The old man revealed inside was far from ordinary. A large scar was carved across his eyes, and his right sleeve hung completely empty.
He appeared to have lost both his eyes and his right arm.
In a way, it was a tragic sight for a martial artist, but Namgung Jun's gaze was drawn elsewhere.
It was drawn to the tree branch held in the old man's left hand.
Even as Namgung Jun watched, the old man's left hand moved slowly, and with each movement, bits of bark fell away in flurries.
Merely by gently stroking it with his fingertips, the branch was being shaved down. With every pass of the old man's fingers, the branch drew closer to taking a specific shape.
Is he carving a wooden sword?
Just then, the hand carving the branch stopped.
“This is our first meeting. It is a pleasure.”
Though the old man's eyes were closed, his head was turned precisely toward Namgung Jun.
“Greetings, Association Leader. I am Namgung Jun.”
“This old man is called Hahu Seon.”
The moment he heard the Azure Heaven Association Leader's name, the muscles in Namgung Jun's face twitched.
Hahu Seon?
Namgung Jun, who had bowed his head, slowly raised his gaze.