Chapter 200: Courage To Face The Typhoon (6)
Chapter 199 – Courage To Face The Typhoon (6)
Atmosphere was a truly strange thing.
It was just like the flow of air; once it catches a current, it often looks like a completely different situation in an instant.
The atmosphere at the very top of the Yellow Crane Tower was precisely like that right now.
Although it was a place where all kinds of ridicule and contempt ran rampant just a moment ago, it had now become a space where solemnity and even a sense of awe floated.
Namgung Pyo still sniffled tears and wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, and Namgung Hwa stared only at her water cup with reddened eyes. Namgung Hyo also repeatedly gulped down water, perhaps because his throat was choked.
However, wherever one went, there was bound to be someone who broke the mood.
Jo Geom-myeong, who could not bear this atmosphere of surging waves of emotion, forced a smirk and sneered.
“Fine words. However, do you think you are currently included in the Seven Great Clans? I am telling you not to make a mistake. Today, our conference strictly invited the Namgung Clan, and it is not that we recognized you as one of the Seven Great Clans.”
At his words, the current that had felt like a warm breeze seemed to turn into a gale.
Namgung Cheon was about to say something, but Namgung Geom spoke first.
“Before that.”
“…?”
Everyone’s gaze naturally directed toward Namgung Geom.
When he, who was originally taciturn and had even handed over the speaking rights to Namgung Cheon, opened his mouth, everyone stared at him in wonder.
Namgung Geom pressed down on Jo Geom-myeong with eyes like ice shards.
“The Young Patriarch of our clan has currently obtained the official speaking rights from me. In other words, you may consider him as my deputy. You must not talk down to him as if treating a neighborhood child.”
“Regardless, is there not a difference in generation? Please just let that much slide.”
When Jo Geom-myeong replied with a sneer, Namgung Geom looked at him with a settled gaze.
Jo Geom-myeong did not back down this time either and stared straight back into that gaze.
‘Since that reckless punk is running wild, it seems the old man is also swept up in the atmosphere. Surely I would not go as far as to use respectful language to a fellow who could be my son’s age?’
As the gazes of the two men remained entangled in the air for a long while, Namgung Geom spoke.
“Generation, is it. If you truly think so, then as you wish.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Jo Geom-myeong wore a victorious smile.
Of course, that smile vanished without a trace in the next moment.
“What thanks. I have never done anything to deserve receiving thanks from you.”
“…!”
When Jo Geom-myeong flinched and looked back, Namgung Geom tilted his head and asked.
“Why? Are you displeased?”
“Clan Leader Namgung…!”
“Speak.”
“What kind of rudeness is this? No matter how displeased you are…”
“Is there not a difference in generation, just as you said?”
“…!”
Jo Geom-myeong’s cheeks trembled, and the surrounding people widened their eyes.
Particularly, Namgung Hwa, Namgung Pyo, and Namgung Hyo, who knew Namgung Geom better than anyone, did not budge, their mouths wide open.
On the other hand, Namgung Cheon wore a highly satisfied expression.
‘Oho, the old man has finally begun to recognize my way! Yes, this is it!’
The atmosphere of the gathering had now become cold as ice.
Ultimately, Jo Geom-myeong took a step back.
“Mmh. It seems my thoughts… were short-sighted. I understand. Young Hyup Namgung, I apologize for talking down to you.”
“It is fine. I shall be understanding.”
The grandfather or the grandson, they were the same!
Jo Geom-myeong bit his molars tightly and then subtly shot back once more.
“At any rate, you must clarify the point I mentioned earlier. It is not that the Namgung Clan belongs to the Seven Great Clans…”
“By the way, what is the criteria for the Seven Great Clans?”
“Naturally, what the Jianghu recognizes…”
“Therefore, I am asking what that criteria of recognition is.”
“What do you mean by criteria…”
While Jo Geom-myeong muttered with a bewildered expression, Yue Hu, unable to listen further, suddenly stepped forward.
“Naturally, everything is the criteria. Rich scholarship, outstanding martial arts, and immense wealth! It refers to the Seven Great Clans Under Heaven that possess all of these.”
At his decisive words, the Seven Great Clans’ leaders finally put on satisfied expressions and nodded slowly.
At this, Namgung Cheon chuckled.
“As for rich scholarship, except for the Zhuge Clan, everyone seems to be on a similar level. The outstanding martial arts of our clan would definitely not fall behind, and as for the immense wealth…”
Clack!
Namgung Cheon placed the Gold King’s plaque on the table.
Everyone’s expression twitched.
Namgung Cheon smirked.
“As I thought, it seems our clan will not fall behind at all.”
“…!”
Yue Hu, who bit his molars tightly, soon regained his composure and smiled.
“Young Hyup Namgung has distorted one fact.”
“Distorted how?”
“In the past, although your wealth fell short, we had no choice but to recognize your level of martial arts. However, now it is the opposite. Even if we recognize your wealth, as for your level of martial arts, well… Did Clan Leader Namgung not assign the deputation to Young Hyup just now? If a generation shift occurs, should we not re-evaluate the level of martial arts?”
“I am the winner of the Joint Conference, though?”
Yue Hu chuckled.
“If you put it that way, I am also a former winner of the Joint Conference.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“You do not look like one at all. How unexpected.”
Crack.
Yue Hu spoke, feeling the veins bulge on his forehead.
“I already know from my younger brother that Young Hyup’s martial arts are not to be taken lightly.”
“Oh, what are you talking about. It is just that your younger brother was too weak.”
Crack.
“Well… fine. At any rate, the Joint Conference is merely to distinguish the more outstanding one among Wuhan’s rising generation. The Jianghu is far wider than that.”
He knew how wide the Jianghu was better than anyone.
Namgung Cheon thought inwardly and listened quietly.
“It is troublesome if you look down on the Jianghu just because you won among peers of similar standing.”
“I do not look down on it. Also, I was quite impressive in Guangxi Province this time. I guess you have not heard that news yet.”
Yue Hu’s brow trembled.
‘What is this guy?’
Did someone usually blabber about such things with their own mouth?
Because it was so absurd, a smirk even escaped him.
“Is that so?”
“It was.”
That brazenness.
Truly dumbfounding.
However, he thought it was actually for the better.
Yue Hu looked back at Yue Hyeon with a meaningful gaze.
Yue Hyeon, guessing his meaning, quietly nodded. At this, Yue Hu looked back at Namgung Cheon again and spoke.
“Then, may I test whether the Namgung Clan truly possesses the qualities of the Seven Great Clans?”
“How would Brother Ak do that?”
“What would be the best way to grasp the qualities of martial arts? Facing each other directly.”
As the conversation flowed unexpectedly, the clan leaders watched Namgung Cheon with interested expressions.
Although Namgung Cheon had already defeated Jo Gang-min, Tang Wu-gi, and even Murong Gang, the story changed with Yue Hu.
Yue Hu was, as he said, a former winner of the Joint Conference and was currently gaining fame under the moniker of the Lightning Segmented Spear.
If Yue Hu, who possessed rich Jianghu experience, and Namgung Cheon competed in martial arts, would the result not be obvious?
No matter how much of a born martial genius Namgung Cheon was, he would not be able to defeat Yue Hu.
Yue Hu added.
“Of course, it is not a compulsion. I am not so rude as to force an unwanted duel. However, I am saying that if Young Hyup Namgung wishes to prove his qualification to join the Seven Great Clans, such a method exists.”
It was a subtle provocation.
At this rate, would it not look as if he got frightened and tucked his tail if he did not duel? In addition, it would naturally become a gesture of bowing his head to the Seven Great Clans.
The expressions of the clan leaders twisted strangely.
Everyone was thinking similarly.
‘If he has any sense, he will tuck his tail. He cannot possibly face the Lightning Segmented Spear.’
‘Is he not the Lightning Segmented Spear, who is said to possess a superior martial talent compared to Clan Leader Yue Hyeon? He is properly pressing down on Namgung Cheon’s nose.’
Actually, for the clan leaders to step forward directly against Namgung Cheon, who was practically a generation below, did not look very good.
However, since the Lightning Segmented Spear Yue Hu was also in the position of a Young Patriarch and there was no big difference in generation, there was nothing to hold back, was there?
Murong Hwan observed Namgung Cheon’s reaction with a cold smile, and Tang Go-ryun also waited for the reply with an interested expression.
Finally, Namgung Cheon spoke.
“Will you be alright?”
“Hmm? About what?”
“Facing me in this place.”
“Of course. Since I was the one who proposed it first.”
“However, Brother Ak uses a spear. In such a narrow space, a spear would definitely not be an advantageous weapon.”
Heh, was he worrying about him right now?
Yue Hu wore a briefly dumbfounded expression.
Look at this audacious fellow.
Yue Hu spoke, twisting his lips.
“Do not worry. Because my spear is somewhat special.”
“Oh, really? Does it suddenly grow long and short like the Ruyi Staff?”
Just what is this guy?
Yue Hu let out a dry cough and replied.
“Well, similar. I use a Three-Section Spear.”
The Three-Section Spear referred to a spear that was divided into three segments and could be folded in three stages.
Namgung Cheon smiled broadly.
“That is great. Then you will unconditionally accept the result, right?”
“That goes without saying.”
“Well, it is not that I am doing this because I particularly want to join the Seven Great Clans. It is because Brother Ak is curious.”
“Very well. Then shall we lightly liven up the mood?”
Yue Hu stood up from his seat and walked to a spacious area on one side.
Namgung Cheon stood up from his seat with a grin.
“Alright. I accept that challenge.”
‘No, I am telling you that you are the one challenging, not me.’
Yue Hu shook his head but did not argue further.
In any case, the loser would fall silent, and only the winner’s smile would remain.
‘Do not regret it and beat the ground later. I shall not show mercy even if you cry.’
Yue Hu suddenly drew the Three-Section Spear from his waist and took a starting stance with dazzling movements.
Swish, swish-swish! Chaak!
That series of processes left a soft yet intense impression, as if watching a dance.
Namgung Cheon crossed his arms and muttered.
“Oho, in this family, the things the older brother and the younger brother do are similar.”
“What? The things…?”
“Ah, it is nothing much. It just seems like you are full of superficial showmanship.”
“Superficial showmanship…”
Yue Hu’s patience was gradually hitting rock bottom.
Although he had endured and overlooked the constant rudeness from earlier, to the very end…
“Then let us begin.”
Screeech.
Namgung Cheon drew the Emerald Silk Sword.
Yet, he did not take a starting stance.
He simply let the sword hang loose and quietly stared at Yue Hu.
“Are you not going to do it?”
“I am doing it, though?”
“You are?”
“Yes, come at me.”
Namgung Cheon replied casually, the veins on Yue Hu’s forehead bulged once more.
‘This fellow has truly lost all fear!’
Although he had intended to yield the first strike as much as possible, he would truly show no mercy now.
“Very well, here I come!”
Taat!
No sooner had the words fallen than Yue Hu’s figure flew like an arrow.
Swishhh!
Even though the spear tip pierced ruthlessly toward his abdomen, Namgung Cheon did not budge.
A sneer formed at the corner of Yue Hu’s mouth.
‘Hmph, it seems he is completely frozen.’
Since his arrogance pierced the sky, he had expected a little, but it felt disappointing.
Just then, Namgung Cheon spoke.
“Hold on a second.”
Huh? Hold on?
Dumbfounding words.
Hold on in the middle of a duel?
True, under normal circumstances he might have stopped.
However, looking at Namgung Cheon’s behavior until now, it could not be tolerated.
‘Speak after the duel is over!’
Yue Hu thrust straight toward Namgung Cheon’s abdomen without the slightest delay.
In an instant,
Thud!
“…!”
Yue Hu’s eyes widened.
‘It was… caught…?’
Was Namgung Cheon’s hand, which had reached out at some point, not clutching the spear shaft tightly?
Namgung Cheon spoke grumblingly.
“My word, you are quite impatient. I told you to hold on.”