Chapter 231: The Namgung Clan Is in My Hands (1)
Chapter 230 – The Namgung Clan Is in My Hands (1)
For a moment, not only Namgung Cheon but also everyone around flinched and looked at Hong An-gae.
Paeng Jeok-ho was the first to show interest.
“A group of unorthodox martial artists to Mount Huang?”
“Yes.”
“How can that be? The Black Mist Coalition was launching a total attack on the Eon Clan.”
“Then they might not be unorthodox martial artists. However, it is certain that a group of unidentified martial artists went to Mount Huang.”
“It is indeed strange. If they were unorthodox martial artists, why on earth did they go to Mount Huang?”
While Paeng Jeok-ho pondered with his chin in his hand, he scratched his head hard.
“Thinking with a brain that doesn’t work won’t produce anything.”
At that self-deprecating tone, a few martial artists let out chuckles.
Namgung Cheon looked at Hong An-gae and asked.
“Who is the eyewitness?”
Among the information of the Beggars’ Sect, if it came from someone who had risen to the rank of elder, it was quite reliable. Whether they were unorthodox martial artists or not, it was certain that something would happen at Mount Huang.
Hong An-gae replied with force in his voice.
“The eyewitness is Elder Fully Drunk Beggar.”
“Elder Fully Drunk Beggar!”
“Gosh! If so, a mishap might indeed occur at Mount Huang!”
Paeng Jeok-ho and Eon Yang-geol shouted simultaneously.
For Hong An-gae, he might have had complaints about them trusting the Fully Drunk Beggar more than himself, but he did not care at all.
That was because the Fully Drunk Beggar was one of the Seven Stars of the Martial World, whose martial arts level was at the realm of an absolute master.
Hong An-gae added a follow-up.
“In fact, Elder Fully Drunk Beggar judged that they might have deliberately posed as unorthodox martial artists.”
“If so, are you saying those unidentified people deliberately exposed themselves?”
“That there is a possibility. Of course, they probably never dreamed that the eyewitness would be Elder Fully Drunk Beggar.”
“And you do not know exactly which of the unorthodox martial artists they are?”
At Namgung Cheon’s question, Hong An-gae replied without hesitation.
“I hear they mentioned the Black Cloud Squad.”
At those words, Namgung Cheon, Paeng Jeok-ho, and Eon Yang-geol also looked at one another.
Paeng Jeok-ho was the first to give voice to the thoughts that rose in the minds of the three.
“If so, there is a high probability that they are not unorthodox martial artists.”
“Why is that?”
“Because the Black Cloud Squad attacked the Eon Clan Estate yesterday.”
“Indeed.”
Hong An-gae nodded.
Particularly, since the Black Cloud Squad Leader had died by Namgung Cheon’s hand, there was no way they wouldn’t know.
“What kind of bastards went to Mount Huang? Why are they going to Mount Huang?”
“I cannot know the details either. I merely mentioned it because the Jianghu Divine Dragon, who has his clan base at Mount Huang, should know since such a thing is happening.”
Eon Yang-geol nodded.
“I see. Anyway, thank you for delivering the news.”
“No mention. And why should the Eon Clan Leader be thankful?”
“I am thankful. Young Master Namgung risked his life to fight for our clan and the Paeng Clan. Furthermore, he brought about the harmony of our two clans. As such, if it is something that benefits Young Master Namgung, it is also something that benefits our clan.”
At Eon Yang-geol’s words, Paeng Jeok-ho also agreed.
“Those are right words. The Paeng Clan has also been amazed by Young Master Namgung’s wit these past few days. Young Master Namgung prevented our clan from almost being exterminated. Our two clans have owed a debt of gratitude to the Jianghu Divine Dragon that is hard to repay.”
As the leaders of the two clans praised him so much, Hong An-gae looked back at Namgung Cheon with a surprised expression.
His expression seemed to ask:
‘Him…?’
Namgung Cheon let out an awkward laugh.
“I am just somewhat like that. Haha.”
From where did they see him as such a talent?
Hong An-gae looked at Namgung Cheon with an extremely distrustful gaze.
Indeed, hadn’t he almost died by being struck by a Jiangshi because of Namgung Cheon?
However, he also knew.
That the achievements he had accumulated under the title of the Jianghu Divine Dragon were not one or two.
Not only winning the Joint Conference, but also capturing the Thieving Ghost who attempted to escape, and his activities in Guangxi Province.
Belonging to the Beggars’ Sect, he was experiencing the reputation of the Jianghu Divine Dragon with his entire body more than anyone.
Although that good feeling had diminished a lot today.
‘Ah, just thinking about it again makes me angry.’
Indeed, just thinking about the sight of him running while dragging Jiangshi in a row made his spine cold even now.
Eon Yang-geol quickly guided Hong An-gae.
“Now, do not stand here, but please come inside first. You have worked hard to run a long way.”
“The Eon Clan Leader has also worked hard.”
The two of them exchanged well-wishes as they moved their steps to the inner quarters.
* * *
By the time the Eon Clan, which had been in a mess, finished cleaning up to some extent, it was almost sunset.
Of course, the collapsed walls and burned pavilions would take quite some time to be restored, but they had solved the urgent problem for now.
Furthermore, since the Beggars’ Sect was staying, even if the Black Mist Coalition struck again, they had nothing to fear now.
Where did it end with that?
Since they were now in a situation where they could proudly use Jiangshi, for the Eon Clan, it was tantamount to having a massive army.
When the sun had completely set, Namgung Cheon visited the Patriarch’s Pavilion where Eon Yang-geol was.
“Welcome. Is there anything you need?”
Eon Yang-geol treated Namgung Cheon with the utmost hospitality. For him, Namgung Cheon was no different from a pumpkin that had rolled in on its own.
Indeed, if he had a daughter, he would have wanted to push for a marriage immediately.
In addition to the enlightenment on the Jiangling Divine Art, he had allowed them to gain the Paeng Clan, and the branch became a bonus.
Furthermore, since they could now proudly use Jiangshi, how could Namgung Cheon not look beautiful?
If it was Namgung Cheon’s word, he felt he could give him his liver and gallbladder now.
“First, congratulations.”
At Namgung Cheon’s words, Eon Yang-geol laughed heartily.
“It is all thanks to you. I am truly thankful.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Of course. If it were not for you, our clan would not have a trace left by now.”
“Hmm. You really think so. Hearing it only in words doesn’t make it feel real.”
When Namgung Cheon muttered with a strange expression, Eon Yang-geol began to feel subtly anxious.
‘In any case, this guy is good in everything, but occasionally he has a wearisome side.’
Eon Yang-geol laughed awkwardly and asked.
“Even if you didn’t say so, I wanted to show my sincerity to you.”
“Indeed! I knew from the start that the Eon Clan Leader was not someone who would offset a favor with mere words!”
“Uh… yes…”
“So where is that sincerity?”
When Namgung Cheon asked while looking around, Eon Yang-geol wiped the sweat flowing from his forehead.
‘You are too blatant! You rascal!’
Then, a chuckle escaped him.
Indeed.
Namgung Cheon was allowed to do that.
How much had he done for the Eon Clan?
Considering it, hadn’t they received even more benefits than the Paeng Clan?
Eon Yang-geol walked to the storage cabinet and brought a wooden box he had prepared beforehand.
“Receive it.”
“Thank you!”
Receiving it without a single moment of hesitation, Namgung Cheon opened the cover on the spot.
In an instant, a medicinal fragrance filled the room.
It was not a fragrance so clear that it would clear the head just by smelling the scent. Nevertheless, it was clear that it was no ordinary spiritual medicine.
There were three pills.
Eon Yang-geol said with a soft smile.
“The red one here is the Soul-Calling Pill, and the white one is the White Spirit Pill. And the brown one is the Jiangling Divine Pill.”
“I see.”
As Namgung Cheon showed a somewhat half-hearted response, the flustered Eon Yang-geol quickly added words.
“The Soul-Calling Pill is a divine pill that our clan boasts of. When one’s life is in jeopardy, if one uses this Soul-Calling Pill, one can somehow get through the crisis. Although it does not grant immense internal energy like the Great Returning Pill or the Taiqing Pill, it will be very useful in emergencies.”
“Yes.”
At the reply that lacked any particular inspiration again, Eon Yang-geol’s heart grew anxious.
“A-And the White Spirit Pill clears the head the moment it is consumed, making the circulation of internal energy rapid for a certain period of time. The speed of all martial arts, including lightfoot techniques, will improve.”
“Hmm. Indeed, as expected of a family that uses the Jiangshi Art, you have many interesting spiritual pills.”
When Namgung Cheon nodded, Eon Yang-geol quickly added the next words.
“Of course! And this Jiangling Divine Pill, the moment it is consumed, makes the body invulnerable to blades and swords, just as if one used the Jiangling Divine Art! Of course, the efficacy decreases as time passes, but it will be useful in emergencies!”
“Yes, yes.”
Namgung Cheon nodded half-heartedly this time too for some reason.
“Hmm… is there something you don’t like?”
“Well, I do like it.”
“It seems… not?”
“I said I like it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“But your expression is…”
“Ah, I was thinking of something else for a moment.”
Eon Yang-geol wore a somewhat dumbfounded expression.
To think of something else in front of the Soul-Calling Pill, White Spirit Pill, and Jiangling Divine Pill.
Aren’t these spiritual pills that a mere cadet normally wouldn’t even be able to lay eyes on?
“What on earth were you thinking?”
“Ah, it was nothing special. Just, what kind of situation would the Eon Clan be in by now if we had destroyed all those dozens of Jiangshi? What if I had not given the clue to the Jiangling Divine Art? What if I had not persuaded you to go rescue the Paeng Clan? Hypothetical scenarios where I didn’t do those things?”
“Hmm…”
“Then, regardless of the branch, this place would be a wasteland by now, right? That would be very lonely. Well, I might be erecting a tombstone for the Eon Clan Leader. Such thoughts…”
“I understand! I understand! Gosh, what a guy! I merely showed these to you as examples to indicate that I could give such things to you.”
“As expected, right?”
Namgung Cheon grinned like a simpleton.
Eon Yang-geol felt a premonition of misfortune creeping in again.
“Ahem! So what do you need?”
“Then I will tell you without holding back.”
“Wa-Wait a moment!”
“Why?”
“I mean… the pavilions are also somewhat broken, and the walls have collapsed… our clan has a lot of work to do in the future.”
Eon Yang-geol could not understand why on earth he was saying such words to Namgung Cheon as if pleading.
But instinctively, those words popped out.
Namgung Cheon waved his hand.
“Of course. I know the Eon Clan’s circumstances well. Anyway, what I need is…”
“What you need is?”
“Ten Soul-Calling Pills. The White Spirit Pills, as many as you have. And about thirty Jiangling Divine Pills?”
“Wh-What?”
Eon Yang-geol opened his eyes wide as if to tear them and let his mouth gape open.
If he gave him thirty Jiangling Divine Pills, only three would remain.
If it were not for the battle last night, much more would have remained, but they had already used a considerable number of Jiangling Divine Pills.
Moreover, ten Soul-Calling Pills.
“Only eleven Soul-Calling Pills remain now…”
When Eon Yang-geol showed difficulty, Namgung Cheon looked up at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh.
“Sigh, if the Eon Clan had suffered the disaster of clan extermination, the sky would be visible here instead of the ceiling. Then I would again be looking up at the sky lonely, pouring wine on the Eon Clan Leader’s tombstone…”
“Haha! How could the Soul-Calling Pill be a big deal to our benefactor? I will give you as many as you want.”
“As expected, the Eon Clan Leader is hearty.”
“You are a hearty son of a…”
“Yes?”
“…triumphant general.”
Eon Yang-geol smiled with the utmost warmth, though his cheeks trembled.
‘Yes, still, I have gained more than I lost.’
Eon Yang-geol suppressed his regret and asked.
“But what are you going to do with that many divine pills all at once?”
“In preparation for emergencies.”
“Emergencies?”
“Yes, this place will be safe now. Since the Beggars’ Sect will stay. And there are Jiangshi.”
“Then do you intend to leave now?”
“Yes, I intend to go to Mount Huang. I feel like something might happen to my clan.”
“Indeed. It is natural to worry.”
Eon Yang-geol nodded and muttered.
The reason Namgung Cheon was leaving in such a hurry was not simply because of the information Hong An-gae had delivered.
It was also because he had heard the news earlier that the Alliance Leader had drafted a large number of martial artists from the Hefei Branch.
‘Certainly, it smells fishy. The foul smell of that old geezer the Alliance Leader’s flatulence…’
Namgung Cheon’s eyes shone sharply for an instant.