Chapter 34: Chapter 34
“Someone who holds a grudge against the Dark Emperor, you say…”
Sword King Namgung Byeok fell deep into contemplation.
Having heard the name Dark Emperor after such a long time, it felt awkward even to utter it.
“Among those living in the contemporary jianghu, could there be anyone who does not hold a grudge against him? He ostentatiously crushed the Righteous Path led by the Martial Alliance, scattered the Four Hegemon Heavens, which was the foremost Unorthodox Path faction of the previous generation, and was the very person who made the Heavenly Demon Cult seal its gates for seventeen years.”
The Dark Emperor was a figure of the previous generation even to the Sword King. He had only heard stories from his father, the former patriarch of the Namgung Clan, but had never actually met him.
From what he heard, the Martial Alliance Leader, the foremost martial artist of the Unorthodox Path, and the Heavenly Demon Cult Leader of that era had all died at the hands of the Dark Emperor.
It was so when he heard the stories, but thinking about it now, it was truly a strange matter.
Why had an expert of that caliber not unified the martial world?
After engraving his name deepest in martial arts history, the Dark Emperor abruptly disappeared without a trace.
Only those called his disciples remained in the jianghu, merely spreading notoriety under the name of descendants of a great evil.
At the Sword King’s words, Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head.
“I see.”
“Do you think this matter was committed by someone who harbors a grudge against the Dark Emperor?”
“The probability is high.”
No matter how much he thought about it, what that unknown person gained from the matter committed using Giant Stone Monster’s grave as bait was the lives of the Dark Emperor’s disciples. More precisely, nothing but their hearts.
‘Including Master Black Elder.’
Around the time Sword King Namgung Byeok and Cheon Woo-jin were each deep in thought.
Starting with the Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader and Black Tortoise Squad Leader Cheol Ji-ak, the Martial Alliance members arrived at the vacant lot.
The Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader asked.
“What is the matter?”
“I felt an aura. It was quite intense.”
Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head. It was the first time since descending from the mountain that he had felt such a massive and dangerous aura.
The Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader and Cheol Ji-ak looked at each other. This was because they had felt nothing.
While everyone was merely watching the mood, Song Yi-yeon, who approached Cheon Woo-jin suddenly, spoke.
“Young Hero, don’t tell me here…”
“That is right. It is the place where I lived before setting out for the Martial Alliance.”
At Cheon Woo-jin’s words, everyone examined the spacious yard and the hut with curiosity-filled eyes. It had become an established fact that Cheon Woo-jin’s master was an enigmatic expert of the previous generation.
In particular, Zhuge Rin, who knew that Cheon Woo-jin was Black Elder’s disciple, made her eyes shine even brighter.
Suddenly the Sword King spoke.
“Will you go directly to the Namgung Clan? If you wish, you may leave after sorting out your thoughts here for a while.”
From a certain point, the Sword King had been asking for the opinion of neither the Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader nor the Black Tortoise Squad Leader, but Cheon Woo-jin.
However, no one questioned that behavior.
Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.
“I will go directly.”
Sorting out his thoughts had already ended when he first descended from the mountain. The place where his masters existed was not this empty place, but inside his heart.
The Sword King nodded his head in satisfaction. The more he looked at him, the more he liked this fellow. Unlike the children of these days, was he not truly a man befitting a martial artist?
Thus, headed by the Sword King, the martial artists of the Martial Alliance headed straight to the Namgung Clan, which was not very far from here.
* * *
Hefei, Anhui Province.
Upon entering that place, the alliance members from rural backgrounds unknowingly burst into exclamation. Wuhan in Hubei, where the Martial Alliance was located, was also a huge city, but its texture was different from Hefei.
If Wuhan felt like a gathering place for martial artists, somehow Hefei felt like a haven for high-ranking officials and nobility.
In the first place, its name meant peaceful and radiant for Anhui, and fertile land for Hefei.
Cheon Woo-jin also looked around the city half-dazed. Seeing that appearance, Song Yi-yeon giggled and spoke.
“I felt it when we first arrived at the Martial Alliance as well, but Young Hero seems a bit vulnerable to new scenery.”
Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head half-heartedly. Having lived only in the mountains his entire life, it seemed it would take quite some time to become accustomed to such scenery.
Hefei’s marketplace was truly bustling. Shops lined the street long, and merchants and customers exchanged conversations before them.
Carriages carrying officials constantly came and went along the large streets, and people naturally stepped aside as if it were a routine.
Of course, after Sword King Namgung Byeok entered the marketplace, the scenery changed entirely.
Errand boys of small shops, wine houses, and silk merchants all bowed their heads to him.
At that moment, a dazzling carriage approached from straight ahead. The Martial Alliance members naturally moved aside, but the Sword King merely continued walking.
Soon, the official who got down from the approaching carriage bowed deeply toward the Sword King and inquired after his well-being for a long time. From the sound of it, he seemed to be an official supervising several small counties near Hefei.
The saying that the Namgung Clan was the king of Anhui hit home anew.
‘There was a reason why Young Hero Song found Young Hero Namgung Jin difficult.’
Since he had been born and raised in such a place, longing and fear toward the Namgung Clan would be situated deep within his subconscious.
Just how long had they walked through the marketplace like that?
Unlike the Heavenly Tiger Squad members who had already visited before, the eyes of the Black Tortoise Squad members widened and their jaws dropped.
The wall of an enormous manor worthy of being called a castle had revealed its appearance. It was so high and long that it even looked like a boundary dividing the world in half.
The writing of Namgung Clan written in powerful calligraphy on the plaque was truly imposing. Amid everyone’s admiration, some strength seemed to enter Namgung Jin’s shoulders as well.
“Wow, this is a house?”
The Black Tortoise Squad’s former youngest, Jang Woo-pyeong, unknowingly blurted out these words, then realized his discourtesy and watched the mood.
However, because everyone was showing a similar reaction, he did not seem to stand out.
Meanwhile, Cheon Woo-jin’s expression had become truly serious.
“Young Hero Song.”
“Hm?”
At Cheon Woo-jin’s serious inquiry, Song Yi-yeon tilted his head. Cheon Woo-jin asked with a stiffened expression as before.
“Are the Five Great Clans all like this?”
“Well, because the only place I have been to is the Namgung Clan, I do not know, but wouldn’t they generally be like this?”
Zhuge Rin, who approached suddenly, patted Cheon Woo-jin and Song Yi-yeon on the back at the same time.
“The Zhuge Clan is not like this. The Namgung Clan is exceptionally on the large side. The surprising thing is that they didn’t particularly indulge in luxury.”
The people of the Namgung Clan were innately far from luxury. There was a family tradition of trying not to lose dignity anywhere, but they thought that came from a proper mindset and high martial prowess, not something obtained purely through money.
Nevertheless, building such an enormous manor meant that the number of personnel stationed at the Namgung Clan was truly massive.
Cheon Woo-jin nodded his head. Just the individuals caught in his sensory perception seemed to easily number four to five hundred. What was surprising was that among them, those worthy of being called experts by the standards of the martial world exceeded one hundred.
Soon, as the Sword King approached, the main gate opened smoothly with a heavy sound.
At the scenery of the Namgung Clan unfolding inside, the eyes of the Black Tortoise Squad members, including Cheon Woo-jin, sparkled.
* * *
The Black Tortoise Squad members were enjoying a luxury not meant for their fate.
It was a situation where they had decided to stay here until the Martial Alliance dispatched a new investigator.
Because two Heavenly Tiger Squad members had died during the mission, everyone was refraining from alcohol, but the meal was naturally full of delicacies from land and sea.
Moreover, the quarters provided by the clan were comfortable and luxurious to the point where one was confused whether this was a bed or a cloud.
Above all, the sharp bearing unique to the Namgung Clan was felt from every martial artist seen. Even though they had not crossed swords, the hidden strength of the Namgung Clan was being clearly conveyed.
In the banquet hall where all the Martial Alliance members gathered, including the Sword King and several elders of the Namgung Clan, Jang Woo-pyeong asked in a low voice.
“Does the Namgung Clan happen to accept external martial artists separately?”
At that question, Cheol Ji-ak asked back as if it were absurd.
“Why, are you going to quit the Martial Alliance?”
“Ahem, no. What would I…”
“Dream on. From what I know, the Namgung Clan does not recruit martial artists outside their bloodline separately.”
The Sword King nodded his head at Cheol Ji-ak’s words. Unlike other Five Great Clans who occasionally recruited external martial artists with different surnames, the Namgung Clan was composed completely of blood relatives alone.
Because the martial artists of the Namgung surname alone already had the capability to build the foremost clan.
Suddenly Jang Woo-pyeong asked.
“But how does the Squad Leader know that?”
“Huh?”
Cheol Ji-ak opened his eyes wide as if flustered, then needlessly smacked the back of Jang Woo-pyeong’s head. At that sight, Zhuge Rin muttered to herself under her breath.
“Should I apply for a transfer to another combat squad…”
As always, the atmosphere grew significantly lighter with the jokes and pranks of the Black Tortoise Squad members.
While the banquet disguised as dinner was underway, Cheon Woo-jin was quietly sipping from a teacup in a corner seat together with Song Yi-yeon.
The Sword King’s gaze, which had been watching the banquet with satisfaction from the highest seat, suddenly turned toward Cheon Woo-jin and Song Yi-yeon at the end seat.
‘That fellow is also remarkable.’
He had interacted with the Anhui Song Clan since long ago. Naturally, he knew Song Yi-yeon, the eldest son of the Song Clan.
Previously, he was not visible because Cheon Woo-jin’s presence was so overwhelming, but looking at him now, Song Yi-yeon had also grown significantly compared to before.
He had felt it previously as well, but it was a talent not awkward to be called the Celestial Martial Physique.
On the other hand, it was also regrettable.
‘If he had been born in a martial family rather than a merchant family, he would surely have made his name widely known.’
Suddenly feeling the gaze, Song Yi-yeon met the Sword King’s eyes, then smiled awkwardly and lowered his head.
The Sword King smiled with satisfaction and nodded his head.
“Is Patriarch Song doing well?”
At that question, silence fell over the hall. It was because Song Yi-yeon’s and the Sword King’s seats were coincidentally at opposite ends of the banquet hall.
Receiving everyone’s focus out of nowhere, Song Yi-yeon smiled awkwardly and spoke.
“Yes, thanks to you, he is doing well.”
“How could that be thanks to me? It must be thanks to Patriarch Song’s capability, which has no equal under the heavens.”
“Hahaha…”
The Sword King sincerely respected Song Ha-baek, the Patriarch of the Song Clan. Although he was a merchant, he was a great person who had grown a small shop into an enormous commercial house with boldness and decisiveness no less than an ordinary martial arts expert.
“The bond between our Namgung Clan and the Song Clan is by no means shallow. As long as you have resolved to live as a martial artist rather than a merchant, whenever you need my help, feel free to speak comfortably.”
“T-Thank you.”
Rising hastily from his seat, Song Yi-yeon clasped his fists.
“Right. Do not just make women weep with that handsome face of yours, but also devote yourself to training and unite with your close friend to achieve the great cause of a Righteous Path chivalrous hero.”
A close friend meant Cheon Woo-jin.
Understanding immediately, Song Yi-yeon bowed his head deeply.
“I will make an effort.”
It was literally so. In fact, he did not know whether he could become a martial artist who matched Young Hero Cheon in the future even if he made an effort.
However, having already become close friends, he would merely advance endlessly. At least Song Yi-yeon thought so.
However, there was also a man who thought completely differently from Song Yi-yeon. Namgung Jin, seated by the Sword King’s side, was looking at Cheon Woo-jin and Song Yi-yeon with a truly peculiar gaze.
‘Is training truly meaningful?’
Namgung Jin saw an insurmountable wall in Cheon Woo-jin. A moniker like Little Sword Dragon or whatever felt like mere child’s play.
A martial artist of his own age struck and killed an elder of the Demonic Cult in a single breath and faced two disciples of the Dark Emperor simultaneously.
Even if he poured his entire life completely into training, would he truly be able to achieve such a realm?
Namgung Jin was skeptical of that question. His past life and the goals he had set for the future merely felt hollow.
Suddenly Cheon Woo-jin turned his head and looked this way.
For some reason, Namgung Jin avoided his gaze unconsciously.
For a moment, shame and helplessness welled up, but he merely avoided the situation by bringing his teacup to his lips.
It was then.
“Leaving the eldest son of the Song Clan aside.”
When the Sword King opened his mouth again, people’s attention focused once more. The Sword King was looking clearly at Cheon Woo-jin.
“Does our Youngest Cheon have anything you want from me?”
Cheon Woo-jin tilted his head.
What was this out-of-the-blue question?
Along with the emergence of doubt, the Sword King’s words continued.
“Since you saved my son’s life, I will grant one wish on the name of the Sword King.”
The banquet hall buzzed quietly. Namgung Jin buried his head in shame, and Jang Woo-pyeong was at the point of foaming at the mouth with envy.
He had saved the life of none other than the eldest son of the Namgung Clan, and the Patriarch had said he would repay the saving grace. If he requested money, he would bestow gold and silver treasures, and if he requested martial arts, he would even be able to receive a supreme martial arts manual.
However, the person concerned, Cheon Woo-jin, was calm like a quiet lake. The Sword King liked that appearance on the contrary. As a martial artist, one should rightly possess such a bold side.
Soon Cheon Woo-jin spoke.
“I have nothing in particular.”
“Good grief…”
The Sword King narrowed his brow.
“Do you intend to make me a laughable man who stays silent even after being indebted for his son’s life?”
Cheon Woo-jin was truly troubled. Because he truly did not particularly want anything from the Namgung Clan or the Sword King. However, the Sword King was still demanding a wish from him.
He had not seen the Sword King for long, but had grasped his temperament to some degree. If he did not say something, the man would tenaciously persist.
Soon Cheon Woo-jin spoke with a sigh mixed into his voice.
“Then please find the one who dug up my master’s burial mound.”
“…”
The Sword King shut his mouth. He did not anticipate that such a wish would pop out.
It was natural that the matter would not be easy. Just looking at the aura felt, the culprit was an enormous expert, and furthermore, if such a person resolved to hide, it would be as difficult as finding a needle in a sandy desert.
In a brief instant, having finished his contemplation, the Sword King spoke once more.
“That is something that should rightly be done even if it is not your wish. Also, the Alliance will dispatch an investigator to track him down. So speak another wish.”
In other words, it meant to change the wish since it was difficult to fulfill immediately.
Scratching his head, Cheon Woo-jin spoke roughly as it came to mind.
“Then I wish to have a sparring match.”
The Sword King nodded, admiring inwardly once more.
“Very well. Since the Namgung Clan is lined with experts to exchange blows with you, feel free to single out any opponent you wish. They will engage in the sparring match with sincerity and zeal.”
In this place, besides the Sword King, there were quite a few experts of the Namgung Clan. Including elders, martial artists of hall master and division head rank were also in attendance.
He thought that martial artists of their level would be able to hold a good sparring match with Cheon Woo-jin…
Unfortunately, Cheon Woo-jin’s gaze was directed toward only one person, the Sword King.
“…”
A momentary silence followed.
However, Cheon Woo-jin’s gaze did not waver in the slightest.
Soon the Sword King asked cautiously.
“Could it be me?”