Emperor Namgung Mu of the Thousand Years - Chapter 58

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#058

 

“Huff… huff.”

 

My entire body was completely exhausted.

 

The Ebony Dragon Bracers on both my arms spewed smoke as their blood-red eyes dimmed.

 

Steam poured out following my overloaded body, and my head felt dizzy as if I had entered a sauna.

 

In front of me, Dangmutae lay collapsed.

 

“No matter how much you show off…”

 

The arrogant man gasped and panted heavily.

 

“In the end… you too will meet your fate of being trampled to death like a bug by the countless strong warriors scattered throughout this Martial Arts World.”

 

I pulled out the iron armor piece embedded in Dangmutae with rough breathing.

 

“Sorry, but I probably know that better than you do.”

 

“What?”

 

“And.”

 

I spoke to my first life-or-death opponent of this crumbling life.

 

“At the same time, I’m working my ass off to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

 

“…”

 

At those words, Dangmutae widened his eyes and tried to say something. But he ultimately couldn’t continue speaking and drew his last breath.

 

-Whooom… whooooom…

 

I raised my palm.

 

There, along with Elder Dangmutae’s internal energy that I had just extracted using Bukmyeong Singong, the source essence of Baekwha Modo swirled with bluish cold energy.

 

Before the energy was absorbed into my body, I took out the half-withered Baekwha Modo from my chest and grasped them in my hand.

 

As if naturally finding their way back to their original home,

 

the extracted essence of Baekwha Modo quickly divided and seeped into the three roots of Baekwha Modo before disappearing.

 

From that point on, the three withered Baekwha Modo roots began to scatter vitality again along with extreme cold energy, as if life-giving water had been sprinkled on them.

 

“…It’s done.”

 

Only then did I catch my breath and take in my surroundings.

 

Everything around me had collapsed.

 

The original altar along with the pile of moonstone had crumbled without a trace. White full moon light was pouring down through the collapsed ceiling above.

 

“…! …!”

 

I could see Sichuan Tang Family members running toward me from far away.

 

Among them were people struggling to control the water channels in the flooded tunnels, and others who stood with their mouths agape, seemingly stunned by whatever they had witnessed.

 

Especially Steward Gam and the others stood dazed, staring at me standing on the pile of rubble.

 

Sachen Dangga Head Dangmujin, who had just arrived late, was shouting something repeatedly and pressing them, but everyone just stared at me with their mouths hanging open.

 

Behind them, Sichuan Tang Family members were swarming in like black ants to handle the situation.

 

Looking at everyone, I muttered with a deep sigh.

 

“Have I finally succeeded in laying the first cornerstone?”

 

My master used to say,

 

building the very first sand pile is always the hardest.

 

But the second one is definitely easier than the first.

 

Me, as a nobody with nothing.

 

It seems I’ve succeeded in building that first sand pile in this life.

 

“Young Master Hwi…! Young Master Hwi…!”

 

“Good heavens, good heavens!”

 

“Dangmutae is here!”

 

Looking at the Sichuan Tang Family members running toward me, I nodded.

 

Right.

 

Now it’s the harvest season for all this hardship.

 

***

 

Five days had passed since the silver mine collapsed.

 

Many things had happened during that time.

 

Elder Dangmutae was treated as missing.

 

Thanks to the vigorous efforts of the Sichuan Tang Family members, they were able to recover documents from inside the mine tunnels that had nearly been submerged.

 

According to what was confirmed through the documents,

 

Dangmutae had been collecting all kinds of confidential information over a long period, from numerous Tang Family financial information to manufacturing methods and various other secrets. If Dangmutae’s escape had succeeded this time, it would have resulted in everything being leaked to the outside.

 

The Hwangbo Family, who had approached the border area with the Sichuan Tang Family and had been frantically searching through the reed fields around Jiak Paegyeong Fortress, even setting fires, became quiet on their own afterward.

 

According to intelligence heard later, the higher-ups of the Hwangbo Family, rather than accepting at face value the frontline report that Jiak Paegyeong Fortress had been breached by a single individual, saw the possibility of internal spies as more likely, so the situation shifted to internal fighting among themselves.

 

Regarding Elder Dangmutae’s betrayal as well, the Sichuan Tang Family, who should have been furious, showed no outward action as if nothing had happened, making it even more impossible for the Hwangbo Family to move rashly.

 

And the reason the Sichuan Tang Family remained quiet was also because they were focused on more urgent matters that needed to be resolved first.

 

“-Phew.”

 

The perfectly restored Baekwha Modo was delivered to the Young Master without delay.

 

As soon as the Sichuan Tang Family’s Young Master took the Baekwha Modo, the most carefully selected physician from the Tang Family attached themselves and began treatment.

 

A day passed, and the physician, drenched in sweat, emerged from the Young Master’s quarters.

 

“H-how did it go?”

 

The Master, who had also stayed up all night in front, jumped to his feet.

 

“Master.”

 

The physician wiped the sweat from his forehead.

 

“Judging by how the Young Master’s pulse has stabilized, he has passed the critical point.”

 

Dangmujin shot up.

 

“O-oh, then! D-does that mean our Yun can live?!”

 

“Would it be just a matter of being able to live?”

 

The physician spoke with an excited face.

 

“I learned something this time as well. Baekwha Modo… I only knew it as a medicine that simply countered Jacheon-amsa, and while I had seen old oral traditions saying it could help with internal injury recovery, I didn’t know it would be to this extent. Especially regarding the damaged Danjeon and central blood vessels.”

 

“Then?”

 

“If he takes good care of himself with the Tang Family’s various elixirs and secret treatments for his originally weak constitution and blood vessels, he can expect not just recovery but improvement beyond that, turning this incident into a blessing in disguise.”

 

Everyone jumped up.

 

“O-oh! Master…!”

 

“Our Young Master…!”

 

Tears were even welling up in Steward Gam’s eyes.

 

“Ah… ahh.”

 

Countless emotions crossed Dangmujin’s face.

 

Among them was certainly something he was suppressing due to the several gazes watching him in this place.

 

Dangmujin looked at me while trying to suppress his intense emotions.

 

“I don’t know how to repay this debt.”

 

“There’s still one more thing.”

 

“One more?”

 

I handed over the remaining two Baekwha Modo roots.

 

“This is… Didn’t you only obtain one Baekwha Modo?”

 

“I was lucky. There were three roots intact at the Hwangbo Family’s Jiak Paegyeong Fortress. They were withering rapidly, so it seems the Hwangbo Family wasn’t planning to use them immediately either.”

 

“That’s one thing, but.”

 

Dangmujin shook his head.

 

“No matter how much we’ve declined, this isn’t right. One root is enough for us.”

 

“The original owner of the Baekwha Modo is the Sichuan Tang Family.”

 

“That would be the way of shameless people. I don’t think that way. The fact that Yoon lived thanks to you is not something that should be taken for granted, but according to the Tang Family’s principle of never forgetting debts of gratitude, it must be.”

 

Dangmujin spoke with conviction.

 

“It must be repaid. Of course, the same goes for the opposite side regarding other matters.”

 

“Still-.”

 

“I said I won’t accept it.”

 

…Stubborn.

 

I let out a small sigh and said.

 

“I’m not giving this for free either. I have something I desire.”

 

“Something you desire?”

 

“Steward Gam has asked me about this reason several times. And before I tell you that reason, what I ultimately want is.”

 

I looked straight at Dangmujin.

 

“I want the Sichuan Tang Family to rise again as one of the Five Great Families and one of the absolute noble families of the Central Plains.”

 

This is the answer I came up with.

 

The third calamity that will come.

 

And to deal with all my future ahead, this was the only way.

 

Some people think.

 

That I just need to become strong alone.

 

That I can become strong and sweep everyone away and win.

 

But I’m too worn down to accept such nonsense that only martial arts novices would believe.

 

There’s something I’ve observed during my fifteen years in the world of assassins.

 

Of course, masters beyond that level would be exceptions, but just counting the famous masters who were ultimately eliminated by lowly assassins several levels below them in martial arts, I can recall over twenty names right now.

 

In the end, before numbers, the individual is powerless.

 

“…? That would be natural for us, but why would you…?”

 

“I’ll tell you that reason after all explanations are finished. Of course, there’s a clear reason.”

 

“Explanations?”

 

“Please restore your danjeon, Master, and use that as a starting point to revive the Tang Family again. I estimate three months would be enough to restore your status, and at most five years to reach the Tang Family’s golden age.”

 

“…Five years? You said five years?”

 

Dangmujin spoke with a bewildered expression.

 

“Yes, because the Tang Family’s current state was triggered by external factors, not because it was time for it to fall.”

 

“It’s absurd, but still, thank you for the words. However…”

 

Dangmujin smiled weakly.

 

“I know better than anyone how the world views us. As the head of the Tang Family, I can’t say this anywhere else, but.”

 

Then Dangmujin said.

 

“I’m being ridiculous too. How can I be telling all these details to you, who could be considered an outsider.”

 

“An outsider’s words about the Tang Family, that’s true.”

 

“…”

 

Dangmujin looks at me.

 

“However, while everyone looks down on the Tang Family now, I don’t see it that way at all. Just one spark. If there’s just one opportunity, I believe it will be restored like a blocked dam bursting and water rushing out all at once. In that sense, this is payment made in advance for the future.”

 

I held out the Baekwha Modo.

 

“Please recover first with this, Master. Since even Dangmutae tried to restore his completely shattered danjeon with this, I believe it will be sufficient.”

 

“…”

 

“Steward Gam.”

 

“Yes… Yes?! Lord Namgung Hwi.”

 

Steward Gam, who had been listening blankly from the side, was startled.

 

“While staying here, I’ve met and talked with various people including those who manage the inner affairs of the Sichuan Tang Family. I understand that besides the silver mine, twenty-seven business premises and farmlands below have all had their shares transferred.”

 

Steward Gam’s face reddened with embarrassment.

 

“That… that’s correct, but. Ah, these guys telling a guest things they shouldn’t…”

 

Steward Gam glared around looking for those among the people who came to check on the Young Master’s condition who had blabbed this information.

 

Everyone flinched and avoided eye contact, then Steward Gam quickly looked back at me feeling embarrassed.

 

“Ah, of course I’m not blaming Lord Namgung Hwi! Lord Namgung Hwi is our Tang Family’s benefactor, so you can say anything. You can, but-.”

 

“They were also reluctant, but spoke as if confessing after worrying much about the current situation. Please don’t blame them.”

 

The group behind let out sighs of relief.

 

“…If Lord Hwi says so. But why is that…?”

 

I continued speaking to him without hesitation.

 

“Though it’s currently buried, there are high-purity moonstones around the inner sanctum of the hideout. Have workers mine them. Since the silver mine needs to be restored anyway, don’t spare the cost.”

 

“Moon… moonstones are there? If that’s true, we could definitely break through at once-.”

 

Steward Gam’s eyes turned into silver coins.

 

But only briefly, as Steward Gam became dejected.

 

“But Lord Namgung Hwi. As you know, the silver mine is buried. Restoring it would cost an enormous amount, and currently the Sichuan Tang Family has no spare funds. That’s the end of it.”

 

“Steward Gam, I’ll somehow manage to lead things.”

 

Dangmujin said.

 

“I’m sorry for neglecting all duties until now. But with this incident as a turning point, I too will try to manage and revive everything like in the past.”

 

“…That’s certainly encouraging words, but… The cost is a separate issue. It’s unfortunate.”

 

Steward Gam sighed.

 

“Just when luck seems to turn, reality keeps getting in the way…”

 

“I didn’t say that without knowing this.”

 

“What?”

 

Steward Gam looked up at my words.

 

Master always said.

 

Novices first focus on and magnify what can’t be done.

 

Masters focus on and magnify what can be done.

 

I need to set up the board.

 

Only then can I avoid being dragged along and build what I envision.

 

We’re not just idle talkers.

 

In my previous life, I scraped together master’s remnants from the bottom and built a shadow organization from nothing.

 

This situation isn’t even the worst for me.

 

“Lord Namgung Hwi. Do you have some method?”

 

“Of course. And for that reason too, Master must use this Baekwha Modo. Everything I’ve said is connected.”

 

I pointed to one of the two Baekwha Modo roots I had given to the master.

 

“Until now, the danjeon and blood vessel restoration effects of Baekwha Modo with complete energy have only been passed down through oral tradition, never clearly demonstrated to the world. That’s also why Baekwha Modo’s value has been somewhat undervalued, and except for Dangmutae, this time the Hwangbo Family and others were half-doubtful and didn’t treat it as a life-or-death matter.”

 

“…Don’t tell me.”

 

“Yes.”

 

I nodded.

 

“Master, please use this for treatment and announce it to everyone. At the same time, put the last remaining root out into the world.”

 

“…!”

 

“And the consumption costs can be covered by selling the remaining Baekwha Modo after treating Master’s danjeon to wealthy noble family children or late-stage practitioners with damaged danjeons at high prices. The funds generated should be allocated primarily to the silver mine, not used for family nameplate or building restoration.”

 

People’s expressions changed moment by moment.

 

“Then restoration won’t be a problem, and the mined moonstones can be sold again to reclaim ownership of all business premises and farmlands. After increasing the annual income that way, you can restore all the Tang Family’s equipment and recruit disciples on a large scale.”

 

One by one, people began nodding at my words.

 

“The time needed for all this is generously three years. Six months to feel the changed status, or about three months faster depending on execution. After that, you can handle things well on your own… so.”

 

Everyone held their breath and looked at me.

 

“Is there anything I’ve missed?”

 

Everyone remained silent.

 

Dangmujin too.

 

Steward Gam too.

 

And even all those gathered in the Sichuan Tang Family’s inner hall to check on the Young Master’s condition.

 

“Of course, since I’m not a professional, it might be crude, but please be understanding about that.”

 

“You are…”

 

Dangmujin said.

 

“What exactly is… your identity?”

 

“That’s…”

 

“He’ll say he read it in a book anyway.”

 

Steward Gam said.

 

“I’ve experienced it numerous times myself. I think it would be better to give up on getting an answer to that.”

 

Namgung Hwi looked at Steward Gam.

 

Steward Gam flinched and shrank his head with an “oops.”

 

“…Then I’ll change my question. Stop evading and answer properly. I need to hear this now.”

 

Namgung Hwi looked at me.

 

“What’s your reason for going this far? Let’s say the Tang Family is restored to its former strength – what do you want from such a Tang Family? Money? Honor?”

 

“…As you said, the Sichuan Tang Family is famous for being unwavering when it comes to debts of gratitude.”

 

“That’s true, but…”

 

“What I want is just one thing.”

 

I looked toward the Young Master lying in the distance.

 

I looked around at the surroundings.

 

I looked at the dilapidated and worn-down buildings, at the shabby clothes.

 

Then I looked at the family head and said.

 

“Please watch my back.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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