He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 34

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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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Chapter 34

Episode 34

Orthodox Faction and Heterodox Faction.

These are two groups that absolutely cannot be excluded when discussing the Martial Arts World.

Then, what is the standard that distinguishes these two?

It’s ‘values.’

The Heterodox Faction’s values prioritize practicality, freedom, and desire.

The Orthodox Faction’s values emphasize the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, prioritizing justification and propriety.

Therefore, if one wishes to uphold those principles as the Orthodox Faction, one must consider the dignity required to maintain justification and propriety.

“Though Namgung’s influence is great in Anhui, not all land belongs to Namgung.”

Therefore, since justification is lacking, control is impossible.

“Forceful pressure would diminish Namgung’s prestige.”

Since there’s no need to lower one’s dignity voluntarily, this too is impossible.

“Valuing justification and propriety, and furthermore upholding the Way, ultimately means maintaining balance. Therefore, how can the Orthodox Faction, which walks the righteous path of white, act as it pleases?”

To summarize.

“You’re saying there’s no justification, but prestige must be maintained, so nothing can be done?”

“Yes. That’s correct. Since there’s no practical benefit to be gained from it, there’s no need to oppress them. That’s why, even when invitations are sent to various places including us from where the Star Iron was discovered, we don’t particularly impose sanctions.”

A firm strength can be felt within her elegant voice.

The name Namgung does not oppress carelessly—it’s filled with the righteousness and loyalty of the Orthodox Faction.

Therefore, understanding her righteousness and values, Namgung Cheon-gang found himself nodding naturally.

If it were obtained through force and oppression, one corner of his heart would have been uncomfortable.

Hearing her words puts him at ease.

‘It would be different if it were just words, but she said they also pursue practical benefits.’

Practical benefits ultimately mean securing advantages.

If they maintain justification and dignity to avoid losing those benefits, that becomes a solid reason.

Modern corporations also work hard on reputation management for profits.

Just let the media go wrong once.

Total revenue and related stocks plummet in an instant.

Would martial families in the Martial Arts World be any different?

If anything, it would be worse.

‘Modern corporations can at least pursue overseas contracts. The Martial Arts World can’t do that, right?’

Since they have to survive on domestic exports and imports, they have no choice but to be sharp about reputation management.

Perhaps the reason face-saving culture developed lies here.

But what if Star Iron is lost while maintaining face?

“It doesn’t matter.”

Namgung Sohye answered firmly.

“Coveting treasures granted to others is something only petty people do. The Star Iron’s fortune simply wasn’t with our Namgung. However, I believe that if it’s our Namgung, we will produce perfect results.”

“Your faith is remarkable.”

“Yes. Because it’s Namgung. Also, since Namgung Cheon-gang and Namgung Cheonggi, as well as those who came together, are all people chosen by Namgung, how could I not believe?”

“That means we have to mine the Star Iron with skill, right? Oh my, I wonder if I can do well under this pressure.”

“Though you speak that way, your eyes are different. They’re the eyes of a warrior who has staked his life.”

“Hahaha. As you said, because it’s Namgung. Haha… hahaha…”

Namgung Cheon-gang laughed awkwardly.

‘The eyes of a warrior who has staked his life…’

It’s not wrong.

His life really is at stake.

The penalty for failure changed drastically as the job change quest window moved to the fourth one.

There it is, clear as day: ‘Death.’

Plus the destruction of Cheongeumjeong.

‘This quest appeared when Master said he was staking his life.’

At that time, the situation was such that it didn’t catch his eye.

When he checked later, how his flesh trembled.

He had expected a life-threatening quest would appear, but.

‘The feeling from expectation and confirmation are different.’

He barely saved his life by completing the first quest.

Who knew the grim reaper would whisper in his ear that it wasn’t over yet.

‘Sigh. Such is my fate.’

This is why he can’t help but have the eyes of a warrior facing a life-or-death battle in the Star Iron competition.

“Both the Third Lady and Namgung Cheon-gang are truly remarkable and wonderful warriors and people of Namgung. I, Namgung Cheonggi, am greatly moved by the will of Namgung contained in both your hearts.”

Model warrior Namgung Cheonggi, who doesn’t know his inner thoughts and is deeply misunderstanding, with tears welling up.

That person also has pride in Namgung no less than Namgung Sohye.

Well, if he holds a position as a direct descendant, that says it all.

“I too am truly proud to have come to obtain Star Iron together with you both.”

Namgung Sohye smiles gently.

She doesn’t doubt her conviction that his eyes, prepared for death, are for Namgung’s sake.

“Ha, haha… Me too…”

Better to die than suffer like this.

Tears are coming.

Sob.

* * *

He said better to die than suffer.

But that doesn’t mean he has no feelings for Namgung.

Even if he completes the quest and becomes a true successor of Cheongeumjeong, he won’t become distant from Namgung.

His surname is Namgung, and his family are also people of Namgung.

Having even risen to a direct descendant position, how could he escape from Namgung?

‘And there’s no better fence than Namgung for unfolding my dreams.’

Is a top-tier fence among the Five Great Families of the Martial Arts World ordinary?

‘It’s a vibranium fence.’

Wakanda Namgung forever!

Therefore, Namgung Cheon-gang was quick to recover from his sad feelings.

If there’s another reason.

“Please enjoy your meal!”

Perhaps it was because he was captivated by the sumptuous feast laid out—his eyes, mouth, and heart were all stolen away, quickly cooling his emotions.

Replenishing the protein consumed over seven days with Dongpo pork, Kung Pao chicken, and braised pork.

Recovering the energy consumed over seven days with wonton soup, egg drop soup, and five-element vegetable soup.

Wow!

It tastes good too.

‘It’s been a while since I had restaurant healing!’

Chomp chomp.

Nom nom nom.

“…You eat well.”

“…You must have been very hungry.”

The pupils of Namgung Sohye and Namgung Cheonggi, who were eating together while watching Namgung Cheon-gang’s eating show, shook.

They’d never seen someone eat this well before.

Though he has a good physique, who knew he’d inhale 3-4 servings like a crab hiding its eyes.

Now he’s on his fifth serving.

It’s not that he eats recklessly, making one frown.

Rather, he eats so deliciously that it stimulates appetite.

‘How can he eat so deliciously? It’s the same food, but it seems like he’s eating something different.’

‘I thought food just needed to restore stamina and energy… I think I was wrong.’

Gulp.

Saliva naturally flows down.

It seems I shouldn’t hold back.

Then?

We should eat together deliciously.

“…One more serving each, no, make it two more servings.”

“That’s a good idea, Namgung Cheonggi-nim.”

And so the dishes were brought out again.

Namgung Sohye and Namgung Cheonggi ate even more deliciously and thoroughly than before.

After one shichen (30 minutes).

“Ah. It feels like I’ve eaten well for the first time in a long while.”

“I agree completely. How long has it been since I’ve eaten so deliciously in my life. I’m truly grateful for showing me the taste of food, Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang.”

Namgung Sohye, Namgung Cheonggi.

It was overeating after a long time, but they were satisfied.

“No, what did I even do to deserve such words. Haha…”

Namgung Cheon-gang was flustered by their words.

All he did was eat deliciously.

What’s so special about that to be so grateful for?

‘Well, as long as they ate well, that’s good.’

After that, warm tea was served.

The three people savored the tea with satisfied faces.

Meanwhile, Namgung Cheon-gang scanned the lower floor and surroundings again.

People already knew that Namgung Cheon-gang’s group belonged to the Namgung Family.

With clothing signifying the Namgung Family and mentioning Namgung in conversation, how could they not know?

No, even without mentioning Namgung, just seeing ‘Namgung Sohye’ alone, they couldn’t help but know it was Namgung.

‘Our Namgung Sohye-nim is quite famous after all.’

Though Namgung Cheon-gang had little information about the Martial Arts World, that didn’t mean he lacked information about his family.

Living in Namgung, how could he not know about Namgung?

Therefore, he couldn’t help but know how famous Namgung Sohye was.

Her beauty was remarkable, known throughout the Martial Arts World as one of the ‘Anhui’s First Flower’ and ‘Ten Flowers of the Martial Arts World’ for quite some time.

‘Muyong Sohwa was also one of the Ten Flowers of the Martial Arts World before.’

He knew the name and title, but didn’t recognize the face, so he hadn’t realized it.

Therefore, while knowing they were from the Namgung Family and avoiding eye contact.

There were quite a few people stealing glances at Namgung Sohye.

If they keep glancing like that, she might feel uncomfortable.

I wonder if she’s okay?

When he glanced at Namgung Sohye, her face showed she didn’t particularly mind.

“But it’s strange that everyone hasn’t given up, knowing that Namgung is participating.”

Rather than being conscious of her surroundings, she spoke as if asking about her own thoughts.

Since Namgung was from the Orthodox Faction, they wouldn’t directly control people due to principles and prestige.

But the name Namgung alone was enough indirect pressure.

Therefore, if placed in competition, one would normally give up first.

However, looking at those gathered at the inn, and furthermore those gathered in Dongling County, they didn’t seem to have such thoughts.

From Namgung Sohye’s perspective as a child of Namgung, this seemed curious.

Her understanding of the Orthodox Faction.

In that regard alone, her deep thinking was no less than that of experienced warriors.

‘Her pride in Namgung is quite high. Well, that’s natural for her age.’

Currently, Namgung Sohye was 17 years old.

An age with little worldly experience, and very high pride in her family.

Therefore, though intelligent, it was natural for her to question the current situation.

Perhaps it could be seen as pure curiosity befitting a 17-year-old girl.

In such cases, shouldn’t an experienced person resolve her curiosity?

“Because they’re forming groups.”

Horok.

Namgung Cheon-gang subtly gathered his energy.

“Pardon?”

When Namgung Sohye asked with curiosity, he continued.

“No matter how valuable the iron ore is, you’re wondering if it’s worth competing with Namgung for it, right? Since there would be no chance of winning.”

“…”

Namgung Cheon-gang’s calm words.

Namgung Sohye nodded.

Because she had thought the same thing.

“Namgung Sohye-nim’s thinking isn’t wrong. One, two, no, even up to five – if competing with the name Namgung, they would normally step back and watch. But what if it’s more than that?”

What if five becomes more than ten, and ten becomes more than twenty?

“Then it becomes worth competing for.”

Namgung, which upholds the principles of the Orthodox Faction, wouldn’t suppress others without reason.

And with twenty or more competitors, they would think their numbers are substantial enough to give it a try.

So why would they need to bow their heads in competition just because Namgung is there?

“And because Namgung is here, they can also feel at ease.”

“Because we’re here?”

“Yes. Whether it’s the Heterodox Faction or sects that wield considerable power. Anywhere in Anhui is under Namgung’s influence. Therefore, any conflict arising from discovering the iron ore becomes immediately contained.”

Because Namgung is that kind of existence.

“Therefore. They’ve set up the situation well. At the place where the iron ore was discovered.”

Spreading rumors.

Gathering people.

And making Namgung get involved as well.

Of course, they were politely invited.

But frankly speaking, it was no different from asking them to join a conflict involving dozens of groups.

It was only acceptable because they formed one pillar of the massive organization called the Orthodox Faction.

If not, it would have been a big problem.

Anyway, they also prevented the conflicts that would arise from this.

Those conflicts could extend beyond just between competitors to affect the discoverers as well.

In other words, they also prevented crises that could befall themselves, so how could we not say they set up the situation well?

“Actually, if conflicts arise, it might be even better for Namgung.”

Why?

It gives Namgung ‘justification.’

The justification of having prevented those conflicts.

If the reason for involving Namgung was to mediate conflicts, then there should be clear compensation for preventing them.

Though there are no verbal or written contracts, would Namgung think about that?

Those who know already know everything.

Knowing this, Namgung formed a mining group after being invited with full knowledge of the situation.

To summarize.

“The current situation can occur because everyone is thinking about mutual benefits. That’s why Namgung Cheonggi-nim and most of the Namgung Jeonggeomdan warriors came here.”

To gain justification and practical benefits.

If they planned to just strike and retreat, there would be no need to send a peak-level warrior and the entire first-rate martial force he leads.

“Isn’t that right, Namgung Cheonggi-nim?”

After explaining this to Namgung Sohye and casually looking at Namgung Cheonggi.

Namgung Cheonggi had surprised eyes.

Because it was the correct answer.

‘What kind of insight is this…!’

The emotions I felt while being with Namgung Cheon-gang were exactly those of a young man of that age.

Nothing more, nothing less.

As for blacksmith work, that wasn’t his area of expertise, so it was beside the point.

However, his eye for grasping situations was extraordinary.

That instantaneous comprehension was also absurd.

‘Didn’t they say he hasn’t even reached the age of twenty yet? Is such a thing truly possible?’

Namgung Sohye, who inherited the Namgung bloodline directly, also had extraordinary insight.

But her level exceeded twenty but didn’t surpass thirty.

However, the insight Namgung Cheon-gang displayed surpassed even his own.

At minimum, it was at the level of a seasoned expert.

“…Yes. That’s exactly right. What remarkable insight. Then, may I ask what you think will happen going forward?”

Surprised by that insight.

Namgung Cheonggi unconsciously asked what the future situation might be like.

Namgung Cheon-gang shrugged his shoulders.

“They’ll put forth their utmost effort to secure the iron ore. Since they now have the massive backing of Namgung. The problem is whether our Namgung can actually keep up with that utmost effort.”

“You mean us?”

“Yes. I’m not talking about Namgung’s total military strength. That’s beside the point. The level of fighting doesn’t match. What I’m referring to is currently here.”

Tap.

The center of the table.

Namgung Cheon-gang places his finger there.

“I’m talking about the mining techniques possessed by those gathered in this Dongryang County. The people I mentioned, and those people over there.”

He lifted his hand from the center of the table and pointed one by one to those he had just mentioned.

His finger also included others he hadn’t mentioned.

They all had sturdy builds, firm faces, rough exposed skin, and quite a few blisters and scars on their hands.

Whether Namgung Cheonggi looked or Namgung Sohye looked.

It was naturally evident that they had all worked deeply in some field.

“All of those people are renowned miners. In blacksmith terms, they’d be master-level. In martial artist terms, they’re at Namgung Cheonggi’s level or above. Even though the miners who came with Namgung all have extensive experience, compared to those people, they’d have to step back a notch or two. Perhaps you recognize some of them?”

The place where Namgung Cheon-gang, Namgung Sohye, and Namgung Cheonggi sat for their meal was the third floor.

And it was a spot where they could look down below.

All those who came with Namgung were staying here, and they were currently dining on the first and second floors.

Therefore, though they couldn’t see what faces they had, the two could guess from Namgung Cheon-gang’s words.

They would be surprised or fall into deep thought.

They too would think deeply when seeing those of high skill level.

“…Then what should we do? Should we recruit master-level or higher miners even now?”

It was Namgung Sohye.

She listened quietly, then understood and asked what to do.

Namgung Cheon-gang shook his head.

“No. They’re probably already under contract. And once they reach master-level or above, they have honor too, so breaking contracts isn’t easy. Unless there’s justification. In other words, we need to produce the power of master-level or higher miners with the forces we have.”

“Is that possible?”

“The skill difference would be difficult right away, but we can keep up to some degree through unconventional methods. If I get serious.”

“You getting serious, Namgung Cheon-gang?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If a blacksmith gets serious, what would that be? Smelting and crafting. Please gather all the miners. Let me take a thorough look at their equipment. Let’s start with that for now.”

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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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