He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 41

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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 41

 

Episode 41

 

“Wh-what? Lady Namgung Sohye has come to visit!? What are you all doing, hurry and escort her in!”

 

“Yes, yes!”

 

At last, the Namgung Family had responded to the invitation.

 

Moreover, the person who came was no ordinary figure.

 

Namgung Sohye.

 

The third daughter of the current head of the Namgung Family.

 

The blood of the Sword King.

 

What did this signify?

 

Was it not the same as saying they would acknowledge his intentions?

 

He could finally cast off one layer of the burden in his heart.

 

Dong Yeo-hui was filled with indescribable joy.

 

With that joyful heart, he prepared to hold a banquet.

 

And tried to present the gift he had prepared.

 

But Namgung Sohye declined.

 

What she wanted was a cup of tea.

 

And a private meeting with him.

 

It wasn’t such a difficult request.

 

Dong Yeo-hui dismissed everyone and respectfully received her in his office.

 

‘This is actually better. Rather than in a chaotic atmosphere, if I apologize directly in this quiet setting, my sincerity will be felt more deeply.’

 

There would be no problem since he could present the prepared gift directly.

 

“I’ve brought the prepared tea. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I’ll bring different tea.”

 

After respectfully seating her in the office, he personally brought the prepared tea.

 

Tea water filled the beautiful white teacup to the brim.

 

Within the misty steam, the unique fragrance that only tea possessed was fully contained.

 

The fragrance alone made the room feel serene.

 

“Sichuan’s Thousand Tribute Tea. Thank you for serving such precious tea.”

 

In that serene fragrance, Namgung Sohye quietly spoke.

 

“You recognized it as Thousand Tribute Tea just from the fragrance?”

 

Dong Yeo-hui asked in surprise.

 

Thousand Tribute Tea.

 

Named so because it was said to be made with a thousand efforts.

 

It could only be made with the expertise of the Sichuan Dang Sect.

 

Therefore, it was a premium tea worth 5 taels of gold for just a handful.

 

If it were just an ordinary premium tea, it wouldn’t be surprising.

 

But the fragrance and taste of Thousand Tribute Tea were no different from ordinary tea, making it difficult to recognize by fragrance alone.

 

Because of this, a considerable amount of counterfeits existed, making it truly difficult to identify the genuine article.

 

Then how should one find it?

 

“Within the fragrance and taste of Thousand Tribute Tea, a faint spiciness is hidden. Only when that spiciness can be felt can it be called true Sichuan Thousand Tribute Tea. Since that spiciness is faintly felt in this tea, it can be considered proper Thousand Tribute Tea.”

 

Namgung Sohye explained calmly.

 

Soon, she supported the Thousand Tribute Tea with one hand and held the side of the teacup with the other, slowly savoring it.

 

Every one of her movements overflowed with elegance.

 

‘To think she would have such deep knowledge in the Way of Tea.’

 

To be so amazed by a single action, a single word.

 

Truly befitting the Namgung Family.

 

No, perhaps this amazement was possible precisely because the subject was ‘Namgung Sohye.’

 

From what he had heard.

 

Her talent was so remarkable that the Sword King himself had declared she would become a Sword Flower who would lead the Martial Arts World in the future.

 

Indeed, having reached the peak before even reaching the prime of youth, there was no need to discuss her talent.

 

Moreover, having deep knowledge in the Way of Tea meant her mental cultivation was also extraordinary.

 

‘The Sword King’s words that she would lead the Martial Arts World in the future are certainly not wrong.’

 

However, talent aside, and knowledge of tea aside.

 

What was even more remarkable was her beauty.

 

‘The First Flower of Anhui.’

 

‘One of the Ten Flowers of the Martial Arts World.’

 

Those titles were not given without reason.

 

How could a person be so beautiful, and possess such tranquility and elegance?

 

If the divine beast called Heavenly Cat, whose beauty reached the heavens, became human, would it be like this?

 

No, being direct lineage of the Namgung Family, it wouldn’t be strange to be called a Heavenly Cat.

 

“However, I wonder how the head of Dong Mining House came to possess Thousand Tribute Tea with its faintly hidden spiciness.”

 

Just as Dong Yeo-hui was marveling at learning that the rumors about Namgung Sohye were true.

 

Clink.

 

The teacup was placed on the table.

 

At the same time, Namgung Sohye’s atmosphere changed.

 

The Heavenly Cat’s lips formed a straight line, and tranquility settled in her eyes.

 

That single expression alone conveyed coldness.

 

The room that had held the warmth of the teacup instantly filled with chill.

 

“I don’t particularly prefer long conversations, so I’ll state the reason I accepted the head’s invitation and requested this private meeting.”

 

“Pl-please command me. If this humble one has done anything wrong, I will unconditionally beg for f-forgiveness.”

 

“I came to Dongryang County because the Sword King told me to gain experience in the Martial Arts World. He told me to see and learn many things. I have indeed seen many good things. And—”

 

She maintained a brief silence.

 

Closing her eyes.

 

As if savoring something, she fell into thought.

 

Then slowly opened her eyes and continued speaking.

 

“I have also seen an example that made me wonder if the name Namgung has become so laughable that it can be so lightly exploited by someone.”

 

‘The name of Namgung is light.’

 

Truly heavy and frightening words.

 

Though she didn’t say who created that example.

 

Dong Yeo-hui immediately knew it was himself.

 

The matter related to the current mining rights auction taking place in Dongryang County.

 

Just as he was about to prostrate himself.

 

“Should the knees of one who is the owner of a mining house touch the ground so lightly? Therefore, if you have something to say with dignity, please do so. That is courtesy toward my Namgung.”

 

Namgung Sohye stopped Dong Yeo-hui’s action.

 

“…I am grateful for your consideration. Also, what I must clearly state is that our Dong Mining House absolutely did not view the name of Namgung lightly. The d-discovery of ore veins must be reported to the government office, and the resulting mining rights—”

 

“Must either be maintained or given to various parties through auction. I know this. To question this would be to question government customs. Then, you must understand that what I wish to say is not that.”

 

“Th-then?”

 

“If you pretend not to know, I’ll tell you directly. The point that you tried to prevent disturbances and protect Dong Mining House from danger using the name of Namgung. The point that you tried to proceed with business backed by Namgung without a single word. That is what I’m pointing out.”

 

“…”

 

“It wouldn’t be disrespecting Namgung. Yes. It wouldn’t be. You might think that even without saying anything, Namgung already knows and would let it pass. Yes. Namgung is that kind of place, being an Orthodox Faction. However, I hope you understand that before that, Namgung is a Martial Arts Family.”

 

Martial Arts Family.

 

A family of Martial Artists.

 

Martial Artists have strong pride.

 

They consider face, prestige, and their honor as precious as life.

 

This is stronger than any sect, family, or individual.

 

Therefore, even if it’s not a mistake, if they think it is.

 

The anger a martial family can hold is as heavy as a thousand gold.

 

Namgung Sohye clearly pointed this out.

 

“If you had sent even a single letter, there wouldn’t have been such trouble. Also, knowing this, isn’t that why you kept requesting meetings with us?”

 

“…”

 

“I hope you won’t say it’s not true. If you truly haven’t taken Namgung lightly.”

 

Thud.

 

“I absolutely never took Namgung lightly. That would never happen. Not sending even a single letter, and knowing yet taking no action whatsoever. Of course, it’s an unforgivable matter. However, all of this is my fault. I was foolish and didn’t think deeply enough. Therefore, please take this old man’s life and let the family continue—”

 

“Didn’t I tell you?”

 

He had knelt down.

 

Since Namgung Sohye’s words were absolutely right, he tried to beg for forgiveness.

 

Though spilled water cannot be contained, he wanted to wipe it clean and dirty only himself.

 

But before that wiping could even finish.

 

Namgung Sohye approached and helped Dong Yeo-hui up.

 

“A family head must be dignified wherever they are. And our Namgung doesn’t want such behavior. Unless you’re someone deserving universal condemnation, and unless I’m the Sword King, simply bowing your head is sufficient.”

 

“…”

 

“This isn’t a place to assign blame or seek retribution for sins. However, the fact that you used our Namgung’s name without a word of notice to gain profit doesn’t disappear, does it? Even if it wasn’t planned.”

 

“Th-that’s right.”

 

“Of course, if you grant me one request, I’ll consider today’s matter as if it never happened. Naturally, I’ll also inform ‘Father’ that nothing occurred.”

 

“…!?”

 

It was a lifeline.

 

Namgung Sohye was.

 

Not a messenger of death who came to punish sins.

 

But a savior who came to lower that lifeline.

 

“Wh-what matter is it! This Dong Yeo-hui! I’ll do anything!”

 

“It’s nothing major. It’s about the ongoing mining rights auction competition. I’d like to change this to a different method.”

 

* * *

 

Dong Mining House spoke with the government office and promised to change the mining rights auction competition tomorrow morning.

 

Namgung Sohye also explained to him why the competition needed to be changed.

 

Not threatening as Namgung, but warning of riots by third parties who didn’t participate in the auction competition.

 

When she asserted this in the name of ‘Namgung,’ Dong Yeo-hui immediately accepted.

 

What she had thought.

 

She accomplished exactly that.

 

So leaving Dong Mining House and returning to the lodging.

 

The conversation she had with Dong Yeo-hui today.

 

It was a story that came from Namgung Cheon-gang before.

 

She tried not to bring it up and forget about it.

 

Originally, Namgung had no business oppressing other sects over such matters.

 

Yet the reason she deliberately brought it up and performed acts similar to oppression.

 

Stop.

 

Her steps halted.

 

Namgung Sohye closed her eyes and thought about that reason.

 

‘Blood Cult.’

 

The appearance of those demonic heretics too terrible to even speak of.

 

Should she believe this?

 

‘But I must believe it.’

 

Not only Namgung Cheon-gang, but Namgung Cheonggi also said the ‘Blood Cult’ had appeared, didn’t he?

 

Not here, but in another place.

 

It was a secret known by those in important positions within Namgung.

 

Though she didn’t know.

 

‘Father wouldn’t necessarily reveal it openly.’

 

If it’s the Blood Cult, it would be more urgent to hide it for now and find out the truth and location of remnants.

 

Perhaps hiding it to find spies within the family would be correct.

 

The Blood Cult members Namgung Sohye heard about were such beings.

 

‘Now he told me without hiding it.’

 

Not only that.

 

He revealed it to her and the three of them discussed what to do.

 

This meant he trusted her.

 

That feeling wasn’t bad.

 

Therefore, the task she was assigned was exactly this.

 

‘Changing the mining rights auction competition. Did he say it was something only I could do?’

 

The face of the person who said this.

 

It floated in her closed eyes.

 

‘Only Lady Namgung Sohye can do this. Why? Of course. Who here wouldn’t believe the words of the Sword King’s blood relative and Namgung’s daughter? They’d believe it even with a blade at their throat.’

 

‘Ah, if you’re upset because this uses the name of being the Sword King’s daughter rather than your own name, I apologize. But you should know. This is the ultimate move that only Lady Namgung Sohye can use. Not just anyone can do it.’

 

‘Use it freely when you can. What father would dislike his daughter using his name? If I were the Sword King—’

 

He would have hugged his daughter warmly and told her to use it all she wanted… didn’t he say that?

 

Chuckle.

 

She couldn’t help but smile.

 

He had a talent for speaking quite amusingly.

 

Also, his mind was very clever and surprising.

 

And what about his insight in discovering the Blood Cult’s presence?

 

‘I’ve heard the name before, but this is my first time seeing him like this. The more I see, he’s like an onion. How has such a person not become widely known?’

 

Just because he’s a blacksmith?

 

Well.

 

Even as a blacksmith, his name is famous in Anhui Province, isn’t it?

 

He’s someone full of talent that can’t be hidden even if he tries to hide it.

 

“So that’s why he learned it.”

 

Did Father see that unhideable talent?

 

“…I’ll be certain later.”

 

For now, I must focus only on immediate matters.

 

Opening her eyes.

 

She moved her steps again.

 

Then suddenly.

 

Perhaps because she remembered.

 

She was curious about what he was doing.

 

Well, from what she’d experienced, his nature was kind and virtuous, so he wouldn’t recklessly intimidate others.

 

Probably.

 

He must be desperately searching for Blood Cult followers inside the mine.

 

Because that’s the kind of person he is.

 

Namgung Sohye thought so and was certain of it.

 

And at that moment, Namgung Cheon-gang was.

 

“You know your own crimes!”

 

“No, I really don’t know what you’re talking about— Kyaaaah!”

 

Grabbing the collar of someone who may or may not be a Blood Cult follower, shaking them while very vigorously intimidating them.

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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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