He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 42

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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 42

 

Episode 42

 

Learning of the Blood Cult’s presence.

 

Afterward, he had a three-way meeting with Namgung Cheonggi and Namgung Sohye.

 

And they decided to each do their best in their assigned roles.

 

Later, on the day of the auction competition, Namgung Cheon-gang entered the mine.

 

When he went deep inside the coal mine.

 

When the Kang brothers asked if he could see the blackened parts and he asked what that was.

 

“Those are traces of a fallen star.”

 

So they’re traces of a meteorite?

 

That means.

 

There’s ‘Seongcheol’ in this area, or further below.

 

So the Kang brothers thoroughly searched the mine and secured the best spots.

 

And then what?

 

Enthusiastic clang-clang-clang pickaxe work.

 

Mining abilities that had risen to advanced level through Gongming’s efforts.

 

When he directly demonstrated the mining enlightenment that had penetrated his entire body, oh my.

 

The rock chunks were being dug up like tofu.

 

The pickaxe is me, I am the pickaxe.

 

Is this pickaxe unity?

 

“Heavens! Pickaxe unity!?”

 

Kang Hwi-cheol cried out in surprise.

 

That really existed!?

 

“Weren’t you a master-level blacksmith? Th-this level of mining ability is at the Special Gold Division level!? Don’t tell me you’ve been hiding your profession?”

 

Of course not.

 

I’ve been a blacksmith since my previous life.

 

“Huh, to think you’re this good when it’s your first time mining! You’re the god of pickaxes, the god of miners!”

 

My dream is to be the world’s greatest blacksmith though?

 

Anyway, amid the Kang brothers’ surprise and fuss, he felt both embarrassed and proud, so he worked the pickaxe even harder.

 

As he continued, he became completely absorbed in this different kind of fun from blacksmithing work.

 

He was excited.

 

He was thrilled.

 

Clang-clang-clang, pick~ axe~ dig~ ging!

 

Claaang-clang-clang!

 

So absorbed in the inspired pickaxe work that he unknowingly dug out a tunnel.

 

When his internal energy ran out and he was resting with his face pale as a sheet.

 

“Wow, your excavation skills are artistic. Didn’t you say you were a blacksmith? How can you display such excellent skills? Perhaps one of your ancestors had ‘bloodline’ from the Special Gold Division? Hahaha!”

 

A man quietly approached and acted so familiar.

 

Looking at him.

 

Huh.

 

Narrow eyes and a cheerful appearance?

 

“Seeing such excellent skills, I can’t just stand still. How about we talk privately for a moment? I think I can help you properly unleash the power hidden in that ‘bloodline.'”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang quietly observed the narrow-eyed man speaking so kindly.

 

Then he smiled gently and opened his mouth.

 

“Since ancient times, there’s been a saying.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Narrow-eyed men with cheerful appearances are always the mastermind.”

 

“Suddenly?”

 

“If it were someone ignorant, they would surely fall for it, but I’m not like that. Because!”

 

I’m someone with experience from a previous life.

 

How could I fall for a narrow-eyed cheerful mastermind!

 

“No, what?”

 

The narrow-eyed cheerful man was flustered.

 

Of course he would be.

 

He was seen through before he could even unfold his scheme.

 

I’d be flustered too in such a situation.

 

However, he too was using deception and truth.

 

Why is a mastermind a mastermind?

 

Isn’t it because they’re prepared to escape even in unexpected situations that makes them a mastermind?

 

“But you chose the wrong person, time, and place! I’ve already seen through even the scheme behind your scheme!”

 

“No, why are you doing this? What nonsense are you spouting! I was just trying to tell you about the power hidden in your bloodline—”

 

“It is you! Thank you for once again revealing that you’re the mastermind!”

 

“What!?”

 

“Now! Everyone from Namgung Jeonggeomdan! Catch him!”

 

“No, what, uwaaak!”

 

The ten members of Namgung Jeonggeomdan who had entered the coal mine together to guard the miners.

 

While Namgung Cheon-gang was talking with the mastermind and drawing attention.

 

They quietly approached, blocking escape routes.

 

And as soon as the signal was given, they all rushed to overwhelm the narrow-eyed man.

 

A prepared capture.

 

A mastermind who couldn’t escape.

 

He was pinned down and struggling.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang stood tall before him with his arms crossed.

 

Bursting into laughter.

 

“Blood— no, mastermind villain capture complete!”

 

Villain suspected of being a Blood Cult follower captured!

 

A cry in his heart.

 

“No, speak so people can understand! Aak! Don’t press down! I’m going to burst! Aaaak!”

 

“The villain talks too much! Everyone from Namgung Jeonggeomdan, drag him away!”

 

The flattened villain was restrained by both arms, both legs, head, and neck by Namgung Jeonggeomdan and dragged away.

 

The process of capturing the villain, Blood Cult suspect, and mastermind was not quiet.

 

So all the miners who were mining and resting looked over in surprise.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang, who had already expected the capture process wouldn’t be smooth.

 

“Everyone, don’t worry. The person being arrested right now is a criminal that the Namgung Family has been chasing for a year. His crimes are so heinous that I can’t even reveal them… Ugh, it’s terrible just thinking about it.”

 

He used the Namgung name.

 

“Ah. So he was a criminal the Namgung was chasing.”

 

“Well, if he’s a criminal the Namgung was chasing, it’s understandable to treat him like that.”

 

“How did he manage to run away for a whole year? That alone is impressive.”

 

“I’m more curious about what crime required running away for a year. What on earth did he do…”

 

“And how about we temporarily suspend today’s auction competition? That villain might have done something strange, and if something goes wrong, it could be a disaster. For instance, the mine could explode, collapse, etc.”

 

“Hmm. That probably won’t happen, but since it’s the Namgung saying this…”

 

“Well, he’s a criminal who’s been running away for a year, so what couldn’t he do?”

 

“That’s right. He’s a terrible guy. The competition is important, but isn’t life more precious? After the Namgung thoroughly searches the area and confirms it’s safe, then we’ll restart the competition. Of course, there won’t be any tricks during the investigation. It’s the Namgung. Please trust us.”

 

“Mm. The Namgung is trustworthy.”

 

“Right, it’s the Namgung after all.”

 

“Everyone, let’s go out for now. As that handsome and beautiful pickaxe-wielding blacksmith said, life is precious.”

 

“Right, right.”

 

It worked well.

 

All the miners understood.

 

Trusting the Namgung, they left the mine one by one.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang smiled contentedly.

 

‘As expected of Namgung. There’s no better reputation for quelling chaos.’

 

This is why it’s worth joining a big corporation.

 

Even if you throw a knife, you can insist it’s a hoe, right?

 

“Now then. Shall we check what kind of schemes you’ve been up to?”

 

That process might be quite violent though.

 

Do I care?

 

Stopping the Blood Cult’s schemes is more important.

 

“Hehe. It’s been a while since I’ll be hammering people instead of steel.”

 

I’ll show you the splendid torture of the hammer.

 

You won’t be able to endure without spitting out what you’re hiding, will you?

 

* * *

 

“A person from Haomun?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Of course!”

 

“Sima Waidao?”

 

“A-Are you crazy!? What kind of catastrophic thing to say!!”

 

The mine entrance was blocked by warriors from Namgung Jeonggeom Dan.

 

Afterwards, the squinty-eyed man suspected of being Blood Cult remnants, a lackey, or mastermind was moved to a secret place exclusive to the Namgung Family.

 

It was Cheonggung Inn.

 

Since it was an inn operated by Namgung, secrecy was well maintained.

 

Originally, the place they stayed was also an estate prepared within the inn.

 

Well, there’s no place as secret as this in Dongling County.

 

After requesting protection from Namgung Jeonggeom Dan warriors everywhere.

 

Together with ‘Namgung Kyung’, the vice-leader of Namgung Jeonggeom Dan, he took the squinty-eyed Blood Cult member to the warehouse.

 

When he pushed him in like throwing him.

 

‘Oh my! What kind of behavior is this!’

 

‘I didn’t know Namgung was a lawless group that kidnaps innocent people!’

 

He spouted such nonsense, so when I grabbed a blacksmith’s hammer and thrust it under his chin, this is what he said.

 

“Ha! Haomun? Haomuuun?”

 

Who does this bastard think he’s fooling?

 

Having nowhere else to turn, he’s selling out Haomun?

 

Is he selling them out carelessly because they’re from the Heterodox Faction?

 

“Well, when you think about it, Sima Waidao could be called the Black Path.”

 

“No, why do you keep saying such terrible things! Why is Sima Waidao the Black Path! Even the Black Path would feel bad hearing this!”

 

“Now, listen carefully. The Black Path moves for their own benefit, right?”

 

“That’s true, isn’t it?”

 

“Sima Waidao also goes crazy to spread their benefit, their will, right?”

 

“That’s also correct, isn’t it?”

 

“Then, when you consider the lineage, which side are they closer to between the White Path and Black Path?”

 

“The Black Path?”

 

“You know well. Therefore, you are Sima Waidao!”

 

“No, why does the conclusion turn out like that! I told you! I’m from Haomun! I’m Hosiu, a sect member belonging to Haomun! Go grab any Haomun person on the street and ask! They all know!”

 

“Still lying!”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang grabbed the collar of the squinty-eyed man who claimed to be Hosiu and asserted his innocence.

 

And shook him like threshing grain.

 

“Stop the lies and reveal the truth! I am Sima Waidao! I am Sima Waidao! Why can’t you say it!”

 

“Kek! Keeek! Haomun, I’m telling you it’s right! Keeek! The pouch, if you look at the pouch! There’s evidence! Keeek, keeek!”

 

“Pouch?”

 

He searched through the pouch.

 

A thick money bag came out.

 

First, he pocketed it.

 

Searching again, a small, flat black coin came out.

 

On the front, the character for moon was engraved in pure white letters, and on the back, the character three was engraved in the same white color.

 

What kind of coin is this?

 

“Young Master. From what I can see, this person seems to be truly a disciple of Haomun.”

 

Around the time Namgung Cheon-gang was curious about the black coin with the moon engraved on it.

 

Namgung Kyung casually interjected.

 

Since Namgung Cheonggi had briefly left his post, he was currently in charge of guarding Namgung Cheon-gang.

 

“What? This person is really from Haomun?”

 

“Yes. The mark of a moon drawn on a black coin signifies Haomun. The number on the back indicates the rank of the place he belongs to. If it’s the number three, you can consider that this person belongs to a higher place than expected.”

 

“In other words, he’s about executive level?”

 

“Yes. If we compare it to our Namgung Jeonggeom Dan, you could say it’s a place where squad leaders gather.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang narrowed his eyes and looked at the squinty-eyed Hosiu.

 

Hosiu, who had been gasping for breath after being grabbed by the collar.

 

He made a triumphant expression at Namgung Kyung’s words.

 

See that.

 

I am from Haomun, aren’t I!

 

Now, apologize.

 

And untie these ropes first—

 

“The preparation is quite thorough. That Sima Waidao bastard.”

 

Huh?

 

“To think he’d make and carry around Haomun’s insignia just because they’re from the same lineage. As expected, he can be seen as Sima Waidao. Hmph. Very seamless indeed.”

 

No, wait a minute.

 

What kind of nonsense is this?

 

The Namgung Family warrior said it’s Haomun, didn’t he?

 

“What?”

 

Look.

 

Look at that Namgung Family warrior’s bewildered expression too.

 

Look at it and drop your suspicions!

 

“With this, he probably thought our Namgung would say ‘Oh my, this is truly embarrassing! Not recognizing Haomun, haha, how foolish of me.’ and would revere him. However, even if you deceive the world, you cannot deceive me.”

 

Wow.

 

This is driving me crazy.

 

Does this guy not trust the world?

 

Why is he so suspicious?

 

If you belong to the Namgung Family, shouldn’t you be able to live more brightly?

 

Just what kind of environment did he experience to be suspicious of everything in the world!

 

‘No, that’s not what’s important!’

 

If that human doesn’t believe him, he’s in big trouble.

 

Right now he’s just grabbed by the collar.

 

But there’s no guarantee that hammer in his hand won’t strike his head later.

 

Huh, huh?

 

Look at that bastard?

 

His eyes are gradually going crazy.

 

“Why? Is it strange because I can’t trust you? Perhaps you think I consider the entire world to be like lies.”

 

“…!?”

 

He’s a ghost.

 

No wonder his eyes were going crazy.

 

He was channeling spirits to read minds!

 

“I don’t just distrust anyone, you know. But you can never trust people with narrow eyes.”

 

He’s even making personal attacks without hesitation.

 

What’s wrong with narrow eyes?

 

Did he get scammed by someone with narrow eyes or something?

 

“What’s wrong with narrow eyes! I was born this way! And why exactly can’t you trust me!”

 

Hosiu shouted in frustration.

 

“A sage said so.”

 

“Which sage!”

 

Novels, comics, and the internet.

 

They all said the mastermind is always someone with narrow eyes.

 

All of them said it.

 

Plus, there were actually many villains with narrow eyes in real life.

 

Therefore, the formula that narrow eyes equals mastermind and villain is obvious!

 

But if I tell the truth, Sima Waidao will obviously look at me like I’m crazy.

 

How dare someone like Sima Waidao look at an upright person of the righteous path like he’s crazy.

 

I can’t tolerate that.

 

Moreover, Lord Namgung Kyung, who doesn’t know about my past life, might also look at me strangely.

 

Sometimes you have to hide the truth and tell white lies.

 

Therefore, Namgung Cheon-gang mentioned the founder of that family,

 

a sage that comes to mind when thinking of the martial arts world, someone whose intellect is impossible to match.

 

“Lord Zhuge Liang.”

 

“You’re saying the founder of the Zhuge Family said such words?”

 

“Yes. Of course, it’s not commonly known. It’s a secret of the Zhuge Family that Lord Jie Hejun told me when he visited my forge recently.”

 

“Lies! How could the Zhuge Family say such things! Don’t speak such nonsense! I’m from Haowen, and Lord Zhuge Liang never said such words!”

 

“Shut up, Sima Waidao! Also, even if you don’t have narrow eyes, there’s a definite reason why you’re certainly Sima Waidao!”

 

“What’s that!”

 

“You said you’d tell me about the power contained in ‘bloodline’? Do you even know what my bloodline is to say such things?”

 

The Blood Cult, classified as Sima Waidao.

 

Their power comes from blood.

 

In other words, saying you’d tell me about the power of bloodline.

 

Isn’t that the same as saying you’d grant me the power of the Blood Cult?

 

This made it reasonable to suspect him of being Sima Waidao.

 

“Moreover, your words from earlier made my suspicion even more certain.”

 

“Which words of mine?”

 

“You said Haowen.”

 

Where is Haowen?

 

Isn’t it a group renowned for information in the martial arts world, along with the Beggar’s Sect?

 

Anyone living in the martial arts world would know about it.

 

It doesn’t matter if it’s not well-known.

 

It’s not like I’ve only read one or two martial arts novels. Why wouldn’t I know about Haowen?

 

“Such an information organization doesn’t know me? Namgung Cheon-gang? Me, who became a merchant at the Namgung Family from age 12?”

 

That would never happen!

 

“Ah! They certainly couldn’t not know!”

 

Namgung Kyung also seemed to realize something.

 

He clapped his hands.

 

“Right? Even if I grabbed a passing beggar and showed them my face, they’d know, right? But Haowen doesn’t know? You mention bloodline? Who would believe you’re from Haowen! Therefore, you’re definitely Sima Waidao!”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang, like a detective who found the culprit.

 

Spread his legs wide, pushed up non-existent glasses with his left hand, and powerfully extended his right arm as he shouted.

 

“Ohhh!”

 

Clap clap clap!

 

Namgung Kyung was moved by that amazing deduction and insight, clapping vigorously.

 

“…Could you at least let me make a final defense?”

 

Hah.

 

Finally, it seems the criminal has decided to stop hiding his crimes, no, his identity.

 

The moment he mentions defense, isn’t it as good as over?

 

Originally, I was thinking of hitting him with a hammer, saying defense wasn’t necessary.

 

But intoxicated by the perfection of my deduction, Namgung Cheon-gang allowed his defense.

 

“Go ahead and babble.”

 

“…Well, when I mentioned bloodline, it was because your mining speed is incredible, so I thought you might be from the bloodline of some great miner. Haowen has many clues about places where secrets left by miners who belonged to the Special Gold Division of the previous era are hidden. Using that as an excuse to approach, I could somehow start a conversation.”

 

“Ha. Your words are quite clever. Yes, yes. Let’s say you approached that way. So what did you want to discuss?”

 

“To arrange a meeting between the Namgung Family and Dong Mining House. It’s a request from Dong Mining House. They asked me to build a bridge so they could talk with Namgung.”

 

“Hehe. Isn’t client confidentiality guaranteed for requests? The great Haowen doesn’t even know that—”

 

“They said it didn’t need to be kept secret. And finally, why wouldn’t we know about Lord Namgung Cheon-gang? We also know that you became the sole disciple of Elder Mak Noya. So if you are indeed Lord Namgung Cheon-gang, you’re currently being treated as special-grade information.”

 

Special-grade information, he says.

 

Even if it’s a lie from Sima Waidao, it feels good.

 

“However, there’s a reason why I couldn’t recognize Lord Namgung Cheon-gang.”

 

“Hah, your final argument is truly pathetic. Yes, yes. I’ll listen to the end. The reason you couldn’t recognize me despite me being special-grade.”

 

“You’re too dark.”

 

What?

 

“You’re too dark, so I couldn’t recognize you.”

 

“Wow. You call that an excuse? My goodness. Hehe, really now.”

 

Even if I don’t have milk-white skin, this is the first time I’ve heard I’m dark.

 

This is ridiculous.

 

There’s nothing more to listen to.

 

“Yes, I’ve heard enough. The trial result is death penalty, no, hammer penalty! Let’s talk after you get hit with a hammer first!”

 

Nothing beats a hammer for crooked eyes and twisted minds.

 

First, I’ll give him a good whack.

 

Then find out for sure why the Blood Cult is here.

 

And reveal where the remaining members are!

 

Namgung Cheon-gang raised his hammer high.

 

Hosiu urgently shouted.

 

“No, you’re really dark! Your whole body is black right now because of the mining work! Look, I’m dark too right now! So how could I recognize you!”

 

“…My lord. Forgive my presumptuous words, but you are indeed quite dark. Look, am I not dark too?”

 

Namgung Kyung chimed in.

 

Only then did Namgung Cheon-gang realize that both Hosiu and Namgung Kyung were indeed quite dark.

 

“…Wait, let me see a copper mirror.”

 

Upon checking.

 

‘I’m dark?’

 

I’m dark.

 

Even more than those two.

 

My face is completely black, so much so that even I couldn’t recognize myself.

 

‘Come to think of it, I really worked hard at mining, didn’t I?’

 

It was enough to completely disguise my identity.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

Silence.

 

Embarrassment rises as I don’t know what to do with this awkwardness.

 

But I can’t just let this slide.

 

I’ve come too far.

 

‘Let me check just one more thing, just one more.’

 

If that works out, I’ll truly apologize.

 

“…If you’re really from Haowen, then take me to the Haowen branch and let me meet the branch leader of this Dongryang County. Then I’ll truly believe you. Though I suppose you won’t be able to arrange that meeting. The branch leader of Haowen isn’t someone you can just meet whenever you want to—”

 

About half a si-jin (one hour) later.

 

“Nice to meet you. I am Hoyeol, the Haowen branch leader of Dongryang County.”

 

“I’m sorry, Master Hosiu. You really are from Haowen. I apologize.”

 

“….”

 

That apology came remarkably fast.

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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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