He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 86

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

Chapter 86

Episode 86

Squeak squeak squeak!

Squeak!

‘Ugh, these damn rat bastards!’

Just how many did they prepare?

It had been just over a brief moment (about 10 minutes) since entering Dongyun Forest.

Blood rats were attacking from everywhere.

Dropping from trees, ambushing from the sides, bursting up from the ground.

Of course, since each member of the pursuit team was an exceptional individual, no one was getting hurt.

The problem was that the pursuit speed was starting to slow down endlessly due to the swarming blood rats.

Namgung Cheon-gang had also recovered his internal energy to some degree, so he got down from Suwang’s back and helped catch the blood rats.

However, even after swinging the Thunder Breaking Star Hammer to catch dozens and dozens more, the pursuit speed that had once dropped wouldn’t rise again.

“This won’t do.”

Suwang, who had burst ten charging blood rats with a single punch, spoke up.

“The slower we are, the more that bastard might regain his strength.”

How could that fleeing bastard regain his strength?

I knew without having to ask.

Hadn’t Suwang said it before when we were digging traps to catch that bastard?

That he had come here to gain the power of the divine insect.

And thus, he would obtain the complete power of the Bloodletting Flute Technique.

At first, I thought it was just about him getting stronger.

“That building-sized, no, that building-sized rat is going to eat the divine insect and recover its strength, right?”

“That’s right, brother Namgung Cheon-gang. The Nammantae Daehyeolseo will gain the power of the divine insect and regain its original strength. Through that, he himself will also become stronger.”

And the path we’re taking now is exactly the path leading to the divine insect.

The giant silk threads visible between the fallen trees were proof of that.

When I picked them up, they felt like iron – these weren’t ordinary threads.

“Don’t tell me, is that why these silk threads were spread throughout the entire forest like a net?”

Ah.

So this was it.

The iron-like silk threads filling the forest that sister Namgung Yeong had told me about before.

“That’s right, Miss Namgung Yeong. It’s a kind of protective barrier spread by the Baekjeop, the adult form of silkworms, to protect the birth of the divine insect.”

Baekjeop refers to silkworm moths in the Martial Arts World.

‘Well, honestly, silkworm moths are pretty good-looking for moths.’

Plus they produce silk thread.

They’re also used as ingredients for cordyceps.

All things considered, aren’t they beneficial insects to humans?

The expression “butterfly” is much better than “moth.”

‘If such Baekjeop are voluntarily coming forward to protect it, then the divine insect that Suwang is talking about is ultimately—’

“The divine insect here could ultimately be called Sinchung Baekjeop, Lord Suwang.”

“Correct, Miss Namgung Yeong.”

‘As expected.’

Then Suwang’s words about needing to hurry also make sense.

Blood rats like silkworms.

Just like how Namgung Cheon-gang likes egg fried rice, you could say it’s their favorite food.

‘Just looking at how it fled to the warehouse storing silk cocoons, you could say the Nammantae Daehyeolseo was trying to eat the silkworms in the cocoons to recover its strength.’

Otherwise, there would be no reason to flee all the way to the warehouse and summon the Nammantae Daehyeolseo.

‘Therefore, heading toward the Sinchung Baekjeop means the Nammantae Daehyeolseo will eat the Sinchung Baekjeop and recover its strength!’

Recover its strength?

It would be a repeat of what happened 30 years ago.

“Moreover, brother Namgung Cheon-gang is also in danger.”

Huh?

Me?

Suddenly?

“Think about what you said to Seo-heung.”

Ah.

“He will never forgive you. Once he recovers his strength, he will definitely bite brother Namgung Cheon-gang first. Uncle, no, that bastard never forgets a grudge.”

“…”

It wasn’t Suwang who should be urgent, it was me who should be urgent!

“We need to hurry, we need to hurry!”

My life is at stake!

“Squeeeak!”

“Squeak squeak!”

I said we needed to hurry, but.

We couldn’t pick up speed.

Even though our feet hadn’t stopped during the conversation, blood rats were still endlessly charging at us.

Thud thud thud!

Thud!

“Ugh! Seriously! I’m dying from urgency but what the hell are all these rat bastards charging at us for!”

Thud thud thud!

“These bastards don’t seem to just be blocking us. It looks like they’re replenishing stamina for the Nammantae Daehyeolseo. Look.”

Suwang, who had burst 20 blood rats with a single kick, pointed to one side.

There were countless half-eaten Baekjeop scattered there.

They were all different sizes.

It seemed they were born in different years.

‘Bad rat! Eating and spitting them out without finishing them!’

What did the Baekjeop ever do wrong!

“Like this, that bastard’s Nammantae Daehyeolseo can recover its strength even faster!”

Thud thud thud!

“I know we’re in a hurry, but there are too many blood rats!”

If it were just the blood rats that appeared at Cheonjam-gak, we would have already defeated them all.

But it was as if that had been just a preliminary battle.

The blood rats that the forest was spitting out were endless.

It felt like we had entered not Dongyun Forest but Hyeolseo-lim.

“Is there a respawn zone somewhere! Seriously!”

Thud thud thud!

“What does that mean, brother!”

Thud!

“It’s a Western Region term meaning enemies keep swarming endlessly, brother Hwang!”

“Aha!”

“This won’t do! The longer we delay, the more advantageous it is for that bastard! We need to split up here!”

“I agree, brother Suwang!”

We need to go quickly for the sake of my life too!

So, how should we split up?

‘Me, sister Namgung Yeong, and some of the Namman brothers should stay behind to block the rats, while we send brother Suwang and brother Hwang ahead!’

What could I do against a giant rat that had recovered its strength anyway?

I’m just a blacksmith who learned four divine techniques and can swing a giant hammer.

It would be much better to send the two brothers who had reached the peak of transcendence and half of the Namman Warrior brothers.

‘Rather than potentially becoming a hindrance, this is better!’

Just as I was about to voice what I had thought.

“There’s no need to divide our forces.”

Brother Hwanggyeon speaks up.

‘No, what are you saying!’

Could it be that brother is a hidden spy for the Blood Cult!

That thought crossed my mind, but I immediately acknowledged it was nonsense.

Because.

“Namgung Jeonggeomdan!! Save the Namgung family and deal with the blood beasts!”

“Gaebang disciples!! Assist the Rear Elder!!”

Reinforcements had arrived.

Hwanggyeon sensed their presence and said there was no need to divide forces.

“Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang!”

A familiar voice calls out.

Looking back, there was a welcome face commanding the Namgung Jeonggeomdan.

“Lord Namgung Cheonggi!”

“Go! We’ll hold them here!”

“No, I should also—”

“Sorry we’re late, Rear Elder!”

“Not at all! You came at the perfect time! Thanks to you, we can move more easily!”

“Go! Go and defeat the evil enemy!”

Dozens of Gaebang reinforcements clear the path ahead.

Blood beasts burst apart from the Beggar’s Sect’s hexagonal staffs.

Not to be outdone.

“Namgung Jeonggeomdan! Deploy Changung Mujin and work with Gaebang to eliminate those demons!”

Namgung Cheonggi shouts with inner energy and swings his sword.

Blue sword energy pours forth, splitting the blood beasts in half.

The Namgung Jeonggeomdan united to deploy Changung Mujin, crushing and splitting the blood beasts.

The path ahead cleared in an instant.

Hwanggyeon smiled and nodded.

“Let’s go!”

“I won’t forget this debt!”

Hwanggyeon and Suwang lead the way, followed by the Namman Warriors.

“Let’s go!”

Namgung Yeong also follows behind them.

“…Yes!”

Namgung Cheon-gang follows with a tearful expression.

Try saying “I’ll stay behind here.”

They’d kill me.

‘This isn’t the right timing either.’

I should pray that Brother Seo-heung shows mercy.

Sigh, such is my fate.

* * *

The place where Sinchung Baekjeop was located was a wide open field.

Rather than being naturally wide, it seemed like a place created for the birth of Baekjeop.

Everywhere, silkworms formed protective nets, and fully grown Baekjeop were also abundant.

No, that’s what it ‘used to be’ like.

Now, it’s nothing but ruins.

Silkworm threads are torn and fluttering like spider webs, and half-eaten dead Baekjeop lie scattered everywhere.

In the center of that place.

There was the Nammantae Daehyeolseo.

Devouring the end of a giant White Silkworm Cocoon as large as itself.

Suddenly—

Kukukukung!

Something flies toward the Nammantae Daehyeolseo, cutting through air and ground.

The Nammantae Daehyeolseo quickly lifts its face from devouring the White Silkworm Cocoon and raises one hand.

Kwaaaaang!

Jiiiik…

With a loud explosion, the Nammantae Daehyeolseo slides backward.

A giant hammer is caught in the Nammantae Daehyeolseo’s extended hand.

Apparently unharmed.

The Nammantae Daehyeolseo grins wickedly and tosses it aside.

Kuuuuung!

Part of the forest collapses with a heavy roar.

“Hehehehe. That won’t work anymore!”

As the roar subsides, sinister laughter and a metallic scraping voice flow from the Nammantae Daehyeolseo.

More precisely, from atop its head.

Covered in pure white blood, with red eyes gleaming, a rat-like man.

The traitor of Nanman Beast Palace, owner of the Bloodletting Flute Technique, Seo-heung.

I know who threw it.

That damn Blacksmith!

“Good, I was just thinking of catching and killing you anyway, this works out perfectly! I’ll make you pay for your insolent words!”

“You’ll die before my brother does, Seo-heung!!”

Above the head of Seo-heung, who was confidently raising both arms and shouting.

Suwang, who had somehow gotten close, extends his leg as he falls.

However, he doesn’t get hit.

As if he had been waiting.

Seo-heung steps on the Nammantae Daehyeolseo’s head, leaps up, and extends both hands to block.

Kwaang!

A tremendous roar strikes the air.

Peong!

Kwang!

Kaaaang!

The roar subsides.

New roars mix in behind it.

As Suwang’s leg aimed at Seo-heung’s head is blocked, he simultaneously aims for the side of his head with his other leg.

Seo-heung blocks that as well.

At the same time, he extends his leg to attack Suwang’s groin.

But would he be hit?

He twists his body to dodge and whips his leg like a whip again.

That too, Seo-heung extends his hand to block.

It seems not only the Nammantae Daehyeolseo absorbed the power of Sinchung Baekjeop.

It’s an even match.

After exchanging blows in the sky, Suwang and Seo-heung fall to the ground.

Seo-heung stares intently.

At Suwang’s feet.

More precisely, at the cloud-walking shoes Suwang is wearing, dark as night.

“…So it was because of these Qingshezuhua.”

The reason he was discovered.

“Then, it was the Blacksmith who set the trap.”

The one who devised the plan to find him wasn’t Hwanggyeon!

He realizes it now.

However, what’s the point of realizing it now?

It’s already too late.

But just because it’s late doesn’t mean it’s over!

If I eliminate it now, that’s all that matters!

“Honey, get out of the way, Suwang! I’ll tear that bastard’s mouth apart and rip his head off!”

“You absolutely cannot escape from here, Seo-heung!”

“Yes, it’s been a while since my nephew asked me to play, so let’s have some fun!”

“My uncle is already dead!!”

Kwaaang!!

Kwaaaang!!

A rat filled with red energy and a tiger filled with blue energy charge toward each other.

Meanwhile.

Hwanggyeon, Namgung Yeong, and the Namman Warriors rushed at the Nammantae Daehyeolseo.

The Beggar’s Sect’s Dog-Beating Staff Technique filled with yellow strong energy heads toward the Nammantae Daehyeolseo’s body.

From Namgung Yeong’s staff-like heavy weapon made of black sandalwood, the Changung Sword Technique unfolds.

Different from Namgung Cheon-gang, it’s Namgung martial arts reborn with his own weapon!

Then from the Namman warriors, the martial arts of the Nanman Beast Palace unfolded like wild beasts.

However, the only one that reaches is the Beggar’s Sect’s martial arts.

“Squeeeak!”

Because at the Nammantae Daehyeolseo’s call, blood rats poured out from throughout the entire forest.

“We’ll handle these, so Elder Brother should take the giant rat!”

“The warriors will handle the rat swarm! Beggar King should take the giant rat!”

“I trust you!”

Kwaaaaa!

Crack!

Paaang!

The battle between the blood rats and Nammantae Daehyeolseo, and the Namman traitor and the Beast Palace’s Suwang.

It erupted rapidly everywhere.

A battle where no one could retreat.

If you retreat, the momentum shifts with it.

Eyes gleaming, drawing out internal energy, gritting their teeth, they attacked each other.

The sky wept, the ground split, the forest shook.

The white ground was being stained with the blood of demons.

But what about Namgung Cheon-gang?

Peek.

His face appeared above the giant white silkworm cocoon.

* * *

As soon as I arrived, I unconsciously launched a preemptive attack.

Should I say it was an unconscious conditioned reflex upon seeing such a vicious enemy?

Anyway, after that, I entered the forest to pick up the Thunder-Breaking Star Hammer that the Nammantae Daehyeolseo had thrown away.

After going back and forth, the battle was already underway.

“Why are you throwing other people’s weapons around and causing a ruckus?”

What a rude giant rat!

I was about to charge in.

But what if it goes berserk upon seeing me?

I’ll conserve my strength for now.

The reason for hiding in the white silkworm cocoon?

This place was just perfect for conserving strength.

“If it goes berserk while fighting like that, Elder Brother Hwanggyeon, Sister Namgung Yeong, and the Namman Brothers would be in danger.”

It shouldn’t go into a rage mode during phase 2.

Still, I can’t just sit still.

“I’ll watch for the timing and throw my hammer intermittently to create openings and help Elder Brother Hwanggyeon. By the way, so that’s the Beggar’s Sect’s martial arts.”

Seeing the Dog-Beating Staff Technique properly like this feels different.

It’s not just used randomly either.

He efficiently uses the Drunken Eight Immortals Steps while dodging the giant rat’s attacks.

The footwork that seems drunk yet divinely inspired is amazing.

“That’s proper drunken fist technique.”

I should take in more of those footwork movements.

I know the techniques of the Drunken Eight Immortals Steps because of Gongmyeong, but…

‘No one would say anything about learning by watching that skilled veteran’s footwork, right?’

Then, even if that rat attacks me upon seeing me, I’d be able to dodge more easily, right?

So, Namgung Cheon-gang sticks his head out further, wanting to see more.

He reaches out his hand to support his body, but unfortunately, he reaches toward a hole.

“Ugh!”

So unconsciously, he slides smoothly into the half-eaten white silkworm cocoon.

Splash.

Covered in white blood.

“Ew, what kind of mess is this—”

Just as he was startled and about to jump up.

[It hurts.]

“Huh?”

[It hurts.]

What’s this?

Why is there a voice in my head?

‘Wait, it hurts?’

Could it be.

“Is that you, Sinchung Baekjeop?”

Just in case, he placed his hand on the half-eaten white silkworm cocoon and asked.

An answer came.

[It hurts.]

[Please heal me.]

A small, fragile voice.

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