I Became the Namgung Clan’s Omnipotent Item-Powered Martial God - Chapter 54

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 54
54 — Those Hidden Within Power
#1
The Squad Leader Seizure Competition of the Namgung Family’s junior branch.
The rules were simple.
Gather at the Main Estate, then memorize the faces of each squad leader.
Immediately after, the squad leaders take two flags to a designated location—that was the first step.
After waiting two hours, the trainees depart.
The squad leaders’ whereabouts are unknown to the trainees.
The trainees must compete or cooperate with one another to seize the squad leaders’ flags—that was the essence of the Squad Leader Seizure Competition.
‘From that very place, countless casualties would emerge.’
Inside the lurching carriage, Namgung Yeon sifted through various memories.
During the Squad Leader Seizure Competition, numerous events would unfold simultaneously.
The most important would surely be what happened near the Training Ground, where no one else would be.
There was no elaborate Formation Technique or extraordinary Technique involved.
The demons exploited human psychology with cunning precision.
The lust for power.
The desire to possess the Namgung Family.
They fanned these flames, driving people toward mutual ruin.
‘There is nothing easier to exploit than human emotion—the deep-seated grudges of individuals.’
They would fail.
Namgung Yeon fingered a small pouch while his thoughts deepened.
A blade tears through the flesh of the innocent without hesitation.
Even if that person were someone he cherished dearly…
Once, family had died.
Once, a close friend had died.
Then, familiar faces—retainers, bodyguards, comrades…
Each time the method changed, but only the dead remained constant.
‘In the end, someone’s sacrifice never changed.’
What cruel mockery of fate this was.
If there were someone laughing at this sight, he would gladly tear apart that grinning mouth.
To prevent that…he had prepared thoroughly this time as well.
“Everyone remembers what I told you, correct?”
“…Can this powder really distinguish demons?”
“Do you remember the first day when those who infiltrated our group last time were here?”
He watched as everyone fell into thought.
Namgung Se-un, who had the sharpest memory, spoke first.
Because he had experienced that first mountain expedition with them.
“Right. Their faces were unusually flushed.”
“That’s evidence of Demon Qi. There’s no need to rush at them first, but stay alert.”
“If this powder truly does what you say…this could be quite the opportunity.”
“Exactly. When it starts, scatter it without hesitation.”
What he distributed to them were pouches containing Realgar Powder.
Namgung Yeon had decided to trust his group members and entrust them with this task.
When he had operated alone, he had hit his limits far more quickly.
The reason he needed those who moved with one heart and one purpose.
Even a sheet of paper becomes stronger when two hands hold it.
If the demons scattered their forces, they too must do the same.
And there was one more thing.
‘That one will move soon enough.’
There were various variables, but there was one demon who would grow active at this time.
When he first fell under that demon’s sway, countless instructors and warriors had died.
The demon’s name was Namgung Hyeon-geum.
As for his rank…yes.
He held the same generational rank as the Grand Elder.
A traitor.
The one who stood at the very heart of Namgung, harboring the cruelest poison within.
‘The one who sows seeds.’
One who had planted demons within the Namgung Family over a long span of years.
It was time to eliminate him.
#2
The Main Estate of the Namgung Family.
The place where the disciples first gathered.
There, once again, everyone had assembled.
Visibly grown since before.
It was hardly an exaggeration to say that nearly all of the family’s notable figures had come.
And today, even a handful of figures from the Sacheon Dang Clan had appeared.
They hadn’t come all this way just for this occasion, but it was convenient timing nonetheless.
“The children are quite… fierce, aren’t they?”
“Does it seem that way?”
“Yes. Now I understand why the Namgung Family is called the greatest clan under heaven.”
Ho Ho smiled wryly. “I thought the same thing at first. Now I know better, it seems.”
The man speaking in low voices with So Yeon was a prime example.
One of the masters of the Sacheon Dang Clan, someone who had been close to So Yeon since long ago.
It was Dang Wi-cheon.
He regarded So Yeon, who had transformed into something between softness and sharpness.
Should he call her the Lady of the Namgung House now?
He nodded quietly, then turned his gaze back to the field.
“You’ve become a proper mistress of the house. And yet I never imagined you’d take up the hidden blade again.”
“Well… I thought I needed to prepare myself.”
So Yeon’s expression grew grave.
Dang Wi-cheon merely nodded at the sight.
The Sacheon Dang Clan was also facing troubles of its own these days.
While the Patriarch had been away, chaos erupted throughout the lands of Sacheon.
This place was no different.
He was thinking they too must prepare themselves thoroughly, when—
A figure appeared, radiating immense power without any attempt to conceal it.
The great sun of the Namgung Family.
Namgung Mu.
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes. The preparations are complete.”
“See that the evaluations are conducted fairly, according to standard criteria. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Family Head.”
Namgung Mu swept his gaze across the assembled crowd.
Then he took in each of the disciples who watched him, one by one.
Two figures stood out above all others.
The eldest son’s light burns fierce and unwavering; Yeon’s light has always been subdued.
And yet—
You alone shine with a gentle radiance beside the brightest star, losing none of your luster.
A figure who grows before one’s eyes with each passing day.
And more than that, you would willingly step forward to save your own brother.
The Changcheon Inspection had begun in earnest, and the units dispatched to subjugate the demons had set out.
As expected, decay had spread throughout the Namgung Family in many places.
The demons had openly attacked the direct line, even targeting his own daughter.
Yet the Family had failed to respond appropriately.
Perhaps… the collapse of the Namgung Family has already begun.
So, children.
Grow as you should, and become the new pillars that will support this Namgung.
Namgung Mu envisioned his future as he thought this.
The enemies’ incursions would only grow fiercer.
They would wedge themselves through the cracks already opened, widening them further.
Those within the Namgung’s walls would face danger, one by one.
Stopping that breach would fall to the adults.
He could not burden these children with any more weight.
With that resolve in his heart, Namgung Mu opened his mouth gravely.
The words of the Family Head, precious as gold, rang out across the Training Ground.
“Conflict is permitted, but bloodshed is forbidden. Remember this well.”
“Yes!”
A resounding affirmation from the future of the Namgung Family.
Certainly, among them would be those with evil hidden within their grasp for power.
Earlier, his fourth son, Namgung Yeon, had said something like this during their conversation.

Along with Namgung Yeon’s words came an object delivered one day.
It was a powder with a peculiar odor.
If this could truly identify Demons…….
‘Perhaps it won’t find all of them, but it should winnow out at least some.’
Then it was worth trusting.
Namgung Mu raised his hand.
Then he continued.
“Today, you shall face a new trial. So meet this challenge and seize victory.”
Strength alone—only strength was the proof of carrying forward the will of the great Namgung.
To his words, like a blessing, they began the prepared ceremony.
Boom—!
Boom—!
Confetti cannons erupted across the training ground toward the trainees.
Brilliant colored powder and
unidentifiable dust began to scatter everywhere.
Namgung Yeon likewise hurled the pouch he held in his hand straight to the ground.
Boom—!
Namgung Yeon’s sudden, explosive action.
In that same moment, the members of three squads flung their pouches of powder with all their strength.
With inner energy packed densely inside.
And so the entire area filled with a thick, swirling haze.
“What maniac—!?”
“Cough, cough! Who on earth is this!?”
[The competition has already begun! Squad Leaders, take your flags and proceed with your instructors!]
The Squad Leader Seizure Competition had already started.
#3
Respond to sudden circumstances.
This was a rule created after discussions following the Demon attack.
The idea was to create various unexpected situations and observe how they handled them.
Moreover, they believed that only through training in such conditions could the trainees truly adapt.
And so this event was planned.
Though he hadn’t expected them to actually pull off something so spontaneous…….
Namgung Mu chuckled softly.
He was always creating variables.
‘I hope that variable swings in a positive direction.’
“Huh! What in the—!”
“Family Head, this time you truly startled us.”
“It will be good to observe how far the children can go, Grand Elder.”
This time, even the Grand Elder nodded his head in agreement.
However the power struggle might play out, now was the time to put internal affairs in order first.
After all, disputes over position ought to be settled within the safety of one’s own household.
‘Perhaps this could become an opportunity.’
The power of the Family Head was formidable.
Yet the greater the power, the heavier the burden of responsibility.
Now Namgung appeared solid, but many troubles were brewing alongside the Demon incursions.
If wielded shrewdly, this could tip the power structure in his favor.
The moment the Elders’ voices grew louder, Namgung would become a kingdom for them alone.
“The next generation of Namgung is truly worth anticipating.”
“I agree entirely.”
“Are there any in particular you are watching?”
“The eldest has never disappointed me. And there are several descendants of the Elders who are showing promise as well.
Namgung Mu spoke thus.
Yet his eyes still followed his fourth son, Namgung Yeon.
The Grand Elder did not miss that moment and wished to stand beneath the same gaze as the Family Head.
The Grand Elder.
The overseer of all the Elders, and one who knew all the great and small affairs of Namgung.
His martial might had earned him renown throughout the realm.
Such strategy was more than sufficient to elevate the Namgung Family to the highest position among all clans.
‘Fourth, why does Yeon stay with you so much?’
He asked this to himself.
There came no answer, but Namgung Mu’s gaze seemed to provide one.
There were many who needed to be held in check.
The eldest son was already under considerable restraint, and the eldest daughter, being a woman, would struggle all the more.
The third and fourth children.
If he could only suppress these two, the Elders’ standing would rise considerably.
The Elders’ faction had always outnumbered the Family Head’s.
If he pressed this advantage, he could surely bring one of them down.
‘With the family already in chaos, now these Sacheon Dang Clan dogs come crawling in…….’
The Grand Elder still couldn’t fathom why he’d ever joined hands with such contemptible vermin.
In any case, the bigger things became, the more threads there were to pull.
While matters were in flux, he would raise his own children and seat them in positions of power.
“Yes, this should prove most entertaining indeed.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
A subtle current passed between the two men.
But the Grand Elder did not know.
That the one who had sown the seed was watching him.

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