I Became the Namgung Clan’s Omnipotent Item-Powered Martial God - Chapter 88

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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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Chapter 88
88 — The Abandoned Ones
#1
Namgung Yeon and his party had noticed, at some point, that the atmosphere had shifted.
On the road from Cheongyang to Anhui.
A journey neither brief nor long.
But as they drew closer to Anhui, the air itself began to change in subtle ways.
“It must be because of the Paegeom Squad, after all.”
“Probably.”
Man Ho, riding alongside the carriage, posed the question to Namgung Yeon, who had thrust his upper body halfway out the window.
Namgung Yeon nodded absently.
The Big Fish was dead.
Not merely dead—he had died as a Demon.
Moreover, his corruption with the Pungyun Hyungpyo Bureau had been exposed.
It would soon come to light that he had sent subordinates to hire assassins and killed innocent civilians.
So what would become of those subordinates?
‘Three members of the Paegeom Squad. Average martial skill somewhere between first-rate and peak…….’
No matter how he thought about it, they were warriors of little real value.
Especially from the Elders’ perspective, they would seem like a festering sore.
They had been implicated from multiple angles, so the Elders could easily try to entangle them in other baseless charges as well.
This was why reputation and honor mattered so deeply to a warrior.
A bad reputation spreading through society could lead to misinterpretation even of one’s good deeds.
The damage could extend not only to the involved parties themselves, but to their superiors, colleagues, and even their families.
“Hmm…… I’m not entirely unsympathetic to their position.”
“There’s nothing for it. This is why the caliber of one’s superiors matters so much.”
……
Man Ho nodded quietly from his place on the gently swaying horse.
Had he remained under the Third Elder, what kind of life would he have lived?
Probably an expression like theirs—or worse.
He might never have left the Namgung Family at all.
The situation of the Paegeom Squad was serious enough to send ripples through everything.
And there.
The messengers of death from the Namgung Family had arrived.
“Young Master, a considerable force of martial experts is approaching from ahead.”
“So they’ve come at last.”
Namgung Yeon gazed quietly forward, recognizing the familiar presence.
His heightened eyes tracked the currents of Qi.
An unmistakable intention flowing directly toward them.
The moment the two groups met, Namgung Yeon caught sight of the brightened expression on the face of the commander of the Changcheon Division.
“Young Master, I trust you have been well.”
“It’s been a long time, commander. Your complexion has improved.”
……
The commander, Namgung Pae, bowed lightly.
His eyes gleamed with unmistakable goodwill.
Certainly, his life had changed.
The bribes and medicinal herbs he had received were not things easily procured.
Namgung Pae swiftly shifted his expression and explained his business.
The reason for coming here in person.
The reason for choosing this desolate wilderness.
All the circumstances had already been handed over to the Changcheon Division, and he had come to take the proper measures.
“Forgive the intrusion. I hear there was an unfortunate incident during your mission.”
“Yes. It would be best to hear the details through the instructor.”
“My apologies for the disturbance. Then, the students should rest quietly in a secluded spot for now.”
Namgung Yeon nodded and stepped down from the carriage.
The remaining students watched the scene unfold with somewhat anxious eyes as they withdrew.
The presence of the Changcheon Division bore down on them with an oppressive weight.
“There’s no need to be so nervous. You’ve done nothing wrong, have you?”
“Ugh…… but still, just seeing them makes my body tremble all on its own.”
Ho Ho rubbed his forearms and shivered deliberately.
Namgung Yeon thought it might be exaggerated theatrics on Ho Ho’s part, but soon realized it was not.
‘His strength has already advanced this far?’
Ho Ho’s exaggerated reaction stemmed from his heightened Qi Sensitivity.
Why was the Changcheon Division so formidable?
Because they emanated a subtle, oppressive aura that bore down on opponents, using their Inner Energy to pressure everything around them.
Those with keen Qi Sensitivity feared the Changcheon Division most of all.
Simply standing beside them became deeply uncomfortable.
Ho Ho was no exception.
‘Hmm…… Soon he’ll break through another barrier.’
Turning his head, Namgung Yeon saw that Jinjin and Yi Hyeon wore equally rigid expressions.
Were they close as well?
It was time to increase the intensity of their training.
Namgung Yeon withdrew to a corner, pondering how to restructure the next cycle of drills.
Meanwhile, the Changcheon Division’s interrogation continued.
The unease only deepened.
What would become of the Paegeom Squad’s warriors?
Namgung Yeon observed them quietly—these men cast aside.
‘If I could take them under my wing……’
Warriors who had grown large on others’ resources—what if he could absorb them as they were?
Even if he couldn’t, wasn’t it worth trying?
A plan began to take shape in his mind.
#2
“We shall conclude our investigation here.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
“Think nothing of it. By the way…….”
The investigation had proceeded smoothly.
Gwangmin observed the Paegeom Squad’s warriors, trembling with anxiety like a nervous dog.
He asked carefully.
“What becomes of them?”
“That would depend on the law, I suppose. All disciplinary measures will be determined by the Family Head.”
…….
Gwangmin nodded helplessly.
All decisions ultimately flowed from the Family Head’s hands.
Especially in matters involving the Changcheon Division—the Family Head’s authority would weigh even more heavily.
It was too critical an affair for even the elders to touch.
The Changcheon Division’s Commander, Namgung Pae, glanced at the Paegeom Squad.
He might have offered leniency, but a matter involving Demons was simply too grave.
‘These men too were once talent devoted to Namgung.’
How had they come to this?
Perhaps it was a common fate of great Martial Realm families.
Before long, individual hopes and dreams vanished, leaving only ordinary warriors who lived and died as such…….
He and his own had been fortunate to reach this station, but their future remained unguaranteed.
Neither observer nor observed could find ease in the situation.
Namgung Pae cupped his fist respectfully to Gwangmin, then turned to leave.
“We shall take our leave now. I trust you will all return safely…….”
“Yes. Your continued efforts are much appreciated.”
“Then…….”
The Commander cast a final glance at the disciples, mounted his horse, and departed swiftly.
The temporary commander of the Paegeom Squad’s three ranks, who had been watching from a distance, approached cautiously.
Then he spoke.
“……What do you think will happen to us?”
“I’m not certain. They only asked questions.”
…….
“Damn it, one wrong choice and a man’s entire life crumbles.”
One of the Paegeom Squad members said this.
It was not language befitting a warrior of the Namgung Family, but Gwangmin said nothing.
He understood their hearts.
Within an organization, precarious tightrope-walking was a gamble dealt to everyone.
Walking uncertainly along a rope, never knowing when one might be cut loose.
Perhaps…… he envied those who could devote themselves to training without worrying over such things.
“Let us depart now. If we delay further, suspicion will only grow.”
“…….”
“Sigh… very well. Let’s all depart.”
“Yes.”
The Paegeom Squad warriors.
To any outside observer, they were surely the proud martial masters of the great Namgung Family.
Fine robes and exquisite blades.
An impressive network of connections moving alongside them.
Good benefits and magnificent postings…….
But the truth was simply a life that could be discarded at any moment, caught in the machinery of factional struggle.
Namgung Yeon memorized each of the Paegeom Squad warriors trudging past him.
‘Some of these men would fight alongside Namgung in the future… and some would not.’
But they would all struggle to survive.
Rather than plummet off a cliff, they would thrust a blade into those who pushed them, if it came to that.
His gaze settled into composure.
The party set their faces toward Anhui.
Each clutching their own circumstances and desires.
#3
“Commander, what do you think the Family Head will do?”
“Who knows. I’m uncertain myself.”
“By the way…… haven’t you noticed the commander’s become almost a different person lately?”
On the road back to the Main Estate, riding horses ahead.
The Changcheon Division warriors were exchanging idle conversation.
Mostly the squad members teasing their commander.
“What are you talking about. I’m the same as always.”
“Hmm……. No, no. We only see the commander every day, don’t we?”
“Exactly. You’ve become strangely more at ease…… and you handle matters far more skillfully now, sir.”
This wasn’t how things were before.
What on earth had changed.
The sight of the squad members debating among themselves was rather amusing.
Who would call this the greatest martial force of the Namgung Family.
The commander, Namgung Pae, let out a small sigh.
He cleared his throat first, then resolved to speak honestly.
The truth was…… Young Master Namgung Yeon had offered him some guidance.
“Actually—”
“Ah! I knew it! He finally found someone!?”
“……Found what?”
What nonsense were these fools about to spout now.
The commander asked with unease, and the answer came swiftly.
“That’s it! A bride to bring into the household, isn’t that right!?”
“…….”
“Heh heh……. I’ve been serving the commander for ten years now. That’s enough to—”
“That’s not it, you fools. Keep spouting such nonsense and I’ll assign you to surveillance duty with the Elders.”
“Ah…….”
If there were time and a person with whom to build a peaceful household, he wouldn’t remain in the Changcheon Division.
Besides…… those cunning Elders would never leave his family alone.
“……How did matters stand with what you mentioned last time.”
“Ah, you mean the investigation into Young Master Yi, sir?”
“Yes.”
“There was nothing particularly unusual…… but it is rather curious.”
“So there is something after all.”
The commander turned to Hyeongju, to whom he’d entrusted the investigation.
The answer that came back was ambiguous, but truth often emerges only when one presses into uncertain things.
The commander waited for the answer while recalling the favor Namgung Yeon had shown him.
“Yes…… The training equipment used by the Fourth Young Master certainly exists.”
“…….”
“But the Main Estate says they’ve never manufactured or shipped out such things.”
“And so?”
Hyeongju opened his mouth again.
What followed was conjecture.
“Therefore, what caught our attention was the period three months ago when he was away.”
“You think it was made back then?”
“Yes, the thing is…… there appears to be some ulterior motive at work.”
Ulterior motive…….
The Big Fish recalled something he’d discussed with that man before.
And the value of the medicinal herbs Namgung Yeon had given him came to mind as well.

That day—embracing his family and weeping together—he would never forget that memory.
Namgung Pae opened his mouth quietly.
“I’ll ask the Family Head about that matter myself. And…….”
“Should we dig a little deeper?”
“Keep a close watch to see if anything suspicious attaches itself to the young master.”
“…….”
It was unexpected.
He wouldn’t have thought such words would come from the Big Fish’s mouth.
Hyeongju, who received the order, bowed his head.
There were questions, but they would be answered in time.
“I accept your orders, Big Fish.”
“A big fish will probably be caught and thrash about. No matter how I think about it…… the protagonist of this Young Master Competition seems to be the fourth young master.”
The Big Fish spoke without hesitation.
Whatever the big fish’s true identity was, surely the jackals would favor the unstable fourth young master over the stable heir apparent.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“The Sword Discussion Assembly will determine the hierarchy of power.”
The Sword Discussion Assembly—a place where established martial artists offer their judgments.
There, the order of strength would be decided.
Moreover, it would become the spark that reignited their competitive spirit.
For there is nothing that stokes jealousy and animosity quite like praise kept at a distance.
Though he hadn’t personally competed in the Young Master Competition, he was beginning to understand why it was considered the greatest festival of the Namgung Family.

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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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