I Prayed for a Murim Reincarnation, But I Was Born as the Youngest Imperial Prince - Chapter 53

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

Chapter 53
Jun spent some time alone with Jeolyeong.
“What is this about?”
Jeolyeong did not like Zhuge Jun, who dared to act close to His Highness, so his response was polite yet freezing cold.
Of course, Jun was well aware of his true feelings.
‘But since he thinks I don’t know Seonwu’s true identity, he can’t openly get angry at me for it.’
I must absolutely never let on.
Even if Seonwu understands, it isn’t something the people around him would accept.
Therefore, I have to act as though I am completely oblivious to Seonwu’s real identity, having simply hit it off with Seonyoung of the Eunhak Sect to become close friends.
That was how it needed to look to everyone else.
And that included Jeolyeong.
Furthermore, these were words spoken out of concern for his friend’s junior disciple.
“Since you aren’t going to avoid the martial duel anyway, wouldn’t it be better to win?”
“That is obviously what I intend to do, though?”
“I feel like I could offer you a few words of advice.”
As Jeolyeong stared at him with sharp, suspicious eyes, Jun maintained a perfectly genial smile.
“Naturally, the Zhuge Clan has to manage its relations with the Namgung Clan. However, who would ever know if I personally offered a little advice to the young master?”
“So you mean you wish to help me personally?”
“Seonyoung also said that if I were the one helping, he would gladly have you accept the advice.”
“…If senior brother said so….”
‘Anyone watching would think he has a massive brother complex.’
Jun hid his amusement behind his fan.
“The Iron Ox Invulnerability Qigong seems to be a remarkably outstanding body-protection art, is that correct?”
“While it cannot compare to the Diamond Indestructible Body, it is enough to make one impervious to blades and swords, and immune to all poisons.”
Since his lord, Seonwu, had already spoken that name in front of Jun, Jeolyeong did not bother hiding it either.
“However, you want to keep it hidden for the future without being found out if possible. In that case, how about trying on a pair of armguards?”
“Armguards?”
Jun gently fluttered his fan.
“A martial artist who has mastered an exalted body-protection art fights with a fundamentally different strategy compared to one who has only mastered inner energy and martial forms.”
In a fight between Jeoljeong Gosus, ordinary armor is worse than wearing nothing at all.
A sword imbued with powerful Sword Qi would simply slice right through that kind of armor.
However, Jun knew that armor played quite a significant role when a second-class or first-class martial artist clashed with a regular soldier.
‘In my past life on Earth, back in the days of cold weapons when there was no martial arts, full plate armor was absolutely terrifying.’
Similarly, although the durability is far superior in this world, a martial artist who has mastered a body-protection art with a similar role can utilize a combat strategy as if they are clad in heavy armor.
Jeolyeong had undoubtedly trained tailored to that exact style.
Under such circumstances, if he suddenly went into a duel between ordinary swordsmen while keeping that hidden, the gap in their proficiency would inevitably widen.
“If you wear armguards and channel your protective qi into them, you’ll be able to employ a combat strategy similar to your original one without being found out, despite the limitations. Whipping out a full suit of armor for a martial duel is a bit unseemly… but surely a pair of armguards is fine?”
“Hmm, certainly….”
Ordinary armor is easily cut by the sword of a Jeoljeong Gosu.
But what if that same Jeoljeong Gosu channels protective qi into the armor to withstand the Sword Qi?
Then it becomes a viable defense once more.
Of course, it wasn’t impossible to brace oneself inner-energy-to-inner-energy by raising protective qi even without armor.
But then, why would anyone bother holding a sword when Sword Qi exists?
Though a tree branch can become a sword in the hands of a master, it is always more powerful to add one’s qi to a good piece of equipment.
Armor followed the exact same principle.
“On top of that, if I procure them for you in secret, you might even catch your opponent off guard at least once. If you conceal them well beneath your clothes, that is.”
“Indeed.”
Jeolyeong did not like Jun, but he wasn’t so stubborn that he would deny the validity of this advice.
Above all, for the sake of the flawless victory his lord desired, it was well worth accepting.
“Very well. Then, can you procure the armguards in secret?”
“It won’t be easy inside the Namgung Clan, but I will take responsibility and get it done.”
“In that case, I would like to sharpen my sword a bit more keenly….”
“I will set up a formation so you can train without the Namgung Clan knowing.”
It was only natural for a martial artist to want to polish their martial arts.
Even though they were staying as guests, if they wished to practice their swordplay separately in a quiet spot, it wasn’t something the Namgung Clan would go so far as to forbid.
Of course, they couldn’t just do it anywhere and had to use a designated area, but setting up a formation to block outside eyes was just barely within the acceptable limits.
‘Though it might not have been possible without my guarantee as a member of the Zhuge Clan.’
People might question what they were doing inside after setting up such a formation.
However, the Namgung Clan wouldn’t want rumors spreading that they won a martial duel after preventing their opponent from even doing their daily practices, causing their blade to grow dull.
‘With Namgung Hyeok-in’s arrogant nature, he’ll want a picture where he completely overwhelms his opponent even when they are in perfect condition.’
This was entirely feasible.
* * *
Since Jun threw himself fully into the task, preparations proceeded smoothly.
First, his uncle’s casual attempt to drop a word to the Namgung Clan was lightly brushed off.
“Hmm, it was just a passing remark made by the young folk, so how about letting it slide reasonably?”
“Impossible. The Zhuge Clan should mind the business of the Zhuge Clan.”
“Ahem, well, just please don’t be too harsh on them.”
Zhuge Hui-yun did not say anything further than that.
It wasn’t even his own family, so hadn’t he said plenty just for the sake of his nephew’s friend?
Meanwhile, Jun secretly sourced a pair of armguards.
Securing something in Anhui Province while evading the eyes of the Namgung Clan was no easy feat, but it helped that he had the freedom to go outside to look for various materials under the pretext of maintaining the formations.
Thinking it would be best to go all out, he engraved a small guardian array on the inner side of the procured armguards.
‘It won’t be a massive help, but it should offer a slight advantage when he channels protective qi to reinforce them.’
Receiving such a gift from Zhuge Jun, Jeolyeong gave credit where credit was due.
“Thank you.”
“It wasn’t easy to get ahold of, so please win with this.”
“Does Young Master Zhuge also wish for my victory?”
“Haha, to be honest, I find the Namgung Clan a bit too arrogant as well. Naturally, I end up rooting for my close friend’s junior disciple. Just keep this a secret from the Namgung Clan, alright?”
“I understand.”
Staring at the meticulous formation formula engraved on the inside of the armguards, Jeolyeong highly appreciated the effort.
‘To engrave a formation of this level onto such a small surface area….’
When he utilized his inner energy to manifest his protective qi, this would likely reduce the consumption by about ten percent.
It wasn’t a staggering effect, but at the same time, it was absolutely not an effect to be ignored.
He could feel the sincerity.
‘Though he presumptuously acts like an equal to my lord….’
That was also because he didn’t know any better.
And since his lord was enjoying breaking conventions while traveling incognito….
‘It’s still unpleasant, but….’
Jeolyeong raised his evaluation of Jun by a fraction.
Sensing that subtle shift, Jun felt relieved.
‘No matter how much Seonwu still considers me a friend, it’s going to be rough if I constantly stay marked by his closest aide.’
Inside the mind of Zhuge Jun, two conflicting thoughts coexisted.
One was the heart that regarded Seonwu as his friend, exactly as he had been in their past life.
The other was the fear that arose from the fact that their respective positions had completely changed.
He didn’t want to doubt a friendship that transcended lifetimes either, but how many instances were there in history where a subject grew reckless relying on royal favor, only to suffer a terrible disaster later on?
‘Right now, the fact that I am that guy’s friend hasn’t been exposed, but….’
Even if the two of them regarded each other as friends, the past where they were equal citizens of the Republic of Korea was no more.
Back then, he possessed more wealth than Seonwu and held a profession with slightly more social influence, yet they were still equal before the law.
When Seonwu threw casual curses at him over drinks and he fired them right back, people just took them for childhood friends; no one would call it treasonous or sacrilegious.
But what about now?
What if he did that at a royal banquet hosted by Seonwu as the king?
‘It wouldn’t end with just me dying.’
The entire clan would be wiped out.
Even if Seonwu wanted to let it slide, the rest of the world wouldn’t stand for it.
A subject whom the king treats and regards as a friend.
It meant gaining a tremendous background, but the moment that favor vanished, it became a seat of execution.
Furthermore, it was a position that drew gazes dripping with jealousy over that very favor.
He wasn’t doubting the current Seonwu. It was just that he couldn’t confidently swear that things would never change through the course of time.
The moment of their reunion had brought nothing but pure joy, but once his head cooled down, he couldn’t help but think about the future.
That didn’t mean he was going to draw a line already and act solely as a subject even in private, but….
‘At the very least, I need to tone down the glaring looks that his aide Jeolyeong keeps tossing my way this time.’
* * *
Meanwhile, Namgung Hyeok-in also sought an opportunity to restore the majesty of the Namgung Clan.
‘What pretext should I use to drag him into a martial duel?’
Even so, as the squad leader of the great Changchen Sword Squadron of the grand Namgung Clan, it would lack dignity if he resorted to an overly vulgar provocation.
He needed a high-class provocation.
Right around then, news reached him that Zhuge Jun had requested a separate, small space to use from time to time for ‘martial arts training.’
“Hmm, he asked for a small space?”
“Yes, it doesn’t even have to be a formal training ground. If you just grant us any open lot, I will set up a simple formation myself so our group can make use of it.”
Between clans, it wasn’t that unreasonable of a request.
Conversely, if the Namgung Clan went to stay at the Zhuge Clan as guests, the same request would have been granted.
However, Namgung Hyeok-in saw his chance right here.
“Those two friends from the Eunhak Sect will be using it together, then.”
“Pardon? Ah, yes. Those friends need to train their martial arts as well, so….”
“Very well. I shall permit it for now. Once a suitable location is selected, I will inform you through a maid.”
“Thank you.”
After sending Zhuge Jun away, Hyeok-in smiled with deep satisfaction.
“Perfect. When that bastard comes out to train, I’ll just order the squad members to bestow some guidance upon the pathetic martial arts of the Eunhak Sect.”
They would have the squad members provoke them by pointing out how the martial arts of the Eunhak Sect were bound by obvious limits due to this and that.
Faced with that provocation, the senior brother might be a different story, but the sharp-eyed junior disciple would certainly fail to contain himself.
‘Then we can propose a martial duel, claiming we will show them the depth of true martial studies and teach them the height of the heavens. Saying that our family is specially bestowing instruction.’
And on that very spot, he would put the boy in his place.
‘If worst comes to worst, I could even sever an arm.’
Even if it didn’t go that far, inflicting a deep wound would leave him unable to train properly for over half a year while recuperating.
Wasting half a year like that at the capping age, when one ought to be training intensively, would be quite a painful blow.
Furthermore, it would serve as a warning to other sects, showing them just how foolish it was to challenge the authority of the great Namgung Clan within Anhui Province.
The one thing he worried about was the bastard showing restraint despite the squad members’ provocations….
‘Hmph, how could a bastard who was running his mouth so casually in that situation suddenly control his temper now?’
People do not change easily.
* * *
“But what if the Namgung Clan suddenly becomes generous and humble, and doesn’t challenge us to a duel?”
At Seonwu’s worry, Jun let out a chuckle.
“You really want to see it that badly, don’t you?”
“I want to see the Imperial Sword Form too, but even if we save that for the future, I should at least get to see the Boundless Firmament Sword Technique since I’m already here, shouldn’t I?”
“People don’t change easily. Especially each clan… No, it’s not just the clans; it’s hard for the Nine Sects and One Gang, and every other sect out there, to live contrary to what their martial arts heart laws aim for.”
“What their heart laws aim for, huh.”
“You know exactly what I mean, don’t you?”
“I do.”
Seonwu understood.
Martial arts.
Particularly for those of a high realm worthy of being called divine arts, there was an underlying philosophy, ideology, and mindset that they aimed for.
It wasn’t some talk about communism or democracy.
It was more of a mindscape.
The Imperial Sword Form required a lofty nobility befitting an ‘Emperor.’
One could not act or think like a commoner or a subject.
Not just in martial arts, but even in daily life, one would come to live with a mindset that looks down from above.
And what about the rest of the Namgung Clan, who took the family head as their model and followed him under that very influence?
Even if they weren’t emperors themselves, they would act as the representatives of the emperor, ensuring the family maintained a stance befitting the ‘Royal Family of Anhui Province.’
The culture and atmosphere of the clan became fixed that way.
‘Of course, one or two eccentric individuals might pop up anywhere… but the vast majority just follow along.’
The Taoists of Wudang who master Taiji come to view the world through the harmony of Yin and Yang.
The monks of Shaolin who master Prajna come to treat all matters of the world through the lens of emptiness and form.
‘In my case, because I mastered four of them and bound them under the special ability of the Cintamani, I wasn’t influenced as much, but….’
It was as if I slightly separated myself from the perspective of the divine arts I mastered.
However, the vast majority of humans would become far more unified with them.
And the Namgung Clan consisted of the emperor and his subordinates.
To a protagonist, people would call it dignified and noble….
But to a third party, it was a way of life that could easily be called arrogant and obnoxious.
“Great. Then I can look forward to the martial duel.”
As Seonwu laughed delightfully, Jun merely fanned himself.
‘Sigh, it’ll be a relief if it ends at just this level.’

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