Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 107

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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 107
At Tang Cheonoh’s question, Namgung Baek’s expression hardened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing else. Just trying to be thorough and clear the matter up. No need for misunderstanding.”
Tang Cheonoh did not believe the contents of the note.
But he thought it necessary to verify at least once.
“I’ll state it clearly. I have not studied the Beihai Ice Demon’s Demonic Art.”
“But people will harbor doubts about your martial arts.”
Namgung Geom’s realm and techniques transcended common understanding.
Anyone would inevitably question his level and martial prowess.
Given that, if rumors spread that he was an heir to the Beihai Ice Demon, many would be tempted to believe it.
It was not a matter that could be settled merely by stating he had not studied the Demonic Art.
There was a need to make it absolutely clear so no other rumors took root.
“This is not a question of whether I believe or not. It’s a question of whether you can convince the world.”
Tang Cheonoh spoke to Namgung Baek.
Namgung Baek had no counter to those words.
Tang Cheonoh’s logic was sound.
If suspicions about Namgung Geom’s realm and techniques were not thoroughly dispelled, the talk would persist.
If Namgung Geom’s power grew even slightly stronger, he would face accusations of having learned the Beihai Ice Demon’s Demonic Art.
The heretical sects would surely seize upon this and spread rumors.
Therefore, the wisest course was to clarify everything from the start and leave no room for controversy.
Namgung Baek looked toward Namgung Geom.
“Can you prove that the ice technique you learned is not the Beihai Ice Demon’s Demonic Art?”
“The ice technique I learned will be difficult to prove, as it fell out of practice long ago.”
For now, the Ice White Divine Art could not be revealed.
The Beihai Ice Demon had come from the Beihai Ice Palace.
The Ice White Divine Art was also a secret transmission of the Beihai Ice Palace.
The moment the Ice White Divine Art was revealed, people would believe him to be an heir of the Beihai Ice Demon.
So even if he disclosed his technique, he would have to give it another name.
In fact, Namgung Geom had prepared for this scenario beforehand with a technique in mind.
The Glacier Divine Art.
A martial art that had fallen into disuse long ago in the Central Plains.
In the current martial world, there was no one who could identify the Glacier Divine Art.
Even if Namgung Geom claimed to have mastered the Glacier Divine Art, it would be difficult for anyone to prove otherwise.
However, conversely, Namgung Geom himself would also struggle to prove that his technique was the Glacier Divine Art.
It was entirely possible he had learned the Beihai Ice Demon’s Demonic Art and was simply lying by calling it the Glacier Divine Art.
So words alone would not suffice for Namgung Geom.
“But Demonic Arts are different. Demonic Arts carry a unique demonic qi within them. If the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans were to publicly attest that my ice technique contains no demonic qi whatsoever, people would believe that I have not learned the Beihai Ice Demon’s Demonic Art.”
The patriarchs of the Five Great Clans held credibility in the martial world.
If they attested to Namgung Geom’s ice technique, people would set aside their doubts.
“Hmm. I’m not certain the Five Great Clans’ patriarchs would be sufficient.”
Tang Cheonoh expressed his concern.
The Five Great Clans had maintained a cordial relationship for a long time.
Even if the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans made such an attestation, some might suspect they were simply covering for one another.
The heretical sects would certainly exploit that angle.
“If that is insufficient, we could obtain verification from the Shaolin Temple’s Abbot or the Wudang Sect’s Sect Master.”
Namgung Geom offered an additional solution.
If the Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect—the twin pillars of the martial world—attested to it, there would be no further doubt.
Namgung Geom did not fear being examined by the Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect.
There was a risk if the Ice White Divine Art was revealed.
But it was highly unlikely that the Shaolin Temple’s Abbot or the Wudang Sect’s Sect Master would recognize the Ice White Divine Art.
Though the Ice White Divine Art’s name was famous, few in the Central Plains martial world had actually witnessed it firsthand.
At present, there was probably no one at all.
In other words, there were almost no people with genuine knowledge of the Ice White Divine Art.
The Shaolin Temple’s Abbot and Wudang Sect’s Sect Master would be no different.
Moreover, Namgung Geom had not learned the Ice White Divine Art as it was.
He had mastered the Changgung Ice Fire Divine Art, which combined the Namgung Clan’s Changgung Boundless Divine Art and the Ice White Divine Art, and further incorporated the Extreme Yang Fire Qi from the Guyang Jeolmaek.
Even if the Shaolin Temple’s Abbot and Wudang Sect’s Sect Master examined him, they could never identify the Ice White Divine Art.
Nor would they sense any demonic qi, naturally.
“Hmm. If the Shaolin Temple’s Abbot and Wudang Sect’s Sect Master do attest to it, it does seem the righteous sects would have nothing more to say.”
Tang Cheonoh spoke as though the point made sense.
Namgung Baek nodded in agreement.
“For now, let’s have the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans verify the matter, and we’ll seek cooperation from Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect afterward.”
“Understood.”
In any case, they needed to meet with the Nine Great Sects to discuss matters of doctrine.
Using this affair as an excuse to meet them wouldn’t be a bad thing.
“By the way, how is the formation of the Jeongcheon Alliance proceeding?”
Namgung Geom asked.
“All parties have essentially agreed to the formation of the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
“Then only the matter of selecting the Alliance Master Clan remains, I take it.”
“That’s right.”
Currently, the Namgung Clan and the Hebei Peng Clan were being considered as candidates for the Alliance Master position.
Support from the clans and families participating in the Jeongcheon Alliance was crucial in deciding the Alliance Master.
In particular, the backing of the Five Great Clans mattered greatly—the Namgung Clan had the support of the Jegal Clan, while the Hebei Peng Clan enjoyed Moyong Clan’s backing.
The Sichuan Tang Clan had yet to declare its support.
“It would be ideal if we could secure the Sichuan Tang Clan’s endorsement.”
Namgung Geom spoke as though making sure Tang Cheonoh heard.
Namgung Baek regarded Tang Cheonoh with a meaningful gaze.
“Given all that has transpired today, surely the Dark King will make a wise decision?”
“Should the Sichuan Tang Clan support our main family, both my grandfather and I will remain forever grateful. Is that not so?”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Namgung Baek nodded as though the answer were obvious.
“Of course.”
At the sight of the two generations working in such perfect harmony, Tang Cheonoh let out a hollow laugh.
“Grandfather and grandson—your coordination is flawless.”
Tang Cheonoh found himself envying the dynamic between Namgung Baek and Namgung Geom.
Namgung Geom was not merely formidable in martial arts.
His intellect was sharp enough that he could advance his views confidently even before Tang Cheonoh and Namgung Baek themselves.
Such insight was not built in a single day.
Namgung Baek had truly raised his eldest grandson well.
Had Tang Baiho been even half as capable, Tang Cheonoh would not envy them so deeply.
No, it wasn’t that.
Who was there to blame?
The fault lay with himself—he had failed to raise Tang Baiho properly.
Watching the two generations, Tang Cheonoh felt renewed conviction that the age of the Namgung Clan would soon arrive.
If so, building goodwill with the Namgung Clan would benefit the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Had not Namgung Baek and Namgung Geom both sworn not to forget their gratitude?
* * *
The Grand Martial Training Grounds of the Namgung Clan.
A magnificent martial arena stood installed at the center.
To one side sat the elevated platform for judges, while around the arena were arranged the waiting area and spectator seating.
Today was the day the Jeongcheon Gathering’s martial tournament was to commence.
As the appointed hour drew near, the patriarchs of the various clans and families participating in the Jeongcheon Gathering made their appearance.
They took their assigned seats on the elevated platform and awaited the tournament’s beginning.
The spectator seating was already packed with martial artists from each clan and family.
And finally, the young martial artists competing in the tournament entered the waiting area with determined expressions.
Before the tournament began, Namgung Baek, patriarch of the Namgung Clan, rose to speak on behalf of all.
His solemn gaze fell upon the young martial artists lined up in the waiting area.
“Today’s martial tournament has been arranged to commemorate the founding of the Jeongcheon Alliance and to foster harmony among us. You should display the skills you have cultivated with blood and sweat, but take care that none of you harm one another in the process.”
Namgung Baek paused and looked toward the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans.
The patriarchs of the Five Great Clans nodded in acknowledgment.
He smiled and spoke toward the young martial artists.
“Furthermore, to honor this martial tournament, the Five Great Clans have pooled their resources to prepare a special prize. Those young martial artists who advance to the Semi-Finals will receive Spirit Pills from the Five Great Clans’ secret stores as their reward.”
The moment those words were spoken, the entire training grounds—waiting area and all—erupted in tumultuous excitement.
‘Spirit Pills from the Five Great Clans!’
That such rare elixirs, which a martial artist might struggle to see even once in a lifetime, would be offered as prizes was something no one had anticipated.
Seeing the fervor of the crowd ignite in an instant, Namgung Baek announced the tournament’s commencement.
“Therefore, let all of you compete with your utmost effort and without regret. The martial tournament now begins.”
With Namgung Baek’s opening address, the martial tournament commenced.
A total of thirty-two competitors had entered this tournament.
What mattered was the bracket—competitors from the Five Great Clans and the Twelve Major Families were assigned first.
Through the draw, the remaining competitors were matched against them.
In a sense, it could be called preferential treatment.
However, it was a measure to prevent young martial artists from the relatively stronger Five Great Clans and Twelve Major Families from facing each other from the start.
If strong fighters clashed and were eliminated early on, the Martial Tournament would lose half its appeal.
Young martial artists who failed to receive a first-round advantage could feel aggrieved.
It wasn’t just about skill—it was essentially based on family background.
But what could be done about it?
That was simply how the Martial World worked.
If you felt wronged, you had no choice but to overcome it through sheer strength.
Yet among those young martial artists who received a first-round advantage, none possessed the ability to overcome such an obstacle.
In the end, the first round of the Martial Tournament proceeded without upset—all the young martial artists with the advantage advanced.
And the draw for the second round took place.
In truth, the real tournament began from the second round onward.
The first-round advantage no longer applied from the second round.
That was when bracket fortune became truly important.
Young martial artists from the Five Great Clans hoped not to face each other.
By contrast, those from the Twelve Major Families and Thirty-Six Families hoped to be matched among themselves.
And the draw continued.
Namgung Chang faced Sangkwan Pyung from the Sangkwan Clan, one of the Twelve Major Families—a manageable matchup.
Jegal Woon and Tang Baiho also drew favorable opponents.
But as if by cruel fate, Peng Daozhou and Moyong Jun were drawn against each other.
One of them would inevitably be eliminated.
“Of all people, why did I have to draw him?”
Moyong Jun let out a heavy sigh when his matchup with Peng Daozhou was announced.
Peng Daozhou was the Martial Tournament’s strongest favorite for the championship.
Moyong Jun was talented, but he could not compare to Peng Daozhou.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t go easy on you.”
At Peng Daozhou’s words, Moyong Jun snorted.
“Who asked you to!”
Even in defeat, Moyong Jun resolved to give his all.
And the second round began.
The second round proceeded without surprises.
All who should advance moved forward.
Which meant Moyong Jun had been eliminated.
“Win the championship for sure.”
Moyong Jun entreated Peng Daozhou to claim the title.
If he had to fall, falling to the eventual champion would at least preserve some honor.
And the draw for the third round followed.
This time, Namgung Chang and Jegal Woon were matched against each other.
One of them would inevitably be eliminated.
Peng Daozhou and Tang Baiho did not face each other, instead drawing young martial artists from the Twelve Major Families.
The remaining bracket was set as a direct contest between two competitors from the Twelve Major Families.
Those two were Seomun Hak from the Seomun Clan and Baili Hong from the Baili Clan.
One of them would advance to the Semi-Finals and receive one of the Spirit Pills offered as a prize by the Five Great Clans.
It was an unparalleled opportunity for them.
Namgung Geom, having examined the bracket, fell into contemplation.
‘Hmm. Should I offer Seomun Hak some guidance?’
Namgung Bing-ryong
Author |
Baek Wol-geom
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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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