Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 111

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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 111
Namgung Geom summoned Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan.
He informed them of his decision to give Namgung Chang the Spirit Elixir he had obtained.
“Is that really true?”
“You’re not joking, are you?”
Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan could not easily believe it.
“Who would joke about such a thing? Namgung Chang made a great sacrifice for the Changyong Sword Sect—the least we can do is express our gratitude.”
“Never mind the gratitude.”
Namgung Chang waved his hand dismissively.
“Thank you, Namgung Chang! I’ll never forget this kindness for as long as I live.”
“Namgung Chang! If there’s anything you need from us in the future, just say the word. We’ll do whatever you ask.”
Namgung Cheonsan and Namgung Cheolung expressed their gratitude in their own ways.
“But I’m not sure we deserve such a precious Spirit Elixir.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. If you don’t want it, why don’t you give it to Seol instead?”
At Namgung Cheolung’s scoff, Namgung Cheonsan bristled.
“I didn’t say I didn’t want it. I was just being polite.”
“Well, if you’re happy about it, just say so. There’s no need for all this false modesty.”
“Ugh. What’s the point talking to you?”
Watching the two of them bicker endlessly, Namgung Geom shook his head.
“In any case, focus on cultivating your Inner Power for the time being.”
“Cultivating our Inner Power?”
“We can’t waste such a precious Spirit Elixir. You must approach your training with the resolve to reach the Absolute Perfection Realm this time.”
At Namgung Geom’s words, the eyes of Namgung Cheonsan and Namgung Cheolung widened.
“Isn’t the Absolute Perfection Realm asking too much?”
“That’s what I thought. We’re not even at mid-First Class yet—jumping to the Absolute Perfection Realm all at once seems unreasonable.”
Both of them were equally uncertain.
“What? You’re telling me the lords of the Changyong Sword Sect lack even that much confidence?”
As Namgung Geom spoke with obvious disappointment, Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan looked taken aback.
“It seems I’ve misjudged you both. If you lack such confidence, I’ll give the Spirit Elixir to someone else.”
There were plenty of others who would gladly receive the Spirit Elixir.
“What are you saying? The Absolute Perfection Realm? Of course we can reach it. We absolutely can.”
“I can definitely do it. I was just being overly cautious for a moment.”
The two of them quickly shifted their tone and spoke with renewed enthusiasm.
Namgung Geom let out a small laugh at their turnaround.
“You two are the lords of the Changyong Sword Sect as I recognize them. So have confidence. The Absolute Perfection Realm is not impossible for you both.”
At Namgung Geom’s faith in them, Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan looked moved.
“He’s never said anything like that to me.”
Namgung Chang, listening from the side, muttered quietly in a voice too low to be heard.
* * *
The study room of the Silver Dragon Pavilion.
Namgung Geom faced Wei Taigang, the Yellowspring Master.
He had come straight here after meeting with the lords of the Changyong Sword.
“Is there still more to be done?”
Wei Taigang spoke as though nothing more could be accomplished.
“That’s why I intend to release you.”
“What kind of nonsense is this?”
Wei Taigang asked with suspicion.
Then, quickly grasping Namgung Geom’s intent, he let out a scoff.
“Heh. You’re hoping I’ll contact that benefactor of mine, aren’t you?”
“Perhaps. Though I doubt that person would meet you even if you did try to contact them.”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Wei Taigang’s brow furrowed.
“That person has already written you off as dead. Even if you’re released, they’ll pretend not to know you out of fear that your existence might be exposed.”
“But then why are you releasing me? There’s nothing the Namgung Clan stands to gain from letting me go.”
“Killing you or keeping you imprisoned for life seemed too harsh.”
“What did you just say?”
Wei Taigang’s face showed utter bewilderment.
“I’m saying I’ll overlook your attack on the main house once. But there won’t be a second chance—I suggest you abandon any thoughts of revenge against the main house.”
“So you’re offering charity now?”
“Your martial skill is too valuable to waste. If you change your mind and fight against sects that threaten the Martial World, I’d consider keeping you alive worthwhile.”
Namgung Geom truly believed this.
He held Wei Taigang’s martial prowess in high regard.
Even if Wei Taigang didn’t stand with the Namgung Clan, his strength lent to the Martial World would prove invaluable.
Of course, his primary aim was to use Wei Taigang to uncover traces of the Cult.
Yet there remained a quiet hope that Wei Taigang might relinquish his vendetta against the Namgung Clan and fight the Cult for the sake of the Martial World.
“Wake from your dream. Nothing matters more to me than the destruction of the Namgung Clan.”
But judging by Wei Taigang’s demeanor, such a possibility seemed remote at best.
Namgung Geom smiled coldly and spoke.
“The choice is yours. But know this—there will be no second pardon.”
“Who said anything about seeking pardon from the Namgung Clan?”
Wei Taigang let out a bitter laugh.
From the look of him, he would stop at nothing to claim his vengeance.
Yet his strength alone would not suffice.
He would surely seek aid from the Cult’s agents one way or another.
And that moment would be the perfect opportunity to capture them.
“Then go well.”
Namgung Geom turned without hesitation and left the interrogation chamber.
Returning to his quarters, he summoned the Black Shadow Three Swords, who had been lying in wait there.
“Tonight I shall release Hwangcheon Bangju. I would have you watch over him.”
“You’re releasing Hwangcheon Bangju?”
Heuk Sam-yeong’s expression turned puzzled.
Heuk I-yeong, by contrast, immediately grasped the intention behind releasing Hwangcheon Bangjु.
“You mean to use him to draw out the Cult’s agents.”
“But if the Cult’s agents aren’t fools, they’ll suspect he’s bait.”
Heuk Il-yeong spoke with skepticism.
Once the Cult’s agents knew Hwangcheon Bangju was bait, they would never reveal themselves.
This, too, was something Namgung Geom had already anticipated.
“As you say, the Cult’s agents likely won’t expose themselves easily. But if Hwangcheon Bangju continues attempting contact, we may find clues to track him down.”
Heuk Il-yeong could see that Namgung Geom was not operating from absolute certainty.
“So it’s a matter of trying everything we can since we have no better option.”
“Precisely.”
Namgung Geom acknowledged it plainly.
There was no reason to hide it.
“But to send us, you’ll need to lift the seal. Are you certain about that?”
Heuk Il-yeong asked.
The Black Shadow Three Swords were bound by a seal that activated if they ventured beyond a certain distance from Namgung Geom.
To keep watch over Hwangcheon Bangjु, the seal would have to be lifted.
“If I lift the seal, you’re thinking of running?”
Namgung Geom asked outright.
“Would you believe me if I said no?”
Heuk Il-yeong countered.
“I certainly would not.”
At Namgung Geom’s blunt reply, Heuk Il-yeong’s expression shifted to bewilderment.
“Then how can you trust us enough to send us out?”
“I’m giving you a chance.”
“A chance?”
Heuk Il-yeong tilted his head, confused.
He could not fathom what chance was being offered.
“A chance to earn my trust.”
“And what does earning your trust change?”
“It means you become truly mine.”
At Namgung Geom’s answer, Heuk Il-yeong’s face registered disbelief.
“The way you speak, one would think becoming your man grants some great fortune.”
“A person’s life changes depending on whom they follow. Whether you spend your days in shadow, living and dying like rats, or stand at my back and command the realm—that depends on the choice you make now.”
At Namgung Geom’s confident words, the eyes of the Black Shadow Three Swords wavered.
They were masters second only to Heuk Cheonsal within the Heuk Sal Mun.
Yet despite that, they were treated as nothing more than assassins in the Martial World.
Namgung Geom’s words sent ripples through the hearts of those who had lived their entire lives in darkness.
As martial artists, they too harbored the desire to stand with dignity and claim their own names.
The crucial question was whether Namgung Geom was a man worthy of staking one’s life upon.
From what they had observed at his side, he possessed more than enough ability to reach the apex of the Martial World.
If he followed the man’s words, his life might truly change.
“Commanding the heavens themselves…. You certainly know how to speak with arrogance.”
Heuk Il-yeong let out a soft laugh, his tone dripping with mockery.
Yet Namgung Geom caught the flicker of hesitation in his gaze.
Right there, Namgung Geom released the seal binding the Black Shadow Three Swords.
“The seal is broken. Whether you go to observe the Infernal Lord or flee down this path—your freedom is now your own.”
“…!”
Heuk Il-yeong’s eyes widened sharply.
For all their talk of testing him, he had never expected the seal to be lifted without a single precaution in place.
“You truly have no regrets? We might disappear forever down this road.”
Heuk Il-yeong asked as if seeking one final confirmation.
Namgung Geom smiled faintly and replied.
“Only those who recognize true worth seize their opportunities. Tonight I will release the Infernal Lord at the Silver Dragon Pavilion—do not miss it, and watch carefully.”
After Namgung Geom’s answer, Heuk Il-yeong studied him for a moment, then spoke to the other two.
“Let’s go.”
Heuk I-yeong and Heuk Sam-yeong glanced back at Namgung Geom before following Heuk Il-yeong out.
“I wonder if this was the right move.”
The Black Shadow Three Swords could have fled in that moment.
If they had, this gambit would have become his worst blunder.
But he could not keep the Black Shadow Three Swords bound by seals forever.
Namgung Geom wanted them to follow him of their own will.
This night would be the crucible of that test.
If the Black Shadow Three Swords returned to carry out Namgung Geom’s orders despite their seal being broken, then he could trust them and make use of them.
And that very night.
The Silver Dragon Pavilion secretly released the Infernal Lord.
The Infernal Lord fled at once, and the Black Shadow Three Swords followed in silence behind him.
* * *
With the Martial Arts Conference concluded, all the clan patriarchs who attended the Jungcheon Conference agreed to the formation of the Jungcheon Alliance.
By majority vote, Namgung Pae was elected Alliance Lord of the Jungcheon Alliance.
The remaining patriarchs of the Five Great Clans were appointed as Supreme Council Members.
The Supreme Council Members held the vital position of determining all major and minor affairs of the Jungcheon Alliance alongside the Alliance Lord, Namgung Pae.
In essence, the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans handled everything themselves.
It would have been natural for the Twelve Major Families and Thirty-Six Families to voice discontent.
Indeed, their earlier reluctance to participate in the Alliance’s formation stemmed from precisely this concern.
Yet there was no opposition to this appointment of the Supreme Council Members.
This was because the Five Great Clans agreed to shoulder all operational funding of the Jungcheon Alliance in exchange for taking the posts of Alliance Lord and Supreme Council Members.
Furthermore, the Five Great Clans agreed to contribute the most personnel to the composition of the Jungcheon Guardian Corps, the military arm of the Alliance.
With great authority came great responsibility.
Thus even the Twelve Major Families and Thirty-Six Families had no grounds for complaint.
Lastly, it was decided that the headquarters of the Jungcheon Alliance would be established in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and agreements were reached to install four branch offices in Sichuan Province, Anhui Province, Hebei Province, and Hunan Province.
And the founding of the Jungcheon Alliance was formally announced to the Martial World.
The clan patriarchs who had attended the Jungcheon Conference returned to their respective houses.
Namgung Geom exchanged farewells with the young martial artists of the Jungcheon Alliance.
During the proceedings of the Jungcheon Conference, Namgung Geom had grown much closer to them.
In particular, with the young martial artists of the Five Great Clans, he had built rapport through martial combat after the Martial Arts Conference concluded.
They were deeply reluctant to part with Namgung Geom.
Namgung Geom too felt the same reluctance at their departure.
But where there is meeting, there is parting.
Setting aside his regret, Namgung Geom sent them off and returned to his ordinary routine.
Ordinary as it was, the routine consisted almost entirely of martial arts training—a monotonous existence.
Namgung Geom focused on his own cultivation while also instructing Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan in Internal Energy Cultivation.
Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan clearly lacked the talent and skill of Namgung Chang.
Their Inner Power training was still far too inadequate to absorb a Spirit Elixir immediately.
But they had Namgung Geom.
Under his careful instruction, they rapidly elevated their Inner Power cultivation.
In the midst of this, a summons came from the Patriarch’s Hall.
Namgung Geom ceased his training and went directly to the Patriarch’s Hall.
Upon arrival, he found Namgung Bing, the master of the Silver Dragon Pavilion, waiting there.
Namgung Geom greeted both Namgung Pae and Namgung Bing, then asked.
“What matter did you wish to discuss with me?”
Namgung Pae gestured to Namgung Bing to speak.
“The results of our internal investigation have come in.”
At Namgung Bing’s words, Namgung Geom’s eyes lit up.
“Were there any suspicious findings?”
“No one stood out as particularly suspect. However, it may be worth examining the movements of Uncle Tianfeng more closely.”
“Uncle Tianfeng?”
Namgung Geom asked, as if taken aback.
“We confirmed that Tianfeng visits the Hwayang Pavilion regularly.”
His visits to Hwayang Pavilion could have been merely for pleasure and entertainment.
But if someone were plotting with others, a pleasure house frequented by countless patrons offered the perfect cover to avoid suspicion.
“However, since Tianfeng has been a regular patron of Hwayang Pavilion for a long time, it’s unclear whether we should even suspect him.”
Namgung Bing spoke as if uncertain.
Namgung Geom’s eyes glinted sharply.
A long-standing patron would be the last to draw suspicion—and therefore the easiest to use for schemes.
Of course, this alone was not enough to suspect Namgung Un.
But for Namgung Un’s sake, any suspicious matter needed to be examined thoroughly and clarified.
Namgung Geom spoke to Namgung Pae with resolve.
“Please grant me permission to investigate Uncle Tianfeng.”
Namgung Bing-yong
Author |
Baek Wol-geom
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Samyang C&C Co., Ltd.
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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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