Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 113

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

Chapter 113
Namgung Geom reviewed the dispatch letter that Heuk Young Sam Geom had sent.
It contained word that Hwangcheon Bang’s leader, Wi Tae Kang, had gone to a hideout in the Daebyul Mountain Range and reunited there with remnants of the Hwangcheon Bang.
The remnants of Hwangcheon Bang numbered twenty, and among them were the three Hwangcheon Assassins that Namgung Geom had once released.
“They cannot escape the shadow of Hwangcheon Bang.”
Namgung Geom clicked his tongue.
Yet they, too, likely had nowhere else to go.
He examined the final passage of the dispatch letter.
Wi Tae Kang had not yet sent any separate contact to the sect’s agents.
Unless Wi Tae Kang was a fool, he would not reach out immediately.
Only once he felt certain there was no surveillance would he attempt to make contact.
In truth, whether Wi Tae Kang even possessed the means to initiate contact was uncertain.
Based on the sect’s agents’ behavior thus far, it would hardly be surprising if they had left him no way to communicate at all.
Of course, nothing was certain yet.
For now, all that could be done was to keep Wi Tae Kang under close watch and wait for him to make contact with the sect’s agents.
Still, this required no particular attention from Namgung Geom himself.
He could leave it to Heuk Young Sam Geom.
“In any case, I haven’t the faintest idea what gift to give my grandfather for his sixtieth birthday celebration.”
Namgung Geom had decided to attend his grandfather’s sixtieth birthday celebration together with Gang Moyeon.
The celebration was two months away.
It was time to begin preparing a gift.
The problem was that he still had not settled on what kind of gift to give.
His grandfather was among the wealthiest merchants in the Central Plains.
Thus, ordinary gifts would hardly satisfy him.
Of course, as a grandson’s offering, any gift would be received with joy—but Namgung Geom wanted to give something that would truly please his grandfather.
He pondered what might make a fitting present.
Given his grandfather’s age, an elixir that could extend his lifespan would be finest of all.
Yet such elixirs were not easy to obtain.
Then a name flickered across his mind.
Moo Young Shin Tu.
The Bingryong Hwashinseul that Namgung Yeol, patriarch of the Hoiham Branch, had given to him.
It was something that Moo Young Shin Tu had stolen from the North Sea Ice Palace—something that had once set the Martial World ablaze with rumors.
The hunter who had given the Bingryong Hwashinseul to Namgung Yeol had found it in a cave on Cheonchung Mountain.
It was highly probable that Moo Young Shin Tu had died after leaving the Bingryong Hwashinseul in that cave.
But had Moo Young Shin Tu left only the Bingryong Hwashinseul?
The hunter had said he found nothing else, yet something the man had failed to discover might still be there.
Among the legends of the Martial World were tales concerning Moo Young Shin Tu.
One spoke of how whoever found Moo Young Shin Tu’s treasure could come to dominate the Martial World.
Of course, he did not take that legend at face value.
If he did, Moo Young Shin Tu would have dominated the Martial World himself.
Yet such a legend did not persist without reason.
While the treasure might not grant dominion over the entire Martial World, it likely contained something of considerable worth.
And perhaps within it lay something fitting to give as a grandfather’s sixtieth birthday gift.
In truth, the gift for his grandfather’s celebration was merely an excuse.
What he truly wanted was to find Moo Young Shin Tu’s treasure.
Of course, the hunter’s account might prove accurate—the cave could hold nothing at all.
Yet even a fruitless journey would be worthwhile if it were for the sake of Moo Young Shin Tu’s treasure.
“Still, I wonder if Grandfather will permit it.”
Namgung Geom could not simply wander about as he pleased.
Certainly, within Hefei he could move freely without issue.
But to travel to a distant place like Cheonchung Mountain, he would need permission from Namgung Pae.
Not for any other reason, but for his own safety.
Regardless of how high his own cultivation and martial skill had grown, danger was always a possibility.
“What excuse shall I use to say I’m going to Cheonchung Mountain?”
Namgung Geom considered what pretext he might offer.
He could not say he was going to search for traces of Moo Young Shin Tu.
If word of that leaked out even slightly, countless figures from the Martial World would come rushing to Cheonchung Mountain.
So it was best not to mention Moo Young Shin Tu’s name at all.
It was not that he distrusted Namgung Pae, but the surest way to keep a secret was never to speak it aloud.
“That’s it. I’ll say I’m going to visit Shaolin Temple.”
Namgung Geom had been verified by the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans to not have studied the North Sea Ice Palace Demonic Arts.
Yet the rumors in the Martial World that he had learned the North Sea Ice Palace Demonic Arts did not fade.
Though the patriarchs of the Five Great Clans had publicly announced their findings, there were those who refused to believe it.
They could not trust the very patriarchs of the Five Great Clans themselves.
If left unchecked, the rumors would only swell further, and the suspicions would grow with them.
It was critical to extinguish the rumors before they spiraled out of control.
If Namgung Geom voluntarily traveled to Shaolin Temple to have his martial arts verified, it might finally silence the gossip in the Martial World.
Namgung Geom went directly to the patriarch’s residence.
There, he revealed his thoughts to Namgung Pae.
“You wish to visit Shaolin Temple?”
“In order to definitively silence the Martial World’s rumors regarding my martial arts, I believe it would be wise to make the journey.”
Namgung Pae nodded.
Rumors had a way of growing, and once they spread, they were difficult to correct.
For an Orthodox Sect martial artist to bear the stigma of having learned Demonic Arts was fatal.
It would tarnish not only Namgung Geom’s reputation, but the prestige of the entire Namgung Clan.
Such a matter needed to be set right as soon as possible.
Namgung Pae was reluctant about undergoing verification from Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect.
Yet as the eldest grandson of the Namgung Clan—which held the title of alliance leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance—having to be verified by Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect that he had not learned Demonic Arts wounded his pride.
However, the authority of Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect in the Martial World was absolute.
Above all, there was no one who could rival their orthodoxy in martial arts.
The fact that receiving their verification was the surest path forward could not be denied.
“Since you’re going anyway, it would be proper to go as an emissary of the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
“An emissary of the Jeongcheon Alliance?”
“Now that the Jeongcheon Alliance has been formally established, shouldn’t we send an official dispatch to Shaolin Temple, the head of the Buddhist Way Alliance, as a gesture of courtesy?”
Namgung Geom nodded in agreement.
With the Jeongcheon Alliance now formed, it was only proper to inform the other powers of the Martial World and seek their cooperation.
“You speak truly. As an emissary of the Jeongcheon Alliance, I shall faithfully deliver the patriarch’s—or rather, the alliance leader’s—dispatch.”
“Then we must assemble a delegation to send to Shaolin Temple.”
“If I may be so bold, would it not be better if I made this journey alone?”
At Namgung Geom’s request, Namgung Pae’s brow furrowed.
“Alone? Even as an emissary, shouldn’t you maintain at least the proper decorum?”
“It is for my own safety.”
“For your safety, you say?”
Namgung Pae looked at him as if questioning what he meant.
“If a delegation moves about, wouldn’t it be difficult to escape the Heavenly Mandate Society’s notice?”
It was already common knowledge that the Heavenly Mandate Society sought Namgung Geom’s life.
If Namgung Geom assembled a delegation and moved about conspicuously, it would be hard to avoid their eyes.
If the Heavenly Mandate Society targeted him again, the danger would be all the greater.
“I would have expected you to assemble a delegation precisely to draw the Heavenly Mandate Society out.”
Namgung Pae spoke with a note of surprise.
“While luring them out would be beneficial, I cannot endanger the entire delegation in the process.”
“So you wish to go alone?”
“This is an opportunity to move freely and reflect upon my martial arts without interference from anyone.”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Namgung Pae did not answer immediately.
He was worried about Namgung Geom’s safety.
“Moving alone will allow me to avoid drawing the Heavenly Mandate Society’s attention and ensure greater safety.”
Namgung Pae nodded.
“Very well. Wandering the Martial World alone will be good experience for you.”
In his youth, Namgung Pae himself had roamed the Martial World solitary, gathering much experience.
And that experience had been of great benefit in achieving his realm.
Namgung Pae gave his consent, hoping that Namgung Geom would follow a similar path.
Namgung Geom was inwardly surprised at how readily Namgung Pae agreed.
“Thank you.”
He quickly expressed his gratitude, lest Namgung Pae change his mind.
* * *
The Changyong Sword Corps command office.
Namgung Geom summoned Deputy Commander Namgung Woo and the four commanders.
“I will be absent for some time.”
“Absent? What do you mean by that?”
Namgung Chang asked with a puzzled expression.
“I’m going to visit Shaolin Temple to verify my martial arts.”
“Are you going alone, Master?”
Namgung Woo asked.
“That’s right. But let me be clear—my visit to Shaolin Temple is to remain secret. Only those present here should know of it.”
“Is keeping the trip to Shaolin Temple a secret because of the Sect?”
Namgung Cheonsan inquired.
“Exactly. So I trust all of you will keep it to yourselves.”
Namgung Geom reiterated the instruction once more.
In truth, keeping the secret would have been easier if he hadn’t told them at all.
But Namgung Geom didn’t wish to hide it even from his own people.
That was how much he trusted them.
“Understood.”
“Still, I’ve always dreamed of visiting Shaolin Temple. Might I accompany you?”
Namgung Cheolung spoke with pleading eyes.
“I’ll be using Divine Movement at full power all the way to Shaolin Temple. If you’re confident you can keep pace without falling behind, then come.”
At Namgung Geom’s reply, Namgung Cheolung immediately shook his head.
“No. I’ll visit Shaolin Temple another time. Another time.”
The other three watched Namgung Cheolung with expressions of pity.
“While I’m away at Shaolin Temple, Vice Master, I entrust the affairs to your capable hands.”
“Understood. Set your mind at ease and make the journey safely.”
At Namgung Woo’s reassuring response, Namgung Geom nodded.
Then, glancing back at Namgung Cheolung and Namgung Cheonsan, he continued.
“And the two of you—don’t neglect your Inner Power cultivation while I’m away.”
“Understood.”
“That concludes our meeting.”
As Namgung Geom was about to finish, Namgung Seol spoke up.
“You have nothing to say to me?”
“Fourth Master, you must also train diligently. First Master, who practices the same martial arts as you, will make sure you stay focused.”
Namgung Chang nodded his assent.
“I’ll make sure of it.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Namgung Seol responded with eager determination.
Namgung Geom chuckled softly and waved his hand, signaling them to leave.
Once they had gone, Namgung Geom went to his private training hall and began to cultivate.
That evening, Namgung Geom shared dinner with Gang Moyeon.
“You’re going to Shaolin Temple?”
“Yes. To put an end to the rumors in the Martial World, I need Shaolin Temple’s verification.”
“There’s no danger involved, is there?”
Gang Moyeon expressed concern for Namgung Geom’s safety.
“Don’t worry. And since my trip to Shaolin Temple is secret, only you should know of it, Mother.”
“All right, I understand.”
“And since it will take time to visit Shaolin Temple and return, I think it would be best if you go to your family home first, Mother.”
Gang Moyeon felt disappointed that she couldn’t travel with Namgung Geom, but she spoke without showing it.
“I’ll handle that myself. Don’t concern yourself with such matters—just be careful not to get hurt.”
Namgung Geom knew that Gang Moyeon, though she said nothing, would feel let down.
“But I promise I’ll come back with you when I return.”
At Namgung Geom’s continued words, Gang Moyeon’s expression brightened.
“Yes, let’s do that.”
After finishing dinner and leaving Gang Moyeon’s quarters, Namgung Geom prepared to depart for Shaolin Temple.
Preparations amounted to little more than the Bing Long Sword and a few changes of clothes.
That night, after retiring early, Namgung Geom left the Namgung Clan estate before dawn broke.
Once outside the Namgung Clan estate, Namgung Geom immediately deployed his Divine Movement.
His figure became a single thread of wind, racing westward with great speed.
Throughout his journey, Namgung Geom wielded the Cheonpung Shinbeop at full power.
There was no particular deadline pressing him.
But there was no reason to waste time either.
Namgung Geom intended to reach Shaolin Temple and return as quickly as possible.
Since he was making the trip anyway, he would use it to hone both body and movement technique.
Namgung Geom pushed the Cheonpung Shinbeop to its limits until his Inner Power was nearly exhausted.
When his Inner Power ran low, he replenished it with Yun Gong.
And again he ran until his Inner Power ran dry.
His body, pushed beyond its limits, cried out in agony, but Namgung Geom did not stop his Divine Movement.
True training meant breaking through the barrier once more, even from a state already beyond normal limits.
Thus, deploying his Divine Movement like a madman, Namgung Geom arrived at Cheonchung Mountain just three days after leaving the Namgung Clan.
Namgung Bingryong
Author |
Baek Wol Geom
Publisher |
(주) Samyang C&C
Editor-in-Chief |
Editorial Department
Published by |
(주) Samyang C&C – DreamBooks
Address |
7F, Gwangseong Building, 28 Bongeunsa-ro 114-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
UCI |
G720:N+A063-20260511103
Blog |
blog.naver.com/dreambookss
Twitter (X) |
@dreambookss
Submissions |
[email protected]
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of (주) Samyang C&C – DreamBooks.

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