Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 127

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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 127
Im Dohyun wanted to deny what Namgung Geom had said.
But already two of the Nok Rim Alliance’s faction leaders had been exposed as cult spies.
How could he be certain there were no more?
Of course, he hadn’t directly confirmed whether the Blood Wolf faction leader was a cult spy.
It was merely Namgung Geom’s word.
Namgung Geom could have been lying.
But this was no ordinary matter—it concerned cult spies.
It seemed unlikely that Namgung Geom would lie about something so grave.
The Red Tiger faction leader, too, had never been definitively proven to be a cult spy.
It was only circumstantial evidence at best.
Yet given the circumstances, the likelihood was high.
“This matter concerns not only the Nok Rim Alliance. The main clan and the Chang Gang Water Path League had cult spies among them, and we cannot rule out the possibility of more still.”
“You’re saying the Namgung Clan had cult spies infiltrate it as well?”
Im Dohyun looked up in shock.
That cult spies had penetrated even a noble clan like the Namgung Clan was difficult to believe.
“Indeed. The cult spies are infiltrating both Orthodox and Unorthodox factions without discrimination.”
Namgung Geom spoke with a bitter smile.
The Namgung Clan, as the leader of the Five Great Clans, held considerable renown in the Martial World.
The mere fact that cult spies existed within the clan was a blow to its dignity.
“Not only that—there are cases where those occupying high positions in the Martial World are involved.”
“Wait. Are you saying Heuk Cheonsal was also a cult spy?”
Im Dohyun asked in an expression of alarm.
“Nothing has been confirmed for certain. But the circumstances suggest it’s quite likely that Heuk Cheonsal was a cult spy.”
“Then was it the cult that ordered Heuk Cheonsal to target you?”
“Yes. If he had killed me, the conflict would have spread between the Five Great Clans and the Sa Pae Ryun.”
“That even Heuk Cheonsal was a cult spy—I can’t fathom how far their reach extends.”
Im Dohyun spoke with evident fear.
“That’s why the Nok Rim Alliance would do well to scrutinize its own ranks carefully. And regarding rumors in the Martial World, it would be wise to question their hidden intent and investigate thoroughly.”
“I shall take your words to heart.”
“Your reasoning is sharper than I expected.”
Namgung Geom spoke as though surprised.
“Did you assume all the Nok Rim Alliance were crude and unrefined, as the common folk say?”
“Not that. I thought if someone from the Orthodox Faction spoke, they’d reflexively deny it first.”
“Had I not witnessed the Red Tiger faction leader’s affair, I might well have dismissed your words.”
Besides, there was goodwill toward him—after all, Namgung Geom had saved his life.
“In any case, I’m grateful we can speak plainly. But moving about in your condition seems difficult, no?”
Im Dohyun’s injuries were severe.
Though he had passed the critical threshold with Namgung Geom’s treatment and the Chasing Palace Acupoint technique, immediate movement was impossible.
More precisely, if someone targeted him again, his body could not escape danger.
“I should find a suitable place to hide and send word to the Alliance headquarters.”
“Do you have a place to hide?”
“If I search, I should find one.”
The words meant he had no place to hide at present.
“Then what about going to the Taeho Branch of the main clan?”
At Namgung Geom’s suggestion, Im Dohyun’s expression shifted to one of surprise.
“A branch of the Namgung Clan?”
“The Taeho Branch would be safe. Wouldn’t it be better to recuperate there while waiting for someone from the Alliance headquarters to arrive?”
“If the Namgung Clan learns they’ve helped the Nok Rim Alliance’s leader, they won’t take it kindly. Are you sure?”
“Helping those in difficulty is only natural. And the Namgung Clan does not indiscriminately reject someone simply for being Unorthodox.”
If they rejected and opposed all Unorthodox factions unconditionally, conflict would never cease and only lead both to destruction.
When help is needed, we help. When cooperation serves both, we cooperate.
Of course, if the Unorthodox commit transgressions beyond the pale, then we must act decisively.
Now Im Dohyun bore grave wounds inflicted by a cult spy.
To turn away from him would be nothing but aiding the cult’s scheme to sow discord between Orthodox and Unorthodox.
At least until the cult is dealt with, the conflict and fighting between the two factions must cease, and they must cooperate.
For that, it was necessary to extend a hand to the Unorthodox first.
“So leave the rest to me, and focus on recovering for now.”
Im Dohyun harbored no suspicion of Namgung Geom’s intent.
“Then I shall impose upon the Namgung Clan for a time.”
Im Dohyun accepted Namgung Geom’s proposal.
Given his current physical condition, he believed following Namgung Geom’s suggestion was the wisest course.
Namgung Geom set out for the Taeho Branch alongside Im Dohyun.
However, contrary to their initial plan, they traveled by water rather than overland.
Im Dohyun’s condition was too poor to endure a journey by road.
As fortune had it, a merchant vessel from the Xiaohu Merchant Group was passing through Wuhan, and Namgung Geom and Im Dohyun boarded it to reach Anking.
Along the way to Anking, scouts from the Chang Gang Water Path League appeared, but they collected only a reasonable transit toll before allowing the vessel to pass.
“It seems Brother Gang has taken measures.”
Namgung Geom realized that Gang Mujin, known as the Little Dragon, had issued orders to the Chang Gang Water Path League.
“Who is Brother Gang?”
Im Dohyun asked with evident curiosity.
“He is Gang Mujin, the Little Dragon and deputy leader of the Chang Gang Water Path League.”
“You call the Little Dragon your brother?”
Im Dohyun asked, his face registering surprise.
“Yes. Brother Gang and I have sworn an oath brotherhood.”
Im Dohyun’s eyes widened.
“The Crown Prince of the Namgung Clan and the deputy leader of the Chang Gang Water Path League have sworn oath brotherhood?”
It was something he could scarcely imagine.
“Indeed. When hearts understand each other, what does rank matter?”
Im Dohyun’s eyes brightened at Namgung Geom’s answer.
“Then let me join as well.”
“Join what?”
“Include me in that oath brotherhood.”
Namgung Geom regarded Im Dohyun with an expression of disbelief.
“Do you understand what oath brotherhood is? It is no game to simply add or remove people.”
“Who said it’s a game? I have brothers, but I’ve never been able to share true camaraderie with them. When I heard that you swore oath brotherhood with the Little Dragon, I felt a burning desire to share the bonds of brotherhood with you as well.”
Im Dohyun spoke with evident sincerity.
He had come to respect Namgung Geom.
There was gratitude for being rescued, but beyond that, he simply liked Namgung Geom as a person.
Despite being the Crown Prince of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Geom lacked the arrogance typical of noble families.
Most heirs of prominent clans looked down upon the Unorthodox Faction, and they particularly regarded the Nok Rim Alliance as mere bandits unworthy of respect.
But Namgung Geom was different.
He did not automatically reject those of the Unorthodox Faction, nor did he regard those of the Nok Rim as beneath him.
Even in how he treated Im Dohyun, respect was evident.
That absence of prejudice resonated deeply with him.
Above all, his realm and martial skill were something Im Dohyun could not help but admire as a martial artist himself.
So when he learned that Namgung Geom and the Little Dragon had sworn oath brotherhood, a fierce longing to do the same with Namgung Geom seized him.
Namgung Geom met Im Dohyun’s gaze.
Looking at the yearning in his eyes, at least Namgung Geom could see that he was sincere.
Yet that sincerity alone was not enough to make him swear oath brotherhood with Im Dohyun.
With Gang Mujin, there had been a resonance as they measured their martial skill against each other.
In martial arts lies the essence of a person.
Brief as their exchange was—merely three moves—Namgung Geom had sensed Gang Mujin’s true nature.
That was why he had gladly sworn oath brotherhood with him.
But with Im Dohyun, it was different.
There had been no such resonance with him.
Their hearts had not resonated deeply enough to warrant oath brotherhood.
“I’m sorry, but I cannot yet commit with certainty to swearing oath brotherhood with you at this moment.”
Namgung Geom spoke honestly about his thoughts.
“Hmm. It seems I’ve moved too hastily on my own. If I’ve burdened you, I apologize.”
Im Dohyun was disappointed, but he could not force oath brotherhood upon another.
“No, it’s not that. Even if we don’t swear oath brotherhood, I think we could become friends. What do you say?”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Im Dohyun’s expression brightened.
“I would be honored to be your friend.”
Im Dohyun was content with friendship alone.
Where else could he find a friend like Namgung Geom?
“Then, shall we begin speaking freely to each other from now on?”
“I’m happy to.”
Im Dohyun nodded readily.
And several days later.
Namgung Geom and Im Dohyun arrived at the Taeho Branch.
Namgung Pil, the patriarch of the Taeho Branch, greeted Namgung Geom warmly.
Namgung Geom explained the situation to Namgung Pil and asked him to look after Im Dohyun.
Upon hearing that Im Dohyun was the deputy leader of the Nok Rim Alliance, Namgung Pil hesitated for a moment.
Like most Orthodox Faction martial artists, he harbored a natural wariness of the Unorthodox Faction and preferred to keep his distance.
But when Namgung Geom mentioned that they had become sworn brothers, Namgung Pil had no choice but to nod in agreement.
After entrusting Im Dohyun to Namgung Pil, Namgung Geom left the Taeho Branch at once.
Though Namgung Pil and Im Dohyun were disappointed to see him go, his maternal grandfather’s 60th Birthday Celebration was fast approaching.
He could not afford to be late.
* * *
Leaving the Taeho Branch behind, Namgung Geom deployed his Divine Technique without rest.
Seven days and nights later, he finally arrived in Hangzhou.
In merely seven days, he had crossed Anhui Province from east to west and raced all the way to Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province.
Even a master of the Absolute Realm would have found such a pace grueling.
Namgung Geom headed toward the Hangzhou Gold Merchant.
Finding the Hangzhou Gold Merchant in Hangzhou was absurdly simple.
Even a child in Hangzhou knew of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant.
You could stop any passerby on the street and ask, and they would point you there without hesitation.
The Hangzhou Gold Merchant stood to the southwest of West Lake, and its grandeur was truly magnificent.
The sprawling estate, magnificent yet ornate in style, could rival a royal palace itself.
It was a testament to the staggering wealth of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant.
“Whatever else one might say, he was certainly born into fortune.”
On his father’s side, the Namgung Clan—head of the Five Great Clans. On his mother’s side, the Hangzhou Gold Merchant—boasting the greatest wealth in the Central Plains.
He had been born into both martial prowess and riches.
What if he had awakened in someone else’s body instead?
Then he could never have grown this strong, this quickly.
He might well have lost his life before his power had even blossomed.
Namgung Geom suddenly grasped just how fortunate it was that he had awakened as himself.
After indulging in this brief reverie, he collected himself and approached the main gate of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant.
The guards at the gate of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant verified his identity and promptly sent word inside.
Before long, the chief steward of the outer courtyard came out personally to receive him.
Under his guidance, Namgung Geom made his way to the Geumcheon Pavilion.
The Geumcheon Pavilion was where the patriarch of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant conducted his business.
It was the equivalent of the Patriarch’s Hall in the Namgung Clan.
Soon after arriving at the Geumcheon Pavilion, Namgung Geom stepped inside.
Upon entering, Gang Yonghyun, the patriarch of the Hangzhou Gold Merchant, was waiting for him.
Gang Yonghyun was the elder brother of Namgung Geom’s mother, Gang Moyeon, making him his uncle.
“Your nephew pays his respects to you, Uncle.”
“Well, well. Welcome, welcome. You must be exhausted from such a long journey.”
“Not at all, Uncle. Coming to my mother’s family home after so long, I made the journey with joy in my heart.”
Namgung Geom answered with a smile.
“Your mother mentioned your recovery, and seeing you so healthy brings me great joy.”
“I am aware of the countless efforts you and the merchant house have made to help heal my Guyang Jeolmaek. I am truly grateful.”
As Namgung Geom expressed his gratitude, Gang Yonghyun chuckled softly.
“Nonsense. What have we done? We were even unable to procure the spirit medicine needed to cure your Guyang Jeolmaek.”
The Hangzhou Gold Merchant had expended considerable effort in searching for such medicine.
But in the end, they had failed to obtain it.
All they had managed to provide were a few lesser spirit medicines.
“Please do not say such things. The reason I was able to heal my Guyang Jeolmaek was thanks to the spirit medicines your house provided.”
This was no mere courtesy.
When Namgung Geom first awakened, had there been no Extreme Yin Qi within his body, he would never have been able to create the Frost White Qi.
He might well have been consumed by the Extreme Yang Burning Qi and perished.
But thanks to the Extreme Yin Spirit Medicine obtained from the Hangzhou Gold Merchant, Extreme Yin Qi had remained in his body, allowing him to overcome the Extreme Yang Burning Qi.
The Hangzhou Gold Merchant’s contribution to his recovery and his progress thus far had been immense.
“I am glad you see it that way. We can catch up on the rest of the news later. You must be weary from your travels, so rest well tonight.”
Gang Yonghyun called for someone to show Namgung Geom to his quarters.
* * *
A shabby estate on the outskirts of Hangzhou.
Jeogun Saja, his entire body wreathed in crimson Qi currents, sat upon the highest seat, listening to a report.
“Namgung Geom has arrived at the Hangzhou Gold Merchant?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“A man who’s given Heuk Un Saja trouble? I’m curious what sort of person he is.”
Jeogun Saja’s interest was piqued.
“Before coming to Hangzhou, it’s said he ruined the last plan Heuk Un Saja had arranged.”
“Is that so?”
“He was planning to use Dark Agents from the Nok Rim Alliance to kill the Nok Rim Alliance’s chief and frame Namgung Geom for it, but Namgung Geom appeared, killed the Dark Agents, and saved the chief. That’s the report.”
Jeogun Saja let out a cold laugh.
“Hmm. It’s gratifying that Heuk Un Saja suffered a loss, but from the Cult’s perspective, this is hardly cause for celebration.”
“Since Namgung Geom keeps thwarting the Cult’s plans, it seems we need to eliminate him as soon as possible for the Cult’s sake.”
At his subordinate’s words, Jeogun Saja nodded.
“How fortunate that he’s come to Hangzhou Golden Merchant. We’ll dispose of him this time.”
Namgung Ice Dragon
Author |
Baek Wol Geom
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Samyang C&C Co., Ltd.
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Editorial Department
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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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