Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 34

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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 34
“The Jeongcheon Alliance?”
Seomun Chu’s expression shifted with surprise at the sudden mention of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
He was aware that the Five Great Clans were pushing for the establishment of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
But the Jeongcheon Alliance had not yet been formally founded.
So the notion of seeking its protection struck him as absurd.
“The Five Great Clans wish to establish the Jeongcheon Alliance—surely your clan head is well aware of this.”
“True enough, but there are too many disagreements among them for it to move forward smoothly.”
The other clans, excluding the Five Great Clans themselves, took a skeptical stance toward its founding.
No matter what anyone said, the Five Great Clans were the backbone of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
The other clans would move according to their decisions, operating beneath them.
Though not comparable to the Five Great Clans, the other clans too wielded considerable influence in the Murim.
Why would they consent to fall under the Five Great Clans’ dominion?
“But if their survival comes under threat, the situation would change entirely.”
The Saepae Alliance was growing steadily larger, becoming an increasingly serious threat to the Murim clans.
The threat posed by the Saepae Alliance was no distant concern.
One could see it plainly from what had just befallen the Seomun Clan.
The Seomun Clan’s ordeal would awaken the other clans to the danger.
Today it was the Seomun Clan, but tomorrow it could just as easily be them.
“To stand against the threat of the Saepae Alliance, the Orthodox Faction clans must unite their strength.”
Seomun Chu found himself in agreement with Namgung Geom’s words.
Until now, he had felt no pressing need for the Jeongcheon Alliance, but faced with this crisis, his thinking had shifted.
“That is precisely why I hope the Seomun Clan will persuade the other clans to join in founding the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
If the Seomun Clan, having suffered direct attack, were to make the case themselves, it would carry far greater weight.
“So you’re saying I must take an active role in establishing the Jeongcheon Alliance in order to receive its protection.”
The Jeongcheon Alliance would need to be established first before it could offer any protection.
“The founding of the Jeongcheon Alliance is essential—both for the Seomun Clan and for the Murim itself.”
“Yet even if the clan head does the persuading, I cannot be certain the others will join. And even if they do, actual establishment will take time.”
Seomun Chu worried that the Jeongcheon Alliance’s formation would stall.
Until then, he could expect no protection from it.
“For now, we could proceed with founding the alliance using only those clans willing to support it, and expand membership gradually afterward.”
There was no need to gather every Murim clan from the outset.
Once the Jeongcheon Alliance was established and demonstrated its commitment to protecting the Seomun Clan, the other clans would likely follow suit.
“And even before the Jeongcheon Alliance is formally established, the Namgung Clan will do everything in its power to keep the Seomun Clan safe.”
Namgung Geom made his resolve clear.
“Is that an official position of the Namgung Clan?”
Seomun Chu did not doubt Namgung Geom’s sincerity.
But Namgung Geom was merely the eldest heir of his house—not the one who set policy for the clan.
What mattered was not his personal word, but the Namgung Clan’s official stance.
“It is not an official position of the main family. But the main family will never turn its back on the Seomun Clan.”
Seomun Chu shook his head.
“That is only your own belief.”
He did not believe the Namgung Clan would protect the Seomun Clan at the cost of its own interests.
If signs emerged that the Namgung Clan’s losses were mounting, they would withdraw their support without hesitation.
“Should that ever come to pass—though I do not believe it will—I alone will protect the Seomun Clan no matter what.”
“Kind words, at least, even if only words.”
“They are not merely words. I will do everything within my power to protect the Seomun Clan.”
Seomun Chu could sense the sincerity in Namgung Geom’s heart.
“You speak so tenderly of my clan. But what is your reason for doing so much for us?”
Seomun Chu felt that Namgung Geom held the Seomun Clan in special regard.
It seemed too profound to be mere honor between old allies.
There must be some hidden story behind it.
“I’m not entirely sure myself. For some reason, my heart is drawn to the Seomun Clan.”
Namgung Geom gave an evasive answer.
He could not reveal that the Seomun Clan was his mother’s family in his past life.
“Your kindness toward my clan is truly appreciated.”
Seomun Chu sensed there was another reason Namgung Geom was not sharing.
But he chose not to press further.
What mattered was that Namgung Geom’s care for the Seomun Clan was genuine.
“If you truly wish to repay that gratitude, take an active part in establishing the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
Seomun Chu shook his head as though conceding defeat.
“If the Crown Prince desires it so earnestly, I cannot refuse.”
Namgung Geom brightened and bowed deeply.
“Thank you for granting my request.”
“Since it serves the main house, there is no need for gratitude. But you must keep your promise to protect the main house—without fail.”
“As long as I draw breath, no one shall lay a hand upon the Seomun Clan.”
Seomun Chu’s expression grew satisfied at Namgung Geom’s answer.
He found the young man deeply to his liking.
His martial prowess, boasting the Peak Realm, went without saying, and his intellect was equally sharp.
His character and temperament were beyond reproach.
Moreover, his face was striking enough to inspire admiration.
Seomun Chu smiled bitterly, thinking how fortunate it would be if Namgung Geom were his own grandson.
He envied the Namgung Clan for producing such a dragon among men.
In his heart, he wished to make Namgung Geom his family through marriage, binding him to the Seomun Clan.
Yet Seomun Chu knew his place.
The Seomun Clan’s standing was far too humble to become in-laws with the Namgung Clan.
Should he propose a marriage arrangement only to face rejection, it would severely wound the Seomun Clan’s honor.
For the sake of preserving that honor, he would never be the first to broach such a matter.
“Still, I wonder what the Saehae Faction will do next.”
“For now, I shall have the Janggang Sword Brigade and the Three Sword Brigades of the Cheonpung Sword Brigade defend Sungmyeong Island. You need not worry overmuch.”
So long as the Three Sword Brigades of the Janggang Sword Brigade and Cheonpung Sword Brigade held the island, the Saehae Faction would not dare launch an attack.
The concern lay rather in the Saepae Alliance committing its full strength—though unless they intended a full-scale war, moving openly would be difficult.
Of course, preparations against such a possibility would still be necessary.
* * *
After concluding his business with the leadership of the Seomun Clan, Namgung Geom departed for Sungmyeong Island with the full strength of the Namgung Clan.
Having established defensive positions along the eastern coast of Sungmyeong Island, Namgung Geom sent a letter to the Namgung Clan.
The letter contained a full account of the battle against the Saehae Faction and all that had been discussed with the Seomun Clan’s leadership.
Once the Namgung Clan received and reviewed the letter, they would expedite the formation of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
And discussions would surely take place regarding support for the Seomun Clan.
After sending the letter, Namgung Geom remained on Sungmyeong Island, watching closely for any movement from the Saehae Faction.
Yet the Saehae Faction made no move whatsoever.
With the Namgung Clan’s forces holding the line, they dared not attempt an assault.
The Saepae Alliance, too, showed no immediate signs of activity.
Namgung Geom believed that a period of relative calm would prevail for some time.
Yet should the defensive forces here be withdrawn, the Saehae Faction would strike again without hesitation.
Thus he could not allow the defenses to weaken.
In due course, a reply arrived from the Namgung Clan.
The first point commended him for crushing two units of the Saehae Faction’s Dragon King Unit and exposing the Saepae Alliance’s involvement.
The second announced that they would reveal the Saepae Alliance’s instigating the Saehae Faction’s attack on the Seomun Clan and would move to establish the Jeongcheon Alliance.
The third stated that prior to the alliance’s formal establishment, the Namgung Clan would send military support to the Seomun Clan.
Namgung Geom immediately relayed this news to Seomun Chu.
Seomun Chu finally allowed himself to relax and offered his repeated gratitude to Namgung Geom.
And several days later, the Namgung Clan sent the commander of the Janggang Sword Brigade and the Three Sword Brigades of the Cheonrae Sword Brigade as reinforcements.
Namgung Seok-young, commander of the Janggang Sword Brigade, sought out Namgung Geom as soon as he arrived on Sungmyeong Island.
“Word of your victory has reached us. To annihilate two entire units of the Saehae Faction’s Dragon King Unit—truly remarkable.”
“The war fleets of the Black Dragon and White Dragon units are now yours. The Janggang Sword Brigade can put them to good use.”
Namgung Seok-young could barely contain his joy at these words.
“Thank you. Thanks to you, the Janggang Sword Brigade’s fleet has grown considerably.”
“With your fleet thus expanded, you must dedicate yourself to strengthening the brigade’s overall combat strength.”
“Of course.”
Namgung Seok-young nodded with firm resolve.
“And I ask that you defend this place well.”
Namgung Geom had been ordered to entrust the island’s defense to Namgung Seok-young and return with the Changryong Sword Brigade.
“You may rely on me.”
“Remember that the Saepae Alliance stands behind the Saehae Faction. Move with caution.”
“I shall bear your words in mind.”
Namgung Geom entrusted the defense of Sungmyeong Island to Namgung Seok-young.
Then, departing with the Four Masters of the Changryong Sword Brigade, he left Sungmyeong Island and made for the Seomun Clan’s main house.
Before returning to the Namgung Clan, he intended to stop at the Seomun Clan’s main house to receive the Bing Jade Pill.
The Seomun Clan’s main house was located in Suzhou.
From Sungmyeong Island to Suzhou was a four-day journey.
Namgung Geom and his party made the trip in two days, arriving a full day ahead of schedule at the Seomun Clan’s main residence.
“Welcome, welcome.”
Seomun Chu greeted Namgung Geom warmly.
He had returned to the main residence after the Saehae Faction withdrew and the urgent crisis passed.
He could not leave the main house unattended for long.
“I stopped by to pay my respects before returning to my clan’s seat.”
His true purpose was to obtain the Bing Jade Pill, but he could not say so openly, so he spoke obliquely.
Seomun Chu understood that Namgung Geom had come for the Bing Jade Pill, but he did not press the matter.
“I heard the Namgung Clan sent additional forces to Sungmyeong Island.”
“So long as the Saepae Alliance doesn’t mobilize on a large scale, there should be no immediate trouble.”
“I’m grateful. The debt I owe you for your help, I shall never forget.”
Seomun Chu thanked him once more.
“And here is the Bing Jade Pill I promised you.”
Seomun Chu handed over the Bing Jade Pill he had prepared in advance.
“Then I accept it with gratitude.”
Namgung Geom received the Bing Jade Pill with reverence.
As he took the Bing Jade Pill that his former parents had exchanged as betrothal gifts, emotion welled up within him boundlessly.
“Compared to the kindness you have shown me, this is but a trifle.”
“That is not so. To me, nothing is more precious than a Bing Jade Pill.”
These were not empty words.
For Namgung Geom, who had mastered Bing Gong, the Bing Jade Pill was the ultimate Spirit Pill.
It held value beyond any other reward.
“Then I ask that you continue to watch over the main house as you have done.”
“The Seomun Clan will always hold a place in my heart, so have no concern.”
Satisfied with Namgung Geom’s answer, Seomun Chu smiled.
He held Namgung Geom’s talent in high regard.
If Namgung Geom continued to grow as he had, it was certain he would become one of the Murim’s most renowned masters.
Should Namgung Geom watch over the Seomun Clan’s welfare, it would be as though the clan had gained a stalwart shield.
“You won’t be returning to the Namgung Clan this very evening, will you?”
“It has grown quite late, so I fear I must impose upon the Seomun Clan’s hospitality for the night.”
“A night is nothing—stay for several days if you wish. Think of this as your own home and rest at ease.”
Seomun Chu summoned servants to guide Namgung Geom’s party to the guest pavilion.
He also had a banquet prepared for them.
Namgung Geom and his party enjoyed the evening meal with good spirits, grateful for the Seomun Clan’s generous hospitality.
The four swordsmen of the Changryong Sword Brigade returned to the guest pavilion and went straight to bed.
But Namgung Geom, rather than sleep, took out the Bing Jade Pill he had received from Seomun Chu.
“I cannot wait any longer.”
Namgung Geom placed the Bing Jade Pill directly into his mouth.
Namgung Bing-ryong
Author |
Baek Wol-geom
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(주) Samyang C&C
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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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