Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 42

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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 42
“The True Profound Realm at such a tender age. I can scarcely believe my eyes.”
Namgung Pae could not conceal his excitement.
He had harbored great expectations for Namgung Geom.
He had thought the boy was doing more than sufficiently well even at the Peak Realm.
But the True Profound Realm—this surpassed all his hopes.
Throughout the entire history of the martial world, there had never been a case of someone reaching the True Profound Realm at such a young age.
If Namgung Geom continued to grow at this pace, it was not impossible for him to become a supreme master surpassing even the Six Venerable Ones.
And if Namgung Geom became the greatest master under heaven, the Namgung Clan would naturally reign as the foremost house of the martial world.
Namgung Pae’s chest swelled at the mere thought.
Yet a doubt gnawed at him.
“But how did you achieve the True Profound Realm in so short a time?”
Before Namgung Geom left the Namgung Clan, he had been in the late stages of the Peak Realm.
The gap between late-stage Peak and the True Profound Realm was technically only one step, but crossing it was extraordinarily difficult.
Yet Namgung Geom had achieved the True Profound Realm not long after reaching the late stages of the Peak Realm.
That was not something mere talent could explain.
Without some great fortune, such a thing would be impossible.
“It was thanks to the Ice Jade Pill I received from the Seomun Clan.”
“The Ice Jade Pill?”
Namgung Geom explained how he had come to receive it.
“Even if the Ice Jade Pill replenished your internal power, compressing that power should require enlightenment regarding the nature of Qi itself. How did you overcome that obstacle?”
Namgung Pae asked as if demanding an explanation.
“The Principle of Rotation came to mind, and from there it was not difficult.”
“The Principle of Rotation?”
“When Qi rotates in a circular motion, a powerful centripetal force is generated, drawing the Qi inward toward the center.”
That much anyone could conceive of.
The truly crucial part lay in what came next.
“But the moment rotation falters, the Qi scatters. So I ensured that the Qi gathered at the center would never cease rotating.”
“You made the Qi rotate ceaselessly?”
“By applying the Principle of Tai Chi, I made the yin and yang aspects of Qi push and pull against each other in perpetual rotation.”
Namgung Pae’s expression shifted to one of astonishment at this explanation.
The words were simple enough, but actualizing it was no trivial feat.
It was no accident that countless masters at the Peak Realm failed to cross into the True Profound Realm and met with frustration.
Yet Namgung Geom had accomplished it at such a young age—it was simply astounding.
In his heart, Namgung Pae worried that perhaps Namgung Geom had achieved this realm through flawed methods.
But listening to his explanation, he could see that the boy had reached this realm through genuine enlightenment.
“Your insight runs very deep indeed. I congratulate you on reaching the True Profound Realm.”
“Thank you.”
“But you must not grow complacent with your current realm.”
Namgung Pae cautioned him, wary lest Namgung Geom become arrogant.
“Have no fear. I will spare no effort in my pursuit until I reach the highest realm.”
Namgung Geom harbored not the slightest satisfaction with his present state.
He would naturally surpass his previous life’s realm and climb even higher.
“Good. I trust in you.”
Namgung Pae nodded with satisfaction, reading the resolve in Namgung Geom’s words.
Meanwhile, the three clan elders could not rejoice purely at Namgung Geom’s achievement.
Namgung Geom possessed the legitimacy of being the first son of the clan.
But due to his youth and martial prowess, he had been considered outside the running for Sub-Family Head.
The three elders themselves had not regarded him as a serious contender for the position.
Yet if Namgung Geom had reached the True Profound Realm, the situation changed entirely.
True, his realm was still below theirs for now.
But when it came to future potential, Namgung Geom held a far superior advantage.
They might be stronger in the present moment, but within a few years, there was a high likelihood that Namgung Geom would surpass them all.
The choice of Sub-Family Head for the Namgung Clan could not rest on the present alone.
Future potential was a crucial factor as well.
From that perspective, high marks could not help but be given to Namgung Geom.
The moment his realm became known, the martial masters of the Namgung Clan would flock to him.
Such was the nature of warriors—to venerate strength.
And if that strength belonged to the first son of the Namgung Clan, their fervor would only deepen.
And that fervor would likely translate into support.
Namgung Geom was no longer an outsider in the Sub-Family Head succession.
He had emerged as the strongest candidate.
So the family elders couldn’t view his achievement with unalloyed joy.
But regardless of their true feelings, they offered him their outward congratulations.
“Geom! We congratulate you on your achievement.”
“Seeing you, I can tell the future of the Namgung Clan is very bright indeed.”
“Your elder brother in heaven would be delighted to witness your success.”
Namgung Geom expressed his gratitude to his uncles.
“Thank you. I will do my utmost not to disappoint your expectations.”
Namgung Pae watched him with quiet satisfaction.
“But your performance in this recent mission was truly extraordinary.”
Namgung Pae naturally steered the conversation toward the mission.
During his journey to the Namgung estate, Namgung Geom had already submitted a written report on the mission.
Through that report, Namgung Pae and the three elders had learned of his accomplishments.
“I did my best precisely because you trusted me with this task.”
“I’ve seen your written account, but I’d like to hear the details from you directly.”
Namgung Pae wanted to hear the report firsthand.
Namgung Geom recounted everything without omission—starting with how he’d lured and defeated the Black Dragon Unit of the Saha Bang, through to the ambush by the Black Shadow Unit in Namgyeong.
“The merit you’ve earned in this mission is extraordinary.”
The achievements Namgung Geom had secured were truly dazzling.
First, he had defeated two units of the Saha Bang’s Dragon King Division and uncovered the fact that the Heuk Sal Mun stood behind them.
Through this, he had strengthened ties with the Seomun Clan and secured their participation in the formation of the Jeong Cheon Maeng.
He had also repelled the Tae Ho Mun’s assault and, alongside the Seomun Clan, brought down the Tae Ho Mun entirely.
As a result, the territories of the Seomun Clan and the Tae Ho Mun were divided between them.
Finally, he had captured two of the Heuk Sal Mun’s Black Sword Elites and defeated five of the Black Sword Ten Sovereigns.
The Heuk Sal Mun was one of the principal forces of the Sa Pae Ryeon.
Damage to the Heuk Sal Mun was effectively damage to the Sa Pae Ryeon itself.
Striking at the Sa Pae Ryeon, the Namgung Clan’s foremost rival, was in itself a tremendous achievement.
“This was not my achievement alone, but something we accomplished together—the vice-commander and division leaders of the Dragon Creation Sword Unit, the Three Sword Brigade of the Cheon Poong Sword Group, and the First Sword Unit of the Jang Gang War Unit.”
“But it’s true that the Commander of the Dragon Creation Sword Unit bore the greatest burden. So I wish to bestow a reward. Is there anything in particular you desire?”
At the word reward, Namgung Geom’s eyes brightened.
“I will not permit you to redirect your reward to others, as you did before.”
Namgung Pae preemptively cut off any attempt by Namgung Geom to surrender his own reward to others.
Namgung Geom contemplated what reward would suit him best.
Given the merit of this accomplishment, he could have earned a Great Flame Pill and more.
But having taken an Ice Jade Pill and raised his Realm, a Great Flame Pill was not truly essential.
Of course it would be nice to have, but he could do without it.
‘Should I ask for a martial technique?’
He considered it, but quickly shook his head.
He had already mastered the Namgung Clan’s Three Great Sword Techniques.
He had no real need for another technique.
‘Then should I ask for a sword?’
For a warrior, a weapon was as vital as technique itself.
With equal skill, the one bearing the superior blade held the advantage.
Namgung Geom currently wielded the Dragon Creation Sword, the standard issue blade for disciples of the Chang Ryong Gak.
The Dragon Creation Sword was adequate for immediate use.
But against truly formidable masters, it was insufficient.
He needed a sword superior to the Dragon Creation Sword.
Namgung Geom made his decision and opened his mouth.
“Please permit me entry to the Baek Geom Chong.”
The Baek Geom Chong.
A sanctuary of blades—a repository where swords favored by successive heads of the Namgung Clan were gathered alongside weapons collected from the martial world.
Only one hundred swords could be housed within the Baek Geom Chong.
Only the finest blades of the Namgung Clan could enter that hallowed space.
Truly a hall of legendary swords.
That was what the Baek Geom Chong was.
Any warrior of the Namgung Clan yearned to claim a blade from the Baek Geom Chong.
Yet few were those who succeeded.
The swords of the Baek Geom Chong were without exception legendary blades.
In the hands of the unworthy, such a treasure becomes a curse rather than a blessing.
To wield the Legendary Sword of Baek Geom Chong, one must possess at least the True Profound Realm and contribute exceptional merit to the clan.
Only then could one earn the qualification to claim it.
Namgung Geom believed his own cultivation level and accomplishments more than qualified him to claim the Legendary Sword.
Namgung Pae turned his gaze to the three elders before him.
“What do you three elders think?”
“We believe the Dragon Creation Sword Unit’s leader possesses both the cultivation and merit sufficient to claim the Legendary Sword.”
At Namgung Seong’s words, Namgung Byeok and Namgung Un nodded in agreement.
Given that Namgung Geom’s cultivation and merits were indisputable, opposition would amount to nothing more than envying a younger kinsman.
Besides, even if the Legendary Sword of Baek Geom Chong was exceptional, a sword was still just a sword.
Namgung Geom obtaining it would not shift the larger balance of power.
Namgung Pae nodded.
“Then I shall grant the Dragon Creation Sword Unit’s leader permission to claim the Legendary Sword.”
“My gratitude.”
“There is nothing to thank me for. You receive only the reward commensurate with the merit you have earned for the clan.”
At Namgung Pae’s words, Namgung Geom offered a slight smile.
Yet moments later, his expression hardened, and he spoke again.
“And there is one more matter I wish to present to the Clan Head.”
The serious cast of Namgung Geom’s face suggested this was no trivial request.
“What is it?”
Namgung Pae asked.
“Though my skills remain inadequate, I wish to formally challenge for the position of Sub-Family Head.”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Namgung Pae and the three elders could not conceal their surprise.
They had all known that Namgung Geom harbored ambitions for the Sub-Family Head position.
But they had not expected him to declare it so openly and formally, so soon.
“You wish to challenge for the Sub-Family Head position?”
“However, if the Clan Head judges my qualifications insufficient, I shall withdraw cleanly.”
Namgung Pae let out a quiet laugh and spoke.
“You are the eldest grandson of the Namgung Clan, and have already achieved the True Profound Realm while barely past your youth. If you lack qualification, then who among us could possibly qualify?”
At those words, the color drained noticeably from Namgung Seong’s and Namgung Byeok’s faces.
If Namgung Pae acknowledged Namgung Geom’s qualifications, they would have no choice but to compete with him for the Sub-Family Head position.
“Then you are formally naming me as a Sub-Family Head candidate?”
Namgung Pae nodded.
“By my authority as Clan Head, I shall designate you as a Sub-Family Head candidate. Do any of you three elders wish to object?”
Namgung Pae posed the question to the three elders.
“We do not.”
“We shall defer to the Clan Head’s decision.”
“We believe the Dragon Creation Sword Unit’s leader possesses every qualification to challenge for the Sub-Family Head position.”
The three elders bowed their heads without protest.
Namgung Pae had already made his decision; resistance would gain them nothing.
Above all, they could not deny that Namgung Geom possessed both the martial prowess and symbolic standing to adequately serve as a Sub-Family Head candidate.
“I am grateful for your consideration. And there is one more matter I wish to address.”
“Speak.”
“If I may be candid, leaving the Sub-Family Head position vacant for too long seems ill-advised for the stability and harmony of our clan.”
This was entirely unexpected, even to Namgung Pae.
The three elders felt the same.
“Are you suggesting we select a Sub-Family Head immediately?”
Namgung Pae asked.
“Not immediately, but prolonging the matter indefinitely does not seem wise.”
The three elders struggled to fathom Namgung Geom’s true intention.
From his position, it would have been to his advantage to delay as long as possible.
Yet here he was, urging them to hasten the selection—his hidden purpose remained opaque.
“When, then, do you propose we select the Sub-Family Head?”
“How about one year from now?”
At Namgung Geom’s answer, the three elders momentarily wondered if they had misheard.
The Sub-Family Head competition within the Namgung Clan was conducted through martial competition and voting.
First, a martial competition would narrow the field to two final candidates.
Then, through a vote by senior clan members and martial masters of rank and above, the one receiving the most votes would ultimately ascend to the Sub-Family Head position.
The martial competition would verify martial prowess, while the vote would gauge the support of the clan’s warriors.
In effect, Namgung Geom’s words meant he was confident of placing among the final two in the martial competition one year hence.
The three elders could only gape at his audacity.
Even if Namgung Geom had reached the True Profound Realm, he was in no way comparable to them.
‘Does he think he can catch up to us within a year?’
‘He’s grown far too arrogant just because he’s reached the True Profound Realm.’
The three Family Heads let out derisive snorts at Namgung Geom’s confidence.
Yet Namgung Geom’s proposal of a one-year timeframe was not unreasonable.
It would cost them nothing.
‘What could he possibly be thinking, setting a one-year deadline?’
Namgung Pae also thought a year was far too short.
No matter how exceptional Namgung Geom’s talent might be, catching up to his uncles in a single year was hardly a simple feat.
Namgung Geom smiled at Namgung Pae with an air of absolute certainty, and something in that expression kindled an inexplicable faith.
The moment Namgung Pae saw that smile, an unshakeable trust took hold of him.
He nodded as if understanding something profound, then turned to address the three Family Heads.
“What do you think, Family Heads?”
“A year would seem adequate.”
The three Family Heads had no reason to object whatsoever.
Namgung Pae had been dragging out the Sub-Family Head competition, perpetually delaying it.
The three Family Heads had grown weary of waiting without end.
But one year—they could certainly wait that long.
Namgung Pae deliberated for a moment, then reached his decision.
“With the consent of all present, we shall determine the Sub-Family Head through a Selection Competition one year hence.”
Namgung Bing Ryong
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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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