Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 55

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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 55
The Nanfang Sword Sect was stationed at Guhua Mountain, south of Anhui Province.
Positioned at the crossroads connecting Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, Guhua Mountain held tremendous strategic importance.
Especially in the southern reaches of Anhui Province, where their territory overlapped with the Sha Pai Lian, frequent skirmishes erupted both large and small.
Just as had occurred with the Huangshan matter and the Dark Cloud affair.
This made the Nanfang Sword Sect’s role among the Four Sword Sects particularly vital.
Namgung Geom and the Changyong Sword Sect departed Taihu, moving toward Guhua Mountain.
The journey from Taihu to Guhua Mountain took five or six days.
Namgung Geom did not squander a moment of that travel time.
During the journey, he cultivated the Divine Technique.
Just as he had done on his way to Taihu, he practiced without rest.
Yet because the Changyong Sword Sect had personnel selected for the expedition, he adjusted both speed and intensity accordingly.
After the journey concluded, he transmitted martial arts to the new recruits of the Changyong Sword Sect.
Though Namgung Geom did not teach directly—Namgung Chang and the Four Men of Wisdom took charge of the instruction.
Namgung Chang and the Four Men of Wisdom were designated as future Major Leaders of the Changyong Sword Sect.
The new recruits were those who would fall under their command.
By teaching the newcomers martial arts, a natural hierarchy would form and bonds would deepen; when they eventually became Major Leaders, it would aid them in commanding their subordinates.
The existing members of the Changyong Sword Company were not idle either.
They assisted the Four Men of Wisdom in transmitting martial arts.
Compared to the new recruits of the Changyong Sword Sect, the members of the Changyong Sword Company were younger in age.
Yet none of the recruits, despite being older, looked down upon the Company members.
The Changyong Sword Company members had already proven themselves through martial sparring.
The recruits followed the Company members’ orders without complaint.
Meanwhile, Namgung Geom taught martial arts to Namgung Woo, the Deputy Sect Master.
Namgung Woo was mastering the Seomjeon Thirteen Sword Thunder, one of the Three Great Sword Techniques.
He could not yet transmit the secret transmission of the Seomjeon Thirteen Sword Thunder.
But there was much else to teach him beyond the secrets.
As mentioned before, Namgung Woo relied upon inner power to execute his sword techniques.
Consequently, the refinement of his forms fell short.
Namgung Geom emphasized forms in his training.
He had Namgung Woo spar using only forms, deliberately excluding inner power.
Through sparring with Namgung Geom using forms alone, Namgung Woo came to understand how lacking his own were.
Forms encompassed more than just sword technique—they included movement and body control as well.
Through his matches with Namgung Geom, Namgung Woo realized how much of a frog in a well he had been.
Conversely, he could sense just how extraordinary Namgung Geom was.
Namgung Geom applied his forms with complete freedom and precision.
This spoke to his profound understanding of form itself.
It was astonishing that someone so young could possess such comprehension and insight.
As a martial artist, Namgung Woo could not help but respect him.
And watching Namgung Geom, he found direction for how to cultivate himself going forward.
Had he remained at the Taihu Branch, he would never have grasped this.
He came to realize how fortunate it was to stand beside Namgung Geom as Deputy Sect Master of the Changyong Sword Sect.
Truthfully, until he left the Taihu Branch, a certain resentment toward Namgung Geom had lingered.
He had not wished to acknowledge that he was inferior to Namgung Geom.
But jealousy and envy could only take root when the gap was within a certain range.
When the difference was absolute, such feelings did not arise at all.
Candles compete with one another’s brightness, yet when the sun rises, all turn their gaze to its light.
In the space where jealousy once dwelt, only dazzling admiration remained.
Namgung Woo wanted to become as strong as Namgung Geom.
Rather than a rival to compete against, he had become a figure of longing to emulate.
It had transpired mere days after departing the Taihu Branch.
* * *
Deep within the mountain cliffs of Guhua Mountain stood a hermitage that few outsiders ever reached.
Namgung Cho, the Branch Master of the Cheongyang Branch of the Namgung Clan, came to this place in secret.
Whisper…
From the stone cave of the hermitage, a shadow wrapped in black energy materialized.
It was the Dark Cloud Lion, whom he had encountered at the Blood Wolf Stronghold before.
“This secret organization member Namgung Cho greets the Dark Cloud Lion.”
Namgung Cho bowed respectfully toward the Dark Cloud Lion.
“It has been some time since we last met. You look well.”
“It’s all thanks to the organization’s care and attention.”
“Then this would be a fitting opportunity to repay the organization’s kindness.”
At the Dark Cloud Lion’s words, Namgung Cho’s eyes flickered for a moment.
But he quickly steadied his gaze and asked, “Is there something you wish me to do?”
“Is there work for me to do?”
“You’re aware that the Crown Prince of the Namgung Clan is coming to Guhua Mountain, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
Two days ago, Namgung Cho had received word that Namgung Geom, the Crown Prince, was leaving the Seofang Sword Sect and heading toward Guhua Mountain.
“I would like you to dispose of the Crown Prince for us.”
At the Dark Cloud Lion’s words, Namgung Cho started in surprise.
“Dispose of him? Do you mean… kill him?”
Namgung Cho asked, his expression one of disbelief.
The Dark Cloud Lion heaved a heavy sigh.
“It appears the Crown Prince has learned of the organization’s existence.”
“How could the Crown Prince possibly know of the organization’s existence?”
Namgung Cho asked, as if unable to understand.
“One of our members planted in the Green Forest Alliance was captured by the Crown Prince.”
Namgung Cho’s brow furrowed.
“Surely he didn’t reveal the organization’s existence under interrogation?”
“Nothing is certain yet, but given that he died during questioning, the likelihood that he divulged information about the organization is quite high.”
Namgung Cho’s expression grew grave.
“So you wish me to kill the Crown Prince to silence him?”
“If the organization’s existence becomes known, all the effort we’ve invested will come to nothing.”
“But if I kill the Crown Prince, I myself will not escape unscathed.”
Namgung Cho spoke as if in genuine difficulty.
“If the Branch Master defects to the Sha Pai Lian, the Namgung Clan will have no leverage against you.”
“The Namgung Clan will assume I acted at the Sha Pai Lian’s behest.”
Namgung Cho grasped the Dark Cloud Lion’s hidden intention.
“If the Sword King loses not only his son but his grandson to the Sha Pai Lian, he won’t hesitate to wage total war.”
The Dark Cloud Lion smiled with quiet satisfaction.
The moment Namgung Geom died, war would erupt between the Namgung Clan and the Sha Pai Lian.
And if he fanned the flames carefully from between, it could well escalate into the War of the Four Great Powers.
Unlike the Dark Cloud Lion, Namgung Cho could not help but hesitate.
He lived as the Branch Master of the Cheongyang Branch, wielding considerable authority.
Relinquishing that position was no simple matter.
In truth, he had no desire to obey the Dark Cloud Lion’s command.
But as a member of the secret organization, he could not disobey.
Should the Dark Cloud Lion expose his identity, all would be lost.
Namgung Cho was a bastard son of the Cheongyang Branch.
By rights, he would never have become Branch Master.
It was the organization that had approached him then.
The organization had tempted him with the promise of making him Branch Master.
Ambitious as he was, Namgung Cho succumbed to the temptation and became a secret member.
With the organization’s backing, he had become the Branch Master.
Once he’d secured the position, he’d wanted to sever ties with the organization.
But if he betrayed them, they would expose his membership, and he would lose everything he’d gained.
Had he never taken the organization’s hand from the beginning, he might have escaped. But it was too late now.
He had no choice but to kill Namgung Geom as the Dark Cloud Lion commanded.
The question was how to kill him.
Namgung Cho’s first thought was ambush.
To strike before Namgung Geom reached Guhua Mountain.
If done well, he might kill him while remaining hidden.
But having already suffered one attack from the Blood Wolf Stronghold, Namgung Geom would likely be on his guard.
If he sensed the ambush and fled, matters would become complicated.
It might be better to wait until after Namgung Geom arrived at the Cheongyang Branch.
After all, Namgung Geom would never expect an attack within the Branch itself.
But if he acted within the Branch, Namgung Cho could not hide his involvement.
Though his membership in the organization might remain secret, his betrayal of the Namgung Clan and his murder of Namgung Geom would be exposed.
The Dark Cloud Lion, observing Namgung Cho’s expression, divined his inner conflict.
“Don’t cling to your position as Branch Master. When the organization claims the Central Plains Martial World, you will occupy an even greater station.”
At the Dark Cloud Lion’s words, Namgung Cho smiled bitterly to himself.
What he wanted was the position of Branch Master of the Namgung Clan, not a high office in the organization.
But he gave no sign of it.
“I’ve merely been considering how to dispose of the Crown Prince.”
“And have you devised a method?”
The Dark Cloud Lion asked with evident curiosity.
“I plan to arrange a banquet in his honor, ply him with drink until he’s thoroughly intoxicated, wait for him to fall asleep, and then launch a surprise attack.”
The Dark Cloud Lion nodded slowly.
“Not a bad approach. Though I must say this as a precaution—Namgung Geom’s martial prowess is no trifle, so it would be best if the Branch Master handled the matter personally rather than delegating it to another.”
“Would it not serve our purposes better if I maintain my position as Branch Master for what comes after?”
Namgung Cho was determined to avoid staining his own hands directly if he could help it.
If he killed Namgung Geom with his own blade, there would be no escape, no loophole.
And from the organization’s standpoint, it was equally advantageous for Namgung Cho to remain as Branch Master.
When the critical moment arrived, they could use him to strike at the Namgung Clan from within.
“True enough, but the problem is we lack the immediate forces to deploy.”
Did the Dark Cloud Lion not understand what Namgung Cho was implying?
But all three of the Black Killing Gate’s expert swordsmen had been captured.
For now, there was no master capable of killing Namgung Geom.
“Then we have no choice, do we?”
“If the Branch Master handles Namgung Geom cleanly, I will personally ensure your safety afterward.”
The Dark Cloud Lion dangled an incentive before Namgung Cho.
“I am grateful for your assurance. I will ensure this matter succeeds.”
Namgung Cho answered with grim determination.
Now that events had unfolded thus, his only path to survival lay in eliminating Namgung Geom without flaw.
* * *
Six days after leaving the Taihu Branch.
Namgung Geom and his party arrived at the Cheongyang Branch.
Namgung Cho, the Branch Master, came out to welcome them personally.
“Crown Prince! Welcome, welcome. You must be weary from such a long journey.”
“I’m quite taken aback that you’ve come out to receive us in person, Branch Master.”
Namgung Geom was surprised that Namgung Cho had come out to greet him directly.
At the same time, he felt uneasy.
There was no reason for Namgung Cho to treat him with such deference.
“Of course I came out—the Crown Prince has arrived.”
Namgung Cho smiled warmly as he spoke.
“Thank you.”
“Well then, let’s head inside.”
Namgung Cho led Namgung Geom into the compound.
“By the way, has the selection of recruits for the Changyong Sword Sect from the Seofang Sword Sect been fruitful?”
Namgung Cho asked as if curious.
“It went reasonably well. There were some promising talents among them.”
“That’s fortunate. I hope the selection from the Nanfang Sword Sect goes equally well.”
“Would it not be beneficial if you observed the selection trials, Branch Master?”
Namgung Geom extended the invitation on impulse.
“I’m not sure my presence would be of much help.”
“On the contrary, your observation would be invaluable.”
With Namgung Cho’s skill, he might well discern talents that Namgung Geom himself had overlooked.
And should Namgung Cho attend, it would also quiet any whispers that Namgung Geom had selected the recruits arbitrarily.
“Very well then, we’ll do it that way. And since I’ve prepared a banquet in your honor, please do attend this evening.”
“I am most grateful for your thoughtfulness, and I shall certainly be there.”
“Then I’ll have you shown to the Guest Hall for now. Rest well, and we’ll see each other at the banquet this evening.”
Namgung Cho personally escorted Namgung Geom and his companions to the Guest Hall, then took his leave.
Namgung Geom watched him depart, his brow furrowing.
“It’s excessive, far too excessive.”
Namgung Cho’s excessive courtesy stirred wariness in him rather than gratitude.
Namgung Bing-ryong
Author |
Baek Wol-geom
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(Co.) 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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