Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 71

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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 71
Namgung Geom was delighted by Kang Mujin’s decision.
If Kang Mujin were to comprehensively reorganize the water fortresses of the Changang Suro League and correct their abuses, it would benefit the entire Martial World.
“During that process, please watch carefully for anyone suspected of being a hidden agent of the cult.”
Kang Mujin nodded at Namgung Geom’s words.
“Don’t worry—I was already planning to do that.”
Kang Mujin had no intention of tolerating hidden cult agents within the Changang Suro League.
He would investigate anyone suspicious thoroughly.
Namgung Geom found it frustrating that the Black Water Fortress Master’s death had cut off the cult’s trail.
But if they could root out a hidden cult agent concealing their identity within the Changang Suro League, it would become a crucial new lead to exposing the cult’s true nature.
Of course, rooting out the cult’s agents would not be easy.
Even if they were captured, the chances of them speaking willingly were slim.
Still, they had to do what they could.
“But wouldn’t it be better to reveal the cult’s existence to the Martial World?”
Kang Mujin proposed making the cult’s existence public knowledge.
If it became known that the cult—suspected to be one of the Three Devil Cult divisions—was plotting conflict between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions, both sides would likely exercise restraint.
“I’ve considered that as well, but if we do that, the cult will simply cut off their tail and hide themselves away.”
“Ah, so you mean it’s better to let them keep their tail exposed and watch, since we don’t know what the cult might scheme in hiding.”
Kang Mujin grasped Namgung Geom’s thinking perfectly.
“Moreover, without solid proof, many won’t believe the cult even exists. The Unorthodox Faction especially would be skeptical.”
Given the relationship between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions, this was reasonable.
If Kang Mujin hadn’t known Namgung Geom, he wouldn’t have paid attention to such claims either.
“Still, shouldn’t we privately alert the Martial World to the cult’s existence and prepare defenses?”
Even if they didn’t make it public knowledge, they should quietly inform the leaders of each faction they could trust.
After all, knowing about the cult would allow them to be on guard.
“The concern I have is how far the cult’s agents have already spread.”
“You mean there could be hidden cult agents even among the faction leaders themselves?”
Kang Mujin asked in a tone that suggested this seemed unlikely.
“The Black Kill Gate Master of the Four Paths League is currently suspected of being a cult agent.”
“The Black Kill Gate Master is a cult agent?”
Disbelief flickered across Kang Mujin’s face.
Namgung Geom recounted how the Black Kill Gate used the Four Seas Faction and Taeho Gate to attack the Seomun Family and attempted to kill him.
He also mentioned their involvement in the Blood Wolf Fortress assault.
“The first two incidents aside, their involvement in the third—the Blood Wolf Fortress attack—is certainly suspicious enough.”
Kang Mujin’s expression grew grave.
If the Black Kill Gate Master was truly a cult agent, this was no trivial matter.
The Black Kill Gate was one of the Four Paths Seven Gates, the core of the Four Paths League.
If the cult had placed agents even at the head of such an organization, there was no telling how far their reach extended.
“Surely the Four Paths League Master isn’t a cult agent too?”
“I don’t think it extends to the Four Paths League Master. However, I cannot say with absolute certainty either.”
“Then how are you certain that I’m not a cult agent?”
Kang Mujin suddenly asked, curious.
“If you were a cult agent, you wouldn’t have left me alive like this.”
“You might have spared me to achieve something greater.”
“Then I would simply have misjudged you, and I would accept whatever comes of it.”
Kang Mujin could see that though Namgung Geom said such things, he harbored no suspicion of Kang Mujin whatsoever.
Even though they’d become sworn siblings, they had only just met today.
Yet Namgung Geom trusted him implicitly.
Kang Mujin felt his spirits lift at the trust Namgung Geom showed him.
“Haha! How could I betray the faith you place in me, younger brother? I swear to you—no matter what happens, I will never betray you.”
Namgung Geom smiled warmly.
“Likewise, I will not betray the trust of our brotherhood.”
“In any case, when no one can truly be trusted, we cannot recklessly reveal the cult’s existence.”
Namgung Geom nodded and spoke.
“Unless we are certain, it would be better not to reveal the cult’s existence at all.”
“Is it possible there are hidden cult agents within the Namgung Clan or other Orthodox Faction forces?”
Kang Mujin suddenly asked, troubled by the thought.
“The Branch Head of the main clan’s Qingyang Branch is suspected of being a cult agent.”
Namgung Geom spoke with a wry smile.
“A Branch Head of the Namgung Clan?”
Kang Mujin started in surprise.
That a Branch Head of the Namgung Clan—of all people—was a spy for the cult seemed impossible to believe.
“He denies it outright, but the circumstances strongly suggest he’s a cult infiltrator.”
“A Branch Head of the Namgung Clan working as a cult spy—that’s a chilling thought.”
Kang Mujin shuddered, as if a chill had run down his spine.
“Which is why you’ll need to tighten discipline within the Changang Suro League, sir.”
Kang Mujin took Namgung Geom’s warning to heart.
“I’ll maintain strict order. Don’t worry.”
“And I think it would be advantageous if, outwardly, the Namgung Clan and the Changang Suro League appear to be at odds.”
“So the cult will show its hand?”
Kang Mujin grasped Namgung Geom’s intention and asked.
“Precisely. If the Namgung Clan and the Changang Suro League seem locked in conflict, the cult will likely act to fan the flames further.”
“If a fortress like the Black Water Fortress moves unilaterally to attack the Namgung Clan, then those are the cult’s puppets.”
Kang Mujin’s eyes gleamed with a sharp, dangerous light.
It was clear he would not leave such places untouched.
“So it might be wise to defer any compensation for the Black Water Fortress’s attacks.”
“But we’re brothers now—do we really need to haggle over compensation?”
Kang Mujin, seized by a playful mood, spoke with an exaggerated expression of hurt.
Namgung Geom let out a soft laugh.
“Even between brothers, clear accounting is what ensures the friendship endures.”
At his resolute reply, Kang Mujin conceded, raising both hands in surrender.
“Then I should be on my way.”
Namgung Geom rose from his seat.
Outside, the vanguard units of the Changyong Sword Unit and the Changang Front Unit were waiting.
He couldn’t leave them waiting indefinitely.
The wounded from the front lines needed to be transported as well.
“Ideally, we should drink through the night together, but it pains me to let you go like this.”
Kang Mujin showed his reluctance openly.
“There will be another opportunity, won’t there? Until then, take care of yourself.”
“You too. And be careful—who knows what the cult will try next.”
After exchanging farewells with Kang Mujin, Namgung Geom returned to the Changang Front Unit’s line, escorted by his host.
Namgung Gwan and the other senior officers, watching the two of them, felt puzzled.
Their manner seemed as warm and natural as between old friends.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Namgung Gwan asked, bewildered.
“I’ve sworn brotherhood with the Sect Master of the Changang Suro League.”
“I beg your pardon? How did that—”
“It’s done. I’ll explain the details later. For now, let’s focus on moving the wounded.”
Namgung Gwan nodded, then redirected the front line toward the riverside.
The Changang Suro League’s line remained in position until the Changang Front Unit’s line reached the river, then withdrew in the direction they had come.
“Well done. From here on, we’ll move by land, so you may return now.”
“We regret we couldn’t escort you all the way to Hwahyeon.”
“Not at all. Travel safely on the way back, and we’ll see each other again.”
“You too, Unit Commander—reach Hwahyeon safely.”
After parting with Namgung Gwan, Namgung Geom set out with the Changyong Sword Unit, carrying the wounded.
Once the wounded were transferred to a nearby physician, Namgung Geom and the Changyong Sword Unit headed straight for Hwahyeon.
“But what did you mean about swearing brotherhood with the Sect Master of the Changang Suro League?”
As they traveled, Namgung Chang approached Namgung Geom and asked the question.
He had been unable to contain his curiosity the entire journey.
“Just as I said—I swore ourselves as brothers.”
“The Sect Master of the Changang Suro League belongs to the Unorthodox Faction. If this becomes known in the Martial World, you’ll face a storm of criticism.”
Namgung Chang’s face was full of concern.
“My sworn brotherhood with Brother Kang won’t lead me astray from the right path, nor will it harm the clan. As for what others say—I’ll simply ignore it.”
When Namgung Geom brushed aside the concern so casually, Namgung Chang shook his head in frustration.
“There will be fierce opposition within the clan itself. Questions about your qualifications as the heir will surface.”
It wasn’t something he hadn’t anticipated.
But Namgung Geom didn’t take it too seriously.
“If my sworn brotherhood with Brother Kang leads to amicable relations between the Namgung Clan and the Changang Suro League, that’s a tremendous gain for the clan. If that comes to pass, who would dare question my fitness?”
Namgung Chang recalled the benefits the Changang Suro League could offer.
‘Water Transport Rights on the Changang River!’
There was little else to gain from it.
“Did the Changang Suro League grant you free use of the Changang River’s water transport rights?”
“We’ve secured compensation for the Black Water Fortress attack and a promise it won’t happen again, so there shouldn’t be any restrictions on using the river from now on.”
“Then was becoming sworn siblings with Master Kang for the sake of your clan?”
Namgung Geom shook his head.
“No. I simply took a liking to him as a person.”
“If he were to commit unethical acts, you as sworn siblings wouldn’t be able to escape responsibility.”
“The Kang I saw is someone who understands the Unorthodox Faction and righteousness alike—a man of deep integrity. He won’t put me in a difficult position.”
Trust in Kang Mujin resonated through Namgung Geom’s words.
“Aren’t you trusting someone you’ve only just met far too much?”
“You don’t need to know someone for a long time to understand them.”
“It seems you trust him more than you trust me and the others.”
A note of hurt colored Namgung Chang’s voice.
Namgung Geom wore a mischievous expression as he asked.
“Are you jealous?”
“Jealous? That makes no sense at all. I’m simply concerned, that’s all.”
Namgung Chang jumped up indignantly.
Namgung Geom laughed softly and replied.
“Even though I’ve become sworn siblings with Master Kang, you and the others will always come first to me.”
At those words, Namgung Chang’s expression seemed to ease slightly.
And the next day.
Namgung Geom and the Changyong Sword Unit arrived at Hwahyeon.
* * *
The Heuk-un Messenger furrowed his brow at his subordinate’s report.
“The Black Water Fortress Master failed?”
Even with suicide vessels deployed, he couldn’t believe it had ended in failure.
If the suicide vessels had sunk the Namgung Clan’s front-line ship, they would have had half the battle already won.
No matter how formidable Namgung Geom’s martial arts were, it was difficult to exert power in the depths of a river.
“Namgung Geom froze the Changang River to stop the suicide vessels and killed the Black Water Fortress Master himself,” the Black-robed Man subordinate reported.
The Black-robed Man answered.
“What? He froze the Changang River?”
The Heuk-un Messenger asked as though he found it ridiculous.
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it appears he truly did freeze the Changang River.”
The Heuk-un Messenger couldn’t believe it at all.
How was freezing the Changang River even possible?
Just how formidable was Namgung Geom’s Bing-gong?
“Are you certain the Black Water Fortress Master is dead?”
“He attempted to perish alongside Namgung Geom by detonating the oil drum, but Namgung Geom escaped the flames at the last moment, leaving him to burn alone.”
The Heuk-un Messenger fell silent for a time.
This failure had put his own position in jeopardy.
He had used three Hidden Cult Members and achieved nothing.
At this rate, he could not escape the cult’s censure.
He had to make up for these failures one way or another.
Breaking his silence, he spoke.
“I need to meet with the Black Kill Gate Master.”
Namgung Byeongryong
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Baekwol 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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