Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 89

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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 89
The Jungcheon Alliance had mobilized even the Heuksalmun Master to kill Namgung Geom.
Given that, there was a high likelihood they would not easily abandon their attempts on his life.
So the method he had devised was to make himself the bait.
If the Alliance moved to kill him, Namgung Geom’s plan was to capture them and expose their true identity.
“It cannot be.”
Namgung Pae spoke as though he would hear nothing more.
While exposing the Alliance’s true identity was important, it did not mean he could put Namgung Geom in danger.
It was fortunate that the Heuksalmun Master’s assault had ended without incident, yet the memory of it still made his chest tighten.
“But as things stand now, there is no other means to make the Alliance move.”
“No matter what, it is not acceptable. Your safety matters more to me than exposing the Alliance’s identity.”
Faced with Namgung Pae’s resolute attitude, Namgung Geom could say nothing more.
“And uncovering the Alliance’s spies and their true nature—that is work for Eunryong-gak. So concern yourself no further and leave it to them.”
“Understood.”
Namgung Geom acquiesced for now.
If he pushed back here, it would appear as though he did not trust Eunryong-gak.
There was no need to color things awkwardly with Namgung Bing.
It would be better to speak with Namgung Bing separately later.
“And regarding Heuksalsamgum—I shall place them under the Clan Successor’s personal guard. Is there any objection to this among the Senior Masters?”
Namgung Pae posed the question to the three Senior Masters.
“Setting aside other concerns, what will you do if Heuksalsamgum, despite the Restriction Technique, should betray us or commit some misdeed?”
“That weighs on my mind as well. Heuksalsamgum may harbor resentment toward the Clan Successor for slaying the Heuksalmun Master.”
After Namgung Seong, Namgung Un too expressed concern about Heuksalsamgum.
“The opinions of both Senior Masters are not without merit. It would be wise to establish safeguards so that Heuksalsamgum cannot threaten the Clan Successor’s life.”
Namgung Byuk added his voice to the same opinion.
“There is no need for such concern. Should they attempt to harm me, the Restriction Technique will immediately activate.”
“What sort of Restriction Technique is it that allows such a thing?”
Namgung Seong asked, his tone thick with skepticism.
Namgung Geom paused a moment before answering.
“It is a method called Bingyong Geumhon—you may think of it as a kind of hypnotic binding.”
Bingyong Geumhon was a Restriction Technique recorded in the Bingyong Hwashingyul, working by imprinting a powerful seal upon the target’s very soul.
“Where did you acquire such a Restriction Technique?”
Namgung Seong’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.
In the Murim, the perception of Restriction Techniques was unfavorable.
Most associated such techniques with the sinister bindings of the Demonic Way.
“You need not concern yourselves with its origins. It was not obtained through improper means, I assure you. And it is nothing like the vile methods of the Demonic Way, so set that worry aside as well.”
“If you are so forthright about it, why can you not speak plainly?”
To Namgung Seong’s pressing, Namgung Geom replied with composure.
“There is an old saying in the Murim: hide three tenths of your skill. In this situation where I am competing with you three Senior Masters and the other Clan Successors, surely I cannot lay bare every card in my hand?”
“And yet, if you are to participate in the Clan Successor competition, suspicions about your martial arts cannot be left to linger.”
“I, as Clan Leader, shall vouch for the Clan Successor’s martial prowess. Raise this matter no further.”
At Namgung Pae’s words, Namgung Seong’s brow furrowed.
He had not expected Namgung Pae to support Namgung Geom so openly.
But considered from another angle, his starting position and Namgung Geom’s were fundamentally different.
From the standpoint of fairness, perhaps Namgung Pae’s backing of Namgung Geom was justified.
“The Clan Successor understands what it means for me, as Clan Leader, to offer such a guarantee, does he not?”
“Of course. My martial arts shall never bring dishonor to you or the Namgung Clan.”
Namgung Geom answered with conviction.
Had he simply mastered the Bingbaek Shingong as it stood, that could have posed a problem.
But he had created a new Inner Power cultivation method that merged the Namgung Clan’s Changgung Daeyon Shingong with the Bingbaek Shingong.
Moreover, that Inner Power contained within it the extreme yang qi-transformation from the Guyang Jeolmaek.
Even if someone from Bekhae Bing Palace were to witness it, they would find it difficult to identify it as the Bingbaek Shingong.
His swordwork too was rooted in the techniques of the Namgung Clan.
There was no reason his martial arts should become a matter of concern.
The Bingyong Hwashingyul he had newly acquired had long since fallen out of actual use at Bekhae Bing Palace.
Even at Bekhae Bing Palace, it was known only through records; no one alive had witnessed the Bingyong Hwashingyul performed.
Even if someone were to observe Namgung Geom’s Bingyong Hwashingyul, it would be difficult for them to say with certainty what it truly was.
And even if they recognized it, he could simply deny it—and that would be the end of it.
“And you must also bear responsibility for Heuksalsamgum.”
By entrusting Heuksalsamgum to Namgung Geom, Namgung Pae made clear his responsibility toward them as well.
“Of course.”
“Then it’s settled.”
“But shouldn’t we inform the other Four Great Clans about the matter of the teaching?”
Namgung Geom asked.
“That matter can be discussed at the Jungcheon Conference, which we’ve arranged for the formation of the Jungcheon Alliance.”
“The Jungcheon Conference, you say?”
Namgung Geom looked taken aback.
“Indeed. Behind the scenes, work has been underway among the clans of the Murim, and as a result, we’ve decided to convene the Jungcheon Conference.”
While Namgung Geom had been traveling abroad, Namgung Pae had not been idle.
He had been pushing for the formation of the Jungcheon Alliance with the Four Great Clans and other families.
As a result, he had secured agreement to hold the Jungcheon Conference and formally discuss the establishment of the Jungcheon Alliance.
“It seems a decision has been made faster than expected. You have my gratitude.”
“Nothing is confirmed yet.”
“If the clans have intention toward the formation of the Jungcheon Alliance, they wouldn’t have agreed to hold the Jungcheon Conference in the first place, would they?”
How many clans would actually attend was the critical question, but the mere fact that the Jungcheon Conference had been decided upon was already a significant achievement.
If they had no interest in the Jungcheon Alliance from the start, they would never have agreed to the conference at all.
“It’s thanks to the Seomun Clan’s head taking the initiative that this could come about. All credit belongs to you for persuading him.”
Namgung Pae gave the credit to Namgung Geom.
It was no mere courtesy—Seomun Chu, the head of the Seomun Clan, had actively persuaded numerous families and clans, and this effort had been crucial.
And that, in turn, owed everything to Namgung Geom’s ability to win over Seomun Chu’s heart.
“Please don’t speak of such things. This is the result of your efforts toward establishing the Jungcheon Alliance.”
Namgung Geom waved his hand dismissively, deflecting the praise back to Namgung Pae.
“And where will the Jungcheon Conference be held?”
“It’s been decided that it will take place at the main seat one month from now.”
“A month passes quickly indeed. Is there anything we need to prepare separately for the conference?”
Namgung Geom asked if there were any duties he might need to undertake.
“You know that the Four Great Clans hold a Bi-mu Tournament whenever they gather for a meeting.”
The Four Great Clans held one regular assembly each year.
And at each such gathering, they conducted martial combats between Junior Masters.
“We will hold a Bi-mu Tournament in the same manner at this Jungcheon Conference.”
“Will Junior Masters from clans other than the Four Great Clans also participate?”
“Yes.”
“The scale will be considerable then.”
Namgung Pae nodded and continued.
“Whoever wins this Bi-mu Tournament will be the one to determine who holds dominion over the Jungcheon Alliance.”
In the Murim, what matters is martial strength.
But the heads of the Four Great Clans cannot step forward to settle matters themselves.
The Bi-mu Tournament between Junior Masters serves as their proxy.
The contests between Junior Masters become an indirect measure by which to gauge the relative standing of the Four Great Clans.
In short, the Bi-mu Tournament was a competition where the pride of the Four Great Clans was at stake.
Moreover, with the formation of the Jungcheon Alliance looming ahead, the stakes had risen considerably.
Whichever clan produced the tournament champion would naturally be well-positioned to seize dominance of the new alliance.
“Thus this Bi-mu Tournament will be far more important than any previous one.”
“Surely you’re not asking me to participate in the tournament?”
Namgung Geom had long since outgrown the ranks of ordinary Junior Masters.
For him to compete would be like an adult joining a children’s fight.
“Is there another Junior Master from the Namgung Clan who could demonstrate such overwhelming strength as you?”
If Namgung Geom entered, the championship was as good as won.
But Namgung Pae could not be satisfied with mere victory.
He wanted Namgung Geom’s overwhelming martial prowess to cement the Namgung Clan’s strength in everyone’s minds.
“If I compete and secure the championship through overwhelming strength, that would certainly carry meaning. However, there is a way to bring even greater honor to the Namgung Clan’s name.”
“And what is that?”
Namgung Pae’s eyes gleamed with interest as he asked.
“For another Junior Master, not myself, to enter the tournament and seize victory.”
Namgung Geom had taken Heuksalsamgum and even slain the Heuksalmun Master.
His strength had already been proven, in effect.
Even if Namgung Geom were to enter the Bi-mu Tournament and win, it would be seen as only natural.
But if another Junior Master, not Namgung Geom, were to compete and claim victory in the tournament?
The Namgung Clan did not have merely Namgung Geom.
There were many other outstanding Junior Masters among its ranks.
Wouldn’t showing that make the greatness of the Namgung Clan feel even more profound?
“Your words aren’t without merit. But among those who’ve only heard rumors, there will surely be some who doubt your martial prowess.”
But what if Namgung Geom didn’t enter the Bi-mu Tournament?
Then those who suspected his reputation was exaggerated would have their doubts confirmed.
“Which is why it might be better to demonstrate your skills clearly before everyone’s eyes.”
“I will have opportunities to display my martial arts without needing the Bi-mu Tournament.”
Not a single warrior from the Five Great Clans lacked pride.
And among them, there would certainly be those unwilling to acknowledge Namgung Geom’s strength.
It was highly likely that someone among them would challenge Namgung Geom.
When that moment came, there would be no need to rush.
Namgung Pae nodded, as if seeing the logic in it.
The Five Great Clans would be curious about Namgung Geom’s martial abilities.
And it was highly probable they would try to confirm them one way or another.
A stage could be set just as easily without the tournament.
If Namgung Geom demonstrated his true skill then, the effect could be far greater than competing in the Bi-mu Tournament.
But the real question was whether there was a Junior Master among them capable of winning the Bi-mu Tournament instead.
“So who exactly is capable of winning the Bi-mu Tournament in your place?”
“Namgung Chang has more than sufficient potential.”
At Namgung Geom’s answer, Namgung Byuk looked at him in surprise.
He hadn’t expected Namgung Geom to recommend Namgung Chang.
“Hmm. I won’t deny that Namgung Chang’s skills are exceptional, but I doubt he’s strong enough to win the Bi-mu Tournament.”
The other Junior Masters from the Five Great Clans, though not quite at Namgung Geom’s level, were hardly unknown quantities.
Namgung Pae wasn’t convinced that Namgung Chang could defeat them and take the championship.
Namgung Geom’s expression turned meaningful as he spoke.
“Insufficient skill can be cultivated.”
“Talk is cheap. How exactly do you propose to develop his lacking skill?”
“Please provide Namgung Chang with a Daeyon Pill.”
“What?”
Namgung Pae stared at him as if the suggestion were absurd.
Namgung Geom shrugged and replied.
“If we can invest one Daeyon Pill and secure the Bi-mu Tournament victory, it seems like a profitable trade to me.”
Namgung Bingyong
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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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