Ice Dragon of Namgung - Chapter 92

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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 92
Namgung Geom had endured a lengthy ordeal at the hands of the three, and now returned to his quarters.
The trio unleashed their frustration on Namgung Geom, who had carelessly abandoned them to the Black Shadow Triple Swords.
Given what they had suffered at the hands of that technique, their anger was justified.
Of course, the three weren’t truly furious—it was more a matter of venting their grievances through mock complaint.
Having exhausted their frustration on him, they would now steel themselves and return to their training.
“Well then, I suppose I should train as well.”
Apart from instructing Namgung Chang, Namgung Geom never neglected his own cultivation.
Currently, the technique commanding most of his effort was the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique.
His Inner Power and Martial Technique had already reached considerable heights.
Because of this, the returns on his training had begun to diminish.
Yet to abandon cultivation was unthinkable.
To ascend even one more level required ceaseless inquiry and practice.
Namgung Geom had never skipped a day of training in Inner Power and swordplay.
He simply devoted proportionally more time to the newly learned Ice Dragon Transformation Technique.
The Ice Dragon Transformation Technique differed fundamentally from the Martial Techniques he had previously mastered.
Because of this, it carried an exotic difficulty—yet learning it brought genuine joy.
The Ice Dragon Transformation Technique was an art that manifested the physical form of the Ice Dragon itself.
The Ice Dragon Claw Strike he had deployed when capturing the cat earlier was a manifestation of the Ice Dragon’s talons.
And should he complete the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique, he could even summon forth the Ice Dragon itself.
According to the legends passed down in Buk Hae Bing Gung, whoever obtained the Ice Dragon would dominate all under heaven.
But the truth remained unknowable.
No one in Buk Hae Bing Gung had ever obtained the Ice Dragon.
Namgung Geom sought to complete the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique and claim the Ice Dragon that none had ever possessed.
Naturally, it would not be easy.
Yet so long as he did not abandon his effort, he believed he would one day achieve it.
For that, dedication was essential.
Namgung Geom trained in the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique deep into the night.
Following the movements of his hands, the Ice Dragon’s claws raked through empty air, and its fangs tore at space itself.
It was the most fundamental technique within the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique.
But one could not afford to dismiss a fundamental method merely because it was basic.
Its power was difficult even for masters at the Peak Realm to withstand.
And this was when Namgung Geom’s achievement in it remained at a low level.
Should his mastery grow, the technique’s power would only intensify further.
Namgung Geom executed the technique repeatedly.
At first, the form of the Ice Dragon seemed somewhat unnatural.
There were moments when the form would collapse even as he deployed the technique.
This was because his achievement remained low.
But with each repetition, the form grew progressively more natural.
There were still shortcomings, but what mattered was that with each attempt, he made genuine progress.
Namgung Geom himself, however, was not satisfied.
“It truly is not easy.”
The crux of the Ice Dragon Transformation Technique was materializing the Ice Dragon.
Yet the Ice Dragon was a creature of imagination.
Precisely because of this, achieving a perfect manifestation was necessarily difficult.
The key was conviction.
Namgung Geom himself had to believe in the existence of the Ice Dragon and sculpt its form flawlessly in his mind.
It was easy to speak, but extraordinarily difficult in practice.
Even when he convinced himself of the Ice Dragon’s existence, doubt would inevitably creep in.
So there was no other way.
He had only to deploy and deploy again until conviction took root within him.
After some time spent in further training, Namgung Geom at last retired to sleep.
* * *
The next day.
In the training hall of the Changyong Sword Unit.
“You ready?”
At Namgung Geom’s question, Namgung Chang nodded with a resolute expression.
“Relax that expression. Anyone seeing you would think you were about to fight for your life.”
“It may mean nothing to you, but breaking through the Peak Realm for me is very much a matter of life and death.”
“You have what it takes. If I thought otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.”
Namgung Geom infused him with confidence.
It was no mere pleasantry—it came from the heart.
Sensing that sincerity, Namgung Chang nodded.
“Understood. If you believe in me, then I believe in you. Let me give it a try.”
Namgung Chang drew out the Grand Elixir Pill that the Family Head had sent.
Without hesitation, he placed it in his mouth.
After chewing the Grand Elixir Pill and swallowing it, Namgung Chang immediately entered the Qi Circulation Method.
Not long after beginning the circulation, an intense surge of energy spread through his body.
The power of the Grand Elixir Pill.
The pill’s energy ran wild within Namgung Chang, unconstrained and fierce.
Left unchecked, the qi would rampage dangerously out of control.
Namgung Chang did not panic.
He had experience from consuming a Lesser Elixir Pill before.
Though the energy this time was far more powerful.
Yet he too had grown considerably since then.
‘First, I gather the Grand Elixir’s power.’
Namgung Chang remained composed, calmly drawing the pill’s energy down into his Dantian.
Namgung Geom watched as Namgung Chang unfolded the Qi Circulation Method.
Standing ready to intervene at once should any crisis arise.
But there was no need for Namgung Geom to step in.
Though there were critical moments along the way, Namgung Chang navigated through them on his own.
There was a world of difference between breaking through to the Peak Realm with someone’s aid and crossing that wall through one’s own strength alone.
In the former case, one cannot fully manifest the realm’s true power.
With incomplete understanding, ascending to higher realms becomes equally difficult.
How can one who cannot add expect to multiply?
By contrast, one who ascends through their own efforts not only fully manifests the realm’s power but also lays the foundation to climb even higher.
With his skill, Namgung Geom could have elevated Namgung Chang’s realm for him.
But that would have blocked his growth.
Namgung Geom wanted Namgung Chang to achieve the realm through his own will.
Namgung Chang did not betray that faith.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a torrent of powerful energy erupted from Namgung Chang’s body.
Namgung Geom could feel his energy ascend one tier.
A smile played at the corner of his mouth.
Namgung Chang had finally reached the Peak Realm.
With a far more peaceful expression, Namgung Chang continued his Qi Circulation Method.
Reaching the Peak Realm was not the end.
Stabilizing the realm required further circulation practice.
“I suppose you can rise now.”
To stabilize the realm, he would need to practice circulation for at least another day.
He had already passed the most dangerous moment.
There was no real need for Namgung Geom to remain at his post.
As Namgung Geom left the cultivation chamber, Namgung Byuk was waiting.
“How did it go?”
Namgung Byuk asked the moment he saw Namgung Geom.
“He safely reached the Peak Realm. He is now stabilizing it.”
At Namgung Geom’s words, Namgung Byuk’s face lit with emotion.
Reaching the Peak Realm at such a tender age was remarkable even by the martial world’s standards.
Compared to Namgung Geom, it was nothing, though he should be counted separately altogether.
“I am grateful. That Chang has achieved this realm is entirely your doing.”
Without Namgung Geom, the Peak Realm would have remained a distant dream.
Even taking the Grand Elixir Pill was thanks to Namgung Geom.
“That is not so. What have I done? All credit belongs to Chang’s effort.”
“Do not be so humble. I know you transmitted the insights of the Heavenly Wind Limitless Heart Method to him.”
“I did transmit those insights, but had Chang not been able to receive them, it would have been no different than reading scripture to a deaf ear.”
As Namgung Geom continued to credit Namgung Chang, Namgung Byuk shook his head in resignation.
“Truth be told, I thought it presumptuous of you to enter the Small House Lord Selection.”
“It is only natural for you to feel that way, Uncle.”
Namgung Geom understood perfectly.
Setting everything else aside, competing in the Small House Lord Selection against a much younger nephew would not sit well with anyone.
“But seeing you now, I cannot deny that you possess sufficient qualities as a Small House Lord candidate.”
“Since you’ve acknowledged as much, would you consider supporting me as Small House Lord?”
Namgung Geom asked with a mixture of jest and sincerity.
“That’s absurd. I acknowledged you as a candidate, nothing more. I have no intention whatsoever of yielding the Small House Lord position to my nephew.”
Namgung Byuk had no intention of abandoning the Small House Lord competition.
“Then, if I achieve final victory in the Small House Lord Selection, might you support me at that time?”
“Of course. But that day will never come.”
At Namgung Byuk’s words, Namgung Geom smiled faintly.
“We’ll see soon enough.”
Namgung Byuk could read the confidence in Namgung Geom’s bearing.
In times past, such an attitude would have seemed arrogant to him.
Yet now, he felt no particular resentment.
Through recent events, his feelings toward Namgung Geom had shifted to something more favorable.
Most of all, Namgung Geom had slain Heuk Sal Moonju.
With such skill, his confidence was well-earned.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
After exchanging farewells with Namgung Byuk, Namgung Geom made his way to the Changyong Sword Unit’s training grounds.
In the training grounds, the three companions and members of the Changyong Sword Unit were conducting separate sessions.
The three companions trained with the Black Shadow Triple Swords, while experienced members of the Changyong Sword Unit instructed four or five new recruits in martial technique.
Namgung Geom left the three companions undisturbed and observed the Changyong Sword Unit members.
A single glance was enough for Namgung Geom to identify the shortcomings in each new recruit’s form.
He corrected them on the spot, one after another.
The new members of the Changyong Sword Unit were startled.
Following Namgung Geom’s guidance, their swordplay became so smooth and sharp that even they could scarce believe the transformation.
They had heard rumors of Namgung Geom’s exceptional ability.
But direct experience was another matter altogether.
Reverence kindled in their eyes as they looked upon him.
Having observed the Changyong Sword Unit’s training, Namgung Geom headed toward the Eun Yong Gak.
“Welcome.”
Namgung Bing, the lord of the Eun Yong Gak, greeted Namgung Geom.
“I hope I haven’t intruded on your busy schedule.”
“When the Crown Prince visits, I must make time regardless.”
Namgung Bing gestured to a seat.
“Will you have some tea?”
“As it happens, I was parched.”
When Namgung Geom accepted without hesitation, Namgung Bing laughed and brought the tea.
“I hope it suits your palate. Do try it.”
“Thank you.”
Namgung Geom took a sip of the tea.
It had a cool, crystalline fragrance that was quite pleasant.
“Excellent.”
“I’m glad it pleases you. But you didn’t come here merely for tea, I imagine. What brings you to seek me out?”
Namgung Bing got straight to the point.
These two had little leisure for idle conversation.
“How does the search for the Sect’s spy proceed?”
Namgung Geom asked carefully.
He wished to avoid sounding as though he were pressing Namgung Bing.
“Nothing has surfaced yet.”
Namgung Bing sighed as he spoke.
“Then, might I suggest an alternative approach?”
“What sort of approach?”
Namgung Bing’s eyes brightened with interest.
“We could spread word that someone has been discovered studying the Black Cat Technique.”
Namgung Byuk
Author |
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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