Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 133

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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 133. The Sword Demon Meets the Purple Glow
“Heh, Zhongyuan is still in turmoil. Well, it was inevitable. Three decades—perhaps longer—of rift between the Baekga Maeng and the Murim Alliance cannot be mended in a single night.”
A pot-bellied old man in tattered robes spoke thus.
“That we could not prevent the Baekga Maeng’s independence remains an eternal regret. At the time, the Nine Sects and One Banner held their necks too stiffly, and lacked the generosity to accommodate the grievances of the martial families.”
The speaker was Bang Ui Chae, who shook his head while stroking his beard, thin with age.
Who, in the Martial World, could command the respect of this second-ranked old wanderer of the Jianghu?
This place was Songshan, one of the Five Sacred Peaks of Zhongyuan.
And at the very summit of Songsilbong stood a small hermitage—there could be only one person dwelling there.
Click. Click. Click.
The hands rolling one hundred and eight prayer beads were thin as withered twigs.
The frame, made small by the voluminous yellow robes, bore a body so emaciated the ribs showed through—a skeleton of sinew and bone.
“That is what makes Jegal Ahyeon so remarkable. She does not rush to achieve something in a single stroke, but instead thinks patiently to untangle the knots of old enmity.”
Bang Ui Chae spoke while regarding the skull-like old man before him.
The old man’s lips had not opened even once, yet Bang Ui Chae understood.
The old man before him was Heo Ryang, the Silent Buddha Emperor.
He stood among the top three of the Ten Greatest Masters—the greatest elder of the Orthodox sects of the Martial World.
“By now, the Baekmu Academy should have been established in Yichang, Hubei. It is said they expanded a building originally owned by the Jegal Clan.”
Bang Ui Chae relayed to Heo Ryang the news from Zhongyuan.
“At first I wondered what manner of academy this could be. But as I heard the details, I found myself drawn in completely.”
Jegal Ahyeon’s proposal was simple.
Gather together the Later Generation Disciples of both the Baekga Maeng and the Murim Alliance to establish the finest educational institution.
At first, when Gucheon Seong revealed his ambitions, Bang Ui Chae had thought it merely idle talk.
But as he listened to Jegal Ahyeon’s explanation, he found himself nodding along.
“As one grows older, the mind hardens and stubbornness deepens. The senior figures of each clan and sect have carried their grievances for so long that it is difficult for them to open their hearts and speak freely with one another.”
Bang Ui Chae continued, his smile turning wry.
“But the younger Later Generation Disciples could befriend one another with ease. We say the upper waters must be clear for the lower to follow—yet the reverse is equally possible, is it not?”
When the younger generation grows close, the families themselves naturally draw near.
True, the effects would not be immediate, but it was the most promising approach.
Indeed, there were many instances at the Yongbong Conference where friendships forged lasted, bringing closeness between families.
“Then why specifically Yichang? There you may fully grasp Jegal Ahyeon’s wisdom.”
Click. Click. Click.
At Bang Ui Chae’s words, Heo Ryang remained silent still, yet a brief light flickered across his hollow eyes.
Bang Ui Chae, having nodded, continued.
“Hubei borders Chongqing, Hunan, and Jiangxi—excellent positions to check Sword Heaven, Guangtian, and Tao Heaven respectively. To counter Gucheon Seong’s northern advance, we must strengthen this region without fail.”
Yichang itself served as a major hub of the Yangtze River trade route and simultaneously as a gateway along the overland path to Sichuan Province.
In short, it was a strategically vital position that absolutely had to be held.
“Should both alliances unite to establish an academy there, a great movement of troops would naturally occur, and Gucheon Seong’s movements would inevitably be restrained.”
Even if each clan and sect sent merely ten martial artists including Later Generation Disciples, the number would easily exceed a thousand.
Moreover, to tamper with them would be like stirring a hornet’s nest—Gucheon Seong would find himself helpless.
“Quite ingenious thinking, is it not? For the headmaster, they have in mind the Amethyst Divine Sword. The Spear King and Sword King showed interest as well, but they are geographically distant and must respectively counter Blood Heaven and Green Heaven.”
Besides, the Radiant Dragon Spear King of Shandong and the Subduing Demon Sword King of Gansu were active and ambitious men.
For the Baekmu Academy, which was to be a place of harmony, the Sorrowful King Amethyst Divine Sword Jin Jeong—gentle in nature and free from greed—was far more fitting.
“I humbly beseech that Shaolin lend its support as well. Should you send one of the Four Great Vajras, what sect or clan would dare hesitate to send their disciples?”
Bang Ui Chae’s eyes blazed with fervor.
There exists the saying that all martial techniques originate from Shaolin, and thus Shaolin is regarded as the source of all martial arts.
Should the most elite academy open without Shaolin’s participation, it would be like dumplings without filling.
“…….”
Whoosh!
Heo Ryang did not answer, but instead traced characters in the air with his fingers.
許
It was the character for Allowance—permission granted.
“I am grateful.”
Just as Bang Ui Chae offered his thanks at this sign of acceptance, Heo Ryang’s fingers moved once more.
Whoosh!
裏
The character he wrote was Concealment—the hidden truth beneath the surface.
Heo Ryang regarded Bang Ui Chae with penetrating eyes, pressing him to reveal the facts he was holding back.
“Ah, as expected—there is no fooling you, senior. Heh heh heh.”
Bang Ui Chae broke into a hearty laugh, then his expression grew grave as he spoke.
“What I said just now was framed in terms of defense. Now allow me to speak of offense.”
“…….”
“We plan to establish an assault force within Baekmu Academy. The name and justification can be arranged however we like. To put it bluntly, couldn’t the students go on an outing and happen to cut down a few heterodox rabble?”
“…….”
“You know as well as I do the hot blood of that age. Moreover, the achievements of the Later Generation Disciples in this era are nothing short of extraordinary. To let their martial prowess go to waste would be a shame.”
“…….”
Heo Ryang remained silent even as Bang Ui Chae insisted he could not simply accept defeat.
Taking that silence as consent, Bang Ui Chae spoke softly.
“One more thing. It will also be useful for ferreting out and investigating that society I mentioned before. If Baekmu Academy opens, they’re bound to make a move.”
In short, the opening of Baekmu Academy was a masterstroke that could accomplish multiple objectives at once.
It was why Bang Ui Chae had rushed all the way to Songshan to play the errand boy after hearing Jegal Ahyeon’s scheme.
“Well then, this beggar will withdraw on nothing but the senior’s promise.”
Bang Ui Chae rose from his seat, having said all he came to say.
Then Heo Ryang moved his fingers.
Where are you going?
“Where to? Heh heh. I’m swamped with preparations for the academy opening. I may have to travel all across the Nine Regions.”
Bang Ui Chae continued with a meaningful expression.
“Before that, I intend to stop by Anhui. There’s someone there I absolutely must meet.”
Bang Ui Chae recalled the name that had come up most often in his conversation with Jegal Ahyeon.
“An assault force. A fine idea. I’ve been thinking along similar lines myself, in fact. I’ve even already identified the right person for it. Namgung Ho Yeon—and I’m not recommending him merely out of personal ties, I assure you.”
As Jegal Ahyeon recommended Namgung Ho Yeon, her expression softened slightly.
For the first time, she looked as fresh and youthful as her own years.
‘He is one of the most watched figures in the current Martial World. The Radiant Dragon who slew the Shikin Demon Lord. The new hero of the Orthodox Sects. A candidate for the Top Ten Masters of the next generation…… That’s precisely why we must confirm whether he is a puppet of the society.’
A spark flashed across Bang Ui Chae’s eyes.
‘Whether he is a tool of the society or not……!’
That night, an old beggar in Dengfeng County, Henan, began moving toward the southeast.
* * *
“Whoooosh…….”
Un Am drew a deep breath.
He had walked countless steps in his lifetime.
But perhaps this single step would be the first of a new chapter for Huashan.
‘Here I go!’
Tap!
Un Am lifted his foot.
His heel rose slightly, and the ball of his foot pressed and glided smoothly forward across the ground.
Whoosh!
His weight transferred smoothly from his toes, and Un Am’s form moved as lightly as if walking on water.
His pelvis loosened. His knees bent slightly as if in a horse stance, securing both flexibility and directional control.
His spine remained upright, his center of gravity anchored at his waist, leaving his upper body ready to respond to any attack, his gaze fixed forward.
‘Fine Willow Water Wind Dance. Light Shadow Formless Bone. Drift Soft Willow Self. Softness Contains Hard Strength. True Leaf Like Fire-Light. Emptiness Real Confusion Path. One Stroke Reaches All…….’
As the step path and oral formula merged, Un Am’s movement transformed into something wondrous.
Swish-swish-swish-swish—!
His form was as graceful and nimble as a slender willow branch swaying in the breeze.
Yet it was not weak—amidst the gentleness, he sometimes moved swift as a rushing current, which was precisely Softness Contains Hard Strength: hidden within the suppleness was unyielding force.
‘Like the rugged terrain of Huashan itself.’
Ho Yeon watched Un Am unfold the Fine Willow Drift and thought.
Huashan bore the impression of softness due to its countless plum trees.
Yet in truth it was a perilous mountain bristling with strange rocks and crags.
The Fine Willow Drift mimicked that very terrain of Huashan—flowing gently like a mountain stream, then plunging down swift as a waterfall.
Tap!
Un Am finally stepped with his last stride.
He turned to look back over the path he had traversed, disbelief written across his face.
Among the footprints scattered haphazardly lay traces of his blood and sweat.
“Ah! Ahhhhh!”
Thud!
Un Am, overcome with emotion, fell to his knees and gripped the earth.
“Ugh! Uuugh!”
He clenched his teeth to contain the welling surge of feeling, but there was no stemming the tears that poured onto the ground.
He had restored it.
One of Huashan’s footwork techniques lost three hundred years ago—at last!
Clap-clap-clap-clap!
“Oh! Un Am! Congratulations!”
“Kyaaah, as expected of Western Peak Huashan! Your footwork is simply magnificent!”
“Diligence brings its reward, effort yields its return. You have achieved what you were destined to obtain.”
Hye Il, Gwang Myeong, and Nan A, who had been watching Un Am in breathless silence, offered their applause.
They had all witnessed his desperate struggle unfold before their eyes.
Their congratulations came from the heart.
“Un Am, if I collect ten taels of silver from Hye Il, I’ll buy you something delicious!”
“I don’t have any money…….”
“What? I can’t quite hear you?”
“I, I’ll look for work. How’s that?”
“What was that?”
“I never said when I’d give it to you, did I?”
“Ha, what work could a Taoist do? Can you divine fortune and misfortune?”
“I don’t know. Couldn’t I do fortune telling?”
While Hye Il and Gwang Myeong were bickering, Nan A approached Un Am, who was trembling violently, with cautious steps.
Pad, pad, pad.
Her short hair swayed as she drew near, and she withdrew a white silk handkerchief from her bosom to wipe the tears from Un Am’s eyes.
Suddenly!
But Un Am sprang to his feet so abruptly that her attempt at comfort came to nothing.
“Un Am, I…….”
Thud, thud, thud.
Un Am passed by Nan A and approached Namgung Ho Yeon.
Then, mustering all his strength, he offered a respectful bow and expressed his gratitude.
Thump!
“Sir Namgung! I am grateful that you have guided this inadequate Taoist onto the righteous path. I shall repay this debt of honor! If there is anything you wish from me…….”
“Return to Huashan.”
“……Anything but that, I shall grant.”
Namgung Ho Yeon chuckled at Un Am’s swift change of tactics and mused to himself.
‘Well, I’ve secured what I needed too.’
In assisting Un Am’s restoration of the Fine Willow Drift, Namgung Ho Yeon had likewise created a new footwork technique.
By blending the form and structure of Fine Willow Drift with the intent and essence of the Treasure Blossom Treasure Step, he had crafted a new footwork art—the Treasure Blossom Willow Step.
‘When soft steps and illusory steps merge, the transformations prove reasonably serviceable. Since both are rooted in Daoist principles, the harmony is quite favorable.’
It wasn’t an outright copy—he’d deliberately omitted enough that even if the Huashan Sect scrutinized it, they could only harbor suspicion, not lodge a protest.
Once he left it in the Collection Archive back home, those with keen interest would discover and study it.
‘After all this time, it’s good to reassert my authority as Keeper of the Archive. All things considered, isn’t that the most enviable position in the clan?’
Namgung Ho Yeon licked his lips with obvious relish.
The position of household head would naturally fall to his brother anyway, so why not first make the Namgung Clan the greatest clan in the land, then settle into the Archive?
“Sir Namgung?”
“Hmm?”
Namgung Ho Yeon, lost in thought, lifted his head at Un Am’s voice.
Un Am then grasped the Ziaxia Divine Sword at his waist and asked a question.
Slip.
“Does this blade interest you?”
“What? Ah…….”
Namgung Ho Yeon scratched the back of his head.
Since it was a blade he coveted, it seemed he’d been staring at it intently without realizing it.
―Brother, lusting after the Sword Geom’s blade—how disrespectful.───
―Hehe! That acquisitive nature of yours was always unstoppable.───
‘Tch, it got away from me before I knew it.’
Namgung Ho Yeon felt embarrassed.
Seeing this, Un Am smiled broadly and drew forth the Ziaxia Divine Sword, offering it to him.
Shink!
“You’re welcome to examine it.”
“……Really? It doesn’t seem like an ordinary blade.”
“The Ziaxia Divine Sword. A treasure passed down through generations of the Huashan Sect.”
Un Am’s eyes were full of affection as he gazed upon the Ziaxia Divine Sword.
For a martial artist, a weapon was life itself, a dear companion, and a beloved.
For this reason, merely touching another’s weapon without permission could spark fierce conflict.
How much more so when that blade was a treasure of the Martial Family such as the Ziaxia Divine Sword.
“This is something our sect’s elder entrusted to me with faith. A blade more precious than life itself.”
“A sword like that hardly requires…….”
“However, Ho Yeon here is both a sword companion to our sect and a benefactor to Huashan. Our elders will surely understand.”
“Ahem, if you put it that way…….”
With Un Am’s approval, Ho Yeon pretended to yield and accepted the Ziaxia Divine Sword.
‘Oh!’
The moment it touched his palm, he felt it.
This was a divine blade.
Whoosh!
Unable to contain his anticipation, Ho Yeon drew the Ziaxia Divine Sword swiftly.
And there it was—a beautiful violet blade, carved as though from solid amethyst crystal, drinking in the light and glowing with a soft inner radiance.
‘Substantial weight……’
To exaggerate somewhat, it was a blade as heavy and weighty as the Black Night itself.
Could it truly have been forged from that Ziajin Diamond Steel that Hye Il had spoken of?
To the eye, its sharpness and solidity were beyond even diamond itself.
‘Then where……’
The moment the Sword Demon, thrilled to have found such a magnificent blade, activated the Sword Heart Resonance.
―Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
A mad woman’s shriek suddenly pierced through his mind like a gong.

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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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