Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 157

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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 157. The Sword Demon’s Secret
“The Thunder Stone was stolen?”
“Yes, it was.”
“How could such a thing….”
“We are equally bewildered.”
Geum Jeong’s white brows furrowed into a figure eight.
Her sharp, piercing eyes fixed upon the middle-aged man before her.
The beardless, smooth-faced man was Byeong Ik Jo, a Supervisor of Dongchuang.
Most court officials were typically overbearing, but Byeong Ik Jo’s manner was nothing but courteous.
After all, Geum Jeong was the Sect Leader of Amipha and one of the Twelve Kings—someone even Dongchuang’s Admiral Byeong Pil Tae Gam could not treat with contempt.
“The incident traces back over a month to the supply warehouse at Buk Seung Wei in Gwihwa Seong.”
“Buk Seung Wei, you say….”
“It is the garrison stationed to repel the northern invaders.”
Byeong Ik Jo gave a compressed account of the incident to Geum Jeong.
“The court provided twenty crates of Thunder Stones to Buk Seung Wei to punish the northerners who repeatedly crossed the border.”
“Twenty crates?!”
“That amounts to over two hundred units—an extraordinary quantity.”
“Amitabha Buddha, spare us.”
Geum Jeong gasped and uttered the prayer.
The Thunder Stone had earned its dark reputation as a demonic weapon born in the aftermath of the Sword Ghost Bloodshed three centuries prior.
At that time, the Sword Demon, deeming the imperial family of the Ji Dynasty an eyesore, had slaughtered them indiscriminately, regardless of rank or station.
As a result, the succession became hopelessly tangled, bitter intrigue consumed the court, and ultimately the Ji Dynasty destroyed itself.
The Silver Dynasty, which seized power afterward, feared the Sword Demon’s overwhelming martial prowess and began developing a weapon that could threaten even masters of the Martial World.
Thus was born the Thunder Stone—a device that shook heaven itself with its roar.
‘Even cultivated masters might withstand it, but ordinary Murin cannot escape its destructive force.’
Consequently, the Thunder Stone drew the condemnation of the entire Martial World the moment it appeared.
The creator known as the Thunder Stone Creator was hunted down and murdered.
Yet two hundred units had gone missing?
“How could such a demonic weapon ever be used against our students? Does the imperial court mean to violate the Martial Non-Interference Accord?”
Geum Jeong asked gravely, and Byeong Ik Jo waved his hand in denial, continuing.
“No. The Thunder Stone is a forbidden weapon within Zhongyuan. The incident has no connection to imperial will.”
“Then what occurred?”
“A fire broke out in the Buk Seung Wei warehouse, and the Thunder Stones detonated catastrophically.”
“Is that so?”
“However, it was no accident. Upon investigation, the explosion’s force was only half of what we expected.”
Byeong Ik Jo’s expression hardened as he pressed on.
“If the remaining half had truly been stolen, the consequences would be grave. Dongchuang pursued the culprits desperately, and the trail led us here to Ui Chung.”
“Don’t tell me that’s what you’re searching for?!”
“Yes—the stolen Thunder Stones and their thief. They must be somewhere within Ui Chung.”
……
Geum Jeong fell silent.
She had assumed Dongchuang’s movements were meant to restrain Baekmu Academy, but to learn such circumstances lay hidden beneath….
Byeong Ik Jo continued.
“This search was originally conducted in strictest secrecy, but since these thieves have already used the Thunder Stones, we deemed it pointless to conceal the matter further.”
“…The misunderstanding is cleared, then.”
“Thank you. And might I trouble you with a request?”
“What is it?”
“We would ask for military reinforcements.”
“Military reinforcements?”
Byeong Ik Jo continued with an embarrassed cough.
“Ahem, shameful as it is to admit, we have been unable to capture the tail of these Thunder Thieves.”
“Dongchuang itself, unable to prevail?”
“Ui Chung has grown explosively over the past months, leaving far too many blind spots in our intelligence network.”
“Baekmu Academy is the reason.”
Geum Jeong nodded in acknowledgment.
Hu Gae had also been drinking cup after cup in succession, so she too possessed a rough understanding of the unfolding situation.
‘The underground of Ui Chung is currently a battleground among Zhongyuan’s five great intelligence organizations. And those leading the charge….’
Geum Jeong spoke.
“Why not seek out Hao Mun? They surely possess the most information at present?”
“That would indeed be the case. The countless taverns, teahouses, wine halls, and gambling dens established throughout Ui Chung are their eyes and ears. However, securing their cooperation would be… difficult.”
“Why?”
“Whether contact is possible or not is secondary. The Hao Mun has been inward-focused due to internal strife for the past two years, making them reluctant to engage in external matters.”
“So they’re embroiled in civil conflict?”
“Indeed. This is why I’m appealing to the Baekmu Academy for assistance.”
“Hmm….”
Geum Jeong fell silent in thought for a moment, then nodded.
“I understand. I’ll devise a plan.”
“Thank you so much!”
* * *
“Well, that mole of an old man certainly has a gift, doesn’t he?”
Click-click! Click-click!
Namgung Ho Yeon muttered as he shook a red cylinder side to side.
The cylinder was made of Red Warm Jade, a material traditionally favored for ornaments worn by elderly men and women in need of warmth.
Yet the Red Jade Cylinder that Namgung Ho Yeon held radiated a cool aura—courtesy of the ninety-nine needles sealed within.
Pop!
As he unscrewed the lid, the hiss of pressurized air escaped.
Shhh!
He invoked the Uigi Yeondong, and a hair-thin needle slid out.
The needle gleamed with a dark luster, and at its core ran a faint Blood-Red Qi in a vertical line.
‘So that’s how you can tell if the tempering was done right.’
Ho Mok No had said that perfectly tempered Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron bears Blood-Red Qi centered at its heart.
In contrast, the unrefined Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron chain had scattered traces of Blood-Red Qi throughout.
But the properly forged Heavenly Wind Sword, the Imperial Sword, and the Flying Short Sword all held the Blood-Red Qi perfectly centered.
“Two long swords and one short sword. As expected, there’s slightly over one ingot’s worth left.”
“Come now, take the rest as your fee. I should pay you for your labor.”
“Aha! I won’t hear it. Just handling such fine material after all these years—that reward is more than enough.”
Ho Mok No laughed heartily and declined the offer.
“If I were to alloy this remainder into another blade, it would be magnificent—but that seems wasteful.”
“Would you make an ornament instead?”
“Heh, I’ll craft needles.”
“Needles? You’ve already produced plenty from my hands.”
“Ha! You’ve worked hard as a melting vessel. For your trouble, let me show you true craftsmanship. This is harder than forging a sword—such delicate work it demands.”
Thereafter, Ho Mok No drew the Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron into threads fine as hair.
He fashioned ninety-nine Ten-Thousand Cold Needles and presented them to Namgung Ho Yeon as a gift.
“Physicians would go mad seeing this. There’s no finer way to harness Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron.”
“Is that so?”
“In value, they surpass even the three swords—perhaps exceed them.”
“Truly?”
“Personally, I favor these Ten-Thousand Cold Needles most of all. A sword takes life, but these can save it.”
“Hm, is that even likely?”
Namgung Ho Yeon had once borrowed needles from Kong Yeo An to slaughter Yeon Bang’s underlings.
Needles were inconspicuous when channeled through the Uigi Yeondong, and if one could strike the vital points with precision, no weapon was cleaner or more lethal.
“Old Ho. You’ve saved lives as I desired. I’ve paid ample compensation, so I’ll use them as I see fit now.”
Click!
As Namgung Ho Yeon smiled meaningfully and sealed the Red Jade Cylinder shut.
Tap!
So Tae Rang, the pavilion guard, descended from the ceiling and prostrated himself.
“Young Master, she has moved.”
“She has?”
“She hired a ferryman to cross the river and headed east. Ogagang District appears to be her destination.”
“Have you set someone to shadow her?”
“Yes, but skilled masters are stationed in the area, so we can only observe from a distance.”
“That’s fine. I’ll go myself.”
At Namgung Ho Yeon’s words, So Tae Rang looked up at him, his expression troubled.
“…Will you be all right?”
“What do you mean?”
“I suspect her betrayal has shaken you. Allow me to handle this matter in your stead.”
“Heh, am I some callow youth to you? You think I’m new to this sort of thing?”
At So Tae Rang’s concern, Namgung Ho Yeon replied with a bitter smile.
“I never trusted people much to begin with. The fact that the word trust exists means betrayal exists too.”
“…….”
“Show me the way.”
“……Yes.”
Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!
Namgung Ho Yeon adjusted his Rain Hat and threw himself into the downpour.
* * *
Crack!
Brilliant flash!
Thunder and lightning split the back alleys of Ogagang District, blazing white for an instant.
On one side of the alley stood a dozen men in black garb wearing Bamboo Hats, and on the other stood a small girl drenched to the bone by rain.
“Cho Sun Hyang of Gimun Do greets the Divine Person of Hao Mun.”
The girl, Cho Sun Hyang, bowed respectfully to the black-clad figure at the front.
The glimmer of blue visible beneath the bamboo hat was identical to the eyes of the Divine Person he had met on the highest floor of Geumobong Ru.
“Lift your head.”
“Yes.”
“Have you remained faithful to your duty?”
“I…… have.”
At the Divine Person’s soft, clear voice, Cho Sun Hyang bit her lip and answered in a trembling tone.
“I went to the Namgung Clan and was of help to Namgung Ho Yeon.”
“Well done. What manner of man was he, in your eyes?”
“Unlike the martial artists I had known, he was a righteous person who helped those in distress.”
“Heh heh, yet he hides it well, doesn’t he? His words and deeds are polar opposites.”
“That’s exactly as you say. He called me a hostage, but…… in truth it was wholly different. Rather, he looked after me as though I were family……”
Clench!
Cho Sun Hyang’s fists tightened as she spoke, and she cried out.
“I can’t…… I can’t do this anymore!”
“What?”
“That man is my benefactor! He saved my father! He saved me as well! I cannot betray him! I don’t want to leave the Namgung Clan……!”
“How dare you!”
At Cho Sun Hyang’s outcry, an elderly voice erupted from behind the Divine Person.
“Do you forget whose grace freed you from your fate? It was only through the mercy of the Lord that you escaped Geumobong Ru at all!”
“Sob……sob……!”
“This organization does not forgive traitors……!”
“Enough.”
As Cho Sun Hyang began to weep, the Divine Person stopped his subordinate.
He gazed quietly at Cho Sun Hyang, unsure whether the tears on her face were rain or sorrow, and spoke.
“I understand your heart better than anyone. Because I stood where you stand now.”
“Sob……yes?”
“I didn’t want to leave either. But I had no choice. I couldn’t spend my whole life treading water under my brother’s protection.”
“What…… are you saying……?”
“There seems to be a great misunderstanding between us. I was going to tell you……”
It was at that moment the Divine Person continued.
Rumble!
Crash!
A brilliant white flash tore across the sky, and a figure materialized in the alley.
“An enemy attack?!”
“Protect the Lord!”
“A master!”
Whoosh! Clatter-clatter-clatter!
As the subordinates scrambled to encircle them, the Divine Person’s gaze never left the newcomer.
“Ah……”
Thrum!
The clear cyan light blazing beneath the Rain Hat was achingly familiar.
“What are you doing here?”
“M-master?!”
As Namgung Ho Yeon turned his head and looked down at Cho Sun Hyang, her eyes widened in surprise as she gazed up at him.
“I, that is…… this is…… I, I actually……”
Cho Sun Hyang, her face gone pale, stammered out the words while trembling.
Namgung Ho Yeon, watching her quietly, removed his Dark Robe and draped it around her shoulders.
Flap!
“……Huh?”
“You tell me I’m catching a cold and make me wear this suffocating thing, but you go around in a single layer? Are you joking right now?”
“I, I just…….”
“Save your excuses for later.”
Whoosh!
The moment Namgung Ho Yeon removed his Rain Hat and placed it on her head, gasps of astonishment erupted from the crowd around them.
“Good, good heavens…….”
“It’s the Thunder God of Light!”
“Namgung Ho Yeon!”
Splash!
Namgung Ho Yeon stepped forward and positioned Cho Sun Hyang behind him, his voice cutting through the rain.
“Who are you lot? What gives you the right to pick a fight with my charge?”
Rumble! Crash!
Lightning flashed across the heavens once more.
Namgung Ho Yeon’s desolate smile was laid bare for all to see.
“Without her, who’s going to do my homework for me? You’ve earned yourself a heavy price for tormenting my ghostwriter. Understand?”
“…….”

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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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