Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 216

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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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Episode 216. The Sword Ghost and the Coveted Woman
“Then, allow me to make this request of you, Patriarch.”
“There is no question of refusal.”
“Phew, I am grateful.”
“Please take care.”
Namgung Baek exhaled deeply as he saw Anhui Province’s governor, Mak Mun Jong, to the door.
“Sigh… what in heaven’s name is all this?”
The provincial governor had come to the household in person, rather than sending an official messenger as he normally would.
Moreover, throughout the entire visit, Mak Mun Jong had maintained an almost deferential posture, repeating his requests again and again.
And those requests had all been variations on a single theme.
“To include Anhui in the distribution network for Huishan iron ore… it’s absurd.”
Namgung Baek shook his head slowly.
He had heard rumors that the financial director and several others had departed for Shaoxing.
He had assumed it was some venture into mining exploration—something the household undertook regularly enough, and diversification was a perennial topic at every Changcheon Association meeting.
‘The main clan’s income has always relied heavily on the tea leaves from Seo Ok To. After the Nine Hundred Contention for Supremacy, we scaled back the escort business, and that trend has only deepened since.’
Though recently they had been expanding the escort operations again, pushing out Docheon in the process.
Yet compared to the revenue from Seo Ok To, it was merely a drop in the bucket.
‘Of course, with new tea varieties being developed—like the Hwangsan variety—we’re expanding our market control, but an egg basket broken by a single shock loses everything at once.’
That was why they had been considering ventures beyond the tea trade, though business ventures were rarely so straightforward.
Then, like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky, this new opportunity had descended upon them.
It was indeed a stroke of fortune, yet the problem lay in the fact that it had been imposed upon them as an imperial mandate.
“Well, an Imperial Decree from His Majesty himself—there is no refusing such a thing.”
Creak—
The moment he opened the door to his study, he found himself face to face with his youngest son, who had been attempting to slip away unnoticed.
“… Ho Yeon.”
“Ah, I forgot I need to prepare for the Academy. Father, if you’ll excuse me, I should really—”
“Sit down.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Sigh…”
This boy had caused trouble again.
During his New Dragon years, such incidents had been manageable, but since becoming a Divine General, he had been drawing increasingly serious problems in his wake.
“Why did you not mention this?”
“Well… I wasn’t certain whether it existed, and even if it did, I wasn’t sure whether we could secure the development rights.”
It was reasonable enough.
In most cases, the development of iron mines was undertaken by the state.
Had not the Kangam Iron Refinery that they had seen in Banzihwa, Sichuan, operated under the provincial governor’s patronage?
“That makes sense. This is said to be the first time in nearly twenty years that development and distribution have been entrusted to private hands.”
“Really?”
“That is precisely the problem.”
“I don’t understand.”
“For now, it remains quiet, but once word spreads, petitions will pour in from everywhere. If the provincial governor of Anhui is making requests, why should others be any different?”
Namgung Baek shook his head, foreseeing an exhausting future.
“Whether we grant this request or refuse it, we face trouble either way. Without clear standards, both sides will harbor resentment and grievances will fester.”
“Ah, don’t worry about that.”
“Mm?”
“I’ve already laid out a framework. All we need do is decide whether to accept or decline based on it.”
Ho Yeon explained with casual confidence.
“Mine development requires the cooperation of great merchants. I’ve made connections with several merchants at the last Three Merchants Conference, and they will help.”
Had he merely made connections?
He had even saved one of them from nearly being torn apart by Geumjeong Seonni.
Moreover, with the Geumryung Merchant House—one of the ten greatest merchant guilds and the house of Nan A—firmly controlling the other great merchants, there should be no major problems.
“What sort of place is Shaoxing? It’s known as the ‘city of waterways’ for its advanced water transport infrastructure.”
Ho Yeon continued with a slight smile.
“From Shaoxing, we move iron to Hangzhou, then up to Beijing via the Grand Canal, cross the Yangtze to pierce through the heart of Zhongyuan, and by way of Hangzhou Bay we can send iron to Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and even to foreign lands.”
“…”
“With an iron mine discovered in a region with such developed waterways, distribution presents no concern whatsoever.”
“…”
“And that’s not all. The Haehoo Merchant Guild has been expanding transshipment operations, so ships are no problem, and we can simply request aid from the Woryeong Domunmun, who have recently established themselves in Anhui. The Moon clan are born sailors.”
“…”
“With development and distribution all flowing smoothly, our only task is to arrange subcontracting at each stage. Of course, we’ll take a little cut in the middle.”
The more Namgung Ho Yeon spoke, the more peculiar Namgung Baek’s expression became.
“I’ve heard the Nanjing Merchant House has been unstable lately. This affair could very well change the ranks of the ten great merchant houses in the realm…….”
“Who did this.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re the type to create chaos, not to clean it up. And this isn’t simple cleanup either—you’ve wrapped it beautifully and tied the knot tight.”
Namgung Baek was certain.
Such intricate design was not something even a merchant worn smooth by decades in trade could accomplish easily.
It required surveying the whole of Zhongyuan at once.
To devise a plan of this magnitude in so short a time?
“What, what’s wrong with me.”
Namgung Ho Yeon pouted and grumbled, but Namgung Baek did not lower his meaningful gaze.
Eventually, Namgung Ho Yeon confessed.
“I received a little…… very little advice from Jegal Ahyeon.”
“So that’s how it was.”
“Tsk.”
―Brother, trying to deceive your own parents—what wickedness is this!
―Hahaha! Father knows how well you think on your feet!
As Namgung Ho Yeon clicked his tongue, Cheon Rae Geom and Heuk Ya Tae Geom teased him.
‘What, am I some kind of troublemaker? That’s too much.’
He’d only made use of the information he’d received from Wol Wang Gu Cheon Geom.
It looked like he could take a proper bite of opportunity if things went well.
‘Moving Woryeong Domunmun, expanding the three families’ enterprises, and spreading the Namgung’s influence across all of Zhongyuan—it’s three birds with one stone. What’s the problem?’
―Brother, words are easy, but it’s not that simple. You think it’s easy because you can just run back to the Academy.
‘Ahem, the details are for the operational staff to handle. I’m a student, so I need to focus on my studies.’
―When did you become such a diligent student? You were always complaining the Academy life was dull.
―Hahaha! Brother! Let’s flee to Uichang!
As Namgung Ho Yeon conversed with his swords, Namgung Baek, deep in thought, gave a slow nod.
“There are risks, but every venture carries them. Now that things have come to this, we must stake the fate of the three families.”
“The fate of…… that’s….”
“It’s an enterprise of that magnitude. It may well be an opportunity to transform the main family’s very constitution.”
A gust swept through.
It seemed as though wind passed through the study.
As Namgung Baek radiated tension, anticipation, and fervor, the Qi around him began to surge in resonance with the will of this Realm-Breaker.
“There is so much to prepare. We’ll be impossibly busy for some time. For now…….”
…….
Namgung Ho Yeon, leaving Namgung Baek to his deep concentration, quietly slipped from the study.
* * *
The Practice Quarter at Baekmu Academy had concluded.
The Practice Quarter that had begun in clear autumn ended in early winter.
As a result, the newly founded Baekmu Academy had become so renowned that there was hardly a soul across all of Zhongyuan who hadn’t heard its name.
It could hardly have been otherwise.
“Did you hear? Those Geomcheon bastards who were gradually seizing control of Yunnan took a thorough beating.”
“Ah, the Dae Seok Rim battle, you mean? Jeomchang Faction must be gnashing their teeth.”
“No, you’ve got it wrong. Not Jeomchang.”
“What?”
“They say it was students from Baekmu Academy. I heard they called themselves the Hu Joong Cheon-dan?”
“Really now? Mere Later Generation Disciples?”
News of Geomcheon’s retreat was spreading widely throughout Yunnan Province.
“I hear those Pacheon dogs have pulled back a step.”
“The brothers from Fujian came to help!”
“Isn’t it thanks to the Shamuwi-dan? They joined because they saw a chance at victory!”
“Hahaha! Long live Shamuwi-dan!”
“Long live the Haenam Sword Faction!”
Throughout Guangdong Province, Shamuwi-dan, who had blocked Pacheon’s advance, was the talk of the day.
Thanks to them, the Jin Clan of Guangdong, which had been on the brink of collapse, caught its breath and began to establish joint lines with factions from Fujian Province.
“Have you ever witnessed such outrageous heretics!”
“Abducting children to perform profane rituals…….”
“You Pasuhn Blood Cult devils! Do you not fear the heavens!”
“Gwangpung-dan, led by the Explosive Heaven Strong Palm master, will mete out punishment upon you!”
“Phew, send the children who survived to the White Immortal Clinic at once.”
In the Ye region, the atrocities of the Pasuhn Blood Cult became known, stirring the outrage of the common people.
As a result, the Shaolin Temple, which had been lying low in Henan, was said to have moved into action.
For some time afterward, the Pasuhn Blood Cult would not be able to move freely.
“The Cheongrok Faction got what they deserved.”
“Heh, with the Gongdong Faction and Geomgak united, how could they possibly stand?”
“Geomgak moving—that’s unexpected.”
“They say Geomgak’s Later Generation Disciples were at Baekmu Academy. They belonged to the Cheonbong-dan, which was formed around four of the Five Mountains Sword Faction.”
“Hmm? I heard it was because a remarkable treasure was discovered at Giryeon Mountain?”
In Gansu Province, the main headquarters of Nokseon, which had been bleeding the people dry, suffered a catastrophe and became the talk of the region.
As the exploits of Baekmu Academy became prominent across all of Zhongyuan, people once again began gathering in Uichang.
“I’m going to become a student of Baekmu Academy!”
“If you want to be a true hero of the Martial World, you have to go to Baekmu Academy!”
“If you’re a Baekmu Academy student, we’ll hire you without question!”
“Admission is free but graduation is difficult? So what! Let’s go anyway!”
Spirited martial artists gathered, and where martial artists gathered, merchants followed.
Within this virtuous cycle, Uichang prospered with each passing day.
* * *
―The wind of karma, full in the Dharma Realm, has guided us to this place today. The blade of Baekmu Academy has awakened Kangho, and we have walked seeking light in the darkness.
At the Dae Yeon Mu Jang of Baekmu Academy, the gathered students listened to Academy Master Geumjeong Seonni’s address.
―We have achieved victory, yet victory is not always filled with joy alone. Upon the path we have walked, red flowers have bloomed, and those flowers sprouted amid blood and tears.
This event, begun with Geumjeong Seonni’s address, was both a Victory Ceremony celebrating Baekmu Academy’s great triumph and a Memorial Service for the fallen students.
No matter how much one might say that martial artists live on the edge of a blade, the death of comrades who once shared the same rice bowl sent ripples through the hearts of the students.
‘You-pyeong. I will not forget your sacrifice for as long as I draw breath.’
‘This is Kangho. This is the Martial World. Through my friend’s death, I have found my purpose in life. Ho-jeong, I will carry on your will.’
‘I will never forgive those devilish beings! I swear I will avenge Go Hyo!’
Though empty seats were scattered throughout, the resolve and momentum of those who survived was so great that the gathering seemed without flaw.
Martial artists grow through death.
The students of Baekmu Academy had arrived at a time of new awakening through this Practice Quarter.
―Sacrifice does not vanish into the Void, but returns again as light, following the cycle of rebirth. Their aspirations are not in vain.
At Geumjeong Seonni’s eulogy, the students steeled their resolve.
“Well spoken. The Righteous Path is strong. I will never regret committing myself to walk this path.”
“From the moment I drew my blade, I accepted death. If I fall, I entrust the care of my mother to you all.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. You look after our mother. I’m an unfilial son—I don’t know anything of such things.”
―Baekmu Academy drew its blade and practiced righteousness. Today we offer both reverence and mourning toward that blade. Namo Amitabha Buddha, Namo Amitabha Buddha, Namo Amitabha Buddha.
Geumjeong Seonni’s address concluded.
The heavy atmosphere lifted, and the students began whispering among themselves about the achievements of the Practice Quarter.
“It seems the Student Council President is pretty much decided, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s the sense I get. The instructors all say the same thing.”
“The Divine General of Heavenly Thunder, Namgung Ho Yeon. The victor of this Practice Quarter is undoubtedly Nakjeondan.”
“I heard he defeated Jongli Pae of Narakdojang and then faced the Water King in combat—is that true?”
“Apparently it is. Thanks to that, Docheon couldn’t make a peep and had to retreat.”
“Heavens, people of different worlds. To master the White Hundred Eight Stars before twenty.”
“Personal achievement isn’t everything, but there’s no denying that Nakjeondan’s overall performance was the finest.”
“Of course it was. Didn’t they completely recover Anhui and even compile a military strategy manual?”
The students’ conversation centered primarily on Namgung Ho Yeon and Nakjeondan’s achievements.
It was remarkable work and accomplishment no matter how many times you heard it.
Crunch—crunch—
There was a man grinding his teeth as he listened to their chatter.
He was none other than Shamuwi-dan leader Mo Yong Cheol.
“This can’t be…… right……! I should have won……!”
Lost?
Again?
To Namgung Ho Yeon?
“Something…… is wrong. Otherwise it makes no sense!”
He had not made a mistake.
Everything had proceeded according to plan, and he had returned with distinguished achievements in stabilizing Guangdong and Fujian.
Yet still he had fallen short.
Am I…… lacking?
Crack—
At that moment, a sound like something shattering resonated from deep within his mind.
“Ugh!”
Mo Yong Cheol clutched his head as a searing pain lanced through his skull, as if his brain were being torn apart.
At the same moment, the whites of his eyes began flooding with crimson.
“Heh, hehehehe! Lacking compared to him? No, that can’t be right. I’ve grown strong enough to match him. So what was the gap? What was I missing?”
A low, visceral hum emanated from deep within.
His upper dantian blazed with scorching heat, and his vision warped and twisted.
After spiraling through logic that bent upon itself, Mo Yong Cheol found his answer.
“Kekekeke! Yes, of course! A brilliant strategist! He has one at his side, and I do not. That was the sole difference between us!”
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Mo Yong Cheol’s gaze burned with fierce intensity, fixing upon a single figure across the chamber.
There stood Jegal Ahyeon in her white robes, composed and graceful as a crane.
‘It’s you! Jegal Ahyeon! You were the only thing I lacked!’
She had been his originally.
Namgung Ho Yeon had stolen her away.
Then.
He would simply have to claim her back.
“Krhehehehe!”
Mo Yong Cheol’s sinister laughter scattered into the winter wind, dissolving into the empty air.

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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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