Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 30

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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 30. Sword Ghost Palm Formation
‘Perfect.’
Ho Yeon smiled to himself, murmuring the words under his breath.
‘I was hoping to gain Independent Command Authority anyway, and if anyone can form a unit, this is exactly what I wanted.’
Rather than take orders from those fools, he preferred to establish a new unit and seize his own operational freedom.
“You’re saying you’ll… form a unit?”
“Yes.”
“Hm…”
At Ho Yeon’s firm reply, Mo Yong Hu spoke as though disappointed.
“Reconsider. Without proper backing, these lands of Yao Ning are quite vast to traverse alone.”
“Why would I lack support? Didn’t you just say the county magistrates of each prefecture would lend their aid?”
“That is…”
Mo Yong Hu’s words trailed off, and the senior officers exchanged glances of doubt as they looked at Ho Yeon.
‘He displayed impressive skill, but he’s still young, clearly.’
‘A magistrate would hardly move at a martial artist’s command just because a cooperation directive came down.’
‘The success or failure of this Baekga Inspection depends entirely on how much support we receive from the Eight Pillars of Yao Ning and the martial sects and great families of the region.’
To those senior officers who understood these realities, Ho Yeon appeared as naive as a child unversed in the ways of the world.
“You’re truly going to form a unit?”
“Of course.”
“Very well. Then the leader of Unit Five shall be Ho Yeon.”
Mo Yong Hu reluctantly declared the formation of the new unit.
Mo Yong Hak smacked his lips in regret, while Mo Yong Cheol turned away with a thin smile.
And Mo Yong Ryul felt all the strength drain from his body.
‘Ah…’
He had been planning to persuade Ho Yeon to join Unit Four.
‘It’s… over.’
Mo Yong Ryul smiled bitterly.
He had struggled desperately to avoid being pushed off a cliff.
He had endured the coldness of those with different-colored eyes than his.
But when that thread of hope vanished before his eyes, he felt as though he were about to collapse.
“Now then, we’ll begin unit assignments. Each leader should move to whichever leader suits their preference.”
Mo Yong Hu’s cruel words fell like a blade.
Mo Yong Ryul stood alone, abandoned, his head bowed and his eyes tightly shut.
There was no chance anyone would come to him.
Then.
“What are you doing?”
“…Huh?”
“Don’t stand there gaping. Sit down. You’re making my head hurt.”
Mo Yong Ryul opened his eyes at the voice beside him, startled.
Ho Yeon was sitting beside him, looking up at him.
“You… the young master?”
“What?”
“Why, why? That’s what I want to ask you!”
At Mo Yong Ryul’s astonished words, Ho Yeon grinned and replied.
“What are you hoping to gain from this Baekga Inspection?”
“…Me?”
“As for me, I’ll be frank—it’s reputation. More precisely, the reputation of the name ‘Ho Yeon’ itself.”
Ho Yeon continued, his expression meaningful as he regarded Mo Yong Ryul’s wide eyes.
“To raise your reputation, you naturally have to accomplish something extraordinary.”
“Something extraordinary…”
“Think about it. Does a first-rate swordsman’s reputation soar from cutting down a third-rate one?”
“…No.”
“But if a first-rate cuts down a peak-level, or even a transcendent one—that’s another story.”
At Ho Yeon’s words, Mo Yong Ryul nodded as though he understood.
“So you’re going to form a unit that everyone expects to fail, and become the hero of the Baekga Inspection.”
“Exactly. Life is nothing but a gambling den where mayflies gather and bet on One-shot Reversals.”
Ho Yeon smiled broadly as he pressed his point to Mo Yong Ryul.
“I’ve stated my purpose. Now it’s your turn.”
“…Mine is simple. Survival. That’s enough.”
“Survival, is it…”
Ho Yeon’s eyes brightened at Mo Yong Ryul’s words.
‘At least he’s not completely thoughtless.’
Mo Yong Ryul understood his situation well enough.
‘He’s a stain on the Mo Yong Family’s honor just by existing. From Mo Yong Mu Kyeol’s perspective, a bastard dying during a mission would be convenient.’
A blade has no name.
Even if suspicions lingered, the Mo Yong Family’s influence could bury any scandal.
In short, Mo Yong Ryul could be called a walking corpse under a death sentence.
“Good. Our interests align then.”
“Pardon?”
“Truth be told, I acted on impulse, but I find myself at a disadvantage going it alone. I can’t exactly mobilize the Iron Sword Corps for this.”
“You… mean…?”
“Two are better than one. I need someone to handle the details, and you don’t strike me as the type who’d steal my thunder.”
At Ho Yeon’s proposal, Mo Yong Ryul’s mouth slowly fell open.
“Stay at my side, and at least you won’t wake up dead from an assassination in the night. What do you say—want to ally with Squad Five?”
“Y-yes! Absolutely! I accept!”
Mo Yong Ryul’s head bobbed frantically as he accepted Ho Yeon’s offer.
Then.
“Hehe, might I also join in?”
“Mm?”
At a voice from behind, Ho Yeon turned his head.
Standing there was a robust-looking young man dressed in a Brocade Robe.
The young man, whose broad earlobes and benevolent features made him resemble a Buddha, cupped his fist in salute and introduced himself.
“I am Sang Gwan Hae, third son of the Sang Gwan Family.”
“The Sang Gwan Family…!”
Upon hearing Sang Gwan Hae’s name, Mo Yong Ryul’s eyes widened.
The Sang Gwan Family was one of the Ten Great Families.
“…What is your reason?”
Ho Yeon’s brow twitched as he asked, and Sang Gwan Hae flashed a warm smile.
“Haha, the Sang Gwan Family’s roots lie in commerce—in Silver Houses and Escort Agencies. Do you know what matters most to a merchant?”
“Money, wouldn’t you say?”
At Ho Yeon’s words, Sang Gwan Hae shook his head.
“People. The character for ‘Sang Gwan’ means connection—money is merely a secondary phenomenon that follows people.”
“Hmm.”
Ho Yeon nodded, having heard Sang Gwan Hae speak of the Merchant’s Way.
He continued.
“Truth is, the outcome of the Baekga Inspection matters little to me. What matters is my relationship with the rising talents gathered here.”
“So?”
“One virtue of a merchant is never to make enemies. Choosing any young master of the Mo Yong Family risks offending other powers.”
“Ah, I’m not the only one from the Mo Yong Family.”
“Haha, so it is.”
Sang Gwan Hae cupped his fist once more in supplication, imploring him.
Yet Sang Gwan Hae’s eyes sparkled brilliantly.
In truth, Sang Gwan Hae had not revealed his full intentions to Ho Yeon.
‘Hehe, do you know what matters more than avoiding enemies? Meeting one single Noble Person.’
Since childhood, his father had drilled it into him until the words wore grooves in his ears.
Never seek bonds with many mediocrities when a single genius will do.
‘I feel it. Ho Yeon! The aura of the God of Wealth emanates from you!’
As Sang Gwan Hae watched the duel on Danli Mountain, he felt a certain conviction settle within him.
If one cannot become a dragon, one must ride upon a dragon’s back and soar through heaven together.
And Sang Gwan Hae had marked Ho Yeon as that dragon.
“Well, it’s not disagreeable. So I get all the glory?”
“Haha! But of course. I’ll support you from behind. This man has plenty of money!”
Sang Gwan Hae cried out for them to trust him, and Ho Yeon, nodding, looked at Mo Yong Ryul and asked.
“Any objections?”
“No, sir!”
“Sir?”
“Ah, we’ll be seeing each other from now on, so I can’t keep calling you ‘young master’ forever, can I? So…”
Mo Yong Ryul’s voice grew smaller as his fingers fidgeted.
Ho Yeon shrugged and spoke.
“Do as you like.”
“Ah!”
“So the three of us make up the team then……?”
“Wait. Could you possibly take one more person?”
Ho Yeon tilted his head at Sang Gwan Hae’s words and glanced around the area.
By now, everyone at Geom Un Jung had split into their respective groups.
Among them, the First Prince Mo Yong Hu’s faction was largest, followed by the Second Prince Mo Yong Cheol, and then the Third Prince Mo Yong Hak.
“Who do you mean? The teams seem to be already formed, don’t they?”
At Ho Yeon’s words, Sang Gwan Hae smiled and replied.
“Ha ha, there’s still one person left. By now he’s probably sprawled in his room after drinking himself silly.”
“……A drunkard doesn’t seem like he’d be much help.”
“He’s a capable friend, so please trust me. Apart from his lack of ambition, he’s actually quite decent.”
Ho Yeon looked unconvinced, and Sang Gwan Hae continued, patting his chest as if to ask for trust.
“This friend is similar to me in that he has not a trace of desire for fame, so he aligns well with our Small Society’s purpose.”
“Well, fine then. If he becomes a hindrance, I’ll just drop him midway.”
“Ha ha ha! You’re quite the jokester.”
“I’m serious though…….”
Ho Yeon was scratching his tousled hair and glancing around when he felt it.
“Hmm?”
He turned to look toward Group Two and found Je Gal A Hyeon staring at him intently.
She moved her lips to convey her meaning to him.
‘Wait, see me for a moment?’
* * *
“It’s too dangerous a gamble.”
Je Gal A Hyeon spoke with a hard, rigid expression.
“When there’s much to gain from success, it means there’s just as much to lose from failure.”
With her keen intellect, she had already grasped Ho Yeon’s true aim.
Ho Yeon stroked Wol Myo, whom he held in his arms, as he spoke.
“That said, I have no intention of becoming someone else’s hands and feet. I’d rather be the head of a snake than the tail of a dragon.”
“……Truth be told, I’d like to join your group too.”
“I know what you mean. It’s your family’s orders, isn’t it?”
“…….”
At Ho Yeon’s words, Je Gal A Hyeon bit her lip and fell silent.
Then she drew out a small gourd bottle from her robes and handed it to him.
“Take this with you.”
“What is this?”
“Flying Wing Incense. It’s a type of tracking incense.”
“……Why are you giving this to me?”
When Ho Yeon asked, Je Gal A Hyeon smiled and answered.
“To track you.”
“…….”
“Heh heh, I’m joking. It’s actually so I can send you a carrier pigeon.”
“A carrier pigeon?”
“Once Group Two obtains decisive evidence, I’ll send you a pigeon.”
Ho Yeon stared at Je Gal A Hyeon for a long moment.
Then he shook his head.
“No.”
“……Why?”
“I won’t make someone a traitor for my own gain. If that’s the case, I’d sooner go directly into Group Two myself and stab them in the back.”
“…….”
At Ho Yeon’s firm refusal, Je Gal A Hyeon moved her lips wordlessly, but finally sighed and resigned herself to it.
“Sigh. I understand. Be careful.”
“You too.”
Ho Yeon turned to leave.
Then he paused for a moment and opened his mouth again.
“If your head aches, focus.”
“Hm?”
“Imagine it. An environment where you’re comfortable and at peace. Like riding a horse across a plain.”
At Ho Yeon’s words, Je Gal A Hyeon blinked her eyes and then smiled.
“Are you worrying about me right now?”
“Not particularly.”
“Haha, understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Then I’ll see you later.”
“When that time comes, I’ll be able to hear your answer, won’t I? I’m looking forward to it.”
“…….”
Footstep after footstep echoed softly away.
Je Gal A Hyeon turned and departed, her figure growing distant.
“Mew?”
From inside his robe, Wol Myo lifted her gaze toward Ho Yeon, her blue eyes gleaming.
“What are you staring at?”
“Mew-mew?”
“Eyes off.”
“Mew-owww!”
* * *
“All teams have departed, sir.”
“Understood.”
“Team One is headed to Buk Nyeong, Team Two to Dae Ryeon, and Team Three to Dan Dong.”
“And Teams Four and Five?”
“Those two…….”
Mo Yong Gyeom, the Grand Patriarch’s deputy, hesitated before continuing.
“They remain in Sim Yang proper.”
“Still?”
“……Word is they’re spending money freely, visiting every pleasure house and tavern in the city.”
At Mo Yong Gyeom’s report, the stern-faced middle-aged man listening to the briefing’s brow twitched slightly.
A square forehead and refined features—his clothing crisp and properly cut, his beard neatly groomed.
Mo Yong Mu Kyeol, Patriarch of the Mo Yong Family, clicked his tongue with a low murmur.
“Tch, tch. Have they already given up? How pathetic…….”
“…….”
“And the boy?”
“The same, sir.”
At Mo Yong Gyeom’s report, Mo Yong Mu Kyeol shook his head slowly.
“Perhaps that’s for the best. He’s lived that way his whole life, after all.”
“……Should we send him?”
“Not yet.”
The cryptic exchange continued, and a flash of something crossed Mo Yong Mu Kyeol’s dark eyes.
“Was it calculated? Or mere chance?”
“Sir, and Patriarch. The Commander-in-Chief has sent a messenger pigeon.”
“Je Gal Shin San? Surely we agreed to discuss the marriage matter after the Baekga Inspection concluded?”
“That’s not it, sir…….”
Mo Yong Gyeom’s report continued, and Mo Yong Mu Kyeol had no choice but to open his eyes wide.
“The Grand Patriarch……has apparently fled.”
“……!”
“Ha Nam was searched thoroughly, combed through like a sieve, and yet he’s nowhere to be found…….”
“This—this wretched old man……!”
Mo Yong Mu Kyeol’s roar filled the entire office.

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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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