Namgoong the Sword Ghost - Chapter 50

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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 50. The Sword Demon Returns Home
Rumble-rumble-rumble!
A procession arrived in Hap Bi.
“So this is Hap Bi! At last I can taste the legendary Dang Ho Road that you praised so highly!”
……
Mo Yong Yul pressed his face against the carriage window, gazing out at the streets of Hap Bi, his pale cheeks flushed.
But Ho Yeon sat in contemplation, his eyes fixed on empty space.
‘What exactly was that?’
Ho Yeon recalled Mo Yong Sang Cheon’s golden Light Sword, the memory etched vividly in his mind.
‘Did he shape his inner force into the form of a blade? Going through all that trouble? No—fundamentally, it carried a different grain from any martial art I knew.’
The sense of déjà vu he’d felt upon first meeting him had proven true.
Certainly, there was something different about him compared to the Realm Climbers he’d encountered three hundred years ago.
“Zhong Yuan martial arts have undergone rapid development in the three centuries since his death. Even if he were to return to life, whether he could claim the title of first under heaven is questionable.”
Mo Yong Sang Cheon’s words echoed in his memory.
If Zhong Yuan martial arts had made such rapid strides in three hundred years, then that Light Sword was one of those fruits?
‘Hah, this is interesting. Things have changed since then, haven’t they?’
A smile blossomed at the corner of Ho Yeon’s lips as he recalled those words.
That smile was born of competitive fire.
“Young one. Nurture your ambition. Don’t wait for me to grow old and die. Climb that wall with desperate effort and stand where I stand.”
‘If you meant to provoke me, you’ve succeeded. Wait, old man. I’ll ascend swiftly and make sure you never look down on me again.’
Whoooosh!
Ever since that encounter with Mo Yong Sang Cheon at Zhang Jiang, Ho Yeon’s upper dantian had remained in a constant state of activation.
It was proof enough that his soul had trembled at the martial prowess the old man displayed.
“Talented young friend. Observe carefully. This is the name of the wall you must reach. All Phenomena Mind Only.”
‘All Phenomena Mind Only. All Phenomena Mind Only. What could that possibly be? A martial art? A weapon? An enlightenment? Or something else entirely…….’
As Ho Yeon sank deeper into contemplation, Mo Yong Yul closed his mouth to avoid disturbing him.
‘I managed to get his permission. We can stay together from now on!’
Mo Yong Yul clenched his fists tightly, struggling to suppress his racing heart.
But then that woman’s whisper came back to him, and his cheeks trembled.
“It won’t be long before you feel the truth of my words beneath your skin. Ho Yeon is already a dragon prepared to ascend.”
‘……It galls me, but that woman was right. I never want to become a burden to him.’
If anything, it was the opposite.
He wanted to be useful to him, and ultimately, to earn his acknowledgment.
“A swan on the water appears serene, but beneath the surface it must never stop struggling.”
‘From today, I’ll double my training time—no, triple it!’
Just then, as Mo Yong Yul was steeling his resolve, the voice of Geuk Ji Ryang, the Iron Sword Vice-Master, rang out from beyond the carriage.
“Young Master! We’ve arrived!”
Ho Yeon emerged from his reverie and gazed out the window with a bright smile.
“We’ve finally come home.”
* * *
The main gate of the Namgung Clan stood wide open.
Ordinarily, unless a great guest was expected, it would stand either half-open or closed.
Yet the clan members had all rushed outside and stood gazing through the open gates with unwavering attention.
Rumble-rumble-rumble!
“He’s arrived!”
“The Young Master has returned!”
“The Divine Dragon of the Namgung Clan returns bearing the Jade Orb of Harmony!”
“Hahaha! A Thunder Saint no less! Our Young Master’s fame pierces the very heavens!”
Warriors, scholars, servants, and laborers of the Namgung Clan rushed out to welcome Ho Yeon’s return.
“Well, what in the world is this?”
“……It seems he enjoys tremendous support among the people.”
Sang Gwan Hae and Dang Se Ki gazed in amazement at the crowd that had gathered like clouds.
Whish! Whoosh!
Servants scattered baskets full of colorful flower petals along the path of the carriage.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Warriors stamped their feet in measured, reverent rhythm to welcome the carriage.
Jolt!
Ho Yeon stepped down from the carriage amid the tumultuous commotion and looked around in bewilderment.
“What—what is all this fuss about?!”
“Ohhhhh! The Divine Dragon of Namgung!”
“Goodness! Young Master, you’ve grown half a foot taller!”
“Young Master! You’ve awakened the Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art—is it true?”
“You’ve truly restored the Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art?!”
“Let’s have you eat first! The cooks have been preparing meals day and night for three days straight!”
“Master! I’ve developed a new dish! This time it’s truly sweet, sour, and exciting all at once!”
The moment Ho Yeon stepped into view, cheers erupted from the crowd all at once.
“This, this is…!”
Ho Yeon clenched his fists and trembled.
An assassination attempt?
Were they trying to humiliate him beyond measure and cause him to die of shame on the spot?
Ho Yeon desperately wanted to slip away from this gathering.
“Wow….”
By contrast, Mo Yong Yul, who followed behind, was marveling at the throng of people before him.
Had all these people truly been waiting for his brother?
“Y-yes, truly extraordinary, brother! Everyone adores you so!”
“Don’t do that.”
“Pardon?”
“Don’t ambush me from behind!”
“Eh?”
Thump-thump-thump!
At that moment, a woman in a sky-blue martial robe burst from the crowd and rushed toward Ho Yeon.
Ting!
Hanging from the pommel of her sword was a golden butterfly-shaped hair ornament that jingled softly.
“Ho Yeon!”
“Ugh!”
“Are you all right? You’re not hurt anywhere?”
She was a beautiful woman with eyes that tilted slightly upward, giving her a sharp appearance, and she ran her hands over Ho Yeon’s body in worry as she asked.
“What—?!”
“Hmm?”
“Let go of our brother! He can’t breathe!”
Mo Yong Yul, startled by the sight, pointed at the woman and shouted.
“My, Ho Yeon, are you all right?”
“Cough, cough—yes.”
“There were those terrible Calamitous Sect members, I hear? I should have gone with you….”
“You were on a long-term mission.”
“See how you treat me? Sister? Surely you’re not feeling distant because we haven’t seen each other in a few months? If that’s the case, I’m truly….”
As Namgung Sang Ah’s sharp eyes drooped, Ho Yeon, whose lips had been trembling, murmured softly.
“…Did you have a good trip, sister?”
“Of course! Sichuan is truly a place full of life. I’ve even found a tea house for us to visit together later.”
“Ah, ah—?”
As Namgung Sang Ah rubbed her cheek against Ho Yeon’s in delight, Mo Yong Yul became rigid as a caught rat.
“Ha ha, Sang Ah. We can share the rest of our stories inside.”
“Yes, Ho Yeon must be tired. First, we should have him wash with warm water.”
The two people at the front stepped forward and looked down at Ho Yeon as they spoke.
One was a middle-aged man with bold features and a hearty bearing; the other was a graceful, petite beauty.
“…I have returned.”
Ho Yeon stood before Namgung Baek and Peng So Hwa to announce his homecoming.
―Listen here, boy. Merely nodding your head—is that the courtesy of some foreign land? Go on now, embrace me properly.
At Ho Yeon’s gruff manner, the Heavenly Thunder Sword chided him from its place at his waist.
But Ho Yeon had no intention of doing so in front of all these people, not even if it cost him his life.
“Ha ha ha! I’ve heard all the news. Splendid. Truly my son!”
“My dear, he is our son.”
“Hmm, well, if you say so, madam, then it must be so.”
“Ho ho, I’m only joking. Our son is truly magnificent! I’m so proud!”
Namgung Baek and Peng So Hwa welcomed their youngest son warmly, who had gained an epithet on his first journey through the martial world.
Most importantly, their precious son had returned unharmed, and that was their greatest joy.
“Ahem, well, these are friends I made at the Baek Clan Sword Tournament.”
Ho Yeon, catching sight of the deep affection in Namgung Baek and Peng So Hwa’s eyes, shifted the subject with an awkward expression.
“Ha ha, I am Sang Gwan Hae, third son of the Sang Gwan Clan. It is a thrice-blessed honor to meet the renowned Sword Immortal, the great chivalrous hero.”
“I am Dang Se Ki, eldest son of the Sichuan Dang Clan.”
Sang Gwan Hae greeted them with a warm smile, his manner courteous, while Dang Se Ki introduced himself with understated grace.
“I’m grateful to you for taking my inadequate son under your wing, truly.”
“Oh, not at all! Please, speak freely!”
“Indeed. Our grandfather has always spoken highly of your Righteous Chivalry.”
“Ah, the Sovereign speaks of me? What an honor.”
“Well then, do rest easy, all of you.”
Namgung Baek and Peng So Hwa welcomed these guests their youngest son had brought for the first time, greeting them with equal warmth.
“Hmm? But where is that young knight?”
“Ah…….”
When Namgung Baek turned his gaze toward Mo Yong Yul, the young man floundered in confusion.
Tap!
Ho Yeon seized Mo Yong Yul’s stiffened shoulders and drew him forward.
“This is someone I’ve taken as my brother.”
“I’m… I’m from the Mo Yong Clan, fourth son… Mo Yong Yul. P-pleased to meet you…….”
Mo Yong Yul, afraid of stepping into the spotlight, introduced himself in a trembling voice.
‘This fool, make a proper introduction! These are his family, after all……!’
Mo Yong Yul resented his own tongue for its inability to speak with clarity.
And worse—the woman he’d pointed at moments ago appeared to be his brother’s older sister.
‘It’s… all ruined…….’
Mo Yong Yul despaired as the careful plans he’d devised over the past few days unraveled into complete chaos.
Just as tears began to well up.
Whoosh!
“Ah……!”
Ho Yeon swept his palm upward through Mo Yong Yul’s shaggy hair.
Mo Yong Yul’s blue eyes suddenly caught the light and contracted sharply.
Namgung Baek, Peng So Hwa, and Namgung Sang Ah all gasped in unison.
“My, what a beautiful blue light.”
“How can anyone’s eyes be so lovely?”
“Wow! Like jewels!”
“……!”
At their reaction, Mo Yong Yul’s eyes widened and his mouth opened slowly.
Seeing this, Ho Yeon smiled faintly and whispered to him.
“Welcome to Changcheon Namgung. Here, you needn’t hide who you are.”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
At those words, Mo Yong Yul felt his heart pound fiercely.
And he made a silent vow to himself.
‘I will… I will become someone useful to him!’
* * *
When the bustling welcome had ended.
Ho Yeon arrived at his own chamber.
The unchanged, serene landscape naturally eased his heart.
“Phew, there’s time before evening meal, so first…….”
Clank!
Ho Yeon set down what he’d been carrying on his shoulder onto the bed.
The long object was wrapped tightly in cloth.
Swish-swish-swish!
When Ho Yeon activated Will-Based Telekinesis to loosen the knots, the cloth unwound swiftly, revealing the items within.
“Hehehe.”
At the sight of a black sword of exquisite beauty, laughter bubbled up unbidden.
Though exaggeration made it seem as long as he was tall, Ho Yeon had absolute confidence in wielding this blade.
For the Black Night Great Sword had been the beloved weapon of the Sword Demon, who’d held a place in the ranks of sword masters for more than a decade.
“Long time, Heuk Ya. Let me hear your voice again.”
With nostalgic sentiment, Ho Yeon placed his hand upon the golden edge of the Black Night Great Sword and activated Sword Heart Resonance.
In that instant.
—You damned brat! Let me go, you fool!
A rough, thin male voice—crude and violent—echoed through his mind.
“Huh?”

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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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