Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 41

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 41

 

Whoooosh―!

 

The moment Namgung Cheon brought down his sword, the world was dyed in blue light.

 

Cheoncheon Mansangru’s Cheonroe Jincheon.

 

A single streak of light rose, and a blue flash pierced straight through the center of the water column.

 

And then.

 

Kwaaaaang―!

 

With a thunderous roar, the water column scattered in all directions, creating a water mist.

 

“Kugh!”

 

A clot of blood burst from Jang Gwang’s mouth.

 

The internal energy he had poured out with all his might backflowed and shook his dantian.

 

But this wasn’t the end.

 

Crack!

 

The crack in the boat gradually widened as it began to sink into the river water.

 

Jang Gwang, still unable to escape the shock of the backflow, lost his balance and crashed into the river.

 

Splash!

 

A small spray of water shot up.

 

“….”

 

The Golden Dragon Ship was enveloped in silence.

 

Everyone clung to the railings, holding their breath as they stared at the water mist that obscured their surroundings.

 

Who had won, or whether anyone had even survived—the situation was unclear.

 

After a moment.

 

The thick water mist that had risen began to slowly clear in the river breeze.

 

And when the moonlight illuminated the river again, a human silhouette hidden in the mist was revealed.

 

“…!”

 

People doubted their own eyes.

 

“Is that… even possible?”

 

Someone muttered in a daze.

 

Fragments of the ferry boat split in half and sinking.

 

On one of those small wooden pieces stood Namgung Cheon.

 

On one foot.

 

His black martial robes fluttered in the river breeze.

 

It was possible because he wasn’t even wet.

 

Click.

 

Namgung Cheon slowly sheathed his sword.

 

Just as the people who had finally come to their senses were about to cheer.

 

“Puha!”

 

Someone burst up from the river water.

 

It was Jang Gwang.

 

He grabbed onto a piece of the ferry boat and gasped for breath.

 

“Huff, huff…”

 

He swept back his wet hair and looked up at Namgung Cheon.

 

“Damn it…”

 

Jang Gwang let out a hollow laugh.

 

Then he struck the water surface and shouted.

 

“I lost! I lost completely and cleanly!”

 

At his magnanimous acknowledgment, cheers finally erupted from the Golden Dragon Ship that had been wrapped in silence.

 

“Waaaah!”

 

“Namgung Cheon! Namgung Cheon!”

 

Despite the cheers, Namgung Cheon didn’t spare a single glance at the Golden Dragon Ship and extended his hand to Jang Gwang who had fallen in the water.

 

“Come up. There won’t be anyone to turn you away from having a drink now.”

 

An indifferent yet straightforward attitude.

 

Jang Gwang stared blankly at that hand for a moment.

 

Then he soon grinned and grasped that hand, pulling himself up as he spoke.

 

“Haha! There’s a reason the Eulmyeol Sword became a retainer! Ah! Perhaps I could also…”

 

Thud.

 

Namgung Cheon let go of the hand he was holding.

 

“Huh?”

 

Splash!

 

“Blub! Can’t you take a joke?”

 

Jang Gwang’s aggrieved cry could be heard from within the river water.

 

* * *

 

Thud.

 

As Namgung Cheon lightly stepped onto the deck.

 

“Waaaah―!”

 

Cheers that shook the Golden Dragon Ship erupted.

 

“Truly amazing!”

 

“A sword that cuts through water columns!”

 

The orthodox faction’s rising masters couldn’t hide their excitement and chattered away.

 

The gazes they directed toward Namgung Cheon were filled with pure awe.

 

Namgung Cheon moved with a calm expression even amid that commotion.

 

Namgung Hwi approached.

 

“Cheon! I’m glad you’re safe. And truly…”

 

Namgung Hwi’s voice trembled slightly.

 

“It was magnificent. I have no choice but to acknowledge it.”

 

At his words, the other rising masters who had followed also spoke up eagerly.

 

Danri Chu shook his head as if he couldn’t believe it.

 

“I agree. To so overwhelm Janggang Gyoryong on the water.”

 

Hyeolryong and Myeongjin, who were beside him, also nodded and expressed admiration.

 

“Today I clearly saw why the Namgung sword is the best under heaven.”

 

Then, Jang Gwang, who had subsequently climbed onto the deck, shook off water while grumbling.

 

“Oh my, how is it that there’s not a single warm word for me?”

 

At his complaint, laughter burst out from the gathering.

 

“Come and sit. Let’s have a drink.”

 

At those words, Jang Gwang’s face brightened.

 

“Haha! As expected, the young master is magnanimous!”

 

As Jang Gwang approached while shaking off his wet clothes, Danri Chu laughed heartily and said.

 

“May I join in as well?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Namgung Hwi readily answered and made room.

 

Starting from that point, renowned rising masters like Baekheop and Myeongjin began gathering one by one at Namgung Cheon’s table.

 

Before long, the table became so packed that not a single empty seat could be found.

 

A peculiar drinking gathering where orthodox and heterodox factions, prestigious clans and wanderers were mixed together.

 

But at the center of it all was clearly Namgung Cheon.

 

The drinking session continued deep into the night.

 

Namgung Cheon silently tilted his wine cup, but his surroundings never had a moment of quiet.

 

Jang Gwang and Mujin constantly exchanged witty banter to liven the atmosphere, while people like Danri Chu, Baekheop, and Myeongjin engaged in heated discussions about the political situation of the martial world and martial studies.

 

At the center of all those conversations was Namgung Cheon.

 

They subtly sought his opinions, nodding and expressing admiration at his brief words.

 

Then at some point, Namgung Hwi quietly rose from his seat.

 

He walked toward the railing, wine cup in hand.

 

But strangely, even though he had left his seat, the fervor of the drinking party did not cool.

 

People were now naturally mingling around Namgung Cheon, not Namgung Hwi.

 

Namgung Hwi leaned against the railing, watching that boisterous scene with a pleased smile.

 

His younger brother who had become the center among the renowned rising masters even without his presence.

 

That sight was both admirable and somehow unfamiliar.

 

Before he knew it, Jegal Seoyeon had approached and was standing beside him.

 

She looked at Namgung Cheon at the center of the boisterous drinking party and spoke.

 

“Brother Cheon always used to stay in corners, but from his remarkable martial prowess to naturally captivating people. It’s fascinating and good to see.”

 

“I feel the same.”

 

Namgung Hwi smiled bitterly.

 

“I wonder if that’s really the same child I knew. I wonder if I was too indifferent all this time.”

 

“Well, you were that busy. How could the Sword Dragon of the Murim Alliance have had any leisure time?”

 

Namgung Hwi let out a hollow laugh at Jegal Seoyeon’s mischievous consolation.

 

Her gaze turned toward Namgung Hwi.

 

“By the way, your expression isn’t entirely bright. It can’t be that you’re jealous of your brother doing well.”

 

“You jest too much.”

 

Namgung Hwi laughed lightly and quietly spoke while looking at the dark river water beyond the railing.

 

“It’s because of Alliance matters that you show so little interest in.”

 

Jegal Seoyeon’s eyes became serious.

 

“…You’re talking about the Gansu incident.”

 

“Yes. The Cheonui-dae is moving directly.”

 

Namgung Hwi’s voice sank low.

 

Cheonui-dae.

 

The elite among elites who competed for the top position even among the Eight Heavens, the eight military units that the Murim Alliance took pride in.

 

Their direct involvement meant the situation was that serious.

 

“After the Yeongang Martial Arts Assembly ends, I too must depart for Gansu as a member of Cheonui-dae.”

 

“…It will be dangerous.”

 

Genuine concern was contained in Jegal Seoyeon’s voice.

 

“It will be dangerous. However, as the sword of the Alliance, it’s the righteous path I must walk, so it’s not a road I can avoid.”

 

Namgung Hwi emptied his wine cup in one gulp.

 

“You be careful too. The Jegal Clan might become their first target just like during the last Great War between Orthodox and Demonic sects.”

 

“Don’t worry. It wasn’t easily breached then either.”

 

Jegal Seoyeon replied calmly.

 

“Rather, you should be careful, brother.”

 

A brief silence flowed between the two.

 

The noise from the boisterous drinking party in the distance could be heard faintly.

 

Namgung Hwi glanced toward where his younger brother was.

 

‘Someday that child will also have to face those shadows. When that time comes…’

 

He thought no further.

 

For now, he hoped his younger brother would fully enjoy this pleasant banquet.

 

“…Let’s go inside. The night breeze is cold.”

 

Namgung Hwi turned around first.

 

Jegal Seoyeon silently followed behind him.

 

And her gaze lingered briefly on Namgung Cheon’s profile as he tilted his wine cup.

 

‘There’s probably no need to worry.’

 

A faint smile played around Jegal Seoyeon’s lips.

 

‘If that vast darkness that everyone fears truly comes…’

 

Brother Cheon would cut through that darkness and shine most brilliantly.

 

* * *

 

As the red sun rose over the waves of the Yangtze River, the Golden Dragon Ship turned its bow toward Wuhan Ferry Terminal.

 

On the deck where the afterglow of the night-long banquet had not yet faded.

 

Jang Gwang rose from his seat and dusted himself off before the ship even reached the terminal.

 

“Well then, I’ll take my leave here. Once I set foot on land, only troublesome matters will arise.”

 

He climbed onto the railing and grinned at Namgung Cheon.

 

“It was enjoyable, young master! Let’s meet again next time! Then I’ll treat you grandly, so feel free to come empty-handed!”

 

“I’ll remember that.”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s brief answer, Jang Gwang laughed heartily as if satisfied.

 

“Haha! Good, very good!”

 

Splash!

 

He jumped into the river water without hesitation, heading toward his subordinates’ boat that was waiting in advance.

 

Jang Gwang’s retreating figure cutting through the current.

 

It was an exit as unrestrained and free as the river itself.

 

Shortly after, with a thud, the Golden Dragon Ship reached the terminal.

 

Despite having stayed up all night, the rising masters disembarking from the ship did not immediately scatter, but approached Namgung Cheon as if by appointment and offered polite farewells.

 

“The sword you showed us. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

 

Danri Chu firmly grasped Namgung Cheon’s hand.

 

“If you come to the Murim Alliance, be sure to contact me. Like Hero Jang Gwang said, I’ll treat you grandly too.”

 

“I understand.”

 

Hyeolryong Myeongjin also bowed deeply.

 

“Thank you for giving me profound enlightenment. May Taishang Laojun always be with you.”

 

Following that, countless others offered their farewells to Namgung Cheon.

 

Among them, the farewells from those who had been with him throughout the banquet were particularly sincere.

 

The first to approach was Jowei of the Joga Clan from Hyeongju.

 

He offered his farewell with a face still flushed with excitement.

 

“Young master, truly… it was a night I’ll never forget! I will definitely come visit you.”

 

At his words full of pure sincerity, Namgung Cheon also rarely showed a faint smile and nodded.

 

Following him, Lee Ja-seong of the White Lotus Sword Sect approached with a cautious expression and respectfully cupped his fists.

 

“Thanks to you, young master, our White Lotus Sword Sect has also gained great strength. We will never take lightly the connection with Hwacheolbang that you helped forge. If you ever have occasion to visit Honam, please don’t forget to visit our sect. Though it may be humble, we would like to treat you with sincerity.”

 

At his earnest words, Hwajinseok of Hwacheolbang, standing beside him, laughed heartily and patted his shoulder.

 

“This young hero, your words are too stiff! Just say we’ll have a good drink when the young master comes!”

 

Hwajinseok bowed his head toward Namgung Cheon.

 

“I’m thinking of going to Honam with this young hero too. I plan to check the White Lotus Sword Sect’s weapons and discuss the swords we’ll make in the future.”

 

He glanced at the sword hanging at Namgung Cheon’s waist and continued.

 

“You probably don’t need it, but next time we meet, I’ll definitely bring a famous sword!”

 

They were all sincere farewells.

 

Not just passing connections, but those who might walk the same path together in the future.

 

Therefore, Namgung Cheon also did not carelessly see them off.

 

“I will definitely visit you next time. Make sure to keep your word.”

 

“Haha, very well. Then, farewell!”

 

With those words, the three departed.

 

After everyone had left.

 

Namgung Hwi slowly approached.

 

The brothers stood facing each other wordlessly for a moment.

 

Eventually, Namgung Hwi reached out and grasped his younger brother’s shoulder.

 

The warmth of Namgung Hwi transmitted through his palm.

 

“Be careful on your journey.”

 

He continued in a gentle tone.

 

“The martial world is vast. So just because you won today doesn’t mean you’ll win tomorrow. Always be cautious. And….”

 

Namgung Hwi paused for a moment, then gazed at his younger brother with deep, warm eyes.

 

“When things get difficult or you grow weary, come to the Murim Alliance anytime. You, and as my younger brother, will always be welcomed.”

 

An offer filled with familial affection that he had never experienced in his previous life as Cheonma.

 

“…Yes, may you stay in good health.”

 

Namgung Hwi smiled and turned around.

 

And so Namgung Hwi left.

 

With everyone gone, the riverbank became quiet once again.

 

The Yangtze River, bathed in morning sunlight, flowed peacefully as if nothing had happened.

 

Namgung Cheon stood there for a moment, gazing at the river water.

 

Yeongang Muhoe.

 

At first, he had considered it merely a bothersome formality.

 

But experiencing it firsthand was different.

 

He had gained much here.

 

He had proven his martial prowess by defeating Janggang Gyoryong, built friendships with promising rising talents like Danri Chu and Myeongjin, and even earned the support of minor sects including Jowei’s.

 

Moreover.

 

‘I wasn’t wrong.’

 

Despite decades having passed, his sword and methods could still show their worth in Junghwon.

 

That he could advance even further.

 

This was the greatest harvest of this journey.

 

Then, Jegal Seoyeon, who had remained by his side, quietly spoke up.

 

“Will you return to Anhui like this? You’ll need to report to the Head of the Clan as well.”

 

Namgung Cheon fell into thought for a moment.

 

It was still too early to return to Anhui.

 

Above all.

 

‘It was enjoyable.’

 

The leisure and enjoyment he had never felt in his previous life.

 

As Namgung Hwi had said, the martial world was vast.

 

And there were many things to experience accordingly, and those experiences could ultimately transform both sword and life.

 

Namgung Cheon turned his head to look at Mujin standing behind him.

 

“Do you have anything else to do?”

 

“Nothing. Where would a wanderer have to go? Wherever you go, young master, that’s my path.”

 

Mujin answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

 

Namgung Cheon nodded.

 

Then he opened his mouth toward Jegal Seoyeon again.

 

“Then let’s go to Yungjoong first.”

 

“….”

 

Jegal Seoyeon’s hand holding the fan froze momentarily.

 

Surprise flickered briefly in her eyes.

 

But she wasn’t the only one surprised.

 

“Hmm….”

 

A quiet sigh flowed from Mujin’s lips as he stood beside them.

 

“Is there a problem?”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s question, Mujin quickly came to his senses and waved his hand.

 

“Haha, no. What problem could someone like me, a drifter, have?”

 

Mujin spoke evasively with a bitter smile.

 

It was a side of Mujin they had never seen before.

 

Namgung Cheon and Jegal Seoyeon noticed his strange atmosphere, but didn’t pry further.

 

Jegal Seoyeon spoke up as if to change the mood.

 

“That’s unexpected. I thought you would go straight back to Anhui.”

 

“Mother made a request as well….”

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze turned toward the distance.

 

“I wanted to meet them once.”

 

Someone he had met as an enemy in his previous life.

 

* * *

 

In one corner of the riverbank, a splendid carriage stood secretly hidden in the shadows.

 

The tightly closed window opened slightly.

 

Then a warrior who had disembarked from the Golden Dragon Ship approached and whispered secretly against the window.

 

“…I report to you. Young Master Namgung Cheon has defeated Janggang Gyoryong. Overwhelmingly so.”

 

The warrior’s report continued.

 

“Also, throughout the banquet, he captivated the entire gathering and became the center of attention.”

 

The man beyond the window let out a quiet laugh.

 

“More impressive than expected.”

 

He slowly lifted his teacup.

 

The subtle tea fragrance filled the heavy air inside the carriage.

 

“Namgung Cheon… He’s worth investing in.”

 

The man set down his teacup and closed the window.

 

Clack.

 

At that sound as a signal, the coachman cracked his whip.

 

The carriage began to move slowly, raising dust.

 

Then the morning sunlight illuminated a single character splendidly embroidered on the carriage.

 

(Merchant).

 

It was the symbol of those who controlled and shook the world with financial power.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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