Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 48

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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 48

 

Namgung Cheon, who had left Akyangnu, immediately followed the trail of Seophon Sool energy.

 

The energy passed through deserted streets and led into the damp reeds.

 

All cleverly chosen shadowy places that could avoid people’s gazes.

 

‘This isn’t their first or second time doing this.’

 

After passing through the reeds, his vision opened up to reveal a wide open space.

 

It was an old, abandoned dock in a corner of Dongjeongho.

 

A place where only broken wooden planks and a few rotting ferry boats floated grotesquely.

 

And there, taking advantage of the darkness, were black-robed assailants trying to launch a boat.

 

“Hurry up.”

 

When the black-robed assailant at the front spoke quietly, the other five loaded leather sacks they each carried on their shoulders onto the boat.

 

Leather sacks just the right size to fit one child each.

 

Namgung Cheon’s eyes narrowed.

 

‘They must be inside those.’

 

Moreover, there were five sacks in total.

 

That meant it wasn’t just one person.

 

‘At least I’m not too late.’

 

Sring—.

 

The pitch-black blade Mukhon, which devoured even moonlight, revealed itself.

 

Namgung Cheon slowly walked out of the darkness while holding Mukhon.

 

Step. Step.

 

At the sound of footsteps, the black-robed assailants all turned their heads in unison.

 

The sight of Namgung Cheon standing with his back to the moonlight entered their view.

 

An ordinary group would have shouted out asking who he was.

 

But they were different.

 

Clang!

 

Without a moment’s hesitation, they simultaneously drew their weapons.

 

The leader gripped a curved blade, while the rest held swords and spread out in a semicircle toward Namgung Cheon.

 

A combined formation that perfectly covered each other’s blind spots.

 

The entire process was carried out without a single word.

 

A gleam appeared in Namgung Cheon’s eyes.

 

‘This isn’t a level that can be achieved through training alone.’

 

These were movements that would have required countless real battles.

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze briefly turned toward the sacks placed on the ferry boat.

 

Judging by how they were moving rhythmically, their pressure points must have been struck.

 

In that case.

 

“How fortunate. I can kill you with peace of mind.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Namgung Cheon’s form disappeared.

 

Swoosh—!

 

“Guk!”

 

In an instant, the black-robed assailant on the far left collapsed while clutching his throat.

 

A strike where not even the sword light was visible.

 

Even though their comrade had fallen, the enemies didn’t waver.

 

Instead, taking advantage of that opening, five blades simultaneously rushed toward Namgung Cheon.

 

Clang! Ching!

 

Namgung Cheon swung his sword to deflect the enemies’ attacks.

 

The internal energy transmitted through the blade was quite heavy and sharp.

 

‘They’re definitely not ordinary.’

 

Swoosh—!

 

At that moment, another rushing sword strike.

 

Tap!

 

Namgung Cheon used footwork to lightly dodge it and then.

 

Thunk!

 

Pierced through another one’s chest.

 

Only then did their eyes begin to waver.

 

“Hup!”

 

The leader charged forward with a short battle cry.

 

Red sword energy burst forth from his curved blade.

 

A murky and sticky aura.

 

It was typical demonic energy commonly seen in Galmuseong of the Bloodsword Sect and other heterodox faction masters.

 

However.

 

Swoosh—!

 

Namgung Cheon lightly dodged the attack while frowning.

 

‘The internal energy is definitely from the heterodox faction, but the sword path is different.’

 

Usually, heterodox faction swords are irregular and only target the opponent’s weaknesses and vital points.

 

Their way is to boldly abandon dignity and standardized forms for the sake of efficiency.

 

‘But this one…’

 

The transmission of power from toes to waist, from waist to shoulders.

 

A sword that maintained balance with precise footwork and extended straight along an orthodox trajectory.

 

These were clearly characteristics of orthodox martial arts.

 

A bizarre discord, as if demonic energy had been forcibly injected into an orthodox faction swordsman.

 

‘How heterogeneous.’

 

Even in his memories of mastering all martial arts under heaven, there was no such form.

 

What exactly were these people?

 

Namgung Cheon’s eyes gleamed coldly.

 

Swoosh—!

 

Once again, a rushing sword.

 

Namgung Cheon didn’t face it head-on but slightly twisted his body.

 

Swish—.

 

The leader’s sword grazed past Namgung Cheon’s sleeve.

 

Namgung Cheon’s sword, not missing that brief opening.

 

Thunk.

 

Dug deep into the leader’s side.

 

“Kueok!”

 

Blood poured from his mouth, penetrating through his mask.

 

Swoosh—.

 

As the sword was pulled out from his side, the leader knelt down and collapsed forward.

 

Namgung Cheon didn’t even glance at the fallen enemy and slowly turned his head to stare at the remaining enemies.

 

Even though their leader had fallen, the eyes of the remaining black-robed assailants filled with venomous killing intent instead of fear.

 

They all re-gripped their swords in unison and took a stance as if prepared for mutual destruction.

 

Namgung Cheon silently pointed the tip of Mukhon at them.

 

Drip. Drip.

 

Vivid drops of blood that flowed down the black blade stained the ground.

 

* * *

 

At the entrance of Akyangnu.

 

Mujin and Baekheun were staring into the darkness, unable to hide their anxious expressions.

 

Only after Namgung Cheon had left did Mujin belatedly realize the true meaning of those words.

 

So he hurriedly had the woman wait at Akyangnu and continued waiting for Namgung Cheon.

 

But even after nearly two hours had passed, Namgung Cheon did not appear.

 

Because of this, Baekheun’s expression, standing beside him, had grown even more rigid.

 

He struck his thigh with his fist, blaming himself.

 

“This is my negligence. No matter how much the young master said he was fine, I should have followed him to the end…”

 

“You don’t need to blame yourself. He only said to wait before leaving.”

 

Mujin comforted Baekheun, but his insides were burning with anxiety just the same.

 

The faint but alien energy remaining on the woman.

 

It was definitely a trace of dark sorcery.

 

The young master must have sensed this and gone to find the child.

 

But considerable time had already passed.

 

To track the enemy’s movements based on such faded energy? And alone at that?

 

‘It would be impossible without learning specialized tracking techniques.’

 

Moreover, they didn’t know what kind of people they were dealing with or how large their organization was.

 

Mujin bit his lip, worried about Namgung Cheon’s safety.

 

“I’ll go look for him right now.”

 

Unable to bear it any longer, Baekheun stepped forward, adjusting his grip on his sword.

 

At that moment.

 

“Wait.”

 

Mujin urgently grabbed Baekheun’s arm.

 

Namgung Cheon was walking toward them.

 

And he was carrying an enormous bundle on his shoulder.

 

Six leather sacks bound with thick rope.

 

Even at a glance, it was too bulky for one person to carry alone.

 

Mujin and Baekheun hurriedly tried to take the burden from him, but Namgung Cheon lightly shook his head.

 

Then he set the sacks down on the ground.

 

“What on earth is all this?”

 

Instead of answering Mujin’s question, Namgung Cheon pointed to the sacks.

 

“You’ll know when you see.”

 

His voice was colder and more sunken than usual.

 

Sensing something ominous, Mujin untied the knot of the topmost sack with trembling hands.

 

“…!”

 

Mujin’s eyes widened in shock.

 

Baekheun also gasped.

 

Inside the leather sack, the innocent face of a child sleeping soundly was revealed.

 

“Good heavens…”

 

Mujin hurriedly opened the other sacks as well.

 

One, two, three…

 

All six sacks contained children.

 

“Not just one, but so many…”

 

At that moment, a memory surfaced in Mujin’s mind.

 

The evil deeds Namgung Cheon had told him about on their way to the Black Tiger Sect.

 

And the notorious name said to be at the center of those evil acts.

 

“Could it be… Gwimyeon-gye?”

 

At Mujin’s words, Namgung Cheon silently nodded.

 

Then, after looking down at the children for a moment, he spoke to Mujin and Baekheun.

 

“Take that child from earlier back to her mother, and hand over the rest to the authorities or somewhere safe.”

 

“Understood. But young master… what will you do now?”

 

Mujin’s voice was heavy.

 

Gwimyeon-gye.

 

Having confirmed with his own eyes that this was the work of those demons, this matter wouldn’t end with simply rescuing a few children.

 

But they couldn’t confront them without knowing their information or scale either.

 

Instead of answering, Namgung Cheon silently began walking.

 

His steps led toward none other than Akyangnu.

 

Mujin and Baekheun followed his retreating figure with puzzled eyes.

 

Finally reaching the entrance where brilliant lights poured out, Namgung Cheon quietly answered Mujin’s question.

 

“I’m going to find out from now on.”

 

Everything about those demons who had committed acts worthy of heaven’s wrath.

 

And the most certain method to kill every last one of them without leaving a single survivor.

 

* * *

 

Akyangnu was still bustling like a city that never sleeps.

 

Namgung Cheon crossed through the noisy interior, heading deep into the inner parts of Akyangnu.

 

He stopped in front of the manager who handled all of Akyangnu’s finances.

 

The manager, who had been organizing ledgers, showed signs of confusion at Namgung Cheon’s sudden visit.

 

“Young master, do you have any orders? If you need more alcohol…”

 

Instead of answering, Namgung Cheon took out a small jade token from his robes and placed it in front of the manager.

 

Thud.

 

The moment the jade token was placed on the table, the manager’s pupils shook violently.

 

He alternately looked at the jade token and Namgung Cheon’s face, swallowing dry saliva.

 

Then he closed his ledger and spoke quietly.

 

“…An honored guest has arrived.”

 

The manager bowed deeply and guided Namgung Cheon.

 

“I’ll escort you inside.”

 

Namgung Cheon lightly nodded and followed him.

 

The manager headed to a storehouse in the inner courtyard, far removed from Akyangnu’s splendid pavilions.

 

A fishy smell wafted from dried fish stacked to the ceiling.

 

“So this is where it was hidden.”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s quiet question, the manager answered with a bitter smile.

 

“The more splendid a place is, the safer the filthiest spots tend to be.”

 

The manager approached a wall in the corner of the storehouse where wine jars were placed.

 

Then he grabbed the lid of a specific wine jar and turned it.

 

Rumble—.

 

The wall section retreated backward, revealing narrow, dark stone steps leading downward.

 

“It’s down here.”

 

The manager lit a candle and led the way.

 

Damp, cool air blew up from underground.

 

Descending the stone steps, a narrow passage continued, and at its end, a thick iron door blocked their path.

 

When the manager knocked on the door.

 

Rumble—.

 

The iron door opened with a heavy sound.

 

Inside the secret room, a woman was waiting.

 

Seductive eyes and full red lips.

 

She was a woman whose beauty stood out remarkably.

 

“I am Hong Yeon, branch leader of the Haowen Dongjeongho Branch. I greet Young Master Namgung.”

 

“The Dongjeongho branch leader.”

 

Namgung Cheon continued speaking as he took a seat.

 

“I thought you operated on a provincial level.”

 

Hong Yeon opened her mouth with a bright smile.

 

“Rather than an exception, let’s call it a privilege.”

 

Trickle.

 

Hong Yeon elegantly filled Namgung Cheon’s teacup as she continued speaking.

 

“This is where all the waterways of Tianxia converge, where all kinds of desires become entangled. To govern this massive turbid current, wouldn’t you need eyes and ears equivalent to an entire city?”

 

She gazed intently at Namgung Cheon.

 

“However, the fact that such an esteemed person has sought out this place tainted by turbid currents… means that you too are searching for something swept away by those currents.”

 

At Hong Yeon’s sharp observation, Namgung Cheon stopped his hand that was reaching for the teacup.

 

“You’re quite perceptive.”

 

“The riverbank was noisy. The crying of a mother who lost her child was loud enough to be heard all the way here.”

 

Namgung Cheon set down his teacup.

 

There was no need to explain further.

 

It seemed the other party already knew.

 

“I need information about Gwimyeon-gye.”

 

Hong Yeon looked at Namgung Cheon for a moment before opening her mouth.

 

“I suspected you might know about it, but hearing it directly like this feels different.”

 

Hong Yeon’s eyes turned toward Namgung Cheon’s waist.

 

More precisely, toward Cheoncheon in its white scabbard.

 

“I know you possess great martial prowess. But if something were to happen to you after hearing information from us…”

 

Hong Yeon’s gaze sharpened.

 

“Not only Gwimyeon-gye, but our Haowen Clan could also face complete annihilation.”

 

Namgung Cheon’s eyes narrowed.

 

“The Namgung takes responsibility for their own choices. Even if it costs their life.”

 

“Parents who have lost their children don’t see such things.”

 

Hong Yeon continued quietly.

 

“If something happens to you, we would merely become merchants who sent a precious child to their death. And there aren’t many places in Gangho that could withstand that fury.”

 

At those words, a faint smile appeared on Namgung Cheon’s lips.

 

Hong Yeon’s true intentions were as clear as the palm of his hand.

 

‘In the end, she’s saying she’ll ensure I don’t fall into danger.’

 

Following this flow, since she ultimately couldn’t avoid giving information, she would clearly only throw him harmless information.

 

‘Those words are also preparation for that purpose.’

 

In that case.

 

‘I’ll shatter the delusion that you can control me like that.’

 

Thud—.

 

Namgung Cheon rose from his seat.

 

“Young Master?”

 

“Since you won’t provide information, I have no choice but to confront them with my bare hands.”

 

Then, pocketing the jade token that was on the table, he added quietly.

 

“And when this matter ends well, I must definitely visit the clan leader. To tell them that the jade token you gave me was completely useless here.”

 

Namgung Cheon immediately walked toward the door.

 

His retreating figure striding toward the door was unhesitating, as if he would leap into mortal danger at any moment.

 

But Hong Yeon couldn’t see it.

 

The cold smile that formed on Namgung Cheon’s lips as he turned his back.

 

‘Now, choose.’

 

Whether to stop me, or bear the clan leader’s reproach.

 

Or if not that.

 

Whether everything would disappear under the fury of the world’s greatest swordsman who lost his child.

—————
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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