Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 53

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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 53

 

Where there are no shadows, ghosts do not dance .

 

“Where there are no shadows, ghosts do not dance.”

 

Akmugyeol stared intently at the phrase written on the silk fragment.

 

A short and strange sentence.

 

But before he could ponder its meaning, something else caught his eye.

 

The handwriting flowed like water yet had strokes that split sharply like a serpent’s tongue at the ends.

 

‘Samu Ryun.’

 

It was the Military Advisor’s handwriting.

 

‘However, this alone is insufficient to make a definitive identification.’

 

This handwriting alone couldn’t definitively conclude that the Military Advisor was behind Gwimyeon-gye.

 

“Is this all?”

 

Akmugyeol asked as he placed the silk fragment on the table.

 

Then Namgung Cheon took out an old book from his chest.

 

A book with nothing written on its cover.

 

“What is this?”

 

“Take a look.”

 

Akmugyeol picked up the book and skimmed through it.

 

His brow furrowed slightly as he read the formulas.

 

“…Isn’t this basic martial arts foundation training? The kind taught in any sect.”

 

Even to him, a supreme master, the content seemed nothing special.

 

Why had he bothered to bring this all the way from Monghwando?

 

Then Namgung Cheon spoke quietly.

 

“Look properly.”

 

Namgung Cheon pointed to a specific passage with his finger.

 

“The energy that departs from the dantian, from Gwanwon, seems to rise along the Conception Vessel.”

 

Namgung Cheon pointed to his own chest area.

 

“But ultimately, it’s a technique that stimulates this place, Danzhong, to disturb the innate energy.”

 

“…!”

 

“It burns the essence blood of the heart.”

 

Akmugyeol’s hand trembled slightly.

 

After hearing Namgung Cheon’s explanation and looking again, the meaning of the formulas appeared different.

 

“They intended to make children learn this. To use them as tools.”

 

“…”

 

Akmugyeol quietly stared at the book, lost in thought.

 

If hundreds or thousands who had learned this martial art were released into Gangho.

 

And if he had to fight them.

 

‘How terrifying.’

 

Another thought occurred to him simultaneously.

 

Akmugyeol looked away from the book and gazed at Namgung Cheon.

 

‘His understanding of martial arts is beyond common sense.’

 

To reach higher realms, enlightenment and understanding of martial arts must go hand in hand.

 

But while he, also a supreme master, hadn’t noticed it, Namgung Cheon had grasped it.

 

‘That means he has the foundation to reach realms beyond mine.’

 

As Akmugyeol quietly observed him, Namgung Cheon put the book back in his chest.

 

“I’ll take this. This will be sufficient evidence.”

 

Namgung Cheon pointed to the silk fragment.

 

Only then did Akmugyeol come to his senses and smile bitterly, but he didn’t demand the book.

 

“You’ve done well. But about the promised compensation…”

 

“I don’t need it right now.”

 

Namgung Cheon cut him off.

 

Then Akmugyeol narrowed his eyes.

 

“Are you trying to put me in debt? If you think such tactics will work on me…”

 

“You must be suspecting the Military Advisor. As being behind this.”

 

“…!”

 

Akmugyeol’s pupils shook as if struck at the vital point.

 

Namgung Cheon continued.

 

“There are only three people in positions to give orders to you, the Black Wind Division leader. The Sable Alliance leader, the Small Sect leader, and the Military Advisor.”

 

Namgung Cheon held up three fingers and began folding them one by one as he spoke.

 

“The Alliance leader is in seclusion, so he’s excluded. The Small Sect leader inherited the Alliance leader’s martial arts and has a fiery temperament, so he’s not the type to engage in such sinister acts. Then there’s only one person left, isn’t there?”

 

The logic was so clear that Akmugyeol lost his words to refute it.

 

Namgung Cheon opened his mouth with a cold smile.

 

“Dark Brush Talent Samu Ryun. If you break your promise… can you guarantee that this silk fragment and what I know won’t reach Dark Brush Talent’s ears?”

 

Akmugyeol’s body stiffened.

 

“…Is this blackmail?”

 

“Think of it as minimal collateral. Isn’t it good for you too? It’s better than me taking compensation and then blackmailing you with this.”

 

“…”

 

Namgung Cheon picked up his teacup and continued.

 

“Then I’ll contact you when I need something later. Until then, take good care of your neck, of course.”

 

Akmugyeol rose from his seat.

 

“You should also take good care of your neck. Still…”

 

Akmugyeol, pulling down his bamboo hat, continued quietly.

 

“Thank you for eliminating Gwimyeon-gye.”

 

Then Namgung Cheon spoke again.

 

“Ah, and one more thing.”

 

“What?”

 

“I heard there’s a transaction at midnight tonight. If news of Gwimyeon-gye’s downfall hasn’t spread yet, those bastards might show up.”

 

“…!”

 

Akmugyeol turned around in surprise.

 

It was crucial information that could allow them to capture the remaining members of Gwimyeon-gye or external forces trying to deal with them in one sweep.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Akmugyeol briefly expressed his gratitude and left the room without lingering.

 

Silence fell over the room.

 

Left alone, Namgung Cheon gazed at the empty teacup, lost in thought.

 

Tonight’s midnight transaction.

 

The reason he didn’t verify it directly was simple.

 

‘I don’t know who will come or how many will show up.’

 

There was no need to take on the risk directly.

 

Since he had given the information to Akmugyeol, if those bastards didn’t show up, it would pass without incident.

 

‘If they do show up, Akmugyeol will obtain clues.’

 

And it was obvious who he would share those clues with.

 

‘He’ll have no choice but to contact me again.’

 

Namgung Cheon put down his teacup and stood up.

 

Now all his business here was finished.

 

What remained was…

 

His gaze turned toward the adjacent room.

 

‘They said they’re all orphans.’

 

Children with nowhere to go and no one to rely on.

 

But he couldn’t take them to his family estate.

 

Because they have neither the leisure nor the thought to care for children.

 

‘Then….’

 

Namgung Cheon fell into thought for a moment.

 

A place not far from this Dongjeongho.

 

And a place that would desperately need these children with exceptional martial talent.

 

One place came to mind.

 

A sect that remained unbroken and righteously continued the orthodox lineage even amid the rise of the heterodox faction.

 

It was also a place he had originally planned to visit while coming to Dongjeongho.

 

‘Yes, I should go there.’

 

White Lotus Sword Sect.

 

That place would be able to embrace these children.

 

And in the future, these exceptional children would become the strongest roots supporting that place.

 

A faint smile crossed Namgung Cheon’s lips.

 

* * *

 

Gae Sect.

 

The sect boasting the largest membership in Tianxia, and the place where all news of the world gathered and scattered.

 

Among them, the Dongjeongho Branch was known as the cream of the crop even within the Gae Sect.

 

The reason was simple.

 

Since Dongjeongho was where the waterways of Tianxia converged, there were many merchant groups coming and going, and countless pleasure houses and inns led by Akyangnu kept their lights burning day and night.

 

In short, it was a land overflowing with food.

 

For beggars whose daily life involved going hungry, Dongjeongho where they didn’t have to worry about starving was truly paradise.

 

Thanks to this, the Dongjeongho Branch was four or five times the size of ordinary branches, and the branch leader managing this place was no ordinary person either.

 

“Burp―!”

 

The branch leader, Manbok-gae Jangpal, let out a hearty burp and patted his belly.

 

Five knots hanging from his waist, the Five Knots.

 

It was an exceptional position compared to ordinary branch leaders who had Three Knots.

 

“Ah, I’m so full. As expected, Akyangnu’s roasted duck is delicious even when cold.”

 

Jangpal giggled while picking his teeth with a duck bone.

 

Just then, urgent footsteps were heard from outside.

 

“Branch Leader! Branch Leader!”

 

One Knot beggar Yukson came running in breathlessly.

 

His face was flushed red as he was out of breath.

 

“Hey, how undignified! Didn’t I tell you to lie down until you digest after eating?”

 

Jangpal pretended to be stern and glared, but Yukson paid no attention and gasped as he shouted.

 

“That’s not the problem! Right now Dongjeongho has been completely turned upside down!”

 

“Why? Did the Akyangnu courtesans go on strike as a group?”

 

“No, it’s not that… It’s about Gwimyeon-gye! Those bastards are all dead!”

 

“What?”

 

Jangpal dropped the duck bone.

 

Gwimyeon-gye.

 

They were ones that even the Gae Sect had been keeping a close eye on.

 

There had even been discussions at headquarters about whether they should designate those bastards as public enemies of the martial world.

 

“Who killed them? Did the Sable Alliance bastards attack?”

 

“No! That’s the thing… According to the kids, only two people moved!”

 

“Two people?!”

 

Jangpal’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.

 

What kind of bastards was Gwimyeon-gye?

 

Their stronghold Monghwando was a natural fortress, and their leader was rumored to be a master who had reached the transcendent realm.

 

But two people did that?

 

“Who? What crazy bastards did such a thing?”

 

Yukson swallowed and answered.

 

“One of them is called Jeokmeolgeom!”

 

“Aha!”

 

Jangpal slapped his knee.

 

If it was Jeokmeolgeom, it made sense.

 

He was already a transcendent master famous throughout Gangho.

 

But that person…

 

Jangpal’s eyes turned cold.

 

“Since Jeokmeolgeom entered as Namgung Cheon’s retainer, the other one must be the third young master of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Cheon. It must have been done under Namgung Cheon’s leadership.”

 

“Yes! That’s how it seems.”

 

“Huh….”

 

Jangpal couldn’t close his mouth.

 

That prodigy who had caused all sorts of martial incidents in Anhui and even defeated Janggang Gyoryong.

 

He had heard the rumors well enough.

 

But he never dreamed he would come to Honam and cause such a major incident.

 

“He’s really something. Really something.”

 

Jangpal clicked his tongue.

 

“Then he rescued the kidnapped children too?”

 

“Yes! So somehow the rumor spread and now the marketplace is in complete chaos! People are all praising Young Master Namgung so much their mouths are going dry.”

 

Yukson chattered excitedly.

 

“Thanks to that, people are attaching all sorts of epithets to him. There’s one among them that sounds the most fitting, would you like to hear it?”

 

“What is it? Don’t keep me in suspense, just tell me quickly.”

 

Yukson opened his mouth with a solemn expression.

 

“Azure Heaven Sword Hero! Isn’t it cool?”

 

At those words, Jangpal stared blankly at Yukson and then laughed heartily.

 

“Kahaha! Namgung’s Azure Heaven with Hero… Well, if he did that much, he deserves such a name.”

 

Jangpal laughed loudly while stroking his beard.

 

It was delightful. His heart felt completely refreshed.

 

Gae Sect.

 

A gathering of those who survived by begging without possessing anything.

 

Being the lowest of society, they knew the sorrow of the weak better than anyone.

 

They were people who had experienced bone-deep pain of the powerless being trampled.

 

That’s why they revered and protected chivalry.

 

Those who drew their swords for the weak, those who blocked the tyranny of the strong.

 

Such people were truly heroes.

 

But this Honam was a place where the Sable Alliance’s power was strong.

 

The Gae Sect couldn’t step forward, and shouldn’t step forward.

 

‘Moreover, Gwimyeon-gye was suspected of having some relationship with the Sable Alliance.’

 

But they had been eliminated.

 

And in Honam where the Sable Alliance’s main branch was located, by a young master of Namgung no less.

 

At this incredible situation, Jangpal slightly raised one corner of his mouth.

 

‘It’s like hitting a rock with an egg, but we’ve got leverage to check the Sable Alliance.’

 

Jangpal’s eyes flashed.

 

“Release the kids. Make sure this news spreads to every corner of Dongjeongho, no, all of Honam. Tell them to make a really loud fuss about it.”

 

“Yes!”

 

Yukson ran off breathlessly.

 

Jangpal clasped his hands behind his back and paced around the branch office before looking outside.

 

In the distance, the blue waves of Dongjeongho sparkled in the sunlight.

 

“Namgung Cheon…”

 

Jangpal muttered quietly.

 

“Well, well, a real deal has appeared in Gangho.”

 

A deep smile spread across his lips.

 

It was a fresh wind blowing through this Gangho that reeked of corruption after such a long time.

—————
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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