Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 55

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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 55

 

“Haha, I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d be misunderstood like that.”

 

Inside the fabric shop, Mujin burst into hollow laughter as he spoke.

 

Namgung Cheon also nodded as if he agreed.

 

Last night, after receiving suspicious glances, they entered the inn.

 

‘Excuse me… what is your relationship with the children?’

 

The innkeeper cautiously approached and asked.

 

His gaze alternated between Namgung Cheon’s group in neat martial robes and the children dressed in old rags.

 

Eyes full of suspicion.

 

Only then did the group realize.

 

That three decent men traveling with five dirty children looked exactly like kidnappers.

 

Mujin let out a snicker.

 

“Now that I think about it, we must have looked suspicious. Isn’t that right, Young Master?”

 

“I won’t deny it.”

 

Namgung Cheon replied calmly.

 

Then Baekheun, standing beside him, bowed his head.

 

“It’s my oversight. I should have prepared clothes for the children beforehand…”

 

“It’s not your fault. You’re a bodyguard, not a servant. Besides, none of us have ever raised children.”

 

Namgung Cheon consoled Baekheun.

 

Though his tone was indifferent, there was consideration in his words.

 

Watching this, a pleased smile crossed Mujin’s lips.

 

Namgung Cheon had been strangely different lately.

 

Mujin quite liked the unfamiliar warmth he felt from someone who had been cold as ice.

 

Just then, the inner door opened and the proprietress’s voice was heard.

 

“All done!”

 

The three men’s gazes turned toward the interior in unison.

 

The children, dressed in new clothes, were walking out hesitantly.

 

Sturdy martial robes made of quality cotton and leather shoes.

 

It was a completely different appearance from when they wore tattered cloth scraps.

 

“They suit you well. Clothes make the man, after all.”

 

Even at Mujin’s praise, the children couldn’t readily show joy.

 

Glancing around.

 

They only cautiously fingered their sleeves while watching each other’s reactions.

 

But they couldn’t hide the shy smiles spreading across their faces.

 

Then, the largest child stepped forward.

 

“…”

 

The other children looked at him and nodded.

 

Then the child who stepped forward looked up at Namgung Cheon.

 

With clear eyes, despite his shoulders stiff with tension.

 

“Thank you.”

 

He expressed his feelings.

 

Then the other children also bowed their heads.

 

“…”

 

Namgung Cheon looked down at the children silently.

 

Clearly it was a situation where he should say something, but for someone who had spent his life desperately wielding only a sword, it was far too difficult.

 

He’d rather swing his sword a thousand times.

 

Unable to bear the awkward silence, Mujin let out a short sigh and sent a telepathic message to Namgung Cheon.

 

―Young Master, at times like this you should pat their heads and say warm words like ‘There’s nothing to thank me for’ or ‘Your staying healthy and well is reward enough.’ By the way, that child’s name is Sobak.

 

Namgung Cheon’s eyebrows twitched at Mujin’s coaching.

 

He hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly raised his hand and placed it on the child’s head.

 

“…Sobak, you don’t need to thank me.”

 

A rough touch.

 

And words much shorter and drier than what Mujin had taught him.

 

“It’s enough if you all live well.”

 

But the sincerity contained in those clumsy words was enough to reach the children.

 

The tense faces of the children finally relaxed completely.

 

“Yes!”

 

“Thank you!”

 

The children looked at each other and burst into laughter.

 

Seeing this, Mujin shook his head while smiling.

 

Namgung Cheon, overwhelmed by awkwardness, quickly took out silver coins from his pocket and handed them to the shop owner.

 

“Please calculate the bill.”

 

The shop owner’s eyes widened as he received the silver coins.

 

It was far more than enough for five sets of clothes.

 

“Oh my, great hero, the silver coins are…”

 

“It’s fine. If you insist, please prepare some sweets for the children.”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s words, the shop owner and his wife bowed repeatedly.

 

“Thank you, Young Master!”

 

A short while later.

 

Each of the children dressed in new clothes held a sweet in their hands.

 

Children who seemed to have gained the whole world from a single sweet.

 

The children who had only been watching others’ reactions just moments ago were now walking ahead with much lighter steps.

 

“A good sight.”

 

Namgung Cheon didn’t respond to Mujin’s words.

 

However, his gaze never left the backs of the chattering children.

 

* * *

 

The carriage left the center of Imseong and entered the mountain foothills.

 

The road leading to the White Lotus Sword Sect was tranquil.

 

Dense bamboo forests spread out on both sides of the well-paved stone path, giving the feeling of entering a fairyland cut off from the world.

 

Before long, their destination finally revealed itself at the end of the mountain path.

 

Above the mountain gate supported by two massive pillars, a signboard hung heavily.

 

[White Lotus Sword Sect].

 

The signboard was completely faded as if it had weathered many years of wind and rain.

 

There were even traces of sword cuts and fire burns at the corners of the signboard.

 

But the characters reading “White Lotus Sword Sect” carved on it still emanated a clear energy.

 

Calligraphy that was both gentle and upright.

 

It resembled the spirit of a single white lotus that would never be defiled even in a muddy pond.

 

“Ha, can’t you feel the noble spirit even from the signboard?”

 

Mujin spoke with an admiring voice.

 

Namgung Cheon also nodded silently.

 

Just from the signboard, he could feel the firm will of those who had protected their swords without breaking even amid the Heterodox Faction’s dominance.

 

And their pride in this.

 

As the carriage stopped, the disciples guarding the main gate blocked their path.

 

And when Baekheun, sitting on the driver’s seat, said something to them.

 

“…!”

 

The disciples’ eyes widened.

 

Then one disciple hurriedly ran inside, and shortly after, urgent footsteps could be heard from within the mountain gate.

 

“Young Master!”

 

A familiar voice.

 

It was Lee Ja-seong, the Young Sect Leader of the White Lotus Sword Sect.

 

He pushed through his disciples and ran out, taking a respectful bow.

 

“What brings you to such a humble place? If you had sent word ahead, I would have come out to greet you.”

 

Namgung Cheon got down from the carriage and observed Lee Ja-seong.

 

Compared to when they met at the Yeongang Martial Arts Assembly, his face had clearly grown gaunt.

 

“I stopped by because I have a favor to ask. But more importantly, is everything alright?”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s question, Lee Ja-seong smiled bitterly and nodded.

 

“Yes, there have just been many matters, big and small, within the sect lately, so I’ve been a bit busy.”

 

He put on a bright expression and guided Namgung Cheon’s party.

 

As they entered the White Lotus Sword Sect.

 

“Hyaap!”

 

“Harder, you must thrust your sword more sharply!”

 

In the training ground, dozens of disciples were swinging their swords while dripping with sweat.

 

Their spirited shouts echoed thunderously enough to shake the mountain.

 

Namgung Cheon watched the scene intently.

 

Then he recalled a story he had heard at the Yeongang Martial Arts Assembly.

 

‘So this is what they meant by using killing techniques unbefitting of the Orthodox Faction.’

 

However.

 

‘How strange.’

 

To Namgung Cheon’s eyes, something looked unnatural.

 

The flow of their internal energy was orthodox, but their sword techniques were excessively vicious.

 

That awkward discord caught Namgung Cheon’s attention.

 

‘But now is not the time to discuss this.’

 

Namgung Cheon set aside his doubts for the moment and followed Lee Ja-seong again.

 

They soon arrived at the guest room for honored guests.

 

It was a simple but neatly arranged room.

 

After taking their seats and moistening their throats with warm tea, Mujin set down his teacup and casually spoke up.

 

“By the way, isn’t the Sect Leader here? I think we should pay our respects.”

 

Lee Ja-seong answered as he set down his teacup.

 

“I apologize. My father is currently in Jangsa, the provincial capital, for a meeting.”

 

“A meeting?”

 

“The situation in Honam has been unsettled lately, so Orthodox Faction sects with similar views are gathering to discuss countermeasures.”

 

Worry tinged Lee Ja-seong’s voice.

 

For Orthodox Faction sects to band together in Honam, where the Sable Alliance held strong influence, meant the situation was that desperate.

 

Namgung Cheon nodded.

 

Then Mujin glanced around and brought up the main topic.

 

“Speaking of which, Young Sect Leader, I’m sorry to trouble you at such a time, but we came here with a favor to ask.”

 

“Please don’t worry about it. Tell me anything.”

 

“It’s about the children who came with us earlier.”

 

When Mujin looked at Namgung Cheon, Namgung Cheon continued.

 

“They’re children we rescued from Gwimyeon-gye. They’re all orphans with nowhere proper to go.”

 

Namgung Cheon briefly explained the process of rescuing the children and their circumstances.

 

Perhaps the news hadn’t spread to Imseong yet, as Lee Ja-seong’s expression changed moment by moment as he listened to the story.

 

And after hearing the entire story.

 

“Truly admirable, Young Master—no, Great Hero.”

 

Lee Ja-seong showed proper respect.

 

Then Namgung Cheon shook his head.

 

“It’s nothing remarkable. But more than that…”

 

When Namgung Cheon trailed off, Lee Ja-seong’s eyes lit up as he nodded.

 

“Taking in children with nowhere to go is the right thing to do. Our sword sect will take responsibility for them.”

 

Adding about five more mouths to feed was no burden at all for the White Lotus Sword Sect.

 

Rather, he thought that turning away children with nowhere to go would be abandoning chivalrous principles.

 

But Namgung Cheon didn’t stop there.

 

“I’m not simply asking you to take them in.”

 

“Then…”

 

“Please accept those children as disciples.”

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze deepened.

 

“Every one of them possesses exceptional martial talent.”

 

At those words, Lee Ja-seong fell into thought for a moment before speaking.

 

“I was already keeping an eye on them earlier. Even at a glance, they seemed extraordinary.”

 

Moreover, if Namgung Cheon, a martial artist of supreme skill, said their martial talent was exceptional, he must have seen something beyond what he himself had observed.

 

Therefore, he hesitated no longer.

 

From the White Lotus Sword Sect’s perspective, where talent was precious, this was a proposal they had no reason to refuse—rather, one they should welcome with open arms.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Lee Ja-seong stood up once more and bowed deeply toward Namgung Cheon.

 

“I will raise these children with all my sincerity. I will make them into martial artists worthy of the White Lotus Sword Sect’s name.”

 

“I’m counting on you.”

 

Namgung Cheon smiled faintly.

 

With this, the biggest task—the matter of the children—was resolved.

 

The White Lotus Sword Sect gained talent, and the children gained a home, so it was a good outcome for both sides.

 

Lee Ja-seong smiled brightly and said.

 

“But if you’re not in a hurry to leave, how about staying for a day? I’d like to offer you at least a drink.”

 

At those words, Mujin’s face brightened.

 

“Oh!”

 

Mujin looked at him with eyes full of anticipation.

 

Namgung Cheon burst into laughter and nodded.

 

“Very well. We’ll impose on your hospitality.”

 

* * *

 

A drinking table that would make one’s eyes widen in amazement.

 

Mujin’s eyes sparkled more than ever.

 

“Oh, Hyeongyang aged yellow wine!”

 

Mujin exclaimed in admiration as he received his cup.

 

Lee Ja-seong smiled and spoke.

 

“You recognize it. Young Sect Leader Hwajinseok gave it as a gift when he visited. I was so grateful that he brought not only fine weapons but also such precious liquor.”

 

He was already providing weapons too.

 

The hearty image of Hwajinseok burning his beard and laughing heartily flashed through Namgung Cheon’s mind.

 

‘How magnanimous, just like Young Sect Leader Hwa.’

 

It was a moment that confirmed the bond between Hwacheolbang and the White Lotus Sword Sect was growing strong.

 

After that, the wine cups went around several times, and as a gentle intoxication set in, the atmosphere became much softer.

 

Amid light jokes and laughter, the conversation naturally flowed toward the White Lotus Sword Sect’s past.

 

“Speaking of which, that’s remarkable.”

 

Mujin set down his wine cup and began.

 

“In this Honam region crawling with Heterodox Faction scoundrels, planting the Orthodox Faction’s flag and holding your ground—how could that be easy? You must have suffered greatly.”

 

A bitter smile crossed Lee Ja-seong’s face.

 

“It wasn’t easy, I heard. Every other day, disciples would die…”

 

Lee Ja-seong poured wine again.

 

His anguish seemed to be reflected on the surface of the clear liquor.

 

“So that’s why your swordsmanship changed?”

 

Namgung Cheon asked quietly.

 

“I saw your disciples training as I came in. It seemed a bit different for Orthodox Faction swordsmanship.”

 

Lee Ja-seong nodded with a bitter smile.

 

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s become known to the world as well. We had to change to survive. Little by little since the previous generation, we began pursuing certain killing techniques over elegant forms, practical benefits over noble causes.”

 

He paused for a moment, then added with a self-deprecating voice.

 

“In doing so, our sword sect has somehow become… something that’s neither Orthodox nor Heterodox Faction.”

 

This was Lee Ja-seong’s greatest concern.

 

Though it was a change chosen for survival, he felt guilt over losing their pride as an Orthodox sect in the process.

 

Yet he still felt powerless, only able to struggle desperately to survive.

 

Lee Ja-seong downed the bitter liquor.

 

“The more I train, the more I feel like I’m hitting a wall. The more I try to strike stronger and sharper, the heavier my sword becomes.”

 

Namgung Cheon silently watched Lee Ja-seong.

 

Swordsmanship that mimicked Heterodox killing techniques based on Orthodox internal energy.

 

Trapped within the shell of Orthodox principles, he likely couldn’t fully unleash those killing techniques.

 

‘His mind wants to cut, but his body hesitates.’

 

Namgung Cheon set down his wine cup.

 

Clink.

 

The small sound broke the silence in the room.

 

“They say seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.”

 

Lee Ja-seong raised his head at Namgung Cheon’s words.

 

“Worries discussed in words are merely armchair theories. You have to clash with your body to find the answer.”

 

Namgung Cheon rose from his seat.

 

“How about we verify it directly?”

 

“What… do you mean to verify?”

 

Namgung Cheon tapped his scabbard.

 

“That limitation you speak of. Let’s verify the White Lotus Sword Sect’s swordsmanship.”

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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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