Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 57

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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 57

 

A day had passed.

 

Early morning, after recovering from fatigue and finishing preparations for departure.

 

Mujin stepped out of the guest room, stretched, and spoke to Namgung Cheon.

 

“The weather is nice. Shall we take a walk before leaving? The morning air is quite refreshing.”

 

Namgung Cheon nodded. There was no reason to hurry.

 

The two slowly walked along the path leading from the White Lotus Sword Sect to the mountain.

 

A quiet morning where only the sounds of mountain birds and wind could be heard.

 

It was such a peaceful time that the tension and bloody battles of the past seemed like a dream.

 

After walking for a while and returning near the training ground.

 

“Look over there.”

 

Mujin stopped walking and pointed to one side of the training ground.

 

There, Lee Ja-seong sat alone in meditation.

 

Perfect posture, calm breathing.

 

He was spending his own time trying to nurture the seed that Namgung Cheon had planted in him the night before.

 

“What a tough person. To sit there so calmly just one day after receiving the young master’s killing intent all night.”

 

At Mujin’s admiration, Namgung Cheon silently nodded.

 

The Lee Ja-seong he had observed was, frankly speaking, not born with exceptional martial talent.

 

However.

 

‘Martial talent doesn’t determine everything for a martial artist.’

 

Tenacity beyond persistence and relentless determination.

 

These were the greatest weapons for a martial artist.

 

‘Such people are the ones who ultimately survive to the end.’

 

Surviving in the vast battlefield called Gangho.

 

This was what could truly be called being strong.

 

In that sense, Lee Ja-seong would surely become a strong person.

 

Then, sensing their presence, Lee Ja-seong slowly opened his eyes.

 

His gaze was much deeper and clearer than before.

 

“Have you been well?”

 

Lee Ja-seong rose from his seat and respectfully cupped his fists.

 

Namgung Cheon nodded.

 

“It seems the sect leader’s sword has finally found its path.”

 

“It’s all thanks to you, young master.”

 

Deep gratitude was contained in Lee Ja-seong’s voice.

 

“You are my benefactor, and the benefactor of the White Lotus Sword Sect.”

 

The path he must take was also the path the White Lotus Sword Sect must take.

 

Therefore, Namgung Cheon could indeed be called the benefactor of the White Lotus Sword Sect.

 

Lee Ja-seong bowed his head deeply once more.

 

Instead of answering, Namgung Cheon lightly returned the courtesy.

 

Into that brief silence came unfamiliar but welcome footsteps.

 

Tap, tap.

 

The sound of several people running lightly.

 

The three men’s gazes simultaneously turned toward the source of the sound.

 

Children led by Baekheun were approaching, their training robes decorated with lotus flowers fluttering.

 

“Oh! Have you already finished the admission procedures?”

 

Mujin asked with wide eyes.

 

Lee Ja-seong nodded with a pleased smile.

 

“Yes. My father entrusted me with all the sect’s affairs, big and small, when he left. Besides, with such precious talents, shouldn’t we welcome them as members of our sword sect as quickly as possible?”

 

At Lee Ja-seong’s words, Mujin burst into laughter.

 

“Haha! The children must have completely won over the sect leader’s heart. Good.”

 

Soon the children stood in a line before Namgung Cheon and Mujin.

 

Tension about the unfamiliar environment and the approaching farewell was evident on their young faces.

 

Mujin chuckled and spoke to the children.

 

“You rascals, they say clothes make the man, and putting you in martial robes makes you look quite dignified.”

 

Mujin patted the shoulder of the tallest child, Sobak.

 

“Now you must live well here. Understand?”

 

Sobak nodded silently.

 

Then he subtly signaled to the other children with his eyes.

 

As if by agreement, the children simultaneously stepped back one pace.

 

Thud!

 

All five children respectfully cupped their fists at the same time.

 

Though still clumsy, it was a properly formed martial artist’s etiquette.

 

“…!”

 

At this sight, Namgung Cheon and Mujin looked on with surprised eyes, while Baekheun, standing beside them, scratched his head sheepishly.

 

“Did you teach them?”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s question, Baekheun nodded.

 

“Yes. Since they’re entering a martial sect, I thought they should know basic etiquette, so I taught them whenever I had time. They’re all clever and learned quickly.”

 

Namgung Cheon alternately looked at Baekheun with his pleased expression and the children who were nervously maintaining their cupped fist salute.

 

“We will not forget your kindness!”

 

Following Sobak’s lead, the children shouted loudly.

 

These were heartfelt words toward their benefactor who had pulled them from hell and opened a new life for them.

 

Namgung Cheon silently looked down at the children.

 

Himself reflected fully in the children’s eyes, and a strange moisture in those eyes.

 

An unfamiliar emotion he had never experienced in his previous life or this life strangely tickled his chest.

 

Baekheun added with a pleased expression from beside them.

 

“They’ve been waiting since dawn after hearing that you were leaving, young master.”

 

Namgung Cheon was silent for a moment, then awkwardly raised his hand to pat Sobak’s head once.

 

“…Work hard.”

 

“Yes!”

 

That was the best encouragement he could offer.

 

After nodding once toward the children, Namgung Cheon quietly said to Lee Ja-seong.

 

“I’m indebted to you.”

 

“Those are my words to say. The kindness you have shown us, young master….”

 

“No.”

 

Namgung Cheon raised his hand to stop him.

 

“Just think of it as payment for the wine cup that was bumped at the Yeongang Martial Arts Assembly.”

 

A simple statement.

 

Understanding the meaning contained in those words, Lee Ja-seong didn’t mention gratitude any further.

 

Instead.

 

“…Someday, I will surely become a strength to you, young master.”

 

A faint smile crossed Namgung Cheon’s lips.

 

“I look forward to it. Then, farewell.”

 

With those words, Namgung Cheon turned around.

 

Mujin and Baekheun followed behind him.

 

On the path departing by carriage.

 

The disciples of the White Lotus Sword Sect and the children came out to the front gate to see them off.

 

Watching their figures grow distant, Namgung Cheon thought.

 

Though his meeting with them would end here for now, the thread of fate would surely connect again someday.

 

Then suddenly.

 

‘…I’ve changed.’

 

In his previous life, he wouldn’t have thought about such connections.

 

But his current self was keeping their figures in his sight until the very end.

 

Namgung Cheon closed the window and shut his eyes.

 

One corner of his chest felt heavy, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

 

Strangely enough.

 

That unfamiliar warmth made him feel that he was alive.

 

Then, Mujin casually asked.

 

“By the way, young master, come to think of it, where will you go now?”

 

Namgung Cheon slowly opened his eyes.

 

Quite some time had passed since he left.

 

In that time, many things had changed, and he had gained much.

 

So.

 

“I should return.”

 

To the place where connections that didn’t exist in his previous life were waiting.

 

“Home.”

 

* * *

 

Namgung Clan, Gajujeon.

 

The grand assembly held on the first day of every month.

 

It was a gathering where all the core members of the clan, including the family head, came together to discuss the achievements and current issues of the past month.

 

While Grand Elder Namgung Gyeong was reporting on the major and minor events of the past month, he brought up the matter concerning Namgung Cheon.

 

“Lastly, this is a report on the Third Young Master’s external activities.”

 

With those words, all eyes in the hall focused on him.

 

The Grand Elder concisely summarized the contents of the messages that had arrived from Anhui and Honam over the past few weeks.

 

His achievements at the Yeongang Martial Arts Assembly and the elimination of Gwimyeon-gye.

 

And even the title of Cheoncheon Sword Hero that he had earned as a result.

 

As the report continued, pride and awe spread across the elders’ faces.

 

“Ooh…!”

 

“What a magnificent achievement!”

 

The youngest young master, who had been called the family’s disgrace just a few months ago, was now elevating the family’s prestige.

 

While everyone continued praising Namgung Cheon with bright expressions.

 

There was only one person whose expression had hardened.

 

It was the Second Young Master, Namgung Jin.

 

‘Cheoncheon Sword Hero….’

 

His mouth turned bitter.

 

While he had been tending to the family’s affairs day and night, strengthening its foundation, his younger brother had been making a brilliant name for himself outside.

 

And that was entirely through his own power, without any support from the family.

 

‘I have no choice but to acknowledge it.’

 

As a martial artist, his younger brother’s achievements were remarkable.

 

He had no intention of denying or diminishing them.

 

‘That wouldn’t be the Namgung way.’

 

But that made him even more anxious.

 

‘At this rate, my position might disappear.’

 

Then, the Grand Elder changed the topic.

 

“Next, let us hear the Second Young Master’s internal affairs report.”

 

Namgung Jin rose from his seat and unfolded the report he had prepared.

 

He gathered himself and began reporting fluently on the family’s financial status over the past month and the profit distribution plan obtained through Baekcheon Trading Company.

 

When the report ended, an admiring silence filled the hall.

 

Even the elders were impressed by his ability to thoroughly understand the complex figures and vast content without any gaps.

 

It was Jegal Hwa who broke that silence.

 

“Excellent, Jin.”

 

She looked at her son with a gentle smile.

 

“To convert Baekcheon Trading Company’s profits back to the family’s treasury so quickly, while also creating a plan to distribute them efficiently.”

 

The other elders nodded in agreement with her words.

 

Only then did Namgung Jin’s hardened expression gradually soften.

 

‘That’s right.’

 

A family cannot be led by the sword alone.

 

‘I have work that I can do well.’

 

Namgung Jin steeled his resolve.

 

His younger brother’s growth was certainly threatening, but it was also stimulating.

 

There was no reason to avoid it, no reason to fear it.

 

‘I just need to continuously prove my worth in my own position.’

 

That was what the Namgung Clan was like.

 

A cold but fair place that evaluated people based on ability and merit.

 

And a place that never abandoned those who devoted themselves to the family.

 

Therefore, Namgung Jin was certain.

 

That the path he was walking was also not wrong.

 

That was when it happened.

 

“The Third Young Master has arrived!”

 

With the shout from outside the door, the heavy doors of Gajujeon opened.

 

Creak―.

 

With the pouring sunlight behind him, Namgung Cheon entered the hall.

 

Black martial robes and two swords.

 

Though his attire was the same as when he left, the aura he emanated was distinctly different.

 

The sharpness forged through countless life-and-death situations and the heavy dignity that overwhelmed people.

 

The hall was instantly enveloped in silence.

 

While everyone held their breath and watched his steps, Namgung Cheon stopped in front of the family head.

 

He slowly raised his head.

 

His gaze met with the family head sitting in Taesaui, Namgung Mugang.

 

“I have returned.”

 

A short phrase.

 

He didn’t explain in detail what he had done or where he had been.

 

Because such things weren’t important to Namgung Mugang.

 

“….”

 

Namgung Mugang silently looked down at his son.

 

In the deep silence, father and son’s gazes intertwined.

 

Eventually.

 

“You’ve worked hard.”

 

An unmistakably clear smile spread across Namgung Mugang’s lips.

—————
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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