Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 64

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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 64

 

“Ugh.”

 

A terrible headache washed over him.

 

Namgung Cheon struggled to lift his eyelids.

 

Through his blurry vision, he saw an unfamiliar ceiling.

 

A ceiling that was neither ornate nor high, yet not shabby either.

 

The scent of medicine brushing his nose mixed with the papery smell that might come from old books.

 

It was a completely incomprehensible space.

 

‘Where is this…’

 

He tried to sit up, but couldn’t move even a finger.

 

His entire body felt as heavy as wet cotton.

 

Then, a familiar voice reached his ears from nearby.

 

“Finally coming to your senses, are you?”

 

Namgung Cheon barely managed to turn his head toward the sound.

 

There sat Namgung Dan, leaning back in an old chair reading a book.

 

Sunlight streaming through the window created a backlight that cast shadows across his face.

 

The man who had been delighted like a madman during their sparring match reading a book didn’t seem quite fitting.

 

“…That doesn’t seem like a suitable hobby for you.”

 

His cracked voice scraped his throat as it barely emerged.

 

Thud.

 

Namgung Dan chuckled and closed the book.

 

“You shouldn’t judge people by appearances alone. Believe it or not, I read the second most books in this clan after the Head of the Clan.”

 

He set the book down on the table.

 

From the faint character for “poetry” visible on the cover, it appeared to be an ordinary collection of poems.

 

A poetry collection for a member of the Namgung Clan, and the one called the Heavenly Sword Demon at that.

 

‘It would be more fitting to see the maid Soso holding a sword instead.’

 

Just as Namgung Cheon had that thought and was raising one corner of his mouth.

 

“It’s a keepsake left by the previous Jeoncheon Jeonju and my father, which makes him your great-uncle.”

 

“…”

 

Namgung Cheon’s smile slowly faded.

 

Seeing this, Namgung Dan chuckled.

 

“You sly fellow, I can clearly see what you were thinking.”

 

“…I wasn’t thinking anything.”

 

Creak—.

 

Namgung Dan rose from his seat and approached Namgung Cheon.

 

“More importantly, is criticizing my hobbies really the first thing you say upon waking? Aren’t there more ordinary questions like ‘Where am I?’ or ‘How much time has passed?'”

 

Namgung Cheon slowly turned his head to look at Namgung Dan and answered.

 

“Seeing that it’s you sitting before me rather than a physician, this must be Jeoncheon Hall, and since my body still aches, only a few days could have passed, so there’s no need to ask, is there?”

 

“What a sharp tongue you have.”

 

Namgung Dan clicked his tongue and grabbed Namgung Cheon’s wrist to check his pulse.

 

A cool energy flowed from his rough fingertips, examining Namgung Cheon’s meridians.

 

A moment of silence passed.

 

Namgung Dan’s brow furrowed deeply.

 

“Tsk. You’re in terrible shape.”

 

“At least I’m not dead, isn’t that fortunate?”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s calm response, Namgung Dan let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Do you think it’s proper to speak of death in a sparring match? We’re not demons who constantly talk about killing.”

 

“Didn’t you pour out that level of intensity?”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s point, Namgung Dan averted his gaze and cleared his throat.

 

“Ahem, that’s because you received it so well.”

 

Namgung Dan inadvertently revealed his excitement.

 

Soon he awkwardly changed the subject.

 

“But you have quite a good body. Baekbyeongjiche. While there have been those with Cheonmujiche in the Namgung Clan, I think this is the first time we’ve had Baekbyeongjiche… Why did you hide this?”

 

At Namgung Dan’s question, Namgung Cheon quietly pondered before answering.

 

“I never hid it. It’s just that the clan didn’t consider it a remarkable talent.”

 

Namgung Dan nodded as if he understood.

 

“I suppose… In this Namgung Clan that looks only to the sword, the ability to handle all sorts of miscellaneous weapons wouldn’t seem so impressive. They probably clicked their tongues saying it lacked depth.”

 

Namgung Dan chuckled as he looked at Namgung Cheon.

 

“But it’s probably thanks to that breadth that you endured my Heavenly Collapse.”

 

Namgung Dan pointed to his own arm as he continued.

 

“Ordinary fellows would have had their arms broken first trying to block my attacks with only sword principles. But you wielded a sword while incorporating the weight of a blade, and sometimes used the elasticity of a spear to deflect the impact.”

 

Namgung Dan’s eyes flashed.

 

“That flexibility of not being confined to the framework of the sword. Isn’t that another of your strengths?”

 

Namgung Cheon remained silent.

 

He didn’t deny it.

 

In fact, he had instinctively drawn upon the principles of various Demonic Sect martial arts he had learned in his previous life at every moment.

 

Irregular responses that a Sword Family couldn’t even imagine.

 

The physical characteristic of Baekbyeongjiche was certainly the solid foundation that made such irregularity possible.

 

“You flatter me.”

 

“Flattery nothing. I’m just stating things as they are.”

 

Namgung Dan rose from his seat and stretched.

 

“But you know, no matter how good a vessel is, if it’s made of paper, it’ll tear before it can properly hold water.”

 

He stared down at Namgung Cheon intently.

 

“And that’s exactly your current state. If you had Cheonmujiche it might be different, but with your current body, you’ll continue to fall short.”

 

A pointed observation.

 

Namgung Cheon didn’t deny it and nodded.

 

His current level was thanks to the mental cultivation method he had modified, the Cheonwang Bosimdan, and the knowledge and enlightenment from his previous life.

 

‘And if you ask whether my body is completely keeping up with this…’

 

He could only answer no.

 

While he hadn’t abandoned the sword, this body hadn’t undergone deep training for twenty years.

 

Eventually, Namgung Cheon slowly sat up as if breaking the silence.

 

Crack.

 

His stiff joints screamed in protest, but he showed no sign of it as he sat on the edge of the bed.

 

Then he looked directly at Namgung Dan.

 

“Please tell me the main point.”

 

“What main point?”

 

“The reason you brought me to this place.”

 

Namgung Dan’s gaze grew serious.

 

“If it were simply for recovery, you would have sent me to a physician. But the fact that you personally brought me here…”

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze swept around the room.

 

“It means there’s something in this Jeoncheon Hall, doesn’t it? Something that could change my body.”

 

At Namgung Cheon’s sharp insight, the corners of Namgung Dan’s mouth rose.

 

“Your perception is as good as your swordsmanship.”

 

Namgung Dan picked up the poetry collection from the table.

 

“Yes, you saw correctly. I didn’t bring you here simply to rest.”

 

He tucked the poetry collection into his robes and gestured to Namgung Cheon.

 

“Can you stand?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Namgung Cheon gritted his teeth and rose from his seat.

 

He put strength into his staggering legs and stepped firmly on the ground.

 

Namgung Dan took the lead.

 

“Follow me. I’ll show you the real Jeoncheon Hall.”

 

* * *

 

Creak―.

 

As he opened the door and stepped out, the first thing that caught his eye was a dense forest.

 

The fresh scent of grass and earthy smell wafted over him.

 

It seemed the place where he had been recuperating was a secluded Byeolchae nestled in the forest behind Jeoncheon Hall.

 

“Follow me.”

 

Namgung Dan began walking along the mountain trail that wound through the forest.

 

Step, step.

 

Only the footsteps of the two men echoed through the quiet forest.

 

Soon they emerged from the forest and entered an area lined with massive pavilions, and the sounds began to change.

 

Thump, thump, thump.

 

Regular vibrations transmitted through the soles of their feet.

 

And roars echoing from the distance.

 

“Can’t you strike harder than that!”

 

“Again!”

 

Finally, after passing through a long corridor and standing before an open railing, his vision suddenly expanded and the Naewon of Jeoncheon Hall came into full view.

 

“…!”

 

It was truly an overwhelming sight.

 

Hundreds of warriors filled the massive training ground to capacity.

 

Not only the Cheonggung Four Swords, called the elite of the clan, but also numerous lower sword divisions that supported them.

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze naturally lingered on the warriors’ movements.

 

‘Impressive.’

 

Although he had single-handedly defeated the Jinsan Sword Division just days ago, the Jinsan Sword Division was the lowest-ranking among the Cheonggung Four Swords in terms of martial prowess.

 

Here at Jeoncheon Hall, the other three sword divisions—Cheoncheon, Byeokryeok, and Pungun—all said to be several levels above the Jinsan Sword Division, were gathered together.

 

Moreover, those hundreds of warriors were moving as one body.

 

‘No wonder Namgung always stands at the forefront, whether in righteous wars or wars against demons.’

 

While Taoist and Buddhist sects were groups that gathered to seek enlightenment through martial arts, clans were groups bound by blood.

 

These were people who could throw away their lives like grass to protect the family to which their fathers, brothers, and children belonged.

 

Because they were warriors with such blind solidarity and fighting spirit.

 

‘They’re bound to display great power on the battlefield.’

 

Namgung Cheon nodded, newly realizing Namgung’s true strength.

 

At the same time, he felt puzzled about something.

 

Why exactly had he never seen these people around the clan?

 

Just then, Namgung Dan, who had been walking ahead, glanced back and chuckled.

 

“Surprising, isn’t it?”

 

“It is surprising, but… there’s something I’d like to ask.”

 

“What might that be?”

 

“With this scale of military force, it would be more than enough to influence the power balance of the clan. Yet it’s hard to see Jeoncheon Hall’s warriors around the clan normally. They don’t even do menial tasks like security or patrol.”

 

Namgung Cheon was right.

 

While he frequently encountered the warriors of the Guard Hall who were responsible for the clan’s security, it was usually hard to even catch a glimpse of Jeoncheon Hall’s warriors.

 

Namgung Dan answered calmly as he walked.

 

“Of course. Jeoncheon Hall isn’t a place that handles the clan’s menial affairs.”

 

His eyes became serious.

 

“We are the Head of the Clan’s sword. We receive no interference from the Council of Elders or other halls, and move only at the Head of the Clan’s command. We don’t get involved in useless power struggles like clan politics either.”

 

“So that’s why you don’t attend the grand assemblies.”

 

“Right. The Jeoncheon Jeonju holds a position equal to the Elders, but ultimately, the more one speaks, the duller the sword becomes. So there’s no reason to go.”

 

Namgung Dan gestured broadly as he crossed the Naewon.

 

“That’s also why Jeoncheon Hall stands alone at the eastern end. To escape worldly noise and focus solely on cultivating martial arts…”

 

He paused for a moment and smiled meaningfully.

 

“And to carry out another purpose.”

 

“Another purpose, you say…”

 

“Go and see for yourself.”

 

The two men crossed the Naewon and headed deeper inside.

 

As the noise from the Naewon gradually faded, the atmosphere began to change distinctly.

 

A massive gate made of Heukchul blocked their path.

 

Beyond the main gate, strange mist hung thickly, making it impossible to even guess what lay inside.

 

‘Formation techniques and…’

 

Namgung Cheon’s eyes narrowed.

 

Five warriors guarding the gate.

 

Their presence was extraordinary.

 

‘Though they’re at the initial stage, they’re all at the Transcendent realm.’

 

Namgung Cheon inwardly clicked his tongue.

 

Transcendent realm masters who would be treated with respect in Gangho were merely serving as guards here.

 

What exactly was inside to warrant such strict security?

 

“Please stop.”

 

The man who appeared to be the Guard Captain blocked Namgung Dan’s path.

 

Then he bowed respectfully to both Namgung Dan and Namgung Cheon.

 

“Third Young Master, I pay my respects to the Jeonju.”

 

A courteous greeting.

 

But that was all—the Guard Captain did not step aside.

 

“Jeonju, I apologize, but surely you know the rules.”

 

The Guard Captain continued with a troubled expression.

 

“Even if you are the Third Young Master, this is a Forbidden Zone. Without the Head of the Clan’s permission, no one can be allowed entry.”

 

Namgung Dan chuckled and waved his hand.

 

“The Head of the Clan’s approval has been granted.”

 

At Namgung Dan’s words, the Guard Captain started in surprise and then cleared the way.

 

“…Understood. Please forgive my rudeness, Young Master.”

 

Creak―.

 

The heavy main gate opened, and the thick mist beyond gradually cleared, revealing a path.

 

Had they walked along the revealed path for about half an hour?

 

Through the mist, a pavilion as massive as Jacheon Hall revealed its magnificent form.

 

A black pavilion without even a nameplate.

 

Its exterior, completely sealed without a single window, looked like a massive fortress.

 

“Let’s go in.”

 

Namgung Dan approached the pavilion’s main entrance.

 

Thud.

 

He pushed open the heavy door.

 

Then.

 

“Here, when the dantian’s energy and blood become twisted, the Three Burners don’t get blocked but flow in reverse! Isn’t that what the ancient texts say!”

 

“That’s nonsense! From what I’ve personally confirmed…”

 

A commotion completely opposite to the silence outside poured forth.

 

At the same time, the acrid smell of medicine permeated the interior.

 

Namgung Cheon held his breath at the strange sight unfolding before his eyes.

 

The interior of the massive, wide-open pavilion.

 

There wasn’t a single warrior to be seen.

 

Instead, physicians and scholars in white robes bustled about like a swarm of ants.

 

The massive medicine cauldrons and complex anatomical charts placed throughout made one doubt this was a pavilion of a martial family.

 

Reading Namgung Cheon’s expression, Namgung Dan casually asked.

 

“Doesn’t it seem strange to have such people in the heart of a martial clan?”

 

“…Honestly, it feels out of place.”

 

Namgung Dan looked around and continued in a low voice.

 

“Jeongcheon . Just as those words mean ‘to set heaven right,’ the family members think this Jeoncheon Hall exists to establish Namgung’s laws through force.”

 

His gaze deepened.

 

“Of course, that’s not entirely wrong. We do command elites including the Cheonggung Four Swords. However, this is because they don’t understand the true meaning of Jeongcheon as we see it.”

 

Namgung Dan’s words and the traces of medical research filling the surroundings.

 

A thought crossed Namgung Cheon’s mind.

 

‘The meaning of heaven…’

 

Namgung Cheon’s gaze lingered on the physicians and scholars moving about.

 

The anatomical charts and meridian flows they were studying with such fervor.

 

The reason this place existed.

 

Namgung Cheon quietly spoke.

 

“Heaven… Could it mean correcting the human body, the microcosm?”

 

At those words, the corners of Namgung Dan’s mouth turned up.

 

“Teach one thing and you understand ten.”

 

Namgung Dan nodded.

 

“That’s right. Only when the heaven that is one’s own body stands upright can one speak of Tianxia. Our true reason for existence lies in correcting that very flesh.”

 

Namgung Dan pointed to a massive scroll hanging on one wall.

 

There were portraits of the successive heads of the Namgung Clan painted on it.

 

“The ancestors of Namgung realized this. To reach the true pinnacle, one must properly lay the foundation from the beginning.”

 

Pride filled his voice.

 

“And so it began. The most magnificent and secret undertaking of Namgung, dedicated solely to creating the perfect body, starting hundreds of years ago.”

 

Only then could Namgung Cheon understand this entire scene.

 

That Jeoncheon Hall was where the Namgung Clan’s obsession with transcending human limits had gathered.

 

Namgung Dan pointed to the innermost part of the pavilion, blocked by a massive stone gate.

 

“And today, in that place where everything of Jeoncheon Hall is contained.”

 

His sharp gaze turned toward Namgung Cheon.

 

“We will correct your body.”

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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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