Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 66

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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 66

 

Wooooooong―!

 

The entire Jamryongdong shook with a tremendous vibration.

 

Soon, the medicinal liquid that had been boiling day and night for several days subsided as if by magic.

 

The dark red, murky liquid had now become clear and transparent like crystal.

 

This was because all the essence contained within had completely absorbed into one person’s body.

 

“Huuu….”

 

Namgung Cheon, who had been sitting cross-legged in the center of the cauldron, exhaled a long breath.

 

Blue energy that burst forth from between his lips scattered in midair.

 

And when he opened his eyes.

 

Flash.

 

A blue flash of light gleamed like lightning.

 

His gaze had become much deeper and more serene than before.

 

Namgung Cheon raised his hand.

 

Skin as smooth as white jade.

 

He clenched and unclenched his palm, now clean without a single scar.

 

Crack.

 

The sound of joints aligning rang out crisply.

 

‘It’s changed.’

 

The sensation of every muscle, every blood vessel being perfectly controlled by his will.

 

If his previous body had been a fairly decent steed.

 

‘My current body is at the level of a legendary warhorse.’

 

But the true change lay elsewhere.

 

Namgung Cheon closed his eyes and looked inward.

 

His Dantian.

 

The Gihai, which could be called a warrior’s life force.

 

There, an incomparably vast and weighty energy had settled, far beyond what existed before.

 

It was thanks to the Hwangobanyeon technique.

 

The hellish pain he had endured during the great method’s process.

 

That terrible agony of bones melting and flesh tearing, unbearable for human mental strength, had been accumulated in his Dantian.

 

As a result.

 

‘I’ve gained about one Gapja cycle.’

 

Physical reconstruction and explosive improvement of internal energy.

 

He had caught two rabbits at once.

 

Namgung Cheon slowly rose to his feet.

 

Splash.

 

The clear water rippled gently.

 

“…What a monstrous fellow.”

 

A voice mixed with hollow laughter came from beside him.

 

It was Namgung Dan.

 

He looked haggard as if he hadn’t slept a wink for several days, but his eyes alone were blazing.

 

“I told you to fix your body, but you’ve come out as a completely different person.”

 

Namgung Dan approached and grasped Namgung Cheon’s shoulder.

 

It was solid.

 

But at the same time, it was soft.

 

A strange body where strength and flexibility coexisted.

 

That wasn’t all.

 

Namgung Dan’s eyes narrowed.

 

‘It would be difficult enough just to endure the pain, yet he even circulated his energy….’

 

He had watched inside the cauldron throughout the entire process of the great method.

 

And soon realized.

 

That Namgung Cheon, who had initially groaned in pain, had at some point begun operating mental techniques and absorbing energy.

 

He had even smiled during that process, hadn’t he?

 

Namgung Dan burst into laughter.

 

“I didn’t know you were one of those strange types who enjoys pain.”

 

“…That’s not the case.”

 

Namgung Dan clicked his tongue.

 

“In all my life, I’ve seen countless warriors, but this is the first time I’ve encountered a freak like you.”

 

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

 

Namgung Cheon put on his clothes and tied his belt.

 

His physique visible above the clothes wasn’t greatly different from before.

 

His muscles didn’t bulge out dramatically, nor had his height grown significantly.

 

But Namgung Dan could see it clearly.

 

The muscle strength that could launch him several zhang with just a push off the ground, and the tremendous internal energy that would propel him like a favorable wind.

 

“How is it? Does your body feel lighter?”

 

Namgung Dan asked.

 

“Rather than lighter….”

 

Namgung Cheon repeatedly clenched and unclenched his fist.

 

The flow of energy transmitted to his fingertips was vivid.

 

“I feel like I’m finally wearing clothes that fit me perfectly.”

 

“How arrogant.”

 

Namgung Dan chuckled.

 

But within that laughter was an unmistakable satisfaction.

 

Because the task that Jeoncheon Hall had devoted itself to for the past fifty years had been perfectly accomplished.

 

Namgung Dan caressed the cauldron with a bittersweet expression.

 

Then, Namgung Cheon quietly spoke.

 

“May I ask you one thing?”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“Why did you perform this great method on me instead of the eldest young master, my older brother?”

 

Namgung Hwi, the most likely successor who was already making a name for himself in Gangho.

 

Logically, this precious great method should have gone to him as the eldest son.

 

To Namgung Cheon’s question, Namgung Dan answered calmly.

 

“Hwi had no further need for it.”

 

Namgung Dan chuckled and continued.

 

“He possesses everything a warrior needs – physique, internal energy, and more. Just like your father.”

 

Namgung Dan’s gaze reached Namgung Cheon.

 

“On the other hand, you were lacking. Of course, most people in this Gangho have inferior martial talent compared to you, but to become the sky of Namgung, that level truly wasn’t enough. And above all….”

 

Namgung Dan smiled mischievously.

 

“That boy Hwi is too upright and boring. To turn Tianxia upside down, someone crazy like you is perfect.”

 

“….”

 

Half joking, half serious.

 

But Namgung Cheon read the expectation contained in those words.

 

Expectation for someone who walks their own path rather than a predetermined one.

 

He was probably projecting his own lingering regret – having wanted to surpass his cousin who was the clan head, yet ultimately failing to do so.

 

“Let’s go. They’ll be waiting outside with their necks craned.”

 

Namgung Dan took the first step.

 

Grrrr―.

 

The heavy stone door opened.

 

As soon as the door opened, dozens of scholars and physicians who had been waiting burst into cheers and prostrated themselves on the ground in unison.

 

“Success!”

 

“The great technique has succeeded!”

 

The joy of seeing the great technique they had devoted their lives to finally bear fruit.

 

Their tearful cheers would be no different from the ecstasy felt when a warrior reaches the realm they’ve dreamed of their entire life.

 

However, Namgung Cheon’s gaze was directed elsewhere, not at them.

 

Outside.

 

Not inside this stuffy building, but the exterior.

 

There…

 

“Doesn’t it itch?”

 

Namgung Dan said with a grin.

 

“If you’ve put on new clothes, you should check if they fit properly.”

 

Namgung Dan gestured toward outside the pavilion with his chin.

 

“Let’s go out. To the training ground.”

 

A deep smile spread across Namgung Cheon’s lips.

 

“Very well.”

 

It was exactly what he had hoped for.

 

* * *

 

Jeoncheon-jeon Training Hall.

 

The place that would normally be bustling with hundreds of warriors was eerily quiet.

 

“I had everyone withdraw for you. Except for them, that is.”

 

Namgung Dan, standing in the center of the training ground, pointed to a group with his scabbard as he spoke.

 

When Namgung Cheon turned his head, he saw familiar faces from before.

 

It was the Changcheon Sword Sect.

 

“I thought you might need a little stimulation. Oh, by the way, all the remarkable things you absorbed were brought back by them risking their lives.”

 

Namgung Dan added, looking at them.

 

“There was one who nearly had his arm amputated due to frostbite while breaking through the ice walls of the North Sea to bring back ice crystals, and another who was poisoned while retrieving black sand bile from the Southern Barbarian Poison Valley and lingered between life and death for half a year.”

 

At those words, subtle smiles spread across the faces of the Changcheon Sword Sect members.

 

Sling—

 

Namgung Dan drew his sword with a smile.

 

“So it’s only right to give them a chance to witness the duel, isn’t it? Prove to those fellows that you’re worth all that.”

 

Namgung Cheon silently nodded.

 

A miracle created with their blood and sweat.

 

It was natural to verify whether the result was truly worthy.

 

Namgung Cheon slowly drew his sword.

 

The blade of Cheoncheon gleamed as it caught the sunlight.

 

“Understood.”

 

An answer without hesitation.

 

And then an explosive leap followed.

 

Bang!

 

Namgung Cheon kicked off the ground and shot forward.

 

Namgung Dan stepped forward and thrust his sword.

 

Swoosh!

 

A flash that split the air.

 

Two swords clashed in midair.

 

Clang!

 

Namgung Dan’s sword penetrated deeply, but Namgung Cheon’s sword gracefully deflected that force.

 

The deflected force became rotational power again, targeting Namgung Dan’s opening.

 

“Ho!”

 

Namgung Dan’s eyes sparkled.

 

Unlike last time, his movements had composure.

 

With his body fully capable of handling the power, his vision broadened and his sword path became free.

 

Clang clang clang clang!

 

Dozens of exchanges passed in an instant.

 

The eyes of the watching Changcheon Sword Sect members were gradually changing.

 

The initially skeptical gazes turned to shock, then gradually to deep emotion.

 

They saw it.

 

That the materials they had bled to obtain had not been used in vain.

 

That they had perfectly melted within that young master’s body, sublimating into the monstrous strength that could receive the clan head’s sword.

 

“Good! Very good!”

 

Namgung Dan laughed heartily and raised his momentum.

 

Whooooom!

 

Blue-black sword energy surged from his blade.

 

“Try receiving this once more!”

 

It was Heavenly Collapse, the technique that had defeated Namgung Cheon last time.

 

An overwhelming sense of pressure as if a massive mountain was falling overhead.

 

A smile played around Namgung Cheon’s lips as he watched this.

 

When he faced Heavenly Collapse last time, he wasn’t certain he could block it.

 

But this time.

 

‘I’ll block it!’

 

Whoosh—!

 

Blue sword energy rippled from Namgung Cheon’s blade.

 

Crash!

 

Two massive forces collided head-on.

 

A tremendous shockwave swept through the training ground.

 

The Cheonggangseok floor cracked with splits, and dust rose like a storm.

 

The aftermath was so intense that the Changcheon Sword Sect members had to draw up their internal energy to protect themselves.

 

Rumble!

 

The roaring continued from within the dust cloud.

 

Namgung Dan poured his internal energy into his sword.

 

The full power of one who stood at the edge of the transcendent realm.

 

But Namgung Cheon was not pushed back.

 

Though crushing pressure that seemed like it would shatter his entire body pressed down on him, his physical form held firm against it.

 

Rather, the resistance force felt while enduring that pressure stimulated his entire body thrillingly.

 

“Hup!”

 

Namgung Cheon put strength into his sword with a battle cry.

 

Crack!

 

His sword energy, which had been suppressed, began pushing back Namgung Dan’s sword.

 

The two swords stopped at the very center.

 

“Hahaha! Magnificent!”

 

Namgung Dan laughed heartily and lightly stepped back.

 

“You pass.”

 

Namgung Dan said as he sheathed his sword.

 

“Now your body is sufficient to receive my sword.”

 

He looked back at the Changcheon Sword Sect members.

 

“How is it? Through your efforts, the person who will become Namgung’s sky has grown this strong.”

 

At those words, the Guard Captain of the Changcheon Sword Sect stepped forward and knelt.

 

“It is an honor.”

 

A short but weighty statement.

 

Following suit, the rest of the members all knelt on one knee in unison and bowed their heads.

 

Namgung Cheon silently accepted their respect.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Then Namgung Dan approached and patted Namgung Cheon’s shoulder.

 

“No, there’s no need for compensation or gratitude for what you’ve gained here. What I need, what those warriors need, and furthermore what Jeongcheon-jeon needs is just one thing.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Namgung Dan pointed with his finger at Cheoncheon that Namgung Cheon was holding.

 

“Show that the Namgung sword is the best under heaven, and that you stand tall above that pinnacle of all under heaven.”

 

His gaze deepened.

 

“So now go forth. To the wider, harsher Gangho. That’s enough.”

 

Namgung Dan smiled and patted Namgung Cheon’s shoulder.

 

“We’re both Namgung, aren’t we?”

 

Namgung Cheon gripped Cheoncheon tightly.

 

Both Namgung.

 

Those few short words resonated deep within his heart.

 

A blind bond tied together not for specific interests or certain goals, but by a single bloodline.

 

Sometimes heavy like shackles, sometimes pouring out sharp words toward each other.

 

But ultimately, a relentless community of fate that would throw away even their lives to stand back-to-back in moments of crisis.

 

That was what a family was, and the weight given to him who bore the name Namgung.

 

Yes, if that’s the case.

 

“…Without fail.”

 

The sensation of Cheoncheon transmitted through his palm heated his heart.

 

“I will show you.”

 

The azure heaven (Cheoncheon) that will cover all under heaven.

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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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