Namgung Heavenly Demon - Chapter 86

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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 86

Kunlun Mountains.

The sacred mountain located at the westernmost edge of Junghwon, in the highest place under heaven.

Kunlun, where eternal snow covers its peaks year-round, was one of the birthplaces of Taoist martial arts and a sacred territory that the Kunlun Sect, one of the Nine Sects, had protected for hundreds of years.

However, to those in Gangho, Kunlun was also forbidden land that should not be carelessly entered.

This was because it was the frontmost defensive line of the Orthodox Faction, closest to Siwandaesan, the main stronghold of Makyō.

But.

‘That Kunlun is the first target.’

What on earth could be the problem?

Namgung Cheon quietly spoke.

“Has something happened in Kunlun?”

At those words, Jegal Hyeon took out a book from his chest and placed it on the table.

“This is information I compiled while interrogating Woe Chongwan of Taejusan Guild. Take a look.”

Namgung Cheon immediately opened the book and read through it line by line.

Then suddenly.

“This is strange.”

Namgung Cheon’s gaze stopped at one section.

Jegal Hyeon, confirming the section he had opened, smiled and spoke.

“I knew you’d notice right away. Yes, it’s the Western Region spice escort that Joja Geon proposed to the Namgung Branch Manager.”

Namgung Cheon nodded.

Western Region spices would be received by Yonghopioguk in Qinghai and transported to Honam for sale.

According to the plan, it was a distance of two thousand li, but if they continuously replaced personnel and ran without rest, it was a distance that could be covered in two weeks.

“Yonghopioguk received the spices, that is, the cargo, at the border between Tibet and Qinghai three months ago. However…”

Jegal Hyeon spread out a map and pointed to a spot below the Kunlun mountain range.

“There are no records after the content about staying in Xueqiang Village, a small village at the foot of Kunlun Mountains. According to this record, they’ve been in that Xueqiang Village for nearly a hundred days.”

Namgung Cheon’s brow furrowed.

For spices, time is life.

The longer they’re stored, the more their fragrance fades and their value drops.

To think they were letting such goods rot on the roadside with thirty cartloads worth.

It was incomprehensible by common sense.

“It goes against commercial principles. There’s no reason to stay there, even bearing the enormous lodging costs.”

“Exactly. Either the goods aren’t meant for sale, or…”

“It means that place was the destination from the beginning.”

Namgung Cheon continued and asked.

“Did you check with the Kunlun Sect?”

“I sought an answer. But the response I got was this.”

Jegal Hyeon held out a message with a bitter expression.

“‘Qinghai is a passage where countless trade goods come and go. Tens of thousands of merchants pass through daily – are you telling us to monitor the whereabouts of every single escort agency?’ They were rather displeased with our interference.”

“A refusal.”

“More than a refusal. Their words were strangely sharp and hostile.”

Jegal Hyeon gazed at Namgung Cheon.

“So if we move in the name of the League, Kunlun’s hostility might become even sharper. That’s what we’re most wary of.”

Namgung Cheon nodded silently.

Kunlun, a member of the Nine Sects, was refusing the League’s interference and showing hostility.

Their reaction was strangely excessive.

Jegal Hyeon leaned forward and spoke quietly.

“That’s why I’m asking you. Other figures within the League are well known to Kunlun, but you’re different. They only know your name, not what you look like or your level of skill – this information hasn’t reached Qinghai.”

Namgung Cheon fell into thought for a moment.

Qinghai, territory of the Nine Sects and borderland with Makyō.

‘If… there are still things I left behind there.’

There would be much to gain as well.

“I understand.”

At Namgung Cheon’s answer, Jegal Hyeon smiled with relief.

“I already sent a message to your mother. She readily agreed.”

Jegal Hyeon chuckled and added.

“She said that if it’s you, you’ll solve whatever the problem is.”

Namgung Cheon couldn’t help but let out a short laugh.

‘At first she put me through all sorts of tests, but now she’s completely changed.’

He felt anew how his position within the clan had changed.

“If the situation becomes unfavorable, don’t hesitate to seek out the Dang Clan branch in Xining.”

With those words, Jegal Hyeon took out a jade token emitting green light from his chest and handed it to Namgung Cheon.

“If you show this token, they will secretly help you.”

Namgung Cheon received the jade token and put it in his chest.

“And report when you want to. I’m entrusting this entirely to you. Well then, return safely.”

Jegal Hyeon stood up and lightly patted Namgung Cheon’s shoulder.

Namgung Cheon politely showed his respects and saw him off.

After Jegal Hyeon left, alone in the room.

Namgung Cheon opened the window and gazed at the western sky.

‘Qinghai…’

The place where the Great War between Orthodox and Demonic began, and the land with the most memories tied to it after Xinjiang where the sect’s main stronghold was located.

But before all of that, that place was…

‘My hometown.’

His childhood of wandering mountain paths in blizzards, clutching his stomach from hunger.

Qinghai was where those cold, bitter memories were buried.

Even so, it was only the past.

‘Much will have changed since then.’

Namgung Cheon closed the window as if shaking off his thoughts and spread out the map.

From Kaifeng to Qinghai was thousands of li.

Traveling alone wouldn’t be difficult, but this mission’s purpose was investigation.

‘But if an outsider goes around stirring things up recklessly, it will only arouse suspicion. Word will reach Kunlun and Yonghopioguk as well.’

Therefore, he needed a method that would be familiar with local affairs while not arousing suspicion.

‘Mixing in with a trading guild would be best.’

Merchants are sensitive to rumors and naturally blend in anywhere.

But here in Kaifeng would be problematic.

‘My name and face are too well known.’

If he sought out a trading guild here, rumors would spread quickly.

‘I need to move locations.’

Namgung Cheon’s finger pointed to a spot on the map.

Not far from Kaifeng, yet a strategic point that trading guilds heading to the Western Regions must pass through.

‘Luoyang.’

It was the first starting point for the journey to Qinghai.

* * *

Early the next morning, at the entrance of the Martial Arts Alliance Headquarters.

Namgung Cheon had finished preparing to leave the League with a simple bundle on his shoulder.

Behind him, Namgung Hwi and Lady Namgung Rin had come out to see him off.

“Are you really sure you’ll be alright?”

Namgung Hwi asked with a worried expression.

“I won’t ask since you said you can’t tell me where you’re going, but…”

Namgung Hwi paused for a moment and gave a bitter smile.

“If you’re planning to run like when you went to Kaifeng, I’d chase after you to stop you. I’m still sore from pushing myself too hard back then.”

At those words, Namgung Cheon shook his head and replied.

“Don’t worry. I’m not planning to go so recklessly this time. It’s at least several thousand li.”

“That’s a relief. Then… do you have some other method in mind?”

“Yes.”

Still a short answer.

Namgung Hwi clicked his tongue and showed a disappointed expression, but didn’t press further.

He knew that tight-lipped younger brother of his wouldn’t tell him anyway.

Just then, Lady Namgung Rin, who had been quietly sitting beside them, suddenly held out a heavy pouch.

“Here, take this.”

“What is this?”

“Travel rations. I packed some dried meat and dried fruits.”

She smiled and added.

“Since you’re keeping your destination such a secret, it makes me worry more. At least don’t go around starving.”

“…”

Namgung Cheon silently accepted the pouch.

Someone worrying about his meals and preparing for him.

It was something he couldn’t have even imagined in his previous life.

A strange warmth conveyed through his fingertips made a corner of his heart feel oddly ticklish.

“Thank you.”

At Namgung Cheon’s brief thanks, Lady Namgung Rin looked at Namgung Hwi and smiled brightly.

“Brother, did you see? Instead of just saying ‘I’m worried, be careful’ all day long, this is better, right? If you want to take care of your younger brother, you need to be practical like this.”

“…Ahem.”

A flustered expression crossed Namgung Hwi’s face as he was hit right on target.

Lady Namgung Rin smiled triumphantly as if she had won a duel, then looked at Namgung Cheon again and spoke.

“I should get going too. My master is waiting.”

“Have a safe trip.”

“You too. Don’t get sick, don’t get hurt.”

Lady Namgung Rin waved lightly and turned to disappear first.

As she moved away, Namgung Hwi quietly approached and firmly grasped Namgung Cheon’s hand.

“Please take care of yourself. Contact me anytime if something happens. And… hmm.”

After hesitating for a moment while rummaging in his chest, he pulled out a promissory note and pressed it into his hand.

“It’s not much, but use it for travel expenses…”

Namgung Cheon’s eyes widened slightly.

The amount written on the note was a full fifty taels of silver.

Considering the League’s monthly salary, it was a fortune that would take at least half a year to save up.

It must be money he had saved penny by penny.

‘I have enough money, but…’

What Namgung Hwi was offering now wasn’t money, but his heart.

Namgung Cheon didn’t refuse and put the note deep in his chest, then bowed politely.

“I’ll use it gratefully.”

“Good, then go on your way. I wish you success.”

Namgung Cheon bowed once and started walking.

Had he taken dozens of steps like that?

Suddenly his steps gradually slowed, then stopped.

“…”

When Namgung Cheon glanced back, he saw Namgung Hwi still standing in that spot, waving with a bright smile.

Even though he had already gone this far.

‘Normally I wouldn’t have looked back.’

With a brief thought, Namgung Cheon nodded slightly as if returning the gesture.

Then Namgung Hwi’s hand moved even more busily as if to show off.

Seeing that sight, a strange sensation bloomed in a corner of Namgung Cheon’s heart.

As if trying to erase this unfamiliar feeling, he let out a quiet sigh.

“Whew.”

And he walked forward without looking back again.

Until he could no longer sense Namgung Hwi’s presence at all.

* * *

The ancient capital called the center of Tianxia, Luoyang.

This strategic location connecting all directions was where countless goods and merchant groups gathered and dispersed.

And thanks to that, what naturally formed here was Hannam’s largest wanderer market, Guegsangmusi.

“Recruiting escorts for a merchant caravan to Hubei! The pay won’t disappoint!”

“Escort mission to Sichuan! Those with proven skills will be paid double.”

Shouts erupted from all directions.

Moreover, brutal scenes unfolded everywhere as people clashed swords to prove their skills.

Money and blades.

Because rough things had gathered together, the entire street was seething with heated fervor.

But in that hot atmosphere, there was exactly one place that seemed to have cold water poured on it.

[Iron Flying Merchant Guild – Recruiting Escorts for Qinghai Journey.]

“…”

“…”

Under a dark red flag, a fierce-looking middle-aged man and a giant warrior sat on large wooden crates.

They were Cheoljung, the owner of the Iron Flying Merchant Guild, and Gwak U, who served as both deputy leader and chief manager of the guild.

“…Not even a fly is coming near.”

Gwak U roughly spat out the dried meat he was chewing and grumbled.

Cheoljung, who was sitting beside him, frowned.

“Be quiet. I’m already dying of frustration.”

“Guild leader, it’s been three days already, three days! At this rate, will we even depart this year?”

Gwak U beat his chest as if frustrated.

They had decided to hire wanderers because commissioning an escort agency would be too expensive, but the destination of Qinghai was holding them back.

“Qinghai? They’re crazy.”

“I heard rumors are spreading that Demonic Sect bastards are appearing in that area again lately…”

“Why risk your life for a few coins? Tsk tsk.”

Passing wanderers would look at the flag, click their tongues, and avoid them.

There was even pity in their glancing eyes.

Feeling those gazes, Cheoljung said irritably.

“Damn it, why do ominous rumors about Demonic Sect members being seen in Qinghai have to spread right now!”

“At least we got one first-rate martial artist.”

At Gwak U’s words, Cheoljung let out a long sigh.

“Sigh, what can one person do? If we had one more person of that caliber, maybe.”

Just as Cheoljung was about to get up from his seat in frustration.

“Are you looking for escorts?”

A man pushed through the crowd and approached them.

Wearing a bamboo hat pulled low and shabby black martial robes, he looked exactly like a wanderer.

It was Namgung Cheon, who had run for three days without stopping.

At Namgung Cheon’s words, Cheoljung and Gwak U simultaneously looked up.

“We are, but…”

Gwak U looked Namgung Cheon up and down.

His build was ordinary, and the aura he displayed didn’t seem particularly strong either.

But now wasn’t the time to be picky about food.

“We have to go all the way to Qinghai. It’s a rough and dangerous path. Did you come knowing this?”

Cheoljung asked cautiously.

“I’m aware.”

Gwak U’s eyes flashed at the calm answer.

‘I need to see if he’s all talk or has real substance.’

Gwak U suddenly stood up from his seat.

His massive frame cast a shadow over Namgung Cheon.

“You can’t tell just from words. Let me see your skills.”

Along with his words, Gwak U suddenly reached out his hand.

Whoosh—.

But Namgung Cheon twisted his body by a hair’s breadth to avoid it.

Neither too fast nor too slow.

Exactly the kind of movement a second-rate warrior would show.

“Oh?”

Gwak U’s hand cut through midair.

‘Is he slightly below my level?’

Either way, it meant he had at least second-rate skills.

Gwak U nodded with satisfaction and stepped back.

“You pass. This level should at least earn your keep.”

Cheoljung’s face also brightened.

Finally, another useful person had joined.

“What’s your name?”

Namgung Cheon pondered for a moment.

He couldn’t give his real name, but an alias that stood out too much would also be troublesome.

Suddenly, one name came to mind.

“…Please call me Jin Mu.”

It was Mujin’s name reversed.

It was a simple yet suitable name.

However.

“Jin Mu?”

Cheoljung and Gwak U simultaneously widened their eyes, looked at each other, then immediately burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahaha! What kind of coincidence is this!”

“Indeed.”

Namgung Cheon furrowed his brow at the sudden reaction.

“Is there some problem?”

“No, not a problem exactly… Hehe. There’s a wanderer who joined earlier, and his name is exactly the same as yours, not a single character different.”

The same name?

Namgung Cheon clicked his tongue lightly.

‘Even if it’s a common name, what are the odds it would overlap? But I can’t change it now.’

But at that moment.

‘…!’

Suddenly, a strange light appeared in Namgung Cheon’s eyes.

Among the miscellaneous auras of countless people.

‘This is…’

A familiar and massive aura that stood out very clearly.

“Ah, there he comes! Hey, Warrior Jin!”

Gwak U waved his hand and called to someone.

At those words, Namgung Cheon slowly turned his head.

Then a man came into view.

Shabby wanderer’s clothing and a huge bundle.

And all too familiar features.

The man was walking while chewing on a large pancake, then seemed to sense something and looked around.

Then.

“…Huh?”

His eyes met with Namgung Cheon’s.

Thud.

The half-eaten piece of pancake in the man’s hand fell helplessly to the ground.

A dumbfounded expression with his mouth hanging open, crumbs all around his lips.

“Jin Mu… Ha.”

A hollow laugh escaped from Namgung Cheon’s mouth as if he was dumbfounded.

At the same time, an urgent voice transmission struck his ear like lightning.

—Y-Young Master, why on earth are you here?!

One corner of Namgung Cheon’s mouth rose pleasantly.

—That’s what I should be asking.

Mujin.

—————
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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