Return of the Sword Emperor - Chapter 48

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 17: A New Task (3)

An old man who had been reading by the wavering light of a single oil lamp gently closed the book and slowly turned his body.
Upon his head sat a worn banggeon, and his face was etched with deep wrinkles that bore the mark of long years; yet the gentle gleam in his eyes that shone beyond those creases spoke of wisdom and tranquility toward life.
The unhurried smile lingering at his lips would have put even those who faced him at ease, but the two elderly men standing before him showed no such comfort.

“So the Chamhoeyeok has fallen?”

At the question from the old man in the banggeon, Cheonan Simsjon of the Baehwa Sinjiao on the left answered quietly.

“Master Nosa. The Jeongmu Maeng attempted to stop them, but they failed. Deung Bi has escaped as well, it seems.”
“So the Madoryeon succeeded in the end.”
“In the process, both sides suffered considerable losses. The Dang Clan and the Mudang Sect in particular, who came rushing to rescue the Chamhoeyeok, took heavy casualties.”
“And Woon Hyeon has been killed, I hear.”

Yeomhwa Sinjon on the right let out a low chuckle before speaking, and Nosa’s eyes widened as if taken by surprise.

“Woon Hyeon?”
“Yes, and many of the old devils in the Madoryeon died as well. In the end, they succeeded in destroying the Chamhoeyeok and rescuing Deung Bi, but in truth it amounts to a mutual defeat.”

As Cheonan Simsjon explained the situation, laughter filled the corners of his mouth—a sentiment shared by both Nosa and Yeomhwa Sinjon as they listened.

“An excellent outcome, then.”

Nosa nodded with a satisfied expression.

“Indeed. However, a matter of concern has arisen.”
“A concern?”

As Nosa expressed his confusion, Yeomhwa Sinjon twisted the corner of his mouth and opened his lips.

“It appears there is quite a talented young disciple among the Jeongmu Maeng.”
“Talented is putting it mildly. According to reports, his rate of growth is nothing short of absurd. At this pace of advancement, I have the distinct feeling he will become a major obstacle to our great endeavor.”

Unlike Yeomhwa Sinjon, Cheonan Simsjon seemed to regard Dokgo Jin’s existence with considerably more gravity.

“Bah, the boy has merely faced the Madoryeon a bit—no reason to make such a fuss.”

Just as Cheonan Simsjon was about to counter Yeomhwa Sinjon’s remark, Nosa raised his hand.

“It is better to nip the bud before it grows, but since we have weightier matters at hand, let us set this aside for now. Cheonan.”
“Yes, Master Nosa.”
“What of the Divine Sword?”
“We are discreetly spreading rumors through the Nok Rim, so a response should come soon.”
“But Master Nosa.”

Yeomhwa Sinjon called out to Nosa with a somewhat disgruntled expression.

“What troubles you?”
“The Saryeong brims with demonic energy, but if one could merely master its power, it is a divine weapon with which one might even seize the world itself. I question whether we must make such sacrifices for it.”
“The very fact that it cannot be controlled is the problem, is it not? How many have already perished—surely you have not forgotten? This matter is done. Abandon your attachment to it.”

At the stern gaze and tone, Yeomhwa Sinjon, who had been about to argue back, fell silent.

“Fierce contention will erupt over the Saryeong, and tremendous chaos will ensue. Even should someone claim possession of it, the weapon itself will bring calamity. Truly, we achieve two aims with one stone. See that preparations proceed smoothly without delay.”
“Understood.”

The two men receiving his command bowed respectfully and left the chamber, leaving only the flickering of the oil lamp in the room.
Nosa opened the book he had closed once more.
Between the pages lay a map of Jungwon drawn in blood-red ink.
Nosa read aloud softly.

“In the five years ahead, until the Master completes his Pyegwan Suryeon, we must have all preparations finished.”

* * *

At the request of the Amhyang Dae, the Milkgeom Dan, having separated from the main escort, arrived precisely two weeks later in the Hwanung Region, which lay at the boundary between Honam and Gangseong, with the Naso Mountain Range looming just ahead.
Five people moved together for this mission: Jong Gak, Yu Seollan, Yu Geomha, Dokgo Jin, and Namgung Ho.
Woo Gon and Won Jong, whose retirement had been essentially decided by the previous battle, and Ha Jogyeong, who had suffered wounds in the final stretch, were naturally excluded; Yong Cheolseung remained with the escort to care for them.
Just before entering the Hwanung Region, Ju Gangwoo of the Amhyang Dae joined them, and though his sickly frame and youthful appearance caused everyone concern, he dispelled it entirely within a single day.
As if to prove that the Amhyang Dae did not accept just anyone, Ju Gangwoo displayed competence in every respect, and by the next morning, he had won the trust of them all.

“This is the place.”

Ju Gangwoo pointed to an inn that looked somewhat shabby compared to others nearby.
Noticing the dissatisfaction on their faces, Ju Gangwoo offered an awkward smile and explained.

“It’s run by someone connected to our organization. The facilities are modest, but it’s safer than other places and easier for gathering information.”
“Is that so? Then we should certainly stay here.”
“Thank you. Please, come inside.”

Ju Gangwoo, having offered his gratitude for Jong Gak’s approval, led the way inside.
Despite its shabby exterior, the interior of the inn was remarkably clean, and everyone was satisfied.
After receiving the proprietor’s warm welcome and unpacking their belongings in rooms on the upper floor, the group rested briefly before gathering in Jong Gak’s chamber.

“We’ll rest here until tomorrow, then begin gathering the information we need.”

At Jong Gak’s words, the entire group, worn from forced marches, cheered.
Given Jong Gak’s nod, Ju Gangwoo opened his mouth to speak.

“Before I begin my report, I’d like to ask first—how much do you already know about the situation here?”

At Ju Gangwoo’s question, Jong Gak’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Truth be told, very little. During our journey here, we heard nothing of substance—only that Nok Rim Tu Wang doesn’t have much time left, that a successor is being chosen, and that ten members of the Amhyang Dae sent to investigate have gone missing.”
“I understand. Let me explain the situation in Nok Rim first. As you know, the succession struggle has begun. So far, there are roughly five strong candidates for the position.”
“Who is the most likely?”

Yu Seollan asked.

“The strongest candidate at present is Jeon Woong, the First Disciple of Nok Rim Tu Wang. He comes from Baekho Chae, one of the Nok Rim Eighteen Strongholds. His martial skill is exceptional, and for a bandit, his character is quite respectable.”

At Ju Gangwoo’s praise, Jong Gak let out a small laugh.

“So he’s the one we’re backing.”
“Yes.”

Ju Gangwoo nodded with an embarrassed expression.

“And the next?”
“Jo Sa-eung from Heukgol Chae. He is the Second Disciple of Nok Rim Tu Wang, and by martial skill alone, he is said to surpass Jeon Woong. Heukgol Chae is also listed among the Nok Rim Eighteen Strongholds. We suspect he is receiving support from the Madoryeon.”

At the mention of the Madoryeon, everyone’s eyes sharpened.

“Then the missing members might be connected to him?”

At Jong Gak’s question, Ju Gangwoo nodded heavily.

“Most likely. They were observing Heukgol Chae, and when they suspected contact being made, they moved to investigate—and then they all vanished.”
“It’s certainly suspicious. While we don’t dismiss the brigands entirely, the fact that not just one or two but ten members of the Amhyang Dae fell to them—that’s beyond their capabilities. It appears increasingly likely that Madoryeon is involved, Chief.”

Jong Gak nodded at Yu Seollan’s words before asking again.

“What of the other candidates?”
“The third and fourth disciples have entered the succession dispute, but they fall short of the first two in every respect. Finally, there is Gong Ja-gyeol of the Waryong Chae—who, despite not being a disciple of Nok Rim Tu Wang, is the only one showing genuine distinction.”

When the name Gong Ja-gyeol was mentioned, the others gave an unremarkable response, but Dokgo Jin’s eyes alone gleamed with unusual brightness.

“But what are the criteria for selecting a successor? I’ve heard it’s not merely about choosing the strongest martial artist.”

At Namgung Ho’s question, Ju Gangwoo’s expression shifted slightly in surprise. He hadn’t expected the youngest of their group—whom he knew to be inexperienced—to pose such a bold inquiry.
Finding Ju Gangwoo’s reaction amusing, Jong Gak and Yu Seollan burst into laughter.

“Surprised, are we? I wouldn’t have imagined such a youngster would ask questions at a gathering like this. But that one there, and our youngest in general—they’re somewhat different from ordinary youths.”

As Jong Gak spoke in a tone of excuse, his gaze had already shifted toward Dokgo Jin.

“In any case, back to the question at hand—what criteria are used to select the successor?”

Jong Gak posed the question as if he already knew the answer, but seemed to be asking for an explanation for the benefit of his subordinates.

“In the early days, masters from each stronghold competed, and after bloody battles, the leader of the stronghold that achieved final victory became the Stronghold Chief. But at some point, three criteria were established. The first is how much support a candidate receives from the various strongholds within Nok Rim.”
“So they’re assessing factional strength.”
“Precisely. Second is individual martial prowess. Rankings are determined through the Pimoo tournament. The Pimoo is scheduled for four days from now. Finally, one’s essential capability as a Nok Rim Dao practitioner is evaluated.”
“Essential capability, you say…….”

Yu Seollan tilted her head, showing confusion, and Ju Gangwoo offered a wry smile.

“Simply put, it’s how skilled one is at thievery. The more dangerous and remarkable the target, the higher the score. For instance, robbing the Gupha Ilbang, the O Dae Sega, or government treasuries earns the highest marks. But because it’s so dangerous, typically they target merchant caravans or escort house shipments.”
“…….”

Yu Seollan’s expression turned blank, as if she never expected that a successor’s capability would be judged by theft. The others wore much the same look.

“Currently, Jeon Woong of the Baekho Chae leads in factional support. As mentioned earlier, Jo Sa-eung appears to be the strongest in martial prowess.”
“So the two are neck and neck. Then the final decision hinges on thievery?”
“That is the expectation.”
“They’ll manage the martial tournament on their own, and surely we’re not meant to assist them in their thievery?”
“…….”

Ju Gangwoo couldn’t bring himself to answer Jong Gak’s question.

“Chief!”

Yu Seollan raised her voice with a sharp look in her eyes.

“Should we?”
“…….”

Jong Gak found himself equally unable to answer Yu Seollan’s question.

* * *

In the central Naso Mountain Range, at Jeonggang Mountain where Nok Rim’s headquarters stood.
Nok Rim Tu Wang, surveying the letter before him, bore an upright posture and keen gaze—contrary to rumors that his illness had reached the marrow and death was near.
The hunched old man facing him wore a rather grave expression, yet unlike Nok Rim Tu Wang examining the letter, he was leisurely enjoying his tea.

“Is this all of it?”

Nok Rim Tu Wang set down the final letter and asked.
Hwang Rip, the bent-backed elder who oversaw all matters great and small in Nok Rim, answered without turning his head.

“That’s correct.”
“Fewer than I expected.”
“We’ve sifted out anything trivial. Besides, we lack the resources to properly manage a larger force anyway.”
“Not yet. We’ll endure however we must until we find a proper successor.”

Only then did Hwang Rip turn his head and carefully offered a cup of freshly steeped tea.

“Please, drink. Your mind should clear, at least for a moment.”
“Much obliged.”

Nok Rim Tu Wang savored the fragrance and flavor of the tea Hwang Rip had given him before slowly lowering the cup.

“The way things stand, it seems Jeon Woong is the favorite.”
“Jo Sa-eung is pressing hard, but it doesn’t look promising. Jeon Woong has acquired far more strongholds than we anticipated. What’s more, they appear to be entangled with the Madoryeon.”

Hwang Rip’s expression darkened at the thought of the Madoryeon interfering in Nok Rim’s succession.

“Leave it be. Jeon Woong’s receiving backing from the Jeongmu Maeng too, isn’t he?”
“True, but…….”
“Securing support is a skill in itself. They’ll have to manage the consequences afterward, though.”
“Tsk—sounds as though you’re telling us to manage them, sir.”

As Hwang Rip’s frown deepened, Nok Rim Tu Wang laughed with genuine amusement.

“That’s your concern to sort out. Anyway, leaving those two aside—what of the others?”
“All the rest are lacking, but do you recall Waryong Chae?”
“Where is it?”
“A stronghold adjacent to the lower reaches of Janggang River. Years ago, during our conflict with those river bandits on Janggang, it acquitted itself rather well.”

Nok Rim Tu Wang’s memory stirred, and he nodded slowly.

“Ah yes, I remember now. Small in number, but their resolve was formidable.”
“That’s where he comes from. Compared to the other two, his forces are negligible, yet his martial skill appears considerable. He lacks the strength to shift the tide, but with luck, he could prove a meaningful variable.”
“Ho! I’m surprised you’d assess him so highly. Intriguing—and I’m curious to know more.”

As Nok Rim Tu Wang laughed with keen interest, Hwang Rip spoke, his expression hardening.

“There’s also a strange rumor circulating of late.”
“A rumor?”
“Word has it that an extraordinary aura lingered in a valley on Mugong Mountain for three days.”

Hwang Rip paused, then glanced cautiously about before continuing in a low voice.

“And that the Divine Sword appeared there.”

In that instant, Nok Rim Tu Wang’s eyes blazed with profound shock.

“The Divine Sword. We must confirm this at once.”
“I’ve already sent people.”
“Suppress the rumors immediately. If that proves difficult, seed false information to distort the facts.”
“I’ll see to it.”

Nok Rim Tu Wang rose slowly and opened the window, then gazed toward the northern sky where Mugong Mountain lay.

“It belongs to Nok Rim. We cannot allow any misfortune—any other faction claiming it.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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