The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 170

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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 170
The Aide responded firmly, as if the notion were absurd.
“How could that be? Where would you find anyone as suitable as Young Master?”
His voice dripped with pride as he continued.
“The Baek Li Family would never refuse such an excellent opportunity.”
“….”
Yet Namgung Wan’s expression was far from proud—rather, he seemed displeased.
“They could refuse. Why wouldn’t they?”
“Sir?”
“Yeon is far too precious to waste on my son.”
“Ah… yes, sir.”
The Aide hung his head low, his face asking what on earth he should do. Inwardly, he cursed Shim Bu-gwan for following Namgung Ryu-cheong.
Namgung Wan spoke with suspicion in his voice.
“Is there truly nothing amiss at the Baek Li Estate?”
The Baek Li Family was currently suppressing all rumors about internal affairs.
That the direct daughter of the household had poisoned the eldest heir—the successor—and driven him into Demonic Possession was unthinkable.
The moment word spread, it would not merely be a loss of face; families envious of the Baek Li Estate would descend upon them from all sides.
As many families had been displaced when the Baek Li Estate rose to prominence under Baek Li Pae-hyuk’s generation, there were numerous houses watching them with suspicion. Families that had been cast out when the Baek Li Estate earned its place among the Ten Great Families.
The Aide spoke.
“Is it not said that Young Master Baek Li-myeong’s condition is grave?”
Though the Baek Li Family was suppressing information thoroughly, they could not contain word of Baek Li-myeong’s critical state.
“Even so… why did Ui-gang have to return? If the Baek Li Family Head could not attend, at least a representative should have been sent.”
Namgung Wan spoke with a contemplative expression.
“Something feels ominous.”
“Sir?”
Yet he could not pinpoint exactly what troubled him. It was a subtle feeling, difficult to articulate. Something continued to gnaw at his nerves.
“As if I’m overlooking something important.”
The Aide spoke soothingly.
“If there were truly a grave matter, the Baek Li Great Hero would have informed you separately. Besides, Young Master is still staying at the Baek Li Estate, is he not?”
Namgung Wan exhaled deeply.
“True. With that rascal Ryu-cheong there… if anything had happened, he would have sent word.”
Unbeknownst to him, Namgung Ryu-cheong was diligently keeping Baek Li-yeon’s secret….
Then a presence approached from outside.
“Namgung Minor Family Head, are you within? I have come with something to discuss.”
Both Namgung Wan and the Aide exchanged puzzled glances at the voice.
“…Come in.”
A solidly built man entered with clasped fists in greeting. It was Hwang Soon, the Vice Commander of the White Tiger Unit, under which Baek Li Ui-gang served as Commander.
After Baek Li-yeon fell into Demonic Possession, Baek Li Ui-gang had attempted to resign from his position as Commander several times. Yet the Murim Alliance Leader had repeatedly held him back.
Baek Li Ui-gang was an excellent asset for showcasing the Murim Alliance Leader’s leadership. Moreover, the timing of Baek Li Ui-gang’s resignation attempts coincided with the change in the Murim Alliance Leader.
Should Baek Li Ui-gang step down, some would question the new Murim Alliance Leader’s authority, and rumors of discord between the Baek Li Family and the Alliance would spread.
No matter how personal the circumstances… people do love sensational rumors.
When the Aide prepared a seat and offered tea, Hwang Soon expressed his gratitude before settling into silence.
Namgung Wan, who had been waiting, spoke first.
“What brings you to seek me out?”
Hwang Soon was acquainted with Namgung Wan, but they were hardly close.
After a moment’s hesitation, Hwang Soon finally spoke.
“I’ve come to ask for your assistance.”
“You have?”
“Yes, originally I intended to speak of this when the Alliance Leader arrived, but…”
Namgung Wan’s expression grew puzzled.
“The Alliance Leader once told me that if I ever needed counsel on such matters, I should seek out Namgung Minor Family Head.”
Hwang Soon paused mid-sentence, taking a sip of tea before continuing.
“He called you a trustworthy friend.”
“Hmm… is that so?”
The corners of Namgung Wan’s mouth twitched noticeably.
The Aide quickly interjected.
“All matters follow proper procedure, do they not? As someone serving as Vice Alliance Leader, surely you understand this well? When the Alliance Leader is absent and a decision cannot be made by the Vice Alliance Leader alone, there should be another designated deputy commander, should there not? And this is hardly a separate mission—we remain within the Murim Alliance itself.”
The implication was clear: why seek out Namgung Wan when you could consult with other superiors?
It was also a subtle warning to Namgung Wan himself—that if the Namgung Minor Family Head became entangled in Baek Ho Dan affairs during the Maeng Meeting, it could invite unnecessary criticism.
“Moreover, the Minor Family Head has decided to depart tomorrow.”
“Ah…”
Hwang Soon, showing signs of slight surprise, spoke with evident anxiety.
“That’s precisely why I sought you out, but I needed someone from outside… someone trustworthy, especially.”
Hwang Soon sighed, as if preparing to leave.
“I see. This must be difficult for you. My apologies—I’ve burdened you unnecessarily. Please, think nothing of it.”
As Hwang Soon rose to bow and take his leave, Namgung Wan spoke up.
“Not at all. Speak.”
“Pardon?”
“Minor Family Head…!”
Hwang Soon’s surprised voice and the Aide’s flustered exclamation came simultaneously.
Namgung Wan crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows.
“Ha. Even if I depart tomorrow, won’t the Alliance Leader find fault anyway? Then I might as well turn the tables on him before I go.”
The Aide nodded as if he’d expected nothing less, while Hwang Soon’s expression brightened considerably.
“Thank you! Since you appear busy, I’ll explain as we walk.”
“Must we move about?”
“Eh? Ah, yes.”
Hwang Soon looked uncertain, gauging the situation. Namgung Wan clicked his tongue and gestured with a nod.
“Lead the way.”
As they emerged from the Pavilion, the sounds of the musician’s performance drifted from the Banquet Hall, where festivities were still in full swing.
Beneath the pitch-black sky, Namgung Wan’s gaze lingered briefly on the light illuminating the Banquet Hall before he twisted his lips and followed in Hwang Soon’s wake.
Hwang Soon, who had promised to explain as we walked, finally opened his mouth about two hours later.
“Years ago, the Unit Leader visited the Namgung Clan with his daughter, and on the way back, he destroyed a den in Heukssi and rescued orphans.”
“And then?”
“Some of the children with nowhere to go were taken in by the Baek Li Estate, while the rest were taken in by the Murim Alliance.”
Namgung Wan clicked his tongue.
“But recently, several of those children have… suddenly disappeared.”
“If the Alliance took them in, weren’t they working within the Alliance?”
“That’s correct. Those around them believe distant relatives came and took them back to their hometowns. But we know for certain those children had no relatives whatsoever.”
Namgung Wan’s expression turned cold.
A sudden disappearance with suspicious circumstances.
They could have been spies sent to steal information from within the Alliance.
The aide following behind also broke into a cold sweat at Namgung Wan’s sudden shift in demeanor.
“Yes, so I conducted a careful investigation. But the trail that emerged was strangely connected to high-ranking officials within the Alliance….”
“Is that why you sought me out?”
“Yes. Moreover, when those above learned I was investigating, pressure came down to obstruct this inquiry….”
That was when Namgung Wan extended his hand, blocking Hwang Soon’s path.
Hwang Soon flinched in surprise and looked at Namgung Wan.
But Namgung Wan wasn’t looking at him—his serious gaze swept across their surroundings. Following his lead, Hwang Soon’s expression hardened as he surveyed the area.
Thick fog had settled around them without warning. This wasn’t a place that normally grew so misty. Sensing something amiss, I quietly gripped my scabbard and sword hilt.
“So Ga-ju, what is this…?”
Then I felt a presence approaching through the fog.
Soon a martial artist emerged from the mist, his expression slightly fearful—a familiar face who served as a guard for the Murim Alliance.
Just as Hwang Soon, relieved, was about to speak, Namgung Wan drew his blade.
“So Ga-ju!”
It was almost a scream.
But the expected outcome didn’t occur. A mere Alliance guard had evaded Namgung Wan’s blade strike—an attack that was nearly an ambush.
Hwang Soon hastily drew his sword.
“Who are you!”
“Hehehehe, silence, you wretch.”
A voice far deeper and older than the appearance suggested flowed out.
Namgung Wan spoke in a grave tone.
“Cheon Gwi-jo.”
Hwang Soon and the aide drew sharp breaths.
In the very heart of the Murim Alliance—Cheon Gwi-jo, a public enemy of the Martial World, should never be here if he were in his right mind.
Namgung Wan’s expression hardened.
Then,
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of earth-shaking sounds erupted in succession.
The aide muttered.
“What in the world is that sound…!”
The mist made it impossible to pinpoint the exact location, but the source of the Shattering Palm technique emanated from the center of the Murim Alliance. A banquet was in full swing there.
Yet I could no longer afford to focus on that. I sensed a presence creeping closer from behind Cheon Gwi-jo. In this situation, it could not be an ally.
Namgung Wan twisted his lips.
“So you’ve joined hands with the Demonic Cult.”
“What does it matter if they’re from the Demonic Cult? If I have a chance to tear you to pieces, I’ll take it.”
Cheon Gwi-jo rubbed his flank where Namgung Wan had once carved a deep sword wound.
Even through this thick mist, I could see flames blazing like bright light in the direction of the Banquet Hall.
Dong—dong—!
The alarm bells rang to signal the attack. But they ceased after barely two tolls.
Cheon Gwi-jo laughed, splitting his face wide.
“Attack.”
Soon after, a thick scent of blood—whose, I could not tell—began to spread through the mist.

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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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