The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 76

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

Chapter 76
Namgung Ryu-cheong’s expression was grave.
But I knew his competitive spirit and obsession with the blade well enough to recognize that composure as a mask—a carefully constructed facade.
‘Come to think of it, Namgung Ryu-cheong manifested his sword energy years earlier than he should have.’
Could that be the source of the problem?
In the original story, Namgung Ryu-cheong’s growth stemmed from a desire to protect something precious. Wasn’t that the quintessential path of a martial arts protagonist?
But therein lay the tragedy. In his childhood, Namgung Ryu-cheong had nothing precious to protect. If one were to search for his most treasured memory from those early years… it would be training time itself.
‘A deep-rooted affliction indeed.’
And so, though he earned the title of heaven’s greatest prodigy with unparalleled strength among his peers, his childhood was spent trapped behind invisible walls, suffocating in frustration.
After a moment of silence, my father spoke again.
“Understood.”
“Here.”
At that moment, Namgung Wan tossed a wooden sword from nowhere.
My father caught it smoothly and looked at Namgung Ryu-cheong.
“I’m ready.”
“Then I humbly request a match.”
Namgung Ryu-cheong bowed respectfully, then immediately took his stance.
My eyes widened.
Namgung Ryu-cheong’s aura transformed in an instant.
From what I’d observed before regression, those who sparred with my father typically felt so intimidated by his reputation that they hesitated, testing the waters cautiously.
But Namgung Ryu-cheong unleashed his blade immediately. He moved like a predator.
‘His match with Seo Ha-ryeong was child’s play compared to this?’
Yet despite the ferocity of his assault, nothing touched my father. The moment Namgung Ryu-cheong halted his offensive and began to retreat, my father’s sword pointed at his throat.
‘Wow… it’s already over?’
It happened in the blink of an eye. Without the Golden Eyes’ ability, I wouldn’t have even seen my father draw his blade.
Namgung Ryu-cheong lowered his wooden sword.
“I have learned much from this exchange.”
“….”
My father’s expression was peculiar.
“Well done. I’ve seen nothing like your accomplishments among those your age. You are truly the pride of the Namgung Clan.”
“Thank you.”
“There is one thing I wish to ask….”
As my father spoke, he suddenly turned his head. Namgung Wan, Namgung Ryu-cheong, and I all followed his gaze.
Upon seeing the figure standing there, I gasped in surprise.
“Grandfather?”
“Ah, you remembered me.”
Namgung Wan spoke in a bewildered tone.
“How long have you been here? You should have announced yourself.”
“Hmm, since you handed over the wooden sword?”
That meant he’d been present from nearly the beginning. Yet none of us had noticed Baek Li Pae-hyuk’s presence until my father turned to look at the Namgung Clan’s Family Head.
Father bowed respectfully to Namgung Mu-cheol with a fist salute.
“I offer my greetings to the Family Head of the Namgung Clan.”
“Enough. There is no need for such formality between us.”
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head waved his hand and turned his gaze toward Namgung Ryu-cheong.
“Ryu-cheong, why have you ceased your offensive?”
“It seemed pointless to continue further, so I thought to reconsider my sword technique.”
“Do you believe reconsidering will yield an answer?”
“…No, sir.”
“Hmm.”
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head uttered a cryptic sound and suddenly turned his gaze toward me.
“I hear you have recently resumed your training.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“I’m relieved your body has recovered considerably.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head approached slowly with his hands clasped behind his back. Even though he was merely walking, his presence commanded attention.
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head spoke abruptly.
“What do you think of the two of you sparring together?”
“Pardon?”
“What?”
The first question came from me, the second from Namgung Ryu-cheong.
Namgung Wan spoke with evident bewilderment.
“Father, what do you mean? How could Yeon spar with Ryu-cheong?”
“The difference in their abilities is obvious, certainly. But if Yeon is willing, why not treat it as experience? Of course, Ryu-cheong must refrain from using his inner energy.”
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head merely smiled warmly with an inscrutable expression.
“Ah….”
I looked toward Father in confusion. Our eyes met, and he gave me a subtle nod.
‘Wait, you’re serious? He’s completely out of my league.’
Despite my anxiety, affirmation spilled from my lips.
“Yes. I will do it.”
Father would never ask me to do something that would harm me.
At my response, Namgung Ryu-cheong’s expression became strange. He spoke to the Namgung Clan’s Family Head in a questioning tone.
“Grandfather, do you truly mean for me to spar with Miss Baek Li-yeon…”
The Namgung Clan’s Family Head cut off Namgung Ryu-cheong’s words and spoke.
“Ryu-cheong, I know your troubles have been great lately. A few days ago, you told your father you wished to enter the Changung Pavilion, did you not? Then follow my will.”
* * *
There was no need to change into training clothes. Since I had planned to train after Namgung Ryu-cheong and Father finished their sparring match anyway, I was already dressed in my training garments.
Uncle Namgung Wan appeared quite displeased. The Namgung Clan’s Family Head had said that if Namgung Ryu-cheong obeyed his wishes, he would be permitted to enter the Changung Pavilion. Uncle Namgung Wan regarded the Family Head with a sullen expression.
Soon after, I received a wooden sword of appropriate weight for me. The sensation against my palm felt truly nostalgic.
There was a time in the past when, even after my inner energy pathways were crippled, I believed that diligent effort alone would suffice. Thinking that someday there would be a way to recover. Or perhaps because there was no other option. I simply swung my sword with dedication.
‘…I thought I had done something foolish.’
Looking back now, I’m grateful I lived diligently back then. If I had abandoned everything and squandered my time in idle pursuits, my mind would be hollow even now that I wield a sword.
After all, the most important thing was to find what I could do and live earnestly in the present moment.
Chewing over this life lesson, I walked toward the center of the Practice Hall. Namgung Ryu-cheong stood with his brow furrowed, his expression making it clear he was deeply displeased with this situation.
“I’m telling you now—I won’t go easy on you.”
I spoke to Namgung Ryu-cheong with utmost seriousness.
“Come on, just a little….”
“….”
Namgung Ryu-cheong’s eyebrows shot up toward the heavens.
‘Hmm, I think I’ve provoked him.’
I raised my sword in salute to Namgung Ryu-cheong. Then I stepped back several paces, and we faced each other, gripping our blades and assuming our stances.
Namgung Wan, who had been watching anxiously, exclaimed in surprise.
“Yeon looks more skilled than I expected?”
“That’s…”
Just as Baek Li-ui-gang was about to agree,
With a sharp crack! My sword flew skyward as I blocked Namgung Ryu-cheong’s incoming thrust.
“….”
“….”
Both Namgung Ryu-cheong and I were shocked.
‘This is embarrassing.’
Was this how Seo Ha-ryeong must have felt?
My scalp tingled as I felt the atmosphere in the sparsely populated Practice Hall grow cold and heavy.
I had reflexively blocked the incoming attack, but that was a mistake. It had been so long since I’d held a sword in my hand—no, that was just an excuse. I truly hadn’t realized Namgung Ryu-cheong possessed such overwhelming strength.
‘He didn’t even use his inner energy.’
My palm tingled where I’d lost my grip on the blade.
Namgung Ryu-cheong gritted his teeth and glared at me.
“Don’t play games.”
“….”
I spoke with wounded indignation.
“I’m not playing around….”
“Don’t lie. You weren’t even striking that hard.”
“….”
But I really wasn’t. I felt deeply wronged.
Namgung Ryu-cheong continued with a fierce edge to his voice.
“Didn’t you tell that young lady the method to counter my sword technique? You said you just saw it, didn’t you? Or was that a lie? If you’re going to do this, don’t bother.”
The more Namgung Ryu-cheong spoke, the more his anger seemed to rise.
“Even if you can’t use inner energy, you must have learned from the Baek Li Family since childhood. So is the Baek Li Family’s standard really only at this level?”
I checked where my sword had fallen and turned back to face Namgung Ryu-cheong.
“…Young Master.”
“Speak.”
“Not everyone is as fortunate as you.”
“What?”
“If it felt like I was insulting you, I apologize.”
“….”
At my apology, Namgung Ryu-cheong furrowed his brow.
Namgung Ryu-cheong sheathed his sword and nodded.
“Bring the sword back. Seriously this time. Again.”
I exhaled deeply without making a sound. Even I felt a flicker of irritation, but the greatest problem was… there was no answer. Why had the Namgung Clan Head suddenly ordered me to spar? A man of his caliber, one of the Top Eleven Masters of the World, wouldn’t do this out of mere boredom.
I had no idea what I was supposed to gain from this. And when I went to pick up the fallen sword, it happened to be near the Namgung Clan Head. As I retrieved it, he called out to me.
“Yeon.”
“Yes.”
“Ryu-cheong possesses tremendous strength by nature. You can never match him through raw power alone.”
“….”
“I hear your eyes are exceptionally keen. You attempted to evade his attacks multiple times, did you not?”
Here I understood he was referring to Cheonsan Yeom-je. And that this was advice from the Namgung Clan Head.
“Thank you.”
“You’re clever enough to understand well, I trust.”
I returned, lost in contemplation.
I returned home lost in thought.

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