The Patriarch of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 57

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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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Master of the Bukcheon Sword Family – Chapter 57

“R-revenge? What do you mean by that…?”
Namgung Seung was visibly flustered.
From the look on his face, he seemed to think I was proposing something dangerous.
I corrected that misunderstanding at once.
“Of course, I’m not suggesting you march to the Namgung Clan with a sword and seek vengeance. Besides, that would be difficult anyway. What I mean is revenge of a different sort.”
“I see? Then could you explain what you mean?”
I met his gaze and spoke with a serious expression.
“Let me be frank. Your time at the Namgung Clan wasn’t pleasant, was it? You faced all manner of discrimination and contempt. You barely mastered the Great Sword Technique among the Namgung Clan’s martial arts, yet you weren’t even permitted to learn the Spear-Sword Boundless Technique that all other direct descendants master.”
“…”
“And this time, despite your mistakes, you were cast out from the family. The others in the Namgung Clan will mock you and treat you like garbage, just as they always have. Am I wrong?”
“…!”
Namgung Seung trembled violently, his face struck by profound shock.
He had likely forgotten the harsh reality until I forced him to confront it.
I felt some sympathy for him, but I pressed on toward my goal.
“If time passes like this, you’ll remain forever a criminal of the Namgung Clan, unjustly despised by those you once considered family. Is that truly what you want?”
“What… are you trying to say?”
He clenched his fists and asked with difficulty.
His anger had reached its breaking point.
I smiled faintly and spoke the words I had prepared.
“Didn’t I just ask if you wanted revenge?”
“…!”
“In my view, the greatest revenge you can inflict upon the Namgung Clan is simply to succeed.”
“To… succeed?”
“Yes. To succeed, make a name for yourself, and become a figure of renown in the martial world—someone with such undeniable influence that no one dares to disrespect you. What do you think would happen then?”
I paused deliberately to let Namgung Seung absorb my words.
“The Namgung Clan that abandoned you would beat their chests in regret. They would lament how they failed to recognize such talent, how they overlooked a precious gem. And perhaps they would even beg you to return to the family.”
“…!”
Namgung Seung’s eyes trembled.
It was only natural. For him, merely imagining it was exhilarating.
The family that had despised and ignored him his entire life, that had ultimately cast him out—begging him to return after he had achieved success?
The thrill would be immense. It would surely be delightful.
“Whether you return then or not will be your choice, but either way, you would hold the advantage. That is why I call it revenge. And I intend to help you achieve this revenge.”
“Why… would you do that?”
“Because it benefits us as well.”
I explained in a composed voice.
“Though we have not yet made it official, you have already become a guest of our Bukcheon Sword Family. If you succeed and make a name for yourself, would the prestige of our main house not rise as well?”
“…!”
“Moreover, the main family is now actively pursuing greater strength. As you know, the reason is the threat from Black Night City that once tried to seduce you. If you were to grow stronger and become our strength during this time, it would be very reassuring.”
In other words.
“I will provide an environment where you can grow stronger. Of course, it will be difficult to make a name for yourself immediately. You won’t be able to step into the forefront of the martial world until you can control the demonic energy within your body. But if you overcome the impulses of that demonic energy and raise your realm to become truly called a master….”
“…Then I could take revenge on the Namgung Clan. Just as you say, Young Master.”
“Precisely.”
Now, only Namgung Seung’s resolve remained.
Of course, the outcome was essentially already decided.
“I will do it.”
As expected.
Namgung Seung spoke with eyes that burned like fire itself.
“I will definitely grow stronger and take revenge on the Namgung Clan. I’ll make them regret how they treated me so bitterly.”
“A worthy resolve.”
“And to repay you, Young Master, for giving me this opportunity, I must grow stronger. I haven’t properly thanked you until now, but I truly appreciate that you stopped me back then. Allow me to express my gratitude once more.”
Namgung Seung bowed his head respectfully.
He was likely referring to when he had gone berserk and nearly severed Peng Seo-ho’s neck.
Back then, blinded by vengeance, he hadn’t thought clearly, but now he realized how mad that would have been.
I smiled warmly at him and spoke.
“I couldn’t stand to watch someone die before my eyes—it was only natural. Besides, I didn’t want to see a promising person like you fall into ruin.”
“Young Master….”
Namgung Seung’s voice trembled with emotion.
I regarded him with a serious expression once more.
“Then, first, I think it would be best for you to practice controlling the demonic energy you’ve already learned.”
“But how should I control the demonic energy… Honestly, I’m at a loss.”
Namgung Seung’s concern was valid.
Demonic energy, by its nature, grows more dangerous the more one cultivates it, summoning great inner demons and manifesting unwanted temperaments—a vicious thing indeed.
But I had a method.
“From now on, memorize the incantation I will teach you.”
“Yes?”
“This incantation is called the Purification Mantra. It is a martial technique originally used to expel poison and malice.”
This was also a technique I had taught Father shortly after my regression.
The essence of the Purification Mantra was, quite literally, purification.
It also had the effect of cleansing a corrupted body and mind.
Therefore, it would certainly be effective against a mind tainted by demonic energy.
-Ho. Quite an excellent technique, isn’t it.
Even the Sword Spirit, who would scoff at most martial techniques, praised it as a remarkable meditation method.
I transmitted it to Namgung Seung.
“If I master this, I can escape the side effects of demonic energy?”
“Yes. It will help you regain composure and cultivate a pure mind. We can focus on learning other techniques afterward.”
“Other techniques, you say…?”
“You’ve been cast out from the Namgung Clan—you can’t continue using their techniques.”
“Ah!”
“And even if he succeeded, the people of the Namgung Clan would attribute the victory to their own superior martial prowess, never acknowledging Namgung Seung’s true worth. Therefore, for him to achieve his revenge, he must master different martial techniques.”
“I see. I understand.”
“Then for now, please rest well today. I shall take my leave.”
“Thank you so much for your concern, Young Patriarch.”
I accepted Namgung Seung’s bow and left the quarters where he was staying.
-The fact that you’re going to such lengths suggests that fellow’s talent is quite exceptional, doesn’t it?
‘Yes. Even having learned demonic arts, he subdued Peng Seo-ho—who was among the stronger late-stage cultivators—in a single breath. He’s the sort of talent who will naturally rise to the Johwa Realm without any intervention. There’s definitely value in investing in him.’
Besides, there was another reason.
-Another reason?
‘Namgung Seung was essentially asked directly by the Namgung Family Patriarch himself. That means the more he grows and makes a name for himself, the more indebted we become to that person. Considering our relationship with the Namgung Clan, nurturing him is the wise choice.’
-Haha! You spoke of revenge to him, yet behind the scenes you were plotting cooperation with the Namgung Clan.
‘To be blunt, his revenge is something Namgung Seung must accomplish himself. As Young Patriarch of the Bukcheon Sword Family, I must think from a broader strategic perspective.’
-That’s true. You’re right.
‘Isn’t it?’
We chatted as we returned to my quarters.
The Sword Spirit asked me with curiosity.
-So what are you planning now? Will you focus on building your strength for a while?
‘No. Of course I’ll continue training diligently, but… I need to act. Rather, the problem is that there’s too much to do.’
-Is that so?
‘Yes. I’ve already told you that I’ve returned from the future.’
That meant I possessed knowledge of numerous events yet to come.
Everything that would happen ahead.
And all the repercussions those events would have on the Central Plains and our family.
I intended to chart my course by considering all of it.
But before that.
“First, let’s eat something.”
I’d traveled a long distance; surely I should have a meal.
The Sword Spirit laughed heartily at my words.
-Well said. You clever little thing.
We left the quarters and headed toward the family’s dining hall.
A meal eaten at home after so long was extraordinarily delicious.

* * *

The next day.
After a light wash, I set out beyond the family estate with Sa Gong-cheon, my escort.
“Where are we headed, sir?”
“I thought I’d stop by the Marketplace District for a moment. I’ve suddenly taken a craving for dumplings.”
“Surely you could simply have the servants bring some back, sir…”
“Come now, buying dumplings is just an excuse for a pleasant stroll. What else is there to do cooped up at home?”
“That’s true enough.”
“While we’re out, let’s pick up a toy for Lin-ah to play with.”
“An excellent idea.”
Sa Gong-cheon nodded readily.
Of course, I wasn’t truly going to the Marketplace District for dumplings.
To be precise, I was going to establish a connection with the dumpling shop on that street.
It wasn’t actually an ordinary dumpling establishment.
-Not an ordinary dumpling shop? Then what is it?
‘A very delicious one, naturally.’
-Oh, now that’s promising.
‘I jest. It’s actually a Ha-O Faction branch in this district. To establish ties with them, I’ll need to make contact.’
-You wretch! I got my hopes up for nothing.
The Sword Spirit grumbled in genuine disappointment.
I suppressed my laughter internally and appeased him.
‘Well, the dumplings truly are delicious. The quality is so exceptional that their business thrives remarkably—I’ve heard they barely have time for Ha-O Faction matters.’
-They’d better be good, or else.
I grinned and headed toward the dumpling shop with Sa Gong-cheon.
But then.
“You barbarian dogs—do you have a death wish?”
When we arrived, the Marketplace District was in an unusual state of turmoil.
A dozen or so figures who were unmistakably Black Bandits had surrounded a man and woman.
The merchants and passersby nearby all watched with anxious expressions.
“It’s you dogs who should wish for death. How dare you speak such filth to someone of this person’s standing?”
Yet despite being outnumbered more than fivefold, the pair showed no fear whatsoever.
Rather, a faint but ferocious fighting spirit emanated from them.
As if they were fully prepared to crush all these Black Bandits.
Did they have such confidence in their martial prowess?
‘Hmm?’
As I pondered this, I caught sight of the woman among those called barbarians and started in surprise.
‘What is she doing here?’
-What is it? Do you know her?
‘Yes.’
Though she appeared younger than I remembered, it was certainly a face I recognized.
It made sense, of course—our meeting was supposed to happen several years from now.
Yet I never expected to encounter her here, at this particular moment.
-Who is she?
‘A woman named Gye Wol-hyang. To be precise….’
My eyes gleamed as I contemplated the revelation.
‘The cherished jewel of the Northern Region’s War God.’

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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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