The World’s Greatest is Dead - Chapter 13

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

The Heavenly Supreme Has Died – Episode 013
The Namgung Clan is searching for me.
I asked, seemingly startled by those words.
“Could it be that you’ve come to interrogate me about the incident?”
The story of how Namgung Clan martial artists were killed by Sanchen Gwiin.
Since I had witnessed it, I thought the interrogation might be about that. However.
“No, that may be a possibility, but the true purpose is said to be a meeting with Bang Disciple.”
“What? Why would someone coming to investigate want to see me…”
“It’s not just an investigation team…”
Cheon Euijin hesitated for a moment before continuing.
“The Little Azure Sword has come personally, it seems.”
“Pardon?”
Little Azure Sword—Namgung Seong. Upon hearing that alias, my expression changed in surprise.
It couldn’t be helped. When one speaks of the Little Azure Sword…
‘He’s the clan leader’s son.’
The son of the Namgung clan leader.
In other words, it meant direct bloodline of the Namgung Clan.

* * *
Hundreds of clans exist in the Central Plains.
So many and so numerous that one cannot even remember their names.
Yet among the rise and fall of these clans, there were those who maintained an unshakeable position for centuries.
People called them the Five Great Families of the Central Plains.
Pillars of the orthodox sects that have held their positions since before the Martial Alliance was founded.
The most renowned among renowned clans, each guarding their respective regions.
The Namgung Clan of Anhui.
The Tang Clan of Sichuan.
The Peng Clan of Hebei.
The Murong Clan of Yeolyeong.
The Zhuge Clan of Hubei.
The Central Plains revered these five as the Five Great Families, and they had established an overwhelming position.
If one were a direct blood relative of these clans, one would not even be permitted to gaze upon them.
Yes.
It meant these were people I could scarcely even look at in my original state.
And yet.
“A pleasure to meet you, Bang Disciple.”
I felt a peculiar sensation watching the young man before me perform a martial salute.
A tall, handsome youth clad in azure martial robes.
A sword hung at his waist, and he wore a smile that was both cold and benevolent.
“I am Namgung Seong of the Namgung Clan.”
One of the Five Great Families located in Anhui.
The Namgung Clan, called the Heavenly Sword Family, with the current Sword King serving as its patriarch.
That young man was from that place.
Moreover, he was no ordinary member—a direct bloodline of the patriarch himself.
The Lesser Azure Sword, Namgung Seong.
The second son of the Sword King and a young man called the representative of the Late Period Masters, of which there were thousands.
“…Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Bangseong-yeon.”
Seeing his appearance, I carefully assumed the clasped fist salute.
Watching me, Namgung Seong broke into a gentle smile.
“It’s truly an honor to meet someone so remarkable.”
“…Ha ha… Yes, likewise.”
Born into this world, and I never thought I’d hear such words from a son of the Namgung Clan. My heart felt strangely moved.
We had entered a room prepared by the branch leader, and several other martial artists were inside.
Half were Namgung Clan martial artists, and half were from the Martial Alliance side.
After exchanging brief greetings, the person standing beside Namgung Seong also carefully offered me a salutation.
“…I’m Namgung Hyeon.”
‘Is she his younger sister?’
I had never heard her name before. Like her brother, she was quite a beautiful woman.
“Yes. I’m Bangseong-yeon.”
“I heard that already.”
“Ah, I see. I was just worried you might not have heard.”
“No. I heard it.”
“Yes.”
Hmm.
Finding her demeanor somewhat cold, I sidled closer to Cheon Euijin beside me. At this, he narrowed his eyes.
His expression asked why I was suddenly doing this.
Ignoring that, I spoke to him.
“That woman seems a bit rude, doesn’t she?”
“…!! Young Master Bang. Your voice is too loud.”
At my words, Cheon Euijin jumped in surprise. It was indeed rather loud for a whisper.
Of course it was. I meant for her to hear it.
The woman called Namgung Hyeon’s brow furrowed as the words reached her ears clearly.
“What did you just…”
“Hyeon.”
“….”
At Namgung Seong’s soft voice spoken with a smile, Namgung Hyeon went rigid.
‘Confirmed.’
Seeing that, I thought to myself.
I sketched the relationship between Namgung Seong and Namgung Hyeon in my mind.
“My apologies. My sister was discourteous.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m not bothered by it. I apologize as well, Miss Namgung.”
“…Yes.”
We both wrapped up the conversation awkwardly. Then Namgung Seong addressed Cheon Euijin.
“It’s been a long time. Young Master Yeon… or should I say, Young Master Cheon now.”
“…Young Master Namgung.”
“I heard you’ve had quite the ordeal. I trust you’re recovering well.”
“Yes.”
For such a mundane exchange, there was something heavy lurking beneath the words.
‘Their relationship seems rather strained.’
I’d heard that the Namgung Clan had written the letter of recommendation for Cheon Euijin, and judging by their acquaintance, that much was true.
Yet their actual interaction appeared anything but cordial—a delicate situation indeed.
Gulp.
I took a sip of the tea placed before me.
“How fortunate. Moreover, I hear you’ve even obtained what you desired. Congratulations are certainly in order.”
“…Thank you….”
For an expression of gratitude, it carried an unsettling sharpness.
‘Hmm.’
I tilted my head slightly, observing this.
‘The Namgung Clan and Cheon Euijin….’
Why did Cheon Euijin seem so uncomfortable?
There must be some underlying issue between them.
‘The reason, I suspect, stems from a difference in information.’
I concluded that the incident in the dungeon was likely the source of tension.
‘Cheon Euijin was shocked to see the Namgung Clan martial artists in that dungeon.’
His reaction was as if questioning why they were even there.
He’d mentioned that dungeon was a place he’d sought out with purpose.
I already knew what that purpose was. Yoo Cheon-gil had explained it to me through the night.
‘The traces of the Sword Sage. Or perhaps an opportunity.’
It was a location where something he’d left behind was believed to remain.
Cheon Euijin had come all the way to Anhui to find it.
Yet to find Namgung Clan martial artists scattered about near such a dungeon—how could one interpret this?
‘If both parties knew, it would be cooperation. But if one didn’t, it’s a scheme.’
And Pung Yeon was the one who’d betrayed us at that very moment.
The fact that Namgung Clan martial artists arrived because of information he’d leaked meant—
‘The Namgung Clan and Pung Yeon had already been in contact behind the scenes.’
Given this, there was no way Cheon Euijin viewed the Namgung Clan favorably.
“Then, Young Master Namgung, did you obtain what you desired? I find myself suddenly curious.”
At Cheon Euijin’s words, Namgung Seong smiled faintly.
“Well…. I’m not quite sure.”
Was he trying to brush it off with a smile?
Unable to hold back, Cheon Euijin spoke up at that response.
“What on earth are you doing?”
His tone had changed.
“What do you mean, sir?”
“You clearly said you would lend me your strength.”
‘Strength?’
I listened quietly to his words.
“Ah yes, that’s right. I did say that.”
“But why would you…”
“My mind has changed.”
“…What did you just say?”
At the blunt response, Cheon Euijin’s expression twisted, and immediately after, Namgung Seong’s frigid voice spread through the room.
“I had no desire to involve myself in a losing battle, and I simply wagered on the side with higher odds of victory. I harbor no particular ill will toward the Heavenly Supreme.”
“…A losing battle?”
“Do you disagree? The fact that the Heavenly Supreme came here and nearly lost his life to Sanchen Gwiin proves he’s already dancing in the palm of the Heavenly Supreme’s sister, does it not?”
“…”
At Namgung Seong’s words, Cheon Euijin clamped his mouth shut.
“I saw little possibility of victory. So I changed my approach.”
At his coldly delivered words, Cheon Euijin laughed bitterly.
“…You were never on my side to begin with, were you?”
“Haha. Who knows?”
Crack.
Seeing the response, Cheon Euijin clenched his teeth hard.
Watching that, I chuckled inwardly.
‘So that’s what it was.’
I’d wondered why he was growling so, but it appeared to be a factional struggle.
I had believed Namgung Seong would support Cheon Euijin’s side, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.
Cheon Euijin’s faction appeared to be in opposition to the existence called ‘sister.’
The reason was probably.
‘A matter of the position of leader?’
That was the most likely scenario.
Finishing my thoughts, I waved my hand slightly.
“I understand your conversation, so first… could you tell me about my situation?”
At my words, those in the room focused their attention.
“So, ultimately, why did you seek me out, Namgung Disciple?”
At the question, a glimmer appeared in Namgung Seong’s eyes.
“My apologies. I got sidetracked into personal matters regarding Bang Disciple.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I actually found it quite enlightening.”
Thanks to that, I had gained information.
It was more than just good—it was beneficial.
“The reason I’ve come is quite simple.”
Namgung Seong withdrew his gaze entirely from Cheon Euijin and began speaking to me.
“Bang Disciple… that is to say, the former disciple of the Sword Saint, the great former Alliance Master’s student has appeared, or so I heard. I hurried here at once.”
“I see.”
Upon hearing this, I thought to myself.
‘It’s only been four days since rumors of me being the Sword Saint’s former disciple spread.’
Yet the fact that Namgung Seong already knew suggested something.
‘He’s well-informed about the Alliance’s affairs.’
In other words, he was obtaining information about the Alliance even from within his own clan.
“I truly wished to meet you.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
I responded to Namgung Seong with apparent bewilderment, but I had already anticipated this.
That someone from the Namgung Clan would come seeking me before long.
‘The incident that just occurred was convenient timing.’
Since most of the Namgung Clan’s martial artists had been found dead, the Alliance would have already reported it to the Namgung Clan. They had legitimate reason to come.
‘And in such circumstances, I heard news about the Sword Saint.’
In Anhui, where the Namgung Clan resides, no less.
“So then, what are your impressions? Having seen me directly?”
“Before that, I must ask something…”
Namgung Seong questioned me with a piercing gaze.
“Are you truly the former disciple of the Sword Saint?”
Our eyes met.
They were remarkably beautiful eyes.
Staring intently into them, I answered.
“What happens if I am, and what if I’m not?”
“You-! What manner of speech is this to your elder brother…!”
Namgung Hyeon, the ill-mannered one beside him, began to flare up.
Crack-!
“Ugh…”
Namgung Seong swung his hand and struck his younger sister’s cheek.
Even as he struck her, he did not look at his sister.
“Namgung Hyeon. I clearly told you to be silent, did I not?”
“…I-I’m sorry…”
Holding her reddened cheek, Namgung Hyeon spoke.
The atmosphere grew frigid in an instant.
I was somewhat taken aback as well.
I hadn’t expected him to strike her cheek so readily.
However, as if such an atmosphere hardly concerned him, Namgung Seong continued.
“If you are, then I shall have words for you. If not, I believe our meeting ends here.”
“So that means you didn’t come here to interrogate me about the incident?”
“We’re already conducting our own investigation into that matter, so there’s no need for excessive concern.”
The Martial Alliance discovered this incident, yet the Namgung Clan is conducting the investigation directly?
It was an absolute mess.
Well, not that I particularly care about the mess.
Besides, it’s becoming too taxing to even pay attention to it. This is the first time in this life that I’ve had to exert my mind so much.
“Then.”
I remained silent for a moment before speaking to Namgung Seong.
“I’ll decide whether that’s right or wrong after hearing what you have to say.”
“…Hmm?”
Upon hearing my words, Namgung Seong let out a short breath.
His expression suggested he hadn’t expected me to respond this way.
‘This bastard.’
I didn’t like how he was subtly trying to seize the initiative.
‘How cunning.’
He was guiding me to follow his intentions without my realizing it, as if bewitching me with words.
This wasn’t his first time employing such a technique.
“If you came here with a purpose, shouldn’t you state it first?”
“….”
“Wouldn’t you agree?”
Namgung Seong’s eyes dimmed for a moment.
Seeing that expression, I took another sip of tea.
A fleeting moment.
Just as that brief silence began to feel somewhat prolonged.
“You speak truly. I was indeed discourteous just now.”
Namgung Seong smiled as he spoke.
He had taken a step back.
“First, if Bang Disciple is truly the successor of the Sword Saint as you say, we of the Namgung Clan have come seeking to offer our support.”
“Support?”
I widened my eyes.
At the same time, Cheon Euijin beside me reacted.
“…Namgung. What do you mean by that?”
“As I mentioned before, I prefer to commit myself to battles with a chance of victory rather than those already lost.”
Regardless of how Cheon Euijin reacted, Namgung Seong continued with his words.
“Whatever the Heavenly Supreme may have gained from that—Bang Disciple’s value surpasses such things, or so I believe.”
At Namgung Seong’s words, Cheon Euijin’s expression grew more strained.
I glanced at that briefly, turning my gaze slightly away.
“If it’s support, what exactly do you mean by that?”
“Anything. We of the Namgung will do whatever lies within our power.”
Judging by his words alone, it was quite an extraordinary offer.
Yes, it was truly unprecedented. So then….
“What do you expect from me in return?”
I wondered what they sought to gain by supporting me, and so I posed the question.
Namgung Seong answered immediately.
“There is nothing we ask for at present.”
I didn’t believe him. The Namgung Clan was pledging their sponsorship under their own name, yet they wanted nothing in return?
Even a stray dog would laugh at such a claim. So I stared at him as if I didn’t understand.
“We merely wish for the Namgung name to walk alongside you on the path that lies ahead.”
‘….’
At his words, I tilted my head slightly.
‘So it’s about establishing their footing with the Cheonwol Gate.’
More precisely, they were trying to mark their territory with someone who might become a figure of legend.
‘Either way… this is nothing but inconvenient.’
I had despised this process even in my past life.
It was nothing but tedious and irritating procedures.
Suppressing these feelings, I spoke to Namgung Seong.
“I’ve heard that at first you intended to sponsor the Heavenly Supreme, and then later someone else, yet now you turn to me… how can I possibly trust such words?”
“We believe only in possibility.”
If you succeed, there will be no such issue. But if there is no possibility, we will simply switch our allegiance.
It was a blunt and candid answer.
“I see.”
After hearing his response, I pretended to deliberate.
The terms alone were not unfavorable.
Regardless, it was the sponsorship of the Namgung Clan. Even if accepting it brought trouble, it was better to accept first.
Especially as the son of a clan that had already crumbled, I should have accepted gratefully.
But.
“Then I shall decline.”
“….”
My choice was refusal.
“I see. I understand.”
Namgung Seong nodded upon hearing my response.
Then, without a trace of hesitation, he rose to his feet. It seemed he had no intention of asking for reasons.
“I heard your health was not well, yet you took the time to meet with me. I am grateful.”
He then clasped his fist in salute as he had done when we first met, and turned to leave.
Watching him go, I called out to him.
“Ah, Namgung Disciple.”
“Yes.”
The man turning to leave looked back at me. Meeting his gaze, I spoke.
“Please convey this to him: tell him to stop with these bothersome games and simply come visit.”
“I’m not sure what you mean. I shall take my leave.”
Namgung Seong showed not the slightest reaction to my words.
Yet seeing his expression, I swallowed the remaining tea in one gulp.

* * *
After concluding our conversation, Namgung Seong stepped outside.
The smile that had graced the young man’s face moments before had vanished entirely.
“O-older brother….”
Namgung Hyeon emerged and called out to him.
Crack—!
Namgung Seong swung his hand again, striking her cheek a second time.
Drip.
This time the force was stronger, and blood trickled from the corner of Namgung Hyeon’s mouth.
“Have you lost your mind?”
At his chilling voice, Namgung Hyeon shrank back.
“I told you to simply play the role of a pretty ornament, yet you dare to sabotage everything? It seems you truly wish to die.”
“I-I’m sorry… I’m so sorry….”
At Namgung Seong’s furious tone, Namgung Hyeon clung to him pleadingly.
“It’s just… that wretch was harming my older brother, and it made me so angry…!”
“Silence. Before I tear your mouth apart.”
“Yes….”
Namgung Hyeon shrank down with a cowed expression, and seeing this, Namgung Seong clicked his tongue sharply.
‘Useless woman.’
He had brought her along because her face and body were acceptable, intending to use her, yet even that proved worthless.
The plan had gone slightly awry. Because of this, Namgung Seong’s face continued to crease with displeasure.
‘Things unfolded strangely.’
It had deviated from his expectations.
He had thought it would be simple to manipulate a provincial fool from a ruined clan, yet matters had not proceeded as anticipated.
Namgung Seong recalled the conversation just now and bit his lip.
‘I couldn’t seize control of the dialogue.’
Normally he could have grasped and wielded such a person, yet this provincial rustic proved strangely uncontrollable.
There was something peculiar about him—his manner of speech, the aura he emanated.
‘Could he truly be a successor of the Sword Saint?’
Namgung Seong did not believe it.
He had come in person upon hearing the information, yet even upon meeting him face-to-face, he did not believe it.
‘His momentum is far too weak.’
The azure eyes were proof that he had opened the Moon Gate. Yet the aura he possessed was far too trivial.
He killed the escort and Sanchen Gwiin in such a state? Namgung Seong was certain there had to be something else at play.
This remained true even until the very moment he stood to leave.
‘Please convey a message to that person.’
Those words that wretch had uttered before he departed—they lingered in his mind.
‘Could he possibly know?’
That couldn’t be.
It surely couldn’t be….
As doubt bloomed within him, Namgung Seong stroked his chin.
“I’ll have to visit again.”
When questions arose, they had to be answered.
If something seemed suspicious, it had to be investigated.
And if something was in the way, it had to be removed.
That was Namgung Seong’s nature, and this man Bangseong-yeon had become lodged in his mind.
‘I need to verify once more before sending word to her.’
Having reached this conclusion, Namgung Seong began to move.
And the Namgung Clan Martial Artists departed with him.
[Tsk tsk.]
From above the ceiling, Yoo Cheon-gil watched and let out a chuckle.

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