The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 115

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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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The Youngest Son of the Nakhyang Jin Family – Chapter 176

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Tianshan Demon Sect, as it was called, was a place that would conjure images of malevolent spirits swarming through hell in the minds of those unfamiliar with it.
It symbolized fear itself to the people of the Central Plains.
Yet the people I saw before my eyes did not quite match that reputation.
As if to prove that people lived the same way everywhere, they laughed, chattered, grew angry, threw punches, played, drank, and enjoyed themselves—scenes hardly different from those of the Central Plains.
If there was one thing entirely different, it would be that one had to traverse brutally harsh mountains to reach other places.
Apart from that, there was little difference from anywhere else.
In fact, it was more comfortable than when we were in Namman.
“Do we really have to wear something like this?”
At Chaeseoha’s words, I turned my head.
Dressed in the garments worn by Chohonjon warriors, she furrowed her brow, shifting uncomfortably as if finding it rather inconvenient.
I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
“Bear with it, even if it’s uncomfortable. We can’t let anyone discover that we’re not members of the Demon Sect.”
“But do we really need to hide? Since you’ve already mentioned the elder’s name, wouldn’t concealment be unnecessary?”
“Chohonjon probably wants to avoid drawing attention.”
The coronation ceremony was less than half a month away.
We had been staying here for a day and a half, and without even needing to investigate further, I could discern the position of Chohonjon within the Demon Sect.
The fact that it handled miscellaneous tasks within the sect meant Chohonjon occupied the lowest rung within the Demon Sect’s hierarchy.
Only those whose abilities were incomparable to other halls gathered here, and because their work involved menial tasks, those demoted due to insufficient skill naturally congregated there.
What would happen if word spread that they had received outsiders without permission—disciples of the Demon King himself, no less, someone whose very name made one’s teeth ache?
They would surely not survive unscathed.
That was why I accepted Ryu Jin-hong’s proposal to conceal our identities.
I smiled slightly and turned my head.
“By the way… where does the Demon Sect Master reside?”
“Ah, that is… well…”
At the end of my gaze stood a man.
Bruised eyes dark as a stormy sky and a face swollen beyond recognition.
This battered figure was none other than Na Cheonmun, the man who had sold us horses at the stable.
He bore the marks of punishment for the troublesome situation he had caused.
The reason he remained at our side was clear.
He was meant to watch over us and guide us, while also preventing any incidents that might expose our identities.
As a disciple of the Demon King, there was no telling what I might do, and it was evident they wanted to prevent any conflict that might reveal who we truly were.
Still, if that were the case, they could have sent him in better condition.
As I smiled bitterly at his wretched appearance, Na Cheonmun pointed toward a certain location on Tianshan.
“It is right there.”
I gazed toward where Na Cheonmun pointed.
A massive hall stood at a height so distant that one could not see it without lifting one’s head.
It was a place that seemed to symbolize the sword itself—merely looking upon it made one’s body feel as though it would be cleaved apart, such was the sharpness that emanated from it.
The summit of Cheonsan Mountain.
That appeared to be where the Demon King resided.
Yet what was peculiar was that, as if arranged in layers, countless pavilions descended from the summit downward.
The Chohon Hall, where we stood, occupied the lowest tier.
The sense that the difference in elevation symbolized power and authority was surely no mere illusion.
As I observed with a curious gaze, Na Cheonmun offered a bitter smile.
“Your thoughts are correct. The Chohon Hall is the lowest level, where miscellaneous duties are handled. Haha.”
“So the higher one ascends, the greater the power.”
“Yes, well… that is so. At that very pinnacle stands the Cheonma Palace.”
Did they truly call the Demon King’s residence the Cheonma Palace?
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that name.
“Then the Horse is kept there?”
“Ah, no. There is another place beneath the Cheonma Palace, and it is likely there. He has not yet ascended to the throne, after all.”
I nodded at Na Cheonmun’s words and surveyed the area around the Cheonma Palace.
Though it was not clearly visible from here, I could discern that some structure undoubtedly existed.
I suspected that place housed the residences of those who wielded the greatest power and authority within the Demon Cult, save for the Cult Master himself.
I stroked my chin thoughtfully, then voiced one of the primary reasons I had come to this place.
“More importantly, where is the blacksmith’s forge located?”
“Are you seeking the blacksmith? It is not far from here. Shall I guide you?”
“In Namman, they called that blacksmith the finest craftsman under heaven. Is that truly the case?”
“Ah, ah—you speak of Master Chungmun, then. If it is he…”
Na Cheonmun nodded as if understanding something, then turned his gaze toward the direction of the Cheonma Palace.
Soon after, he smiled with an awkward expression and scratched his head.
“He resides there. As the master of the Cheonma Forging Chamber, he would never descend to this place.”
“The Cheonma Forging Chamber?”
“It is where the swords of the Cult Master and the greatest masters of the Demon Cult are forged.”
I nodded upon hearing those words.
Indeed, if such a craftsman possessed such skill, it was only proper that the Demon Cult manage him with special care.
Moreover, knowing not when the people of Namman might launch an assault and abduct someone, it was fitting to keep important individuals in protected locations.
Yet this presented an unexpected complication.
To ascend there, one would need considerable power and authority within the Demon Cult, and it seemed unlikely that the strength of the Chohon Hall would suffice.
I had believed that simply entering would be manageable by any means, but I now realized anew that I had thought too simply.
I turned my gaze while my mind worked.
Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon came into view.
The two, dressed in the garments of the Chohon Hall, appeared absorbed in the scenery of Cheonsan as they looked about, yet in truth they were committing every Demon Cultist visible to memory, one by one.
It seemed as though they were comparing their own auras and capabilities to those of others.
Or perhaps, observing how these individuals moved gracefully across the treacherous mountain paths, they contemplated what lightness technique they themselves might have employed.
Though such could be expected of Namgung Yeon, the fact that even Jang Chuchyeong could not tear his gaze away suggested he could now rightfully be called a true martial artist.
Gurgle—
At that moment, a sudden sound made me turn my head, and Chaeseoha, her face flushed crimson with embarrassment at the loud noise her stomach had made, clutched at her growling belly.
Only then did I realize it was approaching lunchtime.
“By the way, aren’t there any inns nearby? It seems about time we should eat something.”
“Ah— y-yes, inns you say? Well, there are some, but… if you were to return to the Chohon Hall, it should be ready by now.”
Na Cheonmun pointed toward the Chohon Hall with an awkward expression.
Determined not to lead us to a crowded place by any means, he subtly blocked my view by standing in front of a building as if concealing it.
Yet from that very action, I could discern one truth.
That visible structure over there must be the inn.
Watching Na Cheonmun’s eyes dart about nervously and catching a glimpse of the hidden inn myself, I smiled.
Drip, drip—
I observed cold sweat trickling down his forehead, then turned my gaze toward Chaeseoha.
“That appears to be the inn. Shall we go eat?”
“Yes, of course. I wonder what they’ll serve here? I’m quite curious.”
Chaeseoha’s eyes sparkled as she spoke in a soft, melodious voice.
For a moment, her beauty seemed to shine even more brilliantly, instantly captivating Na Cheonmun’s gaze entirely.
He stood there slack-jawed and vacant-eyed before finally swallowing hard, revealing the inn he’d hidden behind his back and pointing to it with his finger.
“…The inn is over there, my lady. It’s quite renowned in these parts for its delicious food. I shall guide you there. No, I shall treat you to a meal!”
“Thank you.”
“Haha, think nothing of it…!”
With Chaeseoha’s sweet smile and enchanting voice, Na Cheonmun’s eyes had completely lost focus as he hurried ahead toward the inn.
Perhaps because the path ahead was somewhat rough, he—smirking as he looked back at Chaeseoha—suddenly launched himself forward, landing on a boulder and leaping upward, then using sturdy branches as footholds to propel himself again, landing lightly before the inn with remarkable grace.
The moment he landed, Na Cheonmun turned around, his expression brimming with confidence as he looked back at us.
“Well, it’s nothing much.”
“Hahaha! It’s easier than I thought?”
“Once you actually try it, it’s quite manageable.”
Contrary to what he’d expected—that we wouldn’t be able to follow easily—his eyes widened in surprise as he saw us already before him.
In fact, when he looked at me, he seemed to hold his breath, apparently not having anticipated that I could deploy such swift lightness technique while carrying Chaeseoha.
“Ha… haha, you all have remarkable lightness technique. This is quite a difficult… path.”
“Pfft! Difficult, my foot! Enough of that—just guide us! My stomach’s so empty my belly’s practically touching my spine.”
Jang Chuchyeong, taking in Na Cheonmun’s vacant expression, laughed loudly and approached him, roughly patting his back.
From his actions—so perfectly reminiscent of Gu Gunbaek that it was startling—I could discern just how greatly he must have suffered during our journey.
I turned my gaze away with a gentle smile.
The inn was now right before us.
The inn’s appearance, constructed as if integrated with the surrounding trees, vegetation, and natural landscape without disturbing them, was certainly intriguing.
Walking slowly, I opened the door and stepped inside, immediately feeling the weight of countless gazes upon us.
Everyone seated within was a member of the Demonic Cult.
The aura subtly emanating from them was so ferocious that it couldn’t even be compared to what I’d sensed in the Central Plains.
The moment I entered, I was confronted with an extremely savage presence that made me pause mid-step.
I furrowed my brow and looked toward Na Cheonmun.
Receiving my gaze, he swallowed hard and steadied his breathing.
“Let’s move to that table over there.”
He spoke naturally, as if he’d simply brought a new recruit along, yet I could see an oddly palpable tension radiating from him.
Moreover, the choice of seating was peculiar.
Despite there being quite a few decent tables available, he headed toward the most secluded, worst corner—it made me wonder if even one’s seating was determined by power and standing.
And indeed, that suspicion proved correct.
The table was thick with dust, as if it had never been cleaned, and both the chair and table creaked ominously, as though they might collapse at any moment.
Without thinking, I stood there frowning.
Did he sense my displeasure?
Jang Chuchyeong quickly approached and growled at Na Cheonmun.
“You’re telling me to sit here?”
“Shh, shh—! P-please, just be quiet for a moment. I’ll explain everything….”
Na Cheonmun hurriedly glanced around and lowered his voice.
After confirming that no one was paying attention to us, he moved quickly and brushed the dust from the seat with his sleeve.
Watching him, a natural question arose in my mind.
Why not simply go elsewhere?
I pressed my brow and sat down. Na Cheonmun, glancing around once more to ensure no one was listening, finally spoke quietly.
“The Demonic Sect operates on the principle of survival of the fittest. You’ve heard such things before, haven’t you?”
“Yes, my master has told me this many times.”
“Strength symbolizes power and authority in this place. But we… the Chohon Hall is at the very bottom of the hierarchy.”
Na Cheonmun offered an awkward smile.
His embarrassment was evident—he clearly felt shame even as he spoke.
Yet recognizing he had no choice but to reveal the truth, he took a breath, composed himself, and continued.
“That’s why most of our Chohon Hall warriors must sit in places like this. It’s the sect’s code of conduct, you see.”
Jang Chuchyeong, hearing these reluctant words, looked at me.
His eyes asked what I thought, but truthfully, I felt no particular reaction.
I’d expected as much from the beginning.
I simply smiled faintly and posed a question.
“Then, how does one move up?”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, what must one do to reach the very top where the Demon King’s Palace stands?”
At my words, Na Cheonmun’s eyes widened in shock.
It was clear he’d never even considered such a thought.
But my words seemed to provoke the attention of several others nearby.
“Puhahaha—! Hey, you! What did you just say?”
Warriors seated in a corner—clearly better positioned than where we sat—stood up and sneered at me.

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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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