The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 123

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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 Jin Family of Luoyang – Chapter 184

Words I had already heard before.
Nothing less than what the patriarch of the Demon Sect had said to me.
The fact that the exact same words came from Ma Un’s mouth meant that Ma Un had also met Mu Heo at some point.
For a moment, I recalled Gwanbaek and furrowed my brow.
It was impossible to know just how many people he had encountered.
“You are mistaken.”
“No? But the aura is so similar?”
I had received peculiar teachings.
Because of that, it was undeniable that the depth of my martial arts had grown, but the notion that my aura had become similar was absurd.
After all, our cultivation methods were different.
If there was something similar, it would perhaps be embedding nature into the sword?
But even that could not be called similar.
Mine was merely scratching the surface, while Gwanbaek’s sword was true nature itself.
And thanks to Ma Un’s single remark, unwanted attention fell upon me.
With the name Geomcheon brought up, not only Chu Hyeongi but also Namgung Yeon and Na Cheonmun, along with our guide and the Grand Master, all turned their gaze toward me.
The light in their eyes changed strangely.
Anyone would react the same.
It was the same even during the period when Geomcheon was active, but even now that he had vanished, he remained a legend and the one closest to being the greatest of all ages.
The strength of this Priest who had casually beaten such a person into a cripple was utterly beyond comprehension.
While I was thinking such thoughts for a moment.
Ma Un’s voice pierced my ears with calm certainty.
“It would be burdensome to reveal it openly. However, that age and that aura cannot be hidden no matter how much one wishes to.”
“You are mistaken.”
At my words, Ma Un smiled slightly.
As if telling me to continue hiding and living in secrecy.
Despite my claim of a misunderstanding, the reason such denial would not work was consistent with what had just come from Ma Un’s mouth.
Among those of my generation, Cheon Yul could be said to be at the very forefront, yet even he had only just reached his peak.
But I had long since crossed that threshold, so it was reasonable to consider my level something that could only be cultivated by a master of Geomcheon’s caliber.
I brushed it off lightly.
After all, nothing I said would seem to get through.
Because of Ma Un’s confident tone and expression, expressions and gazes filled with astonishment poured forth, and among them, Namgung Yeon and Na Cheonmun even nodded as if they understood something.
I had no idea what they had accepted.
“And… unexpectedly, there are two guests. One appears to be a disciple of the Fierce Tiger Palace, and the other is… the Namgung clan?”
Zzzt—!
The moment the word Namgung was spoken, murderous intent exploded.
Without exception, the killing intent that rose up poured toward Namgung Yeon in an instant, and she seemed unable to even endure it as she swayed with a pale complexion, nearly collapsing.
But she gritted her teeth and held on.
As if such a thing were beneath my notice.
As though I harbored an unwavering conviction that no member of the Namgung clan would kneel before a Demon Sect disciple.
At that sight, Ma Un’s lips curved into a cold smile.
“The Namgung clan and we cannot live under the same sky, yet you dared to raise your head. Or perhaps… does the Demon Sect appear so contemptible to you?”
“Ugh…!”
I watched the situation unfold without uttering a word.
I dismissed the urgent gleam in Chaeseoha’s eyes urging me to do something, and the pressing gaze of Chu Hyeongi.
This was a matter between Namgung Yeon and the Demon Sect.
It was not my place to intervene.
Namgung Yeon, who understood this better than anyone, still clenched his teeth with a strained expression.
Crack—
Blood trickled from his lips as a result.
As if trying to overcome the pressure through pain, yet his opponent was one of the Ten Emperors of the realm.
Merely meeting his gaze would inflict a soul-crushing agony.
“I am… ugh…!”
“Do not open your mouth. I have no wish to soil my ears with your voice.”
Ma Un’s warning was sincere.
Should he utter even one more sound, his neck would be severed.
The intent was palpable enough to be felt upon the skin.
Yet could even such fear overcome the dignity of his ancestors?
Namgung Yeon clenched his teeth even harder and cried out.
“I am a daughter of the Namgung clan! I will not cower before the Demon Sect, nor will I kneel! If you wish to toy with me, then kill me instead!”
The powerful declaration echoed through the air.
At the same moment, the sword of the man beside Ma Un moved.
And with that, my blade moved as well.
Clang—!
“…!”
The moment I blocked the strike, a peculiar sound rang out.
Crack—!
Fissures began to form across the colliding blades.
The considerable strain applied in such a brief moment meant my sword could no longer withstand the pressure.
Yet I paid it no mind and fixed my gaze upon the man.
“She is my household. Do not lay a hand on her.”
“…”
If the man pressed forward even slightly more, my blade would surely shatter in two.
Observing the man’s expression devoid of any mercy, it became clear that the moment my sword broke, he would sever Namgung Yeon’s neck.
Therefore, I could not retreat.
I poured more force into my blade.
As the shimmering flames of sword energy blazed forth with unmistakable clarity, the man’s eyes widened in alarm as he glanced furtively toward Ma Un.
Had some signal been given?
The man quietly retreated and lowered his sword.
Yet the light in his eyes as he gazed at me did not fade.
Astonishment.
An expression of utter disbelief.
Though he seemed to be someone who rarely displayed emotion, I could sense his profound shock at my previous move.
“Ha ha, this is quite amusing. Truly unexpected circumstances.”
At that moment, Ma Un’s voice rang out once more.
He gazed at Namgung Yeon and me standing at a distance, nodding as if in understanding, then alternated his gaze between Chu Hyeongi and Chaeseoha.
Soon, as if grasping some crucial fact, his eyes gleamed with insight.
“I cannot speak to the disciple of the Fierce Tiger Emperor, but a daughter of the Namgung clan and a woman presumed to be a physician… Then you must be Jin Cheon-u of the Jin Family of Luoyang?”
Indeed.
There was no way to conceal it.
The moment Namgung Yeon was exposed, my identity was bound to be discovered as well.
The events in Gansuk had spread throughout the Central Plains, and there was no way the Demon Sect had not heard of it.
But this was something I had already anticipated.
I could not have hidden it forever.
Perhaps the only silver lining was that I was exposed in this place.
If I could borrow some of Ma Un’s influence, concealing my identity afterward would not be so difficult.
I smiled faintly and clasped my fist in salute.
“I am Jin Cheon-u of the Jin Family. It is an honor to meet Muk-hwang.”
“A figure from the Upper Realm enters the Demon Sect and creates such turmoil… Ha ha, the previous generation would be astounded if they knew. Then, aside from the daughter of the Namgung clan, is the disciple of the Fierce Tiger Emperor also your escort?”
“That is correct.”
At my words, astonishment flickered in the eyes of not only Ma Un but also the Commander beside him.
Then came the voice of Baek Gong, whose expression had grown intrigued.
“Remarkable enough to be a disciple of Geomcheon, yet also a young master of the Jin Family, and to have both a daughter of the Namgung clan and a disciple of the Fierce Tiger Emperor as escorts? Heaven typically grants only one blessing, yet this one possesses them all.”
“Indeed. And even someone from the Uiseon Chae clan.”
“…!?”
At Ma Un’s sudden remark, shock rippled through the gathering once more.
Simultaneously, countless gazes poured toward Chaeseoha.
The Demon Sect could hardly be ignorant of the Uiseon Chae clan.
Rather, one might say they had a very intimate connection.
After all, they were the ones who had created the very source of the clan’s downfall.
Yet I found this situation rather displeasing.
I had learned just how keen Ma Un’s perception was, but in the mere moments since entering through the door, I felt as though considerable information had been extracted from us.
As I furrowed my brow and looked at Chaeseoha, she seemed quite uncomfortable under the barrage of stares, waving her hand dismissively with an awkward smile.
“Aha ha…”
Whether her identity was recognized or not seemed to matter little to her; she appeared focused solely on the discomfort of being the center of attention.
But did the atmosphere change because of her?
Ma Un, withdrawing his gaze from her, pointed to one side of the hall.
“I have kept my guest standing far too long. Come. In all my years, I have never encountered a guest quite like you, and I find myself most intrigued.”

* * *

I followed them inside, surveying my surroundings carefully.
As I swept my gaze across the interior, the hall struck me as remarkably plain and unremarkable.
It was so modest that I found it hard to believe one of the Ten Emperors Under Heaven resided here, and I wondered if perhaps they kept their true residence elsewhere.
Or perhaps, if they were soon to relocate, these furnishings had been brought here in advance?
Yet no matter how I considered it, that didn’t seem to be the case.
The traces scattered throughout suggested no sense of temporary occupation.
Puzzled, I stepped into the reception hall proper.
It was much the same.
Though I had expected a place for receiving guests to be somewhat ornate, not a single decorative piece existed—only a table and chairs.
“Does it strike you as odd?”
“I have met the Death Emperor and the Sword Emperor before, but their quarters were far more elaborate, so I confess I am somewhat surprised.”
“There is no need to be dazzled by costly splendor. The worth of the master far outweighs such things.”
“That is something my grandfather used to say.”
“Did he speak thus?”
“Yes, though his actions contradicted his words—he possessed many costly things.”
At my candid remark, I saw Ma Un’s lips curve into a slight smile. Perhaps because of this, the Commander beside him wore an expression of mild surprise, suggesting he was not one given to laughter.
Thus we took our seats.
Namgung Yeon, still perspiring, kept his mouth firmly shut, while Chu Hyeongi glanced nervously about, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
Chaeseoha, meanwhile, seemed to anticipate some delicious meal, while Na Cheonmun…
was nowhere to be seen.
We had been allowed inside, but Na Cheonmun had been led away by the man who had threatened Namgung Yeon.
I suspected they would silence him thoroughly before sending him back down to Mayon.
It was unfortunate—he had proven himself a serviceable attendant.
Then, Ma Un suddenly turned his gaze toward Chu Hyeongi.
“Tell me, how fares the Fierce Tiger Emperor?”
“Ah, w-well… Master is doing well…”
“An unworthy disciple of his.”
At the sight of Chu Hyeongi, trembling with fear, Ma Un’s eyes filled with disappointment.
The Fierce Tiger Emperor he knew was always composed in such situations, speaking his mind without hesitation or restraint.
Regardless of whether his opponent was stronger.
“Namman has grown considerably since the Fierce Tiger Emperor rose to the position of Gung-ju. The Demon Sect too strives not to fall behind. Yet… one must not overstep boundaries.”
Ssssshhhhh—!
“Eek?!”
As a sharp, cutting gaze pierced through like a blade wind accompanied by bitter cold, Chu Hyeongi cried out in alarm and hastily nodded.
Merely recalling what he had heard in Namman, he understood the reason for such anger.
Satisfied with Chu Hyeongi’s cowering form, Ma Un withdrew his gaze and finally turned to me, beginning the true conversation.
“Now then. Convince me why you have done such things here.”
At last, he has arrived.
If I fail to convince him, I will face grave humiliation; if I succeed, I can obtain everything I desire.
Both Ma Un and Grand Master Baek-gong turned their gaze upon me.
He will listen intently to every word that leaves my lips, discern what is false and what is true, and determine whether all of it is worthy of belief.
Has he come to reclaim his words?
It is a sufficient explanation, but it alone may not be enough to convince him of a situation grave enough to overturn the Demon Sect.
He might even think I have been toyed with.
Then should I speak honestly about the Heavenly Demon Blade Forging Chamber?
No, no.
A blade could fly at me without warning.
I glanced toward Chaeseoha.
Her gaze, which had been awaiting my words, turned toward me, and I saw her nod lightly as if she understood something.
Then I spoke.
“The Demon Sect has come to collect a debt owed to the Chae Family.”
“…!”
“….”
“You have evaded this debt for nearly a hundred years—surely now is the time for repayment. What do you think, Muk-hwang, who will soon become the sect leader?”
At those words, a smile froze on Ma Un’s face, and Grand Master Baek-gong’s eyes widened in shock.

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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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