The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 127
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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 188
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Gazing out the window, I noticed the day had faded into dusk.
Night deepened progressively, and Tianshan became shrouded in darkness.
Observing the pitch-black darkness that would render everything invisible without torchlight, I allowed myself a subtle smile.
Then I turned my head to survey the room.
I could see Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon.
The two seemed oblivious to any tension—Namgung Yeon was maintaining his sword while Jang Chuchyeong was diligently conditioning his muscles.
Watching the sweat streaming down his face, I found myself growing warm as well.
It appeared Namgung Yeon felt similarly, as I caught him glancing over with a furrowed brow.
He seemed thoroughly displeased by the sight of all that perspiration.
Taking in the scene, I opened the window.
A cool breeze flowed into the room.
The night air was exceptionally pleasant.
The incoming breeze was more than sufficient to carry away the overwhelming stench of sweat.
“It’s fine weather for a walk.”
“Isn’t it too dark for a walk?”
“True, it is dark. That’s precisely why it’s good.”
Jang Chuchyeong tilted his head in confusion, but the perceptive Namgung Yeon seemed to grasp something, ceasing his sword maintenance and wiping the blade with cloth.
Then he sheathed the cleaned sword and rose to his feet.
“Are you planning to go out?”
“Yes, they should all be gathered by now.”
At my words, Namgung Yeon’s eyes gleamed with understanding as he steeled his resolve.
Seeing his determination to wield his sword at my side whenever needed, I smiled faintly and turned my gaze to Jang Chuchyeong.
He seemed momentarily confused about the situation, tilting his head, but upon sensing the unusual atmosphere, he ceased his training and sprang to his feet.
“I’m coming too!”
“How reassuring.”
I chuckled softly and nodded.
I had intended to bring him along regardless.
Considering the caliber of our opponent, going alone was unthinkable—I needed to mobilize every capable person I could bring.
With such thoughts, I quietly stepped outside.
The moment I opened the door and took a step, Gu Ma-hyeop appeared before my eyes with a presence.
He regarded me with a somewhat peculiar expression.
“Where are you heading at this late hour?”
“The night breeze is pleasant, so I thought I’d take a walk.”
“…Now, you say?”
“Yes, is that strange?”
At my words spoken with a slight smile, Gu Ma-hyeop’s brow furrowed even deeper.
It was neither early nor still reasonably late—it was already quite late.
Moreover, this was not Luoyang but the Demon Sect’s headquarters, and more specifically, the heart of it all: Cheonma Ridge.
It was unbelievable that one would take a night stroll in such a place.
“Tomorrow is the enthronement ceremony. Would it not be better to rest today and enjoy tomorrow?”
“I intend to enjoy today as well as tomorrow, so it matters not.”
I brushed aside Gu Ma-hyeop’s words lightly and took another step forward.
At that same moment, Gu Ma-hyeop moved as if to block my path.
His will was clear—he would not let me leave this annex.
I stared directly at Gu Ma-hyeop.
He likely did not believe we would do anything to harm Muk-hwang.
Rather, with so many still watching and having already fallen out of favor with the Blood Rights Jin Family, there was no way to predict what might occur.
His intention to prevent such complications beforehand seemed strong.
However, I paid it no mind and glanced casually around the surroundings.
Gu Ma-hyeop’s subordinates were visible throughout the annex.
“How many are there?”
“What do you mean…?”
“Your subordinates. They seem quite capable—how many do you have?”
“…Thirty.”
I nodded and considered this.
They seemed numerous yet few at the same time.
However, judging merely from the fact that they were guarding Muk-hwang, they were clearly skilled to a considerable degree, and recalling what the Commander had said, they also appeared quite adept at moving covertly.
Therefore, I judged they would be of considerable help.
“I was thinking of catching some moths. Would you come with me?”
“Moths…?”
“Yes, fire moths specifically. If we don’t catch them beforehand, won’t they flutter about noisily tomorrow?”
“…!”
Understanding my meaning, Gu Ma-hyeop’s eyes widened. Seeing his expression of utter disbelief, he observed my confident expression and gaze, and his lips trembled.
“Are there…fire moths?”
“We’ll know once we go. Will you come with us, or shall we go alone?”
“…I will come. Protecting the lord’s guest is also our duty. Besides, I must confirm whether these are truly fire moths.”
“Very well.”
I smiled slightly while meeting Gu Ma-hyeop’s resolute gaze.
Then I turned my head to look beyond the wall.
The one who would newly take the seat of Cheonma—Muk Hwang Mawoon.
Yet unfortunately, he was a tragic figure who lost his life the moment he ascended to power.
Considering that Nam Tae-cheon was the one who succeeded him, I was certain that something would happen at tomorrow’s enthronement ceremony.
However, while I could not determine Nam Tae-cheon’s exact abilities, the fact that he had not earned a place among the Ten Sovereigns, and considering general assessments, he had not accumulated enough strength to surpass Muk-hwang.
At best, he would be at Hoyeon’s level or slightly above.
Could such a person defeat Mawoon?
It’s impossible.
Even if I mobilized everyone who followed me and attacked together, many are already following Ma Un at this point, so the fight would be at best evenly matched, or more likely, I’d be pushed back.
However, past rumors claimed that Muk-hwang was subdued without sustaining major injuries.
Because of that, contrary to what was known, there were whispers that Nam Tae-cheon’s abilities ranked within the top three when compared to the Ten Sovereigns.
But thinking about what I’ve experienced so far, there’s a natural flow connecting everything.
In the past, Chu Won struck down Namman to obtain Gok Ok, and in that process, he must have worked with other lords of the Twelve Pavilions or Yeom Ji-hak.
Intertwined with that was the Demon Sect Master’s ascension and Muk-hwang’s death.
If Nam Tae-cheon even had connections with that side, it’s highly likely that one of the lords helped him, and I’m certain that’s how he was able to suppress the situation without major injuries.
But what about now?
Chu Won and Yeom Ji-hak are dead.
There’s no one left who can help Nam Tae-cheon, so to claim the position, he’ll have to risk his life.
He’s definitely gathered those who trust and follow him, making this a perfect opportunity to eliminate them all at once.
And that works out well for me too.
If Nam Tae-cheon becomes the Sect Master, I won’t even be able to forge a new sword, and even if I did, it would likely fall into his hands.
“That absolutely cannot happen.”
I furrowed my brow and stepped across the threshold.
In that instant.
Zzzt—!
A flood of gazes turned toward me.
Though considerably fewer than during the day, they were still surveilling the residence of the one who would become the Sect Master deep into the night.
It was natural that their purpose felt suspicious.
I kicked off the ground and launched myself forward.
Swoosh—! Crunch!
“Ugh?!”
First, I’d eliminate these bastards.
Crunch!
I sliced through an unknown man’s chest, then pierced another’s skull.
The gleam of the blade’s light and spraying blood.
Those who collapsed while gasping their final breaths couldn’t even alert anyone to this situation.
Crack!
Jang Chuchyeong, approaching like a predator in silence, shattered his opponent’s neck, while Namgung’s rapidly extended Thirteen Sword Strikes of Flash Thunder severed their bodies.
With movements as swift and decisive as a lightning strike, the presence I felt from them was diminishing faster and faster.
“Snap!”
When I pierced the last remaining man’s neck, I could no longer feel any gaze watching us.
Then, I heard Gu Ma-hyeop’s voice as he surveyed the fallen corpses.
“These people are from the Nam Family….”
Gu Ma-hyeop’s face showed shock as he recognized them. I’d thought we were swatting moths, but suddenly I’d killed members of the Blood Rights Jin Family.
His eyes dimmed at once.
He was already drawing his sword with the momentum to unsheathe it.
It was a natural consequence—attacking a Demon Sect Disciple within the Demon Sect.
Their sharp gaze fixed upon me with caution.
Sensing their wariness, I steadied my energy and wiped the blade clean.
Shhwooosh—
Blood traced a line across the floor before being drawn effortlessly into the sword’s scabbard. Then, as though it were of little consequence, I spoke words that acknowledged the corpse belonged solely to the Namgung clan.
“Just as the Imperial Guards said—if this person belonged to the Namgung, then our movements should remain concealed.”
“…!”
I uttered those words and turned my gaze elsewhere.
The towering wall.
Beyond it stood Muk Hwang Mawoon, the absolute being destined to become the Demon Sect Lord. A figure of such caliber could not possibly be ignorant of what transpired beyond that wall.
He would have sensed it too.
The watchers’ presence diminishing in an instant.
Yet he revealed himself not at all—did he wish to observe my capabilities?
Or perhaps it meant I should attempt whatever I could manage.
Gu Ma-hyeop, realizing the meaning behind my gaze directed toward Muk Hwang’s residence, drew a trembling breath, his eyes widening.
He too had grasped what this situation signified.
Without thinking, I smiled and spoke.
“This is a debt. I shall collect it in full, so understand that clearly.”
Though the distance was too great for the words to carry, I spoke them nonetheless.
Gu Ma-hyeop’s expression grew puzzled, but I paid it no mind. My thoughts drifted instead to an image of Muk Hwang hearing my words and a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
If that were the case, he would surely do so.
* * *
Nam Tae-cheon furrowed his brow, surveying the surroundings.
I had summoned those who wished to stand with me, but their numbers fell far short of my expectations.
Moreover, even among those gathered, I could see the anxiety etched upon their faces—a clear testament to how deeply the fear of Muk-hwang had taken root in their hearts.
But it was acceptable.
By tomorrow, everything would return to its proper place.
Nam Tae-cheon smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping across the Family Heads assembled on either side.
“I am grateful for your attendance.”
“We have gathered as you requested, but can this truly succeed? Where is this Powerful Expert you spoke of? Did you not promise to bring someone capable of slaying Muk-hwang?”
“Indeed. Surely you do not still underestimate Muk-hwang’s power?”
Sharp voices cut through the air from all directions, piercing his ears with their edge.
Every word dripped with fear of Muk-hwang, every expression heavy with dread.
These were men who yearned for Muk-hwang’s disappearance more than anyone, yet they knew in their bones that such a thing lay beyond their own capabilities.
Thus they had joined Nam Tae-cheon’s plan, but now that no Powerful Expert appeared before them, their anxiety had reached its zenith.
Nam Tae-cheon, understanding this better than anyone, steadied his breathing and labored to calm their fears.
“Do not worry. He will arrive at the appointed time.”
“Is that truly so?”
“It is. I give you my word.”
Still, there was no contact from Yeom Ji-hak.
But I could not voice this, for I needed to dispel their anxiety before I could truly harness their strength.
Moreover, the absence of contact did not mean he would not come.
I had already informed him of the time and date, so there was a reasonable chance he would appear at the appointed hour as promised.
It was not yet time to abandon hope.
“If the Family Head speaks thus, then I shall trust you.”
“I share that sentiment. I shall do my utmost to restore the honor of the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
At the words echoing throughout the hall, Nam Tae-cheon smiled.
Yes, those gathered here were born of the Heavenly Demon Sect, those called pure-blooded.
To have everything stripped away by a mere upstart from the Demon Sect—even if it were by the sect’s own laws, it was something they could never accept.
With a subtle smile, I nodded.
-Crack!
-Screech!
A bizarre sound seized their ears from somewhere unseen.
Startled, they rose hastily from their seats.
Those gathered here were Family Heads of renowned Demon Sect clans.
No sound, however faint, could escape their perception.
As one, they furrowed their brows and drew their swords.
Someone was there.
Though no clash of blades could be heard, they were certain—someone had infiltrated their sanctuary.
Nam Tae-cheon’s brow deepened as he hastily opened the door and stepped outside. The Family Heads of each clan, their eyes alight with unease, followed without hesitation.
In that instant.
“…!”
“What is this…!”
They took in the sight unfolding before their eyes.
The Imperial Guards brought by the Family Heads of each prestigious clan.
Even those who had been guarding Nam Tae-cheon’s residence.
All of them lay scattered about as cold corpses.
Considering that the sound had been heard only moments ago, someone had cut them down at a level of skill that even they themselves could not perceive until now.
“…!”
And in that moment.
Nam Tae-cheon saw it.
A figure sitting leisurely atop the wall, gazing down at them.
Though the face was obscured by hair hanging halfway down, it was unmistakably the one who had risen from the Cho Hon Jeon.
The figure’s piercing blue eyes gleamed alongside the moonlight, and a desolate voice echoed forth like a phantom.
“What business do the sect’s wise elders have gathering on such a late night?”
The cold voice made the dark evening feel even more frigid.
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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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