The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 132

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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 193

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More than a month and a half had already slipped away since Muk Hwang Mawoon ascended to the position of Heavenly Demon.
During that time, minor discord had stirred within the Demon Sect.
The death of Nam Tae-cheon and the disposal of his clan.
The voices of those demanding punishment for those who had attempted to align with him were quite loud.
Some argued that all who had committed such acts within the Demon Sect’s leadership should be executed, while others insisted that since they were a prestigious family that had protected the Demon Sect, they should merely be expelled.
This became the subject of gossip not only among those handling major and minor affairs within the Heavenly Demon Palace, but among all Demon Sect disciples stationed on Tianshan.
Ultimately, it was Sect Leader Ma Un who quelled the turmoil in one fell swoop.
Since Nam Tae-cheon and Nam Mu-gwang were dead, he ended the matter by merely expelling the remaining family members, and imposed no particular punishment on those who had participated.
Furthermore, he established an organization to pursue the Divine Sect, which had been Nam Tae-cheon’s backing.
Such an organization was created.
I was certain it would achieve no real results, but it would serve as sufficient restraint, and more importantly, it was enough to redirect any suspicion that might otherwise fall upon me.
And we, who should have been at the center of all these affairs, were able to enjoy leisure during this brief yet extended period.
Namgung Yeon began studying the Imperial Sword Manual he had received, reading it day and night without rest, attempting to master its contents completely.
Though he could not master it immediately, it was preparation for some future moment.
Chaeseoha, on the other hand, ventured outside frequently.
Whether to test the efficacy of the Immortal Soul Needle, she began meeting various people and treating the sick.
Her skill was so remarkable that those who had been bedridden for over a year suddenly rose and walked about, and she was now revered like the Demon Sect’s saint.
The interesting fact was that not only she had gained fame.
Myself, Jang Chuchyeong, and Namgung Yeon as well.
People spoke with one voice, calling us the Sect Leader’s hidden cards and giving their thumbs up, and especially treated me, who had slain Nam Tae-cheon, as though I were the Deputy Sect Leader.
Despite the fact that Ma Un had disciples and a son, opinions spread that the current Deputy Sect Leader was merely a figurehead I created to conceal myself, I who was called Cheon.
Having accomplished such a shocking deed, and with us using his ancestral home that Ma Un had left as our residence, the rumors seemed to gain strength.
Whether or not it was true.
The misunderstanding was theirs alone, so I paid it no particular mind.
And today, I walked alone along a path. I emerged from the vast Heavenly Demon Ridge, climbed through treacherous cliffs and mountains, and eventually arrived at a place with countless peaks.
Taking in the landscape where even the clouds seemed to lie beneath my feet, I smiled, then instantly deployed my lightness technique and moved toward one particular peak.
The destination was none other than this.

The Heavenly Demon Forging Grounds.

After a month and a half, the sword was finally complete.
Considering the considerable time required to forge a renowned blade or a treasured sword, it was remarkably swift—yet Chung-mu’s boastful letter suggested he had not rushed the work.
Clang—clang—clang!
As I drew closer to the forging chamber, that sharp, piercing sound rang out once more.
Listening to the crystalline resonance, I found myself almost imagining I stood within a paradise, enchanted by celestial melodies.
Upon entering the forging chamber, I could see Chung-mu examining the sword not far ahead.
His hands moved with meticulous care as they traced the blade’s edge.
I approached him.
Did he sense my presence?
His eyes shifted to acknowledge me, and a broad smile spread across his face.
“You’ve arrived? I thought my neck would snap off waiting.”
“I came as quickly as I could.”
“Hehehehe, that’s fine, just fine. An old man nearing death waiting for a young one with many days ahead—it’s nothing. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Uncertain whether he was mocking me or not, I let out a hollow laugh and turned my gaze away.
In that moment.
The completed blade caught my eye.
“Is this it?”
“Indeed, though I haven’t attached the hilt yet.”
Chung-mu’s eyes gleamed as he held the blade.
As if believing the final work should be completed before the sword’s master, he seized the existing hilt with unbridled excitement and began the last task.
He carefully fitted the blade to the hilt and secured it firmly.
He verified multiple times that it would not come loose even under force.
Once the blade and hilt were perfectly joined, the sword was finally complete.
Yet it was not finished.
Chung-mu carefully placed the sword upon the table, glanced about searching for something, and eventually retrieved an ornament of peculiar form, which he attached to the hilt’s end.
The decoration, dangling like a tassel from the hilt’s pommel as if symbolizing something, bore an ink-black hue that matched the dark blade so perfectly it seemed they were crafted as a pair.
I examined the ornament’s shape with bewilderment.
“What is that?”
“Ah—it’s nothing much. A gift from the Sect Leader for you. Suits it well, doesn’t it?”
“It appears so, but… does it symbolize something?”
“I said it doesn’t. Just think of it as a fine decoration. Hehehehe.”
Though I showed reluctance, Chung-mu tied the cord even more firmly.
His actions, as if casting an incantation that it must never come loose, only deepened my suspicions.
Yet my thoughts did not linger long.
Once all work was complete, Chung-mu finally handed me the sword.
I accepted it carefully.
In that instant.
Shhhhh—
An eerie chill emanated from the blade.
Startled by the sudden aura, I opened my eyes as Chung-mu spoke with a deep smile.
“Occupy?”
“Yes… I’m feeling it for the first time.”
“Isn’t it called Frozen Soul Black Iron? Of course it should be like this.”
“But it wasn’t like this before.”
“That’s because the blacksmith’s skill was excellent at forging a Sword, but couldn’t draw out the unique power inherent to the iron itself. I’ve done both. Ahahaha!”
Chung-mu burst into hearty laughter, his expression brimming with confidence.
Indeed, just as he said, it was different.
The blade’s spine felt far straighter than before, and the dark ink hue contained within the edge had deepened to a degree that was visibly incomparable.
Moreover, the sharpness I could feel was extraordinary.
It felt as though I could slice through iron effortlessly without even channeling my inner energy.
I swung the Sword lightly in my grip.
Shwiiing—!
Even without exerting any force, I felt the sensation of air being cleaved.
The keenness was so incomparably sharper than before that it felt impossible to consider this the same Sword.
I gazed at Chung-mu with astonished eyes.
“How is it? Not bad, right?”
“Yes, it’s beyond what I expected.”
“Ahahaha! Of course! Am I not the greatest blacksmith under heaven!”
Considering he’d crafted a Sword worthy of surpassing a legendary blade in merely a month and a half, it was no wonder he bore the title of greatest blacksmith under heaven.
It was certain he hadn’t slept properly, hammering away day and night.
The deep shadows beneath Chung-mu’s eyes made that clear.
I let out a quiet chuckle.
“Would you perhaps consider working with me?”
“Ahahaha! Nonsense! I love this peak, you see.”
“What a shame.”
I smiled bitterly.
It wasn’t merely a jest.
It was a decision made upon calculating that if I could take a blacksmith of such skill with me, I could reap tremendous profits.
But I never expected him to accept.
I thought the forging workshop on this peak and Chung-mu were so perfectly suited to each other that they could be considered one entity.
I bowed respectfully.
“Thank you. I’ve obtained a fine Sword thanks to you.”
“Just don’t break it to pieces. And…”
“What else is there?”
“If you ever have reason to go to the Northern Sea, feed some Frozen Soul Stones to the Sword.”
“Frozen Soul Stones?”
“There’s something like that in the Northern Sea. It’s not iron, just stone, so if you’re lucky you might find some. When I first forged the Sword, I couldn’t draw out its full power, so it weakened somewhat. If you feed it those, it should improve considerably.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Ahahaha! Then I’ll be off! From now on, I must forge a Sword for our Sect Leader!”
As though forging the Sect Leader’s Sword was the joy of his life, his hearty laughter echoed across the entire Heavenly Mountain.

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I left the Heavenly Demon Forging Chamber and made my way back to my quarters.
Though I call it quarters, we weren’t staying at some inn—we were now using Muk-hwang’s residence, which he had vacated upon entering the Demon Palace.
What was peculiar was that we, who had originally been staying in the annex, were moved to the main residence the moment the coronation ceremony ended, and shortly after, maids and servants were assigned to us as though we were the masters of this place.
Just like at my home in Nakhyang, whenever I gave an order, no one refused, and they attended to their duties; when the time came, they brought out meals and refreshments.
Though this strange situation troubled me greatly, it seemed I no longer needed to concern myself with such trivial matters.
It was time to return.
I entered the room without hesitation.
At the same time, Jang Chuchyeong, Chaeseoha, and Namgung Yeon looked toward me, and the sight naturally reminded me of my room in occupied Nakhyang.
Just as it seemed Namgung Yeon had followed after Gu Gunbaek’s departure.
Chaeseoha, who had been sprawled on the bed as though it were her own, glanced at me; Jang Chuchyeong was training his body in a corner, drenched in sweat; and Namgung Yeon sat in a chair reading secret texts.
Seeing such a scene, I found myself pressing my brow without thinking.
Though I felt my space had been invaded, having everyone gathered here was actually convenient.
“Pack your things.”
“Are we finally leaving?!”
Jang Chuchyeong, who had been doing a handstand with only two fingers while sweating, flicked his fingers and launched himself upright with a bright smile.
In that moment, Chaeseoha and Namgung Yeon also turned to look at me.
“Yes, it’s time we headed back. The journey has been quite long.”
I sat on the edge of the bed and sighed.
From Nakhyang to Gansu, from Gansu to Namman, and even unexpectedly into the Demon Sect where I caused quite a commotion—even I felt my body and spirit growing weary.
“It’s been how long now….”
Even Chaeseoha, raising her upper body, smiled with sparkling eyes.
But soon, as if realizing the reality of the situation, her eyes wavered.
Returning meant mounting horses or boarding carriages.
Through that, another long journey to Nakhyang would begin anew, so it would be far more comfortable to simply lounge here.
There were people to command, and everyone treated us with reverence.
I offered a bitter smile.
“It won’t be easy, but we must go. Just hold on a little longer.”
“You speak as though we’re almost home. It’s a journey that will take months….”
“Once we return, you’ll rest as much as you need. Don’t worry.”
At my words, they all cast suspicious glances.
Though much had happened, we’d been so busy resolving those matters that we’d barely had any proper rest—I could count the days on one hand.
Suspicion was naturally warranted.
I brushed off their gazes without concern.
“But we did get back the horses you mentioned lending us, right?”
“Yes, I already had them brought to the stables. Didn’t you see them?”
“I was so absorbed in treating people that I didn’t get around to checking there.”
Chaeseoha finally let out a sigh of relief.
From Nakhyang to this place, I had journeyed alongside my horse for a considerable distance, and it seemed I had grown quite attached to it—my relief at its safe return was evident.
Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon then hurriedly rose and departed outside.
Chaeseoha, as if reading the mood, awkwardly lifted herself from her seat and scurried out of the room with quick steps.
Only then did I settle into a chair at the table, steadying my breath.
Beside me lay ink, brush, and paper that I had prepared beforehand.
I slowly grasped the brush and dipped it into the ink.
Soon, I closed my eyes gently.
A single painting etched into my mind.
That image, which had not surfaced clearly like a faded memory, grew more vivid the more I recalled it, until finally a perfect form took shape.
My hand moved without pause.
I captured everything before this memory could fade.
For a month and a half now, I have never believed this painting to be merely a landscape.
Therefore, I never ceased moving the brush in my hand.

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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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