The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 137

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

The Youngest Son of the Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 137

* * *

Moyong Hyeok lay alone in a room saturated with the scent of medicinal herbs.
Despite a full day having passed since he collapsed during the martial contest, he remained unconscious, sleeping as soundly as the dead.
The only sound that filled the quiet room was Moyong Hyeok’s ragged breathing.
It was then that the door opened and Hoyeon entered.
He furrowed his brow at the overwhelming medicinal stench, his gaze taking in the pitiful state of Moyong Hyeok lying motionless.
“Quite a spectacle indeed.”
Bandages wrapped around numerous injuries across his body. Most notably, his jaw bore the brunt of a vicious kick—the physician had declared with absolute certainty that he could consume nothing but rice gruel until the bone healed.
The moment this incident reached the Moyong Family, the Sword Emperor’s wrath would be inevitable.
Yet there was nothing to say to the Nakhyang Jin Family.
Moyong Hyeok himself had initiated the contest, and it was he who wielded a killing blade contrary to the contest’s nature.
Every person in the arena had sensed the murderous intent embedded in Moyong Hyeok’s sword, so there was nothing to be gained by pressing the matter.
Rather, the Moyong Family itself might be shaken.
This was already the second such incident following the Pyohyeong Sword affair.
The Pyohyeong matter had been smoothed over somehow, but this time it happened before countless martial artists of the Allied Faction who had gathered to offer their congratulations—a thorough and complete defeat.
This news would spread like wildfire.
There was no way to conceal it from anyone.
“Foolish wretch. Bringing such shame upon his father’s name.”
Hoyeon clicked his tongue and furrowed his brow.
Simultaneously, the image of Jin Cheon-u surfaced in his mind.
The manner in which that man had faced Moyong Hyeok was nothing short of overwhelming.
It would be no exaggeration to say he had demonstrated precisely what a difference in level meant—with such skill, he could surely eliminate the Shadow Assassins if he possessed even a modest faction.
“He didn’t even display his true capabilities.”
He had subdued the renowned Moyong Hyeok using only the most fundamental techniques, demonstrating divine mastery.
And against the Sword Emperor’s Supreme Heaven Sword Technique at that.
Or more precisely, the Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique that the masters of the Twelve Angles cultivated.
The Sword Emperor Muyong Jungcheon had refined it further with his own interpretation, creating the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique.
As Ho Yeon-jin entertained such thoughts, a smile crossed his face.
“When one lays hands upon a gift from the Divine, it becomes inadequate, does it not, Sword Emperor.”
Hoyeon pondered.
Had Moyong Hyeok properly mastered the Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique, he was confident he would never have lost to Jin Cheon-u.
Regardless, the fact remained that the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique, built upon the foundation of the Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique, had been shattered so pathetically by this Jin Cheon-u.
“He cannot be left alone.”
Mountains of problems accumulated—the Imperial Regent and countless other complications.
Yet there was a distinct feeling that the connection with this man, the more strangely it became entangled, the more twisted it grew—this bond must not be allowed to persist.
The most troubling aspect was his rate of growth.
Just by observing the recent martial exchange with Moyong Hyeok, it was easy to discern that he had already surpassed his peak.
His growth was so overwhelming that I found myself wondering if he might actually be a disciple of the Imperial Regent himself.
What troubled Ho Yeon-jin’s mind even more was the sight of Jin Cheon-u perfectly neutralizing the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique.
It would have been impossible without a complete understanding of the Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique.
“Should I verify this myself?”

* * *

“Will it be alright?”
As I was methodically gathering my belongings, a voice suddenly reached my ears. Turning my gaze, I saw Namgung Yeon and Namgung Baek wearing expressions of unmistakable anxiety.
I didn’t need to ask to understand what troubled them.
It had to be about Moyong Hyeok.
I waved my hand dismissively while continuing to pack my bundle.
“He initiated this confrontation. Moreover, it was his side that employed excessive force. The Sword Emperor has no grounds to take issue with me.”
“But the opponent is… the Moyong Family, is it not? That is why we are so concerned.”
“It will certainly be humiliating for them in the short term, but what can be done? It is their son’s doing, so they must manage the aftermath themselves. Besides, they will have far more pressing matters than worrying about me.”
“That is… what do you mean…?”
“This defeat will shake the resolve of those who steadfastly supported the Moyong Family.”
Becoming the supreme power of a region meant having subdued and secured the allegiance of countless others.
Yet the heir of the Moyong world had faltered—not once, but twice.
It was not merely a clan member who had wavered, but the Young Master who would inherit the next generation.
This was no trivial matter.
Furthermore, though the one who accomplished this was from the Nakhyang Jin Family, the fact remained that I was a merchant house figure, a situation the martial families could not easily accept.
They will be consumed with managing that crisis for some time.
Only after they have completely resolved those matters will they turn their attention toward the Nakhyang Jin Family.
“So do not worry yourself. More importantly, how is his condition?”
I posed the question while glancing toward another part of the room.
In the corner, I could see Chaeseoha concentrating intently on something. She held medicinal herbs in her hand, and after regarding me briefly, she gave a light shrug.
“I went to check on him earlier, and it is severe. His jaw is completely shattered, you see? Even if he regains consciousness, he cannot so much as imagine chewing anything. He will need to spend several months confined to bed, eating only porridge fed to him by others. Really, how could you do such a thing to someone?”
Pfft—
“That is what happens when someone acts recklessly.”
As I spoke with a faint smile, I noticed Chaeseoha, Namgung Baek, and Namgung Yeon all flinch and swallow hard.
It appeared as though they were silently vowing never to create a grievance with me.
As I turned my head away with an involuntary chuckle, I sensed a familiar presence approaching from beyond the door.
I glanced back at Chaeseoha.
As if she had perceived something, she furrowed her delicate brow, rose from her seat, and hastily concealed the scattered medicinal materials and herbs.
Then, leading Namgung Baek and Namgung Yeon, she opened the door.
“We shall see you later then.”
“Very well.”
It was the moment the door swung open.
As Chaeseoha offered her respects and turned to leave, I caught sight of Hoyeon standing motionless before my door.
Wearing that perpetually benevolent smile, he glanced briefly at those departing before his gaze settled back upon me.
“Have I arrived at an opportune moment?”
“I was in the midst of packing for my departure. But what brings you here?”
“Ha, so even the Master of the Taoist Priests must have business to request an audience with the Young Master of the Nakhyang Jin Family? This concerns Hyeok. Might we speak for a moment?”
I nodded and gestured for him to take a seat.
Watching Chaeseoha exit the room once more, I spoke.
“So-ha, bring us tea.”
“…Yes, Young Master.”
Momentarily flustered by the sudden command, she soon seemed to recall her station and nodded with resignation.
Creak—click.
As the door closed, Hoyeon finally settled into his seat and regarded me intently.
As though peering through to something concealed.
It was then that he spoke.
“I have not come to reproach you, so set your mind at ease. Everyone present that day understood—Moyong Hyeok overstepped his bounds considerably.”
“I bear responsibility for my lack of restraint as well. I shall offer a formal apology to the Moyong Family.”
“Ha, would you? The Sword Emperor’s temperament is notoriously fierce, so I confess to some concern. Should you apologize directly, it may help soothe his ire.”
Yet such an apology would not restore the Moyong Family’s wounded pride. Nor would it be simple to quell the Sword Emperor’s wrath.
He may nod and forgive before my eyes now, but there is no telling what schemes Mo Yong-cheon might devise behind closed doors.
A confrontation is inevitable.
Hoyeon, who understands this better than anyone, sought me out for this conversation precisely because he needed justification to speak with me.
To confirm whether my understanding was accurate.
That is what he truly desired.
“But I confess my curiosity—who exactly is the master who raised you? I am genuinely astounded at your remarkable achievements at such a young age.”
“I have no master.”
“…No master? You have grown to such heights without one?”
“There is someone who has aided me, but I cannot truly call them a master.”
At those words, Hoyeon’s eyes gleamed with interest.
The identity of one who could facilitate such rapid growth.
He appeared deeply curious.
I smiled faintly.
“It is Baek Chong-gwal.”
“Baek…Chong-gwal? Who is that?”
“He is Baek Ja-hyeon, the Guard Commander of the Nakhyang Jin Family. The man known as the Jin Family’s greatest master.”
“The Jin Family’s greatest master? Baek Ja-hyeon, Baek Ja-hyeon…”
Ho Yeon-jin seemed lost in thought, repeating the name as though searching his memory.
He would not easily recall it.
His time as a wanderer in the martial world had been brief, and since joining the Jin Family, he had focused entirely on training the bodyguards, so unless it concerned a major merchant guild or escort service, he had engaged in no martial activities whatsoever.
It was at such a moment.
Hoyeon’s brow furrowed as if he had recalled someone.
“Ah, you speak of Baek Ja-hyeon, the Swallow Blade. So he was with the Jin Family.”
“Yes, sir. He serves as our Guard Commander and is the Jin Family’s greatest master.”
“Hahaha.”
In that moment, Hoyeon burst into laughter.
It was merely laughter on the surface, yet his true thoughts were surely different.
He would be uncertain whether to believe my words or dismiss them.
After all, in this Martial Arts World, disciples sometimes surpass their masters. If a disciple possessed talent and received excellent instruction, such a thing was entirely possible.
Of course, while it was possible, it did not happen with everyone.
Most encountered barriers and never even reached the first rank, where they remained stagnant.
“Quite the remarkable fellow, it seems. A man who teaches so well would be coveted even by the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“We cannot part with him. He is already one of ours.”
“Hahaha, what a shame. Then allow me one more question.”
“Please, ask away.”
“How did you manage to defend against the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique so flawlessly on first encounter?”
A question one might expect from a martial artist, yet his eyes betrayed something far deeper.
What Hoyeon truly wished to know was singular.
To defend against the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique so effortlessly meant I had experienced the Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique before—but how had I managed it?
That was what Hoyeon was asking.
Just as I was about to speak in response to his curiosity.
“Young Master, I have brought tea.”
The door opened, and Chaeseoha entered.
She came in expressionless and carefully set down the tea before Hoyeon and myself.
After offering a respectful bow, she vanished as suddenly as she had appeared. Hoyeon released a small sigh of regret and lifted the tea to his lips.
“Ahem! Let us continue where we left off.”
“Regarding the Supreme Heaven Sword Technique, sir?”
“Indeed.”
“It simply… felt familiar somehow.”
“Familiar… you say?”
I nodded without concern.
Then, gazing vaguely out the window, I murmured as though recalling something distant.
“Long ago, someone displayed similar swordplay. That scene remained vivid in my memory, and Moyong Hyeok’s blade was remarkably alike. Thanks to that, I found it rather manageable.”
“…Who was that person?”
I caught the subtle tremor in Ho Yeon-jin’s voice and shook my head.
As though I knew nothing at all.
Yet that memory from long ago remained crystalline.
A face I could not forget even if I tried, one I could not erase no matter how hard I attempted.
You.

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