The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 188

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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 darkness enveloped Tianshan Mountain.
Staring at the pitch-black darkness—so absolute that without torchlight nothing could be seen—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 sweat stream down his face, I found myself growing warm as well.
It appeared Namgung Yeon felt similarly, casting a sidelong glance and furrowing his brow.
He seemed deeply displeased by the sight of all that perspiration.
Taking note of this, I opened the window.
A refreshing breeze flowed into the room.
The night air was exceptionally pleasant.
As a bonus, the wind that drifted in was more than sufficient to disperse the overwhelming stench of sweat.
“It’s fine weather for a stroll.”
“Isn’t it too dark to go for a walk?”
“Yes, it is dark. That’s precisely why it’s good.”
Jang Chuchyeong tilted his head in confusion, but the perceptive Namgung Yeon, as if grasping something, ceased his sword maintenance and wiped the blade with cloth.
Then, after sheathing the cleaned sword, he 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, and he steeled his resolve.
Sensing his determination to wield his blade at my side whenever needed, I smiled faintly and turned my gaze toward Jang Chuchyeong.
He seemed momentarily unable to grasp the situation and tilted his head, but upon realizing the atmosphere was unusual, 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 regardless of what was said.
Considering the caliber of my opponent, going alone was unthinkable; I needed to mobilize every capable person I could muster.
With such thoughts, I quietly stepped outside.
The moment I opened the door and took a step, Gu Ma-hyeop appeared before me 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 stroll.”
“…Now, you say?”
“Yes. Is that strange?”
My slight smile only deepened the furrow between Gu Ma-hyeop’s brows.
It was neither early nor particularly late—the hour had grown quite advanced.
Moreover, this was not Luoyang but the Demon Sect’s stronghold, specifically the heart of it all: the Heavenly Demon Ridge.
It was inconceivable that anyone would take a night stroll in such a place.
“Tomorrow is the enthronement ceremony. Why not rest today and enjoy tomorrow instead?”
“I intend to enjoy today and tomorrow both, so it matters little.”
I dismissed Gu Ma-hyeop’s words lightly and took another step forward.
At that very moment, he moved as if to block my path.
His intent was unmistakable—he would not let me leave this annex.
I fixed my gaze upon 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 from the favor of the Blood Rights Jin Family, there was no way to predict what might occur.
His purpose seemed primarily to prevent such complications beforehand.
Yet I paid it no mind and casually surveyed my surroundings.
Gu Ma-hyeop’s subordinates were visible throughout the annex.
“How many are there?”
“How many…what?”
“Your subordinates. They seem quite capable—how many do you have?”
“…Thirty.”
I nodded thoughtfully.
The number seemed both substantial and modest simultaneously.
Yet judging by the fact that they guarded Muk-hwang, they were clearly skilled individuals of considerable ability, and recalling what the Commander had said, they seemed quite adept at moving covertly as well.
Therefore, I judged they would prove most useful.
“I was thinking of catching some moths. Would you care to join me?”
“Moths…?”
“Yes, fire moths specifically. If we don’t catch them beforehand, won’t they flutter about causing chaos tomorrow?”
“…!”
Understanding my meaning, Gu Ma-hyeop’s eyes widened. Seeing the expression of utter disbelief in his gaze, I confirmed my own unwavering expression and steady gaze, watching his lips tremble slightly.
“Are there…fire moths here?”
“We’ll know once we look. 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 verify whether these are truly fire moths.”
“Excellent.”
I smiled faintly while meeting Gu Ma-hyeop’s resolute gaze.
Then I turned my head to look beyond the wall.
The one who would soon take the seat of the Heavenly Demon—Muk Hwang Mawoon.
Yet sadly, 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 he would make his move during tomorrow’s enthronement ceremony.
However, while I could not determine Nam Tae-cheon’s exact capabilities, the fact that he failed to earn a place among the Ten Sovereigns, combined with general assessments, suggested he had not cultivated strength sufficient to surpass Muk-hwang.
At best, he would be at Hoyeon’s level or perhaps slightly higher.
Could such a person truly defeat Mawoon?
It’s impossible.
Even if I mobilized everyone who followed me and threw myself at him, at this point many already follow Ma Un, so the fight would either be evenly matched or I would inevitably be pushed back.
However, past rumors claimed that Muk-hwang was subdued without sustaining major wounds.
Because of that, contrary to what was known, there were whispers that Nam Tae-cheon’s strength ranked within the top three fingers when compared to the Ten Sovereigns.
But if I consider what I’ve experienced so far, there’s a naturally flowing thread connecting it all.
In the past, Chu Won struck down Namman to obtain Gok Ok, and in that process, he must have worked with other pavilion lords of the Twelve Pavilions or Yeom Ji-hak.
Intertwined with that was the Demon Sect Lord’s ascension and Muk-hwang’s death.
If Nam Tae-cheon even had connections with that side, it’s highly probable that one of the pavilion lords lent assistance, and I’m certain that’s how he was able to suppress the situation without sustaining major wounds.
But what about now?
Chu Won and Yeom Ji-hak are dead.
Since there’s no one left to aid Nam Tae-cheon, he’ll have to stake his life to seize the position.
He’s certainly gathered those who trust and follow him, making this a golden opportunity to eliminate them all at once.
And that works out well for me too.
If Nam Tae-cheon becomes the Sect Lord, I won’t even be able to forge a new sword, and even if I did, there’s a high probability it would fall into his hands.
“That can absolutely never happen.”
I narrowed my brows and crossed the threshold.
In that instant.
Zzzt—!
A torrent 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 Lord at this late hour.
It was natural that their purpose felt suspicious.
I kicked off the ground and launched myself forward.
Swoosh—! Crunch!
“Gack?!”
First, I eliminate these bastards.
Crunch!
I sliced through an unknown man’s chest, then pierced another’s skull.
The glimmering light of the blade and spraying blood.
Those who collapsed, gasping their final breaths, couldn’t even alert anyone to this situation.
Crack!
Jang Chuchyeong, approaching like a beast with stealth, shattered his opponent’s neck bones, and Namgung’s rapidly extended Thirteen Sword Strikes of Flash Cut tore through their bodies.
With movements as swift and decisive as possible, the presence of those around us diminished at an accelerating pace.
“Snap!”
When I pierced the throat of the last remaining man, I could no longer sense any gazes watching us.
Then, Gu Ma-hyeop’s voice rang out as he surveyed the fallen corpses.
“These people are from the Nam Family….”
Gu Ma-hyeop’s face revealed shock as he recognized them. I thought I was swatting away moths, but I had suddenly killed members of the Blood Rights Jin Family, so his reaction was natural.
His eyes dimmed with a sharp focus.
He was already drawing his sword with the momentum to unsheathe it.
It was a natural progression—I had attacked a Demon Sect disciple within the Demon Sect.
Their gaze, lifted sharply upward, fixed upon me with wariness.
Sensing their caution, I steadied my energy and flicked the blood from my blade.
Whoosh—
Blood traced a line across the floor before being drawn effortlessly into the sword’s scabbard. Then, as though the matter were trivial, I spoke words that acknowledged a singular truth—that this person belonged solely to the Namgung clan.
“If this one truly serves the Namgung as you say, then our movements need not be exposed. How fortunate.”
“…!”
I uttered those words and turned my gaze elsewhere.
A 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 too must have sensed it.
The watchers’ auras diminishing in an instant.
Yet he reveals himself not at all—does he wish to observe my capabilities?
Or perhaps it means he grants me leave to attempt whatever I dare.
Gu Ma-hyeop, comprehending the meaning behind my gaze directed toward Muk Hwang’s dwelling, drew a trembling breath, his eyes widening.
He too had grasped what this situation signified.
I found myself smiling as I spoke.
“This is a debt. I shall collect it in full, so understand that much.”
Though the distance made it unlikely to be heard, I spoke the words aloud.
Gu Ma-hyeop’s expression turned questioning, yet I paid it no mind. My thoughts dwelled instead on the image of Muk Hwang hearing my words and a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips.
If that were the case, he would surely do exactly that.

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Nam Tae-cheon furrowed his brow as he surveyed the surroundings.
He had gathered those who wished to stand with him, but their numbers fell far short of his expectations.
Even among those assembled, he could see the anxiety etched on their faces—a clear testament to how deeply fear of Muk-hwang had taken root in their hearts.
But it was acceptable.
By tomorrow, everything would return to its rightful place.
Nam Tae-cheon smiled faintly as he regarded the Clan Leaders gathered on either side.
“I am grateful you have all gathered here.”
“We have assembled as you requested, but can this truly succeed? Where is this Powerful Expert you spoke of? Did you not claim you would bring someone capable of slaying Muk-hwang?”
“Indeed. Surely you are not still underestimating Muk-hwang’s power?”
Sharp words pierced his ears from all directions.
Every voice dripped with fear of Muk-hwang, every expression clouded with dread.
These were men who longed for Muk-hwang’s disappearance more desperately than anyone, yet they knew with bone-deep certainty that their own strength could never accomplish it.
This was why they had joined Nam Tae-cheon’s plan, but now that no Powerful Expert had appeared to slay Muk-hwang, their anxiety had reached its peak.
Nam Tae-cheon, understanding this better than anyone, steadied his breathing and worked to calm their fears.
“Do not worry. He will arrive at the appointed time.”
“…Is that truly so?”
“Yes. I give you my word.”
Still, there was no contact from Yeom Ji-hak.
But he dared not speak of this, for he could only harness their strength if he could wash away the anxiety they felt.
Moreover, the lack of contact did not necessarily mean he would not come.
He had already been told the time and date, so there was no small chance he would appear at the appointed hour as promised.
It was not yet time to abandon hope.
“If the Clan Leader speaks thus…we shall trust you.”
“I share that sentiment. We shall do our utmost to restore the honor of the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
Nam Tae-cheon smiled at the words echoing throughout the chamber.
Yes, those gathered here were born of pure blood—the true descendants of the Heavenly Demon Sect.
To have everything stolen by a mere upstart from the Demon Sect’s outer regions was intolerable, regardless of whether it was sanctioned by the sect’s laws.
As he nodded with a subtle smile, in that instant—
—Crack!
—Screech!
A bizarre sound seized their ears from somewhere.
Startled, they rose hastily from their seats.
These were the Clan Leaders of the Demon Sect’s great families.
No sound, however faint, could escape their perception.
As one, they furrowed their brows and grasped their swords.
Someone was there.
Though no clash of blades could be heard, they were certain—someone had infiltrated within.
Nam Tae-cheon’s brow creased as he hurriedly opened the door and stepped outside. The Clan Leaders of each family followed without hesitation, their eyes betraying their unease.
In that moment.
“…!”
“This is…!”
They took in the sight unfolding before their eyes.
The Imperial Guards brought by the Family Heads of each prominent 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 could not perceive until now.
“…!”
And in that moment.
Nam Tae-cheon saw him.
A figure sitting leisurely atop the wall, gazing down at them.
Though his face was obscured by hair hanging halfway down, there was no doubt—it was certainly the one who had emerged from the Cho Hon Jeon.
His cold blue eyes gleamed alongside the moonlight, and a desolate voice echoed through the air like a phantom.
“What business brings the sect’s esteemed leaders to gather on such a late night?”
His frigid voice made the dark evening even more chilling.

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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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