The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 298

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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 298

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I moved forward following Cheongdam and the Mudang sect disciples behind him, though everyone’s pace had slowed as they gazed around in wonder.
Without exception, breaths of admiration escaped their lips.
Towering peaks that pierced through the clouds surrounded us like a folding screen, boasting a grandeur that seemed to touch the heavens themselves.
Mist clung to each peak and drifted downward, while emerald pines stretched endlessly along the mountain ridges.
A thousand years of spiritual essence had settled into these mountains and waters, naturally evoking reverence in all who beheld them.
Jang Chuchyeong gazed up at the mountain with wide eyes, while Namgung Yeon’s sharp gaze softened as she quietly admired the mountain’s majesty.
This place was no mere mountain—it was a sacred ground where martial arts and the Way coexisted.
Yet there was little time to lose myself in the scenery.
From unseen places, I felt someone’s gaze upon us, again and again.
At every turn in the path, atop every rock, within every shadow of the forest.
The Mudang disciples had not revealed themselves, but anyone with keen senses could perceive them.
Hidden figures watched our group with their auras carefully restrained.
“Is that the Golden Dragon?”
A hushed whisper reached my ears.
The voice was young and suppressed, yet unable to conceal its surprise and curiosity.
“That’s what they say, senior brother. At that age to be a supreme master… do you believe it?”
“I wouldn’t have believed it if not for the master’s word.”
“Right… who would normally believe something like that?”
The murmurs of the hidden disciples carried on the wind.
Their gazes fixed upon me, sharp and brimming with curiosity.
Another whisper followed.
“Could… could that be the Beast of Piercing Veins? The one who faced a hundred bandits alone?”
“Ah yes, I heard about that too. They said it was quite gruesome. But… look at those muscles. Even if he trained in external techniques, I’d believe it.”
Expressions of amazement echoed from all around.
And their gazes and murmurs were not directed solely at Jang Chuchyeong and me.
The attention upon Namgung Yeon burned equally hot.
“Indeed, so that is the Namgung heir. Her bearing is different.”
“Just from the way she walks, she seems extraordinary. Her eyes are like steel.”
“At that age, if she’s already at that level, shouldn’t we fear what she’ll become?”
Namgung Yeon appeared to gaze silently at the mountain’s form, yet her eyes wavered subtly.
The evaluations and curious gazes of these strangers seemed to weigh upon her.
Yet soon she straightened her head, walking forward with confidence as if proving anew that she was an heir of the Namgung Family.
As we continued forward a little further, distant pavilions gradually revealed their outlines.
Buildings imbued with solemn dignity were layered between the peaks, their blue tiles and white walls becoming one with the mountain, making them feel like a natural part of the landscape itself.
With each step forward into such a place, the gazes of the hidden Mudang disciples grew ever more intense.
Within their gazes, wariness and curiosity, reverence and suspicion were all tangled together.
Yet none of them dared approach or speak directly to me.
Was Cheongdam aware of his disciples’ stares?
He turned around with a bright smile.
“Haha, it seems everyone came out of curiosity about Jin Daehaep and your companions. If we’ve caused any displeasure, please allow me to apologize on their behalf.”
“Not at all. I’m accustomed to drawing attention, and I’m actually grateful that the Mudang’s disciples have taken such interest in us.”
Small exclamations erupted from various corners at those words.
As if moved by remarks that humbled himself while elevating the Mudang.
Several disciples who had been hiding in the shadows slowly poked their heads out, revealing their faces, and soon our eyes met.
I offered a light greeting with a smile.
“Did you see him greeting me just now?”
“No, wasn’t that directed at me?”
“Wow—people really can look like that.”
The commotion spread loudly once more.
Witnessing what seemed like the entire Mudang’s disciples revering me and my companions, I found myself wearing a bitter smile as I glanced at Cheongdam.
“But where exactly are we headed?”
“Ah! Did I not mention it? We’re heading to the Okcheongnyu. Your reputation as Daehaep has spread so widely that many wished to meet you… they came to see me, but I hope this isn’t an inconvenience?”
“Not at all. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to meet the Mudang’s Myeongsuk.”
“Haha! I knew you’d say that! That’s precisely why I didn’t mention it beforehand. I absolutely didn’t forget—”
At his words that tickled my ears, I turned my gaze away.
A massive pavilion came into view in the direction Cheongdam was heading.
Though it was still some distance away, I could already sense the formidable aura emanating from it.
It was not just one or two people.
It wouldn’t be strange if every Powerful Expert leading the Mudang had gathered, and as we drew closer, the overwhelming presence caused Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon’s complexions to stiffen.
We had arrived at the Okcheongnyu.
The moment we stepped through the doors.
Gazes poured down from all directions.
Zzzt—zzzt—!
Dozens of Myeongsuk leading the Mudang.
Their stares were nothing more than looking upon us.
Yet even that alone seemed to impose considerable burden and pressure, as I could see Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon swallowing their groans.
However, I walked forward without concern and took the lead position.
Soon I gazed ahead.
An elderly man seated at the highest seat.
With long white hair and beard as extensive as the marks of time itself, he sat with his eyes gently closed.
He did not even leak any aura.
Yet merely facing him brought an oppression as overwhelming as Mount Tai.
This man was Mu-jin, the Tae-hwang of the Mudang.
The pouring gazes of the Mudang’s disciples and the intense presence emanating from the Tae-hwang.
I found myself involuntarily clicking my tongue at such formidable momentum and perception, and I composed myself with proper courtesy.
“It is an honor to meet Tae-hwang and the disciples of Mudang. I am Cheon-u of the Jin Family.”
“Hehehehe- So you are the renowned Jin Daehaep? I am an Elder of Mudang-.”
“Pleased to meet you! I am-.”
As if waiting for someone’s voice as a cue, they stepped forward with their introductions.
The eyes fixed upon me gleamed uniformly, containing within them curiosity, intrigue, and astonishment.
I offered a gentle smile as I faced them, and soon turned my gaze to the seat of honor at the far end.
Tae-hwang, whose eyes had been closed in contemplation, slowly opened them.
Clear, crystalline eyes of pristine clarity were revealed.
Simultaneously, a soft, refreshing aura swept through the hall.
Like Hye-myeong, yet distinctly different, a cool and invigorating presence permeated the space, and I could see the tension ease from the faces of those gathered.
“Welcome. I am Mu-jin of Mudang.”
His words were neither sharp nor heavy.
Yet they felt strangely penetrating, carrying a weight as if a thousand pounds pressed down.
This man was the Powerful Expert who stood shoulder to shoulder with Hye-myeong, the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance.
Perhaps because of his commanding presence, the tension that had eased moments before tightened once more, and I could see the complexions of Jang Chuchyeong and Namgung Yeon harden again.
Without thinking, laughter escaped my lips.
“…!?”
“…Heh.”
“Truly a remarkable individual.”
Those who understood the weight behind Tae-hwang’s words gazed at me and continued to voice their admiration.
Whether it was because I showed no sign of nervousness, or because I calmly received the aura that flowed forth with his words, I could not say.
But one thing I knew for certain.
In a situation like this, I must never lose my composure.
As I gazed directly at Mu-jin, a smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth as he regarded me in turn.
“Amitabha Buddha- Welcome to Mudang. I am delighted that your presence will serve as great inspiration to my disciples. Hehehehe.”
He gently stroked his beard and let out a hearty laugh. There was not a trace of ulterior motive in his tone.
Thanks to this, the atmosphere shifted once more, and I too smiled.
“Thank you. I am equally honored to meet you, Tae-hwang.”
“Hehe- This old Taoist is grateful for your regard. Rest comfortably during your stay at Mudang.”
Whether he merely wished to confirm my existence or preferred not to burden me, Mu-jin cut short his words and seemed about to rise from his seat.
At the same time, his gaze turned toward those assembled, and I detected in the eyes of Mudang’s Elders and Hobeop a desire to ask me questions, undeterred.
Was that the reason?
He clicked his tongue lightly and spoke.
“And… you all should follow me.”
“Ah… Yes! Y-yes, understood.”
At Mu-jin’s gentle words, the senior figures of Mudang nodded their heads.
Then, smiling at me once more, Mu-jin rose leisurely from his seat and began to depart from the Okcheongnyu with unhurried steps.
Following him were none other than the Elder and Hobeop.
Those who led the current Mudang had departed with Mu-jin.
Such a sight appeared as though they were yielding their place for the sake of the younger generation.
Only after everyone had left did I turn my attention to those who remained.
Five men standing to one side.
I fixed my gaze on the man standing beside Cheongdam.
Meeting my eyes, he offered an awkward smile before approaching me and clasping his fist in salute.
“It is an honor to meet you, Young Master. I am Cheong-hyeon.”
“I am Jin Cheon-u.”
The moment I heard the name Cheong-hyeon, my eyes gleamed.
This man before me was none other than Cheong-hyeon, the First Disciple who succeeded Chungho.
A lean, gaunt frame and an aura that seemed somewhat dull.
To any observer, he appeared ill-suited to be among the Mudang Ogum or to become the next sect leader, yet the moment he drew his sword and unleashed killing intent upon an enemy, he would become an entirely different being.
The subtle flow of energy coursing through him proved as much.
One by one, I took in the appearances of the others.
Cheong-un, the Second of the Five Masters, Cheong-gang, the Third, and Cheong-san.
Together with Cheongdam, they formed the Mudang Ogum.
I glanced subtly at all five of them.
From the moment we exchanged greetings, I could sense an extraordinary intensity of fighting spirit.
It was as though they were brimming with the desire to test themselves.
“Ah! Elder Brother, the Daehaep must be weary. Shall we show you to your quarters?”
“…I see.”
At the sound of Cheongdam’s voice, did Cheong-hyeon snap back to attention? He clicked his tongue with obvious reluctance and nodded.
“Come this way. I shall show you to your lodgings. And I will explain in detail which areas you may visit and which you must avoid, so there are no misunderstandings.”
“Understood.”
Cheong-hyeon led us out of the Okcheongnyu.
Yet his expression and eyes still blazed with fighting spirit, making it abundantly clear that his body itched for action.
Was that the reason?
Cheongdam approached and whispered to me.
“My senior brothers are rather… aggressive. I hope you understand.”
“Haha, think nothing of it. Isn’t that simply the nature of martial artists?”
Had he heard those whispered words?
Cheong-hyeon, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Then, turning to regard me with a broad smile, he spoke.
“Precisely. A martial artist cannot suppress the competitive spirit that dwells within. Whose blade is superior to mine? What must be overcome to surpass that wall? We advance through endless confrontation—that is the way of the martial artist.”
I listened to his flowing words and smiled.
Having barely restrained himself until now, it seemed as though the reins had been loosened by our exchange with Cheongdam. He approached me without hesitation and, clasping his fist in salute, spoke with formal yet forceful conviction.
“Jin Gongja! I request a martial match.”
In that moment, I swallowed a laugh.
Here was yet another madman.

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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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