The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 47
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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 Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 47
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Four days after hearing Father’s story and deciding to journey to Jeongju, Chu Hyeongi and I set out on horseback toward the city.
Nakhyang and Jeongju were closer than I had anticipated.
The distance could be covered in roughly a day and a half of riding, and despite our leisurely pace, we arrived precisely on schedule.
“There’s not much to see in Jeongju either.”
Upon entering Jeongju, known as the capital of Hannam, Chu Hyeongi exhaled a weary sigh as he surveyed the surroundings with evident disappointment.
It was his first time seeing a provincial capital, and he had anticipated much more, yet no matter how I examined it, the city differed little from Nakhyang.
If there was one distinction to be found, it was this:
The abundance of martial artists.
Because the Jeongdo Murim Alliance’s headquarters stood here, the number of martial artists was overwhelmingly dense—so much so that finding someone without a sword proved difficult.
That was not all.
Whether at street stalls or shops, a blade rested beside each proprietor, and one could readily discern that these were individuals trained in the martial arts.
They were either retired warriors from the Murim Alliance who had opened businesses, or those who had learned martial techniques in their youth at the Alliance.
It was, in every sense, the holy ground of the Righteous Martial Arts.
That place was Jeongju.
“Surely… they’re all martial artists?”
“Yes, so don’t go picking fights carelessly. Especially not with the beggars sitting on the street.”
“Gasp…!”
At my words, Chu Hyeongi startled upon seeing a beggar passing by and quickly moved aside. Though he seemed uncertain of the exact reason, my warning clearly did not sound like idle talk to him.
I chuckled softly and led the way forward.
“Follow me. Where we need to go is that direction.”
“Where are we heading? Shouldn’t we go to an inn first?”
Chu Hyeongi pointed toward a distant inn.
A place that stood out distinctly even among the grand and ornate pavilions.
The Unryong Inn, situated prominently in the heart of the marketplace.
Owing to its location at the most advantageous spot, its magnificent pavilion structure was visible even from afar.
I smiled as I observed Chu Hyeongi’s eager anticipation.
We would certainly go to the inn eventually.
But not just yet.
“The Murim Alliance, of course.”
“…The Murim Alliance.”
I walked slowly toward the Alliance headquarters.
We had to venture quite far into Jeongju’s interior.
Though it served an important role in the Righteous Martial Arts, one could not simply construct such a significant institution at the city’s center as if it were a royal palace.
Therefore, much like the Nakhyang Jin Family, we had to travel considerably inward.
As I walked through the streets, memories from the past surfaced in my mind.
The day I set out to seek the Martial Arts Alliance’s aid remained vivid in my memory.
But I never imagined it would transform into hell from that moment onward.
I swallowed the bitter smile threatening to escape and turned my head away.
At last, the Jeongdo Murim Alliance revealed itself not far ahead.
Towering walls stretched endlessly—barriers so high that none could vault them without employing lightness of body technique. Following the line of those imposing ramparts upward, my eyes fell upon pavilions so ornate and dazzling they seemed to spin.
The sight resembled gazing upon the Nakhyang Jin Family itself.
The scale and breadth were remarkably similar.
The difference lay only in this: while the Nakhyang Jin Family’s structures conveyed a gentle impression, every building of the Murim Alliance appeared sharp and angular—so much so that merely looking upon them felt as though one might be cut.
It was not merely the atmosphere that emanated outward.
The aura radiating from within was equally formidable.
The moment one crossed that wall, one’s entire body would feel as though it might be torn asunder. No—that would likely be the truth.
Though invisible, there were those lurking in the shadows throughout.
Chu Hyeongi and I proceeded toward our destination while observing the Jeongdo Murim Alliance’s headquarters.
At last, the main gate of the Murim Alliance appeared at the end of what had seemed an endless path.
A sea of humanity.
Though the firmly sealed main gate showed no sign of opening, I could see several men seated before it, recording the names of those standing in line.
Word of the Suppression Squad had already spread, and it appeared people had gathered to participate in it.
Jang Chuchyeong and I took our place at the end of the lengthy queue.
“What an infernal line…”
“It’s the Black Crow Society suppression. If one can participate, there’s coin to be made, so naturally people gather. That said, not everyone will go.”
“Really? They’re being selective?”
“Yes, they’ll only recruit a suitable number. Perhaps some renowned wanderers? Likely fewer than ten in total.”
“They’re facing them with so few?”
“The Changryongdan will be going.”
I let out a soft chuckle.
The Changryongdan was a combat unit comprising exceptional late-stage masters drawn from the Yongbong Branch. Since it had been established to cultivate experience in the martial arts world, it served as an exceptionally valuable asset in situations such as this.
As Jang Chuchyeong listened to this explanation, he nodded, then—as though something had occurred to him—he regarded me with a puzzled expression once more.
“But do they actually know where the Black Crow Society is located?”
“They must. The Murim Alliance’s intelligence network is unparalleled throughout the Central Plains.”
Information was not gathered solely from the Gaebang.
When one considered the Rival Sects and the Eight Great Families, along with the numerous minor factions registered with the Murim Alliance, and added to that the merchants who conducted business with the Alliance, the quality of intelligence became extraordinary.
It would be absurd to suggest they could not locate a single headquarters of the Black Crow Society.
As I occupied myself with such thoughts for a time, the line gradually diminished, and at last our turn arrived.
The man seated while recording names glanced up at Jang Chuchyeong and me, offered a slight smile, and murmured softly.
“Where do you hail from, Young Master?”
“Nakhyang.”
“Ha, you’ve come from nearby then. You’re here to volunteer for the Suppression Squad, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“The odds of your selection are low. We need those who can wield a blade, not those who require protection.”
“There’s no need for concern.”
The man hummed thoughtfully, scratching his cheek with a finger before picking up his brush. From his distinctly displeased gaze and expression alone, it was clear he assumed I was some young master from a prestigious family indulging a childish whim.
“What is your name?”
“Jin Cheon-u. This is Jang Chuchyeong.”
“Hmm, an unfamiliar name. Which family or sect do you belong to?”
“The Nakhyang Jin Family.”
“Nakhyang Jin… wait? The Nakhyang Jin Family!?”
At the sudden revelation, the man shot up from his seat.
The surrounding crowd was equally startled.
No one in the martial arts world could fail to recognize the name of the Nakhyang Jin Family, and I felt every eye turn toward me in astonishment.
Jang Chuchyeong’s bearing seemed to elevate considerably.
“The Young Master of the Nakhyang Jin Family!”
Clang, clang—
Jang Chuchyeong’s voice rang out with unmistakable pride, resonating through the air. Already drawing considerable attention, now even passersby halted their steps to stare at me.
I ignored the cascade of gazes directed my way and opened my mouth to address the man.
“There’s no need for special consideration. And please send the results of my application to the Unryong Inn.”
“Ah, understood, Young Master.”
His tone had become considerably more respectful than moments before. While the Nakhyang Jin Family typically avoided entanglement with the martial arts world, the flow of wealth made such entanglement inevitable.
Naturally, caution was unavoidable.
I nodded and turned to leave.
All that remained was to wait for word of my application to the Suppression Squad to spread, and to spend the day leisurely at the inn.
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Within the Martial Arts Alliance, in the main hall of the Changryongdan.
In the training grounds there, more than ten Changryongdan members were drenched in sweat. If they could demonstrate overwhelming strength in the suppression operation that would soon begin, they might earn a distinctive title, and it would prove invaluable for their futures.
Thus, all of them wore expressions of grave intensity.
Moryeong Hyeok gazed upon them with a concealed smirk.
This suppression operation had been assigned to the Changryongdan through the influence of the Moyong Family Head.
That meant, in other words, failure was not an option—and it also meant that every achievement to be gained there would belong to Moryeong Hyeok.
‘Struggle as you might. You will remain beneath my heel for all your days.’
The moment he turned his back, casting scorn upon those drenched in sweat, he caught sight of someone rushing toward him, gasping for breath.
A man of imposing build.
Paeng Dohan.
A direct descendant of the Habuk Paeng Family.
Though he followed Moryeong Hyeok faithfully enough, he was nothing but brute strength wrapped in profound ignorance.
Had the Habuk Paeng Family not maintained cordial relations with the Moyong Family, Moryeong Hyeok would have spared him not a moment’s thought.
“Hyeok! Listen, Hyeok! Have you heard the news?”
“Ha, what is this friend making such a fuss about?”
“Goodness, this fellow is always slow with information! I’m telling you, it’s incredibly chaotic out there.”
At those words, Moryeong Hyeok’s expression darkened imperceptibly.
He could simply state the matter directly, yet he dragged it out strangely, as though waiting for anticipation to build. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed at Moryeong Hyeok.
Moryeong Hyeok wanted nothing more than to unleash a torrent of curses, but he exercised restraint, took a slow breath, and forced an expression of eager curiosity.
“Is that so? Come now, speak.”
“Well… you see. Don’t be shocked when you hear this…”
“Then what is it?”
“It’s absolutely… incredible!”
“…What exactly are you going on about?”
“Hehehehe, you might faint when you hear it!”
With each word that spilled from Paeng Dohan’s mouth, Moryeong Hyeok’s gaze grew sharper. Though his face remained smiling and his tone remained gentle, the mounting tension in his fists was no illusion.
“Right now-!”
“Ah, so…”
“Oh, wait a moment, I need to use the privy…”
In the end, Paeng Dohan dashed away without finishing his words.
Moryeong Hyeok stood motionless, his complexion flushing crimson. His eyes blazed with the fury of one ready to chase after him and crush his skull.
“Hohoho— so it comes to this.”
But then, hearing a woman’s voice, Moryeong Hyeok regained his composure. He suppressed the rising rage and straightened his contorted expression.
Soon he turned to face the woman with a subtle smile.
Eon Garyeo.
A woman of the Jin Ju Eon Family.
“Does the lady from the Eon Family know of this matter as well?”
“Indeed I do. But seeing the Paeng Family member rush off like that, I thought it might be amusing to watch.”
At Eon Garyeo’s words, the corner of Moryeong Hyeok’s mouth twitched.
Whether woman or man, they were all the same.
And so they became betrothed to each other.
Moryeong Hyeok clicked his tongue discreetly and turned his gaze back to Eon Garyeo.
“So what is this matter?”
“Hehe— it is nothing but….”
“If you’re going to play word games, I shall take my leave.”
“No, no! Please listen, it’s truly a fascinating affair.”
“You do intend to speak of it, yes?”
“Of course. Hehe, in this Suppression Squad, no less than the Young Master So of the Nakhyang Jin Family has submitted an application to participate.”
“…!”
At the mention of the Nakhyang Jin Family, Moryeong Hyeok’s eyes widened in surprise.
They were renowned for their strength, power, and influence, yet equally famous for their extreme aversion to entanglement with the martial arts world. For such a clan to send not merely a branch member, but the Young Master himself?
It defied comprehension.
“Surely… you jest?”
“I thought the same at first, but it appears to be true. I’ve even verified the roster myself. Look here—Jin Cheon-u of the Nakhyang Jin Family.”
Eon Garyeo produced a thick ledger and opened it to the final page.
There, precisely as she had said, the name Jin Cheon-u was written clearly for all to see.
“….”
Moryeong Hyeok gazed at it in silence, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
The matter remained incomprehensible to him.
What deepened his bewilderment was the fact that they had come with merely two companions—not leading other warriors of the Sega as one might expect.
“Am I not correct? What will you do?”
“What do you mean, what will I do?”
“An opportunity to forge connections with the Young Master So of the Nakhyang Jin Family. He’s currently at the Unryong Inn… shall we pay him a visit?”
At those words, Moryeong Hyeok let out a soft chuckle.
It was sound judgment.
Meeting the Young Master So of the Nakhyang Jin Family and establishing ties could only strengthen the Moyong Family’s influence—it would bring nothing but benefit.
Moreover.
‘An opportunity to gather intelligence on the Nakhyang Jin Family.’
He had already received orders to obtain any information he could about that place. Though he had not anticipated fortune to roll in so conveniently, the situation was undeniably favorable.
Information about them was scarce, even when the Moyong Family and the Martial Arts Alliance pooled their intelligence networks.
“I shall accompany you. I am curious to see what manner of person this Young Master So is.”
“Hehe, an excellent idea.”
It was the moment a young pup lifted its head toward the tiger’s gaping maw.
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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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