The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 55

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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 116

The name Gwanbaek was something I wished to forget, yet could not.
A name that had fallen from Yeom Ji-hak’s lips.
His voice still echoed clearly in my ears—muttering as though my every action revolved around Gwanbaek, as though I were merely obstructing those around him.
And now, that very name had surfaced in an unexpected place.
I suppressed my emotions and expression as much as possible.
“Gwanbaek… who is that?”
“Tsk tsk tsk, ah! You don’t understand when I speak that name? I mean Mu Heo.”
At the mention of Mu Heo, I furrowed my brow.

Sword Heaven Mu Heo.

I knew neither his origins nor what sword techniques he had mastered.
Yet people spoke of him with one voice, calling him Sword Heaven.
Decades ago, he had suddenly appeared in the Central Plains, defeated all ten who were called the Sovereigns of that era, and earned the title of Heaven’s Star.
After that fierce battle, three lost their lives and the position of Sovereign fell vacant—a seat claimed by Gu Gunbaek, Mo Yong-cheon, and the Martial Artist’s Wu Jin.
But Mu Heo was Gwanbaek?
“When you say Mu Heo, you mean Sword Heaven?”
“Tsk tsk, indeed. I once crossed blades with him. Your sword flow resembles his, and I could think of no one else capable of nurturing such a monster, so I assumed you were his disciple—but it seems I was mistaken.”
“I have never heard that name before. I understood Sword Heaven had withdrawn from the martial world of the Central Plains and disappeared.”
“He did disappear. But tsk tsk, he must be in seclusion somewhere, raising disciples.”
Cheon Gong-hak shook his head slowly.
As though recalling those days, his expression seemed tinged with regret.
I naturally observed his expression and eyes as I asked.
“But sir, what does the name Gwanbaek mean?”
“It is his true name. He became known as Mu Heo, but few know his real name. Ah, are you being added to that select few now? Tsk tsk tsk.”
At that laughter and gaze, I smiled awkwardly.
It seemed he was not testing me through the name Gwanbaek.
Moreover, his tone, gaze, and expression all appeared truthful, and if all of this were true, it seemed unrelated to the Divine Sect.
Even when he died in the past, I had found no connection to the Divine Sect, so I could be somewhat reassured for now—yet I could not afford to lower my guard.
“But if it is not him, where did a monster like you emerge from?”
“Self-taught.”
“You taught yourself martial arts and surpassed the pinnacle? Something even this old man could not achieve, and you have done it?”
“It is the truth. Though I did receive help from someone.”
“I thought so. Tsk tsk tsk. Reaching such heights without aid is impossible no matter how I consider it. So, who is this person? Surely one of the Ten Sovereigns?”
“I cannot speak of it.”
The moment those words left my mouth.
Cheon Gong-hak appeared before my eyes without even time to attempt anything else.
Clink—
A dagger I couldn’t recall drawing appeared at my throat, pressing firmly against the skin.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk… are you fearless, or merely enduring?”
“I’d say it’s both, for now.”
I spoke while meeting Cheon Gong-hak’s gaze directly.
Though hidden on the surface, he surely read the fear crystallized within my pupils.
“You have a petty heart. So refrain from uttering words that grate upon my ears.”
“I shall carve it into my very bones.”
“Then shall I carve it in for you right now?”
“That won’t be necessary.”
At my resolute words, a peculiar smile played at the corners of my mouth once more, and as the dagger withdrew from my throat, the moment its touch vanished, Cheon Gong-hak’s figure disappeared from my sight—only to reappear in the same spot, wearing the identical expression and posture as before.
It felt as though I’d been bewitched by a phantom.
As I stared at Cheon Gong-hak with bewilderment, he smiled faintly and rose from his seat.
Then, with light footsteps, he departed the room.
“Are you leaving?”
I asked, but received no answer.
All that remained was the sight of his hand waving as he stepped beyond the threshold.
He harbored not the slightest hesitation, nor did he speak words of farewell or hope for reunion.
I understood perfectly what that meant.
A martial artist always stands upon the blade’s edge.
To speak of reunion offers no guarantee of meeting again.
Cheon Gong-hak, who understood this better than anyone, seemed to believe such words unnecessary.
I felt his presence fade completely, and only then did I exhale in relief, wiping the cold sweat from my brow.
I had been that tense.
Even more so than when I faced Gu Gunbaek.
Though the Demon King’s name was no inferior to the Four Sovereigns, Cheon Gong-hak was the one who held the rank of the Ten Sovereigns even before Gu Gunbaek ascended to that position.
The weight such a fact carried could not be ignored.
“Are you unharmed, my boy?”
At that moment, a familiar voice reached my ears.
I turned to see the figure of Ryu Hyeok-sang, the Chief Administrator.
He held a sealed letter in his hand and gazed at me intently before breaking into a grin.
“It appears you still have all twenty fingers and toes intact, and your nails seem perfectly whole.”
“Should one of them have been severed?”
“One? It wouldn’t have been strange if they’d all disappeared. You certainly gave the Little Heavenly Lord, whom the Heavenly Lord treasures so dearly, quite the humiliation. Ha ha.”
“It was the Heavenly Lord who instructed me to break his pride.”
“As if he truly meant it so literally! He meant for you to play along, let him win by a hair’s breadth. You have a tendency to take people’s words at face value, don’t you?”
At Ryu Hyeok-sang’s words, my expression grew bewildered.
I had known it already, but I hadn’t expected him to speak of it so openly.
Conversely, Ryu Hyeok-sang’s eyes held a question—why would someone with that much sense commit such an act?
I frowned and accepted the letter he offered.
“Deliver this to the Jinpung Sword Sect Master. We could send a letter, but wouldn’t it look better if you went in person?”
“Understood. Is there… anything unusual written in it?”
“Ha, it’s not an order to use the Sect to kill you, so don’t worry. Besides, I doubt even the entire Sect combined could kill someone like you.”
“You’re too kind.”
“That’s precisely how threatening you’ve become. And now, the martial artists of this realm will come to recognize your existence.”
“….”
This was no idle talk.
I had crushed So Cheon-ju far too easily before so many witnesses. Naturally, rumors would begin to spread, and it was only a matter of time before those rumors reached Hannam.
They would naturally spread throughout the entire martial realm.
I let out a soft chuckle.
I had already known this would happen.
That’s why I had decided the match using only a single martial technique.
So that Jin Cheon-u wearing the demon mask and Jin Cheon-u without it would appear as completely different people.
Since the nature of the martial arts was entirely different, they couldn’t be seen as the same person.
“I am a merchant. I do not get caught up in the ups and downs of martial realm gossip.”
“Well, that’s fine then. Still, things will change considerably from now on. Martial artists become curious when a strong figure suddenly appears. Where did you gain your opportunity, they’ll wonder.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
I nodded in agreement with the Administrator’s words.
I had already experienced this once before.
There were those who would suddenly swing their blades, demanding I reveal the opportunity I had gained. There were also no shortage of those who would rush at me, eager to suck my blood.
But this time would be different.
The Nakhyang Jin Family still stood strong.
With their power as my backing, I didn’t need to worry about troublesome flies gathering around me.
Though there would certainly be those who came at me with competitive spirit.
After all, I had defeated So Cheon-ju of Sa Do-cheon.
Those who wished to make a name for themselves would appear.
I finished my thoughts and looked at Ryu Hyeok-sang.
“I will leave the remaining matters to our side’s Administrator. I will explain everything in detail, so you need not worry.”
“Ha, so the Nakhyang Jin Family will be doing business with Sa Do-cheon. The Martial Alliance might not sit idle about this. Are you certain it’s alright?”
“Persuading and appeasing them is our role. There is nothing for you to concern yourself with.”
“Fair enough.”
Ryu Hyeok-sang smiled with satisfaction.
It seemed the Sa Do-cheon matter was now settled.
What remained was the Hyang-un Sega?
I thought the expression on their Family Head’s face would be quite worth seeing.

* * *

“Krraaagh?!”
Cheon Yul let out a harsh cry as I bolted upright from my lying position.
In that instant, a sharp pain radiated through my chest, and sensing an odd gaze upon me, I turned to see Cheon Gong-hak, the Heavenly Lord, staring intently at me—though I couldn’t recall when he had arrived.
“Ha… Grandfather….”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Bested by a mere child of the Sega, and you’ve tarnished this old man’s name. How does it feel? Does it make you want to fly away?”
“I was defeated, sir?!”
“Do you imagine there’s any other reason you’re lying here?”
Shiver—
At Cheon Gong-hak’s words, my body trembled.
Truth be told, my memory was hazy.
I recall seeing something flash brilliantly, but my consciousness simply vanished in an instant, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself in this situation.
I hadn’t even comprehended how it happened or which blade had struck me.
The absurdity of it all…
“Hahahaha! You’re saying I lost? And in front of everyone, no less?”
“Come to your senses.”
“I’m perfectly fine! Except for the pain.”
“Tsk, tsk.”
“But how did I lose? Things were going well….”
At my claim that things were going well, Cheon Gong-hak shook his head.
That could hardly be called going well.
It was only because he had deliberately held back to observe my Dao technique that the exchange had lasted—otherwise, it would have ended in an instant, just as it had at the beginning.
I seemed unaware of how my mind was working.
Or perhaps it was pride?
Either way, it didn’t sit well with him.
“That person—where is he now?”
“He left long ago.”
“…Left, you say? While I was asleep?”
Not asleep—unconscious.
Cheon Gong-hak clicked his tongue and frowned as he observed me, still oblivious to the situation.
He had expected me to be somewhat shaken and dispirited, yet I seemed as lively and spirited as ever.
It appeared the thought of humiliation or tarnishing the Heavenly Lord’s name hadn’t even crossed my mind.
He exhaled a long sigh and continued speaking.
“Take today’s events as a lesson….”
But something felt odd.
I wasn’t even listening; I simply rose from my seat and began gathering various items from a bundle placed nearby.
As if I were about to rush outside immediately.
Cheon Gong-hak regarded this with a puzzled expression.
“What… are you doing?”
“I’m going out for a bit.”
“Where exactly… are you going?”
“Of course I must win and return!”
In that instant, Cheon Yul clenched his fist as he looked at Cheon Gong-hak. Then, with blazing eyes and fierce expression, he revealed his fighting spirit.
“I will win and bring back his head! Only then can I lead Sa Do-cheon forward, can’t I!”
“I truly cannot fathom what goes through your mind.”
Cheon Gong-hak simply watched as Cheon Yul hurriedly packed his belongings.
Whether it was to honor his own words, he paid no attention despite the bewildered look in his eyes.
Then, after rolling up his bedroll and securing his travel pouch, he fastened his beloved blade to his waist.
Observing all of this, Cheon Gong-hak furrowed his brow.
“You truly intend to leave?”
“Of course I must go! As the one who must lead Sa Do-cheon, how could I possibly lie down and sleep in such circumstances? I will certainly restore Sa Do-cheon’s honor!”
“It’s honor, not reputation.”
“Yes, well, that’s what I meant anyway!”
Cheon Yul, as if determined not to listen to anything else, strode boldly from the room.
In the next instant, he unleashed his lightness technique and vanished, appearing as though no one in the world could break his resolve.
Cheon Gong-hak closed his eyes tightly.
Even ignorance has its limits.
Yet it was true that his resolute determination to restore Sa Do-cheon’s honor sounded quite admirable.
Cheon Gong-hak found himself smiling without realizing it.
It reminded him of his own unbridled youth.
But that boy.
“Does he even know where he’s supposed to go?”
The moment Cheon Gong-hak’s gaze turned toward the empty air, his smile vanished and his eyes became sharp as blades.
Soon his voice resonated with weight.
“Why are you still here instead of pursuing him?”
Whoosh—!
The presence of those who had been holding their breath in hiding rapidly disappeared.
It was the moment the Little Heavenly Lord of Sa Do-cheon made his appearance in the martial world.

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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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