Chapter 131 : Namgung Clan (2)

Chapter 131: Namgung Clan (2)

The people of River Center Escort Agency and Yong Hwarin’s group were all guided to the guest quarters of the Namgung Clan.

“Still, isn’t this hospitality a bit lacking?”

At the Namgung Clan, even guests were assigned quarters according to their status, with the more distinguished ones being led to separate pavilions.

The place where Yong Hwarin’s party was staying was the same type of guesthouse used by standard escort agents or martial artists from ordinary escort agencies.

It was a world apart from the pavilions reserved for honored guests.

However, they couldn’t exactly complain about it.

Yong Hwarin even thought it was better than being fussed over in the name of hospitality.

“We should plan to leave the day after tomorrow.”

Ho Cheongun was thinking of resting for about a day before departure.

Had he been alone, he would have just delivered the escort goods and left, but since there were women like Sa Ilhyang and Ho Maeyok in the group, he planned a short rest.

“Master Yong, since we’re at the Namgung Clan, let’s at least look around. After all, it’s the top martial clan and the dominant force in Anhui. We should take a tour, don’t you think?”

Yong Hwarin was about to refuse but then got up with a smile.

‘There’s nothing left for me to see at the Namgung Clan since I visited many times in my previous life, but it would be strange to say that now. I’d better just go along.’

Yong Hwarin joined Ho Cheongun and the others for a tour of the Namgung Clan.

With one of the Namgung Clan’s martial artists guiding them, it felt like being a tourist.

Though Yong Hwarin knew every nook and cranny, he feigned ignorance and followed the group, observing.

“This pavilion houses relics and teachings passed down by the Namgung Clan’s ancestors. Only the Clan Head and direct descendants are allowed to enter.”

Even their ancestral shrine was set up as an entire pavilion, which showed the clan’s grandeur.

As the martial artist walked to introduce another pavilion, a group of extremely handsome men and women passed in front of them.

Yong Hwarin recognized a man even more handsome than Paeng Girin—Namgung Soomyung.

Ho Cheongun, Poong Imso, and Sa Jeokwoo realized that those people were notable figures from the Namgung Clan and decided to quietly pass by.

However, Namgung Soomyung noticed them and halted his steps.

“One moment, may I ask where you’re from?”

He politely asked with a fist salute.

Despite the prestige of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Soomyung was well known as a modest prodigy.

Ho Cheongun stepped forward and answered.

“We came from River Center Escort Agency with escort goods.”

“Ah, I see.”

Since they weren’t wearing Mount Hua uniforms, it wasn’t obvious that they were disciples of Mount Hua.

To help River Center Escort Agency, they wore its escort uniforms instead of the Mount Hua sect robes.

“Your presence stood out, so I paused to ask. I am Namgung Soomyung.”

As Namgung Soomyung introduced himself again, Ho Cheongun returned the greeting.

“I’m Ho Cheongun from River Center Escort Agency.”

Namgung Soomyung’s gaze lingered on someone who particularly caught his attention.

Each of them was clearly no ordinary figure.

But one person among them stood out especially.

Thinking they weren’t ordinary people, Namgung Soomyung took the initiative to introduce the people behind him.

“This is Young Master Danmok Gyeol of the Danmok Clan, and this is Lady Danmok Wan.”

Since Namgung Soomyung went as far as to mention their names, Danmok Gyeol reluctantly greeted with a fist salute.

Yong Hwarin looked at them and chuckled inwardly.

He had already met them all through dealings with the Sky Ocean Merchant Union. Among them, Danmok Gyeol was the most inscrutable.

Even as he aged, Danmok Gyeol remained just as hard to read.

His expression gave nothing away.

Just as Namgung Soomyung was about to say something more, his younger sister, Namgung Sohong, muttered irritably.

“Brother, this isn’t the time for this. We need to meet Sister Cheongyeong and come up with a plan, don’t we?”

At those words, Yong Hwarin tilted his head.

‘Cheongyeong? Could she be referring to Jegal Cheongyeong?’

With that thought, he realized that all of them were from the Three Great Sword Clans of the martial world.

The Three Great Sword Clans were considered sword clans among the Twelve Martial Families—Namgung Clan, famous for their Blue Sky Sword Technique; Danmok Clan, known for the Flowing Dragon Sword Technique; and the Jegal Clan, known for the Light Dragon Eighteen Sword Forms.

‘The fact that they’ve gathered means the World Alliance Initiative, spearheaded by the Jegal Clan, is taking shape. At this rate, it could even be formalized before the year ends.’

While Yong Hwarin nodded to himself, Namgung Soomyung spoke again.

“Young Master Ho and your companions, why don’t you join us?”

To that, Namgung Sohong responded in an annoyed tone.

“Brother, why are you bringing outsiders to a meeting about the friendly spar?”

Namgung Sohong was vexed by her brother’s over-hospitable nature.

“They’re guests in our household. There’s no harm in introducing them.”

“Brother, this isn’t just anything. It’s a friendly spar between our sword clans and the Saber clans. We don’t have room to be distracted.”

“What’s the big deal? A friendly spar is just that—friendly.”

“Ugh, seriously. Fine, do whatever you want.”

In the end, Namgung Sohong pouted but yielded.

Yong Hwarin stepped forward and spoke.

“When you say a friendly spar between the sword and Saber clans, are you referring to the Pang Clan of Hebei, the Shangguan Clan, and the Seomun Clan?”

At Yong Hwarin’s words, Namgung Soomyung nodded.

“That’s right. The official spar is scheduled for tomorrow morning.”

“May I ask the reason behind this spar?”

Namgung Sohong snorted and answered.

“Hmph! That’s none of your business.”

With that, Namgung Soomyung remained silent and gave a bitter smile.

“Shall we go?”

Namgung Sohong and Danmok Wan glared and couldn’t bring themselves to say they’d go along.

“No, we still have work to do regarding the escort goods.”

As Ho Cheongun declined, Namgung Soomyung looked at him and Yong Hwarin with a hint of regret.

“Understood. Then I’ll see you later.”

When Namgung Soomyung tried to keep talking to them, Namgung Sohong pushed his back.

“This really isn’t the time for this.”

Pressed by his younger sister, Namgung Soomyung gave a small nod and walked away.

Only after Ho Cheongun’s group had left did Namgung Soomyung speak in a slightly scolding tone.

“Sohong, I didn’t say anything because of our guests, but what was that attitude?”

“Why are you so interested in a few escort guards?”

When Namgung Sohong replied, Namgung Soomyung clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk tsk… And you call yourself a martial artist? You can’t even read people.”

“So what if they're strong escort guards? They’re still just that.”

Namgung Soomyung suddenly turned to Danmok Gyeol and asked,

He was curious about Danmok Gyeol’s thoughts, as his expression never changed.

“What did you think, Brother Danmok?”

Danmok Gyeol was known for never speaking nonsense or telling lies.

Since he was the kind of person who would speak clearly if he felt something, both Namgung Sohong and Danmok Wan turned their attention toward him.

“They are strong individuals.”

His answer was so brief that Namgung Soomyung tried to draw more out of him.

“And compared to us?”

At that question, Danmok Gyeol paused and seemed to be in thought.

He was trying not to speak carelessly.

“Must I answer?”

When Danmok Gyeol tried to dodge the question, Namgung Soomyung offered a condition.

“If you answer, I’ll give you that painting you’ve always liked.”

For the first time, a flicker of expression crossed Danmok Gyeol’s face.

A slight smile appeared, then vanished.

“They are not inferior to us.”

Namgung Sohong was the first to protest upon hearing those words.

“What nonsense is that? How could those escort guards be anywhere near our level?”

At her words, a cold light glinted in Danmok Gyeol’s eyes.

“Have you ever seen Brother Danmok say something foolish?”

When Namgung Soomyung reprimanded her, Namgung Sohong turned her head sharply away.

She had always been pampered in the clan, so she never feared anyone.

“And how about one of them, compared to me?”

Namgung Soomyung asked again.

It was because Danmok Gyeol was known for his keen insight into people.

That “one of them” referred to Yong Hwarin.

Danmok Gyeol had been watching Yong Hwarin closely until the moment they parted.

“I won’t answer that.”

After saying that, Danmok Gyeol walked ahead, leaving a crease on Namgung Soomyung’s forehead.

‘Brother Danmok not answering means that person is equal to or superior to me. If he saw it that way, then that person truly isn’t ordinary.’

Namgung Soomyung knew that the martial arts Danmok Gyeol practiced gave him an uncommon ability to evaluate others’ skills.

‘I’m really curious who he is.’

It had been a while since he had encountered a martial artist who stirred both his curiosity and competitive spirit.

That was why he couldn’t get Yong Hwarin’s image out of his head.

Meanwhile, Yong Hwarin had recently come to a sobering realization—that he was only slightly better than others his age, and still a far cry from true masters.

Though he had defeated many strong opponents through various events, most of his victories came from exploiting weaknesses through pressure-point techniques or with help from the Demonic Master.

It was only when he fought Bang Yeorip and Pil Gye-young without the Demonic Master’s help that he grasped the limits of his own abilities.

‘If it’s not truly my own strength, it doesn’t mean anything. I’ve trained in the Tai Chi Dantian and Dual-Mind Inner Art, and if I’m still not strong, that’s entirely my fault. I can’t blame anyone else.’

With that thought, he seriously considered going into seclusion for a few years of closed-door cultivation.

‘The one who truly needs closed-door training is me.’

He let out a long sigh and looked up at the night sky.

“Ah!”

Then suddenly, a thought struck him.

“Black Silk Celestial Silkworm’s sword qi would be even more powerful at night.”

He realized this as he stared into the night sky.

Then he burst into laughter.

“Well, I guess all my thoughts are consumed by martial arts.”

In his pursuit of strength, he never let go of the thread of martial learning for even a moment.

He spent nearly all his time thinking about and studying martial arts.

That was how deeply he wanted to become stronger than anyone else.

But realizing he was only slightly stronger than others his age left him somewhat disappointed in himself.

As he wandered through the garden, sorting out his thoughts, he suddenly felt an overwhelming presence.

It was like the air had grown heavy, like just before rain.

Yet, there was no one around.

‘Don’t tell me… this qi is coming from afar?’

Yong Hwarin looked into the air with skeptical eyes.

The energy was coming from between two pavilions, about thirty jang (approximately 90 meters) away.

It was considered improper for a guest to cross into restricted areas without permission.

But the energy intrigued him so much that he couldn’t stay put.

He wanted to see who was exuding that energy and what it was.

Unable to resist, he used the Cloud Ascending Dragon Technique to leap into the air, landing on the rooftops and gliding through the sky.

Yong Hwarin discovered a small pond and a pavilion situated between the two buildings—and was surprised.

It was clearly a place that outsiders were not allowed to enter.

As the moon slowly emerged from behind the clouds, it illuminated the figure standing on the ground.

It was an old man with white hair flowing down.

And the heavy, oppressive energy Yong Hwarin had felt was emanating from that very old man.

Yong Hwarin quickly activated the Hidden Cloud Shadow Technique to erase his presence.

The old man was simply standing still, yet it was unclear why such pressure radiated from him.

The old man lightly leapt into the air and floated above the pond.

And then, something incredible happened.

The old man's body didn’t sink but calmly stood upon the water’s surface.

‘That’s not just Water Treading Skill—it’s the level of Stepping on Duckweed Itself.’

Yong Hwarin was so stunned by the sight that his Hidden Cloud Shadow Technique almost broke.

‘Just who is this person, to have reached such a level?’

While standing on the pond, the old man began making subtle hand and foot movements.

But the gestures were so sloppy, it looked almost laughable—not at all fitting for someone capable of stepping on water.

‘What is that?’

Then, Yong Hwarin noticed something strange.

At the center of the man's moving hands and feet, a small light was flickering.