33 – 03# Nangjungjichu (4) (Hidden talent reveals itself)

Lately, things had been hectic, a bit blurring around the edges. But now, with a measure of stability achieved, I could finally return to my original aspiration. And what, pray tell, was that aspiration?

Why, to be the best under Heaven, of course. Should not every man born into this martial world set such a goal, at least once in his life? That was the reason I rose before dawn.

The habit of waking at daybreak, once forged in the mountains, now haunted my sleep even within the sturdy walls of a home. Focusing on the *wu* instead of farming was certainly appealing.

Yet, looking back, life in the city promised to be far more perplexing and arduous than I imagined. Unlike Seocheo, where self-sufficiency and bartering were possible,

here, money was the absolute necessity for survival. The very region of Henan felt like the heart of the Central Plains. Fortunately, I still possessed funds received from the Moyong Clan.

But even those, if spent continuously, would inevitably run dry. Money wasn’t everything in this world, but a comfortable life ultimately required a sufficient amount.

‘Of course, since I’m taking care of Soo-ah, the Moyong Clan will send money regularly. Still, relying solely on one source of income is hardly ideal.’

With the Demonic Cult lurking in the shadows, nothing could be guaranteed. Something could befall the Moyong Clan at any moment. But for now, I banished all distracting thoughts.

“For now, I will pour all my attention into the *wu*.”

In my possession now were the Three Calamities Swordplay, the Saber-Sword Heart Method, and the martial arts techniques I’d acquired from the Moyong Clan. Though those Moyong techniques didn’t suit me, preventing me from properly executing them.

I had, after all, personally witnessed the Clan Lord’s *qi* of the sword once before. And for reasons unknown, I was able to grasp a degree of its inner workings. Perhaps because I had directly clashed with it.

Regardless, following that faint thread of understanding, I instinctively wielded my sword in the air. The Moyong Clan’s style, embodying the principle of unified offense and defense, the Dragon’s Mystery, Flowing Cascade Swordplay – *Uirong Biryu Geombeop*.

[A single sighting is worth a hundred hearings. One must be able to wholly absorb the opponent’s techniques and mysteries after experiencing them. That is the qualification of… and the Immovable I have chosen.]

The voice of the departed elder guided me, making me feel as if I were on the verge of grasping its essence. But the sound of knocking on the gate shattered my focus.

Regretfully clicking my tongue, I obediently sheathed my sword and headed towards the gate. Half expecting Yang Miyeon’s men, I opened it to find an unexpected guest.

Skin as fair as jade, black hair neatly tied back, radiating a healthy sheen. Beauty that would effortlessly overwhelm most women. If not for the boy’s attire.

I would have mistaken the youth for a girl without a second thought. Could this be one of those rumored courtesans? Slightly taken aback by the arrival of this unforeseen visitor,

I couldn’t very well turn him away at the gate. Judging by the boy’s appearance, it wasn’t hard to guess he carried a heavy secret.

The clothes he wore were undoubtedly crafted from luxurious silk, yet they were torn in places, covered in dust and mud, making him resemble a beggar more than a young master.

“Have you eaten?”

“… I apologize. Circumstances haven’t allowed it yet.”

“We haven’t had our morning meal either. If you don’t mind, join us at the table.”

Most would simply ignore a beggar knocking on their door, or at best, offer a token of charity. Yet, I chose to readily invite the boy inside.

“What is your name?”

“Namgoong Yeon, I… I am.”

Upon hearing the boy’s name, I inwardly cheered. I didn’t know the details, but it was clear this was related to the Namgoong Clan. And, inevitably, the Namgoong Clan would become involved.

And what did that mean?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seize the Namgoong Clan’s martial arts.

Of course, the price would be enduring the glares of Soo-ah and Seol-hwa, roused from their slumber. Still, considering the boy’s state, even Soo-ah couldn’t object too strongly.

He must have been starving for days. Namgoong Yeon devoured the meal prepared by Soo-ah, leaving nothing behind. Which compelled me to voice the questions I had been holding back.

“If it’s the Namgung Clan, aren’t they the leaders of the Five Great Clans, said to be the Dragon’s Head? How has a member of the Namgung Clan come to such a state?”

The Moryong Clan at least has the excuse of being out of touch with the Murim world for so long. But the Namgung Clan, as the leader of the Righteous Alliance, wields enormous influence. Hence the epithet.

Dragon’s Head.

If they are of the Namgung Clan’s blood, even if from a distant branch, they should receive some respect. Arriving here in this condition…it doesn’t seem normal by any measure.

“That is… I am sorry, I cannot speak of it yet.”

“Asking for help in that state? You are laughable!”

“Calm yourself, Sua.”

In the end, Sua couldn’t hold back her outburst, and as if feeling guilty, Namgung Yeon lowered his head. Gazing at Namgung Yeon, I pondered for a moment, but…

“I will provide you with a room. Stay as long as you desire.”

The answer had been decided, practically.

Because I had smelled a scent after a long time.

The scent of opportunity that I had forgotten until now.

As I hone my martial arts, the memories left behind by the old man are slowly being unlocked. Of course, the memories are not complete yet, but I know what I must do to move forward.

‘To confront as many martial arts as possible and make their secrets my own.’

If I do that, I can ascend to a higher realm.

◇

The Seonmu Academy of Henan was once established to promote harmony between the Righteous and Unrighteous Factions, but now its meaning has greatly deteriorated. As the saying goes, one loach muddies the water.

What if there are dozens, hundreds of loaches? They would muddy a pond, even a lake. The Seonmu Academy now is nothing more than a pretty facade; the inside is rotten to the core.

The pretense of honing martial arts, understanding the will of ancestors through scholarship, and observing has long disappeared, leaving only a venue for young Righteous martial artists to socialize.

With so many stories being exchanged, it was only natural that talk of a new academy would arise. A rather interesting rumor was spreading through the streets.

“I heard that the Sword Demon of the Unrighteous Faction is actually still alive.”

“What’s more, they say he’s opened a new academy?”

“That’s absurd. If that rumor were true, wouldn’t the Righteous Faction be taking action directly?”

Predictably, not a single person believed the street rumors. The Sword Demon, known to have died decades ago, had not only returned to life but even established an academy here in Henan?

“Not that I deny the Sword Demon’s achievements, but even for the Sword Demon, establishing an academy in this place, which is firmly controlled by the Righteous Faction’s Seonmu Academy, would not be easy at all.”

“In the first place, the Sword Demon, who passed away decades ago, is still alive? That’s nonsense.”

Although nominally, the Seonmu Academy was established to promote harmony between the Righteous and Unrighteous Factions. But in their minds, the Seonmu Academy had already become the property of the Righteous Faction.

Just as they were gathered in groups of three or five, chattering like sparrows, a boy wearing a navy-blue silk robe, sitting heavily like a hawk, spoke in a cold voice.

“I have no need for useless rumors from the streets. More than that, did you find what I asked for?”

“Yes, we found it. Actually…”

“What’s the trouble now?”

“It seems she’s wandered into the Scholar’s Quarter.”

“Tch, there’s no paradise in running. Has she still not learned?”

His cool, sinking gaze was momentarily touched by regret, but it didn’t linger. As the boy kept silent, one of the guards, who had been cautiously watching, inquired,

“Shall we dispatch guards to bring her back?”

“Leave her be. Only by her own realization can she return to her place.”

“Understood.”

“Drink moderately and return. Tomorrow, you must dedicate yourselves to your studies, no?”

With those words, the boy rose from his seat. Perhaps due to the boy’s stern warning? The guards, who had filled the raucous gathering, began to retreat like a receding tide.

“Senior Brother, speaking of this. If we bring her back ourselves, couldn’t we make a solid impression on the Namgung Clan this time?”

“But, the Young Master told us to stand down…”

“He simply couldn’t bring himself to order it directly! Besides, it’s hardly a difficult task! It’s just dragging back a single girl, what’s so hard about that?!”

But amongst them, there were always those who harbored different intentions.

*