Chapter 128: Master of the West. (1)

Click-.

Click-.

The only sound in the quiet room was an unidentifiable, small noise.

The subtle sound tickling his ears was annoying, but it didn’t cross the line into being worth pointing out.

It existed in that ambiguous space.

Namgung Jin kept his eyes closed, listening to the tickling noise.

Normally, he would have pointed it out with a displeased expression, but right now, he didn’t even have time to spare for that.

Because in his mind, he had to review the movements he’d quickly grasped.

How to position his wrists, how much force to put into his waist, and where his toes should point simultaneously.

Around the time he passed his minority, he was retrieving the basics he’d erased from his mind.

He had to erase all of that and overwrite it with what he’d newly acquired. It would probably take a very long time.

Namgung Jin, lost in thought, snapped his eyes open at the sound of a chair scraping nearby.

He must have been concentrating too deeply, as he hadn’t noticed the presence approaching right under his nose.

‘I heard you’ve had some matters to attend to recently,’

‘Which were handled well,’

The gaunt old man sitting before him was Gu Changjun, the Gate Master of Gu Seon.

He was the First Elder of the Gu family of Shanxi, known by the sobriquet ‘Fire Slaughtering Absolute Sword’ (Hwalukjeolgeom).

‘It truly is unexpected. For the Family Head to seek out an old man like me.’

‘I came because I was bothered by the conversation we couldn’t finish last time.’

‘Oh… I welcome that with both hands.’

The First Elder said so with a grin.

‘A snake of an old man.’

It was a chilling sensation that set off his instincts.

As far as Namgung Jin could feel, he was the person least suited to the Gu family.

The Family Head, Ho-hyeop, had a foul temper, but he didn’t engage in backroom dealings.

If something needed to be broken, he broke it. He charged head-on; he wasn’t the type to look for other ways.

He seemed to have changed a lot by now, but since his foul temper remained the same, perhaps nothing had truly changed.

‘He even had a son who looked just like him.’

Gu Cheolwoon’s son not only looked exactly like his father but also possessed a personality that suited him just as much.

Though perhaps he couldn’t be called ‘that guy’ anymore.

Regardless, both Gu Cheolwoon and Gu Yangcheon were people who suited the Gu family.

They possessed fiery temperaments, as well as monstrous talent.

The more Namgung Jin thought about it, the more his stomach hurt.

It was because Gu Cheolwoon’s children all possessed bizarre talents.

Starting with Sword Phoenix, the current number one among the younger generation martial artists.

The second child, a daughter, was rumored to possess outstanding skills as well.

There’s little known about the fourth child, but I heard he joined the Mount Hua Sect, so his level likely isn’t low.

And Gu Yangcheon.

His level was something Namgung Jin couldn’t quite explain.

It was too lofty to be called mere talent.

In the history of the Central Plains, the martial artists who surpassed the wall at Gu Yangcheon’s age could be counted on one hand.

Even his own grandfather, Namgung Cheonjun, the number one of Namgung, stated that when he reached his peak, he was the age of his son, Namgung Cheonjun.

‘So he belongs to that place after all.’

A group secretly formed under the Martial Alliance.

Namgung Jin’s grandfather called that place ‘Meteor’.

‘Gu Cheolwoon, pretending until the very end.’

He said he wouldn’t be involved with such a place, yet in reality, he was already connected.

How did he manage it? Information that couldn’t be uncovered even with his influence.

Was there already an agreement with the Beggars’ Sect? Considering all the rumors about Gu Yangcheon were wrong, that possibility was high.

‘The same applies to the restriction.’

Namgung Jin thought as he felt the restriction bound to his body.

This resembled what was commonly used in the Martial Alliance.

Although the method of use was inefficient and it was closer to a contract than a restriction.

It clearly used the framework of what the Alliance used.

Moreover, he could sense that despite its cumbersome method, its effectiveness was strong, making it difficult to undo.

Namgung Jin decided that if he returned to the family and met his grandfather, he would have to look into Meteor in detail.

‘As I heard last time,’

The First Elder brought up the topic first.

‘I heard you scheduled the engagement ceremony on an auspicious date.’

‘It was resolved well in a harmonious atmosphere.’

Compared to when he met Gu Cheolwoon before, the atmosphere was certainly more harmonious.

‘It’s quite surprising. I never dreamed the Namgung family would proceed with an engagement with our Yangcheon…’

‘Our Yangcheon.’

To Namgung Jin, despite the familiar term of address, the tone felt somewhat cold.

Hearing that, Namgung Jin replied.

‘I heard the Second Elder of the Gu family put in some effort. It was the first time I’d seen such a positive reaction from our elders either.’

‘…’

Mentioning the Second Elder caused the First Elder’s expression to change slightly.

He quickly returned to normal, but it was enough of a reaction for Namgung Jin to grasp.

It seemed he wasn’t too pleased about the engagement with the family.

And his relationship with the Second Elder didn’t seem very good either.

Namgung Jin took a sip of tea and organized his thoughts.

‘As you mentioned earlier, there was a small incident.’

‘I heard. That you were unfortunately framed.’

‘Indeed. The situation is truly regrettable.’

Originally, when Namgung Jin had his first conversation with the First Elder, he thought the First Elder might have other intentions, and if those intentions aligned well with his own, he might be able to pull him to his side.

If it was indeed the First Elder who had tried to hold him back.

It was as good as cutting ties.

Suspicion alone was enough to sever ties. There was no need to get involved dangerously.

Nevertheless, Namgung Jin didn’t change his expression.

‘Perhaps, is there something you desire?’

‘The Family Head?’

At Namgung Jin’s words, the First Elder asked back, seemingly taken aback.

It felt like he hadn’t expected Namgung Jin to bring this up.

The First Elder’s hidden expression and cultivated movements were skillful, but the ambition oozing through them was sinister.

It wasn’t at a level that could be hidden.

It was baffling to Namgung Jin that such a person was kept quietly nearby.

If it were the old Gu Cheolwoon, he would have burned such a person to ashes long ago.

‘This isn’t something I need to worry about.’

Whatever he might be thinking, it was meaningless now.

‘Just pretend to go along with things moderately.’

He recalled Gu Yangcheon’s words.

What was his intention? Was it to urge complacency, or perhaps to confirm Namgung Jin’s restriction?

It’s futile.

He didn’t have enough leeway to think about such things right now.

Namgung Jin smiled and said to the First Elder.

‘Perhaps the path we wish to take might be the same, don’t you think?’

At Namgung Jin’s words, a slight glint appeared in the First Elder’s eyes.

---

A day passed after teaching Namgung Jin swordsmanship.

‘I heard the two of you had another conversation.’

‘Where on earth do you keep getting such information?’

As he was chatting with Wi Seora after finishing his training, the Second Elder arrived.

Wi Seora was diligently wiping his sweat with a towel when the Second Elder appeared with a sullen face and continued speaking.

‘It seems you’ve formed some kind of connection.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Young Master, you’re covered in sweat!’

‘…Wait, could you wipe a little more gently?’

Feeling the rough texture of the towel, he stopped Wi Seora.

She was rubbing so hard it felt like the skin on his face would peel off.

Of course, he had also sweated that much.

He thought he wouldn’t sweat anymore once his internal energy reached the fifth star, but…

‘That means you’re not accustomed to it yet, so try harder.’

‘Yes… I guess I need to work hard.’

The training, which involved compressing internal energy and moving delicately, was still difficult.

Making the unfamiliar familiar was the hardest thing for a martial artist, but conversely, it was also the most exciting.

Because it was something that allowed him to feel new things and serve as a stepping stone for growth.

‘I wonder if Namgung Jin wants to go for this feeling too.’

He felt like he understood it, just a little. Putting his own thoughts aside, the Second Elder exclaimed indignantly.

‘Is that so? What kind of response is that, you brat!’

‘Since we met anyway, is there anything I need to do? I just have to accept it as it is.’

He considered telling the Second Elder about his encounter with Namgung Jin, but the less said, the better.

Seeing my indifferent reaction, the Second Elder lunged to hit me on the head, so I moved and dodged.

‘Oh! Now I can dodge… cough!’

I barely dodged the first blow, but couldn’t avoid the second, collapsing with a kwang! sound.

…I really thought my head was going to split open.

‘While I’m dying of worry like this, my own grandson!’

‘Why am I your grandson, Second Elder…!’

To be precise, they were related by blood, but not that much.

‘I raised you, cleaning up your messes, and look at this ungrateful brat!’

As he raised his hand to hit me on the head again, I put Wi Seora forward.

‘Hm?’

The Second Elder paused. No matter what, he couldn’t possibly harm the Sword Master’s granddaughter.

‘Stop hitting me, and what happened with your trip to the Namgung family last time?’

She was referring to the time he suddenly disappeared mid-conversation, saying he needed to meet an elder from the Namgung family.

How is the Second Elder already back here after only a few days?

It doesn’t seem like there was enough time for travel back and forth.

Mentioning that caused the Second Elder’s face to turn sour in an instant.

‘…Don’t ask. I’m already on my way back after being scolded by the Family Head.’

‘Elder, are you getting scolded by my father?’

‘Be quiet… How did they find out? I moved stealthily so as not to be detected. Perhaps Yangcheon, did you report me?’

He started looking at me with suspicious eyes.

This is absurd. Does he really think it’s possible to go and come back stealthily with that bulky physique?

‘Look at your physique, Elder… Can you really hide just by trying?’

‘Look at this brat? When I was young, I competed in stealth techniques with the King of Assassins.’

‘Yes, yes, I’m sure you did.’

‘Grandpa Ryun, did you get bigger again?’

Wi Seora asked innocently, and the Second Elder forced a smile and said.

‘No… I can’t get any bigger.’

‘No, you look bigger.’

‘Is that a compliment?’

‘Yes! You look cool when you’re big!’

‘…Yes, thank you.’

Wi Seora’s bright innocence made the Second Elder finally smile sheepishly.

Even so, a stealth technique competition with a master called the King of Assassins? That’s the height of boasting.

‘Anyway, seeing how the Namgung elders are keeping quiet about this matter, it seems there’s quite a problem.’

I thought it was obviously impossible, but the Second Elder seemed to find it strange that it wasn’t.

No matter how much of an old man filled only with muscles the Second Elder was, he was more rational than expected.

When he judged like that, it meant there was something else at play.

‘And I heard there was also trouble with that Sword King fellow. Is that alright?’

‘You even found that out?’

‘Didn’t I tell you? I have many eyes and ears in the families.’

‘It’s relatively okay.’

The biggest concern was the life or death of the attendant.

I heard that although there might be some scars left on his face, his life wouldn’t be in danger.

It was Shin Eui’s word, not just anyone’s, so it should be trustworthy.

He was still unconscious, but I planned to visit him once he regained consciousness.

Meanwhile, the Second Elder continued speaking to me in a displeased tone.

‘If you could just stay put… Understood.’

Why does this old man keep raising his fist at the slightest provocation….

I felt like I needed to get stronger quickly just to avoid getting hit by that.

As I playfully hunched my neck, the Second Elder sighed deeply and brought up another topic.

‘And, I heard you’ll be attending the Dragon Phoenix Gathering. Is that correct?’

‘Did you hear that from the Family Head?’

‘Yes.’

‘Probably, I think so.’

‘When are you planning to depart?’

‘I plan to go a little early, so I’m thinking of departing seven days from now.’

The Dragon Phoenix Gathering is held at the end of the year, so departing around then would allow me to arrive a little early.

‘You’re planning to go much earlier than I thought.’

‘It’s better than being late.’

At first, it felt like I was attending due to Tang Soyeol’s request and my father’s permission, pushed along.

Considering Shin No-ya’s wishes and the value of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, it was a necessary event.

And, there was also someone I personally wanted to see.

I thought perhaps they would be attending the Dragon Phoenix Gathering around this time.

The Second Elder looked closely at my face, then raised the corners of his mouth and said.

‘Judging by your expression, it seems you don’t intend to stay put.’

‘I don’t know what you mean.’

‘Yes, if you’ve reached that level, you should cause some trouble.’

The Second Elder didn’t seem bothered by my feigned ignorance and continued as if already convinced.

…Really, he’s a more cunning old man than he looks.

Like the Second Elder said, I did intend to cause some stir at the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, but not to go completely wild.

Thinking about future events, I simply needed to make a name for myself to some extent.

Fame and reputation would be easier if I revealed what I’d done so far, but…

Getting more deeply entangled with the Black Night Palace would be a headache right now.

The easiest and most convenient method was undoubtedly the Dragon Phoenix Gathering. It’s a place where even small things get blown out of proportion.

For example, there was a story that Namgung Cheonjun, during his first Dragon Phoenix Gathering, was celebrated by lightning striking from a clear sky, marking the appearance of a new star.

Lightning from a clear sky… That sounds like something out of a legend.

Because of this, I wasn’t thinking I’d gain nothing from going.

It’s not arrogance.

Honestly, just mingling there now felt like something that would prick my conscience.

In a way, it was like showing off among a bunch of brats.

‘If others knew, they’d turn beet red.’

‘…So isn’t it fortunate that others don’t know?’

‘How nice for you. That others don’t know.’

‘Ugh….’

He couldn’t offer any rebuttal to Shin No-ya’s laughter-filled taunts.

In times like these, one just had to be brazen.

The Second Elder said to me with a smile.

‘Since the Family Head has permitted it, go ahead and tear into it comfortably.’

‘Am I some kind of beast? Tear into what….’

‘You do look like a beast.’

‘…’

After saying that, the Second Elder took something out of his pocket.

The moment I saw it, I knew what it was.

It was the invitation to the Dragon Phoenix Gathering that Tang Soyeol had shown me last time.

‘Did you bring this, Second Elder?’

‘Uh… If so, then yes.’

‘What kind of ambiguous answer is that? It makes people anxious….’

Did he not get it from my father?

My invitation should have already arrived at the Gu family’s residence, so I thought he brought that, but…

The Second Elder spoke as if that wasn’t the case.

‘It’s not an invitation, but a letter of recommendation.’

‘A letter of recommendation? For me?’

‘I brought it just in case, but if I had known it would be used like this, I should have brought something more impressive.’

Usually, recommendations are given by patrons of the younger generation martial artists.

In Tang Soyeol’s case, it would naturally have been the Tang Family Head.

I don’t know about Namgung Bi-ah. Namgung Jin probably gave his recommendation letter to Noe Ryong.

In my case, I was supposed to receive one from my father.

If Gu Yeonseo, who finished her seclusion and is currently staying in her residence, were attending, maybe…

‘But I wonder who wrote a recommendation letter for me.’

It would be possible for a renowned martial artist of the Second Elder’s caliber to write one, but would he really need to write it when my father is here?

A recommendation letter for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering is like a certificate proving ‘I sponsor this disciple’ or ‘I protect this blood relative’.

In a way, it’s like a certificate stating, ‘I sponsor this child,’ or ‘I protect this child’.

Who could possibly give me something like that?

Moreover, my few existing rumors aren’t exactly favorable, so someone must have written it while disregarding the potential damage to their reputation.

‘Take it. I received it two years ago, so I’m rather glad it can be used like this.’

At the Second Elder’s words, my forehead creased slightly.

Two years ago…?

That means it’s from before I regressed.

I have no memory of receiving such a recommendation letter in my past life.

I carefully took the letter.

And the moment I saw the characters written on the letter, my body stiffened immediately.

It couldn’t be helped.

Only one character was written on the letter.

Defeat (Pae).

‘Second Elder… this.’

I asked, flustered, but the Second Elder was smiling proudly.

There was only one reason why this unremarkable character written in black felt so intimidating.

This letter…

One of the Three Venerates of the World, and the Master of the West.

The Defeated Venerate (Paejon). It belonged to Bi-ju.