Chapter 1105: Scorched World.

The victor and ruler of Anhui.

One of the Four Great Families, and perhaps the foremost in terms of power and influence.

The Great Namgung Family.

Not only all matters concerning merchant guilds in Anhui, but even the branches of the Martial Alliance itself had to consider the Namgung Family’s stance. Without their permission, not even proper business could be conducted. That was the extent of the Namgung Family’s influence. It wasn’t an exaggeration to call the Namgung Family the largest family in the Central Plains.

The current owner of that place, the man called the family head.

Namgung Jeohui.

He stood before Anhui Castle, letting out a sigh.

“…It’s as reported, I presume?”

To Namgung Jeohui’s softly spoken words, the old man beside him, the Steward, responded.

“That is correct. The carriage should arrive shortly, so please do not worry too much.”

“Hoooh…”

Despite the Steward’s words, Namgung Jeohui’s expression did not relax. How could he not worry?

‘To think they would just disappear like that.’

It was surprising enough that they showed up unannounced. I was already having trouble because Namgung Jin hadn’t arrived. But just as I heard Namgung Jin was coming to the family, Lady Hyun disappeared.

‘…I had heard she was quite proactive, but…’

This level of action goes beyond mere mischievousness. She was known for her beauty, called the number one beauty of Anhui, but she was also quite famous for her strong personality. Did she not realize that? Or did she trust the prestige of the Namgung Family? Namgung Jeohui had never expected Lady Hyun to act like this.

‘This won’t be easy.’

Should I consider it fortunate that he likes my son this much? Or perhaps…

‘Should I discipline him?’

Should I discipline him for acting within Anhui while ignoring the family head’s orders? Normally, I should have been furious. That would have clearly demonstrated the Namgung Family’s standing. But…

‘It’s not easy.’

Namgung Jeohui couldn’t do that. No matter how much Anhui was under the Namgung’s control, he couldn’t ignore the Sunho Merchant Guild, Hyun Soyeon’s family. In terms of influence, they were the top merchant guild in Anhui and were also noticeably growing throughout the Central Plains. It was for that reason that the engagement with Namgung Jin was arranged.

‘…That brat Jin.’

My son, disliking the engagement, suddenly joined the Alliance. As a descendant of a righteous sect, it’s necessary to participate in the Martial Alliance for a certain period anyway, but… Given the timing, it would have been right to postpone his schedule and go. Especially during times like these.

‘I need to solidify his position as the young family head quickly.’

Namgung Jin needed to become the young family head. Unlike his younger brother.

‘To achieve that, I need to increase our strength as soon as possible.’

It’s a time when our influence is insufficient. Unlike the family’s growing influence day by day, Namgung Jeohui’s personal standing was a concern.

‘I lack strength.’

My talent in martial arts doesn’t support me. I managed to become the family head somehow, but as this is a martial family, if the head’s strength is lacking, establishing one’s position is weak. That’s why I’m placing my hopes on Namgung Jin.

‘His mind, body, and technique are outstanding.’

In terms of talent, Namgung Jin’s brother, who expresses dissatisfaction with the family, seems more outstanding, but… Considering his thoughts as a family head and his loyalty to the Namgung Family, it’s right for Namgung Jin to become the head. Therefore, we must build up our strength by solidifying the connection with the Sunho Merchant Guild as soon as possible.

‘Why on earth…’

Does Namgung Jin have to wander outside when things are like this? Namgung Jeohui couldn’t understand. Namgung Jin should know how crucial this timing is.

“Hoo…”

When they arrive, I’ll have to lecture both Hyun Soyeon and Namgung Jin. Just as I decided that.

“Family Head. The carriage is approaching.”

Something was approaching from far beyond the castle gate. It was a large carriage, and seeing the crest drawn on it, Namgung Jeohui identified its owner.

‘Baekhwa Merchant Guild.’

A place that, along with the Sunho Merchant Guild, was steadily expanding its influence in the Central Plains. The carriage of the Baekhwa Merchant Guild was visible. He wasn’t surprised. He had already heard the news.

‘I heard the Baekhwa Merchant Guild is sponsoring the Azure Dragon Division, didn’t I?’

Not the entire Martial Alliance, but only the Azure Dragon Division, they were providing personal sponsorship, wasn’t that it? This is an unusual act. As it was an act that merchant guilds, which must maintain neutrality, shouldn’t display. It was strange that the Sword Master had permitted it.

‘What could be the matter?’

It’s something even the Sunho Merchant Guild, which seeks a direct connection with the Namgung Family, isn’t doing. For what reason are they doing such a thing? It was rather puzzling.

Just then.

Hiiiiing—!!!

The carriage finally stopped before the castle gate.

---

“You may disembark.”

At the driver’s words, I stretched my stiff body. The carriage, already cramped, felt even tighter, making it difficult. We had finally arrived.

“Oof, hurry up and get out.”

“…Uh, uh.”

I practically shoved Do-yun, who was by the door, out. I got up, seemingly exhausted, and stepped outside the door. Fortunately, the weather was nice.

“Hoo.”

Crackle-pop.

As I stretched my stiff body, my bones made sounds. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. As I gradually loosened up, I glanced back.

“Aren’t you coming out?”

“…”

I saw a youth huddled in the corner, looking pale. It was Namgung Jin.

“What are you doing?”

Why does he look so broken?

“Jinrang. It’s time to go out.”

Hyun Soyeon spoke in a gentle voice. Namgung Jin didn’t react even to her words.

“Jinrang. Staying like this won’t change the Family Head’s attitude.”

“…”

“They say it’s better to get the first blow, right? Let’s go.”

“…”

“It might be a little better if I’m by your side.”

“…”

“Jinrang.”

“…”

“Haa.”

With no response, Hyun Soyeon finally sighed. Just as I thought she might give up and not come out.

“Why don’t you ever listen when I talk?”

Hyun Soyeon changed her expression, scowling intensely. At that moment.

Bbaang-!

“Kuhuk!?”

She kicked Namgung Jin in the side with her foot, shoving him. Struck by the impact, Namgung Jin rolled onto the floor.

“Gkeok…!?”

He clutched his side, gasping, as if hit squarely. Wow.

‘…She really hit me with genuine force?’

I clearly saw her imbue her kick with energy just now. She didn’t just kick me; she used her energy to strike. As Namgung Jin groaned in apparent pain.

“Oh my, are you okay, Jinrang?”

Hyun Soyeon approached as if nothing had happened, fussing over Namgung Jin.

“Oh dear… Why did you fall all of a sudden?”

“Gkeok… Just a moment…”

He subtly clutched the spot where she kicked him and writhed. Perhaps doubling the pain, Namgung Jin’s expression worsened.

“Wow…”

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but admire it. She’s truly like a demon, isn’t she? I felt Namgung Jin deserved what he was getting, but seeing him suffer that much made me feel a little sorry.

Of course.

‘It doesn’t concern me.’

Since it had nothing to do with me, I ignored it. Thinking he’d come eventually, I walked forward and saw that my father and his companions were already outside.

‘Mother didn’t come out.’

Naturally, Mother showed no movement inside the carriage. Her presence was still undetectable. I glanced there briefly before turning my gaze forward. I saw a white-haired man in front of my father.

‘Is this man the current Namgung family head?’

He looked well past thirty. Since he’s a martial artist, he’s likely older. His build wasn’t particularly large. His cultivation level…

‘He hasn’t reached the Profound Realm.’

For someone called the head of one of the Four Great Families, he seemed quite weak. He seemed to have reached perfected peak, but even so, he wasn’t at the Profound Realm.

‘His body too…’

There was something strange about the energy flowing through his body. What is it? As I tried to focus my gaze, puzzled.

“I am Namgung Jeohui of the Namgung Family. I hold the position of family head.”

Namgung Jeohui spoke, looking at me.

“I am Gu Cheol-un, Vice Commander of the Azure Dragon Division.”

“The Divine Dragon. I have heard the rumors. Indeed…”

Namgung Jeohui looked at me as if assessing me.

“It seems the rumors are not false. It is an honor to meet such a promising individual.”

“You flatter me. As a junior, I pay my respects to you, Family Head Namgung.”

He finished with a slight bow. Namgung Jeohui did not look down on me. The Martial Alliance’s Sword Division. Reaching the rank of Vice Commander certainly warranted proper respect.

“Thank you for coming all this way. Now then, first…”

Namgung Jeohui looked somewhere. Towards me. More precisely… “Gggghh…” Towards Namgung Jin and Hyun Soyeon, who were still groaning.

Haa.

Namgung Jeohui let out a quiet sigh.

“…It seems I must take those two to the family estate first. Would that be alright with you?”

“I shall follow your lead.”

“Thank you.”

Having received the answer, Namgung Jeohui turned. He went straight into Anhui Castle. We also began to move, following them.

The Anhui Castle of the past.

Even as we entered, my eyes were still fixed on Namgung Jeohui’s body.

‘Hmm.’

I narrowed my eyes. What was that strange sensation? Something kept bothering me, catching my attention.

‘Just a tiny bit.’

After subtly raising my internal energy sense. Controlling it so he wouldn’t notice, I fired it directly at Namgung Jeohui.

Tung-!

The fired internal energy reached Namgung Jeohui.

“…”

At that moment. My father’s gaze shifted slightly. I panicked, wondering if he noticed, but fortunately, he didn’t seem to.

And then.

‘Ah.’

I frowned, having identified the strangeness.

‘…This is absurd.’

The strange sensation emanating from Namgung Jeohui. It was…

‘…Blood energy?’

The aura of a Blood Demon. That was what I felt from Namgung Jeohui.