Chapter 114: Azure Sky Sword King Namgung Jin. (2)

You wouldn’t know what I was like when you were gone.

You probably never will, because even after I die, I won’t speak to you.

Do you know that? I don’t like the moon.

The moon being out means night has come.

Because I detest the night.

When the moon was out, you would stand still and look up at the sky.

I’m a little curious now about what meaning you held that made you pay no mind to my calls to hurry.

What did you dream of, looking at mere moonlight? Life was like a sewer for both of us, after all.

Even in this wretched life, you were seeing something.

Unlike me.

You, who would quietly close your eyes when I asked if you liked the moon that much.

Ironically, the fact that you are no longer here is just a little inconvenient.

Just a little.

Enough not to be noticeable, just a little.

Why did you do that?

It’s still a question to me: if I die, I can no longer see the moon, nor swing the sword you loved.

It means I can’t even get that shallow revenge you wished for.

Knowing all that, why did you do it?

Even if we meet again, you won’t answer. That damn personality of yours is obvious without seeing.

In your final moments, you asked me if the moon was out.

The moon is no longer out. It had already set and was gone at that moment.

Drip, drip.

I poured alcohol on my sword.

It’s the alcohol you occasionally drank. This should be enough.

[I won’t say I’ll fulfill it in your stead.]

Since I didn’t hear what you lived dreaming of, nor what you sought to achieve.

I won’t be able to do the things you wished for.

Since you saved my life, I wouldn’t even say such a platitude as ‘I won’t die.’

Because you would know well that I can’t do that.

I gulped down the remaining few sips in the bottle at once and put it away.

The useless inner thoughts were enough up to this point.

The area was filled with the corpses of warriors belonging to Meng. They were scorched by fire, torn somewhere, and in a disheveled state.

I raised my head and looked at the sky.

[…The moon is still not out.]

The moonlight was shining in the sky, having become a full moon.

But it wasn’t the moon I wanted to see.

---

Upon reaching the Zenith stage, the first thing I feel is none other than a sense of incongruity.

It’s because it’s the most definite point for changes according to the stage.

Zenith is a stage where the body and internal energy (Naegi) gradually become one.

To put it somewhat simply, internal energy gradually permeates the body.

Even without internal energy, grip strength increases, and the wide field of vision, only visible through ki-sense (Gikam), naturally enters both eyes.

Some call this superhuman, others say it’s the time when one begins to transcend humanity.

It doesn’t matter what. If I write down what I’ve experienced and felt, this is ultimately just a part of the path.

Fwoosh-!

The flames surrounding my body are not large. It’s because I’ve channeled them all inside my body.

My vision is accurate, as much as my expanded ki-sense. I could instinctively tell that the man is stronger than me.

‘So?’

Let’s think rationally. Whether charging in like this is the right thing to do.

If he treats Namgung Bi-ah, a direct blood relative of the clan, like that, he must not be someone of low rank.

Do I have a reason to clash with him? Can the uncool pretense of being the prospective fiancée fill that reason?

Grrr.

My soles crushing the ground are filled with strength. Even though my head searches for such rational thoughts, my body already moves.

‘If I need a reason.’

I drew blood. The swollen red color was visible on my white cheek.

If I need a reason, that is enough.

Why am I so angry? What is that thing?

‘It’s far too late to find a reason.’

Boom!

The heat surged instantly, filling my lower abdomen. The storm within my body raged wildly, as if representing my emotions, but I could now endure it.

If you look for why I’m angry, it’s simply this.

It’s because a space that wasn’t there was created and filled to the brim in my heart, which I thought was perfectly full.

My body, applying a secret technique (Jeolgi), reaches its position faster than the wind.

Only after I arrived behind him did the man seem to notice and show movement, but I was faster.

I spewed flames to block his vision, and my fist filled with internal energy extended to crush him.

There’s no time to think where to aim. Even if my stance collapsed with the hasty movement, I had enough strength to endure.

KWAANG-!

As the fist was thrown, internal energy burst out, and a violent sound spread around. The heat being emitted fiercely tightened, but I had no choice but to grit my teeth.

‘It didn’t work.’

It’s just an inch.

The fist thrown right in front of me was caught by the man’s hand.

Whoosh-

By the internal energy emanating from the man’s body, the flames were pushed back and scattered. My cheek tingles.

A faint lightning energy (Noegi) was carried in the wind created by the internal energy.

“Who are you?”

It’s a deep, resonant voice. The movement that grabbed my hand was incredibly fast. If it were a real fight, it would probably have been even faster.

He’s strong. The man was a powerful warrior, to the extent that I couldn’t gauge his level.

But there was one point I was certain of. I could land one blow.

I had that feeling.

“Hah!”

As I drew internal energy back into my body, the man let out a breath as if dumbfounded.

“Your spirit is high, that’s commendable. But.”

A tingling energy took form from the man’s body and began to press down on me. It was an energy I was familiar with.

It was the Namgung family’s secret technique (Jeolgi) that I had felt countless times from Namgung Bi-ah in my past life; it was an energy of a different level compared to the current Namgung Bi-ah.

“You need to develop your ability to recognize your opponent a bit more.”

The man reached out his hand. The densely contained lightning energy (Noegi) allowed me to tell, just by looking, how much powerful internal energy the man contained.

Just as his fingertips reached before my eyes, the man suddenly stopped his movement.

“What is this you’re doing?”

Anger was laced in the man’s voice. He wasn’t speaking to me. It was because Namgung Bi-ah, who was kneeling, was hugging the man’s back.

“Stop… please.”

“Not content with running away from home, are you now rebelling too?”

“…”

Even to the man’s harsh words, Namgung Bi-ah’s arms, wrapped around his waist, only tightened further.

At that sight, the man clicked his tongue, saying ‘Tsk!’

His gaze, which had been on Namgung Bi-ah, shifted to me.

“What is your name.”

The man’s internal energy was still pressing down on my body, but it wasn’t unbearable.

I had felt an energy far denser and more evolved than this to my fill in my past life.

I answered the question, meeting the man’s eyes directly.

“My name is Gu Yangcheon. Namgung Family Head-nim.”

Hearing my name, a different light appeared in the man’s eyes.

“…So that’s it. They said your achieved stage was high for your age, and you are the son of the Gu Family Head.”

“Yes.”

“You seem to recognize me. Knowing who I am, did you commit this act?”

With the cold appearance characteristic of that family, their eyes were full of arrogance.

The head of the great Namgung family, who inherited the name of Sword King in the modern era.

Azure Sky Sword King Namgung Jin.

He was Namgung Bi-ah’s father.

I couldn’t not know. There couldn’t be anyone else with eyes and actions that suited this kind of energy so well.

I don’t know why Namgung Jin, who should be in Anhui Province, personally came all the way here, but I didn’t want to bow my head to that arrogant gaze.

“You just now tried to inflict harm upon the master of Namgung. Don’t you know how serious this is?”

“Since you came here from the morning and I saw you striking someone else’s fiancée, how could I stand by idly?”

“What?”

“I recognized Namgung Family Head-nim after seeing your face, and before that, from my perspective, it looked like an intruder harming our clan’s guest.”

I retracted the flames surrounding my body and released the stored heat. Instantly, hot wind spread from my body.

Namgung Jin’s bangs fluttered in the wind.

Namgung Jin was looking at me with a deeply furrowed gaze.

“You’re spouting sophistry.”

“I was merely acting as a member of the Gu family.”

As Namgung Jin said, this is just sophistry. But I wasn’t saying it thinking it would necessarily work, nor did I expect it to.

Even for me, I couldn’t curse out the head of the Namgung family, could I?

So I had to provoke him, even like this.

Soon after, Namgung Jin retracted the internal energy he was emitting. The warriors of the Namgung family, who had drawn their swords and taken a combat stance in the sudden situation, also put their swords back at Namgung Jin’s gesture.

As the energy disappeared, my suffocating breath felt like it eased a little.

Namgung Jin speaks to me.

“I have no intention of entertaining further sophistry. I will convey this matter separately to the Gu Family Head.”

Considering he was ambushed, Namgung Jin doesn’t say much more. His displeased expression is clear, but he wasn’t saying anything further.

Why?

I thought he would rage even more.

‘Is there something holding him back?’

Otherwise, he wouldn’t just brush it off like this.

Namgung Jin soon quickly hid his displeased expression and brought up another topic with me. It was about Namgung Cheonjun, whom I met before.

“I heard you taught my son. He acts relying only on talent; he’s a foolish son, so I thought this was just carelessness too, but seeing you in person, it’s different.”

“Taught? I’m not at the level to teach the great Young Master Noeryong, Family Head-nim. To be precise, you started the trouble, so I unilaterally tormented you.”

Grrr.

As I spoke with a hint of sarcasm, I could see Namgung Jin’s brow furrowing deeply. Noeryong… Back then, my stage was insignificant and I didn’t have much internal energy, but it would be different now.

If the current Namgung Cheonjun has become stronger, I wouldn’t know, but is that really the case?

Namgung Jin too could not have failed to notice the thorn embedded in my words.

“…Your talent is evident, but you lack humility for your station. You take after your father quite a bit in that regard.”

“That’s right, your son did have that kind of feeling.”

“You…!”

Perhaps reaching the point where he could no longer contain his anger, Namgung Jin’s face became somewhat flushed. Although he didn’t draw his sword, the internal energy from earlier swelled again.

But the internal energy wasn’t released. Both Namgung Jin and I, and everyone present here, had recognized the presence felt from behind.

“Gu Family Head…”

Namgung Jin said, adjusting his expression. The one approaching from behind with calm steps was Gu Cheol-un, the Gu family head, my father.

My father didn’t look at Namgung Jin, looked at Namgung Bi-ah once, and then focused his gaze on me. At his sharp, fiery eyes, I involuntarily flinched.

With a small sigh, he speaks to me.

“Clearly, after resting, I told you to come to my room by tonight, but you caused trouble since this morning.”

“…”

At my father’s firm tone, I averted my gaze. Because it was true that I caused trouble.

My father approached the Namgung Family Head and calmly paid his respects.

“It seems my son has caused trouble.”

“…Gu Family Head.”

“He is still a child who lacks maturity. I will discipline him severely later, so please withdraw your anger.”

“Even if he lacks maturity, this is against the laws of the Central Plains…”

“You apologize quickly too.”

“I am sorry.”

At my father’s words, I immediately bowed my head and apologized. Perhaps because I interrupted to apologize, Namgung Jin’s expression crumpled.

“…How come, you haven’t changed at all, Gu Family Head.”

“It’s fortunate that Namgung Family Head-nim seems to be in good health too.”

“Father and son, the pair of them… Hmph.”

He seemed furious, but he didn’t say anything further.

No matter how I look at it, he doesn’t seem like the type to hold back anger, so why is he acting like this? Is he really being blackmailed?

“…Regarding this matter, I trust that appropriate measures will be taken.”

“Understood.”

My father’s gaze turned towards Namgung Bi-ah. He saw the swollen cheek and bloodstains around her mouth, but there was no particular change in his expression.

Namgung Jin, instead, seeing that, asks.

“Are you going to comment on the discipline of my child too?”

“I have no such intention. I merely think it would be good to treat her quickly, as there is an important schedule.”

“…I will handle it myself.”

“Understood.”

My father’s gaze turned towards me again. Is he planning to get angry? But if that were the case, his gaze was somewhat strange.

“Follow me.”

Contrary to his expression, his voice felt dark and angry. Without moving my feet, I looked at Namgung Bi-ah.

My father too, seeming to notice my gaze, continues speaking.

“That child will be fine, so don’t worry about her. I’ve already made contact. So hurry and follow me.”

“…Understood.”

When exactly? He seemed to have arrived immediately, so when exactly had he made contact?

Did he already know it would turn out like this?

As if my father’s words were true, Gu family members and a physician were coming from outside. From behind, Namgung Jin’s tongue-clicking sound was heard.

Only after seeing that did I follow my father.

---

‘He took after his father.’

The master of Namgung, Azure Sky Sword King Namgung Jin, thought. Not only his appearance, but even his way of speaking that grated on people’s nerves was exactly the same.

Let alone his talent.

‘First Sword Phoenix, and now this. It seems I’m excessively blessed with children.’

Namgung Jin immediately recalled Gu Yangcheon. Even though it was an ambush, he had approached right behind him, and Namgung Jin hadn’t noticed him until the attack.

Was it because Gu Yangcheon was fast? He was indeed fast, but daring to compete in speed was not at the level to contend with the Namgung family.

Namgung Jin just now examined the hand that had caught Gu Yangcheon’s fist.

His slightly reddened palm, though very slight, was clearly trembling. His own son, and the next family head, Namgung Cheonjun, cannot even touch Namgung Jin’s clothes.

It was impossible, unless he played around with poison at a meal.

But what about that guy?

Caught, while receiving Namgung Jin’s internal energy with his whole body, he raised his fighting spirit (Tugi).

Is it because he’s an age ignorant of the world, or perhaps like his father, with a fiery temperament, he can’t see ahead or behind?

In Namgung Jin’s view, it was neither.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes were saying so. ‘It’s worth a try at this level.’

‘A late-stage disciple younger than my son, no less. And the son of that Gu fellow.’

Grrr.

I don’t harbor much resentment for the fact that my son was beaten soundly.

He lost because he was weak. Namgung Jin understands the principles of the Central Plains better than anyone.

However, this situation now is different.

Normally, he wouldn’t have let something like this slide, even gritting his teeth. If he wanted to, he could have made it into something worse, but…

‘…If it weren’t for the Gu family.’

If it weren’t for this ominous land, he would have done so. Namgung Jin recalled Gu Cheol-un, whom he had just faced.

While seeming to show him respect, his eyes were not. He had always been like that.

When Namgung Jin took the position of Family Head and heard about the Gu family from his grandfather, it was somewhat understandable, but…

Still, I don’t like it.

That gaze looking down on him. Leaving his forward gaze unchanged, Namgung Jin speaks.

“I will consider what you have done concluded with this.”

“…”

At Namgung Jin’s sharp words, Namgung Bi-ah bowed her head.

“Originally, I intended to drag you to the family estate and punish you, but the timing is not good.”

“…Yes.”

“As soon as the child’s treatment is finished, take her and adorn her, as beautifully as possible.”

At Namgung Jin’s words, the attendants waiting nearby replied loudly.

‘I don’t like it.’

Namgung Jin’s furrowed brow shows no sign of relaxing.

That’s how much I didn’t like it.

Today was the day to schedule the engagement with the Gu family. That’s why I dislike it even more.

That I, the head of the great Namgung family, had to come directly to the Gu family.

That my somewhat useful daughter followed the Gu family’s son and left home.

Even my child’s engagement, which the elders and grandfather decided.

And the Gu family’s son too, who seems certain to become the dragon of the era.

‘I want to destroy it all.’

Especially at the last point, a murderous intent flickered, but Namgung Jin swallowed it down internally.

I shouldn’t.

Not yet.

---

Found in just one day, the family head’s room. It was the room I always came to every time I caused trouble, so the atmosphere was quite tense.

[Even so, trying to strike the Family Head, are you sane?]

‘Why are you so quiet now, when you watched with amusement while I was causing trouble?’

[…What can I say? You already ran off.]

That’s a lie.

Even when I was channeling internal energy, there was time, and when I first discovered him, there was plenty of time, but Shin No-ya said nothing.

Even a feeling that he was inwardly enjoying it was clearly felt.

[…Ahem.]

Isn’t he clearing his throat, as if embarrassed, as proof of that?

[Even so, you should consider who you’re dealing with, shouldn’t you?]

I realized he was the head of the Namgung family only after seeing his face, but I could tell immediately that he was stronger than me.

If you question that, my mistake was correct.

My father sat at his desk and quietly closed his eyes. Thanks to that, I was thinking of hundreds of possibilities, not knowing what punishment I would receive.

In my past life, something similar happened, so I was kicked out by Gu Huibi’s sword, and remembering that I had to roll under Gu Huibi’s touch for over half a year still makes me feel like breaking out in a cold sweat.

Compared to that, it would be better to go into seclusion for half a year.

My father soon opened his eyes and looked at me. Not knowing what first words my father would utter, I swallowed hard.

As if he had been waiting, my father says.

“Well done.”

[Huh?]

“…Yes?”

At my father’s words, I unconsciously furrowed my brow.

It was completely unexpected.