Chapter 521: Give it to me just once.

Namgung Hyung has a few vows he absolutely must keep.

• Learn the Namgung family’s true sword and pass it down to the Namgung family.

A vow made with Namgung Myung.

Among them, the most important matter was precisely this statement.

When the young Namgung Hyung first heard these words, they were difficult to understand.

What is the Namgung family’s true sword?

I’m already learning a perfectly fine sword right now.

Does that mean this one is even a fake?

Such doubts brushed past him, but.

Since it wasn’t a situation he could refuse, Namgung Hyung accepted Namgung Myung’s words.

Not long after, he came to realize it.

‘…It was real.’

The sword Namgung Hyung wielded now was indeed fake.

The sword Namgung Myung taught him made him understand just by seeing its essence.

Although the way he taught it was somewhat crappy….

That sword was definitely real.

Visually, it was a very subtle difference.

Looking at the sword path, there wasn’t a big difference; at best, it was a difference in breathing, minor movements.

How one positioned their gaze, and so on. To hear about it, it was full of small differences, but.

Those accumulated and gathered to create a world of difference.

World of difference (天地差異).

Truly, that saying was correct.

It was truly comparable to heaven and earth.

‘How could this be?’

Even when using the same sword path and inner cultivation method, how could it be this different?

No, could one even use it as the same sword path in the first place?

When the underlying thoughts (心想) are so different, is it right to call this the same?

The sword Namgung wields now is trash.

The words Namgung Myung had uttered endlessly had become a fact that even Namgung Hyung couldn’t refute.

Compared to this sword, Namgung’s sword is indeed trash.

• So, you must learn this sword and revive Namgung.

This too was one of the words Namgung Myung had uttered endlessly.

I had already become a Taoist of Wudang and learned Wudang’s martial arts.

Namgung family’s martial arts? At best, it was first-rate level martial prowess, so discarding it and regaining something else was fine.

Of course, it’s easier said than done; it took over ten years to discard and refill.

Still, it didn’t matter.

Because it was better than carrying the traces of the Namgung family.

Namgung Myung still hoped Namgung Hyung would return to the Namgung family, but.

That was asking too much.

Learning Wudang’s martial arts while also mastering the Namgung family’s swordsmanship.

Just this alone made for incredibly busy days.

Since internal energy couldn’t be infused into Namgung’s sword, it was merely at the level of mastering the sword path.

However, Namgung Hyung knew that just passing this down would change the Namgung family.

This sword held that much value, but.

‘That old man is so greedy.’

Namgung Myung, seemingly unable to be satisfied with mere mediocre completion, still made him learn the sword.

How much longer until this fellow is satisfied?

Leaving aside the sword’s value, for Namgung Hyung, it was still just an ordeal.

‘This is why I should have been more careful when signing the contract.’

Not until a certain level, but until Namgung Myung was satisfied.

That damned phrase must have been the problem.

That’s why, from Namgung Hyung’s perspective, Namgung Bi-ah looked better.

‘…This child is the answer.’

Namgung Hyung genuinely thought so.

At first meeting, he hadn’t thought much of her.

Namgung Hyung’s gaze was entirely fixed on Gu Yangcheon.

His niece? That’s a laughable story.

At the point I abandoned the Namgung family, it holds no meaning.

Even if she had the same hair and eyes, Namgung Hyung had absolutely no affection for Namgung Bi-ah.

It was an assumption, but it seemed Namgung Bi-ah felt the same way.

Her exceptionally high beauty, or.

I admit her cultivation level is outstanding for her age, but.

‘My disciple is better.’

In terms of martial arts, Woo Hyuk was better. At least, that was his judgment then.

Until he saw Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.

“Hoho.”

Namgung Hyung still remembered it vividly.

Namgung Bi-ah’s figure, continuously swinging her sword under the sunlight.

Namgung Bi-ah, swinging her sword with concentration, unaware of his presence.

That was, naturally, the Namgung family’s sword.

The Namgung family’s sword without internal energy infused.

‘How could that be?’

Do you know what this means?

The Namgung sword path without internal energy.

For Namgung Hyung, this was a tremendous ripple effect.

The Namgung sword cannot be used without internal energy.

The sword path cannot be continued, and it is bound to break midway, losing its inherent power.

That’s why the Namgung sword must use internal energy.

However.

‘That child didn’t have it.’

Namgung Bi-ah’s sword did not contain internal energy.

Like.

‘…The Namgung sword of the past.’

The true Namgung sword that Namgung Myung somehow made Namgung Hyung relearn.

Namgung Bi-ah’s sword path was clearly that.

‘I can’t say it’s completely the same.’

It couldn’t be said to be the same as the sword Namgung Hyung learned.

There were definitely parts that were different somewhere.

The problem is, if you were to ask if it was wrong, I couldn’t be sure.

‘How on earth did she do it?’

Setting aside the continuing sword of the Namgung family, she found the true sword path on her own.

Within the martial arts she had learned, she was finding and correcting anomalies herself.

That was.

‘My eyes were knot-holes.’

It was insufficient even to be called talent.

Namgung Bi-ah’s talent was so outstanding that it made me curse myself for judging solely based on cultivation level.

That’s why Namgung Hyung spoke without hesitation.

“My niece. Have you considered becoming the family head?”

This child.

The one who will inherit the will of that crazy ancestor, and furthermore, the successor who inherited the sword according to his will.

A potential far greater than my own.

He found it.

Of course, he thought it wouldn’t be easy.

If a runaway uncle suddenly approached you saying, “Hey, won’t you take over the Namgung family?”, it obviously wouldn’t work.

“I will.”

He thought that’s what would happen, but it did.

Why did this work?

Hearing Namgung Bi-ah’s easy answer, Namgung Hyung had to wear a dumbfounded expression.

“…You will?”

Nod.

“Uh, yes… uh… um.”

It went so smoothly that Namgung Hyung became flustered instead.

What captivated her heart?

‘…Could it be that showing her the sword was the problem?’

Thinking it might help persuade her even a little, he showed her the Namgung family’s sword path.

His niece’s gaze while watching this was incredibly intense.

Just as he had been.

Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze was also clear and burning, as if she had found a lifeline.

Seeing that, Namgung Hyung was convinced.

We need each other.

If this is the case, the conversation will be easier.

Just as he was thinking it was fortunate that the situation was resolving much easier than expected.

Namgung Hyung remembered one fact he had forgotten.

“Ah, but speaking of which, Niece-nim.”

“…”

At Namgung Hyung’s words, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.

It was slightly scary.

Her eyes were flashing as if she wanted him to tell her immediately.

It was good, but.

It was extremely burdensome.

“It seems impossible for now.”

“Why…?”

“Uh, Uncle has to go somewhere far away.”

“…Where…?”

“The Northern Sea.”

The biggest problem here is that.

Namgung Hyung had to go to the Northern Sea.

A place he had wanted to go someday.

After assessing Woo Hyuk’s cultivation level in the past, and even drinking alcohol while the ancestor fellow was away, it was the moment he felt he could go now.

Namgung Hyung had to go to the Northern Sea.

This was not for himself, but for his disciple and Namgung Myung.

Therefore.

“I’m sorry for bringing it up, but for now, let’s discuss this matter after I return.”

He was about to say it with an awkward face, but.

“…Come with me…”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words, Namgung Hyung had to pause.

“What did you say?”

“…Together… It’s okay if we go together.”

I have to go to the Northern Sea.

Despite saying that, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes were still burning.

Where did that sleepy-looking, sluggish child go? Namgung Bi-ah was looking at Namgung Hyung with the eyes of a warrior.

‘Hmm.’

Seeing that, Namgung Hyung realized.

As there wasn’t a single sane person in the Namgung family.

He realized his niece probably wasn’t sane either.

Even if she was eager after seeing the martial arts, she wouldn’t actually follow me to the Northern Sea.

‘Still, whatever.’

It’s not bad. I like it.

Namgung Hyung nodded, making that judgment.

“Yes, if Niece-nim wishes it so. I must agree.”

“…”

“Departure will probably be…”

“…Wait…”

He was about to explain the schedule, but.

This time, Namgung Bi-ah stopped him.

“I haven’t… received permission… yet…”

“Ah.”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words, Namgung Hyung realized what he had forgotten.

That’s right, I haven’t received permission yet.

Certainly, I need to ask for permission to take her all the way to the Northern Sea, but.

“But Niece-nim, no matter what, I don’t think Elder Brother-nim would understand this…?”

No matter how much of a trash that guy is, I don’t think he’d permit his runaway half-brother taking his daughter to the Northern Sea.

‘Niece-nim, is she more diligent about family matters than I thought?’

Because of that, I never expected Namgung Bi-ah would actually try to get permission from home for this.

She didn’t seem like the type to care about such things.

Just as Namgung Hyung was having such thoughts.

“…It’s not Father… no.”

Namgung Bi-ah said. She meant it wasn’t the Sword King.

“Not Elder Brother? Then who…?”

As Namgung Hyung asked with a question, Namgung Bi-ah pointed somewhere with her hand.

That place.

“Huh?”

It was precisely in the direction of Gu Yangcheon’s residence.

---

And so, it became now.

‘…Hmm.’

Namgung Hyung had to think many things internally while looking at Gu Yangcheon and each other.

‘The backlash is stronger than I expected.’

I thought I just needed to convey the message, since I had to come back to retrieve the Brain Pearl anyway.

Gu Yangcheon’s reaction was more unusual than expected.

Around the time his niece said she wanted to go to the Northern Sea.

He saw Gu Yangcheon’s wavering eyes.

‘He didn’t seem like that kind of kid.’

Gu Yangcheon’s first impression was that he was sly and impudent.

Yet, he showed a somewhat dry and calm emotional line.

He didn’t expect him to crumble so much just from the words that his niece was leaving.

‘Are they that close?’

He had heard they were engaged, but he saw them as not being that deeply affectionate.

He judged it was clearly an arranged marriage.

“Our Niece-nim seems to be receiving a lot of love, doesn’t she?”

Namgung Hyung said with a smirk, but Namgung Bi-ah showed no change in expression.

Visually, it was clearly like that, but.

‘Hoho.’

Namgung Hyung could see Namgung Bi-ah’s ears were slightly flushed.

She seemed embarrassed.

Just as he was thinking of whistling and teasing her.

“…Is this the time for such teasing?”

A sighing voice was heard from the side. It was Baekryeon Sword.

He had been lurking around Gu Yangcheon’s residence, so since he had business there anyway, he had grabbed him.

“You crazy bastard. What are you doing now? Going to the Northern Sea? Suddenly?”

Baekryeon Sword, who was suddenly brought here, seemed still shocked by what Namgung Hyung had just said.

“Well, one could go for a trip, you know.”

“A trip? Don’t talk nonsense about trips. If you’re going to do something like that, do it alone. Why are you dragging me into this? I’m busy enough already!”

“Trying to seduce a man? Don’t do that, help me instead.”

“Help you with what?!”

“My older sister seems quite angry, what a familiar face. Tsk tsk.”

“This bastard, really…”

Cheol-geok.

Just as Baekryeon Sword was about to draw his sword, unable to stand it any longer.

“The Ice Palace Lord’s seal. Your older sister has that, doesn’t she?”

“…”

At Namgung Hyung’s words, Baekryeon Sword froze.

His expression was also one of disbelief and shock.

“…You.”

“It might not be that. There must have been some way. So.”

Namgung Hyung’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Wouldn’t it be that Elder Sister-nim has been to the Northern Sea too?”

Seureung-!

Baekryeon Sword drew his sword.

He brought it right up to Namgung Hyung’s neck.

Just a little more and it would draw blood.

“…Where did you hear that?”

“I also have some dealings with the Northern Sea.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. What are you…”

“Isn’t it noisy right now because of the Ice Crystal?”

“…!!”

Baekryeon Sword gasped.

This was because it was truly top-secret information.

Seeing Baekryeon Sword’s expression, Namgung Hyung chuckled.

“With a face like that, what information are you trying to hide? You’re still the same. Your sister too.”

“…You… really…”

“I’m in a situation where I have my own position too. I just wanted to let you know about that roughly.”

“If it’s that much, you don’t need my help, do you…?”

“There are circumstances for that too… Haha.”

As Namgung Hyung spoke, Baekryeon Sword gritted his teeth and tried to continue speaking, but.

Kkiik.

“Oh! He’s coming out.”

At the sound from the residence, Baekryeon Sword quickly retrieved his sword.

Turning his head towards the door, Gu Yangcheon was slowly walking out.

With a very serious expression.

Seeing that, Namgung Hyung asked.

“How is it, have you thought it all through?”

At Namgung Hyung’s words, Gu Yangcheon raised his head.

His gaze was unreadable.

Gu Yangcheon didn’t offer any particular answer and approached Namgung Bi-ah.

Namgung Bi-ah also just stared intently at Gu Yangcheon.

After closing the distance and coming right up to Namgung Bi-ah’s face, he started speaking to her.

“You want to go to the Northern Sea.”

“Yes.”

“It’s really cold there.”

“…I know…”

“You know nothing. You’ve never been there.”

“…”

Gu Yangcheon spoke with a sigh, but Namgung Bi-ah remained unchanged.

She looked into Gu Yangcheon’s eyes and calmly asked.

“How… can I get… permission…?”

At her somewhat desperate voice, Gu Yangcheon sighed deeply and began to speak of what he had already decided.

“…There’s a condition.”

“Yes.”

“Before. Remember? How you kept pestering me to spar with me?”

This was something that had happened several years ago now.

Namgung Bi-ah, who kept pestering him to spar, and Gu Yangcheon, who had refused her until the end.

The reason he brought up such old past events now… was none other than this.

“Let’s do it now. Spar.”

“…!”

At those words, Namgung Hyung furrowed one eyebrow.

Because it was an absurd thing.

Hearing this, Namgung Hyung tried to intervene, but.

“Young Master Gu. That’s…”

“I understand.”

“Niece-nim?”

As Namgung Bi-ah accepted, Namgung Hyung, who was about to stop her, widened his eyes.

No matter how he looked at it, it was an unreasonable condition.

Namgung Bi-ah was indeed a genius, but in Namgung Hyung’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon was on a different level.

He couldn’t even be placed in the late-stage disciple level.

He was at a level where he wouldn’t lose even when matched against those called masters.

‘What is it?’

It didn’t seem like his niece wouldn’t know that.

Could it be that she didn’t actually want to go to the Northern Sea?

He even had thoughts like that.

At that moment.

“…How… do I do it?”

Namgung Bi-ah asked Gu Yangcheon.

She knew.

Gu Yangcheon wouldn’t have said such absurd things without any thought.

At that clear trust, Gu Yangcheon smiled slightly.

If she had argued or something, he would have felt much more at ease, but Namgung Bi-ah didn’t do that.

That weighed on his mind.

And then.

Seuuk.

“…Huh?”

Gu Yangcheon pulled something out from his embrace, and upon seeing it, Namgung Hyung’s expression turned grim.

Because he was holding the Brain Pearl.

Why is that child suddenly holding that?

Just as such doubts began to sprout.

Gu Yangcheon looked at Namgung Bi-ah and said.

“Prove yourself to me. Then I’ll let you go.”

“…”

Upon hearing those words, Namgung Bi-ah.

“Okay.”

Seureung.

She drew her sword without hesitation.