episode_0210

The Namgung family.

Even in the middle of the night when it should have been dark, the place was bright like an entertainment district.

This was because lights were lit everywhere.

Even though it was a quiet time for a funeral home, there was a constant stream of mourners coming to the gate of the Namgung family.

That alone was enough to immediately tell how many mourners had gathered.

It was not for nothing that mourners found accommodation and waited for their turn.

And in the end, all of this clearly showed what position the Namgung family occupied in the world.

The leader of the world’s five great families.

There was nothing exaggerated or lacking in that great prestige.

“Nine hundred and ninety-five.”

A man from the Namgung family dressed in mourning clothes stood in front of the door and counted the numbers.

It was to call the order of mourners.

Since there were so many mourners, we had no choice but to respond in that way.

“Nine hundred and ninety-five.”

When there was no answer, Namgung Mooin raised his voice and called again.

“Ah, yes, four!”

Only then did a middle-aged warrior come running hurriedly as if he had heard the name.

Judging by his falling prayers and shabby appearance, he seemed to be a warrior from the Gunsomun faction.

It showed the level of courtesy of the Namgung family, the leader of the political faction, to receive even such a martial artist, who would normally not even make eye contact, as a mourner.

However.

It was impossible to receive the same treatment.

Because that’s the law of how the world works.

“Hmm, the six gates of Cheongnyangmun?”

Cheongnyangmun.

Among the many martial artists here, there was probably no one who had heard that name.

Because it’s a small sect located in a corner of the village.

Nevertheless, Moonju is Moonju.

Although it is just a facade and will not be treated well anywhere.

So, of course, there was no way the honorific title would come out of Namgung’s mouth.

Rather, Cheongnyangmunju bowed his back.

“Ah, yes, yes. The small person is that person.”

Cheongnyangmunju answers with a groveling reply.

It was a scene that clearly demonstrated the logic of the martial arts power.

It might be a snake’s head, but a person who doesn’t even have the head of an earthworm can’t dare to talk to a dragon’s tail in an equal manner.

“I guess so. Go inside and go to Socheondang (小天堂). If you ask, he will tell you the way to Socheondang.”

“Oh, I understand.”

Cheongnyangmunju bowed his head again and cautiously went inside.

The lowest level of treatment, with no one to guide you.

It was natural since he was just a mourner going to Socheondang.

Small Heaven Hall, Jung Heaven Hall, and Great Heaven Hall.

The mourners were divided into three categories according to their respective positions.

Considering how Moorim operates, it could be said to be reasonable treatment.

And of course, the coffin and memorial tablet of the deceased Namgung family were kept only in the grand temple.

The chief mourner was located only in Daecheondang.

The mourners who made it to Jungcheondang had to return without even seeing the coffin or memorial tablet, let alone the funeral rites.

It was questionable whether it could really be called a normal condolence visit, but no one expressed any complaints.

Because this is Namgung House.

For the majority of the martial arts people, it is a sect of Cheonoecheon that is like a distant world.

“Nine hundred and ninety-six.”

The next turn was called.

“Here it is.”

A brave voice.

It was completely different from before.

A middle-aged man walks out with his back straight and a confident gait.

And next to the middle-aged man was a beautiful woman with mysterious and strange eyes.

“Well, Zhuge, a common soldier of the same secret palace as Gogwigang Daehyeop of the Murim Alliance’s secret investigation team… … Cheongha?!”

Jump up!

Namgung, who was surprised while checking the names on the list, got up from his seat.

A completely different reaction from before.

Is it because of the curved river?

It wasn’t.

It is said that Gokwigang of Lion’s Iron Fist is a fairly unknown expert, but since he has no followers, Jungcheondang was enough.

However, Zhuge Qingha was completely different.

She is the favorite daughter of Cheongija Zhuge Jaun, the head of the five major families of the Zhuge family and the mourner of the Murim Alliance.

In addition, he was also one of the most famous late-stage artists who was said to have a talent sent from heaven.

“It’s an honor to meet you, soldier Zhuge. I will take you straight to the Great Heavenly Hall.”

“What about Gok Daehyup?”

Zhuge Chung-ha asks with a calm expression.

“Oh, of course, we have to take you to the Great Heavenly Hall together.”

“I see. Please.”

“Do you mean this, soldier Zhuge? What are you doing there? Without attending the two of you right away.”

Si-bi, who was waiting next to him, approached quickly and guided Zhuge Ching-ha and Qu Wei-gang.

A stark difference in treatment.

However, that was the martial arts world and the way the world worked.

“Huh, that soju was the famous dream painting of the Zhuge family.”

“I heard that the beauty is of a different class.”

“Wow, the bloodlines of truly prestigious families are quite different.”

“Shhh, everyone should be careful. If you make a mistake with your words, you will be punished greatly.”

The atmosphere was tense.

It would be natural, since I got to see a famous figure from Moorim and a famous beauty in person.

“Nine hundred and ninety-seven.”

Namgung dancer’s renewed calling calmed the commotion.

“Yes.”

A refreshing voice rang out from the other side.

The surroundings became quiet for a moment.

This is because it was the voice of a beautiful woman who could not hide her exquisite beauty even if she was wearing cotton yarn.

***

Archangel.

Since they were taking turns greeting the mourners, only Namgung-ji, the head of the household, and Namgung Bi-yeon, the younger sister of the head of the family, were present.

Namgung-hyeon and other immediate family members left the room to get some sleep.

There were mourners again in the same cathedral.

It was Zhuge Qinghe and Qu Wigang.

That moment.

Namgung Bi-yeon’s lips twitched slightly so that they were not visible.

Because I noticed it.

That Zhuge Qinghe didn’t just come to offer condolences.

There was no way that strange insight, as if in a dream, would just go away without looking into anything.

On the other hand.

Namgoongji, who knew nothing, just looked blank and buried in sadness.

Zhuge Qinghe and Qu Wigang bowing to the memorial tablet of Nangong Family Lord.

A nervous tremor was felt in Qu Wei Gang’s temple, but Zhuge Qinghe’s temple did not shake at all.

Namgung Bi-yeon’s eyes sparkled with a sharp look when she saw that.

It was a clear boundary.

Of course, Namgung Bi-yeon had no idea, but it was because there was a strong hint buried in her mind at the end before Bang So-un came out.

-Namgoong Gaju’s death was a natural death. Set an example and chase out those who are trying to slander the death of Namgung Gaju with baseless rumors and speculations. And beware of all those who doubt Namgoongaju’s cause of death.

That hint is an absolute command to action for her now.

In the end, it was because of Bang So-un’s suggestion that Namgung Bi-yeon kicked out the mourners who were spouting speculation from the guesthouse.

And now.

Again, strong caution was aroused by suggestion.

Okay.

This time, Zhuge Cheong-ha and Gok Wi-gang turn and bow to Namgung-ji and Namgung Bi-yeon.

After bowing, Zhuge Chingha’s mouth opened.

“It’s a shame. May your soul rest in peace.”

A very calm greeting without any elaborate modifiers.

It was a scene that showed Zhuge Chung-ha’s personality very well.

Nangongji was embarrassed, but Gokwigang next to him was the most embarrassed.

“… … I pray for the peace of Lord Namgung, who was like the great mountain of the four, four, and three martial arts kingdoms. This is truly a misfortune for the entire martial arts community. All the martial arts people will forever remember the great name of Lord Namgung.”

Gokwigang finished the prepared greeting with a barely trembling voice.

Only then was I able to breathe a sigh of relief.

‘Ah, what kind of person have you become, soldier Zhuge?’

Sweat poured out.

But Gokwigang didn’t know.

That this is just the beginning.

“As a resident, I would like to express my gratitude to the two people who visited us.”

Namgoongji returned the courtesy greeting.

That was enough for Sangju’s example.

It would have been different if the mourner, Zhuge Jaun, had come in person, but since Zhuge Qinghe’s status was a common soldier and his distribution in the martial arts was the same as that of Nangongji.

And if I had gone back there after saying hello, there wouldn’t have been any problem.

However.

Zhuge Qinghe’s strange eyes were looking directly at Nangongji.

Her mouth opened again.

“You must be having a hard time because of the rumors floating around.”

Oh my, this is crazy!

You say something like that to the chief executive’s face?

How on earth does one’s social skills become so bad that one becomes like that?

Gokwigang was startled and slowly retreated.

It was an expression of his desperate will not to be associated with the same group as Zhuge Qinghe.

Namgungji answered, unable to hide his absurdity.

“… … well. Since I am a mourner, I don’t know or hear about rumors floating around outside.”

“Is that so? I thought you must have heard what the Galaxy Sword Daehyup next to you did.”

“I heard you were a genius sent from heaven, but you didn’t learn etiquette properly.”

Finally, Namgung Biyeon intervened.

A stern word that one cannot help but feel intimidated by as he is a supreme master and an adult of martial arts.

However, Zhuge Qinghe calmly accepted.

“Yes, as you said, there are shortcomings. I’m not really interested in that.”

Tteok?!

… … Gokwigang thought with tears in his eyes that he had followed him to the Great Heavenly Hall.