Chapter 327

Chapter 327
## Chapter 327

Murim Alliance Meeting (1)

As Hugo wrapped up the medical session, a memory of a talk from his time at the Zhuge Clan residence flickered in his thoughts.

“A royal descendant? I was under the impression that the imperial line had been completely wiped out following the palace coup…”

“To be precise, he belongs to the extended imperial house. While the occupants of the main palace certainly suffered, not everyone was eliminated. A handful managed to slip away.”

Among those who survived was the Crown Princess, who was carrying a child at the time.

In the wake of the disaster, just before society fractured into utter lawlessness, she fled the capital alongside her most dedicated protectors and sought safety at her maternal family’s home.

She was desperate to avoid drawing any attention, given that both the reigning Emperor and the heir apparent had been assassinated.

Just as she anticipated, rival groups and independent military commanders began fighting for dominance, tearing the realm apart, while she dedicated herself to recovering her health and safeguarding her unborn baby.

“That explains it. So the boy who came after that is…”

“Correct. He is the royal survivor currently sheltering at the Shaolin Temple, Zhu Gang-in.”

He entered the world amidst immense strife, raised with the highest level of devotion by his mother and her relatives… yet he had been plagued by frailty from the moment he was born.

Despite the intervention of premier medical experts and the administration of priceless medicines, his health steadily declined.

Ultimately, after agonizing over the choices, his family placed him in the care of the Shaolin Temple, home to exceptionally skilled and powerful ascetics.

The Shaolin Temple, famous across the land for its supreme martial arts, offered the most secure sanctuary available.

“Because our house maintains ties to the royal court, we became aware of his predicament. That was how we realized his afflictions bore a striking resemblance to Hyemi’s.”

“But surely that information is classified? Are you certain it is appropriate to share this with me?”

“It used to be a closely guarded secret, but… after two decades, it has practically become public knowledge. A royal pedigree carries very little weight in times like these.”

Indeed, the current catastrophe, which threatened the survival of every major faction, could not be fixed by mere claims of hereditary right.

Furthermore, there were already numerous local warlords and self-appointed monarchs claiming royal bloodlines of their own.

‘None of them would pay any mind to a frail youth with a weak grasp on the crown.’

His complete lack of military backing rendered his heritage irrelevant.

“Naturally, we refrain from broadcasting it openly, but… it is necessary for you to be aware, given that you are providing his medical care.”

“Understood. I will perform the diagnosis.”

“You have my gratitude. It has been weighing heavily on my mind, as our families share historic bonds. I will ensure you are properly compensated at a later date.”

With that, their discussion had drawn to a close.

Upon reaching the Shaolin Temple, Hugo was presented to the youth and commenced his healing regimen.

Following more than a week of nonstop medical attention,

“His body is mending, but his condition remains precarious. Ensure he refrains from any strenuous physical exertion.”

“My thanks, Divine Healer. I feel a profound shift in my wellness. The terrifying dreams have ceased, and my rest has been peaceful.”

“Think nothing of it. I shall take my leave now.”

“Please, allow me to guide you out…”

Hugo stepped out of the chamber, accompanied by Zhu Gang-in, and scratched his jaw in deep contemplation.

The observations he had gathered during the course of the therapy were highly unusual.

‘His rate of healing far outpaces Hyemi’s. It took her nearly a month just to stand and walk again, yet he has reached a comparable stage of recovery after only seven days.’

Even taking into account his improved medical capabilities, there was a threshold to how rapid his treatments could be.

A variance this massive in their recuperation timelines pointed toward an external element.

And that element was most likely the preparatory interventions implemented by their respective houses.

The medical knowledge of the Zhuge Clan was profoundly advanced, yet the outcomes were entirely disparate…

‘The sacred chants performed by the ascetics provided far greater relief than standard medicine.’

This pointed to a spiritual or otherworldly affliction, rather than a standard bodily disease or genetic weakness.

That likely explained why Heinrich’s holy capabilities were merely able to dull the effects rather than rooting it out entirely.

The condition would inevitably deteriorate further unless the root spiritual origin was resolved.

‘Would it require… a cleansing ritual? Or… does a fitting deity even exist within this realm?’

Though various faiths like Buddhism and Taoism were widespread, none of them appeared to perfectly address the nature of this sickness.

Lost in these reflections, he made his way back to the area assigned to the Zhuge Clan within the communal lodgings.

“Ah! Young Master Ha, you have returned. You have put in an arduous day’s work.”

Zhuge Junghyeok, acting as the clan’s primary delegate and being the second son of the patriarch, offered a warm and radiant greeting.

Hugo matched his pleasant expression while quietly studying the man’s body language.

‘What is the reason behind this sudden amiability?’

They shared no close bond, though they harbored no mutual animosity either. Their interaction was strictly professional.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t make an effort to stand outside and receive him so enthusiastically.

Then Hugo noticed that Zhuge Junghyeok’s focus was actually directed elsewhere.

‘There is quite a commotion over there.’

He was looking toward a different wing of the visitor compound, where delegates from neighboring groups were being housed.

He hadn’t paid attention to it initially, but it appeared a fresh contingent had just reached the grounds.

Detecting the curiosity in his companion’s eyes, Zhuge Junghyeok offered an explanation.

“The Southern Palace Clan has made their entrance. Their young heir, Namgung Hwang, arrived in person. Our paths crossed several times during our childhood years.”

Hugo gave a slow, understanding nod.

He recalled hearing that the Zhuge Clan based in Hubei and the Southern Palace Clan based in Anhui maintained periodic relations due to their bordering territories.

Even though the actual span between their primary strongholds was greater than the trek to the Shaolin Temple.

‘Still, he wouldn’t be exhibiting this level of enthusiasm simply because a childhood peer has shown up.’

He cast a sideways look at Zhuge Junghyeok, whose eyes were fixed intently on the adjacent courtyard, narrowed with focus.

Throughout their entire journey, the young man had behaved with absolute composure and gravity.

He hadn’t shown any visible excitement even when they crossed paths with the Sichuan alliance, which included the Qingcheng Sect, Mount Emei Sect, and the Tang Clan.

Suddenly, the reason became clear.

“Greetings, Young Hero Zhuge. It has been quite some time. It brings me joy to cross paths with you once more.”

“The pleasure is mine, Young Hero Namgung. I trust you have been well?”

Zhuge Junghyeok exchanged initial pleasantries with Namgung Hwang, the heir of the Southern Palace Clan, before shifting his gaze, a faint tint of red coloring his cheeks.

His eyes landed squarely on a striking young lady who was surveying her surroundings with a look of wonder.

“Ahem, greetings, Young Miss. Your renown precedes you, though this marks our very first introduction. I am Zhuge Junghyeok, second son to the patriarch of the Zhuge Clan.”

“Oh! Greetings. I am called Namgung So-ran. It is a delight to make your acquaintance, Young Master.”

Zhuge Junghyeok’s mouth curved upward in a suppressed grin as she offered a brilliant smile, her tone bright and ringing clear.

Hugo let out a quiet internal sigh, shaking his head at the display.

‘So that explains his heightened mood.’

The man was entirely captivated by her presence.

Her striking dark hair was arranged in an elegant traditional bun, complemented by the vigorous and dynamic presence typical of a trained martial artist, alongside large, inquisitive eyes and beautifully sculpted features…

She possessed an undeniable grace, certainly alluring enough to seize the thoughts of any young man… yet it remained a somewhat unseemly lapse in composure for an official clan delegate.

‘Then again, this gathers people for mutual socialization, so his reaction is understandable. Still, I am surprised the patriarch’s daughter made the trip herself. Along with the young heir as well… ’

Even if the primary goal of this assembly was to foster unity and alliance among the various sects, traveling across the country remained an incredibly perilous endeavor.

Perhaps their faction possessed absolute trust in their capacity to manage any threat…

“Oh, look who it is. Time truly flies.”

…Just then, a muscular elderly gentleman walked into view, and Hugo realized his deduction regarding their safety was entirely correct.

“Namgung Woo! What could have possibly drawn you out of your domain?”

“Hahaha, the quiet life at the manor was growing dull, so I chose to accompany them on this excursion. Besides, I wished to grant the younger folk a chance to witness the broader world. Tell me, how fares Gunak lately?”

“The Grand Elder remains in excellent health. He has recently taken up the cultivation of rare orchids as a pasttime.”

The seasoned master casually referred to the Zhuge Clan’s Grand Elder by his personal name.

His sharp eyes scanned the assembled crowd before locking onto Hugo, a brilliant spark flashing within them.

‘Ah, this is troublesome.’

Hugo offered a subtle bow, pulling his lips into a strained, polite expression, and looked away.

The sheer aura radiating from this elderly warrior was immensely more suffocating than anything he had experienced from Elder Yunhyeon of the Wudang Sect.

Even though the old man wasn’t actively directing any hostility toward him.

“Hmm, and who might that young man be? Is he a member of the Zhuge Clan? I ought to familiarize myself with the rising talents of the new era. Pray pardon an old man’s curiosity, but could someone provide an introduction?”

It became immediately clear that the legendary figure had no intention of overlooking him.

Hugo managed to keep a tight smile on his face as he felt the collective gaze of everyone present shift toward his position, tracing the path directed by the elder’s eyes.

“Ahahaha…”

Namgung Woo, the retired Grand Elder representing the Southern Palace Clan.

A premier master of the martial landscape, universally revered as the Sword Saint—a warrior who had ascended to the Mysterious Realm—had focused his full attention directly on him.

—

“Grandfather, what was the reason behind your unusual behavior just a moment ago?”

As the group made their way toward their allocated living spaces after concluding their greetings with the neighboring factions,

Namgung So-ran, stepping alongside the Sword Saint Namgung Woo, questioned him with a curious expression.

“Hmm? What unusual behavior do you speak of?”

“During our interaction with the Zhuge Clan. Was there something extraordinary regarding that specific young man? You rarely display that sort of intense curiosity!”

“I found myself taken aback as well. I cannot recall the last time I witnessed Grandfather show such immediate focus toward an unfamiliar face. Furthermore, he appeared incredibly youthful! Scarce older than So-ran herself.”

“Hahaha…”

The Sword Saint gently combed through his beard, thoroughly entertained by the playful probing of his granddaughter and the analytical query of his grandson.

What would be the most effective way to break it down for them?

He concluded that providing the unvarnished reality was best.

“It would serve you both well to comprehend this reality. That youth… he is an otherworlder.”

“…What?”

“…Is that true?”

Precisely as he anticipated, the expressions of his two grandchildren froze in absolute bewilderment, causing the elder to give a satisfied chuckle at their shock.

He had already established a localized barrier of sound, ensuring their words would not carry to any listening ears.

“An otherworlder… You are referring to… an individual originating from an entirely different reality? Similar to… those possessing anomalous talents?”

“…That is… unexpected. Now the reason for your deep interest becomes perfectly clear. Rumors suggest that otherworlders possess the capacity to harvest immense power given the correct circumstances. He represents a highly unpredictable element.”

Naturally, neither of them had ever encountered a dimensional traveler in person before.

Their understanding was restricted to rumors and lore.

The majority of those tales centered around the most notorious dimensional traveler of all, the Heavenly Demon Emperor, who had vanished completely from the realm.

“Wow! They truly walk among us? I was convinced those accounts were nothing more than folklore!”

“So-ran, we are far from the safety of our home territory. Mind your composure…”

Namgung So-ran paid no heed to her brother’s caution, shifting on her feet with excitement, her eyes gleaming with fascination.

‘A traveler from another world! I wonder what sort of mystical traits he commands! I must witness it for myself!’

Every bit of the relentless begging, the pleading, and the dramatic displays she had deployed to convince her grandfather to include her on this journey had officially paid off!

She had begun to feel a twinge of regret after observing the grim and unyielding state of the lands beyond their borders… but this shocking revelation completely reawakened her enthusiasm.

The Sword Saint, observing the lively responses of his young relatives with a warm smile, continued to stroke his beard as he spoke further.

“His state was… balanced precisely on the edge. Had his power been significantly less developed, or had he achieved the status of a master-level expert capable of fully masking his internal state, detecting his nature would have proven nearly impossible. Yet at his current development, the variance between his raw physical form, his internal reserves, his personal aura, and his integrated strength… it defies simple concealment.”

Of course, recognizing such minute discrepancies required a master of his exceptional caliber.

He straightened his posture slightly, feeling a surge of satisfaction in his advanced perceptive abilities.

He anticipated a look of awe from his grandchildren.

Instead, their thoughts shifted in a different direction.

“…He appeared to be younger than my own years. Are you implying his combat capability already rivals my own?”

Namgung Hwang, who had been absorbing every detail with absolute focus, pulled his features into a deep frown.

He was the primary successor to the Southern Palace Clan, the individual destined to assume the mantle of leadership.