Chapter 55

Chapter 55
The aftermath of the conflict was organized with great efficiency. Despite grieving for those who had fallen, the warriors remained steadfast and refused to show any vulnerability. Observing their discipline, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of admiration.

‘This must be the defining trait that separates renowned families from ordinary ones.’

Our procession moved back toward the Namgung Clan estate. However, the three of us leading the line had fallen into a heavy, tense silence that contrasted sharply with our initial entry into Mount Gueom. Namgung San and Namgung Seon-hwa carried a profound somberness, and because I understood exactly where that grief originated, I chose to respect their mood and kept my thoughts to myself.

“Oh? Why is Father standing outside?”

As we approached the gates of the Namgung Clan, Namgung Jin-myeong was waiting at the entrance alongside a gathering of the family’s martial artists. The various visitors lined up outside the estate whispered in curiosity, wondering what kind of individual could merit a personal reception from the Young Clan Head himself.

“Wait, the Clan Head came out to receive someone personally?”

“It must be for Young Master San and Lady Seon-hwa.”

“Look closer. The person he is approaching is someone else entirely.”

At that exact moment, Namgung Jin-myeong caught sight of me and raised his hand high in welcome.

“You’ve finally arrived! A very warm welcome to you!”

Though he had undoubtedly received word regarding the events on Mount Gueom, he gave no indication of it. Instead, he let out a booming laugh and clapped my shoulder heartily.

“Do you know how eagerly I have been waiting ever since I heard you set out?”

“Please accept my apologies for the delay,” I replied.

“Think nothing of it! If anything, I ought to reprimand my own children for failing to ensure your journey was entirely comfortable.”

Namgung Jin-myeong cast a stern glare toward Namgung San.

“I received the report. Had Young Master Jin not stepped in to assist, you might have faced a truly dire situation, correct?”

“I am deeply sorry, Father.”

“Good grief!”

Observing Namgung Jin-myeong’s public display, I had to work quite hard to mask my astonishment. Dozens of guests were currently gathered at the gates waiting to enter, yet he chose to openly admonish his own son right before them.

“Come, let us step inside. I must apologize, but an urgent family council requires my presence for a short while. Would you mind resting in the detached pavilion?”

Understanding that they needed to deliberate on the crisis that occurred on Mount Gueom, I gave a nod of assent.

“Take all the time you need. I should unpack my belongings as well.”

—

After parting ways with Namgung San’s group, I followed a Maidservant down the path leading to the detached pavilion. Along the way, we passed five massive training fields, each easily triple the size of the grounds back at the Taeul Sect. Hundreds of martial artists filled the spaces, densely packed together as they practiced their techniques in perfect unison.

“Haat!”

When they thrust their fists forward with a synchronized shout, the very air seemed to crackle, sending vibrations across the entire training ground. It was a single, fundamental movement, yet the display perfectly illustrated the formidable strength of the Namgung Clan. It became crystal clear why this family held such immense sway across the land. In a powerhouse of this magnitude, internal rivalries were bound to be far more vicious than any external threat.

‘Anyone who could seize control of a family like this would naturally crave it.’

Most martial organizations faced internal strife, but the Namgung Clan had simply reached the boiling point of their power struggle a bit sooner than the rest.

“We have arrived,” the Maidservant announced.

The lodging she led me to was a quiet, elegant pavilion situated beside a peaceful pond. Though modest in scale, it possessed a refined, classic charm that hinted at luxury. A private pavilion, regardless of its size, carried immense significance. Countless wandering martial artists dreamed of being granted such accommodations by the Namgung Clan, as it signaled that the family viewed them as a truly esteemed guest.

‘This treatment is grand enough to spark jealousy in anyone.’

Upon entering the structure, several Maidservants suddenly rushed forward without warning. They grabbed my limbs, attempting to pull me along toward one side of the room.

“What do you think you are doing right now?!”

“Before your evening meeting with the Clan Head, you must take a bath,” one explained.

Utilizing Lotus with a light touch, I slipped effortlessly from their grip. The Maidservants blinked in surprise as I glided away as if my skin were covered in oil.

“I can handle my own bath!” I insisted.

Having already experienced enough embarrassment during my time at the Clear Bright Escort Agency, I had absolutely no intention of repeating such a scene. They hesitated, attempting to close the distance once more.

“Stop right there! If you come any closer, I refuse to wash at all.”

“Very well. We will lead the way,” they relented.

Crossing the pond, we entered a room where a tub filled with steaming hot water awaited. The Maidservants stood still, watching me intently without leaving the room.

“We are here to assist you with your bath.”

“I am no child. I can manage perfectly fine on my own.”

“But…”

“I’ve made myself clear. If you prefer that I greet the Clan Head covered in grime and smelling foul, then by all means, stay.”

“Understood. Please call for us if you require anything.”

They arranged the bathing items neatly and exited. Shedding my clothes, I sighed at their persistent customs. I immersed myself in the large tub, washing away the dirt and dried blood that had covered me during the mountain battle.

When I finished and stepped out, a set of black silk garments adorned with intricate silver embroidery was waiting for me.

‘Thanks to that ridiculous Black Flame Dragon title, I seem destined to wear black constantly.’

Still, the attire was excellent. Black martial outfits hid stains well and minimized the gruesome look of blood splatters. The subtle silver threadwork gave me quite an imposing appearance. As I admired the look in a bronze mirror, the door burst open and the Maidservants flooded back in.

“I thought I said…”

“We must handle the remaining preparations.”

They seized my hair, combing it thoroughly and applying cosmetic powder to my face. This time, resisting was completely futile.

“Please remain standing so your hair and the powder are not disturbed.”

“I prefer to sit,” I countered.

“Sitting will wrinkle your attire.”

“Are you telling me I have to stand?”

They offered no reply, confirming my suspicion. Who was the fool who claimed an invitation from the Five Great Clans was the ultimate honor?

—

Forced to remain standing, I gazed out at the pond, idly estimating the value of the carp swimming within. A Maidservant approached and handed me a cup of tea. Expecting standard fare, I took a sip and was stunned by the profound flavor.

“This is remarkable.”

“It is Junshan Silver Needle, the Clan Head’s personal favorite.”

I instantly choked, coughing up the liquid. My immediate regret was wasting such an expensive brew. It implicitly proved that the habits born of a lifetime of poverty couldn’t be erased easily, even with banknotes worth a fortune in my pocket.

“Did you say Junshan Silver Needle?”

The legendary tea had been a tribute since the Tang era and was once restricted to the imperial court during the Qing dynasty. Though accessible now, it remained an exorbitant luxury, worth its weight in gold.

“Does the clan offer this to all visitors?”

“No, sir. This is strictly reserved for those staying in the Emperor Pavilion.”

“This is the Emperor Pavilion?”

This was the historic dwelling of the Namgung Clan’s founding ancestor. While the current Clan Head resided elsewhere, this specific pavilion was kept exclusively for the highest-ranking dignitaries. Renowned masters often measured their prestige by whether they were allocated this exact lodging. I swallowed hard.

“It has been empty recently, though the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance stayed here during his last visit.”

The cozy, quiet atmosphere suddenly felt incredibly oppressive.

‘Still, perhaps this works in my favor.’

My ties to the clan involved several delicate matters, including the Seven-Colored Jewel, Namgung San’s Great Swallow Divine Pill, and the Hundred-Hair Fire Cylinder I deployed at Mount Gueom. The fact that they assigned me the Emperor Pavilion suggested they took my presence seriously, which gave me some peace of mind.

“What is that scent? Junshan Silver Needle? Why waste such a treasure on someone incapable of appreciating it?” a voice grumbled as someone entered the pavilion.

“Who goes there?” I asked.

The newcomer was a youth of average stature, possessing narrow, shifty eyes, a pockmarked face, and sun-darkened skin. Ignoring my query, he snapped at the attendant.

“You are squandering the family’s wealth. Just because it isn’t your coin doesn’t mean you can throw it away.”

“Sir, the Clan Head commanded us to show the utmost hospitality…”

“Even so, utilizing Junshan Silver Needle is absurd. A person of his status should be grateful for Biluochun.”

Annoyance flared within me, though I privately acknowledged he wasn’t entirely wrong. ‘Even in his younger years, his arrogance is insufferable.’ Recognizing his unpleasant face from my past, I observed him silently.

The Maidservant bowed her head tearfully, causing the arrogant youth to nod smugly.

“Consider your actions. That wealth is built on the labor of the Collateral Line.”

He sat on the edge of the table, holding out his cup, which the servant filled.

“You are Jin So-un, correct?”

“I am.”

“How insolent. You lack basic courtesy.”

He was intentionally provoking me to incite a clash. No member of the Collateral Line would act this brazenly toward a guest in the Emperor Pavilion without an underlying motive.

‘He’s reacting to the Mount Gueom incident.’ The clan needed to investigate the matter thoroughly and cover their tracks before moving forward. Using me as a scapegoat to divert attention from the internal rift was a classic tactic. He clearly believed a small sect like the Taeul Sect could be easily handled by the Collateral Line. Though I hated being used, the feeling never grew any less irritating.

“I see no reason to show respect to someone who refuses to introduce himself.”

“You claim not to recognize me?”

I knew his future self well, though currently, his reputation paled in comparison to Namgung San’s—even if he believed otherwise.

“Should I know you?”

“How amusing,” he sneered.

He belonged to the same generation as Namgung Seon-hwa, a couple of years older, and harbored a deep bitterness. He believed his natural gifts matched Namgung San’s, yet he felt cheated of his birthright due to his lineage.

“I suppose a disciple from a minor sect at the bottom of the One Hundred Eight Peaks wouldn’t know any better.”

His craving for status was immense. In my previous life, his extravagant spending at the Murim Alliance equaled the yearly budget of a mid-sized sect.

“Our sect may be small, but even our youngest members recognize the name of Senior Namgung San, the Azure Dragon Sword.”

Nothing enraged him more than being compared to his cousin.

“What did you say?”

“You seem eager for a fight. Is it that hard to state your name, or are you ashamed of it?”

His lips twitched as he hissed, “Have you never heard of the Boundless Sword?”

“Ah…”

My mock realization filled him with immediate pride. He was incredibly transparent. If I pushed him further, he would strike. ‘Should I hold back?’ The internal feud wasn’t my business, but I had been dragged into danger because of it. They owed me.

“Never heard of it. What a childish title.”

“You dare!”

He slammed his hands together, channeling his inner energy to launch the Heavenly Wind Palm Force, the same technique Namgung San used before.

The blast knocked the Maidservant aside, spilling the remaining tea. What a waste. To prevent damage to the historic pavilion, I utilized Lotus to redirect the force upward.

The air exploded as the energy dissipated harmlessly.

“For someone called the Boundless Sword, you don’t seem to have much to offer besides a blade,” I taunted.

Enraged, he drew his weapon and unleashed the Boundless Firmament Sword Art. His execution was skilled, but the Shattering Form for this specific style had already been perfected in my memories.

Drawing the Black Dragon Sword, I executed the counter-technique. Powered by my Two Cycles of inner energy, the vacuum pull was immense. Despite his resistance, his blade flew from his grip into my hand.

“Impossible!”

Before he could recover, I swept his legs, sending him crashing to the floor. I planted my foot firmly on his throat, pinning him down.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Alerted by the noise, Namgung Jin-myeong, Namgung San, and Namgung Seon-hwa arrived, freezing in shock at the sight.

I spoke smoothly. “An intruder refused to identify himself and initiated an attack, so I restrained him. I asked for his name repeatedly, but he remained silent. Suspecting a link to the Mount Gueom incident, I secured him.”

The youth’s face burned with humiliation. Just then, an older, stern-looking man with a long beard stepped forward from behind the Clan Head.

“That boy is my son.”

The group turned to look at Namgung Song-ju, who possessed a rigid, imposing build.

“How dare an outsider abuse a member of our family on our own grounds?”

Namgung Jin-myeong attempted to defuse the situation. “Brother, surely this is just a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? A visitor should show restraint and respect within these walls. Look at this disgraceful display!”

I eased my foot off the youth’s neck and chimed in, “So he is a young master of the clan. Had I known, I would have exercised more caution.”

“I told you my title! The Boundless Sword!” the youth yelled.

“Why rely on a title no one recognizes? If you had mentioned the Namgung name initially, this could have been avoided. Besides, your martial skills seem rather lacking for a member of this prestigious family.”

He sputtered, unable to find a retort. I turned and bowed formally to Namgung Song-ju.

“My apologies. Had I known his identity, I wouldn’t have raised a hand. Please forgive the offense. But surely, it isn’t entirely my fault when your son initiated the assault and was simply overpowered?”

“He initiated the attack and lost?” Namgung Song-ju repeated, glaring furiously at his son before turning his intense gaze back to me.

I offered a polite, amicable smile. ‘Your son’s incompetence wasn’t part of your strategy, was it?’