Chapter 138
As I had already sensed during the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering, the Namgung Clan was absolutely sincere when it came to flaunting their power.
The Tang Clan, the Zhongnan Sect, and the Yeon Clan all had vast estates as well.
Each was practically the size of a small village—enough to make one instantly understand why the masters of such powerful forces, those at the Flowering Stage, were sometimes given the honorary title of “King.”
But then again, what could you say about a clan that had gone so far as to embed “Emperor” directly into their martial arts?
“Brother Namgung, I’m asking out of sheer curiosity—but how exactly do you manage a clan of this scale?”
It was enormous. So much so that even the errand boys were trained in moment techniques to a decent degree.
And it made sense, really. If you sent a servant to fetch something and it took them forever to get there, what use would that be?
But still, a household so large that even its servants had to train in martial arts... It was difficult to wrap my head around.
At this scale, it wasn’t just a household. This city was practically the Namgung Clan itself.
“What do you mean, how? If you’re asking about daily operations, it’s not that different from other clans. We simply employ more people, and only take in thoroughly vetted retainers.” “That’s not what I meant. With this much land and this many martial artists, isn’t it basically a small country?”
“Ahh, you mean that. Well, again, not that different from other clans. Any Flowering Stage master has the capacity to build their own little nation on the frontier. From the imperial family’s perspective, the number of people beneath you isn’t that big a deal.”
“Is that so?”
The Imperial Court had always been largely indifferent to the martial world. Not because they had no reason, but because the previous dynasty had tried to control the martial world, caused all sorts of chaos, and had been overrun by barbarians during that moment of weakness.
Later, martial artists and survivors banded together, drove out the invaders, and helped reestablish the current imperial lineage.
So the policy of non-interference was both a courtesy extended to their founding allies and a promise not to repeat past mistakes.
Thus, the court refrains from interfering in martial disputes unless the scale is massive, innocent civilians are harmed, or clear evidence of treason emerges.
Of course, there are always exceptions.
When the Demonic Cult invaded, the court belatedly allied with the Orthodox Alliance... and then died together with them, so that wasn’t of much use.
In any case, my point was this: even if the court claimed to follow non-interference, didn’t the Namgung Clan’s overwhelming scale provoke suspicion or attempts to rein them in?
The one who answered wasn’t Namgung Jong, but Tang Sowol.
“Brother Cheon, I mentioned this before, but you might not remember. The Namgung Clan is a rather unique case among noble families.”
“What do you mean?”
“They are actually of royal blood, descended from a line of feudal lords. The Imperial Court grants them certain privileges because of that.”
Come to think of it, I had heard something like that before.
So that’s why they were able to rule over Anhui Province like kings without facing serious opposition...
“Ah, that part is a bit of an exaggeration.”
“Pardon?”
At Namgung Jong’s casual comment, Tang Sowol’s eyes widened.
“Our clan is indeed a branch of the old Zhou royal family, and we did rule Anhui from ancient times, but... that’s not the only reason.”
“Then what made the court set aside its suspicions of the Namgung Clan?”
“Those who know, know. It’s no great mystery—we simply handed over the Namgung Clan’s martial arts to the Imperial Court.”
“Wait, what? You mean the Imperial Sword Forms?”
“And the Sky-Cleaving Free Sword Art as well.”
Not only I, but also Tang Sowol and Seo Mun-Hwarin were shocked. Even Seol Lihyang, though less knowledgeable about martial affairs, paused mid-gasp to ask carefully:
“Um? Young Lord Namgung... no, Sword Dragon... you’re really okay with that? I was taught that passing down secret arts—whether from a sect or family—should never be done lightly. You gave them everything?”
Namgung Jong, who had initially looked regretful at being called “Young Lord,” now wore a pleased smile at the title “Sword Dragon” and shook his head.
“There’s nothing to regret. And when I say we handed them over, it was more like teaching them to a royal prince. It’s a rather honorable arrangement.”
“Like a royal martial tutor?”
“Something like that. Though our duty is strictly to instruct in martial arts.”
To teach the imperial heirs personally... and it’s not like the court would go around spreading those techniques far and wide. There was little to worry about.
Namgung Jong nodded with a proud expression and continued:
“Thanks to that, we expanded the clan’s size, gained a more prosperous environment for training, and in doing so, drew closer to the end of the sword. It was a net gain.”
“The end of the sword...”
Seol Lihyang murmured in a daze. Namgung Jong added a brief explanation:
“It’s a fairly well-known saying. I’m sure the Pure Sound-Frostflower swordswoman has heard it too. The Namgung Clan is said to never be satisfied with anything less than the best.”
“Y-yes. And that they spare no effort in their pursuit of it.”
“That’s good to hear. In essence, what I mean is simple. Everyone in the Namgung Clan suffers from a disease—a refusal to be content with anything short of the best. And we’re all obsessed with the sword.”
“With... the sword...”
Seol Lihyang slowly turned her gaze to me.
“What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was wondering if there were more people like you in the world.”
“Hahaha! So Brother Cheon is also that obsessed with the sword? No wonder I felt a strange affinity the moment I saw you!”
Namgung Jong laughed heartily. I couldn’t laugh with him.
Up until now, I had brushed off the Namgung Clan’s unique disposition as just another inherited trait.
But the truth was more interesting than I thought.
It wasn’t about hoarding martial arts. It was about climbing higher, wielding a more perfect sword.
Praise and recognition were fine, but they were just accessories. What I truly desired was one thing:
To see the end of the sword.
From the court’s perspective, it was like raising a vassal prince who stayed loyal, developed powerful martial techniques, and willingly presented them—how could they not adore the Namgung Clan?
And since they posed no threat and responded well to simple flattery, it was more beneficial to let them be.
That was from the imperial perspective.
But as a fellow swordsman, I couldn’t help but think—it was honestly kind of cool.
To live for nothing but the blade.
My opinion of Namgung Jong soared—only to be followed by a sudden question.
If the Namgung Clan was so focused on sword training, what kind of situation would require the Sword King, their clan leader, to leave his post?
“Thank you for broadening my perspective, Brother. By the way, you said the Sword King is currently away—do you know when he’ll return? If he’s not too delayed, I’d like to greet him before I leave.”
“Ah, Father is on a light inspection tour. He’s just making a round through Anhui Province. It’s been six days, so he should be back within ten. I really want to introduce you—could you wait?”
“Of course. I’d like to meet the famed Sword King myself. Still, I didn’t expect a Flowering Stage master to personally inspect the province.”
“Well, he is a Namgung, so it’s only natural.”
“I suppose so. The sword is important, but so is fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities—”
“I’m sure staying cooped up swinging a sword all day is suffocating. It’s good to get some air, hear some applause, loosen up a little, don’t you think?”
“...?”
Wait, did he just say the inspection tour was for applause?
Maybe the Namgung Clan are just attention-hungry geniuses born with sword talent...
I mused silently as we walked, and soon arrived at a building even more splendid than the one where the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering was held.
“These are the guest quarters. There are plenty of rooms—use whichever you like.”
“Thank you. I’ll just drop off my things.”
“Hm?”
Namgung Jong looked puzzled. I gave him a knowing smile.
“You invited me here. I rushed over right after wrapping up my business. There’s only one reason for that, isn’t there?”
“Indeed.”
“And if I’ve only got ten days to spare, then I believe in cherishing today rather than wasting it. Don’t you agree?”
Namgung Jong’s smile mirrored mine.
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who was looking forward to this. Very well. I’ll wait here. Take your time.”
Next stop: the training hall.
Despite all the detours, my reason for coming to Anhui and visiting the Namgung Clan remained the same.
A duel.
Or rather, to see the Namgung Clan’s swordsmanship for myself.
Sure, Namgung Jong had won the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering, held the title of Sword Dragon, and was praised as one of the top late-stage juniors. But he was still far below me.
However, he was strong enough to properly demonstrate the Namgung Clan’s martial arts.
As Namgung Jong and I smiled at each other like mischievous kids, Tang Sowol sighed and asked:
“Hyang-ah, I’ll be following Brother Cheon. What about you?”
“Hmm. Should I come too? That is, if Sword Dragon Sohyeop is willing.”
“Haha! If you’re my brother’s fiancée and friend, then you’re like family to me as well. Of course you’re welcome. In fact, how about we take turns and all have a sparring session?”
“Oh my. That’s not a bad idea. Hyang-ah, it would be a great help to you too. You’ve only recently reached Peak Stage, haven’t you?”
“Oh? When I last saw her at the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering, she was still just first-class. What happened? I guess it’s true—great people attract other great people. Isn’t that right, Brother Cheon?”
“You flatter me. Though it’s true that Seol Lihyang has great talent.”
As we young people chatted and laughed, my eyes drifted and spotted Seo Mun-Hwarin, standing alone and awkwardly nudging the ground with her toe.
Right. Last time, she’d grumbled about being dragged into every major moment...
“Senior Seo Mun-Hwarin, what will you do? You don’t have to come—feel free to rest if you’d like.”
“Th-then I’ll come too!”
“Eh? But I doubt our little duel will be up to your standards.”
“Ehh?! You drag me around all the time, and now you’re trying to exclude me?!”
“You told me not to bring you last time...”
“I have no memory of that! In any case, you can’t leave me out! I’ll come watch and offer a few tips if needed!”
“...If you say so.”
Still unsure of what she wanted, I nodded vaguely. Meanwhile, Namgung Jong, currently the de facto head of the Namgung Clan in the Sword King’s absence, grinned.
“Ttaap! To think I’ll receive guidance from another Flowering Stage master besides my father... Brother Cheon, this is all thanks to you!”
He just smiled—like someone who had struck gold on a good investment.