Chapter 143 : New Ten Kings. -02
Chapter 143: New Ten Kings. -02
“Ah, I was just checking to see if you were keeping up well.”
“Of course we are. It’s not like this is our first time climbing Songshan.”
“That’s right. Unless Father makes up his mind and really speeds up, this pace is more than manageable for us.”
Listening to the two younger sisters—identical in appearance but utterly different in temperament—Namgung Gwang forced an awkward smile.
Fortunately, it did not seem as though their feelings had been too badly hurt.
Namgung Gwang thought that was truly a relief.
“Brother, are you underestimating us right now?”
“As if. I was just worried, just in case.”
“That sounds like unnecessary worrying to me.”
Unlike the brusque Namgung So-yeon, Namgung Su-yeon spoke as though she could see straight through Namgung Gwang’s thoughts.
At the same time, she gave a small smile, as if to say there was no need to worry.
“I’d rather fall ill than die of worry. Good grief.”
“Don’t worry so much. We’re fine.”
“Except for our pride being a little bruised.”
Each of the twin sisters placed a hand on Namgung Gwang’s shoulders as he let out a sigh.
As if to comfort him.
But to Namgung Gwang, that gesture only made them seem more pitiful.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t be of help. I’m such a useless brother.”
“What’s with you all of a sudden? Did you mature after getting married? Or are you feeling restless because a war’s coming?”
Namgung So-yeon asked with a mischievous expression.
Despite her effort, however, Namgung Gwang’s face did not relax.
“It’s because of you two.”
Namgung Gwang spoke quietly as he looked at Namgung Ho’s figure, which had already moved far ahead.
He did not want him to overhear.
“I’m fine.”
“Me too. We’re not pretending to be fine. We really are fine.”
“That’s right.”
As expected of twins, the sisters were perfectly in sync.
Leaving Namgung Gwang without a single word to counter.
“If that’s true, then that’s a relief.”
“Don’t worry about us too much. We’ll take care of our own affairs.”
“That’s exactly why I worry.”
“Hmph! Since when have you looked after us? Don’t start acting like an adult just because you got married.”
At Namgung So-yeon’s sharp, almost biting retort, Namgung Gwang shook his head.
Just moments ago, he had felt sorry for her—but when she snapped like this, that feeling vanished completely.
Still, whether lovable or infuriating, she was his younger sister.
He would have to look after her for as long as he lived.
“Alright, alright. I won’t worry needlessly.”
“Brother. Do you think there’s a possibility?”
“Well. He’s already been rejected twice, but maybe the third time will work out.”
At the word “twice,” Namgung So-yeon’s eyes flared.
Yet though she glared at him, she did not open her mouth.
She was displeased, but he was not wrong.
“There’s also the saying that even if you chop at a tree ten times, it won’t necessarily fall. But aren’t you curious?”
“About what?”
“Even though Father likes him that much, he hasn’t taken any particular action.”
“He’s not in a position to force anything. Unless he plans on making an enemy of Shaolin. Even coercion depends on who you’re dealing with. I fully understand Father’s position.”
“I know that too. But Father is the type of person who would find a way somehow, even knowing that.”
Namgung Su-yeon’s words held reason.
Despite showing such open interest, Namgung Ho had made no concrete move.
Considering their father’s usual temperament, even if Ban Hojin was the disciple of Shaolin’s Abbot, he seemed somewhat uncharacteristically passive.
“Hmm. Maybe that’s why he’s going directly? To find a way.”
“Is that so?”
“Honestly, I don’t know either. Father said we’re going, so we’re going.”
“Huh?”
The three siblings, who had been whispering among themselves, all turned their gaze forward.
They had heard their father’s startled voice.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“There are new people there?”
“Looks like it.”
Their gazes moved past their father toward the unfamiliar faces ahead.
An old man and a young man stood there, but Namgung Ho’s eyes were fixed on the elderly man dressed in worn plain gray martial robes.
For some reason, Namgung Ho looked utterly shocked.
Even from behind, the three siblings could tell.
“It has been a long time, Family Head.”
“And who might this be?”
“Heh heh heh. This is our first meeting. My name is Sang Il-gi.”
Despite Ban Hojin’s greeting, Namgung Ho’s gaze did not leave Sang Il-gi.
Even though the latter had fully concealed his aura, Namgung Ho had recognized his level at a glance.
That was why, though he had come to see Ban Hojin, he could not take his eyes off Sang Il-gi instead.
“Ah, my apologies. I am Namgung Ho of the Namgung Family.”
“The honor is mine.”
After belatedly exchanging greetings with Sang Il-gi, Namgung Ho narrowed his brows.
No matter how hard he searched his memory, the name Sang Il-gi did not appear.
That left only one possibility.
‘A hidden master.’
Namgung Ho’s gaze sank heavily.
If a master of Sang Il-gi’s caliber was unknown, there could be only one reason.
“Shall we arrange a separate place?”
“There is no need. I came all the way here because of you.”
“Hmm. Is that so.”
“Isn’t that a bit too openly displeased?”
“You know as well as I do that it’s difficult for me to be pleased.”
At Ban Hojin’s speech, still firm and unyielding, Namgung Ho wore an exhausted expression.
He had come all this way; one would expect at least a courteous welcome. Yet there was none whatsoever.
“It’s been a while, Young Hero Ban.”
“Hello.”
“Have you been well?”
Stepping in at the right moment to ease the awkwardness, Namgung Gwang, Namgung Su-yeon, and Namgung So-yeon offered their greetings in place of the flustered Namgung Ho.
Then they looked at Sang Il-gi with eyes full of curiosity.
Since their father had shown interest, they too were curious.
“It has indeed been a long time for all of you.”
“It seems the number of people here has increased?”
“Somehow, it just turned out that way.”
“I would have liked to come here as well, if not for my family situation.”
Namgung Gwang wore a genuinely regretful expression.
In his eyes burned a strong competitive spirit.
Ban Hojin had now become someone of an entirely different level, but the others had not.
He believed he could hold his own against those who had newly earned the title of Dragon, and he sincerely wished to cross hands with them.
“There will be many opportunities in the future.”
“Hahaha. It would truly be wonderful if Young Hero Ban visited our Main House with your companions.”
Namgung Gwang delivered that single remark laden with meaning, speaking in an uncharacteristically playful tone.
To Ban Hojin, it felt slightly unexpected.
Perhaps because he had married, his personality seemed to have softened somewhat.
Sister. Who do you think that person is?
I’m not sure. It’s my first time seeing him too. But if he’s someone chosen by Young Master Ban, that must mean he has something.
His martial level seems about average. He’s definitely below Brother, at least.
That’s what puzzles me too.
While Namgung Gwang struggled to continue his conversation with Ban Hojin, the twins’ gazes shifted toward Sama Uiseong.
Their father’s reaction made them curious about the old man’s identity, but their attention inevitably settled on the new Later-Generation Expert of similar age.
Moreover, Ban Hojin had a clear standard for those he accepted into his group, which made the twins even more curious about Sama Uiseong.
Even Later-Generation Experts with considerable reputations had failed to meet Ban Hojin’s criteria. Yet Sama Uiseong, who at first glance seemed lacking in martial skill, occupied a place within the group—naturally, it aroused suspicion.
It definitely means he possesses something.
I just can’t figure out what.
We’ll find out if we keep watching. But he really is handsome. He has a completely different feel from Young Master Seo and Young Master Murong.
Oh, please. That’s what stood out to you first, wasn’t it?
Namgung Su-yeon lightly scolded her younger sister.
But Namgung So-yeon remained bold.
Do you know how important appearance is for a man? More is always better, haven’t you heard? A capable man who’s ugly can’t compare to a capable man who’s handsome—by a hundred times, a thousand times!
That much I agree with.
Namgung Su-yeon nodded.
It was not just her—regardless of gender, most people would feel the same.
“If the opportunity arises, I will visit again. For now, please come inside. You have traveled far; at least allow me to offer you some tea.”
“Very well.”
Namgung Ho, who had been staring at Sang Il-gi with a complicated gaze, answered in place of his son.
Yet Sang Il-gi’s lingering impression remained deeply etched in his mind.
The encounter had been that striking. However, there was something more pressing to address first.
Clink.
In Ban Hojin’s quarters—no longer distinguishable as either a room or a reception chamber—the members of the Namgung Family took their seats in a neat row.
Watching the four of them naturally find their places, Ban Hojin gently warmed the tea in the teapot.
“My thanks.”
“It was nothing.”
“If I ask who he is, you won’t answer, will you?”
“I tend to be sparing with words about others. Since you’ve exchanged greetings, perhaps you should ask him directly.”
“Ha.”
At Ban Hojin’s clean-cut refusal, Namgung Ho let out a dry chuckle.
Yet he did not appear displeased.
Having expected as much, Namgung Ho merely shook his head a couple of times.
“Thank you.”
“We’ll enjoy it.”
“You must all be weary.”
Unlike Namgung Ho, whose expression appeared relatively at ease, his children’s expressions were not very good.
They were well aware of what this meeting was about.
That awareness made their faces subtly stiff.
“Since you know, couldn’t you help a little?”
“I believe it is not something I can help with.”
“I think differently.”
“Each of us is entitled to think differently.”
Namgung Ho tested the waters, but it was useless.
Like a serpent slipping over a wall, Ban Hojin deftly evaded the probing attack.
Seeing that, perhaps some of the tension eased, and Namgung So-yeon covered her mouth and let out a small laugh.
“You never lose a word.”
“I apologize for being born this way.”
“I’ve never seen an apology with so little sincerity in it.”
“That cannot be. It’s not entirely absent. More importantly, I heard you are heading to Mount Hua.”
“That’s right. We stopped by on the way. It’s been quite some time since we last saw each other. No matter how many letters I send inviting you to visit, there’s barely ever a reply.”
Having circled around the matter only to receive vague responses, Namgung Ho chose the direct approach.
There were no other options anyway.
And since both sides knew each other’s true intentions, he found it laughable to continue speaking indirectly.
“I did send replies.”
“Out of three letters, perhaps one reply might come.”
“Is it not because the response did not contain what you wished for?”
“Knowing that, is that the kind of reply you send?”
Though struck at the core, Namgung Ho boldly pressed on.
This time, Ban Hojin looked genuinely dumbfounded.
It was simply absurd.
The three siblings appeared equally stunned, simultaneously staring at Namgung Ho with blank expressions.
“There is only one thing I can say.”
“I know. Still, I thought I would ask, just in case. The human heart is ever-changing, after all. Like how one’s feelings differ before and after entering a latrine.”
“Ahem!”
Speaking of latrines in front of his twin sisters—who were at a particularly sensitive age—made Namgung Gwang cough awkwardly.
The twins themselves, however, were entirely unfazed.
“In that case, I gave you a proper answer.”
“Are you not going?”
“There are no specific plans yet. Master has not said anything either.”
“You might head to Yunnan Province.”
“That possibility exists.”
At Ban Hojin’s answer, Namgung Ho’s expression turned displeased.
If he went to Yunnan Province, he would inevitably meet Tang Woo-hyeok, the Tang Family Head of the Sichuan Tang Family.
And Tang Woo-hyeok would never let such an opportunity slip through his fingers.
‘That must be prevented at all costs.’
Namgung Ho had not brought his two daughters along without reason.
When people met frequently and conversed often, affection naturally formed.
There was a reason for the saying that distance in body led to distance in heart.
‘The best outcome would be for him to come with us this time.’