The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family Chapter 7

The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family

Chapter 7

“This way to your quarters, young master. The bath has hot water ready, and clothes have been prepared next door.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ha Hyeon bowed politely to Jang-chil who had escorted him here.

“Oh my, no need for such formality. I’m just a servant who works here.”

“I’m truly grateful, that’s all.”

“I’m embarrassed. Anyway, please find me if you need anything. I’m always in the first room.”

Ha Hyeon responded respectfully, “Yes, I’ll ask for your help if needed.”

Jang-chil’s lips curved slightly upward, seemingly finding Ha Hyeon’s politeness endearing.

“You remember that the Master said to go to the Blue dragon pavillion early tomorrow morning?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“When you go there… No, never mind. I’m not worried about you at all, young master. Just give it your all, show everything you can, and a good opportunity will come.”

Jang-chil kept smiling at Ha Hyeon, clearly pleased about something. And for good reason. Most 10-year-olds wouldn’t know proper manners and would only think of themselves at that age, but seeing one so young already know proper etiquette must have been quite endearing.

After Jang-chil departed with his characteristic light footsteps, Ha Hyeon entered the room.

Although he knew the Namgung Family was one of the Five Great Families of the martial arts world, he never imagined it would be this massive. Moreover, this place made him realize just how limited his perspective had been.

Even this temporary guest room assigned to Ha Hyeon was spacious enough to have its own private bathroom with hot water prepared.

“The Namgung Family…”

Ha Hyeon gazed at the panoramic view of the Namgung Family estate spread out beyond the window. A new home. A new life.

‘I will build the foundation to protect everything here.’

The young 10-year-old martial artist renewed his determination.

The next day. At Blue dragon pavillion.

Namgung Mu-ryong called for his eldest son Namgung Gi-cheol early in the morning.

“Cheol, you’re here.”

“Yes, Master.”

Namgung Gi-cheol greeted with a deep bow. Befitting a member of the Namgung Family, he too possessed striking features. His masculine face with strong lines and closed lips seemed to reflect his sturdy character.

“Call back all the family members who were sent to investigate that incident in Shaanxi.”

“What? By ‘that incident’, do you mean we’re no longer investigating what happened in Shin Family Village?”

Namgung Mu-ryong nodded instead of answering.

Then Namgung Gi-cheol spoke with a slightly raised voice.

“Father! We haven’t even found traces of Yeong-ryeong yet! If we had at least confirmed her death, then maybe… I cannot follow your decision.”

Namgung Gi-cheol was so agitated that he called him ‘Father’ instead of ‘Master’ as he argued passionately.

The Sword Saint gave him a bitter smile. Although it was highly improper to oppose the family head and his father, he didn’t scold him since it came from concern for his only sister.

Namgung Mu-ryong heaved a deep sigh and forced himself to speak.

“Yeong-ryeong… is dead.”

Namgung Gi-cheol couldn’t believe his ears.

“What…? Did new information come in without my knowledge?”

“Yes. Your nephew has arrived.”

“My nephew?”

“Last night. The Drunken Moon Elite brought him. We confirmed that the child is the last survivor of Shin Family Village.”

Although Namgung Gi-cheol had suspected Yeong-ryeong might be dead, hearing the actual news greatly disturbed him.

“Where… where is the child?”

“I had him stay in the guest room for now. I’ve arranged for him to take the Blue dragon pavillion entrance exam today.”

“How old is my nephew?”

“He just turned ten.”

“Even though the Blue dragon pavillion entrance exam tests basic talent, it’s not easy for an ordinary ten-year-old child to pass.”

Namgung Mu-ryong smiled faintly at Namgung Gi-cheol’s concerned words.

“Hwan passed the test at eleven. So-hwa who’s twelve is also taking the test tomorrow. And Min…”

“I know better than anyone that Min passed at age eight, Father.”

Namgung Gi-cheol spoke with a worried expression.

“But our direct descendants were children whose foundations we built from a very young age. Especially Min, who showed remarkable intelligence from childhood and received great expectations.”

Namgung Gi-cheol hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“Moreover, since the Shin family wasn’t such an outstanding martial arts family, I’m concerned it might be difficult for him to pass easily.”

“Haha. Don’t worry. Even if he fails the test, he’s still our blood, so we’ll accept him as a member of the Namgung Family. And he can take the test again next year.”

“Ah… I understand, Father. As Yeong-ryeong’s child, he’s practically our blood relative.”

“I’m glad you think that way, as our direct lineage isn’t very numerous…”

The direct lineage of the Namgung Family actually consisted of very few people.

Although the Namgung Family commanded great respect in the martial arts world, all the elders and family members were either from branch families or outsiders who later received the Namgung surname.

In fact, this happened because Namgung Mu-ryong only had two sons and one daughter. And even that one daughter had already become a cold corpse.

“Including you and me, Father, aren’t there only six of us?”

“Yes. Gi-hyeon went to handle Murim Alliance matters, so he probably won’t return for a while, and the other three… just our grandchildren.”

“That’s right. Then it wouldn’t be good for me to go now. I’ll go after today’s tests are all finished.”

Namgung Mu-ryong spoke as if making a request. “Yes. Cheol, I entrust that child to you. He’ll certainly need time to adjust to the family. The child’s name is Ha Hyeon. Shin Ha Hyeon.”

“Yes, Father.”

Gi-cheol bowed to his father once more and left Blue dragon pavillion.

Left alone in Blue dragon pavillion, Namgung Mu-ryong recalled those intelligent eyes from yesterday.

“And while I can’t believe everything the Drunken Moon Elite said, if his words are true, he’ll certainly pass this level of test easily…”

With a slight smile— He hoped his grandson would surprise him.

At that time. In front of Blue dragon pavillion.

Bustling noise—

The estate’s nighttime tranquility was nowhere to be found, and the morning Namgung Family compound was crowded with countless people.

While the Namgung Family compound usually housed many martial artists, today was special—the once-a-year Blue dragon pavillion entrance examination day, which attracted all the boys and girls from around who showed some talent in martial arts.

“Just getting into the Blue dragon pavillion means you’re set for life.”

“That’s right. For people like us from unremarkable families or schools, it’s like a heaven-sent opportunity. A chance to learn the Namgung Family’s supreme techniques.”

The Namgung Family had started recruiting Blue dragon pavillion disciples like a martial arts sect for over a decade.

While other families were becoming increasingly closed off, not passing on martial arts to anyone outside their direct lineage, they took the completely opposite approach.

And this approach allowed the Namgung Family to wield the greatest influence in the current martial arts world.

Some Blue dragon pavillion graduates remained with the Namgung Family, receiving the surname Namgung and working as family members, while others played crucial roles in the Murim Alliance or other martial organizations.

Some even became Imperial Palace martial artists guarding the Emperor, making the Namgung Family’s Blue dragon pavillion essentially a gateway to becoming a martial artist.

“Uncle Jang-chil didn’t say anything except to come here…”

Among the crowds, Ha Hyeon was lingering at the Blue dragon pavillion entrance.

Having bathed in warm water for the first time in months, wearing newly prepared clothes, and with his hero’s headband tightly tied, Ha Hyeon looked every bit the young noble.

Though he had come at dawn to the Blue dragon pavillion, he never imagined it would already be this crowded.

“Hey.” Just then, a girl’s voice called out to Ha Hyeon.

“Me?”

“Yes. Are you here for the entrance exam too?”

She was a pretty girl who appeared about twelve years old, wearing a well-fitted green martial arts uniform with braided hair.

“That’s right. I was told to come here for the entrance exam, so I’ve been waiting.”

“I see. I didn’t think there would be anyone my age, I’m glad to meet you.”

The girl pointed around them.

When Ha Hyeon looked around, most of those waiting for the entrance exam appeared to be in their mid to late teens. Only she and Ha Hyeon were in their early teens.

“I’m Namgung So-hwa. I’m the granddaughter of Sword Saint, the head of the Namgung Family.”

“Granddaughter?”

“Yes. If you pass the entrance exam too, you’ll need to stay on my good side in the future.”

Ha Hyeon was curious about what passing the entrance exam had to do with staying on her good side.

“Why?”

“Why? Because I’m going to become an incredibly strong martial artist and become the family head! Though I’ll have to beat Brother Min first…”

Namgung So-hwa laughed hoho at something she found amusing after finishing her sentence.

“Anyway, good luck with the exam! Though you look like you might struggle since you’re so young… But it’s not impossible for people our age to pass. Of course, I’m going to pass.”

Namgung So-hwa turned around, then suddenly turned back and asked.

“Oh right! What’s your name?”

“Ha Hyeon. Shin Ha Hyeon.”

“Shin Ha Hyeon? Good. I’ll remember that.”

Namgung So-hwa disappeared into the crowd after saying everything she wanted to say.

‘If she’s the Sword Saint’s granddaughter, does that make her my cousin?’

Although he couldn’t tell her they were relatives, he figured there would come a day to tell her since he was going to continue living in the Namgung Family. And he felt a small sense of relief.

Even though it was his mother’s family, seeing someone he could call family right before his eyes made him feel he wasn’t really alone in this land.

But Ha Hyeon’s contemplation didn’t last long.

“Come this way and check your numbers! When your number is called, enter the Blue dragon pavillion!”

Someone who appeared to be a servant shouted as he posted a large paper on the Blue dragon pavillion’s outer wall.

The paper had numbers written next to names, and Ha Hyeon’s name was written at the very end. It seemed that although registration had ended, his grandfather had registered him last night.

“Number one, enter!”

Shortly after, with the staff member’s call, people began entering the Blue dragon pavillion one by one.

“What! They call this a test! This isn’t just making fun of people!”

Some came out complaining before even a quarter hour had passed.

“Ah… Couldn’t you give me just one more chance? If I try once more, I can do better.”

“The next test will be next year.”

Some were begging, seemingly having failed the test by a narrow margin.

And occasionally, there were those who walked out confidently with their shoulders high and relaxed expressions – their faces clearly showing they had passed, visible even from ten li away.

‘The pass rate isn’t even one in ten.’

Being last in line, Ha Hyeon observed the expressions of those coming out after their tests while waiting for his turn. The pass rate could certainly not be called high.

‘This was the first test, they said. Since there’s a second test too, the number of people who pass will decrease even more.’

There were hundreds of applicants, but so far fewer than thirty had passed. And among those who passed was Namgung So-hwa.

“Ju-wan! I passed!”

“Congratulations, young miss. I knew you would do well.”

“Really? Thank you, Ju-wan.”

Namgung So-hwa came out of the Blue dragon pavillion with an expression suggesting she’d done something obvious. She seemed quite pleased, even subtly bragging to the servant who had been calling out the examinees.

“Next is… only one person left. Young Master Shin Ha Hyeon. Please enter the Blue dragon pavillion.”

After waiting for more than three hours, Ha Hyeon’s name was finally called.

“Thank you.”

Ha Hyeon immediately sprang into the Blue dragon pavillion. Though it had been a long wait, Ha Hyeon’s physical condition was near perfect. This was because he hadn’t just idly passed the time, but had been circulating the Creating Heaven Great Cultivation Art while waiting.

“Come up here.”

Upon opening the doors of the Blue dragon pavillion, the first thing visible was a large training ground. A training ground so vast that even a hundred martial artists could train simultaneously without lacking space. And on that training ground stood two martial artists. One of them opened his mouth cheerfully upon seeing Ha Hyeon.

“You must be Ha Hyeon? I heard about you from the Master. I am Namgung Gyu-hyeon. I’m the basic martial arts instructor at the Blue dragon pavillion.”

The friendly-looking martial artist spoke to Ha Hyeon with a smiling face.

“I’ve heard about your circumstances, but we must conduct the entrance exam fairly. If you fail, I’ll train you so you can pass next year’s test.”

“Thank you.”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon began the test in earnest.

“Now, the first test is about movement techniques. Our Namgung Family has traditionally focused on sword techniques. However, what makes those sword techniques stand out is the footwork. With footwork as the foundation, one can wield the sword brilliantly above it.”

When Ha Hyeon turned his head to look at the training ground, it was covered in footprints so densely they were barely visible.

“This test is simple. Just follow all the footprints on this training ground. However, you can’t fall or slow down in the middle. Of course, you can’t step on the same footprint twice.”

“Does the direction matter?”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon kindly explained the test method.

“No. Whether you go left, right, up, down, or diagonally is up to you.”

“Thank you for explaining.”

Ha Hyeon bowed his head and stood on the training ground. He looked at the footprints for a moment, deciding his route in his mind.

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap

After deciding his route, he moved his feet without hesitation. There wasn’t even a need to use internal energy for such a test. Ha Hyeon began following the footprints easily, as if crossing stepping stones across a stream.

“W-what is this?”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon was so surprised he couldn’t continue speaking. They said he was only ten years old and had never properly learned martial arts, but…

Tap-tap-tap

“Is this the end?”

By stepping on the last three footprints almost simultaneously, Ha Hyeon had managed to step on all the footprints in less than a quarter hour. Of course, without even breaking a sweat.