The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family
Chapter 46
Ha-Hyun immediately recognized what kind of family the Paeng clan was upon seeing the sign that read “Northern Paeng Family.”
He had heard about his family from Paeng Heon-hong several times before. They were a righteous faction that valued justice and chivalry, but unlike typical righteous factions, this place was governed by the logic of power.
“Who are you, honored guest?”
The leader of the guards at the Northern Paeng Family’s estate entrance respectfully asked Namgung Mu-ryong.
The muscular giant was comparable in size to Namgung Gi-hyeon.
“A considerable master,” Ha-Hyun thought, noting the imposing presence of the guards at the estate entrance. Each had massive builds with bulging muscles, supported by what seemed to be strong inner energy.
“I’m here to see Gil-san. Is he in?”
“Gil-san? You mean the family head?”
“Yes, Master Paeng.”
A young guard nearby, not the one conversing with Namgung Mu-ryong, raised his voice angrily.
“Who do you think you are to speak of the master so casually? Leave before we force you out!”
“Hmm… but we are friends.”
“What! I’llâ”
“W-wait!”
The leader hurriedly stopped the guard who was rolling up his sleeves to approach Namgung Mu-ryong.
“Captain, why are youâ”
“Can’t you read the situation? Be quiet!”
The captain’s voice trembled as he deeply bowed to Namgung Mu-ryong, ignoring his subordinate’s confused stare.
“Sword Saint, please forgive our discourtesy. I beg your pardon.”
Namgung Mu-ryong responded with a good-natured laugh.
“No need. It’s partly my fault for coming unannounced. It’s been fifteen years since I last visited. It’s understandable that young folks wouldn’t recognize me. They were just doing their duty guarding the estate.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The young guard who had been listening turned ghostly pale, looking as if his soul might leave his body.
“S-Sword Saint! I’m so sorry!”
“Ha ha. I said don’t worry about it.”
Ha-Hyun found this scene strangely unfamiliar. Even the renowned Paeng family trembled before his grandfather. Though to him he was just a comfortable grandfather and master, he felt the immense weight his title of Sword Saint carried in the martial arts world.
“By the way, you look familiar… Have we met before?”
“I’m Paeng Yong-so. Do you perhaps remember me?”
Namgung Mu-ryong studied him before clapping once as recognition dawned.
“Ah! I remember now. You’re Gil-san’s ill-mannered nephew from back then.”
“Ahem. I was rather hot-blooded then.”
“Haha. How’s that broken leg now?”
“Fortunately or unfortunately, you broke it so cleanly that it healed perfectly.”
“Heh heh. My apologies. I was quite hot-blooded myself.”
Everyone listening could guess what had happened in the past. Clearly, Paeng Yong-so had challenged Namgung Mu-ryong and been thoroughly defeated.
“I’ll escort you personally. This way please. And those who came with you…”
“Ah. They’re my direct family. We have business with the Moyong family.”
“Ah…! I heard about that. It seems the Moyong family is deliberately escalating things…”
Paeng Yong-so glanced back before continuing carefully.
“Of course, I’m not worried about you, Sword Saint… but will it be alright? Your two sons and eldest grandson are already renowned throughout the martial world for their skills, but there seem to be young children too…”
Paeng Yong-so spoke cautiously, aware his words might sound like he was looking down on the Namgung family.
But fortunately, Namgung Mu-ryong didn’t misinterpret his concern.
“Haha. Thank you for your concern. Just wait for the duel results. You might be surprised.”
“Haha. I worried needlessly then. Please, come inside. I’ll inform the family head.”
“Thank you.”
Following Paeng Yong-so’s servant, they entered the Northern Paeng Family estate one by one, with Namgung Gi-hyeon carrying large luggage last.
“…”
“…”
Just before entering, Namgung Gi-hyeon’s eyes met Paeng Yong-so’s, and they silently gazed at each other briefly.
“Hnngh!”
“Haah!”
Suddenly, without prompting, both men tensed their muscles in display.
“Oh…”
*nod*
They nodded at each other’s muscles.
“Pleased to meet you. As you heard earlier, I’m Paeng Yong-so of the Northern Paeng Family.”
“Namgung Gi-hyeon of the Namgung Family.”
“Haha. I thought so. Please, come in.”
Though they had just met, they spoke like old friends reuniting.
“Thank you. Excuse me then.”
Namgung Gi-hyeon entered the estate with a smile.
Sometimes, things can be communicated without words.
* * *
“Mu-ryong! It’s been a while!”
“Gil-san! How long has it been.”
After waiting briefly where the servant guided them, someone burst through the door in less than a quarter hour.
“Wow…”
Ha-Hyun couldn’t help but gape.
The man was a head taller than even Namgung Gi-hyeon, whom he had thought unrivaled in height and build â truly deserving to be called a giant.
It was the Iron Disciple Paeng Gil-san.
“You could have let me know you were coming.”
“You would have dropped everything to come, so I didn’t.”
“Still as cold as ever, I see.”
Paeng Gil-san shot Namgung Mu-ryong a playful glare before laughing heartily, despite his imposing build.
“I hope my youngest son isn’t causing too much trouble.”
“I told Heon-hong to send you regular letters. Haven’t you heard how hard he’s working at our family?”
“Haha. Letters come every few days, but can I trust everything my son says?”
“He’s doing very well. You needn’t worry.”
“If you say so, it must be true. What a relief!”
Paeng Gil-san laughed joyfully, his booming voice resonating through the spacious room.
“Hey, is anyone there?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Prepare the best rooms and finest food and wine for our guests. Today is a special day.”
“Understood.”
The servant vanished at Paeng Gil-san’s command.
“Come, let’s talk while we wait for the rooms.”
“Gladly.”
Paeng Gil-san and Namgung Mu-ryong chatted continuously, making up for their rare meetings.
“Grandfather, I have a question.”
“You must be So-hwa. I’ve heard much about you. What’s your question?”
Paeng Gil-san smiled warmly, his demeanor belying his title of Iron Disciple.
“I noticed all the Paeng family members are huge and muscular…”
“Haha. True. Whether genetics or our training, we all have manly builds.”
“Oh. Then will Paengâ”
“Paeng?”
“Eek.”
So-hwa quickly corrected herself.
“Will Master Paeng’s youngest son…”
“Heon-hong?”
“Yes. Will Brother Paeng grow that big too?”
Paeng Gil-san laughed heartily before answering.
“Unfortunately, Gil-san takes after his mother, not us. He can’t build such a manly physique. Even with intense training, he doesn’t gain muscle. It’s quite disappointing.”
“Ah. Ha ha. That’s too bad.”
So-hwa expressed sympathy but secretly felt relieved.
“Why am I relieved? Really…”
As So-hwa’s expression fluctuated, a servant announced their rooms and banquet were ready.
“Good. Shall we continue our talk over food?”
“Let’s.”
Paeng Gil-san led everyone to the banquet hall.
* * *
Paeng Gil-san treated Namgung Mu-ryong and his family with utmost hospitality.
The amount of food was extraordinary.
Each table held enormous trays piled high with various dishes.
“One of the best things about living in Beijing is the abundance of both seafood and meat. Please eat plenty.”
Namgung Mu-ryong, in unusually good spirits, enjoyed wine and time with his friend.
“Iron Disciple, we siblings formally greet you.”
Namgung Min led his siblings in greeting Paeng Gil-san.
“Ah, you must be the Azure Dragon Divine Sword.”
“You flatter me. The title is excessive.”
“Ha! Too much modesty becomes a flaw.”
“And you must be Hwan. Heon-hong told me how well you take care of our youngest.”
“Not at all. Heon-hong is good to me.”
Paeng Gil-san turned to So-hwa.
“We’ve met already, So-hwa? Haha. I heard you recently defeated Heon-hong in sparring… You seem quite talented indeed.”
“Brother Paeng told you that too?”
“Of course. Paeng men hide nothing.”
“Then did he mention how he always teases me?”
“No? But he did say there was an adorable lady.”
So-hwa frowned slightly.
“I thought you said Paeng men hide nothing. I guess Brother Paeng isn’t a true Paeng. Hmph. May I return to my seat?”
“Go ahead.”
Paeng Gil-san beamed at So-hwa’s potentially impertinent behavior, sending the children back to their seats.
Only Ha-hyun remained.
“And… you must be Ha-hyun.”
“Pleased to meet you, Iron Disciple.”
Paeng Gil-san stared intensely at Ha-hyun.
His gaze was so piercing it seemed it could bore through someone.
When Ha-hyun met his gaze steadily, his eyes flashed before returning to their usual warmth.
“In Heon-hong’s recent letters, eight… no, nine-tenths were about you.”
“Is that so?”
“Hahaha! What training he did with you today, what insights he gained while practicing with you, and even detailed stories about wanting to learn from your mindset while watching you train.”
The contents would have mortified Paeng Heon-hong if he knew his father revealed everything. He seemed to view Ha-hyun not just as a colleague, but as someone to admire.
While Ha-hyun hesitated to respond, Paeng Gil-san burst out laughing.
“Hahaha! Never tell Heon-hong I revealed his letters. Understand? With his personality, he’ll never write again.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.”
“And would tomorrow evening work for you? I’d like to meet briefly.”
Paeng Gil-san lowered his voice slightly.
“I think you know why I’m asking for your time.”
Ha-hyun nodded. Surely Heon-hong’s letters mentioned how Ha-hyun created the Moonlight Sword Technique after seeing the Primal Thunder Blade Technique.
“Would you show me that sword technique? Of course, I’ll compensate you well.”
Instead of answering, Ha-hyun looked toward his grandfather. Namgung Mu-ryong met his gaze with a slight nod, suggesting this was already arranged.
“May I request what I want as compensation?”
“Of course! Anything within my power.”
Paeng Gil-san nodded enthusiastically.
Ha-hyun agreed and returned to his seat.
“Since fate brought us together, please let me know if you need anything! Let’s enjoy ourselves!”
Paeng Gil-san’s cheer elevated the banquet’s mood.
“Hyun-ah, we’re free tomorrow afternoon. Shall we all go sightseeing in Beijing?”
“Sure, sister.”
“Great!”
While So-hwa seemed excited, Ha-hyun was lost in thought.
‘What should I ask Master Paeng for?’
Even while eating, Ha-hyun contemplated tomorrow evening’s meeting with Paeng Gil-san, feeling strangely eager for that moment.
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