The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family Chapter 15

The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family

Chapter 15

Ha Hyeon’s sword scattered with a whoosh, seemingly unable to handle his inner force.

‘Ah, no. Was it that intense?’

Namgung Gyu-hyeon unconsciously covered his mouth. It was well known that Paeng Heon-hong’s inner force was far superior to his peers. And he also knew that Ha Hyeon was much more exceptional than his peers. But he hadn’t expected it to be to this extent. The level of martial prowess they just demonstrated in their spar seemed worthy of not just a regular member, but even an elite member. Looking closely at Ha Hyeon’s condition, though he was trying to stand straight, his entire body was trembling slightly.

‘One strike. He poured all his inner force into this one strike.’

Namgung Gyu-hyeon couldn’t help but marvel once more internally. In terms of absolute inner force quantity, Paeng Heon-hong surpassed Ha Hyeon. However, in terms of energy manipulation, Ha Hyeon was far ahead of Paeng Heon-hong. Unlike Paeng Heon-hong who was still inexperienced in this aspect, Ha Hyeon could channel all his energy into a single swing. That’s why this clash resulted in such a decisive outcome.

Clatter-

Paeng Heon-hong dropped his split wooden sword. His hands trembled as if he couldn’t muster any strength in them. However, his face looked more refreshed than ever as he said,

“I lost.”

His expression was so refreshed it was hard to believe this was the same person who had been passionately arguing with Namgung Gyu-hyeon earlier. Perhaps due to expending all his inner force? Compared to the loser Heon-hong’s face, the winner Ha Hyeon’s complexion had turned pale. Seeing Ha Hyeon in this state, on the verge of collapse with some energy still remaining in himself, Paeng Heon-hong didn’t make any excuses. What if these had been real swords? Ha Hyeon’s sword would have cleaved right through his body. No one could survive being split in two.

Paeng Heon-hong first deeply bowed his head to Namgung Gyu-hyeon and said,

“Master. For my rudeness today. I have committed a grave offense. From now on, I will follow your words without doubt.”

Then to Ha Hyeon, he made a cupped fist salute with his still trembling hands and said,

“I learned a lot. Thank you truly.”

“Ah, I…”

“I only now realize how arrogant I was. I will train harder and definitely catch up to you.”

“I also learned a lot. Thank you.”

Ha Hyeon returned the cupped fist salute and slightly bowed his head. And between the two of them, Namgung Gyu-hyeon barely managed to contain his urge to cheer out loud.

‘This batch is by far the best among all the trainees I’ve taught. How fortunate.’

But outwardly, he maintained a serious expression and said,

“Good. That’s a good mindset. Heon-hong. I’ve seen a different side of you today from what you’ve shown so far.”

“Thank you, Master.”

“And Ha Hyeon.”

“Yes, Master.”

After a moment’s deliberation, Namgung Gyu-hyeon seemed to make a decision and spoke.

“Go rest now for today. And focus only on getting your body in the best condition until tomorrow.”

“I’d like to train more after taking a short rest.”

However, Ha Hyeon had to nod at Gyu-hyeon’s next words.

“I’m moving your promotion test up to tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow…!”

Ha Hyeon nodded with a stern expression.

That night. Gaibong Murim Alliance.

“Hmm…”

Namgung Mu-ryong, head of the Namgung family and Sword Venerable, pressed his temples while letting out a groan from his growing migraine.

“Hey, old man Namgung. Having a headache?”

“Ah, you’re here?”

“Yes. Of course you’ll get headaches staying in this gloomy Murim Alliance instead of your nice home. Why don’t you head back now instead of wrestling with problems that have no answers?”

“It’s already been nearly three months since I left the family. It is about time to return.”

The orthodox martial arts world, led by the Murim Alliance, had found their first clue that the massacre of small sects and families that began about a year ago was the work of the Demonic Cult. Since the Shin family, where Namgung Mu-ryong’s daughter had married into, was also among the victims, this meant that his daughter and son-in-law’s enemy was the Demonic Cult.

“Hah, yes. There’s new information.”

“Did some new information come in?”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. It might be nothing significant.”

“It’s nothing significant?”

“We found some interesting commonalities, but we can’t figure out what they mean.”

Chwiwol Geolgae motioned for Namgung Mu-ryong to sit back down, then plopped down in a chair himself and continued speaking.

“The mansions and sects that were massacred had two things in common. First, between fifteen to twenty years ago, an outsider came in and settled down.”

“For example, someone like Shin Ji-hyuk of the Shin family?”

“Right. And there’s one more thing. In each massacred mansion, there was a room, storage, or at least a granary that was cleaned spotlessly without a speck of dust.”

“Perhaps the outsiders erased traces from their own rooms?”

“That’s not it either. Some places weren’t suitable for human habitation. How could someone live for ten or fifteen years in underground caves or granaries?”

Namgung Mu-ryong nodded.

“Then it means something happened in those rooms.”

“Yes. But we can’t figure out what that something was.”

Chwiwol Geolgae clicked his tongue as he spoke. Even though the Gaebang organization has the best intelligence network in Murim, they felt frustrated that they still couldn’t grasp the truth behind the incident.

“Still, it’s impressive to get this far starting from nothing. As expected of Chwiwol Geolgae.”

“Hey! Mu-ryong, don’t tease me.”

When Namgung Mu-ryong praised him, although Chwiwol Geolgae told him not to, his mood seemed to have improved as his expression was brighter than before.

“Well, and now I’ll tell you news that will make you want to go home.”

“Oh, I’m already looking forward to what news it might be.”

“This is very fresh news that I just received a moment ago…”

Chwiwol Geolgae smiled slightly, paused for a moment, then spoke again.

“Your grandson, well… he’s taking his advancement test tomorrow.”

“Ho ho… Is that true?”

“Well, have you ever seen me speak empty words?”

“No. Absolutely not.”

As soon as the word ‘grandson’ was mentioned, warm smiles appeared on the faces of Namgung Mu-ryong and Chwiwol Geolgae. Namgung Mu-ryong was already recalling the bright eyes and handsome face of his grandson whom he hadn’t seen for several months.

“The news came from a messenger from the Namgung family, so it should be accurate. I hear there’s quite a commotion in the Namgung family because of this fact. Ah, I should have taken that kid as my disciple.”

“Haha. It’s not too late even now. Go try to persuade Ha Hyeon.”

“Tch. That kid’s a lost cause. Even though I carried that big fellow on my back for hundreds of li despite my aching waist, he immediately clung to his grandfather whom he met for the first time. Aigh, how can someone without family live with such heartache?”

Although his words were full of complaints, Chwiwol Geolgae’s face was blooming with smiles. Despite being from different martial arts sects and only spending a few days together, he showed no intention of holding back his affection for Ha Hyeon.

“Well, later when that kid is struggling with movement techniques, I might secretly give him some pointers.”

“Haha. Good. Isn’t Chwiwol Geolgae’s movement technique renowned throughout the martial arts world? It would definitely be more helpful than just learning from our Namgung family.”

“My my. Look at this. Who knew the old Namgung could speak such flattering words? Is your late-found grandson that precious?”

“Haha… Well…”

Chwiwol Geolgae continued to tease Namgung Mu-ryong, who seemed too embarrassed to respond.

While Namgung Mu-ryong was being tormented, someone appeared to save him.

Knock knock-

“Father. It’s Gi-hyeon. May I come in?”

“Come in.”

Namgung Mu-ryong happily responded to the voice from outside the door. Chwiwol Geolgae looked at the door with something seemingly regretful, clicking his tongue. Soon the door opened, and a figure entered. A height that could be believed to be seven feet tall, and shoulders twice the width of an average adult man. He was a muscular man who looked as if he had been carved from rock. He had the appearance of a martial artist who seemed to have trained in external rather than internal martial arts.

“Elder Chwiwol Geolgae, you were here as well.”

“Yes. Are you still here? Haven’t you left the Namgung family empty for too long?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m planning to head back soon.”

“Oh? So your mission has finally ended?”

“Yes. In today’s meeting with the Murim Alliance Leader, we concluded that the Sado faction was not involved in the extermination of the smaller martial arts groups.”

Chwiwol Geolgae and Namgung Mu-ryong nodded.

Then Chwiwol Geolgae, as if remembering someone, naturally smiled and said:

“So now you’ll finally get to see that kid too.”

“By that kid, you mean Yeongryeong’s son… Ha Hyeon?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Huhu. I’ve heard many rumors. They said he beat Hwan in the entrance test. I heard he’s a once-in-a-generation talent.”

“Yes. Comparable to Min.”

When Namgung Min’s name came up, even Namgung Gi-hyeon’s fierce face broke into a grin. Namgung Min was his only son and his pride.

“Oh my, your smiling face is truly frightening. You look just like a bandit chief. It’s fortunate Min doesn’t take after you.”

“Haha. Your joke goes too far. Min is exactly like me.”

“Even this beggar knows that lying is a sin.”

Namgung Mu-ryong genuinely laughed for the first time in a while, watching the two bicker. It had always been this way.

Chwiwol Geolgae, who seemed to live however he pleased but actually had deep feelings for others, and Namgung Gi-hyeon, who didn’t appear so at first glance but was actually the kindest person in the world.

Whenever the two met, they always made him laugh.

“Father, won’t you return with us? After all, all we can do now is wait.”

“Yes. We should return. Home, that is.”

“Yes. Home.”

Namgung Mu-ryong and Gi-hyeon felt a strange nostalgia at the word ‘home’.

No matter how well they were treated at the Murim Alliance, no place was as comfortable as home.

“If you want to come along, you’re welcome to join us.”

“Ah, would that be alright?”

“Wouldn’t you follow anyway even if I said no?”

“Hahaha! That’s right. The food at the Murim Alliance doesn’t taste good. A proper beggar should beg for better-tasting food even when begging.”

“If only you couldn’t speak.”

Namgung Mu-ryong and Chwiwol Geolgae looked at each other and burst out laughing again.

“And…”

“Yes. I thought you might feel that way.”

Seeing Namgung Mu-ryong understand his friend’s heart without words, Chwiwol Geolgae grinned. Ha Hyeon was also a major reason why Chwiwol Geolgae wanted to go to the Namgung family.

The morning of Ha Hyeon’s advancement test. The reason Namgung Gyu-hyeon could move Ha Hyeon’s advancement test to today was simple. It was because the Blue dragon pavilion’s advancement test was very simple and straightforward. However, simple didn’t mean it was easy. Namgung Gyu-hyeon took Ha Hyeon deep into the family compound. For a normal advancement test, Gyu-hyeon would have come alone, but today, for some reason, Namgung Gi-cheol was with them as well. Though he denied it, it was clear he came along because he wanted to see how well his nephew would perform.

“What kind of test will I be taking today?” Ha Hyeon, who had been silently following them, finally spoke up. He couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer while staying quiet.

“Haha. I wondered when you’d ask. We’re almost there, so wait just a bit longer.”

“Yes, sir.”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon walked a bit further before finally stopping.

“Here we are.”

At these words, Ha Hyeon looked around. However, nothing particularly special caught his eye in this place. Except for one tower built of steel ingots that seemed out of place in the estate.

Namgung Gyu-hyeon knocked on the steel tower several times with a thud. Though he seemed to hit it with considerable force, the tower didn’t budge at all.

“Looks sturdy even at first glance, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does.”

Ha Hyeon’s face showed his confusion. From Gyu-hyeon’s actions, he could tell the test would involve this steel tower, but he couldn’t guess exactly what he was supposed to do with it.

“Here. Take this.”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon handed Ha Hyeon a sword in its scabbard that he had carefully brought along.

Shing

Ha Hyeon slightly drew the sword from its scabbard to look at it. Even at first glance, it was clearly a well-forged sword of superior grade.

‘I want it.’

Ha Hyeon suddenly felt an unbidden desire to own the sword. He was already a martial artist to his very bones.

“Do you want it? Then pass the test. If you pass the test and become a member, I’ll give you this sword as a gift.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“What are the test requirements?”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon pointed to the steel tower with one hand while holding up three fingers with the other as he spoke.

“Three times. Bring down that tower with three sword strikes. However, you can’t throw your body at it, and the sword must not break. You must bring down the tower using only swordsmanship.”