The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family Chapter 16

The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family

Chapter 16

‘Is this even possible?’

Ha Hyeon’s first thought was one of doubt. The steel tower, neatly stacked to about the height of an adult man, was enough to intimidate anyone who faced it.

‘Maybe there’s some special mechanism in this sword?’

This time, he carefully examined the iron sword. Even Ha Hyeon, who was holding a real sword for the first time in his life, could feel that it was a well-made, sturdy sword. However, it was definitely not some legendary sword capable of splitting rocks or cutting the sky.

“May I touch it?”

“Yes. Go ahead. If you had started swinging the sword right away, I would have been disappointed.”

“The saying ‘Understanding your opponent is the starting point of victory’ applies not just to people, but to inanimate objects like this as well, I see.”

“That’s right.”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon smiled slightly, seemingly pleased that Ha Hyeon perfectly remembered the teachings he had given during training sessions.

Tap

Ha Hyeon approached the tower and placed his hand on it. The steel tower was very precisely constructed. The square steel ingots stacked layer by layer looked almost like one giant iron box when viewed from afar.

Swoosh

This time, Ha Hyeon let his fingertips brush across the tower’s surface. A cool sensation seemed to flow from the tower’s surface. As he ran his fingers down the smooth surface while heightening his senses, Ha Hyeon soon felt something odd.

Tick tick tick tick

Though the surface appeared smooth, Ha Hyeon’s fingertips caught on something very slightly. The places where his fingers caught were where the steel ingots met each other.

‘Though it appears to be one piece, it’s not really one.’

A very faint amount of true qi flowed from Ha Hyeon’s fingertips. The true qi flowing from his fingertips slowly began to flow across the tower’s surface. And like liquid, the qi flowing across the surface began to seep into the spaces between the ingots.

Siiik

Ha Hyeon smiled. He had found the key to solving this test.

‘Though it looks like one piece, it’s not. Though it seems there are no gaps, every place where the ingots meet is a gap. So, while it appears to have no weaknesses… it’s actually full of them.’

Ha Hyeon stepped back one step from the tower, grasped the scabbard in his right hand, and resheathed the sword. Then, lowering his stance, he gently gripped the sword handle with his left hand.

“Battojutsu?”

Namgung Gi-cheol expressed his doubt as if he couldn’t understand. Normally, one hundred out of one hundred trainees who pass this test use a two-handed sword stance. Gripping the sword tightly with both hands, protecting the sword with all the internal energy they can muster while using force to push over the tower. It was a crude but easy method that used internal energy to turn the sword into a club of sorts – if one had good physique and internal energy, it didn’t require much thinking. But Ha Hyeon was in a battojutsu stance. Battojutsu is originally a stance for lightning-fast first strikes. It’s a stance that sacrifices power for speed.

‘With overwhelming internal energy, one could certainly bring down this tower with swift strikes… or even cut it completely. But Ha Hyeon’s internal energy level is definitely not at that level. Is this his first encounter with a wall?’

Namgung Gi-cheol thought Ha Hyeon’s sword would break. The moment the sword breaks, all three chances would be lost, and he would fail immediately. If that happened, Ha Hyeon would have to return to trainee status and restart basic training.

“No, surely…”

But Namgung Gyu-hyeon’s expression was unusual. His face showed the same amazement as when Ha Hyeon first copied the Infinite Step. Just yesterday he had joked with Namgung Gi-cheol that nothing Ha Hyeon did would surprise them anymore, but in just one day, he was physically contradicting his words.

“Inhale- exhale. Inhale- exhale.”

Ha Hyeon prepared to explode his internal true qi while breathing naturally. After taking several deep breaths like this…

Woong

The sword began to cry out. It was the sound of the iron sword vibrating as it greedily consumed internal energy, as if enjoying a delicious meal. However, unlike the thick and heavy qi of the martial artists who had passed this test until now, it was extremely thin and sharp qi. If qi were visible to the eye, some might have described it like this: like thin ice.

‘For this moment, I practiced cutting exactly where I want thousands, tens of thousands of times.’

Ha Hyeon could understand the intention of whoever created this test. He needed to precisely strike the sword into the gaps between the iron blocks, those barely visible spaces, and channel his qi through. If he failed to swing the sword as intended and hit the surface instead of the gap…

‘This sword would break.’

Ha Hyeon casually drew and swung the sword.

Jjeong!

When the sword, swung at a speed invisible to the eye, collided with the steel tower, a sound like a struck gong rang out. At the moment the sword met the tower, qi poured out like rapids from the sword and settled into the joints between the pieces. And at that moment…

Rumble- Crash

The steel tower that seemed like it wouldn’t budge even in a typhoon collapsed with a thunderous sound.

“Impossible…”

“I was quite clumsy since it was my first try. I used too much force due to my anxiety about possibly failing to bring it down. I think I could do better if I tried again, but I suppose this attempt is a failure.”

Ha Hyeon made a sad face and held out the sword to Gyu-hyeon. The sword appeared fine at first glance, but had a tiny chip where it had contacted the steel tower.

“Ha… Hahaha. You didn’t listen to my words properly. I said the sword shouldn’t break, not that it couldn’t be damaged.”

“That means…”

“Yes. You pass. You’re now an official member of the Blue Dragon Pavilion.”

“Thank you!”

Ha Hyeon bowed deeply with a loud exclamation. His bowed face wore a genuinely happy smile.

“I was going to give you that sword as promised but… unfortunately it’s chipped. Since this will be your first sword, wouldn’t it be better to receive a new one rather than repair it?”

“No, no. I like this sword.”

Ha Hyeon said while hugging the sword tightly, as if afraid Gyu-hyeon would take it away. Namgung Gyu-hyeon thought this was the first time he’d seen such attachment from him, but then remembered something else and shook his head.

‘That kid. I thought he was only obsessed with martial arts, but now I see he’s the same way with swords.’

Gyu-hyeon spoke, thinking that a child is still a child after all.

“Haha. Then we should have it repaired right away. Oh, since it’s your sword now, would you go to the blacksmith’s shop just outside the estate grounds and have it repaired?”

“Yes, I understand.”

Many martial artists reside in the Namgung family compound. For many people to live, they need food ingredients and clothing. Because other daily necessities are also needed, a small market had formed right outside the estate grounds. Especially being a martial arts family, there’s high demand for weapons and equipment. It was almost inevitable that skilled blacksmiths would set up shops around the estate.

“Go right now. If you say you’re from the Namgung family, they won’t charge you. And for today, return to your quarters and rest.”

“Yes, Master. Thank you.”

Ha Hyeon welcomed Gyu-hyeon’s kindness as he wanted to organize the insights he had just gained. After Ha Hyeon disappeared with quick steps. Gyu-hyeon finally smiled a relieved, hollow laugh.

“Hahaha…”

“Ha Hyeon is truly remarkable. Hundreds, thousands of trainees have passed this test, but I’ve never seen anyone bring down that steel tower like that.”

“Elder Brother Gi-cheol. Do you know something?”

“What is it?”

“I’ve seen it once before.”

“Oh?”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon began to recall something from his distant memories with a deflated expression.

“When this steel tower was first built… That’s when I saw it.”

“When it was first built? Tell me more.”

“The Family Head. When the Family Head first built this tower and demonstrated how to bring it down. This is how he did it.”

“Father did that?”

Namgung Gyu-hyeon just nodded instead of answering.

“Then why haven’t you told anyone until now that this was how to bring down the steel tower?”

“The Family Head told me not to tell anyone.”

“Why?”

“He said that if someone ever appeared who could bring down the tower in the same way as him, he would take that person as his direct disciple.”

“Ah…!”

Namgung Gi-cheol’s expression showed he now understood everything. His father Namgung Mu-ryong hadn’t taken a single direct disciple since the Blue Dragon Pavilion was established. As the head of the Namgung family and the first master of the Blue Dragon Pavilion, he taught martial arts generously to everyone, but that was just part of group education. He had never personally passed on his martial arts.

“So that’s why he didn’t take even Min, the once-in-a-generation talent, as his disciple?”

Namgung Gi-cheol was Namgung Min’s master. At that time, Namgung Gi-cheol had asked his father several times to take Min as his disciple. But each time, the answer was the same. That Namgung Gi-cheol was a more suitable master for Min than himself.

“Yes. Although Min showed overwhelming strength, he used the same method as others.”

“Then that means…”

“Yes. Finally. It seems the Family Head will take a disciple.”

Namgung Gi-cheol felt something hot rising in his chest. The reason he had so persistently asked his father to teach Namgung Min… No, the reason he had asked him to teach anyone at all was because Namgung Mu-ryong looked lonely. Nine years ago, when his mother, who had never learned martial arts, passed away from illness, Namgung Mu-ryong lived alone in solitude. It might have been different if his son or his younger brother Gi-hyeon had treated him warmly, but they seemed to be blockheads who didn’t know how to do so from birth. He had thought many times: if only Yeong-ryeong were here…

‘Yeong-ryeong. Though you couldn’t come, your son is filling your empty place for Father.’

Namgung Gi-cheol briefly thought this might all be fate, but soon shook his head and gritted his teeth.

‘No, there was no such fate that you had to die. I will, no, if I can’t do it, I’ll at least let your son avenge you.’

Though he appeared cold on the outside, he was swallowing more resentment than anyone else.

“Whew-“

But he soon regained his composure with a deep breath.

“Gyu-hyeon. Good work. Now let’s go to the main hall together. We need to deliver this news to Father.”

“Yes, Brother. He’ll surely be pleased.”

They too soon left the place. Only scattered steel ingots remained where Ha Hyeon had taken his test.

Clang- Clang- Clang

The endless sound of hammering metal.

Whoosh

And the hot air. Visiting a blacksmith’s shop for the first time in his life, Ha Hyeon was entranced watching everything.

“Ha Hyeon! What are you doing? We need to drop it off and go back quickly.”

“Ah, right. Sorry, Sister.”

“How can someone so absentminded survive in the martial world… No, are you sure you really passed the test?”

“No. That’s not it.”

“Ugh. Let’s not even talk about it.”

Namgung So-hwa walked into the blacksmith’s shop, ruffling her hair in irritation. Although it had been several months since Ha Hyeon started living in the Namgung family estate, surprisingly, he had never once stepped outside the grounds. Everything needed was available within the estate anyway.

‘I didn’t have time to go outside the estate when I barely had enough time for sword practice and qi training.’

It was also because he had been obsessively focused on martial arts training. That’s why Ha Hyeon had called out Namgung So-hwa, who was doing individual training due to Namgung Gyu-hyeon’s absence, and asked her to take him to the blacksmith.

“Welcome! Miss So-hwa, it’s been a while since you’ve come out?”

As they entered the blacksmith shop, a muscular man stopped hammering iron and greeted So-hwa warmly.

“Uncle Bangsan! I’ve been so busy with martial arts training that I haven’t had a chance to come out!”

“Haha. I think you’ve grown taller somehow?”

“Really? You’re not joking?”

“Of course not. What brings you here today? It doesn’t seem like you’re here to ask for toys like usual.”

At the mention of toys, So-hwa glanced quickly at Ha Hyeon. She felt like her dignity as an older sister would disappear if he found out she had toys made at the blacksmith’s. Fortunately, Ha Hyeon seemed completely uninterested.

“T-toys are for kids to play with! Anyway, that’s not important. Today we’re here because his sword got chipped and needs repair. Ha Hyeon! Quickly give your sword to uncle.”

“Okay…”

Ha Hyeon reluctantly drew the sword from its scabbard, which he had been preciously holding close, and handed it to Bangsan.

“Oh…? This is a sword issued to full members. How did you get this? Training students should be using wooden swords.”

Bangsan examined the sword and said. Being right next to the Namgung family estate, he seemed well-informed about internal family matters.

“He passed the full member promotion test today. That’s why he received this sword.”

“Really? Wow. That’s impressive.”

“Right? He’s my younger brother. They say he’s the youngest full member in Namgung family history.”

Bangsan looked at Ha Hyeon with interested eyes.

“That’s amazing. It gives me the same feeling as when I first saw Young Master Min. Young Master, may I ask your name?”

“It’s Ha Hyeon.”

“I see.”

Bangsan didn’t ask anything more after that. If he were a direct descendant of the Namgung family, he would have said ‘Namgung Ha Hyeon’, and if not, he might not want to talk about it.

“However, from what I can see, this sword seems a bit unsuitable for the young master.”

“What?”

“The sword is actually too short compared to the young master’s arm length. If you swing this sword naturally, it probably requires more strength than expected. And these marks show that the chips were likely caused by having to use extra force.”

Ha Hyeon nodded several times. It was exactly as Bangsan had said.

“Then what kind of sword would suit me?”

“Would you come here for a moment?”

When Ha Hyeon stood in front of Bangsan, he touched Ha Hyeon’s shoulders and arms, moved them up and down, and said:

“In your case, it would be better to use a thin and long sword. You might think it’s too big now since you’re still growing, but from what I can see, you will grow significantly. Please wait a moment.”

Bangsan went into the back of the smithy and brought out a sword wrapped in cloth.

“Here. Now try swinging this sword. It’s natural to feel the sword tip is cumbersome at first.”

Ha Hyeon received the sword with sparkling eyes and swung it with a whoosh.

“Wow.”

Then he let out a soft exclamation of amazement. It felt like it was sticking perfectly to his hand. Except for the tip feeling cumbersome due to the sword being longer than expected, as Bangsan had mentioned, it felt like an extension of his arm.

“Haha. Is it alright?”

“Thank you.”

Ha Hyeon bowed his head deeply in gratitude.

“The cumbersome feeling will naturally disappear as you grow taller and your arms get longer. There’s also another way – training and swinging the sword until you get used to it.”

“I see. Then this sword… can I take it?”

“Of course. But let’s see… there should be a scabbard for that size, but I might need to look for it. You’ll probably need to come back another time.”

Ha Hyeon thought for a moment, then spoke again.

“I’m really sorry but… could you look for it now?”

Bangsan found Ha Hyeon’s serious expression cute and smiled, saying he would, then went back inside again. Some time passed. Ha Hyeon, who was fidgeting impatiently, said to Namgung So-hwa.

“Sister, I’m really sorry, but could you receive the scabbard for me?”

“What? Hey! I’m in training time right now!”

“You always wanted to skip anyway. I’ll explain well to the master.”

“What do you mean explain well? You’re going to go straight to the empty lot next to our quarters to practice sword swinging.”

“Ah! You know me well. Thanks. Just bring the scabbard there. Thanks, sister.”

Ha Hyeon, eager to train, ran out of the blacksmith shop with the sword. It was an incredibly agile movement technique that contained the mysteries of infinite steps.

“Hey! Hey! Are you not going to stop?!”

Only Namgung So-hwa’s angry voice and Bangsan’s suppressed chuckling, finding their interaction amusing, echoed through the blacksmith shop.

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