The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family Chapter 44

The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family

Chapter 44

Some say that repeating the same thing every day makes time pass slowly.

However, this didn’t apply to the Namgung household, at least not to Ha Hyeon.

‘They say time flows like light, and truly, time passes too quickly to grasp.’

Ha Hyeon didn’t even have time to feel time passing.

Two more years had passed since Ha Hyeon came to the Namgung household.

During that time, Ha Hyeon’s achievements were literally dazzling, and his height had grown significantly.

As Chwiwol Geolgae had once told Ha Hyeon, he would sometimes be surprised at how much he had grown when he noticed.

Thanks to this, Ha Hyeon, who was already much taller than his peers, had now grown to look almost as tall as Namgung Hwan from a distance.

“Hyun-ah! Let’s spar again today.”

“Sister, I told you to wait until after I beat Brother Hwan… no, Brother Paeng first.”

“You’re really arrogant! I’ll teach you a lesson today. Really.”

Now fourteen years old and gradually shedding her girlish appearance, Namgung So-hwa displayed a pure beauty like a flower bud about to bloom.

Though her behavior might rival that of ten sons, her father Namgung Gi-cheol and her grandfather, the family head Namgung Muryong, actually liked this side of her.

‘So-hwa, you never need to feel inferior for being a woman. I only hope you’ll develop your abilities to their fullest.’

Her father supported So-hwa just as she was.

‘You remind me of Yeong-ryeong… your aunt when she was young. Actually, she had more talent and passion for martial arts than your father or uncle. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask this old man.’

Her grandfather helped So-hwa in various ways, recalling his memories of raising Yeong-ryeong.

And Ha Hyeon.

Ha Hyeon was So-hwa’s closest friend and rival.

Being only one year apart in age, he was always one step ahead of So-hwa, becoming her goal.

Tak!

The wooden swords clashed.

Though they had already received permission to use real swords, they used wooden ones during practice.

This was to prevent any accidental injuries to each other.

Whirlik!

So-hwa seemed to slightly release the force from her clashing sword, then spun around using Ha Hyeon’s sword as an axis and thrust her wooden sword.

“Eight Directions Wind and Rain!”

Ha Hyeon deflected that lightning-fast thrust with his wooden sword while shouting in surprise at So-hwa’s stance.

The form So-hwa had just shown was clearly the final form of the Three Elements Sword Technique, Eight Directions Wind and Rain.

However, if it had been just an ordinary Eight Directions Wind and Rain, Ha Hyeon wouldn’t have been surprised.

“This Eight Directions Wind and Rain is…!”

“Why? You didn’t think you were the only one who could do this, did you?”

The Eight Directions Wind and Rain she demonstrated was the wind-infused version that Ha Hyeon had been inspired to create after watching Namgung Min’s Three Elements Sword Technique last year.

Though there was a year’s difference, So-hwa was now following the same path Ha Hyeon had seen.

“That’s amazing!”

“That doesn’t sound right coming from someone who blocked it so easily.”

“Honestly, it wasn’t easy!”

Now it was Ha Hyeon’s turn.

Kung-

As Ha Hyeon stepped forward strongly.

Seuk-

Ha Hyeon momentarily disappeared from So-hwa’s view.

This could be a confusing situation for someone facing Ha Hyeon for the first time.

However, having watched Ha Hyeon most closely until now, So-hwa seemed to know what martial art Ha Hyeon had just shown, and swung her wooden sword widely behind her.

Whoong!

Pak-!

Ha Hyeon, who had vanished from So-hwa’s front, had already appeared behind her swinging his sword, and as a result, it clashed precisely with So-hwa’s sword.

“Wow, Sister. Today you’re really different!”

“I told you I’d teach you a lesson today!”

“At this level, you might be equal to Brother Paeng… no, maybe even stronger?”

Ha Hyeon smiled and took a clearly different stance than before.

It was the Moonlight Sword Technique stance often used in sword arts where one holds the sword with one hand instead of two, using the opposite arm for balance.

“I think this is the first time I’ve gone this far while sparring with you, Sister.”

Seuuk-

Moonlight Sword Technique First Form: Ten Thousand Moons Strike

Ha Hyeon’s sword drew a large circle as it moved toward So-hwa.

Though it wasn’t an incredibly fast speed, So-hwa instinctively felt.

‘If I dodge, I’ll get caught by the sword. The only options are to block or deflect it!’

So-hwa also unleashed a form of the Great Change Sword Technique in that brief moment.

Great Change Sword Technique Third Form: Great Change Heaven Net

So-hwa’s sword moved as if slow and unhurried, matching Ha Hyeon’s swinging speed, soon surrounding Ha Hyeon’s sword.

And then the two swords clashed.

Kagagagagak-

A sharp sound that was hard to believe came from wooden swords rang out.

Tangrang-

Finally, one of them lost their grip on their wooden sword.

“Ah! I lost again!”

“Wow… Sister, that was really dangerous this time.”

The one who dropped their sword was So-hwa.

So-hwa pulled at her hair as if truly frustrated this time, while Ha Hyeon calmed his startled heart.

“I really thought I could win this time!”

“I know. I almost dropped my sword and jumped back without even realizing it.”

“I’m already upset about losing, are you trying to tease me?”

“No, I’m really serious.”

So-hwa’s expression softened slightly as if she recognized the sincerity in Ha Hyeon’s face and voice.

“Am I really stronger than Brother Paeng… no, that Paeng guy?”

“Sister… not ‘that Paeng guy’ but Brother Paeng… you switched them.”

“Who cares if they’re switched. They’re both correct. Anyway, are you serious about me being stronger?”

“Yes. I sparred with Brother Paeng a few days ago. But you were much scarier just now.”

Sohwa, who had suddenly become cheerful, picked up the sword that had fallen to the ground and smiled faintly.

“That’s right? Even if I can’t do anything to you, I won’t let Brother Paeng off easy today.”

Sohwa quickly cleaned up the training ground with Ha Hyeon and hurriedly disappeared from sight.

Watching their retreating figure, Ha Hyeon prayed for Paeng Heon-hong’s peace (?)

And that evening.

As Ha Hyeon had expected, from that day on, Paeng Heon-hong’s screams echoed from the empty lot next to the dormitory.

* * *

Several more days passed.

Today, the clan was extremely busy.

It seemed as if there was some major event, like the entrance exam for the Blue Dragon Pavilion.

“Whew. That was tough.”

Ha Hyeon wiped off the sweat that had dripped down while enjoying the cool morning breeze.

Even amidst all the clan’s busyness, Ha Hyeon had completed all his morning training at the practice ground.

He looked relaxed, as if living in a different world.

“Should I head down now?”

Ha Hyeon tidied up the grounds and returned to the pavilion.

Just as Ha Hyeon was about to arrive, someone who had been pacing at the entrance of the pavilion came running toward him using martial arts.

With that distinctive bouncing gait – it was Jang-chil.

“Uncle Jang-chil!”

“Oh my, young master! Did you really train even on a day like today?”

“That’s how it always is. What’s up? Were you looking for me?”

“No! I was wondering if you had forgotten that you were supposed to depart for the Moyong clan later?”

“Haha. No way. I remember it well.”

At Ha Hyeon’s relaxed response, Jang-chil became frustrated and raised his voice.

“How can you be so unhurried when facing such an important event where the clan head and all direct family members are departing?”

“Isn’t there still plenty of time? We agreed to meet at the end of the jin hour (around 9 AM), so there’s still an hour left, right?”

“That may be true, but you’ll be away from the clan for a long time – you should pack and prepare!”

Ha Hyeon shrugged his shoulders and tapped the sword at his waist as he spoke.

“A few pieces of clothing and this sword are enough for luggage.”

“Well well…”

Jang-chil could only let out a hollow laugh at Ha Hyeon’s composed attitude.

“Thanks for checking on me anyway, uncle.”

“Not at all. How about… let me help you pack?”

“No need. I can pack well on my own.”

Ha Hyeon said confidently.

Although it had been over 2 years since he came to the Namgung clan and he had noticeably grown both in height and build during that time, in Jang-chil’s eyes he was still that small child who first arrived at the estate’s gate on Chwiwol Geolgae’s back.

“Uncle, don’t worry. I’ll be back safely.”

Ha Hyeon smiled brightly to reassure Jang-chil.

“Though I’m not worried since you’ll be with the clan head, I still hope you won’t get hurt.”

“Thank you, uncle.”

Ha Hyeon conveyed his gratitude, feeling Jang-chil’s warm sincerity.

After that, Jang-chil gave several pieces of advice, like not eating random things outside and absolutely avoiding dark alleys in big cities, before leaving to attend to his duties.

After parting with Jang-chil, Ha Hyeon packed minimal luggage as he had said, taking less than a quarter of an hour, let alone two hours.

“There’s a lot of time left.”

Ha Hyeon sat down and looked around his quarters.

Though he would surely return soon, as Jang-chil had said, it felt strange to think about leaving this room for an extended period for the first time.

“Since Uncle Jang-chil said he’d clean my room while I’m gone, dust won’t accumulate.”

Ha Hyeon felt a strange sense of pride at saying “my room” as he stood up.

“It’s better to go early and wait. I’m getting bored in the room.”

Ha Hyeon left the pavilion without hesitation.

His footsteps appeared very light.

* * *

After Ha Hyeon waited a bit longer at the estate entrance, everyone began appearing one by one right on time.

Following Sohwa and Namgung Hwan, Namgung Min arrived, and then Namgung Gi-hyeon and Namgung Gi-cheol appeared with bundles of luggage on their backs.

And very shortly after.

Sword Master Namgung Mu-ryong came walking leisurely.

“Though I said I’d come out on time, it seems I’m the last to arrive.”

“No, father. You’re right on time.”

“Hehe. Sorry. Someone’s screams of pain reached my quarters last night and kept me from sleeping well, so I’m a bit late.”

“Ah! Grandfather, that was Sohwa with Paeng… mmph!”

Sohwa desperately covered Namgung Hwan’s mouth as he tried to say something.

“Puha- Alright. You don’t need to suffocate someone to death!”

“Even if no one says anything, everyone knows it was you when something like this happens, sister…”

“Ha Hyeon!”

“Eek!”

Ha Hyeon shrank his neck like a turtle after getting scolded for unnecessarily adding his comment.

Namgung Mu-ryong laughed genuinely at the sight.

“Well then, let’s go. We have a long way ahead. Liaoning isn’t exactly a short journey.”

“Yes, father. I’ll take the lead.”

“Do so.”

With Namgung Gi-cheol taking the lead, the modest group of Namgung clan members, each carrying various sizes of luggage on their backs, took their first step.

“Ah, before we depart, I have something I want to tell you all.”

“What is it?”

“What is it, grandfather?”

“Though everyone says we’re going to have a martial arts competition with the Moyong clan, I don’t see it that way.”

Namgung Mu-ryong made eye contact with everyone with meaningful eyes and said:

“We will thoroughly crush them so they never dare look down on our Namgung clan’s authority again. When we make an example of someone, we do it thoroughly. That is the way of our Namgung clan.”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

Everyone except Namgung Mu-ryong responded with one heart and mind.

Among them, Ha Hyeon answered with the loudest voice and made his determination.

That he would show a demeanor more befitting of the Namgung clan than anyone else.

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