The Genius Grandson of the Namgung Family
Chapter 50
“Am I wrong?”
“Th-that’s⊔
Moyong Bi-san stuttered without realizing it.
Namgung Mu-ryong continued speaking without waiting for his answer.
“I thought it was strange. You, who must have been educated by Brother Hui from a young age, made such absurd claims.”
Moyong Bi-san’s face turned red.
He had no rebuttal because his claims were indeed absurd.
“Our Namgung family spreads rumors that the power of our direct line is weak, operates the Blue dagon pavilion, and argues that we should turn Namgung family into Namgung faction… What else was there?”
“Th-that was⊔
“Ah! Right. There was a decisive reason we came here. You said we need to gauge which family is stronger through a duel among the direct lines.”
“⊔
Moyong Bi-san could not respond.
Namgung Mu-ryong smiled faintly as he continued to speak to the speechless Moyong Bi-san.
“But when I think that it was all an elaborate act, everything makes sense.”
Namgung Mu-ryong looked intently into Moyong Bi-san’s eyes before closing his mouth, and Moyong Bi-san, with nothing to say even if he had ten mouths, could not utter a word.
“⊔
As silence reigned for a while, So-hwa whispered, poking Ha Hyeon lightly in the side.
“Ha Hyeon, have you figured out what’s going on now?”
Ha Hyeon nodded.
“Can you explain it to me too?”
“In simple terms, Moyong family used us to grow.”
“Used us? We were used?”
“Yes, because growing a family requires the attention of the entire world. Only then will they receive support and gather talents.”
“Aha!”
So-hwa nodded in understanding.
“So, to make the entire martial arts world perceive Moyong family as a worthy match for our Namgung family, they orchestrated this?”
“Exactly. And indeed, Moyong family grew rapidly after that.”
Namgung Hwan, who had been listening nearby, spoke with a voice tinged with dissatisfaction.
“So, we’ve been dancing to their tune all this time? We just did them a favor?”
Ha Hyeon shook his head.
“Brother, that’s not entirely the case.”
“Why?”
“Because I think there’s a major flaw in this plan.”
Clap, clap, clapâ
The applause that interrupted Ha Hyeon’s words came from Namgung Mu-ryong.
“Hahaha! What an interesting idea. It was obviously Brother Hui’s plan, not yours.”
“Yes, it was all a strategy devised by my father.”
Namgung Mu-ryong nodded as if it made perfect sense. He no longer looked annoyed.
Moyong Hui.
About ten years ago, before he handed over the family head position to Moyong Bi-san and went into seclusion, he had been the brain of the martial arts alliance as a strategist.
Fifty years ago during the Orthodox and Unorthodox War, and thirty years ago during the Orthodox-Demon War, the Orthodox faction’s victories were largely due to the efforts of prominent Orthodox masters like Namgung Mu-ryong, Chwiwol Geolgae, and Paeng Gil-san, but Moyong Hwi’s role as a strategist in two major wars could not be understated.
“But there’s something strange.”
“What is it?”
“Isn’t the completion of this plan determined by the duel happening in a few days?”
“That’s right.”
“It seems as if this plan assumes Moyong family’s victory.”
Namgung Mu-ryong’s laughter turned into a frown, and the atmosphere instantly became cold.
Moyong Bi-san forced a smile as he responded, unfazed.
“The duel… will be taken seriously. As you said, my father planned for our Moyong family to win this duel.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“What do you mean?”
“Even though it’s Brother Hui’s strategy, it won’t work this time. Because I came here intending to win.”
Namgung Mu-ryong smiled faintly as he spoke.
Although it was a smiling face, Moyong Bi-san clenched his fists tightly to hide his slightly trembling hands.
The title of “Sword Master” carried that much weight.
The thought that the confrontation with Namgung Mu-ryong at the last martial arts alliance was a life-threatening act naturally crossed his mind.
“Well, anyway, I understand Brother Hui’s and your intentions well.”
As Namgung Mu-ryong spoke lightly, the icy atmosphere began to thaw.
‘As expected of GrandfatherâŠ!’
Even at this moment, Ha Hyeon could not help but admire Namgung Mu-ryong.
Truly impeccable timing and control.
Sometimes, because he was always nearby, it was easy to forget, but Ha Hyeon once again felt why his grandfather’s name always came up first when discussing the strongest in the martial arts world.
“How is Brother doing? I heard he went into seclusion, but is that not the case?”
“I haven’t seen my father in over three years. He said there was no mountain in Liaoning to his liking, so he entered So’o Mountain in Hebei, and there has been no contact since.”
Thinking that it was around the time Moyong family started their provocations against Namgung family, Namgung Mu-ryong chuckled softly.
“Well, that man can live well anywhere, can’t he?”
“Yes, I think so too.”
After that, the atmosphere seemed to loosen up a bit. Or rather, it appeared to. Despite the fact that the ones who had been deceived were the Namgung family, and the ones doing the deceiving were the Moyong family, it was the Moyong family who seemed tense before the duel, while the Namgung family appeared relaxed.
‘It makes sense.’
Namgung Gi-cheol glanced around the hall, thinking that he still had a long way to go to match his father. Namgung Mu-ryong’s presence was overwhelming enough to dominate everyone here. Moreover, he was deliberately spreading his energy subtly, making everyone feel intimidated, though no one seemed to notice except Namgung Gi-cheol, who was most familiar with his energy.
‘Anyway, all we have to do is follow Fatherâs words.’
Namgung Gi-cheol resumed eating, thinking his task was simply to fully recover his strength and spirit to do his best in the duel. However, so engrossed was he in his meal that he failed to notice Ha Hyeon sitting behind him, looking around the empty air as if sensing something.
The duel was decided to take place four days later, after the Namgung family members had fully recovered from their travel fatigue. During this time, Namgung Mu-ryong emphasized absolute rest. He even spoke to Ha Hyeon several times, as if knowing he would not listen. Normally, Ha Hyeon would not have followed such advice, but for these few days, he obediently practiced meditation, imagining himself dueling with imaginary martial artists.
In truth, he had much to ponder now.
‘If the Namgung family’s sword is like clouds, then the Paeng family’s saber is like waves.’
The Five Tigers Gate-Breaking Blade shown by Paeng Gil-san had opened a new world for Ha Hyeon.
‘They say all streams lead to the same ocean, but for me, it’s still a far-off tale.’
Now twelve years old, the young martial artist was already contemplating the concept of limitless potential.
“Sigh, this wonât do.”
Ha Hyeon finally stood up, grabbed his sword, and went outside. He thought he might suffocate if he didn’t hold his sword immediately, even if it meant getting scolded by his grandfather.
The day of the duel finally arrived.
“Wow⊠They never showed us this before. Theyâve really made it well.”
The Moyong family’s training ground. The training ground was elevated on a high platform, with three-tiered stands built around it for spectators to watch the duel comfortably. The stands were filled with people.
“Haha, itâs been a long time since Iâve dueled in such an atmosphere.”
“Does it bring back old memories?”
“Yes. There used to be many such dueling tournaments. Nowadays, it’s only during the Yongbong gathering that we have such events.”
Just then, Moyong Bi-san appeared. Behind him were six Moyong family martial artists, all dressed in splendid martial robes.
“Sir, did you sleep well last night?”
Moyong Bi-san greeted politely, bowing with clasped fists. He seemed to be conscious of the eyes from the stands.
“Thanks to you, I slept well. You deliberately gathered these people, didn’t you?”
“Regardless of the outcome, the fact needs to be widely known.”
“Is this also Brother Hui’s idea?”
“Yes, it is.”
Namgung Mu-ryong nodded, as if to say, “Do as you please.” He understood what Moyong Bi-san was relying on so much.
âThe seven participating in the duel from the Moyong family are said to be among the best even within their family.â
According to the information Namgung Gi-cheol had heard, Moyong Bi-san seemed to have no intention of matching the numbers with the Namgung family in this duel. It was a seven-against-seven fight. Even if Namgung Mu-ryong, Gi-cheol, and Gi-hyeon won, if they lost all the duels with the remaining grandchildren, the Moyong family would ultimately win the duel.
It was a truly cunning strategy, but for some reason, Namgung Mu-ryong found it amusing.
‘Brother Hui⊠You still plan strategies based on common sense.’
It was a habit known only to those very close to Moyong Hwi, the strategist of the Murim Alliance. His worst habit was his poor response to variables when crafting strategies and tactics.
Namgung Mu-ryong calmly watched his grandchildren, who were loosening up.
âCompared to that, our grandchildren are full of variables.â
He felt an urge to laugh heartily but suppressed it.
Soon, a man stepped onto the platform. It was Yeom Hong-min, the gentlemanly sword master, invited by Moyong Bi-san for this day.
“It is an honor to serve as the referee for today’s duel.”
However, everyone present knew well that he was not unfit for the role of referee. Yeom Hong-min, not only a first-rate martial artist but also known for his upright and honest nature, had earned the moniker “Gentleman Sword.” There was no better choice for a referee.
Namgung Mu-ryong, who had known him for a long time, did not bother to acknowledge him again, as they had already greeted each other before the duel.
“First, let me explain the rules of the duel. A side loses if they surrender or if I declare them unable to continue the fight. The family that wins four out of the seven duels will be the victor.”
A very simple rule. But there seemed to be no rule more definitive than this.
“And, for this duel, all seven rounds will proceed, regardless of whether one side wins the first four.”
Namgung Mu-ryong nodded. This was his request. He understood the absurd provocations from Moyong Bi-san, but he had not forgiven him. He was determined to teach Moyong Bi-san a lesson, even if, by some chance, the Namgung family lost all the duels.
“We shall begin the duel. Both sides, have your first duelists step onto the platform.”
The voice, resonating with internal energy, signaled the start of the duel. As if already arranged, Namgung Hwan stepped onto the platform from the Namgung family side.
“Heâs tall and big, but he still looks young.”
“Look over there. There are two who look even younger.”
“I heard there are hardly any direct descendants in the Namgung family…”
The murmurs of the onlookers were natural. For those not familiar with martial affairs, it was understandable, as martial artists typically conjured images of full-grown adults.
“I am Namgung Hwan. As I have not yet debuted in the martial world, I do not have a title.”
“I am Moyong Goe-san of the Pae Foundation. I look forward to our match.”
The two bowed politely, assuming the fist-and-palm salute, and returned to their positions to prepare for the duel.
Both chose swords as their weapons. Though they were using wooden swords for safety, in the hands of skilled martial artists, they were no less than lethal weapons.
“Begin!”
The voice of the Gentleman Sword marked the start of the duel.
Tatata!
Namgung Hwan boldly advanced toward Moyong Goe-san with rapid footwork and swung his sword.
“Hooh.”
Namgung Gi-cheol’s eyes widened in surprise, letting out a small exclamation. If he hadnât known, he might not have recognized his own son due to his significant progress.
“âŠ!”
Thwack!
Moyong Goe-san, startled by Namgung Hwan’s unexpected speed, barely managed to block his attack with his wooden sword. The tingling in his hand holding the sword proved that Namgung Hwan’s strike was not merely fast but also powerful.
“This… this?!”
Moyong Goe-san frowned. He was a martial artist with the same generation name as Moyong Bi-san and held the status of an elder within the Moyong family. Being surprised by the attack of a youngster who hadnât even come of age was irritating.
âThis is… entirely different from before!â
On the other hand, Namgung Hwan was amazed at himself. Though he had felt continuous progress through training with Ha Hyeon, the practical experience made it all the more real.
âThe chance of me winning may not be high…!â
Namgung Hwan twirled his sword in his wrist to dissipate the impact and assumed a ready stance once more. Determined to show all he had, regardless of whom he wanted to prove it to, he resolved to demonstrate everything he could.
“Hrah!”
Namgung Hwan let out a roar as he executed the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique, the sword style he was most confident in.
Whooshâ!
Moyong Goe-san, gathering internal energy throughout his body, prepared to counter Namgung Hwan’s sword.
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