Chapter 41

First Solo Mission (6)

Namgung Jun sat cross-legged, deep in meditation.

He was reviewing the battle in which he had faced three Peak Realm experts from Hyeongjung Gate.

Though there had been differences in cultivation level, objectively speaking, none of them had been weaker than Namgung Jun.

Even so, he had not merely compensated for the numerical disadvantage with the experience and swordsmanship of the Sword Emperor—he had completely overwhelmed them.

Yet Namgung Jun was not satisfied.

I could have unraveled their coordination even more.

At the time, he had believed he had chosen the best possible course of action. But as he replayed the battle in his mind, better solutions revealed themselves.

It meant he still had a long road ahead.

However, Namgung Jun welcomed that realization.

It simply meant there was still plenty of room to grow.

I need to improve the connections between each sword art.

If he could naturally weave together the various sword techniques he had learned into a single flow, then perhaps he could create an entirely new sword art beyond them.

A new sword art that he had never created even in his previous life.

The thought made his heart race.

Creating that new sword art would become the first step toward surpassing the Sword Emperor of his former life.

"Fuu..."

Finishing his meditation, Namgung Jun slowly exhaled and regulated his breathing.

At that moment, he sensed a familiar presence outside his door.

"Young Hero Namgung."

It was Jang Ilsu, Master of the Yeongjun Merchant Association.

Already knowing why Jang Ilsu had come personally, Namgung Jun immediately straightened his clothes.

"I'll be right out."

Together with Jang Ilsu, Namgung Jun headed toward a large hall.

More than a dozen people had gathered inside.

They were the leaders of various organizations in Hefei—escort agencies, merchant associations, martial academies, and small-to-medium sects.

Excluding those who had submitted to or sided with Hyeongjung Gate during the banquet, all of them had been brought together.

As Namgung Jun entered, the assembled leaders rose simultaneously and greeted him respectfully.

"Young Hero Namgung."

"You've arrived. Please, take a seat."

"Has your health recovered?"

The leaders guided him toward the seat of honor.

Namgung Jun tried to decline, but they insisted repeatedly.

It seemed the meeting would not proceed unless he accepted.

Left with no choice, Namgung Jun politely returned the courtesy and took the seat they had prepared.

"After examining the documents we obtained, it became clear that Hyeongjung Gate committed many misdeeds."

Everything following the defeat of Hyeongjung Gate and the Four Swords of Hyeongjung had proceeded swiftly.

With the help of Jang Ilsu and the forces supporting Namgung Jun, all evidence and documents within Hyeongjung Gate had been secured.

"We confirmed that they seized rights and businesses through illegitimate means and expanded their sect through every dirty method imaginable."

The leaders nodded.

Everyone present had suffered from Hyeongjung Gate's tyranny, so no further explanation was necessary.

"After comparing Hyeongjung Gate's ledgers with the documents brought by each organization, all rights and businesses that Hyeongjung Gate stole will be returned to their rightful owners."

The moment the words they had been waiting to hear left Namgung Jun's mouth, emotional reactions erupted throughout the hall.

"Ah...!"

"We are truly grateful, Young Hero Namgung."

"You've given us room to breathe again."

The leaders repeatedly bowed their heads in gratitude.

When the expressions of thanks finally subsided, Jang Ilsu carefully asked,

"Young Hero Namgung, what will become of Hyeongjung Gate?"

"After all unlawfully acquired rights and businesses have been dealt with, Hyeongjung Gate will be forcibly closed."

The leaders nodded.

"Hmm."

"As expected."

Although relieved, traces of concern remained on their faces.

Regardless of its many faults, Hyeongjung Gate had undeniably been the leading orthodox sect in Hefei.

There was a high chance that the unorthodox factions would become more active in the power vacuum left behind.

That would simply create another problem.

A sect the size of Hyeongjung Gate would leave a significant void, whether for good or ill.

After observing their expressions, Namgung Jun spoke again.

"And now, the final agenda item."

Not expecting another topic, the leaders focused their attention on him once more.

"Our association intends to establish a branch in Hefei again."

The Changcheon Association established different types of branches depending on circumstances and objectives.

There were ordinary branches openly visible like the branch offices of most sects, and there were secret branches hidden in the shadows.

Secret branches were usually established in regions heavily influenced by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult or major unorthodox sects.

The branch planned for Hefei in Anhui Province would be a regular branch.

Its purpose was to fill the void left by Hyeongjung Gate and expand the association's influence throughout northern Anhui.

The unexpected announcement left the leaders stunned.

"A Changcheon Association branch in Hefei?"

"Hah! That is excellent news!"

"If the Changcheon Association fills the vacancy left by Hyeongjung Gate, it would truly be the icing on the cake."

Watching their reactions, Namgung Jun asked,

"I heard that Hefei originally had a Changcheon Association branch."

Jang Ilsu and the others nodded.

"Yes. But it was burned down several years ago during a sudden attack by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult."

"Now that I think about it, Hyeongjung Gate began acting up little by little after that."

"They no longer had anyone capable of keeping them in check."

Namgung Jun nodded.

"I judged that a Hefei branch would be necessary both to fill the void left by Hyeongjung Gate and to facilitate our association's activities within Anhui Province. Therefore, I submitted the proposal to headquarters."

The leaders' eyes widened.

They had not expected Namgung Jun to think this far ahead.

I thought he would simply clean up the current situation and leave, but he was already considering the aftermath.

He's young, yet his vision is broad.

What an extraordinary vessel. Is this the caliber of the Changcheon Association?

Namgung Jun rose from his seat and cupped his fist in salute.

"Therefore, I ask for your support. If the Changcheon Association's Hefei Branch is established in the future, I hope you will lend it your assistance."

The leaders immediately sprang to their feet as well, hastily waving him off.

"We should be the ones asking for your help."

"If the Changcheon Association's Hefei Branch replaces Hyeongjung Gate, we'll feel far more secure."

"Young Hero Namgung, you've truly done a great deed."

The leaders had already held Namgung Jun in high regard. After hearing about the establishment of the branch, they did not even hesitate to bow deeply before him.

Peace for Hefei. Young Hero Namgung truly kept the promise he made.

Watching the delighted leaders around him, Jang Ilsu felt deeply grateful toward Namgung Jun.

Recently, most of the leaders had been merely enduring their lives.

Each of them had responsibilities they could not abandon, so they had forced themselves to persevere.

Then, one day, Namgung Jun appeared and shattered Hyeongjung Gate's oppression overnight.

It was as if dark storm clouds covering the sky had suddenly been swept away.

To the leaders of Hefei, Namgung Jun was like warm sunlight gently embracing their bodies.

A chivalrous hero...

Jang Ilsu, who had only heard stories of such heroes in his childhood, found his heart strangely stirred now that he was witnessing one firsthand.

For the establishment of the Hefei Branch in Anhui Province, the Changcheon Association immediately dispatched personnel.

The person leading them was Kang Mong of the Ink Fragrance Division.

"Namgung Jun. I expected great things from you, but I never imagined you'd accomplish this much. Considering the nature of the mission, it wouldn't have been strange for even a Hall Master to handle it personally."

"It was only possible because the Chief trusted me and granted me the authority."

Walking with his arms crossed, Kang Mong continued,

"The leaders couldn't stop praising you. Most of them even recommended you for the position of Hefei Branch Leader."

Having finished meeting with the leaders, Kang Mong looked at Namgung Jun with obvious approval.

In a short period of time, Namgung Jun had earned the goodwill of the local leaders, greatly aiding the establishment of the Anhui Branch.

Not only that, but if they continued to cooperate closely with those leaders, the Hefei Branch would be able to take root even more firmly.

Had Namgung Jun focused solely on punishing Hyeongjung Gate and acted rashly, such results would have been impossible.

As expected, his perspective is broad and his thinking deep for someone his age.

Kang Mong considered Namgung Jun's innate character to be another of his strengths.

Possessing both martial prowess and integrity, he was destined to hold an important position within the Changcheon Association before long.

A branch leader is an important post, but it's wasted on Namgung Jun.

Suddenly, Kang Mong became curious.

A year from now, how many clouds would be fluttering upon Namgung Jun's sleeve?

Kang Mong had a feeling.

The days when he could casually speak down to Namgung Jun were running out.

"Namgung Jun. The handover is complete. Are you planning to return immediately?"

Namgung Jun shook his head.

"I plan to stay at the Yeongjun Merchant Association for a short while. Would that be acceptable?"

"As long as it doesn't exceed seven days and nights, there's no issue. I'll see you back at headquarters."

"Yes, Scholar Kang."

***

Holding his sword at chest level, Namgung Jun began unfolding the forms of the Great Expansion Sword Art one after another.

That alone caused his sword path to flow smoothly, countless sword strikes scattering outward and sealing off all five directions.

Attempting to withstand it head-on, Geo Jeongdo hurriedly retreated.

He managed to deflect several attacks, but he lacked the ability to deal with the rest.

Based on the instincts gained from years of experience as a wandering martial artist, withdrawing without forcing the issue was the correct decision.

However, as though he had anticipated that reaction from the start, Namgung Jun immediately stepped forward using Infinite Steps and closed the distance.

Without giving Geo Jeongdo the chance to swing his saber properly, Namgung Jun brought down his sword.

KWAAANG!

The fierce strike crashed forward, sending the great saber from Geo Jeongdo's hands flying backward.

"Guh!"

Cold sweat streamed down Geo Jeongdo's face as he stared at the sword tip that had stopped before his throat.

Namgung Jun withdrew his sword and saluted politely.

"Your skills have improved considerably."

"Huff! Huff! It's all thanks to your guidance, Young Hero Namgung."

"If you continue working hard, you'll be able to reach the Peak Realm."

Geo Jeongdo could only nod vigorously.

Part of it was because he was exhausted from the sparring match.

But more than that, he still could not believe the situation.

He had remained stuck at the threshold of the First-Class Realm for years, yet now he had reached its mature stage.

Just seven days and nights of sparring had elevated him this far.

Namgung Jun truly was an astonishing young man.

"I heard you've become an official escort of the Yeongjun Merchant Association."

"That's right. The Association Master offered me excellent terms. Besides, I was beginning to want a stable place to settle down."

Because of the bond forged during their previous journey, Geo Jeongdo had chosen to remain with the Yeongjun Merchant Association.

It was equally fortunate for Jang Ilsu, who had been searching for trustworthy talent.

"If it's Hefei, I'll likely visit from time to time in the future. I look forward to seeing your growth."

"Ah..."

A sigh escaped Geo Jeongdo unconsciously.

Today was Namgung Jun's final day in Hefei.

They've truly been busy days.

Namgung Jun had personally taken responsibility for Hefei's stability until the personnel assigned to the Changcheon Association's Hefei Branch arrived and completed the transition.

Several unorthodox factions had attempted to test the waters, but Namgung Jun moved first and beheaded their leaders.

After that, no one dared make another move.

Namgung Jun had taken responsibility for his words with his sword.

"Ah, and regarding the disciple you mentioned before."

"Ahem. That's embarrassing. Please forget what I said back then."

Namgung Jun shook his head.

"There's actually a rather promising talent here. It may be worth taking a look at him personally. You'd even be working together at the merchant association."

"Oh? If you tell me who it is, I'll go see him immediately."

Namgung Jun thought of Unchan, who had protected his younger siblings all alone.

With his determination to protect his siblings and the perseverance that never wavered despite hard labor, he'd surpass many martial artists.

After introducing Unchan to Geo Jeongdo, Namgung Jun began walking away.

The mission was complete.

It was time to return.