Chapter 47

Changcheon Society Leader (1)

Master and disciple boarded the ship together with the Tang siblings.

Traveling by water would allow them to reach Mount Huang, where their headquarters was located, much faster. There was also the concern that the Second Young Master of the Geukmu Sect might break his promise.

Fortunately, nothing happened before it was time for them to part ways.

Life aboard the ship was surprisingly peaceful.

Namgung Jun did not stop training even while at sea, and from time to time he sparred with the assassins of the Shadow Hall.

Calling them pure assassins feels somewhat inaccurate.

The Shadow Hall seemed to consist of martial artists who blended the identities of swordsmen and assassins.

In particular, their weapon of choice—the twin swords—greatly intrigued Namgung Jun.

It felt as though an entirely new perspective on swordsmanship had opened before him.

In his previous life, he had only wielded twin swords a handful of times for amusement.

That made the experience all the more refreshing.

Perhaps one day he could incorporate some of those ideas into his own swordsmanship.

"That was an excellent spar."

Namgung Jun offered a respectful salute.

The Shadow Hall assassin who had just crossed blades with him returned a slight bow in acknowledgment.

The Tang siblings, who had been waiting for the spar to end, immediately approached.

It was almost time for Namgung Jun and Lee Seha to disembark.

"We've come this far. Even the Second Young Master of the Geukmu Sect will find it difficult to pursue us now."

The Tang siblings expressed their gratitude.

"Young Hero Namgung, please accept this."

Tang Yeojin handed him a thick stack of papers.

Judging by the fresh scent of ink, she had been writing continuously since boarding the ship.

The pages were filled hastily, as though she had only just managed to finish before running out of time.

"What is this?"

"I wrote down medicinal prescriptions, acupuncture methods, and information regarding severed meridians that might help with your Nine Yin Severed Meridians. I hope it can be of some use."

Tang Yeojin had carefully recorded the precious knowledge she had gathered while researching treatments for the Three Yin Severed Meridians.

The information contained within those pages was as valuable as the oral formulas of a martial manual.

Yet she handed them over without hesitation.

It was the greatest repayment she could offer to the benefactor who had saved her life.

"And after I cure the Three Yin Severed Meridians, I'll begin researching the Nine Yin Severed Meridians as well. Someday, I hope I can be of help to you."

"I gratefully accept the sentiment."

Tang Boseon also cupped his fists and spoke.

"If you ever visit Sichuan, come find the Tang Family in Chengdu. We may be a small clan, but we have our own expertise in medicine and metallurgy. We should be able to assist you."

"The Tang Family of Chengdu, Sichuan. I'll remember that."

"And although the Tang Family stands between the orthodox and unorthodox paths, anyone affiliated with the Changcheon Society will receive our full support. Please inform the other heroes as well."

Lee Seha's face brightened.

"Thank you. That will be a tremendous help to our members operating in Sichuan."

The western regions of the martial world were dominated by demonic and unorthodox factions.

Sichuan was no exception.

While the Changcheon Society maintained secret branches there and occasionally received assistance from the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect, those forces were far from sufficient to oppose the demonic factions.

Under such circumstances, gaining even a small allied family was a significant benefit.

Especially when that ally was located in Sichuan.

"A great achievement."

The Shadow Hall Master, who had been listening nearby, muttered in a low voice.

"I've done a good job raising at least one disciple."

"Heavenly Sword. Continue teaching him well."

"Of course. More importantly, please take good care of those siblings."

Lee Seha looked toward the Tang brother and sister.

Namgung Jun and Lee Seha would soon be leaving the ship.

The Shadow Hall Master and his assassins, however, were headed toward Hubei Province, meaning they could accompany the Tang siblings for some time.

"Don't worry."

The two hall masters exchanged brief farewells before naturally setting off on their respective paths.

***

When they returned to the Heavenly Sword Hall, the atmosphere was unusually lively.

Had something good happened?

Master and disciple crossed the hall's entrance together.

"Hm? Hall Master?"

"The youngest is back too. Looks like you met along the way."

"You both arrived at the perfect time. We have a newcomer."

The swordsmen of the Heavenly Sword Hall welcomed them and opened a path.

The newcomer who had been surrounded by the swordsmen was finally revealed.

"Ah... hello?"

Contrary to expectations, it was a familiar face.

It was Man Yewon, granddaughter of Elder Council Head Man Hun.

Man Yewon waved awkwardly toward Namgung Jun.

"So you passed the entrance examination and joined the Tenth Hall."

"It's thanks to you. My mastery of the Great Wind Sword Art improved tremendously."

Her expression turned apologetic again as she bowed her head.

"About what happened at the Martial Pavilion before... I'm really sorry. Looking back on it, I was incredibly rude."

"As long as you've realized it, that's enough. Everyone makes mistakes."

Namgung Jun accepted the apology casually.

Only then did the tension lingering on Man Yewon's face finally disappear.

"So another talented swordsman has joined."

Lee Seha, who had been listening to the conversation between the young man and woman, spoke up.

Man Yewon immediately stiffened and cupped her fists respectfully.

"Greetings, Hall Master of the Heavenly Sword Hall."

"You don't need to be so formal with us. Just call me Hall Master comfortably."

Lee Seha gently placed a hand on Namgung Jun's shoulder.

"Jun, make sure to guide the newcomer well."

"Understood."

Namgung Jun answered without hesitation.

Standing beside him, Man Yewon's eyes sparkled endlessly.

Perfect!

Man Yewon cheered inwardly.

After passing the entrance examination and ranking among the top three applicants, she had been given the privilege of choosing which hall she wished to join.

Several halls had tried to recruit her, but she had stubbornly chosen the Heavenly Sword Hall.

Because Namgung Jun was there.

I can become stronger.

She was certain of it.

Simply staying beside Namgung Jun would teach her countless things.

Grandfather recommended the Heavenly Sword Hall too, so there's no reason to hesitate.

Man Yewon made up her mind.

She would stick close to Namgung Jun whenever possible.

"Come with me for now. I'll explain the layout of the Heavenly Sword Hall."

"Sounds good."

Walking beside him, she immediately asked,

"What should I call you? Senior Namgung?"

"Call me whatever you want."

"Then I'll just use your name. Namgung Jun, are you planning to place the secret manual of the Heavenly Wind Sword Art in the Martial Pavilion?"

"Who knows."

Though Man Yewon chatted endlessly beside him, Namgung Jun calmly continued giving her a tour.

***

After returning to the Heavenly Sword Hall and unpacking his belongings, Namgung Jun headed straight for the Ink Fragrance Department.

Ordinarily, submitting a written report would have been sufficient.

This mission, however, was different.

The mission objectives had changed dramatically, and it now included the establishment of an entirely new Hefei Branch.

Because of that, Namgung Jun was required to report directly to Yun Gyeongjong.

"I see. So things developed like this."

After a moment of thought, Yun Gyeongjong asked,

"However, judging by when headquarters received your message, you recommended establishing a branch before Hyeongjung Gate even hosted its banquet."

"Yes."

"Did you already believe events would unfold according to your expectations?"

"Even if they hadn't, I still believed that establishing a branch would ultimately be the best solution."

"Hm."

The meaning behind Namgung Jun's words was simple.

No matter how things unfolded, he had intended to destroy Hyeongjung Gate and fill the resulting vacuum with the Hefei Branch.

To handle his first solo mission this flawlessly...

Moreover, the mission had come with temporary autonomous authority.

Yun Gyeongjong occasionally granted authority beyond one's rank to capable members depending on circumstances.

Very few were able to use such authority effectively.

Yet Namgung Jun had done exactly that.

Despite it being his very first mission, he had used every privilege properly and achieved the best possible outcome.

Yun Gyeongjong's eyes shone with admiration as he looked at the young recruit who had exceeded all expectations.

Not only his martial arts, but his judgment and overall perspective are exceptional. Is it because he experienced the martial world early as a sword attendant?

Yun Gyeongjong shook his head.

That explanation alone was insufficient.

The boy's appearance was youthful, but speaking with him felt like dealing with an experienced veteran.

A faint smile appeared on Yun Gyeongjong's face.

As expected, my judgment wasn't wrong.

Namgung Jun was a sapling destined to become one of the great pillars of the Changcheon Society.

A talent they absolutely could not afford to lose.

For the first time in a long while, Yun Gyeongjong felt genuine warmth in his heart.

The Changcheon Society possessed many talented individuals.

But none seemed capable of changing the overwhelming tide being driven by the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.

Namgung Jun was different.

He possessed the potential to influence the entire world.

"Excellent. You're probably the first member of your rank to achieve merits of this magnitude."

Namgung Jun nodded modestly before asking,

"How is the situation at the Hefei Branch now?"

Though the branch had been successfully established, he had personally assumed responsibility for it.

Naturally, he wanted to know how things had developed afterward.

"With a new Branch Leader appointed, everything seems to be operating smoothly. Kang Mong is likely preparing to return by now."

Yun Gyeongjong paused to drink some tea.

Then his expression hardened slightly.

"And among the documents you secured, something suspicious was discovered."

"What was it?"

"The Ink Fragrance Department is still analyzing them, but it appears Hyeongjung Gate and the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult may have been exchanging communications."

Namgung Jun's brows sank coldly.

"The Sun-Moon Demonic Cult again."

"They've been extending their influence into Hefei from the shadows. If this is confirmed, there will be further investigations—and your achievements will grow even larger."

Even at the mention of additional merit, Namgung Jun's expression remained stern.

Watching him, Yun Gyeongjong suddenly remembered something and stroked his beard.

"Come to think of it, you've never met the Society Leader, have you?"

"No."

"He returned while you were away on your mission. The Society Leader has expressed interest in meeting you."

"The Society Leader?"

Yun Gyeongjong nodded and rose from his seat.

"Since the topic came up, let's go together."

The invitation was sudden.

Still, Namgung Jun readily agreed.

He had been curious about the Changcheon Society Leader for some time.

****

The two immediately headed toward the Society Leader's residence.

It was located not far from the Ink Fragrance Department.

"This is the place."

Changcheon Pavilion.

For the residence of the Changcheon Society Leader, it was surprisingly modest.

Had it not been for the weathered signboard bearing its name, one would have mistaken it for just another building among many.

Stopping before the entrance, Yun Gyeongjong respectfully called out.

"Society Leader. May we enter?"

"Come in."

The doors opened smoothly the moment the reply came.

The old man revealed inside was anything but ordinary.

A massive scar stretched across one side of his face.

His right sleeve hung empty and collapsed.

It appeared he had lost both his eyes and his right arm.

From a martial artist's perspective, it was a tragic sight.

Yet Namgung Jun's attention was drawn elsewhere.

To the branch held in the old man's left hand.

Even as Namgung Jun watched, the old man's fingers continued moving slowly.

Each motion caused bits of bark to fall away.

Merely brushing the wood with his fingertips gradually shaved it down.

With every movement, the branch grew closer to a recognizable shape.

He's carving a wooden sword.

At that moment, the carving stopped.

"So this is our first meeting. It's good to meet you."

Though his eyes remained closed, the old man was looking directly at Namgung Jun.

"I greet the Society Leader. My name is Namgung Jun."

"This old man is Ha Hu-seon."

The moment he heard the name of the Changcheon Society Leader, the muscles in Namgung Jun's face twitched.

Ha Hu-seon?

The gaze that had been lowered slowly rose.

A trace of shock appeared in his eyes.