Chapter 496: Shaman Ghost
He is a celebrated master hailing from the Shaman sect, regarded as the most bizarre figure around.
He was a disciple of the current master of Shaman, Jang Moon-in, and is a name often mentioned whenever the strongest among Shamans is chosen.
Over ten years ago, he fought and defeated He Yuchun, the infamous swordsman under the reign of Sima Wu.
Much like the Demon Sword Master, he once single-handedly thwarted the emergence of the Great Demonic Scripture in a private residence.
Based on these feats, there was a point where he nearly contended for the vacant position of Sword King against the current Sword King, Namgung Jin.
However, due to the bizarre and layered history of his actions, he ultimately did not make the cut.
This Ghost despises helping anyone and, while being called a Taoist, relishes in meat and alcohol.
Contrary to the serene flow associated with Shaman doctrines, he exhibits an abundance of unruly and unpredictable behavior.
Just a moment prior, while laughing heartily, he suddenly drew his sword and took a life for some unknown reason.
The controversy surrounding the incident died down quickly once it was revealed that his opponent was a lecher who had been assaulting multiple women in their homes.
Even after this, the Ghost was known to frequently cause ruckus for reasons unknown, leading to rumors that the Shaman sect was eager to rid themselves of him after forcing him out.
Possessing outstanding power and skill, he showed a chivalrous side by assisting the needy, yet frequently acted in ways unbecoming of a Taoist.
Thus, the people called him a freak.
One.
This was somewhat unjust for the Shaman Ghost… No, for Namgung-hyung.
The reason for being labeled as such a scoundrel largely stemmed from the filthy attitude of the old man residing within him.
Namgung-hyung had endured many hardships in his life.
If one had to highlight the greatest trial, it would undoubtedly be when he finally caught the Brain.
– Found it.
An unknown stick that sat immovably in the center of the Namgung family’s storeroom.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Namgung-hyung’s life was turned upside down at that moment.
– It’s you. The will of heaven to elevate Namgung family.
I remember the piercing voice that rang in my ear as I grasped the stick with my blood-stained hands.
How could I forget the voice that spoke with so much yearning and fervor, despite how exhausted I was?
To Namgung-hyung, who had asked with a rough and cracking tone, “Who are you?”
The Brain replied.
– I am Namgung Myung.
– It doesn’t matter who you are. As long as you’re certain that you carry the blood of the Namgung family, anything else is irrelevant.
Namgung Myung.
When Namgung-hyung lifted his head at a name he vaguely recognized.
The Brain, resting on the table, slowly began to emit a glow.
– Seize it.
– Take the Brain and follow my will. Thus,
– Revive the fallen Namgung.
The young Namgung-hyung was baffled by these words.
The Namgung family, still regarded as a prestigious lineage, still seemed like a solid contender within the Four Great Clans.
What did it mean that it had fallen, and how could it be revived?
Namgung-hyung couldn’t comprehend a single phrase from Namgung Myung.
Yet, he still took hold of the Brain.
There was only one reason.
He felt that if he could seize the Brain, he could escape this terrifying and repulsive place.
In that haze of inexplicable sensation, he grasped the Brain, and fortunately,
Namgung-hyung managed to escape the Namgung family.
But.
That wasn’t Namgung Myung’s true intention.
Once again, noon arrived as it always did.
Namgung-hyung, swinging his sword joyfully as was his custom, eventually sat atop a rock, his empty belly yearning to be filled.
As he began to cram a handful of rice balls into his mouth,
[How long will you cling to your stubbornness?]
A cold voice seeped into Namgung-hyung’s ears.
This was just a part of his daily life.
[Is this not sufficient yet?]
Delayed in responding, Namgung-hyung tossed the leftover rice into his mouth and washed it down with some water.
Only after swallowing all three rice balls did he finally feel a tad bit full.
Just as he was trying to savor his moment of tranquility,
[What your grandfather mentioned last time, I’m not fond of either, but it isn’t bad.]
“…Ha…”
He tried to brush it off, but it inevitably pushed him to respond.
Is it because I’m a recluse, or can it be that I never tire?
“I don’t think it’s I who is being stubborn.”
[Descendant.]
“Grandfather, how long will you remain obstinate? As I have told you from the outset, I have no desire to return to that household.”
[How can the blood of the Namgung family refrain from returning to Namgung family?]
“If it annoys you, then you can leave. The family will not collapse without me.”
[Indeed, it’s collapsing, which is why I am saying this.]
“That’s just ludicrous.”
Namgung-hyung couldn’t help but laugh wryly at Namgung Myung’s firm statement.
“Inspiration. If the family will fall apart without me, it may as well do so.”
[This brat…!]
“It seems your grandfather’s words are tying you down. Give it up. If you were going to be swayed by such utterances, you’d have succumbed long ago.”
Recalling what his grandfather, the Heavenly Lord, had expressed when visiting.
If you merely return to Namgung family, I could offer you the position of the household head?
He bit his lip, recalling the struggles of his half-brother clamoring for that very seat.
‘What value is that, which could whisk away with but a gesture from my grandfather?’
He wasn’t interested. Even if the knife were lodged in his tongue, Namgung-hyung had no intention of returning to the Namgung family.
The dilemma increased as the Shaman sect was stirring with calls for him to return, and now even the Heavenly Lord seemed to join in; it simply became a nuisance.
‘I guess I should consider moving soon.’
It had already been a year since he laid roots in Sichuan.
He thought he had kept it quiet, away from prying eyes,
How on earth had they discovered him?
‘Surely, the disciple wouldn’t have spilled the beans.’
He believed Woohyuk wouldn’t tarnish his reputation or spread rumors of Namgung-hyung, no less.
‘Whatever the case, it’s bothersome.’
Since it was a pretty decent spot, he had considered staying for another year or two.
Now that the Heavenly Lord had made a move, it seemed the time had come to pack up and flee.
Where to next?
‘Perhaps a trip to the North Sea?’
Not an awful idea. It was a place he had always wanted to visit, frozen ground beyond the interference of politics.
It was an excellent land to wander off leisurely.
[Descendants.]
As he pondered his itinerary, Namgung Myung’s voice interjected.
At the sound, Namgung-hyung let out a sigh before responding.
“Just as we agreed initially. I will perfect your sword and return it to Namgung family. That’s why I’m tirelessly forging day and night.”
[… .]
“If you expect more than that, just leave me alone. You’d be delighted if I simply returned it to the family.”
Once Namgung-hyung casually spat out his annoyance, Noya finally ceased its buzzing.
Sighing inwardly, Namgung-hyung was aware of Namgung Myung’s intentions and was trying to comprehend them, given the assistance he had received.
Yet, it was not in him to embody that intention and put it into action.
Nor did he desire to.
As he reached this point in thought, Namgung-hyung attempted to shift the conversation.
“Alright then. Are you not going to tell me the entire tale regarding the last incident?”
[…What incident?]
“The one when that little monster visited previously.”
Little monster. He was referring to the friend his disciple had brought along.
Namgung-hyung thought it was a pretty clever name—even if he had made it up himself.
If that wasn’t a monster, then what could possibly qualify?
Namgung-hyung truly believed his disciple would sweep the world off its feet. The talent was there, and if he learned one thing, he would discern ten; he was destined for greatness.
Although a bit lazy and sleepy, he believed that talent would overshadow those flaws.
‘This is on a whole different level.’
Was it called So-Yeom-Ra?
The nuisance that had recently been stirring up the Central Plains was leagues apart from his disciple.
A warrior on the brink of completion, or perhaps one already complete.
The rude and obnoxious air about him was somewhat bothersome.
Yet, Namgung-hyung could perceive the blade hidden within him.
Dry and withered.
A blade that seemed capable of eradicating everything in sight if drawn forth.
Well, that much was clear.
‘The offspring of a monster cannot help but be monstrous.’
Gazing at the young lad named So-Yeom-Ra, Namgung-hyung couldn’t help but reflect on the leader of that clan.
When he reminisced about their meeting, chills crept down his spine.
How could he forget the scene of the earth and sky ablaze?
His long hair dyed bright red with the heat, burning red eyes complementing the inferno.
As he grasped the neck of the swordsman, Hyuk Eo-chun, known as the Emperor Simao, he stared at poor Namgung-hyung and said,
– You lost a contender.
With that remark, he vanished like a spark; though it was but a fleeting second, Namgung-hyung could not shake off that memory.
He couldn’t win.
Seeing Hyuk Eo-chun, who was on the brink of defeat, subdued so nonchalantly, alongside the great presence radiating from him, filled him with doubt.
Namgung Myung was confident.
He firmly believed he could never best him. Just remembering it brought forth intense emotions.
[That boy’s strength isn’t just limited to that.]
With his characteristic cold demeanor, Namgung Myung addressed Namgung-hyung.
[The child of a monster is intertwined with an even larger monster; it’s only natural for him to grow stronger.]
Sensing something peculiar in Namgung Myung’s tone, Namgung-hyung couldn’t help but adopt a puzzled expression.
He felt as if he were grasping at the remnants of that story.
“Will you not tell me that story either?”
On the day So-Yeom-Ra visited,
Namgung-hyung was dumbfounded to learn that So-Yeom-Ra could hear Namgung Myung’s voice.
Thus far, no one had ever been capable of listening to Namgung Myung’s tale.
The catch was that, from what Namgung Myung was implying, it seemed So-Yeom-Ra bore something similar to him, yet Namgung-hyung was unable to hear any other voices.
Even.
[That is a tale you do not need to know.]
Namgung Myung was avoiding discussing that day.
It seemed as if he did not wish to let Namgung-hyung in on it.
Frustrated, Namgung-hyung exclaimed, “Then, at least rein in your emotions in your voice; you’re making it hard for people.”
[…]
Embarrassment.
An inexplicable sense of shame pervaded Namgung Myung’s tone as he diverted the conversation.
This was the first time he felt a sense of estrangement from the always-cold but confident Namgung Myung.
“I can’t fathom what’s so embarrassing that you cannot lift your head.”
[Who’s the one blushing?]
“That’s precisely what you’re doing right now. You look as deflated as a cat caught in the act of thievery.”
[…Shut it.]
His unwillingness to deny it suggested that something indeed troubled him.
Wanting to probe further, Namgung-hyung held his tongue.
After all, he planned to call someone else to ask the questions regardless of asking Namgung Myung.
Then.
Woof-!
As expected, Namgung-hyung sensed a presence coming from afar.
Judging by the rapid approach, these were martial artists. One of them was Woohyuk.
However,
‘Three?’
In addition to Woohyuk, he sensed two more figures drawing closer.
One bore a slightly larger presence; perhaps it was So-Yeom-Ra.
Who was the other?
At that moment, as Namgung-hyung heightened his senses,
ZZZzzap-
“…!”
A tingling sensation brushed across his body.
It was an energy he recognized all too well.
A few seconds ticked by as he stood there.
“Master.”
From a distance, Woohyuk appeared, landing gracefully on the ground.
He carried a creature on his back, which upon closer inspection appeared to be a boar.
Presumably, he had brought it to present to Namgung-hyung; it was an adorable little beast.
As Namgung-hyung briefly observed the boar, his gaze soon landed elsewhere.
A young man with a fierce expression—So-Yeom-Ra, the one he had encountered previously.
And beside him…
A girl with hair as white as his own and matching eyes.
Her skin was fair and exquisite, adorned with striking features.
“…I see.”
In that moment, Namgung-hyung immediately recognized her.
“You must be my niece.”
She was probably the daughter of his half-brother.
Now known as Geommuhee, she might be engaged to So-Yeom-Ra.
As he looked at her, Namgung-hyung rose from his seat.
Conversely, Namgung Bia widened her eyes slightly while looking at Namgung-hyung.
“…?”
“It seems your elder brother has raised his child well; her spirit is sharp.”
“…Brother?”
Namgung Bia tilted her head at Namgung-hyung’s words.
At that reaction, Namgung-hyung let out a small chuckle.
It was evident that no one in the family had briefed her about him.
What a delightfully naive place it was.
Despite that, he bore no ill will toward Namgung Bia, allowing him to manage a smile.
“I don’t think a particularly warm greeting is necessary… I…”
Just as Namgung-hyung was about to lightly introduce himself,
[Descendants.]
Namgung Myung’s voice interrupted.
‘Grandpa?’
[Draw your sword.]
‘Huh? What do you mean…?’
Swish.
‘What…?’
In sync with Namgung Myung’s command, Namgung-hyung’s hand moved involuntarily.
This was not the will of Namgung-hyung.
It was perilous.
There was no hesitation from the hand reaching for the sword; if he swung it toward Namgung Bia, blood surely would spill.
Namgung-hyung struggled to rein it in, forcing his will to resist.
Clang-
“…!”
The sword wouldn’t budge. He distinctly tried to grasp it and pull it free.
Namgung-hyung hadn’t halted his intention, yet even his current predicament took him aback.
The reason for the sword’s refusal was simple.
Someone had pressed down on the hilt to ensure it stayed secured within its sheath.
The realization shocked Namgung-hyung.
It meant he hadn’t detected the presence closing in on him until it was too late.
The fact that his attempt to draw the sword was so quickly intercepted suggested the other was aware he would do so.
With this comprehension, Namgung-hyung gazed at his interloper with wide, beast-like eyes.
And he had to be astonished.
Staring into the eyes of the person who had blocked him, a familiar face surfaced in his memory.
“…Now.”
A voice pierced his ear.
It felt like they were forcing themselves to suppress uncontrollable rage, unable to release a will to kill.
“What were you attempting to do?”
Fiery essence swirled within those eyes, but inexplicably held a blue hue.
It was then that So-Yeom-Ra, resembling a red-eyed merman, began to stoke the flames of fury directed at the Shaman Ghost.
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