### Chapter: 521
Namgung Hyung has a few oaths that he must uphold.
– Learn the Namgung family’s true sword and pass it on to the Namgung clan.
This is the oath made with Namgung Myung.
Among those, this particular obligation is the most valued.
When the young Namgung Hyung first heard this, understanding it was not easy.
What is the true sword of the Namgung family?
After all, there’s a perfectly fine sword that he’s learning to wield right now.
So does that mean it could be a fake?
That doubt flickered in his mind.
However, it was not a situation where he could refuse, so Namgung Hyung accepted Namgung Myung’s words, and soon after, he realized…
‘…It was real.’
Now it was clear: Namgung’s sword had indeed been a fake.
The sword that Namgung Myung taught him was such that just gazing upon its true essence was enlightening.
Though the way he explained it was a bit haphazard… chuckles.
That sword was certainly genuine.
It seemed like a minuscule difference.
Looking at the sword technique, there wasn’t much of a variance; at best, it was merely the difference in breath and trivial movements.
How one positions their gaze or other minor details—it sounded like a gallery of tiny distinctions.
Yet, when those differences accumulated, they created a world of divergence.
A world of divergence—dramatic sound effect.
Indeed, that statement was right.
It was truly like a chasm between heaven and earth.
‘How could this happen?’
How could it be so different when employing the same sword and technique?
Or rather, can they even claim it’s the same sword to begin with?
The essence captured within them was so distinct that labeling them as the same seemed ludicrous.
Right now, Namgung’s own sword felt like garbage.
The words that Namgung Myung spat out so relentlessly became an undeniable truth that even Namgung Hyung couldn’t counter.
In comparison to that sword, it was indeed true; Namgung’s sword was trash.
-Thus, you must learn this sword and elevate the Namgung clan.
This was yet another one of the statements that Namgung Myung repeatedly drilled into him.
Having already become a master of Wudang and learned the martial arts of the shamans,
Namgung’s martial arts? At most, they barely matched first-rate expertise, so letting go and starting over didn’t seem daunting.
Of course, easier said than done; it took over ten years to replace it.
But that was alright.
It was better than clinging to remnants of the Namgung legacy.
Namgung Myung still wished for Namgung Hyung to return to the Namgung clan, but that was an impossible task.
Learning the martial arts of Wudang while also mastering Namgung’s swordsmanship alone kept him at a relentless pace.
Namgung’s sword couldn’t embed internal energy at all, so at best, he was limited to just learning the swordplay.
Nevertheless, Namgung Hyung knew that by merely imparting this sword, the Namgung clan would change.
This sword held that much merit.
‘Because the old man is insatiably greedy.’
Namgung Myung couldn’t seem to be satisfied with the mere level of achievement and had Namgung Hyung continue the sword learning.
How much more effort would it take for him to find satisfaction?
Setting aside the sword’s worth, it was still a torment for Namgung Hyung.
‘If so, I should’ve negotiated better when signing that dastardly contract.’
Not merely to a specific standard, but until Namgung Myung felt fulfilled.
That cursed phrase must have been the crux of the problem.
Thus, it was no wonder Namgung Hyung started to see Namgung Bia in a more favorable light.
‘…This child might be the answer.’
Namgung Hyung genuinely believed so.
Initially, he had no particular thoughts upon their first meeting.
After all, his entire focus was directed at Gu Yangcheon.
His own nephew? What a whimsical notion.
The point at which he abandoned the Namgung clan held no significance.
Even if they shared the same hair and eyes, Namgung Hyung bore no affection for Namgung Bi-ah at all.
As expected, it seemed the sentiment was mutual for Namgung Bia.
Noteworthy was her striking beauty.
He could acknowledge that she was quite remarkable for her age.
‘The disciple is indeed superior.’
In martial prowess, Woo Hyuk had outperformed her—that was the conclusion back then.
Until he laid eyes on Namgung Bia’s sword, that is.
“Heh heh.”
Namgung Hyung still vividly recalled the moment.
The sight of Namgung Bia swinging her sword under the sunlight—
With intense focus, unaware of his own arrival, she was engrossed in her practice.
Naturally, it was the sword of the Namgung clan.
The very sword that lacked any potential pfft.
‘How could that be?’
Do you grasp what that implies?
The sword of Namgung that bore no potential whatsoever.
This revelation struck Namgung Hyung like lightning.
Namgung’s sword could not function without utilizing its embedded energy.
The technique would falter mid-usage, resulting in a loss of its inherent potency.
Therefore, Namgung’s sword required the infusing of energy.
But—
‘That child didn’t use it.’
In Namgung Bia’s sword, there was no hint of embedded energy present.
Sort of like—
‘…In the manner of the ancient Namgung sword.’
The true Namgung sword that Namgung Myung was determined to have Namgung Hyung relearn.
Namgung Bia’s sword was undoubtedly reminiscent of that.
‘You can’t say they’re completely identical.’
It couldn’t be said to be on par with the sword that Namgung Hyung had learned.
There certainly lay some distinctions.
The crux of the dilemma is that one cannot confidently declare whether that was incorrect.
‘How on earth did she achieve that?’
She, the heir to the Namgung clan’s swordsmanship, had independently discovered the genuine sword technique.
Within the martial arts she had learned, she found and corrected anomalous aspects by herself.
That was…
‘My eyes were blunted.’
So lacking that it couldn’t even be called talent.
He could only curse himself for judging purely based on experience while likening Namgung Bia’s abilities to his own.
So Namgung Hyung spoke without hesitation.
“My dear niece, why don’t you consider taking on the clan leader role?”
It’s this girl.
The bearer of the lunatic ancestor’s wish, partaking in the inheritance of the sword as intended.
A prospect far better than his own.
He discovered that potential.
Naturally, he presumed that it wouldn’t be an easy feat.
If a long-lost uncle suddenly were to ask, “You, Namgung Se, would you like to rearrange the family order?” it would be quite absurd.
“I’ll do it.”
He frankly expected a response akin to that, yet it didn’t play out like he anticipated.
Why was this even possible?
Namgung Hyung stood there befuddled at Namgung Bi-ah’s bold declaration.
“…You’re kidding, right?”
Nod.
“Oh, um… yeah… uh.”
Contrarily, it went so smoothly that Namgung Hyung found himself flustered.
What had captivated her heart?
‘…Could showing her the sword have been the trick?’
In hopes of aiding persuasion even slightly, he demonstrated the Namgung sword technique.
Namgung Bia’s gaze was intensely fervent as she observed.
Much like his own earlier experience.
Namgung Bia also appeared exhilarated, as if she had discovered a lifeline.
Observing this, Namgung Hyung became convinced.
They evidently needed something from one another.
This would surely make conversations easier.
Just as he began to feel fortunate that matters had resolved far more effortlessly than anticipated—
Namgung Hyung remembered one critical detail he had forgotten.
“Oh, by the way, dear niece.”
“…?”
In response to Namgung Hyung’s words, Namgung Bia tilted her head, intrigued.
She looked a tad intimidating, her eyes shining as if demanding immediate revelations.
It seemed favorable, yet it felt immensely burdensome.
“I doubt it can happen just yet.”
“Why…?”
“Well, my uncle has to journey quite the distance.”
“Where…?”
“To the North Sea.”
That, right there, was the primary obstacle.
Namgung Hyung needed to go to the North Sea.
To a place he had always yearned for.
After all, he had assessed Woo Hyuk’s ability and had seized a moment of absence from the ancestor to drink; he figured it was prime time to embark now.
Namgung Hyung needed to go to the North Sea.
This endeavor wasn’t solely for his own benefit but rather for his disciples and Namgung Myung.
Thus—
“I regret bringing this up, but we should ideally discuss this upon my return.”
He attempted to utter the words with an awkward smile.
“…Let’s go together…”
Namgung Hyung was momentarily caught off guard by Namgung Bia’s response.
“What did you say?”
“…Let’s go together.”
To the North Sea she must go.
Despite his declaration, Namgung Bia’s eyes remained ablaze with determination.
Where had the drowsy, awkward child vanished to? Now, Namgung Bia was staring at Namgung Hyung with the eyes of a warrior.
‘Hmm.’
Observing that, Namgung Hyung realized.
Not a single sane soul dwelled within the Namgung family.
Nor did it seem his niece was entirely sane either.
Regardless of the urgency from witnessing her martial art skills, who in the world would contend with following him to the North Sea?
‘But still.’
Couldn’t be a bad affair.
chuckles It’s quite pleasant for me.
Namgung Hyung nodded in agreement.
“Very well, if that’s your desire, dear niece, I suppose I should comply.”
“…”
“The departure will probably be…”
“…Wait…”
He was about to explain the schedule when this time Namgung Bia interrupted him.
“I haven’t… received permission yet…”
“Oh.”
At Namgung Bia’s words, Namgung Hyung realized what he had overlooked.
That’s right, they hadn’t sought prior approval.
It would be essential to get authorization to venture all the way to the North Sea.
“But, dear niece, I doubt that person would approve of this…?”
No matter how much of a nuisance that person might be, there was no way they’d allow their runaway half-brother to whisk their daughter off to the North Sea.
‘Dear niece, perhaps you’re more dutiful to family than I’d assumed.’
Thus, it had never occurred to him that Namgung Bia would seek permission for such a matter.
She didn’t seem like one to worry overly about familial ties.
As Namgung Hyung pondered these thoughts, he soon heard,
“…It’s not my father…”
Namgung Bia declared. It wasn’t the Sword King.
“Not your brother? Then who…?”
When Namgung Hyung inquired, Namgung Bia gestured toward a particular direction.
There.
“Huh?”
That direction was right where Gu Yangcheon’s residence lay.
And so here we are.
‘…Hmm.’
Namgung Hyung had to ruminate and reflect on several thoughts while casting his gaze between Gu Yangcheon and the other individual.
‘The resistance is stiffer than I expected.’
After all, he had to return for a brain scan eventually, so he had simply intended to relay the message while he was at it.
Gu Yangcheon’s reaction was notably drastic.
When his niece proposed going to the North Sea,
he could see the tremor in Gu Yangcheon’s eyes.
‘He didn’t seem like that kind of kid.’
Gu Yangcheon’s initial impression revealed a cheeky, unyielding character.
Nevertheless, he also portrayed a somewhat svelte and serene emotional line.
Yet, little did he expect to crumble so drastically over those words, “My nephew intends to depart.”
‘Could they really be that close?’
He had heard whispers of their engagement, but he never thought theirs was such a deeply affectionate relationship.
At first glance, it seemed entirely politically motivated. That was his assumption.
“My dear niece seems to be showered with affection, doesn’t she?”
“…”
As Namgung Hyung chuckled and remarked, Namgung Bia maintained a stoic countenance.
It seemed quite plausible.
‘Heh heh.’
Namgung Hyung noticed the slight flush on Namgung Bia’s ears.
She seemed a touch flustered.
As he contemplated amusingly or even whistling to lighten the mood—
“…Is now the time for such pranks?”
A lamenting voice drifted from the side. It was the White Lotus Sword.
Having skulked around near Gu Yangcheon’s dwelling, he had seized the opportunity to catch and bring him back.
“You maniac! What are you doing? Suddenly declaring you’ll journey to the North Sea?”
The White Lotus Sword, snatched almost instantly, appeared still astounded by Namgung Hyung’s previous declarations.
“Well, one could go for a little trip, perhaps.”
“A trip? That sounds absurd! If you’re going to do such nonsense, do it alone! Why pull me into this? I’m already swamped!”
“Are you plotting to ensnare a man? Stop joking around and lend me a hand.”
“What on earth am I supposed to help with?”
“Sister seems notably enraged: how delightful to see that face! chuckles”
“This rascal is something else…”
clank.
Just as the White Lotus Sword prepared to draw his blade, unable to contain himself—
“The seal of the Ice Palace. You have that, right, Sister?”
“…!”
At Namgung Hyung’s revelation, the White Lotus Sword halted.
The expression on his face indicated disbelief, as if he found it inconceivable.
“…You.”
“Well, that may not be relevant. There must have been some method involved. So.”
Namgung Hyung’s gaze slightly narrowed.
“Sister. Didn’t you journey back and forth to North Sea before?”
swish.
The White Lotus Sword drew his blade.
He placed it threateningly against Namgung Hyung’s throat.
With just a slight push, it would leave a mark.
“…Where did you hear that?”
“I have something to discuss regarding the North Sea.”
“Don’t spout nonsensical talk. You—”
“Isn’t it currently noisy due to the ice incident?”
“…!!”
The White Lotus Sword swallowed hard.
For this was truly confidential information.
Observing the White Lotus Sword’s expression, Namgung Hyung chuckled.
“What information could you be concealing behind that face? Sister, you haven’t changed!”
“…What on earth…?”
“We’re in a peculiar situation as well. I merely wished to share the general circumstance with you.”
“At that point, you wouldn’t require my assistance, would you…?”
“That has its own reasons… laughs.”
At Namgung Hyung’s remark, the White Lotus Sword grit his teeth, attempting to continue.
creak.
“Oh! Something’s coming out.”
Upon hearing that from within the residence, the White Lotus Sword hurriedly stowed his weapon.
As he turned toward the doorway, Gu Yangcheon emerged slowly.
With a notably serious expression, he approached.
Observing him, Namgung Hyung inquired,
“How is it? Have you given it thought?”
Gu Yangcheon lifted his head at Namgung Hyung’s question.
His gaze was inscrutable, revealing nothing of what he pondered.
Gu Yangcheon didn’t yield any specific reply and simply moved closer to Namgung Bia.
Namgung Bia remained fixed on Gu Yangcheon.
As the gap between them closed, and he approached Namgung Bia, he began to speak.
“I want to go to the North Sea.”
“Huh.”
“It’s utterly frigid over there.”
“I… know…”
“Knowing what? You’ve never ventured there once.”
“….”
While Gu Yangcheon sighed, Namgung Bia remained undeterred.
She steadied her gaze upon Gu Yangcheon and asked calmly.
“How can I… receive… permission… for this?”
With a voice that carried an almost desperate edge, Gu Yangcheon took a deep breath and began to unfurl the topic he had preordained.
“…There’s a condition.”
“Huh.”
“Do you recall back in the day? The insists on dueling me.”
This tale, a couple of years past already.
Namgung Bia had continuously urged him to engage in battle. Gu Yangcheon had an established history of resolutely denying her requests.
The rationale for revisiting such an antiquated matter now was… for no other reason than—
“Let’s duel. Right now.”
“…!”
Upon those words, Namgung Hyung furrowed a brow.
For it was utter nonsense. He was about to interject.
“Old Confucian! That’s—”
“I understand.”
“Dear niece?”
When Namgung Bia consented and Namgung Hyung tried to dissuade her, his eyes widened.
No matter how one sliced it, the condition was ludicrous.
Namgung Bia was indeed gifted, but to Namgung Hyung, Gu Yangcheon existed on an entirely different caliber.
There was no way he could be matched with any higher-tiered expert.
‘What the heck.’
Surely, his niece must have known that. Was it possible she had been resisting truly wanting to venture to the North Sea?
It was baffling enough to make one ponder.
At that moment—
“…How… should I approach this?”
Namgung Bia inquired of Gu Yangcheon.
She recognized something crucial.
Gu Yangcheon would never have issued such an absurd challenge without due consideration.
In light of her unwavering conviction, Gu Yangcheon faintly smiled.
Had she pressed him for a bit more explanation, it would have indeed been much easier for him to acquiesce, yet Namgung Bia didn’t do so.
It gnawed at his core.
And simultaneously—
swish.
“…Huh?”
Gu Yangcheon pulled something from his attire, and the grimace on Namgung Hyung’s face deepened.
He was brandishing a brain.
Why would that kid suddenly brandish something like that?
Just as that inquiry began to form in his mind—
Gu Yangcheon looked toward Namgung Bia, declaring,
“Make me recognize you, and I’ll allow it.”
“…”
Hearing those words from Namgung Bia.
“Understood.”
swish.
Without a moment’s hesitation, she drew her sword.
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