Chapter: 269
Time passed and the day of the engagement ceremony arrived.
Even so, only a few days have gone by.
It was a boring time for me, who couldn’t even practice.
At best, I could only go for a walk with Namgung Bi-ah.
Just have a stressful tea party with Mrs. Mi who pops by occasionally.
No, we might be doing a tea party, but if there isn’t even a single word exchanged, what on Earth am I supposed to do?
I thought I was going to die from the burden.
Ha!
‘Chasing that damn dragon at least provided a bit of amusement.’
When I think of Namgung Cheonjun, he can’t help but be a funny guy.
The power gained through blood
At best, it was just the evolution of the body and enhancement of martial arts skills.
In my case, the flames changed to a blue flame.
It seems he wasn’t as fortunate.
Of course, even that was muddled in a fuss about how my memory was hazy.
Thwack!
I had to smack my head.
The force of magic is clearly visible.
A purple light immediately spun around in my brain.
Even I could feel that the destructive power was getting stronger.
Could that be the reason?
Namgung Cheonjun felt like he was half-turned.
Should I say he was intoxicated by magic?
He looked like he was desperate to write something.
What a lunatic.
Well, I accepted it because the blood pressure was strong.
It could be possible to be like that—whenever magic is so obvious.
But still, he’s the bloodline of the righteous faction.
It’s absurd for anyone to be drawn to sorcery like that.
Well, I guess he’s not in his right mind, especially since he has disgusting desires toward my sister.
Even so, that sight was downright scary.
Once, he grabbed me by the leg of my trousers and begged me to let him write.
I had to tell him to shut his mouth and not come near me all day before he finally left.
…I should have just killed him.
Ha.
I really felt like I should deal with it.
Should I just watch how things unfold, then throw it away?
Every time I looked at that bastard’s face, those thoughts flooded my mind.
Now that I know what I need to know,
I don’t think I need to keep watching.
Phew.
Desires for glory and high places were so clear in him.
Honestly, this is where the problem lies with the noble kids.
What can you gain by climbing up there?
No.
If that’s all you desire, you probably won’t climb high.
In reality, those currently playing in the skies are all martial arts maniacs.
Clink-clink!
The sound of teacups clinking is quite clear.
For now, I had to put aside thoughts of Namgung Cheonjun.
It’s suffocating.
At this point, I’m just trying to endure the current situation.
Magic and Namgung Cheonjun.
Right now, there are much more important matters happening.
“I, the head of the Namgung family, consent with joy to the engagement with Gu Clan.”
I shifted my focus to the voice I heard.
It wasn’t to Namgung Jin speaking, nor to his father listening.
It was directed at the woman in front of me.
Wow, they really decked her out.
All dolled up, Namgung Bi-ah is still beautiful.
Her gaze was directed at me from beginning to end.
That’s genuinely interesting.
It really looks like it’s happening.
Engagement.
I really did end up engaged to her.
It was an altogether new experience for me in many ways.
I know the future I must face has changed quite a bit from the time I’ve lived.
But at this moment, it feels the most real.
What are you thinking?
I still conjure the image of the woman swaying behind Namgung Bi-ah.
She looks exactly like Namgung Bi-ah.
A woman who couldn’t live the same life as I did. You who died for me.
What would you say looking at this now?
That bit greatly piqued my curiosity.
Namgung Bi-ah was looking at me with gentle eyes.
It’s the same expression as usual.
Or maybe, it feels slightly different.
I really can’t tell.
Whatever it is,
It’s something unique for me.
What kind of feeling is this?
What emotions are swirling in my heart?
It definitely isn’t excitement.
It probably isn’t expectation either.
Just because it’s called engagement, it’s just an engagement.
I won’t be getting married.
Because I still have a ton of work ahead of me.
So, are you planning to do it after you finish everything?
I questioned myself.
Well,
no answer came.
To think of such tranquility now,
It feels too early.
Because it’s not even relevant yet.
I only wish things could be a little different.
I hope the rest of your life will be different from what it was before.
And, I hope that the life ahead of me will be lighter than before.
I was just wishing for that.
“So please stop looking at me, it’s burdensome.”
…
I wonder if she understood what I just said?
Namgung Bi-ah simply chuckled at my words.
The engagement ceremony ended quietly.
Would you understand if I said it was quieter than a banquet?
He mentioned that responses would come on a case-by-case basis.
Namgung Bi-ah and I held each other’s hands.
Thus, the engagement was now formalized.
Considering how much I had avoided this, the ending was surprisingly calm.
It was a moment I could finally put a few complicated thoughts down.
Plus.
Young Master!
A certain someone’s face popped to mind.
It was a rather taxing time.
The engagement ceremony didn’t take that long.
The formalities were sufficient for show.
The Gu Clan arrived at the Namgung Clan and got engaged.
All I needed to do was make that public.
There could be commercial exchanges or implicit transactional relationships regarding this.
I determined not to bother myself with it, leaving it to each clan to resolve.
The confusion is:
The buzz in the atmosphere over the past few days.
The reason the engagement had to be postponed.
I was a bit curious about that.
Nothing particularly new came in.
Perhaps my father heard it, but the lack of response is likely because
He understood the situation.
There probably was a good reason for everything, hence the silence from my father.
I really hope I don’t end up tangled in unnecessary issues.
Juggling my own workload was already challenging enough; I shouldn’t further complicate things.
Of course, I believe my father has put some barriers in place himself.
Now, time to move on from here.
I glanced around with a somewhat hesitant expression.
Would it be correct to describe this space as a warehouse filled with goods?
It’s probably accurate, as that’s precisely what it’s for.
This place,
Was the warehouse where the Namgung Clan’s valuables were collected.
The reason I’m here is,
I came here at Namgung Jin’s request.
To be honest, while I asked,
I thought he’d reject the offer, but his response was surprisingly agreeable.
Well, it’s also because I’m in a state of enlightenment.
I didn’t request to take anything; I merely expressed a desire to look around.
Of course, it requires some restrictions for actions.
That was expected.
After all, I had no intention of stealing anything.
There ought to be just one or two artifacts attached… That is already overwhelming; what more could I possibly add?
Strolling around the warehouse, I examined various items one by one.
Looks like most of them are swords.
As the saying goes, it’s true that the artifacts managed all take the form of swords.
However, many of them are rather oddly-shaped for being practically usable weapons.
They genuinely look like decorations meant for showing off.
I couldn’t understand why so many things were classified as treasures.
If we consider the very existence of treasures, it’s only natural that they’d be mind-boggling objects.
After all, treasures are items without creators.
More accurately, it would be right to say we just don’t know who made them.
Where did they come from?
And who was it who crafted them, unknown and unclear?
That’s the nature of most treasures.
The valuables stored in the Namgung Clan also had this vague feeling surrounding them.
They’ve been here since ancient times; hence the upkeep.
The only item in the Namgung clan regarded as both a treasure and a weapon is the Noea.
I might not know for certain,
But at least that’s what I knew.
Contemplating that, I scanned the surroundings.
I don’t feel anything particularly strange.
As artifacts of the Namgung clan,
I can feel the energy somewhat, yet I can’t view any differences.
…Could it be that there’s nothing here after all?
The reason I came in search of such a bothersome favor was that I had heard a few stories from Huang Abulyeong at Shaolin.
“Find Myeong-i.”
The Noechonilgeom Namgungmyeong was said to contain a treasure.
I thought perhaps the valuables within the Namgung Clan might hold something.
I had come here with good reason, but…
As I suspected.
It seemed like it wasn’t present.
Even if the Brain Sword was here, it wouldn’t matter if I don’t recognize it.
Huang Abulyeong asked me to find it; surely she’ll react if she sees me.
I expected something similar to Cheolyoung’s reaction.
If it’s not here… Then as suspected.
There’s a high probability that Namgung Myung is in the famed sword Noea, which is wandering outside.
Given that it’s his lifelong weapon,
It won’t be strange if Namgung Myung’s soul is contained in it.
That too, was predictable.
I merely wished for a straightforward approach.
“That’s unfortunate.”
While the current Shin Noya is fast asleep,
I tried to see if I could manage something alone, but the situation simply wasn’t cooperating.
In the end, it means to find Namgung Myung, I must head all the way to Mt. Mudeung.
Moreover, the current Brain is with the shaman’s artifacts.
It indicates I need to seek not just the shaman but also him.
They just won’t let me stand still for even a moment.
It seems the message is that to live a peaceful life, one must move as if their feet are on fire.
Ugh, this is annoying.
Filled with irritation, I began to walk away.
There was no further reason to linger here, so I had to exit.
Just then.
…clang!
I spun around at the sound of the voice.
My instincts sent chills down my spine.
Shincheol!
Even far away, beyond the haunted artifacts,
Ink writing displayed on the warehouse wall.
A sound wafted from there.
“…No way.”
I turned around and approached the direction the sound emanated from.
The writing on the wall read, “Nancheon Jeilgeom.”
It was a phrase whose meaning remained unknown.
A hastily scribbled note hung on the wall.
Staring at it, I was awash with confusion.
“Shincheol…”
The voice spoke as though confirming my thoughts weren’t erroneous.
It was a low, chilling male voice.
“Seriously? …Could this be the Brain Heavenly Sword?”
The soul of Namgung Myung, which I expected to be in a treasure,
Could it mean it’s been imprisoned within such crudely scripted writing?
“…Are you the Brain Heavenly Sword?”
I queried hesitantly.
The culprit didn’t respond.
A brief moment of silence passed.
“Excuse me….”
“Shincheol… Wait, it could be Ilcheon.”
“Hey?”
The voice began to speak.
“Over there, no, over there!”
How long has it been… I’m curious, but everything else feels trivial right now.
I called out desperately, yet my voice only echoed my own words.
It seemed my voice wasn’t making it through.
“Whoever you are, first of all, Brain… No! Find me. I am… .”
The chatter that had been happening suddenly ceased and the voice was lost.
It felt as though only the voice existed within that moment.
Regardless of whether such a thing can happen.
“Find the brain?”
I began recalling the words left behind by the figure presumed to be Namgung Myung.
If this is true, it truly signifies that Namgung Myung is within the brain.
“And….”
[It could be Ilcheon.]
These words echoing in my mind stirred something within me.
It seems Cheolyoung had anticipated that Shin Noya would remain in this time frame.
If it were a thousand…
Kwon Cheol-geum-wang Yeon Il-cheon…
He was once the world’s top martial artist, having faced off against the previous Blood Demon.
As Cheolyoung said,
A figure hailed as a person who defied time like me.
“Why did he…?”
For some reason, the fact that Namgung Myung mentioned his name irritates me.
Within a room steeped in a dark atmosphere,
A man enters.
“Miss, the letter has arrived.”
Inside a commercial establishment of the Murong Clan, located in Anhui.
Even at nightfall, the lamps in the room flickered, casting light.
Inside the chamber, Mo Yong-hee was engrossed in a letter.
“Is it from the Namgung Clan?”
“Indeed.”
“Please summarize it for me.”
While speaking, Mo Yong-hee kept her focus on the letter in hand.
“…It appears the engagement discussion has been resolved.”
At that, Mo Yong-hee paused momentarily.
She shifted her gaze toward the man.
“There isn’t any additional news.”
“Right.”
“It seems there was some turmoil. It’s surprising this wasn’t leveraged.”
The talk about the engagement with the Dragon didn’t seem consistently handled.
It wasn’t yet clearly defined but would take shape if pushed a bit further.
The Mo Yong Clan was leading that discussion primarily.
So now, with the mention of pulling out, it’s clear something seems amiss.
It’s passed quite smoothly.
From Mo Yong-hee’s perspective, this felt somewhat peculiar.
“Regardless, it’s good news.”
“Yes.”
“I likely need to head to the center tomorrow, so make the preparations.”
“Yes, understood.”
While speaking, Mo Yong-hee let out an inward sigh.
By now, the engagement ceremony would’ve concluded.
Contemplating that made her stomach turn.
‘Doesn’t matter.’
Yet, she worked hard to calm her thoughts.
After all, it was expected in this circumstance.
‘…There’s ample time.’
This was a perception Mo Yong-hee never would’ve contemplated in the past.
Time was abundant.
How out of character is this?
She had previously thought time was running out.
It shifted upon meeting him.
With a flutter,
The letter she held slipped from Mo Yong-hee’s fingers, gracefully descending to the floor.
“…Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean it’s over, right?”
“Miss?”
“It’s nothing.”
Mo Yong-hee hastily swept up her hair before picking the letter back up.
Tomorrow, she would see him.
For Mo Yong-hee, that anticipation was enough.
“Did your father have any further comments?”
“The head of the family didn’t detail much… Ah, but if possible, he would like to meet the Dragon.”
“That’s a no-go; I’ll act as if I didn’t hear that.”
“Understood.”
Mo Yong-hee answered firmly to the man’s inquiry.
Her father, cherished her more than life itself.
Should he encounter Gu Yangcheon, the potential consequences were unknown.
It would be clear that he would diligently hold onto the hopeful miracle of her father’s return.
‘…This part can’t be tolerated.’
Especially if it means pursuing a man already engaged.
Who knows what would become of Gu Yangcheon should that transpire?
“Miss.”
“Speak.”
“What should we do with the captured individuals?”
“Oh.”
At the man’s words, Mo Yong-hee looked up with surprise, as if she’d momentarily forgotten.
The reason she had come to Anhui was that the partnering company was embezzling funds meant for silk production.
Checking and recovering the situation wouldn’t be difficult.
It’s easy enough to track due to their incompetence in the matter.
Mo Yong-hee, just loosening up,
“Kill them. Leave no one involved alive.”
She delivered her response coolly and without remorse.
“Understood.”
After receiving the response, the man promptly turned and exited the room.
Left alone, Mo Yong-hee finally felt the tension in her body subsiding.
Because she was focused on treating her chronic illness, her body felt a bit sluggish.
Indeed, she had surpassed the level where training was possible.
Mo Yong-hee wasn’t engaging in training deliberately.
‘…If he finds out I practiced secretly, he might catch on.’
If her improvement became apparent,
The chances of an unexpected encounter would likely reduce.
That couldn’t happen, so she needed to bide her time for several more years.
For Mo Yong-hee,
The approach to growing closer as a woman took precedence over advancing martial prowess.
“Now then…”
After some body movements to loosen the tension,
Mo Yong-hee picked up another letter.
That contained information collated by the Murong Clan for her.
It stated why the present Namgung Clan found itself in such a convoluted situation.
“The whereabouts of the Heavenly King are unknown.”
Upon reading that brief line, a glint flared in Mo Yong-hee’s eyes.
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