129 - Sword King Appearance (1) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

At the Namgung Clan's Main House, An Hwi-seong knelt on both knees before Sword King Namgung Hyuk, shouting, "Supreme Clan Leader!!!" This was how one would describe Namgung Woon. A man who never raised his voice and always displayed a gentle smile to others. A man as flawless as the azure sky. However, even such a man could be driven to shout, and the person before him, Namgung Hyuk, was the one to push him to do so. "It cannot be!!!" Veins throbbed in Namgung Woon's eyes for one singular reason. "You mean to undertake a journey alone! How can you even consider such madness!" "Your voice is raised." "Do you not think it needs to be?!" It was maddeningly frustrating. Namgung Hyuk, with a stubborn face, continued to pack his sword, radiating an unwavering determination not to bend his will. "I have a place I need to go." "You haven't even told me where!" "..." "Supreme Clan Leader! Please be more aware of your position! You are now the Sword King! Sword King! If you cause trouble again, it won't just end with being called reckless!" Indeed, it was as everyone said. Sword King Namgung Hyuk. Sword Dragon Namgung Jincheon. Like grandfather, like grandson. Both possessed unparalleled talent in swordsmanship, being rightfully called the best under the heavens, yet lacking in almost every other aspect to an unimaginable degree. The ludicrously insufficient societal skills had caused untold hardships. From the moment he came of age, Namgung Woon had always been by Namgung Hyuk’s side, constantly covering up for his personality. Turning lack of eloquence into reticence. Stubbornness into pride. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Namgung Woon himself had coined the title "Sword King", and he did not wish all his lifelong efforts to be in vain. "No one else, but I must accompany you! This I cannot yield!" He spoke with fervor, eyes wide. "Are you able to stay alone in an inn? Do you even know how much a single meal costs, can you manage money? Can you, moreover, find your way?!!!" Namgung Woon knew it. By taking it this far, Namgung Hyuk would reluctantly listen. Or at least, give reality a glance. A man who had never once fretted over daily matters in his life, finally... gave in. "Just you. No more than that." Changseong Sword Namgung Woon. Today too, he succeeded in upholding the dignity of the Namgung Clan. * With the Supreme Clan Leader away, the entire Namgung Clan was shaken. The most astounded of them all was his son and Namgung Jincheon’s father, the current clan leader. "Father!" "I will return." Namgung Woon understood his cousin, the clan leader's, look all too well. Naturally, being the only sane individual between such identical father and son, he was the first to worry about the chaos that would ensue once they both wandered outside. It was more than mere concern; precedent had been set. Namgung Jincheon's identity had been revealed to a certain extent. Though not even half a year had passed since heading to the Martial Alliance, rumors were already circulating within the warrior's world. Sword Dragon Namgung Jincheon wasn’t exactly known for his intellect. With a heavy heart, Namgung Woon closed his eyes in despondency. "Clan Leader." "Woon-ah! Could you please—" "I will go with him!" In that moment, a myriad of emotions intertwined and then dispersed in the gazes of the two men. An indefinable bond was present between them. Eventually, the clan leader nodded with a determined expression. Though unspoken, Namgung Woon understood his meaning. 'I entrust this to you.' Certainly, that was the message. At that moment, as Namgung Hyuk prepared to leave. "Grandfather!" A young girl came running. It was Namgung Jincheon’s sister, Namgung Soa. She tightly hugged Namgung Hyuk. "Where are you going, grandfather?" "To a contest." "Hm?" Namgung Soa tilted her head in confusion. Namgung Hyuk, after a slight grimace, gently patted her on the head. "Do not neglect your studies." "Hm!" It was a curious sentiment, coming from someone who would rather tear apart a book than study it. Shaking off such thoughts, Namgung Woon handed Namgung Soa over to the clan leader. The real departure had begun. * Leaving Anhui, Namgung Hyuk promptly headed toward Gangseo Province. Arriving at a small village in Suyang County, Namgung Woon could not fathom whom his uncle was seeking in this place. "Supreme Clan Leader?" "Speak." "What is our destination?" "The countryside." "Excuse me?" "It is located in the countryside." Namgung Woon bit his lip, observing Namgung Hyuk. '…He has sharpened his resolve.' He felt stifled. Namgung Woon realized who they were here to meet. To Namgung Woon's knowledge, there was only one person throughout the Central Plains Martial World whom Namgung Hyuk would prepare so earnestly for a contest against. "…Have you come to meet Sword Saint Master Mok Seon-o?" Sword Saint Mok Seon-o, the unrivaled champion of the previous generation who abandoned his illustrious name and left the martial world. Namgung Hyuk remained silent, responding only by closing his eyes in meditation. He sensed the gazes within the inn turning towards them, yet Namgung Hyuk remained unmoved, gradually releasing his energy. An energy that did not press down with intimidation but merely exuded presence, seemingly calling out for someone. Namgung Woon felt tension rising. ‘So he truly does live.’ This was about a man who had left the martial world and from whom no news had come for 18 years. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to consider him dead. Yet look. Namgung Hyuk was summoning him with certainty. Namgung Woon knew. Though Namgung Hyuk was simple-minded, he was not a man to waste time on unnecessary matters. Soon, Namgung Woon jolted, feeling an overwhelming energy from behind. "...This damned sword fool. You actually found this place?" The grumbling of an old man laced with irritation. Namgung Woon recognized this voice. He leaped to his feet and performed a fist-and-palm salute towards the elderly man. "Greetings..." Whack! Beggar King Ma Ilseok smacked Namgung Woon on the head. "Ouch!" "Don't cause a fuss, boy." His words were nonchalant. Namgung Hyuk then spoke. "Lead the way." Ma Ilseok's temples twitched. "...This guy, really insolent, isn’t he?" "I have no interest in the weak." "This brat?" Namgung Woon felt his heart trembling. * Ascending the mountain paths, Namgung Hyuk maintained his focus on adjusting his energy. ‘Getting closer.’ The chilling, ever-barrier-like energy, not warm yet undeniably spirited, had filled the space beyond three valleys. Namgung Hyuk felt an itch in his hands and reminisced about the past. 18 years since leaving the martial world, Namgung Hyuk had only one concern. ‘How to win.’ Mok Seon-o was acknowledged as the greatest in the world, a fact Namgung Hyuk had admitted upon reaching the age of forty. With that acceptance, his mindset too had shifted. He couldn’t overpower with strength. He couldn’t outmaneuver with technique. So, he could only cling on persistently, like a fighting dog setting his sights on victory. As the thoughts continued, the energy around him grew denser, not just with tension but layered with anticipation. He wasn't the only one who had grown over 18 years. How far had the person, already the best in the world back then, progressed? What views were they now admiring? At the end of the contemplation. "...Sword King?" Facing an elderly man sweeping the yard of a humble thatched house was Namgung Hyuk. "...Sword Saint." "How did you... It truly has been a long time!" Sword Saint Mok Seon-o smiled brightly. His face was much older than Namgung Hyuk remembered. Time had etched its mark across his features, blurring them, somewhat improving an objectively unattractive face. Was his back hunched? No, it remained straight. And his sweeping hands bore vibrant callouses. Utterly satisfying. He hadn’t abandoned the sword. "Let's see... Ah, go on, beggar. Bring out some drinks. We have a guest to entertain, after all." "Oh, brother, you call this one a guest?" "Heh, you're still not getting along with the Sword King, I see. Just do me this favor." Ma Ilseok grumbled as he walked behind the house. Finally, Mok Seon-o's gaze fell on Namgung Woon, recognizing his face as well. "Oh, isn’t this Woon?" "Greetings, Sword Saint Master!" Namgung Woon bowed with a fist-and-palm salute, seemingly excited, though Namgung Hyuk did not seem to enjoy that. "Good heavens, when did you grow up so much? Last time I saw you, you were still so green." "Ha! I am nearly of age to not fear the forties! I’m married with two children!" "That is truly good news." Amidst the warm atmosphere, Namgung Hyuk pondered. When would be the right time to proceed? Would they never get to fight if this continued indefinitely? After a brief contemplation, Namgung Hyuk drew his sword. Shing— "Enough chit-chat." He released his energy. "Sword Saint, it is time for our contest." Mok Seon-o blinked. Namgung Hyuk gestured with his chin. "Fetch your sword." "Such a rush." "I came for this reason." "Would you wait just a bit?" Mok Seon-o turned his head. Ma Ilseok was bringing out drinks. "Wouldn’t it be better to ease our reunion first?" "Eh? This sword damned fool! Can’t even wait and draws his sword again?!" Ma Ilseok, having set the drink table, shouted in a rage. Namgung Woon whispered from the side. "Su-Supreme Clan Leader, please sheathe your sword! There’s no need to rush when we're being treated to such hospitality." Namgung Hyuk’s face turned surly. All he wished for was to swing his sword, yet why was there no one supportive of his cause? It was merely regrettable. Namgung Hyuk then sheathed his sword and sat down on the porch. "... I don't fancy long stories." "Blah, more like you're just bad at talking." "..." "Lord Beggar King!" Namgung Woon rushed about in a fluster. Namgung Hyuk snorted derisively and picked up a wine cup. In that moment, Mok Seon-o spoke. "...I've heard news of the Poison King." Namgung Hyuk's movement halted. Lifting his gaze, Mok Seon-o had a bitter expression on his face. "He destroyed himself with his own toxicity. At the same time, his past misdeeds came to light." The Poison King. Yes, there was such a man. A fool who couldn't fight back despite his weakness. This was the first Namgung Hyuk had heard of his demise, even though he recalled matters related to their bitter rivalry. "Is that so?" "How is it that you, living in the mountains, know less of the world's news than I?" "I simply don't take an interest." "Indeed, that's very like you." Mok Seon-o chuckled. Then, extending a wine cup, he said, "First, could we raise a glass for him, who was once a comrade-in-arms, regardless?" Namgung Hyuk watched the cup Mok Seon-o held for a moment, then lifted his own. "It's not a hard thing to do." Saying so, Mok Seon-o smiled softly.