Chapter 108

Leaving doubts behind, they arrived at the preliminary martial duel arena.

If it were the southwest, the Wind Chasing Unit (巽風團) of the Eight Directions Unit should be managing it, but for some reason, the uniforms of the martial artists at the reception area were black instead of the Wind Chasing Unit’s purple.

Wondering if they had come to the wrong place, Namgung Woo checked the surroundings again, but it was exactly as he had heard.

“Excuse me, may I ask something?”

When Namgung Woo spoke to the Martial Alliance martial artist, the one checking the list replied without even looking up.

“Yes, yes~ This is indeed the southwest preliminary martial duel arena. So, just find your name here and… huh?!”

The martial artist, who had been casually handing over the list, suddenly froze in shock, as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have.

Having heard the same question repeatedly, he had been answering mechanically. How nice it would be if he could take those words back.

Until now, there had been no issues. The Martial Alliance’s direct martial artists held a respected position in the White Path Martial World, and his own sect was also quite reputable.

But in front of the name of Changcheon Daeju, who had recently shaken the White Path Martial World, he was like a straw house before a typhoon. And not just that. Behind him were the daughters of the Hapbuk Paeng Family and the Jegal Family.

The martial artist quickly stood up, offering a respectful bow, and exclaimed, “Blue Sword Emperor, Great Hero! It is truly an honor to meet you. I am Sanggeon of the Hwang Mountain Sect. I have heard much about your valor and achievements during the Unmong Great War from my master, Jeonggwang. I have long admired you and wished to meet you. I am deeply ashamed to have shown such a disgraceful appearance.”

He introduced his sect, mentioning his master Jeonggwang, emphasizing that they were not without connection. He was Sanggeon of the Hwang Mountain Sect, a member of the Martial Alliance.

And his desperate efforts bore fruit.

Namgung Woo successfully recalled memories of Master Jeonggwang and the Hwang Mountain Sect.

“Ah… Master Jeonggwang. The Dragon-Slaying Moon Grasp Seal was truly remarkable. I still enjoy the Hwang Mountain Morning Peak tea he gifted me.”

“Master’s Dragon-Slaying Moon Grasp Seal is highly regarded even in our sect. I miss the Hwang Mountain Morning Peak tea. I wish I could share its aroma with you and hear your wise words, but alas, the situation does not permit it.”

“Then, may I ask for your guidance?”

“Of course. Please sign here for identification… and take this number tag. When your number is called, please come to the martial arena.”

When Namgung Woo did not raise any issues about his attitude, Sanggeon sighed in relief, wondering if he had gotten away with it or if Namgung Woo had simply let it slide.

‘Master Jeonggwang… Sect Leader… Thank you. I have been neglecting our sect while staying at the alliance. I will make time to visit soon…’

While Sanggeon sent silent thanks to his sect, Namgung Woo called Namgung Sol to write their names and took the number tag.

“But.”

“Yes, yes?”

“Why is the Water Accepting Unit managing the southwest instead of the Wind Chasing Unit?”

The Water Accepting Unit, which wore black uniforms, was supposed to manage the west. Their presence here meant something had happened to the Wind Chasing Unit.

Namgung Woo asked out of curiosity, but Sanggeon, within the limits of what he knew, briefly summarized the situation.

“The alliance’s martial forces sometimes go on long-term missions. The Wind Chasing Unit has not returned yet. It’s a principle to return as quickly as possible during alliance meetings, but this mission must have been particularly challenging.”

§

The group, seated in the spectator seats surrounding the martial arena, watched the ongoing preliminary duels.

“Brother.”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you let that martial artist off earlier? It was a situation that could have easily upset you.”

He was referring to Sanggeon’s earlier behavior.

The attitude he had shown was certainly enough to warrant a complaint. With a bit of persistence, it could have gone even further.

But Namgung Woo had let it slide without any complaint.

“The losses outweigh the gains.”

Now, Namgung Woo had to consider political aspects as well.

The most important thing was Namgung Woo’s own strength and the practical martial power that would support him, but a family cannot function properly with just strength alone.

“The Hwang Mountain Sect is located in the Southern Directly Administered Region, so it’s better to keep them as potential allies. The groundwork has already been laid. No need to stir up unnecessary trouble.”

At Namgung Woo’s answer, Paeng Ha-ryeong smiled.

Her question was solely to hear Namgung Woo’s thoughts, not to criticize his actions.

Seeing Namgung Woo gradually grow into the role of a leader and a future family head, Paeng Ha-ryeong felt both pride and a tinge of loneliness.

‘I can’t stay like this forever…’

If Namgung Woo becomes the family head and starts to encompass political aspects, she can no longer monopolize the seat beside him.

“Number 11! Those holding number 11, please prepare for the duel and come to the arena!”

It was Namgung Sol’s number.

When her number was called, Namgung Sol, who had been tightly clutching the number tag with both hands, grabbed it with one hand and raised her arm high. She was worried about being disqualified for absence.

“Hey, I’ll be back.”

Namgung Sol bowed deeply to Namgung Woo, her voice trembling.

“Wait a moment.”

He felt he should say something.

Namgung Woo held Namgung Sol back, unsure of what to say. He had no siblings, and as time passed, even his parents, with whom he could have had family conversations, were gone.

Family conversations were still difficult and awkward for Namgung Woo.

“Uh, um…”

The preparation time before the duel was not long.

Namgung Woo had to say something. Or just brush it off as nothing.

“It would be good if you win, but even if you don’t, it’s fine.”

“Huh…?”

“We have a long way to go. This martial duel is just one step along the way. So, above all, don’t get hurt. That’s the most important thing.”

“Ah… yes!”

Namgung Sol, who hadn’t expected such words from Namgung Woo, smiled brightly like a child who had just received an unexpected gift.

“I’ll be back.”

“Yes! I’ll be back!”

Namgung Sol ran off energetically.

Worries about the martial duel were now completely forgotten. The overwhelming emotions Namgung Sol was feeling were too great to think about such things.

She was no longer alone. She no longer had to feel lonely. She no longer had to bear the name Namgung alone.

That thought filled Namgung Sol’s heart with warmth.

§

“I am Yang Geon-o of the Spirit Sword Gate. The sword technique I mainly practice is the Seventeen Spirit Sword Forms.”

Namgung Sol, seeing her first opponent’s bow and self-introduction, returned the bow and said, “I am Jeong Sol. I have no specific sect… but I have studied under Changcheon Daeju. The martial art I practice is the Flying Swallow Sword Technique.”

“I see. So the rumors that the Blue Sword Emperor took a disciple were true.”

Yang Geon-o, aged 29, was in his last year to challenge for the title of Dragon. He had put special effort into gathering information.

He had hoped to avoid Namgung Woo, who was rumored to be sending a disciple in his place, but the disciple of the Blue Sword Emperor before him did not seem particularly strong.

In fact, she didn’t even seem to have reached the peak.

Yang Geon-o glanced at Namgung Woo in the spectator seats and steeled his resolve. This was his last chance to earn the title of Dragon.

“However, unlike his renowned martial prowess, his judgment in taking disciples seems lacking.”

“Ugh…!”

At those words, Namgung Sol clenched her sword tightly.

‘Don’t fall for it. It’s obviously psychological warfare.’

It was a cheap tactic to disrupt her focus by provoking her emotions.

She knew that, but Namgung Sol’s emotions were uncontrollably turbulent.

Was it because her cultivation was shallow? No.

The life of a child raised without a father was never easy. Moreover, the Southern Directly Administered Region where Namgung Sol lived was a harsh place to survive, especially during the Unyang Rebellion.

Even before stepping into the martial world, Namgung Sol’s heart had already been worn down. Her mother’s death and the hidden secret of her birth had completely stripped away any innocence she might have had.

If she had still harbored any naive hopes, she would have been manipulated and discarded by those who sought to use her before Gakwon even stepped in.

So, if someone who knew Namgung Sol’s past had called her the ugly child of a traitor, she would have calmly agreed.

But Namgung Woo was different.

He was a true descendant of the Namgung Family, unlike herself. He was the only one who could forgive her sins, and in fact, he had extended a hand of salvation to her, becoming her living hope.

And just moments ago, he had given her warm words of encouragement.

Namgung Sol radiated an unprecedented intensity of killing intent towards the person who had dared to belittle Namgung Woo.

The mindset to enjoy the duel?

Not getting hurt was the most important thing?

The preliminary rounds required up to three duels, so she needed to manage her stamina?

Such thoughts were nowhere in Namgung Sol’s mind now.

All that dominated her thoughts was defeating the enemy before her who had dared to insult Namgung Woo.

“I will give it my all.”