Chapter 44

Finally confirming that Yi Ja-ryong’s life force had vanished, Namgung Woo let his arms droop in despair.

Having to erase the clue he had barely grasped with his own hands.

The exhaustion from his completely depleted Lower Dantian and Middle Dantian.

And the shock of his first kill, having taken the life of someone who, though far beyond human, still bore the form of one.

But Namgung Woo wasn’t just submerged in gloom.

Behind him, as the Ghost Realm receded, the dawn’s faint light began to peek through the sky.

It felt as if the heavens were comforting him, saying, “You have gained hope through this.” Namgung Woo smiled.

His hand felt light. Not just emotionally, but physically—the weight was gone. His sword shattered into pieces, scattering into dust. The iron fragments, scattered chaotically, were carried away by the early morning breeze.

It had been a fierce battle, pouring out all his internal energy.

Wielding the extreme yang energy, he unleashed the ultimate technique of the Thirteen Lightning Swords, a fundamentally destructive sword style. Unless it was a divine weapon, it couldn’t withstand such force and would inevitably break.

After all, swords are consumable. No matter how much a martial artist cherishes their weapon, it will eventually wear out, dull, and reach the end of its lifespan.

Weapons that don’t follow this rule are beyond the ordinary and are called divine weapons or peerless blades.

“Even a fine sword like this couldn’t withstand it. That just shows how formidable Yi Ja-ryong’s techniques were.”

He felt grateful that the sword had lasted this long. If the Paeng Family hadn’t prepared the sword for him, it would have broken midway, leaving him in a dire situation. Even now, after the battle, the thought sent shivers down his spine.

With his internal energy drained, Namgung Woo watched as Gwak Dan and a new intruder handled the situation.

There was no need for Namgung Woo to intervene.

Gwak Dan, despite being critically wounded, had severed the Netherworld Horn’s lifeline, and the intruder, taking over for the fatally injured Gwak Dan, slaughtered the horde pouring out of the Ghost Gate with overwhelming sword strikes.

Finally, as the intruder unleashed a river-crossing strike, shattering the Ghost Gate, Namgung Woo could feel the Ghost Realm receding.

“Is it over…?”

Yi Ja-ryong was dead, and the Ghost Gate was closed.

With his body reconstructed after reaching the Hua Jing realm, Namgung Woo had recovered a trace of internal energy and took heavy steps. Not the Infinite Steps technique, but ordinary steps, just like when he approached Yi Ja-ryong earlier.

“Hey, young hero, you were quite impressive.”

Gwak Dan, leaning almost flat against the corpse of the Netherworld Horn, raised his hand casually as Namgung Woo approached.

“You don’t look so good yourself.”

“Well, that’s how it is.”

Namgung Woo decided to push his already throbbing head one more time.

The Azure Tranquility Eyes opened with a faint blue light, observing Gwak Dan’s condition.

“The Lower Dantian is completely pierced, and the Middle Dantian is half shattered.”

The golden robe signifying his status as an Imperial Guard was torn, and dark blood oozed from the wounds beneath.

Namgung Woo took out a small box from his pocket. It was a healing pill prepared by the Paeng Family.

“It’s the Heaven and Earth Pill made by the Paeng Family.”

“Oh… that’s quite a treasure. Hey, Blade Sovereign, did you already stake a claim on this young hero? Tsk, I was planning to bring him to our Imperial Guards.”

“Even in this situation, you can joke?”

Besides Namgung Woo and Gwak Dan, there was one more person on Manse Mountain.

Blade Sovereign Paeng Hu-sang joined them only after confirming that the Ghost Gate had completely disappeared.

Having rushed non-stop from afar and immediately joining the battle, even a superhuman like him showed deep fatigue on his face.

But more than physical exhaustion, the fact that he was witnessing the end of a long-time acquaintance weighed heavily on Paeng Hu-sang’s heart.

“It’s a shame. If I had left my successor to this young hero, it would have been perfect. The Paeng Family is quite sharp. How did they find such a prodigy?”

“…I wasn’t involved in that. Ha-ryeong said he was her benefactor, but I didn’t hear the details.”

“Really? Well… Hmm, you might be in for some trouble too.”

Gwak Dan chuckled, recalling what Namgung Woo had said about being sent by Haedong Mubi. Each laugh brought out dark red blood from his mouth.

“Young hero, save the Heaven and Earth Pill. It won’t work on me anyway.”

“…Then.”

“What can I do? Even with a Great Healing Pill, it’s hopeless. Ah, with a Great Healing Pill, I might cling to life a bit longer. But you saw it too, didn’t you? My body is done as a martial artist.”

“Are you just accepting death?”

“Yes. I have no regrets. No wife, no children. I’ve lived a life dedicated to martial arts and the Imperial Family. I’ve lived enough. I’ve always waited for a glorious death. Now is the time.”

Gwak Dan accepted his death with remarkable composure.

He had devoted his life to martial arts and the Imperial Family.

He had even forgotten his family, considering the Imperial Guards as his own.

Thus, Gwak Dan felt no regret or sorrow.

He had fulfilled his duty and would breathe his last.

For Gwak Dan, who had lived his life as an Imperial Guard, it was the most fitting end.

“Take this.”

Gwak Dan handed something he had tightly gripped to Namgung Woo.

It was the horn from the Netherworld Horn’s forehead, a grotesque artifact he had ripped out by the roots.

“This is…?”

“I pulled it out while capturing the Netherworld Horn. A demon of black so close to white. A priceless treasure. Since you helped stop the calamity, you deserve this.”

As Namgung Woo accepted the horn, Gwak Dan looked relieved, as if he had done all he needed to.

“Blade Sovereign, sorry, but I have nothing to give you.”

“Being indebted to the Imperial Family is enough.”

“Then, that’s good.”

As Gwak Dan’s limits approached, his breathing became labored.

Seeing the end nearing, Gwak Dan stopped his casual banter and spoke firmly.

“…Young hero, if you don’t want to get entangled, you should leave now. If you stay, you won’t be free from the Imperial Family.”

Though it might already be too late since he had encountered Haedong Mubi, Paeng Hu-sang would somehow manage to smooth things over.

Being the head of the Hapbuk Paeng Family was one thing, but after today’s battle, Paeng Hu-sang had incurred a significant debt to the Imperial Family.

Since Paeng Hu-sang had personally called him his daughter’s benefactor, he would surely take care of it.

“But……”

“I will assist His Majesty, save the common folk, and die. No regrets.”

Seeing Namgung Woo hesitate, Gwak Dan chuckled. Righteous martial artists. Sometimes frustrating, but at times, their genuine goodness shines through.

To his comrade who had crossed life and death with him, Gwak Dan delivered his final request.

“If it still bothers you, just one request.”

“Please, speak.”

“I have a disciple. One I taught my Dokmun Martial Arts.”

Gwak Dan’s martial arts were divided into two categories.

The Imperial Martial Arts he gained from serving the Imperial Family.

And the Dokmun Martial Arts he had cultivated.

Many had learned the Imperial Martial Arts under Gwak Dan. There was no Imperial Guard untouched by his guidance.

But only one disciple had learned his Dokmun Martial Arts.

“He was obsessed with martial arts and ventured into the martial world. I don’t know where he is. But if, cough… if you meet a man named Song Woojeol, take care of him.”

Namgung Woo memorized the familiar surname clearly.

And with that request, Gwak Dan’s voice fell silent.

His labored breathing ceased, and Gwak Dan closed his eyes contentedly.

“…The world will become noisy.”

Two of the four peerless masters who supported the Imperial Family were gone.

The world would soon realize.

The absence of the supreme force that controlled the martial world.

The death of a peerless master who, as the Emperor’s foremost sword, eradicated rebels within the martial world.

The Imperial Family’s absolute dominance, once equal to or greater than the entire martial world combined, was no more.

In Paeng Hu-sang’s eyes, the future of the martial world, now unbalanced, seemed vividly clear.

But that was a future yet to come. Paeng Hu-sang thought of the immediate tomorrow and asked.

“What will you do now, young hero?”

“I’m not sure.”

“As my friend said, if you don’t want to be entangled with the Imperial Family, you can return to Tianjin with Ha-ryeong. I’ll handle the rest. In that case, you won’t receive immediate rewards, but I’ll ensure you get proper treatment later.”

Paeng Hu-sang didn’t know what exactly had happened between Namgung Woo and the Hapbuk Paeng Family in his absence.

He had rushed to Beijing without rest, not because of a message from his family, but for another reason.

Paeng Ha-ryeong, fearing her father might lose focus before the battle, hadn’t shared the details. There wasn’t enough time, and she hadn’t mastered secret communication techniques.

But knowing that Namgung Woo was her benefactor, Paeng Hu-sang intended to accommodate him as much as possible.

Those who knew Paeng Hu-sang well might be surprised by his attitude, but Namgung Woo neither knew nor cared to think deeply about it.

In one night, Namgung Woo felt like he had experienced too much.

And indeed, he had.

Now, he just wanted to rest.

“…I leave it to you.”

Thus ended the longest night Namgung Woo had experienced since arriving in this world.

§

The historian put down his brush.

In the 12th year of Seonghwa, July.

A monk named Yi Ja-ryong ascended Manse Mountain and plotted rebellion, but it was swiftly suppressed.

Many civil and military officials had collaborated with Yi Ja-ryong, so His Majesty personally interrogated those involved in the treason.

As the ink dried on the words written in the book titled “Ming History,” the historian opened a new book. The title on the cover was anything but ordinary.

“Secret History of the Ming Dynasty: Comprehensive Records of Martial Figures.”

Flipping to a blank page, the historian’s brush began to move again.

Nam Woo. Style name unknown. Nickname: None.

Born in the 3rd year of Jingtai. Origin unknown, confirmed to be a guest of the Hapbuk Paeng Family.

Possesses martial arts far beyond his age. At least a late-stage Transcendent Peak master, presumed to be a Hua Jing master.

First identified in Pyeongyo County, Shanxi Province, where he had conflicts with the Black Bear Faction.

Traveled with Song Chaeji, the second daughter of the Song Family and a disciple of the Hangsan Faction. Huang Moo-tak, leader of the Black Bear Faction, seemed to be hiding something. Further investigation required.

Later, traveled with the Yopyeong Escort Agency and participated in the Ghost Gate Sealing Battle in Muan County.

At this point, presumed to have established ties with the Paeng Family.

…(omitted)…

Overall, considered friendly to the Imperial Family.

However, due to his unclear origins and tendency to remain inconspicuous, caution is advised.

Danger level initially assessed as low, but upgraded to medium due to his personal strength.

Attention level assessed as extremely high.

This record was compiled by historian Yu Byeok in the 12th year of Seonghwa, based on information from the Eastern Depot, Gaebang, and testimonies from the Grand Empress Dowager and Paeng Hu-sang.

§

“So, who exactly was that Yi Ja-ryong?”

On the way back to Tianjin.

On a boat leisurely sailing down the Grand Canal, Paeng Ja-ryeong asked.

Namgung Woo, holding the white jade and opal he had retrieved, answered calmly.

“I don’t know.”

Before descending Manse Mountain, Namgung Woo had questioned Pyeong Choyul upon noticing that the altar Yi Ja-ryong had built was made of opal. The cargo transported by the Yopyeong Escort Agency was also white jade.

But Pyeong Choyul knew nothing either. Instead, he trembled, fearing he might be implicated in the rebellion.

Given Namgung Woo’s merits, Pyeong Choyul wouldn’t face extermination, but his dreams of business expansion would be put on hold as he underwent investigations.

Paeng Ja-ryeong, not expecting a definitive answer, brushed off her disappointment and changed the subject.

But Namgung Woo had lied.

He knew who Yi Ja-ryong was.

When Yi Ja-ryong opened the Gate of Heavenly Harmony, forcibly unlocking Namgung Woo’s celestial gate, he had glimpsed Yi Ja-ryong’s memories. Whether it was due to the Azure Tranquility Eyes or the Void Spirit Divine Art was unclear.

And in Yi Ja-ryong’s memories, he was called by another name.

‘Zhu Jianji, wasn’t it?’

Namgung Woo now knew the Imperial Family’s lineage.

And that name was one he had heard before.

It was the name of the only son and crown prince of Emperor Jingtai, who had fought for the throne against Emperor Zhengtong.

But ultimately, Emperor Zhengtong reclaimed the throne from Emperor Jingtai, and the Imperial lineage continued with Emperor Zhengtong’s son, Emperor Seonghwa.

But that was strange.

‘I heard Emperor Jingtai’s defeat was because the crown prince he appointed died at the age of six…’

If so, why did Yi Ja-ryong, Zhu Jianji, claim the Imperial Family was usurped and declare himself the true emperor?

But wasn’t Zhu Jianji supposed to be dead?

‘Well, no need to think too deeply about it now.’

The leisurely flow of the canal’s water.

Above it, Namgung Woo shook off his tangled thoughts and let them drift away.

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