Chapter 9

“Brother Nam? Not Namgung?”

Suddenly renamed, Namgung Woo made a complicated expression at Song Chaeji’s words. Though Hwang Moo-tak behind him might not have seen it, Song Chaeji definitely did.

Yet, Song Chaeji acted as if nothing was wrong and rushed over to Namgung Woo, grabbing his arm.

Namgung Woo was bewildered by Song Chaeji’s sudden familiarity.

Of course, it wasn’t like they weren’t close. They had helped each other and even shared swords. But her bold approach was unexpected.

“Miss Song? My name is…”

“Let’s head back, Brother Nam! Leaving the old man alone at the inn isn’t good. Ah, the Black Bear Faction will handle the payment at the inn, right?”

Hwang Moo-tak, also flustered, was swept along by Song Chaeji’s pace.

“Uh, sure.”

“That settles it. Good work, Brother Nam.”

He didn’t know why she kept adding “Brother Nam” at the end, but there must be a reason.

Namgung Woo decided to go along with Song Chaeji’s plan for now.

“I see. It’s concerning to leave someone unwell alone at the inn.”

Leaving the half-dazed Hwang Moo-tak behind, the three exited the Black Bear Faction.

§

“Are you really that Namgung?”

As soon as they returned to the inn, Song Chaeji brought it up.

Namgung Woo chuckled.

It seemed the Namgung Family existed in this world too. He had thought he might get tangled up since he didn’t plan to abandon his name, but it happened sooner than expected.

Namgung Woo cherished his name and had no intention of changing it just because the Namgung Family existed here. It was one of the precious legacies his parents, who couldn’t leave him much, had given him. That sentiment turned into a confident nod.

“Yes. Are there fake Namgungs?”

Namgung Woo meant it as a joke, but Song Chaeji’s reaction was peculiar.

She pondered seriously, then nodded affirmatively.

“Well… there have been. Though none ended well.”

“True. The Namgung Family wouldn’t let imposters slide.”

“Huh? What do you mean… Oh, could it be…?”

Song Chaeji’s expression changed rapidly. Then, as if realizing something, she nodded repeatedly.

Namgung Woo, fascinated by the sight, let out an “Oh!” in admiration, prompting Song Chaeji to glare at him like an older sister scolding a naive younger brother.

“What’s with that look?”

“No, nothing.”

“…Someone’s worried about you.”

“Worried? It’s fine. I’m a real Namgung.”

Though not from the Namgung Family.

Namgung Woo chose not to elaborate.

It would be more suspicious for a Namgung who practiced martial arts to deny being from the Namgung Family.

But Song Chaeji was even more astonished and muttered.

“Well, that makes sense… with such refined martial arts…”

“Then what’s the worry?”

At Namgung Woo’s concerned question, Song Chaeji asked one last time for confirmation.

“Are you really unaware?”

“Huh? Of what?”

There was no room for doubt anymore.

Song Chaeji was convinced.

Ah, this person is the real deal.

He has no idea how the world works.

“Sigh… I should’ve known when you didn’t even know about the Shadowless Gate… Did you just train in some hidden mountain cave and come out…?”

Feeling something was off, Namgung Woo also sensed unease.

A sense of crisis or alertness was absent, but anxiety gradually spread across his face.

Song Chaeji, with a heavy heart, told him the harsh reality.

“The Namgung Family was annihilated 20 years ago.”

“…What?”

§

For a moment, he was stunned. But the Yin energy settled in Namgung Woo’s Upper Dantian quickly cooled his head, restoring his composure.

Rationally, Namgung Woo analyzed the information he heard.

Annihilated?

Where? The Namgung Family? Annihilated?

He had considered the possibility that the Namgung Family didn’t exist in this world.

But he never expected that the Namgung Family existed here and was annihilated by someone.

‘So, does Song Chaeji think I’m the last survivor the Namgung Family managed to hide?’

Thinking that, Song Chaeji’s reactions made sense.

‘Even I can see why she’d think that.’

A handsome young man. Anyone would call him a noble.

Seems like he grew up in a prestigious family with excellent education, yet knows nothing of the world. He doesn’t know about the Shadowless Gate, which dominates Shanxi Martial World, or the annihilation of the once-great Namgung Family.

But his martial arts are ridiculously advanced?

Then wouldn’t anyone think, “Ah, this guy must’ve trained in some remote mountain and just came out!”

Plus, he claims to be a Namgung.

The Namgung Family, annihilated 20 years ago.

He looks like he could be around 20 years old.

His refined sword techniques reminiscent of the famous Namgung Family.

The pieces fit too perfectly.

‘It’s like I planned it.’

The series of coincidences made Namgung Woo laugh wryly.

But now, even if he denied being a Namgung descendant, no one would believe him. Even Yang Sodang, who was listening, had tears in her eyes.

‘I didn’t expect this. Maybe I shouldn’t have revealed my real name.’

Song Chaeji was so immersed in her imagination that it was hard to guess how far she had gone.

Namgung Woo didn’t even need to use his Azure Tranquility Eyes. Just by her gaze, it was clear she was fabricating his 20-year history in her mind.

Probably something like this:

When the Namgung Family was annihilated, the family members struggled to save a survivor to continue the lineage. The infant was entrusted to a loyal servant and raised in a hidden cave, mastering martial arts.

At 20, the last Namgung descends the mountain, his martial arts reaching a peak.

Some details might be off, but the emotional weight of being the last survivor of a prestigious family overshadows that.

No sword? Probably broke it during training. The sword couldn’t withstand his immense internal energy.

Doesn’t know about the Namgung Family’s annihilation? His guardian must’ve died before telling him. Or maybe he believed someone else was rebuilding the Namgung Family.

Why appear in Shanxi, far from the Namgung Family’s base in the Southern Directly Administered Region? Obviously, he fled far to escape the Namgung Family’s enemies.

Such rationalizations were easy to make.

As a person before a martial artist, Song Chaeji, immersed in her emotions, finally composed herself and asked.

“…So, what will you do now?”

“Well, I don’t have a specific plan. I’ll just go wherever my feet take me.”

“I’d like to invite you to the mountain, but…”

Song Chaeji trailed off.

Her heart wanted to, but reality wouldn’t allow it. Like not wanting to admit defeat, Song Chaeji couldn’t bring herself to say what she didn’t want to.

“I understand.”

In truth, he didn’t.

He didn’t even know who or how the Namgung Family was annihilated.

But Song Chaeji seemed even more impressed by Namgung Woo’s words.

His calmness born from ignorance might have appeared as composed independence, walking a lonely path without relying on others.

“The Namgung Family’s bounty is still active. Though no one has been killed in recent years… probably because all the imposters claiming to be Namgungs were killed, so no more fakes appear.”

“Still active, you say?”

“Yes. The Dokgo Family is relentless.”

The Dokgo Family.

Only then did Namgung Woo learn who annihilated the Namgung Family.

But why would the Orthodox Martial World let the Dokgo Family, a major family of the righteous path, annihilate the Namgung Family and openly issue bounties to exterminate them?

There was still too much Namgung Woo didn’t know. He wanted to ask Song Chaeji for details, but hesitated, fearing it might deepen misunderstandings.

‘Anyway, even commoners like Yang Sodang seem to know about the Namgung Family’s annihilation… it must be a well-known major event. I’ll find out more later.’

Only three people knew he was a Namgung.

Song Chaeji and Yang Sodang wouldn’t spread it, and Hwang Moo-tak probably only knew him as “Nam” due to Song Chaeji’s quick thinking.

So, effectively, no one knew Namgung Woo. He had plenty of time to wander the world and learn gradually.

“Rather, what about you two?”

“Ah, I need to return to Hangsan. And you too, Dang-ah.”

“Originally, my dad and I worked under my sister’s family. We’ll probably return to the Song Family.”

Yang Sodang said with a tearful, stuffy voice.

Despite her young age and the hardships she endured, her resilience was admirable.

“So, Miss Song came to help.”

“I happened to be nearby. I couldn’t use the mountain’s name, so I came alone, separate from other disciples or sisters.”

“Because of the Shadowless Gate.”

“Right. The Shanxi Martial World is heavily influenced by the unorthodox factions…”

The conversation paused there.

Both Namgung Woo and Song Chaeji seemed unsure of what to say next.

Then, Namgung Woo decided there was no need to be cautious and spoke freely.

“Then this is goodbye.”

“Ah, are you heading south… to the Southern Directly Administered Region?”

A descendant emerging from seclusion.

Would he immediately seek revenge against the Dokgo Family? Song Chaeji asked worriedly.

“Not really. I plan to wander the world first. There’s much to see in Shanxi, so I might head north.”

“Hmm… Hangsan is almost at the northern edge.”

Since she couldn’t invite him to Hangsan, they had no choice but to part ways here.

Song Chaeji felt uneasy. She had received his help but couldn’t properly repay him.

Bringing Namgung Woo from the streets? That wasn’t a favor to her. Yang Sodang had brought him and provided the place.

On the other hand, Song Chaeji had received the favor of him stepping in for the martial duel and showing her the Divine Sword Unity, giving her enlightenment. She couldn’t let Namgung Woo leave without any repayment.

“…It’ll be inconvenient traveling alone.”

“That’s true.”

“Let me introduce you to an escort agency. It’s close to our family, and with my recommendation, it’ll help you, Brother Nam.”

Showing favor to a Namgung.

It might mean opposing the Dokgo Family, but Song Chaeji didn’t want to turn her back on Namgung Woo out of fear. Even if the Hangsan Faction wouldn’t, on a personal level, she wanted to help.

Taking out a small brush and ink, Song Chaeji quickly wrote a recommendation letter.

“It’s called the Yopyeong Escort Agency. It’s in Imbun County.”

And so, Namgung Woo’s first destination was set.

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