-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: The Namgung Clan Granddaughter's Return
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Returning from her training with Ung, Seolhwa found an unexpected person speaking with her father in the pavilion.
“Hello, Aunt.”
“Oh, Seolhwa, you’re here.”
The one who greeted her warmly was Moyong Yeonhwa, Namgung Cheongsan’s wife.
“Have you been training since early morning? The Cheonmuje was only yesterday, yet you're so diligent.”
“My eyes just opened.”
“Is that so.”
Moyong Yeonhwa stroked Seolhwa’s head as if proud of her.
The ticklish sensation from her small hand felt different from Namgung Mucheon or Cheongun’s touch.
“Your aunt is suggesting we go sightseeing at Chao Lake.”
Cheongun, who had been speaking with Moyong Yeonhwa, knelt down to meet Seolhwa’s eyes.
“I said yes, what do you think?”
Chao Lake, located south of Hefei, was one of Jungwon’s largest lakes, named for its shape resembling a bird’s nest.
The lake was vast, and the surrounding area, where water and mountains harmonized, was a spectacular sight, frequently visited by many seeking recreation.
Moyong Yeonhwa also bent down to Seolhwa’s eye level.
“If we go to Chao Lake, there are warm hot springs and a pavilion managed by the clan. We can rest comfortably without being disturbed. You must have worked hard preparing for the Cheonmuje, so let’s take this opportunity to relax for a day. How does that sound?”
“Is everyone going?”
“Unfortunately, just our family and your family. My second elder brother said he wasn’t feeling well and would rest.”
Seolhwa glanced at Cheongun.
Cheongun’s ki was noticeably unstable. Although he had reached the Jeoljeong realm, he had emerged from the training cave too quickly for the Cheonmuje, before fully stabilizing his ki.
Though he didn’t show it, it was highly likely that Cheongun would enter secluded training again soon.
“Sounds good.”
Before that, a short break would be nice.
Moyong Yeonhwa smiled brightly and stood up.
“Then shall we pack just what we need and leave right away? Everything is prepared, so Uncle and Seolhwa, please relax…”
“Where are you going?”
An unwelcome voice came from behind them. The three turned to see Seop Mugwang striding over.
“Ah, Commander Seop.”
Cheongun also straightened his posture to greet him.
“What brings you here?”
“To fetch the little one.”
Seop Mugwang pointed a finger directly at Seolhwa’s head.
Seolhwa craned her neck to look up at his finger.
“The Clan Head is looking for you, little one.”
“Why?”
“More precisely, the Head of the Martial Arts Hall is looking for you. He wants to see your Breaching Sword in person.”
It was the reason she had expected.
Namgung Mugang had been obsessed with the Breaching Sword since the Cheonmuje. He had retreated from the spot by Namgung Mucheon’s order, but she had expected him to call for her in the near future.
Seolhwa nodded.
“Yes.”
Seolhwa turned to Moyong Yeonhwa.
“Aunt.”
“Yes. I’ll wait.”
“No, it’s alright. I don’t know how long it will take. If it’s a place managed by the clan, Father will know the way, so we’ll go after visiting Grandfather. Please go ahead first.”
Cheongun also seconded Seolhwa’s words.
“I will take Seolhwa. Hwarin will also be waiting, so please go ahead.”
“Then… alright. I’ll go and wait for you. Come safely, Seolhwa. See you at Chao Lake.”
After stroking Seolhwa’s head once more, Moyong Yeonhwa returned to her own pavilion.
“Alright, then shall we go?”
“Yes. Let’s go. I’ll be back, Father.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
Namgung Mucheon and the Head of the Martial Arts Hall, Namgung Mugang, were waiting for Seolhwa in the private training hall that only the Clan Head could use.
Located beneath the Clan Head’s residence, the underground training hall was equipped with formations that aided ki circulation, similar to the training cave, and also formations that prevented sound and impact from escaping.
True to the Clan Head’s training hall, elaborate dragon figures were carved into the walls, and the ceiling also featured dragon carvings, all made of gold.
The floor of the training hall was also laid with Qinggang stone of the highest quality.
Though not as advanced as the training cave, the formations assisting ki circulation were still of superior grade.
‘I was surprised in my previous life, but it’s still astonishing to see again.’
In her previous life, seeing this training hall only made her think that the Namgung Clan had too much money.
Now, seeing such a training hall felt reassuring, which meant she had truly become a Namgung Clan member.
“Come on in.”
Namgung Mucheon, who had sensed her presence from the moment she entered, greeted her.
Mugang was also already looking toward the training hall’s entrance.
“Greetings to the Clan Head and the Head of the Martial Arts Hall.”
“Come up here.”
Seop Mugwang and Seolhwa approached the two men.
Seop Mugwang stood to one side, while Seolhwa went to the center of the training hall.
“Just do as you showed me in the training cave.”
Namgung Mucheon said these words, then went to stand beside Seop Mugwang, with his hands clasped behind his back.
Suddenly, Seolhwa found herself facing Namgung Mugang.
Namgung Mugang looked down at Seolhwa, letting out a faint chuckle.
Perhaps he hadn't drunk today as per his promise with Namgung Mucheon, as his nose seemed fine, and there was no usual smell of alcohol.
“I saw your skills clearly yesterday. For someone no bigger than a broom made of twigs, you’re quite something, aren’t you?”
“But aren’t I bigger than a twig broom?”
“Hahahaha! The broom I used was about a *cheok* (approximately 30cm) taller than you!”
That seemed plausible.
Considering how large he was, imagining him sweeping with such a small broom…
“Do you sweep yourself?”
He flinched, and his laughter abruptly stopped.
He cleared his throat, “Ahem. I dislike anyone scurrying in and out of my home like mice. So I clean with my own hands…”
“What nonsense are you spouting? All the maids ran away because you were always drunk.”
“Can’t you shut your mouth, Seop Mugwang?!”
Seop Mugwang pursed his lips and shrugged.
After huffing briefly, Mugang cleared his throat again and spoke to Seolhwa.
“Anyway, that Breaching Sword or whatever it is. Let’s see it.”
“Yes, alright.”
Mugang grinned and assumed a starting stance. It was the first form of the Daeyeongeombeop.
“I won’t use my inner energy. Try your best to breach it.”
Seolhwa also assumed the stance for the Breaching Sword. In her previous life, it was a sword art she used more often than the Namgung Clan’s own martial arts.
“Whoosh!”
“!”
As Seolhwa prepared, Namgung Mugang unleashed his sword art.
Seolhwa parried the path of his sword strike as if deflecting it, then rapidly moved in towards Namgung Mugang’s side.
Then.
Poke.
“Ugh.”
With the tip of her wooden sword, Seolhwa poked Namgung Mugang in the side, then looked up at him.
Looking at the round eyes gazing up at him, Namgung Mugang felt something thudding deep within him for a moment.
‘…?’
“How does it feel to be hit by a twig broom?”
Namgung Mugang’s eyebrows twitched.
Seop Mugwang, who had been watching from the side, was so surprised that his jaw dropped.
To actually take the first move from Brother Mugang?
“Huh.”
“It’s not that Mugang is weak. The Breaching Sword precisely pierces the Namgung Clan’s weaknesses.”
While the first form of Daeyeon is simple, the Breaching Sword is also simple in its directness. However, considering the footwork that targets the vulnerabilities in Daeyeon’s broader movements, it is by no means simple.
The same applied to the Breaching Swords of other sword arts.
Of course, Mugang’s complacency, thinking he wouldn’t lose, was the biggest reason he allowed the first exchange.
“…Brother Mugang, you have a good glint in your eyes again after a long time.”
“Hmm.”
Watching Seolhwa return to her spot with light steps, Mugang replayed the child’s attack in his mind.
After pondering something seriously, he straightened his sword.
“Again.”
Namgung Mugang assumed his stance. His expression seemed quite delighted.
“Alright, come at me again.”
“A request?”
Namgung Cheonghae was a little surprised.
While Soryong might make requests, his second son, Ung, was inherently a child who rarely desired anything.
Perhaps seeing his strong-willed elder brother, he felt he shouldn’t be like that; he neither showed greed nor made a fuss.
It was unusual enough to be surprising that he had come seeking a favor.
“Speak freely.”
“I would like to receive separate sword instruction from Brother Soryong from now on.”
“From Soryong…? Why so? Did Soryong hit you?”
“No, it’s not that. I simply wish to focus more on my own progress. Learning by Brother Soryong’s side is beneficial, but I find myself constantly comparing myself to him, which makes it difficult to settle my mind.”
“Hmm…”
Although Ung was blaming himself, Namgung Cheonghae vaguely sensed the truth.
If there was a problem with Soryong and Ung’s training, it was likely Soryong’s fault, not Ung’s.
But he also knew that Ung was not the type of child to rebuke his brother.
“Alright. Do as you wish. Before training resumes, I will speak to the Head of the Martial Arts Hall on your behalf.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Namgung Ung bowed his head in greeting to Namgung Cheonghae, then left the room.
Perhaps because he had obtained what he wanted, the boy’s footsteps seemed unusually light.
‘If only Soryong could be as considerate of others as his younger brother.’
They shared the same blood, yet how could they be so different?
A deep sigh escaped Namgung Cheonghae.
It was truly a frustrating morning.
