147 – S3. Learning From The Past -4
Envers, who had fallen into this world, had received an education from a beggar beforehand, but for someone who had only encountered the world through knowledge, there were bound to be gaps in his understanding.
It was even more so if the source of his knowledge was a former master who had been active 30 years ago. It was only natural that he would not know about the culture of the MZ Murim, which had become extremely trendy.
“Daoist Cheonghwi, these days, it is more fashionable to hang a tassel on the end of a sword’s scabbard rather than engraving characters on the blade. The children in the market hang red threads on the ends of tree branches and play with them── “
“Daoist Cheonghwi, your face is so young, and you seem to be younger than me, but how come you don’t know anything about this? As expected, the long-nosed people of the West…”
“Sister! No matter how long the Daoist’s nose is, it’s not good to make fun of him!”
Moreover, with the two immature children chattering away, Envers was being mercilessly torn apart from both sides.
In a way, it was a good thing. Wouldn’t it be an opportunity to build a relationship with the children of the Namgung family and learn about common sense at the same time?
And there was also a reason why he had to stay at the Namgung family.
“I asked my father about it. He was very happy when I told him that Daoist Cheonghwi had saved my life, and he promised to give you a reward at the banquet.”
“The banquet… I think it was in two days. Am I right?”
“Yes, Daoist Cheonghwi. By that time, we will have trained three times!”
A reward for saving his life.
Beyond Namgung Myung’s gratitude, the head of the Namgung family, which was a large clan, had personally promised to give him a reward. Wasn’t it okay to look forward to it?
So he was hanging out with the Namgung siblings and chatting. He could listen to their knowledge about Murim, and it was quite enjoyable to hang out with the lively children.
Come to think of it⋯⋯ He also had to proceed with the beggar’s request, and now was the perfect time to ask. Envers asked right away.
“I’m curious about something, do you know about the Heavenly Demon?”
“…”
Namgung Myung and Namgung Seungah’s expressions turned slightly pale.
“…Did I ask something shouldn’t I have?”
“No, Daoist Cheonghwi. It’s just that… Our elders have scared us so much. Ever since we were young, they’ve been telling us that ‘if we do bad things, the evil Heavenly Demon will come and get us’… ⋯.”
“How can an old man who died 30 years ago come and get us! It’s all just lies from adults, and they probably made it up to scare us. We’re too old to be scared by such things!”
It seemed that they had heard so many ghost stories since they were children that the mere mention of the Heavenly Demon’s name sent chills down their spines. Envers burst out laughing and said.
“My family had a similar story. There was a ghost story that said, ‘If you don’t hide your light, a dragon will come and take you to its nest’… So my brother and I purposely left pretty pebbles on the windowsill.”
They thought that it would be better to be taken away by a dragon than to be raised and trained in the house of a concubine.
“Isn’t a dragon a sacred creature?”
“It must be different from the dragons of the East. And… I don’t know the details either. It’s a name that only appears in fairy tales or the nonsense of birds.”
“The Heavenly Demon is similar. Of course, there are clear records that he actually existed⋯⋯ But I understand that it is rarely mentioned because it is a painful memory for everyone.”
“Fortunately, our family was spared from the disaster 30 years ago… But Daoist Cheonghwi knows, right? That those who were spared should be careful with their words.”
The Demon-Subduing War that took place 30 years ago.
Countless warriors were killed by the Demonic Cult, and in the final battle against the Heavenly Demon, the entire faction was damaged to the point of staggering. Some sects closed their doors completely, while others were barely surviving.
After that, the sects that had not been swept away by the wave of the Heavenly Demon and had preserved their strength gained power. Among them was the Namgung family.
At that time, the young head of the Namgung family, Namgung Chaekong, had decided to close the gates for closed-door training before the Demon-Subduing War broke out. The reason was to delve deeply into the Namgung family’s ancestral ‘Heaven-Rending’ Sword’.
“You mean you closed the entire family to train in martial arts?”
“It may sound excessive⋯⋯ but there were circumstances.”Namgung So-hyul, the former head of the Namgung family, is said to have passed on the position of head of the family to the young Namgung Chae-gong just before his death , telling him not to think about surpassing the heavens but to focus on governing the family.
Worried about something, Namgung So-hyul did not reveal the location of the Altar of Reflection, where the sword marks of his ancestors were left, and passed away. Namgung Chae-gong was deeply hurt by this, believing that his father had belittled him .
“Is my talent really that insignificant? No, I cannot accept this! I will find the Altar of Reflection and recreate the sword of my ancestors with my own hands!”
Namgung Chae-gong was known as a sword fanatic (劍Chi) in his youth, knowing nothing but the sword. He became almost obsessed, closing off the entire family and ordering them to find the Altar of Reflection.
Although it was self-righteous, the members of the family, who believed that the Namgung family would also prosper if Namgung Chae-gong obtained the Sword of Heaven, eventually agreed. This was because the existence of an absolute master was so important in the martial arts world.
After stocking up on food, the entire family locked the gates and devoted themselves to training and searching. However, thanks to this, they accidentally avoided disaster.
When they opened the gates, half of the martial arts world was on fire, and the Namgung family, who had remained unscathed by not fighting, had unwittingly become the number one sword family in the martial arts world.
From the perspective of the sects that had been caught up in the great war and had lost both masters and disciples, the Namgung family, which had simply hunkered down and the chaos, could not help but seem suspicious.
To take the sweet fruit without shedding any blood!
Thus, the Namgung family was subjected to many suspicious glances and disadvantages. Their exchanges with other sects were cut off, and they were secretly snubbed by the Martial Arts Alliance as cowards.
Therefore, even now, 30 years later, the members of the Namgung family were still walking around, mindful of the eyes of the world. It would not have been strange if the resentment of the Heavenly Demon, who had lost his place to die, had turned towards them.
“What happened to the Altar of Reflection? Did you fail to find it?”
“Ah, the Altar of Reflection.”
It was said that Namgung Chae-gong eventually found the location of the Altar of Reflection. However, he failed to master the Sword of Heaven, and from that day forward, he became a changed man.
Whatever he saw there, he devoted himself to governing the family, as his father had advised, and his fiery temper, which had been so sharp, gradually softened and became peaceful.
However, Namgung Chae-gong also told his children this: Do not think of surpassing the heavens, but simply walk the path of a human being.
“Even if I ask, he won’t tell me why. I’m still curious…”
“He’ll grant me anything if I act cute, but he always shakes his head when the Altar of Reflection comes up. So I gave up a long time ago. I thought there must be a reason…”
It was a strange thing.
After listening to the story with interest, Envers asked slyly.
“…Then, what happened to the Open Sect?”
“The Open Sect? Do you mean the sect of those beggars? It’s not well known, so it’s hard to hear about it, but it’s very strange that Daoist Master Cheonghwi from the Western Regions knows about it!”
“I have business with them. I have something to deliver for an acquaintance… But what do you mean it’s not well known?”
The beggar from the Tower of Trials said that the Open Sect was everywhere, so they knew everything. It was said to be one of the most prestigious information organizations in Central Plains. So why was it said to be an unknown name?
“That’s…”
As Namgung Myung, who had been observing Envers’ expression, spoke with a troubled expression, Namgung Seung-ah blurted out the truth without hesitation.
“They collapsed.”
“…Sister!”
“What’s wrong with saying that they collapsed?”
“Well, put it more gently…”
As Namgung Myung struggled to correct his sister’s words, Namgung Seung-ah continued to speak without hesitation. She said that the Open Sect was now a defunct organization in the martial arts world.
“I heard that after the previous Open Sect Master, Gu Seung-gae, disappeared in the Great War of Purification, the Open Sect’s ancestral martial art, which had been passed down from generation to generation, was lost. Martial arts are like roots, so a plant without roots is bound to wither and die.”
“…Therefore, I understand that the Open Sect has been absorbed by the Haomen, a rising force, Daoist Master. It has become a branch of the Haomen.”
“…”
Was martial arts really that heavy? Was it enough to completely shrink a large faction just because they had forgotten how to move their bodies?
For Envers, who had only received brainwashing from his family, the concept of passing something down to future generations was very difficult to understand.However, the group that the beggar master was so worried about had collapsed, which made him feel relieved.
It seemed that they had joined another faction to survive.
“…By any chance, can I meet them?”
“Are you referring to the Hao Clan’s Open Faction?”
“Yes.”
Nan Gong Seung-ah pondered deeply, then her eyes lit up as she said.
“Hmm…You can’t go alone! Daoist Qinghui, what if you get lost in the vast Anhui City? Isn’t that right, Myeong-ah?”
“Huh? Sister, even if he’s a Daoist, his ability to find his way…”
“That’s why it would be better if we went together! It wouldn’t be right to let our guest from the main family go missing.”
“…Ah, aha! Sister is right! Daoist Qinghui, it would be a great help if we went with you! We know the geography well and are close to the people of Anhui City, so we can prevent any unfortunate incidents from happening ! Of course, we will turn a blind eye to anything that we shouldn’t see!”
Twinkle, twinkle.
Nan Gong Ming and Nan Gong Seung-ah’s eyes sparkled brightly. They were dying to go out and play. Seung-ah was openly shooting him a look that said, ‘Take me with you,’ while Ming-ah hesitated, wondering if it would be rude.
There was some truth to their words. It would be extremely difficult to find the Hao Clan in this vast city, and even more so to find the Open Faction within the Hao Clan. It would be much easier if they had the help of locals.
There was only one problem.
“Is it okay if we go with you?”
“…”
“…”
“…I’ll have to ask my uncle. I’ll go and ask him, Daoist!”
“Myeong-ah, me too! I’ll be back soon with permission, so don’t run away and wait!”
Thud, thud, thud.
The Nan Gong siblings ran off like the wind to get permission to go out. They successfully obtained permission, and Envers ended up exploring the streets of Anhui City with them.
—- —-
The streets of Anhui City were bustling and lively. Thirty years had passed since the great threat of the Demonic Cult had receded, and it had been enough time for the tense atmosphere of the war-torn days to subside and peace to settle in.
Carriages pushed their way through the pedestrians, and the merchants at the stalls raised their voices to attract customers, just like in the original world or in the martial arts world. However, there was one peculiar thing.
“Hi-yah!”
“Do you think you can catch a butterfly with that little bit of gold thread?”
The drunken men grumbling were also using martial arts.
“You! I told you not to walk on the roof!”
“The delivery was urgent, so I had no choice!”
The young man who seemed to make a living by carrying things was also using martial arts as he used a long pole to jump over the roofs of buildings.
“He’s using an elastic pole to perform acrobatics!”
“…Daoist Qinghui, do you really like martial arts?”
“That’s why I was able to dodge your attack even with my eyes closed. I couldn’t have read your energy.”
“You dodged my attack with your eyes closed?!”
Nan Gong Ming’s mouth hung open. Was that the supernatural power he had only heard about in stories? Could he have used a spell to see through things? If it was martial arts, wouldn’t it be difficult to practice both martial arts and spells ?
Envers revealed the answer before Ming-ah could say anything more.
“…It’s a technique. A technique. It’s a technique that a friend taught me, called ‘Sight Insight.'”
“You can read people’s gazes? That’s amazing!”
“…You can read people’s gazes? Hmm, that’s hard to believe.”
“Then I’ll close my eyes, so just look anywhere. I’ll guess. Left hand, right foot, calf, butt, butt, left ear, shoulder, okay?”
“…!!”
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The Nan Gong siblings jumped up and down in surprise and excitement. How could he possibly know someone else’s gaze so keenly and accurately, without having eyes on his skin?
Seemingly greatly interested, Envers asked casually.
“Would you like to learn? I don’t know if you can learn it, but⋯⋯.””You’re going to teach me?! Of course, I’d be very happy if you taught me, but I’m already indebted to you for saving my life, and if I just keep receiving without giving anything in return, I’m very worried that I won’t be able to pay you back-“
“Yes, give it to me.”
“Sister!”
Envers had no qualms about revealing the secret of insight. It didn’t require any special ritual, and wouldn’t the feeling come to you if you just practiced looking at and matching things repeatedly?
And this also varied from person to person. In the case of Selvia, she gave up after practicing for about 3 hours and getting goosebumps. She was rather dull.
Still, it was a pity to give it away for free, so Envers set a small condition.
“…Teach me your martial arts.”
“…!! You’re trying to steal the Namgung family’s martial arts!!”
“No, no. It’s fine even if it’s martial arts that you don’t mind teaching to others. It’s fine if it’s something that’s floating around in the streets, or something that’s low-level and useless. I don’t intend to ask for anything unreasonable.”
“If that’s the case, there are all sorts of miscellaneous books in the study of the main house! You’ll have to ask to know for sure, but there’s definitely a martial arts book that we can share!”
The Namgung siblings and Envers made a simple, informal agreement.
The content was that they would teach each other the martial arts they possessed, as long as it didn’t become a burden to each other.
—- —-
If you enter a relatively quiet path that’s slightly removed from the main road where many people pass by, you’ll find a quiet street where colorful lights sway.
This was a place where people gathered to sell alcohol, songs, and dances. It was a Central Plains-style entertainment complex with several buildings. It was still daytime, so it hadn’t officially opened for business yet.
When night fell, the smell of alcohol would rise and the lights would be lit, and the lights would begin to sway in the wind. The sleeping street would awaken from a long dream and show a very splendid and beautiful appearance.
Even on such a street, the tallest building, a building with a sign that said “Qu Xing Lou,” was the destination of the group.
Namgung Ming knocked on the closed door of the building with his small hand and raised his voice.
“Ahem, ahem⋯⋯Is anyone there?”
“Oh my, young master. It’s not business hours yet…Oh, you’re the young master of the Namgung family? What brings you here…?”
Then the door opened slightly and a maid appeared. She had been looking down at the young boy who had come to the building in broad daylight, but when she realized that the boy was a direct descendant of the Namgung family, she became twice as polite .
“I understand that this is a branch of the Haomen. I’m here to meet Daoist Qinghui, who has a connection to the Haomen. May we ask you to help us?”
“Oh my, of course! They have nothing to do right now and are just idling around, so you’ll be able to meet them right away. Please come in!”
“…”
A faint smile appeared on the maid’s face. Envers could quickly sense the look of contempt. She seemed to be greatly underestimating the ‘connection.’
She felt uncomfortable. Her master’s sect was in such a poor state, so she thought she should quickly return the Tagu Bong method.
She followed the maid into the luxurious building.
It seemed like this was the first time the Namgung siblings had come to such a building. The two of them looked around, satisfying their curiosity. Originally, Envers would have joined them, but she didn’t feel like sightseeing.
In the building, the maid stopped in front of a door in a corner that hadn’t been cleaned. Then she called out through the door.
“A guest has arrived, so you should receive them.”
“I’ve clearly told you that I won’t do any receiving. I’m a warrior, an informant, not a mere prostitute.”
A sharp, angry voice answered from beyond the door. It was a strange sound that seemed to contain a strange malice that made the listener shudder.
“Huh, you should do it this time? The young master and young lady of the Namgung family have come to visit you on business!”
“Then the problem is your tongue, which doesn’t speak properly. You’re saying that the esteemed members of the Namgung family have come to receive the hospitality of a beggar. Know your place. Pick up a brush when it’s time to paint .”
“…Eek!”
“That’s enough. Step back. Thank you for showing me the way.”Envers stood up and sent the attendant away. And beyond the tightly closed door, he delivered the news that had transcended dimensions.
“…I have brought news of the Open Ark. The lost herbarium of the Tagufong method.”
“…What a ridiculous game.”
Bang. The door opened.
And a woman who looked like a wet snake appeared.
The corners of her eyes were slanted, and her appearance alone made her look very timid. However, the venomous glare shining under her eyelids was extraordinary.
She was dressed in a costume that revealed her graceful figure like the women of Giru, but her natural posture exuded coolness rather than charm. Rather than her slightly exposed shoulder, her gaze went to the dagger hidden under her sleeve.
Hands.
If you look closely at which muscles of the hand are developed, you can also guess which organ is being handled. What did the Open Dao, which had lost the great meaning of the Tagufong method, fill in its place? It was poison.
Judging by her hands, she was someone who had trained her assassination skills to the extreme.
She looked at Envers, who was frozen stiff, and opened her bright red lips to speak.
“From the Open Haomen faction, Open Ark Hee Young-hyun greets you.”
Hee Young-hyun.
It means Espoir de Eternal Dark.