The warm breeze around Cloud-Wind Pavilion turned icy, as if winter had descended.
Namgung Hwan’s eyes flashed with sharp intensity.
“What did you say?” he demanded.
But Bu Eunseol replied nonchalantly, “Isn’t that what you wanted to hear?”
“…”
“That an ignorant fool got lucky solving a big matter, all thanks to a spy’s help,” Bu Eunseol said.
“How dare you…!” Namgung Hwan trembled with rage, on the verge of exploding.
“Hahaha!” Namgung Heon’s bright laughter broke the tension. “Fourth Brother got outdone by Master Seol, didn’t he?”
“Second Brother,” Namgung Hwan said, his eyes filled with killing intent. “He insulted a Southern Palace member.”
“True, but it started with a Southern Palace member,” Namgung Heon pointed out.
Namgung Hwan’s face flushed red.
It was true—he had belittled Namgung Un by saying he relied on a spy.
“But I didn’t use the word ‘subordinate,’” Namgung Hwan snapped.
Namgung Heon sighed, shaking his head. “Master Seol used harsh words to point out your rhetoric. If he truly meant ‘subordinate,’ would he say such things in front of the palace brothers?”
“Well enjoyed,” Bu Eunseol said, standing as if the mood had soured.
To Namgung Un, he said, “I’ll take my leave. Stay and have more tea.”
“Where do you think you’re going?” Namgung Hwan stood, his eyes flashing.
“Our conversation isn’t over.”
It was blatant provocation.
Namgung Su, who had been silent, narrowed his eyes.
“Sit down,” he said.
“Eldest Brother, he insulted a Southern Palace member,” Namgung Hwan said, glaring at Bu Eunseol. “That’s different from what I said about Un. Can we treat a guest like this?”
“So, you’d defy Father’s orders?” Namgung Su asked.
“That’s…” Namgung Hwan faltered, recalling Namgung Jeong’s stern face.
“How about this, Eldest Brother? Why not let Master Seol spar with him?” Namgung Heon suggested with a smile, mediating the fight.
“Many of our guests come to spar, don’t they?”
The Southern Palace’s gates were always open, readily accepting challenges from martial artists. Renowned swordsmen in Jiangnan often visited to test their skills, earning reputations as having learned from the Southern Palace.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes glinted.
Namgung Heon’s sudden proposal intrigued him, but there was another reason.
‘Interesting,’ he thought, his mind racing as he realized something.
“Good idea,” Namgung Hwan said, smirking at Bu Eunseol. “No need to worry. The palace doesn’t use killing moves in spars.”
He added, “Though you might get seriously injured.”
Bu Eunseol, arms crossed, stared at him calmly.
Having publicly sparred with the Heavenly Sword, he couldn’t use the Heavenly Glacial Secret, Wishful True Binding, or Shifting Heaven’s Force. Moreover, as a direct descendant of the Southern Palace, Namgung Hwan’s skills ruled out ordinary techniques. He could use the Thirteen Guiding Energies, but in a public fight at the Southern Palace, there was no need to employ the Martial Emperor’s techniques.
“Sounds good,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding. “I’ve been wanting to witness the swordsmanship of Jiangnan’s finest, the Southern Palace.”
‘He’s not the masked assailant anyway,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
He knew Namgung Hwan was unlikely to be the masked figure.
His reason for accepting the spar was to observe the other brothers’ reactions to narrow down the culprit.
‘But I shouldn’t tell Un,’ he thought.
Namgung Un’s forthright nature made his emotions transparent.
If he learned one of his brothers was involved with a shadowy martial world force, he wouldn’t hide it.
‘Though it’s puzzling,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
A direct descendant of the Southern Palace held a position enviable to any in the martial world. Why would they ally with a shadowy force and target Dan So-ok, a mere candidate for the demonic path’s chief commander?
“Fine,” Namgung Su said, nodding as Bu Eunseol was lost in thought. “If Master Seol agrees, a spar is acceptable.”
With the eldest brother’s approval, Namgung Hwan smiled at Bu Eunseol.
“Let’s do it now.”
“Brother Bu, why are you doing this?” Namgung Un sent a mental message, worried about Bu Eunseol risking exposure. “Fourth Brother’s temper is bad, but he’s mastered the clan’s Flying Flash Blood Chain to its peak. Your identity could be revealed.”
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen,” Bu Eunseol replied mentally.
He spoke aloud, “But how could I, a guest of the Southern Palace, cross swords harshly with the Palace Master’s son?”
“Running away? Your words don’t match,” Namgung Hwan sneered.
Bu Eunseol said, “Spar with him first.”
He pointed at Namgung Un.
“If you can defeat him, I’ll face you myself.”
“Nonsense. I want to test your skill, and you’re telling me to spar with the youngest?” Namgung Hwan said, smirking arrogantly. “Master Seol, if you’re scared, just say so.”
“You can’t even defeat him, so why bother with an obvious spar?” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “If he loses, I’ll consider it my defeat. And I’ll do anything you ask.”
“…”
“I’ll kneel if you say, lick your shoes if you demand, leave if you order, or become a servant of the Southern Palace.”
“Hahaha!” Namgung Hwan laughed, incredulous. “Master Seol, you speak too recklessly.”
“If you’re scared, we can forget this bet,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Scared?” Namgung Hwan, who saw Namgung Un as a thorn in his side, had no reason to refuse. “Fine. Let’s do it.”
“Brother Bu, why are you…” Namgung Un sent another mental message.
“Trust me. You’ve already begun to break through,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“Me?” Namgung Un asked.
Breakthrough.
It meant surpassing one’s limits to reach a new realm.
But Namgung Un had never felt such a thing.
“Trust me, and trust yourself,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding at Namgung Un.
Trust—the greatest strength one can give another.
“Alright,” Namgung Un said, taking a deep breath and nodding.
“Let’s do it.”
Bu Eunseol and the Namgung brothers moved from Cloud-Wind Pavilion to the nearest sparring arena. The Southern Palace, vast and frequented by challengers, had sparring arenas throughout to allow uninterrupted duels.
“Begin,” Namgung Su commanded.
The duel between Namgung Hwan and Namgung Un commenced.
‘I’ll end it in one strike,’ Namgung Hwan thought, smirking sinisterly.
He had meticulously prepared to resolve the artificial energy core incident to become a Palace Master candidate.
But Namgung Un had solved it swiftly, stealing his chance to shine.
‘You dare aim for the Palace Master’s seat?’ Namgung Hwan thought, seething. Always overshadowed by his brothers’ talents, he couldn’t bear Namgung Un, whom he’d dismissed, surpassing him.
‘I’ll show you the gap in our skills!’
Swish!
Unleashing the Flying Flash Blood Chain Sword, Namgung Un’s figure was obscured by sword energy. The essence of the Chain Sword was to block the enemy’s retreat and vision, delivering unavoidable strikes.
Clang!
Namgung Un drew his sword, blocking the attack.
“Haha, futile!” Namgung Hwan roared, letting out a sharp cry and shaking his sword tip.
Countless sword flowers bloomed, with techniques shifting dizzyingly.
Clang! Clang!
Namgung Un barely blocked, unable to fully grasp or keep up with the changes.
Slash!
Namgung Hwan’s Golden Needle Sword twisted and curved, making its techniques unpredictable.
Clang! Clang!
Despite accumulating scratches and bleeding, Namgung Un steadfastly endured.
‘What’s with this guy?’ Namgung Hwan thought.
In the past, Namgung Un would have dropped his sword and surrendered within ten moves, yet he was holding out for over thirty?
Could he really defeat him, as that mercenary claimed?
‘No way!’ Growing anxious, Namgung Hwan’s Flying Flash Blood Chain shifted again.
His sword grazed the ground as if to slice Namgung Un’s ankle but actually aimed a deadly strike at his chest and throat.
Swish!
As the relentless Chain Form was about to pierce Namgung Un’s throat, a heavy impact struck.
Boom.
Namgung Hwan’s Golden Needle Sword dipped downward.
Namgung Un had unleashed the third form of the Emperor Sword Form, pouring immense pressure onto Namgung Hwan’s blade.
‘He directed the Emperor Sword Form’s pressure onto my sword?’ Namgung Hwan thought.
Heavy sword techniques didn’t always need to target the enemy’s body. Slightly restricting movement exposed numerous vulnerabilities. Namgung Un had applied insights gained against a hundred soul-devouring foes.
“No way!” Namgung Hwan shouted, gathering his energy to unleash the Flying Flash Blood Chain again.
Swish!
The essence of the Chain Sword was its ceaseless flow.
But as Namgung Un repeatedly applied pressure, subtly disrupting the flow, its power diminished significantly.
‘This guy’s skills have really improved!’ Namgung Hwan was shocked.
Namgung Un was overcoming speed with slowness, length with brevity.
He had deeply grasped the profound martial principle of defeating an enemy’s strengths with weaknesses.
‘Fine then,’ Namgung Hwan thought.
He charged like a gale, closing the distance with Namgung Un. Leaping into the air above Namgung Un’s head, he moved with the ferocity of an eagle swooping on prey.
‘That’s…’ Namgung Un’s eyes gleamed.
Jumping in close combat was strictly forbidden.
But it was Namgung Hwan’s ultimate technique in the Flying Flash Blood Chain—unleashing a barrage of chain sword strikes from above, trapping and overwhelming the enemy.
‘Alright!’ The old Namgung Un would have retreated from such a sharp, deadly technique.
But having faced countless life-and-death battles, this assault was merely average compared to what he’d endured.
“Hah!” Drawing a deep breath, he summoned all his energy.
He swung his sword upward with full force, as if ready to die together.
‘Tch!’ Namgung Hwan, expecting Namgung Un to retreat, was startled as he closed the distance instead.
Clang!
Their swords clashed in midair with a resounding metallic ring.
One struck from above, the other defended steadfastly from the ground.
The bizarre exchange continued for over forty moves. Then, Namgung Un, as if struck by a thought, eased his assault.
Tap.
Seizing the chance, Namgung Hwan halted his chain sword strikes and landed.
“…” On the ground, he ceased attacking, adopting a defensive stance.
Had Namgung Un stubbornly continued the exchange?
Namgung Hwan, airborne, would have had to fend off relentless attacks while expending energy to stay aloft, putting him at a disadvantage. Namgung Un, aware of this, deliberately slowed his attacks, allowing Namgung Hwan to land—a gesture of consideration.
“A draw,” Namgung Heon said, approaching with a smile. “Since both stopped attacking simultaneously, it’s a draw.”
No one responded to his words.
Namgung Hwan, expending energy to stay airborne while striking.
Namgung Un, standing firm and attacking relentlessly.
Had Namgung Un not eased up, in a life-or-death fight, the outcome would have been clear.
“Indeed,” Bu Eunseol said, knowing Namgung Un had won but agreeing with Namgung Heon to save face.
Namgung Hwan, humiliated, had no words.
“Hmph.” With an awkward sneer, he fled the sparring arena.
“Haa,” Namgung Un sighed in relief, planting his Golden Needle Sword in the ground.
He had countered the Flying Flash Blood Chain improvisationally. By pure skill, he believed he still couldn’t match Namgung Hwan, unaware that his improvisation was his true strength.
“Well done,” Bu Eunseol said, patting his shoulder.
“Thanks to me, you’re spared from servitude, Brother Seol,” Namgung Un said with a relieved laugh.
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. “So it seems.”
Having lost, Namgung Hwan drew Namgung Su’s cold gaze. Without a word, he slowly turned and left the arena.
“You’ve improved greatly,” Namgung Heon said, patting Namgung Un’s shoulder proudly. “I should go too.”
Namgung Pung approached, asking eagerly, “That was impressive! The variation of Hwan’s Flying Flash Blood Chain was learned from the Martial Alliance.”
‘So that’s it,’ Bu Eunseol thought, realizing why Namgung Hwan used an unusual sword technique, likely learned through a separate master-disciple relationship with someone from the Martial Alliance.
“I just managed somehow,” Namgung Un said, laughing shyly and scratching his head, his laughter echoing through the arena.
Bu Eunseol’s lodging was assigned to Seorim Hall, the most scenic spot in the clan’s inner courtyard.
This was Namgung Jeong’s consideration, ensuring Bu Eunseol could rest without disturbance.
After dining with Namgung Un, Bu Eunseol returned to his quarters early, giving Namgung Un time to reflect on his fight and gain further insights.
‘Their reactions were unexpected,’ he thought.
Pitting Namgung Un against Namgung Hwan was to observe the other brothers and identify the masked assailant who targeted Dan So-ok. But except for the jealous Namgung Hwan, the brothers were refined or straightforward, showing subtle care for Namgung Un.
‘So, Un wasn’t their target,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
His attempt to uncover the masked figure was partly out of concern that they might harm Namgung Un, especially since the clan’s successor was undecided. But the other brothers, except Namgung Hwan, showed entirely different attitudes than expected.
‘How could a Southern Palace heir be part of a shadowy force?’ he thought.
Historically, shadowy forces used long-held desires or desperate wishes as bait to recruit or manipulate. But the Southern Palace heirs were in positions that such tactics wouldn’t easily sway.
‘And the Southern Palace isn’t the base of a shadowy force,’ he concluded.
Knock, knock.
A low voice followed the knock. “It’s Namgung Su.”
Not a maid’s gentle voice, but a cold, detached one—the eldest, Namgung Su.
“Come in,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding, having already sensed his footsteps and stride.
Namgung Su entered, his expression cold.
“What brings you here at this hour?” Bu Eunseol asked.
Namgung Su placed a heavy wine bottle on the table.
“A hundred-year-old plum wine. Those who don’t enjoy tea usually prefer wine. You should enjoy it.”
He turned to leave, as if finished.
“Why give this to me?” Bu Eunseol asked.
Namgung Su paused.
“Some time ago, Un returned from his martial world travels with greatly improved skills, boasting about an incredible sworn brother,” he said, staring at the moonlight outside. “This time, too, he returned with enhanced skills and crushed a massive conspiracy by the Beggars’ Sect.”
He fixed his gaze on Bu Eunseol.
“This is my gratitude.” Despite his cold demeanor, Namgung Su deeply cared for Namgung Un.
“Are you aware he resents the Palace Master?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“That’s the Palace Master’s choice,” Namgung Su said nonchalantly. “It’s also a son’s duty to understand his father’s heart.”
With cryptic words, he turned to leave.
“Rest well,” he said, exiting swiftly.
Bu Eunseol gazed at the distant sky.
Namgung Un called himself a disloyal son, believing his father hated him.
But in truth, not only his father but all his brothers loved him. Each in their own way, much like Palace Master Namgung Jeong.
‘A fortunate fool,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
Though tangled like knotted threads, time would resolve their conflicts. The rift with his father would mend without Bu Eunseol’s further involvement.
“It’s troubling,” he sighed, looking at the sky.
Even if one of the Namgung brothers was the masked assailant, none seemed likely to harm or threaten Namgung Un.
Was there a need to dig deeper, especially when nothing had happened so far?
“If they truly leave the Southern Palace and Un alone…” Bu Eunseol hesitated for the first time.
If the masked figure was a loyal member of the palace, targeting only the demonic path, was it right to expose them?
Uncovering this could disrupt the harmony and unity of this cohesive clan.
“Both righteous and demonic factions are infiltrated by such forces, and no one knows how deep their roots run,” he sighed, shaking his head.
“There’s no need to meddle in the Southern Palace’s affairs.”
For the first time, he chose to abandon the pursuit of truth and leave quietly.
The next day, as the sunset faded and darkness fell, Bu Eunseol left the Southern Palace discreetly. Despite the many guards, he was a distinguished guest at Seorim Hall by Namgung Jeong’s special order.
Familiar with his appearance, no one stopped him.
Walking along the silent path after leaving the clan, Bu Eunseol suddenly halted.
‘That’s right,’ he thought, realizing he had overlooked something.
The Boeun Coin.
Those aligned with the shadowy force would likely target the coin Namgung Un had given him.
`And as long as he held it, he couldn’t leave the Southern Palace freely.
Swish.
A tall shadow emerged from a tree across the path.
It was Namgung Heon.
