Chapter 1637
Even beasts know gratitude. (2)
Chilling.
No, it was terrifying.
Even the swordsmen of Namgung clan, who knew Namgung Dowi best, couldn’t hide their momentary confusion.
‘Young Lord…’
They had never denied it. No matter what anyone said, Namgung Dowi was the rightful successor of Namgung clan. He was the one who was supposed to lead the clan after the Lion Sword [사자검], Namgung Hwang.
But the meaning of that acknowledgment was slightly different now. The swordsmen of Namgung followed Namgung Dowi because they believed he could someday become a swordsman comparable to Namgung Hwang, not because the current Namgung Dowi was someone worth following.
However, the aura Namgung Dowi was emitting now was enough to shatter their perceptions.
A sharp, skin-piercing presence. And behind it, a massive pressure bearing down.
‘When did the Young Lord become like this…?’
Even those who had trained in Namgung clan’s sword techniques their whole lives were astounded by his presence. It was as if Namgung Dowi was evoking the image of Namgung Hwang from the past.
“Young Lord…”
“I said, if anyone has complaints, step forward.”
And from his mouth came a voice that felt not just cold but utterly devoid of emotion. The shivering ones, feeling as if their hairs were standing on end, swallowed dryly and looked at Namgung Dowi.
“Is there no one who will step forward?”
Namgung Dowi’s eyes scanned the surroundings. But those who lacked the courage to meet his gaze hurriedly averted their eyes whenever his eyes fell upon them.
Namgung Dowi’s gaze, after sweeping over everyone, settled on the swordsman standing before him.
“Namgung Bi.”
“…Yes, Young Lord.”
“Are you dissatisfied because all the glory goes to the Alliance and Hwasan?”
“I…”
Namgung Dowi, his face unwavering, spoke again.
“Are you really so unhappy that they take the glory, which wouldn’t exist without them?”
“…”
“No. Even if you are dissatisfied, in the midst of employing every means to fight Sapaeryeon, is such glory really that important?”
“Young Lord…”
“Don’t spout such foolish nonsense.”
Namgung Dowi ground his teeth.
“Glory alone will not restore the name of Namgung. The only way to restore the name of Namgung is through skill. No matter how great our reputation becomes, if we do not become as strong as the Namgung of the past, it will all be a castle of sand. No matter how much we are scorned and ignored by the world, if we can surpass the Namgung of the past, the name of Namgung will shine brilliantly again.”
At these words, Namgung Bi lowered his head deeply.
“If you’re going to cling to meaningless notions of glory, spend that time swinging your sword. A swordsman speaks only through the sword. Isn’t that the way of Namgung?”
“…Yes, Young Lord.”
“And!”
Namgung Bi had completely surrendered, but it seemed Namgung Dowi had no intention of stopping there.
“If you truly consider yourselves part of Namgung clan, prove yourselves as people before proving yourselves as swordsmen.”
“…”
Namgung Dowi glared at him with icy eyes.
“What would my father have said if he saw you all right now?”
“…”
“I aspire to be a proud human being in death rather than one who lives for glory. That is the way of Namgung and the path my father walked.”
The Namgung clan’s swordsmen lowered their gazes at these words.
Namgung Dowi, who had been glaring coldly at them, looked beyond to those who had been watching. They, too, quickly bowed their heads when their eyes met his.
After casting a glance at them, Namgung Dowi moved past the bewildered swordsmen of Namgung clan. After a long walk, Tang Soso, who had been quietly following him, spoke up.
“Isn’t that too much?”
“…Do you think so?”
“A little, yes.”
“Even beasts know gratitude.”
“…That’s true, but…”
Tang Soso glanced back with slightly anxious eyes.
“I understand their grievances. They have to risk their lives in a fight where they can’t claim the glory…”
In truth, anyone would be reluctant. Martial artists live for fame and glory. Taking away what is most important to them is akin to taking away their reason for living.
Of course, it’s not that each individual loses the chance to gain fame, but for martial artists, elevating the status of their sect is equally important.
Namgung Dowi glanced at Tang Soso in response to her words.
“That’s a bit unexpected.”
“What is?”
“With your temperament, I thought you’d be eager to skin them immediately.”
“…What kind of person do you think I am?”
“Not so much what kind of person, but…”
Namgung Dowi smirked.
Well, it wasn’t surprising. Just as he had changed, Tang Soso had changed a lot too. The old Tang Soso wouldn’t have considered other people’s perspectives in the slightest.
It was strange. Chung Myung seemed like a very selfish person at first glance, but the people around him gradually became more selfless. That’s what made Chung Myung interesting.
“You’re right, but… that’s precisely why it needs to be done.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Because that’s what Chung Myung Dojang wants to eliminate the most.”
Tang Soso’s eyes filled with a bit of confusion.
“Glory?”
“Yes. More precisely, the structure where one sect takes the credit and gains fame.”
“Hmm.”
“From what they said and Chung Myung Dojang’s response, it’s clear what his intention is.”
Tang Soso nodded as if she understood Namgung Dowi’s words.
“It’s dangerous, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Especially against Sapaeryeon.”
Tang Soso nodded again. She couldn’t possibly misunderstand the situation after hearing this.
“So, even if it causes some inconvenience, it must be carried out. Sometimes, even if it means opposing other sects beyond Namgung.”
“…Are you saying you’ll take on the role of the villain?”
“If necessary, yes… Actually, I will.”
Tang Soso let out a deep sigh.
“Honestly, it’s a bit strange for me to say this as a disciple of Hwasan, but… I don’t get it. Why should the Young Lord of Namgung go out of his way to do something good for us?”
“Because it’s not just something good for Hwasan.”
Namgung Dowi looked Tang Soso straight in the eye.
“This is not for Hwasan but for the entire Gangho.”
“…”
It was a sound argument. So, she couldn’t refute it.
And at that moment, Namgung Dowi gave a slightly playful smile.
“I think that’s enough of an excuse, don’t you?”
“Yes?”
“The truth is, I just want to do it. Maybe I just want to repay a debt, or maybe… I’m just annoyed watching someone else rack their brains over these matters.”
“…Are you talking about Sahyeong?”
“Yes.”
Tang Soso’s eyes took on a slightly curious expression.
It was indeed strange. People inside Hwasan would flee at the mere sight of Chung Myung, but those outside the sect seemed anxious like they couldn’t do enough for him. What is it about him that makes people act this way?
“More importantly.”
“…”
Namgung Dowi raised his head to look at Hwaeum, the city built with his help as part of Cheonumaeng.
“So that I can stand tall in front of him. I want to be in an equal terms, not just a pathetic person who merely enjoys what he’s created.”
“…”
“At the very least, if I can achieve that, I too can restore Namgung clan’s name like Chung Myung Dojang did. If I strive to live like he does, I might not be able to match him, but I can manage at least half of it, right?”
“No offense to you, but achieving even half of what he does isn’t easy.”
“I know. That’s why I’m trying.”
Namgung Dowi smiled.
“…You seem quite happy, considering you’ve taken on a lot of troublesome tasks.”
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… That must be it.”
Namgung Dowi nodded as if readily acknowledging it.
“Of course, I can’t help but feel great. Until now, I’ve been pestering Chung Myung to let us join in everything he does.”
“It’s not just that. You’ve been a great help too.”
“I appreciate the words, but I know the situation of Namgung best. I’m well aware of how much Hwasan has taken care of Namgung clan.”
“…”
Although it was a sensitive topic, Namgung Dowi didn’t seem to care and smiled broadly.
“But now that there’s something I can do, something only I can do, how could I not be pleased?”
“…It seems I was wrong.”
“Hmm? About what?”
“I thought you had changed a bit oddly, but now I see you’ve changed a lot more than I thought.”
“Is that so? Haha.”
Namgung Dowi puffed out his chest.
Indeed, Tang Soso was wrong. He wasn’t just feeling pretty good – he was genuinely delighted.
‘Dojang would never let this situation slide.’
No matter how busy he was, Chung Myung wouldn’t leave the Alliance shaking from below unattended. The fact that this situation was left as it is could only mean one thing.
From the beginning, this was the role assigned to Namgung Dowi.
For the first time, Chung Myung recognized him not just as a swordsman but as a warrior capable of fulfilling his role.
Namgung Dowi felt he couldn’t be happier.
“Oh? Over there.”
“Yes?”
“Chung Myung Dojang is coming. Dojang! It’s been a while!”
Seeing Chung Myung approaching from afar, Namgung Dowi beamed and waved his hand.
Chung Myung, too, spotted him and came running with a broad smile.
‘But something feels…’
Tang Soso sensed something odd about this scene. It was as if something was missing, like leaving an inn without paying the bill…
“Dojang, thank you so much for coming out to greet us. I didn’t even get to properly thank you for the other day… Ughhh!”
At that moment, Chung Myung, who had been running with a bright smile, planted his foot squarely on Namgung Dowi’s cheerful face.
Thud.
As Namgung Dowi fell backwards, Chung Myung, gritting his teeth, climbed on top of him.
“You bastard! I’ve got you now.”
“D-Do…Dojang?”
Namgung Dowi, with a large footprint on his face, looked up in bewilderment.
“I was too busy to beat you up properly back then! Do you know how close our guys were to dying because of you? Charging at the Black Dragon King like a madman! Have you lost your mind?”
“Well, no, I mean… I was thankful for your help… and that’s all in the past…”
“Is just being thankful enough, you idiot?”
Wham!
Chung Myung’s fist crashed into Namgung Dowi’s face.
“And! If you’ve roughly patched up your wounds, you should come running to help! What the hell were you doing, showing up only now? Do you think your life in Gangho is over once you kill the Black Dragon King? Have you done all your work?”
“Well… I tried to come quickly… I was a patient, after all.”
“Patient? Oh, yeah, I get why you’re a patient now. You should’ve just died there! Why are you still alive? Just die! Die, you bastard!”
“Agh! Ouch! Do-Dojang! Please calm down..”
“Shut your mouth, you bastard!”
Watching Chung Myung pounding on Namgung Dowi, Tang Soso clicked her tongue with an exasperated expression.
She had expected this.
Although she briefly wondered if it was okay to beat up a patient like that, Tang Soso concluded that Namgung Dowi deserved it and turned her head sharply.
‘At least it doesn’t seem like a complete waste.’
Chung Myung only beats up people he considers close.
“Ugh, really.”
Tang Soso shook her head.
She decided to leave those idiots behind and better go see Sago.
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