Chapter 50. Sword Demon Returns Home
Clatter!
A line of carriages arrived at Hapbi.
“This is Hapbi! I can finally taste the famous Danghoru that my brother praised so highly!”
“……”
Moyong Yul, his white cheeks slightly flushed, pressed up against the window of the carriage, gazing out at the streets of Hapbi.
But Hoyeon stared blankly into space, lost in thought.
‘What was that, exactly…?’
Hoyeon recalled the golden light sword (광검) of Moyong Sangcheon, still vividly etched into his mind.
‘Did he gather energy into the shape of a sword? Why go to such trouble? No, from the start… the whole foundation was different from the martial arts I knew.’
The strange familiarity he’d felt the first time he met him—was now confirmed.
Something about Moyong Sangcheon was fundamentally different from the Ascenders (승벽자) he’d encountered 300 years ago.
“Martial arts in the Central Plains have evolved drastically in the 300 years since his death. Even if he came back to life, it’s uncertain whether he’d still be the best in the world.”
Moyong Sangcheon’s words echoed in his mind.
If martial arts had truly advanced that much in 300 years, then that golden light sword might have been one such evolution.
‘Heh… interesting. So it’s different from before, huh?’
A faint smile crept across Hoyeon’s lips as he recalled Namgung Sangcheon’s words.
It was the smile of a competitive spirit.
“Young man, be greedy. Don’t just wait for me to die of old age. Climb the wall with everything you’ve got and reach the same heights as me.”
‘If he meant to provoke me, it worked. Wait for me, old man. I’ll climb fast—so fast that you won’t be able to look down on me anymore!’
Wooooom…
Ever since his encounter with Moyong Sangcheon by the Yangtze River, his upper danjeon had remained in a state of constant activation—proof that his soul had been shaken by what he’d witnessed.
“Talented young man. Watch closely. This is the name of the wall you must reach—All Things Follow the Mind (만상유심).”
‘All Things Follow the Mind… what does that even mean? A technique? A weapon? Enlightenment? Or is it… something else?’
Lost in deep thought, Hoyeon remained silent.
Moyong Yul also held her tongue, not wanting to disturb him.
‘I did it—I got his permission. I can stay with him now!’
She clenched her fists, heart pounding with excitement she tried to suppress.
But as the memory of a certain woman’s whisper returned, her cheeks twitched with tension.
“You’ll understand soon enough. Hoyeon is already a dragon, ready to ascend.”
‘…As much as I hate to admit it, she’s right. I don’t want to be a burden to him.’
Quite the opposite—she wanted to be helpful, even recognized by him someday.
“A swan may look graceful on the water’s surface, but beneath it, it paddles desperately.”
‘Starting today, I’ll double—no, triple—my training hours!’
Just as Moyong Yul resolved herself, a voice called from outside the carriage.
“Young Master! We’ve arrived!”
It was Geuk Jiryang, the Iron Sword Division Leader.
Pulled from his thoughts, Hoyeon smiled and looked out the window.
“…I’m finally home.”
The front gate of the Namgung household stood wide open.
Ordinarily, it would only be half-open unless an important guest was expected.
But now, all members of the family—nobles, servants, guards—stood outside, gazing expectantly at the gate.
Clatter!
“He’s here!”
“Young Master has returned!”
“The Divine Dragon of Namgung returns with the Yeouiju in his jaws!”
“Haha! Thunderous Lightning Dragon, they say! Our Young Master’s name pierces the heavens!”
Warriors, scholars, maids, and workers alike ran out to greet him.
“Wow… what is all this?”
“…He seems to be incredibly well-regarded.”
Sangwan Hae and Dang Segi were amazed by the crowd that had gathered.
Swish! Swish!
Maids scattered colorful flower petals along the carriage path.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Warriors stomped in synchronized rhythm, showing their respect.
Clunk!
Startled by the commotion, Hoyeon stepped out of the carriage and looked around.
“What the hell is all this fuss?!”
“Ohhh! Namgung Divine Dragon!”
“Kyaa! I think our Young Master’s grown by half an inch!”
“Young Lord! What’s this about becoming the Thunderous Lightning Dragon?!”
“Is it true you restored the Thunder Emperor’s Divine Art?!”
“Please eat first! Cook Yeo has been preparing meals for three days straight!”
“Young Master! I developed a new dipping sauce! Sweet, sour, spicy—this one has it all!”
As soon as Hoyeon showed himself, cheers exploded from every direction.
“Goddamn it…!”
Hoyeon clenched his fist and trembled.
Was this an assassination attempt?
Trying to kill him with sheer embarrassment?
He wanted nothing more than to run away.
“Wow…”
In contrast, Moyong Yul was moved nearly to tears.
So many people had been waiting for her brother?
“As expected of you, brother! You’re amazing! Everyone loves you!”
“Don’t.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t sneak up on me like that!”
“W-What?”
Clatter!
Suddenly, a woman in a sky-blue martial robe burst from the crowd and leapt at Hoyeon.
Clink!
A golden butterfly-shaped ornament on her sword’s pommel swung gently.
“Hoyeon!”
“Gah!”
“You’re okay? You’re not hurt, right?”
The woman was a sharp-eyed beauty, now fussing over Hoyeon’s body with great concern.
“Who are you?!”
“Hm?”
“Back away from my brother! He can’t breathe!”
Startled, Moyong Yul pointed accusingly and shouted.
“Oh my, Hoyeon, are you alright?”
“Cough, cough. Yes.”
“I heard there were bad guys from the Gwaedong Clan. I should’ve gone with you…”
“You were on a long-term mission, weren’t you?”
“Listen to this kid! Calling me ‘you’? Just because it’s been a few months, you’re getting all distant? If so, I’m really—”
As Namgung Sang-ah’s sharp gaze drooped in hurt, Hoyeon mumbled softly.
“…Did you return safely too, Sang-ah noona?”
“Hahaha! Of course! Sichuan is such a lively place. I even scouted out a teahouse for us to visit together someday!”
“H-Huh?”
As she pressed her cheek to his affectionately, Moyong Yul stood stiff like a cat grabbed by the scruff.
“Haha, Sang-ah. Let’s catch up inside.”
“Yes, our Hoyeon must be tired. Let’s get him a warm bath first.”
Two figures at the front, a dignified middle-aged man and a graceful noblewoman, now stepped forward and looked down at Hoyeon.
“…I’m home.”
Hoyeon stood before Namgung Baek and Paeng Sohwa and announced his return.
“You brat. Is just nodding your head some kind of foreign etiquette? Go give them a hug, already.”
Cheonroe Sword muttered criticism from Hoyeon’s waistband.
But there was no way Hoyeon would do something so embarrassing in front of everyone.
“Hahaha! We’ve heard all about it. Well done. Truly my son!”
“Oh my, he’s my son, you know.”
“Hmph, if you say so, dear.”
“Hoho, just kidding. Our son, you’ve done wonderfully! I’m so proud!”
Namgung Baek and Paeng Sohwa welcomed their youngest son with beaming pride.
Most of all, they were relieved and overjoyed that their beloved child had returned safe and sound.
“Ahem. These are the friends I made during the Baekga Sword Assembly.”
Hoyeon quickly turned the topic, his face slightly awkward.
“Haha, I’m Sangwan Hae, third son of the Sangwan family. It’s an honor to meet the famous Master of the Righteous Sword.”
“I’m Dang Segi, eldest son of the Sichuan Dang family.”
Sangwan Hae smiled brightly as he greeted them, while Dang Segi introduced himself calmly.
“Thank you for being in the same team as my unworthy son.”
“Oh no, not at all! Please speak comfortably!”
“Yes, even my grandfather always praised your chivalry.”
“Oh? The Poison King said that? What an honor.”
“Hoho, please feel free to stay as long as you like.”
Namgung Baek and Paeng Sohwa also greeted the guests warmly.
“Hmm? And this young man?”
“Ah…”
When Namgung Baek looked at Moyong Yul, he froze, not knowing what to do.
Pat!
Hoyeon grabbed his shoulder and nudged him forward.
“This is someone I’ve taken in as my younger brother.”
“M-Moyong Yul… fourth son of the Moyong family. P-please take care of me…”
Trembling, Moyong Yul introduced himself in a timid voice.
‘Idiot! These are his parents—you should’ve spoken properly!’
He cursed his useless tongue.
To make matters worse, the woman he yelled at earlier turned out to be Hoyeon’s older sister.
‘I’m doomed…’
He despaired, realizing all his carefully laid plans were falling apart.
His eyes welled up—until…
Swish!
“Ah…!”
Hoyeon gently ruffled Moyong Yul’s shaggy hair.
The sudden light caught in Moyong Yul’s bright blue eyes, and—
“Wow, such a beautiful blue.”
“How can human eyes be so lovely?”
“They look like gems!”
“…!”
Moyong Yul’s eyes widened, mouth slightly agape.
Hoyeon smirked and whispered in his ear.
“Welcome to Namgung. Here, you don’t have to hide your face.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Hearing those words, Moyong Yul felt his heart pounding.
And once more, he swore to himself:
‘I will… I will become someone my brother can rely on!’
The noisy celebration died down.
Hoyeon returned to his room.
The quiet, familiar surroundings eased his heart.
“Huu, there’s still time before dinner…”
Clink!
He set down something he’d been carrying on his shoulder—long and tightly wrapped in cloth.
Rustle…
Using telekinesis, he untied the knot, revealing what lay inside.
“Hehehe…”
He couldn’t help but smile at the sight of a beautiful black sword.
It was a greatsword, almost as tall as himself. But he could wield it better than anyone.
After all, the Black Night Greatsword (흑야태검) was the beloved weapon of the Sword Demon himself.
“Long time no see, Black Night. Let me hear your voice.”
He placed his hand on the sword’s golden ridge, initiating sword-mind resonance.
In that instant—
“You little brat! Let go of me, damn it!”
A sharp, foul-mouthed male voice echoed in his mind.
“Huh?”
