Chapter 13
Entering the Martial World! (1)
“Come in.”
A middle-aged man with a gaunt face and cold eyes spoke indifferently when Namgung Hyuk arrived at his office.
This middle-aged man was Namgung Jin-gang, the second son of Namgung Hwang, head of the Namgung family.
Unlike others, he had mastered spear techniques rather than the sword, becoming a supreme martial artist, and currently served as the head of the Family Law Hall, responsible for enforcing the family’s rules.
If you were to name the scariest person in the family, it would be him.
His strict adherence to rules and unwillingness to overlook even minor mistakes made everyone in the family wary of him.
But Namgung Hyuk’s concern at the moment was something else.
Why has the head of the Law Hall called me here?
He was curious why he was summoned, having committed no wrongdoing.
After an awkward silence, Namgung Jin-gang spoke:
“I called you here to make a proposal.”
“What kind of proposal?”
“As you know, I have no children.”
Namgung Hyuk fell silent at the sudden statement.
Indeed, Namgung Jin-gang had no children, neither with his wife nor concubines, and rumors had quietly spread about problems on his side of the family.
“Would you consider becoming my adopted son?”
“…!”
It was a shocking proposal. Becoming Namgung Jin-gang’s adopted son meant rising to the direct line of succession.
I didn’t expect such a proposal.
Since Namgung Hyuk defeated the Grand Prince Namgung Jin and won at the Changgong Martial Contest, his position within the family had clearly strengthened.
Some elders had even begun showing him unexpected closeness.
But a proposal to become an adopted son was unprecedented.
“Is this because you want me for future succession?”
Namgung Hyuk spoke directly.
The current heir of the Namgung family was Namgung Mu-gang, the first son of Namgung Hwang.
In his youth, he had tremendous martial skill and the qualities expected of a family heir.
But at some point, he changed completely.
He abandoned training and duties as the heir and indulged in drinking and partying, living a decadent life.
This caused concern and disapproval within the family regarding succession.
Until now, Namgung Jin’s recognized martial talent had kept things in check—but even his position could be threatened by this new development.
It wouldn’t be strange if a faction now tried to push a new heir forward.
After twenty years as a hunter, Namgung Hyuk wasn’t naïve.
He suspected that Namgung Jin-gang wanted to adopt him to shift the succession.
If that were the case, he could not accept the offer.
“I have no intention of becoming an adopted son.”
“It would be a good opportunity for you. Even if not immediately for succession, being my adopted son would secure your position in the family.”
Namgung Jin-gang narrowed his sharp eyes, as if questioning why such a favorable offer was refused.
Namgung Hyuk replied:
“I have no interest in increasing my standing in the family. I have a more important dream.”
“A dream? What is it?”
“To step into the martial world and make a name for myself.”
He spoke frankly, prepared for ridicule.
But Namgung Jin-gang neither laughed nor took it lightly.
“Ambitious indeed. But such a dream could be achieved within the family, could it not?”
“I wish to be known as Namgung Hyuk, not as a member of the Namgung family.”
“So you intend to turn your back on the family?”
“Not exactly. I’m proud to be part of the Namgung family and value it. But the recognition I’ve received here hasn’t been enough to stake my life on it.”
Namgung Hyuk’s words ended with a cold smile.
It would be dishonest to say he bore no resentment for past neglect within the family, though he did not deny the prestige of being part of the Namgung clan.
If forced to choose, he would choose himself over the family.
“I understand. Consider the adoption offer null and void.”
Surprisingly, Namgung Jin-gang did not show anger at Namgung Hyuk’s blunt refusal.
Namgung Hyuk asked:
“Did you never intend to adopt me, merely testing my intentions?”
“Why would you think that?”
“It’s hard to believe that someone who hasn’t adopted a son in twenty years suddenly changes their mind.”
“……”
“And would a person who values family order more than anyone do something to disrupt it?”
Namgung Jin-gang’s eyes flickered subtly at these words before he finally spoke:
“You are correct. I called you to see if you harbor ambitions to become the next heir.”
“…!”
“Does that upset you?”
“No. Were I in your position, I would have done the same.”
From the Law Hall head’s perspective, he couldn’t ignore potential discord within the family, so he tested Namgung Hyuk preemptively.
Though unpleasant, Namgung Hyuk realized this was a consequence of his growing influence.
He stood, bowed, and said:
“If all is said, I will take my leave.”
“Very well.”
As he prepared to exit, a thought struck him, and he asked:
“What would you have done had I accepted your adoption offer?”
“…Then I would have seriously considered making you my adopted son.”
Namgung Jin-gang replied calmly. Namgung Hyuk left in silence, signaling his decision remained unchanged.
That night, after Namgung Hyuk’s visit:
Despite the late hour, Namgung Hwang’s quarters were brightly lit.
“So that’s what he said.”
“Yes, head of the family.”
After hearing the events of the day, Namgung Jin-gang reported. Namgung Hwang nodded thoughtfully:
“Blood cannot be hidden.”
“….”
“If that is his wish, we must respect it.”
“Even if he won the Changgong Martial Contest, he’s still young to enter the martial world.”
“Hmm. You think so?”
Recalling Namgung Hyuk’s martial prowess, Namgung Hwang admitted he was impressed by how much he had improved since their last encounter.
His sword techniques were astonishingly advanced for his age, unlike anything a child could create.
So, unlike Namgung Jin-gang, he did not think Hyuk’s entry into the martial world premature.
However…
It’s a pity. I wish I had recognized his talent earlier.
Namgung Hwang muttered to himself. His voice carried a deep sense of regret.
“Father!”
Namgung Jin-gang’s sudden serious tone showed he had noticed Hwang’s regret about not personally instructing Namgung Hyuk, an honor usually reserved for a successor.
“It cannot be repeated, twenty years ago.”
He referred to the time when Namgung Hwang first became head, causing division over the choice of heir between his firstborn Namgung Mu-gang and the capable Namgung Cheol. Factional conflict arose, only resolved when Cheol chose to leave.
Now, Hyuk finds himself in a similar position—a strange twist of fate.
“I understand your concerns. That child will choose his path. I will not hold him back from soaring into the world.”
Regarding Namgung Jin, Hwang believed this event would make him stronger. Indeed, Jin had been training relentlessly since the contest.
Namgung Jin-gang, however, remained wary of how Hyuk’s presence might affect the family.
Namgung Hwang gently stroked his beard and said:
“Hyuk, don’t worry. I’ve already considered how to handle him.”
“Do you mean I am to go to the Martial Alliance?”
“Yes.”
Namgung Hyuk was momentarily taken aback.
Are they trying to push me outside the family?
After his encounter with Jin-gang, such thoughts crossed his mind.
Namgung Hwang continued:
“Is it hard for you to accept going to the Martial Alliance?”
“It’s sudden. I need some time to think.”
It was merely a suggestion, not an order, and could be refused.
But the more he considered it, the more he realized it was a valuable opportunity.
The Martial Alliance is worth visiting.
The Martial Alliance is the central hub of the orthodox martial world, home to elders from various schools and many martial artists. Meeting them could greatly aid his growth.
Gaining experience there before venturing into the martial world wouldn’t be a bad strategy.
Resolved, Namgung Hyuk said:
“I will follow your instructions, head of the family.”
“Good. I will write a recommendation; depart soon.”
“Understood.”
“If you need anything, ask the steward.”
“Yes.”
Namgung Hyuk didn’t ask why Hwang sent him to the Martial Alliance.
Suddenly, Namgung Hwang said:
“I heard you met the former head of the family.”
“…Yes.”
Since everything in the Namgung family eventually reaches the head, he was unsurprised.
“Follow me.”
Hwang led him to a small clearing behind the office, surrounded by walls and trees. Namgung Hyuk relaxed his hands behind his back and said:
“Before you leave, let me refine your martial skills.”
“…!”
There was no reason to refuse. Thanks to previous experiences with Namgung Bi, his sword skills had already improved.
Even with natural talent, reaching a higher understanding without a master is difficult—making this a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
“Draw your sword.”
“Yes!”
Though brief, Namgung Hyuk received instruction that satisfied him.
