Chapter 579
Chapter 579
Chapter 579. How to Screw Someone Over (4)
After the two duels held in the morning ended, lunchtime came.
Meanwhile, the Clan Head of the Namgung Clan, who had watched the duel, was in a considerably foul mood.
Because of his useless grandson, Namgung On.
While he was moving to eat, his third son followed behind him with an embarrassed expression.
At that moment, the Namgung Clan Head stopped walking.
“What are you doing?” (Namgung Clan Head)
“Yes?” (Third Son)
“If you follow behind me like that, will what happened become something that never happened?” (Namgung Clan Head)
“…….”
“To be honest, I did not care what On did outside. If a man likes women, that is only natural, and that much does not blemish the name of the Namgung Clan.” (Namgung Clan Head)
“…….”
“I can also overlook, to some degree, that he let his guard down and lost to a disciple of some sect whose name I do not even know, the Yeongyeol Sect. It is an opportunity to gain a great lesson as a martial artist. However….” (Namgung Clan Head)
He turned his head and looked at his third son.
“To go around saying he lost because he was struck by a cowardly trick! And on top of that, because of today’s duel, those words have become an utter lie, have they not? He has smeared mud not only on his own honor, but on the honor of the main family as well!” (Namgung Clan Head)
“…….”
The Namgung Clan Head’s third son bit his lip.
As he, too, was thoroughly a person of the Namgung Clan, he also knew what the Namgung Clan’s iron rule was.
It did not matter how one lived or what one did, but one must not lower the honor of the Namgung Clan.
That was also why the Namgung Clan had become skilled at behind-the-scenes maneuvers.
A firm decision came from the Namgung Clan Head’s mouth.
“Lock On in the prison.” (Namgung Clan Head)
“Yes?” (Third Son)
“Why are you so surprised?” (Namgung Clan Head)
“That place is too harsh for On.” (Third Son)
“All the better. He will realize that what he enjoyed was not something natural, and that he can only enjoy it by fulfilling his role as a member of the family.” (Namgung Clan Head)
“…….”
“If, when I return to the estate after today’s duels are over, On is not in the prison, your entire family will be imprisoned.” (Namgung Clan Head)
“……!”
He realized that he could not disobey his father’s order.
As if he had nothing more to say, the Namgung Clan Head strode off first.
The third son looked at his father’s retreating back. Then he soon let out a sigh.
‘Hoo, since I have done this much, the second wife will not whine, will she? She is not the sort of woman who would go into prison in On’s place.’ (Third Son)
He ordered one of his escort warriors.
“Take the warriors and lock On in the estate prison.” (Third Son)
“Yes. However….” (Escort Warrior)
The escort warrior hesitated and trailed off.
“He seems likely to resist strongly….” (Escort Warrior)
“Whether you knock him unconscious or forcibly tie him up and subdue him, handle it yourself.” (Third Son)
“Yes!” (Escort Warrior)
...
I headed to a nearby tavern with Warrior Daenok and Warrior Suam.
To celebrate Warrior Daenok’s victory, I had reserved a tavern.
I am glad the meal has become a place of celebration rather than consolation.
Thinking that, I moved with my party.
By the way, Master should be here too, so why have I not seen him even once since then?
As I was heading toward the tavern with such a question, someone picked a fight from behind.
“What sort of cowardly trick did you use!” (Namgung On)
When I turned my head, it was Namgung On.
Why did he come here?
Judging by his expression, at a glance, he clearly had not come for a good purpose.
I blocked the front of Warrior Daenok and asked.
“Excuse me, but what is the matter?” (MC)
“Those who have nothing to do with this should stay out of it! I have business with that man!” (Namgung On)
“Then I can all the less stay out of it. That is because our Eunhae Trading Company is sponsoring Warrior Daenok.” (MC)
“Sponsoring?” (Namgung On)
“Yes.” (MC)
I smiled and spoke.
“It is not strange for a merchant to sponsor a warrior with potential, is it?” (MC)
“Ha! You must not think your money is a waste. To sponsor someone who advanced to the main competition by using a cowardly trick!” (Namgung On)
I smiled gently.
“Are the eyes of the Martial Alliance’s executives wooden knots?” (MC)
“……What?” (Namgung On)
“If there truly had been a problem, they would have stepped forward first and raised an objection.” (MC)
“Hmph! The one who directly crossed swords with him up close knows that best!” (Namgung On)
If that is the case, there is something else I can refute with.
“Mister Danmok Il, his opponent in today’s duel, cleanly accepted the result without saying a word of that sort.” (MC)
“Hmph! The Danmok Clan’s eye is inferior compared to the main family, so that is only natural.” (Namgung On)
Wow, he is even more of a scoundrel than I thought.
Is he not even afraid of how the world sees him?
Well, that is why he probably does not know that doing this humiliates himself and humiliates the Namgung Clan as well.
“So, are you saying, Mister, that your skill surpasses that of the Martial Alliance’s executives?” (MC)
“…….”
“The Alliance Leader was there, as was the Clan Head of the Namgung Clan, and several elder experts who have entered the Transformation Realm were also there. Yet you still insist on such a claim, so it can only be understood in that way.” (MC)
I said with a smile.
“So please stop being unreasonable and let us go.” (MC)
“Y-you…!” (Namgung On)
Perhaps he was at a loss for words, because he huffed and puffed, then finally drew his sword.
“Hmph! There is no meaning in words. If one is a martial artist, one should speak through martial arts! This time, I will prove that I did not lose because of my skill! Draw your sword!” (Namgung On)
Namgung On pointed his sword at Daenok and shouted.
I quickly sent Warrior Daenok a telepathic message.
* Do not draw your sword under any circumstances. (MC)
He nodded and answered calmly.
“The duel has already ended! Also, I cannot privately cross swords with you!” (Warrior Daenok)
“Then die!” (Namgung On)
And a sword flew toward Warrior Daenok.
I could have blocked that sword, but I did not. Because someone was already running urgently from behind.
Clang-!
That person’s sword knocked away Namgung On’s sword.
“You must not do this here.” (Changpa)
“Ugh! Who dares… Changpa?” (Namgung On)
Namgung On seemed to recognize him, and he frowned.
“Our lord sent me. Please return to the estate now.” (Changpa)
“I refuse!” (Namgung On)
“The Clan Head and our lord are extremely angry. Please return now.” (Changpa)
“No. I cannot return until I wash away my stained honor!” (Namgung On)
Ha… this is getting worse and worse.
What you are doing right now stains your honor even more, you know?
At those words, the warrior called Changpa let out a sigh. I understood how he felt.
Thwack!
He kicked Namgung On, and Namgung On tumbled straight to the ground.
“Keouk!” (Namgung On)
“Tie him up!” (Changpa)
“Yes!” (Warriors)
The warriors who had followed him rushed in and bound his entire body tightly with white cloth.
In an instant, he turned into something like a cocoon.
With a gag stuffed in as well, he looked completely subdued.
By the way… that is heavenly silkworm thread, is it not?
Well, to cleanly subdue a peak warrior, it needs to be at least heavenly silkworm thread.
And the Namgung Clan’s martial arts are extreme yang martial arts.
They are incompatible with heavenly silkworm thread.
The one called Changpa respectfully clasped his hands toward me and Warrior Daenok and lowered his head.
“The young master of the main family has caused you great trouble. This is given as an apology.” (Changpa)
He held out an envelope.
“It is modest, but I hope it eases your feelings. Such a thing will never happen again.” (Changpa)
Warrior Daenok glanced at me, and I nodded faintly.
It was not just free money, but compensation for damages, so of course he should accept it.
“I accept your apology.” (Warrior Daenok)
“Thank you.” (Changpa)
“And while watching today’s duel, I was impressed. It was truly a splendid sight. I hope we may meet next time over something good.” (Changpa)
“Yes.” (Warrior Daenok)
Clean and courteous conduct.
Seeing that sight is probably why people call the Namgung Clan a fair and honorable family.
And so, Namgung On, who had appeared like a storm, was collected by those who had appeared like a storm.
Seeing him collected in that state, he would likely receive quite a heavy punishment.
“Then let us go eat.” (MC)
.
.
.
Lunch was very satisfying.
In particular, perhaps because he was extremely hungry, Warrior Daenok ate so well that it made even me feel pleased watching him.
Warrior Suam was the same.
“To be honest, I think this is the first time we have ever been able to eat until our bellies are this full.” (Warrior Suam)
“Is that so?” (MC)
“As I told you, our sect is not very well off… so we cannot eat this much.” (Warrior Suam)
“Ah… I see.” (MC)
He took out a banknote from his robes and spoke.
“Yes. But with this, we can live for a while without worrying about food.” (Warrior Suam)
A happy-looking face.
“Ah, I forgot to say this. Our Eunhae Trading Company will also provide sponsorship funds every year.” (MC)
“Yes?” (Warrior Suam)
“Did I not say earlier? That our Eunhae Trading Company is sponsoring the Yeongyeol Sect.” (MC)
“Was that not sponsorship in exchange for helping me win the first round of the main competition?” (Warrior Daenok)
At that, I shook my head.
“Our Eunhae Trading Company is not that petty. It is sponsorship for a place with a promising future. Since we are doing it, we should create a bond that can continue.” (MC)
Warrior Suam asked.
“Is that bond the money you will support us with every year?” (Warrior Suam)
“Yes. That is right.” (MC)
I grinned broadly.
“So from now on, you do not need to take such risks and enter duels because you are worried about food. Instead, there is one condition.” (MC)
“What is that?” (Warrior Suam)
“Grow your skills and raise your fame.” (MC)
“Yes?” (Warrior Daenok)
I sent the two warriors a telepathic message.
* So that, in the future, even the Namgung Clan cannot easily find fault with you. (MC)
As though they understood what that meant, they nodded with determined faces.
.
.
.
After lunchtime ended, we returned to the dueling arena.
Perhaps because of the first round of the main competition earlier, the way people looked at Warrior Daenok had changed completely.
Should I call them eyes of respect toward a true expert?
And before we knew it, he had even gained a title.
“Oh! It’s the Storm Sword!” (Spectator)
“Where, where?” (Spectator)
“The Storm Sword really was a true expert after all!” (Spectator)
Storm Sword.
It was a title perfectly suited to Warrior Daenok, who used swordsmanship that swept in like a storm.
“You have gained a title as well. Congratulations.” (MC)
“Hahaha. It feels somehow embarrassing.” (Warrior Daenok)
While we were chatting in such a friendly atmosphere, the afternoon duel began.
“The next duel is Jegal Yu-a of the Jegal Family! And the one facing her is Eon Seungyeon of the Jinju Eon Family!” (Captain Geum Yeonhwa)
Before I knew it, it was Young Master Jegal Yu-a’s turn.
There had been only two duels in the morning, and that was because the duels had lasted that long.
On this first day of the first round of the main competition, today’s important duel could be said to be Miss Jegal Yu-a’s duel.
Because she is none other than the Young Master of the Jegal Family.
In truth, Young Master Peng Gangwoon had also tried to participate in this friendly duel, but I heard that the Clan Head did not permit it.
If he participated in the Murim Grand Banquet’s friendly duel, Young Master Peng Gangwoon would certainly achieve high results.
Then the Hebei Peng Family’s standing would also rise, so why did he not permit it?
He was simply chatting amicably beside the Clan Head.
There was not even a hint of regret on his face. Was that because he understood the reason the Clan Head had not permitted it?
Or was he originally not interested in duels?
He had said he would enter the duel, but in truth, even the Dragon Phoenix Dueling Tournament had been something he entered reluctantly because of his position as Young Master, so perhaps he had not actually wanted to enter a duel?
So when the Clan Head did not permit it, he may have secretly shouted for joy.
Well, I suppose I will find that out later.
I turned my head and looked at the dueling stage.
Seven markers were attached to each of their bodies, and they looked at each other.
“My younger brother was in your debt last time. He said he learned a great deal thanks to you.” (Eon Seungyeon)
Come to think of it, Young Master Jegal Yu-a’s opponent at the Dragon Phoenix Dueling Tournament had been a child of the Jinju Eon Family.
I suppose Mister Eon Seungyeon, who came out this time, is his older brother.
At that, Young Master Jegal Yu-a clasped her hands and spoke.
“I was the one who was able to learn a great deal from that duel. His martial arts were excellent.” (Jegal Yu-a)
“If I tell him the Young Master praised him, he will be delighted.” (Eon Seungyeon)
“I am glad, then.” (Jegal Yu-a)
Boom!
The sound of the drum rang out, and soon the duel between the two began.
Young Master Jegal Yu-a’s sword and Mister Eon Seungyeon’s iron fist collided.
As befitting excellent martial artists, the two exchanged dozens of moves in an instant, but the situation was extremely even.
Because not a single marker had been broken on either side.
However, as they exchanged moves, the balance slowly began to collapse.
Both of them began to show signs of fatigue, and there, I sensed Young Master Jegal Yu-a’s aim.
There is no way Miss Jegal Yu-a would get tired from that much.
Others may not know, but I know.
That is acting.
As time passed like that, when Mister Eon Seungyeon’s movements gradually slowed.
Shuuk!
Miss Jegal Yu-a, who had spotted her chance, moved like a flash of lightning.
Tak! Tak tak! Tat!
When four markers were destroyed in an instant, Mister Eon Seungyeon was startled and retreated.
“H-how? Were you not tired?” (Eon Seungyeon)
“If I were exhausted from just this much, that would not do.” (Jegal Yu-a)
She continued speaking.
“Thanks to a certain someone, I have done enough stamina training that I will not fall behind anyone in that respect.” (Jegal Yu-a)
As she said that, her gaze glanced toward me.
“Then let us end this now.” (Jegal Yu-a)
Mister Eon Seungyeon tried desperately to turn the situation around, but Young Master Jegal Yu-a’s stamina was ample.
And because he was excessively wary of her methods, Mister Eon Seungyeon could not act boldly.
In the end, the match was decided.
“The winner of this duel is Jegal Yu-a!” (Captain Geum Yeonhwa)
“Waaaaaaa!”
“Hundred Stratagem Cold Sword! Hundred Stratagem Cold Sword!”
The people chanted her title and cheered.
Like this, Young Master Jegal Yu-a also entered the top sixteen.
She looks extremely pleased.
In the main competition, there are two duels in the morning and two in the afternoon.
This is so that the participants can enter the duels in optimal physical condition, and also because of the Murim Grand Banquet’s original purpose.
Because it is the Murim Grand Banquet for fellowship.
After returning to the inn, I sat in my room and reviewed today’s events.
Creak.
At that moment, I heard the sound of the window opening.
“Who goes there!” (Warrior Myeongjong)
At that, Warrior Myeongjong quickly shouted, but I waved my hand.
“Leave him be.” (MC)
Because I could feel Chunil’s aura approaching.
Soon the window opened, and Chunil revealed himself.
“What happened to Namgung On?” (MC)
“They say he is now imprisoned.” (Chunil)
“In the prison?” (MC)
“Yes. It seems the Namgung Clan Head was truly furious. Hehehe.” (Chunil)
The Namgung Clan’s prison is by no means a comfortable place.
The punishment is very satisfying.
It feels refreshing to see the strategy of making the Namgung Clan clean up the mess they made themselves end like this.
My strategy was a great success.