The Sword Emperor's Way of Establishing the Namgung Clan

Chapter 62 - The Mount Song Meeting (1)

Mount Song.

A famous mountain located in the central part of Henan Province, chosen as the Central Peak among the Five Great Mountains.

The three great peaks of Mount Song had soared up tall, as if to pierce the very edge of the sky.

Namgung Jun, who saw the grand mountain range of Mount Song, naturally recalled a certain passage.

Mount Song is high, truly a great mountain; its lofty peak reaches the heavens.

Mount Song is so high it seems to reach the heavens, so it is rightly a great mountain.

“It is just as the passage says.”

Seeing Mount Song in person, he could tell that it was not an exaggeration in the slightest.

Baek Ri-cheong, who was taking in the scenery of Mount Song with his hands clasped behind his back, also chimed in.

“Since it is such a giant mountain range, it can wholly embrace two great sects, can it not.”

Two great sects existed on Mount Song.

The Shaolin Temple and the Mount Song Sect.

On the western peak, Shaoshi Peak, was the Shaolin Temple, and on the eastern peak, Taishi Peak, was the Mount Song Sect.

Each sect represented the Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects, respectively. For that reason, this meeting was also naturally held on Mount Song.

Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong were also in the middle of climbing Junji Peak, located in the center of Mount Song.

This was because this meeting was being held not on Shaoshi Peak, nor on Taishi Peak, but on Junji Peak.

As an unseen war of nerves was unfolding between the Three Sects and One Union and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects, the selection of the location had also been carried out with caution.

Baek Ri-cheong, who was feeling the vastness of Mount Song with his entire body, asked.

“Younger Brother Namgung. We are about to cross swords with the disciples of the Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects; are you not nervous?”

“On the contrary, I am looking forward to it. Are you nervous, Older Brother Baek Ri?”

“I am. I am quite nervous.”

It was an unexpected answer.

Namgung Jun turned the gaze he had fixed on Mount Song and looked at Baek Ri-cheong.

The man, who had always shown a leisurely air and confidence, was merely letting out a pleasant smile.

“Even in the days when the Baek Ri Clan was strong, we could not stand on the same line as the likes of the Three Sects and One Union or the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.”

Though the Baek Ri Clan was a family that had gripped the power of Shanxi Province, it could not be compared to the nine great sects that were like the symbols of the Orthodox Faction.

The Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.

They were no different from the giant pillars that supported the Orthodox Faction. Their prestige was just that high for the disciples who belonged to them.

It was to the extent that even his status as the Great Young Master of the Baek Ri Clan paled in comparison.

“That is why I have vowed to myself dozens of times. That if I were to one day rebuild my family, I would lay a foundation that could surpass the Three Sects and one Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.”

To Baek Ri-cheong, this trip to Mount Song was a stage of opportunity to go beyond a mission and to create a turning point to shake off the weight of the nine great sects.

He would have to cross swords with the disciples of the preeminent nine great sects and prove himself, for only then could he take the first step toward rebuilding his family.

“It will be a matter of surpassing them with this opportunity.”

“You are right.”

Baek Ri-cheong, who had nodded at Namgung Jun’s steadfast answer, retorted.

“Come to think of it, I am curious. Younger Brother Namgung, what do you plan to do if you were to annihilate the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult?”

“I intend to try and establish a family.”

The surname that honors Namcheon Palace, Namgung.

He had hoped that the will his disciples had held would be carried on for a long time. For that reason, he had chosen a family that could carry on the surname.

Hoping that countless righteous warriors bearing the surname Namgung would roam the Martial World.

“I did not know that you too were dreaming of a new family, Younger Brother Namgung.”

“Though the Martial World is vast, the hands and feet of the Azure Sky Society are few. I wish to lend a hand to this.”

“You have embraced such a great cause already. You always manage to surprise me, Younger Brother Namgung.”

A smile rose on the face of Baek Ri-cheong, who had been lost in thought for a moment.

“It would be good if our two prosperous families could become Great Clans side-by-side.”

“The Namgung Clan, the Baek Ri Clan. It would be so.”

“And if we were to bind our two families together and call them the Two Great Clans, would we not be able to ably stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of the Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects?”

Namgung Jun also smiled.

“The Two Great Clans. It has a good ring to it.”

“Hah. This martial arts tournament, I’ll really have to prepare for it properly. It would be embarrassing to lose so feebly after saying all this.”

Namgung Jun also smiled faintly at Baek Ri-cheong’s sociable remark.

“Of course.”

An overflowing strength filled the steps of the young swordsmen as they climbed Junji Peak.

……

The two swordsmen, who had reached the meeting place prepared on Junji Peak, headed straight for their assigned pavilion.

The Azure Sky Society Lord, Ha Huseon, who had arrived first, was seated in the pavilion.

“Welcome. Did you have any trouble on your way here?”

A middle-aged man was guarding the side of Ha Huseon, who was showing a benevolent smile.

His cheekbones protruded and his jawline was thick, giving him a very fierce impression. His entire body, including his face, was covered in scars, and it was especially severe on his two forearms, which were revealed as he crossed his arms.

In the middle of that, as he glared at Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong with his large, round eyes, he presented an immense pressure.

Ha Huseon, who had noticed the middle-aged man’s gaze, said.

“Mujung. Greet them first.”

“Yes, Society Lord.”

The middle-aged man, who had bowed his head, looked at the two swordsmen and opened his mouth.

“I am the Martial Conquest Hall Master, Ha Mujung. It seems this is the first time we are meeting.”

The Martial Conquest Hall Master, Ha Mujung.

He was one of the figures who was counted as a candidate for the next Sword Lord, being a Hall Master belonging to the Three Strongest.

Ha Mujung’s gaze was first plunged into Namgung Jun.

“Namgung Jun. I have heard much of the rumors. I am very curious as to what level of sword talent you possess.”

“I will prove it at this meeting.”

Ha Mujung, who had given a concise nod, looked at Baek Ri-cheong.

“Baek Ri-cheong. I see you at last. I heard you entered our Hall as a newcomer this time? I am only seeing your face now because of my long-term mission. I will arrange for a separate occasion later.”

“Two-Cloud, Baek Ri-cheong. Greetings to the Hall Master.”

Ha Mujung, who had been gazing intently at Baek Ri-cheong for a moment, turned his gaze away.

As the greetings between Ha Mujung and the two swordsmen finished, Ha Huseon opened his mouth.

“Though this Mount Song meeting is for the purpose of uniting the strength of the Orthodox Faction, it does not seem it will proceed smoothly.”

“Why is that?”

At Namgung Jun’s question, Ha Huseon lightly clicked his tongue.

“It is because of the confrontation between the Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects. In the first place, the reason our society is participating in the Mount Song meeting was because of the request of the Shaolin Abbot.”

In other words, the Azure Sky Society had taken on the role of a mediator, to hold the center and allow the two powers to join hands amicably.

If the strength of the Orthodox Faction were to be united as one, it would be a great benefit to the Azure Sky Society as well, so they had participated in the Mount Song meeting, but now that they had come to Mount Song and observed the atmosphere of the two powers, it was more twisted than they had expected.

Ha Mujung provided the detailed explanation.

“Of late, the Three Sects and One Union are being acknowledged as the center of the Orthodox Faction.”

Baek Ri-cheong nodded his head.

The Northern Revered Shaolin.

The Southern Honored Wudang.

The Revered Western Kunlun.

And even the Beggar's Union, who take Heaven and Earth as their bedding.

These four sects, bound by a single name, were the mainstay sects that were currently standing at the forefront and facing the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult and the Eight Great Unorthodox Powers.

In contrast, the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects, with the exception of the Mount Hua Sect, were hard-pressed just to protect their own territories and avoided conflict with the Unorthodox and Demonic Paths unless it was necessary.

Naturally, the reverence of the Orthodox Martial World could not help but be directed toward the Three Sects and One Union, not the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.

“The reason the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects have agreed to this meeting is likely not to truly combine their strength, but for the greater purpose of taking back their stolen fame and initiative. In the middle of this, since our society has intervened at the request of the Shaolin Temple, we will likely be seen as a thorn in their side.”

The expression of Namgung Jun, who had heard the inside story, was not good.

He couldn’t help it.

In a situation where it would not be enough even if they combined their strength, they were putting their own interests first.

‘Those who should be setting an example at the very front are not fulfilling their responsibilities and duties.’

Baek Ri-cheong, who had been listening quietly to the story, asked.

“What should we do?”

“If you prove the martial power of the Azure Sky Society at the dueling competition, we will naturally gain the right to speak. Not only will we be able to have a great influence on the future negotiations, but on both the Three Sects and One Union and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects as well.”

Namgung Jun asked with a puzzled expression.

“Though the Azure Sky Society has intervened, our influence in the current Martial World is certain. And yet, are you saying our right to speak is insufficient?”

“In the first place, the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects have had a tendency to look down on our society. It is because they consider our society a group of defeated soldiers who were pushed back by the Sun and Moon Demonic Cult. Furthermore, there is also the reason that the peerless masters who represent our society are not in a whole state.”

Namgung Jun nodded his head with a complex expression.

He had heard that the Azure Sky Society Lord, Ha Huseon, was in a situation where it was difficult for him to show off his martial prowess due to old internal injuries, and that the Uicheon Sword Lord had not shown himself in the Martial World for over a year. Naturally, the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects would not consider the Azure Sky Society to be in a complete state.

Ha Huseon, who had let out a bitter smile, looked at the two rising stars.

“I have heard that the rising stars will also have a separate meeting amongst themselves. It will be important to exert our influence there as well.”

Namgung Jun, who had been contemplating for a moment, asked a question.

“You have emphasized the harmony of the two powers, Society Lord, but I ask if an unconditional concession is necessary for this.”

Ha Huseon smiled brightly.

“We are righteous warriors. We must do what we believe is right. Move as your heart tells you.”

“I will receive your command.”

……

The day before the official meeting began.

A banquet for the rising stars, mixed with the purpose of relieving their travel fatigue and getting acquainted with each other, was held.

Though food and alcohol were neatly prepared on a long table, the atmosphere was not lively at all.

It was because the rising stars were not mingling amongst themselves and were split into two groups.

The Three Sects and One Union, and the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.

They were divided just that starkly.

It was primarily the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects that were exuding a frosty atmosphere. Because of that, the disciples of the Three Sects and One Union also could not carelessly approach and were gathered amongst themselves.

Only the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect, in the middle, were furtively glancing at both sides with a restless appearance.

Because of this, the atmosphere of the banquet was a mess.

“Hmm?”

The head disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Yeong-il, who had been letting out a deep sigh, lifted his head. It was because he had felt new presences approaching the banquet hall.

Yeong-il’s face brightened as he saw Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong walking into the banquet hall.

“You must be the righteous warriors of the Azure Sky Society!”

At Yeong-il’s words, the gazes of the rising stars who were in the banquet hall were drawn to the two swordsmen.

The two rising stars calmly received their gazes.

“Baek Ri-cheong. It has been a long time since I have seen that friend.”

“Who is the boy next to him?”

“He looks quite young, I am curious about his skill.”

“Though he has but two clouds, we must not be careless.”

Namgung Jun and Baek Ri-cheong stood side-by-side and brought their two hands together with a polite bearing.

“I am Namgung Jun of the Azure Sky Society.”

“Baek Ri-cheong of the Azure Sky Society.”

The rising stars of both sides, for the time being, paid their respects.

“You of the Azure Sky Society, come over here.”

“We are curious to hear the stories of you righteous warriors.”

The disciples of the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects were openly trying to pull the two swordsmen to their own seats.

In contrast, the disciples of the Three Sects and One Union, as if they did not want to bother with a battle of wills, pretended not to see and remained spectators.

It was when the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect were about to inwardly shake their heads at this sight.

‘This will not do.’

It was the moment Yeong-il, who had made a decision in his heart, was about to open his mouth toward the rising stars who were gathered in the banquet hall.

Namgung Jun sat down alone in an empty seat in the very center, a seat belonging to neither the Three Sects and One Union nor the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.

“Instead of scattering into your respective groups, let us gather in one place and share a conversation.”

At Namgung Jun’s words, Baek Ri-cheong also did not head for the seats of the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects and sat opposite Namgung Jun.

Curiosity began to settle in the eyes of the disciples of the Three Sects and One Union, and a look of displeasure began to settle on the faces of the disciples of the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects.

“Younger Brother of the Azure Sky Society. Did you not hear our words?”

“I have heard them clearly. And it seems you have also properly heard my words, Senior.”

“What?”

A man wearing the uniform of the Mount Song Sect crumpled his face and shot up from his seat.

“I do not believe the Azure Sky Society is in a position to stand at the center of this meeting.”

“Did a hierarchy of factions exist in this place? I was aware that this was a gathering of equals.”

At Namgung Jun’s retort, the disciple of the Mount Song Sect, Dong Gak-ho, opened his eyes wide in fury.

“How dare you! A wanderer of the wastelands, of all things!”

Dong Gak-ho tried to draw the sword from his waist.

But he could not draw it.

It was because the hand of Namgung Jun, which had extended at some point, was firmly pressing down on his hilt.

Though he tried to draw the sword with force, it was immovable.

“You!”

Though Dong Gak-ho, who had drawn upon his internal energy, clenched his teeth and resisted, it was an impossible task.

Crackle!

The hand of Namgung Jun, cloaked in a blue lightning-thunderbolt, did not even budge.

The face of Dong Gak-ho turned bright red due to the fact that he could not even properly draw his sword in front of everyone.

“Are you ashamed? This is not the time to be ashamed of such a thing.”

“What are you talking about!”

Namgung Jun, who was looking at Dong Gak-ho, who was still unable to kill his temper, opened his mouth in a low voice.

“The peaks of the Five Great Mountains are so lofty, yet does the righteous spirit that their disciples embrace play in a mud puddle?”

At Namgung Jun’s muttering, not only Dong Gak-ho, but also the faces of the other disciples of the Five Great Mountain Sword Sects hardened.

Those who were startled included the disciples of the Three Sects and One Union as well.

They had immediately realized Namgung Jun’s sarcasm.

Only Baek Ri-cheong was holding back his laughter and slapping his own knee.

In a single breath, the atmosphere of the banquet hall had frozen solid.