The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 13

At the Namgung family, they were looking for me.

Startled by that statement, I asked,

“Is it perhaps for an interrogation regarding the incident?”

The story about Namgung family’s warriors being killed by the Mountain Phantom. I had witnessed it, so I thought they might interrogate me about it. However,

“No, that could be part of it, but the main purpose is to meet with you, Young master Bang.”

“No, why would an investigator want to meet me…?”

“It’s not just an ordinary investigation team…”

After hesitating briefly, Chun Uijin added,

“The Young Azure Sword has come in person.”

“What?”

Young Azure Sword, Namgung Sung. My expression changed in surprise upon hearing his nickname. It was no wonder. The Young Azure Sword…

‘He’s the Patriarch’s son.’

The child of the Namgung Patriarch. In other words, he was of direct bloodline of the Namgung family.

* * *

In the Central Plains, there were hundreds of families. Too many to even remember all their names. Among those countless families, there were some that had maintained an unshakeable position for centuries despite the rise and fall of others.

People called them the Five Great Families of the Central Plains. They were the pillars of justice, preserving their stature even before the establishment of the Murim Alliance, each representing the prestige of their regions:

The Namgung Family of Anhui,

The Tang Family of Sichuan,

The Peng Family of Hebei,

The Murong Family of Liaoning,

And the Jaegal Family of Hubei.

These five were revered as the Five Great Families of the Central Plains, commanding an immense influence. For those of direct lineage, even casting a gaze their way would be deemed audacious.

Indeed, they were people one couldn’t even dream of encountering in ordinary circumstances.

But here we were.

“Nice to meet you, Young master Bang.”

Facing me, the young man clasped his hands in greeting, bringing about a peculiar sensation. A tall and handsome figure clad in blue martial attire, a sword strapped to his waist, with a cold yet gentle smile.

“I am Namgung Sung of the Namgung Family.”

He hailed from the Namgung Family, which was one of the Five Great Families situated in Anhui, also known as the Realm of Swords, led by the Sword King.

That young man was from there.

And not just any ordinary individual, but of the direct bloodline of the Patriarch. The Young Azure Sword, Namgung Sung. The second son of the Sword King, revered as an outstanding young talent among thousands of prodigies.

“…Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Bang Seon-Yun”, I replied cautiously, mirroring his clasped hands gesture.

Namgung Sung smiled brightly as he observed me.

“It’s an honor to meet such a distinguished figure.”

“…Haha… Yes, the pleasure is mine as well.”

It was a novel experience, having someone from the Namgung family speak to me like this. The sentiment felt rather refreshing.

We were in a room prepared by the branch manager. A few other martial artists were present in the room as well.

Some belonged to the Namgung family, while others were from the Murim Alliance. After the brief introductions, another person beside Namgung Sung cautiously approached and greeted me.

“…I am Namgung Hyun.”

‘Is she his sister?’ I hadn’t heard her name before. Like her brother, she was quite beautiful.

“Yes, I am Bang Seon-Yun.”

“I heard.”

“Oh, just in case you hadn’t, I thought to introduce myself.”

“No need, I heard.”

“Alright.”

Hmm.

Feigning indifference, I moved slightly closer to Chun Uijin beside me. He narrowed his eyes, puzzled by my behavior.

He seemed to be wondering why I was acting this way all of a sudden. Ignoring that, I whispered to him.

“Doesn’t she seem a bit rude?”

“…!! Young master Bang, your voice is too loud.”

Chun Uijin was startled by my words. Admittedly, it was a bit loud for a whisper. Which was, of course, intentional.

Namgung Hyun’s expression stiffened, presumably having heard what I’d said.

“Did you just… say something?”

“Hyun-ah.”

“…”

Namgung Sung’s calm voice made Namgung Hyun freeze.

‘Confirmed.’ I made a mental note of their sibling dynamic.

“I apologize. It seems my sister has been somewhat impolite.”

“No worries. I wasn’t particularly bothered. I apologize as well, lady Namgung.”

“…Okay.”

After wrapping up that interaction, Namgung Sung turned to speak to Chun Uijin.

“It has been a while. Young Master Yun… no, I should call you Young Master Chun now.”

“… Young Master Namgung.”

“I heard there have been significant events recently. How is your health?”

“Yes.”

Although it was an ordinary conversation, there was something loaded in their words.

‘Looks like they don’t get along well.’

I had heard that the Namgung family had written a recommendation for Chun Uijin, and since the two seemed to know each other, it appeared to be true.

Yet, their relationship did not seem good, making the situation rather subtle.

Gulp.

I took a sip of the tea in front of me.

“It is a relief. Moreover, I hear you’ve achieved what you desired, so I must also extend my congratulations.”

“… Thank you.”

His expression of gratitude was somewhat menacing.

‘Hmm.’

I slightly tilted my head upon seeing this.

‘The Namgung family and Chun Uijin…’

Why did Chun Uijin seem so uncomfortable?

I thought there must have been some invisible issues.

‘The likely reason was the incident inside the cave.’

I had judged that the problem started with the incident inside the cave.

‘Chun Uijin was startled upon seeing the Namgung family’s warriors in the cave.’

He seemed to wonder why they were there. Chun Uijin said he was seeking that cave for a purpose. I already knew what it was. Yu Chun-gil had told me overnight.

‘The trace of the Sword Saint or a fortuitous encounter.’

It was a place considered to potentially harbor something left by him. According to Chun Uijin, that was why he had come all the way to Anhui.

However, the Namgung family’s warriors were scattered around that cave, so how could he accept that?

‘If they knew each other, it’d be a partnership, but if one didn’t know, it’s a trick.’

This made sense especially since the betrayal by Pungyeon had just occurred. He might have leaked information to the Namgung warriors.

‘It means that Pungyeon and the Namgung family were secretly contacting each other behind the scenes.’

Given this, it was natural for Chun Uijin to have a bad opinion of the Namgung family.

“So, Young Master Namgung, did you obtain what you wanted? I am curious.”

Namgung Sung slightly smiled at Chun Uijin’s words.

“Well… I am not sure.”

Was he trying to gloss over it with a smile?

Unable to hold back, Chun Uijin spoke out.

“What do you mean by that?”

His tone had changed.

“What are you talking about?”

“You said you would support me.”

‘Support?’

I quietly listened to their conversation.

“Ah, yes, I did say that.”

“Then why… my sister…”

“I changed my mind.”

“…What?”

At the indifferent answer, Chun Uijin’s face contorted, and right after, Namgung Sung’s icy voice filled the room.

“I did not wish to involve myself in a losing battle, so I simply placed my bet on the side with a higher chance of winning. It is not that I hold any animosity towards you, Young Master Chun.”

“… A losing battle?”

“Do you not see it that way? The fact that you are here and that you nearly lost your life to the Mountain Sky Demon indicates that you were already played by Young Master Chun’s sister.”

“…..”

Chun Uijin pressed his lips tightly together at Namgung Sung’s words.

“I did not feel much potential there. So I decided to change my path a bit.”

At his cold declaration, Chun Uijin let out a bitter laugh.

“… So, you were never on my side?”

“Haha. Who knows?”

Grinding his teeth, Chun Uijin bit down hard.

Seeing this, I chuckled inwardly.

‘So that’s it.’

I wondered why they were growling at each other. It seemed to be a factional issue. Chun Uijin might have believed Namgung Sung would support him, but it turned out to be incorrect.

It seemed that Chun Uijin’s side was antagonistic towards someone referred to as ‘sister’.

The reason was likely related to…

‘The position of the Young Leader?’

It was the most plausible explanation.

After concluding my thoughts, I waved my hand slightly.

“I understand your conversation, but could we come to my matter now?”

At my words, both of them focused on me.

“So, why exactly did you seek me out, Young Master Namgung?”

Namgung Sung’s eyes glowed as he heard my question.

“I apologize. We got carried away with a personal conversation in the presence of Young master Bang.”

“No need to apologize. I feel like I’ve gained a great topic to ponder.”

Thanks to them, I had gathered information.

Not bad, rather it was beneficial.

“The reason I sought you out is because…”

Namgung Sung completely shifted his attention from Chun Uijin and began speaking to me.

“Because word has spread that the disciple of the great Sword Saint, the former leader of the alliance, has appeared.”

“Aha.”

Upon hearing his words, I thought to myself.

‘It’s been only three days since the rumor spread that I am the disciple of the Sword Saint.’

But even in that short time, Namgung Sung had already come to find me, which meant…

“He must be extremely knowledgeable about the alliance’s information.”

He was hinting that even within the clan, he was obtaining information from the alliance.

“I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

Namgung Sung showed a curious reaction, but I already knew.

That someone would come from Namgung Family sooner or later.

“Especially with what happened recently.”

Most of Namgung Family’s warriors were found dead, so they had already reported it to the alliance. They had a reason to come.

“On top of that, talks about the Sword Saint were heard.”

Not anywhere else but within Anhui, where Namgung Family resided.

“So, how is it? Your impression after seeing me in person.”

“Before that, I’d like to ask…”

Namgung Sung asked me with a cold gaze.

“Are you truly the successor of the Sword Saint?”

Our eyes met.

They were remarkably beautiful eyes.

I answered while staring into those eyes.

“Does it matter if I am or not?”

“You-! How dare you speak to my brother like that…!”

The brat, Namgung Hyun next to him, tried to act up.

Slap-!

“Ugh…”

Namgung Sung swung his hand and slapped Namgung Hyun across the face.

Even while hitting, he didn’t look at his sister.

“Namgung Hyun. Didn’t I tell you to stay quiet?”

“S-sorry…”

Holding her reddening cheek, Namgung Hyun apologized.

The atmosphere turned icy cold as a result.

Even I was a bit surprised.

I hadn’t expected him to resort to slapping right away.

However, whether he cared about the atmosphere or not, Namgung Sung continued to speak.

“If you are indeed the successor, there are things I need to discuss. If not, we can end this meeting here.”

“So, you’re not here to investigate the incident?”

“We’re already investigating on our end, so no need to worry about that.”

It was the alliance that discovered the incident, but the Namgung Family was conducting the investigation?

What a mess.

Not that I particularly cared about the mess.

Paying it too much attention would just give me a headache. After all, it was the first time in this life I had to use my head this much.

“Well then.”

I held my silence for a moment before speaking to Namgung Sung.

“I will decide whether I’m the successor or not after hearing what you have to say.”

“Hmm?”

Namgung Sung let out a small sound.

He hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.

‘This guy.’

I disliked how he subtly tried to take the lead.

‘He’s sneaky, isn’t he?’

He was coaxing me with words, trying to make me follow his intentions.

It wasn’t his first time doing this.

“If you have a purpose, it seems only right to state it first.”

“…”

“Don’t you agree?”

Namgung Sung’s gaze fell momentarily.

Taking in his expression, I took another sip of my tea.

It was a brief moment, though it felt somewhat long.

“You are right. I was being impolite.”

Namgung Sung said with a smile.

He had momentarily stepped back.

“First of all, if Young master Bang is indeed the Sword Saint’s successor, our Namgung Family would like to offer our support.”

“Support?”

My eyes widened.

Chun Uijin, who was beside me, reacted immediately.

“… Gongja Namgung, do you mean…?”

“As I mentioned, I prefer to engage in battles that I see potential in, not losing ones.”

Regardless of Chun Uijin’s reaction, Namgung Sung continued his explanation.

“Whatever Chun Uijin obtained… I believe Young master Bang’s value is higher.”

At Namgung Sung’s words, Chun Uijin’s expression twisted further.

I glanced away for a moment.

“What kind of support are we talking about?”

“Anything. As far as our Namgung Family’s resources can reach, we will provide anything.”

From the sound of it, it was incredibly generous.

Yes, very generous. If that’s the case…

“What do you want from me in return?”

I wanted to know what they sought by offering me their support.

Namgung Sung responded immediately.

“For now, we seek nothing.”

I didn’t believe it. Promising to support me under the Namgung Family’s name without wanting anything in return?

Even a passing dog would laugh. I stared at him, perplexed.

“We merely hope Young master Bang will let our name accompany the path you will walk.”

‘…’

Hearing his next words, I nodded slightly.

‘So, they aim to cement their position within the Blue Moon Sect.’

To be precise, they wanted to associate their name with the future gate lord.

“At any rate… It’s unbearably uncomfortable.”

I had disliked such processes even in my previous life.

This was because it only consisted of bothersome and annoying steps.

Suppressing these feelings, I spoke to Namgung Sung.

“I heard that you first intended to support Young Master Chun… and then moved on to someone else. Now you say you’ll support me… How can I trust such words?”

“We only believe in potential.”

If you do well, that won’t happen. But if there’s no potential, we’ll switch again.

It was a straightforward and heartless reply.

“Hmm, is that so.”

I pretended to ponder after hearing the reply.

The conditions weren’t bad.

Whatever it was, it was the support of the Namgung family. To someone like me, the son of a ruined family, accepting it, no matter what, was beneficial.

But.

“Then, I’ll pass on being a successor.”

“…….”

My choice was a rejection.

“I see. Understood.”

Namgung Sung nodded at the reply.

Then he stood up, as if he had no regrets. It seemed he had no intention of listening to the reason.

“I’m told you’re not in good health. Thank you for meeting me.”

He performed a respectful bow as he did the first time and then attempted to leave.

Watching this, I called out to him.

“Ah, Young Master Namgung.”

“Yes.”

The man who was about to leave looked at me. Looking into my eyes, I spoke.

“Tell that person—stop doing these annoying things and just come and see me.”

“I don’t understand what you mean. I’ll take my leave now.”

Namgung Sung showed no reaction upon hearing this.

I drank the remaining tea in one go.

* * *

After finishing the conversation, Namgung Sung stepped outside.

The smile was gone from the young man’s face who had just been laughing.

“Ora…”

Then Namgung Hyun came out and called him.

Smack—!

Namgung Sung swung his hand again, slapping her cheek harshly.

Drip.

This time, blood trickled from the corner of Namgung Hyun’s mouth, indicating the force was stronger.

“Are you crazy?”

The chilling voice made Namgung Hyun shrink.

“I told you to just play the flower’s role quietly. You want to ruin everything? Do you really have a death wish?”

“I’m s-sorry… I’m so sorry….”

At Namgung Sung’s enraged voice, Namgung Hyun clung to him begging.

“I-I was just mad that that peasant would harm you…!”

“Shut up. Before I tear your mouth apart.”

“Yes….”

Namgung Hyun shrank with a crestfallen face, and Namgung Sung clicked his tongue briefly at the sight.

“Useless girl.”

She was brought along because her face and body were attractive, but even that was of no use.

The plan had gone slightly awry. Because of that, Namgung Sung’s face remained scowled.

“This has gone in an unusual direction.”

It was different from what he had expected.

He had thought he could easily trick the son of a ruined family, an ignorant bumpkin, but…

Namgung Sung bit his lip as he recalled the recent conversation.

“I couldn’t seize control of the conversation.”

Normally, he would have been able to manipulate it, but the bumpkin he had just met was strangely unmanageable.

There was an odd air about him. Be it his tone or presence.

“Could he really be the Sword Saint’s successor?”

Namgung Sung didn’t believe it.

He had set out to confirm the information himself, but even after the meeting, he didn’t believe it.

“His energy is too weak.”

Blue eyes signified he awakened the Insightful Vision. Yet, the energy he held was too insignificant.

In that condition, he supposedly killed the bodyguard and the primal spirit? Namgung Sung thought there must be something else at play.

At the very last moment of standing up…

“Tell that person—”

He couldn’t get those words out of his mind before leaving.

“Does he know?”

There’s no way he could.

Surely, there’s no way… right?

Amid growing doubts, Namgung Sung stroked his chin.

“I should visit again….”

When questions arise, they must be checked.

When suspicious, it must be dug into.

And if obstructed, it must be removed.

This was Namgung Sung’s nature, and the name Bang Seon-Yun was now ingrained in his mind.

“Before informing her, I must confirm it myself.”

With that judgment, Namgung Sung moved.

Watching the warriors of the Namgung family leave.

From the ceiling, Yu Chun-gil observed and chuckled quietly.