Heavenly Inquisition Sword

**Episode 323. Want to Learn Magical Techniques?** 

Negotiation Day.

Midday.

At the Uicheon Pavilion, Namgung Cheon, known as the Blue Cloud Swordsman, noticed Yeon Jeokha loitering in front of the building.

“Jeokha.”

“Ah, Brother.”

Yeon Jeokha quickly bowed in respect.

Smiling, Namgung Cheon approached and lightly patted him on the shoulder.

“If you’ve arrived, why not come inside? What are you doing out here?”

“I was thinking about a few things. Where are you heading, Brother?”

“I have a lunch appointment with the younger disciples. And you? Did you come to see Yeon?”

Knowing that whenever Yeon Jeokha visited, he sought Namgung Yeon (남궁연), Namgung Cheon assumed this time would be no different.

“No, I came to speak with my uncle.”

“With Uncle? Well, he hasn’t come out yet, so you should be able to find him if you go inside.”

“Will he be out soon?”

“He’s the busiest man in the Uicheon Pavilion these days.”

“Why?”

“Of course, because he has to rebuild the Namgung Family.”

“Ah…”

Finally, Yeon Jeokha understood the point. The Namgung Family had been destroyed, and returning without restoring it wasn’t an option.

“What do you think about that, Brother?”

“About what?”

“About trying to end the war when our family hasn’t yet been avenged. Are you alright with that?”

“They say a gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years. Clinging to something impossible will only destroy you from within. In any case, we made some progress against the Yoomyung Cult forces. For now, I’m satisfied with that.”

“And Uncle?”

“Of course, he is too.”

“What will happen after the end of the war is declared? Does he intend to confront the Yoomyung Cult on his own?”

“For now, he will concentrate on rebuilding the Namgung Family. Besides, the family has less than twenty disciples currently, which is insufficient even to defend its own domains.”

Namgung Cheon shook his head. It was evident that, however strong the feelings of revenge, confronting the Yoomyung Cult in their current state was impossible.

“You’re right.”

With his experience in the Murim, Yeon Jeokha perfectly understood what Namgung Cheon was saying.

That wasn’t only the case of the Namgung Family, but of the Seven Great Sects and the Four Great Families as a whole. The main reason behind the ceasefire was that same reality.

“Well, come in now.”

Namgung Cheon waved his hand and left. Yeon Jeokha had frequented the Uicheon Pavilion so much that he didn’t even need a guide.

However, even after Namgung Cheon left, Yeon Jeokha couldn’t bring himself to enter.

He didn’t know how to start the conversation.

“Uncle, I have something to tell you… About Yeon, my older sister, and me…”

As he rehearsed what he was going to say, he shook his head.

“No, that sounds too awkward. Maybe I should be direct: ‘Uncle, I like Yeon.’ But… Wouldn’t that make me look foolish?”

As he paced back and forth, lost in thought, a grave voice resonated in his ears.

“Jeokha? What are you doing standing there?”

Yeon Jeokha, startled, quickly turned around.

Namgung Byeok, the Sword Emperor, was standing in front of the Uicheon Pavilion.

“Ah! Uncle, hello.”

“Did you come to see Cheon or Yeon?”

“Actually, I came to talk to you, Uncle.”

“To me? Well, come in then.”

About to leave, Namgung Byeok led Yeon Jeokha back to his study.

Sitting face to face with a low table between them, Namgung Byeok looked at him directly.

“So, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“Well, you see… Yesterday I resigned as Grand Inspector of Nokrim.”

“Ah, I see. Was it because of the incident with the Commander General?”

“Yes, it seems it was because of that.”

“Tsk! I had heard rumors about that in the Heaven and Earth Alliance. At least it’s been resolved. People from the Seven Great Sects and the Four Great Families value appearances highly, so be more careful in the future.”

“Understood.”

“Did you only want to talk to me about that?”

“No, I also wanted to tell you that I’ve accepted to become Grand Protector.”

“Grand Protector? It’s a position reserved for former Grand Chaeju in Nokrim. It seems the Heaven Destroyer Demon Lord (파천마군) truly appreciates you. Perhaps it’s better for you than being Grand Inspector.”

“Do you really think so?”

“The position of Grand Protector is merely honorary, so you won’t have responsibilities. From now on, you can do whatever you want. Do you have any plans in mind?”

“I was thinking of going back to managing my inn.”

“Hmm… An inn? At your age, that seems like a waste. That’s something you should do after you retire.”

Namgung Byeok frowned. He found it difficult to understand why someone as young as Yeon Jeokha would choose that path.

“I don’t like being busy all the time.”

“Are you talking about the inn in Chiliha Village?”

“Yes.”

“That inn isn’t going anywhere. Don’t make hasty decisions. Take your time to think about the future.”

“Okay.”

Yeon Jeokha nodded without objection. There was no rush to return to the inn.

“By the way, according to Yeon, how about you take this time to learn magical techniques?”

“Magical techniques?”

“The war with the Yoomyung Cult will erupt again sooner or later. We all know it. To face the Demon Warriors, the Great Demon Generals, and the Heavenly Demon King, you’ll need a deep mastery of magic.”

“Understood…”

“I heard you had difficulties with the Eight Trigrams Formation (팔문팔상진). If you get involved in another war, you’ll be dragged in again. Wouldn’t it be better to be prepared? What do you think?”

“I want to learn, but I don’t know where to go.”

Yeon Jeokha’s interest in magic was evident, especially because of his desire to master the Heavenly Sword Technique (천둔검법). But he wasn’t sure if anyone would be willing to teach him.

“What do you think of the Wudang Sect?”

“The Wudang Sect?”

“You may not know this, but my wife is from the Wudang Sect. If I ask for help, the Sect Leader won’t be able to refuse. Besides, you already have connections with them, right?”

“The Sage of Heaven and Earth?”

“Exactly. He’s the master of the True Martial Palace and a respected figure in the Wudang Sect. With his support, learning won’t be a problem. Do you want to try?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Jeokha enthusiastically accepted Namgung Byeok’s proposal. If he could master the Heavenly Sword Technique, the Yoomyung Cult wouldn’t be a threat.

“Good. I’ll arrange a meeting with the Wudang Sect’s Sect Leader soon for you to begin. Is there anything else you want to tell me?”

“Well… there’s something else.”

Yeon Jeokha shifted on his seat like a puppy needing to go to the bathroom.

Although he wanted to get to the point, he couldn’t open his mouth looking at his uncle Namgung Byeok’s solemn face.

“What is it that worries you so much? Tell me without fear, I’ll solve it.”

Namgung Byeok thought that Yeon Jeokha, while in Nokrim, had caused another problem.

“Then… I…”

“Who have you hurt this time? As long as they’re not dead, it doesn’t matter. Who have you injured?”

Namgung Byeok looked Yeon Jeokha in the eyes.

Knowing his nature, he knew he hadn’t committed murder.

“It’s not that. It’s about… feelings… feelings…”

“Speak clearly.”

“Yeon Nuna and I… We love each other. I wanted to tell you this before you left for Namjik Ryeseong (Namjik Province).”

“…”

Namgung Byeok was momentarily perplexed.

He knew that Namgung Yeon and Yeon Jeokha spent a lot of time together. But he never thought of their relationship as romantic. He couldn’t imagine that Namgung Yeon could give her heart to someone.

But that Namgung Yeon and Yeon Jeokha were in love?

“You say you love each other?”

“Yes.”

“Honestly, even if she’s my daughter, Yeon isn’t the type of person who would fall in love with someone…”

Namgung Byeok couldn’t believe what Yeon Jeokha was saying.

Since she was three years old, his daughter had always kept her distance from the family.

Although she had changed in recent years, until recently she hadn’t spoken to almost anyone.

And now that daughter loved someone?

“Jeokha. Many have admired Yeon over time. But I’ve never seen Yeon interested in anyone.”

Namgung Byeok assumed Yeon Jeokha was like the others.

“Uncle, I’m telling you that Nuna and I love each other.”

“Is it true?”

“Yes.”

“How strange. That’s not her nature. Are you sure you’re not misinterpreting something?”

“When I confessed that I liked her, Nuna said that she also liked me as a man.”

“She said she likes you as a man?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Was that what she said?”

Namgung Byeok looked at Yeon Jeokha with a curious expression.

Although he doubted it, he began to lean towards believing him.

After a moment of reflection, Namgung Byeok called out loudly:

“Is anyone outside?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

It was Namgung Jin, the Cheoksa Swordsman and leader of the Changcheon Division (Blue Sky Division), who was ready to leave with him.

“Tell Yeon to come. I want to talk to her.”

“Yes.”

When the sound of Namgung Jin’s footsteps faded, Namgung Byeok turned his gaze back to Yeon Jeokha.

“Jeokha.”

“Yes.”

“This isn’t a trivial matter, so I called Yeon. There will be no lies or exaggerations in your words, right?”

“Uncle, I’ve never lied or exaggerated in my life.”

“Haa! I hope that’s true. If you marry Yeon, your father will rejoice even in the other world.”

Shortly after, Namgung Yeon cautiously opened the door and entered.

“Did you call for me?”

Namgung Byeok looked at her intently and asked:

“Yeon-ah, is it true that you and Jeokha love each other?”

“Yes, it’s true.”

At that moment, the corners of Namgung Byeok’s lips rose to his ears.

The ever-cold Namgung Yeon loving someone!

And the object of her affection was Yeon Jeokha, his precious nephew and a peculiar figure in the Murim.

For Namgung Byeok, this was excellent news.

“So it’s true! This is wonderful!”

Namgung Byeok repeated “Wonderful!” while continuously nodding his head.

—

**Henan Province**

Jeongju

Gongui County

Around midday, hundreds of martial artists appeared out of nowhere, blocking the entrance to Pungwollu and evicting the customers.

They were experts from the Heaven and Earth Alliance and the Yoomyung Cult.

Shortly after, the negotiating delegations from both factions entered Pungwollu.

“Commander General, let’s not prolong this…”

Dokshimgwi and Yang Soran, who planned to start with a combative attitude, blinked in surprise.

Just a few days ago, Jegal Seun’s face was unharmed, but now it was covered in scars, something they couldn’t ignore.

With an effort to maintain an indifferent expression, Jegal Seun spoke.

“I agree. Even I hope that today we can conclude the negotiations somehow.”

Yang Soran, who hesitated for a moment, asked:

“But what happened to your face? Did you fight against one of our cult’s experts?”

Other members of the Demon Warriors looked at Jegal Seun’s face and began to murmur among themselves.

“It’s an internal matter of the Alliance. You don’t need to worry about it.”

“Ah, an internal matter…”

Yang Soran glanced at the Commander General and the Heaven and Earth Alliance delegation with a suggestive look.

It seemed that, just like in the Yoomyung Cult, there was considerable discord within the Heaven and Earth Alliance.

‘In our cult, four of the Great Demon Generals rebelled, and it seems the Heaven and Earth Alliance also has its own problems.’

Looking at Jegal Seun’s scarred face, a feeling of empathy arose within Yang Soran.

“Alright, shall we continue with the negotiations?”

Perhaps for that reason, Yang Soran’s tone became a little softer. In contrast, Jegal Seun’s remained solemn.

“I warn you in advance that we will not accept the condition of ‘no enmity for a hundred years’.”

“Alright, then let’s make a concession. Let there be no hostilities for ten years.”

“It’s not acceptable.”

“Three years? We can’t offer more. The Yoomyung Cult (유명교) needs the world to recognize that this was a victory for us. If you can’t even accept this, the negotiations end here.”