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The ruler and dominator of Anhui.

One of the Four Great Clans, and if you consider their power and influence, they’re probably the top dog.

The great Nangong Clan.

Everything that happens in Anhui, including the affairs of the Upper House, and even the Martial Alliance’s own branch, has to consider the Nangong Clan’s mood.

Without their permission, you can’t even do proper work.

That’s the kind of standing the Nangong Clan holds.

It’s no exaggeration to say they’re the largest family in the Central Plains.

The current master of the clan, the one called the Clan Leader.

Nangong Jeohwi.

He stood in front of Anhui’s gates and let out a sigh.

“……Is it as reported?”

At Nangong Jeohwi’s quiet words, the elder beside him, the Head Officer, responded.

“Yes. The carriage will arrive soon, so there’s no need to worry too much.”

“Huu……”

Even with the Head Officer’s reassurance, Nangong Jeohwi’s expression didn’t ease.

How could he not worry?

‘Who would’ve thought she’d just disappear like that.’

It was already surprising enough that she showed up out of the blue. He was already stressed because Nangong Jin hadn’t arrived yet. But as soon as he heard the news that Nangong Jin was coming to the clan, the young lady vanished.

‘……I’ve heard she’s quick to act, but…’

This was beyond just being mischievous.

Known as Anhui’s number one beauty, she was famous for her stunning looks, but she was equally infamous for her fiery temper.

Did he not realize that?

Or did he just trust in the prestige of the Nangong Clan?

As Nangong Jeohwi, he never expected the young lady to act out like this.

‘This isn’t easy.’

Should he be relieved that his own son is so fond of her?

Or…

‘Should I scold her?’

Should he punish her for acting out within Anhui, ignoring the Clan Leader’s authority? Normally, he should’ve been furious.

That would’ve clearly shown the Nangong Clan’s standing.

‘But it’s not that simple.’

As Nangong Jeohwi, he couldn’t do that.

No matter how much Anhui is under the Nangong Clan, he couldn’t ignore the Seonho Upper House, the young lady’s family.

In terms of influence, it’s the top Upper House in Anhui, and it’s also one of the fastest-growing Upper Houses in the Central Plains.

That’s why he went through with the engagement between Nangong Jin and her in the first place.

‘……That brat Jin.’

His own son, disliking the engagement, suddenly joined the Martial Alliance.

Normally, as a bloodline born into the Righteous Faction, it’s necessary to spend some time active in the Martial Alliance.

But given the timing, he should’ve postponed it. Especially now, of all times.

‘He needs to solidify his position as the Lesser Clan Leader.’

Nangong Jin had to become the Lesser Clan Leader. Unlike his younger brother.

‘To do that, he needs to grow stronger as soon as possible.’

But his standing is lacking at the moment.

Unlike the clan’s growing influence, Nangong Jeohwi’s personal standing is shaky.

‘He lacks power.’

His martial talent isn’t enough. Somehow, he managed to become the Clan Leader, but as a martial artist, if the Clan Leader’s power is lacking, it’s hard to maintain the position.

That’s why he’s pinning his hopes on Nangong Jin.

‘His mind, energy, and body are exceptional.’

In terms of talent, Nangong Jin’s younger brother, who often complains about the clan, seems more outstanding.

But when it comes to the mindset of a Clan Leader and loyalty to the Nangong Clan, Nangong Jin is the right fit.

That’s why he needs to quickly form ties with the Seonho Upper House to build up strength.

‘Why, of all times…’

Why would Nangong Jin go out at a time like this?

Nangong Jeohwi couldn’t understand. Nangong Jin should know how important this timing is.

“Huu……”

When they arrive, he’ll have to give both Hyun Soyeon and Nangong Jin a piece of his mind. Just as he was thinking that.

“Clan Leader, the carriage is approaching.”

Something was approaching from the distant gates.

It was a massive carriage, and as Nangong Jeohwi saw the emblem on it, he recognized it.

‘The Baekhwa Sect.’

A group that, along with the Seonho Upper House, is steadily expanding its influence in the Central Plains.

The Baekhwa Sect’s carriage was in sight.

He wasn’t surprised. He had already heard the news.

‘They said the Baekhwa Sect is sponsoring the Blue Dragon.’

Not the entire Martial Alliance, but only the Blue Dragon, as a personal sponsorship.

This is unusual.

Given the nature of Upper Houses, which must remain neutral, this is something they shouldn’t be doing.

It’s also strange that the Sword Sovereign allowed it.

‘What’s going on?’

Even the Seonho Upper House, which is trying to form direct ties with the Nangong Clan, wouldn’t do something like this.

What reason could they possibly have for doing this?

Nangong Jin could only feel puzzled.

Then.

Hiiiiing—!!!

The carriage finally stopped in front of the gates.

* * *

“You may step out now.”

At the coachman’s words, he struggled to lift his stiff body. The already cramped carriage felt even smaller, making it difficult.

But he finally made it.

“Ugh, hurry up and get out.”

“……Uh, okay.”

He practically shoved Do-yun, who was by the door, out. Exhausted, he stepped outside, and thankfully, the weather was nice.

“Huu.”

Crack.

As he stretched his stiff body, his bones made a sound. It wasn’t a bad feeling. Slowly loosening up, he looked back.

“Aren’t you coming out?”

“…….”

Crouched in the corner…

A young man in deep thought appeared. It was Nangong Jin.

“What are you doing?”

Why is he making such a broken expression?

“Jin. It’s time to go.”

Hyeon Soyeon spoke in a gentle voice. Nangong Jin didn’t respond to her words.

“Jin. The Clan Leader’s attitude won’t change just because you’re like this.”

“……”

“It’s better to get scolded first, right? Let’s go.”

“……”

“I’ll be by your side, so it’ll be better.”

“……”

“Jin.”

“……”

“Jin?”

“……”

“Sigh.”

Hyeon Soyeon sighed at the lack of response. Just as she was about to give up and leave.

“Why can’t you understand when I speak?”

Hyeon Soyeon’s expression changed, and she frowned.

At that moment.

Thud-!

“Ugh!?”

She kicked Nangong Jin in the side and pushed him away.

Shocked, Nangong Jin rolled on the floor.

“Gasp…!”

He grabbed his side, groaning. Did she really hit him that hard?

‘…Did she really hit him seriously?’

I clearly saw the energy she put into that kick.

It wasn’t just a kick; she used a bet to land that blow.

Nangong Jin was in so much pain that he was drooling.

“Oh my, are you okay, Jin?”

Hyeon Soyeon approached as if nothing had happened, checking on Nangong Jin.

“Oh my… Why did you suddenly fall like that?”

“Gasp… Wait a moment…”

She subtly grabbed and shook the spot she had hit. The pain must have doubled, as Nangong Jin’s expression worsened.

“Wow…”

I couldn’t help but be amazed. She’s really something else.

Though it was satisfying to see Nangong Jin suffer, I felt a bit sorry for him.

Of course.

‘It’s none of my business.’

Since it had nothing to do with me, I ignored it.

Thinking they’d come on their own, I walked ahead, and my father and the others were already outside.

‘Mother didn’t come out.’

Of course, Mother didn’t show any movement from inside the carriage.

I still couldn’t sense her presence.

Glancing there, I turned my gaze forward and saw a white-haired man in front of my father.

‘Is that the current Lord of the Nangong Family?’

He looked a bit over thirty, but as a martial artist, he must be older.

His build wasn’t particularly large.

As for his realm…

‘He hasn’t reached the Transformation Realm.’

For someone called the Clan Leader of the Four Great Clans, he seemed quite weak. He seemed to have reached the peak, but still, he wasn’t at the Transformation Realm.

‘His body…’

There was something off about the energy flowing through his body.

What is it? Just as I was about to focus my gaze.

“I am Nangong Jeohwi, the Clan Leader of the Nangong Family.”

Nangong Jeohwi spoke to my father.

“I am Gu Cheolun, the Deputy Lord of the Blue Dragon.”

“So you’re the Divine Dragon. I’ve heard rumors about you. Indeed…”

Nangong Jeohwi looked at my father as if sizing him up.

“The rumors seem to be true. It’s an honor to meet such a promising individual.”

“You flatter me. It’s an honor for a junior like me to meet the Lord of the Nangong Family.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Nangong Jeohwi didn’t look down on my father.

As the Deputy Lord of the Martial Alliance’s Sword Team, it was only right to treat him with respect.

“Thank you for coming all this way. Then, shall we…?”

Nangong Jeohwi looked somewhere. It was my direction. More precisely…

“Ugh…”

It was towards Nangong Jin and Hyeon Soyeon, who were still groaning.

Sigh.

Nangong Jeohwi let out a soft sigh.

“…It seems we should take those two to the clan first. Is that alright?”

“We’ll follow.”

“Thank you.”

Hearing the answer, Nangong Jeohwi turned around and headed into Anhui Province.

We began to follow them.

After a while, in the past Anhui Province.

Even as we entered, my eyes were still fixed on Nangong Jeohwi’s body.

‘Hmm.’

I narrowed my eyes. What was this strange sensation? It kept bothering me.

‘Just a little more.’

I slightly heightened my Qi Perception.

Without letting it be noticed, I directed it towards Nangong Jeohwi.

Thud-!

The Qi Perception hit Nangong Jeohwi.

“……”

At that moment, my father’s gaze shifted slightly. Did he notice? I was startled, but it seemed he hadn’t.

And then.

‘Ah.’

I frowned as I realized the source of the strange sensation.

‘…This is ridiculous.’

The strange sensation coming from Nangong Jeohwi.

It was…

‘…Blood Qi, wasn’t it?’

The energy of the Blood Demon.

That’s what I felt from Nangong Jeohwi.

 

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