hotmtlnovel Chapter 93
Chapter 93
“So... you’re saying the energy accumulation speed nearly triples?”
“Seems like it. I was shocked when I overheard the headmaster’s excitement. He’s usually so composed.”
Seo-jun scratched his head at Namgung Sua’s words.
With her detailed explanation, he understood better.
The Flash Lightning Azure Thunder Heart Art is supplementary to a foundational technique, so in a way, it presents an ideal guideline for Flash Lightning Heart Art, which helps increase its mastery and, as a result, its effectiveness.
“But still, how does that even make sense?”
“Hm?”
“It’s a foundational technique.”
“Yeah?”
“And he hadn’t mastered it? How could that be?”
He understood, but he didn’t get it.
The difficulty of Flash Lightning Heart Art isn’t much different from the Three Talents Mind Method. In fact, the former’s clear direction might even make it easier to master.
“Who tested it?”
“One of the headmaster’s guards, Baek-gyeol. I heard he’s a peak-level martial artist, but his power exceeds his level.”
“So, he’s at peak level but couldn’t master Flash Lightning Heart Art?”
“He thought he had, but apparently not. Now he’s training in Flash Lightning Azure Thunder Heart Art instead of his original advanced method.”
“Oh...”
Seo-jun scratched his head again.
“So, what does that mean? Are Flash Lightning Azure Thunder Heart Art and Flash Lightning Thirteen Sword Thunder actually pretty decent techniques?”
“They’re more than decent. Your opinion matters most since you created them, but according to the headmaster, they’re so outstanding that they’d be worthy rewards for someone who’s performed great feats.”
“Oh-ho.”
So, his techniques were that impressive.
Seo-jun grinned and stretched out on the ground, his shoulders lifting with pride.
“Well, it’s satisfying. Think my father-in-law will be pleased?”
“You... dirt’s getting in your hair.”
Namgung Sua knelt and gently lifted Seo-jun’s head, placing it on her lap.
She stroked his hair, chuckling as Seo-jun blinked up at her.
“Father will surely love it. The entire family is abuzz with excitement.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Not just the headmaster, but the Heavenly Martial Pavilion...”
“Oh! Here you are!”
At the sudden voice, Seo-jun turned his head, still lying down.
In his upside-down view, he saw a woman approaching with an amused grin.@@@@
She glanced between Seo-jun and Namgung Sua, her smile turning mischievous as she came closer and let out a hearty laugh.
“Ahaha! My dear! Getting along well with your nephew’s wife, I see!”
“Nephew?”
Seo-jun glanced at Namgung Sua before looking back at the woman. Namgung Sua’s eyes widened as she spoke.
“Auntie! When did you return?”
“A few days ago. But never mind that! I heard the news! You’re getting married?”
“Oh, well...”
Namgung Sua gave an awkward smile, casting a glance at Seo-jun. He quickly stood and bowed.
“Yes! I’m Lee Seo-jun, the nephew-in-law!”
“Oh-ho! Nice to meet you!”
The woman grinned, sizing up Seo-jun.
“You have such a bright face! You’re going to go far! Well, you already have, but still! Hahaha!”
After a bout of laughter, she introduced herself.
“I’m Namgung Yeon! You know Namgung Jincheon, right? Sua’s father is my brother!”
“Oh...”
Her bold manner of speech caught Seo-jun’s attention as Namgung Yeon suddenly leaned in close.
“If I were a hundred and fifty years younger, I’d give you a run for your money.”
“Pardon?”
How many years younger? Seo-jun stared at her blankly, and Namgung Yeon tilted her head.
“Or was it peak level? How old are you, nephew?”
“Uh... twenty-four.”
“What? Such a youngster?”
“A-Auntie...!”
Namgung Sua shouted, and Namgung Yeon burst out laughing, slapping Seo-jun on the shoulder.
Delighted by the constant praise, Seo-jun decided to distribute martial arts to them as well.
“Here! This is the true Soul-Shaking Divine Art! Rejoice!”
“Wow...!”
“Long live the young master...!”
Seo-jun didn’t release the arts without reason.
The Green Forest Bandits, who were under the guidance of a peak-level martial artist, were already a cut above ordinary bandits, so abandoning their old skills for the Namgung family basics would have been wasteful.
After all, people are naturally greedy, and he wanted to avoid any complaints from the start.
“Hey, as I’m teaching you... you know, right? You’d better behave?”
“Of course, Lord! I’ll keep a tight rein on my men!”
It was all possible because of the strong foundation of the Namgung family.
Think they could just walk away after learning his martial arts?
Seo-jun’s presence alone made that unthinkable, and with the Namgung family behind him, it was impossible.
Besides, the Green Forest Bandits had no such thoughts.
Why would they? Living under the Namgung family’s protection gave them privileges they’d never dreamed of as bandits.
People greeted them warmly, and their master shared martial arts with them despite their lowly status.
They’d become part of the Six Great Families, always seen with awe and jealousy.
Under Jang Geuk’s strict guidance, they replaced arrogance with pride in being part of the Namgung family, growing stronger as they mastered the true Soul-Shaking Divine Art.
Seeing this, Namgung Jincheon formally named them Green Forest Division and placed them under Seo-jun’s command.
Thus, Seo-jun established a solid foothold within the Namgung family.
Though he didn’t think much of it.
What’s the point of playing politics within the Namgung family?
Being free from any obligations as the Green Forest Division Leader was enough for him.
‘Honestly, Green Forest Division Leader sounds too much like a bandit title.’
Seo-jun was content to leave the position to Jang Geuk and just be known as the Namgung family’s young master.
“Chun-bong...! Geum Chun-bong...! When are you coming out...!”
He trained in the Sovereign Sword Form, chanting Chun-bong’s name.
He could enjoy enthusiastic praise whenever he stepped outside and retreat to his room for peace whenever he wanted.
It would be perfect if Chun-bong were here too.
Seo-jun smacked his lips.
“Hm-hmm—”
A dark room filled with corpses and the stench of blood.
The woman known as Dark Secret Sword in the martial world completed her assignment and began her cleanup routine.
Slash—
After inscribing her emblem, a single flower and a sword, on the wall, she returned to her hideout.
“Ahh... home is best.”
Click. She flicked on a switch, and the light buzzed to life.
“Why doesn’t everyone use these? They’re great.”
Grinding coffee beans, she poured hot water over the grounds.
As she sipped her coffee, her eyes suddenly narrowed.
“Who’s there?”
In an instant, her form vanished, and a dagger materialized in the darkness.
Outside, a man gulped.
In the pitch-black darkness, only the cold sensation of metal at his neck was clear.
“It’s a request from the Black Lotus.”
“The Black Lotus? Those arrogant bastards came to me?”
“Yes.”
“An assassination?”
“What else would they ask you for?”
“Hm, that’s true.”
Flick. The light returned.
The man finally regained his sight, stifling a sigh.
“Target?”
“Jin Gijae-cheon, Mad Blood Demon, Lee Seo-jun.”
“Ah, I’ve heard of him. They say two peak masters died when that bastard bandit leader betrayed them? Idiots. Who trusts a bandit?”
“I... want to request his assassination.”
“Are you insane?”
Dark Secret Sword sneered.
“You want me to waltz into Namgung’s manor with a supreme warrior watching over it? Why not just tell me to hang myself?”