Reaper of the Drifting Moon Chapter 613

An elderly, clean-cut man sat in a room, tending to his sword.

By the light of a lantern, he carefully wiped the sword with a dry cloth.

The man was Namgung Yugeom.

He was a martial arts grandmaster who had been undefeated in countless battles.

In Kangho, he was known as the “Blue-robed Scholar”. This was because he always wore blue robes and his appearance was reminiscent of a Confucian scholar.

His scholarly appearance was such that no one would suspect him of being a martial artist if he were not carrying his sword.

But he was, and not just any martial artist, but one who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts.

Swoosh!

Namgung Yugeom carefully sheathed the blade he had just polished.

This sword was a legendary blade from Namgung’s family’s heyday, when they ruled the Murim world as one of the Four Great Families.

Its sharpness and durability were unmatched, making it a worthy symbol for the leader of the Murim world.

After looking at the sword for a moment, Namgung Yugeom placed it on the table and spoke.

“Chief!”

“Yes, Master.”

A middle-aged man in his early fifties entered the room.

It was Hwangbo Sinhak, the chief steward of the sect.

Bowing his head respectfully, Hwangbo responded,

“You called, Master?”

“How are my second and third children doing these days?”

“The second daughter has taken firm control of the Silver Lotus Hall and is pushing back the Golden Heavenly Hall.”

“She’s solidified her hold over the Silver Lotus Hall?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

“Excellent.”

A satisfied smile appeared on Namgung Yugeom’s lips.

She was still his daughter, even though she had left the Thousand Kingdom School on her own.

There was no reason for him not to be pleased to hear that his daughter had taken over a major power.

The reason she had left the Thousand Kingdom School was simple.

She couldn’t become the leader of the Thousand Kingdom School because the position was destined for Namgung Jin, the eldest son.

It wasn’t just because Namgung Jin was the eldest. Namgung Yugeom believed that he had the ability to lead the Thousand Kingdom School.

Namgung Seol had no place in the leadership of the Thousand Kingdom School. So she left on her own and established a stronghold in the Silver Lotus Hall.

“I never doubted her capabilities, but she’s exceeded even my expectations.”

“Indeed.”

“If she ever needs anything, support her discreetly. Make sure it’s not obvious. She has too much pride to accept overt help.

“I understand.”

Hwangbo Sinhak nodded in response.

“Where is Wol?”

“I’m not sure.”

“So you haven’t located him yet?”

“Yes! He briefly stopped by the Thousand Kingdom School, but since then, his whereabouts have been unclear.”

“Hmm!”

“I suspect he might have joined the Black Sect.”

“The Black Sect?”

“The assassins following the Reaper call themselves that.”

“What a laughable name. Referring to the dark world.'”

“But their strength is no laughing matter. They already showed their power in Sea Gate , overwhelming the Martial Sword Alliance and the elite warriors of the Ghost Fleet.

“Well…”

Namgung Yugeom contemplated.

Although he was skeptical, he knew that the force following Pyo Wol was formidable.

Somehow, the assassins who had become Pyo Wol’s subordinates had become much stronger.

Adding Namgung Wol to their ranks would undoubtedly increase their strength.

“Joining the Black Sect might not be so bad after all. In the larger picture, it would mean an increase in the influence of the Thousand Kingdom School.”

The corners of Namgung Yugeom’s lips lit up with a deep smile.

From his legitimate wife, he had three children.

If his eldest controlled the Thousand Kingdom School, his second controlled the Silver Lotus Hall, and his third controlled the Black Sect, it effectively meant an exponential increase in his power.

No matter how loudly Namgung Seol and Namgung Wol had proclaimed their independence from the Thousand Kingdom School, the bond between father and child wasn’t something that could be easily severed.

They would inevitably have to obey Namgung Yugeom’s orders.

Hwangbo Shinhak hesitated before speaking,

“What are you going to do about Young Master Namgung Wol’s request?”

“To intervene in the affairs of Kangho?”

“Yes.”

At that time, Namgung Yugeom did not give a definite answer, but left room for possibilities, choosing to observe the developing situation in Kangho for a little longer.

Some saw him as cautious, while others labeled him an opportunist.
But no one dared say it to his face, for Namgung Yugeom was a formidable force to be reckoned with.

After a moment’s thought, he said,

“I’ll keep observing for now.”

“Understood.”

“However, make small moves so Wol doesn’t feel slighted. You know what I mean, right?”

“Yes!”

“If the Silver Lotus Hall and the Black Sect are completely under the control of my children, there’s no need to fear the Heavenly Martial Sect or the Mad Martial Sect.

From Namgung Yugeom’s perspective, it was a situation where he could achieve great results without lifting a finger. Thanks to his talented children, he was on the verge of forming the most formidable power in the land.

‘Patience indeed brings opportunities.’

Namgung Yugeom wore a satisfied smile.

Although he had kept it a secret all this time, he too had ambitions to rule Kangho.

Standing atop and ruling Kangho – a dream any grandmaster aspired to.

Now, he realized that his dream was about to come true.

Just then,

Swoosh!

With a sharp whizzing sound, something pierced through the window.

“Ugh!”

Hwangbo Shinhak cried out in horror, collapsing to the ground.

A small dagger was embedded in his throat.

Holding onto the dagger in his neck, Hwangbo Shinhak convulsed for a moment before breathing his last.

“Chief Steward?”

Namgung Yugeom’s eyes widened in shock.

In the very heart of the Thousand Kingdom School, in his own abode, and before his very eyes, Hwangbo Shinhak, the chief steward, had been murdered. It was a terrible affront to his pride.

“Who dares?”

With a roar, Namgung Yugeom dashed outside.

After scanning the surroundings briefly, he pinpointed the direction from which the dagger had come and shot towards it.

Whoosh!

Like an arrow, he cut through the night, disappearing into the distance.

The warriors who had been guarding his residence quickly registered the situation, shouting out in alarm.

“Master!”

“It’s an assassination!”

They attempted to chase after Namgung Yugeom, but he had already vanished into the darkness.

“The Chief Steward has been assassinated.”

“Quick, fetch Lord Namgung Jin!”

Namgung Yugeom sped through the night at a fearsome pace.

His destination was the tall mountain behind the Thousand Kingdom School.

The dagger had come from that direction.

The distance from the top of the mountain to his residence was over 500 Zhang. This meant that the attacker had launched the dagger from an astonishing distance of 500 Zhang, and it had hit its target with deadly accuracy.

Such a feat of dagger throwing was awe-inspiring.

To his knowledge, only one person in the world possessed such exceptional dagger skills.

‘Could it be the Reaper?’

If it was Pyo Wol, the peak of assassins, it would be entirely plausible.

But why would the Reaper target and kill the Chief Steward of the Thousand Kingdom School?

And right in front of him at that?

Shaking his head, Namgung Yugeom dismissed his own speculation. No matter how he thought of it, Pyo Wol had no reason to assassinate him.

This insult to his towering pride was unbearable.

‘Whoever did this, having killed the Chief Steward of my sect, will find no mercy from me.’

His eyes lit up.

He saw a dark figure standing tall on a distant tree.

Though the wind made the tree sway as if it might snap, the shadow clung to it like glue.

Clearly, this was the one who had thrown the dagger.

“Bastard!”

With a thunderous shout, Namgung Yugeom swung his sword.

Swoosh!

From his blade, a surge of sword energy erupted and raced towards the distant figure.

It was the technique of Flying Sword Qi.

The Sword Qi shot forward like a lightning bolt, striking the figure atop the tree.

Clang!

There was a deafening metallic sound.

At that moment, the flying sword qi released by Namgung Yugeom exploded, dissipated by the swift movement of the mysterious figure. The figure on the tree had managed to deflect the sword qi with a wave of his hand.

The impact caused the branch to bend as if it would break. But then the branch snapped back into place. So did the black figure standing on the branch.

It was a sight beyond belief.

Considering the power behind Namgung Yugeom’s attack, not only the dark figure, but even the tree should’ve been split in half. But they were untouched, which meant that the shadow figure had completely neutralized the attack.

There were only a few people in the world capable of such a skill.

Namgung Yugeom felt a chill run down his spine as he landed on another large tree opposite the figure.

“Who are you?” Namgung Yugeom questioned.

“It’s been a while.”

“You are?”

As the moonlight revealed his face, Namgung Yugeom’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Though much younger due to some rejuvenating technique, the essence and eyes unmistakably belonged to Jang Cheon Hwa.

“Jang Cheon-hwa?”

“You still recognize me.”

“You’ve undergone rejuvenation?”

“It seems I’ve become young again.”

“Hmm!”

Namgung Yugeom grunted in contemplation.

Jang Cheon-hwa spoke casually, but he knew very well the immense achievement of reversing one’s age.

To return an aged body back to its youthful state was no ordinary feat.

Namgung Yugeom was certain that Jang Cheon-hwa had surpassed a barrier that he himself had not yet crossed.

“Was it you who killed Hwangbo?”

“Yes, it was me.”

“Why would you do such a thing?”

“To quietly summon you.”

Namgung Yugeom’s expression tensed.

“Why?”

“Why do you think?”

“Is it ‘If they’re good, they won’t come; if they come, they’re not good’?”

“Precisely.”

“But why now? I always thought our relationship wasn’t that bad.”

“It’s just fate. It’s simply your turn.”

Upon hearing Jang Cheon-hwa’s indifferent response, Namgung Yugeom’s eyes twitched.

He had anticipated clashing with Jang Cheon-hwa someday, but he didn’t expect it to be so soon. He was caught off guard by Jang Cheon-hwa’s sudden move.

“Why now?”

“It seemed like the right time.”

“It feels like you’re rushing things.”

“Your opinion isn’t what matters here. It’s my judgment and decisions that count.”

The dismissive tone of Jang Cheon-hwa made Namgung Yugeom’s face even sterner.

They had interacted multiple times in the past. They weren’t close, but they weren’t enemies either. But Jang Cheon-hwa’s current behavior indicated that he had made up his mind about something grave.

Changing Jang Cheon-hwa’s decision now seemed impossible.

“Do you think you can win?” Namgung Yugeom challenged.

“You’ll know once you experience it.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“Since when did you become so talkative? Such a long tongue you have.”

“Cheon-hwa!”

“Let’s get it over with. I have other matters to attend to. There are many others I need to seek out.”

Infuriated by Jang Cheon-hwa’s constant disregard, rage surged through Namgung Yugeom.

“How dare you!”

With a swift motion, he drew his sword, emanating a dazzling energy from it.
Facing this, Jang Cheon-hwa simply commented.

“Come at me.”

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