Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 347

Nangseon Gihwandam – Part 2, Episode 56

Director of Literary and Martial Affairs (文武官匠).

A rank 4 official, higher than both the Cheonmujang and Cheonmunjang, a special position straddling the lines of Munseon and Museon [Literary and Martial Lines, respectively].

The Director of Literary and Martial Affairs embodies both literary and martial skills, acting in concert with the Cheonmunseon and Cheonmuseon as needed, maintaining the balance between Museon and Munseon.

The primary duty of this official is to harmonize the Munseon and Museon, guiding them toward the achievement of progressive goals.

‘An ordinary Cheonmuseon and Cheonmunseon are rank 5, so the rank 4 Director of Literary and Martial Affairs is two steps higher.’

Rank 5 is followed by Senior Rank 5.

And then Rank 4.

“This position has been vacant for so long due to the lack of a suitable candidate, but it is truly fortunate that such a qualified person has appeared.”

Tap, tap.

The Great Cheonmunjang pats his shoulder, and the Great Cheonmujang’s gaze is quite burdensome.

Naturally, the Cheonmuseon and Munseon present could not hide their astonishment, and even the Cheonmujang attending the inauguration ceremony didn’t know what expression to wear.

However, the most bewildered of all was the newly appointed Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.

It was Cheonbeom.

“But I…”

“With this, the inauguration ceremony is concluded. I hope the Munmujang will lead the Munmuseon, informing them of their future residences, assigned training rooms, and basic palace rules.”

The Great Cheonmunjang chuckled and disappeared, and the Great Cheonmujang also watched Cheonbeom intently before vanishing.

Thus, the Munmuseon were divided by the Munmujang, and Cheonbeom was left alone in the Munmugung.

“I don’t understand what’s going on at all.”

“Neither do I, Cheon Suseon. No, I should call you Director of Literary and Martial Affairs now.”

“Ah, are you Master Jucheonmujang?”

It was Jucheonmujang Yang Hwi.

His awkward expression was evident even without him saying it.

“I thought a solid successor was coming, but… you’ve risen to a higher rank than me, which is quite perplexing. Haha!”

The situation was strange.

Yang Hwi laughed heartily as if he didn’t expect this either, but he soon covered his mouth at the sight of Beom’s bitter smile.

“Shall we take a walk? I think I can explain the residence and various things to the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.”

“Then I’ll ask for your help.”

Beom pondered whether he should be happy about this or not, but after talking with Jucheonmujang, he decided to be happy.

“Since the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs is rank 4, you can access the Tongcheon Seogo, the pride of Tongcheon Sugung [a prestigious library]. The residence you’ll be staying in will be comfortable without anyone sharing it, and the Seongi [spiritual energy] will be abundant.”

“That’s definitely not bad.”

“Ah, and here’s a list of the Munmujang. I used to use it, and I think you’ll need it.”

He needed a list of the Munmujang, even if he didn’t need the Munmuseon.

This is because not all Munmujang are of a lower rank than the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.

“Yangcheon (陽天), Jucheon (朱天), Byeoncheon (變天), and Yucheon (幽天) are Senior Rank 5. Gyuncheon (鈞天), Changcheon (蒼天), Hocheon (昊天), Yeomcheon (炎天), and Hyeoncheon (玄天) are Senior Rank 4.”

“Yes, these officials are collectively called Gucheonjang (九天匠) [Nine Heavens Craftsmen], and they are further divided into Ocheon and Sacheon.”

Yangcheon, Jucheon, Byeoncheon, and Yucheon are called Sacheonjang [Four Heavens Leaders] and are given the rank of Senior Rank 5.

These are Sangseon [Upper Immortals], and if they become Hyangseon [Fragrant Immortals] in the future, their rank will rise to Ocheonjang [Five Heavens Leaders], or if there is no position available, only their rank will increase.

“Gyuncheon, Changcheon, Hocheon, Yeomcheon, and Hyeoncheon are Senior Rank 4. So, they are Hyangseon.”

“Yes. It’s the same for both Munmu, so it’s best to memorize it. In the first place, it’s hard to see them anyway.”

They rarely show themselves unless something big happens.

This is because they are mostly focused on training or receiving missions outside the Sugye [Water Realm].

‘It’s complicated.’

His head already hurts.

It was his first time receiving an official position, which made it even more so.

“I heard that the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs has been vacant until now, but why is that?”

“Well, I heard about the position of Director of Literary and Martial Affairs for the first time this time… If I hadn’t heard about it, I wouldn’t even have known it existed.”

What could be the reason why such a position was given to him?

‘They said they knew what I did in the Janjangyeongjeongdo [a secret training ground].’

What and how.

And how much do they know?

He had many questions.

“Ah, we’re here. This is it.”

It was located relatively close to Munmugung.

It was a place with an old-fashioned atmosphere.

“It’s not very big, but it’s a neatly decorated Munmugak [Hall of Literary and Martial Arts]. Since you’ll be spending most of your time at Munmugung, I think they gave you this place.”

It was a reasonably spacious land.

Tongcheon Sugung was originally a place where the land floated in the sky.

Munmugak also seemed to have raised a separate piece of land and built a building on it.

“Let’s go inside.”

A barrier was cast around Munmugak.

Beom took out the Tongcheon Munmu Gwanpae, which symbolized the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs, from his chest.

It was a badge engraved with a phoenix, a dragon, and a Hwagirin [a mythical creature, a fire Kirin].

Then, the barrier of Munmugak reacted, and a Hwagirin was engraved between the dragon and phoenix drawn on the gate, and the door opened by itself.

‘Amazing.’

It was amazing that it could be done with just one badge. He felt a sense of inquiry about the principle.

As he entered, he saw a beautiful pavilion and a pond in the distance.

When he entered from the outside, there were several more buildings in the yard, and it seemed that space Sintong [divine power] was used.

There was no separate east building, but it was large enough to build one.

“Oh, right. This is a small gift from me. Congratulations on your inauguration as Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.”

“You didn’t have to do this.”

He didn’t refuse.

What he handed over was an antique amulet in a wooden case.

“It’s a Hwansubu [Spirit Beast Amulet]. There’s a Hwansu [Spirit Beast] inside, but it’s not a very great one, so you can use it to guard the house.”

“Can I take a look?”

“Now it’s yours, so there’s no reason to ask for my permission.”

Beom nodded and took out the Hwansubu and infused it with Seon power [immortal energy].

Then, the Hwansubu permeated the floor and drew a Seonchukmun [immortal summoning pattern], and the appearance of the Hwansu appeared above it.

It was a Hwansu with white fur and resembling a fox.

“It’s a Hwansu called Bibi. It’s said to eliminate sadness and worries. It’s smart, so it’s good at showing affection to its owner, and it’s loyal, so it’s perfect for guarding Munmugak.”

It was a mysterious-looking creature.

The white fur and the mane on its neck gave it a haughty feeling.

According to Jucheonmujang, it was a popular pet and quite expensive. It wasn’t strong or had special Sintong powers, but it was fast and used as a contact.

Bibi recognized its owner at once and rubbed its head against Beom’s pants as if asking to be touched.

“It seems to have recognized its owner.”

Beom stroked Bibi’s head and thanked Jucheonmujang.

“I will gratefully accept it.”

“I’m glad you like it. You can sort out the rest later, and tomorrow, one Munseon and one Museon will head to Munmugung. First, you can have those two as your direct subordinates and perform your duties.”

“I’m still in a state of confusion, so I don’t think I can offer you a cup of tea.”

“Haha, you must be busy, so it’s okay. I prefer alcohol to tea, so I’ll look forward to you treating me to a drink later.”

Cheonbeom happily agreed and saw him off.

There were still many things he wanted to know, but he would find out gradually.

He wouldn’t be given a heavy task as soon as he took office.

He was about to look around Munmugak with Bibi, who was following him, when he heard a knock on the door.

Bibi’s nerves became sharp and bared its teeth.

Beom stroked its head, and it became quiet as if nothing had happened.

“Who is it?”

He opened the door without much thought, and a woman in a neat dress was standing there.

When he asked who she was.

“I am Court Lady Ju Gyeolgyeong, who will serve by the side of the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs from now on.”

“What is your rank?”

“I belong to Rank 7.”

Even in Tongcheon Sugung, most court ladies are generally Rank 8.

However, he couldn’t help but be a little surprised that a court lady belonging to Rank 7 had come.

“Rank 7, that’s higher than I expected.”

Most of the court ladies who do chores are Soseon [Lower Immortals]. Therefore, Rank 7 was a very high rank.

‘Is it because she’s not a Soseon but a Sangseon?’

That was highly likely.

She was in the same realm of Sangseon as Beom.

Even among the same Sangseon, ranks and positions are divided according to origin and qualifications.

However, even court ladies with low ranks cannot be treated carelessly. This is because most of them are daughters of famous families.

Of course, there are many who have lost their families and have nowhere to go, but Tongcheon Sugung is not a place where just anyone can enter easily.

“I don’t need a servant. What if I tell you to go back?”

“A court lady who has not fulfilled her duties will be punished. The punishment will be divided according to the severity of the crime, and at worst, she will be expelled from the palace for dereliction of duty.”

Whether she had been in the palace for a long time or was just brave, she said so without changing her expression.

Just as he was about to say something.

“Let her in, Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.”

A dark-skinned woman appeared behind her and said. Ju Gyeolgyeong quickly bowed her head, and Cheonbeom folded his hands and paid his respects.

“I greet the Great Cheonmujang.”

It was the Great Cheonmujang.

“I came because there are a few things I want to ask. And this child is my favorite. She is talented and smart, so please don’t kick her out.”

“…I see. I understand.”

“Gyeolgyeong, I have something to talk about with the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs, so please prepare some tea.”

“I understand.”

After a while.

Cheonbeom, who was alone with the Great Cheonmujang in the pavilion of Munmugak, sipped his tea and waited for her to speak.

“You must be very confused. It’s natural that you would be, since you were suddenly given the position of Director of Literary and Martial Affairs. But there is a great meaning in that decision. Don’t doubt the meaning of the decision that the Great Cheonmunjang and I made after careful consideration.”

She suddenly hit the nail on the head.

Before he could even answer, the next words followed.

“The situation in Sugye is turbulent.”

It was no different from a civil war caused by greed, so it was only natural.

“There are complicated interests involved.”

“But I don’t think I have anything to do with that.”

“No. You are involved, so we put you in the position of Director of Literary and Martial Affairs.”

“…I’ll listen.”

He thought there would be another reason. He even mentioned the events in Janjangyeongjeongdo, so it was only natural.

“I couldn’t know all the events in Janjangyeongjeongdo, but I could find traces of them. I know you had a fierce battle with Maseon. Even with Maseon, who was a Hyangseon.”

“I didn’t fight alone.”

“But you are the one who survived. I don’t know the exact circumstances, but I know for sure that you killed Maseon. It’s a strange thing. How did Sangseon kill Hyangseon?”

Beom saved his words.

“Anyway, it is true that the Director of Literary and Martial Affairs has excellent qualities. The skills you showed at the Mudojun [Martial Arts Competition] alone are enough to receive the position of Munmujanggwan [Official of Literary and Martial Arts]. There is no one among the Sangseon who can compete with you.”

“You flatter me.”

“Whether it’s flattery or not is judged by others, not yourself. At least that’s what the Great Cheonmunjang and I thought, so that’s objective enough.”

“I understand that you gave me an undeserved position because you have something you want from me.”

In the end, that’s the story.

The turbulent situation in Sugye.

The fight between families.

The attack of Maseon.

Most people believe that the attack of Maseon was resolved by Wonseon Taesa [Grand Master Wonseon].

But it was Cheonbeom who killed Maseon.

The Great Cheonmujang and Munjang, who know that fact, want to entrust him with an important task.

“There must be an important task that only I, who belong to the Sa family, can do.”

Knowing the basis of that judgment, Cheonbeom was reluctant to agree.

He had a fundamental question as to whether it was necessary to borrow his power.

“Are the Great Cheonmujang and the Great Cheonmunjang so short-handed that they have to entrust me with such an important task?”

“…There is little we can do to intervene in the disputes of the great families.”

The Great Cheonmujang closed her eyes.

The Great Cheonmujang is in charge of protecting Sugye from external threats.

In other words, they cannot directly intervene in internal fights, and even punishing them is not easy.

Even if they know that the Paeng family directly caused this.

That was even more so because Wonseon Taesa was behind those great families.

“I don’t think it’s a bad story for you either.”

“…I see.”

The Great Cheonmujang and the Great Cheonmunjang cannot directly intervene.

So they chose him.

“Then what do you expect from me?”

A Gaseon [Family Immortal] from a family that is very strong, has no ties to other families, and has bad feelings for all of them.

And the Seonsaljun [Immortal Massacre Calamity] that Sugye has to endure.

Considering those things, the scope of the important task that Beom should be entrusted with is narrowed down.

“First, to achieve harmony between Munseon and Museon and improve the overall quality. And balance between families.”

Since it is not known when the Seonsaljun will come, Beom, who is proficient in both Munmu, will be in charge of supervising the training of Munseon and Museon.

And mediation between families.

Or maintain balance by checking each other.

“You’re planning to put the Sa family in the position of the Five Great Families.”

The Great Cheonmujang’s hand, which was about to drink tea, stopped for a moment.

And then she put it down and nodded.

“It was originally the place to go.”

Cheonbeom also agreed.

Sahado seemed to want to become a family that occupies one of the Five Great Families.

“And secondly… I want you to go to Seon Gye [Immortal Realm].”