Although many murim sects favored the spear, none could rival the Shandong Ak Clan's spear technique. Especially after Spear King Ak Bi became the Patriarch and was named one of the Ten Supremes, the Ak Clan's influence expanded day by day.
In contrast, the Namgung Clan had declined following a bloody family incident, and the Moyong Clan was recently annihilated. These events allowed the Shandong Ak Clan to establish itself as one of the new Five Great Clans.
"...This is the place," Ak Yeonho said.
He and Namgung Su arrived at their destination around noon. Having departed early, they used their movement arts without rest and reached the estate shortly after lunchtime.
The Ak Clan Branch Estate was constructed in a basin spanning tens of thousands of acres, set against sheer cliffs. From a distance, the buildings looked more like military barracks than a family home.
"Halt!" a guard barked.
Several guards pointed their spears at the two approaching men, stopping them. Their disciplined, synchronized movements hinted at the rigor of their training.
"Kindly present your invitation or some form of identification to prove your identity..."
Ak Yeonho stepped forward. "Long time no see, Donggeol."
One of the guards stiffened, recognizing Ak Yeonho. He quickly clasped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, Young Master Ak Yeonho."
"Have you been well? This place hasn't changed a bit," Ak Yeonho said with a smile.
Instead of returning the sentiment, however, the martial artist named Donggeol lowered his head and replied formally, "The elders are waiting inside. I'll send word immediately, so please wait a moment."
Ak Yeonho sighed sadly. "Okay, but... By any chance, is the Patriarch here as well?"
"Yes, he arrived three days ago."
"...So he did come. What about my sister?"
"She came with him."
Ak Yeonho nodded, not at all surprised.
"......" Namgung Su studied his somber profile with concern.
"A servant will guide you inside. Open the gates!"
The massive iron gates creaked open, and the two men entered the Ak Clan Branch Estate as Donggeol and the other guards bowed deeply behind them.
Namgung Su asked offhandedly, "Are you acquainted with that martial artist?"
"...We were once good friends," Ak Yeonho replied bitterly.
His answer was in the past tense, but Namgung Su didn't press the issue. Glancing around, he changed the topic, saying, "The facilities are even more impressive than I'd heard."
True to a clan with military origins, the Ak Clan favored practical, minimalist architecture. In fact, the more Namgung Su looked around, the more he thought the place was a military facility rather than a luxurious mansion, used to train soldiers for war.
Although this was unexpected, it wasn't a problem. Given the current tension with the Blood Cult, the location's high defensibility and militaristic structure provided better protection for the students.
A moment later, a maid approached quickly and bowed. "My name is Seolhong. I'll guide you both inside."
Namgung Su noticed that the maid had learned a similar style of movement arts as the guards at the main gate, but he nodded without comment. "Please lead the way," he said politely.
The maid's eyes widened. She hadn't expected a young master with such a cold demeanor to address her so gently. "...This way, please."
The two men followed the maid.
As Namgung Su scanned the lodgings and training grounds, Ak Yeonho smiled and said, "Mr. Namgung Su."
"...?"
"You're kinder than I thought."
"What are you doing? We have a lot to check before the students arrive."
"......"
"I always thought you were a scary person, but I think I've seen a new side of you today," Ak Yeonho remarked, mustering his courage. "If you're okay with it, maybe we could hang out next time with Suryong-hyung..."
"If you have time to be so relaxed, you should check the schedule one more time," Namgung Su frowned and flatly rejected him.
"S-Sorry."
The Ak Clan's branch was spacious and pleasant, an optimal environment for the school trip. Traces of meticulous maintenance were visible everywhere.
The two had been following the maid for about fifteen minutes when a tall woman with a spear slung across her back strode toward them.
"...It's been a long time, Noonim." Ak Yeonho stepped forward first and greeted. His voice trembled slightly, though he seemed unaware of it.
"So it's you, Yeonho." The woman nodded expressionlessly. She turned to Namgung Su, clasped her hands in greeting, and introduced herself curtly, "Greetings, I'm Ak Yeonhwa."
Ak Yeonhwa was the next matriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan, and many believed that she would one day surpass her father, the Spear King. She was highly skilled in martial arts and stunningly beautiful, but also famously uninterested in adorning herself. Rumor had it that the metallic scent of steel suited her more than the fragrance of perfume, though of course, anyone who said such things in her presence was silenced forever.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Namgung Su. Are we too late for lunch?"
"You've arrived just in time. The Patriarch is waiting. Please come inside."
Namgung Su resolved to act as befitted the son of a prestigious family. Due to his status as an illegitimate son, he hadn't attended such gatherings as often as his older brothers, but he had been thoroughly schooled in etiquette since childhood.
Following Ak Yeonhwa, the two men entered a vast banquet hall filled with an abundance of delicacies. Martial artists, likely blood relatives of the Ak Clan, sat in long rows on either side of the tables.
Seated at the head of the table was a man of imposing stature—the Patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan, Spear King Ak Bi.
"Patriarch, the guests have arrived."
"Bring them in."
Ak Bi's deep, low voice resonated through the hall even without any inner qi amplification, as if affirming his status as one of the Ten Supremes. Additionally, more than twenty martial masters scrutinized Namgung Su with piercing gazes.
Anyone would have been intimidated, but Namgung Su remained unfazed and showed his respects. "Greetings, Patriarch of the Shandong Ak Clan. I am Namgung Su, an instructor at the Azure Dragon Academy."
"Oho..." Ak Bi stared at Namgung Su for a long time, not bothering to hide his admiration. "I didn't know the third son of the Namgung Patriarch had grown up so splendidly. Have we met before?"
"No, this is our first meeting."
"And why is that? Whenever our main family holds an event, like Yeonhwa's birthday celebration, we send invitations to our peers from the Five Great Clans. Surely the Namgung Clan wouldn't have neglected our family's invitation, would they?"
The Ak Clan's martial artists chuckled at their Patriarch's pointed joke.
"They wouldn't," Namgung Su replied, "but I did not receive an invitation as I am a mere concubine's son."