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Chapter 486 – What to Split.

[How have you been, Myung-ah?]

At Shin Noya’s call, the vibrations in Gwaeseon’s grasp intensified.

Was it due to the unexpected situation? Gwaeseon’s expression was quite the sight to behold.

[Shin Cheol.]

A chilling voice echoed in my ear.

Could this voice belong to Nangong Ming?

‘Wow.’

To describe it briefly, just the tone of the voice felt like it could kill a person.

With such a speech style and voice, did he also resemble Gwaeseon?

‘The women must have fainted just looking at him.’

With a voice like ice behind him, if he looked like that, it would have been game over.

“Mm.”

Gwaeseon, seemingly caught off guard, momentarily cocked his head.

“It seems you can hear it too.”

He asked if I could hear Nangong Ming’s voice.

That meant—

‘Gwaeseon can hear it too.’

Glancing sideways at Woo Hyeok, I noticed he seemed to frown slightly, as if he couldn’t hear anything at all.

“Master, what do you hear…”

“Disciple.”

“Yes.”

Seeing Woo Hyeok’s bewilderment, Gwaeseon spoke up.

“Step aside for a moment. I have something to discuss with your friend.”

At Gwaeseon’s words, Woo Hyeok’s eyes widened briefly as he alternately glanced at me and Gwaeseon.

He was clearly at a loss, trying to understand the situation.

However—

“Understood.”

Without a word, Woo Hyeok quickly got up.

Although he could have asked what was going on, it seemed that the Master’s words took precedence.

With a slight air of disappointment on his face, Woo Hyeok leapt away and disappeared into the distance.

Now, I had to meet Gwaeseon alone, our eyes locking.

As a rather awkward feeling overcame me—

“This is my first time experiencing something like this; it’s rather fascinating.”

Gwaeseon broke the silence first.

“What’s going on?”

Woom—!

The Thunder Fang was still vibrating ominously.

I had to turn my thoughts back to Gwaeseon’s words.

‘What should I say?’

It was a rather ambiguous situation.

I had long suspected that Nangong Ming was inside the Thunder Fang.

When I visited Nangong Clan for the engagement ceremony, I heard a voice presumed to be from Nangong Ming, instructing me to find the Thunder Fang.

‘That was also a message directed at Shin Noya.’

Knowing that traces of them had already been left in the treasure or Biwaegun, it wasn’t too difficult to guess there would be remnants of Nangong Ming in the Thunder Fang.

‘However…’

The feeling was different. The past remnants I had encountered and Nangong Ming had a completely different aura.

Thinking about that, I cautiously asked,

“… Is the person there, perhaps, Nangong Ming Sunbae-nim?”

“Huh?”

The first to respond to my words was Gwaeseon. It seemed he hadn’t expected my lips to utter Nangong Ming’s name.

“How do you know that…”

Just as Gwaeseon slightly furrowed his brows and was about to speak,

[You took your sweet time showing up.]

Nangong Ming’s voice echoed through the air.

[I thought there would be problems, considering you’re as lacking as ever. This is quite a sight.]

[Myung-ah, this isn’t something you should be saying, is it?]

Unlike Shin Noya’s voice, which was filled with mirth, Nangong Ming remained starkly cold.

Is this always how he sounded?

[What happened to you, Shin Cheol?]

[There were quite a few circumstances involved.]

[And who is this guy?]

Is he referring to me when he says “this guy”?

[This kid is my successor, or something like that.]

Internally I clicked my tongue at Shin Noya’s answer. Something like “or” didn’t cut it.

Was Nangong Ming puzzled by Noya’s words as he questioned him?

[You took on someone like him as your successor, Shin Cheol? Have you truly lost your mind?]

[He’s not exactly a disciple; he simply carried on my will.]

[You’ve spun quite the absurd tale. Have you genuinely gone senile?]

As Nangong Ming’s sharp words continued, the one looking the most confused was Gwaeseon.

“Old man, who exactly are you talking to?”

‘…!’

At Gwaeseon’s words, I couldn’t help but feel startled internally.

It seemed Gwaeseon couldn’t hear Shin Noya’s voice.

‘Then, does Gwaeseon only hear Nangong Ming’s voice?’

I realized that unlike me, who could hear both of them, Gwaeseon was only picking up one side of the conversation.

It was quite useful information, so I hid my reaction and decided to speak to Nangong Ming again.

“I heard your voice while at the Nangong Clan. It was definitely your voice, Sunbae-nim.”

[What?]

Nangong Ming responded immediately to what I said.

It felt like he comprehended the meaning behind my words.

“You said to find the Thunder Fang. Surely, that was your message, right?”

[…]

To be precise, it wasn’t me but something left for Shin Noya, but since I came with Noya, I figured it didn’t matter.

With so much on my plate, I didn’t want to nitpick.

[I’m not just not letting it slide because you’re being a nuisance, right?]

‘Could you not interrupt…?’

In this middle of this chaos.

“So…”

[I don’t remember.]

“… Huh?”

I was in the midst of explaining why I showed up when Nangong Ming abruptly cut me off.

He doesn’t remember…?

“Sunbae-nim?”

[I have no memory of that. I also have nothing to say about it, so you may leave now.]

This was an unexpected turn of events.

I naturally expected that bringing this up would lead to an explanation from Nangong Ming.

But now he said he didn’t remember and to leave?

‘What is this…’

This utterly baffling situation.

Now, how was I supposed to hand the Thunder Fang over to Nangong Bi-ah?

As my head went a bit blank from the bizarre circumstances, Gwaeseon spoke up with a perplexed expression.

“Old man, at least tell us what’s going on! I don’t understand…”

[Send him back.]

“What!?”

[I said send him back.]

“What the hell is this nonsense?”

[If you refuse to leave, then I’ll force you out, one way or another.]

“Hah, is he being serious again? I always said you should at least offer some explanation…”

Snip.

The Thunder Fang, which had been vibrating intensely, suddenly stopped shaking at that remark.

Gwaeseon’s face twisted with a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

“Damn it. That old man, why is his temperament still so terrible? Hasn’t he been taken by a ghost yet?”

[Nangong Ming’s descendant sure speaks bluntly. I like his style.]

“…”

As I watched Shin Noya chuckle at Gwaeseon’s words, I sighed.

‘This isn’t the time to laugh.’

[Then, you wouldn’t cry either.]

‘No, we need to talk about this. Is there not something that needs clarification?’

Why was Nangong Ming left in the Thunder Fang, and why were there remnants of such thoughts in the Nangong Clan?

Shouldn’t I be the one asking such questions?

After hearing my words, Noya scoffed in disbelief.

[What do you mean by “importance of conversation” when you came here just to steal the Thunder Fang?]

“…”

Hmph.

True enough, I couldn’t dispute that.

‘… You said you would help us.’

[And I did help, didn’t I? You called for me, and he’s the one refusing to talk.]

What is this?

Why is this old man so incredibly unbothered?

Something felt off. Shin Noya shouldn’t be acting like this in this situation.

‘Noya.’

[Yes?]

‘… You seem to have something on your mind?’

[Hehe.]

Without this feeling, I couldn’t comprehend Noya’s attitude.

Even if Noya was a difficult and irritable person, his abilities were undeniable.

The more I learned, the more I couldn’t help but recognize Noya’s achievements.

A lifetime’s worth of accomplishments that were immensely daunting for a single person.

It was like nothing to Noya.

[You seem to be quite perceptive.]

‘…’

[Today, you just need to confirm a few things. Like Myung said, let’s leave. Staying here will only provoke his temperament further.]

‘But…’

[This is something you need to accept.]

There was a calmness in Noya’s voice that contrasted with the laughter that once echoed.

[I might have done the same if I were in his place.]

‘… What do you mean?’

[While I’m not entirely sure, I’ll tell you later. We should take our leave as Myung suggested.]

‘…’

[Besides, there are many things I need to discuss with you.]

Just as Tang Je-mun had said before.

There were many things I needed to relay to Shin Noya.

‘This feels unsettling.’

It gave me quite an uneasy feeling that something was amiss.

‘You’re telling me to go? What’s the deal with that?’

The behavior and aura of Nangong Ming made little sense, but if he had no intention of explaining, then there was no other choice.

“Hmph.”

Gwaeseon continued to wear a puzzled expression as he looked at me, but he didn’t ask any other questions, suggesting that he intended to comply with Nangong Ming’s wishes.

This meant—

‘If I refuse, they might forcibly send me back.’

I’d been hoping to avoid a rocky start from our first encounter.

Especially since I was in a position where I would eventually have to obtain the Thunder Fang…

[Is the option of not taking it home completely off the table?]

‘No way am I letting that go.’

Having seen the Demon Sword Queen again recently, I was acutely aware of the significant difference it made for Nangong Bi-ah.

There was no way I could abandon the Thunder Fang.

‘Now I need to hand it over, piece by piece.’

As much as I’d rather do it all by myself, I knew that wasn’t possible.

I wanted to ensure that their lives were secured at the very least.

‘Not just for Nangong Bi-ah, but…’

I had to help Wi Seol-ah as well, and I was considering something for Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol too.

[Seems like you’re going to gather more than you’d care to admit.]

‘You think I don’t care? What kind of nonsense is that?’

What, should I act all sweet in front of them?

Like a furious lion?

[What the hell…?]

“… Sorry for dropping by out of the blue.”

Regardless of how Noya would respond, I ignored him and straightened myself before Gwaeseon.

“It’s probably not the right time, so I guess I’ll take my leave for now.”

“… Hmm… yeah.”

“I’ll come back in the near future.”

Having made my mark, I had no intention of giving up, so I certainly planned to return.

Moreover, it seemed that Gwaeseon was also curious about what we’d just discussed.

Without saying a word about my intention to return, I turned and leapt into the forest.

Though I felt Gwaeseon’s piercing gaze linger on me, I didn’t dare turn my head.

‘As for the Sleeping Dragon, I’ll let it sort itself out.’

That kid had a poor sense of direction, but I bet he’d find his way here.

After all, it had been a while since I reunited with my master, and we had things to talk about.

But little did I know then—

… Woo Hyeok, being utterly clueless, would take two whole days instead of one time point to return.

The following day I returned directly to the Tang Clan.

I hadn’t slept well the night before, perhaps due to my meeting with Gwaeseon.

It felt like I’d dreamt something, but the memories were hazy at best.

With a distinctly uneasy atmosphere hanging around, I had come to the annex to wait for breakfast.

Not just me, but nearly every guest visiting the Tang Clan had gathered as well.

I noticed the Pejon and the King of Demons were nowhere to be seen.

Other than those two… oh, and Woo Hyeok was absent as well.

In short, aside from them, everyone was here.

“Prince, did you sleep well?”

As I waited for a meal, someone approached and greeted me.

It was Tang Soyeol.

I gave her a perplexed look.

“What are you doing here?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you usually eat elsewhere?”

Since Tang Soyeol was a direct descendant of the Tang Clan, she didn’t technically need to eat here.

Oh, sure, while guests like myself would be served, the habit of gathering together had made her join.

“… Ehh? Since you’re here, it’s nice to eat together, isn’t it?”

Seeming a bit dejected by my words, Tang Soyeol puffed her cheeks.

Her expression made me unconsciously think of someone.

‘Do they look similar?’

I thought of Tang Je-mun from when I met him in Biwaegun.

I just felt that there was some resemblance between her and Tang Soyeol.

Perhaps that was a problem.

[Are you saying they look similar? The vibes are completely different, aren’t they?]

Suddenly, Shin Noya chimed in, indignantly.

‘Why are you getting mad all of a sudden? This is just ridiculous.’

I merely noted that they bore some resemblance.

They’re from the same bloodline, so it’s not odd.

‘From the beginning, Nangong Ming and Gwaeseon look identical.’

Is it not permissible for Tang Je-mun and Tang Soyeol to look similar too?

Thinking that way, I focused a bit more on Tang Soyeol.

‘If she grows her hair out a little, she might look a bit more like him.’

If Tang Soyeol, whose hair was currently short, let it grow, and her physique grew a bit larger, she would certainly resemble him.

Of course—

‘Her physique wouldn’t grow that much, though.’

I wasn’t talking about her height; since Tang Soyeol wasn’t all that big in her previous life, she likely wouldn’t be much different now.

Not that this was a bad thing.

In fact, the changes in appearance could be more unsettling for me.

“Prince?”

“Ah, sorry.”

Having gotten lost in thought while staring at her, Tang Soyeol looked at me as if to question why I was acting so strange.

I realized I shouldn’t have stared that long.

As I wore an awkward smile, Tang Soyeol waved a hand dismissively.

“It’s fine. It’s okay for you to look at me more.”

“… What are you even saying?”

“Hehe.”

Was she joking around? Tang Soyeol chuckled lightly.

“Oh right, Prince.”

“Hm?”

“What are your plans after breakfast?”

“After eating?”

Once I finished my meal, my plan was to head outside and make my way to the current city.

I planned to locate the Baekhwa Sect’s Sichuan branch somewhere out there.

‘There are some things I need to leave with them.’

‘Thank goodness I snatched them this time.’

Just thinking about the items stirred a smile on my face, particularly the Night Bright Wine I had brought from Biwaegun.

While I hadn’t been able to take items previously from the Geumcheon Clan’s Biwaegun, this time I managed to snag quite a few.

It would be quickest to visit the Baekhwa Sect to sell them for a decent price.

Since using Lady Mi’s name would make everything simple.

‘Of course, looking to milk a little more out of it could be more convenient, but that’s a bit bothersome.’

It wasn’t too hard for me to extract more than the standard price at a regular store, but I simply didn’t want the hassle of it.

‘… Frankly, I also feel a little guilty about trading on Lady Mi’s name.’

I recalled my excuse when I had to obtain the Poison Heavenly Pill from the Poison King.

After putting that thought aside, I replied to Tang Soyeol.

“I think I’ll do that, and maybe head to the current city afterwards.”

“Current city? Really!?”

“Yup.”

“Prince! Can I come with you?”

“Uh? Sure.”

What’s so difficult about agreeing?

Nodding casually, Tang Soyeol burst into a wide grin.

Is it that joyful to accompany me? I’m relieved she’s happy, anyway.

“Then prepare yourself and wait with the others.”

“Sure! Prepare and wait… with others?”

“Uh?”

Tang Soyeol looked at me quizzically, not quite getting what I meant.

“Weren’t you the only one going?”

“Uh? No. Everyone said they would go, so I said we should go together. It’ll be great. You come too.”

“… Yes.”

I think Nangong Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah, and even Moyong Hi-ah said they would go.

Upon relaying the news about our party, I saw a slight shadow fall on Tang Soyeol’s face, which had been bright moments ago.

As I was about to ask what was up with her expression—

“Breakfast is ready!”

The attendant announced from outside.

Simultaneously, the once vacant table filled up instantly with dishes.

Even back when I visited Sichuan, I remembered the Tang Clan really poured their heart into their meals.

I didn’t mind the slightly spicy food, though.

Once all the dishes were served and the attendants left, everyone began to eat right away.

Beside me, Tang Soyeol started to pick at her food, seeming a bit uninterested.

Noticing her disinterest, I grabbed one of the dumplings lying in front of me.

‘It feels like I haven’t had properly made food in a while.’

Taking a bite out of the steaming dumpling felt almost nostalgic.

As I did so—

Whoosh.

Upon tasting it, I paused, momentarily stunned by the sensation.

Then, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself.

“… Ah hell, these guys are so impatient.”

“Prince?”

At my inaudible curse, Tang Soyeol looked at me curiously.

Feeling her gaze, I swallowed the dumpling whole.

Gulp.

Instantly, I felt something permeate my body; a sensation that felt confusingly overwhelming.

That feeling made me hold my breath, then with all my might, I managed to say,

“Oh no, it’s poison!”

Then—

Plop-!

I collapsed onto the table.

As if I had lost consciousness.

“…”

As I tumbled over, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

As I detected this silence, internally I wondered—

‘… Why is there no reaction?’

I had expected screams and mayhem to erupt immediately.

Yet, it was inexplicably quiet.

Thinking I might have messed something up, I reflected internally.

[… Seriously, you little brat.]

‘Huh?’

Noya elucidated the reason.

[You should refrain from acting so theatrically. I can’t bear to witness it with my eyes open. Tsk tsk… how embarrassing.]

“…”

Though it was a very blunt jab to the chest, I didn’t get up.

At moments like this, I needed to put on a brave face and carry on.

 

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