Chapter 681
A cool sensation brushed against my cheek.
The texture that my instincts recognized made the corners of my mouth curl upwards.
“Look at this punk.”
I could clearly feel the hostility emanating from the other side.
Nodding at the yellow eyes that stared back at me through a twisted expression, I asked, “You knew?”
“…”
“So how did you find out?”
I posed the question, but Shin Ryong merely bit down on his lips in silence, not answering.
If that was the case, why did I even bother asking?
As I stared at him for a moment, I decided to change the topic.
“So, why should I need to refute that?”
The claim about the youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist being a rumor.
Was there even a need to refute it? I truly had no idea.
“That’s…”
Finally, Shin Ryong slowly opened his mouth in response to my words.
“…Because that rumor is a lie.”
The youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist officially recognized by the Martial Alliance was standing right before me, Shin Ryong.
However, that was merely the official word.
So who really was the youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist?
Could it be me?
That might be possible. Achieving the Transformation Realm before reaching adulthood was indeed an incredible feat.
But could I say that with certainty?
‘Well…’
I didn’t know.
Unofficially, that meant information not known to the public.
And even if I were truly the youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist, I didn’t care.
“I’m not really concerned about it.”
In truth, it didn’t matter to me.
‘What meaning does something obtained like this have?’
My current level was merely the result of my regression.
Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist? To me, it was just an empty title, of no value whatsoever.
What good would that bring me?
It mattered not to me in the slightest.
“Just do your thing. I’m leaving.”
If you want to, take it all you want.
I needed to obtain something much greater.
I didn’t know how Shin Ryong figured that out, but it didn’t really matter.
If he wished, he could keep spreading those rumors.
Just then, as I turned to leave, he frowned deeper and said to me,
“…Do you pity me?”
‘Hmm.’
I looked carefully at Shin Ryong.
Especially into his eyes.
The turbulent emotions in those yellow eyes were clearly…
‘Inferiority complex?’
An emotion I knew all too well, one I carried in my previous life and still exhibited now.
‘Shin Ryong, showing that kind of look towards me.’
Could that monk even afford to have such eyes aimed at me?
As I gazed quietly, I asked him,
“Have we met somewhere before?”
“…”
There had to be some reason for those eyes—no way they were without cause.
But what could that reason be?
‘This is strange.’
The Sword Dragon Yeongpung, now Shin Ryong?
Why did these legendary geniuses look at me with such eyes?
Noticing that Shin Ryong was once again silent, I clicked my tongue in frustration.
“What’s going on? Is it alright for a monk to have such eyes?”
“…!”
Upon hearing my remark, Shin Ryong’s eyes widened slightly.
He immediately began to change his expression.
It seemed he realized, even on his own, that something was off.
Watching this, I narrowed my eyes.
“What’s wrong? What don’t you like about me?”
What could possibly be the issue?
“Just do as you’ve been doing, alright? The rumors and whatever else, I don’t care, just keep doing your thing. What pity?”
Who would I pity? I was too busy fighting for my life.
I spoke, filled with annoyance, but Shin Ryong still retained that same reaction.
“…I don’t understand.”
“What don’t you understand?”
“Despite these rumors circulating, how come you do not express yourself?”
As he spoke, confusion clearly etched across Shin Ryong’s face.
“You could easily correct it, couldn’t you?”
“Correct what? What do you mean?”
Was he implying that I should refute the rumor?
Was he suggesting that I shout out that I’m the real deal instead of him?
“If I choose not to, then I won’t. What gives you the right?”
Shouldn’t it be good for him if I refuse to prove it?
And then I said, “When did I say I wouldn’t?”
“…What?”
As I gave a straightforward answer, Shin Ryong’s expression shifted.
“For the time being, I don’t need to express anything, so I’m just saying ‘not right now.’”
Hiding my strength without correcting the rumors.
Despite having the ability to demonstrate and properly correct the issues as Shin Ryong mentioned, I was deliberately holding back.
So, there’s no need to worry.
“Anyway, it won’t be long before I show it.”
It wasn’t long until I had to reveal it.
“…So what you’re saying is, if you want to see it, just wait. Don’t do anything unnecessary.”
“…”
Before long, I would show it.
There’s a stage for it waiting to unfold.
“I’m not concerned about anything.”
I’d just show it, that was all.
It was said to be Yeongpung’s generation.
An era where stars fell like rain.
Though peace was fractured, we maintained hope, largely because of that.
There were far too many stars to protect, so I could breathe easy trusting in them.
Throughout all this, I never once thought of myself as one of those stars.
I could only look up at the shooting stars pouring down from above.
Never once did I think that I was one shooting star descending.
‘But now there are just too many stars, and their value seems too diminished.’
Surprisingly, I found that pleasant.
If countless stars fell, I would gather that starlight to ignite my flame alone.
Thus, I would shine alone in the end; for now, it was merely a preparation to light that flame.
As I pondered this, gazing calmly at Shin Ryong, he eventually broke the silence.
“…I heard you’re going to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament.”
“Yep.”
Nodding in response, Shin Ryong cautiously pressed his palms together.
Was he attempting to serve some kind of greeting?
“If so, then I will see you there.”
In a calm demeanor, he added those words.
Yet, his tone felt nothing short of a declaration of war.
Hearing his words, I tilted my head.
“Do I bother you that much?”
Though it felt like we hadn’t interacted much, why did he act like this from our very first meeting?
“It’s not like that.”
“Oh, it’s definitely like that.”
His entire being reeked of displeasure towards me.
Just look at him now; wasn’t what he said a challenge of sorts?
‘Well, that’s true.’
I didn’t really care whether I made a good impression or not.
Even if he hated me, it didn’t matter.
As I absorbed this realization and nodded my head.
“It’s just that I need to prove my worth through you. That’s what this is all about.”
Shin Ryong shook his head, adding on to that statement.
“Proving your worth.”
What a peculiar phrase.
“Does proving your worth mean defeating me?”
“I don’t know. But…”
“Then does that mean you will lose to me?”
“…!”
I interrupted whatever retort Shin Ryong had been about to deliver.
His expression hardened at my words.
“…What an arrogant thing to say.”
It was as if I’d struck a nerve.
Defining it as a certainty that he’d lose must have bruised his pride.
‘That wasn’t my intent, though.’
I decided against correcting my statement and kept quiet.
Even if I did, it wouldn’t change much.
As I continued to watch him.
“Words mean nothing, so allow me to show you. Just how naively arrogant you are, I shall demonstrate directly.”
Shin Ryong spat out his words, turned his back, and began to walk away.
Seems he was genuinely infuriated.
“Hmm.”
Watching his retreating figure, I hesitated on whether or not to call him back.
But eventually, I held back.
Shin Ryong’s comments didn’t bother me, but the issue was…
‘Shouldn’t I at least say something about that?’
There was a lot of grease smeared around his lips.
He had clearly enjoyed a feast of meat, and it seemed unkind to just let it go.
‘…Nah, he’ll figure it out.’
I had intended to remind him, but judging by his attitude, I figured he could manage on his own.
What was it he said again?
‘We’ll meet there?’
Smirking, I chuckled at the thought.
He had thrown down a challenge, after all.
So whatever occurred next, the responsibility was on him.
With that thought, I licked my lips and turned to leave as well.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us,
“…”
Peng Woojin stood atop the rooftops of nearby buildings, watching with an icy gaze.
Time passed after returning.
As the sunset approached, I finished my afternoon training and finally arrived at Shin Yi’s residence.
I was there to see Nangong Bi-ah, who was still receiving treatment.
“Are you alright?”
“…Yeah…”
Nangong Bi-ah, quietly peeling an apple, nodded.
She seemed to be doing well indeed.
I noticed what she was holding and asked,
“…Usually, don’t you peel those with a knife?”
“…It’s too much trouble…”
Snap.
To my surprise, while peeling the apple, Nangong Bi-ah was using Sword Intent.
It was perplexing why she would use that instead of the knife beside her, but if that was what was comfortable for her, so be it.
“That should be alright.”
As I observed her, Shin Yi chimed in.
“It was the external wounds that were more concerning… and the girl’s body is quite sturdy, so there’s no issue with her energy.”
“Is that so?”
I looked at Nangong Bi-ah with curiosity upon hearing Shin Yi’s words.
Generally speaking, external wounds would usually affect one’s energy too.
But it seemed that wasn’t a problem for Nangong Bi-ah.
“Even disregarding the fact that she’s a martial artist, her recovery abilities are exceedingly strong. Although I said it would take three months… it seems she would heal much sooner than that.”
“…That’s a relief.”
Hearing Shin Yi’s comment eased my worries.
As I glanced around, I asked him, “Where did Gwaeseon go?”
“Well, I don’t know. I saw him heading out with his disciple a while ago. Perhaps they went for a stroll.”
Nodding in response, I thought, ‘Seems like he might be trying again.’
Looks like Woo Hyeok wanted to utilize his power on Gwaeseon.
I hadn’t heard any updates, but judging by their continued efforts, it seemed they were making some progress.
‘I hope they do well.’
If they do, I could just approach him for treatment if he gets injured later. He’d become quite useful.
Though Shin Yi’s treatment was recognized as the best in the Central Plains,
‘In the end, he still couldn’t bring back a severed arm.’
I reflected positively on that while subtly scanning my surroundings.
I was searching for someone.
“…They went out…”
This time, it was Nangong Bi-ah who answered me.
Upon hearing that, I let out a slight cough.
“Ahem, what do you mean by that?”
“…You’re looking for So-Yeol and Seol Ah, aren’t you…?”
She said casually while munching on the apple.
…She was correct.
I had been wondering where they went, and it seemed I was caught.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, I scratched my cheek.
“Not particularly…”
For some reason, I felt guilty about searching for those kids in front of Nangong Bi-ah.
That must have been why I was avoiding her gaze; then I heard a light chuckle.
Turning my head, I looked at Nangong Bi-ah.
“…Why…?”
As she shot me that same expressionless stare while eating the remaining apple.
“Was it you?”
“…What?”
“Did you just laugh?”
“…I don’t know…”
Was it not her?
Then that left Shin Yi.
“What are you looking at?”
“…No, it’s nothing.”
That felt odd? I was sure the chuckle came from a woman.
“Are you really not the one?”
“…I don’t know…”
I probed Nangong Bi-ah again, and she shook her head.
Here, the crucial aspect wasn’t whether she was the one or not, but rather that she didn’t know.
‘It seems inconspicuous.’
Maybe I could press a little further. While I was contemplating this…
“…Ah… come on…”
Clap-!
Nangong Bi-ah clapped her hands, putting on a show.
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh at her unexpected display.
So, I decided to just let it go.
However,
“…Tomorrow… the Clan Leader is coming.”
“Hmm?”
That unexpected statement carried significant weight.
“The Sword King is coming?”
“…Yes.”
The leader of the Nangong Clan and also Nangong Bi-ah’s father, the Wang of the Azure Sky Sword, was coming to Hanam.
This was rather important information.
Furthermore,
“My younger brother is coming too…”
“…Really?”
The information came with the mention of Nangong Cheonjun, one of the geniuses of the Nangong Clan.
Hearing that name caused me to tilt my head.
‘That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.’
Since our engagement ceremony, I hadn’t seen him again.
‘He had been turned into a demon and left behind.’
He was also the first person I had ever Demonized.
I initially planned to do away with him one day, but…
‘I had completely forgotten about him.’
I had lost all memory of that incident.
‘And he’s coming too…?’
That felt awfully strange.
If Nangong Cheonjun was coming to Hanam, it wouldn’t bode well.
Because…
‘Certainly, I had placed a Golden Binding on him.’
I had given him a restriction that forbade leaving Anhui and approaching his sister.
‘How did he get out of Anhui?’
The fact that he was coming here posed a problem.
If what Nangong Bi-ah said was true, this had to be impossible…
‘Did something go wrong with the Golden Binding?’
But he didn’t appear to show any signs of such.
What on earth was happening?
In the midst of pondering this, a voice broke my train of thought.
[Master.]
A faint voice reached my ears.
It was Nahi’s voice.
[‘The ‘Chang’ has awakened.’]
“…”
Upon hearing Nahi’s words, I scrunched my face in annoyance.
Of all times to awaken!
I had intended to stay a bit longer.
Holding back a sigh internally, I spoke to Nahi.
[Put him back to sleep.]
I was hoping to knock him out again and head over later.
[…I apologize for the inconvenience, but]
Nahi replied with a tone that sounded slightly troubled.
[He’s already been put to sleep for the fourth time… if you do it again, there’s a chance he’ll go berserk.]
“…”
Damn it.
“Haah.”
Hearing Nahi’s words, I let out my frustration in a sigh.
Squinting my eyes filled with annoyance,
Suddenly,
Nangong Bi-ah gently stroked my cheek.
“…What’s wrong?”
I turned to her, confused by her sudden touch. She put the remaining apple in her mouth and said,
“Take care…”
“…”
I widened my eyes in surprise at her words.
Did she hear that somehow? That shouldn’t be the case!
“How did you know? That I had to leave right now?”
“Your eyes tell me…”
My eyes are not saying anything!
I looked at Nangong Bi-ah with a perplexed expression.
At that, she continued,
“Take care…”
Waving her hand as she pulled her hand away, it seemed to beckon me to return again.
For some reason, I found myself smiling.
Amusingly, I felt reassured by such an interaction.
“Yeah. I’ll come back.”
“Okay.”
With those words, I stood up. As much as I didn’t want to go, it seemed necessary.
I offered my farewell to Shin Yi, who was in the process of preparing medicine, and stepped out.
The place I headed was my own residence, and as I entered,
BOOM—!!
A loud explosion echoed from inside.
“Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue and immediately dispersed my energy into the surroundings.
An energy barrier formed throughout the vicinity.
The sound came from the back of the residence.
Once I arrived at the relatively secluded area, I gawked at what I saw.
The place was a complete mess.
“…Gag…”
In the distance, Seongyul lay sprawled on the ground, bleeding from the mouth.
‘What is he doing there?’
Leaving Seongyul behind, I noticed Nahi holding a dagger and aiming it at someone.
“Grrr…”
Amidst the rise of dust and dirt, a voice emerged, sounding akin to a beast’s roar.
“…Where’s the cult leader? Where is he!!”
BOOM—!!
With a sharp, piercing scream, a gust of wind blasted towards me.
As the wind whipped away the dust, I approached the remaining figure.
“Where’s the cult leader!! Where is he!! Come out now! If you don’t—!!”
“If I don’t what, you crazy woman?”
“Eh!”
The woman who had been causing the ruckus paused and stared at me, the hostility radiating from her was palpable.
She was a girl with short black hair and purple eyes.
At first glance, she appeared somewhat cute, but her vile personality completely overshadowed her looks.
After making eye contact, her expression changed.
“There’s the cult leader! There’s the cult leader over there!”
As if ecstatic, she started looking around herself.
In a moment, she stretched her hand towards the air.
At that time,
Swoosh-!!
From somewhere in the woods, a long black stick flew and landed in her hand.
“Liar cult leader! You didn’t call me to play, just tied me up and locked me away! You never even played with me!”
ROAAAR—!!
From around this girl holding the stick, overwhelming energy began to surge forth.
It was raw and vast.
The energy alone caused the surrounding trees to tremble.
“I have to teach you a lesson! I can’t take this anymore!”
She pointed the stick towards me.
BOOM—!!
With a fierce rush, she charged at me.
A chilling killing intent made my eyebrow twitch slightly.
What can I do?
“I’ll give you a lesson—!!”
[Get down!]
WHOOM-!
“Gyaah—!”
As her feet tripped up, her face slammed into the ground due to the force.
With such momentum, she rolled right over to my feet.
Watching her, I moved to step forward.
SQUISH-!
“Grrr…”
I pressed my foot down on the head of the girl writhing on the ground.
Applying pressure to keep her from moving, I caught her off-guard.
“Grahh… you’re the worst…! Oh, wait! Maybe it feels kinda nice…?”
Her voice, dripping with disappointment, reached my ears. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in response.
‘Indeed, I called for a cursed beast.’
The girl was none other than Bong-Soon.
Sometime later known as the “Demon Spear,” she would sweep through the battlefield, and she was also the only blood relative of the previous Sword Demoness.
