---

Demon Sword Thunder Fang (雷牙)

The famous sword known as the “Tooth of Thunder,” is one of the greatest and most renowned treasures in the world.

It’s none other than the sword used by the hero Nangong Ming of the Nangong Clan, who saved the world from the Blood Calamity. It’s no wonder that it holds significant value.

Additionally, Thunder Fang carries a lot of meaning for me as well.

It was also the sword wielded by the Demon Sword Queen, Nangong Bi-ah.

Given this connection, I had the chance to observe Thunder Fang up close. Sure, I’ve never had the chance to touch it myself, but still!

The blade radiated an intriguing aura that could easily be seen as transparent. Yet, it possessed an unbreakable strength; a sword with an inexplicable nature.

Moreover, there was a clear distinction when compared to other swords, but that detail isn’t crucial for now.

What’s important is how the sacred treasure of the Nangong Clan, an item that could be seen as a symbol, came to be possessed by a martial artist from the Wudang Sect.

Master of Wudang, Gwaeseon Kyu-do.

He’s the current owner of Thunder Fang, as acknowledged by Woo Hyeok.

Indeed, it’s true that he is a remarkable figure.

Originally belonging to the Wudang headquarters, he’s known to be wandering throughout the Central Plains for some unknown reason.

He’s also famous as a sort of immortal. It’s said that when a Demon Beast attacked a village following the chaos unleashed by the Demonic Gate, he not only eradicated all the beasts but also saved the villagers before mysteriously disappearing.

Conversely, the reason the title of “immortal” includes the peculiar character “Gwae” hints at his eccentric behaviors.

Like when he suddenly talks to himself out of the blue or shows up at the Upper House causing a ruckus.

There are countless oddities that ordinary people simply can’t comprehend about him.

Due to such behaviors, people began to refer to him as “Gwaeseon.”

But despite his quirky actions, he indeed has the qualities of an immortal, making him a martial artist whom I’d prefer to keep at a distance.

And then there’s the shocking revelation:

‘That man was Sleeping Dragon’s master!?’

It’s a fact I was completely unaware of even in my previous life. Sleeping Dragon never mentioned it, nor was it a story that spread throughout the Central Plains.

“Ah, I didn’t want to say this.”

Even I was left stunned by this news, but Woo Hyeok seemed to find it awkward too, letting out repeated sighs.

“A master who’s embarrassing to brag about, huh?”

Understanding the reason behind it only dawned on me after hearing Woo Hyeok’s remarks.

…Was that the reason he kept it a secret out of embarrassment?

It is indeed a story so embarrassing that it’s tough to share anywhere.

“But… are you planning to head to Sichuan to find such a master?”

“It’s not like I have anywhere else to stay, plus it’s the best excuse to live with my master,” he says.

Well, even though Gwaeseon was someone half-exiled from Wudang, he is still part of the Wudang Sect.

If Woo Hyeok claims he’s going out to stay with his master, it provides a valid basis for his actions.

“…So, you mean to say you’ll accompany me to Sichuan while you’re at it?”

“Why not? Friends should stick together!”

“What friends? We’re hardly alone on this journey.”

Although we hadn’t properly discussed details yet, I already had a few companions in mind since I chose to head to Sichuan.

I’ve already talked to Pejon about this.

Pejon also mentioned that he needed to be in Sichuan, so that was all good.

And Paewoocheol invited me to swing by his clan while we’re traveling.

Additionally, considering that Tang Soyeol’s family is the ruling clan in Sichuan, it would mean…

‘Wait, does that mean the Poison King is coming along too…?’

Just thinking about that gave me chills, but there was no way around it.

Whether by coincidence or fate, it was indeed the perfect timing for a journey to Sichuan.

Unexpectedly, the Shinryong Temple had decided to close for a time as well.

The graduation period moved up significantly, adding to the reasons.

The next incident I’m keeping an eye on is scheduled to occur in about 2 to 3 years from now.

If possible, I’d need to boost my strength before then.

Now that I’ve reached the Transformation Realm, what I need to prioritize is simple:

‘I must acquire the White Horse Stone.’

The item dropped by the highest-tier Demon Beasts, the White Demon Stones.

I was already aware of its existence and location, but I waited to handle this until I reached a suitable nascent state.

In a time where only the Blue tier Demon Beasts surfaced, the value of the White Horse Stone is extremely precious.

Moreover, once a Demon Beast dies, the stone initially released from its body tends to lose energy shortly after.

Yet, the White Horse Stone I seek retained its energy even after a significant time had passed.

How that works, I’m not entirely sure.

What’s vital is how the energy contained within that stone is immeasurable when compared to any other elixir.

For me, who can absorb that energy, the White Horse Stone would be the finest elixir in existence.

Now, having reached the Transformation Realm but in a somewhat incomplete state, acquiring the White Horse Stone is timely.

Thus, it’s crucial that I head to Sichuan amid the current situation.

With that in mind, Woo Hyeok’s company isn’t an issue as long as there are no complications.

“I’ll need permission first, though. I assume our Clan Leader wouldn’t allow me…”

“Oh, the Clan Leader has already given permission.”

“…What?”

Stunned, I processed Woo Hyeok’s words.

My father approved?

“When?”

“Huh? When you fainted yesterday, I asked him.”

“…”

From Woo Hyeok’s statement, I gathered that my match with my father had taken place last night.

“He approved…?”

“Yep. Yep!”

“How did that happen?”

“What do you mean how? He said it’s fine for us to go together since we already have plans…”

The absurdity of Woo Hyeok straight-up asking my father tickled me, and my father’s surprising “okay” response was equally shocking.

“Is that so, then?”

“…Then, uh… do as you please…”

With no further reason to refuse, I ultimately said it was alright.

If any issues arose, I’m sure I could handle them.

‘Well, I guess it worked out in the end.’

Although I grumbled about it, knowing Woo Hyeok’s intention made this a favorable outcome.

After all, it meant I was going to see Gwaeseon.

‘This is how it turned out.’

I had been meaning to meet with Gwaeseon.

To be precise, it was about Thunder Fang I needed to consult.

Once, Huang Abulyeong told me.

– Search for Nangong Ming.

This means that Nangong Ming also has a soul lingering in this world, and possibly,

While I was heading towards the Nangong Clan, I could hear a voice from someone resembling Nangong Ming.

What he said was simply,

‘Find Thunder Fang.’

He instructed me to look for his beloved sword.

I have no idea what that implies, but I know it’s connected to Shin Noya.

‘The real issue is that Shin Noya hasn’t shown up yet.’

This old man keeps disappearing, not showing himself. It’s really frustrating!

Anyway… as I stand at this point of needing to find Thunder Fang,

If Woo Hyeok is heading to see Gwaeseon, it’s not a bad thing at all.

It means I could handle everything in one go on this trip to Sichuan.

After calculating all this, I addressed Woo Hyeok.

“If you’re coming along, there’s a condition.”

“A condition? What kind of condition?”

The moment Woo Hyeok showed confusion, I laid out the terms.

“If we’re going to Sichuan, you have to introduce me to your master.”

“…Huh?”

“Then we can go together.”

Upon hearing my words, Woo Hyeok’s face distorted.

This was the first time I’d seen him make such an expression.

For some reason, he seemed to utterly dislike the idea of introducing his master, but I had no intention of letting this go easily.

After a long pause, he finally nodded, as if he had no choice.

The deal was made.

After finishing the conversation with Woo Hyeok,

I had no more business left, so I just tossed him out the window.

The building seemed high, but I knew it wouldn’t kill him, considering his level.

I still remember him screaming about whether he should at least keep his shirt on during the fall.

But he’ll manage.

As I walked through this unexpected moment, I reflected on how I used to get frustrated in my previous life when Sleeping Dragon would act up without consequence, and now I could handle the situation like this.

Creeeak.

I stepped out of the room and began descending the stairs. Of course, my destination was where my father was.

“Hmm?”

As I headed down, I noticed Gu Huibi coming up the stairs in the distance.

She seemed to be coming back from her morning training.

Looks like she’s still diligently sticking to her training regimen.

Thinking about greeting her, I looked at her just as she burst out laughing upon seeing my face.

What’s up with that?

“Why do you laugh the moment you see my face? That’s rude!”

“Ha… ha! No… hahahaha!”

She couldn’t contain her laughter and went even louder.

“What’s so funny?”

“Haha… Oh… little brother, what happened to your face?”

“My face?”

“Your eyes… Haha, did you get hit somewhere?”

I rubbed my eyes at her comment.

With that, a throbbing pain rushed through me.

Why the heck do my eyes hurt so much… ah.

“Your eyes are all bruised up! You look ridiculous!”

“…”

That’s why I got hit by my father. So that’s what the bruises were from.

It must be such a sight to see that Gu Huibi was practically holding her belly with laughter.

“Who did it? Tell me and I’ll give them a lesson!”

“Clan Leader.”

“…”

“Why the silence? You said you’d teach them a lesson, older sister.”

At my words, Gu Huibi looked away, clearly not keen on punishing whoever hit me.

Seeing that reaction brought a chuckle to my lips but I decided to let it slide.

“Anyway… where is our Clan Leader?”

“…Training Grounds.”

“Training Grounds?”

I figured he might be there, and it seemed I was correct.

Just as I was about to pass Gu Huibi to keep walking, she called out to me.

“Little brother.”

“Hmm?”

“Did something happen with the Clan Leader?”

“Can’t you tell? I got hit.”

“…No, not that.”

She’s asking what happened while she jokes about my bruises? Seriously?

“Then what?”

“I just… noticed the Clan Leader seemed a bit unusually cheerful, that’s all.”

“Why his cheerful mood has anything to do with me…?”

“Forget it.”

Not revealing a proper answer, Gu Huibi went ahead.

I looked at her back with a puzzled expression before moving on to my destination: the training grounds.

The open area behind the Inn was likely reserved for the martial artists frequenting Hanam, as it felt like it had been transformed into a training ground.

Originally, it seemed there should have been other martial artists around too.

But since Lady Mi rented the entire Inn, it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Plus, it was hard to say how many humans could endure the heat radiating from this place even if others had been present.

‘It’s so stuffy.’

The moment I stepped into the open space, the heat I felt was almost suffocating.

With the heat generated by the energy output, I quickly recognized its source.

As expected, it was my father.

The warmth gradually subsides.

It seems my father was aware of my presence.

The fluttering robe turned calm, and as he fully regained control of his energy, he turned to look at me, finally speaking.

“You’re awake… mm.”

“…?”

Upon catching sight of my face, he abruptly trailed off and closed his mouth tightly.

I can see his eyebrows twitching. Don’t tell me…

‘…Is he trying to hold back laughter?’

The person who made my eyes look like this is none other than him!

“You’re awake.”

“Just laugh already.”

“…What do you mean?”

Now he’s pretending not to understand.

But it’s a little too late for that reaction!

 

---