---

Chapter 483: Gwaeseon

As time passed, by the time I stepped out of the Head House, it seemed that noon had already come and gone.

Considering that my entry into the Head House happened shortly before noon, we must have had quite a long conversation.

“Hmm.”

I glanced at the sky and then surveyed the area around the Poison King’s residence.

“What a pity.”

The lingering disappointment of our lengthy conversation stemmed from the fact that I hadn’t gained much from my dialogue with the Poison King.

If I were to summarize my gains, it would only be about the incident with the Poison Lake.

And a bit about the origin of the Poison Heavenly Pill and what to do with it.

I had also casually fabricated my reason for heading to Sichuan when speaking to the Poison King.

This involved the circumstances under which I obtained the Poison Heavenly Pill.

In answering him, I had thought, ‘Selling Lady Mi would have been a better option… but it should be fine, right?’

Just before leaving Hanam, I recalled his words, asking me to use force if Lady Mi was needed.

I happened to acquire the Poison Heavenly Pill from the Baekhwa Sect.

During this process, I found out about the plan for the birth of the Heavenly Martial Body.

And that this was still being carried out.

These were the things I had conveyed to the Poison King.

“Not a trusting face, was he?”

Of course, the Poison King didn’t believe everything, but there was the Poison Heavenly Pill right in front of him.

Let alone—

“The plan for the Heavenly Martial Body. That must have been the issue.”

It was likely a problem that I knew about a plan that had been conducted secretly within the Tang Clan, one that was unknown to the outside world.

If there was something else that bothered me—

– I understand everything, but Gu Gongja.

– Yes.

– … Then what is your intention in involving yourself in this matter? Is this the will of the Baekhwa Sect?

Setting aside the fact that I acquired the Poison Heavenly Pill, why was I trying to directly cut out the rotten parts of the Tang Clan?

That would surely be the biggest question in the Poison King’s mind.

And it was the part that I felt most awkward about replying to.

If I had obtained the Poison Heavenly Pill, I could have simply ignored it and walked away.

There was no need to expose the dirty aspects of the Tang Clan directly.

And yet—

And yet, the reason I deliberately stepped in.

The Poison King seemed more curious about that than the Poison Heavenly Pill right in front of him.

In a way, it was only natural.

“Better than other humans.”

Finding a reason that crossed my mind was more important than the treasure right in front of me.

Considering how the Righteous Faction had rotted and spoiled without being able to perform such a simple task, the Poison King seemed as I had first seen him.

“The most clan-like clan leader.”

A person focused more on clan affairs than martial artists.

But—

“Strangely, his vision isn’t broad.”

If I looked a little closer—

“Is he intentionally closing his eyes?”

I couldn’t shake off that feeling.

– I have but one reason.

In response to the Poison King’s questioning, I lay forth my singular answer.

I had prepared several responses and could have tailored a situation, but—

I didn’t want to spit out a lie this time.

– I suspected that Young Lady Tang was involved in this matter.

-…!

When the topic of my daughter came up, the Poison King’s expression suddenly changed.

– I must reiterate, I’m not seeking Clan Leader’s permission. I simply—

Your permission means nothing to me.

Since Tang Soyeol is involved, I declare that I will take action.

– I only hope you remain uninvolved in this matter.

-…

The Poison King’s gaze shifted, casting an uneasy glimmer. It felt like he was weighing whether this was true or not.

Perhaps the current issue with the Poison Heavenly Pill had darkened his expression even more.

‘If I were to say that I knew how to manufacture the Poison Heavenly Pill, it would really be trouble.’

Regardless, I intended to keep this on hand.

The materials were an issue, as I couldn’t use them immediately.

Whether the Poison King was searching for truth or was simply confused by unexpected events, his face bore a mixture of emotions.

– … It seems I need a moment… to think.

He then requested that I leave for a while.

‘To think.’

While he had framed it as thinking, it was clear he was looking to uncover the truth behind this matter.

With this in mind—

“Is the Poison King uninvolved?”

Ultimately, this meeting seemed to be a test to see if the Poison King had any involvement.

While I hadn’t gained certainty yet—

‘For now, I think it’s safe to assume he isn’t.’

I could view it this way for now.

At least that was a relief.

Because if the Poison King was linked to this matter…

‘I would have had to eliminate him as well.’

I needed to think about how to do that, but for some reason, it didn’t seem all that difficult.

So perhaps it was a blessing that I didn’t have to kill the Poison King.

‘Now I must find out about…’

If the Tang Clan’s elders were scheming behind the scenes.

We had to find out who was doing what and where.

As I nodded and organized my thoughts, a familiar voice echoed in my mind. It was Shin Noya.

‘Seems you’re free to show up now.’

[Yes, it means your insides have calmed down.]

‘That’s a relief.’

Shin Noya, who had been doing his best to prevent my vessel from breaking, could finally make a reappearance.

Didn’t think I was wrong, did he?

The answer to Shin Noya’s question was simple.

‘That was Young Lady Tang’s request. Should I still have doubts?’

[…]

I teasingly called him ‘Young Lady’, but Shin Noya didn’t react at all.

If anything, it felt like a gloomy atmosphere was settling in.

‘Did something happen?’

Did something occur while I was unconscious?

A question arose, but I didn’t pry. The look on his face conveyed the message of ‘don’t ask’.

‘Moreover, I should be grateful it’s not something. No matter how I look at it, it doesn’t seem like it.’

Young Lady Tang’s request was to root out the twisted and rotten parts of the Tang Clan.

Upon hearing this, it was obvious what the ‘rotten part’ was.

Additionally, the mention of Tang Soyeol’s involvement was enough.

That made me recall the Poison Empress from my previous life.

Had she indeed experienced something in the future Tang Clan?

If that were the case—

‘I can’t just leave it be this time.’

I didn’t know what had happened, but I needed to nip it in the bud to make sure such a thing wouldn’t occur.

When I asked Young Lady Tang if she would be fine with my intent—wondering if I might need to kill your bloodline—she nodded, understanding my concern.

This wasn’t about whether it could be done or not.

Since she had mentioned Tang Soyeol directly, it meant I had to carry out this task.

For that, I needed to properly understand the current situation first.

Fortunately—

I had one good card in my hand.

“So…”

As I turned around to speak, I noticed someone jump at my words.

It was Nahi.

Seeing her trembling in fear, I said, “There seems to be a lot we need to discuss.”

While Nahi still couldn’t meet my gaze, she could only nod in response.

I hadn’t allowed any other replies.

Immediately, I made my way to where the children were.

If it were up to me, I would have preferred to go there first, but the workload had kept me from doing so, and I felt regretful.

As I walked quickly, I heard sounds in the distance.

Swish—! Swish!

The sound of blades being swung.

I heightened my Qi perception without needing to.

Even without boosting it, I could clearly hear and see.

“Hmm.”

I was almost uncomfortable adapting to the sudden spike in Qi perception.

[Wow, what an audacious sound you’re making without a care!]

‘… What do you want me to do about it?’

I knew it was something to be envious of for some, but I didn’t have time to dwell on that.

I simply needed to adapt quickly.

All that mattered right now was that.

As I arrived at the place, I managed to identify who was making the sounds.

It was Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah.

‘…’

I had occasionally watched the two spar before, but perhaps due to everything we’d been through, seeing them dripping with sweat and locking blades only brought up mixed feelings.

‘What a pity.’

The strongest sentiment was disappointment.

Whether it was back when I was with the So Sword Sect or the Demon Sword Queen, I would have liked to have exchanged just a bit more conversation rather than parting so suddenly.

Was that regret?

It was most likely regret.

Especially when I thought of Nangong Bi-ah, it churned within me.

‘I didn’t get to say it last time….’

There was something I had meant to say that ended up lost in the chaos.

That thought haunted me, and I felt a pang of pain.

Moreover, my gaze moved toward Wi Seol-Ah.

‘Her color has become lighter.’

Her once rich brown hair had brightened, nearing a shade of blonde.

At this rate, in two or three years, it would have transformed into a dazzling blonde.

I observed Wi Seol-Ah’s condition closely.

Sweat streamed down her face, making her hair cling to her skin.

Even as she panted tiredly, her gaze remained focused on the tip of Nangong Bi-ah’s sword.

Whether it was a matter of stamina, her arms were shaking, but the shaking vanished whenever she swung her sword.

With that, she ceaselessly struck with her weapon.

Her sword was filled with desperation.

Desperate for something, though I couldn’t discern what exactly that was.

Moreover, I felt an odd aura coming from Wi Seol-Ah.

‘This is maddening.’

Every time I looked at her, memories of a certain black-haired individual alongside the Divine Sword surfaced.

The Heavenly Demon.

Was I subconsciously thinking of the Heavenly Demon?

‘Am I going mad?’

To think I would bring up the one I should have eliminated while looking at Wi Seol-Ah.

If that wasn’t madness, then there was no answer.

“… Huh.”

Stop—!

The two’s movements halted at the sound of my exhale.

“Oh! Gu Gongja?”

Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah quickly turned towards me and approached.

Seeing that, I gave out a slightly awkward smile and said, “Long time no see.”

“Huh? We saw you yesterday.”

“Oh.”

Was that so?

Indeed, it seemed that way.

I had met them the day before heading toward the lake.

From my perspective, it felt like days had passed.

Scratching my head at that awkward lag in time, I was met with a question.

“Hmm?”

“Huh?”

The two stopped in their tracks, widening their eyes as they looked at me.

What’s with that reaction? Do I smell like something odd?

“What’s wrong?”

“…”

I asked what was the matter, but they merely continued to scrutinize me instead of giving a response.

Then, Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah exchanged glances.

“… Something….”

“Yeah….”

What does it mean?

What are they discussing in a way that only they can understand?

It felt quite disappointing to not have a straightforward conversation during this long-awaited reunion.

“Hey… what exactly are you doing….”

“Oh, so you’re all here!”

Just as I was about to voice my disappointment, a bold voice interrupted.

Only one person would speak like that, so I frowned and looked at its source.

The moment I met his gaze, he covered his mouth, surprised, and said, “Oh…. That disdainful expression… so ominous…?”

“Do you want to die…?”

“Of course, I want to live. Who would want to die?”

As expected, it was Woo Hyeok slipping away like a snake.

“Uh?”

Woo Hyeok, who had been grinning ear to ear, suddenly stopped and began examining me just like Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah.

What is going on genuinely?

Do I really give off some strange scent or something?

“You seem different?”

Woo Hyeok’s casual remark made me flinch without realizing it.

Could it be he picked up on something?

‘No way….’

Even I couldn’t tell my Body Transformation Technique was in such a state that it would be noticeable.

Could Woo Hyeok really pick up on that?

I found myself gazing at him, slightly confused, and he shook his head, saying, “Did I grow taller? Hah, that couldn’t be!”

“…”

Seeing him after a considerable time made me want to hit him even more.

… Just a little tap, though.

“Whoa….”

Just as I contemplated that, he suddenly moved and hid behind Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah.

That brat?

“Hey, are you not coming out?”

“I’m not going out, you’ll beat me up.”

“If you don’t come out, it won’t just end with a beating.”

“You can say you won’t hit me, but you might!”

I’m considering folding him into a star shape.

Did he catch on to my intentions? Woo Hyeok hastily looked at the two of them, pleading, “Sisters, please save me…. This guy wants to kill me.”

At Woo Hyeok’s words, the ears of Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah perked up.

This guy’s done for.

“You’re dead for sure….”

I lifted my arm and began to go after Woo Hyeok.

Swipe.

Nangong Bi-ah suddenly thrust her palm toward me and uttered, “… Stop.”

“…?”

“Violence is bad.”

Nangong Bi-ah’s sudden statement left me dumbfounded.

Whose side are you on right now?

It wasn’t just shocking to me; even Nangong Bi-ah felt out of place.

“That’s…. right. Violence is bad. Gu Gongja.”

“Are you too…?”

I felt shocked to see those who had come to see me betray me.

What’s the deal with this situation? Confusion washed over me.

Naturally, my resentment shifted toward Woo Hyeok.

“… This is ridiculous.”

Noticing the fear creeping into Woo Hyeok’s expression, he glanced around, realizing the tension, and declared, “If I’m not careful, I could really end up dead! Hahaha!”

Sensing the killing intent, Woo Hyeok slowly sidled away.

Should I catch him now? Fold him into a crescent shape?

Yeah, I should. A crane shape wouldn’t be bad either.

“Wait a moment… wait!”

“We’re going to hear your excuses after I fold you.”

“Fold me? What do you think I am, paper!?”

“It’s pretty similar!”

“It’s not similar at all!”

Just as I was about to grab his collar and start folding him in various directions, he shouted in a panic.

“My Master sent a letter!”

Suddenly, I halted.

‘If that Master is….’

It must refer to the Master of Wudang, who possesses the Thunder Fang.

“Your Master?”

“Yeah, he asked me to come today.”

“But—”

“You think I’m going to just go when you’re trying to kill me, right?”

Ah.

Woo Hyeok’s words made my mind clear up a bit.

That’s right. We had previously talked about going to see the Master of Wudang together.

Recalling that conversation, I released his collar.

At that moment, Shin Noya spoke to me.

[The Master of Wudang is indeed the one with the Thunder Fang, right?]

‘Yes.’

The Master of Wudang was the current holder of the Thunder Fang and one of the famous figures in the Central Plains.

I was puzzled as to why he had the Thunder Fang and why he wasn’t rushing to retrieve it from the Nangong Clan.

Glancing sideways at Nangong Bi-ah—

‘Hmm.’

Regardless, we had to meet.

I intended to hand the Thunder Fang over to Nangong Bi-ah.

Coincidentally, I also had business with the Thunder Fang itself.

With that thought, I stood up.

“Can we head out now?”

“…”

Feeling my transition in mood, Woo Hyeok wore a baffled expression but chose not to challenge me now.

If he did, I expected retaliation.

As Woo Hyeok kept dusting off his clothing, he said, “It takes around an hour running.”

“Not far, then. Let’s go.”

“… Ah, before that.”

Just as I was about to move, Woo Hyeok grasped my shoulder with a somewhat worried look.

“Please don’t fight or bite anyone, okay?”

“…”

I bit into Woo Hyeok.

 

---