Chapter 484
Chapter 485 – The Gwaeseon
Nangong Ming, the Thunder Sword of the Azure Sky.
One of the five heroes who thwarted the Blood Demon.
The strongest martial artist in Nangong Clan’s history.
With just a flick of his hand, the sky would fill with dark clouds, and his gentle reprimand would cause thunder to roar.
He was also known by another title.
“The Thunder God,” they said.
This was only passed down through records, and I hadn’t sought it out specifically, so I didn’t know much.
Of course, after realizing that they were entwined with my life, I did a bit of digging.
From what remains in the records, however…
“It was a stretch to call them all human.”
It was merely a collection of legendary tales.
They said Tang Je-mun emitted poison to cover a region entirely.
That Cheol-Yeong, contrary to his benevolent nature, could erase mountains with a single punch.
That the Thunder God’s fury shook the heavens.
Shin Noya and Yeon Ilcheon’s stories only added to this strange collection.
One couldn’t help but wonder if such monsters truly existed.
I was so irritated that I didn’t want to read any more.
Did I think it was all nonsense? If only that were the case, I might find some comfort in it.
The reason was simple.
“Five beings like that gathered together, and all they managed was a seal?”
The Blood Demon War left a grim mark.
People would like to think heroes saved the day, but in reality, they barely managed to seal it, and now the Blood Demon was still running rampant.
It was hard enough dealing with the Heavenly Demon, but even those five couldn’t properly contain the Blood Demon.
As I looked at the legends of the heroes, I couldn’t help but feel furious that I might be the one to handle what they couldn’t achieve united.
Anyway…
I could think about that later.
Right now, I needed to focus on the statement Shin Noya had just made.
“Nangong Ming?”
I turned to face him.
His wild, dust-filled white hair.
Lifting the bangs that covered his face, I was finally able to see his brilliant blue eyes.
He possessed one of the most striking appearances of all the people I had encountered.
When it came to looks, he overshadowed even the illustrious Wang of the Azure Sky Sword Nangong Jin.
I thought to myself while looking at him.
“… The Master of Wudang… was a child of the Nangong Clan?”
Such an appearance could only belong to one place in the Central Plains.
The great Nangong Clan.
Only there could you find such distinctive traits, and the Master of Wudang undeniably bore them.
Much more pronounced than the Clan Leader or Nangong Bi-ah, even.
In this bewildering situation, I turned to Noya and asked.
“Noya… what do you mean by that?”
[… What do you mean, ‘what do you mean?’ It means exactly what it says.]
“He looks just like the Thunder Sword?”
[Yep. He looks identical, to the point where it sends chills down my spine. Though his filthy demeanor is a bit different.]
Hearing that, I examined the Master again.
A strikingly handsome face.
Despite the chill in his aura, his eyes looked tired, and his expression was devoid of luck.
I began to understand why Shin Noya had always referred to Nangong Ming as “the sour-faced one” whenever he brought him up.
After pondering for a moment on what to do, I decided to put my hands together and adopt a Pogo stance.
At the very least, I had to greet him.
“… I, a child of the Gu Clan, pay my respects to the Master of Wudang.”
“Gu Clan?”
The Master of Wudang’s eyes sparked with interest the moment he heard my introduction.
“I see. You must be the one causing all the commotion recently.”
“… Yes. My name is Gu Yangcheong.”
I had no idea what kind of commotion he was referring to, but given that I had been spreading rumors tirelessly through the Martial Alliance, it had to be something about me.
“Hmm.”
The Master’s gaze swept over my body.
There was evident curiosity in his stare.
After staring at me for a moment, he suddenly grinned and spoke.
“When I first heard the rumor…. I thought the Martial Alliance’s lunatics were playing tricks.”
“…!”
I was taken aback by the sharpness of his comment.
I never thought there would be another lunatic in this era who would go around labeling the Martial Alliance as such besides myself.
[So you were aware you weren’t in your right mind.]
To think that the Master was perceptive enough to notice the tricks being played by those idiots was surprising, to say the least.
While I was astonished, he appeared just as surprised by me.
“I didn’t expect the rumors to be quite so absurd.”
“I’m grateful you view it positively….”
Though I made sure to conceal my realm, it seemed he had caught on somewhat when I displayed my light-footed technique earlier.
Feeling amused, the Master rubbed his chin a few times.
“We’re doomed.”
He suddenly blurted out an odd statement while glancing at Woo Hyeok.
“What do you mean?”
Woo Hyeok replied as if he were used to the Master’s antics, while the Master smirked.
“I thought this era would be yours to sweep up.”
“Me? You think I’m talking about myself?”
Woo Hyeok looked stunned as if he had just heard news for the first time.
“With someone like you around, it seems that’s out of the question. Better to give up.”
“Haha, why would I do that? I never expected anything to begin with. Why would I bother with such troublesome matters? I’d rather sleep during that time.”
“… You’re still as lazy as ever. For the sake of your Master, show a bit of grit.”
“Well, you’re hardly an inspiration for grit yourself.”
“That’s fair.”
Hahaha-!
They were laughing heartily after their conversation.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly as I watched them.
Now, I understood where Woo Hyeok got that strange personality of his. It was like looking in a mirror.
[Hmm.]
Shin Noya seemed equally baffled, letting out a tired voice.
[… Their faces might be identical, but their personalities are entirely different.]
“Is it that different from the Thunder Sword?”
He said their looks were the same, but their personalities must vary greatly.
[If it were him, he wouldn’t use that kind of tone. He wouldn’t even live so slovenly.]
Shin Noya’s voice was full of unknowable firmness.
[That guy would fuss if even a speck of dust landed on him. It was disgusting enough that I once considered dumping him in a muddy waterhole.]
“Eh?”
[Do you have any idea how menacing he looked when he threatened to kill me back then? Haha. He was such a small-minded guy. A martial artist should allow for a bit of dirt, after all. Tsk. Tsk.]
‘…’
No matter how I heard it, it felt more like Shin Noya was the one being a jerk.
It seemed pretty clear that they hadn’t been on good terms.
‘From what I’ve heard of their personalities, Master and Gwaeseon must differ a lot.’
On the other hand, the fact that their faces were identical meant they weren’t too different in that regard.
While waiting for the two to finish their laughter, I finally spoke to the Master when things quieted down.
“Um… Master.”
“Hmm?”
“Excuse me, but may I ask about Nangong….”
“Ah.”
As I began to ask, the Master waved his hand as if he instantly knew what I was going to ask.
“It used to be that way, but not anymore. Don’t worry about it.”
It used to be that way, but not anymore…
It seemed some affairs had transpired.
‘Well, it confirms he hails from Nangong Clan.’
Ah.
‘So the Thunder Fang…?’
With that realization, I finally understood why the Master of Wudang was the current possessor of the Thunder Fang.
The Thunder Fang, a symbol of the Nangong Clan and a valuable treasure.
How could it end up in someone else’s hands?
‘Could it be that he was originally from the Nangong Clan?’
While it was rare for someone of an esteemed birth to leave their family for another clan, it wasn’t unheard of.
In the past, members of the Moyong and Peng families had gained notoriety within different clans.
However…
‘Why has the Master’s name not become widely known?’
A Master from the Wudang sect originally hailing from the Nangong Clan should have had his name spread far and wide.
It was only natural for a prominent family to boast about such an achievement.
Martial heaven should have danced with tales of how a bloodline from Nangong became illustrious.
Yet the only famous epithets attached to him—while crucial—did not reveal he was from Nangong Clan.
‘It shouldn’t be possible given his unmistakable features.’
The lack of rumors surrounding him was oddly peculiar.
‘Then, why hasn’t the Nangong Clan retrieved the Thunder Fang?’
This was the biggest question of all.
The rumors of the Master holding the Thunder Fang had spread, albeit modestly.
Since the Thunder Fang was a symbol of the Nangong Clan, it would make sense for the Master to relinquish it upon becoming an outsider.
Yet, for some reason, the Nangong Clan had been passive in taking action.
‘I can’t figure it out. Why is that?’
Given that Clan Leaders and their children often acted like fools, you’d expect them to be clever enough in such matters.
Considering their reluctance to act, it seemed there was some underlying reason.
Lost in thought about various issues for a moment…
“Ah, even if you say not to worry,”
the Master suddenly spoke as if he had realized something.
“You might find it a bit challenging.”
“Eh?”
What was he talking about?
“I heard you’re engaged. Is that right?”
“Ah….”
At first, I was puzzled, but then realized he was referring to Nangong Bi-ah.
“It feels a bit wrong to say not to worry, but it’s time to…”
“No, I’m not too concerned, so it’s fine.”
“Really?”
The Master was about to add on but I interrupted him.
“Honestly, the more I hear, the more bothersome it seems. Since you told me not to mind, I won’t.”
“Oh, is that so?”
It really was quite a bothersome topic.
I already had a mountain of worries, and I didn’t want to hear the intricacies behind the Nangong Clan’s affairs.
Perhaps sensing the weight behind my response, the Master made a subtle expression.
Looking over at Woo Hyeok, he remarked.
“Since he’s your friend, I guess he’s not normal either.”
“Eh? If he is, then I’m certainly normal.”
“What a relief to see you haven’t changed in years. You’re still just as peculiar, my disciple.”
Being treated like a strange fellow felt unjust.
Yet, I was more irritated by Woo Hyeok’s confidence in calling himself normal.
‘With eyes as discerning as his, I can’t even retaliate. I might have to think of a way to take care of him on our journey.’
I steadied my thoughts.
“Master, I think that guy is planning something against me.”
Seemingly catching on quickly, Woo Hyeok informed his Master about my suspicion.
That guy…?
“Growing up comes with conflicts, after all.”
“Haha. What a ridiculous thought. I had no allies then, did I?”
[… Madmen. They’re indeed madmen.]
This time, I wholeheartedly agreed with Noya. They were clearly crazed.
But then again, Noya wasn’t exactly normal either.
[What, you little… ?]
“How could you read my thoughts? Have some respect for my privacy!”
[Hah. It’s clear you’re not even pretending anymore.]
Since he could tell everything, I decided to throw a curse or two without reservation.
[… That aside, you should think hard about your reason for coming here.]
‘Oh right. That’s what I was doing here.’
[…]
Although I couldn’t hear anything, I had the impression that Noya looked upon me with disappointment.
‘Right, I did come with a purpose, after all. How should I go about this?’
The purpose of my visit to seek the Master.
That was to procure the Thunder Fang.
I had intended to leverage the Thunder Fang to offer it to Nangong Bi-ah.
‘But I can’t just take it away.’
It was impossible to snatch it with brute force.
The original method of invoking the name of the Nangong Clan also became infeasible.
‘Since he’s technically a bloodline member and there are personal ties being respected, I lack justification for taking it.’
I hadn’t planned to seize it from our very first meeting, but I definitely had to consider a strategy.
While I deliberated over how to make it happen…
[Want me to help?]
Shin Noya’s emotionless voice suddenly echoed.
‘… You, Noya?’
[Of course. Who else would help?]
‘How would you do that?’
Considering he was bound to my very being right now, it seemed improbable for him to lend aid.
Despite my skeptical trust in him, I knew any help was better than none.
‘Is there some way?’
[Well, I mean, a direct conversation with him would likely be the quickest route.]
‘Him?’
What’s he implying?
I raised a brow slightly.
[A bit ago, when Ming tried to kill me, I was referring to that time.]
‘What? Yes.’
Noya unexpectedly began recounting past events.
[It’s not just once or twice—it’s happened so many times. Since we simply aren’t compatible in temperament.]
I was puzzled as to why he was bringing it up, but I decided not to interrupt.
It seemed there was some reasoning driving it.
[We’ve likely exchanged blows at least a hundred times…. But do you grasp the key point here?]
His tone grew serious, creating an unexpected pressure.
Caught off-guard, I unconsciously swallowed nervously and needed to respond.
Gulp.
‘What is it…?’
[Forty-two to fifty-one.]
‘What on earth….?’
[That’s the tally of our victories and losses. Naturally, I won thirty-five of those.]
[… You’re talking nonsense.]
“…!”
Before I could even react, a voice cut through the conversation.
I turned my head toward the source of the sound.
There stood the Master, gazing at his vibrating chest in confusion.
From his clothing, he revealed something from his bosom.
Zing… Zing…!
What he unveiled was a vibrating rod. Indeed.
‘The Thunder Fang?’
It was confirmed to be the Thunder Fang, one of the five legendary swords of the Central Plains.
[Ha ha.]
Seeing that, Shin Noya began to chuckle.
What this meant was…
‘Could it be that the voice I just heard….’
With both hope and apprehension, I glanced at the Thunder Fang.
[Seems the passage of time finally spoiled your brain.]
An overwhelmingly chilling voice echoed through the air.
To ponder how a human voice could sound so frigid was a mystery in itself.
[Forty-nine wins were your total; the other fifty-one belonged to me. How dare you distort such heavy history?]
Despite the icy tone, the words had a slightly crude undertone.
I continued to stare at the Thunder Fang, wide-eyed in astonishment.
[Long time, no see.]
Despite the biting cold of the voice, Shin Noya replied as if they were reminiscing warmly.
Through this, it became unmistakably clear.
The voice belonged to none other than…
[Nangong Ming himself.]
Drip….
In a dim and humid space, small sounds echoed.
Drip… Drip….
The sound of droplets falling resonated throughout the vast area.
The purpose of this space was entirely unknown.
Within it, Nahi knelt with bowed head.
She showed far more respect than when in the presence of the Poison King.
The one receiving Nahi’s homage was rifling through a piece of paper in hand.
Thin fingers, seemingly nothing but bone, emerged from the shadows.
Rustle.
As the Elder perused the letter slowly, he soon frowned in discovery.
“The Poison King learned of this…. Is this the truth?”
“… Yes… it is, Elder.”
“Hmm…. This has become troublesome.”
With that abrupt remark,
Flap…!
The letter he held began to decay rapidly.
“Still… it is not yet time…”
The Elder felt regret.
The opportunity was drawing near, and he had prepared in alignment with it.
It seemed that something had disrupted his plans.
“Gu Yangcheong, was it?”
“Yes…. That is correct.”
Tsk.
The Elder clicked his tongue.
“As expected of someone from the Gu Clan, engaging in acts that catch one’s eye… I wish you’d merely stayed still, like a bloodied pile.”
The name of the one who brought unnecessary information to the Poison King created quite the buzz recently in the Central Plains.
“Bringing word of the Poison Heavenly Pill was commendable, but rampaging without knowing your place is infuriating,” he muttered to himself.
Especially in a land that belonged to the Tang Clan.
The Elder found this particularly displeasing.
“Before things get any messier… it’s best to clear things up.”
As he spoke, the Elder broke into a faint smile.
In his territory, regardless of how profound the other’s power or background may be.
There were countless ways to dispose of someone without a trace.
“Inform the others; I must prepare a fitting gift, it seems.”
The Elder exhibited unmatched confidence in this aspect.
Receiving his command, Nahi lowered her head even further in reply.
“Understood.”
There was no room for refusal in such orders.
Originally, the curse binding Nahi would have compelled her to comply.
“…”
But now, things were different.
Nahi lifted her head slightly, taking a good look at the Elder.
The curse which once enveloped her had vanished, granting her the possibility of escape.
That was all due to him.
What Gu Yangcheong infused into her had produced this outcome.
The curse that had bound her for years finally lifted in an instant.
Therefore, the urge to plunge a dagger deep into the Elder’s throat became almost unbearable.
She wished to sever his neck and turn his heart to pulp.
But Nahi found she couldn’t. No, she simply wouldn’t.
Now that the curse on her had vanished.
It was replaced by a far more significant curse.
– If anything happens, just do as you’re told. It doesn’t matter.
She recalled the recent command.
Was it due to that remark that Nahi felt unable to act?
No matter the situation, she abhorred living like a slave.
But she bit her lip and endured it.
At least one thing was different.
– I will allow you revenge. Just follow the orders.
Those words.
Just that single glimmer of hope allowed Nahi to restrain herself.
Of course, even if she couldn’t, she found herself without other options.
“Ah, and…”
“… Yes.”
As Nahi was struggling to suppress her emotions, the Elder spoke again.
“Find out the position of the Princess. I’ll be paying my respects after a long time.”
“Understood.”
With those final words, Nahi vanished, leaving the Elder alone as he gazed somewhere lost in thought, a smirk crossing his face.
Chuckle.
In the direction the Elder was staring, lay the dismembered corpses of many, strewn about like forgotten dolls.
Blood gushed from the remains, soaking the ground.
Even in the face of such brutality, the Elder watched with ease, laughing softly.
“All according to the intentions of the Clan Leader.”
Any anomalies that occurred were inconsequential.
If any dared to oppose that intent, they’d simply be eradicated.
It had always been this way.
The Poison King.
Anyone defying his will would find themselves uprooted without a second thought.
