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Chapter 504 – Just Let Me Have It Once.

As I finished my training, loosening my body, I glanced at the sky.

It was still early for the sun to set.

‘Hmm.’

Certainly, it was far too early for my body to be fully relaxed either, but I had to put on my martial robe that I had taken off.

I felt quite disappointed that not a single drop of sweat had dripped from me, but there was nothing I could do about it.

‘Now’s not the time for training anyway.’

I longed to lock myself away in a cave and enter a closed training area, but the circumstances weren’t favorable.

‘Still, I did move around fairly diligently.’

I had hoped to use even a little time efficiently, so I endeavored to move vigorously, yet truly, not even a drop of sweat had flowed.

My body didn’t even feel tired.

‘Tch.’

Could it be from my realm rising, or has my body changed? I should be glad about it, but somehow I felt uneasy.

It was likely because I hadn’t properly examined my own body.

‘It’s absurd that I don’t know my own body.’

Having gone through such rapid changes, I found myself ignorant of this flesh.

Despite checking it for several days.

How solid my skin and muscles had become, how much I had to exert myself to feel fatigue.

How the capacity had increased with my energy.

How much compression and rotation I could endure.

It was simply too inadequate to confirm all of this.

In other words.

‘That means my body’s limits have extended.’

I had become strong enough that I couldn’t even see it all, despite using this time.

That much I could clearly understand.

‘At this level, how would I compare to my previous life’s skills?’

I had thought it roughly to be that much, but now I wondered if it wouldn’t even be five times as much.

Of course, that isn’t exact. I repeat, there simply wasn’t enough time to verify this.

‘Especially regarding my durability, it’s just a bit annoying….’

The quickest way to discern muscle strength and the toughness of my skin is to.

Directly cut and tear at it.

You might think it’s insane, but.

The skin of a martial artist indeed toughens as it gets torn and regenerates.

There were those who even burned themselves during external training.

And I had done similar things in my previous life, claiming it was for training.

If you endure the pain, you grow stronger.

There was nothing easier or quicker than that.

[… So, I shall tear at my own flesh. That’s the thought.]

‘If necessary later on.’

In order to fight better, I needed to assess my body’s condition.

How much could I endure? How much would it take for me to get hurt?

How close to death could I go? I needed to know it all.

‘Just when I thought I was starting to adapt. Tch.’

The body before shedding its skin had settled into a form from all the usage and training.

And yet, to suddenly become so disoriented.

Clenching my fist, I frowned.

Time was needed.

However, I also knew that what I was most lacking right now was time.

What should I do?

I thought about delving deeper, but recalled the matters at hand and moved my energy.

Drrrrr-!

As my energy permeated my flesh, my body immediately responded.

The sensation of my skin shifting along with my bones twisting.

The pain was trivial compared to the suffering from Tua Pacheonmu.

It was merely a matter of bones breaking a bit.

Compared to the sensation that constantly felt like it was grinding me down, this felt like child’s play.

Crrr-!

After a while, the creaking of my bones stopped. It meant I had finished altering my body.

I felt my vision lowering and my body shrinking.

Once confirming the Body Transformation Technique was done properly, I put on my martial robe correctly.

Right afterwards.

“I’m late.”

I spoke while looking at the woman who had arrived behind me.

It was Nahi.

She averted her gaze the moment she saw me. I wondered why she was acting like that.

It must be because she witnessed the transformation of my body directly.

“… I apologize.”

“Why were you late?”

I had called for her quite some time ago, yet Nahi arrived later than I had expected.

Curious about the reason, I asked, but it seemed my words were taken differently as she trembled and knelt.

“… S-sorry…”

“… Hmm.”

Seeing that made me scratch my cheek lightly.

Had I been too harsh while subduing her? She seemed quite intimidated.

“… No one said they’d kill you or anything, did they?”

Or did they? It felt like it might have been said.

“Enough… Now tell me why you were late.”

Pushing aside that awkward feeling, I inquired about the delay.

“Um… Elder Lee had some orders for me….”

If she meant Elder Lee, she must be talking about that old geezer, Tang Deok.

“What about?”

“… I was ordered to combine the Paralysis Poison separately.”

“The Paralysis Poison, huh? Who is it for?”

“…”

“Considering the state, it seems like it’s meant for me.”

She said nothing, but looking into Nahi’s eyes made me understand without her saying it.

‘That foolish old man.’

I had been observing quietly, expecting some grand scheme, but Paralysis Poison.

‘No intention to kill, just paralyze?’

If the plan was to create a paralysis poison rather than a lethal one, it seemed something else was afoot.

‘Hmm.’

Hearing that made me ponder what to do.

If I was curious about what was happening, should I simply leave it be for now?

Or perhaps….

‘Should I just go and overturn it all?’

With a slight tilt of my head, I glanced at Nahi.

As our gazes met, Nahi trembled.

The reason I had been urgently assessing my body’s limits and strengths was none other than.

‘At this level.’

Could I flip everything upside down?

That was what I wanted to confirm.

And.

‘It doesn’t seem too difficult.’

I had become confident that it was possible.

Originally, it would have been impossible due to the nature of the Tang Clan, but.

Now, with ‘Tang Clan’, it became a viable option.

This was understandable.

‘Because I am immune to all poisons.’

I had developed a resistance to poison, a rather strong one at that.

With just this, it wouldn’t be hard for me to rampage within the Tang Clan.

‘Living life has led me to experience all sorts of nonsense.’

Immunity to all poisons.

I couldn’t be sure whether I had truly reached the state of being immune to all poisons, but what mattered was that I had gained a strong resistance to them.

That alone was enough.

‘It’s more than sufficient to deal with a rotten old fool.’

If the problem were to be pointed out.

‘Can I manage to clean up afterward?’

That was why I casually brought the Poison King into the conversation and prepared a justification.

However, since I didn’t know the Poison King well enough, I was still hesitant to trust him fully.

So.

‘I must consider every option.’

Trust no one.

This was the greatest priority in my life this time, just as it had been in my previous life.

[Then, what are you planning to do?]

I turned my thoughts toward Noya’s words.

‘I had originally thought it would take no more than a few days at most.’

Around today, or perhaps tomorrow.

I need to observe the movements of the Poison King and finish things off at the right moment.

For that, I had held onto Nahi and even pretended to swallow the poison.

Even while piecing the situation together like this, there was one troubling aspect.

‘My father is the problem….’

My father’s arrival in Sichuan right now was an issue. I didn’t know if he had genuinely received my letter, but.

Aside from that, I was concerned if I could handle matters without my father knowing.

‘… Hmm.’

What a hassle. In every possible way.

“Hey.”

“Y-yes…!”

I called out to Nahi, and her flinching was evident.

“Have you talked to your brother?”

“… Yes.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Once Dong Deok’s matter came up, Nahi’s expression darkened.

She likely perceived that Dong Deok had also been compromised by me.

‘Thinking back, this lot might’ve had similar intentions all along.’

Nahi from the inside, and Dong Deok from the outside.

They were probably trying to do something for their purposes, but.

‘Both must have failed in the end.’

Reflecting on my previous life, I recalled that Dong Deok was mad with power.

A demon yearning revenge on the Tang Clan, he was floundering.

When I heard that the Demonic Sect had seized Sichuan and that I had slain the Poison Empress, he must have been infuriated.

‘Whatever their intentions were, it ultimately means they failed.’

It could be that what Dong Deok was doing on the outside ended up as a failure.

‘Or it could be.’

My gaze shifted towards Nahi.

‘It’s possible something went wrong from the inside.’

That might have been the case.

Thinking back on events from my past life, it was clear that things hadn’t gone as planned.

“This is an order.”

I spat out the words with my energy.

Immediately, Nahi’s body stiffened.

“It should just be a matter of answering honestly.”

I approached her, locking eyes.

“I’m planning to kill Elder Lee from now on.”

“…!”

The gleam in Nahi’s eyes when she heard my words was unmistakable.

Right there, I understood.

Just moments ago, Nahi felt a fleeting thrill at my declaration.

As I noted this, I smiled and asked.

“For that, how far are you willing to go?”

How far can you go?

In reality, if I commanded with my energy, I could force her to forfeit her life.

Yet, I asked.

This wasn’t about gaining loyalty or boosting her morale.

Such trivialities were unnecessary.

This was merely for confirmation.

“You want that too, don’t you? Am I wrong?”

“… I… I….”

At my question, Nahi’s eyes shook incessantly.

It felt as if an earthquake was occurring.

Gazing quietly into those eyes, I watched as Nahi, once trembling, finally uttered.

“W-whatever… Anything, I can do it.”

“Anything?”

“Yes….”

Hearing that response, I nodded.

“That’s good. Then let me ask just one thing.”

“…”

There was no refusal this time either.

It wasn’t even a difficult request.

It would merely be about solving the question that arose from my memories of the previous Tang Clan.

Given Dong Deok’s previous life, I needed to recall how he managed to preserve his life.

I had to consider the possibility that not just Nahi but others involved might have also failed.

If so, naturally, a hypothesis would arise.

‘Rotten roots might already know about those trying to cut them off at the source.’

There’s a chance that Nahi and others knew they were going to take action.

It remained uncertain whether they would realize that later or if they knew that already from now.

But if.

If they did know something from now on.

That would be quite troubling.

‘Didn’t they say it was a paralysis poison?’

The paralysis poison they had prepared.

Nahi claimed she was preparing this for me, and according to the golden binding placed on her, she couldn’t lie.

But what if.

‘What if she actually knows the truth differently?’

Then issues could arise. I had heard that it was supposed to be one thing.

But if it turned out to be something different, that would be a disaster.

‘… In that case.’

If such a situation really arose.

‘Who is it meant for, if not me?’

I pondered that, allowing my eyes to glimmer.

I had some predictions.

If it aligned with my expectations, that problem would also be a gnawing one.

‘It should be fine.’

Despite my unease, I remained somewhat at ease.

The reason was simple.

‘I’ve already prepared for whatever might come.’

No matter what happens, I had made preparations to solve it.

What remains now is just to confirm the details.

On the outskirts of the Tang Clan, in a large residence close to the mountains.

This place was used by the bloodline of the Tang Clan, particularly where the Poison King’s prized heir resided.

One might wonder why the treasured bloodline that the clan leader cherished so much would dwell in such an outer area, especially near a mountain.

This was a decision she personally requested from the clan leader.

Grrr.

A sizable wolf was purring contentedly in the yard.

A giant mountain wolf with black fur.

It was one of the few remaining Sichuan-born wolves, a beast that roamed the mountains due to the demon beasts appearing.

This wolf was a beloved pet of the Tang Clan’s bloodline, Poison Phoenix Tang Soyeol.

“Are you feeling good?”

Tang Soyeol smiled as she heard the wolf’s crying sound.

It seemed the long-awaited grooming had put the wolf in a good mood.

“I’m sorry. I should have done this more often.”

Grrrr….

“You’re understanding? Thank you.”

As Tang Soyeol spoke, the wolf moved its body, displaying a touch of charm.

Seeing the large wolf acting so coy was amusing yet adorable.

At least from Tang Soyeol’s perspective.

As she stroked the wolf’s belly, she pondered.

‘I wish the Prince would approach me like this too.’

She sighed softly as she recalled a young man who resembled a ferocious wolf.

The problem wasn’t with the young man, but with herself.

‘… No, if he came near, I couldn’t do anything anyway.’

It was a sort of grievance.

Tang Soyeol recognized there had been a problem since the last time she had been held in Gu Yangcheong’s arms.

The moment she had heard the sound of that tremendous heart within his chest.

She had thought him small in stature, yet realized he was much broader than she had expected.

Since then, her mind had been all over the place.

She couldn’t even meet Gu Yangcheong’s gaze properly, let alone engage in conversation.

‘… Why is this happening?’

Was it because she had finally realized her feelings? That couldn’t be true.

She had identified her romantic emotions long ago.

Then what was the issue?

‘… This isn’t the time for that…!’

Feeling her heart racing, it wasn’t the moment to be distant. Tang Soyeol felt overwhelming frustration about her situation.

Her fiancé, Nangong Bi-ah, had a composed yet firm presence, knowing her position.

Wi Seol-Ah didn’t seem to be doing anything, yet displayed her domain next to him.

Moreover, even Moyong Hi-ah, who arrived the latest, had shown remarkable capability and placed herself properly.

‘… What about me?’

In this situation, Tang Soyeol had to acknowledge she was standing apart.

‘What should I do…?’

She wasn’t as talented as either Nangong Bi-ah or Wi Seol-Ah. She recognized herself as pretty, but not unrealistically beautiful like them.

Nor did she handle people as adeptly as Moyong Hi-ah, who was remarkably intelligent.

She had recently solidified the realization that she had far too little to offer.

The only solace she had was that she could rely on her family heritage.

Nangong Bi-ah was born into the Nangong Clan, and Moyong Hi-ah was from the Moyong Family.

Moreover, Wi Seol-Ah was said to be the granddaughter and successor of the Sword Sovereign.

Even her background, which seemed enviable, felt subtly insufficient.

‘….’

There was no answer. Truly no answer at all.

At this rate, being next to the Gu Prince would gradually become more burdensome.

‘… What should I do? What on earth should I do?’

Could she really stay next to him without any abilities?

Perhaps Gu Yangcheong wouldn’t mind, but that wasn’t what Tang Soyeol wished for.

She shouldn’t be incompetent.

Gu Yangcheong was outstanding—too outstanding—and it was a problem for an incompetent person like her to be beside him.

To remain close, she had to achieve something.

Tang Soyeol recalled the words Moyong Hi-ah had often said to her.

– You must become someone not ashamed to be beside him.

Whenever Gu Yangcheong was absent, Moyong Hi-ah would always gaze at the mysterious letters she had received.

While Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah wielded their swords daily.

So what was Tang Soyeol doing amidst all that?

Sticking straight up.

The grooming of the wolf came to an abrupt stop. And Tang Soyeol examined her palm.

The rough, cracked skin and hardened calluses were visible.

This bore evidence of her constant efforts.

Yet.

‘There are no results.’

In stark contrast to her efforts, the results were lacking.

Her martial arts hadn’t increased, and the only thing growing was her hair.

She carefully touched her beautifully grown hair, as she had taken to nurturing it with great care.

‘…’

Since all the women beside Gu Yangcheong had long hair, Tang Soyeol was in the process of growing hers, which had been short into longer lengths.

Yet within that, the strange sense of inferiority gnawed at her.

‘That would make me just a copycat.’

She always tried hard to improve, but.

It was tough to keep up with those leaping ahead of her.

“Hah.”

A sigh escaped her lips.

Having come all the way to Sichuan with Gu Yangcheong, Tang Soyeol felt that she hadn’t made any meaningful progress toward her goals.

What on earth should she do? Just as she pondered deeply, she heard a voice from outside the residence. “Is anyone there?”

Tang Soyeol raised her head, and an old man’s face came into view.

She quickly rose her body.

“Oh… Elder!”

“I apologize for coming suddenly.”

“It’s fine….”

The old man was one of the elders of the Tang Clan.

Someone who had treated her like a beloved granddaughter ever since she was small.

Tang Soyeol forced a smile as she looked at him.

“What brings you here?”

“It’s nothing significant… I just wanted to see your face for a moment.”

“Oh, then let me have someone serve you some tea….”

“Oh.”

At Tang Soyeol’s words, Elder Lee’s eyes lit up.

Then he pulled something from his robe.

“I felt a bit awkward coming to visit empty-handed, so I happened to bring a nice tea as a gift. How fortunate.”

“Oh my…. You didn’t need to do that.”

“Haha, well, how could I come with empty hands?”

Elder Lee flashed a warm smile as he attempted to hand over the tea to Tang Soyeol.

Just as Tang Soyeol reached out to receive Elder Lee’s gift.

Crack-!

Thud-!

The item Elder Lee was holding fell to the ground when someone grabbed his wrist.

“…!”

Elder Lee’s eyes widened at the sudden contact.

A hefty hand and the weight behind it.

“What the…!”

As Elder Lee displayed surprise, looking at the person blocking him, the man merely stared back at him with a chilling gaze.

“You there…! What do you think you’re doing?!”

Elder Lee exclaimed angrily, but the man remained unchanged.

At that moment.

“Unauthorized approach is forbidden.”

The man, Tang Deok, uttered as he looked at Elder Lee.

Upon hearing those words, Elder Lee’s brows knitted tightly.

 

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