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Chapter 523: Just One More Time

Starting with a gem, the sword blade sparkled brilliantly.

The translucent blade, which seemed to gather strong energy, exuded a subtle atmosphere.

But that wasn’t all.

‘What is this…’

I could feel the heat rising around me, and even the fire energy I possessed was amplified.

‘Incredible, right?’

It was astonishing.

Not only was my body invigorated, but my very essence felt strengthened too.

‘This feels similar to when I used blood qi back in the day.’

Right now, I had fused with blood qi, but in my past human life, it was a feeling I had experienced with blood qi.

Remembering that made me glance at the Thunder Fang once more.

‘This thing is truly something else.’

I had simply thought it would enhance the thunder technique, not strengthen my body and energy to this extent.

“How do you…?”

A voice full of surprise rang out.

It was Gwaeseon.

Her eyes widened as she watched the Thunder Fang activate in my hand, clearly fascinated.

‘Can Gwaeseon use this too?’

A question flashed through my mind.

Having abandoned Nangong’s martial arts to become a Wudang practitioner, could Gwaeseon use the Thunder Fang?

If she could even use it, there was no item more precious than this.

‘… In that case, it would be better than the Gui Jeong?’

[What, you little brat?]

As if reacting to my comparison, Noya’s voice was heard sharply.

But honestly, it was true.

The Gui Jeong had the trait of being indestructible.

And when compared to the Thunder Fang with its extraordinary effects…

‘From a combat perspective, this one is overwhelming.’

I wouldn’t end up using the sword, which meant I ultimately wouldn’t use the Thunder Fang.

Setting that aside, the Thunder Fang was indeed an incredible item.

‘Though the issue is that I’m consuming bets like crazy.’

Since the sword itself was made from bets, it seemed like the consumption would be immense.

For me, who naturally had a surplus of bets, I could probably use it for several hours without issue.

‘But others wouldn’t last long with it.’

Especially since it was used with sword intent… other than at the peak level, it probably couldn’t be used.

If one tried to use it recklessly, they could end up disturbing their innate energy.

As I inspected the Thunder Fang with keen interest, trying to grasp its potential…

[In-no-oohm…!!]

I heard Nangong Ming’s anxious voice.

[How on earth can you draw out the sword spirit!]

‘… You can’t get mad at me for that. I’m just as confused!’

I simply fed it bets, and since it was eating them so well, I tried giving it a bit more.

And just like that, it suddenly went “poof!” and activated. What did he want me to do about it?

‘I didn’t think it would work for me either.’

Since I wasn’t connected to the thunder technique, I had no idea I could even use the Thunder Fang in the first place.

Swish…

I gave it a light swing.

‘… Wow.’

Immediately, an involuntary admiration escaped my lips.

The sensation was entirely different.

It was lighter than any ordinary iron sword and the feeling of cutting through the air was something else altogether.

So this is what a legendary sword feels like?

No wonder sword masters go mad trying to get their hands on the best swords.

‘Wait, where in the world would you find a sword spirit made of sword intent?’

As I swung it a few more times, feeling its rhythm…

[Ugh! Put that down this instant! You brat!]

Nangong Ming was getting increasingly frustrated, but of course, I was letting his words fall on deaf ears.

‘Just hang on a bit longer. It’s not like it’s going to wear out from a little use.’

[… You little…?! This is something only those of the Nangong clan can wield…!]

Well, I got that part.

‘But I can use it, can’t I?’

What exactly was the Thunder Fang that lit up in my hand if not an exception?

I wasn’t even of pure Nangong bloodline.

And the energy I sensed from the sword spirit was not blood qi at all.

This was clearly fire energy.

The sword spirit brimming with my energy was clearly separate from blood qi.

Why was I able to use this?

It was a question I should have considered upon first picking it up.

But right now, there was no time for that.

“Is it… all done…?”

“… Yeah, it seems to be about ready.”

Surprisingly calm, Nangong Bi-ah asked me that as she looked at the Thunder Fang.

She seemed unperturbed as to whether I was using the Thunder Fang or not.

‘… Is she not surprised?’

I mean, a legendary sword just popped out of a stick!

Meanwhile, Gwaeseon almost looked like her eyeballs would pop out in shock.

‘Well, I guess that’s how she is.’

Swoosh—!

With each slight swing, the blade emitted a sound.

An overwhelming vibration was felt.

It clearly commanded awe.

Although I sadly couldn’t wield the mythical essence of the Demon Sword Queen, just this alone felt powerful enough.

‘Should I not use it?’

For a moment, I wondered if it would be better to return the Thunder Fang and use the Gui Jeong instead.

Such conscientious thoughts flitted through my mind.

“…”

I suddenly steadied myself and aimed the sword at Nangong Bi-ah.

Now was not the time to be worrying about that.

The sword tip, filled with fire energy.

As Nangong Bi-ah studied it for a moment, she shot me a glance and spoke.

“I’m going.”

Just as I was about to respond…

Swoosh—!

“…!”

Before I could say a word, Nangong Bi-ah shot forward.

So fast.

So much so that her afterimage was dim.

In an instant, she had closed the distance.

Low stance and the angle of her sword grip.

‘She’s going for the upward strike.’

As the thought crossed my mind, the blade shot upwards.

I barely had time to move backward.

I quickly spun my body to evade to the side.

At the moment I dodged, her sword path changed direction and followed me.

‘Wow.’

What do we have here?

It wouldn’t be easy to sudden change direction at this angle.

This implies…

‘She anticipated I would move like this from the start?’

It would be more accurate to think so.

I raised my sword to block Nangong Bi-ah’s attack.

The moment our blades met…

Clang—!

“…!”

A resounding chime echoed, and her sword was knocked away.

I hadn’t done a single thing.

The sword simply unleashed its own recoil and deflected the attack.

Seeing that made me laugh internally.

‘What a crazy sword.’

Does the sword spirit itself possess recoil?

‘I clearly used a bet, didn’t I?’

Right before it deflected her sword, I felt energy escape my body.

Meaning the Thunder Fang had utilized the energy from my body to defend on its own.

‘… They said it was a legendary sword.’

The more I looked at it, the more I regretted that it wasn’t a legendary sword with a spirit. If it had such a spirit, I would have stolen it by now.

As the backlash sent Nangong Bi-ah stumbling back for a brief moment, I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity.

I took a step forward.

Closing the distance just a bit more.

Then, I swung my arm.

Whoosh—! The Thunder Fang aimed straight for Nangong Bi-ah’s chest.

A simple thrust without any embellishments.

Just a swift motion synchronized with its speed.

Nangong Bi-ah’s gaze fixated on the tip of my sword.

And then…

Whew—!

“… Huh.”

An overwhelming fierce aura erupted from Nangong Bi-ah’s body.

It was none other than the Nangong clan’s secret technique, the Imperial Sword Form.

The sheer force pinned me back.

Had Nangong Bi-ah possessed this much power all along?

‘This is worlds apart from before.’

Back in our first encounter after the return, when she had revealed her identity as the daughter of the Nangong clan through the Imperial Sword Form.

Compared to that time, the Imperial Sword Form now was far too heavy.

With an overwhelming presence deserving of its name, it was likely to intimidate anyone of comparable or slightly higher realms.

But…

Her Imperial Sword Form was still incomplete.

Boom—!

As I released my own heat to confront her, the Imperial Sword Form was quickly pushed back.

Energy shattered and crumbled.

Nangong Bi-ah’s beautiful brow furrowed at the sight.

‘There’s still a long way to go.’

The Imperial Sword Form once displayed by the former Demon Sword Queen.

Compared to that time, when it made everything around it crumble under its weight, Nangong Bi-ah’s current form lacked might.

The fusion of a warrior’s presence and intent was prone to collapse beneath a greater presence.

It was a method I had come to understand through grappling with the former Demon Sword Queen in a past life.

Recklessly pouring my bets to bolster presence.

Using that to dismantle her pressure—an utterly crude method.

A technique only someone like me, who had an excess of bets, could utilize.

I pressed forth without hesitation, aiming for her.

The only drawback was…

‘A brief gap has opened up.’

In the midst of dismantling the Imperial Sword Form, I noticed a lapse.

Nangong Bi-ah certainly wouldn’t let this chance slip.

Cling—!

She twisted her body to exploit the opening, directing a thrust away.

Whoosh—! The Thunder Fang erupted in a recoil as if waiting for this moment.

Despite her effort, Nangong Bi-ah managed to deflect the attack successfully.

‘Hmm.’

The end of her deflected thrust skimmed through the air.

I didn’t think my last judgment was entirely misguided.

I pivoted my body and swung my leg.

Boom—!

“Ugh…!”

Nangong Bi-ah, struck in the chest by my kick, was sent flying back.

“Cough….”

Having recoiled a couple of steps, she half-kneeled, gasping for breath.

I looked at her and said, “Is that all you’ve got?”

“…”

It was still insufficient.

The judgment was fair, but nothing more.

It was only natural.

“There were countless moments where you could have finished me, you know that?”

“… Yeah….”

When I had first drawn my sword.

The moment her sword had been deflected, if I hadn’t been holding the blade, I could have ended it then and there.

The performance of the Thunder Fang was indeed impressive.

But ultimately, in the end, wielding a sword felt more like a shackle for me.

From footwork to body, my entire being was attuned to swordplay.

That was something I had trained intentionally, so I couldn’t complain about it.

“… If you’re going to show me something like this, I won’t let you go.”

“…”

Nangong Bi-ah slowly raised her body.

She had expended substantial strength in that kick, yet, even with her energy in disarray, her presence was starting to stabilize again.

She took a few regulating breaths, returning her expression to its original state.

Swish.

The sword turned toward me again.

“Again… please.”

“…”

Her resolve remained steady.

Her gaze was unwavering.

Nangong Bi-ah must have known this.

She must have realized that with the way we were just now, reaching me was impossible.

Yet, she seemed intent on trying again.

“Why? What is it that makes you want to push further?”

“…”

“If you don’t go, are you really saying you won’t leave me…?”

As I spoke, a feeling of vulnerability spilled out without my realization.

I hadn’t intended to issue such a pitiful claim.

Once those words escaped my lips, they wouldn’t stop.

“You said you wouldn’t leave me behind.”

It had been Nangong Bi-ah who had distinctly stated that she would not leave me.

“… You said that.”

I recognized it was an obsession.

I was aware it stemmed from possessiveness as well.

Yet even so, I didn’t want to let go.

It was dangerous.

I was cautious about getting tied down like this; I tried to keep each individual from gaining too much influence over me.

Preparing mentally for when the blood calamity would hit.

No matter what happened, I wanted to be able to throw myself without hesitation.

To have no thoughts of wanting to survive.

That’s what I aimed for.

But, looking at it now, I must have already been too late.

Hearing my words, Nangong Bi-ah straightened her posture and said to me, “I won’t leave. Not ever.”

“Then right now, too….”

“To do that, we have to go.”

What a contradictory statement.

Biting my lip, I gripped the Thunder Fang tightly.

“… Right, if you really want to go, I get it. No matter how I think about it, I’m not ready to let you leave.”

“…”

“The promise remains. Show me your worth, and then I’ll let you go.”

Perhaps it was the effect of transmutation.

Something within my grasp started to feel like it was slipping away.

I wanted to keep it no matter what.

That feeling began to wrap around my body.

Thud—!

Nangong Bi-ah again catapulted herself. This time with the same trajectory as before.

Watching her, I furrowed my brow.

‘What’s she planning?’

If it’s the same as before, there’s no meaning in it. Just as that thought crossed my mind…

Boom—!

There was a noise from Nangong Bi-ah’s sword. It was the Sword Name.

A particularly clear and deep Sword Name. This meant that Nangong Bi-ah’s current level was quite impressive.

As the Sword Name echoed, her sword began to resonate profoundly.

The sword path unfolded before me.

It was Nangong’s sword artistry. Familiar but somehow disappointing to see.

At that moment.

[… Huh…]

Nangong Ming exclaimed in astonishment, mixed with admiration.

The very same man who had been yelling at me to let go of the Thunder Fang was now reacting with surprise.

[… How on earth can that child do that?]

The sword path linked smoothly.

I couldn’t help but wonder why Nangong Ming was reacting this way.

‘This…?!’

As the sword path stretched out before me, I too began to understand.

This was…

‘The sword of the former Demon Sword Queen.’

The sword dance beneath moonlight that she had performed.

The similarities to that form were striking.

Having shed all of Nangong’s issues, this was a glimpse of utter perfection.

In many ways, it appeared lacking compared to the skills of the former Demon Sword Queen and appeared rough, yet…

This was unmistakably that sword.

‘When did she…?!’

I swallowed my surprise as I barely evaded the path of the blade.

When on earth had she acquired such a thing?

‘Did she learn from the Sword King?’

I recalled the conditions set with the Sword King, who had claimed he would teach the Nangong arts if there was something for him to understand.

Could this be it?

‘No…’

There wasn’t enough time to do so.

I had met the Sword King just for a few days in Hanam recently.

That wasn’t enough time to learn something of this magnitude.

So ultimately, it could be concluded that Nangong Bi-ah had figured this out entirely on her own.

‘Impressive.’

I wondered how long it had taken her to reach this level.

Undoubtedly, she must have worked incredibly hard.

No one had told her she was doing it right, so she must have waded through a sea of confusion while training.

Was this path truly correct?

She had to have pondered over that repeatedly.

And ultimately arrived at this point.

‘Have I been blind to this effort of yours?’

I realized that I hadn’t kept an eye on Nangong Bi-ah, who was trying so hard.

Her martial artistry made it clear.

I could feel her heart.

“…”

I sensed it.

Perhaps due to her martial arts, it was a truth beyond deception.

I could practically feel her emotions directed at me.

Boom—!

“Ugh…!”

As her sword rebounded, I briefly caught her foot, disrupting her stance.

And just as I was about to swing the Thunder Fang…

Crack—! Thunder energy surged forth from Nangong Bi-ah’s body, becoming a physical form that rushed toward me.

She wasn’t going to let up despite having lost her stance.

I stepped back, swinging my hand.

Huge flames erupted, engulfing the thunder energy.

I scanned the surroundings.

The gathered thunder energy appeared weaker than I expected.

It had indeed only grown in size, as I suspected.

In doing so, I spread my perception of energy, sensing something grasping at me.

Instinctively, I swung my sword to the left.

Clang—!

Just as I thought, Nangong Bi-ah slipped in from my left for a surprise attack.

Gradually, her assault sharpened.

Was she growing while fighting?

No.

She was simply showcasing her hidden power gradually.

This must have been her way of asking me to acknowledge her.

A pure-hearted effort to show how much she had worked for this.

That honest sentiment made me feel a bit weighted.

Was it shameful?

Was I embarrassed by my actions, driven by possessiveness?

That seemed plausible.

Swoosh—! Swoosh—!

Thunder energy seeped into the sword path.

Her speed was increasing.

Whew—!

“…!”

With sword paths, Nangong Bi-ah released the full might of the Imperial Sword Form.

She bound my ankles with her presence while pushing with loaded sword techniques.

In it mixed both reverberation and wit.

For someone who had just barely crossed into the Late-Stage Talents realm, she exhibited extraordinary prowess.

The lost creation of the Nangong clan.

The name of the former Demon Sword Queen was still palpable within her.

“… You’ve worked hard.”

The words slipped from my mouth without thinking.

At that, Nangong Bi-ah’s eyes widened in sheer surprise.

Perhaps she had never expected to hear such praise.

“… Yes.”

Nangong Bi-ah replied with a smile.

That smile was the most beautiful I had ever seen on her face throughout my life.

Did she yearn to perfect that sword so much?

I could feel it in my heart.

Not just that.

As we exchanged moves, our energies intertwined, and hearts began to resonate like a conversation.

Martial arts hold no lies.

Being so painfully honest, it was a burden during moments like this.

I could feel it far too well.

I realized my presence was knit into every one of her actions.

‘Why?’

Loving her seemed completely natural.

She had died for me and was at my side in this life.

Even if I couldn’t give her all my heart, it wouldn’t be strange at all to think differently of her.

Although I found it challenging to admit, in the end, I had to accept it.

There was undoubtedly a place for her in my heart.

But…

‘Why do you…?’

What could be her reason for harboring such feelings for me?

As our swords met, sparks flew.

Waves of heat obscured my view for a moment, and she spoke up.

“I… too….”

What could that answer lead to?

Just as I comprehended an emotional echo in her martial prowess, I wondered if she had felt something similar.

Whatever it was, I didn’t want to know.

Thunder energy accumulated.

Although I was enhancing my presence, the Imperial Sword Form did not falter.

For some reason, I felt Nangong Bi-ah became even more fierce.

Her power surged.

Swish—!

The ring of the Technique of the Flame Wheel whirled within me.

As the fire energy amplified, so too did my presence.

The brilliance of the Thunder Fang grew as well.

It became evident that the pressure of her Imperial Sword Form was wavering.

And while Nangong Bi-ah’s swordpath remained intact,

the increasing power made her speed somewhat sluggish.

A gap appeared.

With no hesitation, I swung the Thunder Fang towards it.

It was a crude gesture filled with awkwardness, yet it was fast enough that I couldn’t even label it as swordplay.

Nevertheless, it would suffice in penetrating that opening.

Unreservedly, I struck.

But just then.

“I… love you too.”

Nangong Bi-ah’s voice rang out.

I bit my lip.

Of all times, she had to expose the feeling I wanted to hide the most.

It was embarrassing to voice such feelings, and I couldn’t afford for my sword to waver, even so.

I swung it unyieldingly.

Clang—!

The Thunder Fang, brimming with energy, met her sword and effortlessly cleaved it in two.

Not simply her sword; it was the very essence of our energy that clashed.

Was it over?

That was the judgment I made.

Just then, I felt a soft touch.

Nangong Bi-ah’s hand intertwined with mine.

“What…?”

My eyes widened.

Realization struck me like a bolt.

Having failed to perceive her words, Nangong Bi-ah had been letting go of the sword midway.

Did she intend to relinquish her weapon from the start?

What was she thinking by initiating this action?

I had no time to ponder that.

Boom—!

Nangong Bi-ah targeted my wrist, striking with her fist.

My balance was already disrupted, as I was in a vulnerable position wielding the Thunder Fang.

Only targeted at her sword, my posture was hard to adjust.

The punch aimed at my wrist wasn’t especially powerful, but it caused my grip to weaken momentarily.

And she didn’t let that moment slip away.

“… You…!”

Startled, I uttered out loud.

Nangong Bi-ah took advantage of my loosened grip to snatch the Thunder Fang from me.

The Thunder Fang slipped from my grasp, its energy dissipated,

and in an instant, it reverted back to normal, leaving only its hilt behind.

I had no idea what was happening, but was Nangong Bi-ah truly unaware of this?

No matter how she had taken the Thunder Fang, without the capacity to wield it, it was rendered useless.

This was clearly her mistake.

At that realization, a massive surge of energy erupted.

Boom—!

“… What?!”

Nangong Bi-ah seized the Thunder Fang, and miraculously it erupted into radiant light.

Boom—!

Thunder struck her body as it absorbed the light,

and through the gem, her sword blade unleashed brilliance.

This sword spirit shone more brilliantly than when I wielded it.

Thunder energy exploded all around.

White thunder enveloped Nangong Bi-ah.

And just then…

Whoosh.

Before the Thunder Fang could sever my neck, it halted mid-air.

“…”

Silence engulfed us.

In the hushed stillness, it was Nangong Bi-ah who spoke.

“I’ve… won.”

“…”

With a countenance resembling that of the former Demon Sword Queen,

Nangong Bi-ah smiled.

Seeing that made me involuntarily chuckle along with her.

“Haha….”

Looking back, perhaps it was in this moment that I realized.

That I would never be able to surpass Nangong Bi-ah until the end of my days.

This wasn’t merely about martial prowess.

There was no longer a way to counter this. Realizing defeat, I closed my eyes.

My inner turmoil remained complex, yet there was nothing further I could do.

“Alright… you’ve won…?”

As I reluctantly tried to voice my thoughts,

something silenced my mouth.

Wondering what it was, I opened my eyes.

Nangong Bi-ah was kissing me.

Counting the seconds, it must have only lasted a few.

I became rigid as if turned to stone.

In that unexpected instant, from the unexpected kiss,

left frozen in shock, Nangong Bi-ah stepped back.

“… I won’t go away…. So don’t worry.”

She said, beaming.

Of course, the foolish me could only remain speechless.

… My body wouldn’t loosen up at all.

“Oh my! Oh my! Look at those two! Do kids these days not care about onlookers? Goodness!”

Amidst the random duel, Baek Cheon-gyeom hopped up and down, smacking Gwaeseon’s shoulder.

It seemed she was quite elated, as the force of her hits was significant.

“… That hurts, Older Sister.”

“Oh my! Look at that smile! How can she be so pretty?!”

“It really hurts, you know…?”

It seemed Gwaeseon’s words were being ignored, as Baek Cheon-gyeom was absolutely thrilled.

It looked like the younglings’ romantic antics excited her that much.

“… What a sight.”

Watching that made Gwaeseon sigh repeatedly. She felt a different sense of confusion compared to Baek Cheon-gyeom.

Now I understood why Gu Yangcheong had been so overly reactive.

“It feels like there’s been a misunderstanding…”

He likely thought that I and my niece were about to head straight to the North Sea.

“But we won’t be going until next year. What a mess.”

All I had done was grasp the situation.

Right now, we couldn’t leave for the North Sea.

The timing wasn’t favorable for a journey to the North Sea.

Therefore, even if it took some time,

I had planned to teach my niece swordsmanship once everything was done,

but the problem arose when my niece insisted on following along.

We weren’t going anywhere just yet.

Even this permission was akin to getting a feel for future tasks.

Gu Yangcheong seemed to think differently about it, though.

Or perhaps all of this was in line with his intent.

Gwaeseon wiped a bead of sweat from her brow as she looked at her niece.

I recalled the words my niece had spoken before heading to Gu Yangcheong’s residence.

-Please don’t mention it…

-Huh?

-I’ll tell you later.

She would mention the voyage to the North Sea, but had specifically asked me not to speak of when.

I wondered why she had asked me not to say anything, but witnessing this situation left me at a loss.

“… I see. It seems my niece is much more cunning than I thought.”

Nangong Bi-ah was not your typical fool.

In fact, she might be even smarter than anyone else.

 

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