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Chapter 529 – Just Give Me One Shot.

“Ah… My whole body aches…”

Immediately after finishing my training with Pejon, I stumbled back to my residence, my body swaying like a drunkard.

Damn old man, how much did he roll me around until my arms and legs felt like jelly?

[Well, you really should’ve held back a bit.]

I had to suppress a laugh at Noya’s words.

Well, this guy’s mouth was the problem. If he hadn’t been so cocky, I could have ended it quickly.

‘… I tolerated that quite a bit.’

[You call that tolerating…?]

Noya sounded incredulous.

Seriously, that was a lot of tolerance. Why was he so surprised?

‘How can I not feel wronged when I can’t even hit back once?’

If Bongtu doesn’t work, I have to strike back with my mouth at least.

Thanks to that, I ended up taking two or three hits instead of one, but hey, I need to feel relieved somehow!

Crack.

“Whoa, damn….”

As I walked, I heard a cracking noise in my bones.

That spot I got hit in earlier still hurt.

It was pain that echoed throughout my whole body, so that made sense.

That damn old man clearly had no plans to take it easy on me.

‘But still, how is it that I can’t even graze him?’

Whatever I tried to do was immediately blocked or flipped over.

When I attempted to move, he cut it off, and as soon as I tried to react, he was already upon me.

It felt like a wall.

Beyond the realms, Pejon made me feel the wall of a true martial artist.

Well, of course, considering he demolished the Rejuvenation Technique to perfect his martial arts.

It only made sense to feel such a wall.

‘… How the heck am I supposed to solve this?’

Right now, it was a significant problem.

‘Block it?’

That was the task Pejon had given me.

The prerequisite before training the Breaking Heaven Technique.

According to Pejon, I must raise my perception.

If I could block his movements even once, my training would be over.

It sounded easy to hear.

‘But it’s damn hard!’

Once I tried it, it was clear there was no solution.

In a situation where all means were blocked, he told me not to evade or defend but to block?

‘Grr…’

Thinking of doing that against Pejon was definitely not easy.

‘Since Pejon knows this, did he set such a long timeframe for me?’

When my training was finished, Pejon, who had been sitting atop me, said to me.

– It’ll take about a year until you start getting the hang of it.

He said this training would roughly take about a year.

Not even finishing the training, but just getting the feel of it would take a year?

Then I’d have to get beaten like this every day for a year?

‘… I’m screwed.’

I started sweating coldly just thinking about the hell that lay ahead.

[Chuckle.]

I heard Noya’s laughter coming through.

‘Don’t just laugh. How about helping me out a bit…?’

[Help? What do you mean?]

‘I mean, what does raising my perception mean?’

I was curious about what Pejon had asked of me.

Noya must know.

After all, he had marveled when we started training, which meant he understood something.

[Hmm.]

Noya sighed slightly as if pondering my question, then finally spoke.

[I don’t think it’s something I should advise on.]

He outright refused.

That was a rare situation. Noya never failed to throw some curses at me when I asked him something.

So instead of feeling bad, I found it puzzling.

‘Can I ask why?’

[If it were any other time, I might’ve explained a bit, but it seems that fellow’s training style suits you better.]

‘… Doesn’t that mean you could tell me more?’

Leaving training methods aside, can’t I at least understand the meaning?

That was my intent behind the question.

Noya’s answer was not much different from before.

[This training, kid, it’s meaningful only if you realize it on your own.]

‘That’s my least favorite part.’

Figure it out yourself.

Understand by yourself.

This was exactly what I had been sick of hearing in my life.

Still, it was hard to grab onto something to argue against that.

‘Seeing Noya say this means there’s a deeper meaning to it.’

If both Pejon and Noya come out saying this, it certainly meant I had to figure it out myself.

While getting hit for a year straight.

‘Should I just bounce?’

That thought crossed my mind spontaneously.

I knew I wouldn’t really bounce, but I just wanted to entertain the idea for a moment.

“Hah.”

Sighing, I entered my residence.

Before I knew it, night had already fallen.

Had my father come back? Looking around, it seemed he had not yet returned.

‘Speaking of which, I haven’t seen what’s happened with the Tang Clan.’

While things were flipping upside down in the Tang Clan, I was too busy getting flipped by Pejon.

‘… Tsk.’

Knowing how things were unfolding was crucial for mapping out my future moves.

‘I should ask Moyong Hi-ah later.’

Moyong Hi-ah had left as if she had realized something.

I felt I should go see her tomorrow and ask.

After all, I had to meet her once for her chill treatment anyway.

‘… But is it okay to do it right now?’

What bothered me was that I was in a molting state, and I was worried if my current Qi would adversely affect Moyong Hi-ah’s body.

I had to find out eventually, but…

‘Hmm….’

It wasn’t easy due to the uncertainty of possibilities.

How humorous, if it were in the past, I would have jumped in without a second thought.

Now that I’ve gotten somewhat attached, am I hesitating?

‘Yes, that must be why I’m hesitating.’

Knowing just makes it more frustrating.

My own baseness and selfishness just annoyed me.

‘I have to handle my affairs within a few days.’

There were matters regarding the Tang Clan, and of course, Tang Deok and Nahi as well.

Then there was Shin Yi’s situation.

I also had to tidy up the opportunity I gained.

There was a lot to do. At least one good thing was.

‘My body has somewhat stabilized.’

The body that had increased and hadn’t adapted due to the training with Pejon had significantly improved.

If I set a time in the middle of the night and cleared things up once, I could likely reach the desired state.

If that happens.

‘I’ll have to take the Poison Heavenly Pill.’

I would absorb the Poison Heavenly Pill I had stored up to gain energy.

I decided to give the White Horse Stone to Shin Yi, so I could let that go, but I still had to eat the Poison Heavenly Pill.

Moreover.

‘I have to give it to Tang Soyeol as well.’

I needed to take care of Tang Soyeol, who claimed she wouldn’t grow stronger using gems. She said she would resolve things on her own, but I wanted to give her something.

Even if I have the Poison Heavenly Pill, I don’t think the Poison King would have issues with me giving it to his beloved daughter.

No way would he.

‘But even so, it doesn’t matter.’

If I just say I already gave it away, it’s not an issue.

‘For now, I’m tired, so let’s take a rest.’

After getting beaten for hours, I really reached my limit.

I needed to lie down on the bedding and sleep.

Tomorrow, it’s highly likely that after finishing his tasks, the Poison King would inform those left here.

I expected that soon he’d order us out of the Tang Clan.

Given that a serious incident had occurred, it would be strange to linger here, so it was only natural.

This meant that my time left at the Tang Clan was now limited.

‘… There’s not much left to do, so it’s alright, but…’

I was a bit bothered that I hadn’t visited Paewoocheol’s ancestral home, but honestly, it wasn’t that important, so I could let it slide.

Just as I was about to wrap things up casually, I was drifting closer to a resting place when…

Whoooom.

“…?”

Suddenly, I felt a response from my body.

Was it near my heart?

It was a sensation jolting as if being drawn to something.

What is this?

-… Shyaaah….

Tolly, who had been in my arms, poked its head out to see what was going on.

What’s this little one doing?

“Hey, where have you been?”

-Shyaa?

“This little guy… ran away when I was getting beat up and now pops back in.”

He had disappeared without a trace while I was getting pummeled by Pejon.

When did he come back to my side?

-Shyaa.

Tolly seemed to tilt its head, not understanding what I said.

It understood everything but acted like a snake only when it felt like it?

Not even bothering to help its master while getting beaten.

[Neh, you look just like him.]

‘…’

I brushed aside Noya’s mocking observation and just hurled Tolly into my room.

Shyaaah-!

Tolly let out a scream as I tossed him, but I closed the door nonetheless.

“Buzz off. Stay quietly inside.”

I turned to leave.

Though I would love to lay on the bed and rest immediately, the energy resonating here was too distracting, forcing my hand.

In the end, I had to move closer to check it out.

The distance wasn’t far at all.

It was a little open space behind the residence.

It was easy to find, for I felt the energy flowing strongly, along with a thick Qi filling the area.

I lightly landed in the open space and surveyed my surroundings.

“… What are those guys doing?”

I spotted people suddenly engaging in martial arts in the center of the clearing.

Clang-!

A sharp sound resounded as swords clashed.

The air trembled from the friction of their Qi, and the winds swirled around from the resulting pressure.

The culprits creating this spectacle were none other than Nangong Bi-ah and Woo Hyeok.

These two were clashing furiously, generating intense sword intents as they fought.

The air was vividly filled with deadly sword traces.

“You’re finally here.”

I turned to hear the voice of Gwaeseon, who was approaching with a smile.

Oh, he was here too. But why is he still around?

“I was wondering where you went, but you found your way back…Why’s your face like that?”

“My face… Don’t worry about it.”

“No way, how can I not care? You look a lot like last time!”

My cheek was swollen from being hit by Pejon.

It might have looked better than last time, but it hurt just the same.

Ignoring Gwaeseon’s curious gaze, I asked:

“What’s going on over there?”

Why were they sparring like that?

And so fiercely at that.

In response, Gwaeseon said, “Hmm, my niece said she had something to check, so my disciple is keeping her company.”

“Something to check?”

I looked at Nangong Bi-ah, wondering what she had to verify.

As I scanned her again…

“… Huh?”

Nangong Bi-ah looked different.

Her white hair was even whiter, infused with Thunder Qi. That wasn’t all.

The energy surrounding her was also Thunder Qi.

And in her hand was a sword…

‘Thunder Fang?’

It was the Thunder Fang!

Nangong Bi-ah held the Thunder Fang and showcased its brilliant sword light.

‘She can actually use it.’

I couldn’t help but get lost in admiration as I recalled the last spar we had where she proved she could utilize the Thunder Fang.

Considering that, it made sense for her to wield it now.

How exactly did she gain such confidence to think she could take it?

Kiiing-!

The Thunder Fang roared out loud.

With that, the Thunder Qi surged even stronger.

Kra-rum-!

A sound of thunder came from Nangong Bi-ah’s sword.

Bang-!

“…!”

As their swords clashed, Woo Hyeok was sent flying back.

‘That’s the power of the Thunder Fang.’

The sword absorbed the Qi and deflected the opponent’s attack.

I remembered that sensation from when I used the Thunder Fang myself.

Woo Hyeok’s expression was strained as he tried to keep up.

His sword path was clean, and the sleeping dragon proved himself to be a genius in his own right, but…

Kra-ra-rah-!

It seemed challenging to withstand the continued surge of Thunder Qi.

Because of that, Woo Hyeok began to gradually lose ground.

And not long after…

“… This is quite something, I concede.”

As Nangong Bi-ah’s sword neared him, he had to admit defeat.

“It’s not easy, huh? Hahaha!”

Last time, Woo Hyeok had defeated Nangong Bi-ah, but now it was the other way around.

Nangong Bi-ah was continuously growing stronger, likely thanks to the power of the Thunder Fang.

What was curious was that despite losing, Woo Hyeok seemed unbothered, still smiling.

Normally, that was just how he was, but…

‘Why does her expression look worse?’

Nangong Bi-ah’s expression seemed to worsen instead.

Phew…

Nangong Bi-ah’s body gradually returned to normal.

As the Thunder Qi subsided, she quickly regained her original appearance.

Then Nangong Bi-ah turned her head this way.

Our eyes met.

“… Ah….”

Nangong Bi-ah, upon recognizing me, immediately approached with a flustered expression.

‘Sigh.’

Seeing that made me want to run away.

I was still a bit embarrassed to face Nangong Bi-ah.

“… You came…?”

She approached me like usual and asked.

It seemed I was the only one noticing.

“Uh… yeah… um….”

What a stupid answer I gave.

Even I thought my response was idiotic as Nangong Bi-ah widened her eyes and reached out to my face.

“… Your face… why is it…?”

“No, well, I… rolled a bit during training.”

Not a false statement. I did roll around a bit. Even if it was due to someone else’s hands.

“…”

“It’s fine. Don’t mind it. A bit of saliva should fix it.”

It was a minor injury that would heal in no time.

Nangong Bi-ah gazed at my face with worry but gave a short nod.

Though it was unclear why, it seemed she wouldn’t ask anything further.

Then she handed the Thunder Fang to Gwaeseon.

Upon receiving it, Gwaeseon asked, “So, what’s the verdict? My niece, do you like it?”

“…”

I realized while watching.

Was the verification related to the Thunder Fang? Was she testing whether she could wield it or not?

‘She seemed to use it well.’

Watching her wield the Thunder Fang without issue, it looked likely that Gwaeseon might as well hand it over to Nangong Bi-ah.

If that happens, I wouldn’t have to request the Thunder Fang from Gwaeseon.

This seemed to be a rather convenient situation.

Just then, Gwaeseon said to Nangong Bi-ah, “If you want, I can give it to you. There are some problems with that, though….”

Oh….

The scenario I was hoping for had arisen. If it were to go this way, Nangong Bi-ah would get the Thunder Fang quicker than in her previous life.

That was great.

As I was contemplating this…

“… No… I don’t want it.”

Nangong Bi-ah shook her head at Gwaeseon’s inquiry about whether she liked the Thunder Fang.

“Huh?”

I was taken aback, and even Gwaeseon widened his eyes.

“… I don’t need it….”

Nangong Bi-ah’s words declaring she didn’t need the Thunder Fang.

“What do you mean….?”

Before I knew it, I was about to retort.

[… Please….]

I heard a voice from the Thunder Fang.

“…?”

It sounded like Nangong Ming.

It was a voice filled with desperation and thirst.

Hearing the old man’s voice like that was pretty unsettling.

I wondered why he was like that, but that wasn’t all.

[Please….]

In the Thunder Fang’s depths, Nangong Ming spoke to me in an earnest tone.

[Let me….]

What in the world was he trying to say?

As I stared at the Thunder Fang with curious eyes…

[Just give me one shot.]

“… Huh?”

[Please…! Grab me and touch me…!]

“… What?!”

At Nangong Ming’s pleading, I involuntarily took a step back.

It felt exceedingly uncomfortable.

 

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