Chapter 486: What Are You Looking At (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 486: What Are You Looking At (1)
[Have you been well, Myung?]
Elder Shin’s voice echoed, and the staff in the Monster of Wudang’s hand vibrated more intensely than before.
The reaction was so unexpected that even the Monster himself wore a strange expression, which was rather amusing to see.
[Shincheol.]
A cold voice answered. It was Namgung Myung.
Whoa.
If I had to describe it in one word, it was a voice so frigid and deep it felt like it could kill a person. So, the face of the Monster in front of me was paired with a voice like that.
No wonder all the ladies fell for him.
Not only did he have a compelling voice, but with looks like that, it was a complete package.
“Hmm.”
The Monster of Wudang tilted his head in momentary confusion. “You seem to be hearing it as well,” he then said, speaking to me.
He was asking if I could hear Namgung Myung’s voice.
Which means he can hear it, too.
Glance.
I glanced at Woo Hyuk beside me, but he wore a puzzled look, seemingly unable to hear anything.
“Master, what do you mean by hea—”
“Disciple.”
“Yes.”
The Monster addressed the confused Woo Hyuk. “Give us a moment. I have something to discuss with your friend.”
Woo Hyuk’s eyes widened briefly. He looked repeatedly between me and his master, clearly struggling to grasp the situation.
However.
“Understood.”
Woo Hyuk didn’t argue and rose immediately. While questioning things would have been understandable, he prioritized his master’s words.
Leaping lightly to the other side, though with a hint of disappointment, Woo Hyuk left me alone with the Monster of Wudang. As the silence grew awkward, the Monster spoke first.
“It’s quite fascinating. This is the first time something like this has happened.”
[“What’s going on?”]
Woong-!
The Thunder Fang continued to vibrate.
I had to think for a moment after hearing the Monster’s question.
What do I do here?
What was I supposed to say? This was a difficult situation to navigate.
I had suspected for a while that Namgung Myung’s spirit was connected to the Thunder Fang. When I last visited the Namgung Clan for the engagement discussions, I’d heard a voice—likely his—telling me where to find it.
Although those words were really meant for Elder Shin, as usual.
Given my previous encounters with the spirits of past heroes trapped in treasures or secret vaults, it wasn’t a stretch to assume Namgung Myung’s spirit resided within the Thunder Fang.
I expected it, alright…
But something felt different. Namgung Myung seemed distinct from the other spirits I’d met so far.
With that in mind, I carefully posed a question. “…The person inside that staff. Would he be Namgung Myung, the hero of the past?”
“Huh?” The Monster was the first to react, clearly not expecting me to know that name. “How do you know—”
Just as he began to speak, Namgung Myung’s voice cut in.
[You took so long…]
[I thought a fool like you must have run into trouble, but to see you in such a pitiful state…]
[Myung, you bastard, you’re hardly one to talk.]
Unlike Elder Shin’s slightly playful tone, Namgung Myung’s voice was bitingly cold. Did he always sound like this?
[How did you end up like this, Shincheol?]
[A lot has happened.]
[And who is this brat?]
Was he referring to me?
[I suppose you could call him my disciple.]
I clicked my tongue internally at Elder Shin’s response. ‘Suppose’?
Namgung Myung sounded skeptical. [You took in a disciple who doesn’t even use a sword? Shincheol, have you truly lost your mind?]
[He’s not exactly a formal disciple. I just teach him occasionally.]
[What nonsense. You must have gone insane.]
As the two continued their conversation, the Monster of Wudang looked increasingly bewildered.
“Old man, who are you talking to?”
…!
I concealed my shock. It seemed he couldn’t hear Elder Shin’s voice.
So he can only hear Namgung Myung?
Unlike me, who could hear both, the Monster was limited to one. Having gleaned a valuable piece of information, I hid my surprise and spoke to Namgung Myung.
“When I visited the Namgung Clan, I heard your voice there, Senior.”
[What?] Namgung Myung reacted, as if he knew what I meant.
“‘Find the Thunder Fang.’ Those were your exact words.”
[…]
To be precise, those words were intended for Elder Shin, not me. But since I’d brought him along, surely it didn’t matter too much. I had bigger concerns than such minor details.
[Are you sure you’re not just being lazy?]
Please, just be quiet…
Now was not the time for him to nitpick.
“Then…”
[I don’t remember.]
“…Pardon?”
Just as I was about to continue, Namgung Myung abruptly cut me off.
He doesn’t remember?
“Senior?”
[I have no memory of such an event. I have nothing more to say to you. Leave.]
This was not what I had anticipated. I’d been sure that mentioning this would lead to an explanation.
But he was telling me to leave?
What the hell…
What kind of nonsense was this? How was I supposed to give the Thunder Fang to Namgung Bi-ah now?
As my mind reeled, the Monster spoke with a perplexed expression. “Old man, can you at least tell me what’s going on? I don’t understand any—”
[Send him back.]
“What?”
[I said, send him back.]
“What are you suddenly talking about?”
[If he refuses, throw him out by force.]
“Hah, have you lost your mind again? How many times must I say it? If you want me to do something, give me a proper explanation—”
Snap.
The Thunder Fang’s vibrations ceased abruptly. The Monster’s expression darkened.
“Damn this old man. How does his nasty temper not improve with age? What are the heavens doing, leaving someone like him be?”
[Myung’s disciple has a sharp tongue. I like him.]
“…”
I sighed inwardly as I heard Elder Shin chuckle.
This is hardly the time for laughter.
[Then what, should I cry instead?]
No, but he can’t just do this, can he? We’re supposed to talk to him.
Weren’t we meant to learn how Namgung Myung ended up in the Thunder Fang, or why his spirit remained with the Namgung Clan?
Elder Shin scoffed, sounding almost exasperated by my thoughts.
[You talk about wanting a conversation, but you really just came to steal the Thunder Fang for your girlfriend.]
“…”
Ahem.
I had no rebuttal. He wasn’t wrong.
…But you said you’d help me.
[I did, didn’t I? I called the bastard, but he doesn’t want to talk to you. What am I supposed to do?]
What the hell?
Why was the old man so calm about this? Something felt off. Elder Shin wasn’t usually this passive in such situations.
Elder Shin.
[Hmm?]
…You have an idea what’s going on, don’t you?
[Haha.]
If not, his behavior was inexplicable. Even if this old man had a temperament utterly unsuited to a Taoist…
I have to admit he’s exceptionally sharp.
Elder Shin’s list of achievements was endless—far more than any single lifetime should hold. Yet, he accomplished them all with seeming ease.
[You’re quite perceptive, aren’t you?]
…
[Just observing is enough for today. Let’s do as Myung says and go back. Staying will only irritate him further.]
But…
[You need to understand.]
Elder Shin’s tone turned serious. [I might have done the same.]
…What are you talking about?
[Since I’m not certain yet, I’ll tell you later. For now, let’s return as Myung instructed.]
…
[I have plenty to tell you anyway.]*
Was he referring to what Tang Jaemoon had told him?
Still, this doesn’t feel right.
Leaving like this felt unsatisfactory, but I had little choice.
He tells me to leave, but why?
I couldn’t fathom Namgung Myung’s behavior, but my options were limited.
“Hmm.” The Monster also looked curious, but he seemed to have decided to heed Namgung Myung, as he didn’t press further.
Which meant…
If I don’t leave now, he’ll force me out.
I didn’t like the idea of our first meeting ending like this. I needed to… acquire the Thunder Fang from him someday, so leaving a good impression was important.
[…Giving up isn’t an option, huh.]
I can’t give up on it.
I’d recently seen how powerful the Demonic Sword became when wielding the Thunder Fang. The difference it made was stark.
Because of that, I couldn’t abandon the Thunder Fang.
I’ll have to solve this step by step.
As much as I wanted to crush all our enemies myself, I knew my limits. At the very least, I wanted those around me to be able to protect themselves.
Not just Namgung Bi-ah.
I also needed to find something for Wi Seol-Ah, and I planned to give gifts to Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol as well.
[You don’t seem the type, but you’re quite considerate, huh.]
What do you mean, ‘don’t seem the type’? How can you say that?
Does he think he looks kind? He looks like a pissed-off bobcat.
[What did you say, you little brat…?]*
Ignoring Elder Shin’s grumbling, I prepared to take my leave from the Monster. “I apologize for visiting at an inconvenient time.”
“It seems now is not the best moment. I shall take my leave.”
“…Hmm… Very well.”
“I will visit again soon.”
I had no intention of giving up, so I planned to return. Moreover, the Monster of Wudang seemed intrigued by the whole affair and didn’t object when I mentioned coming back.
With a tinge of disappointment, I turned and leaped into the forest. I could feel the Monster’s gaze on my back, but I continued without looking back.
The Sleeping Dragon should be fine on his own.
I was a little worried, since that guy had a terrible sense of direction, but I trusted he’d find his way back. He probably had much to discuss with his master, anyway.
At least, that’s what I thought at the time. I was wrong.
…Because Woo Hyuk, hopeless with directions, took two days to return on a journey that should have lasted a few hours.
* * *
The next day, after I returned to the Tang Clan, I hadn’t slept well, my mind occupied by the meeting with the Monster of Wudang. It felt like I’d had a dream, but I couldn’t recall much.
On this uncomfortable morning, I waited for a meal in an annex. Other guests of the Tang Clan were present, but I didn’t see the Dishonored Venerable or the Dark King. And, of course, Woo Hyuk wasn’t back yet. Aside from them, most were here.
“Young Master, did you sleep well?”
Someone approached and spoke to me as I waited. It was Tang Soyeol.
I looked at her curiously. “Why are you here?”
“Huh?”
“You don’t usually eat here, do you?”
As a blood relative of the Tang Clan, she wouldn’t normally need to eat in the guest annex. Of course, I could have meals delivered to my room, but eating together had become a habit.
“…Oh, come on, Young Master. Since you’re here, it’s nicer to eat together,” Tang Soyeol said, pouting slightly as if disappointed by my question.
Seeing her expression, I was reminded of someone.
Do they look similar?
I thought of Tang Jaemoon. In a way, Tang Soyeol resembled her.
Elder Shin suddenly interjected, sounding irritated. [Similar, my ass. Their auras are completely different.]
Why are you so cranky all of a sudden? It’s baffling.
Wasn’t he overreacting? It was natural for relatives to share a resemblance.
Namgung Myung and the Monster of Wudang look identical, after all.
So why couldn’t Tang Soyeol look like Tang Jaemoon?
With that thought, I studied Tang Soyeol’s face more closely.
From this angle… she might look even more similar if her hair were longer.
It seemed that if she grew out her hair and her frame filled out a bit, the resemblance would be strong.
Though, of course.
I doubt her body will get much bigger…
I wasn’t referring to her chest. Based on my memories of Tang Soyeol from my past life, she wouldn’t change dramatically from this point. But that wasn’t a bad thing. It might have been more awkward for me if she changed too much.
“Young Master?”
“Oh, sorry.”
I’d been staring too long. Tang Soyeol looked confused. My mistake.
She waved her hand when she saw my awkward expression. “No, it’s fine. You can stare more.”
“…What kind of thing is that to say?”
“Hehe.” Tang Soyeol giggled at her own joke. “Oh, right. Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
“What are your plans after the meal?”
“After eating?”
I planned to go into the city after filling my stomach. I intended to visit the Sichuan branch of the White Flower Merchant Association merchant association.
I need to leave some things there.
I meant the items clattering in my pocket.
…Thankfully, I’d managed to get them this time.
The thought alone made me smile. They were the Luminous Pearls I’d obtained from the secret vault. I’d successfully secured these valuable items, unlike my failed attempt at the Golden Sky Yeon Clan’s vault, and the quickest way to get a good price was to sell them to the White Flower Merchant Association, especially if I leveraged Lady Mi’s name.
I could hunt for better deals to maximize profit, but that’s too much hassle.
It was possible, but more work.
…And I still feel a bit bad about using Lady Mi’s name last time.
I remembered invoking her name when I showed the Heavenly Poison Orb to the Poison King.
With that in mind, I answered Tang Soyeol. “I think I’ll head into the city.”
“The city? Really!?”
“Mhm.”
“Young Master, then may I come with you?”
“Hmm? Sure.”
It wasn’t a problem. When I nodded, Tang Soyeol beamed.
Was it really something to be that happy about? Well, I was glad she was pleased.
“Then get ready and wait with the others.”
“Okay! I’ll prepare and… wait, others?”
“Hmm?”
Tang Soyeol looked confused. “It’s… not just me going with you?”
“Hmm? No. The others wanted to come along too. It’s good you asked; you should join us.”
“…Okay.”
Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-Ah, and I believed Moyong Hi-ah also wanted to come. When I told her, Tang Soyeol’s bright smile dimmed slightly.
Just as I was about to ask why…
“The meal is ready.”
A servant announced that food was served. Platters began filling the tables. The spread felt similar to my last visit to Sichuan; the Tang Clan took their food seriously. Though I wasn’t the biggest fan of their intensely spicy cuisine.
Once the servants left, everyone began eating. Tang Soyeol picked at her food as if without an appetite, while I started with a steamed dumpling from the plate before me.
It’s been a while.
It felt refreshing to see properly cooked food. I took a bite of the steaming dumpling.
Then.
Pause.
I stopped as a peculiar sensation spread through my mouth. I smirked.
“…These bastards are really impatient, huh?”
“Young Master?”
Tang Soyeol stared at me as I muttered under my breath. I swallowed the rest of the dumpling.
Gulp.
Simultaneously, I felt something toxic entering my system. It was a vile, poisonous sensation.
Recognizing the feeling, I took a deep breath and exclaimed as loudly as I could.
“UGH, POISON!!!”
Then.
Thud-!
I collapsed face-first onto the table as if I’d fainted.
“…”
Silence fell over the room.
I lay there, thinking.
…Why is no one reacting?
I’d expected panic and screams, but the quiet was deafening. Had I miscalculated?
[…Seriously, kid.]
Huh?
Elder Shin provided the reason. [You really shouldn’t act outside of your league. I can’t even watch. Tsk, tsk… how embarrassing.]
“…”
His words stabbed deep, but I didn’t get up. In a situation this embarrassing, I had no choice but to keep my head down.