Chapter 497: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 497: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (4)
Press—.
The pressure on his sword hilt was immense.
The Monster of Wudang found himself genuinely contemplating whether to draw his blade.
Damn.
He soon realized his mistake, a frown creasing his brow. For a fleeting moment, he had almost moved purely in reaction to the fighting spirit radiating from the little monster standing before him.
A little monster.
The term fit Gu Yangcheon perfectly. Observing him now, the Monster of Wudang felt a renewed certainty.
This is, truly…
No matter how distracted he had been by Namgung Myung's actions, his failure to perceive Gu Yangcheon's movement was telling. On the contrary, it was clear that Gu Yangcheon had perceived his actions and reacted accordingly.
How was this possible? This wasn't something that could be explained by mere titles like 'the youngest Fusion Realm master.'
The Monster of Wudang lifted his gaze to meet Gu Yangcheon's eyes.
He saw it then. The look in the young man's stare. His black pupils held a tinge of blue, and the palpable fighting spirit seething from his body was undeniable.
This youth was already a complete martial artist. An equal.
Not some prodigy needing instruction, but someone who had to be regarded on the same level. The pathetic, instinctive reaction of his own body was proof enough.
Ah, this is quite troublesome.
Was it because he hadn't drawn his sword in so long? His body was heating up on its own. And against his own disciple's peer, no less?
Pathetic. So pathetic.
He thought he had left the heat of youth behind, but it seemed he was still standing in the same place. Finding himself absurd, the Monster of Wudang nonetheless did not avoid Gu Yangcheon's gaze. To look away was impossible; the youth's gaze was far too resolute.
“I asked what you were trying to do,” Gu Yangcheon said, his tone firm and brimming with anger.
The Monster of Wudang assumed the boy wouldn't believe him, but feeling an explanation was still necessary, he began to speak. “…About that... Well, there are some circumstances.”
“I'm not asking you, Monster of Wudang.”
The Monster of Wudang froze. He wasn't being asked? Then who?
As he narrowed his eyes in confusion, Gu Yangcheon looked toward the man's chest and spoke again. “I am asking the Thunderous Sword. What were you just trying to do?”
…!
The Monster of Wudang sucked in a sharp breath. He had forgotten that Gu Yangcheon could also hear Namgung Myung's voice.
Perhaps that's why he moved?
He pondered if Gu Yangcheon's swift reaction was due to hearing Namgung Myung, but immediately dismissed the thought. His instincts told him otherwise.
Besides, if he moved after hearing him, he would have been too late. The timing would have been off.
Just how strong is he?
A sudden curiosity struck him. What level had this child actually reached? When they first met, he thought he could gauge him, but now it was ambiguous. He couldn't see it clearly.
Which means…
The fact that he couldn't properly grasp Gu Yangcheon's level pointed to one conclusion: Gu Yangcheon's realm was close to his own. Not someone who had just broken through, but a fully established Fusion Realm master.
How is that even possible?
It was unbelievable, even seeing it firsthand. The boy wasn't even twenty. His own disciple, considered a heavenly genius, had reached the Peak Realm around his coming of age. Yet here was this youth, at an even younger age, standing at the Fusion Realm, on par with the world's Hundred Masters?
The Monster of Wudang's interest was piqued, and he couldn't contain it.
Namgung Myung's words echoed in his mind. —Because a bigger monster is attached to him…
He had said that about Gu Yangcheon.
Is he saying something is attached to this kid, too? Just like him?
As the Monster of Wudang felt a rare stir of excitement, Vmmm— The Thunder Fang hidden in his robes began to vibrate in resonance.
[Impressive.] Namgung Myung's voice rang out. [I was displeased because he is not a swordsman, but regardless, it seems Shincheol has raised him well.]
“Ha.”
As if he had indeed heard, Gu Yangcheon let out a dry laugh the moment Namgung Myung finished speaking. “I think you're mistaken about something, Senior.”
[What did you say?]
Unlike before, Namgung Myung's tone shifted drastically. Compared to their previous encounter, where Gu Yangcheon had been relatively polite, now his lips were slightly raised in a smirk, his face a mask of barely contained irritation.
“My Elder didn't do much of anything. I grew up all on my own.”
[Hah…?]
Namgung Myung gasped in surprise, clearly not expecting such a response.
Hearing this, the Monster of Wudang was certain. There was indeed someone by this kid's side. Shincheol. That name sounded familiar…
As he racked his brain, trying to place it, Gu Yangcheon spoke again.
“I'll ask again.” His face was more contorted than before. “What were you trying to do just now?”
[This is not a matter for you to interfere in.]
Gu Yangcheon laughed at Namgung Myung's words. It was a laugh, but his expression was one of pure fury. “So, saying it's not my business means you were trying to mess with her, right?”
[…Do you not understand the words 'family matter'?]
“Haha.” Gu Yangcheon let out a small, bitter laugh. Then, in a low voice, he spat, “Family, my ass.”
Flinch.
The air grew cold. Watching from behind, Woo Hyuk covered his mouth, eyes wide. Beside him, Namgung Bi-ah turned her head away and closed her eyes, her posture screaming 'Here we go again.'
[What… did you just say?] Namgung Myung asked, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
Gu Yangcheon's expression didn't change. “Ah, for fuck's sake. Is there a single normal guy with the Namgung surname? Why does everyone try to draw their sword first? Always trying to draw their damn swords. Would it kill you to be a little peaceful?”
Even the semblance of manners he had been holding onto shattered. Is that his true self?
[You bastard…! Are you insulting the Namgung Clan now!]
“I've been through so much shit from you people, I'm allowed to curse a little. Family matters, my ass. I'm trying to be patient, but the world just won't cooperate. What's a dead guy doing fussing over family matters anyway? That's senility, Senior.”
“Wow.” The Monster of Wudang found himself oddly admiring Gu Yangcheon's rapid-fire tirade. It contained everything he had ever wanted to say to Namgung Myung. Still, it stung a little to hear all men with the Namgung surname cursed at once. Regardless of everything, his surname was still Namgung.
He watched Gu Yangcheon with a shining gaze. Even he couldn't curse so recklessly without a care for the consequences.
Gu Yangcheon, grinding his teeth, suddenly looked up at the empty air and growled, “Ah, what do you mean, be patient! I'm already barely holding back in this shitty situation. He started it first.” He seemed to be speaking to someone else entirely. “Why are you bringing that up? If it were the Elder, would you have told him to be patient? See? Then why are you only nagging me?”
“…You. Little monster… no, Young Master. Please calm down for a moment,” the Monster of Wudang attempted to intercede.
But it was too late.
“No, why is that damn family all like that? It's no wonder their martial arts are so twisted.”
THUD-!
A shockwave emanated from the Thunder Fang. The Monster of Wudang felt a sinking sensation. Oh, no.
Gu Yangcheon had stumbled upon the one topic Namgung Myung wanted to avoid most. Their martial arts are twisted. It was impossible to know if the boy was aware of the Namgung Clan's deep-seated issues.
[Descendant.]
But it was enough to grate on Namgung Myung severely. His voice was much deeper than usual. From that tone alone, the Monster of Wudang knew Namgung Myung was truly enraged.
And just as he feared.
[It seems. I must punish that brat who's not even dry behind the ears.]
The Monster of Wudang squeezed his eyes shut. Old man, I don't particularly want to do that, you know?
Those words were a command for him to punish Gu Yangcheon himself. The problem was, despite his seething fighting spirit, he had no desire to cross hands with the youth. Treating him as an equal was one thing; fighting his disciple's friend was extremely awkward.
Come on, it's just something a kid said, so if we just let it slide…
He tried to brush it off, but then came the words that sealed his fate.
[This is an order.]
…Huh?
The Monster of Wudang sucked in a breath. Old man, are you in your right mind?
An order. This referred to the promise between Namgung Myung, the Monster of Wudang, and Namgung Hyung. Exactly five times. For those five orders, Namgung Hyung would obey Namgung Myung's words, no matter what. It was the promise made when he left the Namgung Clan.
Three had already been used. The first was to learn the Namgung Clan's true sword art. The second was to stop the Great Gate of Demons. The third… was something he'd rather forget.
‘Ha, you're going to use an order just to punish that kid?’ the Monster of Wudang thought, dumbfounded.
But Namgung Myung was resolute. [I can tolerate other things, but I cannot let an insult to the Namgung name slide. That is why it cannot be.]
This is driving me crazy. Was there no cure for that sickening clan pride? Namgung Hyung truly thought so. But a promise was a promise.
The moment the Monster of Wudang made up his mind.
TWANG-!
“…!” The tips of Gu Yangcheon's fingers, which had been pressing on the sword hilt, were flung back by an invisible recoil, his hand stinging.
As Gu Yangcheon stared at his tingling hand in surprise, the Monster of Wudang spoke calmly. “I don't know if you heard the conversation or not. But it seems I must punish you.”
“…Monster of Wudang.”
“Ah, I really hate this kind of thing. And to be embarrassed in front of my own disciple, too.” The Monster of Wudang scratched the back of his head in irritation. Flakes of dandruff fell from his pale blue hair. Gu Yangcheon watched this and expanded his senses.
“...”
He held his breath. He could feel it—the fighting spirit slowly rising from the Monster of Wudang's body. It was too rough and crude to be called the aura of a Taoist. A perfect Fusion Realm master. No, a realm slightly higher than that. The pressure was immense, a thick, murderous intent that tightened around his neck. The Monster of Wudang was genuinely planning to fight.
A tingling chill spread through Gu Yangcheon at the thought.
Hoo.
He let out a sigh of relief.
And why wouldn't he?
Just as planned.
Thankfully, things were proceeding exactly as he had planned.