Chapter 523: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (30)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 523: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (30)
A blade of brilliant light erupted from the jewel set in the sword’s hilt.
This translucent edge, looking almost like solidified Combat Qi, carried a subtle, profound aura.
And that wasn't all.
This is…
Not only could I feel the ambient heat intensifying, but the Fire Qi within me was also growing stronger.
Incredible.
It was astonishing. My entire body felt invigorated, and my very Qi was being enhanced.
It feels similar to when I used to wield Blood Qi.
Now, I had shed my old self and become one with the Blood Qi, but this sensation took me back to when I was still in a human body, channeling that power.
The memory made me look at the Thunder Fang in a new light.
This thing is far more amazing than I thought.
I had assumed it simply amplified Lightning Qi, but I never imagined it could strengthen one's body and Qi to such an extent.
“That… How…?”
A voice thick with surprise reached me. It was the Monster of Wudang.
His eyes were wide as he stared at the activated Thunder Fang in my hand, his face a mask of sheer wonder.
Can the Monster of Wudang use this?
The question crossed my mind. Could this man, who had abandoned the martial arts of the Namgung Clan to join the Wudang Sect, wield the Thunder Fang?
If he could, it would be a treasure beyond compare.
…In that case, it might be better than Solar Light.
[What did you say, you punk?]
I heard Elder Shin snap as I made the comparison. But it was true.
Solar Light, with its characteristic of being absolutely unbreakable, was formidable. But if I compared it to the Thunder Fang and its effects…
In terms of pure combat utility, this one is overwhelmingly superior.
Since I don't actually use a sword, I wouldn't be able to wield the Thunder Fang properly in the end. But setting that aside, it was undeniably an incredible artifact.
The problem is that it’s devouring my Qi like crazy.
Perhaps because the blade itself was formed from Qi, its consumption rate was enormous. In my case, with my vast reserves, I could probably use it for a few hours. Anyone else wouldn't last long.
Furthermore, since it manifested as a sword aura… anyone below the peak realm would be unable to wield it properly. A careless attempt could even tap into one's Innate Vital Energy.
As I examined the Thunder Fang with keen interest,
[You baaastard…!!]
Namgung Myung’s roar echoed in my ear.
[How… How in the world can you draw forth its blade!]
…Don’t yell at me. I’m just as baffled as you are.
I just channeled some Qi into it. It seemed to accept it readily, so I gave it a bit more. What was I supposed to do when the blade just popped out and activated?
I didn’t think it would work either.
Since I have no affinity for Lightning Qi, I never believed I could use the Thunder Fang.
Shiiii…
I gave the sword a light swing.
…Wow.
I couldn't help but marvel inwardly. The feeling was completely different. It was so light it made a ordinary steel sword feel clumsy, and the sensation of the blade cutting through the air was in a league of its own.
Is this what a legendary sword feels like? Maybe this is why swordsmen become obsessed with superior blades.
Then again, where else would you find a blade made purely of sword aura?
As I swung it a few more times to get a feel for it,
[Urgh! Let go of it this instant, you bastard!]
Namgung Myung continued to rage, as if he couldn't bear the sight. Naturally, his words went in one ear and out the other.
Just be patient for a bit. It’s not going to wear out from a little use.
[…You insolent…?! This can only be used by those of the Namgung Clan…!]
Yeah, yeah, I get that.
But I can use it, can’t I?
Then what was this Thunder Fang, lit up and humming in my hand? I don't have a single drop of Namgung blood in me.
Moreover, the energy I felt from the blade wasn't Lightning Qi. It was unmistakably my own Fire Qi. The blade, fully saturated with my energy, was clearly far removed from anything related to lightning.
Why could I use it? It was a question I should have asked the moment I picked it up so casually. But now was not the time for answers.
“Is…it done…?”
“…Oh, yeah. I think it’s about ready.”
Though she had every reason to be shocked by the Thunder Fang, Namgung Bi-ah asked me with her usual placid expression. It seemed she didn't particularly care whether I used the legendary sword or not.
…Isn’t she surprised?
I mean, a glowing sword blade just shot out of a stick. The Monster of Wudang looked like his eyes were about to pop out of his head.
Then again. That’s just how she’s always been.
Woooong-!
The blade hummed with every light swing. I could feel a tremendous vibration coursing through it, an overwhelming presence that was palpable at a glance.
Unfortunately, I couldn't unleash something on the level of the Lightning Empress state that the Demonic Sword Queen had used. But this alone felt like more than enough power.
Should I not use it?
For a moment, a conscientious thought crossed my mind: to put the Thunder Fang away and use Solar Light instead.
“...”
Ssk.
I aimed the sword at Namgung Bi-ah, erasing the hesitation. This was no time for such considerations. The tip of the blade brimmed with concentrated Fire Qi.
Namgung Bi-ah glanced at the glowing point for a moment before her gaze met mine. “I’m coming,” she said.
Just as I was about to reply.
Shiiiik-!
“…!”
Without even waiting for my answer, Namgung Bi-ah shot forward. She was fast. So fast that a faint afterimage lingered in her wake. She closed the distance in an instant.
Her low stance, the angle of her sword hand—she was aiming an upward strike. The realization and her rising blade were simultaneous.
There wasn't enough time to retreat. I quickly spun my body to the side. The moment I dodged, the path of her sword twisted, following me with uncanny precision.
Ha. Well, look at this. It was hard to believe she had altered its trajectory so fluidly from that angle. Which meant one thing: She predicted I would dodge like this from the start?
That seemed to be the correct assessment. I raised the Thunder Fang to block her attack.
The moment our energies met.
Kang-!
“…!”
A clear, ringing sound erupted as Namgung Bi-ah’s sword was violently flung away. I hadn't done anything active; the sword itself had unleashed a repulsive force, deflecting the attack autonomously.
I let out a hollow laugh. This thing is insane. The blade has its own defensive mechanism?
It definitely used my Qi, right? Just before the deflection, I felt a surge of energy drain from my body. The Thunder Fang had used my Qi on its own to defend.
…They called it one of the five greatest swords for a reason.
The more I saw, the more I wished it were a gauntlet. If a gauntlet like this existed, I would have stolen it without a second thought.
The recoil momentarily broke Namgung Bi-ah’s posture. I did not miss that opening. I took a half-step forward, closing the distance, and moved my arm.
Shwik-! The Thunder Fang shot toward Namgung Bi-ah’s chest in a simple, unadorned thrust—a movement that was simply fast, perfectly synced with my realm.
Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze fixed on the tip of my sword. And then.
Fwoooosh-!
“…Hah.”
An overwhelming fighting spirit erupted from her body. It was the secret art of the Namgung Clan, the Master of Swords. The pressure crushed down on me, formidable.
Was Namgung Bi-ah capable of wielding this much power? She’s so different from back then.
After my regression, when I first met her, the Master of Swords she had displayed was like a mere announcement of her heritage. Compared to that, the pressure she exerted now was incredibly heavy and dense, an overwhelming presence that would intimidate anyone of the same or even a slightly higher realm.
However. Her Master of Swords was still incomplete.
Koong-!
As I unleashed my own scorching heat to counter it, her aura began to crumble and be pushed back almost instantly, breaking apart under the greater pressure.
Watching this, Namgung Bi-ah’s pretty brow furrowed.
Still a long way to go.
The Master of Swords that the Demonic Sword Queen of my past life had shown—the way she could crush the entire surrounding area—was on another level entirely. The current Namgung Bi-ah was still lacking.
The Master of Swords, which combined a martial artist’s presence and fighting spirit, was easily broken by a greater presence. It was a counter-method I had realized while grappling with the Demonic Sword Queen in my past life: mindlessly pouring out vast quantities of Qi to overwhelm the opponent's aura. A ridiculous method that only someone with reserves like mine could use.
My thrust continued toward Namgung Bi-ah without pause. The unfortunate thing was… A brief opening had been created while I was breaking through her Master of Swords.
Namgung Bi-ah did not miss it.
Kigigigik-!
She used the opening to twist her body, deflecting the thrust with the spine of her sword.
Geugeugeugeugeuk-! The Thunder Fang unleashed its repulsive force as if it had been waiting. Namgung Bi-ah endured the shock and succeeded in parrying the attack.
Hmm. Her judgment just now wasn't bad.
I spun my body and swung my leg.
Puh-uck-!
“Keuk…!”
Namgung Bi-ah was knocked back by the kick to her chest.
“Keok…”
Sent flying a couple of steps, she fell to one knee, gasping for air.
I looked down at her. “Is this all you’ve got?”
“...”
It was still not enough. Her judgment was sound, but that was all. And for good reason.
“There were countless moments I could have finished you. You know that, right?”
“…Yes…”
The first time she swung her sword. When her blade was deflected by the repulsion. If I hadn't been holding a sword, it would have ended right there.
The Thunder Fang’s performance was indeed exceptional. But the fact that I was using a sword was nothing but a shackle to me. My footwork, my entire body, was tailored for anything but swordsmanship. It was my own fault for training that way, so I had no one to blame.
“…If this is all you’re going to show me, I can’t let you go.”
“...”
Namgung Bi-ah slowly rose to her feet. I had held back quite a bit on that kick, but her Qi must have been in disarray, making it hard to even breathe properly. Yet, after a few steadying breaths, her expression returned to normal.
Sreung.
Her sword pointed at me again. “Again… please.”
“...”
Her sword arm was still unwavering. As was her gaze.
Namgung Bi-ah must have known. She must have realized from our exchange that it was impossible for her to reach me as I am now. Yet, it seemed she still intended to try.
“Why? Why are you trying to do this?” I asked.
“...”
“Can’t you… not go?”
As the words left my mouth, I realized I was saying something pathetic. I hadn't intended to sound so wretched. But once spoken, the words wouldn't stop.
“You said you wouldn’t leave.” That she would never leave me. It was Namgung Bi-ah who had promised me that.
“…You’re the one who said it.”
I knew this was obsession. I knew it was possessiveness. Still, I didn't want to let go.
It was dangerous. I had been careful precisely because I hated being tied down. I tried to prevent anyone from gaining too much influence over me. I had been mentally preparing for the coming blood disaster, so that no matter what happened, I could throw myself into the fray without hesitation, without the slightest desire to live. That's what I had wanted to make of myself.
But looking at myself now, it seemed I was already too late.
Hearing my words, Namgung Bi-ah readjusted her stance and said, “I won’t leave. Not ever.”
“Then now, too…”
“To ensure that, I have to go.”
Such a contradictory statement. I bit my lip and tightened my grip on the Thunder Fang.
“…Fine, if you want to go that badly, I get it. But no matter how I think about it, I don’t want to let you go.”
“...”
“The promise still stands. Make me acknowledge you. Then I’ll let you go.”
Was it the influence of having shed my old self? The thought of something in my possession disappearing was irritating me to an extreme degree. I wanted to protect it, no matter what it took. That feeling began to envelop my entire being.
Tuk-!
Namgung Bi-ah launched herself forward again, on the same trajectory as before. I frowned. What is she trying to do? If it’s the same as before, it’s meaningless.
Just as that thought occurred to me,
Woong-!
A sound emanated from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword. It was Sword Resonance—an exceptionally clear and deep resonance, indicating that her level was currently quite high.
As the resonance sounded, her sword began to waver, and a sword art unfolded. It was the swordsmanship of the Namgung Clan. A faint disappointment brushed past me at the familiar sight.
Just then.
[…Hah...]
Namgung Myung let out a gasp mixed with admiration. The old man who had been screaming at me to let go of the Thunder Fang now sounded utterly astonished.
[…That… How can that child…]
The sword art flowed with impossible smoothness. I wondered why Namgung Myung was reacting this way.
This is…?
Watching the sword art slowly extend toward me, I too understood.
This was… The Demonic Sword Queen’s sword.
Her sword dance under the moonlight. It was similar to the sword art from back then—the completed form that had overcome all the flaws of the Namgung Clan, that had finally reached its destination.
It still seemed somewhat lacking compared to the Demonic Sword Queen’s perfection, and I could feel a faint roughness to it. But this was undoubtedly the sword from that time.
When did she…?
I swallowed my surprise as I dodged the flowing strikes. When on earth had she acquired this?
Did she learn it from the Sword King?
I recalled the condition I had set when I agreed to teach the Sword King the Namgung Clan’s sword arts: if he gained enlightenment, he was to teach it to Namgung Bi-ah. Could this be the result?
No… The timing didn't add up. The only time I had met the Sword King recently was for a few days in Henan. That was far too little time for her to have learned this.
Which ultimately meant that Namgung Bi-ah must have figured this out on her own.
Amazing.
When had she trained to become such a sword master? She must have worked incredibly hard. With no one to guide her or confirm she was on the right path, she must have been plagued by countless doubts as she developed her sword. Is this the right way? She must have walked this path, endlessly pondering that question.
And for her to have found her way to this point… Was I not watching you? It meant I hadn't taken notice of Namgung Bi-ah as she tried so hard.
I could tell just by feeling her martial art. Her upright heart. “...” I could feel it. Because martial arts don't lie.
I could feel, all too damn well, the way she looked at me.
Paang-!
“Ugh…!”
I deflected her sword and tripped her, ruining her stance. I was about to swing the Thunder Fang, but—
Pajik-! Lightning Qi took form from Namgung Bi-ah’s body and poured toward me. It was her will to not stop attacking, even with a broken stance.
I widened the distance and swung my hand.
Fwaaaak-!
Flames erupted and swallowed all the Lightning Qi. My eyes darted around. The Lightning Qi was weaker than it looked—an attack that only increased in size, a feint.
I spread my senses. Something was caught. I immediately swung my sword to the left.
Kaaang-!
Sure enough, Namgung Bi-ah had dug in from the left and launched a surprise attack. Her offense was gradually getting sharper.
Was she growing as she fought? No. She was just slowly revealing her true power from the start. She wanted to show me. That she had worked this hard. So please, look at me.
I could feel that pure heart, and it was overwhelming. Was I ashamed? Was I embarrassed by my own actions, swept up in possessiveness? Perhaps.
Shwik-! Shiiik-!
Lightning Qi seeped into her sword art. Her speed increased.
Fwoooosh-!
“…!”
While executing her sword art, Namgung Bi-ah also unleashed the Master of Swords again. She bound my movements with the pressure and pressed her attack with a sword style now saturated with Lightning Qi. Within it were mixed feints and clever wit.
It was a level of skill far too advanced for a young prodigy who had just passed her coming of age. The name of the Demonic Sword Queen, the Corrupted Masterpiece of Namgung, was perfectly infused within it.
“…You’ve worked hard.”
The words slipped out before I knew it.
At that, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes, which had been wholly focused on her art, widened. It seemed she never expected to hear such words.
“...Yes.”
Namgung Bi-ah replied with a smile. That smile was the most beautiful I had ever seen on her face in my entire life. Did she want to complete this sword that badly?
I could feel her heart. It’s not just that.
As we continued to exchange blows, our Qi mingled, and our hearts began to converse as if in resonance. Martial arts are needlessly honest, which makes moments like these truly overwhelming. I could feel it all too well. I could fully feel that I was infused in her every action.
Why?
It was perhaps natural for me to cherish her. She had died for me, and in this life, she was by my side. Even if I couldn't give her my whole heart, it wasn't strange for me to think of her differently. It was hard to admit, but I had to in the end. A place for her was clearly carved into my heart.
But. Why you…? Why did she harbor such feelings for me?
Our swords met. Sparks flew. In the brief moment my vision was obscured by the bright flashes, she spoke.
“Me too…”
What was she replying to? Just as I had sensed her intentions from her martial art, had she sensed something from me as well? Whatever she had sensed, I didn't want to hear it.
Lightning Qi gathered around her. I increased my own presence, but her Master of Swords didn't falter. For some reason, Namgung Bi-ah’s power felt stronger. She had grown stronger.
Chwareureuk-!
The rings of the Gu Flame Wheel Art inside my body began to spin furiously. The flames grew, and my presence expanded. The light of the Thunder Fang also intensified. I could see the fighting spirit of her Master of Swords being pushed back.
Namgung Bi-ah’s sword art was still maintained, but her speed had slowed slightly, as if she was struggling against my power. An opening appeared.
I swung the Thunder Fang toward it—a clumsy movement, fast but too embarrassing to even be called swordsmanship. Nevertheless, it was more than enough to pierce the opening. I swung without hesitation.
Just then.
“I… love you, too.”
I heard Namgung Bi-ah’s voice. I bit my lip. Of all the emotions I didn't want to be caught feeling, this was the one. Putting aside the embarrassment of my feelings being exposed, the Thunder Fang’s blade thankfully remained steady. I swung it as it was.
Kaaang-!
The Thunder Fang, filled with immense power, met Namgung Bi-ah’s sword and snapped it in two. It was the sword, yes, but the power behind them was on a completely different level to begin with.
Is it over? Just as I made that judgment.
Ssk.
Namgung Bi-ah’s hand wrapped around mine. “What…?” My eyes widened. I realized my mistake.
Distracted by her words, I hadn't seen it, but she had already half-released her grip on her sword. Did she intend to abandon her sword from the start? What was she thinking?
I had no time to judge.
Paak-!
Namgung Bi-ah aimed a sharp fist at my wrist. I was already using an unfamiliar sword style, my balance compromised. Since I was focused solely on her sword, it was difficult to adjust my posture.
The fist struck the opening on my wrist. It wasn't a particularly powerful blow, but the force momentarily loosened my grip. And that opening, Namgung Bi-ah did not miss this time either.
“…You…!”
I couldn't help but exclaim at her next action. Namgung Bi-ah had used the moment my grip loosened to snatch the Thunder Fang away.
As the Thunder Fang left my hand, its energy dissipated. The blade vanished in an instant, reverting to just a hilt. I didn't know how it happened, but had Namgung Bi-ah not known about this? No matter how she snatched it, if she couldn't use it, it was all for naught. This was clearly a mistake.
The moment I thought that.
Fwaaaaaak-!
“…What?”
The Thunder Fang that Namgung Bi-ah had snatched away began to emit a blinding light as if by magic.
Kureung-!
As if thunder had struck her body, Namgung Bi-ah’s form was enveloped in a brilliant radiance. And through the jewel, the blade shone forth—a blade far more brilliant than when I had wielded it.
Lightning Qi exploded in all directions. White Lightning Qi coiled around Namgung Bi-ah’s body like serpents of pure energy.
And just like that.
Shk.
The blade of the Thunder Fang stopped just before it could cut my neck.
“...”
Silence descended. In the quiet, settled stillness, it was Namgung Bi-ah who spoke.
“I… won.”
“...”
Looking exactly like the Demonic Sword Queen from my past life, Namgung Bi-ah smiled. Seeing that, I couldn't help but smile back.
“Haha…”
Looking back, I would say this was probably the moment I realized it. That I would never be able to defeat Namgung Bi-ah, not until the day I died. This wasn't about martial arts. There was no way now.
To think I would lose like this. I closed my eyes in resignation. My mind was still a complicated mess, but there was nothing more I could do.
“Alright… you won…?” I was about to reluctantly concede.
But something blocked my words. Wondering what it was, I opened my eyes in surprise.
Namgung Bi-ah was kissing me.
It lasted only a few seconds. My body froze solid, as if turned to stone.
A sudden, fleeting kiss. Leaving me frozen with a dumbfounded expression, Namgung Bi-ah pulled away.
“…I’m not going anywhere…. So… don’t worry.”
She said, smiling brightly. Of course, like an idiot, I couldn't say a single word in response. …My frozen body just wouldn't thaw.
* * *
“Oh my! Oh my! Look at that! Kids these days, they don’t care who’s watching, oh my!”
Watching the two suddenly kiss during their duel, the White Ripple Sword jumped up and down, slapping the Monster of Wudang’s shoulder in her excitement. Her slaps were quite powerful.
“…That hurts, sister.”
“Oh my! Look at her smile! How can she be so pretty?”
“I said it hurts…?”
As if his words didn't even register, the White Ripple Sword was thoroughly delighted. It seemed she truly enjoyed watching the young ones in love.
“…My goodness.”
Watching them, the Monster of Wudang let out a continuous stream of sighs. His bewilderment was for a different reason than the White Ripple Sword’s. He felt like he was starting to understand why Gu Yangcheon had reacted so sensitively.
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding…”
He probably thought that his niece and he were leaving for the North Sea immediately. “Even if we go, it will be next year. Goodness me.”
He had only just grasped the situation. He couldn't go to the North Sea right now. The circumstances weren't right. So, he had planned to teach his niece the sword after he had finished all his own business, even if it took some time.
The problem must have been that his niece had abruptly declared she would follow him. We’re not going right now. The permission he had come for was more like getting an advance approval for a future event.
But Gu Yangcheon seemed to think otherwise. No, could this have been intentional as well? The Monster of Wudang wiped a bead of cold sweat as he looked at his niece.
Before they went to Gu Yangcheon’s residence, his niece had said something to him.
- Please… don’t say anything…
- Hmm?
- I’ll… tell him later.
She would tell him they were going to the North Sea. But she had asked him not to specify when. The Monster of Wudang had wondered why. But seeing the situation now, he was slightly taken aback.
“…She’s a much foxier niece than I expected.”
Namgung Bi-ah was not as simple-minded as she appeared. In fact, she might be smarter than anyone.