Chapter 529: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (36)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 529: Just Let Me Hold It Once. (36)
“Ugh… my whole body aches…”
I staggered back to my quarters the moment my training session with the Dishonored Venerable ended.
That damned old man had pushed me so hard my limbs were still trembling.
[I told you not to run your mouth.]
Elder Shin’s comment drew a hollow laugh from me.
He was right. This mouth of mine was the problem. If I’d just kept quiet, it probably would have ended much sooner.
…That was me holding back, you know.
[That was you holding back…?]
Elder Shin sounded utterly dumbfounded.
Seriously, for me, that was holding back. Why was he so surprised?
How could I not be frustrated when I couldn't even land a single hit?
If close combat wasn’t working, I had to at least needle him with my words.
Thanks to that, I took two or three hits for every one I should have, but it was the only way to soothe my own frustration. What else was I supposed to do?
Crack.
“Whoa, holy shit…”
A sharp sound came from my bones as I walked. The spot where he’d struck me earlier still throbbed with a deep, resonant pain that echoed through my entire body. Of course it still hurt.
That damn old man hadn’t shown any intention of holding back.
Still, though. How can I not even graze him?
Whatever I tried, he blocked it, reversed it, and knocked me down. If I tried to channel my qi, he severed the flow. If I tried to make a move, the Dishonored Venerable was already there, countering it.
I could feel the wall between us. Beyond the difference in our levels, he made me feel the fundamental gap that exists between martial artists.
Then again, he was the kind of man who had sacrificed his own eternal youth just to perfect his martial arts. It was only natural that he’d make me feel such an insurmountable wall.
…How the hell am I supposed to solve this?
For now, it had become a serious problem.
Block him?
The homework the Dishonored Venerable had given me was the issue. It was something I needed to obtain before I could train in the Second Form of the Fist that Destroys Heaven.
He’d said I needed to raise my "standards of sight." The training would be over once I used this heightened perception to block one of his movements.
It sounded simple enough.
It’s ridiculously hard.
In practice, it felt impossible. In a situation where my every move was anticipated and shut down, I was supposed to block him instead of dodging or defending?
Ugh…
Trying to do this against the Dishonored Venerable was anything but easy.
Is that why he set the time frame like that, because he knew?
Around the time our session ended, the Dishonored Venerable, who was sitting on top of me, had said:
—It’ll probably take you about a year to get the hang of it.
He was saying this training would take roughly a year. And not to complete it—just to get the hang of it would take a year?
Did that mean I had to get beaten up like this every day for a year?
…I’m so screwed.
A cold sweat broke out just imagining the hellscape that was about to unfold.
[Heh heh.]
I could hear Elder Shin chuckling.
Don’t just laugh. Help me out a little, will you…?
[Help? With what?]
That thing about raising my eyes. What does it mean?
I was curious about what the Dishonored Venerable was demanding. Elder Shin surely knew; he had been impressed when the training started, which meant he understood the underlying principle.
[Hmm.]
At my question, Elder Shin let out a thoughtful hum before speaking.
[I don’t think this is something I should advise you on.]
He refused. This was rare. When I asked Elder Shin about something, he might curse me out, but he’d never outright refused to tell me. Because of that, I felt more curious than offended.
May I ask why?
[Normally, I might have explained it to you. But from what I see, his method of training seems to suit you better.]
…Then shouldn’t you tell me even more?
Regardless of the method, couldn’t I at least understand the meaning behind it? That was the intent behind my question.
Elder Shin’s answer was no different.
[This training, kid, is only meaningful if you realize it for yourself.]
This is the part I hate the most.
Enlighten yourself.
Figure it out on your own.
I’d heard that so many times in this life I was sick of it. Still, I couldn’t really argue.
If even Elder Shin is saying this, there must be a reason.
With both the Dishonored Venerable and Elder Shin acting this way, it meant I truly had to figure it out on my own. While getting my ass kicked for a whole year.
Should I just run for it?
The thought crossed my mind on its own. I knew I wouldn’t run, and that I couldn’t, but I let myself imagine it for a moment.
“Haa.”
I sighed and entered my quarters. Night had fallen by now. Looking around, it seemed Father hadn’t returned yet.
Come to think of it, I didn’t see what happened with the Tang Clan.
Right when the Tang Clan was being turned upside down, I was too busy getting thrown around by the Dishonored Venerable to see the outcome.
…Hmph.
I needed to know how things were progressing to plan my schedule in detail.
I’ll have to ask Moyong Hi-ah later.
Moyong Hi-ah, who had left as if she’d realized something. I felt like I should go find her and ask tomorrow. I had to see her anyway to treat her cold qi.
…But, will it be okay to do it now?
One thing bothered me: I was in my "shed" state. Would my current flame have a negative effect on Moyong Hi-ah’s body? This was something I’d have to find out by trying it.
Hmm…
The slight possibility of a problem made it difficult. It’s funny. In the past, I would have just gone for it. Was I hesitating now because I’d grown attached to her?
Yeah, that’s probably why I’m hesitating.
Knowing that made it even more annoying. My own filthiness and selfishness were just so damn irritating.
I need to take care of the things I’ve started within a few days.
The Tang Clan’s business, of course, but also the matter with Tang Duk and Na-hi. My standing with the Immortal Healer, too. And organizing the fortuitous encounters I’d gained.
There was a lot to do. The only fortunate thing was…
My body has mostly recovered.
My body, which had struggled to adapt to the increase in qi, was in much better shape thanks to the training with the Dishonored Venerable. If I set aside some time at night to clean things up, I could probably get to where I wanted to be.
If that happened…
I need to take the Heavenly Poison Orbs.
I would absorb the Heavenly Poison Orbs I’d stockpiled and gain their energy. I’d decided to give the White Demonic Stone to the Immortal Healer, so I’d have to give up on that, but I still needed to take the orbs.
Besides.
I have to give some to Tang Soyeol, too.
I had to give some to Tang Soyeol, who had declared she wouldn’t get stronger using gems. She said she’d handle it herself, but I wanted to give her something. Even if I had Heavenly Poison Orbs stashed away, the Poison King wouldn’t say anything.
What would he say about me taking care of his own daughter? I doubt he’d mind.
Not that it matters if he does.
I could just say I’d already given them away and they were gone.
For now, I’m tired. Let’s get some rest.
After getting beaten up for hours, I was really at my limit. I needed to lie down and sleep.
Tomorrow, the Poison King would surely finish his business and deliver a message to those of us staying here. I expected it would be a request to leave the Tang Clan within the next few days. With such a major incident having occurred, it would be strange for us to stay, so it was only natural.
This meant I didn’t have much time left in the Tang Clan.
…It’s not like I have anything else left to do, so it doesn’t matter.
It bothered me a little that I couldn’t stop by Pe Woocheol’s family home, but honestly, it wasn’t that important, so I could let it go.
Just as I was finishing up my thoughts and getting closer to the rest area…
Wuuuung.
“…?”
Suddenly, I felt a reaction from my body. My heart? It was a jolting sensation, as if it were resonating with some kind of energy. It almost felt like it was pointing somewhere.
What was this?
—… Shaaaa ….
Ttolddoli, who was nestled in my robes, poked its head out to check the situation. What’s with this one now?
“Hey, where have you been?”
— Shaa?
“This little bastard… You ran away when I was getting my ass kicked. When did you sneak back in?”
When I was getting thoroughly beaten by the Dishonored Venerable, it had vanished without a trace. When did it come back into my clothes?
— Shaa.
Ttolddoli stuck out its tongue and tilted its head, as if it didn’t understand what I was saying. It understands everything, but it only pretends to be a simple snake at times like this? Its master was getting beaten to a pulp, and instead of helping…
[He’s the spitting image of you.]
'…'
I ignored Elder Shin’s mocking words, grabbed Ttolddoli, and tossed it into my room.
Shaaaaa—!
Ttolddoli screamed as it was suddenly thrown, but I shut the door on it.
“That’s your punishment. Stay in there and be quiet.”
With that, I turned around. If I had my way, I’d lie down and rest right now. But the resonating energy, which kept insistently pulling at my senses, was too distracting to ignore.
In the end, I had to go and check it out.
It wasn’t very far. A small, open lot behind the residence. It was easy to find. Besides feeling the energy, the area was saturated with a thick fighting aura. How could I not notice?
I landed lightly in the clearing and looked ahead.
“…What are they doing now?”
In the center of the clearing, two people were engaged in a sudden, fierce duel.
Clang—!
A sharp sound rang out as their swords met. The air crackled with the friction of their qi, and shockwaves continuously erupted. The resulting wind pressure caused gusts to swirl around the area.
The ones responsible for this scene were none other than Namgung Bi-ah and Woo Hyuk. The two, having manifested sword auras, were clashing violently, their blades a flurry of motion. They were serious enough that brutal sword marks lingered in the air.
“You’re here.”
I heard a voice and turned to see the Monster of Wudang approaching with a smile. So this geezer was here too. Wait, why was he still here?
“I was wondering where you went, glad you found your way… What happened to your face?”
“My face… don’t worry about it.”
“What do you mean, don’t worry? How can I not? It looks similar to last time.”
My cheek, where the Dishonored Venerable had hit me, was swollen. It was better than last time, true, but it hurt just as much.
Ignoring the strange look the Monster of Wudang was giving me, I asked, “What are they suddenly doing?”
Why were those two dueling over there? And so brutally, at that.
The Monster of Wudang answered. “Hmm, my niece said she had something to check. My disciple here is helping her out.”
“Something to check?”
At his words, I looked at Namgung Bi-ah. What could she be checking? I wondered as I observed her again.
“…Huh?”
Namgung Bi-ah’s appearance had changed. Her white hair had become even whiter, saturated with lightning qi. That wasn’t all. A faint energy of lightning surrounded her entire body.
And the sword in her hand was…
Thunder Fang?
It was Thunder Fang. The brilliant blade was on full display in Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.
So she can use it.
Watching her, I found myself lost in admiration. At the end of the duel earlier in the day, Namgung Bi-ah had proven that she could use Thunder Fang. Recalling that, it was only natural that she could wield it. It was just that Namgung Bi-ah herself must have been uncertain.
The fact that she had thought to take it from me was simply amazing. How had she been so sure? She couldn’t have used such a method without confidence.
Kiiiiing—!
Thunder Fang roared. In response, the lightning qi grew endlessly stronger.
Krrrr-!
The sound of thunder emanated from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.
Kang—!
“…!”
As their swords met, Woo Hyuk was sent flying back.
That’s the power of Thunder Fang.
The blade consumes qi and repels the opponent’s attack. It was something I’d felt when I used it.
Woo Hyuk’s expression crumpled. His sword art was clean, and his blade’s energy swelled perfectly, proving the Sleeping Dragon was a genius, but…
Krrrrr-!
It seemed difficult for him to handle the ceaseless torrent of lightning qi. Because of that, Woo Hyuk gradually began to be pushed back.
And not long after.
“…Well now, I’ve lost.”
Namgung Bi-ah’s sword touched his neck, and he had to admit defeat. “This isn’t easy. Haha!”
Last time, Woo Hyuk had defeated Namgung Bi-ah, but this time, the roles were reversed. Aside from Namgung Bi-ah’s continuous growth, it was likely thanks to the power of Thunder Fang.
The strange thing was that the Sleeping Dragon didn’t seem to mind losing, as he was still smiling. Well, he was always like that.
Why does she have that expression?
Namgung Bi-ah, on the other hand, looked even more displeased.
Fwooo…
Namgung Bi-ah’s body slowly returned to normal. The lightning qi seeped back into Thunder Fang, and she quickly regained her original appearance.
Then, Namgung Bi-ah turned her head this way. Our eyes met.
“…Ah…”
Spotting me, Namgung Bi-ah’s expression immediately softened, and she approached.
Damn it.
Seeing that, I wanted to run away. I was still a bit too embarrassed to face her.
“…You’re here…?”
Namgung Bi-ah approached as she always did and asked. It seemed I was the only one who was bothered.
“Uh… yeah… uh…”
What kind of idiotic answer was that? As I gave what even I thought was a moronic reply, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened, and she reached a hand toward my face.
“…Your face… what happened…?”
“No, it’s… I took a tumble during training.”
It wasn’t a lie. I did tumble. At someone else’s hands, but still.
“…”
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. It’ll heal if I put some spit on it.”
It really was a wound that would heal in a little while. Namgung Bi-ah, who had been looking at my face with worried eyes, gave a short nod. She didn’t seem to understand, but she wasn’t going to ask any more questions.
She then handed the Thunder Fang she was holding to the Monster of Wudang.
Taking Thunder Fang, the Monster of Wudang asked, “How was it, niece? Do you like it?”
“…”
Watching them, I realized. Was the thing she wanted to check related to Thunder Fang? To see for sure if she could use it or not?
She seemed to be using it well.
I saw her use Thunder Fang without any problems. If she did well, the Monster of Wudang might even give it to her. If that happened, I wouldn’t need to ask him for it. The situation seemed to have become rather convenient.
Just then, the Monster of Wudang said to Namgung Bi-ah. “If you want it, I can give it to you, niece. Though there is a small problem…”
Oh… The exact situation I’d hoped for had arrived. This way, Namgung Bi-ah could possess Thunder Fang sooner than in her past life. It was a good situation.
As I was thinking that…
“…No…”
Namgung Bi-ah shook her head at the Monster of Wudang’s question about whether she liked Thunder Fang.
“Hmm?”
At that, not only I, but the Monster of Wudang also widened his eyes.
“…I don’t… need it…”
Namgung Bi-ah said she didn’t need Thunder Fang.
“What do you mean…”
At her words, I was about to speak up without thinking when…
[…Child….]
A voice came from Thunder Fang.
“…?”
It seemed to be Namgung Myung’s voice. But it was a voice full of desperation and thirst. Hearing an old man make a voice like that felt incredibly unpleasant.
I wondered what was wrong with him, but that wasn’t even the end of it.
[Child…. P-Please.]
From within Thunder Fang, Namgung Myung spoke to me in a voice brimming with desperation.
[Me, me….]
What on earth was he trying to say? The moment I stared at Thunder Fang with a strange look…
[J-Just hold me once.]
“…Huh?”
[Please…! Grab me, touch me…!]
“…What?”
At Namgung Myung’s desperate cry, I couldn’t help but take a step back. His words made me feel fucking disgusting.