Chapter: 682
A cool sensation brushes against my cheek.
I couldn’t help but raise the corners of my mouth at the texture my instincts warned me about.
“Look at this brat.”
A clear sense of hostility radiates from my opponent. I nodded in acknowledgment, locking eyes with the yellow-eyed figure behind a twisted expression.
“You knew?”
“…”
“How did you find out?”
I posed the question, but Shinryong merely bit his lip and offered no response.
Honestly, if that’s how he was going to play it, why even ask?
I glared at him for a moment before shifting to a different question.
“So, why the heck should I refute that?”
The youngest Hwa-kyung is branded as a mere rumor.
Is it even necessary to refute something like that? I’m not so sure.
“That’s….”
Only then did Shinryong slowly open his mouth in response to my words.
“…because that rumor is false.”
The youngest Hwa-kyung officially recognized by the Murim Alliance is the Shinryong before me. However, this is simply the official story.
So who could the real youngest Hwa-kyung be?
Could it be me?
Maybe. Achieving Hwa-kyung status before reaching adulthood is indeed a monumental feat.
Yet…
Could I confidently claim that?
‘Well, not really.’
I have no idea.
Unofficially, it’s information that’s simply not known.
And even if I were truly the youngest Hwa-kyung, it really didn’t matter.
“I don’t really care.”
Honestly, I couldn’t care less about such trivial matters; they held no significant meaning for me.
‘What’s the point of all that?’
My current level is all based on regression.
Youngest Hwa-kyung? To me, it’s just an empty phrase.
How would that help?
It means nothing to me at all.
“Just do your thing. I’ll be off.”
Take whatever you want.
I needed to grab something much more substantial than that.
How Shinryong came to know this, I couldn’t tell, but it didn’t really matter.
Feel free to spread as many of those rumors as you like.
I was about to leave when he suddenly said,
“…Your Majesty.”
Shinryong frowned deeper and spoke to me.
“Do you pity me?”
‘Hmm.’
After hearing that, I examined the dragon closely.
Especially his eyes.
The emotions swirling in those yellow eyes were unmistakably…
‘Inferiority complex?’
It echoed a feeling I knew all too well.
The same eyes I had in my past life; the same ones I occasionally wore these days.
‘Shinryong, looking at me with such eyes.’
Could that little idiot truly feel that way about me?
I studied his expression for a moment and then asked,
“Have you seen me somewhere before?”
“…”
There’s no way he’d have that expression for no reason. There must be some justification for it, but I couldn’t quite figure it out.
‘This is strange.’
First the Sword Dragon Yeongpung, now Shinryong?
What in the world is wrong with these so-called geniuses giving me looks like that?
This time, I clicked my tongue in irritation at Shinryong’s silence.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but is it okay for a monk who believes in Buddha to look at me like that?”
“…!”
As soon as I made my point, Shinryong’s eyes widened slightly.
And then his expression began to shift rapidly.
It looked as if he noticed something was off.
I narrowed my own eyes at him.
“What’s the issue? What’s bothering you?”
What could possibly be the problem?
“I told you to keep doing what you were doing, right? I don’t care about those rumors—just stick to what you were doing. What’s with all this pity?”
Who the hell would I pity? I’m just trying to survive here!
Even as I said this with a tone full of annoyance, Shinryong still seemed perplexed.
“…I don’t understand.”
“What don’t you get?”
“With these stories going around, why doesn’t the Lord express himself?”
As he spoke, a look of utter confusion filled Shinryong’s face.
“Can’t you correct it if you’d like?”
“Correct it? What do you mean correct it?”
Are you asking me to set the record straight about a bunch of rumors?
What do you want me to do, shout that I’m the real one and that guy isn’t?
“If I don’t do it, then I simply won’t do it. Who do you think you are?”
If I decide not to prove anything, then that should be it—why are you pushing me?
“And when did I say I wouldn’t?”
“…What?”
Upon hearing my response, Shinryong’s expression shifted altogether.
“It’s about expression and assertion. There’s no need for that right now, so I’m simply ‘not doing it’ right now.”
I was refraining from showing my true power while not correcting the rumors.
Like he said, it’s holding back, even when I could easily show my strength and set things straight.
To relieve your worries, let me say this.
“There’s not much time left anyway.”
It won’t be long before I need to show it.
“…If you want to show it, you could do so whenever. Is that what you’re saying?”
“It shouldn’t be that tricky.”
As Shinryong himself stated, showing it wouldn’t be particularly difficult if that’s what I wanted.
I just don’t find a reason to go through with it.
The reason being…
‘If I endure and finally show it, the impact will be much greater.’
I’m not a fool who just sits back and lets absurd rumors fly; I was merely waiting for the right moment. That moment is now.
I don’t know why Shinryong is fixated on me, but regardless, I only have one thing to say.
“So if you want to see it, wait for it. Don’t get all worked up over nonsense.”
“…”
I’ll be showcasing it soon.
The stage is already set.
“I don’t concern myself with any of it.”
It’s just for show.
They used to refer to this as the era of falling stars.
A period where meteors shower down like rain.
Even though peace was shattered, the lingering hope remained partially thanks to that.
There were so many stars to sustain me that I could still breathe, believing in them.
During all this, I never once fancied myself a star.
I only look up at the falling meteors from below.
I’ve never thought of it as stars descending of their own accord.
‘Now there are so many stars that their value seems ridiculously low.’
In fact, I thought it was a good thing.
If countless stars fall, I will gather the light of those shining stars and ignite a flame on my own.
Thus, it’s merely preparation to ignite that flame; ultimately, I’ll be the one shining solo.
Now, with that thought in mind, I maintained my gaze on Shinryong.
Shinryong gradually lowered his stare and finally spoke.
“…I heard that the Lord is participating in the non-combat event.”
“That’s right.”
I nodded in affirmation, and Shinryong hesitantly brought his fist and palm together.
I wondered if he was trying to convey some sort of gesture.
“If that’s the case, I’ll see you there.”
Shinryong added calmly.
However, his words felt like a declaration of war, totally at odds with his calm demeanor.
After hearing that, I tilted my head.
“Don’t you find me to be an issue?”
I felt like I hardly knew him. Why does he seem to hold that attitude from our very first encounter?
“Not exactly.”
“Not really.”
The expression indicating dislike was palpable throughout his entire being.
Look at him now; didn’t that sound more like he wanted to throw down?
‘Sure, whatever.’
Honestly, I couldn’t care less who likes or dislikes me.
Even if someone hates me, that’s of no concern.
As my understanding settled in, I nodded again.
“I merely need to prove my value through my actions. That’s what I’m stating.”
Shinryong shook his head slightly and continued.
“It’s about proving value.”
Proof of value.
Now, that’s a rather delicate way of wording things.
“Does defeating me prove your value?”
“I’m not sure. But…”
“Then does that mean you believe you’ll lose to me?”
“…!”
I interrupted whatever Shinryong was about to say.
Upon hearing my words, his expression turned rigid.
“…Such cocky words, indeed.”
He clearly didn’t appreciate my assertion.
It appeared that his pride was wounded since I so readily assumed he would be defeated.
‘Not my intention, but fine.’
There was no need to amend my phrasing, so I kept my mouth shut.
Even if I did, it wouldn’t change things much.
So I continued to observe him.
“Words are meaningless; I’ll show you how delusional your path is. I’ll show you personally.”
Shinryong spat out his words, turned on heel, and strode away with irritation radiating from his eyes.
He seemed pretty furious.
“Hmm.”
I regarded his back, contemplating whether to call out, but ultimately held back.
Shinryong’s words didn’t really bother me, but…
‘Should I tell him that…?’
Oil smeared across the corner of his mouth.
Evidence of having devoured meat not too long ago covered Shinryong’s mouth—could I just ignore that?
‘…No, let him deal with it himself.’
I had half a mind to pull him aside and point that mess out.
But seeing how he carried himself, it seemed easier to let it slide.
What was it he said again?
‘See you there?’
snickers
Recalling what Shinryong said brought a smirk to my face.
‘This is going to be amusing.’
He initiated this whole affair, after all.
So, whatever transpires next is wholly his responsibility.
As I licked my lips in anticipation, I turned and headed back toward my residence.
Those two.
“…”
Peng Woo-jin was watching from atop a nearby building.
His expression was icy, entirely different from before.
Time has passed since I returned.
By the time the sun set, I had completed my afternoon training and arrived at the abode of the gods.
I was there to check on Namgungbia, who was undergoing treatment.
“Are you okay?”
“…Yeah…”
Namgungbia, who had been quietly peeling an apple, nodded.
She looked fine as she said.
Glancing at what she held, I asked,
“…Aren’t you supposed to slice that with a knife?”
“…I find it bothersome…”
scrunch
Namgungbia was surprisingly using her martial skills to peel the apple.
Though I had a perfectly good knife right beside it, if it was easier for her, so be it.
“That should suffice.”
As I observed, the god spoke up.
“The external injury was a more significant concern… The girl’s physique is extraordinarily robust, so her stamina was never an issue.”
“Is that so?”
I asked, still somewhat amazed, as I glanced at Namgungbia.
Typically, when one sustained such injuries, it would affect their energy levels.
It appeared Namgungbia was unaffected by such complications.
“Even disregarding that she’s a martial artist, her recovery ability is remarkably high. They anticipated a three-month recovery, but… at this rate, I believe she’ll heal much quicker.”
“…That’s a relief.”
His words granted me a sigh of comfort.
Surveying the area, I turned to the god.
“Where did Goeseon disappear to?”
“Well, I’m not sure. I saw him leaving with my disciple earlier. Could be just taking a stroll.”
I nodded at that.
‘Seems he’s off to try his luck again.’
That rascal Woohyuk must be exploring his abilities with Goeseon.
Though I haven’t heard updates, his dedication suggested he must have seen some success.
‘It’d be great if he did.’
That way, even if he gets injured, I can just go to him for a remedy. He’d prove to be incredibly useful.
Although they claim the doctors amongst the gods are top-notch in the Central Plains.
‘After all, a severed limb can’t just return, can it?’
I found solace in that and casually scanned the surroundings.
I was looking for someone.
“…They stepped out…”
This time, Namgungbia provided me with the answer.
I gave a slight cough as I heard that.
“Ahem, what do you mean by that?”
“…Soyeol and… Seol-ah… Aren’t you on the lookout for them…?”
She calmly mentioned while chewing the apple.
…I had been pondering where they wandered off to, and it appeared I’d been caught red-handed.
Awkwardly, I scratched my cheek.
“It’s not specifically that…”
Why do I feel guilty about searching for other kids in front of Namgungbia?
As I looked away, a soft laughter echoed from a distance.
I turned towards Namgungbia.
“…What’s up?”
As I focused on her once more, her expression remained unchanged, as always.
“Not you?”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“I just laughed.”
“…I don’t know…”
Isn’t that Namgungbia?
Then the only other possibility is God.
“What are you staring at?”
“…No. Never mind.”
How strange? That laughter clearly belonged to a woman.
“Really, it’s not you?”
“…I don’t know…”
I pressed Namgungbia curiously, but she shook her head.
What mattered was that her puzzled answer showed she didn’t care—so she might be right.
‘She might be onto something…’
Should I dig a little deeper? In the midst of my pondering, she suddenly exclaimed,
“…Oh, right…”
clap!
Namgungbia clapped her hands and put on a theatrical display that made no sense.
That struck me as funny.
It was henceforth decided to simply let it slide.
However.
“…Tomorrow, my lord is arriving.”
“Hmm?”
The ensuing words were rather significant.
“The Sword King is coming?”
“…Yes.”
The lord of the Namgung family and father of Namgungbia, King Changcheongeom, will be making his way to Hanam.
This was indeed far from trivial news.
Additionally.
“My younger brother is coming too…”
“…Really?”
It was shared that one of the Namgung family’s famed geniuses, Nyoryong… no, the Lightning Dragon Namgung Cheonjun, is also on his way.
Hearing that name caused my head to tilt.
‘It’s been ages since I heard that name.’
I hadn’t seen him since our initial meeting at the engagement ceremony.
‘He was turned into a mine and then discarded.’
He was also the very first human I turned into a mine.
Initially, I had plans to use him someday.
‘Completely slipped my mind…’
I had buried that memory deep in my mind.
‘So that guy is coming too…?’
This was a somewhat troubling development.
For Namgung Cheonjun to come to Hanam is anything but trivial.
Why, you ask?
‘There’s definitely a restriction I placed on him, right?’
That’s not even mentioning the prohibitions I placed on him, like not leaving Anhui and not approaching his sister.
‘How did he break free from Anhui?’
Just the fact that he’s coming here presents an issue.
If what Namgungbia said is true, then this should be impossible…
‘Did the restriction fail or go awry?’
There didn’t seem to be any signs of that.
What on earth could be going on?
In the midst of questioning, I suddenly heard a voice.
[Master.]
A faint voice reached me.
It was Nahi’s voice.
[‘The spear’ has awakened.]
“…”
I grimaced in response to Nahi’s words.
Why does it have to happen now?
I intended to stay a little longer.
Swallowing my sigh, I replied to Nahi.
[Let him sleep a little longer.]
I wanted to say I’d knock him out again and deal with it later.
[… I realize this might be presumptuous, but]
Upon hearing this, Nahi’s voice hinted at some discomfort.
[I’ve already knocked him out four times, and… if I try again, it appears he’s going to go berserk.]
“…”
Damn it.
“Ha.”
After hearing Nahi’s words, I couldn’t help but let out a defeated sigh.
I squinted my eyes, filled with annoyance.
Glance.
Namgungbia gently caressed my cheek.
“…What are you doing?”
Looking up to see what she was up to, I caught sight of Namgungbia stuffing the remaining apple into her mouth and saying,
“Have a good trip…”
“…”
At that, I raised my eyebrows slightly.
Did she really understand? That can’t be true, right?
“How did you know I had to leave just now?”
“Because your eyes told me…”
My eyes aren’t a mouth; what are they saying?
Looking at Namgungbia in utter disbelief, it almost made me laugh.
So.
“…Have a good trip then.”
Namgungbia pulled her hand away, lingering for a moment before giving it a gentle shake as if to encourage me to hurry.
That sight compelled a small, involuntary smile from me.
Oddly enough, that simple gesture seemed to provide me some comfort.
“Alright. I’ll come back again.”
“Mm.”
With those words, I stood up. Though I wished to avoid leaving, it felt unavoidable.
After bidding farewell to the doctor who was cooking herbs nearby, I stepped through the door.
The destination was my residence. The moment I set foot inside.
BOOOM!!!
A loud crash echoed from within.
“Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue briefly, dispersing my energy in all directions instantly.
A barrier formed around the dwelling.
The sound emanated from the back of the residence.
It was a reasonably secluded corner, but upon arriving, I had to press my eyes closed at the chaos I witnessed.
The place was a complete wreck, of course.
“…Ugh…”
Over by the rocks, Seongyul lay there, drooling.
‘What’s he doing here?’
Ignoring the random Seongyul, Nahi stood in front, dagger in hand, targeting someone.
“Grrr…”
I could hear a sound emerging from the cloud of dust rising thick.
It was almost like the growl of a beast.
“…Leader… Where’s the leader!!”
CRASH!!
A shrill, piercing scream immediately churned up a gust of wind.
In an instant, the dust was swept away, leaving the remaining victims in its wake as I stepped forward slowly.
“Where’s the leader!! Where are you!! Come out right now! If you don’t show up—!!”
“What are you going to do if I don’t, you crazy lady?”
“Huh!”
The woman causing the raucous, filled with energy, paused and gazed over at me.
She was a young woman with short black hair and purple eyes.
At first glance, she appeared rather cute, but even her looks were overshadowed by her abominable temperament.
The woman’s expression shifted once she recognized me.
“It’s the leader! It’s the leader! There’s the leader right there!”
She exclaimed, seemingly elated, scanning the area.
Finally, she stretched out her hand toward the sky.
Just then,
SHWISH!!!
A stick flew from somewhere in the forest, landing perfectly in the woman’s grasp.
It was a long, black stick.
“You darn liar of a leader! You didn’t even call me over for a little fun—just tied me up and locked me away! You never played with me!”
ROOOAAARRRR—!!
A wild surge of energy began radiating from the area around the woman.
It was really rough and expansive.
Just the energy alone made the trees around shiver.
“This needs to be dealt with! I can’t tolerate this!”
With that, the woman aimed the stick at me.
KABOOM—!!
She launched off the ground, charging toward me.
A chill ran through my eyebrows at the murderous intent emanating from her.
I really didn’t have a choice here.
“I’m going to teach you a lesson—!!”
[Get down!]
WHOOM—!
“AGHHH!”
THUD!!!
The woman full of rage tripped as her feet got tangled and met the ground face-first.
The momentum must have been high since she skidded across the floor right into my path.
I moved my foot, looking down at her.
STAMP!
“Grrr…”
I stamped on the head of the groaning woman.
With force pressing down to restrict her movement, the woman began squirming beneath my foot.
“Grrgh…you’re being too much…but no, isn’t this kinda…nice?”
A pathetic voice reached my ears, making me frown slightly.
‘Looks like it was a mistake to summon her.’
The more I looked at this, the more sure I grew of my error.
That woman’s name is Bong-soon.
Soon enough, she would be known as the Ghost Spear, sweeping through battlefields.
She was also the sole blood relative of the previous sword king.
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