Chapter 175: Pieces (1)
It was a puzzling matter that Moyong Hi-ah seemed to want something from me.
It was more confusing than the halted surroundings.
“A fish is talking…?”
Indeed, a fish was talking.
The way it pronounced words clearly with its mouth flapping was exceedingly bizarre.
[You damn idiot.]
To top it off, its words were quite rude.
[If someone calls you, you should respond, how can you have no manners even at your age?]
“Are you talking to me?”
[Who else is here besides you?]
Well, there are many people, it’s just that none of them are moving.
But that wasn’t what was important right now.
“…What are you exactly?”
[Can’t you tell just by looking?]
In terms of visuals, it was glaringly clear.
It was a koi.
A precious white koi that had lived for hundreds of years, referred to as Shaolin’s treasure.
What was it called? The White Koi of Purity, perhaps?
It sounded like a name full of significance.
As I stood there, dumbfounded, the koi continued to speak, its little mouth flapping away.
[Your shocked expression is absolutely pathetic, I can’t believe you were born again with such a fierce face….]
“What the heck are you talking about?”
In this bizarre situation, I couldn’t believe I was being insulted by a fish.
As I spat out my confusion, the fish twirled its whiskers.
It seemed to change its expression slightly.
It was almost as if it was mocking me.
[Shincheol, you fool. Do you really want to joke around even in this situation?]
‘Shincheol.’
I didn’t need to think twice to know who the fish was referring to.
Shincheol was the name of the old man sleeping rent-free inside my body.
But the problem is, why does that fish think I am Elder Shin?
Was the frozen time also caused by this koi?
They call it a treasure…
But it wasn’t even a proper object. What kind of treasure is this? It’s more like a demon.
I spoke directly to the koi.
“I think you’re mistaken. I’m not Shincheol.”
[You stupid little brat. You should know better than anyone that time is short. Why are you acting foolish?]
It seems it had no intention of listening to me.
As soon as I responded, the koi’s whisker suddenly stretched out and brushed against my cheek.
The slippery touch was so distracting I tried to grab it, but it dodged my hand and returned to its spot.
As soon as it got back, it wiggled its whiskers, then spoke with a hint of laughter.
[You built that body quite impressively. Not only have you crossed the wall, but you’ve even started laying down a foundation to reach the Transcendence Realm.]
“…”
Cold sweat trickled down my back upon hearing its words.
Because it was precisely as it stated.
I was preparing to ascend from the Peak Realm to the Fusion Realm.
My martial arts had reached a peak level, overcoming obstacles, and my ability was gradually merging with my body to transcend into a higher realm.
Of course, transitioning from First-Rate to Peak was perilous for martial artists, and moving from Peak to Fusion was even tougher.
Even at my current level, I would have estimated it to take at least a few years.
And this fish was able to sense it right away.
[The fact that you could elevate to that level with a child’s body is your first proof, and the second proof is even more substantial.]
Splash.
A drop of water splashed upon my cheek, having sprung up as the koi flailed about.
[So, are you really trying to fool me while reeking of that strong plum blossom scent, you damn idiot?!]
Ah.
Is it because of the Taoist Qi within my body?
The Qi that came along with Elder Shin from the treasure of Mount Hua.
So dense was it that it even influenced my Flame Qi, altering colors in my destructive techniques.
Elder Shin had mentioned that my Taoist Qi was even denser than the one possessed by Yung Pung.
But just because it sensed some Taoist Qi from me, there was no reason for the koi to mistake me for Elder Shin.
And most importantly, Elder Shin was already dead.
[Now, let’s cease this nonsense. While I am glad that things turned out as we hoped, my time is unfortunately running out.]
“I’ll say it again, I’m not who you think I am—”
As I attempted to clarify once more, the koi scoffed.
I couldn’t believe that I could read its expression so evidently, considering that dumb face of its.
[Fine, if you’re going to be stubborn, I’m left with no choice but to take action, even though I didn’t plan to.]
Was it preparing to do something?
I heightened my senses, just in case it intended to attack.
Should I really be cautious of a fish? After all, it appeared much more like a demon that had lived for hundreds of years.
But contrary to my expectations, no attack came.
Forget about attacking; the koi looked at me with a determined expression and began speaking.
[When we were young, I’m sure you remember this? You were chasing after the Moyong family’s daughter…]
Upon hearing that from the fish, a sudden jolt surged within me.
And, unintentionally, a grimace invaded my face as that jolt transformed into intense pain.
It felt like something was thrashing violently inside my body.
Is this perhaps…
Is that energy-consuming monster about to go on a rampage again?
[You confessed for three whole days and nights, yet she ended up with Myung in the end—]
As the koi attempted to complete its sentence,
[You rotten monk! Can’t you keep your mouth shut!?]
A familiar voice erupted within my head.
“…Huh?”
[Eh?]
[Oh dear.]
A moment of profound silence enveloped the air.
In the midst of the stillness, an old man with a character detached from politeness spoke.
[So, this actually works?]
Elder Shin mumbled, sounding utterly exhausted.
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