Chapter: 529
“Ah… my aching body…”
Right after finishing my training with the Master, I returned to my quarters, my body swaying unsteadily.
Damn old man, I can barely stand because my limbs are shaking from all that rolling around.
“You should have just behaved appropriately.”
I had to let out a hollow laugh at Noya’s words.
Well, it was this guy’s mouth that was the problem. If it weren’t for his yapping, I could have wrapped it up quickly.
‘… That was quite a bit of patience, too.’
“Patience, you say…?”
Noya sounded incredulous.
Honestly, with that much pain, it was surprising I was still standing. Why’s he shocked, anyway?
‘How am I supposed to not feel wronged for not landing a single hit?’
If fighting doesn’t work, you just have to poke at it with words too.
Thanks to that, I ended up getting hit two or three times instead of just one, but it felt refreshing in some twisted way, so what could I do?
Tap-tap.
“Wow, crap…”
As I was walking, I heard a creaking sound from my bones.
The place where I got hit earlier was still throbbing.
It was a pain that resonated throughout my entire body, so I guess that’s to be expected.
That damn old man, he didn’t show any signs of mercy at all.
‘Still, that’s true. How can you not even graze past him?’
No matter what I tried, I kept getting blocked, tripped, and thrown down.
Whenever I tried to move, he would cut me off, and when I attempted to act, he had already closed in on me.
The wall felt insurmountable.
Beyond the realm of skill, the Master was like a towering wall of martial prowess.
He had gone so far as to ruin the Lion’s Roar technique in a quest for mastery—
‘… So how on earth do I solve this?’
Right now, it had become quite the conundrum.
‘Am I supposed to block it?’
The issue lay in the homework the Master assigned.
Before practicing the transfer of Tuapacheonmu, there was something I needed to grasp.
He mentioned that I needed to raise my standards.
He said if I could block the Master’s movement even once with that understanding, the training would be over.
It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?
‘This is absurdly difficult.’
Try doing it for real, and you’ll understand—it leads to a dead end.
In a situation where every other option is blocked, he wants me to “not avoid or block but actually block” it?
‘Ugh…’
Attempting to do this in front of the Master was certainly no walk in the park.
‘He knows it’s tough for me, so he set the time frame that way, right?’
When the training concluded, the Master, who had been sitting above me, spoke up.
“It’ll probably take about a year to get the hang of it.”
He claimed this training would take about a year.
Not that I’d actually finish the training within that time; just getting the hang of it alone would eat up a full year?
Does that mean I’ll be getting my butt kicked like this every day for a whole year?
‘… This is really messed up.’
I had to break into a cold sweat at the thought of the hell that awaited me.
Chuckling sound.
At that moment, I heard Noya chuckling.
‘Don’t just laugh; could you lend me a hand…?’
“Help? What’s that mean?”
‘You mentioned raising my standards. What does that actually mean?’
I was genuinely curious about what the Master was asking of me.
Noya definitely had some insight.
After all, he had expressed admiration when I first began training, which meant he had something to contribute.
“Hmm…”
In response to my inquiry, Noya sighed lightly, seeming conflicted, then finally spoke.
“I don’t really think it’s my place to advise you on that.”
He refused.
That was an unusual turn of events. Whenever I asked Noya something, he would either curse at me or just spill the beans.
Instead of feeling pissed, I was filled with curiosity.
‘Can I ask why?’
“Originally, I considered offering a detailed explanation, but to me, that guy’s training method seems to suit you more.”
‘… Then shouldn’t you share more?’
Regardless of the training method, shouldn’t I at least be able to grasp the meaning to some extent?
With this intention, I asked.
Noya’s response was not much different from before.
“This training, dear Aesong, only gains meaning if you realize it on your own.”
‘That’s the one part I despise the most.’
Figure it out yourself.
Recognize it yourself.
That was the part I was utterly sick of hearing in this lifetime.
Even so, it was tough to pin him down on what was being said.
‘If Noya is also endorsing this approach, it must be significant.’
If the Master and Noya were both on this train, it really meant I had to unearth the answer myself.
You know, after a full year of taking beatings.
‘Should I just throw in the towel?’
I couldn’t help but entertain that thought.
I know I wouldn’t throw in the towel, but there you have it.
“Ha.”
With a sigh, I stepped into my quarters.
Time had sped by, and it was now nighttime.
Had my father come? After looking around, it didn’t seem like he had yet.
‘Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen what’s happened to the Tang Clan.’
While the Tang Clan was probably flipping upside down—
How odd that I was too busy getting flipped upside down myself to notice anything!
‘… Tsk.’
Knowing what was happening would help me refine my future plans.
‘I’ll have to check in with Mo Yong-hee later.’
Mo Yong-hee, who seemed to have realized something, had just departed.
I felt the urge to go and ask her tomorrow.
Anyway, I had to meet her at least once to treat her cold.
‘… But would it be okay to do it now?’
The only thing nagging at me was that, given she’s in a molted state, I wondered if my current heat would adversely affect her body.
Ultimately, I’d have to find out through trial and error.
‘Hmm…’
The uncertainty made it tough.
How laughable! If this were before, I would’ve just gone for it without a second thought.
Now that I’ve grown a bit attached, I’m hesitating?
‘Yeah, that’s why I’m hesitating.’
The more I knew, the more frustrating it became.
My own despicable selfishness was just so annoying.
‘I need to wrap up this loose end within a few days.’
That applied not only to the Tang Clan matters but also to Tang Deok’s and Na Hee’s issues.
It was the same with my shift in stance regarding Sin-ui.
It was likewise for organizing the opportunities I had gained.
There was a heap of work. The only fortunate part was that…
‘My body has recovered to some extent.’
Thanks to training with the Master, my body, which hadn’t been able to adapt due to the increased pressure, had improved significantly.
If I set aside some time in the middle of the night and clean it all up, I could probably reach where I wanted to be.
And if that happens…
‘I’ll have to consume Dokcheondan.’
Absorb the accumulated stamina and energy.
Even if I have to give up on the Baekma Stone for the deities, I definitely had to consume the Dokcheon Dan.
Moreover.
‘I need to share some with Dang So-yeol too.’
I had to prepare something for Dang So-yeol, who claimed he wouldn’t use jewelry to strengthen himself. He said he’d sort it out himself, but I wanted to help him out in some way.
Even if I had some Dokcheondan hidden away, the Poison King wouldn’t say anything if he saw me with it.
What could he do if I claimed I was looking after his daughter?
Nothing, surely.
‘It wouldn’t matter if I did it though.’
If I claimed I had already given it away, it would all be solved.
‘For now, I’m exhausted, so I’ll take a break.’
After getting knocked around for hours, I was truly at my limit.
I needed to quickly lay down in bed and sleep.
When tomorrow rolls around, the Poison King would surely finish his business and relay a message to everyone still here.
I anticipated he’d soon ask everyone to depart.
Given how much chaos erupted, it’d be odd if we continued to linger around.
This also meant I wouldn’t have much time left to stay at the Tang Clan.
‘… even so, it’s fine, as I have no other pressing tasks.’
It felt a bit strange that I hadn’t swung by the family estate of Paewoocheol, but honestly, it wasn’t that crucial, so I could let it slide.
As I was about to wrap up my thoughts, I gradually approached the resting area.
Whew…
“…?”
Suddenly, I felt a reaction across my body.
Was it from around the heart area?
It felt like a rumbling sensation, as if responding to some kind of energy.
It was almost as if it was pointing me somewhere.
What the heck?
—… Shaaa…
The little one in my arms also poked his head out to gauge the situation.
What’s up with this guy?
“Hey, where have you been?”
—Shah?
“This little brat… He ran off while I was getting beaten up, and suddenly pops back up now?”
While I was getting the crap beat out of me, he vanished without a trace.
When did he sneak back into my arms?
—Shah?
The little rascal stuck his tongue out, tilting his head cluelessly.
You understand everything perfectly, but you act all innocent at times like this?
While your master is getting beaten, you can’t even lend a paw?
“You really resemble me, don’t you?”
…
Noya’s smirk appealed to a different level of annoyance, but I shrugged him off and tossed the little one into my room.
Shaaaah!
Though the little guy screamed as he was tossed, I simply closed the door behind him.
“Stay still inside, bee.”
With that, I turned around and left.
Honestly, I wanted to slump down on the bed and rest immediately, but—
As there was an energy resonating right here, I couldn’t shake the irritation.
Eventually, I had to step forward to check it out.
The distance wasn’t all that far.
Just a small clearing behind the residence.
Searching was easy; how could I not notice when the energy and intense malice were both palpable?
I landed gently in the clearing and gazed ahead.
“… What are they doing?”
Suddenly, I spotted a few people randomly battling in the middle of the clearing.
Kling!
A sharp clang echoed as swords clashed together.
The tension in the air flared with vibrations from their martial exchange.
The wind pressure pushed fiercely around me from every direction.
The culprits causing this spectacle were none other than Namgung Bi-ah and Woo-hyuk.
The two, having drawn their swords, were clashing fiercely, trading blows with abandon.
It was evident they were serious, leaving a flurry of deadly traces in the air.
“You’ve come.”
I turned upon hearing this voice and found Goe-seon approaching with a grin.
So he was still around, huh?
Why hasn’t he left yet?
“I was wondering where you went, but it seems you’ve found me… Why does your face look like that?”
“My face… Just ignore it.”
“No, how can I not care? It looks like you’ve gotten into a fight again!”
My cheek, which had taken a beating from the Master, was definitely swollen.
To be fair, it was better than the last time, but it left just as much pain afterward.
I brushed aside Goe-seon’s odd stare and questioned him again.
“What’s up with them suddenly fighting?”
Why are they over there exchanging blows?
And doing it so fiercely at that.
To this, Goe-seon replied:
“Well, my nephew said he wanted to check something out. My disciple here is just keeping him company.”
“Check something out?”
At his words, I glanced at Namgung Bi-ah.
What on earth is she checking? I thought, looking back at Namgung Bi-ah.
“… Huh?”
Her appearance had shifted.
Her white hair had grown even more radiant, shimmering with ethereal power. But that wasn’t all.
The energy gently enveloping her body was powerful, almost divine.
And the sword in her hands was—
‘Brain Energy?’
It was Nae-A!
‘She can wield it!’
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of wonder at that sight as I watched her effortlessly demonstrate the weapon’s brilliance.
In the duel I witnessed earlier today, Namgung Bi-ah had proven she could harness the overwhelming might of the Nae-A.
Thinking back, it was almost a given that she could handle it.
However, until just then, there had been uncertainty around whether she could control it.
I was amazed that she had the confidence to make such a bold move.
How could she have been so sure?
If she lacked assurance, she wouldn’t have dared attempt that.
Kiiing—!
The Nae-A screamed out.
As a result, the energy emanated from it intensified exponentially.
Crack—!
I jolted back as the thunderous sound erupted from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.
Bam!
“…!”
The swords met, sending Woo-hyuk sprawling backwards.
‘That’s the power of Nae-A. ‘
The swordsman ate the attack, deftly deflecting the opponent’s strike.
That was something I felt during my own experience with the Nae-A.
At that, Woo-hyuk’s expression twisted in disbelief.
His swordsmanship was decisive, and the skill was unleashed to its fullest, showcasing his innate genius.
Gurrrrung—!
Yet it seemed he couldn’t handle the relentless surge of energy.
Perhaps because of that, Woo-hyuk found himself gradually pushed back.
After a while.
“… Well then, I admit defeat.”
Namgung Bi-ah’s sword reached his neck, forcing him to concede.
“Not easy at all. Ha!”
Previously, Woo-hyuk had managed to triumph over Namgung Bi-ah; this time, the roles had entirely reversed.
Despite Namgung Bi-ah showing commendable progress and growth, it was also due to the superpower of Nae-A.
The surprising part was that even after his defeat, Woo-hyuk didn’t appear bothered and continued smiling.
Well, he always had that goofy demeanor, anyway, so I supposed that was expected.
‘But why does she look even less cheerful?’
Namgung Bi-ah, on the contrary, seemed rather grim.
Phew….
Gradually, her breath caught back up.
The energy of Nae-A pervaded her, and she soon regained her original posture.
Then Namgung Bi-ah turned her gaze this way.
Our eyes locked.
“… Oh…”
Upon spotting me, Namgung Bi-ah quickly composed herself and approached.
‘Ah, nuts.’
Seeing that washed over me with an urge to flee.
At least for now, facing Namgung Bi-ah felt a bit embarrassing.
“… Have you come…?”
She walked up to me casually, asking.
It seemed like I was the only one getting hung up on this.
“Uh… y-yeah… um…”
What was this brain-dead reply?
I shot out an answer that even I knew sounded utterly dull, prompting Namgung Bi-ah to squint and reach out for my face.
“… Your face… What’s wrong…?”
“Uh, it’s just… I rolled around a bit during training.”
Not exactly a lie; I did roll around, albeit with someone else’s help.
“…”
“I’m fine. Don’t stress over it. Just a lick or two and I’ll be good.”
It was honestly just a trivial injury that would heal in no time.
Namgung Bi-ah regarded my face with concern, nodding briefly.
While she didn’t seem to get it, it appeared she wouldn’t pry any further.
With that, she handed the Nae-A over to Goe-seon.
Goe-seon, accepting it, inquired.
“So, what do you think? Nephew, do you like it?”
“… ”
Noting this, I realized.
Could it be that the thing they were checking was related to the Nae-A? Did she want to confirm whether she could wield it or not?
‘She handled it effortlessly, though.’
Seeing her handle the weapon without a hitch, it looked plausible that Goe-seon could be persuaded to grant the Nae-A to Namgung Bi-ah.
If that were the case, there wouldn’t even be a need to ask Goe-seon for the Nae-A.
What an oddly convenient twist of fate.
At this moment, Goe-seon said to Namgung Bi-ah,
“If you want, I can let you have it. There is a tiny issue, though…”
Oh…
This was precisely what I had been hoping for. If this went through, Namgung Bi-ah could actually acquire the Nae-A sooner than in her previous life.
What a pleasant situation it’d be.
Just as I thought that—
“… No.”
Namgung Bi-ah shook her head in response to Goe-seon’s question.
“Huh?”
Both Goe-seon and I widened our eyes in surprise.
“… I don’t… need it…”
Namgung Bi-ah’s refusal of the Nae-A left me confused.
“What do you mean…?”
I was about to blurt out my confusion, not even realizing it in the moment.
… [I need you…]
A voice resonated from the Nae-A.
“…?”
It sounded a lot like Namgung Myung’s voice.
There was something full of yearning and thirst behind those words.
It’s an unsettling sensation when someone older speaks like that.
Puzzled as to why, I then discovered it wasn’t just a simple instance.
… [I beg you…]
In the depths of that Nae-A, Namgung Myung earnestly pleaded.
… [Let me touch you…]
What the hell is he trying to express?
As I stared at the Nae-A with a peculiar gaze—
… [Just hold me tightly…!]
“… Huh?”
Namgung Myung’s desperate plea made me involuntarily take a step back.
That was a rather uncomfortable remark, to say the least.
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