Chapter 113: Azure Sky Sword King Namgung Jin. (1)

Sky-Piercing Sword King (蒼天劍王) Namgung Jin (1)

Rattle-!

Like a raging storm, rough energy began churning inside my body.

The violent energy, whose origin I didn’t know, soon hit my middle dantian and surged upwards.

My current middle dantian is a calm lake.

Just when I had barely managed to calm the ripples caused by the uncontrolled energy after reaching the peak…

It felt like a massive rock had been unceremoniously dropped in.

‘…This is fucking bullshit.’

I couldn’t open my mouth. It was a situation where I couldn’t even open my mouth, lest the energy become distorted.

Thump-! Thump-!

Like a madman, I gobbled down the flower. It was such a sudden action that I wondered if my intuition had been right.

Honestly, eating it was fine. I had intended to eat it anyway.

The problem is the energy the flower possesses.

‘Is it internal energy, or heretical energy, or if not that, at least demonic energy?’

There were too many energies I could feel. What on earth is this flower that it possesses such miscellaneous energies?

‘[You possess just as many miscellaneous things, don’t you?]’

‘…I’m concentrating right now, so please don’t tease me.’

In a way, it was a valid point.

‘If it hadn’t been me who ate this, my meridians would have twisted, and I would have died right then and there.’

It’s not an exaggeration. This flower is something that cannot dare be called a spirit herb.

Originally, demonic energy is a pernicious force for martial artists.

Not only does it drive one mad, but it blocks one’s innate internal energy and causes the body to decay.

That’s why many couldn’t understand the blessings the Heavenly Demon bestowed.

Those who received demonic energy through the Heavenly Demon’s touch became filled with madness, but their bodies didn’t rot or lead to death.

Instead, because of the demonic energy, they were granted stronger bodies and special abilities, even reaching a higher level of mastery.

‘How could that be possible?’

The reason I question whether the Heavenly Demon is truly human is also…

…not just because of his strength, but because I question these things that defy common sense.

Having lived as a demonic person, I could be sure.

Demonic energy cannot coexist with internal energy.

That’s why this flower felt even more bizarre.

‘For what purpose were they growing this flower?’

A flower possessing internal energy, demonic energy, and even heretical energy. Heretical energy can be like that. Because in a way, I think it’s not that different from internal energy.

But no matter how I looked at it, demonic energy wasn’t possible. It’s something that absolutely cannot coexist with other energies.

The reason my body can withstand it and coexistence is possible is solely due to the Heavenly Demon’s demonic cultivation technique.

As I circulated my energy, sweating, Shin Noya said.

‘[Seems like you can handle it.]’

‘Yes, thankfully, it’s still bearable.’

The current pain wasn’t as excruciating as when I extracted the Sword Empress’s demonic energy. That’s why I can have these random thoughts.

‘Was this flower perhaps not made to be eaten?’

This flower, no matter how I looked at it, didn’t seem edible, so maybe it was made for a different purpose from the start.

To withstand eating three kinds of energy, the body must have already housed the same energies. For incompatible energies to coexist, it means there won’t be any issues when eating the flower.

‘That’s absurd.’

It means you can only eat it if a miracle happens.

Shin Noya said to me.

‘[The coexistence of three energies… It’s as if it existed just for you.]’

It was something I had suddenly thought of too. Because in a way, the situation did seem like that.

But that couldn’t be the case.

‘If it wasn’t made to be eaten, I don’t know its purpose, but if it was made to be eaten…’

‘…it means there’s someone in the Black Night Palace who can eat this flower without issue, just like me.’

Then who could it be?

‘…The Palace Lord?’

The Black Night Palace Lord, a martial artist called one of the pinnacles of the unorthodox sects. I don’t know much about him. I only heard that he was killed after being defeated in a battle with the Murim Alliance.

But thinking about it now, all I could think about was whether he really died. Because the Black Night Palace seems to be connected to the Demonic Cult, I have to doubt everything.

‘What if it’s not him?’

If not him, then is the Heavenly Demon behind it all? That’s a chilling thought.

I had to hope desperately that wasn’t the case. If the Heavenly Demon had been lurking from the beginning…

…it meant all the information I knew might be distorted.

Swoosh….

The energy that had been pounding my whole body gradually subsided. The absorption of energy was almost complete.

As proof of that, once the demonic energy settled in my dantian, the Nine Flame Wheel Technique immediately began its purification.

Meanwhile, the heretical energy, which had taken up residence in a corner, grew larger.

‘[Not bad.]’

With the mixed plum blossom fragrance of the heretical energy showing a distinct presence, Shin Noya let out an approving voice.

With this, the increase in heretical energy would further help in controlling the rough energy.

My internal energy also increased, and before I knew it, it had far surpassed sixty years’ worth of cultivation.

‘…It took me a long time to surpass this level.’

Sixty years’ worth. How long did it take? It was probably around the time I started making a name for myself as a demonic person that I reached this level.

Fast. In just under a year, I had grown significantly.

‘Still, I need to go faster.’

This was by no means a satisfactory position.

By the time I turn twenty, at latest, I need to reach at least half the level I achieved in my previous life.

“Hoo…”

My breath came out mixed with heat.

Fortunately, I was able to absorb most of the energy the flower possessed.

Chirp! Chirp-chirp!

Sunlight shone through the window frame, and the sound of birdsong could be heard. Because I had been concentrating so intensely, time had flown by, and it was morning.

The biggest change I gained from this fortuitous encounter wasn’t the increase in energy.

Fwoosh-!

I breathed out flames from my palm. The color, intertwined with the heretical energy of Mount Hua, had taken on a somewhat changed hue.

The wildly flickering flames had gained order. It meant the flames had become closer to my will.

Clench!

I clenched my fist tightly and extinguished the flames. Then, a smile spread across my lips.

It was a satisfying result indeed.

“It actually works.”

A few months after reaching the peak, the Nine Flame Wheel Technique had also reached the fifth level.

---

Although I hadn’t slept a wink all night, my body felt incredibly refreshed.

Perhaps it was because my cultivation level had risen, making me feel that way.

As soon as I stepped out of my room, I headed straight for the training grounds.

The training grounds were already filled with flames. Lately, I had been training in compression, something Shin Noya pursued.

It had been a long time since I could unleash flames so freely.

‘It certainly has become easier now that my level has risen.’

The flames, which used to have a strong will of their own, had lessened. Although the intensity and destructiveness had sharpened, conversely, they had become easier to control.

I could burn everything as if incinerating it, yet prevent any harm to the surroundings.

The ring of flames surrounding my body spun faster.

‘Should I try compressing them further?’

How far could I go? I thought about trying it out as a test, but the faint presence I sensed made me extinguish the flames.

Shaking off the heat, I spoke.

“I was planning to visit you anyway, but you came here directly?”

At the entrance of the training grounds stood a muscular giant, over eight feet tall. Unlike his imposing physique, it was an old man with white hair tied back messily.

‘[…What is that absurdly huge physique?]’

A giant that could surprise even Mount Hua’s Shin Noya, who was practically a collection of muscle masses himself.

Elder Yi, who had unceremoniously entrusted me with a precious item and sent me to Mount Hua, was looking at me with a greatly surprised expression.

Perhaps he had witnessed my recent training? I could see Elder Yi’s pupils trembling.

“…How have you become like this after only a few months?”

“The way you say it makes it sound like I suffered a major injury.”

To have become like this… Anyone who heard it would think I was severely injured.

Perhaps he couldn’t hear my jest, Elder Yi spoke in a trembling voice.

“…You’re a dragon, Yangcheon. You were a dragon.”

“Why do you say such embarrassing things to my face…”

“I knew your talent bloomed late, but even I didn’t know it would be to this extent.”

I could understand Elder Yi’s surprise. If I were sent on a journey and someone suddenly reappeared as a peak master, I’d have the same reaction.

“Did you obtain some fortuitous encounter?”

“Yes, I was fortunate.”

How many fortuitous encounters had I ‘devoured’, not just one or two? Some were voluntary, others were close to forced, but ultimately, everything was a fortuitous encounter for me.

‘Thanks to that, I reached the starting line quickly.’

A martial artist starts from the peak. At least, that was my standard.

As if sensing my thoughts, Shin Noya said, sounding incredulous.

‘[Isn’t your standard too high? For other martial artists, reaching the peak is like a dream.]’

‘I’m in a bit of a hurry to meet their standards.’

While it might be true by others’ standards, my sights are set higher, towards the heavens. Looking only at my surroundings, there was no end.

“…The family head certainly raised his children diligently.”

‘…I don’t think that’s quite right.’

It seems he produced daughters with brilliant talent, but their personalities were all terrible.

‘I’m relatively normal.’

Although I was a bit bratty when I was young, now that I’ve come to my senses, aren’t I the most normal?

‘[From my perspective, you must have traded your conscience for good fortune with women. You haven’t slept, have you? You seem to have lost your mind.]’

‘…’

Ahem.

I let out a cough and approached Elder Yi. Elder Yi’s face was still full of surprise.

“You’ll dislocate your jaw if you keep it open like that.”

I said that because he had his mouth wide open.

I went to Elder Yi and showed him the bracelet tied to my arm.

“The Plum Blossom Fairy said you entrusted this to her. What is this?”

“Ah, right. I did send something like this.”

His reaction was as if he had completely forgotten. Did this old man send it for me…?

“It’s nothing special.”

“You said the Mount Hua Sect’s precious item wasn’t anything special last time either…”

“That was half a joke, but this time it really is nothing special.”

Coming from Elder Yi, of all people, it held absolutely no credibility.

Seeing me stare at him with narrowed eyes, Elder Yi delivered a knuckle-rap to my head with his massive fist.

Thump!

“Aack!”

Overwhelmed by the sudden, immense impact, I clutched my head and rolled on the floor.

‘This crazy old man, seriously…!’

Even after reaching the peak, I couldn’t dodge a single knuckle-rap from Elder Yi.

“You rascal! You come to see me after so long, and you suspect me!”

“Even so, why do you resort to violence immediately! What if my head breaks…!”

“Break, you rascal! I just gave you a cute little tap!”

“A cute little tap…?”

I literally heard a ‘Thump!’ sound from my head just now, and he calls it a tap…?

‘[…It seems shamelessness is a hereditary trait of your family.]’

My head was ringing, but Shin Noya’s sharp words struck a chord in my heart.

Elder Yi said to me as he rubbed my head.

“Anyway, it’s really nothing special, so just wear it.”

“If it’s nothing special, why do I have to wear it…?”

“Do you want another hit?”

At Elder Yi’s words, I meekly hid my hands. Just you wait…

First Gu Huibi, and now this… I don’t know why people keep trying to attach troublesome things to me.

Seeing me avoid his gaze, Elder Yi let out a wry laugh.

“Even though your level has risen, your rude personality hasn’t changed at all… I don’t know whether to be happy or displeased.”

“…What brings you here so early in the morning.”

“I told you, I just came to see your face.”

“Then why didn’t you just send a servant to summon me? I was planning to visit you today anyway.”

“I came out for training as well.”

It seemed his words weren’t a lie, as Elder Yi’s thick muscles were more pronounced than usual. He really seemed to have done some training.

“Oh, right. Did you hear the news that Yeonseo has come out?”

“You mean my second older sister?”

It was news that Gu Yeonseo, whom I hadn’t seen since the Nine Dragons Gathering, had emerged after finishing her seclusion. Since we parted on somewhat bad terms, I was a little concerned, but…

‘There’s no need to seek her out.’

If there’s something, she’ll find me herself.

“Later…”

“Ah, and someone from the Namgung family has arrived too.”

Just as I was about to reply indifferently, Elder Yi’s words made me snap my eyes open.

“From the Namgung family?”

“Yes, it seems they came because of your fiancée, Yangcheon.”

Namgung Bi-ah had only arrived in Shanxi yesterday. Considering the time it takes for messages to travel, there’s no way they could have come this quickly.

‘Had she already arrived?’

It seemed they were waiting for Namgung Bi-ah to arrive at the Gu family’s residence.

“First the Tang family, and now this… Why are so many esteemed guests visiting?”

“Excuse me, but I need to go for a moment.”

“Hm? Where are you going…?”

I turned away from Elder Yi and started walking. I intended to just walk quickly, but internal energy spontaneously wrapped around my body.

Internal energy moves according to one’s will. This means my emotions were reflected in it.

‘I’m in a hurry.’

I could feel my own impatience, but I didn’t know why.

It didn’t take long to reach the detached residence where Namgung Bi-ah was staying. It was thanks to using my body’s increased internal energy, almost wastefully, as I ran.

By the time I arrived, Namgung Bi-ah was already outside the residence.

However, the situation was unfolding strangely.

Namgung Bi-ah looked as if she had just woken up, and her pale, slender arm was being held by someone. Seeing the strength applied to her held arm, it didn’t seem like a weak grip.

It didn’t seem like a good situation, so my first thought was to approach and intervene. I needed to figure out what was happening.

“Hey, what is this…”

Smack-!

The sharp sound ringing in my ears made me stop in my tracks. Namgung Bi-ah’s head had snapped back violently.

Her cheek was flushed red, and blood trickled down from the corner of her mouth.

Sizzle.

Flames flared around my body along with a surge of heat.