Chapter 178: Fragment. (4)

Crack-! Thud thud thud!

The long, thin crack finally broke, and fragments fell all around.

“Young Master Gu-nim?”

Reacting to the voice from behind, Moyong Hi-ah was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

I shook my head to shake off the floating sensation.

I feel the wind.

And the scent of grass surrounding me.

Time, which had stopped, began to flow again.

‘…Did time really stop?’

From my perspective, I didn’t think so.

Seeing as I was swaying and my mind was hazy, perhaps it was part of the Illusionary Technique (Hwan Gong).

I glanced past Moyong Hi-ah’s sky-blue eyes and surveyed the lake.

There, the White Carp, which had replaced Cheol-yeong’s voice, was quietly staring at me.

‘The color has returned.’

The color of the carp’s scales, which had become murky in the stopped world.

Had somehow returned to white.

The White Carp stared at me with a gaping expression, but soon swam away somewhere into the lake.

“Layman-nim, is something the matter?”

To Hui-yeong’s question, I shook my head.

“…No. I just felt a bit dizzy….”

I stopped talking and looked closely at Hui-yeong.

Hui-yeong seemed puzzled as to why I was looking at him like that, but…

I watched Hui-yeong for a moment.

‘What is this?’

It felt strange.

Like a different world had unfolded, a subtle sensation.

[What is it.]

Shin No-ya’s voice could be heard.

Fortunately, it was proof that the recent situation wasn’t just an illusion.

“Layman-nim?”

To Hui-yeong’s call, I forced my expression back to normal.

“It’s nothing… Nothing at all. Where shall we go next?”

Perhaps because of what just happened.

It seemed like some change had occurred within me.

Things I couldn’t see before started becoming visible.

---

Hui-yeong’s guidance continued after that.

The pavilions and beautiful structures that appeared after passing the lake…

Showed how brightly Shaolin had shone throughout history in days past.

The beautifully decorated, lovely scenery…

Was like a painting.

As we were passing through such grounds, Moyong Hi-ah suddenly spoke to me.

“It’s truly beautiful.”

It was almost the first time she had spoken to me first since entering Shaolin.

I looked at Moyong Hi-ah and said,

“Is this your first time in Shaolin?”

“No, I’ve been here a few times for work.”

Well, I suppose it’s unlikely for anyone from a prestigious family to have never visited Shaolin.

“What about you, Young Master-nim?”

“What about me?”

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

“It’s pretty. I have eyes, after all.”

Well-maintained environments are inherently pretty.

My family doesn’t really manage things like that.

It was just neat and tidy, without being overly ornate.

“I don’t really like things like this.”

At Moyong Hi-ah’s words, I glanced at her.

The statement that she didn’t like such things.

I knew that.

That she didn’t particularly like beautiful scenery like this.

Especially in the cold winter.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I know it’s pretty, but it doesn’t really resonate with me.”

She said that and then subtly moved closer to me.

While I thought she was just sticking close, recalling my past life made it hard to understand.

Since I remembered her shuddering just from being nearby.

Just as I was about to ask Moyong Hi-ah why she kept sticking close…

[…Another woman has been added.]

I shut my mouth at Shin No-ya’s interjecting words.

It was a familiar phrase, heard after a long time.

‘I was wondering why you weren’t saying that.’

[And what about you, adding another one even though you know?]

‘When did I add anyone….’

[Of course, you didn’t add anyone. They just appeared on their own, didn’t they?]

There were parts where No-ya was clearly right, so I had nothing to argue against.

‘…Could you at least tell me why you slept for so long?’

Ignoring No-ya’s petty nagging.

I decided to ask about that first.

If measured by time, about seven days and nights had passed.

But I didn’t think it was a shock significant enough to warrant sleeping that long.

‘Did something happen?’

To my question, No-ya replied in a nonchalant voice.

[What are you asking? I went through all sorts of hardships.]

‘Hardships?’

What hardships could he be talking about?

Wasn’t he just sleeping?

As if reacting to my simple thought, Shin No-ya said with a shudder.

[…You have no idea how much the one inside your body thrashed around.]

‘Thrashed around?’

[Yes, it kept growling so much. It only calmed down recently, but it couldn’t come out.]

If ‘recently’ refers to that, perhaps it was because I took energy from that Nyo-ryong fellow or Jang Seon-yeon?

‘A beast….’

I recalled Dok-go Jun calling the thing inside my body the Master of the Bottomless Pit during the last martial arts match.

Why would he know about what’s inside my body?

Even though I myself don’t know this thing’s identity.

More importantly.

‘Dok-go Jun.’

Hwang-a Bul-yeong said.

That the Blood Demon’s name was Dok-go Jun.

The owner of this unknown energy circulating in my body now was Dok-go Jun.

Dok-go Jun seemed to have some connection with the Murim Alliance.

Could he truly be the Blood Demon?

‘No-ya.’

[Yes, don’t worry too much. You held up better than expected…]

‘I have something to ask about Dok-go Jun.’

[…What?]

When I brought up Dok-go Jun, Shin No-ya’s voice changed abruptly.

I explained to No-ya about the events of the past as calmly as possible.

Namgung Cheon-jun’s energy.

The martial arts match with Jang Seon-yeon, and Dok-go Jun’s appearance.

While I explained this considerable sequence of events, No-ya said nothing.

Only after I finished speaking in silence.

[Haa….]

He let out a small sigh.

‘What do you think.’

[It’s peculiar.]

It wasn’t a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Peculiar?

‘What exactly is peculiar?’

[The name and the situation clearly point to him, but the problem is that it doesn’t seem entirely like him.]

A more detailed explanation was needed.

[If it were the him I know, he wouldn’t use methods like this….]

‘Are you saying it might not be the Blood Demon?’

[No.]

To my question, No-ya answered firmly.

[The one you saw was definitely the Blood Demon.]

His voice was quite calm as he said that, but…

I could feel it.

The heat contained within that calmness was incredibly intense. As if about to explode any moment.

[Just as Cheol-yeong feared, he had already taken root in this land.]

Cheol-yeong had said.

That the Blood Demon’s body and power had shattered into fragments scattered across the world.

And although he said the Blood Demon was dreaming of resurrection by now, the truth was that the Blood Demon had already resurrected.

[However, doesn’t it seem strange if that’s the case?]

No-ya said.

[Given his personality, there’s no need for him to hide his existence like this.]

‘What do you mean by that?’

[How strong do you think the martial artists of this era are?]

Following No-ya’s words, I thought one by one of those who had reached the pinnacle in the Central Plains.

Not to mention the Three Venerables, but even the five masters of the Demonic Sects, known as the Five Emperors of Sama.

Each and every one of them was a figure who had reached the pinnacle as a martial artist.

[All of them died later.]

By the hands of the Heavenly Demon.

[Doesn’t it seem like an absurd level of strength, even to you?]

The Heavenly Demon’s strength, who killed all the Heavenly Three Venerables and either subdued or killed the Five Emperors of Sama under his feet.

It was certainly an unreasonable power. Too much to be considered human.

[It was the same for the Blood Demon.]

A being who, despite facing all five who had reached the Absolute Level at the time, ultimately couldn’t kill them.

That was the Blood Demon.

[His martial prowess was overwhelming. Even considering the Heavenly Demon who would appear later in this era, I can say for certain whether the Blood Demon was inferior to him.]

If anything, he was superior.

‘…Is that how strong he was?’

If the Blood Demon was that formidable, enough to be compared to the Heavenly Demon.

It meant it was strange that No-ya believed the Blood Demon was hiding now, even after resurrecting.

[Therefore, it seems he hasn’t fully regained his strength yet.]

No-ya believed that if he had regained his strength, the Blood Demon wouldn’t have left the world as it is.

Since he was said to have been shattered into pieces and scattered across the world.

It shouldn’t be easy to resurrect.

The problem was, ultimately, that the Blood Demon was intertwined with the Alliance.

‘Considering I only found this out after regressing… It means he’s hiding quite well, or something is wrong.’

And then there was something else.

‘Did the Heavenly Demon really not know about this?’

I thought otherwise.

There was no way that absurd being wouldn’t have known about this.

‘Perhaps the reason the Heavenly Demon tried to attack the Alliance is also mixed up in this?’

No-ya had said once.

That the Blood Demon seemed similar to the Heavenly Demon.

Now, I suspected these two might have a connection.

[To learn more about this, just as that bald monk said, we ultimately need to find that Ming fellow to find anything out.]

‘Even so, they say we don’t even know his location.’

How are we supposed to find him if we don’t even know where he is?

At my words, Shin No-ya said with a smirk.

[It’s obvious that sneaky fellow is probably stuck in the Ghost Artifact too. Let’s just find that first. You have your wife and the family head in your hands, so won’t it be easy?]

‘…Wife….’

[Don’t flinch like that, it makes you look pathetic.]

Because No-ya said it with disgust, I cleared my throat a few times to smooth things over.

The Namgung family’s Ghost Artifact…

Could the Thunderclap Sword really be there?

[Even if it’s not there, we’ll find it somehow.]

Perhaps because I met Cheol-yeong and heard his story, Shin No-ya seemed even more fervent.

Feeling a sense of unease, I immediately asked No-ya.

‘You’re not seriously expecting me to find it, are you?’

[Who else would find it? Me?]

At his utterly confident words, I let out a hollow laugh.

This is driving me crazy…

Ironically, the reason I didn’t protest or argue about it was…

Because I felt that the matters involved here were definitely not unrelated to me.

Like the things Dok-go Jun told me.

And the fact that his energy was similar to Wi Seol-ah, who would later be called the Divine Sword.

There were more than one or two suspicious things.

“…No-ya-nim…”

‘Then, for now… let’s return to the family manor….’

“Young Master Gu-nim!”

While lost in thought, I heard a loud voice and quickly turned my head.

Poke!

The moment I turned my head, something poked my cheek.

Wondering what it was, I saw it was Moyong Hi-ah’s finger.

“You’re finally looking this way.”

She seemed to be trying to say it cheerfully.

But due to her unique alluring aura and cold demeanor, it didn’t fit at all.

“…What are you doing right now?”

I asked her with a thoroughly bewildered expression, but…

She was still smiling slightly, her eyes crinkled at the corners.

“I kept calling you, but you weren’t looking this way.”

“Then why didn’t you just tap my shoulder?”

“That would be a bit rude.”

But poking someone’s cheek is fine…?

As if not noticing my slightly stiff expression, Moyong Hi-ah continued speaking.

“You must have something important to do. You’ve been walking around absentmindedly since earlier.”

“Something came up.”

“Are your errands in Shaolin all finished?”

I nodded at Moyong Hi-ah’s words.

The reason for visiting Shaolin in the first place was No-ya’s request.

And meeting Cheol-yeong might have been No-ya’s wish.

For now, I considered my business there mostly concluded.

However.

“I thought I had roughly finished one thing.”

I said, looking at the young novice monk yawning blankly in front of us.

“But another one has come up.”

Moving my gaze away after a moment, I said to Moyong Hi-ah.

“Miss Moyong.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have business with me?”

“Yes.”

Such a confident answer.

Well, considering she deliberately made it obvious, how could I not know?

“What business is it? It’s not like you’re interested in me.”

“Why do you think that? I could be interested.”

Moyong Hi-ah is interested in me?

It seemed less likely than the sun rising from the ground instead of the west.

[…Damn it.]

Shin No-ya whispered quietly.

Was he lamenting seeing this sight right after waking up?

‘Ah, Moyong….’

Suddenly, I remembered what Cheol-yeong had said.

Didn’t Shin No-ya say he followed a woman from the Moyong family?

But he lost her to the Thunderclap Sword…

“Ack…!”

Along with a tightening pain in my lower abdomen, a slight groan escaped.

This petty old geezer…!

[…You’d best forget that bald monk’s lie.]

‘If he’s lying, why should I forget…? No-ya, really Moyong….’

[Shut your mouth right now!?]

I couldn’t see Shin No-ya’s face, but for some reason, I knew he was blushing.

He definitely was.

“Young Master-nim? Are you feeling unwell?”

“…No. I think something I ate earlier didn’t agree with me.”

I straightened my hunched back with effort.

And continued the conversation I was having earlier.

“Anyway, Miss, I don’t think you’re interested in me.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because that’s not the kind of look you have.”

At my firm reply, Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes widened slightly.

I wondered if judging based on her eyes was a bit much, but…

I considered myself quite knowledgeable about Moyong Hi-ah.

“I don’t know what you want, but if you have business with me, it would be better to just tell me directly. I don’t really like this sort of thing.”

Knowing her true nature, it was quite awkward for her to put on such an act with me.

As I spoke as clearly as possible, drawing a line, Moyong Hi-ah offered no response.

‘What on earth is it.’

I could see her looking slightly crestfallen.

If I had to compare, she looked like a cat caught in the rain.

But that too could be an act.

I started walking without waiting for a response.

As I took a few steps, I sensed Moyong Hi-ah following me.

Walking a bit further following Hui-yeong, we arrived at the entrance where we first came in.

Hui-yeong bowed with clasped hands as if to see us off, greeting us.

“I hope the Buddhist teachings have been conveyed to you both, even just a little.”

“Thank you for your trouble.”

“If you wish to look around further, feel free to do so. Farewell.”

With that, Hui-yeong turned and left.

I watched the young novice monk’s back before heading down the stairs.

Moyong Hi-ah also slowly followed me down.

I asked her.

“Is there another attendant waiting below?”

Perhaps because I spoke suddenly, Moyong Hi-ah’s answer came a bit late.

“…Ah, yes, an attendant should be waiting.”

Glancing back at Moyong Hi-ah, I saw her ears were flushed red.

She already tends to feel the cold. Why did she follow me?

‘Without even telling me why.’

I didn’t know what business she had, but if she wasn’t going to say it, I had no intention of prying.

I looked at her with a lukewarm gaze and blurted out.

“Could you lend me your hand for a moment?”

“Huh?”

At my words, Moyong Hi-ah extended her hand with a puzzled expression.

I remembered Namgung Bi-ah previously blushing her hands and ears red from the cold.

‘Tsk.’

I took her hand and infused it with warmth.

“You feel the cold so intensely, and I don’t know why you’re doing this, but don’t go out of your way to suffer. It’s a nuisance to others too.”

Because I knew a little about her constitution.

I knew the heat from my Fire Arts wouldn’t be helpful to her, but…

“-Being next to you makes it feel a little less cold.”

Because useless memories overlapped and surfaced, I meddled a bit.

Perhaps due to the warmth felt in her hand, Moyong Hi-ah flinched.

I knew her insides wouldn’t warm up anyway.

How many seconds did I hold her hand?

Around the time I felt I had given enough warmth, I immediately let go of Moyong Hi-ah’s hand.

“You go ahead. I seem to have left something at Shaolin, so I need to go back for a moment.”

“Wha–! Wait!”

Moyong Hi-ah tried to call out to me urgently, but I ignored her and ran back up towards Shaolin.

Because of that.

“As expected….”

I didn’t hear Moyong Hi-ah’s whispered words.

---

Hui-yeong is a young novice.

He was found by a Shaolin disciple from birth and lived as a Buddhist.

He had a kind heart and considerable talent in martial arts, making him a beloved child among many in Shaolin.

He was good at guiding, and Hui-yeong himself enjoyed interacting with people, so he worked hard.

He was so good that people specifically looked for Hui-yeong whenever they came to Shaolin.

Immediately after finishing the tour, Hui-yeong picked up a broom and got to work.

He had to sweep the floors and then go practice his martial arts.

Thud.

While passing through the forest within Shaolin, holding a broom.

Sensing movement behind him, Hui-yeong looked back.

“Oh? Layman-nim.”

There stood Gu Yangcheon, who had guided him through Shaolin today.

I even saw him off, so I thought he had left.

It seemed he had come back up because he had unfinished business.

Hui-yeong smiled slightly upon seeing Gu Yangcheon and said,

“Perhaps, do you have something left….”

“Hey.”

Hui-yeong flinched at Gu Yangcheon’s voice, which cut him off.

It was understandable, as Gu Yangcheon’s voice was too terrifying for the young Hui-yeong to handle.

The lingering murderous intent in his voice made Hui-yeong’s legs tremble instinctively.

“L-Layman-nim…?”

“Where did you put this kid.”

“What are you talking about… Ack!”

Just as Hui-yeong tried to ask in a trembling voice, Gu Yangcheon lunged like lightning and grabbed Hui-yeong’s neck.

“Gack…. Gack gack…!”

Squeeze!

Despite Hui-yeong choking from the pressure on his neck, Gu Yangcheon only glared at him with burning eyes.

“L-Lay…man…. Help…”

Hui-yeong, thoroughly terrified, begged for his life, but…

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”

At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Hui-yeong stopped trembling.

Simultaneously, Hui-yeong’s screams, accompanied by drooling, also ceased.

“You saw me, right?”

“A few months ago, at the Gu family’s manor.”

As Gu Yangcheon spoke with certainty.

Hui-yeong’s terrified face instantly turned expressionless.

Soon after, Hui-yeong’s small face began to contort and change.

Though a grotesque sight overlapped, the entity that was Hui-yeong spoke to Gu Yangcheon.

“How did you know?”

Crack-!

At those words, Gu Yangcheon unhesitatingly twisted the entity’s neck with force.