Chapter 485: Strange Immortal (Strange Immortal)

남궁명, the Lightning Heaven Sword.

One of the five heroes who blocked the Blood Demon.

The strongest martial artist in the history of the Namgung Clan.

It is said that with a single gesture of his hand, the sky would fill with dark clouds, and a light roar would summon thunder.

His other sobriquet was.

‘The Thunder God,’ wasn’t it?

It was only passed down through records.

I didn’t particularly try to find out, so I don’t know the details.

Of course, after I learned that they remained in the present world and were involved in my affairs, I did look into it a bit.

If we only consider the remaining records.

‘It was hard to call them all human.’

It was nothing but tales like legends passed down only through myths.

The poison emitted by Tang Jemun was enough to fill an entire region.

Unlike Cheolyeong’s merciful personality, a single punch erased a mountain.

And that the sky itself trembled with the Thunder God’s rage.

The tales of Shin Noya and Yeon Ilcheon were no less, if not more.

Each one was a story that made you wonder if such monsters truly existed.

I couldn’t stand it anymore and got angry, so I didn’t want to read the records any further.

Because I thought they were baseless rumors? If only that were the case, my mind would have been at ease.

The reason is simple.

‘Five such humans gathered, and all they managed was a seal?’

The Blood Demon War, which left behind a terrible trace.

People believe the heroes repelled it, but.

In reality, they barely managed to seal it, and the Blood Demon was still roaming freely.

The Heavenly Demon was overwhelming enough, but this Blood Demon, which those five couldn’t properly block.

As I read the heroes’ myths, the thought that I might have to belatedly deal with something those humans couldn’t accomplish even together made me so angry I couldn’t continue reading.

Anyway…

Even if I put such talk aside for later.

I needed to focus on what Shin Noya had just said.

‘Namgung Myung?’

I looked straight ahead.

Messy, dust-covered white hair.

Lifting the bangs that covered his face revealed his brilliant blue eyes at last.

A handsome middle-aged man with looks that ranked among the best I’d seen so far.

If judging by looks alone, he was far superior even when compared to Changcheon Geomwang Namgung Jin, who was already considered quite high-tier.

Looking at such a man, I thought.

‘…The Wudang Strange Immortal…was born into the Namgung Clan?’

There’s only one place in the Central Plains with that distinctive appearance.

The Great Namgung Family.

Only that place, yet the Wudang Strange Immortal possessed its characteristics abundantly.

Even more so than the Clan Head, known as the Blood Relative, or Namgung Bi-ah.

In this bewildering situation, I asked Noya.

‘Noya… What did you mean just now?’

[…What do I mean? It means exactly what it sounds like.]

‘The Wudang Strange Immortal looks exactly like Lightning Heaven Sword?’

[Yes. He looks disturbingly identical. Though his filthy appearance is different.]

Hearing that, I examined the Strange Immortal again.

His exceptionally handsome appearance.

His eyes, though carrying a cool demeanor, looked tired, and his face seemed utterly devoid of luck.

It was understandable why Shin Noya always called Namgung Myung’s face ‘hopeless’ whenever he mentioned him.

After pondering for a moment what to do, I first clasped my hands in a formal greeting.

Because I had to at least greet him.

“…I greet you, senior from Wudang, who hails from Gu Clan.”

“Gu Clan?”

Hearing my introduction, the Wudang Strange Immortal’s eyes held a spark of interest.

“I see. So you’re that fellow causing a stir lately.”

“…Yes. My name is Gu Yangcheon.”

I didn’t know in what sense he was causing a stir, but the person Strange Immortal was referring to must be me.

Since rumors are constantly being spread and carried within the Murim Alliance, it’s only natural that it’s noisy.

“Hmm.”

Strange Immortal’s gaze scanned my body here and there.

His eyes clearly showed interest.

After staring at me like that for a moment, Strange Immortal chuckled and said.

“When I first heard the rumors… I thought the Alliance’s lunatics were up to something.”

“…!”

I was inwardly surprised by his words, which were sharper than expected.

I hadn’t realized there was another lunatic in this era who would call the Murim Alliance ‘jerks’ besides me.

[So you knew you weren’t right in the head either.]

It was also surprising that Strange Immortal had noticed they were plotting something.

Just as I was surprised by Strange Immortal.

He seemed quite surprised by me too.

“I didn’t expect the rumors to be even worse.”

“I’m just grateful you see it favorably…”

Although I was hiding my level to some extent.

It seemed he had confirmed it somewhat when I used Qinggong earlier.

Strange Immortal, having uttered the compliment, stroked his chin a few times with his hand.

“This is hopeless.”

He muttered something strange while looking at Woo Hyuk.

“What are you talking about?”

Woo Hyuk answered as if accustomed to Strange Immortal’s behavior, and Strange Immortal chuckled and said.

“I thought this era would be swept up and dominated by you.”

“Huh? Me?”

At his master’s words, Woo Hyuk looked as if hearing it for the first time.

“With someone like this around, that seems unlikely. Give up.”

“Haha, why are you saying that? I wasn’t expecting anything in the first place. Why would I do something so troublesome? I’d rather sleep during that time.”

“…You’re still hopelessly lazy. Come now, at least show some grit for your talking master.”

“You’re no slouch yourself when it comes to lacking grit, Master, so why are you picking on me?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Hahahahaha-!

After chatting animatedly, the two suddenly burst into laughter.

Watching them, I couldn’t help but let out a wry smile.

I wondered where Woo Hyuk’s bizarre personality came from. Turns out, there was an exact replica right there.

[Hmm.]

Shin Noya seemed to find it strange too, letting out a weary voice.

[…The face is identical, but the personality is completely different.]

‘Is he very different from Lightning Heaven Sword?’

I was told the faces were identical.

But the personality seemed quite different.

[If it were him, he wouldn’t use that kind of tone, nor would he go around looking so shabby.]

Shin Noya’s voice was filled with an inexplicable firmness.

[He was the type who’d throw a fit over a speck of dust on his body. I even flipped him into a mud puddle once because his obsession with cleanliness disgusted me.]

‘Huh?’

[Do you know how terrifying it was when he genuinely tried to kill me back then? Kkuhaha. Anyway, he was such a narrow-minded fellow. A martial artist should be able to get a little dirt on them, tsk tsk.]

‘…’

Was it my imagination that Shin Noya sounded more like a thug than narrow-minded?

What I could know more certainly was that the two probably didn’t get along very well.

‘Just hearing about his personality, I can tell he’s different from Strange Immortal.’

Conversely, the fact that their faces were identical meant they weren’t different in that regard.

After waiting for the two laughing heartily, when they calmed down a bit, I spoke to Strange Immortal.

“Um… Senior.”

“Hm?”

“Excuse me. By any chance, Namgung…”

“Ah.”

As I was about to ask, Strange Immortal seemed to realize immediately what I was going to ask and waved his hand.

“I used to be, but not anymore, so don’t worry about it.”

‘It used to be like that, but not anymore…’

It seemed something must have happened.

‘At least it confirms he’s from the Namgung Clan.’

Ah.

‘So that’s why regarding Mae-ah…?’

Knowing that much, I could now understand why the Wudang Strange Immortal was the current owner of Mae-ah.

Mae-ah, the lightning sword called the symbol and important treasure of the Namgung Clan.

I wondered how it ended up in someone else’s hands, and now I know.

‘Was it because Strange Immortal was originally from the Namgung Clan?’

It was rare, but not unheard of, for someone born into a prestigious family to leave their clan and join another sect.

In the past, there were instances where blood relatives from the Moyong or Peng Clans joined demonic sects and became famous.

However.

‘Why isn’t Strange Immortal’s name known?’

If he was a martial artist from the Namgung Clan who joined the Wudang Sect, his name should surely have been heard.

It was something the prestigious families would have spread rumors about, not somewhere else.

The Wudang Sect would have spread rumors about how great the blood relatives from the Four Great Families became after joining Wudang.

The Namgung Clan would have spread rumors saying their own blood relative became great.

That’s how politics and rumors work.

Packaging and exaggerating their own greatness was standard practice, and it was the perfect fuel, so naturally, they would use it.

Yet, the Wudang Strange Immortal was only famous by his sobriquet. It wasn’t known that he was someone from the Namgung Clan.

‘Even with that striking appearance.’

It was a characteristic that couldn’t possibly be missed.

Strangely, there were absolutely no rumors.

‘Furthermore… even though he possesses Mae-ah. Why hasn’t the Namgung Clan tried to retrieve it?’

If I had to pick the biggest question, this would be it.

Rumors that the Wudang Strange Immortal possessed Mae-ah existed, not widespread, but definitely circulating.

Mae-ah was like the symbol of the Namgung Clan, so it was natural for them to retrieve it once Strange Immortal belonged to Wudang and became an outsider.

For some reason, the Namgung Clan hadn’t taken such action.

‘I don’t know, why?’

They might seem equally idiotic, the Clan Head and his son.

Still, as a prestigious family, they should have some brains.

Seeing them deliberately not doing so, it seems this place also has some circumstances.

While my thoughts were briefly lost in various issues.

“Ah, even though I told you not to worry about it.”

Strange Immortal approached me as if he had realized something.

“It might be a bit difficult for you.”

“Huh?”

What is he talking about?

“I heard you were engaged. Weren’t you?”

“Ah…”

I wondered what he meant, but it seemed he was talking about Namgung Bi-ah.

“It’s a bit difficult to say ‘don’t worry about it.’ With that place, now…”

“No, I don’t really mind, so it’s fine.”

“Hm?”

I cut off Strange Immortal before he could add more.

“It seems like it would be troublesome to hear more. Since you told me not to worry, I won’t.”

“Oh, really?”

It was obviously troublesome talk.

I already had plenty of things to worry about; I didn’t want to hear the Namgung Clan’s internal affairs on top of that.

Perhaps my answer, containing that thought, was the problem.

Strange Immortal made a subtle expression, then looked at Woo Hyuk and said.

“Perhaps because he’s your friend. This guy also seems not quite normal.”

“Huh? Even if he isn’t, I am normal.”

“It’s fortunate that you’re still just as strange even after meeting after several years, my disciple.”

It was unfair to suddenly be treated like a weirdo.

It was even more infuriating that that brat Woo Hyuk confidently claimed he was normal.

‘There are eyes watching, so I can’t hit him. I’ll have to fold him later on the way.’

I composed myself.

“Master, I think that guy intends to hit me.”

Woo Hyuk seemed to quickly notice that and appealed to his master.

That bastard…?

“You grow by fighting, don’t you?”

“Haha. Damn it. I have no one on my side?”

[…Crazy bastards. They’re definitely crazy.]

This time, I agreed with Noya’s words.

Because no matter how I looked at it, they were indeed crazy bastards.

But Noya, saying that, wasn’t exactly normal either.

[What the hell… ?]

‘How can you read my thoughts? Please respect my privacy!’

[Ha. Now you’re just doing it openly.]

Since I knew everything was being read anyway, I might as well curse freely.

[…Enough of that. Think about how you’ll achieve the purpose you came for.]

‘Ah, right. There was something like that.’

[…]

Although I heard nothing, I could sense Shin Noya was looking at me with pity for a moment.

‘Right, I had a purpose for coming. How should I handle this?’

The purpose I sought out Strange Immortal.

It was to find Mae-ah.

I came with the intention of obtaining Mae-ah to give to Namgung Bi-ah, but.

‘I can’t just take it by force.’

Taking it by force was impossible.

Bringing Mae-ah by invoking the Namgung Clan’s name, which was my original plan, also became impossible.

‘If he’s a blood relative from the start, and the Namgung Clan is deliberately not interfering, then I currently lack the justification.’

Although I didn’t intend to take (snatch) Mae-ah from our first meeting.

I still needed to think of a way.

While I was repeatedly pondering what to do.

[Shall I help?]

Shin Noya spoke in a calm voice.

‘…Are you talking about yourself, Noya?’

[Of course, I’ll help. Who else would?]

‘How?’

As a spirit, moreover, stuck to my body, unable to do anything.

How could he possibly help?

Although I had absolutely no faith, it was better than having no help at all.

‘Do you have some kind of method?’

[Well, it’s not some grand method. First, isn’t it fastest to call the person himself and talk to him?]

‘Himself?’

Puzzled by what he meant, I tilted my head slightly.

[I’m talking about when that guy Myung tried to kill me earlier.]

‘Huh? Yes.’

Shin Noya suddenly started talking about the past.

[It wasn’t just then; we fought like that countless times. Our personalities just didn’t mesh well, so it couldn’t be helped.]

I wondered why he was telling me this, but I didn’t point it out for now.

Because it seemed there was a reason.

[We must have fought at least a hundred times… Do you know what’s important here?]

It was a very serious voice.

Perhaps it was the pressure emanating from it.

I unconsciously swallowed dryly and had to answer.

Gulp.

‘What is it…?’

[Forty-nine to fifty-one.]

‘What is that supposed to mean…’

[It’s the result of our wins and losses. And… naturally, I won fifty-one times…]

[…You’re talking bullshit.]

“…”

Someone interrupted, cutting off Shin Noya’s voice.

My head turned at that voice.

I looked in the direction the voice came from.

Wooooooom-! !

“…Hm…?”

Where my gaze landed, Strange Immortal was there.

He was looking down at his chest, which was suddenly vibrating, looking flustered.

He then put his hand inside his robes and took something out.

Ziiiiing-Ziiiiing-!

The object he took out was a rod vibrating madly. Yes.

‘Mae-ah?’

It was Mae-ah, the Five Great Swords of the Central Plains.

Its appearance was identical to the one Ma Geomhu held, so it was certain.

[Tsk tsk.]

Seeing that, Shin Noya chuckled.

That means…

‘No way, the voice I just heard is…’

As I stared at Mae-ah with a flicker of hope.

[As time flows, it seems your brain has finally rotted.]

A chillingly cold voice kept coming from there.

It was questionable how a human voice could be so chilling.

[Forty-nine wins were yours, and fifty-one were mine. How dare you distort important history?]

While the voice was chilling, the content of the words was somewhat sordid, but.

I could only continue staring at Mae-ah with surprised eyes.

[It’s been a while.]

Even while hearing that voice, Shin Noya greeted it as if happy.

Seeing this, I could be sure.

That the owner of this cold voice currently heard was indeed.

[Have you been well? Myung-ah.]

Namgung Myung himself, the Lightning Heaven Sword.

---

Drip…

A dark and damp space. In that cool place, a small sound echoed.

Drip… drip…

It was the sound of water droplets falling.

Even this small sound spread widely, echoing throughout the entire space.

A space whose purpose was unknown.

Inside it, Nashi knelt on both knees, head bowed.

A much more respectful posture than what she showed the Poison King.

The one receiving Nashi’s deference was examining the paper held in his hand back and forth.

Thin fingers, looking like mere bones in the darkness, were visible.

Rustle.

The old man, slowly turning the letter, soon frowned as if he had discovered something.

“The Poison King knows… Is this true?”

“…Yes… That is correct, Elder-nim.”

“Hmm… This has become troublesome.”

As the old man casually uttered those words.

Fssssss….

The letter held in his hand instantly began to rot and crumble.

“It’s not… quite time yet…”

The old man was disappointed.

The opportunity was gradually approaching.

I was preparing for that moment, but it seems the matter has been disrupted.

“Gu Yangcheon, was it?”

“Yes… That’s correct.”

Tsk.

The old man clicked his tongue briefly.

“Acting in a way that grates on the eyes, just like someone born of the Gu Clan… I wish they’d just stayed put like the mere blood-puddle they are.”

The name of the person who brought useless information and delivered it to the Poison King.

They said he was the genius currently making the Central Plains noisy.

“Bringing the Poison Pill was a good deed, but running wild like this, without knowing one’s place, is quite unpleasant to see.”

Especially not on Dangmun’s territory.

The old man really didn’t like that.

“Before they cause more trouble… it would be best to remove them.”

Saying that, the old man smiled slightly.

It might be different in other regions, but this is Dangmun.

No matter how high the opponent’s level. No matter their background.

It was a place overflowing with ways to dispose of them without anyone noticing.

“Also, tell the others in advance. Say we need to prepare a nice gift.”

The old man was someone confident in this aspect more than anyone.

Nashi, having received the old man’s command, bowed her head deeper and replied.

“Under…stood.”

There was no way to refuse such a command.

Normally, the ‘curse’ bound to Nashi would have forced her to do so, but.

“…”

It wasn’t like that now.

Nashi slightly lifted her head and observed the old man.

The curse that originally bound her body had vanished, so she could escape anytime.

This was all.

‘He caused this.’

It was something that happened as Gu Yangcheon pushed some energy into her.

That was the reason the curse she wanted to escape for over a decade vanished in an instant.

Therefore, she wanted to draw her dagger and plunge it deep into the old monster’s neck right away.

She wanted to sever his neck, rip out his heart, and mutilate it, but.

Nashi didn’t. No, she couldn’t.

The curse on her body vanished, and.

A greater curse had entered its place.

-If anything happens, just do as you’re told. It doesn’t matter.

The command she heard recently came to mind.

Perhaps because of those words, Nashi couldn’t take any other action.

She hated living like a slave, no matter what, but.

She endured, biting her lip.

At least. One thing was different.

-I’ll let you get your revenge. So just do as you’re told.

Those words.

Because of those simple words, Nashi could endure.

Of course, even if she couldn’t endure. She had no other choice.

“Ah. And.”

“…Yes.”

While Nashi was barely suppressing her emotions, the Elder spoke to her again.

“Find out the Princess’s location. I need to go see her after a long time.”

“I understand.”

With the Elder’s words finished, Nashi disappeared.

The old man, left alone, chuckled a weathered laugh while looking somewhere.

Kkuhaha.

Where the old man looked, there were corpses of those slaughtered beyond recognition.

The blood flowing from there soaked the floor.

Despite the brutal sight, the old man laughed nonchalantly.

“Everything is according to the Clan Head’s will.”

Even if anomalies occurred, it didn’t matter.

If anyone opposed this will, they would simply be melted away.

It was always like that.

The Poison Lord (毒君).

If there was anyone opposing his will.

The old man would simply eliminate them.