Chapter 486: What Are You Looking At (1)

[Have you been well, Myung?]

After Elder Shin spoke, the stick in the Monster of Wudang’s hand vibrated more than before.

Because of how unexpected it was, even the Monster showed a strange expression, which was amusing to look at.

[Shincheol.]

I heard a cold voice.

This was the voice of Namgung Myung.

Woah.

If I had to describe the voice in one sentence, then it would be a voice so cold and deep that it could kill a person.

So Namgung Myung looked like the Monster in front of me while also having such a voice huh.

I bet all the ladies fell for him.

Not only did he have a cool voice, but there was nothing more to say when he looked like that as well.

“Hmm.”

The Monster of Wudang tilted his head confusedly for a moment.

“You seem to be hearing it as well.”

Then he started speaking to me.

He asked me if I could hear Namgung Myung’s voice.

This means that he too, can hear it.

Glance.

I took a glance at Woo Hyuk next to me, but it seemed like he wasn’t able to hear anything as he was showing a strange look on his face.

“Master, what do you mean by hear- “

“Disciple.”

“Yes.”

The Monster spoke to Woo Hyuk, who was confused.

“Give us a moment. I have some stuff to talk about with your friend.”

Woo Hyuk’s eyes widened for a moment after he heard the Monster. He then repeatedly looked at me and his master.

It seemed like he wasn’t able to understand the situation.

However.

“Understood.”

Woo Hyuk didn’t argue and got up right after.

It would’ve been understandable for him to question things, but he found his master’s words more important.

Woo Hyuk leaped over lightly to the other side, looking a little disappointed, and I made eye contact with the Monster of Wudang after being left alone with him.

As the situation was becoming more awkward,

“It’s pretty fascinating, as this is the first time such a thing happened.”

The Monster spoke first, breaking the silence.

[“What’s going on?”}

Woong-!

The Thunder Fang continued to vibrate.

I had to think for a moment after hearing the Monster’s question.

What do I do here?

What was I supposed to say?

It was a pretty difficult situation to handle.

Ever since a while ago, I expected Namgung Myung to have possession of the Thunder Fang.

When I visited the Namgung Clan last time for the engagement between my clan and theirs, I heard a voice that likely belonged to Namgung Myung, and he told me where I could find the Thunder Fang.

Although these words were left for Elder Shin, just like always.

Considering I had already met the past heroes’ spirits trapped in treasures or secret vaults, it wasn’t hard for me to expect Namgung Myung’s spirit to be inside the Thunder Fang.

I expected it alright…

But something felt different. Namgung Myung felt different compared to other spirits of the past I’ve met up until now.

With that thought in mind, I carefully asked a question.

“…The person inside that stick. Is he perhaps Namgung Myung, the hero of the past?”

“Huh?”

The Monster was the first one to react to my question. He did not expect to hear that name from me.

“How do you know- “

Right as the Monster was about to speak,

[Because of how late you were…]

Namgung Myung spoke.

[I did think that you ran into a problem like the idiot you are, but what a joke of a state you are in.]

[Myung, I don’t think you should be the one talking, you bastard.]

Unlike Elder Shin’s voice, which had a slight playful tone, Namgung Myung sounded extremely cold.

Does he always sound like that?

[How did you end up in that state, Shincheol?]

[A lot has happened.]

[And who is this brat.]

Was he referring to me when he said brat?

[I guess you could say he’s a disciple of mine.]

I clicked my tongue after hearing Elder Shin’s response. What did he mean by ‘guess’?

Namgung Myung sounded puzzled after hearing Elder Shin and asked a question back.

[You took in a person who doesn’t even use a sword as your disciple? Shincheol, have you seriously gone insane?]

[He’s not exactly my disciple. I just teach him from time to time.]

[What a load of nonsense. You must have lost your mind.]

As the two continued their conversation, the Monster of Wudang showed a strange look on his face.

“Old man, who are you talking to?”

…!

I had to hide my shock after hearing the Monster.

It seemed like he wasn’t able to hear Elder Shin’s voice.

So he could only hear Namgung Myung’s voice?

Unlike me, who was able to hear both, the Monster was only able to hear one of them.

Having learned some fairly valuable information, I spoke to Namgung Myung while hiding my shock.

“When I visited the Namgung Clan, I heard your voice there, Senior.”

[What?]

Namgung Myung reacted to my words.

It sounded like he knew what I was referring to.

“Find the Thunder Fang. Those were your exact words.”

[…]

To be more accurate, those words were meant for Elder Shin instead of me, but I’m sure it didn’t matter too much since I brought him with me.

I had too much going on to worry about such a little problem.

[Are you sure you aren’t just being lazy?]

Please just stay quiet…

Now wasn’t the time for him to pick on my words.

“Then…”

[I don’t remember.]

“…Pardon?”

As I was about to continue, Namgung Myung suddenly cut off my words.

He does not remember…?

“Senior?”

[I have no memory of such a thing. I have nothing more to say to you, so go back.]

This wasn’t what I expected.

I obviously believed that Namgung Myung would explain everything to me if I brought this up.

But he’s telling me to go back?

What the hell…

What was this bullshit?

How am I supposed to give Namgung Bi-ah the Thunder Fang at this rate?

As my mind was blanking out, the Monster spoke with a strange look on his face.

“Old man, can you at least tell me what’s going on? I don’t understand any- “

[Send him back.]

“What?”

[I said, send him back.]

“What are you suddenly talking about?”

[If he refuses, then kick him out using brute force.]

“Hah, have you lost your mind again? Didn’t I always tell you? Give me a proper explanation if you want me to- “

Snap.

The Thunder Fang stopped vibrating all of a sudden as the Monster was speaking.

After checking, the Monster’s expression worsened.

“Damn this old man, I don’t understand how his nasty personality doesn’t change despite being that old. What’s the heavens doing not taking this old man?”

[Myung’s disciple knows how to speak. I’m fond of him.]

“…”

I let out a sigh after hearing Elder Shin laughing.

I don’t think now is the time to be laughing.

[Then what, should I cry instead?]

No, but he can’t be like this, you know? We are supposed to talk to him.

Weren’t we supposed to learn how Namgung Myung ended up inside the Thunder Fang or why his spirit remained in the Namgung Clan?

After hearing my words, Elder Shin let out a scoff as if he was left speechless.

[Like you were the one who wanted to have a talk, when you really came here to steal the Thunder Fang so you could give it to your girlfriend.]

“…”

Ahem.

I couldn’t argue against him as he wasn’t wrong.

…But you said you’d help me.

[I did, didn’t I? I called the bastard, but he doesn’t want to speak to you, so what could I do?]

What the hell?

Why was this old man so calm about this situation?

Something felt strange. Elder Shin wasn’t the type of person to react like this in such a situation.

Elder Shin.

[Hmm?]

…You seem to have an idea, is that right?

[Haha.]

If that wasn’t the case, then his behavior was unexplainable.

Even if this old man had a nasty personality that didn’t suit his Taoist background,

I have to admit that he is very talented.

Elder Shin had a countless number of achievements.

It was way too much for a person to achieve in just one lifetime.

However, Elder Shin did it like it was nothing to him.

[You are pretty sharp, huh?]

…

[Just checking is enough for today. Let’s go back like Myung told us to. Staying here would only irritate him more.]

But…

[You have to understand.]

Elder Shin changed to a serious tone as he spoke.

[I might’ve done the same.]

…What are you talking about?

[Since I’m not certain yet, I’ll tell you later, so let’s return like Myung told us to.]

…

[I have a lot to tell you anyway.]

Was he referring to back when Tang Jaemoon told many things to Elder Shin?

But it doesn’t feel right.

It didn’t feel right for me to leave like this, but I had no other choice.

He told me to leave, but why for?

I couldn’t understand Namgung Myung’s behavior, but it’s not like I had a different option anyway.

“Hmm.”

The Monster had a curious look on his face as well, but it seemed like he too chose to listen to Namgung Myung, judging by how he wasn’t questioning anything.

This means…

He’ll send me back by force if I don’t leave right now.

I didn’t like the idea of our first meeting ending like that.

I had to steal- …No, be rewarded the Thunder Fang one day from him, so I had to leave a good image.

[…Leaving it isn’t an option huh.]

I can’t give that up.

I recently saw just how powerful the Demonic Sword was when she wielded the Thunder Fang, and I knew the difference between her having the treasure and not having it.

Because of that, I couldn’t give up the Thunder Fang.

I have to solve it one by one.

As much as I wanted to beat up all the enemies by myself, I knew that I wasn’t powerful enough.

At the very least, I wanted them to be able to protect themselves.

Not just Namgung Bi-ah.

I had to go find the thing I’ve been thinking about for Wi Seol-Ah, and I planned to gift some things to Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol as well.

[You don’t look like the type of person to do that, but you really are considerate huh.]

What do you mean I don’t look like it? How can you say such a thing?

Does he think he looks kind himself?

He looks like an angry bobcat.

[What did you say you little brat…?]

“…I’m sorry for visiting you in a busy time like this.”

Ignoring Elder Shin’s reaction, I prepared to say my farewells to the Monster.

“I don’t think it’s the best time right now, so I shall be taking my leave now.”

“…Hmm… Alright.”

“I shall visit you again soon.”

I planned to visit him again since I had no intention of giving up.

Moreover, the Monster of Wudang seemed curious about the whole thing as well, and he didn’t say anything when I told him that I’ll be back.

With slight disappointment, I turned around and started leaping into the forest.

I was bothered by the Monster’s gaze that was still on me, but I continued to leave without turning around.

The Water Dragon will probably be fine on his own.

I was a little concerned that bastard was horrible with directions, but I believed that he was going to make it back.

I’m sure he had a lot to talk about with his master anyway.

At least that’s what I thought at the time, but I was wrong.

…Because Woo Hyuk didn’t know his way back, it took him two days to come back when it should’ve taken him a couple of hours.

The next day came after I arrived back in the Tang Clan.

I wasn’t able to get much sleep because of my meeting with the Monster of Wudang.

It felt like I had a dream, but I wasn’t able to remember it that much.

In this uncomfortable morning, I was waiting for a meal after going to an annex.

Other guests who visited the Tang Clan were also here, but I wasn’t able to find the Dishonored Venerable or the Dark King anywhere.

Besides those two… oh, Woo Hyuk wasn’t here either.

Anyway, besides them, everyone else was present.

“Young Master, have you slept well?”

Someone came up and spoke to me as I was waiting for a meal.

It was Tang Soyeol.

I made a strange look on my face as I stared at her.

“Why are you here?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t eat here, don’t you?”

Considering Tang Soyeol was a blood relative of the Tang Clan, she didn’t need to bother eating in this building.

Though, of course, I could’ve stayed in my room for a meal since I was a guest, but eating together became a habit of mine.

“…Oh, come on, Young Master is here and it’ll be nicer for us to eat together.”

Tang Soyeol showed a sulky expression as if she found my question disappointing.

After seeing her face, I couldn’t help but think of a person.

Do they look similar?

I was reminded of Tang Jaemoon.

In a way, Tang Soyeol looked similar to her.

Because of my thought, Elder Shin suddenly spoke in an angry tone.

[Similar my ass, they have a completely different aura.]

Why are you being so cranky all of a sudden? I’m left speechless.

Wasn’t he being too serious when all I said was that they looked similar?

It was understandable for them to look alike since they shared the same blood.

Namgung Myung and the Monster of Wudang look the same too.

So, how come Tang Soyeol can’t look like Tang Jaemoon?

With that thought in mind, I focused more on Tang Soyeol’s face.

From this point… she might look more similar if her hair were longer.

It felt as if she grew her hair, and her body grew larger, they would look really similar.

Though, of course.

I doubt that her body will get any bigger…

I wasn’t referring to her chest. Considering how Tang Soyeol wasn’t that big in my past life, I didn’t think that she would change much from this point.

But that wasn’t a bad thing, of course.

It might’ve been more awkward for me if she changed more than I expected.

“Young Master?”

“Oh, sorry.”

Because I stared too much, Tang Soyeol looked confused and asked me a question.

I stared too much. That was a mistake.

Tang Soyeol waved her hand when I showed an awkward expression.

“No, it’s okay. You can stare more.”

“…What are you saying now.”

“Hehe.”

Tang Soyeol giggled after she joked around.

“Oh, right. Young Master.”

“Hmm?”

“What are you going to do after the meal?”

“After I eat?”

I first planned to go out to the streets after filling my stomach.

I am going to go visit the Sichuan branch of the White Flowers merchant association.

I have to leave some things there.

I was referring to the things that clacked around inside my pocket.

…Thankfully, I managed to get them this time.

Just thinking about it alone left a smile on my face. It was the Luminous Pearls I gained from the secret vault.

I was successful in taking the valuable items I failed to get from the Golden Sky Yeon Clan’s secret vault last time, and it was the fastest for me to sell them to the White Flowers merchant association at a good price.

All I had to do was just use Lady Mi’s name.

I could go find different places if I really wanted to maximize my profits, but that’s a bit of a hassle.

It wasn’t hard for me to do that, but it was also more work for me.

…I also felt bad that I used Lady Mi’s name last time.

I was reminded of my mentioning her name to the Poison King when I showed him the Heavenly Poison Orb.

With that thought in mind, I responded to Tang Soyeol.

“I think I’ll go out to the streets after this.”

“The streets? Really!?”

“Mhm.”

“Young Master, then could I come with you?”

“Hmm? Sure.”

That wasn’t difficult at all, anyway.

When I lightly nodded, Tang Soyeol showed a bright smile.

Was it really something to be that happy about? I was glad that she was happy, though.

“Then make sure to be prepared and wait with the others.”

“Okay! I’ll prepare and… wait, others?”

“Hmm?”

Tang Soyeol looked confused.

“It wasn’t… just me who was coming with you?”

“Hmm? No. The others wanted to tag along, and it’s a good thing you asked too. You should come with us.”

“…Okay.”

Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-Ah, and I think Moyong Hi-ah wanted to come along as well.

When I told her about the news, Tang Soyeol’s bright smile became a bit darker.

Right as I was about to ask why she showed such a reaction,

“The meal is ready.”

The servant outside announced that the meal was prepared.

The tables started to be filled with food.

It felt the same as the last time I came to Sichuan, but the Tang Clan especially seemed serious when it came to food.

Though I wasn’t the biggest fan of their spicy food.

After the food was served and the servants left, everyone started to enjoy the food.

Tang Soyeol only took small bites as if she didn’t have a good appetite, and I started to eat as well, picking up a dumpling in front of me using my chopsticks.

It’s been a while, huh?

It felt pretty refreshing to look at properly cooked food.

I took a bite out of the dumpling that had steam coming out.

Then.

Pause.

I had to stop right as I felt a sensation.

I then smirked.

“…These bastards, they are really impatient, huh?”

“Young Master?”

When I quietly whispered, Tang Soyeol stared at me.

I gulped down the rest of the dumpling as Tang Soyeol looked at me.

Gulp.

Then, I felt something entering my body at the same time.

It was a nasty sensation that felt toxic.

After noticing the sensation, I took in a deep breath and spoke as loudly as I could.

“UGH, POISON!!!”

Then.

Thud-!

I fell straight on the table.

As if I fainted.

“…”

Everyone around me became silent when I collapsed.

I thought to myself in the silence.

…Why is no one reacting?

I expected everyone to scream in panic, but it was way too quiet.

I continued to think in my mind, wondering if I had made a mistake.

[…Seriously, brat.]

Huh?

But Elder Shin told me the reason.

[You really shouldn’t go and act anywhere else. I couldn’t keep my eyes on you. Tsk tsk… how embarrassing.]

“…”

His words stabbed me like daggers, but I didn’t get up.

I had to keep my head down in an embarrassing situation like this.