Chapter 498: Give it to me just once.

A heavy pressure surged.

Feeling the air shift, I rolled my eyes.

“Got it.”

The aura from Goeseon made my hair stand on end.

Despite that eerie sensation, my brain felt like it was spinning rapidly.

“You crazy bastard.”

Noyasi spoke to me, sounding incredulous.

“You’re actually trying to do this? You’re truly out of your mind.”

“After helping me so much, you’re backing out now?”

“What do you mean I helped you?”

You helped me a lot.

You told me Namgung Myung’s personality.

Ah, to be precise.

“The personality of the one presumed to be Namgung Myung.”

Before arriving here with Woohyeok.

I had to seriously consider how to obtain the Brain Seed.

The reason was none other than that the methods I’d thought of just before had all become obsolete.

The various methods I’d devised became impossible once the confirmation arose that Mudang Goeseon was a person of the Namgung family, and the suspicion that the Namgung family was ignoring this fact.

Because using the plans I’d made would cause problems.

So, should I give up on the Brain Seed?

“No.”

I couldn’t do that.

“The Brain Seed must be given to Namgung Bi-ah.”

For the future.

Furthermore, the Brain Seed was essential for Namgung Bi-ah to ascend to higher realms more easily.

“Namgung Myung’s temper is a bit bothersome, though.”

As expected of Noyasi’s friend, the old man’s temper is incredibly foul, even at a glance.

“What did you say, punk?”

I heard Noyasi get indignant, as he could perfectly sense when he was being insulted.

That was the truth.

No, wait…

“If it’s not Namgung Myung, then who is it?”

I don’t know, but I just believed it because Noyasi said so.

Because it would be a problem to distrust Noyasi now.

Besides.

“Right now, whether it’s Namgung Myung or not, it doesn’t matter.”

Even if the old man inside that Brain Seed isn’t Namgung Myung.

I wasn’t important. What mattered was whether I obtained the Brain Seed or not.

So I kept thinking.

How could I obtain the Brain Seed?

When I thought about it like that, thankfully, there wasn’t no way.

In fact, there were quite a few. It wasn’t like I hadn’t experienced such messy affairs in my past life.

Since I had even worked professionally in such matters, it wasn’t particularly difficult for me.

The only problem was that none of the methods were proper.

“…That’s a talent in its own way, too.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Do you think that was a compliment?”

“If I take it as a compliment, then it’s a compliment.”

After that, I heard Noyasi grumbling ‘으그극’ as if he’d die of anger, but I ignored him.

I don’t know why the already dead gentleman is acting like this.

Anyway.

Among the various wicked and undesirable methods.

I decided to choose the lesser of the evils.

As for that method…

“Picking a fight and snatching it…”

“No, why would you name a plan so crudely?”

“Do you think there’s any other way to put it?”

Even so, such a sordid name is a bit much.

Even if the meaning is correct.

“You’re going to punish me.”

“Our crazy old man is hoping for that. He’s a gentleman who’s aged poorly, so you should understand.”

“I’m about to get beaten black and blue by my friend’s master. How can I understand that?”

“Haha.”

Goeseon laughed at my sarcasm.

“For someone in that situation, your expression is quite cheerful?”

“…”

At Goeseon’s words, I quickly composed my expression.

I must have relaxed slightly, thinking things were going according to plan.

“I’ve died a lot too.”

Because I’d grown accustomed to peace, I made such minor mistakes.

Remind myself. I must constantly remind myself that this is not the time.

As I took a breath and hardened my expression.

A sharp voice came from the other side.

“I cannot comprehend.”

It was Namgung Myung’s voice.

“Why aren’t you stopping him, Shincheol?”

Hearing him speak as if he couldn’t comprehend, I thought to myself.

“As expected.”

I had checked just in case, and it seemed this was also correct.

I could hear the conversation from the other side,

but it seemed Noyasi could prevent my conversation with him from being heard if he wished.

“Really?”

Of course, I wasn’t certain.

It’s possible they could also block it if they wanted to.

However, if I had to consider whether they would bother doing so, I just thought they wouldn’t.

Without letting go of my slight suspicion, I decided on the direction of my actions.

Rather than acting indecisively while harboring suspicion.

This was better.

Noyasi replied to Namgung Myung, mixing in a sigh.

“Do you think this brat would listen even if I tried to stop him?”

“Ha. Calling yourself a successor, and you can’t even handle that much?”

“That’s not something you should be saying, Myung… and besides.”

I slowly released my body’s energy outwards.

“I don’t think this brat is exactly wrong, either.”

“…What?”

At Noyasi’s words, Namgung Myung’s voice became filled with coldness.

“The child’s words were rough, but do you think they were wrong?”

“You…”

“Hmm. Times have certainly changed. Myung, your tongue has grown quite long.”

He gave me all sorts of complaints, saying I was provoking him too much,

but now I see this old man also has quite the tongue.

They say he’s a sword master recorded in history; his tongue is just as sharp.

“…I can hear you insulting me, so shut up. Didn’t you ask for help?”

“Sorry…”

The ghost has sharp ears too.

As Namgung Myung’s anger could be felt all the way here, Goeseon, who had been holding back, added his words.

“Sigh… Old man. You look a bit pathetic, so just stay quiet.”

“Even you…!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but don’t stir things up and just stay put. And.”

Goeseon’s gaze turned towards me.

“Even if it wasn’t intentional, I apologize for my previous actions.”

“…”

“However, I want you to know that your words crossed the line.”

I knew that. That I had crossed the line a little.

This also gave Goeseon, or Namgung Myung, justification.

So that there wouldn’t be any major issues even if they fought me, and that.

“Especially if you have something you want from this side.”

“Damn.”

It seemed Goeseon had noticed too.

“I’m curious. What someone like you is hoping for by acting like this. I live like a beggar, so I don’t have money or anything…”

“I don’t particularly plan on extorting money from you, Goeseon.”

This side is rich now, you see.

I don’t really need money.

Hearing my answer, Goeseon smiled slightly and asked.

“Then, what is it you’re hoping for that makes you act like this?”

If I suddenly asked for the Brain Seed here, would he understand?

Judging by Goeseon’s vibe, maybe he would.

But.

“Well. That…”

It felt a bit regrettable to do so. The reason being.

“I think I can tell you after you’re done punishing me.”

It was because, amusingly, my appetite was whetted.

I wanted to fight Goeseon. My body was boiling with anticipation.

“Huh… The guy who used to avoid fights and go the long way around. It’s like the sun rising in the west.”

“I know, right.”

Is it because my body changed? Or did useless fighting spirit arise as I recovered my realm?

Or perhaps, is it simply because I want to confirm my strengthened realm?

Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter.

Crack crack.

I stretched my body. I raised my internal energy.

Now was the time to focus on my opponent.

“Sssshhh…”

As I was steadily building up the heat within my body.

“…There’s one thing I wanted to ask, actually…”

Goeseon’s voice was heard.

“What is it?”

“…That… It’s something I’ve wanted to ask since earlier…”

Goeseon seemed hesitant, perhaps finding it awkward to ask.

What is he trying to ask all of a sudden?

Just as I tilted my head, wondering what it could be.

“…Why is your face like that?”

“…”

Ah.

At Goeseon’s words, a forgotten fact resurfaced.

That my face had been beaten into a pulp by Paejon.

---

In the serene space, the air changed in an instant.

It was already overwhelming just with the pressure Goeseon emitted,

Whooosh-!

but as an unknown heat began to emanate from Gu Yangcheon’s body, the oppressive aura doubled.

“It’s hot.”

The heat brushing against my cheek was quite unusual.

With an aura far deeper and heavier than expected, Goeseon had to suppress the corners of his mouth from rising.

“Amazing.”

History stands there.

Goeseon was convinced of that.

He was clearly witnessing a stroke that would be recorded and remain long in history.

Goeseon had to think that way while looking at Gu Yangcheon.

If he’s like this already, how high will he soar later?

The beginning of a pillar that will rise to unseen heights.

From the position of watching its starting point, a sweet yet bitter contradiction was felt.

Does he feel envy for the talent?

No.

Goeseon wasn’t the type to feel such jealousy in the first place, but.

“When the level is different, you don’t even feel that.”

Envy is only felt when there’s a sense of regret, like you might be able to follow.

In the first place, you naturally feel awe, not jealousy, towards something far away.

That was exactly Gu Yangcheon.

His talent isn’t something to covet.

That is heaven’s choice.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense.

Then what is the regret Goeseon feels now?

“My disciple is pitiful.”

It was regret for Woohyeok.

Worried about Woohyeok, who watches such a monster from the side. That made Goeseon uncomfortable.

“Ha, to think I’d end up worrying about something like this.”

I found it absurd even thinking about it myself.

Not just anything, but worrying that my own disciple would be overshadowed by another peer and feel intimidated.

Although the disciple himself didn’t seem to care much about such things.

Goeseon glanced at Woohyeok’s face from a distance.

“…Why does that guy look excited?”

Woohyeok was looking this way with unusually bright, sparkling eyes.

Even though his master was about to fight his friend, he had an excited face, asking why they weren’t fighting yet.

This is driving me crazy.

“…Do I have bad luck with disciples?”

I had never thought that until now.

I thought I had more than enough. Perhaps because he made the wrong friend, I felt Woohyeok seemed to have changed somewhat.

Then is that guy the problem?

Goeseon looked at Gu Yangcheon.

It’s irritating.

Those eyes were quite irritating.

Beyond being told to punish him by others, before the fight, instead of fear, his eyes showed enjoyment.

This meant he was looking forward to fighting him right now.

“Well, I never.”

What kind of person is like that?

Goeseon couldn’t understand. What was the intention behind welcoming this fight?

He vaguely knew that the kid had something he wanted from him.

Because Goeseon had good intuition.

However, what that was, remained unknown.

“Besides.”

Gu Yangcheon is also a problem, but the bigger problem is.

“That I am looking forward to it.”

The fact that Goeseon himself was subtly hoping for a fight with Gu Yangcheon.

My senses surged.

My fighting spirit rose on its own, soon exceeding my will and reaching a growling state.

Is it because it’s an instinct possessed as a warrior, separate from Goeseon’s temperament?

The fighting spirit, having met a worthy opponent, bared its fangs to crush the opponent.

I recalled Namgung Myung ordering me to punish him.

What was my heart like then?

On the outside, I cursed Namgung Myung for ordering this,

“A pretext.”

but inwardly, didn’t I honestly think it was a good excuse? Goeseon saw through his own contradiction.

I wanted to fight.

Is it because such immense potential lies before my eyes?

How bright that brilliant light is.

And also.

“How much brighter it will become.”

I wanted to experience that firsthand.

Srrrng.

I drew my sword.

At that moment.

Whooosh–!

The pressure emanating from Goeseon’s body encroached upon the surroundings.

Woong-!

Unlike the heavy pressure, the sword’s cry (劍鳴) from Goeseon’s blade was incredibly clear and refreshing.

It was a testament to how outstanding the realm Goeseon had achieved was.

“Wow…”

Woohyeok, who had been watching it all, let out an exclamation of admiration.

Seeing that, he realized his master was about to get serious.

“Will he be okay?”

While watching with interest, I also felt worried.

Although my master drew criticism from those around him for his eccentric behavior, no one ignored his swordsmanship.

The elders and the sect leader said that if not for his temperament, the position of the next sect leader would have been a sure thing.

Of course… since his temperament doesn’t seem likely to change.

It didn’t seem like the current sect leader, Mudang Geomseon, would give him the sect leader position.

Conversely, my master doesn’t seem too keen on that position either, so maybe it doesn’t matter.

Amidst the gradually escalating atmosphere, Woohyeok observed Gu Yangcheon.

His back was straight.

An atmosphere that seemed somewhat changed in just a few days.

Despite his seemingly fierce and chaotic personality, there was an unfamiliar sense of calm silence mixed in.

Even though he was a span shorter than me, his presence didn’t feel small.

His face was unrecognizable from being beaten somewhere,

but even setting aside his face, Woohyeok intuitively felt that Gu Yangcheon had changed somehow.

“What happened?”

I wanted to know.

Gu Yangcheon wasn’t talking, so I was pretending not to know,

but I wanted to hear what that intense change was about.

Yet, the reason I didn’t ask was ultimately due to Gu Yangcheon’s will, as explained above.

Because Gu Yangcheon didn’t want to speak of it.

Woohyeok simply kept his mouth shut.

Woong–!!

The sword’s cry grew fiercer, and simultaneously, the heat deepened.

Woohyeok reached out his hand.

His fingertips, sweeping through the air, brushed against something.

It was a barrier.

So that the energy radiating from the center wouldn’t reach Namgung Bi-ah and Woohyeok.

A barrier was set up subtly.

Although I pretended not to know it was set up, Woohyeok, with his excellent hearing, could ‘hear’ that Gu Yangcheon had erected it.

Sensing this, I looked at Gu Yangcheon.

“He’s going to lose.”

If the two were to fight, Gu Yangcheon would be defeated.

No matter how outstanding Gu Yangcheon is.

He couldn’t possibly defeat my master.

Does Gu Yangcheon really not know this?

No, that guy is fighting even though he knows.

Why?

Woohyeok couldn’t understand the reason.

Gu Yangcheon seemed to speak easily about everything, yet he was the type to swallow important matters alone.

Thinking that far, Woohyeok sighed inwardly and looked beside him.

The two people, especially Namgung Bi-ah, who was staring intently towards Goeseon.

“…Are you alright over there?”

“…”

She doesn’t even look, as if uninterested in the voice addressing her.

Woohyeok chuckled at that cold dismissal.

“Sister-in-law.”

“Huh?”

“Well, geez.”

At the casually uttered title, Namgung Bi-ah turned her head.

Woohyeok couldn’t help but laugh at that simple yet resolute attitude.

“Are you alright, Sister-in-law?”

“…What…?”

“With that fiery guy acting like that. I’m asking if you’re okay.”

He’s about to fight my master.

In the first place, when Gu Yangcheon arrived with his face in that state, Woohyeok couldn’t forget Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes as she watched.

“…Her eyes looked like she could slice through everything.”

How could I forget her fingertips trembling slightly as she gripped the sword hilt?

If Namgung Bi-ah and Woohyeok had fought then, he would have been unconditionally defeated.

Namgung Bi-ah’s fighting spirit was that dizzying.

But now, he’s about to get beaten by my master.

I wonder if Namgung Bi-ah is truly okay.

That was the intention behind my question, yet.

“I’m fine.”

“Hm?”

Unexpectedly, Namgung Bi-ah answered calmly.

“Why?”

Just as Woohyeok was about to be taken aback by that answer.

“Because there must be a reason for him acting like that.”

“…”

Her words conveyed unwavering faith.

And within that gap.

“However… I just hope it’s not for me… or for us.”

A faint sadness was mixed in, stopping Woohyeok in his tracks.

“I’m a bit envious of this.”

A slight envy welled up from deep within.

The greatest advantage Gu Yangcheon possesses isn’t.

His absurd talent, but perhaps his invaluable luck with women?

That thought suddenly crossed my mind.

Woohyeok turned his head. He saw Gu Yangcheon, whose fist was clenched and unclenched.

The heat had already reached its peak, so something was bound to happen soon.

As I thought that and focused my gaze.

Pat-!

As if by magic, Goeseon and Gu Yangcheon’s figures vanished.

KWA-AAAAAA-!

Suddenly, a tremendous roar began to erupt.