Rebirth of the Thunder God

"Keulleok!"

Namgung Hui knelt down and vomited a bowl of black, dead blood.

"Young lady!"

"Amitabha. Donor! Are you alright?"

The Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon ran up side by side to support Namgung Hui.

But Namgung Hui raised one hand to signal that he was fine.

"I'm fine. So could you please step aside? Okwol. Stand guard for me instead."

It would be more reassuring and safer for his friend, Beak Seolhwa, to stand guard.

The Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon were not unaware of this, so they stepped back with an awkward cough.

As if she had been waiting, Beak Seolhwa squeezed in between them and asked.

"Are you really okay?"

"The poison just infiltrated for a moment. You know. Who I am. That's why I'm asking you to block their gazes for a moment."

-Jijijik...

As soon as the poison infiltrated, the Purple Thunder Ki began to purify the poison on its own.

Now, because Namgung Hui was trying to suppress it, the Purple Thunder Ki could not move violently, but it was clear that if the poisoning symptoms worsened, it would surely make a noise and run rampant.

Beak Seolhwa nodded and blocked the view of the Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon.

Namgung Hui's clothes were also torn here and there, so it was difficult for them to keep looking at Namgung Hui.

Namgung Hui quickly sat in a cross-legged position and slowly purified the poison with the suppressed thunder ki, pretending to drive out the poison.

-Jijijik. Jijijijik...

The sound of the poison burning, so quiet that only Namgung Hui could hear it.

Soon, a quarter of an hour passed, and Namgung Hui's face, having completely cleared the poison, regained its color.

At the same time, a small curve appeared on the face of the Heretic Alliance Lord, who was watching from a distance.

"Child. You've received all three techniques, so I'll be on my way. When we meet next time, it won't end with just three techniques, so be careful."

-Pat!

The Heretic Alliance Lord, who had finished saying what he had to say, disappeared right away.

As he disappeared, the Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon began to exchange opinions.

"Donor Cheonghak. Are you going to chase the Heretic Alliance Lord?"

"I don't think our ancient sword masters alone will be enough. And since there are at least twenty members of the Blood Wolf Brigade, it will be difficult unless all eighteen arhats step in."

"Amitabha. The arhats we have mobilized are only eight, so it's a number that's far from enough. This has become difficult. It was a good opportunity to capture the Heretic Alliance Lord for a change."

The Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon were neither foolish nor stupid.

They knew that their skills were far from a match for the Heretic Alliance Lord.

To catch a master of the Transformation realm, all eighteen arhats would have to step in.

Or a master of the corresponding Transformation realm would have to step in.

Now, since none of that was prepared, it was just a shame.

The Divine Dragon opened his mouth with a bitter smile.

"We have no choice but to return as we are. By the way, did you recover the item the Wudang Sect was looking for?"

At the words 'the item they were looking for,' Namgung Hui showed a slightly guilty expression.

The manual of the Two-Forms Heart Method that was currently in his robes.

Since it was already in Namgung Hui's head, it was right to return it to them.

The Sword Dragon shook his head and said.

"Not yet. If you get any information later, please be sure to let me know."

"Amitabha. I will be sure to do so. Donor Cheonghak."

Namgung Hui stood up from his seat and thought for a moment.

The Heretic Alliance Lord's last powerful bow was certainly not something that could be blocked with a simple imitation.

An arrow shot with the aura of a Transformation master.

And since it was a horn bow made from the horn of a spirit beast, its power was extraordinary.

Moreover, since there was also poison contained in the arrow, it was not to be taken lightly.

In fact, if it hadn't been for Namgung Hui, it wouldn't have been strange even if he had died from poisoning.

Even though the Purple Thunder Ki had purified the poison on its own, hadn't Namgung Hui vomited black, dead blood due to the poisoning symptoms?

For Namgung Hui to block such a powerful bow, he had to at least show the ultimate technique of the Namgung family.

In that process, the ultimate technique of the Azure Sky Boundless Sword Art, the Emperor Sword Form, was mobilized.

And the energy contained in it was similar to the Great Expansion Divine Art.

Although it had been slightly modified, it was clearly the martial art of the Namgung family.

Of course, Namgung Hui's exposure of this was also somewhat intentional.

It was to aim for this very opportunity.

"Ahem. Young masters. Excuse me, but would it be alright if I joined the conversation?"

"It's more than alright. By the way, are you feeling a little better? Didn't you vomit blood earlier?"

"I feel a little better now that I've vomited the dead blood. By any chance, did you see the martial art I performed at the end?"

The Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon exchanged glances and then nodded.

"Yes. It seemed to be the recently restored Azure Sky Boundless Sword Art. I just realized you were a female master of the Namgung family. But it's the first time I've heard that there is such an outstanding female master in the Namgung family."

"That is. It's related to what I'm about to say. Please gather closer for a moment."

Namgung Hui set the mood as if he were about to tell a great secret.

As he lowered his voice to a whisper, the Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon had no choice but to come closer.

"You must have heard that I was with a member of the Blood Cult. Right?"

"Yes. That's right."

The reason the Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon hadn't left yet was precisely that.

Muchi was a member of the Blood Cult and the person who had killed the Heretic Alliance Lord's disciple.

The fact that he had been accompanying him had already entered the eyes and ears of the Beggars' Sect.

If so, it was a matter of questioning Namgung Hui here for what reason he had been with him.

The Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon were very curious about what excuse Namgung Hui would make.

"When I found out he was a member of the Blood Cult, I decided to use him in reverse. And that was to infiltrate the Blood Cult."

"?! Infiltrate, you say? Isn't that too dangerous? And with a woman's body..."

"Shh! Could you please speak quietly? It's a very secret operation."

As the Sword Dragon raised his voice without realizing it, Namgung Hui brought his index finger to his lips and gave a warning.

"I was so surprised, I made a mistake. I'm sorry. Miss Namgung."

"No, it's fine. It's understandable. Anyway. I ran into another Blood Cult member while accompanying him. I secretly took something from him, would you like to see it?"

Namgung Hui took out the manual of the Two-Forms Heart Method from his robes and handed it to the Sword Dragon.

"No! This is...!"

This time, it was a voice so surprised that he couldn't even say 'shh.'

At the very obvious reaction, Namgung Hui gave a warm smile.

And it was the same for the Divine Dragon.

"Immeasurable Life Buddha. This is a great fortune for the martial world. To think that the manual has been recovered. You must take this back quietly."

The Sword Dragon wiped the tears that had formed in his eyes and cupped his fist politely.

"Primeval Lord of Heaven. Thank you so much. Miss Namgung. I was shameless for not even knowing the name of my benefactor. I am Cheonghak, a second-generation disciple of the Wudang Sect. What is the esteemed name of my benefactor?"

"As you know, I am Namgung Jayeon, the secret weapon of the Namgung family. It's an honor to meet the Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon."

At the hastily made-up 'secret weapon,' Beak Seolhwa tried to suppress a smile.

On the contrary, the Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon, meaning that they had shared a secret, kept their mouths firmly shut with a serious expression.

"A martial artist secretly raised by the Namgung family. Then it makes sense. If it's a person who would so readily return a manual, they must be a person of the Namgung family, the family of righteousness and heaven."

Should I call this turning a misfortune into a blessing?

In a situation where his identity was exposed and he could be suspected of having contact with the Blood Cult, by returning the manual and at the same time attaching a plausible excuse, the appearance became quite plausible.

"So, what I'm saying is, we have to chase that Blood Cult member as soon as possible. And since the Little Saintess is also with him, we need to rescue her."

"We will also help. We have a sense of shame, so we can't let the donors suffer alone, can we?"

Namgung Hui, wanting to get rid of the burden, not attach it, shook his head and answered.

"No, it's fine. The Little Saintess will be much more comfortable with us, who are also women. And how are you going to approach the Blood Cult member? We've already finished recruiting him."

As Namgung Hui forced a pretty smile, the Sword Dragon nodded as if he had understood something.

"You mean you recruited him with a beauty trap. Then we have no choice but to leave it to our benefactor. This is truly a moment where I feel pathetic."

The manual was found by someone else.

And the Heretic Alliance Lord he had faced for a change was also dealt with by Namgung Hui.

He even had to entrust the pursuit of the Blood Cult member to Namgung Hui.

Although the martial world praised him as the Sword Dragon, at this moment, he was ashamed of such an empty title.

"It's alright. I won't forget this debt either. You can pay me back handsomely later. You can't pretend you don't know then, right?"

"Of course. The debt owed to the Namgung family will never be forgotten, not just by me, but by the Wudang Sect. The Divine Dragon here will also guarantee it."

"Immeasurable Life Buddha. This humble monk will also guarantee it."

Namgung Hui, having safely avoided the questioning, let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

If they had been experienced old masters of the martial world, they would have found other flaws and questioned him.

But since they were still just later generation masters, it seemed they didn't have any particular suspicions.

'If they had been experienced old masters of the martial world, they would have asked how I detoxified the poison. Who my master was. And who my parents were, prying into every detail.'

Besides that, they would have asked about things that Namgung Hui hadn't even thought of.

If that had happened, he wouldn't have been able to escape the predicament, but their experience was shallow.

And there were not many in the current martial world who had accumulated such experience.

Namgung Hui, with a bitter smile, opened his mouth slightly.

"We'll be on our way now. Young Master Sword Dragon, please return safely."

"Yes. I wish you good luck in your martial path."

"Amitabha. This humble monk also prays for your well-being."

As Namgung Hui and Beak Seolhwa received the clasped-hand salutes of the Sword Dragon and the Divine Dragon and set off on their way, the ancient sword master who had been waiting behind approached and asked.

"Senior Brother Cheonghak. Is it alright to let them go like that? By any chance, the beauty trap..."

"Junior brother. Do I look like someone who would fall for a beauty trap? Of course, that young lady is in the beautiful category, but after seeing Miss Beak Seolhwa, one develops an immunity."

"Then why did you let them go so readily?"

"I'll explain that when we return to the sect. It's a bit of a complicated story to tell here. Monk Muwon. Since you know all the circumstances, we will be on our way now."

"Immeasurable Life Buddha. No, it's fine. Let's go together. We don't have anything to do anyway, and since we might be ambushed by the remnants of the Hoicheon Association, we will accompany you for protection."

The Sword Dragon was also inwardly anxious.

The person called the General was currently moving busily, leading the members of the Murong family.

Since the direction was not far from here, he was worried about the way back, but as Muwon stepped up and offered to escort them, a willing heart arose.

"The number of people I have to repay for their kindness today just keeps increasing. I will be sure to repay you later."

"By the way. Donor Cheonghak. How high do you think that female master's level is?"

"Well. Wouldn't she be at a similar level to us, or slightly lower?"

"Then that female master will also be given the title of a phoenix."

"Will it become the Seven Dragons and Six Phoenixes from the Seven Dragons and Five Phoenixes? I was always dissatisfied that there were only men, so this is a very good story. Then, since she is a female master of the Namgung family, the title of Heavenly Phoenix would suit her well."

"As expected, senior brother. The beauty trap..."

-Peok!

The ancient sword master who had been hit on the back of the head rubbed his head, his eyes welling up with tears.

The sight was quite comical, so Muwon, with a satisfied smile, moved his steps first.

And so, as even the ancient sword masters of the Wudang Sect and the arhats of the Shaolin Temple set off on their way.

On the floor, only the lightning pattern left by Namgung Hui and the already dried bloodstain remained.

* * *

Beak Seolhwa, who had become alone with Namgung Hui for a change, performed a movement technique and asked Namgung Hui.

"Can't you do something about your tone?"

"What's wrong with my tone?"

"Others might not know, but for me, who knows who you are, it's quite cringeworthy. Look at this, I've got goosebumps."

Namgung Hui glanced at Beak Seolhwa's white skin and then tilted his head.

"Why is that my fault?"

"Good grief. There's a limit to being shameless. The inside is no different from an old man who has lived for a full cycle, adding the past life. But the tone is that of a woman who lures men for a living. And when did I ever teach you to speak like that?"

"Hmm... But is there a problem? It's a good thing if men are cooperative with me, isn't it?"

"Sigh... No. Do as you please."

As Namgung Hui said, if she just endured it, it wouldn't be a big problem.

Of course, if someone were to feel a romantic attraction to Namgung Hui and later find out Namgung Hui's true identity, a sword fight might break out.

But that was none of Beak Seolhwa's business.

However, although she thought it was a good thing for someone to approach Namgung Hui favorably in a rational sense.

A discomfort arose in a corner of her heart.

'Hmph! What do I care what happens to that guy? I have my own problems to deal with.'

Now, there wasn't much time left until the Blood Cult.

She had heard that if they reached Guangdong Province and headed to the Hundred Thousand Mountains, the Blood Cult would be right there.

Of course, the Blood Cult wouldn't be placed right in the middle of the Hundred Thousand Mountains, but with Muchi, they would be able to find it quickly.

If so, her current whereabouts would be somewhat outlined, and her direction would also be decided.

"Seolhwa. Are you sulking because of my tone? Why the long face?"

"That's not why."

"Then that's a relief. But do you think Muchi escaped safely? If the Heretic Alliance Lord had followed him, he might have been in trouble. That old man has gotten incredibly strong."

"That's why we're running like this. Now that we've gotten rid of the cumbersome burden, if we face him, we'll be able to win."

Namgung Hui also agreed with that.

Now that there were no spectators, it would be fine to show all their ultimate techniques.

Of course, if the Little Saintess were watching, it would be a little awkward.

If it came to it, he could just strike her acupoint and put her to sleep.

Unlike the Sword Dragon or the Divine Dragon, since she wasn't a Transcendent master, it wouldn't be difficult to put her to sleep.

And so, as they followed Muchi's tracks and crossed the mountain, they finally began to see Muchi's back.

As they spurred on and caught up to Muchi, they were flustered by an unexpected situation.

Because neither the Heretic Alliance Lord nor Seong Sohui were to be seen by Muchi's side.