Rebirth of the Thunder God

-Kudangtangtang!

"Kyaak!"

Hearing Nam Suyeong's scream, Namgung Hui and Beak Seolhwa rushed outside.

When they came out, some martial artists were fighting in front of the street stall.

Although they didn't directly harm the street stall, one of the martial artists was thrown towards Nam Suyeong due to the aftermath of the fight.

On top of that, since he had apologized to Nam Suyeong as soon as he got up, it was difficult for Namgung Hui and Beak Seolhwa to step in right away.

-Shall we just watch for now?

-Let's do that. We need to figure out what kind of factions those two are first.

"Haha! The Asura Squad's name is just for show. You're nothing but a third-rate martial artist."

"Are you so full of yourself just because you beat one low-ranking martial artist? Do you think your Demonic Dragon Squad is so great? I heard you even got beaten up by a woman in the market a while ago. You should change your name to the Earthworm Squad instead."

"What did you just say?"

Since Earthworm was a term for an earthworm, it was only natural for the Demonic Dragon Squad martial artist to feel insulted and get angry.

And so, as the two factions were growling and confronting each other again, Namgung Hui asked Gwon Cheong.

"Why are the Demonic Dragon Squad and the Asura Squad fighting like that?"

"That's related to the factions I mentioned before. The Demonic Dragon Squad is the Young Cult Leader's faction, and the Asura Squad is the Vice Cult Leader's faction. In other words, it's because of the factions called the radical faction and the moderate faction."

"Ah. Then I understand."

The levels of the two factions also seemed to be similar.

To the point where he couldn't guarantee which side would win if they fought right now.

Perhaps because of that, they had only been growling since the first clash.

It was then.

The old woman, who had come out late after hearing the commotion, walked between the Asura Squad and the Demonic Dragon Squad.

"You brats! How dare you cause a commotion in front of my shop? My daughter almost got hurt because of you! Won't you get lost right now!"

The old woman, who was even mercilessly striking the backs of the martial artists, chased them away.

Although they were growling at each other, they couldn't say anything to the old woman.

"Demonic Dragon Squad. Return!"

"Yes, sir!!"

"The Asura Squad is also returning!"

"Yes, sir!!"

And so, the Demonic Dragon Squad and the Asura Squad obediently dispersed as their leaders instructed.

Could it be that the old woman was a hidden master?

As Namgung Hui stared at the old woman, Gwon Cheong, who was next to him, added an explanation.

"They also grew up eating grandma's noodles since they were young. Well, it means that most of the lower-class people in the Blood Cult grew up indebted to her. I'm the same."

"Is that so? Indeed, people who grew up without food would have been like that."

The Blood Cult was impoverished as it was.

And among them, the lower-class people would have to dig up and eat even the roots of plants from the mountains.

In those days, a bowl of noodles was immeasurably valuable.

Hadn't even Namgung Hui in his past life starved before meeting his master when he was young?

Since he had even begged like a beggar, he knew better than anyone the grace of someone who had given him food when he was hungry.

And so, as the people were chasing after the disappeared martial artists, the old woman struck Gwon Cheong's back and said.

"Now, now. There's a feast today, so business is over. Gwon Cheong. You and Suyeong go out and do some shopping."

"Did you also take on something for the feast, grandma?"

"Of course. Are my skills ordinary? Today, I'm in charge of the roasted suckling pig and the white-cut chicken. So go and do the shopping."

"Oh! If it's grandma's roasted suckling pig, the cult members will go crazy for it. Alright. I'll go shopping with Suyeong."

As the saying goes, 'Eating is in Guangdong,' the cuisine of Guangdong was not lacking at all compared to the entire Central Plains.

Rather, it was located near the sea.

And with the mountain range and the vast land to the right, it was a region where cuisine had developed since ancient times as the ingredients were diverse.

However, the impoverished Hundred Thousand Mountains were a bit of an exception.

Still, for the old woman who had wandered quite a bit, that was not a problem.

She had proven her cooking skills with just one bowl of chicken head noodles.

If so, he couldn't help but be very much looking forward to what her other dishes would be like.

But unfortunately, Seong Sohui stood up with a bitter smile.

"As I said before, I have to go now because my next patient is waiting."

"Alright. Saintess. I hope you will give this old woman a chance to repay your grace later."

"This medicinal herb is more than enough."

"That's what this guy gave you. I haven't yet. Anyway. Stop by so I can treat you to some noodles next time."

"Yes. I will. Then I'll be going."

Seong Sohui also gave a nod to Namgung Hui and Beak Seolhwa and disappeared.

Seeing her firmly grasping the basket before she disappeared.

It seemed there was a patient who needed the medicinal herbs in there now.

Namgung Hui was about to say that he also had medicinal herbs to give to Seong Sohui, but he had missed the timing because of the Demonic Dragon Squad and the Asura Squad.

'Well, it's not like I'll only see her this once, so there will be a chance later. Then shall I just enjoy the feast today?'

The chicken head noodles were amazing, so Namgung Hui was very much looking forward to what the rest of the Guangdong cuisine would be like.

Since Muchi would have caught a lot of game, there would be no lack of ingredients.

He would have to verify if the saying 'Food is in Guangzhou' was not an empty word.

But then.

People in the market were murmuring and parting to the left and right.

They hadn't shown such a sight even when the Asura Squad and the Demonic Dragon Squad were there, so the atmosphere was quite serious, as if someone of high rank in the Blood Cult was making an appearance.

And a person entered through the gap where the crowd had parted.

As expected of a person of high rank, the ki he felt was also considerable.

The clothes he was wearing also had splendid embroidery, unlike the impoverished Blood Cult.

The middle-aged man, dressed in splendid attire, asked the subordinate following him.

"Are the preparations for the feast going well?"

"Yes. Elder. It is proceeding according to plan without any setbacks."

"Good. You'll have to pay special attention to this feast. Since we've invited a precious guest."

"Haha. A precious guest? I'm just a humble servant."

Namgung Hui, finding the voice familiar, enhanced his vision with the telescope and stared at him.

'That guy!? It's the Mad Dragon.'

The Mad Dragon, one of the Seven Dragons, who had been severely beaten by Namgung Hui before.

He was presumed to be a descendant of the Mad Demon, having learned the Heaven-Shattering Mad Demon Fist as a member of the Demonic Heaven of the Hoicheon Association.

To think that a member of such a Demonic Heaven was in the Blood Cult, which was as good as enemy territory.

Could it be that he was in a disguised identity?

For that, he was walking around with his original face without any disguise.

'I'll have to investigate that guy.'

He wanted to catch him right away and interrogate him.

Why was he here?

And what kind of scheme he was plotting.

And so, the Mad Dragon and the elder of the Blood Cult passed through the market and approached the old woman's noodle shop.

"The noodles here are amazing. The shop is closed now, so I'll treat you to a bowl later."

"The smell is good. Hmm?"

The Mad Dragon met Namgung Hui's eyes and tilted his head.

He then approached Namgung Hui and even spoke to him.

"Young lady. Haven't we met somewhere before?"

At that sight, the elder of the Blood Cult chuckled and continued.

"Hahaha! It seems you've taken a liking to this young lady."

"That's not it, I really feel like I've seen her somewhere before."

"It's alright. I was also engrossed in women in my time. Wench. What is your name? You should know it's an honor, since he's a noble person."

Although Namgung Hui felt embarrassed at first, as they say, a crisis is a combination of danger and opportunity.

It seemed this could also be a good opportunity.

Namgung Hui, who had cleared his throat, opened his mouth.

"My name is I Jayeon."

"It's a name I'm hearing for the first time. With this level of beauty, I should have heard it at least once... Anyway. It's fine. Take good care of the young master you see here. I will reward you handsomely after I'm done with my work."

"Yes. Elder."

"Young Master Cheon. Then, since there's some time until the main feast, would you like to have some fun and come back?"

The Mad Dragon looked at Namgung Hui for a moment and then nodded.

"Alright. Please guide me to the quietest place possible. A place where no sound will leak out."

"Haha! So that's your taste, Young Master? Alright. I have a good place just in time. Hey! Guide Young Master Cheon to the Silver Moon Forest."

"Yes! Young Master Cheon. Please follow this subordinate. You, wench, follow too."

Namgung Hui slowly nodded and followed the Mad Dragon.

The Mad Dragon, even while walking, was busy stealing glances at Namgung Hui's face.

Was he really smitten with Namgung Hui's face?

Unlike Beak Seolhwa, since Namgung Hui had not hidden his beauty, his disguised appearance as a woman was in the category of a beauty to anyone who saw it.

It was a natural thing since his original appearance was outstanding.

And so, he walked for a long time, following the Blood Cult martial artist.

A secluded estate in a corner, opposite to Gwon Cheong's house.

As the name Silver Moon Forest suggested, it was cozy, with large trees growing densely, and even the moonlight seemed to be able to hide.

It seemed perfect for a hideout.

The soundproofing was also so good that no sound would leak out.

"Young Master Cheon. Then please have a good time."

As the Mad Dragon nodded, the Blood Cult martial artist quietly withdrew.

Now, the Mad Dragon was alone with Namgung Hui.

He looked at Namgung Hui's face again and asked.

"I have a good intuition, but haven't we really met somewhere before? I'm not just saying this to lure you."

"Well. Maybe we've seen each other in passing?"

"As you know, I'm not a member of the Blood Cult. If so, there should have been no reason for you and I to meet. And yet, your face is familiar to me. Tell me the truth. You're also an outsider, right?"

The Mad Dragon's intuition was surprisingly good.

Could it be that he had found his original face in Namgung Hui's disguised face?

Namgung Hui, who had even performed an advanced art of disguise, to think that he would see through it.

"I was originally born and raised in Guangdong Province."

The Mad Dragon shook his head and said.

"No. I definitely know you. If you're going to keep feigning ignorance. I won't use words anymore either."

The Mad Dragon even raised his ki and threatened him.

Namgung Hui checked if the soundproofing was proper and then nodded.

"Yes. We have met before. I don't know if you'll remember my voice."

"!? This voice! Don't tell me you're Namgung Hui!"

"Wow. I'm so grateful that you remember my voice that tears are coming to my eyes. It's so nice to meet you in such a remote place."

"...!"

The Mad Dragon rolled his eyes and looked around.

An attitude that was the opposite of the threatening one he had just shown.

Until just now, he was like a cat about to eat a mouse, but now he was like a cat being chased by a tiger.

"If you run, I'll cut off one of your legs right away. I was inwardly disappointed that I just let you go last time, so I'd be grateful if you gave me a chance."

"...Alright. I won't run. But why are you here? After winning the martial arts tournament, why on earth?"

The Mad Dragon couldn't understand.

Winning the martial arts tournament was directly linked to wealth and honor.

All sorts of merchants and martial arts factions who wanted to borrow Namgung Hui's fame, as well as the Nine Factions and One Sect, would try to build a friendship with Namgung Hui.

Even the renowned masters of the orthodox faction, as well as those of high rank in the Martial Alliance, would be the same.

To infiltrate the Blood Cult, a remote place like this, at a time when he should be most actively meeting people and expanding his connections?

This was not only dangerous, but there was nothing to be gained.

Of course, this was just the Mad Dragon's thought.

"Me? Of course, I came here because I have business. By the way, why are you, a member of the Demonic Heaven, in the Blood Cult?"

This, in its own way, was puzzling.

The Demonic Heaven was a faction hostile to the Blood Cult.

As the Elder Faction and the Young Cult Leader's Faction had split, they had no choice but to keep each other in check.

Hadn't even the Dugu family shown hostility towards the Demonic Heaven?

For those two factions to reconcile now was something Namgung Hui could not quite understand.

'Originally, a deep emotional rift is difficult to overcome.'

If it had been done so soon, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the orthodox faction would not have fought like that.

"I'll tell you obediently..."

While the Mad Dragon was speaking, Namgung Hui drew out his sword aura to the height of his own body.

"...I can. Alright. Let's talk."

The Mad Dragon's attitude, who had witnessed the sword aura, changed.

No matter how strong the Mad Dragon had become, he would be no match for the current Namgung Hui.

Namgung Hui was also improving day by day and had even taken the Small Rejuvenation Pill recently.

Namgung Hui retrieved the sword aura he had drawn out and asked.

"Then shall we do that thing where we ask and answer each other like last time?"

"Alright. Then you ask first."

"I don't have anything else to ask. I just want to know why a member of the Demonic Heaven is in the Blood Cult."

"Well, it's not a problem to think about so difficultly. I just came here for a simple reconciliation with the Blood Cult."

"For a simple reconciliation, the emotional rift between the two factions is quite deep, I know."

"Well, that's not wrong either, but isn't it the one who is in a difficult position who extends a hand first?"

"And where is the place that extended that hand?"

The moment the Mad Dragon was about to answer.

-Busurukbusuruk.

A presence was felt from a corner of the Silver Moon Forest.

(End of Chapter)