Rebirth of the Thunder God

The word that came out of Ju Hwayeong's mouth was, first and foremost, "impossible."

"No matter how favorably I think about it, five days is out of the question. Think about it. How are the three of us supposed to live on this deserted island with nothing on it? Even if we subsist on fish, drinking water is the biggest problem. Surely you're not going to say that a supreme master doesn't need water? Even if that were true, it's absolutely impossible for us."

No matter if one became a master of the Transformation Realm.

One still had to drink water and breathe air.

Naturally, Namgung Hui was also just a mortal who would die without drinking water.

As it was, Ju Hwayeong hadn't been able to quench her thirst sufficiently, having shared her water with her subordinates.

Namgung Hui chuckled and set down the fully inflated skin of the White Snake.

Indeed, as the skin of a spirit beast, the White Snake's skin was not only exceptionally elastic, but its shape was also almost perfectly maintained.

Because of that, they couldn't tell what was inside the White Snake's skin that Namgung Hui had set down.

Ju Hwayeong glanced at the White Snake's skin and asked Namgung Hui.

"What is this?"

"Inside is the drinking water the Princess was talking about. If we drink it sparingly, it's enough to last for five days."

"Oh..."

Just as she was feeling thirsty, Namgung Hui produced drinking water, and Ju Hwayeong's eyes sparkled.

Tang Soso was just as thirsty, so she approached Namgung Hui and asked suggestively.

"Can I drink this now? There's nothing wrong with it, right?"

"Of course, you can drink it. I've filled it with especially clear water, so you can drink it without worry."

While preparing Yewol's meal, he had filled the White Snake's skin with the crystal-clear water from the Lion Grove.

The stream in the Lion Grove was a rare source of pure water, so even brewing Thunder Vigor Wine with this water resulted in an exquisite taste.

'Come to think of it, I needed to brew Thunder Liquor. I can use the pure water from the Lion Grove.'

Namgung Hui thus shared the water with Ju Hwayeong and Tang Soso and then tightly sealed the White Snake's skin again.

Even after quenching her thirst, Ju Hwayeong's expression remained dark.

"Ahem! If one drinks water like this, naturally, physiological phenomena will also occur. This isn't a wide area like Putuo Mountain. On a shabby deserted island like this, wouldn't it be difficult to clean up afterwards?"

It was a small island that was not easily visible from the outside, with reefs and numerous islands lining the sea.

But inside, there was nothing special, and it was an open structure.

In such a place, one would be able to hear the other person's breathing clearly.

If so, even if someone were to relieve themselves, the sound and sight would surely be exposed.

But even to that, Namgung Hui seemed to be fine, as he took out something else from the White Wolf's skin this time.

"I thought as much, so I plan to set up a temporary latrine, including a simple hut. I happen to have some knowledge of formations, so just watch."

Namgung Hui found a suitable rock on the shore and began to assemble short sticks.

Clack, clack, clack.

What were clearly just short sticks had somehow transformed into long poles, firmly supporting a tent.

It wasn't a very tall structure, but it would surely serve as a latrine.

Namgung Hui had even set up a formation to make it invisible from outside the island, so it would serve its purpose well.

"It might be a little embarrassing. But neither sound nor smell will leak out. Well, if you're really uncomfortable, I'll give a demonstration."

As he had installed it himself, Namgung Hui was more confident than anyone in the performance of the simple latrine.

Ju Hwayeong and Tang Soso, having doubts about Namgung Hui's skills, nodded their heads vigorously and continued.

"Then show us a demonstration."

The situation was somewhat comical, but Namgung Hui approached the simple latrine with a serious attitude.

Of course, it was extremely embarrassing for Namgung Hui to relieve himself in front of women, under such blatant gazes.

But since there was no better plan than spending five days on a deserted island.

He paid no mind to their piercing stares and took care of his business.

"..."

As Namgung Hui had said, no sound leaked out, and the view was also sufficiently blocked, so they couldn't see what Namgung Hui was doing at all.

After he finished his business and returned, Tang Soso looked at him with a suspicious expression.

"You. You just pretended to do your business and didn't do anything, did you? There was really no sound at all."

"No way. As if I would resort to such a petty trick. If you look at the seashore, you'll see a rough trace."

As Namgung Hui said, a trace of something being washed away by the lapping waves on the seashore was visible.

It was such a fleeting moment that it soon disappeared, but Tang Soso fully recognized what it was.

"Now the latrine, drinking water, and food are taken care of. All that's left to solve is the sleeping arrangements, isn't it?"

"...Yes. This much is something I can endure. But, isn't the sleeping arrangement also the biggest problem?"

Namgung Hui, having achieved immunity to heat and cold, wouldn't get sick or catch a cold even if he lay down on this cold ground to sleep.

But for Tang Soso and Ju Hwayeong, who had not yet achieved immunity to heat and cold, it could be tough.

Not that a supreme master would catch a cold from sleeping outdoors, though.

In fact, what they were most uncomfortable about was something else.

"Yes. No matter how little distinction there is between men and women in the martial world, you are still a man. And we are women."

"So. You're saying you don't trust me?"

"Of course. If you suddenly get lecherous thoughts and pounce on us, we wouldn't be able to resist, would we?"

"Actually, since you brought it up, I have to ask, is there a need to wait until night? If I set my mind to it, it's possible right now, isn't it?"

Hearing Namgung Hui's words, it was a perfectly reasonable statement.

Even while hiding his true ultimate techniques, Namgung Hui had subdued them as if toying with them.

Thinking about it again, it was quite frustrating that the gap in their skills was this wide.

"S-So. Are you saying you're going to pounce on us now?"

"It's true that you and the Princess are beautiful women. But not enough to awaken my desires. At least..."

Namgung Hui stopped mid-sentence.

It felt like he shouldn't say this out loud, but he couldn't bring himself to stop his mouth.

"Ah... Is that so? You mean your desires only stir for someone at least on Seolhwa's level?"

Tang Soso bit her lip and made a frustrated face, but seeing her nod slightly, it seemed she had understood something.

Ju Hwayeong also recalled the White Phoenix, Beak Seolhwa, whom she had met in the finals, and showed a look of agreement.

Soon, Ju Hwayeong, composing her expression, asked Namgung Hui.

"Hidden Dragon. Then have you slept with the White Phoenix?"

"!!!"

Namgung Hui was so surprised that his eyeballs almost popped out.

That's how much of a bombshell Ju Hwayeong's question was.

Tang Soso also seemed curious, as she stared at Namgung Hui's mouth with wide eyes.

"Did you not understand my meaning? I will ask again. Have you slept with the White Phoenix and had relations?"

Namgung Hui shook off the memories of his past life that flashed through his mind, glared at Ju Hwayeong, and continued.

"...Even if you are a princess, is that not a rude remark? And not only has nothing of the sort happened with Seolhwa, but we are not yet in that kind of relationship."

"Not yet. Then it means you might do the deed soon. Oh, well. A man who hasn't even touched the White Phoenix, would he even give us a second glance? Poison Phoenix. Didn't you have a secret plan anyway?"

"Ah. That's true. But it's a bit troublesome to use, so I was trying not to use it if possible. Anyway. Let's trust Namgung Hui this time. As he said, what good would it do even if we resisted?"

Namgung Hui, thinking the matter was settled, spoke to them to get some air.

"Then I'll go catch some fish. You two rest for a while."

As if fleeing from them, Namgung Hui hastily went to the beach and stared into the sea.

However, Namgung Hui's focus was not on the fish, but seemed to be chasing someone far away.

Whether they knew Namgung Hui's inner thoughts or not, Ju Hwayeong and Tang Soso looked at him and grinned.

"With this, we can sleep without worry. His actions are those of a complete innocent. By the way, are you alright? I know that the Sichuan Tang family was aiming for the Hidden Dragon."

"Well, what can I do if he says he doesn't like me. I tried my best, but I couldn't find an opening. So I've agreed with my father to change direction. My father also understood."

"Another direction, you say?"

"Is blood relation the only bond? There are other bonds as well. As for the details, it would be difficult to tell even you, Princess."

"Well, it's not something I'm greatly curious about, so it's fine. I just hope that the Tang family and the Namgung family remain on close terms. So that they can become a sturdy pillar for the orthodox martial world."

Namgung Hui was so focused on fishing that he couldn't hear their conversation.

In fact, it was more because he was still dazed from the bombshell declaration Ju Hwayeong had made.

'There's no way I could do that with Seolhwa. She's a disciple of the Moon Maiden Palace, and she has to become the Palace Lady soon, so it's even more impossible.'

Thinking about this reality, a corner of his heart ached.

Was Beak Seolhwa really just a simple friend?

No. They had long since surpassed a simple friendship.

But whether they could develop into the male-female relationship they were talking about, that is, a romantic relationship, had become realistically difficult, regardless of Beak Seolhwa's feelings and thoughts.

Namgung Hui was in a situation where he hadn't even come to a firm answer about his own feelings.

In such a situation, hearing that Beak Seolhwa was becoming the Palace Lady, his expression couldn't help but become gloomy.

On the one hand, he even resented Yu Seolran, who was living happily with his father after passing on the position of Palace Lady.

'Sigh... This is not the time for this. First, let's catch some fish and go back.'

Namgung Hui gathered his senses and instantly snatched up a delicious-looking fish.

For Namgung Hui, who had been a master of fist arts, this level of Chin Na was a piece of cake.

It seemed like a good idea to have Tang Soso catch fish soon, as a way to teach her Chin Na.

After catching three large fish, Namgung Hui returned, feeling slightly uncomfortable under their strange gazes.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Princess. It's as if you're going to eat me, not the fish."

"No. The fish looks truly delicious. But there's no firewood here, so how do you intend to eat it? The child of the Tang family may be able to eat it raw, but I cannot eat raw things."

People from the East enjoyed eating raw fish.

But for the people of the Central Plains, raw fish was a bit unfamiliar.

Rather, it was Tang Soso who had a peculiar taste; usually, it was common to eat it grilled, in a soup, or steamed.

"You don't have to worry about that. I have a way."

Thinking it would be faster to show them, Namgung Hui immediately created the Samadhi True Fire and began to grill the fish.

"!!! You. Have you already reached the Transformation Realm? How can you use the Samadhi True Fire...!"

The Samadhi True Fire was like a symbol of the Transformation Realm.

So much so that it was even compared to the Fire Realm, which creates fire.

Namgung Hui, regardless of whether Ju Hwayeong was surprised or not, finished grilling the fish, handed it to her, and said.

"I couldn't bring enough spices since I was filling up on water. Still, I sprinkled what I could, so it should be edible. Here. Soso, you eat too."

They cautiously accepted the grilled fish that Namgung Hui handed them.

As the fragrant smell wafted, a loud rumbling sound even came from their stomachs.

He was worried that the imperial army might discover them, but Namgung Hui immediately continued.

"It's not perfect, but there's no chance of smell or sound leaking from this small island. It's a formation I've diligently practiced, so you can trust it."

Namgung Hui had set aside other formations and had only practiced the Soundproof Formation and the Directional Formation.

Now that his level in formations had risen to a certain extent, he was thinking of slowly trying his hand at other fields.

When he met the Hao Faction Leader or the First Senior Brother, he could ask for their teachings.

Ju Hwayeong first brought her small lips to the body of the fish.

Originally, she should have tested if this food was poisoned and safe to eat, but the person to do that was not beside her, and the hunger raging in her stomach could no longer hold back Ju Hwayeong's lips.

-Crunch.

The soft fish meat was crushed, and a sweet and savory juice flowed into her mouth.

"!!!"

The taste of fish she was eating for the first time in her life.

Spices, he had said. She didn't know what he had sprinkled, but there was no fishy smell at all, and rather, only the savory taste was amplified.

"It's really delicious. It's a delicacy I haven't even tasted in the palace. By any chance, does the White Phoenix eat this kind of grilled fish all the time?"

"I haven't made it for Seolhwa yet. For one, this kind of fish can't be caught unless it's here in the Zhoushan Archipelago. Well, I do plan on making it for Seolhwa separately later."

It wasn't for nothing that his sworn brother had praised the Zhoushan Archipelago.

The types of fish caught here were definitely of a delicious variety.

Later, it would be nice to spend time here with Beak Seolhwa, to train their lightness skills and also to see the surrounding scenery.

Beak Seolhwa wouldn't have complaints like Ju Hwayeong or Tang Soso, about the sleeping arrangements being uncomfortable or it being difficult to relieve oneself.

And so, Ju Hwayeong and Tang Soso finished their meal and placed the fish, now only bones, on the ground.

And Namgung Hui, too, had apparently finished a fish, as only a bare skeleton remained on the ground.

Namgung Hui stared at Ju Hwayeong for a moment, then stood up and spoke.

"Princess. If you have a moment, let's have a talk.”

(End of Chapter)