Chapter 158: The Thing I Wanted to Show You. (2)

The bracket for the Final Four was posted, and I didn’t show much of a reaction.

Because it wasn’t much different from what I expected.

If you looked at the bracket in the first place, Thunder Dragon should have been in this spot.

Their calculations would have certainly dictated that.

Because they probably didn’t calculate that I would make it this far.

‘…Namgung Bi-ah is unexpected, though.’

It was unexpected for me too that Jang Seon-yeon and Namgung Bi-ah were matched up.

I naturally thought that Namgung Bi-ah and I would face each other, and Jang Seon-yeon would fight Moyong Hi-ah.

‘That would have been a better scenario for him.’

Could this part be a manipulation by the Alliance?

Or do they have something else in mind?

Since I don’t have even a speck of trust in the Alliance, thinking any deeper only led to gloom.

“How are you looking at it?”

Tang Soyeol asks me.

How am I looking at it?

“I’m just looking at it.”

“….”

Apparently not liking my answer, Tang Soyeol looked at me with a somewhat dumbfounded expression.

He seemed to want a different kind of answer, but unfortunately, I didn’t really have anything else to say.

It wasn’t like I could just go and demand why the bracket was like this.

Because there wasn’t even a reason to make an issue out of it.

I shifted my gaze towards the back.

The direction where Namgung Bi-ah was.

Namgung Bi-ah, who was in the same space, was also looking at the bracket.

‘She doesn’t seem to be thinking anything in particular.’

She really just seemed to be looking.

Judging by her usual vacant expression, she seemed to be accepting it as is.

‘If anything, it would have been stranger if she reacted differently.’

Though, what would Namgung Bi-ah know about Jang Seon-yeon to think anything else?

Perhaps because I kept staring, Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze turned this way.

Our eyes met, and Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.

Her expression seemed confused.

Then, with her characteristic light steps, she approached me.

Coming close enough that I could reach her with just an outstretched hand, Namgung Bi-ah asked me.

“Why… are you like this?”

It was a sudden question.

Why am I like this?

“Like what?”

“Your expression…”

My expression?

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words, I touched my face with my hand.

Was I making some weird face?

I didn’t think I was making any particularly strange expression.

I thought it was closer to a blank expression, actually.

But it seemed that wasn’t the case for Namgung Bi-ah.

“Why are you worrying about me?”

Her words left me momentarily stunned.

What is she talking about?

“When did I ever say I was worrying about you?”

“You are… right now…”

Namgung Bi-ah’s delicate hand brushed past my eye.

“Are you… worried about me?”

Looking into my eyes as she said this, I couldn’t give any answer.

Ironically, an answer wouldn’t come out.

It would have been enough to just say no, but my tongue, stiffened like stone, and my tightly shut mouth had no intention of moving.

‘Was I worrying about her?’

It was something I hadn’t realized myself.

If that were the case, how exactly did Namgung Bi-ah notice?

In the silence between us, Namgung Bi-ah added a sentence.

“Do you think I’m going to lose…?”

It was a chilling question.

I forced my tightly shut lips to move.

“…No.”

Because of that, my answer was delayed.

Perhaps because of this, Namgung Bi-ah seemed to have already interpreted the answer differently.

Honestly, I don’t think Namgung Bi-ah will lose.

That’s because the only late-stage disciple strong enough to beat Namgung Bi-ah right now was Gu Huibi. Besides that crazy sister, there was no one.

Even knowing that, the reason my answer was delayed was because, for some reason, I had a nagging feeling.

It was an inexplicable unease.

It made my insides feel stuffy and constantly dragged my mood down.

Perhaps sensing my mood, Namgung Bi-ah suddenly said.

“…It’s okay.”

It was a quiet voice.

So small only I could hear it.

‘What’s okay?’

I swallowed those words inwardly.

Because it felt like words that shouldn’t be spoken right now.

“I… am okay.”

It felt strange.

A sensation like she was talking to me, but not really.

I just quietly stared into Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes.

After staring for a while, I could understand a little.

‘Is she nervous?’

Namgung Bi-ah was nervous.

Since she was the type of person who seemed far removed from such things, it was harder to notice.

I looked at her and asked.

“Are you okay?”

No answer came.

I couldn’t figure out what she was nervous about.

Because no matter how I looked at it, she didn’t seem nervous about the match with Jang Seon-yeon.

“Your hand.”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s short words, I carefully took her hand.

Because it felt like she was asking me to hold her.

Perhaps this was the right move, as Namgung Bi-ah closed her eyes gently when I took her hand.

“Are you nervous?”

I asked casually, but Namgung Bi-ah just slightly shook her head.

Namgung Bi-ah, who had been still as if concentrating, quickly let go of my hand and took a step back.

“It’s okay.”

That was the third time she’d said that.

At this point, it was enough to make me worry.

What keeps being okay?

Seeing her strange behavior, I asked with a slight smile.

“If you’re not feeling well, do you want to forfeit?”

To my casual question, Namgung Bi-ah shook her head firmly.

“No.”

She was so firm that her usual way of trailing off at the end of her sentences was gone.

Could she actually control that?

While I was lost in frivolous thoughts, Namgung Bi-ah added the rest.

“I won’t forfeit…”

“I figured. I was just saying.”

Forfeiting in a martial arts tournament itself was something disciples of this age would die before doing.

They’d rather lose after fighting than forfeit.

Pride at this age was just like that.

‘Though Namgung Bi-ah doesn’t seem like the type to care about that.’

Sometimes, I wanted to peek into what she was thinking about in life.

Now was exactly like that.

What on earth could she be thinking?

What could she be thinking to make that kind of expression?

‘It’s like she’s heading off to some battlefield…’

It was a bit of an exaggeration, but that’s how it looked to me.

Namgung Bi-ah, who had let go of my hand and was gazing at me quietly, mumbled.

She seemed to have something more to say.

It was frustrating that she kept doing that, but I didn’t rush her.

“…I’m okay.”

It was the same words as before.

Yet, it was slightly different.

It must be because there were words to follow.

“So, please trust me and watch…”

Words thrown out without any context.

Words that contained absolutely no explanation of what they meant or implied.

Anyway, she had absolutely no way with words.

Do I have to interpret this one myself too?

“When did I ever say I didn’t trust you?”

It didn’t seem like I trusted her blindly, but I didn’t distrust her either.

I couldn’t know what mindset Namgung Bi-ah had.

Because I couldn’t imagine what significance this martial arts match might hold for her.

Isn’t that right?

If I only think of Namgung Bi-ah as she is now.

She wasn’t someone who acted or lived life with great significance.

“…So that you can trust me…”

That’s why, even more so.

“I’ll show you.”

I didn’t know with what heart Namgung Bi-ah said those words to me.

---

Just before the Final Four began, the martial arts stage where the Eight Strongest had competed was filled with even more people than that day.

Because there were more people who came to watch the Final Four.

Surely, when the day of the finals arrives, even more spectators than now will gather.

“Who do you think will win?”

Before the matches begin, this is usually the kind of conversation the spectators have.

“Hmm… That’s too difficult a question.”

This was the point where Thunder Dragon and Poison Staff had been eliminated.

As the two people who were mentioned as potential winners had been eliminated, it was difficult to predict easily.

“Still, wouldn’t Snow Phoenix win?”

“Hmm…”

An displeased reaction.

Although Snow Phoenix of the Moyong family hadn’t been eliminated yet, for some reason, fewer people thought she would win.

“Are the remaining ones from the Moyong family, Gu family, Namgung, and Jang family?”

“This time too, only the bloodlines of the prestigious families remain. It was expected, but I can’t help feeling bitter.”

“Oh right, Manager Cheon. Didn’t your child participate this time too?”

To the man’s question, the person called Manager Cheon repeatedly cleared his throat.

The answer came from elsewhere.

“Oh my, you tactless fellow! Didn’t they get eliminated in the first round! Please don’t bring that up, Manager Cheon, it’s embarrassing…”

“Saying that so loudly… You’re the worse one.”

“They weren’t going to last long anyway, were they? Since the Alliance poured so much sponsorship, they were just allowed to participate.”

“Are you going to keep poking where it hurts? I assure you, I have the confidence to actually stab you.”

“Hey guys, stop fighting and just talk, who do you think will win?”

“Why are you asking that? Anyway, the son of Nakgeom will win.”

“Huh? Not Snow Phoenix?”

“This guy is always slow on the uptake with rumors, especially for a merchant. They say rumors about the Jang family’s son have already spread widely through the Beggars’ Sect.”

“Rumors?”

“Yes, they say an unbelievable new star has appeared.”

Rumors tend to start from unknown places.

But it’s none other than the merchants who spread them.

A merchant’s ears are always open.

It’s natural if you want to know the flow of the world.

Because it’s essential if you want to make money.

That’s why they provide considerable sponsorship not only to the Alliance but also to the Beggars’ Sect.

It’s a gesture of sincerity, asking them to bring good news faster than others.

Even now, as the man excitedly spoke, possibly having obtained information from the Beggars’ Sect, the others listened with interest.

Cheon Mun-bi, who operates Cheon Eul Sangga, a mid-sized merchant house in Hanam.

Cheon Sangju (henceforth referred to as Manager Cheon) could only wear a sour expression upon hearing those words.

Unlike the merchants he was talking with now, Manager Cheon was someone who had been watching the martial arts matches since yesterday afternoon.

These people, unlike him, must have come specifically to watch the Final Four.

‘That’s why they don’t know.’

Manager Cheon didn’t pay much attention to the man’s words.

The son of Nakgeom was indeed an outstanding individual, just as they said.

A handsome young man with a radiant appearance, resembling the Alliance Leader.

His skills were also outstanding.

In yesterday’s Eight Strongest match, the young man from the Jang family overwhelmed his opponent and secured victory.

It was indeed the level one would expect from the Alliance Leader’s child, but…

For some reason, Manager Cheon was thinking of someone else instead.

‘Was he called a blood relative of the Gu family?’

A martial artist with reddish-black hair and a fierce impression.

I’m talking about the young man who defeated Thunder Dragon and seized victory.

The memory of that moment was too intense to forget.

The fiery energy that heated not only the martial arts stage but also the spectator seats.

And the sight of Thunder Dragon spitting blood without even being able to put up a fight.

The fact that it was Namgung family’s Thunder Dragon, of all people, who was beaten senseless and defeated.

How could anyone think the son of Nakgeom would win after seeing that?

‘It’s a bit puzzling why that part hasn’t spread widely.’

Manager Cheon knew that only now, a day later, was it slowly starting to spread bit by bit.

Usually, the Beggars’ Sect would have quickly reported the incident right after it ended.

It’s not like the Beggars’ Sect is slow; information shouldn’t be delayed.

This was, in Manager Cheon’s view, a rather peculiar matter.

“So, do you think the Jang family’s bloodline will win this tournament too?”

To the words of the man who had been leading the conversation earlier, the others also nodded.

“The opponent in this match was said to be from the Namgung family, right?”

“Hmm? Weren’t they saying the Namgung family member was eliminated yesterday?”

“They say there’s one more, apparently Thunder Dragon’s older sister.”

“A daughter of the Namgung family? I’ve never heard that before… How could I not know?”

“They even say she’s strong; apparently, the Eight Strongest match ended in a single blow.”

That was also a match Manager Cheon had witnessed.

There was no lie. The match had indeed ended in a single blow.

‘…Though the opponent seemed a bit strange.’

Even to someone who didn’t know much about martial arts, that match seemed rather anticlimactic.

They stumbled through their footwork strangely and were defeated just like that.

‘Surely they didn’t just misstep.’

Of course, a martial artist wouldn’t do that while performing footwork.

It must have just been some peculiar footwork.

‘Hmm…? Come to think of it, that friend seemed to have the surname Gu too.’

Did I mishear? It really seemed like the same surname as the boy who defeated Thunder Dragon.

“Anyway, no matter if it’s the Namgung family, the winner of this match…”

The man who had been passionately talking about the Jang family’s son suddenly stopped speaking.

Manager Cheon, lost in thought, sensed something was amiss.

If it were just the man, he wouldn’t have paid much mind, but it was because everyone around had fallen silent.

“What the…”

Manager Cheon, about to ask if something had happened, looked towards the martial arts stage and, like everyone else, had to stop speaking.

Someone was walking onto the wide martial arts stage.

Her hair, fluttering in the gentle breeze, was as beautiful as expensive silk.

Not just her hair, but also her fine skin, like it held white snow, and her eyes, as if made from jewels.

“Haa…”

“…Ho…”

Her appearance was such that those watching could only utter exclamations of admiration.

“Crazy. Absolutely crazy…”

How can a person be so beautiful?

The woman’s face was at a level that could ignite desire even in those who had none.

‘…Why is that.’

As everyone was mesmerized just by looking at the woman, Manager Cheon sensed something strange.

‘Why is it different from yesterday?’

When I watched the matches yesterday, it certainly didn’t feel like this.

Of course, I thought she was beautiful, but it wasn’t a feeling that strongly stuck in my memory.

So, what on earth is this woman now?

Her appearance seemed the same, but the presence she exuded was different.

Her strong spirit, honed by facing countless people throughout her life as a merchant, was being shaken.

“…She’s beautiful.”

“The Namgung family had a treasure living among them… If my daughter looked like that, I too would have hidden her away.”

Sreureuk.

The woman who stepped onto the martial arts stage, Namgung Bi-ah, felt all eyes on her as she tucked her long hair behind her neck.

As her hair was pushed back revealing her neckline, the groans from the surroundings intensified, but Namgung Bi-ah paid them no mind.

She calmly took an ornament from her pocket and secured her hair.

A crescent moon-shaped hair accessory; it was a gift from him.

Despite the large crowd, she didn’t smell the pungent stench.

It meant he was watching from somewhere here.

Just that alone was enough for Namgung Bi-ah to find peace.

As she finished adjusting her hair, her opponent stepped up on the opposite side.

‘…’

Jang Seon-yeon… was it?

For reasons unknown, he was the boy Gu Yangcheon kept showing interest in.

Gu Yangcheon seemed to try not to show it, but Namgung Bi-ah could tell.

Jang Seon-yeon walked onto the martial arts stage with neat steps and approached Namgung Bi-ah.

Namgung Bi-ah didn’t deliberately avoid him.

“It’s a pleasure. I am Jang Seon-yeon of the Tae Ryeong Jang family.”

A polite greeting. Namgung Bi-ah hesitated for a moment before returning the greeting.

“…Namgung Bi-ah.”

Strangely, Jang Seon-yeon was a person whose stench wasn’t strongly felt.

It was vague to say there was no smell at all.

It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

Surprisingly, excluding Gu Yangcheon, who had no smell at all, it was the most comfortable level Namgung Bi-ah had experienced.

However.

‘…I don’t want to get close.’

Even without the stench, an inexplicable discomfort arose.

For reasons unknown, Namgung Bi-ah felt somewhat awkward around Jang Seon-yeon.

“Please take care of me. I didn’t know Young Master Thunder Dragon had such a beautiful older sister.”

The gentle smile made Namgung Bi-ah think he looked handsome, but…

Now, she preferred his rough eyes over that smile.

Though she hadn’t liked him much to begin with.

Jang Seon-yeon was also having various thoughts while looking at Namgung Bi-ah.

‘The Namgung family.’

Looking at Namgung Bi-ah, Jang Seon-yeon had only one thought.

‘She’s beautiful, intensely so.’

It was a beauty difficult to describe.

It was to the point where he had to exert himself a bit just to avoid being captivated by it.

Separately from that, though he didn’t know about her skills.

‘How strong is she?’

Since Poison Staff and Thunder Dragon, whom he considered potential opponents, had already lost, there probably wouldn’t be anyone posing much of a threat.

Except for one person.

‘Gu Yangcheon.’

At the name that surfaced in his mind, Jang Seon-yeon had to force himself not to frown.

That guy who kept bothering him, popping up out of nowhere.

That fishy atmosphere too.

The subtle hostility he felt.

Even the way he looked at him was irritating.

-Do you think you can win? Against that monster?

What Peng Woo-jin had said haunted his ears ever since that day.

Do I think I can win? What a ridiculous thing to say.

Of course, I have to win.

Because he and that guy were completely different.

Losing to someone who had nothing was simply out of the question.

Even if he had overcome the wall and reached the pinnacle.

If that guy didn’t have ‘qi’, it would all be meaningless.

Thunder Dragon couldn’t even stand straight, nor had he assimilated it into his body, which is why he lost so ineptly.

‘I am different.’

Even that guy’s inflated arrogance.

It would crumble upon meeting me.

That was my intention.

And ultimately, I would be the one to claim the position.

‘Even if I can’t become the Divine Dragon.’

Since there were matters with Shaolin, I wouldn’t be able to obtain the position of Divine Dragon, but…

Other things would suffice for now.

Starting with this, I would eventually rise above everyone.

I was someone worthy of it.

Jang Seon-yeon looked at the woman before him.

She was the most beautiful woman he had encountered among all the people he had met so far.

As far as he knew, there were rumors that she was Gu Yangcheon’s fiancée.

At that statement, Jang Seon-yeon inwardly smirked.

‘Not fitting his station, really.’

It seemed he had luck with women, undeservedly so.

She was so alluring that even I felt tempted just by her appearance.

However, compared to her sharp eye corners, her expression seemed somewhat vacant.

It made me wonder if she was truly a person of the Namgung surname.

Her aura was endlessly noble, yet somehow, it felt like something was missing.

“Final Four.”

At the referee’s words, Jang Seon-yeon calmly drew his sword.

I had to snap out of my thoughts and concentrate.

‘I don’t really want to exert much strength, so it would be best to finish this quickly.’

In Jang Seon-yeon’s view, Namgung Bi-ah was full of openings.

She wasn’t even aiming her sword tip; in a way, she looked like she had given up.

‘What is she trying to do?’

If she was trying to lure me into complacency by showing openings, it was a failed strategy from the start.

I do not let my guard down.

Jang Seon-yeon immediately heightened all his senses and focused on Namgung Bi-ah.

“Namgung Bi-ah of the Namgung family versus Jang Seon-yeon of the Tae Ryeong Jang family.”

The start is almost here, but Namgung Bi-ah is still the same.

She keeps her sword lowered, watching Jang Seon-yeon blankly.

‘Could she really have given up?’

Just as those thoughts began to creep in.

“Begin!”

I wanted to finish quickly, so there was no time to hesitate.

With the referee’s shout, Jang Seon-yeon raised his internal energy and moved.

“…!”

No, he tried to move.

“…What.”

Jang Seon-yeon couldn’t move, contrary to his will.

Jang Seon-yeon’s sword, filled with internal energy, was trembling violently,

and his previously calm breathing was instantly disrupted.

His legs, which had been filled with power, remained still in place as if they had never moved.

“Hoo… Hoo.”

He tried to regulate his fluctuating internal energy and catch his breath, but the trembling tip of his sword wouldn’t calm down.

Jang Seon-yeon stared at Namgung Bi-ah with wide, astonished eyes.

Kkeudeuk.

Inside his tightly shut mouth, his teeth made a harsh sound against each other.

It couldn’t be helped.

He had no choice but to endure the overwhelming energy.

Cold sweat flowed naturally, and the goosebumps rising on his back were chilling.

A terrifying pressure that prevented him from moving even a single step.

‘That’s it….’

The place Jang Seon-yeon was looking at.

Namgung Bi-ah stood there, sword lowered, in the same posture as before.

The nonsensical pressure emanating from her made Jang Seon-yeon’s body freeze.

What in the world is going on?

“…An.”

Heumchit.

Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes widened at the voice that reached him like a whisper.

His body tensed up in the unexpected situation.

What was she trying to say?

Seeing Jang Seon-yeon like that, Namgung Bi-ah continued speaking.

“Aren’t… you coming…?”

These were the words Gu Yangcheon used to utter to his opponents during matches.

And, something Namgung Bi-ah had always wanted to try herself someday.