Chapter 392: Great Hero Gu?

The woman’s bearing was somehow peculiar.

She wore martial attire that identified her as a figure from the Moyong Family.

Judging by the accompanying ornaments and the sword of the Baekcheon Sword Squad (白天劍隊) she wore at her waist, her position within the family was clearly not low.

Furthermore, the faint aura she exuded indicated that she was by no means a weak martial artist.

Her appearance seemed to be slightly past the age of twenty, and she was a beauty with an air of freshness.

If you ask how I sensed something peculiar about such a person…

“A person who knows everything acts like that, saying such nice things to a mere fledgling who’s just starting out. Right?”

“…”

“If you’re going to get old, you should do it gracefully, you old bastard. Did you eat your age through your asshole?”

Despite her refined appearance and background as a figure from a prestigious family, her rough speech was strikingly incongruous.

Moreover, the sight of her standing with one leg crossed, chewing something indiscernible in her mouth…

‘…What is this coarseness?’

She looked exactly like the kind of punk you’d have the bad luck to run into in an alley.

Her appearance, so starkly different from her outwardly glamorous looks, made me flinch involuntarily.

Amidst this, the question arose: why did the world-renowned Dao King remain tight-lipped upon seeing the woman?

His face was flushed red and blue, clearly showing he was provoked, yet for some reason, he wasn’t easily losing his temper.

Seeing that, it seemed the Peng Family Head knew who this woman was…

‘Who could she be….’

A female expert belonging to the Moyong Family? Since the scope of possibilities is quite narrow, it shouldn’t be difficult to recall, but…

Strangely, she remained hazy, just on the verge of coming to mind.

While I was deeply pondering the woman’s identity.

The Peng Family Head finally opened the mouth he had been keeping shut.

“What is this behavior you’re displaying right now?”

“That’s exactly what I want to ask you? What is this behavior you’re displaying right now?”

She even spoke in a rather comical manner, mimicking the Peng Family Head’s tone.

The woman was, quite literally, completely ignoring the Peng Family Head.

At that attitude, the Peng Family Head’s face grew even redder.

“White Lotus Sword (白漣劍)…! What is the reason you suddenly appear and bestow such an insult upon me?”

“…!”

Only after hearing the Peng Family Head’s words could I realize who the woman was.

‘That woman is the White Lotus Sword?’

I examined the woman with surprised eyes. Why hadn’t I thought of it?

If you speak of a heroine from the Moyong Family, it could only be her.

‘White Lotus Sword Moyong Biyeon.’

She was a woman of direct lineage from the Moyong Family and a rather famous figure in the Jianghu.

The reason for that was none other than the Sword Empress.

If we look at some of the rules passed down through generations in the Central Plains, there’s a tradition, or rather, a non-tradition, of inheriting prominent sobriquets.

What this means is…

For example, you can easily understand if you look at the sobriquet Sword King (劍王).

The current Sword King’s sobriquet is held by Namgung Jin.

The name Sky-Piercing Sword King was proof of that.

No other individual can use the sobriquet Sword King.

This is a kind of unwritten rule.

It’s an implicit understanding that, excluding the current Sword King, no one else can use it.

Of course, even if someone possessed the sobriquet Sword King, it wasn’t impossible to take it.

The methods would be for Namgung Jin to retire with the Sword King sobriquet,

or, one could challenge the current holder of the sobriquet to a fight to the death and seize it.

However, there are hardly any people who would go to such lengths.

The risks are great, and retiring after one’s prime while relinquishing the sobriquet was also like a rule.

Thus, there are several sobriquets passed down symbolically in the Central Plains, like Sword King.

Like Sword King, Sword Empress (劍后) was also one such sobriquet.

It signifies the most outstanding figure among sword-wielding heroines.

Naturally, women who wield swords couldn’t help but covet it.

White Lotus Sword Moyong Biyeon was one of the heroines whose name was often mentioned regarding the position of Sword Empress.

At the point when the previous Sword Empress, Eulryeong Sword Empress, died in an accident, the position of Sword Empress became vacant.

Discussions arose about which of the several experts in their prime, including Moyong Biyeon, would take the position of Sword Empress.

She was one of those candidates.

Although she ultimately did not become the Sword Empress, it meant she was one of the significant figures worthy of being a candidate.

The reason I failed to recognize such a prominent figure was simple.

‘This… is this how she felt?’

It was because the rumors about her and her current appearance were vastly different.

“An insult? You think I’m the one giving insults?”

“Then… if this isn’t an insult, what is it?”

“Instead of thanking me, you’re speaking to me like a dog?”

“What did you say?”

Moyong Biyeon was tall for a woman, but she was minuscule compared to the Peng Family Head.

Nevertheless, Moyong Biyeon, showing no signs of being intimidated, even pushed the Peng Family Head’s chest with her finger.

“You’re spewing shit out of your mouth, disgracing your own family, and I’m the one stopping you. You should be grateful.”

“…You…!”

“Is it fun for you, all old and decrepit, to pick a fight with a pretty thing who’s barely lived a quarter of your years? I don’t know when you’ll ever grow up. I thought maybe you’d be better now that you’re Family Head, but tsk tsk.”

“White Lotus Sword!”

“Why do you keep yelling like that!”

The Peng Family Head’s shout was drowned out by Moyong Biyeon’s voice.

It was truly an enormous set of lungs.

Moreover, seeing the madness swirling in Moyong Biyeon’s eyes, I involuntarily took a step back.

Even Gu Yeonseo was trembling, shaking her shoulders.

That was the reason I hadn’t thought she was the White Lotus Sword.

The rumors spread throughout the Central Plains about the White Lotus Sword were not much different from the current Sword Empress of Mount Hua.

A benevolent person (善人).

Unable to overlook the suffering of the common people.

One of the few heroes who couldn’t ignore the cries of others, burning themselves up to save people.

Just like the current Sword Empress, who gained fame by single-handedly defending the Jin Magyeong Gate.

The White Lotus Sword had also become a topic of discussion after stopping a demonic beast rampage, even facing near-death experiences.

The White Lotus Sword, who saved a nameless small village at the risk of her life,

later answered the question of why she did it like this:

-The meal the child gave me was delicious.

She said it was because she was grateful for the kindness shown by someone who had just stopped by.

And that was enough reason to risk her life.

‘What was she like in my past life?’

My memory is faint. The reason is that the White Lotus Sword was hardly active.

In my past life, the Moyong Family did not participate in wars.

This is why I have almost no memories of them.

The Moyong Family Head had also slaughtered demons in anger over Snow Phoenix’s death, but…

It is known that not long after, he left for the Ice Palace with Moyong Hi-ah’s body.

Did Moyong Biyeon leave with them then? That’s why I don’t know much.

‘…I don’t know.’

It was not something I had delved deeply into, so trying to recall it now yielded nothing.

Meanwhile, Moyong Biyeon continued to spew words at the Peng Family Head, grinding her teeth.

“This bastard. Back then, you were all ‘Sister, Sister,’ sucking up to me. Now that you’ve got a few hats on, you think I’m easy pickings!?”

“…Huh?”

It wasn’t the Peng Family Head who was taken aback by Moyong Biyeon’s words, but rather me.

‘Sister?’

…Does that mean Moyong Biyeon is older than the Peng Family Head?

That’s quite a baffling point.

Moyong Biyeon looked barely past twenty, while the Peng Family Head had an appearance close to sixty.

Did the Peng Family Head alone endure the storms of time to satiety?

“Just because you became Family Head and people treat you with some respect, you’ve forgotten the old days? You’re asking for a beating.”

As Moyong Biyeon said this with a smirk, the Peng Family Head’s face contorted.

“Don’t you realize, White Lotus Sword, that I am enduring this out of consideration for our past connection?”

“Enduring? Then don’t. Draw your sword, Peng-ga. I’ll slice you up today along with your rotten tongue.”

She showed no sign of backing down, even with the Peng Family Head, the renowned Dao King, present.

The martial intent and killing intent of the martial artists mixed, spreading heavily.

What are these crazy people trying to do on a street where people are passing by?

The Peng Family Head looked at Moyong Biyeon and sneered.

“Don’t you think it would be troublesome if the Moyong Family Head knew you were acting like this?”

The White Lotus Sword, uttering insulting words to the Peng Family Head in the middle of the street.

Regardless of the truth, this was like a spark that could twist the relationship between the Moyong Family and the Peng Family.

The Peng Family Head pressured Moyong Biyeon by bringing up political issues, but…

Her expression didn’t change one bit.

Instead, she smiled even more broadly and raised her hand towards the Peng Family Head.

From her tightly clenched fist, suddenly, just one slender, white middle finger popped up with a ‘pyong!’ sound.

“Fuck off.”

“…!”

“Do you think our Family Head would be afraid of a nobody like you? If you’re going to silence people out of fear, then they should step down from the Family Head position. How dare you spout such bullshit under the guise of a threat.”

Even from my perspective, that was a dizzying level.

The initial impression was a rough demeanor reminiscent of Gu Huibi, but…

Now, I could feel it was even more so.

Could this woman truly be the White Lotus Sword I knew….

Moyong Biyeon, seemingly unconcerned by the surrounding gazes, looked at the grinding Peng Family Head and said,

“What are you doing? Draw your sword. You said you wanted to have a sword fight, didn’t you?”

A conflict erupted between figures from prestigious families right in the middle of Hannam. Moyong Biyeon truly seemed not to care about the gazes at all.

On the contrary, the Peng Family Head was glancing around.

Moyong Biyeon, her hand gripping the sword hilt as if ready to draw it at any moment.

Her martial intent began to deepen gradually.

Following this, the Peng Family Head’s body began to swell slightly.

Is this literally a hair-trigger situation?

If it came to this, it really felt like an incident would break out in this narrow street.

This is annoying, should I sneak away?

Getting involved here seems like it would be bad.

Just as I was subtly assessing an escape route.

The Peng Family Head was the first to retract his energy and said to Moyong Biyeon,

“I will absolutely not forget this insult. White Lotus Sword…!”

It looked like he was the first to tuck his tail.

“Forget it? Bullshit, let’s settle it now?”

Moyong Biyeon said mockingly, but the Peng Family Head soon turned his back and started walking away.

It was a sign that he was giving up first.

Martial artists who appeared to be from the Peng Family also followed him, and only after confirming that much did Moyong Biyeon also withdraw her imposing manner.

Did it pass for now?

Moyong Biyeon quietly whispered as she watched the Peng Family Head’s retreating back.

“Sigh, that idiot bastard. He’s so big physically, but why is his inside so tiny, like a mouse dropping?”

At her words, I involuntarily nodded in agreement inwardly.

‘The feeling is different.’

My perception of the Dao King began to change.

Peng Woo-jin or Peng Ah-hee don’t give off this vibe. For some reason, the man who is the Family Head feels possessed by something.

Is it a mental demon (心魔)?

The Peng Family Head feels bound by an unknown mental demon.

I recall when Elder Il met Peng Woo-jin in the past. The Peng Family Head mentioned he had good fortune with his children.

I wondered if perhaps he was speaking metaphorically about the Peng Family Head himself.

As I was thinking that, Moyong Biyeon turned her head and looked this way.

More precisely, she was looking at Gu Yeonseo.

“Are you alright?”

At Moyong Biyeon’s question, Gu Yeonseo flinched and hastily straightened her posture.

It was obvious she was nervous.

With flustered movements, Gu Yeonseo offered a formal greeting.

“Thank you for your help. Senior… I am Gu Yeonseo of the Gu Family.”

Perhaps finding Gu Yeonseo’s actions cute, Moyong Biyeon smiled softly, unlike before.

“No need for ‘Senior.’ Just call me ‘Unni.'”

“H-how could I possibly…! I-I cannot do that…!”

As Gu Yeonseo spoke, her face flushing, Moyong Biyeon chuckled and casually stroked Gu Yeonseo’s hair.

Meanwhile, her gaze was directed towards Gu Yeonseo’s chest.

Specifically, towards the embroidery depicting the Gu Family’s symbol. The look in her eyes as she saw it seemed somehow wistful.

Why?

Why is she looking like that?

After that brief look, Moyong Biyeon returned to her usual expression and said to Gu Yeonseo,

“Were you scared when that bear-like fellow said something?”

“No….”

“Nonsense. Just think of it as stepping in dog shit.”

Gu Yeonseo seemed embarrassed, unable to even meet her eyes.

Seeing my own kin look so bashful gave me a rather unpleasant feeling.

Watching that, I subtly released the hand that was on Gu Yeonseo’s shoulder.

Just as I wondered if I should also offer a greeting, Moyong Biyeon’s gaze turned towards me.

Thinking she might expect a greeting, I hastily prepared to make a fist salute, when…

“I didn’t interrupt, did I?”

Unexpected polite speech reached my ears.

“Yes…?”

“I got angry and intervened, but it seemed like you were planning to step in yourself.”

It seemed she knew I was about to intervene.

But why is she speaking so politely?

“No.”

“Nonsense, I was thankful for your help in the middle. It must have been bothersome.”

At Moyong Biyeon’s words, I inwardly let out a wry smile.

‘She saw through my barrier technique.’

It seemed she had detected the Qi barrier I’d set up between them to prevent their conversation from leaking out.

I smiled sheepishly and said to her,

“Rather, I am simply grateful for your help. Senior White Lotus Sword.”

“Hm?”

Moyong Biyeon, hearing my words, tilted her head as if sensing something strange.

Did she sense something amiss?

I didn’t really do anything, did I?

Doubt gradually dawned on Moyong Biyeon’s face,

and she suddenly approached me.

Then, she reached out towards my bamboo hat.

“…!”

Startled, I tried to pull my arm away, but Moyong Biyeon’s hand was faster than expected.

My bamboo hat was lifted slightly upwards in her hand,

and my face, which had been hidden, was revealed to her.

“What is this…!”

Feeling a mix of displeasure and bewilderment at the sudden rudeness, I stared at her, only to see Moyong Biyeon’s eyes trembling madly.

I’m the one who should be flustered, so why is she making that face?

As if not noticing my bewilderment, Moyong Biyeon, looking extremely flustered, said to me,

“…Gu… Dae-hyeop?”

“Yes?”

Her voice calling me sounded unnecessarily wistful.