Chapter 147: How to Dig a Grave Well. (1)

As soon as the next day arrived, I made my way to the center of the Alliance.

Not only me, but many disciples of the later generation would come here.

Because the reason for coming all the way to Hanam was there.

The Friendly Martial Arts Tournament.

This was the flower of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, and the purpose for disciples of the later generation seeking the Murim Alliance at this time.

The name sounds like it would involve amicable bickering, but…

The host was none other than the Murim Alliance, and as the gathering was the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, its name value was quite significant.

It’s only natural, because the reputation one can gain the moment they stand out here continues into the future.

Even just based on what I know, it was already a proven fact.

If you think about how much stronger the current Five Dragons and Three Peaks become in the future, you can understand this.

‘Rather than becoming stronger by gaining reputation, it’s because they were guys destined to become strong that they gained reputation.’

If you look for the meaning, that would be it.

However, looking at it broadly, it wouldn’t be a wrong statement.

Standing out here and gaining reputation means, in essence,

that you are a talented disciple of the later generation whose future is assured.

“…Hoo.”

The breath, mixed with frustration, turned into mist and disappeared into the empty air.

It’s because the fact that I’ve come this far makes it quite awkward to say anything.

‘In the end, I’ve come this far.’

The time must have passed noon.

It was the time when the sun should have been clearly shining in the sky, but…

Unfortunately, sunlight was not visible.

Only white snow was falling.

Around me, disciples of the later generation were already gathering one by one, forming groups, just like yesterday.

The Friendly Martial Arts Tournament is strictly speaking a choice.

If one doesn’t particularly want to, not participating is also possible.

Even though it’s called the ‘flower’, the purpose of the gathering was a banquet.

Of course, even if that’s the case, there’s no way there would be participants who don’t attend, but…

‘They came here to do this. Of course.’

By nature, martial artists are the type of people who can’t help but boast about their own strength.

Sometimes, there are unusual hermit masters secluded in the mountains, only pursuing martial arts, but…

If we consider them exceptions, most were like that.

Moreover, what about vigorous disciples of the later generation who are young?

‘They wouldn’t be able to stand it. Naturally.’

It’s an age group that wouldn’t possess even a shred of the thought of hiding their strength.

If you look only at talent, even the overwhelming Young-pung had a sense of arrogance.

In that sense, if you think about three people from the Five Dragons and Three Peaks not participating at this banquet, it was truly a subtle matter.

It means there must be a critical situation that would make them give up on this kind of event.

As I mentioned before, Gu Huibi was busy with the sword duel, and Jam-ryong, due to his personality, it was obvious he wouldn’t come, but…

Young-pung required a bit more thought.

I had the feeling that guy would enjoy this kind of thing, but…

Is there really a major incident at Mount Hua?

‘Around now, something happening at Mount Hua doesn’t seem to have occurred.’

I rummage through my lacking memory, but nothing comes to mind.

“Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family of Shanxi… have been confirmed…”

The attendant stopped confirming and swallowed a gasp.

The reason is obvious.

It must be because of the recommendation letter from the Tablet Master that accompanied the wedding invitation.

At first, I brought it thinking it might be somewhat helpful, but…

Far from that, it was no different from a burden.

The Tablet Master’s recommendation letter that Elder Yi gave me wasn’t very helpful, and on top of that,

whether it was due to that, a strange rumor was spreading under my name.

And that too, an unbelievable rumor.

“A rumor that the Young Master is the Tablet Master’s disciple? I think I heard it earlier too.”

At Tang Soyeol’s words, I let out a deep sigh.

It was this crap that reached my ears as soon as I woke up.

Who is whose disciple…?

“Isn’t it?”

“Would that be right…?”

When I said it as if it were absurd, Tang Soyeol smiled faintly.

“If it’s not the Young Master, then it’s not.”

So innocent.

She’s so innocent that I’m at a loss for words.

“Just where… just where did it spread from?”

“Normally, something like who received whose recommendation letter spreads quickly.”

“If it spreads quickly, shouldn’t it not happen…?”

A recommendation letter should guarantee secrecy unless the person themselves speaks of it, but…

This rotten orthodox sect nonsense, damn it.

“It’s more surprising that someone believes this.”

“It’s not something unbelievable, is it?”

“Hm?”

At my words, Tang Soyeol asks back, as if it were strange.

“Because you don’t just write recommendation letters to anyone, you know.”

“…Well… that is true, but…”

The problem was that I couldn’t bring myself to talk about the content.

Because if I brought something that wasn’t the content written for me under my name, it would be even stranger.

Moreover, not just anyone, but the recommendation letter of the Three Heavenly Lords of the world.

“If the biggest cause is considered, I think it’s the martial prowess you showed yesterday.”

At what Tang Soyeol said, I had to shut my mouth for a moment.

Was subduing Hwangbo Cheol-wi at last night’s banquet truly the problem?

‘I should have lowered the level a bit more.’

Honestly, I did feel that I acted excessively.

Carelessly adjusting it because I was paying attention to Jang Seon-yeon was the first problem.

And the second problem was thinking that showing something definite would be good to elicit a reaction from the disciples of the later generation.

‘Did the rumor really spread because of that?’

If so, in what aspect?

The connection between the Tablet Master and me, like this, there wouldn’t be anything else besides being of the same martial arts lineage, but…

This was not a rumor that could simply be left alone.

Not just anything, but the story spreading that I am a descendant of the Three Lords is a really big problem.

If I were actually his disciple, it would have been a non-issue, but…

‘Because I’m not, it’s a problem.’

This is an issue directly related to the Tablet Master’s reputation. And even if the Tablet Master has left the secular world and is spending time alone,

it’s possible he might come looking for me, taking this as a problem.

Because some ignorant fool has become his descendant.

‘…Honestly, if it comes down to it, if things get tough, wouldn’t it be okay if I used Elder Yi as a shield?’

Seven tenths… no, nine tenths of it is that old man’s fault, so it should be fine.

The ring too.

Ah, fuck the ring…

What about the ring now?

‘This is driving me crazy.’

Why is it that nothing resolves easily…

While I was racking my brain, Tang Soyeol quietly approached.

And then, she suddenly spoke to me in a subtle voice.

“I thought the Young Master only had good looks…”

“Yes…?”

“But to have martial prowess like that too… You’re too perfect!”

Why is this one like this again, really.

“Miss Dang… From what I see, you should visit a doctor in the near future. I know a doctor well, shall I introduce you?”

I knew a doctor called Shin-ui, whose personality was unpleasant, but whose skill was the best in the Central Plains.

Because he’s the type of person who wouldn’t refuse a patient, even while grumbling, it would be fine.

Tang Soyeol truly seemed to need Shin-ui more than anyone else.

“Right? Our young master is the best! Ah, I brought the young master’s dumplings!”

I grabbed and stretched the cheeks of Wi Seol-ah, who appeared in a very excited manner.

It’s a moment that needs peace of mind.

“Why is my life perhaps never smooth?”

Even if it’s full of twists and turns, it’s too full of them.

I thought I could just cause some moderate trouble and come back, but disasters occur with every step I take; I wonder if I should go find a real shaman and get a ritual.

‘The divine old man hasn’t appeared yet either….’

When my emotions flared up, the divine old man who disappeared for a moment had not appeared even after a day had passed.

If there’s a difference from last time.

It was the point that I seemed to know the old man didn’t perish and was connected to me.

‘Though it’s not certain.’

An indescribable hazy feeling was clearly telling me so.

I didn’t have this kind of feeling at Mount Hua.

Thanks to this, I could worry a little less. If it’s my delusion, it would be a difficult situation, but.

“Eubebbebe…”

“Ah, sorry.”

Lost in thought, I was touching Wi Seol-ah’s cheeks for too long.

As I quickly let go, Wi Seol-ah gently stroked her slightly reddened cheeks.

“Hmph…”

“Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“While you’re lost in thought, why are you touching my cheeks…?”

“…”

Sharp one…

‘Until recently, she seemed so innocent.’

Lately, Wi Seol-ah has started making sharp remarks little by little.

People naturally grow as time passes, so Wi Seol-ah also seems to be maturing gradually among people, even if belatedly, but…

‘Soon, the fun of teasing her will disappear.’

If, in the future, the current Wi Seol-ah changes into the same appearance as her from her past life.

I would be very glad, but…

I think I would also feel regret just as much.

Because it’s the current Wi Seol-ah, there are stories that can be expressed.

“…What about her?”

To hide the feelings I didn’t want to feel, I asked something random.

Even though I didn’t specify who, Wi Seol-ah already knows, it seems, and brings the desired answer.

“Bi-ah unnie is sleeping in the tent!”

“Sleeping again…? Does she never have a time when she’s not sleepy?”

Honestly, because we spend a lot of time together, I involuntarily see how she spends her time.

Namgung Bi-ah’s usual daily routine was incredibly simple.

Sleep, eat, train, sleep, sleep, sleep.

Sometimes, she wakes up and comes to cling like a cat.

At this point, I wonder if there isn’t a problem.

“She said she didn’t sleep well yesterday.”

“That’s a statement that doesn’t inspire any belief at all.”

As I said that, a sudden thought struck me, and I asked Wi Seol-ah.

“The tent she’s sleeping in, is it perhaps my tent…?”

“Uh-huh? That’s right!”

“…Yeah, I thought so. It seemed likely.”

By this point, I had already given up in my mind.

Maybe honey is smeared on it…

“We should probably bring her soon. It doesn’t seem like there’s much time left until the draw for the bracket.”

Tang Soyeol offered her opinion, as if accustomed to this situation.

Namgung Bi-ah also wanted to participate in this martial arts tournament as if it were natural, so we had to bring her.

As I walked behind the building, tents for the disciples of the later generation who gathered to participate in the martial arts tournament were lined up.

These were also the spaces to be used for three days during the martial arts tournament period.

Originally, there wouldn’t have been even this consideration.

‘Is this also because of Jang Seon-yeon?’

The Bcheonmaru too, the tents too. In my past life, I don’t think I felt these things specifically.

Of course, it might be because I, at that time, didn’t see them properly, but.

As I moved my steps, I felt gazes subtly pouring down from all directions.

‘At this rate, my face will be pierced.’

Whether it’s because of the rumor that appeared overnight, or because of the appearance I showed yesterday, I don’t know, but…

Clearly, the attention directed towards me has extremely increased compared to yesterday.

“…That boy.”

“Is the rumor really true?”

“Even so, to say he is his disciple…”

“But, if the rumor is true, then the appearance shown yesterday is understandable, isn’t it? If he’s the Tablet Master’s descendant, not just anyone…”

It’s not.

It’s not that, you bastards…

‘If I could, I’d just shout out that it’s not.’

It was also ridiculous for me to go around explaining this ridiculous rumor myself, but…

Rather, it would be better to go find the Alliance Leader later and ask for an official explanation.

Besides, I had to visit one more time because of the ring that popped out of the front pouch.

“Hoo…”

In this frustrating situation, I let out a deep sigh.

Ah, I just want to go home quickly.

Somehow, it felt like the same thought I have every time I embark on a journey, but now, that’s truly the only feeling I have.

Ignoring all the sounds that tickled my ears, as I approached the tent assigned to me, Namgung Bi-ah was already outside.

What could be the reason? I thought she’d be lying down or sitting and dozing inside the tent.

‘Hm?’

The question was immediately resolved.

I saw someone holding onto Namgung Bi-ah and talking to her.

Thunder Dragon Namgung Cheon-jun. Commonly known as that Namgung guy, he was there.

“…Noonim. Why are you acting like this?”

“Let go…”

“I don’t know why you’re suddenly treating me worse than others. The tents are like that too. The place assigned to us is separate, but why do you keep coming here? This could be a nuisance even to the Gu family members.”

“…”

At Namgung Cheon-jun’s words, Namgung Bi-ah turns her head.

It was a silent signal that she didn’t want to hear it.

Perhaps because of that attitude, Namgung Cheon-jun’s face contorted.

“I don’t know what the problem is… Perhaps, is it because of Young Master Gu?”

As I was mentioned from Namgung Cheon-jun’s mouth, Namgung Bi-ah’s expression changed slightly.

“So, it was Young Master Gu who changed Noonim like this? What is that engagement, that it makes Noonim act like this…?”

Perhaps because the engagement was mentioned, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes seemed to have become slightly sharp.

That naive Namgung Bi-ah.

“Don’t… speak carelessly.”

“Noonim!”

Namgung Bi-ah strongly shook off the arm that was held by Namgung Cheon-jun.

“Be careful with your words, Cheon-jun… And I’m sorry, but I won’t go…”

At words that were even somewhat firm, Namgung Cheon-jun, unable to manage his expression, gritted his teeth.

Still, unable to give up, he immediately tried to grab Namgung Bi-ah’s arm again.

“Sending you off again here. Brother-in-law?”

I called out to that Namgung guy in a bright voice and stopped him.

“…!”

Reacting to my voice, Namgung Cheon-jun, whose face was about to contort greatly, seemed to barely hold back upon seeing Tang Soyeol next to him.

“Did you come just to visit?”

“…Young… Master Gu.”

“Then you should have said so in advance. I couldn’t prepare anything.”

Even if others can’t see it, it’s very visible to me.

It’s what I mean: Namgung Cheon-jun suppressing the emotions raging within his body with his will.

“Of all places, the location too is right in front of our tent, perhaps do you have something to say to me?”

I ask with a bright smile, with the intention of telling him to speak comfortably, but…

Namgung Cheon-jun only showed reluctance, twitching his eyebrows slightly.

Why is it, even after I gave him a kind expression, doing my best?

“Since our Noonim was here, I came to visit briefly.”

“Then it seems your business is finished now.”

“Yes…”

To say no, Namgung Bi-ah’s attitude already felt like she didn’t want to talk anymore.

Namgung Cheon-jun also knows that, so he can’t do anything more in front of many eyes.

“…I will come again next time.”

Unable to find a solution, he promised for next time to Namgung Bi-ah, but Namgung Bi-ah still only avoided his gaze.

Leaving Namgung Bi-ah behind, Namgung Cheon-jun slowly walked past towards this side.

“Don’t be so arrogant.”

As expected, Namgung Cheon-jun whispered quietly to me.

It was utterly ridiculous that he was subtly making a move with his intention, lest it be heard.

“Even if last time, coincidence piled up to create a miracle, do you think it will be the same this time?”

I was listening quietly without answering.

“You too seem to have a move, but that’s all. In front of a clear difference, it’s bound to be futile. So please pray that you don’t meet me on the martial arts stage. If you happen to meet me, then forfeit.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know what I will do to you.”

After growling softly, he passed by.

That he can leave his expression unchanged and only spew such rotten words from his mouth.

It wasn’t a skill he tried just once or twice.

‘What to do.’

If we meet, I was thinking of treating him somewhat kindly, even because of Namgung Bi-ah, but…

If he comes out like that, there’s nothing I can do.

“These days, the kids seem to dig their own graves well on their own.”

It was truly a regrettable thing that couldn’t be helped.

“Ugh…”

As I was licking my lips, Tang Soyeol next to me started groaning.

Surely not, is she acting like this again just because she saw Namgung Cheon-jun’s face?

If that’s the case, like last time too, isn’t she really sick?

I really wonder if I should introduce Shin-ui now.

Looking at Tang Soyeol, I was shaking my head.

Namgung Bi-ah approached and leaned her head into my chest.

The feeling of her breathing or her aura looked extremely tired compared to usual.

“Are you okay?”

When I asked, Namgung Bi-ah nodded slightly.

“If it’s hard, don’t participate in the martial arts tournament and rest.”

This time, she shakes her head.

Meanwhile, this too seemed like she didn’t like it.

Anyway, her expression of intent was subtly firm, uncharacteristically so.