Chapter 149: Friendly Martial Arts Tournament. (2)

Friendly Martial Arts Tournament. (2)

Kkrum-kkrum-

The inner energy I had been circulating subtly within my body stirred as if having a seizure.

‘Why on earth?’

While drawing lots was unavoidable, the creation of the match-ups was definitely an area where influence could have been exerted. If that were the case, it made even less sense. Specifically, why they’d deliberately pit Tang Soyeol against Jang Seonyeon.

‘Is it really all coincidence?’

Even though I knew it couldn’t be. It was a sliver of hope.

“My opponent is… seems to be that person.”

At Tang Soyeol’s voice, I shifted my gaze to examine her expression. She seemed indifferent to this particular matter. Of course, I’m the only one who knows about him.

“Will they be strong? They looked rather frail on the outside.”

Strong. I could feel it when we held hands.

“They probably are. Being the Alliance Leader’s son.”

That was all I could say right now. Perhaps due to the cold winter weather, I felt my mood chilling along with it.

“They probably are, right?”

Tang Soyeol smiled at my words. It wasn’t so much that she wasn’t particularly worried herself. Judging by her eyes, she seemed to be already warming up.

‘She doesn’t seem to be letting her guard down.’

Because she doesn’t know who her opponent is, she’s being even more cautious. The fact that she can’t properly gauge her opponent’s level must be making her tense.

However, Tang Soyeol’s eyes were calm. Before being a young girl, she was also a martial artist representing a prestigious family. In that sense, she was much better than those idiots with other talents.

‘She’s also one of the few individuals who didn’t lose her integrity until the very end.’

In my memory, the woman known as Dokbi was just such a person. A person who single-handedly fought hundreds of demons, sacrificing herself to allow her clan and countless others to escape to Hanam. That’s why Tang Soyeol was one of the very few people I considered heroes in my mind.

‘I can’t understand.’

I couldn’t figure it out. Why did she make that choice? Why did she say those things to me at the end? Why did she…

‘She didn’t resent me?’

She was the kind of person who made me wonder about such things.

As I kept looking at Tang Soyeol, she turned her head towards me.

“Our groups are different, so it’ll probably take a while before we meet, right?”

“That seems likely.”

Tang Soyeol quietly looked into my eyes and said in a soft voice.

“Young Master Gu.”

“Yes.”

When I answered, Tang Soyeol smiled shyly and said.

“If, by chance, we meet on the martial arts stage. Would you grant me one favor?”

Her smiling words caught me off guard for a moment. Right? That was such a sudden request.

“So suddenly…?”

“It’s a bit unfair, isn’t it? Not asking you to win, just to grant it if we meet.”

“What kind of favor requires such a condition?”

“It’s nothing much…”

As if unable to meet my eyes, she cleared her throat and shifted her gaze elsewhere.

“I was hoping you’d… speak casually with me.”

Hmm?

“Casually?”

As I asked again, as if I’d misheard, Tang Soyeol flustered, gesturing wildly.

“No… well…! Young Master Gu… you speak casually to Sister Bi-ah too.”

It seemed like she was trying to make an excuse.

“I feel like… we’ve spent quite a bit of time together too.”

At most a few months. Moreover, the time spent face-to-face would be even less than that.

“Miss Dang.”

“Yes, yes?”

“You do know I’m younger than you, Miss Dang…?”

“…”

Her face looked slightly hurt. Ah, was that a bit of a slip of the tongue?

“…But you still speak casually to your ‘sister’, don’t you.”

Well, that’s…

‘How should I explain this.’

Actually, it was also something that didn’t need explaining. Because Tang Soyeol and I weren’t anything special to each other. If Tang Soyeol was bringing this up knowing that.

‘Why does she even like me?’

Unlike Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah, I had absolutely no memories of doing anything significant with Tang Soyeol. Yet, I knew she felt favorably towards me and was consistently showing it. This must be one of those instances. Conversely, there was nothing I could do for her.

“…Is… is that not possible?”

Tang Soyeol asked again, her expression fearful of rejection. She wore a face she hadn’t shown even before the martial arts match, fearing I might refuse.

I looked at Tang Soyeol quietly for a moment before speaking.

“…Something like that doesn’t need conditions…”

“No.”

I was about to say it was fine, but Tang Soyeol cut me off mid-sentence. And in a very firm tone at that.

“…That holds no meaning.”

“What do you mean…”

“It feels like losing.”

“Huh?”

What is she talking about now? I looked at her with eyes that clearly couldn’t understand, but Tang Soyeol’s gaze remained firm. However, within that expression, I could sense a tiny flicker of relief. As if to prove it, Tang Soyeol added.

“…So you’re not refusing, right?”

“…W-well, yes.”

I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed with casual speech, but it wasn’t a particularly difficult request. While part of me thought I should draw a line, I felt rather pathetic for not being able to do so easily.

Tang Soyeol, unaware of my thoughts, simply beamed.

“Then I absolutely must win.”

Tang Soyeol’s eyes sparkled as if she had gained justification from my answer, but… Conversely, my gaze sank infinitely lower.

‘…Jang Seonyeon.’

Amidst the blowing cold wind. I repeated only that name in my mind.

---

The Biui Sect of Xi’an, and its young sect leader Bi Yeonseom, had a goal. The goal was to definitely revive her sect. Being a small sect in Xi’an, there were no known tales about it, and the number of disciples was steadily decreasing, and the sect was declining over time. Meanwhile, her father, the sect leader, had fled after accumulating a massive debt. Because of that, her grandfather, who had wanted to spend his remaining years comfortably, was forced to hastily take the position of sect leader once again. It was then that Bi Yeonseom thought. She couldn’t just collapse like this. She had to revive the sect.

But how? It was a rural village, so the location wasn’t advantageous either. In such a situation, unless one was on the level of the great Nine Sects, there was no way anyone would seek them out. So, first, she had to make people come to them. That’s why Bi Yeonseom came to Hanam. As mentioned, someone had to be made to seek out the sect, and to do that, she needed to let people know they had outstanding martial artists. The method to achieve that was none other than coming to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

‘Yeonseom-ah.’

‘Yes, Grandfather.’

‘I’m sorry to burden you with such a heavy task…’

‘It’s nothing… I’m just glad I can be of help.’

With a sad expression, her grandfather handed Bi Yeonseom a letter. The invitation to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, barely obtained through her grandfather’s connections. Bi Yeonseom was confident in her own skills. ‘If I can just distinguish myself at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.’ The time she had invested wouldn’t betray her. Indeed, when she watched the previous matches, there was no one superior to her. Even though it was a Friendly Martial Arts Tournament, winning it offered considerable value. Along with the reputation of being the best rising talent of the year. And a title bestowed directly by the greatly respected Alliance Leader of the time. And several spirit pills.

‘If I just win…!’

While the spirit pills and the title were tempting, what mattered most right now was reputation. All for the sake of her own sect!

“Third group, Ninth Seat (九席). Prepare.”

The referee’s voice was heard, and Bi Yeonseom stepped onto the martial arts stage as if she had been waiting. Unlike how it looked from below, the stage itself was much wider than she had expected. At the same time, a strange tension filled the air. The referee’s expressionless face and the cold winter air brushing against her nose. This was merely the first match; there was still a long way to go.

‘The opponent is…’

Bi Yeonseom looked at her opponent with tense eyes. Standing a short distance away was a boy with a fierce look, difficult to gaze upon for long.

‘I believe they said he was from Shanxi Gu Clan.’

The boy who had become the talk of the town last night for defeating Huangbo’s clansman with unbelievable martial prowess.

‘They say he’s a disciple of the Sword Saint.’

According to the rumors circulating, that was indeed the case. Not only did the Sword Saint write the recommendation letter, but the text apparently stated he was his disciple and requested courteous treatment. Bi Yeonseom found herself looking at Gu Yangcheon with envious eyes. Could that boy really be a disciple of one of the Three Saints?

‘While someone like me is doing all this to save a crumbling sect…!’

My father ran off, the sect is drowning in debt. I’m going through all sorts of hardships at such a young age. Unlike me, that young brat probably has a bright future ahead of him.

Feeling a surge of jealousy, Bi Yeonseom shook her head.

‘…Snap out of it. This isn’t the time.’

Whether he was the Sword Saint’s disciple or from a prestigious family, it didn’t matter if I won. I just needed to overcome them all and stand above them.

The referee, affiliated with the Alliance, glared as they checked if both sides were ready. Bi Yeonseom calmly drew her sword, maintaining her breath. Her opponent, however, wasn’t assuming any stance at all.

‘What is he doing?’

Bi Yeonseom frowned at the sight. It felt as if he were completely ignoring her.

‘Just as expected from a privileged family. Is that it?’

Having come to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, she was already on edge due to the countless instances of discrimination and harsh gazes. She had endured it all because this was an opportunity her grandfather had worked hard to secure.

‘I need to teach him that such arrogance leads to a harsh fall.’

Energy gradually flowed into her sword. The referee’s eyes widened slightly at the translucent aura rising like heat haze along the blade. This was proof that her cultivation had surpassed the second-rate and was nearing the first-rate. Bi Yeonseom’s lips curled slightly upon confirming this.

The problem was, unlike the referee’s reaction, the young boy opposite her showed no response whatsoever.

‘Can he not even sense it?’

Bi Yeonseom hadn’t witnessed the situation when Gu Yangcheon defeated Hwangbo Cheolwi yesterday, so she couldn’t know for sure, but… Based on what she heard, he shouldn’t be unable to perceive it.

“Could he possibly still be looking down on me?”

The thought flashed through her mind, and Bi Yeonseom gritted her teeth. To be ignored even by a brat like him. Bi Yeonseom further amplified her energy. Because she desperately wanted to teach that brat a lesson.

‘You probably think the world belongs to you.’

With a noble bloodline and a great master, he must have grown up arrogant. So, she intended to correct him right here. To show him how pathetic a frog in a well truly is.

“Begin.”

The referee’s voice was surprisingly quiet, but it was loud enough for the heightened hearing of a martial artist. Immediately, Bi Yeonseom charged towards the boy. The basic techniques she had practiced until she bled now shone through. Her unwavering stance and her gaze, seeking an opening, were precise.

Even now, the boy hadn’t moved. Has he given up?

‘If so, I’m sorry, but…’

I have to advance. To higher places.

‘I’ll avoid inflicting serious wounds.’

Bi Yeonseom’s sword slashed diagonally, flying towards the boy. Following the sword cutting through the air, the energy contained within left a trail. A clean and precise sword strike. Bi Yeonseom naturally assumed this blow would end the match.

However.

The rapidly advancing sword, far from reaching the boy, veered off to the side.

‘What?’

The boy hadn’t moved a single step from his original position. Bi Yeonseom’s sword tip hadn’t wavered. Then why did it miss?

‘Focus.’

It wasn’t the time to dwell on questions; the match was ongoing. Bi Yeonseom hastily shifted her stance to attack, but…

“…!”

Her vision crumbled. In Bi Yeonseom’s eyes, the boy seemed to rise higher and higher, while she felt herself sinking endlessly lower. Her body, struggling to move, refused to obey. As the floor rapidly approached her face, Bi Yeonseom realized. It wasn’t the boy rising. It was her own body collapsing.

Kuuung!

Bi Yeonseom lost consciousness and rolled across the stage floor. Even in that moment, Gu Yangcheon’s gaze wasn’t on her.

“Wha… what?”

The bewildered voice came from none other than the referee. The referee, whose duty was to maintain silence and composure, forgot his role and panicked. If measured in moments, it was the time it takes to blink once. The match was decided in that fleeting instant. Even the referee, a Sword Guard of the Alliance, couldn’t properly see how Gu Yangcheon had subdued Bi Yeonseom.

“May I step down? I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

At Gu Yangcheon’s calm voice, the referee finally regained his senses.

“W-winner, Gu Yangcheon!”

As the referee announced the winner, Gu Yangcheon stepped off the stage without hesitation. The area around the stage, which should have been filled with heat and excitement, was silent. This was because many onlookers, who had been subtly watching, were now silent. Dozens of eyes sent gazes filled with shock, but Gu Yangcheon’s steps moved busily, as if he had no time to pay attention to them.

The direction he headed was none other than towards the Yi Clan’s stage. Finding the place he wanted to go wasn’t difficult. Among the ten or so stages, he just needed to find the one where a crowd had gathered.

‘…Please.’

Let nothing have happened. He found himself wishing for it unconsciously.

Finishing his slightly ragged breaths, he spotted silvery-white hair amidst the cluster of people. Namgung Bi-ah also seemed to have finished her match and come looking for Tang Soyeol. He stopped his steps as he tried to approach. As his cultivation advanced, his heightened senses allowed him to perceive much. To hear much. And to see distant things clearly.

The end of his trembling gaze turned towards the stage.

Ttuk… ttuk…

Thin trickles of blood flowing from her mouth were wetting the stage floor. Tang Soyeol was kneeling on one knee, and blood flowed from her mouth. Although no clear wounds were visible, her internal energy seemed disrupted, likely from a significant internal shock. Thinking it might be a dangerous situation, he swallowed dryly.

“Pffft…”

Tang Soyeol spat out the remaining blood with her breath and pushed herself up again. Her body, trying to assume a stance, wobbled. It seemed her body wasn’t cooperating properly. Nevertheless, Tang Soyeol didn’t collapse. She immediately wiped the blood smeared around her mouth roughly with her sleeve. Although the blood spread because it wasn’t wiped properly, Tang Soyeol continued speaking as if it didn’t matter.

“Thank you for waiting.”

A brief greeting of thanks. And then, the words that followed.

“May I ask again.”

Even though her entire body must have been constricted by her twisted internal energy, Tang Soyeol’s voice was unwavering from beginning to end. Her gaze was the same. Her posture, speaking while solely focused on her opponent, felt less like that of a daughter of a prestigious family (女息), and infinitely closer to that of a martial artist (武人).

I turned my head to look at the person facing Tang Soyeol. I was curious about what he looked like. Would he wear an arrogant expression, or perhaps a apologetic one for the sake of acting? I was sure it would be one of the two.

“Hm?”

Upon seeing his face, I unintentionally let out a sound of surprise. It was understandable, because Jang Seonyeon’s face, as he looked at Tang Soyeol with his sword drawn, for some reason, was etched with a look of utter astonishment.