Chapter 164: The Thing I Want to Show You. (4)

I recalled the day I first met that guy.

It was when I had just become the Young Master of the So family.

It was the point when I first appeared at the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, just like now.

Of course, it was a few years after the present, now that I’ve regressed.

Usually, upon obtaining the title of Young Master of a prominent family, one is seen not as a junior disciple but as a full-fledged member of the Central Plains martial arts world. Although there’s an unwritten rule, due to pointless pride, not to attend such gatherings of junior disciples, my becoming the Young Master was itself unofficial, and since I hadn’t left the family’s premises, I needed connections now, even if it was belatedly.

Of course, considering my personality back then, I wonder if it was even possible for me to meet people and build friendships, but what could I do? It was the family’s decree.

My body, which had grown more than now; my mind, which had rotted more than now. The intense inferiority complex and the burden of karma were enough to ruin a young man. Nowadays, it’s just a bad reputation you’d hear if you looked for it, but the rumors about me around the time I came of age…

The Fiend of Shanxi.

The Shame of the Gu Family.

Thinking about how I was called things like those, the level must have been different. Naturally, I couldn’t have attended banquets properly either.

Honestly, the memory of that day was hazy. Whether Wi Seol-ah was at the banquet then, whether Tang Soyeol was there. Whether Moyong Hi-ah was there. Yeongpung, Jamryong… Neuryong? Honestly, I don’t even remember how many familiar faces there were. That meant I wasn’t exactly in my right mind when I went.

However, there was one thing I remembered clearly.

-Nice to meet you. Young Master Gu.

The hand he offered.

The smiling gaze.

The voice pretending to be friendly.

All of it was still vivid.

-My name is Jang Seon-yeon.

It’s not because I had any particular feelings about it. It’s definitely not because it was a touching story of someone approaching me when I was alone. Why would I have been happy about some guy approaching me? The only reason that unremarkable situation is stuck in my head and won’t leave is one.

-I am humbly called ‘Divine Saint’.

Simply because that was the beginning of our ill-fated connection.

******************

The day of the Friendship Martial Arts Tournament finals dawned. Day by day, this day had finally arrived. The time was now approaching sunset. While I wondered why it was scheduled so late, it’s actually the time when Henan is most lively. Thanks to that, I could eat well and rest fully before heading up, so I welcomed it.

“Cheer up, Young Master!”

Wi Seol-ah shouted energetically. Perhaps it was because I made sure she ate lunch well, but she seemed particularly bright. I quietly looked at Wi Seol-ah and then stroked her hair.

“Euii…”

“I’ll try my best.”

I don’t really know about ‘cheering up’. I don’t even know if it’s worth the effort to ‘cheer up’.

“Why would you come out to watch anything on such a cold day?”

As it was the heart of winter, the cold was intense. My fingertips hurt just from having my hands out in the open.

“But…”

“What ‘but’?”

Wi Seol-ah sometimes looked at me with those kinds of eyes. Eyes like someone watching a child left unattended by the water. Even though anyone could see she’s the clumsy and scatterbrained one, why does she keep looking at me like that? Although our master-servant relationship had long gone down the drain and only the formalities remained, seeing things like this felt incredibly strange.

“Anyone seeing this would think you’re my mother.”

“…Huh?”

Seeing her expression asking what on earth I meant, I chuckled. ‘Ah, I brought up my mother.’ Then, I suddenly flinched at my own words. It was the realization that I had spoken about my mother. Perhaps she had forgotten by now? ‘No. I haven’t forgotten.’ That’s not true. Because it’s something I must not forget. This, too, was something I had to ask my father someday, in the not-too-distant future, and a story I wanted to bring to a close.

Regardless of the wind, I quietly gazed at Wi Seol-ah’s face. Then, moving the hand that was stroking her, I fiddled with her hair ornament. Perhaps it wasn’t a particularly expensive gift. The texture wasn’t that great. As I kept touching it, Wi Seol-ah hastily pulled away, creating distance.

“Hm?”

Wondering why she was acting like that, I gestured with my eyes, and Wi Seol-ah quickly covered her head with her hands. Especially the part with the ornament.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re… you’re not going to give it back…”

“Give back what?”

“It’s mine…! What Young Master gave me… It’s mine.”

Did she perhaps think I was going to take the ornament? Wi Seol-ah glared at me with an indignant look that didn’t suit her at all. Seeing that, I replied.

“I’m not taking it. What would I even do with it if I took it back?”

“You… you could give it as a gift to someone else.”

“…Take something used and give it to someone else?”

What a bothersome and cheap-looking thing to do.

“It’s precious…”

Seeing her hide it so tightly, as if determined never to let it be taken again, I had nothing to say. What is that thing, anyway? It was just something I casually picked out from the county market at best. Perhaps because of Wi Seol-ah’s reaction, it became awkward to meet her gaze. Just as I was about to clear my throat, a voice subtly interjected.

“…I have one too.”

It was Namgung Bi-ah, looking dazed with half-closed, sleepy eyes. At that sight, I sighed and said.

“I told you to sit and rest.

“…I am resting.”

“Who would call that resting, you brute?”

Why did you come all the way here, leaving the perfectly fine spectator seats? And you’re a patient, no less.

“I’m okay…”

“Is there anything you’re not okay with?”

“…”

At my words, Namgung Bi-ah put on a deeply pondering expression. Why is she pondering that… After a moment of silence, Namgung Bi-ah seemed to have finished pondering and opened her mouth.

“…I’m sick…”

She hadn’t finished pondering, she’d given up. She’s actually using the ‘patient’ shield. A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. This was a laugh born out of sheer absurdity. Where did Tang Soyeol go in the meantime? Did he go to see Snow Phoenix again? It seemed Tang Soyeol had been visiting Moyong Hi-ah frequently lately.

“So, what do you want me to do? Should I blow on it for you?”

“…Will you?”

“Are you crazy…?”

The way she took my sarcastic remark as a genuine offer. I had to go up to the martial arts stage soon, and I felt like I might lose, not because of anything else, but because my head hurt. But I couldn’t exactly flick a patient on the forehead. As I looked at her with various expressions, Namgung Bi-ah wiped away her disappointed look and offered her crown.

“What is it?”

“…Stroke it for me…”

“Why do you seem to be getting younger and younger?”

Should I say she’s become more clingy? Recalling my past life, she felt like a completely different person. Just a few months ago, she wouldn’t even ask for a stroke, seeming embarrassed even when offering her head, but now she asks outright. Of course, the fact that I do it without saying much might also be an issue. ‘In my past life, I would have freaked out.’ I would have scowled, thinking, ‘What is this crazy bitch talking about?’ Perhaps these small changes are accumulating and making me feel differently.

“You said you’d show me something last time.”

I asked, touching her white hair brushing against the back of my hand. At my words, Namgung Bi-ah flinched. At the same time, I could see the crown of her head turn slightly red.

“…Ah.”

No answer followed. Only her bright red ears caught my eye. Moving the hand that was stroking her, I gently pinched Namgung Bi-ah’s ear. It was warm. Even in this cold weather.

“…I’m sorry.”

Namgung Bi-ah apologized out of the blue. What was she apologizing for? I looked at her with slightly surprised eyes.

“I couldn’t show you…”

Ah. Was it because of that? Namgung Bi-ah seemed to think she couldn’t show me anything because she had lost. That was a statement showing how little she knew herself. She had shown me so much. How could she say she hadn’t shown me anything? Namgung Bi-ah had shown me infinite potential. More certainly than how far she could advance alone. In the first place, Namgung Bi-ah wasn’t someone who needed protection. I had never once thought she couldn’t stand on her own. Does she know? That she’s currently being called the Sword Dancer or the Young Sword Master? Although, of course, the most common title was something like ‘Anhui’s Number One Beauty’. Even though she lost, Namgung Bi-ah gained quite a lot. Perhaps even more than I did.

“I saw plenty, so don’t worry.”

Since I’ve never tried comforting anyone, this is the only rough language I know how to use.

“I saw everything, didn’t miss a single bit.”

Clearly enough to understand things I didn’t know before. So, I wish you wouldn’t make that face.

“Don’t look so glum and rest. It’s cold.”

Even if the sword wound was shallow, it wouldn’t be a simple injury that would allow her to move this easily. Judging by the looks of it, she seems to be using her internal energy to protect her body. It was an ignorant method that shouldn’t be used unless one had an excess of internal energy. I was about to add a word, but it seemed there wasn’t time. Because I had to head up soon.

“Take this kid and sit down.”

In the end, I even grabbed Wi Seol-ah and asked her to stay. She seemed determined not to leave otherwise.

“Eeeing… I want to watch from here too…”

The problem is that Wi Seol-ah isn’t exactly listening to me either. Fortunately, there was a way even in this situation.

“Should I call Hong-hwa?”

“I’ll stay here… Unni, let’s go.”

Wi Seol-ah, however, listened to Hong-hwa. Only after the two of them moved to their seats with disappointed expressions did I slowly step onto the martial arts stage.

Profound thoughts allow no rest.

Slowly, but endlessly, I shall crawl towards the conclusion.

Since Namgung Bi-ah wanted to show me something. It was time for me to respond in kind.

As I came up to the stage, Jang Seon-yeon was already waiting in position. He must have suffered considerable damage in his match against Namgung Bi-ah. Yet, he looked much better than expected. My eyes met with Jang Seon-yeon’s. He smiled faintly as he looked at me, then opened his mouth to speak.

“Nice to meet you.”

-Nice to meet you, Young Master Gu.

It was a casual greeting, but for some reason. The reason it overlapped with my past life… The situation was different, I was younger than back then, and his voice was lighter than back then. Why did it sound like that?

“We meet like this. I never thought it would turn out this way when I first saw you.”

“I knew it would.”

At my words, Jang Seon-yeon tilted his head.

“Are you saying you knew you’d meet me in the finals?”

“That’s right. I knew it.”

I should have been formal, but perhaps because I let go of the respect I was trying hard to maintain, my words lacked formality. Honestly, rather than that, I just didn’t want to be formal with that bastard.

“It’s that kind of situation, isn’t it? Something predetermined from the start.”

“Hmm…”

It was a bit of an overstatement. Jang Seon-yeon would have reached the finals regardless of the bracket he was given. ‘Except for the scenario where he met me from the very beginning.’ The format was just different, arranged for more attention and drama. It was a story that would have ended up like this anyway.

“May I ask the reason?”

Jang Seon-yeon asks me.

“Reason for what? Why you’re so certain?”

“No.”

“Then.”

“Why Young Master Gu holds animosity towards me.”

It was a quite chilling question. And the fact that he didn’t erase his smile made it incredibly awkward.

“I haven’t done anything to warrant Young Master Gu’s animosity.”

“That’s right. You didn’t do anything.”

“But for some reason, Young Master Gu seems to dislike me. I don’t know why.”

It was a valid point. He hadn’t done anything to me. Not yet, anyway. I swallowed the killing intent that was threatening to burst out and said.

“Is it wrong to dislike you?”

“While I cannot arbitrarily control others’ feelings, I just feel a bit wronged…”

“You dislike me too.”

As I cut him off, Jang Seon-yeon shut his mouth tightly. It wasn’t because I cut him off, but likely because of what I said.

“No?”

“…How can you think that?”

I could see the smile Jang Seon-yeon was wearing crack. Why do I think that? It’s simple. No matter how I looked at it, my current self was close to the type of person he hated the most. How he would think of and treat such an opponent could be known too easily by recalling my past life. The incident of the Demon Realm Tribulation that occurred in my past life. It was known as the worst natural disaster, where most of the junior disciples attending the Dragon Phoenix Gathering were transferred to the Demon Realm, but that wasn’t the reality. The main culprit of the incident was none other than Jang Seon-yeon. His objective was likely Jamryong. He hated Jamryong intensely. The problem was that the act he committed out of inability to endure it was far too great. By the time I realized the truth of this matter later on, it was already far too late.

“Stop pretending to be nice, it’s disgusting. Let’s keep this civil.”

“Hmph.”

“I tried to tolerate it as much as possible, but it really didn’t work out as I wished. So you shouldn’t do it either.”

I tried my best. I tried suppressing it, and tried hard to ignore it, but thinking about it, there was no need to do so. It wasn’t something that suited my temperament at all. At the very least, I felt I could endure it if I spoke like shit.

“Young Master Gu.”

Perhaps finding it difficult to maintain his cracked facade, Jang Seon-yeon’s smile gradually disappeared. He seemed like he could hold on, but it seemed too much.

“Nice expression. Keep living with that face. It makes things easier for me too.”

“…How can a blood relative of a prestigious family make such a mistake?”

“I’m about to make bigger mistakes starting now, so don’t worry. I got permission, in my own way. It’s okay to cause trouble.”

Ah, of course, Father didn’t give permission. It’ll be fine. Elder Lee will take responsibility. Perhaps because I didn’t back down an inch, Jang Seon-yeon finally sighed and adjusted his posture.

“I acknowledge you, Young Master Gu. As a martial artist with great talent.”

“Many people say that.”

I felt a bit embarrassed having to put on a brave face about this part. Seemingly ignoring my words, he didn’t stop talking. As if to prove the cold air, his breath was visible.

“However, even possessing outstanding talent, it seems you lack humility considerably in comparison.”

The words were still valid, but is it because the one saying them is the problem? My lips kept curling upwards. It felt like watching someone else’s dark history.

“So.”

“The humility lacking in Young Master Gu. I hope you find it during this martial arts match.”

Those words meant he would be the one to teach me. I had much to say in response, but I didn’t bother uttering it. The sinister emotion visible in his eyes was enough. Should I say it’s actually good?

“That’s a relief.”

“…?”

Jang Seon-yeon showed confusion at my sudden remark, but his posture didn’t falter. It seemed he had felt something from his match with Namgung Bi-ah.

“I was a little worried.”

As I spoke, perhaps because the time had come, the referee’s voice was heard.

-The finals, Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family from Shanxi.

“I was worried that maybe, just maybe, you might have turned into a good guy by now.”

“What are you suddenly talking about…”

-Jang Seon-yeon of the Jang family from Taeryeong.

“Ah, just in case you didn’t know, I’m telling you beforehand.”

-Begin.

“I don’t plan on holding back, so you should use everything you’ve got from the start, don’t play games.”

“What on earth have you been saying since earlier…!”

Ku-woong!

“Gkeok…!”

While speaking, Jang Seon-yeon let out a groan from the sudden impact. At the same time, Jang Seon-yeon’s vision inverted. He felt a sense of weightlessness as his body floated, and simultaneously felt a scorching heat radiating from his surroundings. There wasn’t even time to feel the intense pain in his chest. Because the impact wasn’t just once.

Kwa-ang-!

Along with the subsequent impact, Jang Seon-yeon’s face was slammed into the martial arts stage. Seeing the flying debris and the cracked stage floor, one could tell how immense the impact was. In the midst of it all, Jang Seon-yeon couldn’t comprehend what move or how this had happened. Because it had happened far too quickly.

‘I need to get up quickly…’

Putting the pain aside, I tried desperately to lift my trembling body. A voice was heard right in front of Jang Seon-yeon’s face.

“First…”

It was a voice full of echoes, as if speaking from within a cave. And the rough emotion thickly smeared on the outside of the voice was enough to confuse Jang Seon-yeon.

“Should I start with the arm?”

The words spoken so nonchalantly. For some reason, Jang Seon-yeon felt a chill run down his spine.