Chapter 287: They Won’t Be Able to Follow. (2)

The stifling heat remained.

What kind of situation was unfolding beyond that point.

So much so that I didn’t need to see it.

It was filled with a thick, viscous heat and fighting spirit.

Even though it was a winter night, with cold surrounding everything.

The cold was so weak, it was barely noticeable.

Sapak.

Leaves crunched underfoot.

Leaving the palpable heat behind.

Wi Seol-ah walked a short distance.

To a place where the moonlight was clearly visible, if possible. She felt she had to.

-Is it okay if you don’t see?

She didn’t pay attention to the voice that reached her.

It was a voice tinged with worry, almost watery, but…

Now was not the time for that.

She didn’t go too far.

She was moving while the second trial was temporarily frozen.

She had to return soon.

After walking a bit more, she thankfully arrived at a spot where the moonlight shone clearly.

Just as she slowly approached and settled down.

“How unexpected.”

The one following behind her finally spoke.

She knew.

That he was following her.

“I thought you, of all people, would stay to watch what he was doing.”

“…”

“It seems you aren’t curious.”

For some reason, she could see cracks forming on the smiling man’s face.

Along with a vile emotion.

Seeing that, Wi Seol-ah didn’t utter another word.

Because she didn’t want to exchange words.

“Ignoring my request, and even leaving ahead of me, no less.”

“Because I have no obligation to grant your requests.”

Jang Seon-yeon chuckled at Wi Seol-ah’s sharp words.

“It’s always been like this, but I just don’t understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Why you hate me so much.”

Despite Jang Seon-yeon’s words, Wi Seol-ah’s expression remained impassive.

“I haven’t done anything to you. Why do you hate me so much?”

“Perhaps not yet.”

“…Ha.”

At her words, which were even resolute.

Jang Seon-yeon could only offer a bitter smile.

“Why are you so certain? Such conviction, as if I’m bound to do something.”

“Aren’t I?”

Wi Seol-ah’s voice was calm.

As if stating, ‘You are definitely going to do something.’

Her words were so firm that Jang Seon-yeon had to shut his mouth.

“…You’re really too much.”

“You aren’t denying it either.”

“If I deny it, would you believe me?”

“No.”

Keu keu.

Jang Seon-yeon laughed.

It was because a thought that had recently occupied his mind wouldn’t leave.

‘It’s twisted.’

Quite literally.

A path that should have been laid out smoothly.

He felt like it had become twisted somewhere along the way.

‘From where?’

From where did it get twisted?

His thoughts and plans should have been perfect.

Moreover, he prided himself on having the talent to back them up.

‘Seriously….’

Not to mention the people around him.

Even that woman.

He only felt like things were becoming increasingly tangled.

Countless disciples and those around him showered him with admiration and expectations.

Yet, the very people he desired most were not acting that way. Why had such a gap emerged?

Even as he thought this.

Jang Seon-yeon knew the answer.

‘It must be because of that guy.’

Jang Seon-yeon conjured a face in his mind.

He was someone he hadn’t paid attention to when he first saw him.

It was just that, when many people were looking at him with interest.

He remembered that person’s gaze was distinctly different.

Malice.

At that time, that guy’s gaze was full of malice.

As if he had no intention of hiding it.

His eyes held a lot of contempt.

Because he had never encountered anyone who looked at him that way before.

Jang Seon-yeon couldn’t forget that moment.

‘Why could that be?’

Jang Seon-yeon couldn’t understand.

At least, he hadn’t done anything to ‘yet’ earn such a look from that guy.

And even if he had.

He would have done it without being noticed.

Just simple malice.

Jang Seon-yeon wasn’t accustomed to such a gaze.

Besides, he didn’t think too deeply about it.

‘He must be like that because he envies me.’

He thought it was the look of someone coveting what they couldn’t possess.

‘Ha.’

Jang Seon-yeon, lost in thought, let out a breath inwardly.

Because he felt pathetic for having thought it was for such a reason.

‘Envy, huh.’

Did that guy envy me?

Impossible.

Although the stage was set for him to shine.

The attention was actually stolen by that other guy.

The True Dragon (眞龍).

Just thinking about it made his stomach churn.

It was a title that made his heart race.

Why.

Why did such a guy have to be in the same generation as me?

It was a pathetic, teeth-grinding thought that always surfaced before sleep.

Words filled with self-loathing.

He never thought he’d be the one saying such things.

That guy, just like his bestowed title.

Amidst a swarm of snakes.

He was a dragon holding his breath alone.

As that massive body stirred.

The feast of snakes, barely holding their formation and lines, collapsed.

That guy’s appearance back then was just like that.

Even if the sect tried to deflect and change the subject.

Even if he wore a mask and called himself divine.

How long could that last?

Jang Seon-yeon himself already knew this.

Moreover.

Especially if he was showing such a display from afar right now.

‘…Is he trying to show me?’

Jang Seon-yeon clenched his teeth, recalling that guy’s intentions.

The reason he started emitting fighting spirit in all directions, imprinting his presence.

Wasn’t it to show him, deliberately?

Jang Seon-yeon was convinced of it.

-You hate my guts too, don’t you.

When he asked why she hated him so much.

Those were the words Gu Yangcheon had said to Jang Seon-yeon.

His rough tone and mocking expression made anger surge just thinking about it, but…

Conversely, a question arose.

‘How did he know?’

For some reason.

Gu Yangcheon had been using a gaze and tone as if he saw right through him.

Surely, they hadn’t seen or heard of each other before the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

‘I don’t like it.’

How could he possibly like it?

That guy had snatched away all the attention he was supposed to receive.

Moreover.

‘The fact that he has the talent to back it up. That’s what I dislike the most.’

He hated to admit it, but.

That guy was on a different level from other disciples.

Like a star shining brightly alone, as if bestowed by the heavens.

A star?

How laughable.

Even among geniuses called ‘stars’ in this generation of meteors.

That guy was on a different track altogether.

That’s why, even more so.

‘I have to get rid of him.’

He had to remove him from his sight.

Because he should always have been the brightest star.

The Black Dragon and Sleeping Dragon who caught his eye now were also bothersome.

But not as much as Gu Yangcheon.

Jang Seon-yeon, swirling frustration inwardly, looked at the woman before him.

Although she had hidden her appearance under a fur-lined cloak.

She was truly a beautiful woman.

She wasn’t quite this beautiful when he first saw her.

As time passed, her appearance seemed to gather light.

Rather than the faint moonlight.

Her appearance suited the midday sun.

Paradoxically.

Her sword techniques were likely created while observing her own dark moon, yet…

The woman grew more beautiful with each passing day.

Her background was incredibly advantageous for Jang Seon-yeon.

The sole successor of the Sword Saint.

Moreover, the woman was exceptionally talented.

‘No matter how outstanding Gu Yangcheon is.’

Could he be greater than this woman who overcame her limits in just a year or two?

“I trust you haven’t forgotten.”

Wi Seol-ah bit her lip slightly at Jang Seon-yeon’s words.

“That once I stand at the highest position here, you would become mine.”

Before coming here.

It was a bet, a promise made with Wi Seol-ah.

She asked in return.

“…Have you forgotten the opposite scenario?”

“Ah. That?”

Jang Seon-yeon grinned at Wi Seol-ah’s words.

Wi Seol-ah frowned at the emotion contained within that smile.

“If I fail to do so, I’ll grant you anything.”

What was it again?

Asking her father.

She had said she wanted to enter the Demonic Mirror of Taekcheon.

And also, that she wanted one of the rare artifacts owned by the Jang family.

“May I ask one thing?”

“…”

Wi Seol-ah seemed not to be listening at all.

Jang Seon-yeon ignored it and continued speaking.

“Why are you so fond of him?”

“What?”

As Jang Seon-yeon brought up Gu Yangcheon.

Wi Seol-ah’s voice and gaze turned cold.

Of course, even so.

It wouldn’t stop Jang Seon-yeon’s mouth.

“I know you served in his household as a servant. Are the memories from then so precious? It was only for a little over a year.”

“What do you know to speak so carelessly?”

“I don’t know, so I’m asking you to tell me, but you seem quite angry.”

Even her grinding her teeth, seemingly infuriated, looked beautiful.

“I even heard he’s engaged to another woman.”

“…”

“If you developed feelings while serving him, I could understand. But does your vacant spot next to him even exist now?”

At Jang Seon-yeon’s words.

Wi Seol-ah’s reaction seemed intense.

It had always been like this.

Wi Seol-ah was particularly weak when it came to talk about that guy.

Could he be that good?

Could she desire him that much?

Even though she disliked it.

Such a reaction made her an easy target to provoke.

“You…”

“Perhaps the reason you accepted my promise was because you thought, ultimately, he’s there, so I wouldn’t be able to surpass him.”

In a way, she probably thought it was a convenient story for herself.

The True Dragon was said to be going to the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

Moreover, Wi Seol-ah herself would be going to the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

She must have thought she could easily break such a promise.

‘You still don’t seem to know.’

If someone is too high up to chase.

You just pull them down.

She seemed oblivious to this simple principle.

‘Her head must be in the clouds.’

The world isn’t that peaceful.

Unfortunately, she seemed to still be living in peace.

‘If I provoke her further, she looks like she’ll even draw her sword.’

Although she seemed to be suppressing her emotions.

Jang Seon-yeon could tell.

That Wi Seol-ah was reaching her limit.

If he said just one more thing here.

Would Wi Seol-ah be able to endure it?

Jang Seon-yeon was curious about that.

“Watch carefully. How he eventually breaks down and bows his head to me…”

Cheolkeok.

A chilling sensation made Jang Seon-yeon immediately raise his energy.

As expected, if it continues like this…

Tuk.

“…Huh?”

Contrary to his expectation that Wi Seol-ah would immediately draw her sword.

Jang Seon-yeon froze at the situation that unfolded.

Someone had suddenly appeared before his eyes.

Like a ghost.

Until they suddenly appeared between himself and Wi Seol-ah.

He hadn’t sensed their approach.

Wi Seol-ah was just as surprised upon confirming this.

Amidst the silence mixed with surprise.

A quiet breeze blew.

“…Unni…?”

Wi Seol-ah’s voice drifted along the wind.

As Wi Seol-ah whispered her words.

The person who had intervened turned their gaze towards her.

Platinum blonde hair, fully bathed in moonlight.

Dark blue martial attire.

And an aura, faintly perceptible.

‘…That woman.’

Jang Seon-yeon immediately knew who the other person was.

Even if she wore a veil.

A woman with such features was deeply etched in his mind.

‘Sword Dancer…?’

The woman who had been defeated by his sword at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

The Sword Dancer, Namgung Bi-ah, turned her head at Wi Seol-ah’s call and looked her way.

Then, she waved her hand slightly and spoke to Wi Seol-ah.

“…Hello.”

Her quiet tone matched the atmosphere.

Wi Seol-ah, observing her, wore a look of considerable surprise.

“Unni… why…?”

“…I was looking for you. I’m glad… I found you.”

“Me…?”

“Mm-hmm….”

Wi Seol-ah’s eyes trembled at Namgung Bi-ah’s words.

Looking at Wi Seol-ah like that.

Namgung Bi-ah slowly opened her lips.

“I haven’t had a chance to greet you yet…”

After explaining the reason she found her.

She spoke to Wi Seol-ah once more.

“It’s been a while.”

“…It has been a while.”

“Have you… been well…?”

Her previously calm voice.

Began to sound somewhat gentle as she listened. As if she was genuinely happy.

But Wi Seol-ah.

Could not answer the question of whether she had been well.

She moved her lips slightly and remained silent.

As Namgung Bi-ah took a step towards Wi Seol-ah, seeing her like that.

“Sword Dancer.”

Jang Seon-yeon called out to Namgung Bi-ah, stopping her.

“…It’s nice to see you after so long, but she and I haven’t finished our conversation yet.”

Unlike usual, Jang Seon-yeon’s voice was suppressed, cold.

It was because multiple unpleasant situations had arisen, overlapping and making it difficult to regulate his emotions.

“So, let’s talk later…”

“Who?”

“…Pardon?”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words as she slowly turned her head to look back at Jang Seon-yeon.

Jang Seon-yeon was momentarily speechless.

No matter how he thought about it, he felt he must have misheard.

“What did you just say…”

“You… who?”

But as if confirming she had heard correctly.

Namgung Bi-ah repeated the same question.

Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head curiously and asked Jang Seon-yeon.

Asking who he was.

Jang Seon-yeon suppressed his rising anger and forced a smile.

And took a step towards Namgung Bi-ah.

It couldn’t be.

“Don’t joke around. Sword Dancer.”

Back then, at the martial arts tournament.

The woman who had swung her sword so desperately at me.

Doesn’t remember me? It was absurd.

“There’s no way Miss… wouldn’t remember me…”

“…Don’t come closer.”

Then Namgung Bi-ah gestured, drawing a line and telling him not to come near.

Her expression was hidden by the veil.

But her voice had a strained quality.

Wondering what on earth this situation was.

Just as Jang Seon-yeon’s expression began to falter.

“…You stink… Don’t come any closer…”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s firm words.

Jang Seon-yeon’s mask finally shattered.

---

Hwarureureuk!

The surrounding area was engulfed in flames.

A massive stream of fire, tinged with crimson.

Seemed to have a will of its own, turning the surroundings into chaos.

Kwang!

“Aaaargh!”

A nearby disciple was swept up by the air pressure, floated into the air.

Then rolled onto the ground. There were many like him nearby.

Even the instructors couldn’t do anything, busy just trying to manage them.

Kwadeudeuk!

The heat that grazed past engulfed an old tree.

Hwarureuk!

The tree, caught in the inferno, turned into ashes.

Looking at the area enveloped in flames.

It was truly a scene from hell.

‘Magnificent.’

Bi Ui-jin, watching from a distance while feeling the heat.

Expressed his satisfied thoughts.

‘His ability to control his energy is quite something.’

Even though large fireballs were raging around.

Only a few were occasionally burned; nothing nearby actually caught fire.

This meant.

Even while unleashing such power.

He was controlling it to a perfect degree.

‘At such a young age, no less?’

Wow.

Recalling the owner of these fierce flames.

The Battle Venerable couldn’t help but smile.

Because it was far beyond his expectations.

Hwarureuk!

“Eek!”

As the heat leaked out and tried to flow towards them.

Bi Bi, who was watching beside him, was startled and hid behind Bi Ui-jin’s back.

Uung.

Seeing that, Bi Ui-jin secretly deployed a protective barrier.

“…Wow…”

Perhaps because the heat had lessened slightly.

Bi Bi watched the flames with sparkling eyes.

“Isn’t it amazing? How can they do that…?”

“Is it fascinating?”

“Of course!”

Even if they were outstanding among the disciples.

They were still disciples.

And their opponent was a master called the Sword Queen.

In such a situation, the intensely hot and dense flames made it impossible to properly discern what was happening inside.

‘Amazing…!’

Bi Bi’s eyes lit up.

She thought only her older brother could do such things.

Are all the Six Dragons and Three Peaks like this?

She should have felt disappointed in herself, sensing the difference in talent.

But Bi Bi was merely fascinated.

“I didn’t expect the Sword Queen to be pushed back.”

“Who said anyone was being pushed back?”

Bi Ui-jin cut off Bi Bi’s words abruptly.

“Well, the Sword Queen can’t do anything right now, can she? So being pushed back is…”

“Can’t do anything, you say…”

Hmm.

At Bi Bi’s words, Bi Ui-jin stroked his beardless chin, showing an ambiguous reaction.

Most of the time when he showed such a reaction.

It meant either she had said something strange.

Or he had heard something strange but found it too bothersome to correct her.

“Tsk…”

She didn’t like his reaction.

As Bi Bi huffed and tried to tickle Bi Ui-jin’s side.

Sarak.

“Huh?”

The monstrous roar that had been smashing everything around suddenly quieted down.

And a petal flew from somewhere, landing gently on Bi Bi’s nose.

“Ooh?”

As she tried to touch it, wondering what it was, the petal shimmered slightly before turning into powder and disappearing into thin air.

Seeing that, Bi Bi tried to urgently tell Bi Ui-jin.

“Oppa, just now…”

“Watch carefully. It’s an interesting moment.”

Bi Ui-jin reacted as if he had expected it all along.

Bi Bi pouted at Bi Ui-jin’s words, but.

As he said, she looked back towards the center of the flames.

Still, nothing was visible.

But Bi Bi began to notice subtle differences too.

‘Huh?’

Amidst those fierce flames.

Flower petals began to mix in.

‘This is…’

What kind of leaf is this?

Bi Bi pondered for a moment.

But she quickly realized.

These were plum blossom petals (梅華).

Countless plum blossom petals rode the flames, beginning to envelop the surroundings.

Seeing that, Bi Ui-jin thought.

‘Not bad, but clumsy.’

The formidable power and…

The ability to control it was unbelievably outstanding, but…

In actual close combat, something seemed lacking.

The reason the Sword Queen seemed to be pushed back in such a situation was simple.

It was because she was merely dodging.

And only maintaining distance with light footwork.

While dodging all those fierce flames.

Soon after.

Hwa-ahak!

The plum blossom petals were swept up by the wind, taking the form of a whirlwind.

All the surrounding flames were swept away, soaring into the air.

Extinguishing all the flames.

‘Oho…’

Bi Ui-jin exclaimed in admiration upon seeing this.

All those flames.

Had vanished without a trace in the wind in an instant.

‘Has she changed?’

Bi Ui-jin looked at the Sword Queen, expressing his bewilderment.

If it were the Sword Queen of the past.

She would have likely taken a gentler approach.

Her way of dealing with a junior was quite aggressive.

Unlike her usual self.

This seemed to be because.

The Sword Queen also seemed to hold expectations for that kid.

Asking for more.

Implying that this much was insufficient.

It was an action conveying such intentions.

It seemed her expectations were quite high.

Even he himself was somewhat satisfied with what he had just seen.

‘Time has passed, and she’s become more frivolous along with her age.’

If he had said that in front of the Sword Queen.

She would have drawn her sword, regardless of him being the Battle Venerable.

But since he was thinking it, it didn’t matter.

Bi Ui-jin smiled with amusement and looked past the Sword Queen towards someone else.

‘So now, what are you planning to do?’

The flames surrounding him had all disappeared.

The heat remained.

Gu Yangcheon, the owner of the flames.

Was merely looking at the Sword Queen with a heavily furrowed brow.

He probably knew.

That the current situation was a test for him.

Not like an entrance exam or anything.

Gu Yangcheon knew he was on the Sword Queen’s trial stage.

‘How does he plan to show her?’

His frowning face, with the world’s Sword Queen before him.

Looked quite displeased.

Judging by his expression.

It seemed to say, ‘Isn’t this enough?’

But the Sword Queen’s face still held expectations, just like before.

“Aish.”

Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon finally sighed.

And his expression shifted to one of resignation.

Bi Ui-jin felt a slight disappointment.

Not disappointment that Gu Yangcheon gave up so easily.

‘He seems to be hiding something.’

Because it seemed he had more to show but intended not to.

That was slightly disappointing.

‘Still, if it’s this much, then that kid really is the best fit…?’

Disappointment was disappointment.

Just as he confirmed his belief that Gu Yangcheon was the perfect fit.

“I trust the Sword Queen will handle the cleanup flawlessly.”

“…Huh? What are you talking about?”

“In any case, please take good care of it.”

The moment Gu Yangcheon uttered incomprehensible words.

Hu-wook!

“…!”

Both Bi Ui-jin and the Sword Queen’s eyes widened simultaneously.

The moment Gu Yangcheon opened his palm and closed his eyes.

The surrounding air changed.

“Flame Jade (炎玉).”

The night sky inverted.