Chapter 58: Plum Dragon Fall (1)

Plum Dragon Fall (1)

“You mean now?”

In response to my question, Yeongpung nodded.

I couldn’t help but frown slightly at Yeongpung’s words. If he felt regret for not doing properly earlier, I could understand, but… Anyone could tell his thoughts weren’t exactly pure.

‘This kid seems like they can’t lie either.’

Should I say he’s pure, in a way? To be able to be so honest about one’s emotions.

[Speak properly, he’s just immature.]

At Shin Noya’s words, I let out a dry cough. It was especially so because it was him who said it, not anyone else.

‘Is it okay for someone who was the Sect Leader of Mount Hua to say that?’

[You only act like this when it suits you, you guy who doesn’t even properly believe.]

Shin Noya chuckled, ‘tsk tsk’.

[Being honest with your emotions isn’t much of an advantage in this land. Even if he’s young, he has aspects of an old soul, don’t you know a little about that yourself?]

A little?

Shin Noya’s words were something I could relate to more than anything. In fact, it’s something one can clearly realize with just a little experience in the Central Plains martial arts world. Looking at it this way, it also showed how well Yeongpung had been raised in the embrace of Mount Hua.

[Just coddling him isn’t necessarily right. Rather, for a child with that level of talent, they should have been more firm.]

Shin Noya clicking his tongue as if displeased was more surprising than I thought. The difference in how they cherish someone, and the reason why that method, being from a Taoist, was rougher and fiercer – could it be because he experienced war?

[Of course, with looks like that, whether he has inner strength or not, he’d be quite captivating.]

At Shin Noya’s words, I glanced towards Namgung Bi-ah. Her silvery-white hair, bathed in moonlight, seemed particularly radiant. Her face, slightly flushed perhaps from the campfire in front, held a shy demeanor within its innocent aura.

Beautiful.

Unlike Wi Seol-ah, whose baby fat hadn’t disappeared yet. Namgung Bi-ah, already physically mature, possessed an appearance that made one wonder if she was truly the same person. Just like in my past life, with a face like this, it wouldn’t have been strange if it had spread not just throughout Anhui Province, but across the entire Central Plains. Rather, it was strange that despite already possessing outstanding skills for her age, little was known about her appearance, let alone any sobriquet. Was this also the work of the Namgung clan? Given that level, it wasn’t incomprehensible that Yeongpung, who fell for her head over heels, lost his senses.

[It’s more surprising that you, having such a child as your fiancée, are unfazed.]

At Shin Noya’s words, I let out a hollow laugh. Was I any different? The current Namgung Bi-ah was certainly beautiful, but compared to the Sword Demoness (Ma Geomhu), there were lacking aspects. The Sword Demoness’s unique cold aura, mixed with the supreme realm of a martial artist, created a dreamlike atmosphere. Even demonic beings, filled with madness from absorbing demonic energy, would hesitate upon seeing the Sword Demoness.

Even so…

The reason I found her overwhelming was none other than this. The Sword Demoness was a martial artist specialized in slaughter among demonic beings. She was so fearsome that even the Sword Devil (Geomma), who enjoyed killing and fighting, avoided the Sword Demoness. Not to mention her own clan, the Namgung. Even in the war against the Kunlun Sect. Even when facing fellow demonic beings. The Sword Demoness possessed extreme misanthropy. Her combat methods and results were horrific and cruel. She chose methods that inflicted more pain, not just killing. To give one example, I once saw her slice off a man’s genitals during combat. It wasn’t just once or twice, either. She was so extreme that even the Heavenly Demon told her to stop, calling it unsightly. Though she didn’t listen anyway. No, what kind of demonic being ignores the Heavenly Demon himself?

‘Crazy bitch…’

What was terrifying was that despite countless battles, I had never seen the Sword Demoness express killing intent. Could there be anything more frightening than that? Thinking about how I had to run around cleaning up after her impulsive actions made me sick.

[…What were you thinking to feel so unsettled?]

‘It’s nothing much.’

However, if there’s one thought I’ve had recently… Namgung Bi-ah in this life is a different person from the Sword Demoness. I was trying to convince myself of that in my head. The contradiction of trying to deal with Je gal Hyuk but only trying to avoid Namgung Bi-ah… It was hesitation caused by the image I saw in the final moments.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Namgung Bi-ah looked up, and our eyes met. She resembled the Sword Demoness, but her entire aura was different. It was enough to make me wonder if she was a different person. She seemed somewhat naive and dull. What happened in her past life to turn such a simpleton into a demonic being? The dissonance made me avoid trying to figure her out, but now I was curious again.

“Young Hero.”

Lost in thought, I snapped back to reality at Yeongpung’s call.

“Yes?”

I briefly wondered why he was calling me. …Ah, right, the match. I asked Yeongpung, looking at him.

“You seemed to have hurt your back earlier, are you alright?”

“This little thing is nothing.”

I knew his will was strong, but he seemed slightly out of his mind. Perhaps displeased by Yeongpung’s actions, the Mount Hua disciples watching from afar approached to mediate. I calmly looked at Yeongpung and said:

“Let’s do it.”

[What?]

My concise answer caused those around to show slightly surprised expressions. Is that really such a surprising thing?

[You were thinking of refusing just moments ago, what sudden change occurred?]

‘…It’s not some grand word like a ‘change’.’

It wasn’t that great a change of mind. As Shin Noya said, I hadn’t intended to accept the match, but seeing Yeongpung just stirred my feelings a little. Shin Noya burst into laughter, finding something amusing.

[You try hard to cover it up, but you’re not good at lying.]

‘Can’t you just let it slide?’

[I will let it slide. It doesn’t seem like my place to interfere, I was just a little curious why you, who looks younger than that child, felt guilty towards Mount Hua.]

There were words I couldn’t say to anyone, let alone Shin Noya. As I agreed to Yeongpung’s proposal, the disciples who were approaching to reprimand him couldn’t help but stop awkwardly. Ah, but seeing Shin Hyeon’s burning eyes, it seemed certain that Yeongpung would get scolded later.

As I tried to get up following Yeongpung, someone grabbed my wrist tightly. Looking, it was Namgung Bi-ah. I tried to pull my arm away with force, but it wouldn’t budge. She’s holding on pretty tight…?

“Why are you doing this, Young Lady Namgung…?”

“Match…?”

“…Yes, as you can see, I’m on my way to the match.”

At my answer, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened. Including my past life, this was the first time Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes had become so clear. Namgung Bi-ah said:

“…With me?”

“Ah.”

Namgung Bi-ah’s voice, spoken slowly, contained a hint of betrayal. Is this really that shocking?

“…Then would you fight with Young Master Yeongpung?”

I had a reason for deciding to have a match with Yeongpung. Looking at it now, it was a situation where Namgung Bi-ah stepping in would have been fine. At my suggestion, Yeongpung’s face became inexplicably excited.

“I’d like that too-!”

“No.”

It was a rare, firm voice for Namgung Bi-ah. Because of that, Yeongpung’s face turned pale as if he had suffered internal injuries. Refusing the Sword Dragon, someone who can’t resist even strong sword masters of his age, let alone ordinary ones? And I’m not even a sword master.

From Namgung Bi-ah’s slightly turned head, I felt something strange. Is she… sulking?

‘….Sulking?’

Sulking because I didn’t have a match with her? That Namgung Bi-ah, of all people, sulking…?

[You truly are a son of a bitch.]

As if he had been waiting, Shin Noya’s curse struck. Moreover, among the things I’d heard recently, it was the harshest curse since ‘praying mantis’.

‘Is it okay for a Taoist to use language like that…?’

[He’s already dead, what does it matter? That kind of prejudice is the problem in the first place.]

‘Is this a problem of prejudice?’

[Then, the Shaolin Abbot back then was almost kicked out for getting caught secretly eating meat as a child. What’s the harm in a Taoist using some curses?]

Wow, this is something I really didn’t want to know…? The dark history of a great figure in history… It was even more absurd hearing this from a ghost who was once the Sect Leader of Mount Hua.

Not wanting to think any further, I spoke to Yeongpung, who looked as if his soul had left his body.

“Young Master, can you have the match?”

As I asked, a spark of life returned to Yeongpung’s eyes.

“Yes, of course… I can. I must.”

His eyes seemed even more fervent than before. This guy was much more troublesome than I thought.

[Naturally, when blinded by jealousy, one sees nothing.]

I didn’t deny Shin Noya’s words. It was the most relatable thing he had said.

Crackle.

A sound came from underfoot, as if stepping on a dry twig. It was midsummer, so the weather wasn’t great, but the quiet night air kept the heat from being felt. We stood facing each other at a set distance. Shin Hyeon stood in the center. It was the same situation as before. Shin Hyeon’s face clearly showed his intention to deal with Yeongpung later, but… Yeongpung couldn’t possibly feel it right now… Ah, no, that guy is deliberately not looking towards Shin Hyeon, so he probably knows too. That he’ll be wrecked after this match ends.

After staring at each other for a while, Yeongpung’s expression seemed slightly different from before.

“…I feel sorry towards you, Young Hero.”

It was Yeongpung’s voice. His earlier demeanor was gone, replaced by a voice shrunk to the size of a mouse dropping. I wore a puzzled expression at Yeongpung’s words.

“Suddenly?”

“…Yes, I was told not to act recklessly driven by emotions, yet I’ve done something embarrassing again.”

Did the night breeze clear his head? Even so, waking up is too fast.

[Still, it’s fortunate he’s not entirely pathetic.]

‘Does he seem that way to you?’

[Because he can see himself objectively. That’s something one must possess as a martial artist.]

Is it because he’s a Taoist? If that were the case, Yeongpung’s gaze was still darting towards Namgung Bi-ah. Where did Wi Seol-ah go? I thought she’d be sticking close to Namgung Bi-ah, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

‘She’s probably playing well on her own.’

I decided to think that way.

[He’s still young, so he might be weak to the charms of women.]

‘You’re defending him quite a bit suddenly. If you look at it that way, I’m younger than Young Master Yeongpung.’

[Ahem… An arm naturally bends inwards. And besides, no matter how I look at it, even if your appearance is one thing, you don’t seem mentally younger.]

I didn’t reply to Shin Noya’s words. It was because, with what little conscience I had left, I couldn’t argue that I was the younger one. Feeling sufficiently warmed up, Shin Hyeon spoke.

“Begin the match.”

I thought he’d charge immediately after the words, but Yeongpung didn’t this time and instead assessed my situation.

[He must have felt something in that brief moment earlier.]

Does he mean he felt something in the brief moment just before being hit by Namgung Bi-ah and sent flying, when we were about to clash?

[That’s remarkable observational skill. If he grows like this, he will surely be the future of Mount Hua.]

Shin Noya praised him highly. I wondered if it was because they were both from Mount Hua, but rather, because they were from the same sect, he could see more accurately.

Rustle.

Something fell around Yeongpung. What crumbled the moment it touched the ground looked like plum blossom petals. The petals, falling one by one, seemed to catch the wind as they slowly circled Yeongpung. The internal energy emanating from the sword’s tip, blooming plum blossoms, gradually resembling the flowers. This is what Mount Hua disciples dream of, the first goal martial artists strive to reach.

Plum Blossom Sword Master.

This was the first time I felt the presence of a Plum Blossom Sword Master from Yeongpung since meeting him.

[…To be proficient in the Plum Blossom Realm at that age, what monstrous talent.]

It was a voice filled with heat, as if genuinely surprised. As I watched Yeongpung, Shin Noya spoke.

[Shall I teach you how to counter it?]

The suggestion was so absurd I almost laughed involuntarily.

‘Didn’t you say earlier that an arm bends inwards?’

[If it goes on like this, won’t he be beaten disgracefully and fall? Then he won’t achieve the goal he set by accepting the match?]

So that was his goal…

‘Shin Noya.’

[What is it.]

‘How much can you see?’

I meant, looking at Yeongpung and me, how much could he perceive? Shin Noya was silent for a moment. Was it to examine properly?

[I can’t feel it clearly in my spiritual state.]

Does that mean he can’t feel it completely? I nodded slightly at Shin Noya’s words. It was perhaps a good thing. If he could see everything, it would have been awkward.

The plum blossom-like energy emanating from Yeongpung filled the surroundings. Though the sight was beautiful and warm, the sharp energy contained in each petal was like an intimidating sword strike. It was amazing he bloomed so many plum blossoms, and could imbue his will into each one. Truly the greatest genius of Mount Hua.

“I’m coming. Young Hero.”

“Don’t you have things like yielding the first move to the weaker party?”

“I don’t consider you the weaker party, Young Hero.”

“…Oh.”

He’s different from those other bastards. It was almost insulting to compare him to pathetic ones like Gu Jeolyub or Namgung Cheon-jun.

“I’m comi-…?”

Yeongpung stopped his motion as he was about to leap. His emotions could be felt from his widened eyes and distorted breathing.

[Wh-what is this.]

Shin Noya’s voice could be heard. The elder seemed quite surprised, even stammering.

Whoosh-!

The Nine Flame Wheel Gong (Gu Yeom Hwa Ryun Gong) spinning in my dantian spewed out energy like crazy, using my body as an outlet. It wasn’t a difficult method like ‘containing it in the body’ or ‘focusing it somewhere’, but simply spewing it out. The escaping heat gradually expanded its range. The ever-growing heat swallowed the plum blossoms floating in the air. The energy contained within the petals became meaningless as the leaves, engulfed in flames, burned away. The flames, having swallowed all the energy, began to circle me relentlessly.

‘Now that my internal energy has increased, I can do things like this.’

Things I couldn’t even dare to attempt before because the cost-effectiveness wasn’t there. Now, I could unleash them so easily.

Co-Flame State Wheel Fang (Gu Yeom Tae Ryun Ah).

It wasn’t a particularly difficult martial art. It was simply circulating the cultivation method to wrap my body in large flames. True to the Gu family’s martial arts, it tended to be beastly and violent, consuming too much internal energy, so it wasn’t a technique I could use often. Although I’m controlling it well now, if I keep using it, I won’t be able to for long.

[…My eyes must have been blinded, I didn’t realize a monster was here.]

That’s excessive praise. Shin Noya’s praise was welcome, but also awkward. In truth, I hadn’t intended to go this far, but I was also slightly excited after a long time. Yeongpung, before me, wore an expression of shock watching the gradually burning plum blossoms disappear. Shin Hyeon, watching the match beside him, had the same expression.

“Young Master Yeongpung.”

At my call, he flinched. He realized he had been lost in thought.

“I’m coming.”

I didn’t wait for Yeongpung’s reply. Wrapping myself in flames, I leaped. In an instant, colossal flames engulfed Yeongpung.