Chapter 660: Hands off.

Through the silent air, a subtle current flows.

Sharply honed sword edges stretched out in all directions.

Though they looked unstable and somewhat unskilled, this was clearly.

‘Mind Sword (Simgeom).’

The realm of Sword and Mind United. It was a part of the Mind Sword.

Things that were unseen are now visible.

Originally, I would have wondered if something like this existed, but now it was visible so clearly.

The blades filling the inn, that is.

Sssseuuu.

A floral scent permeates the shimmering breeze.

Catching the scent, I lifted my head and saw the woman standing before me.

Shining golden hair that fell past her waist, and eyes that resembled his.

Despite wearing a somewhat ill-fitting crimson martial uniform, her brilliant features made one overlook it.

Her appearance made the thought I’d had just moments ago while looking at Bihyeonhwa-‘Still, she’s somewhat watchable’-completely disappear.

A devotion to beauty.

Her face, which I thought was impossibly beautiful even as a child, bloomed fully as she grew into adulthood.

‘She’s a flower.’

A beautiful flower that seemed like it would always be spring.

A flower that would steal everyone’s gaze had bloomed here.

I rolled my eyes and surveyed the surroundings.

The gazes that had been glancing at Bihyeonhwa were long gone, completely stolen.

The patrons of the inn were captivated, staring blankly.

She opened her usually cute eyes with rare sharpness, fully exuding an unpleasant feeling.

Even that appearance seemed somewhat trivial to my eyes, but it probably wasn’t the case for Bihyeonhwa beside her.

I slightly distanced myself from Bihyeonhwa, who had been holding me.

As I did, the aura emanating from all directions seemed to lessen somewhat.

“Huk… Heuk…!”

Only then could Bihyeonhwa breathe properly, gasping raggedly.

Watching that, I retracted the hand that had been reaching for Bihyeonhwa’s neck.

‘That was close.’

Thank goodness. I almost couldn’t stand it and killed her, but I managed to save her.

It was genuinely disgusting; I couldn’t bear it.

Secretly, I waved my hand slightly.

Hooook-!

An aura spread out, brushing past the inside of the inn.

Others likely wouldn’t have noticed, but since it was such a sharp aura, it was better to clear it away.

Right after filtering it out and sending it out the window.

I spoke to the trembling Bihyeonhwa.

“It seems my guest has arrived. I don’t think I can see you out. It was pleasant.”

As I said it with a smirk, Bihyeonhwa sprang up as if she had been waiting and bolted out of the inn like an arrow.

The sight was so amusing that I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

‘In all my life, I never thought I’d see that woman end up like that.’

She was one of the people I regretted not killing in my past life, but she wasn’t someone I dwelled on much.

That’s because, even without me, she had already met a miserable end.

‘What exactly was her end like? I heard she was captured by the Green King.’

Then there’s no need to look further.

Among the utterly insane members of the Demonic Cult, the Green Robe Flying Daggers led by the Green King were a den of lunatics who tore apart men and women alike.

And if a beautiful woman from a righteous sect fell into their hands?

Her end would be something I’d rather not imagine.

It was right after Bihyeonhwa disappeared, but people were still staring only at this spot.

They seemed completely unfazed by Bihyeonhwa bolting out; seeing this, I had to let out a deep sigh.

It seems to have gotten worse in the meantime.

Recalling this, I looked at the woman watching me.

The blonde beauty. It was Wi Seol-ah.

‘…It feels like it’s been a little less than a year since I last saw her.’

It was around the time I left Gu Family and moved, so that seems about right.

Clearly, barely that much time has passed.

‘How is she progressing so fast.’

In that short time, Wi Seol-ah’s appearance had become even more radiant.

While I hadn’t seen her, her face and body had matured further.

‘Did she grow a bit taller?’

Somehow, she seemed a little taller than in my past life, too.

Maybe it’s because she’s been eating well. Anyway, it’s good to see she seems to be doing well, but….

“You… Don’t you remember what I told you when I go out?”

“…”

At my sudden admonishment, Wi Seol-ah paused and avoided my gaze.

Hooong.

At the same time, I felt an aura.

The subtly leaking aura enveloped Wi Seol-ah’s body.

Then, Wi Seol-ah’s presence diminished significantly.

Wi Seol-ah must have suppressed her own presence.

“Huk…?”

“Eot…!”

Incomprehensible groans of pity were heard from the surroundings.

Along with expressions of not knowing what she went through, I could feel a primal desire to see more.

Just by existing in front of them, it’s this much? This isn’t even human Yang Guifei.

‘She wasn’t this much originally.’

It seemed worse than before I left.

‘Her cultivation seems to have improved a lot, perhaps that’s the reason.’

It didn’t seem to reach the mundane level before I left, though.

“…Sit down for now.”

“…”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah, having suppressed her presence, cautiously sat opposite me.

A faintly annoyed expression crossed her face, and I suppressed a chuckle.

“It’s been a while.”

“…Yes.”

There was a slight edge to her voice. Even that was amusing.

I raised my hand.

“Ah, uh… Yes!”

At my call, a waiter approached with a dumbfounded expression.

Moyong Hi-ah said she’d spend some money to open a unique inn. It certainly was unique.

‘To think they’d dress the waiter in silk.’

Moreover, he was quite handsome for a waiter.

It was to the point where I wondered if they’d brought in one of the male courtesans.

However, even that waiter couldn’t take his eyes off Wi Seol-ah, so I frowned.

“Huk…!”

Only then did he hurriedly lower his gaze.

“Three of the largest plum teas.”

“Th-Three cups? Are perhaps other companions coming….”

“No, she’ll drink them all. Ah, three is enough, right?”

“…”

Wi Seol-ah nodded.

She seems to be in a bad mood. Usually, she’d drink five cups, but she’s okay with three.

“…Ah?”

The waiter looked confused, but since it was an order, he quickly disappeared towards the kitchen.

I cleared away Bihyeonhwa’s tea that was placed in front of me.

It felt like an unpleasant lingering scent remained.

After dispelling some of the aura to clear it, I looked at the silent Wi Seol-ah.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Yes….”

“Food.”

“I haven’t eaten yet….”

“Really? Then shall we go eat? They were selling chicken skewers at the street vendors outside.”

“Eot, eat…!”

Seeming tempted, Wi Seol-ah was about to blurt it out cheerfully but flinched and changed her expression.

“…I don’t… want to eat.”

Her voice was filled with disappointment.

Seeing that, I burst into laughter.

Because she was still the same. I laughed because I was relieved.

Tuk tuk.

I patted the seat next to me with my hand.

“Come here.”

“…”

“Quickly.”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah, with a sulky face, got up slightly, came over to me, and plopped down.

Then, I stroked her hair with my hand.

Wi Seol-ah didn’t refuse my hand.

“How did you come?”

“…On foot.”

At her curt reply, I firmly grasped Wi Seol-ah’s lips.

“That’s not what I was asking.”

“Eueup…!”

“Do you know how surprised I was?”

The moment I first felt the aura, feeling it, my breath stopped dead.

It was an aura that shouldn’t have been felt here.

I considered going outside immediately.

But I forced myself to endure it due to the aura gradually approaching this way.

“How did you come.”

“…”

Tuk tuk. Wi Seol-ah touched my hand. I was still holding her lips.

As I gently released them.

“The Family Head… told me to come along, so I came with him.”

“Hm?”

Hearing that, my eyes widened.

‘Came with Father?’

Did Father come to Hanam?

I should have been surprised hearing this.

‘…Why?’

It was because I had no idea why things turned out that way.

Of course, it’s not actually that strange.

Just looking outside now, people from families or sects not found in Hanam were often walking around.

It’s a situation where the Alliance is holding a festival for the first time in years.

A red monster outbreak occurred, creating a crack in the era of peace, but it’s being contained with swift action.

For the Alliance to hold a festival here means that.

‘It’s proof that there will be no problems in the world managed by the Alliance going forward.’

Also.

Since a proper martial arts tournament, not the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, is being held for the first time in years, and the subsequent establishment of the Divine Dragon Corps is tied together in a major trend.

For people from prestigious families and renowned clans to come here means they are congratulating the Alliance’s endeavors.

‘It means they are taking a step towards the Alliance’s will.’

It would be an act that truly shows they are on the side of the Martial Alliance.

As such, it was a time when all sorts of people were gathering.

‘…But why Father?’

It was truly strange that Father would specifically come here.

Even in my past life, he wouldn’t come to Hanam unless it was for something special.

I don’t know if the Alliance summoned the Gu Family or not.

Even if they did, the man who seemed like he’d rather die than come, showed up for the martial arts tournament?

“…”

I was slightly flustered.

Arriving around now means he left quite a while ago.

Which means….

‘…When I saw him in the Northern Sea, he wasn’t in Shanxi?’

It must mean Father was summoned during his travels.

His reaction was strange, perhaps that’s why?

‘He even brought Wi Seol-ah?’

Just what is he doing coming here.

‘He’s not trying to become friendly with the Martial Alliance now, is he.’

I couldn’t quite figure out the reason.

“T-Tea is here.”

Just as I was pondering, the plum teas arrived one after another.

Handing one cup to Wi Seol-ah, I asked.

“So, where is Father now?”

If he just arrived, did he head straight for the merchant guild?

I asked, expecting that.

“The Family Head hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Hm?”

“He said he had some business midway and would be delayed a few days. So, I arrived first.”

“Business?”

Business on the way. Suddenly, I remembered Madam Mi also said she’d be away for a few days.

Could it be related?

‘…He’s not the type to get into trouble anywhere, so I’m not particularly worried, but….’

It was a part that subtly bothered me.

‘Anyway.’

Pushing the thoughts away, I looked at Wi Seol-ah.

She was quietly sipping her plum tea, so I lightly pinched her cheek.

Even while drinking it deliciously, her frowning eyes remained the same. Seeing this, I asked with a smile.

“What didn’t you like.”

“There’s nothing like that….”

“But why are you making that face after meeting after so long?”

As I pointed it out playfully, Wi Seol-ah’s eyes sharpened slightly.

“Exactly…. We met after so long….”

She couldn’t finish her words and quickly turned her head away.

‘Hmm.’

This seems like it might last a while.

Normally, Wi Seol-ah doesn’t get deeply upset, but this time it seems quite serious.

I scratched my cheek sheepishly.

“Right, are you not sick anywhere?”

“…Yes.”

“You seem to have lost more weight. Are you eating properly?”

“Yes….”

“I know you’ve become prettier, but….”

“…!”

“You need to gain a little weight.”

She became too excessively beautiful.

This will attract too much attention, so I felt like I needed to find something.

But.

“…”

“Hm?”

Was it my imagination, or did Wi Seol-ah’s ears seem to turn slightly red?

What? Why?

‘Why does it seem like she’s less upset now?’

Even though I did nothing, it felt that way for some reason. Maybe it’s because she drank the plum tea?

Is delicious food really the answer?

“Shall I order some more yakgwa (traditional Korean confection)?”

Thinking that was the answer, I asked Wi Seol-ah.

Although this is an inn, it’s a place with more snacks than alcoholic beverages.

Moyong Hi-ah had intentionally made it this way after confirming that female guests spent more money.

But.

“Ah, no. It’s okay. I don’t need to eat.”

“…Huh…?”

That Wi Seol-ah refused yakgwa. It was surprising.

I thought maybe she was still sulking, but Wi Seol-ah’s lips were slightly turned up.

It was clear. Wi Seol-ah was in a good mood now.

But I didn’t know the reason.

“Oh…. Okay.”

Her movements while drinking tea were graceful. Although she was sipping the hot tea little by little, the atmosphere seemed pleasant.

Watching her quietly drink her tea like that, I asked Wi Seol-ah.

“So, why aren’t you asking?”

“Hm?”

Wi Seol-ah looked at me with her large eyes widened even further. Her expression was one of utter confusion.

“That woman from earlier. Why aren’t you asking who she is.”

“Ah.”

‘Ah,’ you say.

After being furious just moments ago, did she already forget…?

“It’s okay now.”

At her words, I tilted my head.

“Okay?”

“Yes. It’s okay now. Because I don’t think I’ll see her again.”

“Hm…?”

Wi Seol-ah nodded.

She really seemed to have no interest whatsoever.

Even though moments ago she looked like she wanted to kill her.

Wouldn’t one normally ask why she approached?

It would have been bothersome to explain even if asked, but since she didn’t ask, I felt subtly disappointed.

Even amidst that.

‘…When did she finish them all?’

I was sure she was drinking the first cup.

Before I knew it, all three cups of plum tea I gave to Wi Seol-ah were empty.

We barely exchanged a few words, yet she seemed to have finished them.

They must have been incredibly hot, how did she manage?

Surprised by that, and missing her, I slowly stroked Wi Seol-ah’s hair.

As I touched it carefully like that, I noticed something.

It was the hair ornament I had gifted her.

Both Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah, why do they wear that cheap thing?

‘I should look into getting one later.’

As I thought that, Wi Seol-ah, having finished all her tea, looked at me.

Meeting her sparkling gaze.

“Ah, right. Young Master-nim.”

“Hm?”

Wi Seol-ah spoke to me as if she had forgotten.

“I missed you.”

“…”

“I don’t think I’ve told you yet.”

I flinched involuntarily.

My body stiffened.

Making it harder to react.

“…Uh, me too.”

I managed to blurt it out stiffly. I had to answer with something.

Then Wi Seol-ah smiled brightly.

Seeing that, I thought.

‘I really need to find something, no matter what.’

Of all things, her smiling face is damnably beautiful.

At this rate, I felt like I might get drunk on Yang Guifei before anyone else.

---

The back alleys of Hanam.

While numerous people were wandering around Hanam, the quickest route towards the Martial Alliance was deserted even during the day.

There was also the incident that occurred here just about a month ago.

The Alliance itself had blocked ordinary people from coming and going through here.

As Alliance martial artists often patrolled the area, it was a place ordinary people usually didn’t frequent.

In one part of such an alley.

Kkeudeuk…!

A woman was walking quickly, continuously biting her fingernails.

Fear and anger mixed, her pretty face was terribly contorted.

‘…I’ll kill her. I’ll kill her.’

The woman was none other than Bihyeonhwa.

Unable to contain her surging anger, the blood vessels in her eyes were even bulging.

‘How dare she…!’

Bihyeonhwa recalled the woman who appeared belatedly and glared fiercely.

Not only did she steal all the attention directed at me, but she was also a damn woman who arbitrarily oppressed me.

Moreover.

‘That face.’

Even that lovely face that made me feel defeated the moment I saw it.

The nameless woman gave me, who was called the Flower of the Alliance and the Fairest Beauty of Hanam, the utmost despair.

‘That useless guy is the same…!’

The man who acted nonchalant even when she tried to seduce him.

I wondered why he was acting so unaffected.

‘Was it because there was a woman like that?’

Was it because there was a more radiant flower, making him indifferent?

I don’t like it.

Because she seemed like a decent martial artist for her station, I considered extending a hand once, but not only did she dare to reject my seduction, she made me feel this dirty.

Bihyeonhwa clenched her fists so hard she trembled.

‘I’ll kill her.’

I will kill her somehow.

Even if it meant returning to the Investigation Department and offering my body to the old sect leaders, I wanted to deal with her.

Her terrified, broken appearance and my own shameful fleeing flashed through my mind.

Moreover, there was also my appearance, harboring inferiority upon seeing the opponent’s beauty.

I can’t believe it.

So somehow.

‘If only that woman.’

The man doesn’t matter.

Honestly, I wasn’t even interested. Men were abundant in the world, and surely there were more capable ones among them.

So Bihyeonhwa resolved to deal with the woman somehow.

If I couldn’t kill her, I had to at least scar her face.

That face shouldn’t be here.

It means there shouldn’t be a prettier flower where she is.

‘I must trample her.’

I have to trample that radiance before it spreads.

That was all she thought.

Her mind already half-lost.

Chewing her fingernails imbued with anger and inferiority, Bihyeonhwa moved forward.

Just as Bihyeonhwa was hastily trying to return to the Martial Alliance.

Tok.

A sound like dripping water was heard from somewhere.

Tuk tuk-!

Someone appeared behind Bihyeonhwa and quickly stabbed her back.

“…Keup!?”

Her body stiffened instantly.

It was acupoint striking.

Alliance patrols were nearby, and the Martial Alliance was just a few steps away.

In such a situation, someone acupoint-struck Bihyeonhwa.

As the stiffened Bihyeonhwa’s eyes darted around, terrified by the sudden situation.

“Eum.”

Someone appeared from behind her, in front of Bihyeonhwa.

But no footsteps could be heard at all.

That was even more frightening.

“…!”

Bihyeonhwa’s eyes widened upon seeing the person who appeared before her.

The person who acupoint-struck Bihyeonhwa was a woman with long, light cyan hair reaching down her back.

She had a somewhat small build and cute features, and Bihyeonhwa knew her well.

“Hello.”

“…!”

The woman with light green hair, Tang Soyeol, spoke to Bihyeonhwa.

Of course, Bihyeonhwa couldn’t answer, but Tang Soyeol didn’t seem to mind.

“It’s been a while. Unni.”

Seureung.

Tang Soyeol’s fingertips touched Bihyeonhwa’s neck.

Kkuuk.

A shallow trickle of blood flowed from the skin where her fingernail touched, and feeling this, fear welled up in Bihyeonhwa’s eyes.

Looking at Bihyeonhwa like that, Tang Soyeol said.

“Shall we talk for a bit? I have something I need to discuss with you, Unni.”

“…”

“If you understand, move your eyeballs up and down. Ah, if you don’t want to, you can move them left and right.”

Just as Bihyeonhwa was about to move her eyes left and right without realizing it.

“However.”

Tang Soyeol continued.

“If I don’t like your answer, I’ll pluck out your eyeballs.”

“…!”

“You have two chances. Since you have two eyeballs, I’ll pluck one at a time.”

“…”

Her words were chilling, despite her cute tone.

Immediately, Bihyeonhwa’s pupils moved up and down,

Seeing that, Tang Soyeol.

“That’s a relief. I was worried about getting blood on my clothes….”

She smiled, stroking Bihyeonhwa’s cheek with her hand.