Chapter 98: Flower Battle (3)

I tried to ask about the reaction that came up when I mentioned Gu Ryeong-hwa during our trip to Seomseo. Seeing the current reaction, I wondered if perhaps I had been misunderstanding something.

But upon hearing that, Shin Hyeon instead brought up the topic, saying he had something to ask me. It was the story from when Gu Ryeong-hwa first came to the Mount Hua Sect until now. And how that young child came to be in the Mount Hua Sect in such a state.

Shin Hyeon was asking even as he explained. Asking if it wasn’t my fault that Gu Ryeong-hwa became that way.

I had only one answer for that.

“Yes, it is indeed my fault.”

For words brought up so suddenly saying he had something to ask, it contained a deep story. From my perspective, it was the first time I was hearing the story of what Gu Ryeong-hwa experienced after entering the Mount Hua Sect. That she cried while looking for me. That she had a phobia towards men.

It was a part that seemed minimal from my perspective, so I hadn’t thought much about it. It seems more severe than I expected. I don’t think the Gu Ryeong-hwa I recently met had overcome this. It seemed more likely that she was just enduring it.

Shin Hyeon said nothing after hearing my answer. However, I could sense unpleasant emotions from his slightly furrowed brow and somewhat rough breathing. He looked like he was firmly suppressing something. At first, I thought Gu Ryeong-hwa might have been bullied, but seeing this, it seemed fortunately not to be the case. Rather, it seemed she even received some affection.

‘If anyone bullied her, it would have been me.’ It was an undeniable fact.

As Shin Hyeon said nothing more, I asked him.

“Aren’t you going to ask why you did that?”

At my question, Shin Hyeon’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“…I thought that even if I asked Young Hero, I wouldn’t get an answer.”

As Shin Hyeon said, it wasn’t something I could really answer. It was merely my own shameful secret, and not something I could tell others.

“And,” Shin Hyeon continued. “Yet, I don’t think my eyes have been wrong.”

“…”

I didn’t know what Shin Hyeon saw in me arbitrarily that made him think that way. I quietly met Shin Hyeon’s gaze. Although I couldn’t grasp everything conveyed in his eyes, I knew one thing: Knowing that the slight resentment directed at me stemmed from his worry for Gu Ryeong-hwa, I didn’t feel particularly bad.

Yeongpung probably didn’t bring me here just to show me this…

As expected, Yeongpung appeared from behind and paid his respects to the second-generation disciples.

“Greetings, Martial Uncles.”

“Yeongpung, junior disciple.”

“Yes…”

“Did you escort Young Hero Gu here?”

“Yes, I did.”

“This is a place that cannot be freely entered or exited, except by disciples. You know that, don’t you?”

“…I apologize. Since you were asking about the Gu incident, I thought it would be better to let them speak directly.”

“About the Gu incident?”

Shin Hyeon looks towards me. His gaze had changed slightly from when I first met him. It was probably because of the answer I gave earlier. Hearing Shin Hyeon’s words, it seemed like bringing Gu Ryeong-hwa here was something that shouldn’t have been done. Even knowing that, Yeongpung went ahead and caused trouble.

‘That guy is quite reckless too.’ Even if not to the extent of the Murim Alliance, disciples are usually famous for strictly obeying their superiors, yet he ignored that and brought her here anyway.

I let out a small sigh and said.

“I intended to ask why my sibling is sparring with the third-generation disciples.”

“Ah… about that.”

Shin Hyeon opened his mouth as if to answer instead, but a voice cut in.

“Oppa?”

Hearing the familiar voice, I turned around to see Gu Ryeong-hwa standing there. Her eyes showed surprise that I was here. Then, seeing the second-generation disciples obviously hiding here and there, Gu Ryeong-hwa’s face crumpled immediately.

“…Senior Brothers.”

“Ah, we’re caught.”

“It’s because of you, Senior Disciple… Seriously, why is someone who was supposed to be hiding speaking so openly?”

“Junior Sister Gu… This was all Senior Disciple’s idea to come here, we’re not at fault!”

“…Selling out your senior brothers immediately like that, what a state the sect is in. You crazy bastards.”

The familiar excuses they spat out as if rehearsed, and Shin Hyeon wiping his face as if embarrassed. Gu Ryeong-hwa muttered upon seeing that.

“I told you not to come…”

To her quiet lament, Shin Hyeon hurriedly explained.

“I’m sorry, it’s because the junior disciples kept insisting on coming…”

“What…? After just complaining about selling out seniors first, you immediately sell us out.”

“Why are you surprised? It’s not the first or second time; that’s just how Senior Disciple is.”

Those who were grumbling from behind shut their mouths at Shin Hyeon’s growl. Gu Ryeong-hwa watched it all quietly. She looked like she had a lot to say but was choosing not to voice it. Then she sighed and lowered her head.

“…Thank you for worrying. But I hope you won’t worry too much.”

They were somewhat resolute words. In a way, it was an action that could seem disrespectful to superiors. I unconsciously glanced cautiously at the men’s expressions.

‘Huh…?’

Their expressions weren’t angry or displeased. Rather, how should I describe it… Surprise? Being moved? It felt like something along those lines…?

“G-Goodness, Junior Sister just thanked us.”

“She didn’t avoid eye contact, and she didn’t step back.”

“What? What is this? Am I going to die tomorrow…?”

…It was getting scary now. What on earth were those crazy reactions?

Shin Hyeon kicked the men, who looked half-out of their minds, aside and approached Gu Ryeong-hwa.

“…Will you be alright?”

Gu Ryeong-hwa nodded at Shin Hyeon’s question.

“As always, I respect the junior disciples’ choices.”

“Yes… Thank you.”

“It feels strange hearing thanks from you for the first time.”

“…I apologize.”

“Apology accepted. Whether thanks or apology, there was nothing I sought to receive.”

Shin Hyeon smiled slightly as he looked at Gu Ryeong-hwa. Perhaps finding his gaze a bit burdensome, Gu Ryeong-hwa turned her head.

“I’ll take these idiots away properly. Since time seems short, I hope you achieve satisfactory results.”

The men behind him grumbled at Shin Hyeon’s words, but when his face changed like a tiger’s as he turned his back, they all shut their mouths tight. I thought he had a kind face, but he can make that kind of expression too…? For a moment, I was unconsciously a little intimidated.

“What brings you here, Oppa?”

I shifted my gaze at Gu Ryeong-hwa’s call. It seemed she had become accustomed to calling me ‘Oppa’ again. The problem regarding that was with me.

‘Do I deserve to hear that?’ That was all I thought.

I quickly erased those useless thoughts from my mind and said, “You’re sparring with the third-generation disciples, right?”

“Ah.”

“I just intended to ask why, but I got dragged all the way here.”

By then, Shin Hyeon had already disappeared, dragging all the disciples with him. Seeing Yeongpung was also gone, it looked like he’d been taken away too.

Gu Ryeong-hwa answered my question calmly.

“I just thought it was right to do it in a place fitting my level.”

I think I understood what she meant. Gu Ryeong-hwa right now is far too lacking to compete with the second-generation disciples. Most of the current Mount Hua Sect’s strength is concentrated in the second-generation disciples, so it wasn’t a level Gu Ryeong-hwa could compete at.

‘Though it seems difficult even with the third-generation disciples.’ While Gu Ryeong-hwa has been training consistently, the other third-generation disciples must have been doing the same. The only third-generation disciple I’ve properly faced is Yeongpung, so I can’t know for sure… Anyway, if she decided to compete with the third-generation disciples for those reasons, there’s nothing more for me to ask. In the first place, Gu Ryeong-hwa must be in this position because the higher-ups permitted it.

‘Yeongpung is with the second-generation disciples, and Gu Ryeong-hwa is with the third-generation disciples?’ It seemed somewhat reversed. If Yeongpung’s was forced, is the difference that Gu Ryeong-hwa’s was her own will?

“…Do your best.”

Gu Ryeong-hwa’s head lifted at my trailing words.

“What’s with that expression?”

“I… I didn’t expect to hear words like that from you, Oppa.”

“From what I saw earlier, it seemed you were receiving quite a bit of affection.”

I recalled the second-generation disciples who were doting on Gu Ryeong-hwa almost like worship.

“…They’re just a bit eccentric.”

Gu Ryeong-hwa looked somewhat burdened. Even I would feel like hiding if those muscular men were acting like, ‘Our Yangcheon is the best!’ Still, it wasn’t an expression of pure dislike. Just uncomfortable.

“Anyway, I’ve seen enough. I’m leaving.”

“Hey.”

Gu Ryeong-hwa, about to turn back, called me and stopped my steps. When I looked at her with a questioning expression, she came closer and gently grabbed the hem of my sleeve. I couldn’t help but be surprised by Gu Ryeong-hwa’s action. It was only natural, considering how Gu Ryeong-hwa used to have trouble even meeting my gaze.

“You…”

“Are you going to watch the Hwajeon?”

“Because that’s why I came.”

“Is Unnie… here too?”

If she meant ‘Unnie’, was she talking about Namgung Bi-ah? If it’s Namgung Bi-ah, she would likely be seated with Wi Seol-ah. I answered Gu Ryeong-hwa.

“She’s here, sitting down.”

“You too, Oppa?”

“Me…”

Although I did come to watch Gu Ryeong-hwa’s match, it felt a bit awkward to say I would stay and watch. Clearing my throat a bit, I said.

“…I will.”

At my answer, Gu Ryeong-hwa let go of my sleeve. As expected, it was still difficult for her; her slightly trembling hand caught my eye. Despite struggling so much, why did she bother grabbing it?

Gu Ryeong-hwa stroked her trembling hand and smiled bitterly.

“It seems it’s still a bit difficult.”

I’m sorry. If it’s hard, don’t do it; you don’t have to force yourself. Many such words felt like they would burst out, but I didn’t bother saying them. Young Gu Ryeong-hwa was trying to overcome it herself. The story had already changed significantly compared to her past life.

“…Okay. I’ll watch carefully.”

Every time I see her like this, regret and determination hit me simultaneously. Late regret that I shouldn’t have acted that way, and determination that I must change now.

Gu Ryeong-hwa returned to her place, saying she needed to prepare. I watched Gu Ryeong-hwa’s back for a moment before moving on.

With somewhat complicated feelings, I returned to the spectator area and looked for my companions. Finding them was easier than expected, as I just needed to find Namgung Bi-ah. As expected, there was a spot where gazes were subtly drawn. Although she wore a veil, perhaps due to Namgung Bi-ah’s unique aura, gazes were subtly drawn to her. Namgung Bi-ah, looking somewhat tired, was leaning on Wi Seol-ah, but she suddenly lifted her head and looked around. As if searching for something.

Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze, which had been wandering, turned towards me. As if she spotted me, she waved. Wi Seol-ah, who was beside her, waved too.

‘We were quite far away, how did she find me?’ Did she make a bet or something? She probably wouldn’t do that, so was it just coincidence?

‘It must be coincidence.’

While lost in trivial thoughts, I went over to find the adjacent seat empty. It seemed they had saved it for me. Wi Seol-ah looked at me and asked.

“Young Master, where have you been?”

“I went to see my sibling, because she’s competing today.”

As if she heard, Namgung Bi-ah reacted from beside me.

“Today… she’s competing?”

“So I heard.”

Namgung Bi-ah bit her lip as if wanting to ask more, but quickly turned her head away. Her gaze was fixed on the sparring stage. There was no need to ask why.

The somewhat noisy murmuring disappeared. Everyone’s gaze was directed towards the sparring stage.

Above the quiet sparring stage. Suddenly, crimson energy gathered in the air, forming a small leaf. Holding the light, the leaf swayed as if in the breeze and then fell. Finally, as the leaf touched the ground.

Whoooosh-!

The crimson energy swirled up in an instant, enveloping the sparring stage. It was clearly an immense amount of internal energy. The energy that had surged like a vortex spread out with a sudden ‘pak!’, disappearing while leaving a faint trace in the air.

On the sparring stage where the energy had vanished, led by the Mount Hua Sect Leader, Maehwa-seon. Behind him, the third-generation disciples competing in the Hwajeon seemed to be standing. As soon as the surrounding spectators saw that, they erupted in cheers.

“…Crazy…”

Perhaps it was Maehwa-seon’s production for those who came all the way up to Mount Hua, but it was more amazing that he could use that much internal energy for mere production without any sign of it. When Maehwa-seon raised his hand, it became quiet again as if choreographed.

“Every year, for what this small event is, that you climb the high mountain in the heat to come here… I am truly grateful.”

Every time Maehwa-seon took a step, it felt like the wind blew. Was this also a change created by internal energy?

“There’s nothing more boring than an old man’s long speech, so ending with my thanks, I shall step down. Please watch how brilliantly our children have strived.”

As if he truly had nothing more to say, Maehwa-seon stepped down from the stage and went elsewhere. While Sword Dragon Yeongpung is at best a promising late-blooming disciple, Maehwa-seon is an absolute master widely known in the Central Plains, so many were disappointed they couldn’t hear more from him. From my perspective, though, it was good since I could see the Hwajeon faster.

As Maehwa-seon took his seat among the elders, the third-generation disciples on the stage began preparing, as if they had been waiting. Two people came forward from among them, drew their wooden swords, and faced each other.

‘Are they using wooden swords?’ I seem to recall hearing that the second-generation disciples use real swords.

A man who looked like the referee in the center glanced at the youths on both sides, checking if they were ready.

“…Start!”

At the cry infused with internal energy, they immediately leaped towards each other.