Chapter v16c12

The Sword Empress’s Recognition

“Your unworthy disciples, Dokgo Ryeong and Na Yerin, humbly greet our master. We are relieved to see you in good health.”

Dokgo Ryeong and Na Yerin knelt on one knee, bowing their heads in respect before the Sword Empress.

“So this is the one you’ve chosen?” The Sword Empress’s voice was calm, directed at Na Yerin.

“M-Master… I… I…” Na Yerin stammered, unable to meet her master’s stern gaze. She had forgotten her duties as a disciple of the Sword Valley. She was prepared for any punishment, any reprimand. But to her surprise, instead of a slap, she felt a gentle hand stroking her hair.

She looked up, startled, and saw a warm smile on her master’s face. It was a motherly smile, a smile she had seen countless times since she was a child.

“You’ve changed so much. It’s time to be honest with yourself, don’t you think?” The Sword Empress said, her voice filled with kindness and understanding.

“H-Have I? I don’t think I’ve changed much…” Na Yerin replied, her face flushed, her voice barely a whisper. The Sword Empress chuckled and shook her head.

“You have! You used to be like a doll, your heart closed off to the world. You were afraid of getting hurt, so you retreated into yourself. You chose to become a cold, icy statue. But it seems like you’ve opened your heart again. You look happy. Perhaps you can finally break through to a new level.”

“M-Master…”

The Sword Empress smiled and patted her back.

“Yes, yes! You should thank him for bringing spring back to the winter fields!”

She glanced at Bi Ryu-yeon, who grinned and waved. The killing intent that had threatened to consume him moments ago had vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth.

“I was worried you were clueless about men, but it seems like you have good taste, just like me. I’m relieved!”

Na Yerin blushed and lowered her head, her cheeks burning.

“Hahaha, you’re just a normal girl after all!” The Sword Empress laughed, amused by her disciple’s rare display of shyness.

“Don’t tease me, Master!” Na Yerin protested, her face as red as a ripe persimmon.

Dokgo Ryeong, watching them, felt a pang of envy. Then, she realized she was staring at someone.

Coincidentally, her gaze met his. He was talking to his subordinates, his face grim. He excused himself and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

*Young Master Bi… Why am I thinking about him…?*

She shook her head, as if trying to clear her thoughts. Her left eye, covered by the eyepatch, throbbed painfully.

“Ouch!”

Guan Xue-zhi cried out. Known as the Ice Fairy, but more often as the daughter of the Ice Sword, she lived in the shadow of her father’s fame. But she was still one of the Seven Phoenixes. She believed that not all Seven Phoenixes needed “phoenix” in their titles, but that wasn’t important now. She had been so engrossed in watching the duel that she hadn’t noticed someone bumping into her. He didn’t even apologize. How rude!

“Hey! Why…”

She turned to protest, but her words died in her throat. She had made eye contact with the man who had bumped into her.

“Xue-zhi, what’s wrong? You look pale…” Qing Hen, the Three Absolute Swords, noticed her distress and approached her. But she didn’t seem to hear him. She was staring at the man’s retreating figure, her face pale.

“Wait a minute… Isn’t that…?”

She recognized the figure. It was her former friend, Wi Ji-cheon. But now, they were strangers.

“Xue-zhi, what’s wrong? You look unwell.”

“That man… He’s your friend, right? The leader of the Ice Phoenix Protection Squad?”

“Yes, but what about it?”

She frowned. Everyone was giving him a wide berth, as if afraid of his aura. Something was wrong. Her palms were sweating, her body trembling.

“He looked like a ghost. I’ve never seen such hatred and rage in someone’s eyes. It was… terrifying.”

Her face was pale, her voice trembling.

“His heart was filled with darkness.”

It was a chilling darkness, a darkness without light.

She shuddered, as if trying to shake off the memory of his gaze.

Qing Hen watched his friend walk away, his heart heavy with sadness. The distance between them was growing, and he feared it might never be bridged again.

“It’s a shame, Sword Empress. You almost went too far!” The Sword Saint said, after the crowd had dispersed.

“Indeed. I almost lost control.” She chuckled.

“But you seem to have enjoyed yourself.” Do-seong said, his tone teasing.

“Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve had a good workout. You’re jealous, aren’t you?” She said, her voice cheerful.

It was true. She had enjoyed herself. It was a rare opportunity to let loose and test her skills. There was no one on her island who could challenge her. It was a liberating experience.

“Well… I wouldn’t say jealous, but…” Do-seong trailed off, his face betraying his envy.

“Anyway, the outcome was unexpected. You showed remarkable restraint. You could have killed him.”

“Such skill at such a young age… Even though I wasn’t going all out, he was impressive… Who trained him?”

She admitted that she hadn’t used her full power.

“We haven’t been able to identify his lineage.”

“Even the Sword Saint can’t figure it out… He’s a mystery.”

“We don’t know who his master is, or where he trained. But his strength is undeniable.”

“Agreed!”

“Agreed.”

“So you’re giving your approval?”

“I have to. I made a promise in the name of the Heavenly Martial Three Saints. It would be a disgrace to break it.”

She couldn’t afford to lose face.

“You said ‘have to’… Does that mean there’s more?”

“Of course. I’m not going to hand over my precious disciple so easily.”

“What will it take to earn your full approval?”

“Hmm… Let’s see… He has to be at least as strong as me.”

The Sword Saint stared at her, speechless. She had used the word “at least” in the most inappropriate context.

“That boy… Bi Ryu-yeon, was it? I hope he’ll be alright…”

“Why, Sword Saint? What are you worried about?”

“Well, he’s bound to attract unwanted attention now. And Na Yerin is the daughter of Na Baek-cheon, the leader of the Orthodox Alliance. She’s famous for her beauty.”

“Yes, that’s her. Her beauty brought her misfortune at a young age… If the Alliance Leader hadn’t intervened, it would have been a disaster.”

The Sword Empress’s face darkened at the memory.

“I hope nothing bad happens. Envy and jealousy can be dangerous. I hope my worries are unfounded.”

“Agreed.”

*The Second Agreement*

– The Letter –

Bang! Crash!

He stormed into his room, his anger and frustration still burning like a wildfire.

Wi Ji-cheon’s eyes were bloodshot, his heart pounding like a drum, the veins on his forehead throbbing. The once-promising student, who had been considered one of the top talents of the Heavenly Martial Academy, alongside Qing Hen and Baek Mu-yeong, was gone.

“Argh!”

He overturned his desk, sending books and scrolls flying.

“Argh!”

He wasn’t done yet. He grabbed his favorite vase and smashed it against the wall. It was a gift from the Academy, but he didn’t care.

The vase shattered, sending shards of porcelain, water, and flowers flying. He stomped on the scattered flowers, grinding them into the floor.

“Huff, huff, huff!”

He had been raging for several minutes, but his anger only intensified. His heart pounded like a madman’s drum. His eyes were bloodshot, his mind clouded.

He needed blood. He couldn’t think of any other way to calm his rage. A primal urge surged within him, consuming his thoughts. He didn’t resist. He knew this urge well. It was an old friend. But this time, it was stronger than ever. He didn’t care what happened anymore.

His mind, consumed by chaos, was blinded by rage. He felt no need to control his emotions. Everything was a blur. He just wanted blood.

It took him a while to notice the change in his room. It was a small piece of paper on his table, pinned by a thin, long needle. His eyes widened when he saw it.

*The Hour of the Rat, West Forest, Tiger Rock*

That was all it said. But it wasn’t the message that shocked him. It was the needle. He recognized it.

It was a rare and dangerous object, rarely seen in the Jianghu… But that wasn’t what surprised him. The needle itself wasn’t enough. It needed to be inserted into a small, silver cylinder to unleash its full power. It was a weapon of unimaginable power and danger, comparable to the Sichuan Tang Clan’s Thunder God Tube, one of the Seven Forbidden Weapons of the Jianghu. Possession of such a weapon was a crime punishable by death.

But he had used it once, along with another forbidden weapon, the Hellfire Bomb. The silver needle was one of thousands contained within the Flying Phoenix Needle. He had only used it once in his life.

*Could it be… him?*

He picked up the note, his hand trembling.

He felt a burning sensation in his throat.

The Hour of the Rat, West Forest, Tiger Rock.

The rock was also known as the Tiger Rock because it resembled a roaring tiger.

“Good evening, Young Master Wi. It’s been a while.”

A man appeared as soon as he arrived. He was wearing a mask, but Wi Ji-cheon recognized him instantly. It was the man who had given him “those things.” The only difference was his voice, which was strangely gentle now. He wouldn’t have recognized him if he had only heard his voice. Perhaps he was deliberately changing his persona every time they met to conceal his identity.

“How did you get here?”

The masked man chuckled. “It’s good to see you remember me, Young Master Wi! I’m touched… To think you would remember a nameless masked man like me…”

He was very talkative now. Wi Ji-cheon couldn’t tell which persona was his true self: the stern one from before, or the cheerful one now.

“How did you get here? This place is restricted.”

“There’s nowhere a wish-granting fairy can’t go. I go wherever there’s a dream to fulfill. It’s my greatest joy to help others achieve their wishes.”

His voice and gestures were exaggerated, as if he were on a divine mission.

“Wishes? Are you talking to me?”

“Of course. I have an interesting story for you.”

“A story?”

“Yes, it’s about a man.”

“I’m not interested.”

He was very interested in a certain woman, but he had no interest in men. He wasn’t into that. He was only interested in the goddess named Na Yerin.

“Oh, but you will be. I guarantee it.”

The masked man insisted. Wi Ji-cheon sighed.

“Fine, who’s the story about?”

He had intended to listen and ignore it. But when he heard the masked man’s next words, he felt compelled to listen.

“You’ve heard of him, haven’t you? Bi Ryu-yeon.”

The masked man said, a sly smile playing on his lips. Wi Ji-cheon’s body trembled as if struck by lightning. The flames of jealousy, which he had been suppressing, flared up again. His emotions were written all over his face. The masked man smiled inwardly. This was exactly the reaction he had been hoping for.

“Do you desire power?” He asked, his voice deep and resonant.