Chapter v19c3

## The Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad’s Dilemma

– Apologize! (Continued)

Do Nam-Po, the Vice-Captain of the Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad and wielder of the Cross Sword, was deeply troubled. Ever since Wi Ji-Cheon, the Captain and spiritual leader of this self-proclaimed fan club dedicated to Na Ye-Rin, had become practically a recluse, Do Nam-Po had been forced to make all the decisions for the squad. With Wi Ji-Cheon’s position vacant, it was difficult to motivate the members, who held their Captain in absolute reverence. He felt their ultimate goal, “Crush and Annihilate Bi Ryu-Yeon!”, slipping further away.

“There must be a way… If only we had a chance to turn things around, we could sway public opinion…”

Bang! Crash!

It was at that moment that the door to his office burst open.

“What’s with the commotion?!”

“V-Vice-Captain, it’s a disaster!”

“What disaster? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“According to the information we just received…”

“And?”

“I-it’s unbelievable, but… Miss Na Ye-Rin… She entered the Golden Orchid Tavern with a friend!”

Crash!

“What?!”

The desk that had proudly occupied a corner of his office for the past three years, reserved for the Captain, was split in half. But no one cared. There were more pressing matters at hand.

“Issue an emergency mobilization order! We must protect ‘Our Lady’ from the wolves!”

“Yes, sir!”

* * *

“Hey! Stop pushing! I can’t see!”

“You too! Get out of the way!”

“Ouch! Who stepped on my foot?”

“Hey! Get your foot off my head!”

The Golden Orchid Tavern was in chaos, packed with men desperate for a glimpse of the beautiful women. They were wary of each other, maintaining a certain distance from their target, but the delicate balance was reaching its breaking point.

“Make way! We’re taking over!”

Martial artists dressed in white, armed with white swords, entered in formation. They were all blindfolded with translucent bands. They moved with disciplined steps, forming a semicircle around Na Ye-Rin’s table, maintaining a distance of about one and a half zhang. They only removed their blindfolds after turning their backs to her.

“Please do not cross this line.”

“Step back.”

“No further approach is permitted.”

Naturally, there were protests.

“Who are you? Why are you blocking our view? We can’t see because of you!”

“That’s right! That’s right!”

“Get out of the way! Get out of the way!”

But they remained unmoved.

“We cannot allow you to approach Miss Na any further.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Do Nam-Po, Vice-Captain of the Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad of Cheonmu Academy. And these are the Eight Guardians of the Ice Phoenix! We will not tolerate any further approach to Miss Na for her safety.”

“So you can approach her, but we can’t?”

A man shouted in protest.

“None of us would dare to dream of such a thing. If anyone attempts to approach her alone, they will face severe consequences.”

“Like him?”

Someone pointed to the third man from the left. The Eight Guardians’ gazes followed.

“Number Six!!”

Do Nam-Po’s eyes widened in horror.

“Noooooooooo!”

The other seven guardians cried out in unison. Number Six had turned around and was staring at Na Ye-Rin with a dazed expression. His hands twitched, his body trembling as he struggled to restrain himself.

“Oh no! It’s the forbidden symptom!”

That was why they had blindfolded themselves before entering. For the members of the Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad, looking directly at Na Ye-Rin was strictly forbidden. Like staring at the sun, it was too much for them to handle.

Lust consumed Number Six. He had lost all reason.

A look of despair crossed Do Nam-Po’s face. But he had to be decisive. He raised his index finger and shouted,

“You’re excommunicated!”

“Excommunicated!”

The remaining seven guardians echoed, raising their index fingers. And then, they charged at their former comrade like a pack of wolves.

Crack! Thud! Thwack!

Their punishment was swift and merciless.

The onlookers watched in stunned silence.

A moment later…

“Anyone else want to approach her?”

Do Nam-Po asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“…”

Silence. No one dared to step forward.

“No one else?”

He asked again, just to be sure.

“What will you do if we don’t listen?”

A man asked.

“No questions asked! We’ll have to resort to force.”

Do Nam-Po said, drawing his sword. And then…

“Hmph, weaklings pretending to be strong!”

A mocking voice came from a table further inside. The tavern fell silent again. Do Nam-Po’s brow furrowed. Everyone around him stepped back, as if to prove they weren’t the source of the voice.

A young man was sitting at the table. A dazzlingly flamboyant young man. He wore five earrings and a jade necklace. There was no sword or saber in sight. It was Lee Si-Geon, the second son of the Machun Pavilion.

‘A spoiled brat who knows nothing of the world?’

Do Nam-Po asked, his frown deepening.

“Who are you?”

“Me? I’m the owner of this treasure.”

Lee Si-Geon said, setting down his cup.

“Owner of this treasure?”

“Every treasure has its owner.”

His gaze swept past them, settling on Na Ye-Rin. No jewel or gold could match her worth. She was the treasure of all treasures. And naturally, many coveted her.

“Are you capable of such a thing?”

Do Nam-Po asked in a low voice, his anger barely contained. He was giving him a chance to reconsider. But of course, the arrogant young man didn’t listen.

“Hmph, insolent fools!”

Lee Si-Geon sneered, rising from his seat.

“Weaklings shouldn’t act so cocky!”

He walked towards Do Nam-Po, his hands clasped behind his back, a mocking smile on his face. Do Nam-Po didn’t move.

“I hate it when people get in my way. So I suggest you step aside.”

He said in a commanding tone.

“What if I refuse?”

“Refuse?”

His sneer deepened.

“You must have a death wish!”

“You bastard!”

Number Two, unable to contain his anger, stepped forward. He was about to grab the arrogant young man by the collar. But he couldn’t.

“Insolent fool!”

Lee Si-Geon flicked his finger.

Slash!

Number Two’s wrist was severed in a flash of blood. It happened so fast that no one saw it coming.

A scream pierced the air.

“Form the Sword Formation!”

Do Nam-Po reacted swiftly.

“Hmm? You want to try me?”

The young man remained unfazed, even though six swords were pointed at him.

“You’re still keeping your hands behind your back. Are you mocking us?”

“You know it!”

He answered, as if it were obvious.

“You’ll regret this!”

“We’ll see who regrets it!”

“Let’s see!”

That was the signal for attack.

* * *

The Eight Guardians of the Ice Phoenix were the elite members of the Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad, a self-proclaimed fan club with thousands of members. They were all confident in their skills. But their pride was being trampled.

“Take this! Take this! Take this!”

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Their swords sliced through the air. One, two, three, four…

But no matter how many times they attacked, the flamboyant young man dodged every blow, his hands still clasped behind his back. His legs barely moved. His flexible upper body was enough to evade their attacks. They had been fighting for almost two hours, but he was still relaxed. It was the guardians who were growing tired and frustrated.

“Are you tired already? You’re pathetic! Is this the best Cheonmu Academy has to offer?”

His tone was mocking.

“Huff… Huff…”

“My turn now?”

* * *

Na Ye-Rin watched coldly as Do Nam-Po and the Eight Guardians were defeated. She acted as if it had nothing to do with her. She had never acknowledged the Ice Phoenix Film Protection Squad, nor had she requested or permitted their protection. It was all done without her consent.

Lee Si-Geon, having dealt with the guardians, approached Na Ye-Rin. His desire intensified as he got closer.

‘I want her…’

He felt like he could do anything to possess her. He had never seen a woman so captivating, so alluring.

‘This trip was worth it just to meet her.’

He thought, a triumphant smile on his face.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss. My name is Lee Si-Geon. May I join you?”

“I refuse.”

Na Ye-Rin answered without looking at him.

“Haha…”

He chuckled, her rejection so blunt. But he wasn’t giving up.

‘A little resistance is just a part of the fun. As they say, a beautiful flower has thorns. Indeed!’

He had rarely failed to get a woman he wanted.

“It seems your companion has passed out from drinking. I’d be happy to help if you need anything…”

“I don’t need your help.”

Her answer was firm.

“You’re being too harsh. I just want to help. I find it rewarding to help others.”

It was an unbelievable statement, coming from someone who had just severed a man’s wrist and sent seven others sprawling on the floor. Of course, there was no sincerity in his words.

“I said I don’t need your help.”

But he was persistent.

“Please tell me what I can do for you, miss!”

“There is one thing.”

She said in a flat voice.

“What is it?”

His face brightened, thinking his efforts had paid off.

“Disappear from my sight.”

His smile vanished.

‘How dare she…’

But he kept his anger hidden, maintaining a smile.

“No, please tell me what I can do…”

He reached for her shoulder, his touch intentional.

“Wait! I suggest you stop that hand right there.”

Something flew towards him as he spoke.

“Gasp!”

He flinched at the sound, instinctively stepping back. Two objects clattered to the floor. They were chopsticks, ordinary chopsticks used for eating. If he hadn’t pulled his hand back in time, he would have been hit.

“I’ll hit you next time.”

It was a warning shot.

“Who’s there?”

He shouted, looking up. Someone was standing on the third-floor railing.

“Come down here if you dare!”

“That’s not a problem.”

The figure jumped down from the railing, unconcerned about the height.

“Th-that’s him!”

One of the guardians shouted, recognizing the figure. Others recognized him too. Whether they liked him or hated him, everyone in Cheonmu Academy knew him.

“The nemesis of our squad!”

“The garden pest!”

“The enemy of mankind!”

The guardians and others who knew him shouted his name.

“Bi Ryu-Yeon!”

He waved, acknowledging their enthusiastic welcome.

“H-how did you get here?”

Na Ye-Rin asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Ah, some people I recently met treated me to dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“Well, they owe me their lives, so a meal is a small price to pay.”

He answered with a grin.

* * *

“What do you think, Sword Saint? About that young man’s martial arts. Have you figured out his background?”

“Unfortunately, I haven’t, Do-Seong. I observed him closely during dinner, but I couldn’t identify his style.”

“Even you couldn’t figure it out? We might have wasted our money on this meal.”

“At least the Sword Empress didn’t come with us. That saved us some money.”

“That’s true, but… She won’t be happy when she finds out we brought him here without her. She’s been itching for a fight.”

Do-Seong shuddered at the thought.

“What about that flamboyant young man? He’s quite skilled for his age.”

They had been observing him since he arrived.

“I don’t think he’s from the Righteous Faction. He hasn’t used any proper techniques yet, but judging by his movements, he’s probably from the Dark Faction. He’s probably one of their top young talents.”

“So who do you think would win if he fought that friend of his?”

“That’s…”