Chapter 111
Chapter 111
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: The Serpent Beauty's Declaration
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Wi Seongcheon spent the night stewing over his defeat, realizing his own weakness, trying to recapture that fleeting sense of perfect unity—and gave up, deciding it was hopeless, before falling asleep.
"Let's go."
The one who showed up out of the blue that morning was Jinwoo, who had been resting in the next room over. With both arms wrapped tightly in bandages, he approached Wi Seongcheon—still sitting on the bed, blinking sleepily—with a calm smile.
"Round two of the main tournament. I couldn't make it yesterday, but I can't miss today."
"...Is it okay for you to be moving around?"
"Much better than you. Can't move at all?"
"No, it's not that bad."
"Then let's go watch together. Us losers can get along nicely."
Jinwoo said with a bright smile. Seeing that serene expression, Wi Seongcheon couldn't help but smile back.
"I thought the nickname 'Little Buddha' didn't suit you at first when I heard it."
"I told you before—it's an awkward moniker. I just happen to smile a lot. And with these thin eyes, my face naturally looks like it's smiling."
Jinwoo grinned. Wi Seongcheon chuckled as he got down from the bed.
"That might be part of it, but Senior looks like he fits the 'Little Buddha' nickname now, unlike before."
"Probably because my heart's lighter."
Jinwoo said, lifting his bandaged arms.
"I'd have to clasp my hands together for it to feel authentic, but not in this state. Need any support?"
"I'm fine."
"Good thing. Supporting you with these arms would be tough."
He left the room with Jinwoo. As they walked down the medical hall's corridor, Wi Seongcheon caught a familiar stench. The door was firmly shut, but the overpowering odor seeped clearly through the cracks.
"Hold on."
Wi Seongcheon excused himself from Jinwoo ahead and cracked the door open.
"My god."
There lay Bang Jun, sprawled on the bed. His whole body was swollen like he'd been stung by a swarm of bees—especially his face, puffed up so badly you couldn't make out his eyes, nose, or mouth.
"Sahee sure holds a grudge."
Jinwoo shook his head.
"Not even using lethal poison, and she provided the antidote. Still, he said it'd take four or five days for the swelling to go down."
"Ugh...... Uuughhh......"
The sound from the bed startled Wi Seongcheon. He thought he was asleep, but no. His swollen eyes wouldn't open, lips and cheeks bloated, voice all muffled.
[Kill...... me......]
But the transmission came through. Feeling deep pity for Bang Jun, Wi Seongcheon slowly closed the door.
"What did that donor just say?"
"He wants to eat shit."
Jinwoo's awkward expression met the response.
* * *
He arrived at the spectator stands and parted ways with Jinwoo.
His father sat in the general seats, away from the VIP section. He'd received an invitation, but apparently felt it improper to take a VIP spot. No big deal.
"You're here."
"How's your condition?"
Wi Juseok waved a hand, while Woo Chonggwan asked with concern. Wi Seongcheon showed his bandaged right hand as he replied.
"Good enough to move."
The crowd murmured at Wi Seongcheon's appearance. Ignoring the stares from the VIP section, he sat beside his father.
Wi Seongcheon realized anew that he was being given space. With all those eyes from the VIPs, you'd think someone would come over to chat, but no one did.
Thanks to the Taiji Sword Lord. He sat beside the gruff old monster with a stern expression. Don't interfere with this father and son. He might act kindly now, but the Taiji Sword Lord had once been called the Sword Ghost, flaunting his eccentric temper.
The renowned elders of the era knew that side of him, so none dared defy him.
"He's a good man."
Wi Juseok muttered.
"Full of consideration, doesn't pry with questions. Understands my position as sect leader. Unlike that old geezer over there."
Wi Juseok spat, glaring at the Black Demon King, who watched them with a gentle smile.
They'd met the Taiji Sword Lord a few more times since the opening ceremony. He'd asked about Wi Juseok's shattered dantian and the Heavenly Flower Sect, but upon hearing it was the sect's secret transmission...
"I see."
He'd accepted it. And asked no more, while blocking other curious VIPs from approaching.
But once the Yiseon Tournament ended and they returned to the Heavenly Flower Sect...
'With all the heightened interest and attention, it'll get annoying.'
Self-inflicted. It was Wi Juseok's choice not to impose the Heavenly Net Golden Chain on his son and let him do as he wished by sending him to Yiseon Academy.
"Why the glare?"
"'Cause I'm proud, you little shit."
Even if that was how he felt, the irritation was real. Wi Juseok scowled, scanning Wi Seongcheon up and down.
"Did you cry?"
"...What're you on about all of a sudden?"
"I'm asking if you cried after losing yesterday."
"I didn't cry."
"Your eyes are red. You did cry, kid. Should've come comfort you if I knew it'd hit you that hard."
"No need."
"Figured as much. Thought about going, then didn't."
Wi Juseok cackled.
"But you fought well. Your movements yesterday were good."
"I felt... something."
"Good. If you hadn't felt anything, you'd be an idiot. And I don't think my son's an idiot."
"But I felt it, and I still don't know what it was. Couldn't reproduce it either."
"Enough that you remember that momentary enlightenment and don't forget it. If you remember, you can pursue it again."
"During the fight, I felt a vitality different from unity or internal energy."
"Don't forget that. Might be impossible now, but pursue recreating that sensation, and you'll reach it someday."
Wi Juseok said, staring at Wi Seongcheon.
"When that happens, you'll be the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader."
Through those words, Wi Seongcheon became convinced that the unfamiliar sensation he'd felt mid-fight with Woo Haryeon was the key to Spirit Ignition.
"...When did you master Spirit Ignition...?"
"Twenty-five years ago."
"Long before I was born."
"I was forty. Your grandfather—that damn old man—shoved the sect leadership on me before I even reached your age and took off."
Wi Juseok smacked his lips, looking down at the arena.
"My youth ended up soaked in sweat because of it. Holed up alone in the Sacred Spirit Mountains, struggling to grasp the essence of Heavenly Flower martial arts on my own. By the time I thought about leaving descendants, my prime was long gone."
He could've seen grandchildren if he'd married sooner. But Wi Juseok didn't regret his unfulfilled youth. Even if he could go back, he'd do the same. He loved his late wife and loved Wi Seongcheon.
"Don't rush it. You've grasped the key to Spirit Ignition far faster than I did. And your talent and circumstances are better than mine."
The first match featured Paeng Yeonhwa versus Dang Seona. While Dang Seona strolled out leisurely, Paeng Yeonhwa looked tense even from afar.
"That's the girl from back then?"
"Yeah."
"Grew up nicely. I wouldn't meddle much in who you marry, but do it after you become sect leader."
"Why talk nonsense?"
"Heh, look at you. Embarrassed?"
"We're not like that."
"Usually that's what they say before 'darling hubby.' Woo Chonggwan did too."
"Ahem."
Woo Chonggwan coughed awkwardly. Wi Seongcheon pouted, ignoring his father. Paeng Yeonhwa, standing tensely in the arena, spotted Wi Seongcheon. She broke into a bright smile and waved at him.
"See?"
Wi Juseok teased, as his son waved back with a smile.
"You'll have to go easy on her."
Ignoring his father's jabs, Wi Seongcheon recalled Bang Jun's swollen body. Paeng Yeonhwa beating Dang Seona seemed impossible. Dang Seona was an expert in the most efficient way to neutralize foes. Even without lethal poison, getting hit by hers would make death seem merciful.
"...Hm?"
Wi Juseok's eyes narrowed.
"Something's off."
"Pardon?"
"That girl. She's different from yesterday."
"I didn't see Sahee Senior's match yesterday, so I don't know what you mean."
"Yesterday's fight was brutal. Felt sorry for the Beggar Clan kid. The moment the match started, Sahee unleashed her poison."
It was the instant Bang Jun charged. Dang Seona released her poison without hesitation. Bang Jun had prepared countermeasures, but her poison sealed his acupoints, and her spit made his body swell.
He wasn't the only victim. His case was the worst and most pitiful, but barring Dang Heeran, everyone who'd faced Dang Seona lost to poisoning.
"But she doesn't seem to be using poison this time."
Wi Juseok wasn't the only one who noticed. Those with keen eyes discerned Dang Seona hadn't prepared any poisons.
And with every movement, the folds in her clothes rippled farther out than her body.
Meaning her entire form was armed with hidden weapons. Nothing unusual for a Tang Clan warrior, but Dang Seona's armament was thorough enough for even Wi Seongcheon to sense it.
'Poison on the hidden weapons?'
Most thought so, but
"The Tang Clan's Heavenly Killer Hidden Weapon Arts."
Before the match began, Dang Seona spoke.
"You may have seen from my fight with my little sister, but her attainments are incomplete, leaving much room for improvement."
Her voice was soft and gentle, yet infused with power that pierced the ears.
"I wouldn't dare claim to open your eyes, but as her elder sister, I can show I'm superior."
Different from usual. Dang Seona's declaration to the entire crowd differed starkly from what Wi Seongcheon knew.
"Hidden weapon techniques are secrets and killing moves, so please forgive their unsuitability for non-lethal sparring."
Dang Seona looked up. Past the puzzled Paeng Yeonhwa, she stared at the spectator section behind her.
"It's an honor to display my skills before the master of hidden weapons, Heavenly Killer."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Dang Seona gazed at the seats where the Tang Clan warriors sat.
Only then did the audience notice the man beside the Tang Clan Lord, Poison Righteous.
"Heavenly Killer...!"
"The Heavenly Killer of the Demonic Ten Heroes?!"
Even the VIP elders exclaimed. Alliance Leader Gam Taejun turned to the Black Demon King in surprise. But the Black Demon King remained nonchalant.
"Hah, didn't even know he was here."
He feigned ignorance.
Heavenly Killer, under all the attention, showed no disturbance. He gazed calmly at Dang Seona in the arena.
"...Heh."
Only after the drum signaling the match's start did Heavenly Killer chuckle softly.
"Your daughter's quite the handful."
Poison Righteous composed himself and turned to Heavenly Killer.
"Didn't expect that from her..."
"No, it's fine. It happens. Sahee doesn't seem to like me much."
Heavenly Killer shook his head with a smile.
"Doesn't want to lose her little sister, I suppose."
"...You don't want to take the eldest as disciple?"
"Yes, I don't."
Heavenly Killer answered without hesitation.
"No matter what amazing feat Sahee shows in this match. My choice won't change."
Of course.
Dang Seona knew it too. No matter how she flaunted her hidden weapons, Heavenly Killer wouldn't reverse his decision. Nor would the Tang Clan's approval for her sister to become his disciple.
"Sorry to you."
Dang Seona murmured lowly, letting her hands hang. Only now did she look at Paeng Yeonhwa across from her.
"This is"
Paeng Yeonhwa's ears flattened back, tail bristling. Instinctively retreating, she immediately unleashed beast transformation.
She'd held back on it under the crowd's eyes until now, but this wasn't the time to care.
"Just venting."
Hidden weapons slid down from her sleeves into Dang Seona's hands.