Chapter 71
Chapter 71
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: Tensions in the Carriage
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Inside the rattling carriage. Wi Seongcheon sat alone on one side, blankly staring at Paeng Yeonhwa and Dang Seona seated across from him, with no one else around. It was all thanks to Seo Il's consideration—he'd gone up to the coachman's seat, saying it might be more comfortable with just the students.
*Not comfortable at all.*
At this point, it felt less like consideration and more like Seo Il had simply fled. The stifling atmosphere stemmed from the subtle tension flowing between Dang Seona and Paeng Yeonhwa.
"The Twin Venomous Serpent seniors went to other groups, right?"
"Red Snake joined Professor Hwangbo Gwang's group. Blue Snake went with Professor Seok Ijin's."
"Is that okay? Aren't the Twin Venomous Serpents supposed to be Senior Dang Seona's escorts?"
"Not escorts—maids."
Dang Seona answered with a smile.
"They seemed reluctant to part from me, but what can you do? There are only thirteen second-year elites assigned as support, and we couldn't lump all three into one group."
Thinking about it, it was impressive. The Twin Venomous Serpents, Dang Seona's maids, were pure beastkin born between beastkin and not mixed with human bloodline—they were true beastkin.
In other words, bodies incapable of cultivating internal energy. Unable to build internal energy also meant they couldn't use most martial arts.
And yet, the Twin Venomous Serpents had been placed in the upper class, serving as Dang Seona's maids.
*Sure, a beastkin's body is as strong as that of a skilled internal energy cultivator...*
But that alone wouldn't get them into the upper class.
"You've been taking your medicine steadily?"
"I've taken all the medicine you gave me. No need for more—I'm fully recovered now."
"That's a relief. You remember what I said last time?"
"You mean for me to visit the Tang Clan sometime?"
"Yeah. If you're okay with it, even this winter would be fine. ...Heeran would love it too."
A faint smile played on Dang Seona's lips.
"That child has never once brought a friend home to the family. If you came along to the Tang Clan, she'd definitely be thrilled."
"You're okay with it, Senior?"
"Of course I'd be happy. Like I said before, I really want to introduce you to Grandmother."
"Eek, now you're making it sound too scary to go. If the Poison Witch decides to dissect me, how could I even resist?"
Wi Seongcheon shook his head playfully.
"Besides, I already have other plans for this winter."
"Plans?"
"I promised to go to the Golden Name Escort Agency with Fourth-Year Senior Jeong Miju."
At those words, not only Dang Seona but even Seo Il and Paeng Yeonhwa looked surprised.
"Why?"
"I'm hardly in a position to refuse if Senior Jeong Miju asks me to go. It works out perfectly, though. I was wondering how to kill time during break, and the Golden Name Escort Agency? Way more fun than heading back to the Heavenly Flower Sect where I've been cooped up for twenty years and running errands there."
"...Senior Jeong Miju isn't dragging you along just for menial chores."
"Who knows? Not my business."
Wi Seongcheon crossed his arms as he spoke. They'd only spent a day together, but Dang Seona... was a good senior. She didn't throw her weight around or show the arrogance befitting an heir to a prestigious clan.
*...Ah, come to think of it. You two must have known each other since you were little?*
That had to be the reason for the frozen atmosphere. Wi Seongcheon swept his gaze over Dang Seona and Paeng Yeonhwa's faces, asking in a tone as if it had just occurred to him.
They'd have to stick together for at least a month going forward. He could stay quiet and sink into the heavy mood, but Wi Seongcheon had no intention of doing so.
Paeng Yeonhwa's refusal to even glance at Dang Seona was grating on him.
"Yeah."
Dang Seona nodded with a smile.
"Families like ours have been exchanging visits long before our generation. I've met Yeonhwa steadily, at least once a year since we were kids."
Paeng Yeonhwa shot Wi Seongcheon a resentful glare. For her, the Peng Clan's past glory—when it stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Tang Clan as one of the Four Great Clans and was revered across the martial world—was a faded honor she had no desire to confront. A glory stained in blood and brought low.
*...After the Peng Clan's tragic misfortune, we couldn't meet anymore. But now that time has passed and we've reunited here at the Heavenly Academy as seniors and juniors, it must be fate.*
Dang Seona smiled faintly at Paeng Yeonhwa. Paeng Yeonhwa said nothing, still staring straight at Wi Seongcheon's face.
And Wi Seongcheon didn't avoid her gaze. His face bore the same faint smile as before. Paeng Yeonhwa couldn't comprehend what that smile meant.
"Ah, got it. Actually, I met Yeonhwa a long time ago too."
"I know."
"Huh?"
"I told you, I'm quite interested in you. So I looked into it. Ten years ago, the Heavenly Flower Sect's sect leader attended a Murim Alliance event just once, bringing his young son along. I was at the Murim Alliance then too."
We must not have crossed paths then. Dang Seona chuckled lightly. Wi Seongcheon's smile stiffened slightly. Knowing that Wi Seongcheon and Paeng Yeonhwa had met at the vast Murim Alliance ten years ago meant Dang Seona had dug *properly* into the past.
Right down to the lodgings assigned to the Heavenly Flower Sect and everyone else staying there at the time.
*...You're right. We missed each other back then. Would've been nice to meet.*
"I was probably very different from now, ten years ago. Everyone is, right? Purer and more honest as kids."
"Yeah, true. Just look at Yeonhwa—even ten years ago, she was so lively and full of pranks. Now she's like a completely different person."
"Ahh. That's unavoidable. Don't blame Yeonhwa too much. After what she went through."
Dang Seona glanced at Paeng Yeonhwa's stiffened face as she spoke. She liked expressions like that. But Dang Seona had clear likes and dislikes.
She did like that expression—it was true—but what she truly enjoyed wasn't *Paeng Yeonhwa's* expression.
"Because of Ho Hwan?"
Wi Seongcheon said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. At his words, Paeng Yeonhwa's face drained of color.
Her hands gripped her knees without her realizing it. Even Dang Seona was startled by Wi Seongcheon openly bringing up Ho Hwan. Her eyes widened as she stared at him.
"If you've been close since before, then you must have met Ho Hwan in person, Senior."
*...Yeah.*
"What was Ho Hwan like..."
"Everything."
Paeng Yeonhwa blurted it out unwittingly. She was on the verge of saying *shut up*. But she couldn't finish. Wi Seongcheon, who had been smiling at Dang Seona, now looked straight at Paeng Yeonhwa.
*...Hold on.*
Wi Seongcheon turned back to Dang Seona and asked her indulgence. Dang Seona nodded slowly. She pointed at the closed carriage door.
"Should I step out?"
"I'm fine either way. Not sure about Yeonhwa."
*...It's... fine.*
Paeng Yeonhwa replied in a trembling voice. Dang Seona chuckled and shrugged. She leaned deeply into the backrest and crossed her arms. This situation was quite enjoyable. Even if she was being used for Paeng Yeonhwa's sake.
"You said you didn't want pity."
*...*
"You said you didn't want to be seen as pitiful or frightening either."
Words poured out during the Taegeuk Sword Lord's first class. For the first time, she had spilled the story that had festered in her heart for so long.
Wi Seongcheon, collapsed from the heart sword, had heard it all and remembered every word.
"When I first met you at the Heavenly Academy, I spent a lot of time wondering how to treat you."
Should he act playfully like those few days they'd played together ten years ago? Or show comfort, considering the ordeals Paeng Yeonhwa had endured afterward?
"You were contradictory."
Wi Seongcheon rested his chin on his hand and stared intently at Paeng Yeonhwa.
"You say you don't want pity, yet you always act like you're begging for it. Grim-faced with your mouth clamped shut, shoving away anyone who tries to get close. Sure, it's probably because you hate how people lump your friends in with their disdain for you. But is that really it?"
Paeng Yeonhwa couldn't say a word. Her pounding heart echoed louder than usual in her ears. Amid it all, each of Wi Seongcheon's words rang crystal clear, slicing like blades at the walls she'd built around her heart.
"I don't know, since I'm not you."
Of course he didn't. He couldn't know what Paeng Yeonhwa was thinking or what defenses she'd erected.
But one thing was clear: Paeng Yeonhwa had said she didn't want pity. She didn't want to be seen as pitiful.
"I told you I was thinking about how to treat you. Thanks to what you said, I figured it out. Just as you wanted—as I wanted."
*...What does that have to do with asking about Ho Hwan?*
"Because I knew you'd hate it."
Wi Seongcheon answered without hesitation.
"Because I know you avoid it. And I know your contradictory attitude stems from Ho Hwan. You know what? If you really don't want pity from others or to be seen as frightening, you have to change yourself first."
If you don't, others' gazes will never change. It's ridiculous to stay the same while expecting everyone else to shift their views.
"I know you fear Ho Hwan."
Paeng Yeonhwa didn't deny it.
She hated Ho Hwan. She naturally hated her brother Paeng Yeonwoo, who had massacred the Peng Clan. At the same time, she feared him. It was unavoidable. Her brother was a living nightmare.
"As long as you fear Ho Hwan, that contradiction of yours will never go away."
She had to shake off the fear and leave only hatred. Burn away every trace of fear and temper the hatred sharp in the flames. She knew that... but it still terrified her.
"Straightening one's heart isn't easy."
Dang Seona spoke up. She smiled faintly as she looked at Wi Seongcheon's face.
"That's why I think you're amazing. You're facing the criticism head-on and trying to change."
"Curses actually bounce off pretty well once you eat a few."
Wi Seongcheon waved his hand dismissively. Dang Seona let out a light laugh.
"You wouldn't know since you've never been cursed at, Senior."
"Fair point. But I do understand Yeonhwa's position."
"I get it too. Yeonhwa's different from me. I've been cursed from the start just for being from the Heavenly Flower Sect, but not her."
Until eight years ago, the Peng Clan had been one of the Four Great Clans, acknowledged across the martial world. Small and mid-tier sects and clans had looked up to the Peng Clan and revered their martial arts.
All that flipped in an instant. The Peng Clan's catastrophe hadn't just birthed the monster Ho Hwan—it had exposed their heaven-defying sins to the world.
Sweat dampened Paeng Yeonhwa's palms.
"Who's ever been born wanting to come into this world?"
Wi Seongcheon said with a smile.
Paeng Yeonhwa had heard those words before. Dang Seona's expression turned a bit strange. They sounded less like they were for Paeng Yeonhwa and more like they were meant for her. Her little sister, Dang Heeran... was the child of a concubine.
*...Silver White Tiger—no, Ho Hwan, Paeng Yeonwoo.*
Dang Seona's eye smile deepened. This was amusing. Hadn't the entire conversation so far been prodding at Paeng Yeonhwa alone?
"You're curious about him, right? If Yeonhwa's okay with it, I can tell you as much as you want."
"Nah, I'm good now."
Wi Seongcheon shook his head.
"I'll hear it directly from Yeonhwa later."
Paeng Yeonhwa said nothing and gazed out the window. As the scenery whipped by, all sorts of confusing thoughts swirled in her mind.
*...You're...*
It took a long while before Paeng Yeonhwa finally spoke. Wi Seongcheon, who had been about to sit cross-legged for meditation, cracked open his closed eyes and looked at her.
*...You're... a bastard.*
Dang Seona burst into laughter at the mutter. Surprised by the unexpected words, Wi Seongcheon blinked before joining in the laughter.
"You're right."
* * *
The carriage came to a stop after the sun had already set. They'd worried about camping on the first day, but luckily made it to some stables.
After dinner, everyone bathed or holed up in their rooms. Paeng Yeonhwa sat atop a large tree outside the inn.
Her heart felt stuffy. And honestly, she didn't like the assigned room. Too... many people. That was all.
"Still sulking?"
Paeng Yeonhwa looked down at the sudden voice. Her eyes narrowed. Wi Seongcheon was looking up at her, shaking out his wet hair.
"Not sulking."
"Look like you are."
"I said I'm not."
Paeng Yeonhwa spat the words and pulled her knees up to her face. It was obvious sulking to anyone watching.
Wi Seongcheon chuckled and leaped up. He sat on the branch next to where Paeng Yeonhwa perched and peered at her face.
"Do you hate me by any chance?"
*...No.*
It wasn't a question worth answering, but she didn't want to stay silent either. She feared the silence would become her answer.
*...Fear? Fear what?*
The thought startled her, and Paeng Yeonhwa lifted her head to look at Wi Seongcheon.
"Good then. I was worried my words might've made you hate me."
"If you thought that, why say it in the first place?"
"Didn't like holding back."
Wi Seongcheon giggled in response to Paeng Yeonhwa's snark. His laughter made her smile faintly without realizing it.
"Senior Dang Seona feel awkward?"
*...Honestly... yeah. Even as kids. We met a few times at clan exchanges... but she was always awkward.*
"Heeran?"
"I haven't met Dang Heeran much. Even when we did, we didn't talk much."
"Because of Senior Dang Seona?"
Paeng Yeonhwa didn't answer, just nodded slightly.
*...Sorry about earlier.*
"What for?"
"Calling you a bastard."
"You spoke true from your side. What's to be sorry about? I couldn't cover your wound—instead, I poked it openly."
"You get it, huh?"
"Of course."
"Shameless jerk."
Paeng Yeonhwa laughed again. Then it hit her. Since entering the Heavenly Academy, this was the first time she'd laughed and talked like this with someone. Unwittingly, Paeng Yeonhwa touched her cheek. The upturned cheek from her smile... felt a bit awkward.
"Same."
Paeng Yeonhwa jumped and looked at Wi Seongcheon. He sat with his chin propped, gazing at her with a pleased smile.
"Wh-what is?"
"Your smile. Ten years have passed, but it's the same. You just don't smile as much now."
*...Not the same. Don't talk nonsense. My face has changed.*
"No, it is the same."
Wi Seongcheon shook his head.
"You're unchanged from ten years ago. No matter what others say, you're just Paeng Yeonhwa."
*...Not the same.*
"Well, you've grown some. But that doesn't change you being Paeng Yeonhwa."
Wi Seongcheon pointed at his own face with both hands.
"Just like I'm Wi Seongcheon."
*...You're a weird guy.*
Paeng Yeonhwa stared blankly at his face before muttering.
"I don't get why you're bothering with me... It'd be way easier to ignore someone like me."
Like everyone else had.
"Don't wanna."
Wi Seongcheon stood and extended a hand toward Paeng Yeonhwa.
"Why should I?"
*...What's that hand for?*
"Come somewhere with me."
Paeng Yeonhwa tilted her head. Suddenly?
*No way—nighttime stroll?*
The thought made her heart thump. It was sudden, but the mood wouldn't make it seem out of place.
The moon shone brilliantly in the night sky, and the dense stars sparkled beautifully. Plus, she shared a connection with Wi Seongcheon from ten years ago, and earlier in the carriage too—he'd always stood up for her.
*Refuse? Should I? How?*
No, did she have to refuse? As Paeng Yeonhwa panicked with thoughts racing, Wi Seongcheon—who had no idea—tilted his head.
"What?"
"I-I haven't washed up yet."
"Huh? Doesn't matter, does it?"
As Wi Seongcheon said, it didn't really. She hadn't sweated much. Wi Seongcheon's eyes flicked slightly. Spotting the movement, Paeng Yeonhwa startled and grabbed her tail. It was wagging side to side on its own, ignoring her will.
"Wh-why's it doing this all of a sudden? Must be... the food was good."
"That made your tail wag...?"
It was barely a step above horse feed compared to Heavenly Academy meals.
"Anyway, you can wash later. Let's go."
"Uh... go where?"
"Professor Seo Il's calling."
*Oh. Figures.*
Paeng Yeonhwa's swishing tail drooped limply.