Chapter 155: The Higher the Mastery, the Hotter the Desire
Chapter 155: The Higher the Mastery, the Hotter the Desire
Jin Ha-ryeong ordered noodles and a bottle of liquor.
She had come alone, yet for some reason, she ordered two bowls of noodles.
Her expressionless face and low, cold tone made those around her uneasy. Neither the waiter taking the order nor Seo Dae-ryong, who sat directly across from her, could meet her eyes properly.
She also seemed to have a knack for picking out those who weren't intimidated by her.
Our eyes met, and a faint glint of curiosity flickered in her gaze. It must have been rare for someone to look at her with such composure. However, she soon turned her gaze elsewhere.
A voice transmission from Seo Dae-ryong reached me.
— She’s truly beautiful. Women from the Orthodox Faction are just on another level.
Seo Dae-ryong’s voice was flushed with excitement. Even though she must have felt his surreptitious glances, she didn't seem to care at all, as if such attention was merely a mundane part of her daily life.
Soon, the liquor and the two bowls of noodles arrived. As she reached for the bottle to pour herself a drink, Seo Dae-ryong mustered his courage.
“Allow me to pour a glass for you.”
Jin Ha-ryeong stared blankly at him.
“I have no ulterior motives,” he added quickly. “I just thought it was fate that we ended up at the same table.”
Jin Ha-ryeong said nothing and simply poured her own drink. A voice transmission filled with soul-crushing self-reproach followed immediately.
— Ah, that was so cliché, wasn't it? Calling it fate! Ugh! Even my grandfather wouldn't have used a line that outdated.
Just then, Jin Ha-ryeong set down her glass and looked at me. “Are you participating in the Young Dragon Tournament?”
I looked at her for a moment before gesturing toward Seo Dae-ryong.
“My young master is participating.”
“Young master?”
“Yes. I am the attendant serving him.”
Jin Ha-ryeong looked back and forth between me and Seo Dae-ryong with a look of surprise. Her eyes seemed to ask, Aren't you the young master and he the attendant? Sensing this, Seo Dae-ryong began to scold me for no reason.
“It’s because this brat grew out his beard! You rascal! Don't you see the lady is confused because of that messy beard of yours?”
“I am sorry, Young Master.”
She immediately began eating her noodles, looking as if she couldn't care less about our dynamic.
Another voice transmission came from Seo Dae-ryong.
— On second thought, she’s not that great. This woman is too cold.
I chuckled inwardly as I watched Seo Dae-ryong pout.
At that moment, a man in his early thirties entered the inn. Judging by his gait and the aura he projected, he was a formidable master. He appeared to be Jin Ha-ryeong’s guard.
“I’ve been looking for you for a long time,” the man said.
“Sit.”
“We must leave now.”
“Sit first. We aren't the only ones at this table, are we?”
The man scanned us quickly before sitting down right next to her. She pushed the second bowl of noodles toward him.
“Eat. The noodles here are good.”
She had ordered two bowls knowing this man would eventually find her.
“I am fine,” he demurred.
“Well, I’m not. Just eat.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
The man began to eat. He slurped down the noodles and emptied the broth in no time. If Lee An were here, she would have said she understood that man perfectly; guards inevitably developed the habit of eating as fast as possible.
Jin Ha-ryeong watched him. “If you eat that fast, you’ll die of indigestion before you ever die by the blade.”
“I am alright.”
“You might be. It’s just that I’m never alright with it.”
The man stood up and urged her again. “We must go now. They will be looking for you.”
“Fine, let’s go.”
Jin Ha-ryeong finished her drink, stood up, and left with the man. Once she had disappeared into the distance, Seo Dae-ryong spoke with a wistful look in his eyes.
“She came like destiny and left after only eating noodles.”
“I thought you said she wasn't that great on second thought?”
“That was just me being petty. It’s not that she’s lacking—she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve seen since coming here.”
“You can’t have her.”
“Why? Because I look like an attendant? Is that it?”
“Even this 'dashing' man, whose status as a young master cannot be hidden no matter how long he grows his beard, can't have her.”
“Why not, Pavilion Master?”
“Because a romance between the son of the Heavenly Demon and the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader would be far too tragic a fate.”
Seo Dae-ryong jumped in surprise. “The granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader?!”
“Yes.”
“Why would the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader eat noodles in a place like this? And at a shared table, no less?”
“How should I know? Maybe she got sick of banquet halls filled with expensive delicacies and ran out. Or maybe she just really wanted these noodles.”
“Ah! Life is truly unpredictable. Who would have thought I’d share a table with her right in front of the Alliance headquarters?”
“That’s not all. You’ll even end up having a duel with her.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s shock grew even greater. “What do you mean?”
“She’s entering the Young Dragon Tournament too.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes went wide.
This was the reason I remembered this particular Young Dragon Tournament. It was the competition that made her name known to the world. The winner of this tournament was none other than Jin Ha-ryeong.
At the time, I had just brushed it off. It wasn't particularly surprising that the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader would win a tournament for rising stars. But now I knew better. I knew that the Heavenly Mandate Society was behind this competition.
This tournament was the starting point for Jin Ha-ryeong’s fate—a fate that would eventually shock the world.
“Win, Investigator Seo.”
Sensing the sudden sincerity in my voice, Seo Dae-ryong downed the liquor in front of him.
“You’re saying things I can’t possibly answer while sober.”
*
The next day, Seo Dae-ryong had his first duel.
The Outer Court of the Murim Alliance had been set up with dozens of sparring arenas, each bustling with participants and spectators. Despite the massive crowd, the duels were proceeding in an orderly fashion.
The Murim Alliance commanded a natural authority. Furthermore, the martial artists managing the tournament were from the Blue Dragon Unit, one of the Alliance’s elite organizations, so no one dared to cause a commotion.
A martial artist managing the Yellow Group, which Seo Dae-ryong belonged to, stepped forward to give instructions.
“Intentionally inflicting serious injury or killing your opponent will result in immediate disqualification. You may also be imprisoned in the dungeon to answer for your crimes. This is a fair duel, not a fight to the death.”
Seo's first opponent was a martial artist from a sword sect in Hubei. He had a sturdy build and a sharp gaze.
“I’m so nervous I could die,” Seo whispered.
“Are you this nervous when you take the investigator promotion exam at the Huangquan Pavilion?”
“I’m not nervous at all then.”
“It’s the same thing, isn't it? It's about the effort you’ve put in.”
Seo Dae-ryong looked at me, eyes wide.
“I know better than anyone how hard you’ve trained,” I said. “That’s why you’re here. If you hadn't, I would have grown my beard even longer and gone up there myself.”
Whether my words gave him strength or not, Seo Dae-ryong nodded vigorously. “I’ll go and win.”
Seo Dae-ryong knocked his opponent down in just three exchanges. He returned to me having won without even drawing his blade.
“That was too easy.”
“Don't forget whose disciple you are.”
Seo Dae-ryong finally had the chance to view his skills objectively. He didn't realize yet how vital this realization was for his growth.
Just then, the presiding martial artist came over. “There is another duel in the afternoon. Stay close and wait.”
Since it was still the early stages, they were holding two duels a day.
“So if you get hurt in the morning, you have to fight the afternoon duel while injured? They’re testing our fighting spirit, huh?”
“Fighting spirit, my foot. It’s just because the schedule is tight.”
“Don't look down on the fighting spirit of us Orthodox Faction members!”
“Yes, Young Master! Please, burn with fighting spirit!”
Seo Dae-ryong won his afternoon duel easily as well. Again, he didn't even use his blade.
“How does it feel to have a winning streak on the first day?”
“It feels great.”
Though he had trained hard under the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, Seo Dae-ryong had never engaged in formal duels like this before.
“I was really nervous before going up, but once I stood on the arena, it all vanished. It was a strange experience.”
“I told you it would be good for you.”
“I’ve never regretted listening to you, Pavilion Master.”
“Go on ahead and rest.”
“What about you?”
“I’m going to look around a bit more before I head back.”
After sending Seo Dae-ryong off, I walked among the arenas. Duels were still in full swing at every stage.
I noticed one arena that was particularly crowded. When I approached, I saw Jin Ha-ryeong standing on the stage. As the granddaughter of the Alliance Leader and a woman known as the 'Beauty of Hubei,' she was the center of attention. The spectators were busy gossiping.
“But why did the Alliance Leader’s granddaughter enter this tournament?”
“It means he won't just give her a position because of her bloodline. If she wants to join the Murim Alliance, she has to earn it with her own skills.”
“True. Didn't her older brother also win the tournament a few years ago before joining?”
“Exactly! Our Alliance Leader is truly a fair and just man.”
Jin Ha-ryeong subdued her opponent without even drawing her sword. She descended from the arena amidst cheers, leaving without sparing a single glance for the crowd. Her haughty demeanor only seemed to make the spectators more enthusiastic.
I observed a few more duels before returning to the inn. Seo Dae-ryong returned late at night after practicing in the mountains. Even though he had won easily, he seemed concerned about the remaining matches.
“As I told you, I’m the type who can’t stand not being first. I’d rather not participate at all, but if I do, I have to give it my all.”
Seo Dae-ryong’s resolve didn't just appear out of nowhere. It was a personality forged through relentless effort.
He won his match the following day as well.
“Are you saying you didn't even watch my match?” he complained.
“There was an interesting duel at another arena.”
“Who? Surely not the Alliance Leader’s granddaughter again?”
“It was.”
I had watched Jin Ha-ryeong’s duel again. Given Seo Dae-ryong’s skill level, he might eventually have to face her. They were in different groups for now, but if he became the group winner and advanced to the finals, they would clash.
And there was a more important reason I was paying attention to her. She was the target and the center of the conspiracy the Heavenly Mandate Society was brewing. She would be the bridge that connected me to them.
“What if I meet a powerful foe?” Seo asked.
“You think I just left? I saw who your opponent was before I went. You won by attacking the opening on his left, didn't you?”
“Huh? How did you know?”
“I saw the way he walked.” I lightened the mood for the impressed Seo Dae-ryong. “Winning feels good, doesn't it?”
“Honestly, it’s amazing!”
“You did well.”
Seo Dae-ryong couldn't hide his joy. “Do you know when I felt the best? Surprisingly, it wasn't the moment I knocked my opponent down. It was when I finished the duel and stepped down from the arena. That moment when people were looking at me, cheering and applauding—that was more nerve-wracking and exciting than the fight itself. I only realized now that I care this much about the gaze of others.”
“The more of a master you become, the more you’ll want people to watch you.”
“No way.”
“Why? You think you’ll become more dignified? More humble?”
“Won't I?”
“Let’s assume someone becomes the Greatest Under Heaven. In that moment, would they be happy because they defeated the previous titleholder? Or would they be happy because, from that day on, everyone respects and looks up to them as the strongest?”
I looked him in the eye.
“Imagine walking somewhere and hearing people shout, ‘The Greatest Under Heaven is arriving!’ Imagine every person you meet looking at you with eyes full of respect and envy. Imagine always hearing the drums of victory and the cheers. Everyone’s heart is the same. No, the higher one's mastery, the more fervent and primal that desire becomes. You think the Greatest Under Heaven has a broader mind? Is that really true? 'I am the greatest, and yet you treat me like this?' Are you confident you won't fall into that trap? Are you confident you can keep that pettiness buried, even when you no longer have to hide it?”
After a brief silence, Seo Dae-ryong spoke. “But you aren't like that, Pavilion Master. You won't be, right?”
“Why do you think I’m different? Am I not human? I’m the same. I just try my best not to be.”
“I feel so good having this conversation with you,” Seo said softly. “I feel like I’ve finally become a real martial artist. I can't remember the last time my heart raced like this. I sincerely apologize for insisting that I wouldn't enter this tournament.”
However, Seo Dae-ryong’s sentiment changed the very next day.
“I almost died! I’m not exaggerating, I really almost died! Ugh, I told you I didn't want to do this! I want to go back!”
“It’s just a scratch. You’re fine.”
“A scratch? Don't you see this blood? Ah, if I hadn't dodged by a hair’s breadth, there would be a hole this big in my shoulder! And that sword was massive!”
“Your opponent can't even stand up right now.”
The opponent who had drawn blood from Seo Dae-ryong’s shoulder was still unconscious.
“I don't care, please send me home! I’m going back to water my flowerpots!”
Despite the outburst, Seo Dae-ryong was in a good mood again the following day. He was receiving the very attention he craved, even outside the arena. Even as he was just walking along, many eyes were stealing glances at him. People were even whispering.
“What is this?”
“They say the guy you beat yesterday was a favorite to win the Yellow Group. Thanks to that, you’ve become one of the people to watch.”
He had inherited all the prestige that had belonged to the opponent he struggled to defeat.
“Don't look now, but that woman in the blue clothes on the right... she’s looked at me twice already. Ah, she’s looking again!”
“Regardless, could you walk a bit faster?”
Seo Dae-ryong was moving slowly, savoring every gaze. “Ah! I think those women on the far left are whispering about me.”
“To my eyes, it looks like they’re discussing what to eat for lunch.”
Just then, a young woman carrying a sword ran up and greeted Seo Dae-ryong. “I enjoyed your match yesterday. Good luck today as well.” She gave a quick bow and left.
Seo Dae-ryong froze, staring blankly at her retreating figure.
“Pavilion Master.”
“What?”
“You didn't pay people to do this just to make me feel better, did you?”
“Considering how much you like to show off, I’d love to say yes, but no.”
“You really didn't? This feels like a dream.”
Seo Dae-ryong was truly delighted. It seemed it was the first time a woman had approached him first to show interest.
I hoped he would savor this joy. He would never forget the duels he fought here for the rest of his life. I hoped that one day, Seo Dae-ryong would sit his grandson on his knee and tell him stories of these days. Stories that began with, ‘You might find it hard to believe, but when your grandfather was young...’
“Let’s go! To victory!”
Perhaps thanks to the woman’s encouragement, Seo Dae-ryong continued to win, eventually claiming the top spot in the Yellow Group and advancing to the main tournament. Now, the real competition would begin between the winners of each group.
“I’m going all the way!”
Seo Dae-ryong was burning with passion, independent of the mission. Yes, these are the moments that come only a few times in a lifetime. Being the Greatest Under Heaven in one's old age wouldn't be nearly as thrilling or precious as this moment right now.
Yes, burn bright, Dae-ryong.