Chapter 22: Who is the Winner? (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 22: Who is the Winner? (2)
The silence did not last long.
“Kwahahahaha!”
It was because of Haeakcheon’s boisterous laughter.
He was so delighted that his joy bled into every note of his cackle. He had prepared for the worst—even a potential defeat—but the unexpected ease of the victory seemed to have thrilled him.
The Lesser Conversation Sword and the Namcheon Iron Sword were equally amazed.
I had been half-doubting it myself. I had considered mixing in a bit of Innate True Qi if things went south, but the gamble—that the Illusion Eye might work even if my internal energy was sealed—had paid off.
Fortunately, Ho Geum-won’s mental fortitude wasn't as strong as I’d feared.
‘He was aiming for my arm, too.’
In truth, I had hesitated for a split second. Even if we had agreed to a duel of life and death, my opponent was the disciple of the Second Venerable, Raging Demon Lord Seo Gal-ma. I didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble by killing him.
Cutting off an arm wasn't my preferred method, but it was the only way to make him submit in a single move without taking his life.
‘...That’s no different from killing him.’
I knew the pain of a destroyed Dantian better than anyone. For a martial artist, it was a fate worse than death. Moreover, if I had targeted Ho Geum-won’s Dantian right in front of his master, Seo Gal-ma, it wouldn't have just been an attack on the disciple—it would have been a direct insult to the master.
Unless it’s a blood feud, it’s better to kill someone outright than to destroy their Dantian.
Regardless, the match was over. Unless he had trained in a left-hand style, he had no chance. No, even if he tried to move now, he’d just end up with a hole in his throat. It was finished.
Ho Geum-won’s face was deathly pale. The blood loss from his severed arm was severe.
Shhh!
I pressed the tip of my sword closer to his throat and asked, “Do you admit defeat?”
Ho Geum-won’s expression was twisted in agony. He seemed to realize he had lost, yet he found the reality impossible to accept.
Just then, Seo Gal-ma tried to step toward us.
Thud!
Haeakcheon blocked his path.
“Your disciple hasn't declared his defeat yet.”
Seo Gal-ma’s face contorted hideously.
“Haeakcheon!”
“If you intend to interfere in the duel, you’ll have to deal with me first.”
Haeakcheon took a Qi Control Stance, ready to strike at any moment. I had rarely seen him take a formal stance even against formidable enemies; seeing him like this proved that Seo Gal-ma was no ordinary opponent.
Seo Gal-ma raised his voice, trembling with rage.
“How can you call this a duel? Your disciple used evil arts!”
He had abandoned all formalities. He couldn't accept the fact that his disciple had fallen to the Illusion Eye the moment the fight began.
“What’s wrong with a member of the Evil Faction using evil arts? Are you really going to make such pathetic excuses in a duel where lives are on the line?”
As expected, Haeakcheon never lost a battle of words. However, his retort struck a nerve with Seo Gal-ma.
“Excuses? Ha!”
The moment the word left his lips, Seo Gal-ma threw a palm strike. Haeakcheon countered instantly with a punch.
Bang! CRACK!
The moment their palm and fist collided, the wooden floorboards beneath them shattered and flew into the air. They were masters of incredible internal power. To think the floorboards supporting them would splinter like that from a single clash.
“Kwahahahaha! Good! It’s been a while since I’ve had a real scrap!”
Having exchanged a blow, Haeakcheon’s battle lust flared, and he shouted with gusto.
Seo Gal-ma roared back, refusing to back down.
“Hmph! Fine! Let’s see this through to the end! Eun-jae!”
“Yes, Master!”
Swish!
At his master’s call, Go Eun-jae, who had been standing in the corner, threw Seo Gal-ma’s precious saber. Seo Gal-ma caught it mid-air with a flourish and moved to unsheathe it.
Suddenly, someone stepped between the two.
“Hmm?”
“Blood Hand Witch!”
It was Han Baek-ha, the Sixth Blood Star, who was acting as the notary for this duel.
“Stop, both of you. What is the meaning of this?”
Seo Gal-ma spoke to her in a voice thick with anger.
“Sixth Blood Star. This duel is void. That boy did not fight fairly.”
“In what way?”
Seo Gal-ma turned his head to glare at me. His gaze was so piercing it made me feel dizzy just looking at him. However, the warm Innate True Qi rising from my chest calmed my tremors.
Seo Gal-ma’s eyes narrowed.
“I see it now! You master and disciple played a trick on me. I should have known the moment you suggested sealing our internal energy.”
“Hmph! For someone with the title of Venerable to refuse to accept defeat is beyond pathetic. Who played a trick?”
“I don't know what kind of spell he used, but your disciple is undoubtedly able to use internal energy.”
Seo Gal-ma was convinced I could use my internal power.
To his accusation, Han Baek-ha replied, “Did you not seal his internal energy yourself with your own pressure point technique, Second Venerable?”
“That is why I said he used a spell! How else could that cowardly brat perform such an evil art?”
For a moment, I wondered if he had noticed my Innate True Qi, but that wasn't it. He simply assumed I had used internal energy because he saw the Illusion Eye.
Han Baek-ha shook her head.
“If you wish to blame Young Master So, you should reprimand me instead.”
“What? What do you mean by that?”
“I am the one who taught Young Master So the Illusion Eye.”
Unexpectedly, the Blood Hand Witch was defending me. I had been prepared to speak up myself if necessary, but it seemed I could leave it to her.
Seo Gal-ma spoke as if he found her defense absurd.
“I thought his evil art—no, his technique—looked familiar. You’re saying it was your Illusion Eye, Blood Hand Witch?”
Indeed, Han Baek-ha’s Illusion Eye was famous even within the Blood Cult. Both Haeakcheon and Seo Gal-ma were well aware of it. That was likely why Seo Gal-ma had quickly corrected his wording from "evil art" to "technique."
“If that is the case, then all the more reason he must have used internal energy...”
“The Illusion Eye is not a technique that requires internal energy.”
At her words, Seo Gal-ma frowned in confusion.
“The Illusion Eye originates from Taoist immortal arts. It can be performed regardless of internal energy, provided the practitioner possesses sufficient spirit and willpower.”
Han Baek-ha explained on my behalf. However, her explanation was partially incorrect. The first stage of the Illusion Eye, Secret Medicine, is merely a foundation that requires an extremely small amount of Innate True Qi, which anyone can perform using their natural vitality.
Regardless, thanks to her, a smooth explanation was established.
“I deeply regret that my teachings influenced the duel, Second Venerable.”
She offered a fist-and-palm salute in apology.
Grit!
Seo Gal-ma ground his teeth as he looked at me. Thanks to Han Baek-ha’s explanation, he had lost his justification for claiming the duel was void. If he continued to insist it was an evil art, he would be insulting the Sixth Blood Star’s own skills.
“Sigh...”
Seo Gal-ma, huffing with suppressed rage, finally managed to calm himself. He shook his head and spoke.
“My disciple has lost this duel.”
Having said that, Seo Gal-ma rushed to Ho Geum-won’s side and used a pressure point technique to stop the bleeding. Along with stopping the blood, the technique seemed to alleviate the pain, as the disciple’s agonized face finally relaxed.
After stabilizing his disciple, Seo Gal-ma stared blankly at Ho Geum-won’s severed arm lying on the floor.
‘I don't.’
If I hadn't cut off his arm, mine would have been the one on the floor. I wasn't in a position to be picky. I was simply observing Seo Gal-ma’s state of mind.
He was likely feeling complicated. It was his own mouth that had declared they shouldn't blame each other even if limbs were lost or lives taken, which only made the pill more bitter to swallow.
Staring at the severed arm, Seo Gal-ma spoke.
“I am in awe of your wisdom, Young Lady. You predicted this situation from the very beginning.”
Everyone was puzzled by his words. But soon, we understood why he said it.
“I did not realize you would use such wit to gain my support following Elder Hae’s. You truly carry his blood.”
It certainly seemed so. Because I had learned the Illusion Eye, he assumed Haeakcheon had already joined her faction. It was a reasonable assumption given the circumstances.
‘Ah...’
I looked at Han Baek-ha. A faint, thin smile played on her lips.
‘Ha!’
I finally understood. I had thought it strange that she would step forward to defend me. While she might have done it as a notary to ensure a fair duel, this was her scheme. By revealing that I, Haeakcheon’s disciple, had learned her technique, she intended to create an atmosphere suggesting that Haeakcheon already supported Baek Ryeonha.
To think she would exploit the situation like this.
Haeakcheon, Seo Gal-ma, Baek Ryeonha. I had thought this was a battle of wits between these three. But Han Baek-ha was the hidden variable. And that variable would do anything for Baek Ryeonha.
At the Lesser Conversation Sword’s remark, I looked at Haeakcheon. He was scowling at Han Baek-ha. Normally, he would have barked out a denial, but he remained silent.
‘...I think he’s just going to let it slide.’
Haeakcheon had already made up his mind to support Baek Ryeonha. Therefore, even though he saw through Han Baek-ha’s scheme, he was feigning ignorance. Although it wasn't over yet, if Seo Gal-ma yielded here and decided to support Baek Ryeonha, there would be no need for the next duel.
“Ahem.”
Tap, tap, tap!
My prediction was correct. Haeakcheon, also assuming there would be no more fighting, quietly approached me and released the pressure points Seo Gal-ma had used to seal my internal energy.
Just then, one of the women who had been watching from behind the bamboo screen turned around. She removed the white veil that had been concealing her face.
The Lesser Conversation Sword couldn't hide its shock. Everyone in the room felt the same. I had thought she would be pretty if she lost weight, but I hadn't expected this.
A slender, small face with long eyelashes slightly veiling her round eyes. Her small, firm pink lips were beautiful enough to bring cherries to mind.
Gulp!
I heard a loud sound and looked over to see Song Jwa-baek staring blankly, even swallowing his saliva. Go Eun-jae, Seo Gal-ma’s second disciple, was no different. True to his lecherous nature, his eyes gleamed with greed.
I was also surprised by her appearance, but only for a moment. In her, I saw the image of the woman with blood-red hair.
‘They really do look alike.’
Now that she had lost weight, the resemblance was even more striking.
Seo Gal-ma, who had been staring in a daze, dropped to one knee and offered his respects.
“Ah... I had heard the rumors, but you have truly recovered. My congratulations, Young Lady.”
He recognized her immediately. This suggested that even though he had been speaking toward the bamboo screen, he had suspected the real Baek Ryeonha was among the veiled women.
“As expected, Uncle Seo recognizes me.”
“How could I not? You look exactly as you did in the past.”
The Lesser Conversation Sword clicked its tongue. Don't be so harsh. She might not have had that illness when she was a child.
After smiling at Seo Gal-ma, she walked forward slowly and bent down.
“Young Lady?”
She reached for Ho Geum-won’s severed right arm. Baek Ryeonha’s hand turned red as white steam drifted from it, and soon, a white frost-like substance covered the severed limb. She picked it up and handed it to Seo Gal-ma along with something else.
“What is this?”
To everyone’s surprise, what she gave Seo Gal-ma was a Sect Token. It was identical to the one I possessed.
“It is a Sect Token given to me by the Divine Healer. Fortunately, the Divine Healer of Ten Thousand Ailments arrived at the headquarters the day before yesterday for my final treatment.”
“Why give me something so precious?”
“I hope it will be used to treat Young Master Ho’s arm.”
“Ah...”
An exclamation of awe escaped Seo Gal-ma’s lips. I was also inwardly impressed. I didn't know how she had obtained the Divine Healer’s token in the meantime, but I hadn't expected her to use such a precious item at such a perfect moment. She had unhesitatingly used it the moment the top disciple was despondent over his severed arm.
Thud!
The result was as expected. A moved Seo Gal-ma even bowed to her.
“I am deeply moved by your grace, Young Lady. How can I ever repay this debt? You! Why aren't you greeting her!”
At his sharp command, the injured Ho Geum-won tried to kneel and bow despite his discomfort. She stopped him and helped him up.
“It’s alright. If this allows Uncle Seo’s disciple to regain his resolve for the sake of our Cult, how could it be a waste?”
Her kindness was incredibly effective. Even if it was intentional, she had readily offered a precious treasure. There was only one way for the indebted Seo Gal-ma to repay her.
Thump!
Seo Gal-ma slammed his forehead against the floor and shouted loudly.
“I, Second Venerable Seo Gal-ma, wish to serve Young Lady Baek Ryeonha, who carries the blood of our Lord, as my new master. Please accept this with a generous heart!”
At that sight, Baek Ryeonha smiled brightly. Thanks to Han Baek-ha’s quick wit, she had secured the loyalty of the Second Venerable.
‘I wonder.’
Haeakcheon, who had been watching the scene with satisfaction, stepped forward to kneel. It seemed he intended to join the mood and swear his loyalty to her.
That was when I stopped him.
“Please wait a moment, Master.”
Haeakcheon frowned and looked at me.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“It’s not over yet.”
“What?”
At my words, not only Haeakcheon but also Han Baek-ha and even Baek Ryeonha looked at me with bewildered expressions. Haeakcheon tried to say something via Sound Transmission, but I beat him to it.
[Master. Please leave this to me.]
[........]
Haeakcheon looked at me with a face that said he had no idea what I was thinking, but eventually, he nodded. I stepped in front of Baek Ryeonha and offered a formal salute.
Snap!
“Blood Tax! Blood Tax! Blood, Blood Tax! So Woon-hwi, disciple of the Fourth Venerable, requests a duel with the Young Lady.”
‘!!!’
Everyone looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Even Baek Ryeonha frowned, her beautiful brow furrowing in bewilderment. It was only natural. She must have intended to let the matter slide naturally.
Baek Ryeonha’s voice reached my ears through Sound Transmission.
[What is the meaning of this, Young Master?]
[Do you find me unsuitable as a marriage partner?]
For a moment, her face flushed red. But she quickly regained her composure and spoke in a low voice.
[Do you truly wish to be wed to me?]
[Not necessarily.]
[Then what is it?]
She glared at me. Glaring with her current face was much prettier than when she was overweight. When I smiled without a word, she asked with a suspicious look in her eyes.
[...What exactly are you up to?]
[I am simply following the words the Young Lady herself spoke.]
[That...]
She was at a loss for words. She had clearly stated with her own mouth that she would duel, so she couldn't deny it. If I had already decided to be absolutely loyal to her, I might have let it pass, but doing so would have been a great loss for my master and me. After all, Baek Hye-hyang’s faction was still much larger.
[If you defeat me, you will get what you want. Is there any reason to hesitate?]
Baek Ryeonha bit her lower lip hard. I knew why she was hesitating. She had seen the result of the duel between Ho Geum-won and me while our internal energy was sealed. She couldn't be certain that she wouldn't fall victim to the Illusion Eye herself.
However, as a leader who had to lead a faction, she had no choice but to take responsibility for her own words.
Finally, she spoke.
“Very well. I accept the duel.”
At the same time, a different message reached me via Sound Transmission.
[...State what it is you want.]
I struggled to suppress the urge to let my lips curl into a smirk.