Chapter 149: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 149: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (2)
Flinch.
The Qi circulating through my body suddenly spasmed.
But why?
While the group assignments might have been random, the matchups within them were anything but. That was what made the situation so perplexing. They had deliberately pitted Tang Soyeol against Jang Seonyeon.
Is it really all a coincidence?
A part of me knew it wasn't, but a foolish, hopeful part of me still clung to the possibility.
“My opponent… it’s that person from earlier,” Tang Soyeol said.
I studied her expression as she spoke. She didn't seem particularly concerned. Of course, she wouldn't be. I was the only one who knew her opponent's true nature.
“Do you think he’s strong? He looks rather unimpressive from the outside.”
But he was strong. I had felt it when we shook hands.
“He likely is, being the Alliance Leader’s son.”
That was all I could tell her for now. A chill seeped into the air, mirroring the cold dread settling in my mood.
“That’s true,” Tang Soyeol said, smiling at my words.
Rather than worry, her demeanor suggested she was… firing herself up.
But she’s not letting her guard down.
She remained cautious, aware that she couldn't fully gauge her opponent's strength, which in itself marked him as formidable. Yet, Tang Soyeol’s eyes were calm. Above all else, she embodied the spirit of a martial artist representing her clan; her youth was secondary. In terms of maturity, she already surpassed most talented but foolish martial artists.
She was also one of the few who still held fast to her convictions.
In my memories, this was what the Poison Queen had been like. She had faced hundreds of demonic cultivators alone, sacrificing herself so her blood relatives and clan members could escape. Because of that, Tang Soyeol was one of the few people I considered a true hero.
I don’t get it.
I couldn't understand it. Why had she made that choice? And why had she said those words in her final moments? Just why?
Why didn't she resent me?
That was what I was most curious about when it came to her.
As I continued to stare, Tang Soyeol turned her head toward me. “It will be a long time before we meet, since we’re in different groups, right?”
“Most likely.”
She stared into my eyes for a moment before speaking in a soft voice. “Young Master Gu.”
“Yes.”
When I responded, an embarrassed smile touched her lips. “If we happen to face each other in the arena, would you do me a favor?”
The sudden request took me aback. It was completely out of the blue.
“So suddenly…?”
“It’s a bit greedy, right? After all, I’m asking for a favor on the condition that we meet, and I’m not even sure I’ll win enough matches for that to happen.”
“What is it you want to ask?”
“It’s not much, but…” She let out a faint, deliberate cough, avoiding direct eye contact. “I wish that you… would change your tone when talking to me.”
Hmm?
“My tone?”
As I wondered if I’d heard correctly, Tang Soyeol began to fumble over her words. “N-No… It’s…! It’s just that Young Master Gu… you speak to Sister Bi-ah like a friend.” It sounded like she was making an excuse. “And I feel like… I’ve spent a good amount of time with you, too.”
It had only been a few months. Even less, if I only counted the time we’d been able to speak face-to-face.
“Lady Tang.”
“Y-Yes?”
“You know that I’m younger than you, right…?”
“…”
She looked a little hurt by my comment. Oh, did I mess up?
“…But you still speak comfortably to Sister Bi-ah.”
Well…
Wait, how do I explain that?
No, I didn’t really owe her an explanation. We didn't have any special relationship. Tang Soyeol knew that, yet she was bringing this up anyway…
Why does she even like me?
Unlike Wi Seol-Ah or Namgung Bi-ah, I couldn’t recall a single memory of doing anything particularly special for Tang Soyeol. And yet, this girl had feelings for me, and she made no effort to hide them. I had never really done anything to encourage it.
“…I-Is it not possible after all?” Tang Soyeol asked, her voice anxious, already bracing for rejection. She hadn't shown this level of emotion about her upcoming duel, but the possibility of this small request being denied had her worried.
After staring at her for a moment, I responded. “…You really don’t have to make a condition for something like thi-“
“No.”
I was going to say it was fine, but Tang Soyeol cut me off abruptly, her tone suddenly strict.
“…That would defeat the purpose.”
“What are you-“
“It would feel like I lost without even fighting.”
“Huh?”
What was she talking about? I stared at her, utterly puzzled, but Tang Soyeol’s resolute gaze remained unwavering. However, a hint of relief flickered in her expression.
“But that means I wasn’t rejected, right?” she pressed.
“…Uh, yes.” I didn't understand why everyone was so obsessed with how I spoke to them, but it wasn't a difficult request. I wondered if I should resist, but my hesitation just made me seem petty.
Tang Soyeol continued to smile, seemingly oblivious to my inner turmoil. “Then I’ll definitely win my battles.”
Her eyes burned with renewed determination after my response. In contrast, mine darkened.
…Jang Seonyeon.
In the cold breeze, his name was the only thing on my mind.
* * *
Bi Yeonsum, Young Lord of the West Coast Bi Clan, had a singular goal here: to spread his clan's name, no matter the cost.
His was a small, obscure clan facing decline due to a dwindling population. To make matters worse, his father, the former clan lord, had fled after amassing massive debts. His grandfather, hoping for a quiet retirement, had been forced to hastily take up the mantle of leadership.
That was when Bi Yeonsum decided he couldn't let this continue. He had to restore his clan's honor.
But how? His clan was located in a remote, rural area, rarely visited by anyone of note. He needed to attract people to his clan. That was precisely why he had come to Hanam. He needed to make the presence of a remarkable martial artist known, and the best way to do that was the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament.
Yeonsum.
Yes, grandfather.
I’m sorry I left you with such a burden…
No… I’m just happy that I could be of help.
With a sorrowful expression, his grandfather had handed him a recommendation letter for the tournament, acquired through great difficulty.
Bi Yeonsum was confident in his own ability.
If I can just distinguish myself here.
He firmly believed hard work always paid off. Having watched the earlier duels, he hadn't seen anyone clearly more talented than himself. Even in a friendly competition, the rewards for victory held incredible value. He could show the world he was this year's greatest young prodigy. He would receive a title from the Alliance Leader himself, along with other extraneous rewards.
If I just win…!
The rewards and title were nice, but the fame was what mattered most. It was all for his clan!
“Third Group, Ninth Seat, ready.”
At the judge's call, Bi Yeonsum stepped into the arena as if he'd been waiting his whole life for this moment. The stage felt larger up close, and excitement coursed through him. The judge's emotionless face and the chill in the air added to the solemn atmosphere. This was only his first fight on the long road to the top.
My opponent is…
Bi Yeonsum glanced nervously at the boy across from him. He was menacing, with an aura so intimidating it was hard to meet his gaze for long.
He’s from the Gu Clan of Shanxi.
The boy who had become the talk of the tournament after defeating a blood relative of the Hwangbo Clan with a single blow yesterday.
I heard he’s the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable.
That rumor had spread like wildfire. Not only had the Dishonored Venerable provided his recommendation letter, but its contents explicitly stated that, as his disciple, the boy should be treated well.
Bi Yeonsum found himself looking at Gu Yangcheon with envy.
When I’m here, trying my god damned best to save my dying clan…!
Father abandoned us, the clan is at its lowest, and I’m dealing with everything at such a young age.
But that brat probably just waits for a bright future to fall into his lap.
As jealousy swelled, Bi Yeonsum shook his head.
…Wake up. That’s not why I came.
Whether he’s the Dishonored Venerable’s disciple or a noble clan's scion, all I have to do is win.
Victory would solve everything.
The judge scanned both combatants. Bi Yeonsum maintained calm, stable breathing as he drew his sword. His opponent, however, didn't even assume a combat stance.
What is he doing?
Bi Yeonsum frowned. He felt looked down upon.
You really want to flaunt your clan's prestige, huh?
He was already in a sour mood from the blatant discrimination he'd felt since arriving at the tournament. But he had held himself back, remembering his grandfather's struggle to get him this chance.
I’ll teach him that such arrogance can be dangerous.
He slowly infused his Qi into his sword. The judge's eyes widened slightly at the faint aura forming around the blade—a clear sign Bi Yeonsum had transcended the Second-rate realm and achieved First-rate status. Noticing the reaction, Bi Yeonsum allowed himself a slight smile.
The problem was, his opponent remained completely expressionless.
Does he not even understand what this means?
Bi Yeonsum hadn't seen Gu Yangcheon's fight yesterday clearly, but given the rumors, he should at least recognize the significance of a Qi aura.
Is he still looking down on me?
The thought made Bi Yeonsum clench his teeth. To be scorned by a mere brat… He roused more Qi, determined to teach him a lesson no matter what.
You think the world is yours, don't you?
He had probably grown up arrogant, coddled by a wealthy clan and a prestigious master. Bi Yeonsum wanted to show him the reality outside his well.
“Begin.”
The judge's call was abrupt and faint, but more than enough for martial artists with enhanced hearing.
Bi Yeonsum charged forward instantly. The fundamentals honed through relentless training guided his movements—steady legs, eyes searching for an opening. Yet, even as he closed the distance, the boy didn't move.
Did he give up?
Well, I feel bad if that's the case, but… I have to keep climbing.
To a higher spot.
I’ll make sure I don’t hurt him too much.
Bi Yeonsum’s sword swept toward the boy, its trajectory leaving a faint trail of Qi—a clean, precise strike. He expected the fight to end right there.
However…
The sword, swift and sure, missed its target completely.
What?
The boy hadn't moved an inch. Bi Yeonsum’s sword hadn't wavered.
Why did I miss?
Focus.
He was in a duel; there was no time for confusion. Bi Yeonsum immediately launched another strike…
“…!”
But his vision tilted violently. The boy's eyes seemed to rise in his perspective, while his own vision plummeted downward. His body refused to obey his desperate commands to move. As the ground rushed toward him, Bi Yeonsum realized the truth.
It wasn't that the boy had risen… but that his own body was collapsing.
Thud!
Bi Yeonsum lost consciousness, tumbling across the arena floor. Throughout the entire ordeal, Gu Yangcheon never once glanced at him.
“Er… Huuhh?”
The dumbfounded gasp came from the judge himself. Even he, tasked with maintaining a stoic demeanor, was shocked by what he had witnessed. It was over in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, even with his skills as a swordsman of the Murim Alliance, he hadn't been able to clearly see how Gu Yangcheon had overpowered Bi Yeonsum.
“Can I leave now? I’m kinda in a hurry.”
At Gu Yangcheon's voice, the judge snapped out of his stupor. “V-Victory goes to Gu Yangcheon!”
The moment the victor was announced, Gu Yangcheon left the stage without a second glance. The arena, which should have been roaring with cheers, was eerily quiet. Hundreds of spectators were left speechless, their eyes fixed on Gu Yangcheon in shock. But he moved hurriedly, utterly unfazed by the attention, his destination clear: the arena where the second group was competing.
It wasn't hard to find. He just had to follow the largest crowd.
…Please.
I clung to a subconscious hope that nothing bad had happened.
Breathless from my sprint, I spotted a head of bluish-white hair in the middle of the crowd. It seemed Namgung Bi-ah had also come to find Tang Soyeol after her own duel. I took a step closer, then halted.
As my cultivation realm had increased, so had my senses. I could hear more, see farther with greater clarity.
My shaky eyes turned toward the arena stage.
Drip… drip…
Blood stained the floor.
Tang Soyeol was on one knee, a trickle of blood running from the corner of her mouth. She had no visible external injuries, but her Qi flow was severely disrupted, indicating serious internal damage. A dry swallow caught in my throat as I feared for her safety, but…
“Whew…”
With a sigh, Tang Soyeol spat out the blood in her mouth and forced herself to stand. She faltered midway, her body refusing to cooperate. Yet, even then, she didn't give up. She wiped the blood from her mouth with her sleeve, smearing it across her face where she couldn't clean it properly, but she seemed not to care.
“Thank you for waiting,” she said, her voice steady. Then came a question, calm and composed. “May I go once again?”
Despite her battered body and rebellious Qi, her voice never wavered. Her eyes were the same.
The way she spoke while looking at her opponent…She seemed less like the daughter of a prestigious household, and infinitely more like a true martial artist.
I turned my head to look at Tang Soyeol’s opponent. I was curious about his expression. Was it arrogant? Did it show any remorse? I expected one or the other.
“Hmm?”
But when I saw that bastard’s face, I couldn't help but let out a confused sound.
Jang Seonyeon stood with his sword drawn, gazing at Tang Soyeol…
And his expression was one of sheer shock.