Chapter 150: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 150: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (3)
Tang Soyeol was the late-born child of elderly parents.
The significant age gap between her and her brother, Tang Jooyeok, made that much obvious. Consequently, her father, the clan lord, had doted on her from a young age, while treating his first son, Tang Jooyeok, like garbage.
This was precisely why Tang Soyeol had managed to avoid her engagement to the Namgung Clan simply by throwing a stubborn tantrum against her father. She had grown up showered with familial affection.
Within noble clans, it was common for siblings to have strained relationships, each situation fraught with its own complexities. A major root of such conflict was often the struggle for inheritance.
‘Daughter.’
‘Yes?’
‘If you ever find a man you like, you must bring him to your father first.’
‘Why?’
‘…It’s nothing. I simply feel I should at least lay eyes on him.’
When her father spoke those words to her that day, Tang Soyeol resolved never to do such a thing. The moment she sensed the poisonous Qi churning erratically within his body, she knew nothing good would come of it.
Poison Qi. This was Tang Soyeol’s forte.
There was a compelling reason why she, along with her innate talent, was highly esteemed within the Tang Clan. Furthermore, Tang Soyeol was a blood descendant who possessed the most exceptional physique in the clan’s history. Not only did she boast remarkable immunity to poisons, but she also demonstrated astounding talent in poison-based martial arts, though her assassination skills were somewhat lacking.
One of her eyes already shimmered with a striking green light, a testament to her extraordinary abilities, even before she turned twenty.
Immunity of Ten Thousand Poisons. Even Tang Jaemoon, the Tang Clan’s greatest martial artist who halted the Blood Demon’s calamity, had failed to fully attain such a state. Many whispered that Tang Soyeol had the potential to reach that legendary realm.
Though, truth be told, Tang Soyeol herself didn’t particularly care. She consumed poisonous herbs simply because she liked their taste. She practiced poison martial arts because she was naturally skilled at them. The combination of these two factors had eventually earned her the title of Poison Phoenix.
But from the very beginning, Tang Soyeol had never harbored a deep thirst for martial prowess. Just go with the flow. To live content with what she had—that was her life’s philosophy.
This was why the genius of the Sword Phoenix and the Sword Dragon left her unfazed. She felt no envy when she saw the transcendent beauty of Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah. She was satisfied with herself, believing this acceptance to be one of her greatest strengths.
Until now.
To be precise, until she met him.
—!
Feeling a trickle from her nose, she wiped it away and saw blood.
What was that just now…?
Her vision began to swim. I clearly dodged his attack. What’s happening?
Steadying her blurry eyesight with difficulty, Tang Soyeol focused on her opponent—the boy who had introduced himself as the Alliance Leader’s son. She had disliked him from the moment she laid eyes on him. He had the same soft, pretty-boy features as the Sword Dragon she’d met on Mount Hua. He looked not only unpleasantly slick but also like the kind of person who would be despicable behind closed doors.
…I feel sick already.
Tang Soyeol was well aware her taste in men was considered peculiar. How could she not be, when everyone around her, including the object of her affection himself, reacted with such bewilderment? But she didn’t care. So what if my taste is weird? I always believed I’d eventually find someone who fit my preferences.
And luckily, I did…
The real challenge, however, was that he was constantly surrounded by other beautiful and powerful young women.
Calm down, Soyeol.
She pushed the thought aside. She was in the middle of a duel. Barely four minutes had passed since it began.
Tang Soyeol quickly created distance between them. Her body trembled slightly; she hadn’t fully recovered from the earlier strike. Did I let my guard down? No, she knew she hadn’t. Gu Yangcheon himself had warned her that her opponent would be strong. It was almost funny how another person’s words could make her entire body tense up. Yet, for some reason, his words always had that effect on her.
She attempted to channel more Qi, but winced at a sudden, sharp pain. Internal injuries. Her Qi was refusing to obey her commands, all because of her opponent’s previous strike.
How did he do it?
She struggled to understand. The fight had commenced, and she had begun exchanging blows with Jang Seonyeon. She had definitely dodged his sword. Jang Seonyeon’s sword wasn’t particularly fast; the blades of the Lightning Dragon and the Sword Dragon were much swifter. She was certain of this, having faced them herself.
But then why…?
She couldn’t afford to dwell on it. Although this was a friendly competition, she had to treat it as a real battle. Realizing her Qi was unresponsive, Tang Soyeol resorted to hurling small practice weapons at him.
The weapons provided for the tournament were typically of poor quality, and participants were forbidden from bringing their own. This rule was particularly disadvantageous for martial artists of the Tang Clan, renowned for their Poison Arts and assassination techniques, as it forced them to rely on unfamiliar tools.
Cling-! Clang-!
The weapons she threw were easily deflected and sent clattering to the floor with a few casual flicks of his sword. But that was fine. They were merely a distraction.
Ssss-!
A green glow began to emanate from Tang Soyeol’s dagger. It wasn’t that she couldn’t use her Qi at all. Even a small amount was sufficient to execute her techniques effectively.
Her small frame shot forward like an arrow, her movement faster than the blink of an eye. Her hand moved in a blur, tracing five distinct marks in the air.
Swiiish!
Tang Clan’s Seven Poison Fangs.
The technique earned its name because the seven poisonous energies resembled the venomous fangs of a snake. However, the still-inexperienced Tang Soyeol could only manifest five fangs. Nonetheless, the attack was far from weak; for someone her age, it was more than formidable enough.
A wave of relief washed over Tang Soyeol as she saw her green-hued attack closing in. It’s going to hit! It was too late for him to dodge, and the distance was too close for an effective counter. He would be disarmed at this rate—
Riiing…
“…Ugh…!?”
A pained groan escaped Tang Soyeol’s lips. A sudden, intangible impact disrupted her already fragile control over her Qi, causing the Seven Poison Fangs to dissipate into nothingness before reaching her opponent.
Smack-!
“…!!”
A powerful blow, reinforced with Qi, struck her dantian. From the sensation, she deduced it was the hilt of his sword. The impact reverberated through her internal organs, and Tang Soyeol was sent flying backward.
She managed to land on her feet, albeit unsteadily.
“Cough… Ugh…!”
But her consciousness began to waver under the combined assault of her internal injuries and the loss of Qi control. A trickle of blood dripped from the corner of her mouth. Though she tried to stand up immediately, her knees buckled, refusing to support her.
…Just… now…
Clutching her stomach in agony, Tang Soyeol stared at Jang Seonyeon, who had barely moved from his original spot. His sword was still drawn, but he hadn’t advanced. His face wore a look of concern, as if worried about her being sent flying, but she found it hard to believe his sincerity.
Putting her doubts aside, Tang Soyeol focused on what had just transpired. …The sound. Right before the blow landed, it was a sensation—triggered by a sound from Jang Seonyeon’s sword—that had thrown her Qi into disarray.
Sword Resonance…? Had Jang Seonyeon already reached a realm where he could produce Sword Resonance? She couldn’t be sure. After all, Sword Resonance wasn’t a formal martial art, at least not to her knowledge.
Then… is it a Sound Art? That seemed the most plausible explanation. Sound Arts were the only known method to attack an opponent using sound waves. Given that he was the son of the Harmonic Sword, it was certainly possible he possessed such a capability.
Is the gap between us really that vast? Attacking with sound was an extremely advanced technique, far beyond the reach of martial artists at a lower level. If Tang Soyeol were to attempt a Sound Art now, she would not only exhaust all her Qi but likely faint from the strain.
And he’s strong enough to use such a technique casually in a duel…? A Sound Art produced not with a specialized instrument, but with a sword—this unique combination was precisely why the Alliance Leader was known as the Harmonic Sword.
Jang Seonyeon appeared to be an ordinary young man on the surface, roughly the same age as Gu Yangcheon, the person she cherished. But after their last exchange, she was certain of one thing: she could not defeat him.
He’s in a completely different league…
Tang Soyeol was aware she was ranked lower among the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, but Jang Seonyeon felt different, even compared to other prodigies. Being relatively free of arrogance, she recognized this all the more clearly. He hadn’t even used his full strength.
She barely managed to stem the flow of blood from her mouth. Throughout this, Jang Seonyeon made no move to approach her. Is he waiting for me? It doesn’t feel like it… Is he waiting for me to forfeit?
For a martial artist, forfeiting was a severe blow to one’s pride, akin to the end of the world. It meant running away from an opponent without seeing the battle through to its conclusion. And she was the infamous Poison Phoenix.
Is that what he wants?
Tang Soyeol began to wonder if this boy, with his unassuming appearance, harbored some ulterior motive. The suddenness of the thought made her question if he was truly hiding something.
Attempting to rise, her legs gave way and she collapsed once more. She didn’t know what Jang Seonyeon’s intentions were.
…Should I forfeit?
Knowing she couldn’t win, she seriously considered the option. If I keep going, I’ll only make things harder for myself.
It was disappointing, but this wasn’t a battle she could win through sheer determination alone. She didn’t particularly care if this defeat tarnished her title as the Poison Phoenix; unlike others, it wasn’t a title she was desperate to protect.
She averted her gaze from Jang Seonyeon and scanned her surroundings. The arena was packed with spectators, many wearing expressions of shock at his overwhelming dominance. It was understandable, given how completely he was overpowering her. As she took in the crowd’s reaction, Tang Soyeol sighed, thinking how sad her father would be to hear about today.
Just as she was about to voice her surrender…
…Tang Soyeol spotted someone in the distance.
A flash of fierce eyes and a red uniform. She saw the boy watching her from far across the arena.
Young Master Gu…?
She was astonished she could pick him out of the massive crowd. Her shock doubled when she saw the look on his face.
Why does he look so worried?
Gu Yangcheon’s eyes were unmistakably filled with concern. But why? A boy who seems to care about no one… is worried about me? The realization made her heart flutter, even though she knew she shouldn’t be distracted mid-duel.
“Phew…”
She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The exhale carried a faint heat, a result of her body’s heightened exertion.
I’m doomed. I think I really am.
Her heart raced at the thought of Gu Yangcheon worrying about her. He should have just pushed me away completely… She found it ironic that she was resentful of him—of Gu Yangcheon, who had clearly built a wall between them yet refused to shove her away entirely.
Did Gu Yangcheon even know? He was terrible at lying.
This had happened during their trip to Hanam. Intimidated by the stunning beauty and slender figures of Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah, Tang Soyeol had found herself eating less than usual. The ever-observant Gu Yangcheon had approached her one day.
‘You’re hungry, right?’
‘Huh?’
‘It looked like you ate less than usual.’
‘N-No, I’m fine. I just… don’t have much of an appetite.’
‘…Hmm. Understood.’
Tang Soyeol had hated how abruptly the conversation ended, wishing it could have continued.
But a short while later…
‘Mistress.’
‘Hmm?’
‘This… Young Master Gu asked me to give this to you…’
After every meal, her servant began bringing her something, claiming Gu Yangcheon had instructed her to. ‘Oh, oops… Young Master Gu told me not to tell you.’ Things hadn’t gone according to Gu Yangcheon’s plan.
Tang Soyeol suspected it was because of their brief conversation. When she confronted him later, he had simply responded with, ‘…I’ve been caught, huh.’ And she had liked that side of him, too.
Gu Yangcheon had expressed his aversion to anyone going hungry, which was somewhat absurd since a blood descendant of the Tang Clan would never truly starve. And when the weather turned cold, he would use his internal energy to warm those around him, even though he probably hadn’t learned such a skill for that purpose. When she looked at him questioningly, he would always offer the same excuse.
‘It’s just part of my training.’
Liar. He couldn’t maintain eye contact, and his voice would turn stiff. Anyone could tell it was a lie, a feeble attempt to hide his embarrassment.
I know he doesn’t do this just for me.
Tang Soyeol understood that Gu Yangcheon’s cold-yet-kind nature wasn’t directed solely at her. It extended to everyone around him… without any expectation of reward. Despite his rude demeanor and perpetually annoyed expression… Gu Yangcheon’s actions were as warm as his martial arts were fierce.
How could I not love him? How could I not want to be closer to him?
It wasn’t just his appearance that had drawn her in. She realized it was likely the warmth he radiated that captivated her.
However, once she finally understood her own feelings…
…Tang Soyeol had decided to give up. To let him go for good.
…Giving up…
She noticed Gu Yangcheon watching her from afar. The confident words she had spoken to him echoed in her mind: ‘If we happen to face each other in the arena, would you do me a favor?’ And now, faced with this situation, she was considering surrender.
She had always been like this. The first time was against the Sword Phoenix, the second against the Sword Dragon; in both cases, she had recognized the immense gap between them and retreated. She told herself that being the Poison Phoenix was enough, that she would never become the greatest in the world. It was the same with other things. She gave up on becoming the clan lord because she believed it was impossible. She had given up on many things… and run away, convinced she could never achieve them.
But when it came to him, she couldn’t do the same.
She didn’t want to run away.
She didn’t want to give up.
She wanted to stay by his side.
That was why, when Gu Yangcheon suggested she could speak to him comfortably, she had refused. Because she thought it would be unfair—to obtain such a relationship so easily.
The word “forfeit” had reached her throat, but she forcefully swallowed it back down.
Tang Soyeol pushed herself to her feet, forcing her uncooperative body upright. She wiped the blood from her chin.
“Thank you for waiting.”
Whatever Jang Seonyeon’s intentions were, she felt obligated to acknowledge that he had, in fact, waited for her. Even speaking sent a fresh wave of pain through her injured body. Her stomach felt as if it were being churned by an internal earthquake.
“May I go once again?”
But she didn’t let it show. Gu Yangcheon was watching. She had to appear fine. She didn’t want to be someone who caused Gu Yangcheon worry. Tang Soyeol wanted to become a strong person capable of standing beside him, not a source of his concern.
Jang Seonyeon’s expression shifted upon hearing Tang Soyeol’s words. He looked genuinely shocked.
“…How astonishing.”
His tone was different from the polite, gentle voice he had used during the banquet. After his brief comment, Jang Seonyeon adjusted his stance and pointed his sword toward her once more.
Tang Soyeol clenched her teeth. She knew he was about to attack, but she had no clear way to defend against it. So, just as before, she poured her Qi into her dagger again.
Uoughh…
Her body screamed in protest. Forcibly manipulating her rebellious Qi felt like being stabbed by countless needles all over. The green aura of the Seven Poison Fangs materialized once more. Additionally, she felt a growing heat in one of her eyes. Was it from the pain? But the sensation was different, almost… refreshing. It felt as if she had broken free from a shell and was embracing a cool, liberating breeze. As if to prove it, her Qi felt stronger and clearer than before.
How? Moments ago, her Qi had been unresponsive, and she was reeling from her injuries. Yet now, her body felt more sensitive and lucid than ever. For some reason, she felt she could do it.
Stabilizing her breathing, Tang Soyeol charged at Jang Seonyeon once again.
Smack-!
But her charge ended abruptly as a sharp pain exploded in her head, and she collapsed. Jang Seonyeon had instantly closed the distance and struck her forehead with his sword’s hilt.
It happened in a flash. The judge, who had been observing the match, stared at Jang Seonyeon for a moment before hurriedly announcing, “Victory goes to… Jang Seonyeon!”
Cheers erupted throughout the arena as the judge’s words rang out. The crowd welcomed this unexpected outcome, especially the martial artists present. The Poison Phoenix, one of the esteemed Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, had been defeated by a young prodigy who had yet to make a name for himself.
But the victor himself merely looked down at the unconscious Tang Soyeol with cold eyes, his expression hidden from the crowd. Tang Soyeol lay in a pitiful state, her face smeared with blood. Jang Seonyeon watched her until a faint smile finally reappeared on his face. Then, he turned and left.
* * *
After the first round of tournament matches concluded, there was a brief intermission.
Tang Soyeol, who had lost consciousness during her fight, was carried to the Murim Alliance’s medical ward. I vividly recalled how Namgung Bi-ah had immediately rushed to carry her away the moment the match ended.
And she held herself back, too. I had noticed Namgung Bi-ah’s clenched fists trembling as she watched Tang Soyeol’s fight.
The blood had been wiped from Tang Soyeol’s face, and she now lay with her eyes closed. She had sustained no further injuries, and the doctor said she would regain consciousness soon. All I could do was wait.
“I already knew she wouldn’t win.”
I had known. Tang Soyeol stood no chance against Jang Seonyeon. Despite knowing this, a faint sliver of hope had persisted within me until the very last moment.
Was she about to break through her bottleneck?
What Tang Soyeol had displayed in her final moments… Unlike Muyeon or Yung Pung, she hadn’t even been facing a clear bottleneck. Yet, the aura she radiated at the end carried the distinct sensation of someone overcoming a barrier.
Not that she would have been able to break through on her own, though. She wasn’t at a stage where enlightenment alone would suffice. She had only just taken the first step.
Did Jang Seonyeon end it quickly because he noticed it too? I don’t think so. I doubted Jang Seonyeon was capable of perceiving something so subtle. He had probably just sensed something unusual and acted swiftly to neutralize it.
But I wonder… His expression and the way he had stood so still afterward…
Lost in thought, I suddenly felt a soft hand grasp mine.
“…Young Master… Gu.”
“You’re awake?”
“…Ah.”
Tang Soyeol sat up, one hand pressed against her head. She looked around and let out a bitter laugh.
“It seems I lost.” Her slightly smiling face was tinged with disappointment. “I didn’t expect to lose my very first match… This is so embarrassing. Especially after talking as if I would make it to the finals.”
“It’s fine.”
“Huh?”
“You looked cool, actually.”
A martial artist who refuses to give up deserves respect. Just like in my past life, she was more than worthy of the title.
“…But since I lost…?” Tang Soyeol began to say, but her eyes suddenly widened in surprise. It was because she had noticed the subtle change in my speech.
Unable to bear her direct gaze, I stood up. “…Bi-ah and the doctor will be here soon.”
“Wait, Young Master Gu, wait… You just spoke informal—”
“Take care.”
“W…Wait!”
Tang Soyeol hurriedly tried to stop me, but I had no intention of being caught, so I closed the door and stepped outside.
Unlike when I had started speaking casually to Namgung Bi-ah…
…for some reason, this situation felt incredibly embarrassing.
…
It would be fine. I wouldn’t be seeing her for a while anyway. I schooled my expression, which kept threatening to twist with embarrassment, and adjusted my mindset. I had been taking this tournament a bit too lightly.
I felt that I needed to, even if just a little…
…be more serious from now on.