Chapter 152: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 152: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (5)
Aghhhhh!
A blood-curdling scream tore through the air, its echo lingering ominously.
Freshly severed pieces of flesh, slick with blood, littered the ground.
He had prayed to avoid the worst of it, but reality paid his hopes no mind. It continued to hunt him down without mercy.
H-Help m-
Snip!
The man attempting to flee had his neck cleanly sliced through.
Blood sprayed in a wide arc, yet not a single drop landed on the killer's garments. It was as if they had effortlessly dodged every last drop.
A hidden observer, shoulders trembling as he watched the scene unfold, spun around and fled in the opposite direction. His legs felt like lead, unresponsive in his overwhelming terror, but he forced them to move.
I-I have to warn the main palace…!
A monster had appeared.
The plan had to change.
How did they find out?
The man couldn't understand.
He had heard about the branch in Shaanxi being destroyed a few months prior. But that was because Ya Hyeoljeok had acted recklessly, defying the leader's direct orders. The fool got himself killed and even lost a valuable asset in the process.
This place was nothing like Shaanxi. They had captured no martial artists and had meticulously erased all traces, especially with the Shaolin Temple and the Murim Alliance so close by. Even the Harmonic Sword and the Chief Abbot of Shaolin, both masters capable of reading Heavenly Qi, had failed to detect their presence.
But then…!
What was that monster? How had it discovered them and launched an attack? And it had come alone, at that.
Crack.
He gritted his teeth, pouring all his strength into his legs. The memory of his branch manager having his neck severed moments ago was burned into his mind. He had seen it with his own eyes—a martial artist who had reached the Peak Realm, killed in a single blow.
A sword… Did that monster even use a sword?
His memory was a blur, clouded by sheer terror. All he could do was run. He had to inform the leader.
Just a little further…!
The escape route was close. Once he reached it, he could—
Snip.
Thud…! Roll…
The man, who had been running for his life, felt his head separate from his shoulders. His body crumpled to the ground. Just like that, the last survivor of the branch was eliminated.
Step…
A lone set of footsteps echoed loudly through the hideout, now silent save for the carnage. The killer emerged without a single scratch, their clothes immaculate despite having slaughtered dozens of martial artists. Corpses lay strewn about, violently carved as if by a sword, yet the one who had wrought this havoc held no blade in their hand.
“I’m sorry.”
A soft, apologetic voice whispered through the cave. Who was this apology for? The speaker was utterly alone.
“For borrowing your body without permission… for making your hands do these terrible things.”
The person she spoke to could not hear her. That person had been forcibly plunged into a deep sleep, shielded from the horror unfolding around them.
“…I’m truly sorry, but I need just a little more time.”
She couldn't remain much longer anyway. This was likely the last time she could use this child's body. She knew her actions were hastening that moment, but she had no choice.
It was far too late for atonement. The sins of her past life would be left for this child to resolve. So, at the very least, she wanted to clear some of the obstacles from that path. She wondered if her efforts would make any difference, but she pressed on regardless.
I’ll do this, even if it's the last thing I do.
That was why she was here now. The girl slipped from the darkness back into the light, unnoticed by anyone. Her footsteps were swift, faster than any other.
* * *
“Seol-Ah!”
The streets of Hanam were vibrant, even at night. Hongwa found comfort in the bustling crowds as she moved among them.
“Where have you been!” Hongwa hurried over to Wi Seol-Ah and pulled her into a tight hug. “Your big sister was so worried…!”
“Oof… I’m sorry…”
“If you keep worrying me like this… I won’t help you next time.”
“Hngh…”
“I know it’s for your Grandpa Wi’s sake…”
“Sorry, Sis… It won’t happen again. I got lost.”
Seeing Wi Seol-Ah’s tearful, sobbing face, Hongwa couldn’t bring herself to scold her any further and simply sighed.
“…You did everything I asked you to, right?”
“No!”
“What?”
“But! I don’t think we need to anymore!”
“…Never mind. Let’s go. Brother Muyeon is probably so worried he’s sweating buckets, even in this winter cold…”
“Okay!”
As Hongwa led her away, Wi Seol-Ah’s gaze remained fixed on the distant palace of the Murim Alliance.
She hadn’t lied. She genuinely believed nothing more needed to be done.
After he obtains everything from this…
After he receives all that he desires…
Only then could she finally act.
The falling snow reminded Wi Seol-Ah of Jang Seonyeon.
This time, he wouldn’t be the one to kill that bastard. To be precise, he couldn’t be. Which was why she had to do it herself. She would shoulder all the burdens from his past life and then disappear.
Apologize to him? I probably don't even have the right.
She wanted to tell him someday, if given the chance. If she could meet him one more time, she wished to look into his eyes and confess her feelings…
But I know I don’t deserve it. I don't dare to hope for that.
She let out a sigh that misted in the chilly breeze.
He wouldn’t want to see me like this.
And neither would this child. She was merely a trace, a lingering burden. That was why she couldn't allow herself to hope.
Wi Seol-Ah looked back at Hongwa. Her hands were icy from waiting so long, and her ears were bright red.
Sss.
The only apology she could offer was a little warmth. She gently took Hongwa’s cold hand in her own.
“Hmm?” Hongwa glanced at Wi Seol-Ah, sensing something different. “Seol-Ah.”
“Yeah?”
“Um… Did you do something?”
“Huh…? Do what?”
When Wi Seol-Ah replied with wide, sparkling eyes, Hongwa tilted her head in confusion before looking forward again. The winter evening passed quietly, as if nothing had happened at all.
* * *
Some time had passed since the new tournament bracket was announced earlier in the day, giving the fighters enough time to rest and eat.
As I was idling away, Tang Soyeol, who had just come from the medical room, spoke to me. “Young Master Gu… I’m sorry I couldn’t come to cheer for you during your last match.”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to make that face.”
At my blunt response, Tang Soyeol’s shoulders flinched slightly. She’d been having that reaction whenever I spoke casually to her.
What’s her deal?
She was the one who asked me to speak comfortably, yet she wasn't doing the same. I told her she could, but she refused, saying it would feel like "cheating" or something. What did that even mean? I couldn't quite figure her out.
I continued eating the dumplings meant to fill my stomach. Besides Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah, I had another visitor—the one who had actually brought the dumplings.
The guest spoke with a tone of disbelief. “…I thought it was a coincidence, but you really have charmed a girl?”
“Why are you insulting me the moment you arrive?”
“I’m complimenting you, you dummy.”
It was the girl with short black hair—Peng Ah-hee, who had stopped me at the banquet.
“I came all this way to see you, and this is the thanks I get…”
“Yeah, why are you here, anyway?”
“I told you. I came to watch.”
Her sudden appearance at my barracks, dumplings in hand, had left me utterly bewildered. It was completely random. And with dumplings, of all things.
“You said you weren’t even participating in the tournament.”
“You’re speaking casually again.”
“My Lady.”
“…Uh, forget it. Just don’t.”
She sounded disdainful. Why was she getting mad when she was the one who told me to do it?
“I only came for the banquet this time. I knew the clan lord would throw a fit if I didn’t show. And since my brother was coming for business too, I tagged along.”
I could easily imagine the Lord of the Peng Clan acting that way. He reminded me of a huge bear with a fiery temper.
It’s fascinating how kids like these came from a man with that face and personality.
A single glance at his face was proof enough. Peng Woojin and Peng Ah-hee were handsome and beautiful, but that man was on a whole different level.
I’d have to assume the mother’s side is exceptionally beautiful.
Furthermore, since Peng Ah-hee was the child of a concubine, it meant both wives were great beauties.
“What are you staring at? Is there something on my face?”
“No, nothing. So, what do you want?”
“I’m not here to see you. I’m here to see a friend.”
“A friend?”
Peng Ah-hee’s gaze shifted to Tang Soyeol, who promptly started coughing while eating. Seizing the moment, Peng Ah-hee continued. “You’re really doing a good job, huh?”
“…Cough… Ahem…”
They knew each other?
Peng Ah-hee focused on Tang Soyeol. “Do you even have an appetite right now?”
“…Err…”
“I heard you lost your first fight?”
“…Yeah.”
“Wow~ Great job. And you were so confident, too.”
Tang Soyeol hid her face behind her green hair, having no retort. She looked like she wanted to vanish into a mouse hole.
Peng Ah-hee sighed as she looked at her. “…Are you okay?”
“Yeah… I’m not hurt.”
“You look like you are.”
“…”
“I’m kidding. Your opponent must have been strong.”
Tang Soyeol seemed on the verge of tears at Peng Ah-hee’s words. Despite that, she kept eating the dumplings, one by one.
“…Were you that hungry?”
“…Yeah, the porridge didn’t taste very good.”
“That’s why I brought these for you.”
“Thanks…”
Tang Soyeol made a sorrowful face, as if caught in a sudden downpour.
Peng Ah-hee then turned her attention back to me. “She’s a nice girl, even if she can be rude sometimes.”
“A-Ah-hee!”
I made a puzzled expression. “Rude? She’s never been rude to me.”
“What?”
Peng Ah-hee reacted with even greater surprise. It was true; Tang Soyeol had never shown any rudeness toward me or my group. On the contrary, she seemed caring and considerate.
Hearing this, Peng Ah-hee looked at Tang Soyeol with an astonished expression. “You… you’ve done a really good job of faking it, huh?”
“N-No! What do you mean, faking it!”
“You unbelievable girl… The whole world probably knows what your real personality is like by now.”
Tang Soyeol looked frustrated, but Peng Ah-hee’s expression didn’t change. From their interaction, it was clear they were very close.
“Soyeol, I always knew you had weird tastes, but I never expected it to be this bad.”
“…What did I even do?”
“What’s the point of telling you? You chose…” Peng Ah-hee then scrutinized me from head to toe. I couldn’t help but feel offended.
“You. Be careful.”
“Of what…?”
“Be careful when you sleep, and don’t eat any gifts sent by the Tang Clan. The clan lord dotes on Soyeol so much he might—”
“Hey!”
Tang Soyeol, unable to hold back, shouted with surprising force. The outburst startled Namgung Bi-ah, who had been sleeping in the back, awake.
“Oh my gosh!”
Peng Ah-hee, who hadn’t known Namgung Bi-ah was there, screamed in surprise. The situation had devolved into chaos.
“W-Why is she here?”
“She said she was sleepy.”
The girl who had fought right after me in the tournament had been sleeping soundly, claiming exhaustion.
I guess that makes sense, considering her opponent.
Her opponent, by the way, had been Gu Jeolyub. Thanks to that, he was probably off sulking somewhere.
“But why is she in your—…Oh.” She cut herself off, seemingly remembering my engagement to Namgung Bi-ah. Not that it fully explained her presence here.
“But even so… is she allowed to be here?”
She asked because my next opponent was Namgung Cheonjun. Namgung Bi-ah might not care, but it was a different story for me. I had suggested she return to her own barracks to avoid attracting attention, but when I did, she just furrowed her brows and laid back down to sleep, as if physically rejecting the idea.
Peng Ah-hee looked at the silent Namgung Bi-ah and tried to lighten the mood. “Uh, with all the complicated relationships… it must be hard for you to cheer for one side, right?”
“…I’m not cheering,” Namgung Bi-ah responded quietly.
“…There is no need.”
Her words might have sounded cold to some. Peng Ah-hee immediately fell silent after hearing them. But I understood. It wasn't a refusal born of indifference; it was more like, He’ll be fine even without my cheers.
“Jeez…” This stemmed from her habit of withholding her thoughts and only expressing a fraction of them, but she showed no intention of changing. Not that I cared much at this point.
Amid the awkward atmosphere, a servant spoke from outside the barracks. “Young Master, it is almost time…”
“Oh, I’m coming.”
I knew my match was next. I stopped eating and circulated my Qi. My body warmed slightly, and the earlier relaxation was replaced by tension. I was in perfect condition.
As I followed the servant to the arena, I noticed a clear difference from before. The arena was much larger and sturdier this time, seemingly constructed from expensive materials to withstand the fighters' power. It looked like it wouldn't break easily. 'Easily' being the key word.
I slowly ascended the platform. The sound of chatter from the spectators was astounding, despite the cold weather. Why did people love watching fights so much?
“A kid? A kid like that made it to the top eight?”
“How? Did he get lucky with his matchups?”
“I heard the young prodigy from Wudang lost to him…”
“Wudang? Of all sects? No way, it must be a false rumor.”
Among the spectators were not just the young masters and mistresses from the banquet, but also others—likely donors to the Murim Alliance, as ordinary folk weren't permitted to watch.
“Gu Clan of Shanxi…? Isn’t that the clan of the Tiger Warrior?”
“Woah… The Tiger Warrior had a son?”
“But why did no one know until now… Maybe he’s a distant relative?”
“You idiot! A distant relative wouldn’t have come this far. Being the Tiger Warrior’s son also makes him the younger brother of the Sword Phoenix. He must be incredibly talented.”
“Hmm… Then that’s even more disappointing.”
“Why?”
“He may be talented, but his opponent is… you know. His winning streak will probably end here. That’s disappointing.”
The men in the spectator seats commented as they watched the young man who entered the arena from the opposite side.
“Even with talent, it won’t be enough against that one.”
A man with sculpted features and white hair stepped onto the stage. He wore a blue uniform embroidered with gold. His imposing presence, combined with a faint, cold Qi, left a powerful impression on everyone.
This was the young master from the most renowned sword clan of the Central Plains, the center of the Orthodox Faction's four noble clans.
The Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun of the Namgung Clan.
His sharp eyes scanned the arena.
Chhk.
The sword he slowly drew from its sheath gleamed under the moonlight. It was a standard sword provided by the Murim Alliance, but the way he held it made it seem exceptional.
As I prepared myself, Namgung Cheonjun suddenly spoke.
“You are a fool.”
Thanks to his use of Qi to amplify his voice, I could hear him clearly despite his low volume. The judge hadn't yet arrived on the platform, and Namgung Cheonjun was speaking quietly to avoid being overheard by the crowd.
“I could commend you for making it this far, but you remain as foolish as ever.”
“Brother-in-law, it’s quite rude to speak to your future elder brother-in-law that way.”
“You…!”
My taunt nearly made him erupt in anger. As expected, he really hated being called 'brother-in-law'. Why was he lashing out when he started the insults? I was tempted to tease him further.
Namgung Cheonjun, seeming to regain his composure, spoke again. “Didn’t I say before? If you don’t want your big nose broken, you should forfeit.”
“My nose isn’t that big. It’s smaller than yours, brother-in-law.”
“…Your tongue remains unchecked, and you still don’t know your place.”
His grip on the sword shifted slightly, settling into a more comfortable posture from which he could strike at any moment. Even so, he didn't seem to be taking the fight seriously. Why did members of noble clans always lower their guard like clockwork? No wonder their clans fell into ruin in the future. How could they not, when even their direct descendants acted this way?
Oblivious to my thoughts, Namgung Cheonjun continued. “Do you truly believe you won that incident back in Sichuan?”
“What incident? Oh, when you got beaten up by me and were crawling on the floor?”
“…If the use of Qi had been permitted, I could have easily severed your neck.”
I almost laughed aloud.
Oh, what was I to do with him?
“Brother-in-law, you know something?”
“You bastard, keep—“
“If a certain old man I know heard you say that, he’d have ripped you apart.”
Elder Shin would have torn him limb from limb.
“Are you even a martial artist if you can't do anything without Qi? With that mindset, you might as well grab some random guy off the street and make him the Young Lord of the Namgung Clan. He’d probably do a better job than you.”
“You piece of…!”
He tried to shout something, but the judge was finally approaching the arena. This judge looked different from the previous ones—strong enough to intervene and stop the fight if necessary. The chattering spectators fell silent as the judge arrived, focusing on the exciting match about to begin.
“Quarterfinals. Namgung Cheonjun of the Namgung Clan versus…”
As soon as his name was called, Namgung Cheonjun infused his sword with Qi. The judge didn’t bother with any instructions about showing respect. That suited me just fine.
Woah…
A tingling sensation brushed past my cheek. Namgung Cheonjun’s sword was undoubtedly imbued with Lightning Qi. It seemed he hadn't been idling his time away.
“…Gu Yangcheon of the Gu Clan.”
I could understand his overflowing confidence. It was true that Namgung Cheonjun was a genius. The problem was that too many others stood above him.
I didn’t really care about his arrogance. Who was I to judge when he, fully aware of his own talent, still felt the need to boast? I just wished he’d leave me alone and stop being so annoying. And fix the way he looked at Namgung Bi-ah.
I can be narrow-minded, but I’m also somewhat understanding. I was a mad dog in my past life, but now I’ve managed to rein myself in to a degree.
And this time, for sure… if Namgung Cheonjun had hidden that greed in his eyes… I wouldn’t have cared too much.
So you could say it was his own fault for failing to do so.
“Begin.”
The judge’s voice rang out.
Simultaneously,
—Fiery Fangs of the Beast!
A colossal flame erupted from my fist…
…and engulfed half of the arena stage.