Chapter 158: The Thing I Wished To Show You (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 158: The Thing I Wished To Show You (2)
When the bracket for the semifinals was announced, I didn't react much. I had expected this outcome.
According to everyone's expectations, the Lightning Dragon's name should have been there. After all, no one had anticipated that I would come this far.
…Though Namgung Bi-ah's presence is an unexpected variable.
I hadn't expected Jang Seonyeon to be facing Namgung Bi-ah. I had assumed I would be the one to confront him first, while she took on Moyong Hi-ah.
That would have been a more favorable narrative for him.
Had the Murim Alliance manipulated the brackets behind the scenes? Did they have some hidden agenda? Given my complete lack of trust in the Alliance, it was a possibility I had to consider.
“What do you think of the bracket?” Tang Soyeol asked me.
What was she really asking?
“I’m looking at it with my eyes.”
“…”
Tang Soyeol gave me a look of mild offense. She clearly wanted a different answer, but I had none to give. It wasn't as if I could complain that the bracket was terrible, and I lacked a compelling reason to argue with them anyway.
I glanced back at where Namgung Bi-ah was standing. She was also looking at the bracket, seemingly unfazed.
She appears completely indifferent.
She was just observing it calmly. Given her typically vacant expression, she didn't seem to care much.
It would be more surprising if her expression did change.
Since Namgung Bi-ah knew nothing about Jang Seonyeon, her indifference made sense.
I stared at her, and she looked back. When our eyes met, she tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her gaze. Then she approached me with light steps, stopping so close she could have touched me if she reached out.
“What’s… wrong?” she asked suddenly.
What did she mean?
“What do you mean?”
“Your face…”
My face? I touched it instinctively. Was I making a strange expression? I didn't think so. If anything, I felt my face was rather blank. But perhaps, to Namgung Bi-ah, it seemed otherwise.
“Why are you worried about me?” Her words froze me in place.
What was she talking about?
“When have I ever been worried about you?”
“Now… you are right now…”
Namgung Bi-ah’s soft hand brushed past my eye. “You’re… worried about me?”
I said nothing. Strangely, I couldn't. All I had to do was deny it, but my tongue felt frozen.
Was I worried about her?
I hadn't even realized it myself. If it was true, what had Namgung Bi-ah seen in me to notice?
Breaking the silence, Namgung Bi-ah spoke again, her tone cold. “Do you think I’ll lose…?”
I forced my stiff lips to move. “…No.”
My response was delayed, and Namgung Bi-ah had already interpreted it differently.
Truthfully, I didn't believe Namgung Bi-ah would lose. The only young prodigy who stood a chance against her was my lunatic sister, Gu Huibi. But my hesitation stemmed from a vague unease gnawing at me. I didn't know its source, and that only fueled my frustration.
Namgung Bi-ah seemed to sense my turmoil. “…It’s fine.” Her voice was so quiet only I could hear.
What is she fine about? I swallowed the question. It felt wrong to ask.
“I’m…fine.” It was strange. It felt as if she was speaking to me, yet not quite.
I continued to gaze into her eyes. After a long moment, I noticed something.
Is she nervous?
It was hard to tell, since she rarely showed emotion. “Are you fine?” I asked.
She didn't respond. I couldn't fathom what she was nervous about. It didn't seem related to her upcoming fight against Jang Seonyeon.
“Hand.” At her short utterance, I carefully took her hand. It felt like a request.
As I grasped it, Namgung Bi-ah closed her eyes.
“Are you nervous?”
She slowly shook her head.
She stood still for a while, as if concentrating, then withdrew her hand and took a step back. “I’m fine.”
That was the third time she'd said that. Now I was starting to worry. Why did she keep insisting she was fine? What was going through her mind?
Her unusual behavior prompted me to speak with a light smile. “If you aren’t feeling well, do you want to consider forfeiting?”
Namgung Bi-ah shook her head firmly. “No.” Her usual soft tone was gone, replaced by serious resolve. Had she been controlling it all along?
As I pondered this, she continued. “I’m not forfeiting…”
“I figured. I asked just in case.”
Forfeiting was something young prodigies despised more than death itself. They might accept a loss in combat, but they would never willingly withdraw. It was a matter of pride for everyone in that age group.
Though I doubt Namgung Bi-ah cares much about such things.
Sometimes, I wished I could see inside her head to understand what she was thinking. Now was a prime example. What thoughts were behind that expression?
She looks like she’s preparing for war… A slight exaggeration, but that was the impression she gave.
Namgung Bi-ah stared at me after releasing my hand, her lips moving hesitantly. She seemed to have more to say. Though impatient, I refrained from pressing her.
“…I’m fine.” Her words were the same, yet different this time. It sounded like she had something to add. “So believe in me. Watch me closely…”
Her habit of speaking without context. She never explained what she meant, yet made such requests. She really had no intention of making things easy for me. I had to interpret it myself again.
“When did I ever not believe in you?” I might not have openly shown faith, but I had never doubted her either.
I didn't know what Namgung Bi-ah was thinking. I was equally clueless about what significance this duel held for her, if any. Wasn't that understandable? The Namgung Bi-ah I knew didn't seem like someone driven by grand ambitions.
“…So that you could believe me…” Which made it all the more puzzling…
“I’ll show you.”
I couldn't decipher the emotion in her voice as she said those words.
* * *
Just before the semifinals began, the spectator seats were even more packed than during the quarterfinals. More people had come to watch, and for the finals, the crowd would be even larger.
“Who do you think will win?” That was the question on everyone's lips.
“Hmm… That’s a difficult question.” With the Lightning Dragon and the Poison Phoenix already eliminated, predictions were tricky.
“The Snow Phoenix, perhaps?”
“Hmm…” The response was uncertain. The Snow Phoenix of the Moyong Clan was still in the running, yet few seemed convinced of her victory.
“The remaining contestants are from the Moyong Clan, the Gu Clan, the Namgung Clan, and the Taeryung Clan?”
“Only the scions of the great noble clans remain. I expected as much, but it’s still a little disappointing.”
“Oh right, Cheon, didn’t you say your child was participating?” At the man's question, the person surnamed Cheon gave a forced cough.
But someone else answered for him. “Hey, you idiot! He was eliminated in the first round! Don’t bring it up, you’ll embarrass Cheon…”
“You just announced it to everyone! You’re worse than him!”
“Everyone knew he wouldn’t last. He only got in because of all those donations you made to the Alliance.”
“Are you trying to pick a fight? I’ll repay the favor in kind.”
“Enough bickering! Tell me, who do you think will win?”
“Why even ask? The Harmonic Sword’s son will obviously win.”
“Huh? Not the Snow Phoenix?”
“You’re always the last to hear rumors. News about the Taeryung Clan’s son has spread everywhere.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes. They say a new star is rising.”
Rumors were inevitable, and merchants were often the ones to spread them. Merchants kept their ears open; knowing the world's currents was essential for their business. They made donations not only to the Murim Alliance but also to the Beggar’s Sect to get information faster than others. They seemed to have gotten an early tip-off from the Beggar’s Sect and were sharing it now.
But for Hanam’s mid-sized merchant, Cheon Moonbi, who ran the Cheon shop… the rumor made him frown. Unlike the others, Merchant Cheon had been closely following the earlier duels. He had watched the quarterfinals intently.
Which is why they don’t know.
Merchant Cheon tuned out their chatter. It was true that the Harmonic Sword’s son was talented. With his kind, handsome features, he bore a striking resemblance to the Alliance Leader. He had lived up to his reputation by easily defeating his opponent in the quarterfinals.
Yet, Merchant Cheon’s thoughts drifted to another figure.
The scion of the Gu Clan, if I recall correctly.
The young martial artist with a fearsome expression and black hair tinged with a faint red aura. The boy who had defeated the Lightning Dragon. His performance was too impactful to forget. His flames had not only heated the arena but electrified the spectators. The Lightning Dragon, a prodigy of the great Namgung Clan, had been defeated so humiliatingly he couldn't even use his full strength.
So how could anyone think the Harmonic Sword’s son would win?
I wonder why the rumor about that fight hasn’t spread more.
Merchant Cheon noticed that news of that particular match was only slowly circulating after the fact. This was unusual, especially with the Beggar’s Sect involved. They were never slow with information. Something felt off.
“So you think the Taeryung Clan’s child will win this one too?” the talkative man asked. Those listening nodded.
“His opponent is from the Namgung Clan, right?”
“Hmm? I thought the Namgung Clan was already eliminated.”
“I heard there’s one more, the Lightning Dragon’s older sister.”
“The Namgung Clan has a female heir? This is the first I’m hearing of it… How did I miss that?”
“They say she’s strong too. I heard she defeated her quarterfinal opponent in a single blow.”
Merchant Cheon had seen that fight. It was true; she had won with one strike.
…Though her opponent acted rather strangely.
Even with his limited knowledge of martial arts, the fight had seemed odd. The man had done something strange with his feet just before losing.
There’s no way he simply tripped. A martial artist wouldn't make such a basic error during an attack. Perhaps it was a unique technique of his own.
Hmm…? Now that I think about it, I believe he also had the surname Gu. The same as the boy who defeated the Lightning Dragon.
“Anyway, even if she is from the Namgung Clan, victory will go to—” The man, who had been fervently supporting the Taeryung heir, suddenly stopped talking.
Merchant Cheon felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. It wasn't just the man; everyone around him had fallen silent.
“What’s—” Merchant Cheon started to ask, but when he saw the collective hush, he too went quiet.
Someone was ascending the wide arena stage. Her hair flowed like expensive silk in the wind. But it wasn't just her hair; her fair skin and diamond-like eyes seemed to pierce reality with their brilliance.
“Haa…”
“…Ho…”
Awe swept through the crowd.
“Holy… shit…”
How could a person be so beautiful? Her face stirred desires even in those not normally prone to such feelings.
…Why? As everyone stared in wonder, Merchant Cheon felt something was amiss.
Why does she seem different from yesterday? When he had watched her fight, she hadn't possessed this aura. He had thought her beautiful then, but not memorably so. Now, the woman standing there was entirely different. She looked the same, but the energy she radiated was transformed. Even a seasoned merchant like him, who had dealt with all sorts of people, felt his resolve waver before her beauty.
“…Beautiful.”
“The Namgung Clan has been hiding a treasure… If my daughter looked like that, I would have kept her secret too.”
Reaching the top of the stage, Namgung Bi-ah swept her hair behind her neck, basking in the attention. When her neckline was revealed, the murmurs grew louder, but she paid them no mind. She calmly took a hair accessory from her pocket and fastened it in her hair.
A moon-shaped hair accessory; a gift from the boy.
Even amidst the crowd, she detected no horrendous stench assaulting her senses. That meant he was watching from somewhere. This small realization brought her peace.
With her preparations complete, her opponent ascended the stage.
…
Jang Seonyeon… that was his name. For some reason, he was a boy Gu Yangcheon was constantly wary of. Gu Yangcheon tried to hide it, but Namgung Bi-ah had noticed.
Jang Seonyeon climbed the arena steps with firm strides and walked toward Namgung Bi-ah. She did not shrink back.
“Nice to meet you. I am Jang Seonyeon of the Taeryung clan.” He began with a respectful greeting. Namgung Bi-ah paused before responding.
“…Namgung Bi-ah.”
Oddly, Jang Seonyeon did not emanate a strong stench. It wasn't that he had no scent at all, but it wasn't potent enough to bother her. Surprisingly, he was the second most tolerable person for her to be near, after Gu Yangcheon.
However…
…I don’t want to be close to him regardless.
Even without the stench, his presence made her uneasy. She didn't understand why, but being near Jang Seonyeon unsettled her.
“It’s nice to meet you. I had no idea the Lightning Dragon had such a beautiful sister.” Namgung Bi-ah thought his kind smile made him handsome… but these days, she preferred fierce eyes. Not that she had ever been particularly fond of gentle smiles.
Jang Seonyeon, too, had many thoughts as he stared at Namgung Bi-ah.
Namgung Clan, huh? One thing was certain.
Beautiful. Too beautiful. Her beauty was beyond words. Jang Seonyeon even felt he had to use his Qi to avoid being charmed. But beauty wasn't an indicator of talent.
I wonder how strong she is.
The Lightning Dragon and the Poison Phoenix, who I considered the biggest threats, were defeated before they could face me. No one left should pose a challenge.
Except for one person.
Gu Yangcheon.
Jang Seonyeon struggled to maintain his composure at the thought. That name always got under his skin. Gu Yangcheon's suspicious behavior, his hostility, the way he looked at him—it all bothered Jang Seonyeon.
-Do you really think that you’ll win? Against that monster?
Peng Woojin’s words from that day haunted him.
Do I think I’ll win? Don’t make me laugh.
Of course I’ll win.
I am different from him.
There’s no way I would lose to someone who started with nothing.
Even if he broke through his limits and reached the Peak Realm, it’s meaningless without the proper ‘energy’ within him.
The Lightning Dragon couldn’t use it properly because the energy hadn't fully settled in his body, which is why he lost.
But I’m different.
Even Gu Yangcheon’s arrogance, which seemed to reach the heavens…
…will crumble when he faces me.
That was Jang Seonyeon’s plan. After that, the top seat would be his.
Even if I can’t become the Heavenly Dragon.
Jang Seonyeon knew the title of Heavenly Dragon was out of reach due to the Alliance's deal with Shaolin… but he was satisfied. This was just the beginning. He would eventually reach the summit. He was capable of it.
Jang Seonyeon looked at the woman before him. She was more beautiful than anyone he had ever met. And he had heard she was engaged to Gu Yangcheon.
The thought made him smirk inwardly.
He should know his place.
It seemed Gu Yangcheon had luck with women who were far beyond his station. Her beauty alone made Jang Seonyeon desire her. However, despite her sharp eyes, she had an absent-minded expression. It made him wonder if she truly belonged to the Namgung Clan. The aura she projected suggested she was preoccupied with a single thought.
“Semifinals.”
At the judge’s announcement, Jang Seonyeon calmly raised his sword. He needed to focus.
I don’t want to use my power excessively. I’ll end this quickly.
In Jang Seonyeon’s eyes, Namgung Bi-ah was full of openings. Her sword posture made it look like she had already given up.
What is she planning? If her strategy was to lower his guard, it had failed.
I never let my guard down.
Jang Seonyeon began circulating his Qi, focusing entirely on Namgung Bi-ah.
“Namgung Clan’s Namgung Bi-ah vs. Taeryung Clan’s Jang Seonyeon.”
The match was about to begin, but Namgung Bi-ah’s posture remained unchanged. She stood with her sword pointing downward, simply gazing at Jang Seonyeon.
Perhaps she has already conceded.
Just as Jang Seonyeon had that thought…
“Begin!”
At the judge’s shout, Jang Seonyeon, eager to end it swiftly, moved without delay. As soon as the command was given, he flowed his Qi and attempted to advance.
“…!”
No, he tried to move.
“…What.”
But Jang Seonyeon found he could not move as he wished. His sword, charged with Qi, began to tremble. His calm breathing became ragged in an instant. His legs, once firm, felt rooted to the spot.
“Huff… Huff.”
He tried to steady his breathing and control his Qi, but his sword continued to shake uncontrollably. Jang Seonyeon looked at Namgung Bi-ah with shock.
Crack.
A harsh sound came from his clenched teeth. Of course. He had to endure this oppressive pressure if he wanted to overcome it. Cold sweat trickled down his face; chills ran down his back. The overwhelming aura holding him in place…
It’s coming from over there…
His eyes were fixed on Namgung Bi-ah, who stood exactly as before, her sword pointing down. The pressure emanating from her was so immense it had seized control of his body.
How was this possible?
“…ing”
!
He heard a soft whisper. Jang Seonyeon’s eyes widened. His body tensed. This was unexpected. What was she about to say?
Then, Namgung Bi-ah continued, her gaze fixed on him.
“Aren’t you… coming…?”
They were the words Gu Yangcheon often said to his opponents. And a line Namgung Bi-ah had always wanted to try for herself.