Chapter 163: The Thing I Wish To Show (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 163: The Thing I Wish To Show (3)
Clink… clink… clink…!
Deep beneath the Murim Alliance headquarters in Hanam…
The sound echoing in the darkness was the same as always.
He descended slowly, following the flickering light of torches mounted on the walls.
The staircase stretching downward seemed endless, and the incessant metallic ringing weighed heavily on his heart.
“You look terrible.”
Namgung Cheonjun swallowed hard at the sound of that voice. It held no emotion, let alone concern.
“…Are you mocking me?”
“Why would I? I doubt it would be very entertaining.”
The man was clad head-to-toe in black. Peng Woojin offered a faint smile.
“I merely found it somewhat amusing.”
His face was hidden, gaze fixed straight ahead, but Namgung Cheonjun knew. Despite the playful tone, Peng Woojin wasn’t smiling.
“…What is so amusing to you?”
“How could it not be? The mighty Lightning Dragon is trembling.”
“Who… Who said I’m trembling—!”
Namgung Cheonjun’s retort died in his throat as Peng Woojin turned. Staring into those obsidian eyes, the heat of his anger instantly cooled, replaced by a cold dread.
Crack—
He gritted his teeth, silently seething at the wound to his pride.
“What are you so afraid of?”
Peng Woojin’s face was a mask, his voice perfectly calm. Namgung Cheonjun found that composure unnerving.
After a moment of scrutiny, Peng Woojin spoke again. “I don’t understand. Is it because of your defeat?”
“…!”
“Judging by your expression, I must be at least half right.”
Each word felt like a needle probing an old wound. Namgung Cheonjun had lost his duel against Gu Yangcheon. And he had lost humiliatingly. There were no excuses. They were simply in different leagues. His pride refused to admit it, but the martial artist within him already had.
Gu Yangcheon had reached a height he could scarcely imagine.
…That bastard.
Even as he cursed inwardly, a wave of nausea washed over him. Was he even in a position to say such things?
But most importantly…
…The energy is gone.
The power he had finally grasped had vanished. A grim expression settled on his face.
Where did it go?
It was a new power, one that would have elevated him far above the other Dragons. Brief as its appearance was, he had felt its strength during the duel. That made its absence all the more agonizing. Because he knew its potential, he craved it even more.
Why… why did it disappear?
The longing became a thirst, parching him from within. Having tasted it once made the craving unbearable.
If I had that power… the Sleeping Dragon, the Sword Dragon, the Sword Phoenix… even Peng Woojin standing before me… I could surpass them all.
The memory of that power had left him utterly consumed.
Peng Woojin glanced at Namgung Cheonjun before looking away.
How pathetic.
What an ugly sight.
No, it can't even be called a color anymore.
The young man who once held a faint glimmer of potential was now completely devoid of color. Having lost all interest, Peng Woojin dismissed him from his thoughts. He had no use for someone so empty.
However…
He said the Heavenly Qi disappeared?
Peng Woojin recalled Namgung Cheonjun’s earlier arrogance, followed by the despairing admission that his newfound power was gone. It was pathetic. To seek growth not through one's own efforts, but through borrowed strength. How far did he expect to get like that?
He doesn't even recognize his own reflection.
Not that it mattered anymore. The means Namgung Cheonjun used were irrelevant to Peng Woojin. He was already forgotten.
Putting that aside, the manner in which the power vanished was somewhat intriguing.
He used it before it fully integrated. Perhaps that's the cause?
If the power hadn't taken root, maybe it dissipated when exhausted? It was a plausible theory, yet Peng Woojin wondered if it was truly that simple.
He recalled the final moments of the duel between Gu Yangcheon and the Lightning Dragon. He remembered the expression Gu Yangcheon had shown Namgung Cheonjun. The dark aura that sent a shiver down his spine. Outwardly composed, but inwardly, a rampaging killing intent that Peng Woojin had distinctly felt.
Was that visage of sheer annoyance the boy's true face? Or was there more lurking beneath?
Peng Woojin was curious. About Gu Yangcheon himself.
What secrets are you hiding, Young Master Gu?
He raised a hand to his mouth. As expected, his lips were curved into a smile.
How troublesome.
He had to restrain himself from bursting with excitement. The sheer glee simmering within was almost physically uncomfortable. Yet, Peng Woojin relished the feeling. How could he not be excited by a light that brilliant?
How disappointing.
He wanted to see Gu Yangcheon right now. The fact that he couldn't only made the desire burn hotter.
Soon, an entrance came into view—a massive door radiating a faint blue light. One might wonder why such a secret place lacked guards, but Peng Woojin knew they were unnecessary. As expected, when Namgung Cheonjun approached, the door began to slide open as if awaiting him.
Thuuud—!
With a heavy rumble, the door opened.
“Welcome.”
A woman emerged from within to greet them. She wore a veil, obscuring her features. The fascinating part was that even Peng Woojin's qi perception couldn't penetrate it. This was no ordinary woman.
“Is the Chief Abbot here?” Peng Woojin asked.
“The Heavenly Eye has not yet arrived.”
“Hmm…” Peng Woojin had expected to be first.
“He sent word that he would be delayed, as he has matters to discuss with the Harmonic Sword.”
Peng Woojin glanced back. Namgung Cheonjun stood drenched in sweat, looking utterly desperate, struggling to speak. The woman spoke for him.
“Please, come in.”
Peng Woojin raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. “I was under the impression outsiders were seldom permitted entry. Why the exception?”
“The Dancer has granted permission. She said both of you are welcome.”
Peng Woojin’s interest was piqued. “That fastidious woman?”
His words were sharp as a blade. He knew how important the 'Dancer' was to the veiled woman; his comment was deliberately provocative. Yet, the woman showed no reaction.
“I will be your guide,” she continued, her tone utterly devoid of emotion.
Seeing her unchanged demeanor, Peng Woojin shook his head slightly. “You are as dull as ever.”
Having lost all interest, he strode past her. Namgung Cheonjun hurried after him. As the two men disappeared into the darkness beyond the door, the woman stood silently for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the staircase they had descended, as if searching for something unseen.
Then, she turned and re-entered the doorway.
Slam!
The massive door shut behind her, plunging the corridor back into absolute darkness.
* * *
The semifinals concluded, and night fell shortly after.
I wasn't physically tired, but mentally drained. The change in how people looked at me was exhausting. After defeating the Lightning Dragon and overpowering the Snow Phoenix, even the gazes from those around me had shifted uncomfortably.
This kind of attention always wears me out.
Of course, the scrutiny I faced in my past life was far more intense, making this a different sensation altogether. Still, I was sick of it. I'd experienced too much to get excited about thi—
“Young Master! Young Master!”
“Hmm?”
“Is something the matter?” Wi Seol-Ah asked, rubbing her head against my shoulder. The floral scent from the hair accessory I'd given her wafted pleasantly in the air.
“No… why do you ask?”
“You seem like you're in a good mood!”
“…”
I instinctively covered my mouth with my hand after her cheerful remark. Was I actually in a good mood without realizing it?
…I'm getting goosebumps.
Did I really feel excited about gaining attention for beating a few juniors? The thought made me feel pathetic. As my mood began to sour, a pale, jade-like hand gently touched my forehead.
“What is it?”
“…Your mood… seemed to darken suddenly…” It was Namgung Bi-ah, speaking from where she lay on the medical bed. I forced a smile.
Who was supposed to be worrying about whom here?
“Just focus on resting. You don't need to worry about me,” I said, observing her closely.
The sword wound that had torn across her chest… I knew she was a first-rate martial artist and the injury was superficial, but the potential danger remained. The doctor said it wouldn't leave a scar, which was some consolation, though Namgung Bi-ah herself seemed indifferent to that prospect. Tang Soyeol, on the other hand, had been furious, insisting it couldn't be allowed.
“…I want to get up.”
When Namgung Bi-ah spoke suddenly, I shook my head.
“No.”
“Why…?”
“Because I know you'd head straight for the training grounds.”
“…”
“…There's no need to look at me like that.”
Earlier, upon my return from the duel, the first thing she'd said was that she wanted to leave. I might have understood if she just wanted to rest elsewhere, but I knew she was looking for her sword—training was her only goal.
Where did she learn to make such a pitiful face?
Lately, both Wi Seol-Ah and Namgung Bi-ah seemed to have discovered the power of their charms and were starting to use them. When I firmly refused, Namgung Bi-ah's expression instantly returned to its usual stoicism.
“…Soyeol said… you would listen if I did this,” she said, her tone disappointed.
“Sis… I'm pretty sure I didn't teach you that so you could use it here, right?”
As if summoned, Tang Soyeol appeared, shivering slightly from the cold outside.
“Did you go somewhere?” I asked.
“Oh… I went to see Young Lady Moyong.”
As she spoke, I circulated my qi to generate warmth in the air around us. Tang Soyeol's tense expression softened as the chill receded.
Watching her, I asked, “Moyong? You mean the Snow Phoenix?”
“Yes.”
I'd noticed it before; there seemed to be some connection between Tang Soyeol and Moyong Hi-ah, though they didn't appear particularly close. If anything, Tang Soyeol seemed uncomfortable around her.
Was she bullied or something?
But given how Tang Soyeol had handled that Hwangbo punk earlier, she didn't strike me as the timid type. Her friend, Peng Ah-hee, had even said Tang Soyeol had quite a strong personality. Her delicate face was deceptive.
If comparing them to animals, Wi Seol-Ah was like a puppy, Namgung Bi-ah a cat… and Tang Soyeol most resembled a squirrel.
“Rodents always did have a fierce streak…”
“Huh?”
“It's nothing. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet… I was waiting to eat with you…” Tang Soyeol replied, a shy smile touching her lips.
“Hmm? Are we eating?” Wi Seol-Ah's eyes widened at the mention of food.
I took the opportunity to gently pinch her cheeks. “Wuhhh…”
“…You've lost even more weight.”
“Wuhh…?”
I could tell the moment I touched them. Wi Seol-Ah's cheeks had grown thinner again. While it made her features more refined, I was disappointed—the satisfying plumpness was gone.
“Are you really eating two bowls per meal?”
“Yes… I even had three earlier…”
“Then why is this happening? What are you hiding in your stomach?”
How could she be losing weight eating that much? I'd even insisted she have midnight snacks.
As I voiced my confusion, Tang Soyeol interjected as if it were obvious. “Young Master Gu… you've never touched Seol-Ah's stomach, have you? What could she possibly be hiding when it's that flat?”
“Wouldn't it be weirder if I did?”
Realizing I had a point, Tang Soyeol nodded. Then Wi Seol-Ah tugged at her clothes. “My stomach? Do you want to see it?”
“…Wha—What would I do seeing it? Stay still.” She seemed ready to lift her top at any moment, so I quickly pushed her hands down. We weren't alone in the medical room; what was she thinking?
“You seemed curious…” she said, looking dejected at my refusal.
Was she really so carefree that something this trivial could disappoint her? I considered a light flick to her forehead, but instead settled for ruffling her hair.
“How is the Snow Phoenix?” I asked, changing the subject to Moyong Hi-ah's condition.
“Huh? Oh, she's fine. Her clan was more worried than the doctors, so she's probably better off there.”
That was undoubtedly true. Relying solely on the medical room's physicians was unwise, especially considering Moyong Hi-ah's… condition. To my knowledge, the maid accompanying her, while a servant, was also renowned for her medical skills, being a disciple of the Immortal Healer.
She probably wasn't badly injured since I held back.
It had cost me more qi than expected, but the outcome was acceptable. Honestly, for the Snow Phoenix, who had pushed herself so far in the tournament, I would have liked to exchange a few more blows, but since she wasn't in her right mind, I had to end it quickly.
Not that I understand why she was like that.
Was it because she was younger than the woman I remembered from my past life? The Snow Phoenix of my memories was a woman who never showed surprise. A woman so cold she seemed carved from the glaciers she hailed from. A woman who didn't flinch even in the face of death.
There was only one time I recalled her being truly shocked. And since I was the cause, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern.
If Elder Shin were here, he'd throw a fit.
Obviously. That old man would have scolded me for having another woman around.
I wonder when he'll wake up again.
I didn't believe he was gone completely. I could still feel his presence within me, especially as my cultivation advanced. It had been days since I met Jang Seonyeon. While I understood his withdrawal during the fight with Ya Hyeoljeok…
Was the emotional impact really so great that he'd sleep this long?
It's frustrating not understanding my own body.
“Hey…”
A voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“Can I… go watch tomorrow?” Namgung Bi-ah asked cautiously. She meant the final match.
“Where do you think you're going in your condition?”
“I can move…”
I understood her desire. How could she not want to move, having experienced such an enlightenment? If it were a fleeting insight, I'd have urged her to act immediately. But it was clear this enlightenment wouldn't fade. Even now, a sword dance played ceaselessly behind her eyes. She probably yearned to practice it at this very moment. The only reason she held back was because of me.
Part of me wanted to insist she rest tomorrow as well. It might seem overprotective, but the wound on her chest made it hard to say otherwise.
“Tomorrow…” I began. Yet, knowing she was restraining her martial artist's heart for my sake, I felt I couldn't hold her back any longer. “Fine. But be careful. You can move.”
Finally, I gave her the answer she wanted. A smile instantly bloomed on her face, as if she'd been waiting.
I wanted to show her, too.
Just as she wished to show me something… I also had something I wanted to show her. Though the meaning behind it was likely different from hers.
And so, the next day…
I faced Jang Seonyeon on the arena stage.
The moment I had been eagerly awaiting had finally arrived.