Chapter 213: I'm Fucked
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 213: I'm Fucked
An unusual atmosphere hung over the Gu Clan compound as I approached the main gate.
It wasn't just the presence of unfamiliar martial artists—something felt fundamentally different about the place itself.
"These aren't our clansmen," I noted.
For the past few months, it hadn't been unusual to see outsiders here, especially with Tang Soyeol, a direct descendant of the Tang Clan, staying as our guest. Her escorts had become a common sight. But this was different.
Their Qi feels sharp.
It was the same keen edge I sensed from sword specialists like Namgung Bi-ah or Gu Huibi. Since the Namgung Clan martial artists had departed on their lord's orders, the only ones left who could emit such an aura should have been our own clansmen. Yet this felt distinct from the Gu Clan's characteristic energy.
I'd noticed the shift the moment I entered the district.
Amid the generally unchanging atmosphere of our clan, even this subtle difference stood out starkly. And I quickly realized the source wasn't internal—it came from outsiders.
We have visitors.
Scanning the courtyard, I spotted several unfamiliar faces. Their light-blue uniforms were distinctive, but it was the specific design of their accessories that confirmed their identity.
That pattern… it's definitely them.
One of the Four Noble Clans, renowned for their sword arts alongside the Namgung Clan.
The Moyong Clan.
Their reputation for emitting this particular sharp, refined aura was well-known, but…
Why are they here?
If these were truly Moyong clansmen, what business could they possibly have with the Gu Clan?
Gu Huibi, still perched on my back, noticed them too and spoke while staring openly. "Oh? It's those fops from the Moyong Clan."
"Is 'fops' really necessary…?"
"They're disgusting. Look how they dress."
I couldn't help but laugh at her absurd criticism. Coming from someone with her own… fierce sense of style, it was rich. Not that I could argue—the Moyong Clan was indeed known for their elaborate adornments, regardless of gender, which seemed excessive for martial artists.
Still, why are they here?
I'd heard nothing about expecting guests from the Moyong Clan. Of course, that wasn't surprising given I'd essentially broken out of confinement, and Father had been away from the clan as well. News would have slipped past us.
Just then, a figure detached itself from the group and approached us with light, graceful steps. A faint chill of Ice Qi accompanied her. With her striking hair and those seductive eyes, her identity was unmistakable. But it only deepened my confusion.
Why would she be at the Gu Clan?
"Young Master Gu," the Snow Phoenix greeted me, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She was as beautiful as ever, yet somehow her face seemed more radiant than I remembered.
"We meet again. I hope you've been well?"
"…What brings you here, exactly?" I asked, unable to hide my bewilderment.
Moyong Hi-ah responded with only a smile. To anyone else, it might have been charming, but having known her in my past life, I recognized it instantly.
A fake smile.
It was the expression she wore when lying… or hiding her true feelings.
What the hell is her game?
Was the Gu Clan becoming a gathering spot for the nobility? With three of the Four Noble Clans now represented here, I started to fear that bastard from the Peng Clan might show up next.
As I frowned at her, Gu Huibi decided to chime in. "Snow Phoenix? What are you doing here?"
"…Sword Phoenix," Moyong Hi-ah acknowledged, her smile tightening slightly. "It's been a while. I see the weather isn't too cold for you today?"
Gu Huibi's smile widened. "I heard something happened to you."
"Nothing major."
"Really? It doesn't look that way from here."
"Oh?" Moyong Hi-ah's mask didn't slip, but her retort was sharp. "Is that so?"
Yeah, they definitely didn't get along. I had to admire Gu Huibi's nerve, needling someone even while unable to move properly.
"So, why did you come?" Gu Huibi pressed.
"Do I need a reason to share with you?"
"What did you say?"
"You are neither the Clan Lord nor the Young Lord…" Moyong Hi-ah's eyes flickered toward me, making her point clear.
Gu Huibi's smile turned dangerous. "Oh…? Your words seem unusually prickly today."
"Did I say anything incorrect?"
The atmosphere grew thick with tension. Even Namgung Bi-ah, who normally paid little attention to such squabbles, subtly shifted behind me.
"I came to the Gu Clan on business, not for leisure," Moyong Hi-ah stated coolly.
"Business?"
Business? If Moyong Hi-ah herself was here on business, it meant the Moyong Clan was officially involved.
But why would the Moyong Clan bother?
The Moyong Clan of Liaoning. As one of the Four Noble Clans, they participated in suppressing the Demonic Sects, but their true specialty lay in business—specifically, producing silk from moth-type demons. The clothing crafted from this material was both beautiful and incredibly durable, highly sought after by noblewomen.
In other words, the Moyong Clan and the Gu Clan had zero overlap. Our clan focused on fiery, destructive arts; we had no need for relationships with silk specialists. We certainly had no business with them.
Which made this entire situation baffling.
A reason for the Moyong Clan to seek out the Gu Clan for business?
I couldn't think of a single one.
"You can get down now, we're here," I said to Gu Huibi.
"Brother, we're still outside the gate."
"You can walk perfectly fine, Sister. Off."
Her body was weakened, not paralyzed. I clicked my tongue and unceremoniously let her go. As expected, she landed smoothly on her feet, immediately puffing her cheeks in protest.
"Even so, was that necessary? So rude!"
"You should be thanking me I didn't drop you on the ground."
"Not only are your words disrespectful, but your actions have become crude too. Big Sister didn't raise you to be like this…"
"What are you talking about? I raised myself."
She sometimes acted like she was my mother. Leaving the grumbling Gu Huibi behind, I assessed the situation. If this was an official business visit, it wasn't just Moyong Hi-ah—higher-ups from her clan were likely here too.
Father had headed straight for the clan upon returning to Shanxi, probably because he knew it was safe.
Maybe Father is already aware of this.
That we had guests. I considered asking Moyong Hi-ah directly, but she was now speaking with Namgung Bi-ah.
"It's been a while, Young Lady Namgung."
"Hell…o."
"Or should I call you the Sword Dancer now?"
"…?"
Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head, clearly confused by the title.
…She probably doesn't even know she's been given that name.
Several prodigies earned titles during this year's Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament, but only three truly rose to prominence.
The first was me, the True Dragon.
The second was Jang Seonyeon, the New Star.
And the third was Namgung Bi-ah.
Sword Dancer, Namgung Bi-ah.
The title stemmed from the mesmerizing sword dance she displayed, combined with her innate beauty. She'd also been called the Greatest Beauty of Anhui and the Zenith of Beauty—terrifying accolades—but Sword Dancer had become her official moniker.
Not that Namgung Bi-ah seemed to care.
…I wonder how things will unfold.
In my past life, even after becoming a Demonic Human, Namgung Bi-ah's talent was recognized and she earned the title of Sword Queen—the Demonic Sword Queen. This happened after Gu Huibi, who was originally destined for that title, had died.
But since I had no intention of letting Gu Huibi die this time, would Namgung Bi-ah ever become the Sword Queen?
The question flickered through my mind.
It's better this way.
I didn't know how Namgung Bi-ah would feel, but for me, it was a relief. The title 'Sword Queen' attached to her name felt like a thorn lodged deep in my chest.
Although, comparing their talents… is difficult.
Gu Huibi, hailed as the Gu Clan's heaven-sent treasure, was one of the greatest prodigies of our generation. She was already at the Peak Realm when I regressed. With steady experience, barring another catastrophe like in my past life, she would naturally ascend to the pinnacle. She might even surpass my expectations.
But when I considered Namgung Bi-ah's talent…
If I asked myself whether she was inferior to Gu Huibi…
Unlike before, I wasn't sure anymore.
She's a monster too. An incredible one.
In my past life, Namgung Bi-ah was one of the few Demonic Humans who didn't receive any arts from the Heavenly Demon. Wielding the Namgung Clan's treasure, Thunder Fang, she reached incredible heights through sheer talent alone.
Now, seeing her youthful prodigy self up close, words felt inadequate. Her talent was simply overwhelming.
…Reaching the Peak Realm at her age is one thing…
But her swordplay had grown noticeably sharper since we first met. Her control over Qi, allowing her to wield the Master of Swords technique effortlessly, and the sheer volume of Qi she possessed—unlike me, who benefited from regression and external energy sources, Namgung Bi-ah achieved everything through her innate talent alone.
This is why… I hate geniuses.
A jealousy I thought I'd buried began to stir within me, pricking at my lower dantian.
[Stuff it back down. You look pathetic.]
Elder Shin's voice echoed in my mind, thick with disappointment.
Ugh…
[Haven't you matured at all? You should be happy she's on your side.]
He wasn't wrong. I knew that better than anyone. But my flawed nature kept letting these emotions bubble up uncontrollably. I shook my head to clear the thoughts.
I needed to process what happened in the Black Palace. I also had to focus on purging the Demonic Qi from Gu Huibi's body.
…And on top of that…
Having fled right after my jailbreak, I wondered how I should face the girls who were likely waiting for me at my quarters.
I should probably avoid the Second Elder for a while.
He must know I disobeyed him and left the clan. I dreaded to think what would happen if he caught me.
"Oh, that's right!" Moyong Hi-ah exclaimed, finishing her brief chat with Namgung Bi-ah. She glided closer to me. "Young Master Gu."
"Yes?"
Her smile was alluring, her eyes captivating—a display of her unique charm.
What is she up to?
Instead of being charmed, it only made me want to step back. Why did she always look like she was scheming? With all the unusual women around me, I found myself instinctively putting up barriers. And since she was the most cunning of them all, the urge was even stronger.
Whether she sensed my wariness or not, Moyong Hi-ah continued calmly. Or she tried to.
"It's nothing major… But there is something I wished to—"
"Young Master."
A steward interrupted her.
"Young Master, the Clan Lord has ordered you to report to his room immediately."
"…"
My breath hitched. I knew exactly why he was summoning me.
Reckoning time.
I was in for it. I could feel a cold sweat forming on my brow.
The steward, ignoring my pale face, turned to Gu Huibi. "I will escort the Young Lady to the infirmary."
Several Gu Clan martial artists stepped forward, apparently intending to carry her.
Seeing this, Gu Huibi spoke with a sour tone. "That won't be necessary. I can walk." To prove her point, she brushed the dust from her clothes and stood firm. If she could walk just fine, why did she insist I carry her?
She's addicted to messing with me.
I really must be the only normal one in this family.
After dealing with Gu Huibi, the steward addressed Moyong Hi-ah respectfully. "Young Lady of the Moyong Clan. A resting area has been prepared for you. Please proceed there once you are finished."
Moyong Hi-ah gave a slight nod. She seemed to have more to say to me, but apparently decided against it. "It seems the timing is poor. I shall visit you another time, Young Master Gu."
Had she sensed something was off? How perceptive.
[Kid, with that rotten expression of yours, anyone could tell you're in trouble.]
…
Namgung Bi-ah looked at me with concern. "Good… luck," she said softly, clenching her small fists.
"…Right. Thanks." Her encouragement did little to comfort me. Considering the hell awaiting me, her well-wishes couldn't penetrate my dread.
Without a moment's rest for my exhausted body, I headed straight for the Lord's room. It felt like I was always summoned there upon returning.
Stepping into the familiar, uncomfortable room, I found Father waiting in his usual spot. How could someone who just returned from a long journey look so composed? I couldn't understand.
The only difference was his slightly widened eyes. That was never a good sign.
Father, reading a letter, spoke without looking up. "Third child."
"…Y-yes?"
"You seem to have caused quite a bit of trouble."
I knew instantly.
…I'm fucked.
His voice was calm, but a maelstrom of fury simmered beneath the surface.