Chapter 289: You Won't Be Able To Catch Up (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 289: You Won't Be Able To Catch Up (4)
An unfamiliar ceiling greeted me as I pried my heavy eyes open.
"Ugh…"
How long had it been since I last felt this drained? I think this was a first since reaching the Peak Realm.
…I feel like I'm going to be sick.
Was it because I pushed my qi too far yesterday? Was my dantian screaming in protest because I chose to detonate the energy rather than recall it? A peculiar kind of muscle ache, perhaps?
Gritting my teeth, I pushed my aching body upright. Only then did I recognize my surroundings as the inn we were staying in. Judging by the light, it was already late morning.
"Sigh."
Looks like I collapsed the moment I got back. Not that it was surprising, considering the chaos I'd unleashed on the examination grounds yesterday. Frankly, it would've been stranger if I hadn't passed out.
Well, I'm sure they'll manage.
Right before I blew the qi marble, the Sword Queen's first move was to shield all the young prodigies who might've been caught in the blast. As expected of an orthodox sect martial artist—she embodied the ideals I respected. Not that I would've gone so far if I hadn't been certain of that. I'd also made sure to control the qi at the very last moment, ensuring neither I nor anyone else would be seriously injured. If I hadn't, my dantian wouldn't be the only thing hurting.
It would've been better if I hadn't detonated it at all…
But I couldn't help myself after that kind of provocation.
Like I said before, I'm not a particularly understanding person. I need to vent my frustrations on the spot to feel better.
Anyway, I just sat there for a moment, seemingly spacing out. In truth, I was checking the flow of qi within my body…
Hmm.
After circulating energy through my dantian, I could visualize the damage.
It seems I won't be able to do anything reckless for a while.
Both my dantian and meridians were throbbing. They were inflamed from using my Secret Art, meaning I needed proper rest.
"Tsk."
Dammit. I should've held back.
[Grr…]
On top of everything, the constant whining from the beast inside me, reminding me it was hungry, was a surefire way to get a headache. It seemed the creature had gotten hungry from how much qi I'd expended yesterday.
"Stop nagging and shut up. I was going to feed you a lot tomorrow anyway."
[Grr…]
As expected, it looked like I'd have to go demon hunting tomorrow. I would've done it yesterday…
But I caused a bit of a delay with my antics.
And since I'd wrecked the place, the exam was postponed too.
Not that I felt guilty. If anything, the blame lay with the Sword Queen.
"Well, I guess this means I have some free time."
Thanks to that, I had an unexpected day off. To be honest, I'd half-expected this might happen when I decided to make a scene.
I just didn't think they'd actually go through with it.
I never imagined the Murim Alliance would adjust their entire schedule for a single young prodigy, but they did.
So…
I should make good use of today.
It was fortunate. I needed time to take care of a few things.
But first…
If I remember correctly…
There was someone I needed to see from last night.
Creak—
I opened the door and went downstairs.
The inn was quiet. It was too late for breakfast and too early for lunch, so there weren't many people around. As I descended, I spotted a group sitting at a table in the corner. The silence wasn't just due to the hour; it was also because of the ladies present.
"You woke up."
Hearing my footsteps, Moyong Hi-ah, who was sipping tea, glanced in my direction.
"You must have been completely exhausted."
"...A little, I suppose."
"Young Master! I heard the news! You caused quite a stir!"
"That was fast. It hasn't even been a day."
"We heard the explosion, too."
Honestly, it would've been stranger if they hadn't, given how loud it was.
"Why did you do that?"
Moyong Hi-ah asked, sounding genuinely surprised. She seemed to find it odd that I'd cause such a ruckus with so many people watching.
"It's nothing special. Someone just rubbed me the wrong way."
That wasn't the whole story, but it would suffice.
"But Young Master, you were so cool!"
That was Tang Soyeol.
Now that I thought about it, wasn't she supposed to be at a different inn?
"...What? You saw it?"
The first group wasn't allowed anywhere near the second group's examination ground. Getting caught by the instructors meant point deductions. They might seem weak, but they weren't to be underestimated. Did Tang Soyeol really sneak over?
When I asked, she responded cheerfully, "No, I didn't see it!"
"Then how do you know?"
"Oh, I just imagined you looking cool back there."
"…"
Tang Soyeol was seriously the weirdest of the bunch. Especially her eyes.
"...I see. Did everyone pass?"
Both Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol tilted their heads at my question, as if the answer was obvious.
You guys…?
Maybe not. I guess it really is obvious.
Well, they were from the Four Noble Clans, after all. I should have known better.
Does that mean I was an idiot for failing in my past life?
Yes. I was a foolish, pathetic dumbass.
Well, no use crying over spilled milk.
I turned my gaze from the two girls to the young lady who was curled up with her head on the table. Namgung Bi-ah was dozing off as usual.
I don't even need to ask.
The thought of Namgung Bi-ah failing never crossed my mind. As long as she actually attempted the exam, failure was virtually impossible.
"Right, Young Master. Ah-hee was here, too."
"...Hmm?"
I was confused by Tang Soyeol's sudden comment. Ah-hee? Did she mean Peng Ah-hee?
"She came, too?"
"Huh? Yes."
It would've been strange if she hadn't, but I hadn't seen her yesterday.
So, all Four Noble Clans will be attending the Academy. That was impressive. This was why they called us the Meteor Generation or whatever. The stage was set perfectly.
And in my past life, that bastard Jang Seonyeon had taken the top rank in this very situation, which was why his name was on everyone's lips. Earning the number one spot with the Four Noble Clans and the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes present must have been what drew all the attention.
However, one thing didn't add up. The others were understandable, but how did he manage to beat the Sword Dragon and the Sleeping Dragon?
Did he pull something?
He must have. There was no way that bastard could have taken the top spot fairly.
It looked like I'd have to prevent him from doing the same thing this time.
Might as well, since he's in the way.
It would be best to get rid of him at the Heavenly Dragon Academy as I'd planned.
"Well, that's that."
Flinch.
The girl sitting in the corner flinched, realizing my attention was now on her. Seeing that, I nodded.
So it wasn't a dream.
I'd barely stayed conscious after pushing myself too far, but I had a faint memory of Namgung Bi-ah dragging someone along. If that was real…
"Have you eaten yet?"
…then that person was definitely Wi Seol-Ah.
I asked the lady who was still wearing a face veil, keeping her features hidden.
She hesitated for a moment. "N…o," she finally replied.
Seeing her like that, I smirked. Why was she still acting so timid? Then, a memory surfaced.
"Would you like to eat a potato?"
"...?"
It might have seemed like a non sequitur…
-Want a potato?
…but Wi Seol-Ah's eyes widened, indicating she remembered, too. I chuckled.
"Fine, it's alright if you don't want one."
Wi Seol-Ah didn't respond, but she didn't seem to dislike the idea either. Unfortunately, there were no potatoes at this inn. A real shame.
* * *
Afterward, I left the inn for a walk outside. The streets were as crowded as ever. As I walked, I glanced at the person following—or rather, walking beside me. The one who would normally be chattering cheerfully and asking a million questions was unusually quiet, maintaining a careful distance.
After watching her for a while, I sighed. "How long are you going to keep this up?"
And one thing bothered me most. I was talking to Wi Seol-Ah, who was still wearing her veil even while walking the streets with me. I'd come out to take care of some business and had asked her to come along. Tang Soyeol had tried to follow us…
-No.
…but Namgung Bi-ah had grabbed her and held her back. Moyong Hi-ah, able to read the mood, didn't interfere.
"...Should I take it off?"
"You don't have to if you don't want to, but why were you wearing it inside the inn, too?"
"About that…"
Well, Namgung Bi-ah and Moyong Hi-ah also covered their faces outdoors, and since Wi Seol-Ah was beautiful enough to draw attention, it made sense outside. But I didn't get why she felt the need around me.
"You can't even see properly."
Hearing this, Wi Seol-Ah lifted her veil slightly to show me her eyes.
How absurd…
I snorted loudly upon seeing her golden pupils beneath the fabric. Was she teasing me on purpose?
And golden pupils, huh? That meant Wi Seol-Ah's Divine Arts had reached a significant level. I wasn't an expert on the Sword Emperor's martial arts, but recalling how her eyes and hair had turned gold in my past life, it seemed to be a sign of her advancement, much like my own changes. Thinking back to the last time I saw her, when her hair had already started turning golden…
As expected, Wi Seol-Ah is still Wi Seol-Ah.
In the time we'd been apart, Wi Seol-Ah had broken through her wall and reached the Peak Realm. Considering it hadn't even been three years since she started learning the sword…
…I'm speechless.
It was pointless to try and comprehend her talent. This was exactly why I excluded freaks like the Heavenly Demon or Wi Seol-Ah when judging ordinary talent. Their level was simply beyond human understanding.
This was also the source of my urgency. Taking on her burden meant I had to fulfill her role, which required me to become at least as powerful as the Divine Sword was in my past life.
That's really absurd.
The thought alone was overwhelming. Just how much effort would it take? What did I need to do? I had no answers. The future seemed bleak.
However…
Even so…
I had no intention of handing the burden back to her just because she'd started wielding her sword again. I might consider walking the path alongside her, but I would never let her walk it alone.
"Hey."
"Yes…?"
"Do you want to eat that?"
Hiding my frustration, I pointed at a food stall selling skewers among the many lined up. "I'm sure you're hungry. Let's eat." I knew she hadn't eaten properly at the inn, and I also knew she liked skewers.
Wi Seol-Ah fidgeted before responding to my suggestion. "I'm not really hungry…"
"You're not?"
"…"
She averted her gaze. Huh? Was she embarrassed? Because she eats a lot? Was she?
What happened in the few years we were apart to make her change this much?
After a moment's thought, I said, "Just follow me even if you don't want to. I want to eat one." I grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
"Ah."
She seemed startled when I took her wrist, but she didn't try to pull away. I led her through the crowd and ordered two skewers—one for me, and obviously, one for her.
"…"
After staring at the skewer for a moment, Wi Seol-Ah accepted it without complaint.
"Just eat it. Don't be like that."
She still seemed hesitant, so I urged her after taking a bite myself. Only then did Wi Seol-Ah take a small bite.
Was eating like this frowned upon where she'd been staying? Why this behavior? I even wondered if she'd genuinely lost her appetite. Was I being too pushy? Was it too late to tell her to stop?
Just as I was about to speak… "You don't have to force yourself if you don't wa… Huh, you're already done."
"...Huh?"
"When did you finish that…?"
Didn't she just take a bite a second ago? Where did the entire skewer go? She devoured it that quickly?
Well, at least her love for food hadn't changed. Judging by her panic, it seemed Wi Seol-Ah herself had only just realized she'd finished it.
"This…! Why is it already gone…?"
"Maybe because you ate it all?"
"That's not possible… I really wasn't hungry… I swear!"
"Right, right, I'm sure. Do you want another one?"
"I'm being serious…"
Wi Seol-Ah flailed her limbs in frustration, but that wouldn't bring the eaten skewer back.
"So, I guess you don't want another one, then?"
After flailing for a moment longer, she paused and looked at me, her lips trembling. I didn't plan to persuade her further. As I stood there holding another skewer, she finally spoke. "...I want another one."
"Good."
Satisfied, I handed it over. Wi Seol-Ah looked frustrated, but I was pleased. At least this part of her was still the same.
"Oh, right. Wait, half of it's already go… "
"Huh…?"
"Nothing, finish eating first. Did anything happen yesterday?"
"…"
Wi Seol-Ah froze at my question. I didn't mean to disturb her, but I was curious. There had to be a reason why Namgung Bi-ah dragged her along, and why Wi Seol-Ah stayed at the inn instead of running away. Even if she kept other secrets, she had to tell me this.
Wi Seol-Ah stared at me as she swallowed her food. Her expression was strange.
"Is it something you can't tell me?"
"...No. I can."
I was glad. I would've been disappointed if she couldn't. Did she need time to organize her thoughts? Part of me was sad that the naive, somewhat simple Wi Seol-Ah had changed, but another part felt this change was for the better.
After a moment, Wi Seol-Ah finally responded, speaking to me telepathically.
-Last night… Sis and Young Master Jang met.
I was surprised by the telepathy, but the content was even more shocking.
-…Who met whom?
-Young Master Jang… and Bi-ah sis.
Unexpected. Why would that bastard meet Namgung Bi-ah?
-Sis said she was looking for me because she hadn't greeted me yet.
-Then…?
-But I happened to be talking with Young Master Jang at the time.
I wondered what Wi Seol-Ah and Jang Seonyeon could have been discussing. I had too many questions.
-Then…?
Wi Seol-Ah's explanation was surprisingly simple. Namgung Bi-ah interrupted their conversation. When Jang Seonyeon mentioned this, Namgung Bi-ah didn't seem to remember him. She even told him not to come closer because he smelled.
…
Telling him to back off because of his smell. That was pure Namgung Bi-ah. She never cared about others' feelings.
Even so… Smell? That must have stung even Jang Seonyeon.
Nice. That made it better.
-What happened after that?
-Then… Young Master Jang lost his composure and drew his sword.
Jang Seonyeon lost his composure, huh…? It must have been deeply insulting. It made sense. It would've been stranger if he had held back after that. If it were me, I'd have set the person who said that on fire—just their hair, though.
But no one mentioned a fight. Neither Namgung Bi-ah nor anyone else had said anything. Even if the Taeryung Clan bastard drew his sword first, he had justification since Namgung Bi-ah interrupted and insulted him.
-So did they fight?
-No.
Wi Seol-Ah was firm. When Jang Seonyeon drew his sword…
[…If you don't… sheathe that…]
Namgung Bi-ah said to him, her face as blank as ever…
[You'll die…]
A mix of Lightning Qi, Combat Qi, and sheer killing intent erupted from her. It must have been shocking for Wi Seol-Ah, who only knew the usual, sleepy Namgung Bi-ah.
How scary. She might have exaggerated, but it reminded me of the Demonic Sword.
[…Crack.]*
Because of that, Jang Seonyeon sheathed his sword and left.
Was he afraid? Seeing Namgung Bi-ah like that, he must have been uncertain of victory. Probably thinking his plans would be ruined if he caused trouble there, he held back, grinding his teeth.
So, in conclusion, he was afraid. At least, that's how it appeared.
So, Namgung Bi-ah brought Wi Seol-Ah with her after that? But I was still curious why Wi Seol-Ah came along quietly after avoiding me for so long.
"…"
As I was lost in thought, Wi Seol-Ah seemed to be reminiscing about last night, when Namgung Bi-ah started dragging her away.
[Sis…! Wait…!]
Just as Wi Seol-Ah was about to protest that it wasn't time yet, Namgung Bi-ah spoke clearly.
[If you run away now, there won't be a spot for you next time.]
Clench.
Wi Seol-Ah clenched her fist at the memory. She didn't know what Namgung Bi-ah was thinking, but she knew she was dead serious.
As she pondered…
"That's disappointing."
"Huh?"
Wi Seol-Ah flinched at my words.
"You worked so hard to run away from me, but you came just because she dragged you?"
"N-No, Young Ma…!"
Catching herself before habitually saying 'Young Master,' Wi Seol-Ah shut her mouth. She seemed aware she couldn't call me that anymore.
"That's not it… I just…"
"I know."
Seeing her shrink further, I decided to stop teasing her. "You said you'd protect me or whatever, but now you're like a wet towel."
"...Wet towel?"
"You just look downcast, like a damp rag hanging limply."
"…"
I didn't like seeing her like this. At the very least, I didn't want to see the Wi Seol-Ah from my past life.
Though she was worse than a wet towel back then. Frozen solid would be more accurate. Completely frozen.
That's why I was glad. If this was the extent of it, it seemed my presence could help dry her out.
I handed her another skewer. It looked like she wouldn't refuse anymore.
"There's one thing I really need to know."
I asked as she took a bite. The thing I was most curious about. This was partly why I'd brought her along. Organizing my thoughts, I asked, "Do you know why your grandfather took you to the Taeryung Clan?"
"…!"
Wi Seol-Ah flinched. She knew.
"That's…"
"Is it something you can't tell me?"
"…"
Wi Seol-Ah's lips trembled. She was thinking hard. Even so, I had to know. I needed to understand why the Sword Emperor took Wi Seol-Ah to the Taeryung Clan in this life as well. Only then could I finalize my plans.
"That's…"
Just as Wi Seol-Ah began to speak…
Woong.
A vibration came from my left hand—more precisely, from the ring on my finger.
[Grrrr…]
Moreover, the beast inside me reacted.
"…Tsk."
I clicked my tongue. Just as Wi Seol-Ah was about to speak. Frowning, I saw her shocked expression.
"Young… Master?" she stammered.
I spoke to the confused Wi Seol-Ah. "I was going to tell you to wait here while I handled something, but you might run away if I did." Clench. I tightened my grip on her hand.
"Just follow me."
It looked like my other plan for the day had just found its bait.