Chapter 32: Only Three Times (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 32: Only Three Times (2)
Tang Soyeol had always been different. This uniqueness was especially pronounced when one looked at her childhood.
While other children chased after puppies and kittens, she hunted for snakes and lizards.
As she grew older, her prey shifted from reptiles to beasts—tigers.
Her sharp, fierce features made her seem like a natural predator to weaker creatures.
That was why, when a marriage alliance between the Namgung and Tang families had once been proposed, she had vehemently opposed it.
Tang Soyeol had never liked Namgung Cheonjun.
Everyone called him handsome, but…
He looks like a playboy.
The sight of him disgusted her.
She had never been swayed by Namgung Cheonjun’s looks; in fact, the aura he gave off made her skin crawl.
She had always found him… odd.
To her, his kindness seemed laced with hidden motives.
She couldn’t understand why everyone else lost their minds over his appearance.
In comparison, Namgung Bi-ah was far better.
Though quiet and expressionless, Tang Soyeol felt she was genuine. Namgung Bi-ah had always accepted her, even when Tang Soyeol treated her harshly.
Tang Soyeol liked Namgung Bi-ah, who embraced her despite her difficult personality.
She had been genuinely touched when Namgung Bi-ah kept her promise to attend the next Tang Clan Military Exhibition.
But she wondered why Namgung Cheonjun had to tag along.
Wherever Namgung Bi-ah went, Namgung Cheonjun was never far behind.
Why?
Whenever she observed them, Tang Soyeol got the distinct impression that Namgung Bi-ah didn’t care much for Namgung Cheonjun.
However, Bi-ah’s impassive face made it impossible to discern her true feelings, and Tang Soyeol didn’t feel close enough to ask.
“Right, Tangrang?”
-Grrr.
A massive wolf with jet-black fur—one of Tang Soyeol’s pets—growled softly in response.
Tang Soyeol sighed as she stroked its fur.
“You’re so well-behaved… I wish all the men in the world were like you.”
A nice thought, but she knew it was impossible.
Namgung Cheonjun, that guy from the Moyong Clan, and the Peng Clan’s Peng Woojin—they all had those soft, kind-looking faces.
Why do they all look like such playboys?
What’s more, the men from the Namgung and Moyong Clans made her uneasy just being near them. As for the last one…
Peng Woojin is just a weirdo.
A creeping headache surfaced as she remembered the scenes of Tang Jooyeok and Peng Woojin causing trouble together.
No wonder Peng Ah-hee and I became fast friends—we both have strange older brothers…
The last time I saw her was when her engagement was called off.
I forget which clan she was supposed to marry into; then again, I don’t think she ever told me.
All Tang Soyeol remembered was Peng Ah-hee calling the man a piece of trash and expressing her relief that the engagement was broken.
“…Are there any decent men left in this world?”
Tang Soyeol, now navigating the throes of adolescence, yearned for a romantic encounter.
On the evening of Namgung Bi-ah’s arrival, Tang Soyeol invited her to see the clan’s lake.
Lotus Flower Lake was a masterpiece of the Tang Clan and was strictly off-limits to outsiders—no one was permitted entry without explicit permission.
After all, the lotus flowers floating on the water were precious sacred herbs.
Beyond the lotuses themselves, the lake and the fish within it were luxuries in their own right.
According to Tang Jooyeok, the professionals had made the lake far too extravagantly.
Tang Soyeol honestly agreed.
It was breathtakingly beautiful… but otherwise, utterly useless.
As they strolled slowly through the night, Tang Soyeol asked Namgung Bi-ah, “Bi-ah, how was your journey?”
“…It was fine, though I did get lost…”
“…You got lost again.”
Namgung Bi-ah had an almost supernatural talent for getting lost.
One moment she would be on the right path, and the next, she’d have veered off in some random direction by herself.
Maybe it’s because of her emotionless personality, Tang Soyeol mused.
“Well, at least you made it… I was worried.”
“I had a companion.”
“A companion?”
“Yes.”
Is she talking about the people from that other clan they came with?
Tang Soyeol had heard they were called the Gu Clan or something similar. She honestly knew nothing about them.
All she knew of the Gu Clan was that it was home to the famous Tiger Warrior, that the Sword Phoenix hailed from there, and that they were the most powerful clan in Shanxi.
They were a reclusive clan, so beyond those three facts, Tang Soyeol knew little.
A descendant of the Gu Clan attending this year’s Tang Clan Military Exhibition was unprecedented.
Maybe Tang Jooyeok knows something, since he’s the Young Lord.
“You mean the Gu Clan?”
“Yes…”
Huh?
For a fleeting moment, Tang Soyeol thought she saw a smile touch Namgung Bi-ah’s lips.
She had never, ever seen Namgung Bi-ah smile.
They continued their walk, a cool night breeze brushing past them.
It seemed Namgung Bi-ah wasn’t in any hurry to return.
Then, they stopped.
They sensed a presence ahead.
“…It’s not my brother.”
There were actually two people.
Their faces were obscured by shadows, but they clearly weren’t from the Tang Clan.
“Who goes there?” Tang Soyeol demanded.
The figures seemed startled by her voice.
They didn’t appear hostile—probably just guests who had wandered into the restricted area unknowingly.
“This area is prohibited to outsiders.”
Moonlight gradually illuminated their faces.
Tang Soyeol froze the moment she saw them—particularly the boy’s face.
No, it was more accurate to say that time itself stopped for her.
Thump! Thump!
Her heart hammered wildly, as if ready to burst from her chest.
The boy had jet-black hair, sharp eyes, and a slightly irritated expression. It was the face of a fierce predator.
“I-If you don’t identify yourselves, I’ll call for—”
My voice is shaking… I stuttered. Did he notice? Tang Soyeol didn’t understand why she was suddenly so nervous.
Namgung Bi-ah, standing quietly beside her, whispered the boy’s identity.
He was from the Gu Clan.
-I am Gu Yangcheon.
The boy spoke.
Gu Yangcheon… Even his name is cool…
Wait, what am I doing? What was I saying!?
What he had said, how she had responded—she couldn’t remember any of it.
She just desperately wished her frantic heartbeat would calm down.
In that moment, Tang Soyeol realized she was in serious trouble.
This is bad. I need to get out of here, now!
Before she could gather her thoughts, the boy left. Tang Soyeol pretended to be calm for the rest of the night.
But in truth, she didn’t sleep a wink.
The next day, Tang Jooyeok announced he had invited all the young masters and ladies attending the event for an early meal.
Despite her sleepless night, Tang Soyeol felt a jolt of energy at his words.
Calm down, please…
She begged her heart to be still, but it continued to pound against her will.
What if he comes?
What if he doesn’t?
So what if he doesn’t!?
Tang Soyeol couldn’t make sense of her own chaotic thoughts. As she argued with herself, seated beside her brother…
The boy arrived.
For some reason, he had his arm around Namgung Cheonjun’s shoulder.
Were they friends? The atmosphere between them suggested otherwise…
The meal had begun some time ago, but Tang Soyeol couldn’t tell if the food was going into her nose or her mouth.
Her eyes were fixed solely on the boy.
Those sharp eyes… They’re so cool…
Aw, he can’t handle the spice.
Ah, he’s coughing. So cute.
After indulging in a series of mindless thoughts about him, she suddenly realized she was sitting right next to him.
Am I insane…? What am I doing? And why does this feel so natural!?
Consciously or not, moving to sit beside him had been a good move. The problem was what came next—her voice, which had shrunk to a whisper.
Tang Soyeol was going crazy watching the boy, who frowned slightly, unable to comprehend her intentions.
Some servants had once told her that when someone feels excessively happy or excited, they start to fidget. At this moment, Tang Soyeol finally understood what they meant.
I need to say something. But what should I ask…?
‘Do you have a favorite poison?’ ‘I’m skilled with daggers; would you like to spar?’
…Maybe not those questions.
Favorite food? Yeah, let’s go with something normal.
“Y-Young Master Gu, do you… perhaps have someone you l-like—”
-Brother Tang, is that the training grounds down there?
The words that had finally escaped Tang Soyeol’s lips were buried by Namgung Cheonjun’s voice.
“Lady Tang, what were you saying?”
The boy had asked kindly, but Tang Soyeol couldn’t bring herself to repeat the question.
She silently vowed to one day slip poison into Namgung Cheonjun’s tea.
That guy even interfered at the training grounds.
Suddenly, he wanted to spar with the boy.
Without thinking, Tang Soyeol shouted in opposition.
“No!”
What did she mean by ‘no’?
Well, there was the experience gap, and surely a difference in skill…
His face… What if his face gets injured!?
That was Tang Soyeol’s primary concern.
What if that precious face was scarred?
If that fierce, predatory visage was marred…
Tang Soyeol felt she would do anything to ruin Namgung Cheonjun.
Despite her objection, the boy accepted Namgung Cheonjun’s challenge.
Namgung Cheonjun had declared he wouldn’t use his qi and would keep one foot rooted.
But he was still the Lightning Sword.
Tang Soyeol wondered if she could even touch the hem of Namgung Cheonjun’s clothes in a fight without qi.
That was the reputation he carried as a martial artist.
Perhaps the only one who stood a chance against him was the Sword Phoenix.
All Tang Soyeol could do was watch nervously.
Should I intervene if he’s about to get hurt? But on what grounds?
Huh, right… What right do I even have…?
As she wrestled with her thoughts, Tang Soyeol glanced at Namgung Bi-ah…
“Bi-ah…?”
Namgung Bi-ah’s expression was as impassive as ever, but her hand was gripping the hilt of her sword.
Her face seemed slightly different than usual, and her breathing seemed a tad quicker.
Was it because of her younger brother’s duel?
But it didn’t look like she was watching him.
“…!”
Suddenly, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened. Wondering what had happened, Tang Soyeol immediately turned to look.
“…Huh?”
Tang Soyeol couldn’t comprehend what she was seeing.
A wooden sword rolling on the floor. Namgung Cheonjun on his knees.
And the boy, looking down at Namgung Cheonjun.
She didn’t know what it was, but…
She felt a tingle.
Unconsciously, she let out a hot breath, her body tingling all over.
The beast of her dreams.
So what if he’s weak? That face is perfect.
That had been her initial thought, but now… it had changed.
The boy looked at Namgung Cheonjun and asked, “Aren’t you going to pick that up?”
With those words, he took a step toward Namgung Cheonjun.
And Tang Soyeol’s knees instantly buckled, dropping her to the ground.
* * *
I don’t understand.
That was the only thought in Namgung Cheonjun’s mind.
Why did I drop my sword…?
After striking his shoulder, I was going to target his leg.
He had been fantasizing about how he would humiliate the guy, already deriving pleasure from the mere thought…
Why… Why did I let go of the sword?
A sharp pain throbbed in his arm.
His wrist was turning red.
I lost my grip in that brief instant? But then… why didn’t I notice?
“How impressive.”
Namgung Cheonjun looked up at the voice.
The guy had moved closer and was now looking down at him.
“Geniuses always have so many thoughts during a duel. If this were a real fight, you’d probably be dead three times over by now, you know?”
As Namgung Cheonjun opened his mouth to retort, he quickly scrambled backward.
A fist was coming straight for his face.
He managed to dodge it, but his compromised posture left him vulnerable to the next attack.
A kick landed squarely on his chest, sending him rolling across the ground with a pained groan.
“Ughhh…”
Struggling to breathe, he felt a wooden sword dropped into his hands.
“Pick it up. You said this would be a learning experience for me.”
The boy clapped his hands immediately after.
“Oh, or maybe I’m the one teaching you? Now that, I’m quite confident about.”
-Crack
The taunt, delivered with a mocking smile, made Namgung Cheonjun’s breath hitch.
He rose to his feet, picking up the sword.
“I let my guard—”
“You’re not going to say you let your guard down, are you? For a martial artist, there’s no excuse more pathetic than that.”
Namgung Cheonjun fell silent at the boy’s words.
Even he knew it was a shameful excuse.
Instead, he quietly adjusted his stance.
…He does have some talent, after all.
He had underestimated him severely.
He should have known better, considering he was the Sword Phoenix’s younger brother.
Namgung Cheonjun took a small step forward, raising his sword to face his opponent.
He was getting serious.
He drew a half-circle with his blade, thrust, retrieved it, and repeated the motion.
It was a movement he had drilled for countless years.
Thanks to that training, his movements were flawless and firm.
He knew that one day, he would represent the Namgung Clan’s swift sword art.
The Zenith.
It was a title currently held by the Sword Venerable, but Namgung Cheonjun was certain he would one day inherit it.
They say my sword talent surpasses even the Clan Lord’s.
So he was sure of it.
Because I am a genius.
But then why…
Why can’t I land a single hit on him!?
How many swings had it been? How many attacks had he launched?
Namgung Cheonjun’s sword was undeniably fast.
His movements were flawless, his attacks seamless and continuous.
As his anger mounted, his breathing grew ragged, and he retrieved his sword.
There was no reason he should be losing to this guy.
But then why?
How does he know, every single time, where I’m going to strike?
The boy kept dodging his attacks by a hair’s breadth.
The sword grazed his clothes, his hair.
But it never made direct contact.
He was using the absolute minimum movement to evade, which meant he wasn’t tiring at all.
This was impossible unless he was genuinely superior to Namgung Cheonjun.
So what was the answer?
Is this piece of shit… stronger than me?
As his pride crumbled, Namgung Cheonjun’s thoughts darkened.
…I want to kill him.
The piece of shit who was capturing his perfect sister’s attention.
The piece of shit who was dodging his sword as if it were nothing.
I want to kill him.
Consumed by his murderous intent, Namgung Cheonjun secretly channeled a sliver of qi into his sword.
Just enough to go unnoticed.
Then, putting all his strength into the next strike, he aimed for the boy’s head.
-Poow!
“Urgghhhh!”
Namgung Cheonjun shuddered and dropped to his knees.
Then, the boy slapped him across the face.
With a sharp ‘Pa!’, Namgung Cheonjun collapsed.
“You bastard.”
The boy, Gu Yangcheon, stepped closer to Namgung Cheonjun and shouted, his voice dripping with fury.
“I was going to let it slide, but you, you piece of shit, dared to use qi? Why? Did you want to kill me?”
Blood trickled down Namgung Cheonjun’s head, his focus shattered.
“Wow, what a shitty feeling. Honestly, haven’t I held back my anger more than three times already?”
As Gu Yangcheon spoke, seemingly to some unseen presence,
He kicked Namgung Cheonjun, who was trying to crawl away, squarely in the crotch.
“Aghhhhhhh-!!!”
“Gasp…!”
Tang Jooyeok, who had been watching the entire scene, flinched involuntarily.