Chapter 660: Hands off. (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 660: Hands off. (3)
A subtle current rippled through the silent air.
Invisible blades seemed to radiate in every direction. It felt unstable, somewhat immature, but the nature of the power was unmistakable.
‘Mind Sword.’
The state where man and blade become one. This was a manifestation of the Mind Sword.
I could finally see what was once invisible. Before, I would have wondered if such a thing even existed, but now, it was all too clear. The entire inn was filled with the presence of those blades.
Swoosh.
A floral scent permeated the wavering breeze. As I inhaled the fragrance and lifted my head, I saw the woman standing before me.
Shining blonde hair fell past her waist, and her eyes were a perfect mirror of his. Though she wore a somewhat ill-fitting red uniform, her radiant features made the outfit irrelevant. Her appearance was enough to utterly erase the passing thought I’d just had while looking at Bihyeonhwa—that she was "easy on the eyes."
She was the very incarnation of beauty. Her face, which had been unbelievably lovely even as a child, had fully bloomed as she matured into a woman.
‘A flower.’
A beautiful flower that seemed to exist in an eternal spring. A flower capable of stealing the gaze of anyone who looked upon it had blossomed right here.
My eyes scanned the room. The furtive glances previously directed at Bihyeonhwa had long since been captured by this newcomer. Everyone in the inn was staring, utterly captivated.
Her cute eyes, now uncharacteristically sharp, fully unleashed her foul mood. To me, the display looked almost trivial, but it was likely a different story for Bihyeonhwa standing next to me.
I took a small step away from Bihyeonhwa, who had been clinging to me. As I did, the energy radiating in all directions seemed to diminish slightly.
“Haa… Hah…!”
Finally able to breathe properly, Bihyeonhwa gasped for air. Watching her, I withdrew the hand I had been about to place on her neck.
‘That was a close call.’
What a relief. I had been on the verge of losing my patience and killing her, but I managed to stay my hand just in time. She was so disgusting I could barely stand it.
I discreetly waved my hand, hidden from Bihyeonhwa’s view.
Whoosh!
A wave of energy swept through the inn. The others likely didn’t notice, but the aura was so sharp it was better to clear it away. After filtering the energy and sending it out the window, I spoke to the trembling Bihyeonhwa.
“It seems my guest has arrived. I don’t think I can see you out. It’s been a pleasure.”
As I spoke with a grin, Bihyeonhwa shot up as if she’d been waiting for the signal and bolted out of the inn. The sight was so pathetic that a sneer escaped my lips.
‘To think I’d see the day that woman looked so miserable.’
She was one of the people I regretted not being able to kill in my past life, but she wasn’t someone I dwelled on. Even without my intervention, she had already met a wretched end back then.
‘What exactly happened to her again? I heard she was captured by the Deer King’s faction.’
If that was the case, there was no need to know more. Among the abnormal members of the Demonic Cult, the Green Aerial Army led by the Deer King was a den of madmen who tore everyone apart, regardless of age or gender. A beautiful woman from the Orthodox Faction captured by them? I didn’t particularly want to imagine how that ended.
Though Bihyeonhwa had just fled, people were still staring at our table. In fact, they seemed completely unconcerned with her departure. Seeing this, I let out a deep sigh.
It seemed her effect on people had only intensified during our time apart. With that thought, I looked at the woman watching me.
The blonde beauty, Wi Seol-Ah.
‘…It’s been a little less than a year since I last saw her.’
It was around the time I left the Gu Clan, so that sounded about right. And yet, in that short time…
‘How did she grow so much?’
In that brief period, Wi Seol-Ah had become even more radiant. Her face and body had matured significantly since I’d last seen her.
‘Did she get taller?’
For some reason, she seemed a bit taller than she had been in my past life. Was it because she was eating well? In any case, she looked healthy, which was good, but…
“You… did you already forget what I told you to do when you go outside?”
“...”
At my sudden reprimand, Wi Seol-Ah flinched and averted her eyes.
Hwoong.
At the same time, I felt a shift in the air. A subtle energy seeped out and enveloped Wi Seol-Ah’s body. Her presence immediately diminished as she suppressed her aura.
“Huh…?”
“Oh…!”
Disappointed groans erupted from the surrounding tables. Along with expressions of confusion, I could feel a primal desire from the crowd to see more of her. To have this much of an effect just by existing… she was like a human poppy flower.
‘She wasn’t this distracting before.’
It seemed to have gotten worse since I left.
‘Her skills have improved significantly; maybe that’s why.’
If I recalled correctly, she hadn’t reached the state of Mind Sword before I left the clan.
“…For now, sit.”
“...”
At my word, the presence-suppressed Wi Seol-Ah cautiously sat down across from me. A faint smile touched my lips at her somewhat annoyed expression.
“It’s been a while.”
“…Yes.”
Her voice was slightly sharp. Even that was amusing. I raised my hand to call a server.
“Ah, y-yes!”
A waiter approached with a dazed look. Moyong Hi-ah had said she’d spend a fortune to open a unique inn, and she certainly hadn't lied.
‘To think she’d dress a waiter in silk.’
The man was even handsome for a waiter. It was to the point where I wondered if he was one of the male courtesans she’d brought over. However, even he couldn’t take his eyes off Wi Seol-Ah, which made me frown.
“Huk…!!”
Only then did he hastily lower his gaze.
“Three of your largest plum teas.”
“Th-three cups, sir? Are you expecting other company…?”
“No, she’ll drink them all. Ah, three should be enough, right?”
“...”
Wi Seol-Ah nodded. She must have been in a truly foul mood. Normally, she’d drink at least five cups, but for her to be satisfied with just three…
“…Ah?”
The waiter looked like he didn’t quite understand, but an order was an order, and he quickly disappeared toward the kitchen.
I pushed aside Bihyeonhwa’s teacup. The unpleasant, incense-like scent still lingered. After dispelling the odor with a bit of my energy, I looked at the silent Wi Seol-Ah.
“It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”
“Yes…”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet…”
“Really? Should we go eat then? The stalls outside were selling chicken skewers.”
“Ooh, I’ll have—!”
Tempted, Wi Seol-Ah was about to brighten up before she flinched and forced her expression back into a pout.
“…No… I don’t want any.”
Her voice was thick with disappointment. I burst out laughing at the sight. She was still the same. I laughed, feeling a wave of relief.
Pat, pat.
I patted the seat next to me.
“Come here.”
“...”
“Hurry.”
At my insistence, Wi Seol-Ah got up with a pouty face, walked over, and plopped down next to me. I reached out and stroked her hair. She didn’t refuse my touch.
“How did you get here?”
“…I walked.”
I gently pinched her lips at the sullen reply.
“That’s not what I was asking.”
“Mmph…!!”
“Do you have any idea how surprised I was?”
The moment I first felt that energy, my breath had caught in my throat. It was an aura that should not have been felt here. I had been ready to rush outside, but I forced myself to wait as the energy drew closer.
“How did you get here?”
“...”
Tap, tap. Wi Seol-Ah tapped my hand. I was still holding her lips. I slowly let go.
“…The Lord… asked me to come with him, so I came along.”
“Hm?”
My eyes widened.
‘She came with Father?’
Father came to Henan? I should have been surprised to hear that.
‘…Why?’
I had no idea why things had turned out this way. Of course, it wasn’t actually that strange. Just looking outside, I could see members of clans and sects from all over the continent. This was the first festival the Alliance had held in years. The appearance of Red-Grade demons had fractured the era of peace, but the situation was being managed with a swift response. For the Alliance to hold a festival now was essentially…
‘Proof that the world managed by the Alliance will be stable going forward.’
Furthermore, for the first time in years, a proper martial arts tournament—not just the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament—was being held, followed by the major event of the Heavenly Dragon Army’s establishment. For the noble clans and families to gather here meant they were celebrating the Murim Alliance’s new era, and…
‘It means they’re siding with the Murim Alliance.’
It was a way to officially show their allegiance. As such, all sorts of people were gathering, but…
‘…Why is Father among them?’
It was truly strange for my father to go out of his way to come here. Even in my past life, he never came to Henan unless it was for something extraordinary. I didn't know if the Alliance had invited the Gu Clan or not, but even if they had, the old man who I thought would rather die than travel had shown up for the tournament?
“...”
I was a little flustered. For him to have arrived by now meant he must have set out some time ago. Which meant…
‘…When I saw him in the North, he wasn’t in Shanxi?’
It meant my father was already on the move when he was summoned. No wonder his reaction had been strange.
‘And he even brought Wi Seol-Ah with him?’
What on earth did he come here for?
‘He’s not trying to become pro-Murim Alliance now, is he?’
I couldn’t quite figure out his reasoning.
“Your, your tea is here.”
Just as I was lost in thought, the plum teas arrived one after another. I handed one cup to Wi Seol-Ah and asked, “So, where is Father now?”
If he had just arrived, he would have headed straight for the merchant association, I presumed.
“The Lord hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Huh?”
“He said he had some business on the way and would be a few days late. So, I arrived first.”
“Business?”
Business on the way here. I suddenly remembered Mi Hyoran also saying she’d be away for a few days. Could it be related?
‘…He’s not the type to get into trouble, so I’m not particularly worried, but…’
It was still a bit concerning.
‘Anyway.’
I pushed the thought aside and looked at Wi Seol-Ah. She was quietly sipping her plum tea, so I gently pinched her cheek. Even as she drank it with relish, her brow was still furrowed. I asked with a hint of a smile, “What were you so upset about?”
“…It’s nothing.”
“But you’re making that face when we haven’t seen each other in so long?”
When I pointed it out playfully, Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes narrowed a little more.
“Exactly… We haven’t seen each other in so long, and yet…”
She turned her head away sharply, as if she couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.
‘Hmm.’
This was going to last a while. Wi Seol-Ah rarely stayed mad for long, but it seemed this time was serious. I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
“Alright, are you hurt anywhere?”
“…No.”
“You look like you’ve lost weight. Are you eating properly?”
“Yes…”
“I can see you’ve gotten prettier, but.”
“…!”
“You need to put on a little weight.”
She had become too beautiful. This would draw too much attention, so I felt I needed to find a way to hide her face. But then…
“...”
“Hm?”
Was it my imagination, or did Wi Seol-Ah’s ears seem a little red? What? Why?
‘Why does she seem less mad now?’
I hadn’t done anything, but for some reason, the tension had eased. Was it because of the plum tea? Is delicious food really the answer to everything?
“Should I order some more yakgwa?”
Thinking I’d found the solution, I asked her. This place was an inn, but it served more snacks than alcohol. It was an intentional design by Moyong Hi-ah, who had confirmed that female customers spent more money.
But…
“N-no. It’s okay. I don’t need any.”
“…Huh…?”
The Wi Seol-Ah I knew just refused yakgwa. It was astonishing. I thought it was because she was still sulking, but the corners of her lips were turned up slightly. It was clear: Wi Seol-Ah was in a good mood now. I just didn't know why.
“Uh… okay.”
Her movements as she drank the tea were light and graceful. Even as she took small sips because it was hot, the atmosphere around her seemed to brighten. As I watched her quietly drink her tea, I asked, “So, why aren’t you asking?”
“Pardon?”
Wi Seol-Ah’s large eyes grew even wider as she looked at me. She looked completely clueless.
“That woman from before. Why aren’t you asking who she was?”
“Ah.”
‘Ah’? She was furious just a moment ago; did she already forget?
“It’s fine now.”
I tilted my head. “It’s fine?”
“Yes. It’s fine now. I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.”
“Huh…?”
Wi Seol-Ah nodded. She truly seemed to have lost all interest. Just moments ago, she looked like she was ready to kill. Wouldn’t one normally ask why she approached me? It would have been a pain to explain, but now that she wasn’t asking, I felt strangely disappointed.
And on top of that…
‘…When did she drink all that?’
I thought she was still on her first cup. But somehow, all three cups of plum tea were empty. It felt like we’d only exchanged a few words, but she’d finished them all. It must have been incredibly hot. How did she do it?
Finding it both amazing and nostalgic, I slowly stroked Wi Seol-Ah’s head. As I gently caressed her hair, something caught my eye. It was the hair accessory I had given her. Both Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah… I didn't know why they kept wearing that cheap thing.
‘I should look for a new one later.’
As I was thinking that, Wi Seol-Ah looked up at me. Our eyes met.
“Oh, that’s right. Young Master.”
“Hm?”
Wi Seol-Ah spoke as if she had just remembered something.
“I missed you.”
“...”
“I don’t think I’d said it yet.”
I flinched instinctively. My body froze. It made it even harder to respond.
“…Uh, me too,” I managed to spit out stiffly. I had to say something.
At that, Wi Seol-Ah smiled radiantly. Looking at her, I thought, ‘I really need to find something for her.’
Of all things, her smiling face was just so damn beautiful. At this rate, I felt like I would be the one intoxicated by this poppy flower before anyone else.
The back alleys of Henan.
While countless people roamed the city, the fastest route to the Murim Alliance was quiet even during the day. This was partly because of an incident that had occurred here just over a month ago, and because the Alliance itself had blocked civilians from passing through. Since Alliance martial artists occasionally patrolled the area, it was a place ordinary people avoided.
But on one side of such an alley…
Grit…!
A woman was biting her nails, walking at a brisk pace. Her pretty face was contorted with a mixture of fear and rage.
‘…I’ll kill you. I swear I’ll kill you.’
The woman was Bihyeonhwa. She couldn’t contain her surging anger, and the veins in her eyes were bulging.
‘How dare she…!!’
Bihyeonhwa’s eyes flashed ferociously as she recalled the woman who had appeared. That fucking bitch who not only stole every gaze in the room but also brazenly oppressed her. And then…
‘That face.’
That beautiful face that made her feel defeated the moment she saw it. The nameless woman had bestowed upon her—the one called the Flower of the Alliance and the Greatest Beauty of Henan—a sense of utter despair.
‘And that good-for-nothing bastard is the same…!’
A man who remained unfazed even when she, of all people, tried to seduce him. She had wondered why he was acting so aloof.
‘Was it because he had a woman like that?’
Was he unfazed because there was a more radiant flower nearby? She hated it. He seemed like a decent martial artist for someone of his standing, so she thought she’d extend a hand, but how dare he not only resist her seduction but also make her feel so humiliated.
Bihyeonhwa clenched her fists so hard they trembled.
‘I’ll kill her.’
She would kill her, one way or another. She wanted to deal with her, even if it meant going back to the investigation department and offering her body to the old captains. The memory of her own terrified, broken state and her disgraceful escape flashed in her mind. Worse, there was the memory of herself feeling inferior after seeing her opponent’s beauty.
Unbelievable. So, somehow…
‘At least that bitch.’
The man didn’t matter. Honestly, she had no interest in him. The world was full of men, and among them, there were surely more capable ones. So, Bihyeonhwa resolved to deal with the woman, no matter what. If she couldn’t kill her, she had to at least leave a massive scar on her face.
That face had no right to exist here. There couldn’t be a prettier flower where she was.
‘I have to crush her.’
I have to stomp her out before that radiance can spread. That was her only thought. Her mind was already half-gone. Chewing on her nails, channeling her rage and inferiority, Bihyeonhwa moved on.
Just as she was hurrying back to the Murim Alliance…
Drip.
The sound of a water droplet echoed from somewhere.
Thud, thud!
Someone appeared behind Bihyeonhwa and swiftly struck her back.
“…Kuh!?”
Her body instantly went rigid. Her pressure points had been struck.
Alliance patrols were in the area, and the Murim Alliance headquarters was just a few steps away. In such a place, someone had dared to strike Bihyeonhwa’s pressure points. As the frozen Bihyeonhwa’s eyes darted around in terror…
“Hmm.”
Someone appeared from behind her and stood in front. But there was no sound of footsteps. That made it even more terrifying.
“…!!”
Bihyeonhwa’s eyes widened as she identified the person before her. The one who had struck her was a woman with long, pale green hair that reached her back. She had a small frame and cute features, and Bihyeonhwa knew her well.
“Hello.”
“…!”
The woman, Tang Soyeol, spoke to Bihyeonhwa. Of course, Bihyeonhwa couldn’t answer, but Tang Soyeol didn’t seem to mind.
“It’s been a while, Sis.”
Shing.
The tip of Tang Soyeol’s finger touched Bihyeonhwa’s neck.
Press.
A thin line of blood trickled from the skin where her nail touched, and fear filled Bihyeonhwa’s eyes. Looking at her, Tang Soyeol said, “Shall we have a little chat? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
“...”
“If you understand, move your eyes up and down. Oh, if you don’t want to, you can move them side to side.”
Just as Bihyeonhwa was about to move her eyes from side to side without thinking…
“However,” Tang Soyeol continued, “if I don’t like your answer, I’ll gouge your eyes out.”
“…!”
“You have two chances. Since you have two eyes, I’ll take one at a time.”
“...”
Her words were gruesome, despite her cute tone. Bihyeonhwa’s eyes immediately moved up and down.
Seeing this, Tang Soyeol smiled as she caressed Bihyeonhwa’s cheek.
“That’s a relief. I was worried I’d get blood on my clothes…”