Chapter 664: Why is that person over there?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 664: Why is that person over there?
Night faded, and dawn arrived.
The sun was gradually finding its place, ascending into the sky.
I moved my body, breathing in the crisp morning air.
I tilted my head slightly.
A dagger grazed my cheek.
Sshhhk! Sharp.
Moreover, it was imbued with Combat Qi. If that dagger were to hit me…
‘It would dig in a little deep.’
My body's durability had increased so much that it wouldn't pierce through, but it likely would have lodged itself in my skin.
I didn't bother checking where the dagger flew. I simply took another step.
Vwiiing!
At the unfamiliar sound, I ducked.
Whoosh! I couldn't see it, but a sword slashed through the air above me.
Craaash!!
Sword aura exploded, the sound echoing from behind me. The intensity and texture I felt from the impact weren't bad.
I raised my arm to strike. Just as I was about to extend it, it collided with the tip of a foot flying toward my face.
Baaam!!
Our internal energies clashed with a sharp crack. I immediately twisted my waist to add more rotation.
Shhk! Shhhk-shhk!
A sharp offense followed my movements. His fluid sword art was difficult to read. It seemed he was still trying to erase the flow of the Kunlun Sect from his blade, but his unique style remained. He looked ready to follow any feint I threw at him.
‘Hmm.’
Watching him, I smirked.
The owner of the sword was Seong Yul. The kid's murky, yellow eyes darted back and forth. First, he checked my chest to see if my breathing was rising. Then his gaze swept over my shoulders, arms, waist, thighs, calves, ankles, and even the tips of my toes.
In an instant, he scanned my entire body, tracking my every move—how I moved, and where those movements would end. Seong Yul was constantly observing it all.
I moved my arm slightly to feint.
Sshhhk!!!
A sharp sword aura cut in deep, as if to block it. He'd realized it was a feint.
‘The little bastard.’
His instincts were sharp. Very sharp.
His sword gained speed as he went. For his level, his overall mastery was high. He didn't fear battle and didn't hesitate to advance. The killing intent clinging to his sword was unsettling, but it was at a tolerable level.
However.
“Your wrist rises when you swing downward.”
Just as Seong Yul's eyes widened, I shot forward. Startled, he altered his sword path.
“Good grief.”
I had just told him his wrist lifts when he swings down, yet he stubbornly used that exact move.
‘Tsk.’
I extended my arm. My accelerated attack shot toward Seong Yul's arm. The flow of air pressure was annoying, but my attack wasn't so weak that it couldn't break through his protective aura.
Crack!
The moment my arm touched it, Seong Yul's protective aura shattered easily.
“…!”
Realizing he couldn't block it, Seong Yul hastily tried to retreat, but it was already too late.
“It's good that your eyes are quick, but you take too long to act.”
That's what creates an opening.
Smack!
As I spoke, I struck Seong Yul's wrist.
“Guh!”
His arm was knocked back by the impact. Somehow, he managed not to drop his sword. He had guts, all right. I'd have to praise him for that later.
‘First, let's finish this.’
The rough impact shattered his stance, revealing countless openings. Seeing this, I was about to kick Seong Yul when…
Shhk.
“Tsk.”
Sensing something from behind, I retracted my move and spun around.
Thud-thud-thud!!
A volley of daggers embedded themselves in the spot I had just vacated. I turned my gaze to find a blade's edge already before my eyes. I twisted my head and dodged.
Flick!
The sword grazed me, leaving a scratch on my skin, but it healed instantly. As I dodged, I grabbed the hand of my ambusher.
But then.
Whoosh.
“Oh?”
The moment I grabbed her arm, she scattered and vanished like mist.
How strange. An illusion?
Intrigued, I employed my footwork.
Shhk!
A dagger grazed the tip of my nose.
Shaaak!
From the opposite direction of the first dagger, another attack unfolded. It was a peculiar sight for the work of a single person. Moreover, every single movement was sharp and wrapped in Combat Qi. It meant she hadn't reached her level through half-measures.
‘Looks like she learned well from the Dark King.’
I smirked, watching the woman swinging a dagger at me—Tang Soyeol.
If you're wondering why things suddenly turned out this way, it's because the Dishonored Venerable had sent a letter saying he'd be away for a few days on business. Thanks to that, my life was no longer on the line, and I had some free time for training. I decided to test the skills of these two.
The result?
‘Not bad.’
I could see that both Seong Yul and Tang Soyeol were stronger than I'd expected. Tang Soyeol was particularly impressive.
Was it about four or five years ago? The Friendly Martial Arts Competition held alongside the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament. She was completely different from the Tang Soyeol I saw back then. Only a few years had passed, yet she had transformed from a young prodigy into a true master. It was a gratifying growth to witness.
‘What did she go through to grow this much?’
Remembering the things Tang Soyeol, who had been merely mediocre, must have endured to reach this point left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth.
As I was dodging blades left and right…
Vzzzt.
I felt a chilling presence from behind. Without hesitation, I unleashed a fist aura behind me. Just as I expected, a sword Qi was flying toward me.
Booooom!!
It clashed with the sword Qi and exploded. Simultaneously, their joint attack began.
If I tried to create distance, daggers and sword Qi would fly at me. If I tried to press forward, they would launch a combined attack to break my momentum.
‘Hmm.’
This must be the first time they've coordinated an attack. And yet, Seong Yul and Tang Soyeol's offense was incredibly sharp, as if they had been partners for a long time.
‘Is it because their styles are compatible?’
Seong Yul created opportunities for Tang Soyeol to strike, and Tang Soyeol cleared a path for Seong Yul to wield his sword fluidly.
‘This is quite good.’
At this rate, they could at least take on a seasoned master at the Fusion Realm level. Things would probably change even more once that Seong Yul kid reaches the Fusion Realm himself.
I leaped back to create some distance and nodded.
‘I think I've seen enough.’
There was no need to see more. The moment I thought that…
Thump!
I stomped hard on the ground and shot forward.
Baaam!
My body flew like an arrow. Wind pressure swirled around me as I accelerated.
“Ah!”
“Hut!”
The two were momentarily flustered, but they immediately moved to counter. Seong Yul charged forward without hesitation and swung his sword.
But his attack never reached me.
Thwump!
Before his strike could even pick up speed, my hand shot out, grabbed Seong Yul by the scruff of his neck, and threw him into the air.
Whooosh! Seong Yul's body soared. As he tried to land, I unleashed a fist aura.
“Keuk!”
He raised his sword to block, but the impact of the fist aura sent him flying back even faster. Then, I immediately rushed toward Tang Soyeol.
My method was the same as before. Just like with Seong Yul, I approached to grab her, but…
“Eek…!”
Tang Soyeol once again turned into mist and disappeared. Seeing this, I changed direction and reached out toward the empty space to my left. I pressed my middle finger down with my thumb and…
Flick!!
I gave her a forehead flick.
“Kyaaak!”
A dull thud and a scream rang out simultaneously.
“Ughhh…”
Tang Soyeol, who had suddenly appeared out of thin air, clutched her forehead and collapsed with a thud. Her stealth art was impressive, but it seemed she couldn't hide the flow of energy visible to my Mind’s Eye.
Afterward, Seong Yul, who had barely managed to land, tried to rush me again, but…
Tap.
“…!!”
My fist was already touching Seong Yul's chin. Looking at the sweating boy, I let out a short laugh.
“It's over.”
I relaxed my stance.
“Haa… haa… haa…”
Only then did Seong Yul let out the breath he had been holding, his breathing ragged. I checked on Tang Soyeol and found her resting, spread-eagled on the training ground floor.
I let out a dry laugh.
“What did you even do to get so tired?”
It didn't feel like we did much, but she was already exhausted? How absurd.
“You two need to work on your stamina. Good grief.”
“…You're the one who's… strange, Young Master.”
Tang Soyeol griped at me, telling me not to say such ridiculous things.
“It's been over two hours…”
“Hm? Really?”
Has it been that long already? I thought maybe fifteen minutes had passed, but it was much longer than I expected.
“Still, it's only been two hours, right?”
“…Yes…?”
“You need at least four hours for it to even feel like a workout.”
“…?”
The more I spoke, the more Tang Soyeol stared at me as if I were speaking nonsense. She had an expression that seemed to ask what kind of madman spars for four hours.
‘Is that really so strange?’
When I spar with the Dishonored Venerable, that's about how long we go. Most of that time was spent getting beaten up, but I was so used to it now that two hours felt insufficient.
When I decided to train properly, I would spar for about four hours and invest the remaining time entirely in external arts training. When I spent the day using the training methods I learned from the Mount Hua Sect, I felt incredibly refreshed at the end.
‘Even a regressor like me trains his ass off, and they're panting after just this…’
Kids these days are so weak. Tsk, tsk.
I shook my head and dusted myself off. If it had been two hours, that meant morning was just around the corner. I spoke to the two exhausted figures.
“I'll tell you what you need to fix later. For now, let's wash up and get something to eat.”
“…Yeees…”
“…Understood.”
At my words, the two gave listless replies. They seemed completely drained. I had also moved around for the first time in a while, so I was thinking I should wash my face, when…
Knock, knock.
“Excuse me.”
The sound of knocking came from the entrance of the training hall, along with a lovely voice. I looked to see who it was—Moyong Hi-ah.
“What is it?”
What was she doing here so early in the morning? Besides…
‘She's a bit dressed up, isn't she?’
Moyong Hi-ah always dressed well, but today she looked particularly beautiful. It looked like she'd put on makeup, too. Her clothes seemed more extravagant than usual.
“Are you done training?”
“Mm… more or less?”
I was planning on doing some personal training after breakfast, but my morning session was over. I answered in that sense, and Moyong Hi-ah said, “Then, come with me somewhere.”
“Huh…?”
I tilted my head at her sudden words. Come with her? All of a sudden?
“Where?”
“I have some business with the merchant association. I was hoping you'd come with me, Young Master.”
“Why should I…”
Why did I have to go? I was about to ask, but…
“…What did you say?”
Seeing Moyong Hi-ah's expression sour, I immediately shut my mouth. But it seemed I was already too late.
“What do you mean, ‘why’? After you ditched me so suddenly last time?”
“No, I…”
“Can't you just come along without asking questions? Do you really, really have to ask?”
“I haven't asked yet…”
“You were about to ask.”
“…That I was.”
Her ice-cold words made me clear my throat.
“Who do you think I'm working this hard for…? If I ask you to come, just come.”
“…Who are you working for?”
“It's because of you!”
I had asked without thinking, and Moyong Hi-ah shouted at me in a sharp voice. Her shout made me flinch. How can a kid who's barely reached the Peak Realm have such a strong presence? For a moment, I was completely intimidated.
“You're as dense as you are shameless. How do you plan to get by if you don't even know this?”
“…No, it’s just…”
“No, forget it. Just live without it. That'll solidify my position. I should just make you feel uncomfortable without me. That'll make my life easier.”
“What does that even mean—.”
“Just stop talking and come with me. You can hang out with me for one day, can't you? You don't want to? Go on, say you don't. I dare you. I won't let you off easy.”
Moyong Hi-ah scowled fiercely at me. She looked like she would actually bite me if I said no.
“I'll just… wash up and be right out.”
I had planned to spend some time training and organizing my plans, but it was clear that if I didn't go, there would be trouble. So I gave up and was about to wash my face.
“Ch-Cheap shot.”
Tang Soyeol, who had been lying limply on the floor, suddenly spoke up. She barely managed to turn her body and glare at Moyong Hi-ah.
“You did that on purpose, didn't you…?”
“What on purpose?”
“You came right when our training ended! You were waiting for a time when I couldn't move!!”
“I don't know what you're talking about?”
Moyong Hi-ah just scoffed at Tang Soyeol's fuming words.
“Why would I ever do something like that?”
“You're just trying to have him all to yourself! I want to go too!”
“Then you can come with us. I don't mind if you join, Lady Tang.”
“Grrr!”
Tang Soyeol ground her teeth and tried to push herself up. But, perhaps due to the aftereffects of the spar, she could only groan, unable to even sit up properly.
Seeing this, Moyong Hi-ah covered her mouth with her hand and said, “Oh my… you seem to be struggling. You should get plenty of rest today, Lady Tang.”
“I can do it…!”
“You're exhausted, why are you trying to get up? Just eat and rest. I'll be back soon.”
“Y-Young Master…?”
I'd only told her to rest because she looked exhausted, but upon hearing my words, a look of despair filled Tang Soyeol's face. What was wrong with her? Is it really that disappointing to be told to rest when you're tired?
“That's right. You should rest. We're just going to take care of some business.”
In contrast to Tang Soyeol's disappointment, Moyong Hi-ah seemed to have gained a burst of energy, her tone turning smug.
“You're… so mean!!”
“Let's go, Young Master.”
“Uh… okay.”
My eyes were drawn to Tang Soyeol, who looked just like a squirrel that had its food stolen, but…
Squeeze!
As if there was no time to waste, Moyong Hi-ah linked her arm with mine and started pulling me away. As I was being dragged along, something came to mind, and I asked her, “She's probably resting too. Should we take her with us?”
I thought of Wi Seol-Ah, who was likely nearby. If we were going out anyway, wouldn't it be better to go together? Namgung Bi-ah needed to rest so she couldn't go out, but Wi Seol-Ah liked going outside, so I thought I'd feed her while we were out.
“Hmph, just as I thought.”
Moyong Hi-ah grinned as if she had expected it.
“I knew you'd say that, so I've already made preparations.”
“Oh?”
Did she mean she'd already told Wi Seol-Ah to come with us? As expected, she works fast…
“Lady Wi won't be coming out. I made sure to 'ask' her not to follow us today, under any circumstances. So even if you say that, there's nothing to be done.”
“…Huh?”
She hadn't told her to come out beforehand. She had asked her not to come out? I made a dumbfounded face, wondering what kind of nonsense this was.
Moyong Hi-ah looked at me, her scowl melting into a burst of laughter.
“What's with that stupid look on your face?”
“What you said was a little weird.”
“It's so you, Young Master. I like it.”
“You called it stupid and then said you like it because it's 'so me'? Is that an insult? That's an insult, isn't it?”
“It's a compliment. A genuine compliment.”
As she spoke, she loosened her tight grip on my arm.
“I've been thinking lately. It might be better if you just stayed outwardly ill-tempered and incompetent.”
“Why don't you just insult me to my face? How is that a compliment in any way?”
“It is a compliment. That way, no one else will know your true worth.”
Moyong Hi-ah sighed and added, “It's already giving me a headache that so many people seem to know. If that number grows, I don't know what I might do. So please, just stay as you are.”
Telling me to remain incompetent—what an absurd demand. As I scowled at her ridiculous words, Moyong Hi-ah, still holding my arm, quietly added, “That way, my reason for being by your side will be that much clearer.”
Her walking pace quickened. By the time I noticed, we were already outside the main gate. A small carriage was waiting.
Looking at the small carriage, I asked Moyong Hi-ah, “This carriage is kind of small, isn't it?”
I knew she usually rode in one that was twice this size. I wondered why today's was so different.
Moyong Hi-ah answered my question.
“That's right. It's cozier inside this way, so it's easier for us to be close.”
“…Huh?”
“Now, let's get to work. Get in.”
Before I could ask anything else, I was pushed into the carriage by Moyong Hi-ah's negligible strength. Then, she followed me in and sat down right next to me.
For some reason, the expression on her face as she sat down was the brightest I had seen in a long time.
No. At least, until the incident in the afternoon… I'm sure it was.