Chapter 684: Tang Soyeol of the Tang Clan
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 684: Tang Soyeol of the Tang Clan
A woman with light green hair stood there with a bright smile, and beside her was a blonde woman who, for some reason, couldn't seem to lift her head.
I gave a slight nod to Tang Soyeol and Wi Seol-Ah, who had appeared out of nowhere.
"What’s this? Why are you here?"
"We came to sign up for the tournament!"
It was the obvious answer. If we met here, it had to be for the registration.
However...
"...You're signing up?"
"Yep."
"You too?"
"...Yes."
I hadn't expected these two to enter. They must have already finished, as they were both holding wooden passes in their hands.
...Were they even interested in this sort of thing?
Tang Soyeol was born into a noble clan and tended to attend events like the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament without fail. But I never imagined Wi Seol-Ah would want to participate in a tournament. I thought she had little interest in such things.
Moreover...
I even made an effort to keep her from being interested.
I had deliberately tried to keep Wi Seol-Ah out of the spotlight, so for her to walk right into the tournament of her own accord was nothing short of baffling.
Have I been paying too little attention?
Lately, I’d been so busy being pulled in every direction that I hadn't had the time to worry about Wi Seol-Ah's interests. Was that why I didn't even know she wanted to enter?
Tsk...
This was getting complicated.
I glanced around, surveying the area. Just yesterday, the area around the registration desk had been bustling with noise.
"...Wow..."
"Hah..."
Now, there were only deep sighs of admiration; the noise didn't grow any louder. Gazes were drawn. Most eyes were fixed in our direction.
No.
To be precise, it would be more accurate to say they were fixed on Wi Seol-Ah.
"Beautiful... How can someone be so beautiful?"
People stared, captivated, as if in a trance, trying to steady their breathing. That was the best they could manage.
And that's only because she's suppressing her presence.
Whatever training Tang Soyeol had received from the Dark King, her natural presence had all but vanished. People were merely aware that she was there. But Wi Seol-Ah, even while suppressing her own presence, was drawing every eye.
Now that her beauty had fully bloomed, its effect was more potent than I had anticipated.
In the end, I couldn't just stand by. I released my Qi and wrapped it around Wi Seol-Ah.
Fwoosh!
As the sound barrier enveloped her, her presence diminished slightly. I used a considerable amount of Qi, yet that was the only effect?
I clicked my tongue softly and spoke.
"Where'd you sell off your veil?"
"...It was a little too hot to wear," Wi Seol-Ah replied with an awkward expression.
Or was it not awkwardness? It felt more like she was displeased. Seeing this, I immediately retorted.
"Hot, my ass. If someone at your level feels hot, that's a sickness."
"..."
The way her lips trembled confirmed she was unhappy. I was just worried about her, so why that expression?
Still, after I shrouded her in my Qi, the reactions from those around us seemed to have lessened.
"...So you've both registered, right?"
"Yes."
"That's right. We're going to do our best."
But why are you trying so hard?
I swallowed the words I couldn't bring myself to say. They were martial artists too, so they might want to participate in the tournament... Of course. Their participation itself wasn't a huge problem.
At least, I hoped not.
It'll probably cause some trouble, though.
With that thought, I turned my gaze away. Stepping away from the barrack, I carefully extended my senses.
Woong.
I checked each of the sensations that flowed in as my senses spread out thinly.
They were already watching.
There were six martial artists from the Alliance at the registration desk. Besides them, ten others were hiding their presence and watching us. Five of them seemed to be from the Wudang Sect.
They're already looking this way.
I knew they were likely stationed here to intervene if anything happened. But I could clearly tell their gazes were fixed on Wi Seol-Ah. It made sense.
"...The Sword Venerable's descendant? You mean that lovely young lady?"
"Yes, I heard it clearly."
"I'd heard the rumors at the Heavenly Dragon Academy, but... to think it was really a woman."
Word about Wi Seol-Ah was already beginning to spread. It meant that even if I shrouded her in my Qi, it was already too late. This much didn't matter.
It was a story that had to come out eventually.
It was something I should have anticipated from the moment Wi Seol-Ah picked up a sword. Delaying it until now was an achievement in itself.
"Wait here a moment."
Watching them, I let out a sigh and carefully started walking. I needed to take care of my own business first.
Just then.
"Le—Lea...!"
Bongsun, who was following me, tried to speak urgently, but I cut her off.
"Use the proper title."
If unnecessary rumors started spreading here, it would be a real headache. After I corrected her, Bongsun nodded her head several times. Did she understand?
"Young Master! Who were those people just now!?"
"..."
Something about that was still off, but I decided to let it slide for now. She got the gist of it, and that was enough.
"She looks like a jewel! Can I bite her? I can bite her, right?"
"Why would you bite a person?"
"She looks so, so precious! She's so cute! I want to bite her!"
Precious...
In a way, it was a fitting description. The problem was the sentence that followed.
That wench is the type who would actually bite if she said she would.
Shaking my head, I pulled Bongsun along. Seong Yul was following behind her. We soon arrived at the registration desk. There were a few more people than yesterday.
Seeing this, I reached into my robes. Then, I quietly activated my power.
In that instant.
Shhhk!
Two letters materialized at my fingertips. I grabbed them and pulled them out.
"Take these and go register."
I handed the letters I'd created to Bongsun and Seong Yul.
"Okay!"
Bongsun took the letter without a word and ran to the registration desk. Seong Yul, however, took his and asked me a question.
"What... is this?"
I nodded at Seong Yul's question and answered.
"A recommendation letter."
"...!"
One couldn't apply for the tournament without a recommendation letter from the Alliance, and there was no way Bongsun and Seong Yul would have one. It was obvious for Bongsun. As for Seong Yul, he was practically a fugitive.
Therefore, I had to use my power to create copies of recommendation letters and give them to the two.
"Hurry up and get it done."
"...Understood."
Seong Yul looked like he had more questions, but for now, he headed toward the registration desk. As I watched him leave, I thought to myself.
The duration... a few minutes at most.
The recommendation letters weren't large, but because they were filled with text and seals, my power wouldn't sustain them for long. Looking at the line, they should be done before it wears off.
If my prediction was correct, they wouldn't be caught. In truth, I had even changed their affiliated sects and names, so if the Alliance decided to check, the chances of being discovered were high.
But the Murim Alliance isn't exactly known for its meticulous work.
I was banking on their lazy work ethic. And indeed, not long after, the two of them appeared holding wooden passes. It seemed their registration was successful.
"Young Master! They said my name is Pi Yeonyeon!"
Bongsun ran up to me, holding her wooden pass, and said in an excited voice. She seemed happy to have a name.
"...Right. You're Pi Yeonyeon for the time being."
Pi Yeonyeon was an alias I had created. It was the surname of an actual clan in the Xi'an region, a place where I had already made arrangements through Nahi. There was no need to worry about Bongsun's identity being exposed through her name.
The problem here was...
"Young Master Jin will also have to get along for the time being."
"...Yes."
The problem would be Seong Yul, who had suddenly become Jin Imseok of the Gwangju Jin Clan. I made a playful comment, patting Seong Yul on the shoulder, and then quietly added.
—The guys from the Kunlun Sect will be here soon. If you're worried about being spotted, lay low.
"..."
Nod.
Seong Yul nodded with an uncomfortable expression. I wasn't telling him not to go outside. If he wanted, he didn't have to participate in the tournament. After all, it would be troublesome for Seong Yul if he were spotted by the Kunlun Sect.
However, Seong Yul knew it as well. He knew that if he didn't step forward in the tournament, he would be of no use to me.
If he decides to participate, I can pull some strings.
I couldn't guarantee there would be no problems. But I could make it so that even if problems arose, there would be nothing anyone could do about it.
Squeeze.
I saw Seong Yul grip his wooden pass tightly and tuck it into his robes. Seeing that, I smirked and turned away. Now that the registration was done, it seemed the important task for the day was finished.
Next up, I should contact the Unyielding Demon and set the bait.
It was about time to start laying the groundwork, so I needed to organize my thoughts and get in touch.
On top of that, I need to ask the Immortal Healer about the sorcery.
I thought today would be a relatively relaxed day, but when I looked closer, there was always a mountain of things to do. As always, today was one of those days.
The one silver lining is that Beomdong really hasn't shown up since then.
It had only been a day since the incident with Beomdong. What could possibly happen in that time? But one never knew. There was a chance Beomdong might act against my expectations, so I had already formulated a plan for that contingency.
I hope he doesn't do anything stupid.
If Beomdong's affairs got involved, things would get a little complicated. So I was hoping he would stay quiet. It would make it easier to use and discard him later.
I looked up at the sky and thought.
It's not exactly a leisurely schedule, but it looks like there's time to eat.
I could take the kids to eat before the next item on the agenda. Should we go to the dumpling house I went to with Peng Woojin yesterday?
With that thought, I returned to where Tang Soyeol and Wi Seol-Ah were.
"Huh?"
I had to narrow my eyes at what I saw. There was someone with Wi Seol-Ah and Tang Soyeol.
Who's that?
I saw a man talking to Tang Soyeol. As I slowly walked toward them, I heard voices from the crowd.
"...It's the Oil Bullet Sword...!"
"I heard he was going to participate in the tournament, so it was true."
"Is the Oil Bullet Sword really participating in the tournament?"
Oil Bullet Sword?
Those words were directed at the man in front of Tang Soyeol. There was no mistaking it, as all eyes were fixed on him. Moreover, he was a rather famous individual.
That guy is the Oil Bullet Sword?
He was a martial artist even I had heard of. The Oil Bullet Sword, Baek Cheongshin.
He was a martial artist of the Orthodox Faction from the Liaoning Baek Clan, one of the noble clans, and was currently listed among the Hundred Masters of the Central Plains. He didn't look a day over forty, but as someone who had surpassed the Fusion Realm, he had to be older.
He had a slick look about him, but his refined air suggested he was not an unattractive man. A handsome, middle-aged man, perhaps.
As if the Oil Bullet Sword himself was aware of this strength, apart from his outstanding skills...
He had a reputation for being quite the lecher.
One of the reasons the Oil Bullet Sword was so famous was the sheer number of anecdotes involving women. And that same Oil Bullet Sword was talking to those two...?
My brow furrowed on its own. I slowed my pace and opened my ears. First, I decided to assess the situation.
"Look over there, it's one of the Hundred Masters...!"
"They said it's the Oil Bullet Sword! A master like that came to the tournament?"
"I can't believe it, what luck... To think I'd see one of the Hundred Masters with my own eyes."
"That's not what's important. The fact that one of the Hundred Masters is participating in the tournament is what's important!"
Voices murmured endlessly from the surroundings. Hearing them, a slight smile lifted the corners of the man's mouth.
Praise me more, you ignorant fools. Yes, I am the Oil Bullet Sword.
The Oil Bullet Sword, Baek Cheongjin.
He listened to the voices, trying hard to suppress the smile that threatened to break free. The words tickling his ears were truly pleasant to hear. He was a man who particularly enjoyed the praise of others.
I am someone you would never get to see elsewhere. This is only natural.
Stare more. And praise me more. The boiling interest and adoration were his reasons for living.
"I heard the Oil Bullet Sword has reached the Fusion Realm. The aura he exudes is certainly on another level."
"We saw several peak masters just yesterday... but the Fusion Realm is in a different class."
"Indeed. Ordinary masters cannot be compared to an absolute master."
More pleasant words. However, amidst it all, the Oil Bullet Sword couldn't help but feel a little displeased.
To think they're comparing me to those who are at the Peak Realm at best. Tsk.
How dare they compare him to such trash? He was the real deal. To be compared to young pups who hadn't even properly broken through the wall.
Tsk, tsk.
As his displeasure grew, the Oil Bullet Sword forced his smile to widen, not letting it show on his face. He couldn't help it. In front of him was something he loved almost as much as attention.
A woman.
The Oil Bullet Sword loved women. Especially young and beautiful women. To him, the ones standing before him were treasures he couldn't help but covet.
"I have heard the rumors, but such paltry words cannot possibly do you justice."
The Oil Bullet Sword spoke, his eyes scanning someone. It was a small-framed woman with light green hair, and she was quite a beauty. She was one of the most beautiful women he had seen recently.
And what's more.
The woman behind her is on a different level.
Another woman stood behind the one with light green hair. The blonde woman was, by far, the most beautiful woman the Oil Bullet Sword had ever seen. Just looking at her made his mouth water. So much so that he shamelessly wanted to drag her away right this instant.
I must endure.
The Oil Bullet Sword suppressed the surging emotion. He had no choice. She was poison. A breathtakingly beautiful poison that would kill him the moment he touched her.
They said that woman is the descendant of the Sword Venerable.
Just hearing it sent a chill down his spine. Those who knew would understand just how fearsome a figure the Sword Venerable was to swordsmen who had reached a certain level. He was a man who had reached the heavens as a swordsman, and as such, recklessly touching his descendant could lead to disaster.
It was a shame. It was an unbearable shame, but the Oil Bullet Sword endured. It wasn't exactly a substitute, but there was another person in front of him.
"If I am not mistaken, I believe the young lady is the treasured daughter of the Tang Clan..."
"..."
At the Oil Bullet Sword's words, the woman's brow furrowed. Even that was beautiful.
"Or perhaps, have I misunderstood?"
"...You have not. A member of the Tang Clan's bloodline greets Senior Oil Bullet Sword."
Tang Soyeol cupped her fist in a salute, showing him respect. At that, the people around them began to murmur.
"If she's a daughter of the Tang Clan... then that young lady must be the Poison Phoenix."
"The Poison Phoenix? No, before that, the Tang Clan?"
The number of gazes on Tang Soyeol increased. At the same time, a chill began to creep into those gazes.
"You mean that clan that deserves to be slaughtered?"
"I heard they were kicked out of the Four Noble Clans after being caught kidnapping children and performing human experiments."
"For a scion of such a clan to show her face here. Tsk, tsk..."
The talk began to center on the Tang Clan rather than Tang Soyeol's appearance or title. Hearing their words, a shadow fell over Tang Soyeol's face. Noticing this, the Oil Bullet Sword gave an awkward smile and said.
"Oh dear, it seems I have made a mistake. This was not my intention..."
"...It is fine. I believe this is something I must endure."
It was obvious, but it was no mistake. The fallout was greater than he'd expected, but this too was within his calculations. The Oil Bullet Sword wore his signature smug smile and continued speaking to Tang Soyeol.
"To think I would make such a grave error upon our first meeting... I am truly sorry. It may not be enough of an apology, but..."
As he spoke, he took a step closer to Tang Soyeol.
"If the young lady is amenable, I would like to treat you to a meal at a fine establishment. What do you say?"
The Oil Bullet Sword asked Tang Soyeol in a suggestive tone.
"That's quite all right. Your sentiment is more than enough, Senior."
Tang Soyeol rejected his offer with a blank expression. There wasn't a hint of hesitation.
"..."
Hearing that, wrinkles formed around the Oil Bullet Sword's eyes.
Did she just refuse me? Me?
Tsk.
So she has some pride, for what it's worth.
A wench from a fallen, collapsing clan, yet she was acting proud, ignorant of her place.
When a man like me approaches her, she should be grateful and accept.
Truly, she was a foolish girl. As the thought crossed his mind, the Oil Bullet Sword's smile deepened.
"Haha. Just my sentiment? As a man, how could I possibly do that? You need not refuse."
"I am truly fine. This junior fears she would be intruding on your time, Senior."
"An intrusion! How could having a meal with a lovely junior be an intrusion? Don't worry, let's just have a light conversation..."
As the conversation continued, the Oil Bullet Sword started to get annoyed. She was just a wench with a pretty face and nothing else. A prodigy from a ruined clan was defying his will; it was impossible for him not to get angry.
What's more, the gazes from the crowd were starting to turn strange. If he dragged this out any longer, it would become troublesome. In the end, unable to overcome the situation and his emotions, the Oil Bullet Sword reached out and grabbed Tang Soyeol's wrist.
"It's really fine, so just stop and follow me."
His words became curt. It seemed being polite only made her arrogant, so he decided to be forceful. He grabbed her white wrist. The feel of her fair, cool skin made his mouth water. He wanted to throw her onto a bed right this instant, but that would cause problems.
She might act like she disliked it now, but once they started their meal, it wouldn't take long. Most of the women he'd met so far had been like that. So, for now, he tried to drag her away.
Grip.
"...?"
For some reason, she wasn't being pulled.
What the...?
The Oil Bullet Sword turned his head to look at Tang Soyeol. Even though he was using his strength, Tang Soyeol stood her ground, staring at him silently.
He was bewildered.
Did I use that little strength?
He was just trying to drag away a mere girl. Was that not enough?
No, I'm sure I used enough force.
Unable to shake the feeling of strangeness, the Oil Bullet Sword paused for a moment.
"...Haaa..."
A small sigh was heard. It came from Tang Soyeol.
A sigh?
Did she just sigh at him? Right to his face?
While the Oil Bullet Sword stared in disbelief, Tang Soyeol whispered to him.
"Senior."
"Hmm...?"
"Perhaps your brain is located in your groin, which is why you're having trouble understanding words."
"Huh...?"
Hearing her words, the Oil Bullet Sword's face went slack. What did she just say? His expression crumbled as if he'd heard an auditory hallucination. The situation was that incomprehensible.
How could he understand?
"Just now... what did you just say... N-no. Did you say that, Young Lady...?"
He asked again to confirm, but Tang Soyeol's eyes only grew colder.
"I've been patient with you, but it seems you don't know your place. I think I need to be a little more direct."
Tang Soyeol took a step toward the dumbfounded Oil Bullet Sword. Then, in a voice as cold as ice, she whispered in his ear.
"...You couldn't have me even if I dropped dead, so get lost, you fucking insect."
"...!"
At Tang Soyeol's words, the Oil Bullet Sword's face hardened into a mask of stone.