Chapter 711: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (19)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 711: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (19)
Crinkle—!
I crushed the tournament bracket in my fist.
With eyes burning with fury, I glared at the pavilion overlooking the arena. That was likely where the Alliance Leader and the high-ranking executives were gathered.
My face twisted as I stared at the building.
"Those fucking bastards."
The words surged with raw emotion. I had to forcefully suppress the aura threatening to erupt from my body. It wasn't easy to control; that was how deep my rage ran.
Yu Yeon and Wi Seol-Ah were matched against each other.
Just looking at those names side-by-side felt like thorns were sprouting in my throat. It was the same old tricks from the Alliance. It was enough to make me scoff in disbelief—nothing had changed, even with a new leader at the helm.
Sons of bitches.
The reason they went out of their way to arrange this specific matchup was painfully obvious.
Wi Seol-Ah had recently been making a name for herself, and word had begun to spread that she was the descendant of the Sword Venerable. Her distinct physical traits made it impossible to hide.
‘Those who master the Moonlight Dance Sword Art gain golden hair and golden eyes.’
This was a hallmark of the unique martial art used by the Sword Venerable, a fact the man himself had officially acknowledged. Of course, her ethereal beauty played a part in the rumors, as did the martial prowess she had displayed at the Heavenly Dragon Academy in the past.
No matter how quietly she tried to live, she was still blood-related to one of the Three Venerables. There was no way the world had forgotten the news that the Sword Venerable’s descendant had appeared.
Just look at the Dragon Warrior. He was originally known only as one of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes, but once word spread that he was the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable, his status changed completely. That was the kind of weight the name of one of the Three Venerables carried.
And among them, the Sword Venerable was said to be the man closest to being the Zenith Under the Heavens. He was also a former Alliance Leader from two generations ago—a figure still considered a mountain for the current Sword Immortal to overcome.
And now, the descendant of such a legend had appeared in the tournament.
‘So they saw an opportunity and just couldn't resist exploiting it?’
A single glance at the bracket revealed their filthy intentions with agonizing clarity.
Shaolin’s Heavenly Dragon defeats the Sword Venerable’s descendant.
By orchestrating this, they would elevate the status of the current Shaolin and, at the same time...
‘Erase the legacy of the Sword Venerable, piece by piece.’
It was a blatant political move to further solidify the current Sword Immortal’s position. They wanted to crush the symbol of the past to erase its traces. From a cold, political standpoint, it wasn't a bad strategy. After all, the shadow of a predecessor is often a burden to the next generation.
However...
‘This is fucking disgusting.’
And Wi Seol-Ah was the one being used as a pawn.
That was what made me sick to my stomach. That was what made me so furious I wanted to storm into that pavilion right now and kill them all.
Squeeze.
My clenched fist trembled violently. I couldn't calm down, no matter how hard I tried.
Just then, a cool touch graced the back of my hand. It was Namgung Bi-ah.
"..."
Without a word, she gently wrapped her hand around mine. Perhaps it was the sensation of her cool skin, but I managed to hold back. I kept myself from exploding.
Yes, I just had to endure. I wasn't calm, nor had my anger subsided—I was simply holding it in.
Please, just don't cross the line.
Let this pass without incident. Please, don't let any of my fears come to pass.
I prayed and prayed. Because if they did...
‘I don't know what I might do.’
I might lose control and lay waste to this entire place. I desperately, desperately prayed that it wouldn't come to that.
* * *
The second round of the main tournament began.
On the arenas, two pairs of martial artists started their duels, just like the day before. Those with later matches sat in the waiting area, maintaining a quiet, focused atmosphere.
The same was true for Wi Seol-Ah. She sat in her seat, perfectly still. The only part of her moving was her mouth.
Wi Seol-Ah had popped something into her mouth and was chewing diligently. It was yakgwa.
A sweet taste spread through her mouth. Savoring it, she chewed the honey cookie at a deliberate pace. After finishing one, she reached for another. Even while eating the snack, Wi Seol-Ah’s expression remained blank. It was a far cry from the way she ate so excitedly whenever she was in front of Gu Yangcheon.
In truth, Wi Seol-Ah wasn't particularly fond of snacks. She had liked them as a child, but as she grew older, she stopped enjoying sweet things. Eventually, she reached a point where she would only eat them if someone offered.
Even so, she always made sure to eat yakgwa. Not because it tasted good... but because the memories associated with it were precious.
The treats he brought for her had remained in her mind, becoming cherished memories. The reason she went out of her way to eat yakgwa was to savor those moments.
‘Sweet.’
So very sweet.
He probably still thought she loved snacks. That was why he always brought something back for her whenever he went out—and always in large quantities.
"Hehe."
The thought brought a brief, fleeting smile to her blank face. He probably didn't know. The only reason she ate so much and pretended to enjoy it was because of the way he looked at her—his gaze full of affection, as if he found her adorable.
‘I hope he never, ever finds out.’
I hope he continues to be oblivious. So that I can always stay by his side, like a little child.
Harboring this somewhat selfish wish, Wi Seol-Ah ate another yakgwa. Many eyes were on her, drawn by her striking appearance or the name of the Sword Venerable, but Wi Seol-Ah paid them no mind. She had grown used to the attention.
Suddenly, she remembered something she had forgotten.
‘I forgot my veil again.’
The veil he had given her, telling her to always wear it. She had forgotten it again. Would he scold her later?
Just as a flicker of anxiety crossed her mind, someone approached her.
"Lady Wi."
At the call, Wi Seol-Ah looked up to see a refreshingly handsome young man. He wore a white uniform embroidered with plum blossoms. It was a familiar face.
It was the Sword Dragon, Yung Pung.
"You are Lady Wi, correct?"
"Ah."
As Yung Pung spoke with a smile, Wi Seol-Ah nodded. "Hello."
"Ah, it's a pleasure to see you. It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I believe this is the first time since the Heavenly Dragon Academy. Do you remember me?"
"Yes."
She remembered. She knew of him because he was someone Gu Yangcheon regarded favorably. But to her, he was nothing more and nothing less than that.
"I heard you were also participating in the tournament, so I came to offer my greetings."
"Ah... It's nice to see you."
"It's a shame. If Young Master Gu were here, I could have greeted him as well."
He looked genuinely disappointed.
"I heard that Young Master Gu has accomplished another great feat. He truly is an amazing person."
"He is, isn't he? Young Master Gu is amazing."
Wi Seol-Ah smiled, finally reacting now that he was praising Gu Yangcheon.
"Yes. Truly amazing. If you happen to see Young Master Gu... could you please tell him that I'm watching his progress with great admiration?"
At Yung Pung's words, Wi Seol-Ah tilted her head slightly. "You can just tell him yourself."
If he wanted to see him that badly, he could just go. Why wasn't Yung Pung going to see Gu Yangcheon?
As she pondered this, Yung Pung explained. "Until we meet as opponents in this tournament... I have resolved not to see Young Master Gu."
His expression turned resolute, as if declaring a sacred vow.
"Therefore, I was hoping you could at least pass on my words... which is why I'm making this request."
It was a sentiment she couldn't quite understand. Nevertheless, Wi Seol-Ah nodded. "Alright."
"Ah! Thank you."
At her reply, Yung Pung smiled and bowed politely. "I apologize for disturbing your rest. I wish you the best of luck in the tournament."
"Okay."
The brief conversation ended, and Yung Pung disappeared. After watching him for a moment, Wi Seol-Ah turned her gaze away. Yung Pung's face was quickly erased from her mind.
With indifferent eyes, she scanned her surroundings. As she looked around, she would occasionally meet someone's gaze. It was only natural, as most of the crowd was staring at her anyway.
Each person reacted differently when their eyes met hers. Seventy percent would immediately look away. Ten percent would flinch in surprise. The rest were either those who openly showed their lust, or those who displayed hostility or some other ambiguous emotion.
Everyone had different eyes. How could they be so varied?
Observing them, Wi Seol-Ah felt a strange, subtle sensation.
‘Uncomfortable.’
Being in the same space as such beings. Breathing the same air. For some reason, it felt suffocating.
Why was she feeling this way?
As she began to feel short of breath, she pictured Gu Yangcheon in her mind. She could feel herself gradually calming down. This wasn't normal. Her "peculiarity" might make him uncomfortable.
She thought about it again and again.
‘I can't let him know about this discomfort.’
He would worry. He would look at her with eyes full of concern and try to do something about it. Wi Seol-Ah hated that.
So she endured. She calmly settled her emotions and nonchalantly ate another yakgwa. The bag was almost empty. Looking at it, Wi Seol-Ah felt a pang of disappointment. Was there anywhere she could get more?
As she thought this, she looked around again.
"..."
"..."
Her eyes met with someone else's. His gaze was strange. He didn't look away, and the emotion in his eyes was completely different from the others.
‘Who is he?’
She didn't know. From his shaved head and robes, he seemed to be from Shaolin. They held each other's gaze in silence. A few seconds passed.
Nod.
The other person respectfully averted his gaze. Seeing this, Wi Seol-Ah also gave a slight nod. His eyes had a strange feeling to them.
However, she quickly forgot about this as well. It wasn't important enough to dwell on. After that, she remained quiet for a long time.
Time continued to pass. Until it was her turn, Wi Seol-Ah kept her eyes closed, a wall erected around her to keep anyone from approaching. Only when her match was called did she open her eyes.
And when she stepped onto the arena, she realized. The Shaolin monk who had been looking at her earlier was none other than her opponent.
"I am Yu Yeon of Shaolin. I look forward to this match."
The man introduced himself and greeted her again.
"I'm Wi Seol-Ah."
They exchanged greetings with the judge standing between them. For some reason, the crowd in the stands felt unusually heated. She could hear the roar of the audience, but Wi Seol-Ah didn't listen. To her, it was like the barking of dogs.
She focused solely on the opponent before her. He had the same eyes as before. Up close, the emotion within them felt even clearer.
So she had to ask. "What's wrong?"
"Pardon?" Yu Yeon faltered at the question.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"...What do you..."
"What are you so sorry about?"
"...!"
As Wi Seol-Ah tilted her head, Yu Yeon's expression crumbled. She could see it clearly—it was the face of someone who had been found out.
"Why do you feel that way toward me? Is there a reason?"
It was a question that sounded innocent, yet it was piercingly sharp. Hearing it, Yu Yeon didn't answer. He simply bit his lip, his eyes troubled.
She couldn't understand it at all. Wi Seol-Ah couldn't comprehend why this man felt sorry for her.
Then, Yu Yeon slowly began to speak. "...Lady. I heard you are the descendant of the Sword Venerable."
At those words, a small frown formed between Wi Seol-Ah's brows. Of all things, it was the most uncomfortable topic.
"And?"
"I am called the Heavenly Dragon of Shaolin."
The Heavenly Dragon of Shaolin. She had heard the name before, though she didn't know the details.
"Therefore, there may be many reasons why you and I have come to stand here."
What did he mean? For Wi Seol-Ah, who was ignorant of worldly politics, it was impossible to say.
"I was a little distracted by that and failed to maintain the proper attitude. I will compose myself."
His complex emotions and discomfort were visible in his eyes. Even after hearing his explanation, Wi Seol-Ah still didn't understand.
"What's the problem with that?"
"Pardon?"
"I don't really understand things like that. So, right now..." Placing a hand on the hilt of her sword, she asked him, "Does this mean you're not going to fight me?"
"..."
"Whatever the circumstances are, if you're not going to forfeit, then focus."
The Heavenly Dragon, Shaolin... her opponent's feelings... Wi Seol-Ah didn't care about any of it. None of that was important.
"I believe that is the apology and courtesy you should be showing me right now."
At her calm tone, Yu Yeon's eyes widened. Was it because her words were unexpected? Or was it because he was being lectured by a woman his own age?
The tension in Yu Yeon's eyes began to subside.
"...I apologize."
Offering a different kind of apology than before, Yu Yeon took his stance. Seeing this, Wi Seol-Ah also drew her sword.
Shing—
The sharp blade was revealed to the world. The judge, having confirmed both were ready, nodded.
"...Begin!"
At the judge's call, Yu Yeon steadied his breathing. However, he was still hesitating. Yu Yeon bit his lip slightly and frowned.
Just then.
Slice.
A cutting sound came from somewhere. Yu Yeon's gaze fell downward. Something severed from his robes was fluttering to the ground.
It was his cloth sash.
Seeing it, Yu Yeon's eyes widened in shock. The sash finally landed on the ground.
"I just told you. Didn't you hear me?"
A voice came from right in front of him. Yu Yeon's head snapped up toward the woman. She was standing in the exact same position as when she had drawn her sword.
"Focus."
Her posture was so serene, it was as if she had never swung her blade at all.
"I said."
Seeing this, cold sweat began to form on Yu Yeon's bald head.