Chapter 83: The Great Demon (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 83: The Great Demon (3)
I woke in the morning and drank the water Wi Seol-Ah gave me.
“…Ugh… I feel like death.”
To be this thirsty right after waking up… was it because I’d sweated so much yesterday?
[Of course you feel like this. Did you expect to be fine after pushing your body so hard these past few days?]
“…Why are you scolding me? Isn’t it good for a martial artist to train?” I retorted to Elder Shin, rubbing my sore shoulders.
I’d been doing night training for several days now, and each morning I woke feeling more exhausted than refreshed.
The truly annoying part was that my body was visibly improving because of it. My muscle definition was becoming more pronounced. I understood that my Qi was accelerating my growth, but wasn't this a bit too fast?
I forced my aching body up and went outside. The sky was clear, promising good weather for the day. Not a cloud in sight. The sky was always particularly beautiful at the end of summer. And since my current residence was high on the mountain, the heat wasn't oppressive—a very welcome development.
Is Namgung Bi-ah gone?
I couldn't see her anywhere, so it seemed she'd gone out. I guessed she'd gone to see Gu Ryunghwa again. I considered going to meet them but quickly dismissed the thought. My presence there would probably be more harmful than helpful to Gu Ryunghwa right now.
“Now then… What should I do today?”
Gu Ryunghwa had already stated she didn't want to return home, so I could theoretically leave before the tournament began. But the Sword Venerable still hadn't returned. It wasn't that I was worried about one of the Three Venerables… I just felt I couldn't abandon him here.
Maybe… I should go look for demonic stones, since I found none yesterday.
With all these mountains around, I might find one if I search properly.
Or perhaps I should just train more…
For some reason, I felt I trained more intensely when visiting other clans and sects than I ever did at home.
[You’re only training this much because the results are so immediately noticeable to you.]
“That’s true,” I admitted reluctantly. The Mount Hua Sect’s training regimen was definitely effective. My muscles were slowly growing larger, even if my spirit felt like it was dying in the process.
[So, are you going to train today as well?]
“That’s the plan… but after I finish my other business.”
If I intended to leave before the tournament, I felt I should visit the Plum Blossom Sword first, as she’d asked to see me once more before I departed. Now was an ideal time, with little else on my agenda. It was better not to delay the matter further.
After going back inside to change, I stepped out again and saw Wi Seol-Ah passing by. “I’ll be back later,” I told her.
“Are you going somewhere?”
“I have some business to attend to.”
“Can I come along…?”
I doubted either Gu Ryunghwa or the Immortal Healer would appreciate me bringing company. Besides… I wanted to have a serious attempt at getting something from Zhuge Hyuk this time.
“I’ll be going alone today.”
“Aw… Well, have a safe trip then…”
“I’ll bring back some skewers.”
“Have a safe trip!”
“…”
Her mood improved dramatically at the promise of skewers. Was that a mistake on my part…?
* * *
What do I do?
Namgung Bi-ah hid her trembling hand. The overwhelming stench made her want to cover her nose, but the foul, oppressive energy permeating the area was an even greater concern.
…Killing intent?
It was too malicious to be pure Qi, yet different from simple killing intent. And then there was the giant standing before her, hefting a massive chunk of metal that could barely be called a sword.
The moment she saw him, Namgung Bi-ah knew she stood no chance in a fight. She knew it from the vile aura he radiated, and from the single sword slash she had instinctively blocked. The impact still reverberated through her shaking arms, a stark testament to his power. He was a martial artist of at least the peak realm, if not higher.
She wondered how long she would last against him. She wasn't certain, but she knew it wouldn't be long.
…This is bad.
She had only come here because she’d seen Gu Ryunghwa heading this way. She’d initially thought to call out to her, but the ominous sensation made her decide to follow quietly instead. She hadn't expected to encounter such a monster.
Now, she questioned whether her decision to follow had been a good one. She wasn't sure.
Unlike Namgung Bi-ah, whose eyes wavered, the man silently leered at her and Gu Ryunghwa. His gaze slowly traversed their bodies, from head to toe, as if appraising them. Namgung Bi-ah fought down a wave of nausea as his intense stare crawled over her—her face, her eyes, her neckline, her chest, all the way down to her feet.
When his eyes finally met hers again, he spoke with a smile that sent chills down their spines. “Nice, nice… Where did such a pretty girl come from?”
Goosebumps erupted all over Namgung Bi-ah’s skin; she knew exactly what he was thinking.
“If I had the time, I’d taste you right here and now… but it’s a shame, isn't it? I’m a bit busy at the moment.” He lifted the sword stabbed into the ground and hefted it onto his shoulder. Even that small movement felt threatening, and Namgung Bi-ah bit her lip.
The man looked at her and spoke again. “Even your scared expression is absurdly beautiful. Seriously, where did a beauty like you come from? I’m starting to feel hot because of it.”
“You… who are you?”
“Woah… even your voice is nice… Would you know who I am if I told you? This brother is called Ya Hyeoljeok.”
Namgung Bi-ah slowly shifted into a battle stance as she watched him chuckle.
Ya Hyeoljeok’s expression slowly darkened. “I don’t want to see a beauty get hurt. I’d rather you stay pretty.” He said this only so he could savor her later, after his business was concluded.
Hearing his words, Namgung Bi-ah raised her sword.
“S-Sis.” Gu Ryunghwa’s nervous call made Namgung Bi-ah whisper quietly to her.
“…Run.”
“No! Let’s run together!” Gu Ryunghwa, who also sensed their opponent's power, responded frantically.
But Namgung Bi-ah’s expression was bleak. She knew escape was impossible. She knew that while the man hadn't initially come for her, his plans had likely changed.
…What should I do?
After asking herself this, Namgung Bi-ah focused her breathing and wrapped her Qi around herself. She had told Gu Ryunghwa to run, but she doubted the man would allow it. Once her Qi was stabilized, she spoke to Gu Ryunghwa again. “Hurry… Go tell the people of Mount Hua.”
“But…” Gu Ryunghwa glanced behind her with terrified eyes. Not far away was the hut where her master was staying. Her master could barely walk, let alone run. If that man reached the hut…
“Wake up!” Namgung Bi-ah’s sharp command made Gu Ryunghwa flinch.
“Take a good look at the situation. You are no help here. If you have something to protect, think about what you should do first.” These were not the short, simple words typically spoken by Namgung Bi-ah. She didn't know what Gu Ryunghwa was worried about; she simply said what was necessary to cut through the girl's indecision.
Even as she spoke, Namgung Bi-ah kept her gaze locked on the man.
-Sssss…
A deep, heavy breathing sound came from Namgung Bi-ah’s mouth. She drew her real sword, abandoning the wooden practice blade, and pointed it toward the man.
“Are you really going to do it? This brother is busy and won’t go easy on you, so think carefully, sweetheart.” Ya Hyeoljeok’s tone was playful. Gu Ryunghwa clenched her teeth, trying to hide the fact that her lips were trembling with fear. Her breathing was nowhere near as calm as Namgung Bi-ah’s, but she tried her best to steady herself. Yet, the mental image of that huge sword aiming for her made complete calm impossible.
Just as Ya Hyeoljeok took a step forward, Namgung Bi-ah shot toward him like an arrow, as if she’d been waiting for the moment.
-Swoosh-!
The sound of a sword violently cutting through the air echoed. Namgung Bi-ah’s strike was fast and precise—so fast Gu Ryunghwa could barely see it. Yet, Ya Hyeoljeok dodged it effortlessly. It was unbelievable how such a large figure could move with such speed.
But Namgung Bi-ah continued her assault as if she’d expected the dodge. Qi infused her blade, leaving visible trails of light with every swing. It was an absurdly beautiful sight, but Gu Ryunghwa had no time to admire it.
-Hurry… Go tell the people of the Mount Hua Sect.
She remembered Namgung Bi-ah’s words. As Ya Hyeoljeok tilted his body to dodge another strike, Gu Ryunghwa turned and ran.
“…Tsk.” Ya Hyeoljeok clicked his tongue upon noticing her escape. The sword he hadn't used while dodging was suddenly aimed at the fleeing girl. He’d expected this. He was a little surprised by the ferocity of the blue-white-haired girl's attacks, but that was all. He knew she was, at most, in her early twenties and posed no real threat.
I don’t want to scar her face. He glanced at the girl striking at him. He had never seen such beauty in his life. He imagined how she would feel in bed. The thought alone made his blood boil, and a lecherous smile crept onto his face. But to achieve that…
I gotta get rid of anything annoying.
He couldn't afford distractions now, so he planned to knock her out and take her to a cave after finishing his business here. He'd take the Immortal Healer too, if he was present. To do that, he needed to eliminate any potential future problems.
Ya Hyeoljeok channeled Qi into his sword and prepared to swing. The resulting slash would be impossible for Gu Ryunghwa to dodge, guaranteed to take her head off.
But at that moment, just as Ya Hyeoljeok began his swing—
-Swoosh-!
“…!”
Namgung Bi-ah’s sword pierced through the tiny opening. A heavy sensation suddenly enveloped the area, making Ya Hyeoljeok’s body feel sluggish. He tried to respond but was too slow. Namgung Bi-ah’s blade cut a wound into his stomach.
“…Woah.” He was impressed. After his interjection, Ya Hyeoljeok rubbed his belly, noting the blood welling up. The cut wasn't deep, so it was no major problem, but his mind lingered on the sudden, heavy aura Namgung Bi-ah had unleashed. He realized she had hidden her true skill for this precise moment.
A wry smile appeared on his face. He had found something entertaining. Letting the other girl escape was a minor inconvenience, but Ya Hyeoljeok’s mood only brightened at the prospect of a more engaging fight. He briefly considered chasing down and killing the escapee, but his attention was firmly captured by the "sweetheart" standing before him.
“Sweetheart… What’s your relationship with the Namgung Clan?”
The heavy aura he felt was unmistakably the Sword Master's Domain. He had felt it in past battles; he couldn't be mistaken. Now, distracted from her beauty, he finally noticed her features: the bluish-white hair, the blue eyes, the sharp aura she emitted. They were traits unique to the Namgung Clan.
“…A girl from the Namgung Clan is here at Mount Hua, along with one from the Gu Clan. What’s going on?” Ya Hyeoljeok smiled creepily and thought of Baechong. That useless piece of shit hadn't mentioned anything about a Namgung clansman being here.
I'm going to seriously kill him when I get back.
He’d already been considering it due to Baechong's incompetence, but now he thought maybe he should delay the execution.
-Sssss….
As Namgung Bi-ah regulated her breathing, her aura grew denser. Her one hidden attack had failed to land decisively, so she had to focus even harder. Now that her identity was exposed, she had to be utterly serious.
How long can I last against him?
While concealing her inner panic, she prepared to strike again, but an ominous sensation made her instinctively raise her sword to block. She knew it was too late to dodge.
-Slam-!
A tremendous impact sent Namgung Bi-ah’s body flying through the air.
“Ugh!”
She collided with a tree with full force, groaned in pain, and fell to the ground.
“Oops, I didn’t control my power there.” As Ya Hyeoljeok spoke, Namgung Bi-ah vomited blood, barely retaining consciousness.
What was that…?
She hadn't even seen his attack. Judging by how Ya Hyeoljeok was shaking his hand, it seemed he had struck with his fist.
A fist…?
She was shocked. He carried a sword, so she hadn't expected him to be a fist fighter, let alone possess such devastating power from a mere punch.
“Ugh…!” A sharp pain shot through her left arm. It seemed to be broken. Despite the agony, she struggled to her feet as she felt Ya Hyeoljeok slowly closing the distance between them.
Ya Hyeoljeok looked at her and asked, “Your face is still okay, right?”
His voice was close. Namgung Bi-ah bit her lip tightly upon hearing it.
* * *
I walked through the streets with a relaxed mind. My inquiries about demonic stones had again yielded nothing, so I’d asked when the delicious skewer shop closed to ensure I wouldn't miss my chance to buy more. Thankfully, they said they stayed open until night.
After buying a skewer to fill my stomach, I headed toward the hut where the Plum Blossom Sword and the Immortal Healer were staying. I soon left the streets and entered the forest. The path was somewhat obscure, but I remembered it from my previous visits.
The Immortal Healer will probably glare at me again if I go there…
I felt a little hesitant, as he always looked annoyed whenever I visited.
[…I can’t believe you of all people are talking about annoyed expressions.]
You always butt in at times like these.
[Why wouldn’t I, when you’re thinking such absurd thoughts?]
While bantering with Elder Shin, I spotted someone running desperately toward me from a distance.
“Gu Ryunghwa…?”
It was surprisingly Gu Ryunghwa, whom I’d assumed was up in the mountains of the Mount Hua Sect. I thought she’d be with Namgung Bi-ah…
Has she already been to the hut? Then where is Namgung Bi-ah…?
As I pondered, Gu Ryunghwa continued sprinting at full speed, gasping for breath. Just as her consciousness seemed to waver, our eyes met.
“B… Brother!” she shouted, her voice on the verge of tears.
“Huh?”
Brother…?
My mind froze for an instant at the word. It was a term I hadn't heard from Gu Ryunghwa in decades.
Why is she like this all of a sudden? Is she sick…?
“Brother! Brother!”
“Hey, what’s going—”
“S-Sis is…!”
The moment I heard Gu Ryunghwa's desperate cry, my mind instantly turned cold.