Chapter 93: Preparation (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 93: Preparation (2)
Ten days had already passed since my arrival in Shaanxi.
I had ended up staying with the Mount Hua Sect far longer than originally intended, all thanks to the unforeseen troubles that had cropped up.
By the time I make it back to the clan, it will be autumn.
The sheer distance between here and home meant the journey would indeed take me right into the fall season. Time was slipping through my fingers faster than I could comprehend. Soon, it would be a full year since I had resurrected into this past life.
It felt as though I hadn't accomplished much, and yet the days raced by relentlessly.
In some ways, I feel I've changed a great deal… and in others, not at all.
My mastery of the Gu Flame Wheel Art had already reached the Fourth Star in less than a year. This was to be expected, as I was merely retreading a path I had already walked in my previous life. Still, the speed of it felt unnaturally fast no matter how I looked at it. This accelerated progress was likely due to the new energies I had absorbed in this life—unforeseen boons that had changed the equation.
The Fifth Star still felt distant, yet somehow not entirely out of reach. It was an ambiguous, tantalizing feeling. Even though I hadn't reached it, my mind was already turning to the goals I would set for myself once I did. It was almost funny, planning so far ahead.
-Whoosh!
-Thud!
“Ugh!”
Yung Pung was sent flying from the roiling inferno that had engulfed the training ground, tumbling across the earth. At the same time, I reined in the scorching flames I had unleashed.
“Whew…”
I let out a breath, and a visible plume of heat and steam escaped my lips.
“…Impressive.”
My praise for Yung Pung was genuine.
Had it only been ten days since our first duel? Yet, in that short span, he had undergone a dramatic transformation. His Plum Blossom Sword technique, which had once felt light and predictable, was now faster and carried a heavier, more decisive weight. Furthermore, the physical foundation supporting his sword arts had grown significantly more robust.
It was as if he had compressed years of grueling training into a matter of days.
“Geniuses, I swear…”
I couldn't help but smirk, gaining a renewed appreciation for his monstrous talent.
While improvements in physique could be attributed to sheer effort, the nature of his swordplay was fundamentally different. His strikes were not merely sharper and faster; they now strategically targeted an opponent's weaknesses, leaving virtually no openings for a counterattack. Integrating such a sophisticated shift in combat philosophy typically required extensive guidance over a long period.
Yet, Yung Pung was achieving this largely on his own, and at a breathtaking pace.
Of course, he probably does have a mentor.
But it was unlikely that mentor could devote themselves solely to his training.
Sprawled on the ground, Yung Pung coughed violently before responding, his tone laced with disbelief at my comment. “…And who are you to call me a genius?”
The look on his face clearly said, You're the last person who should be saying that. From his perspective, it was understandable. Here he was, being soundly beaten by someone who appeared much younger.
Comparing yourself to me is a bit unfair.
You should try regressing through time, too.
Not that I can actually say that…
Regardless, Yung Pung's rate of growth was accelerating. It seems he won't have any problem overcoming the wall that stumped him before.
Unlike the Yung Pung of my past, who had eventually given up in the face of an insurmountable obstacle, this version gave me the distinct impression he would break through.
That was my estimation. Unaware of my thoughts, Yung Pung offered me a bitter smile. “I thought I'd been working quite hard, but I still can't lay a finger on you, Young Master Gu…”
I considered responding, but ultimately chose silence. I believed it was the best thing for him right now.
“I suppose I'll just have to work harder, then.”
And, as expected, even without any prompting from me, he found his own motivation.
Terrifying.
Not only does he possess monstrous talent, but a drive to match.
Coupled with the advantage of youth, as long as no tragedy befell him, Yung Pung was poised to become a martial artist capable of rivaling the legendary Three Venerables in the near future. At least, that's how it appeared to me.
So long as the Demonic Cult doesn't emerge, that is.
-Clench.
My fist tightened involuntarily with a surge of anger, but I forced myself to calm down a moment later.
Masking my inner turmoil, I asked him, “Shall we continue?”
“Ah, no. I've taken enough of your time. I'll train on my own from here,” Yung Pung replied.
I had come here for this duel at his past request. I was the one who sought him out, not the other way around. I still vividly recalled the bright, touched smile he had given me when I'd approached him first.
Does he simply enjoy dueling that much?
After we finished, I asked him another question. “Master Yung Pung.”
“Yes?”
“I've heard the tournament begins in two days. Is that correct?”
“Ah, yes. Lord Celestial Plum Blossom informed us upon his return from the Plum Blossom Cemetery.”
The Plum Blossom Cemetery—the final resting place for the Mount Hua Sect's martyrs. As an outsider, my knowledge was limited, but I knew it was a hallowed ground where only the sect's Lords were permitted to enter.
So he's finally back.
I'd heard that the Celestial Plum Blossom had departed for the cemetery shortly after our conversation following my awakening. He must have been there for several days.
No wonder the streets have been so abuzz.
The vigorous discussions about the upcoming tournament had reached even this secluded place. With the event about to begin, it seemed it was finally time for me to start my journey back to my clan.
“What are your plans now? If you're free, perhaps we could train togeth—”
“I have an engagement this afternoon,” I interrupted.
“…What a pity.”
He genuinely seemed disappointed. I would have liked to train as well, as I had recently increased the intensity and duration of my sessions, but I needed to return to my lodge for now.
After parting ways with Yung Pung, I arrived back at my quarters. I looked around for Wi Seol-Ah, but her continued absence felt increasingly conspicuous.
What has she been up to lately? I barely see her anymore.
I had no idea. For the past several days, I'd only caught glimpses of her during meals. When I asked Hongwa, she assured me that Wi Seol-Ah was still diligently performing all her duties.
Is she… avoiding me?
The thought nagged at me. If that were the case, I felt compelled to address it directly.
Maybe I should try appeasing her with some yakgwa…?
I had a feeling that would be far more effective than any words of complaint.
Preoccupied with these idle thoughts, I opened the door to my room and was greeted by the sight of Namgung Bi-ah.
“Why is she sleeping here now?”
She was napping on the floor of my room, curled up under a blanket—my blanket, to be precise. I'd heard she had recently taken to napping in my room.
Wait, why is no one stopping her? Surely they know.
“…Should I wake her?”
It was my room, so it wouldn't be unreasonable, but she looked so peaceful. Feeling conflicted, I ultimately decided to let her sleep and stepped back outside. I had intended to change clothes inside, but instead I asked a servant to bring me a fresh set and sat down on the hallway floor.
Closing my eyes and basking in the sunlight, I spoke aloud. “Why have you come again?”
“…Eep!”
I had addressed Gu Ryunghwa, who had been stealthily watching me from behind a wall. I'd already known of her presence from Hongwa.
“Does your master have a message for me?”
“…No.”
“Then why are you here?”
“…”
Gu Ryunghwa's lips moved soundlessly as she stared intently into my eyes. It seemed she had something to say, so I waited patiently.
“…I didn't come to see you, brother… I just came to see sis… N-No, I really did come to see you, brother.”
What is she going on about?
She seemed to be locked in an internal struggle.
“Why are you calling me 'brother' all of a sudden?”
“…Then should I call you sister?”
Her retort echoed what I had said to her during our last encounter. I hadn't expected her to throw my own words back at me.
“Anyway, you're saying you came to see me?”
It was unexpected. Given that Gu Ryunghwa usually seemed so uncomfortable around me, I wondered what had prompted this visit.
“…Th-Thank you.”
I stared at her, utterly shocked. Her first words to me were a thank you? And coming from Gu Ryunghwa, of all people, the sentiment was downright baffling.
Did her master put her up to this?
“…For what? And why now?”
“You saved my master… so thank you.”
“I've already received thanks from your master herself.”
Moreover, the Sword Queen had even offered me a favor, which was more than sufficient.
“You did it for me, didn't you?”
“…!”
Her words left me completely speechless.
Why? Why would she think that?
“Your face says it all, brother.”
“So you came here just to say that?”
Had she come all this way simply to thank me? As I pondered this, Gu Ryunghwa continued, her voice softening.
“…I'm scared of you, brother.”
“…”
The sudden, heart-wrenching admission stole my breath.
“I'm so confused right now. It feels like you've gone back to how you used to be, but I'm terrified that you'll start hitting me or cursing at me again. I'm just… scared, and confused, and… lost.”
Genuine fear underpinned her tone. This was undeniably my fault.
I never should have done those things.
“I'm sorry.”
It was the only response I could give. Anything else would have sounded like a pathetic excuse.
Gu Ryunghwa fell silent when I apologized. She neither accepted it nor grew angry. I simply waited, my gaze fixed on her.
After a long hesitation, she spoke again. “…Can we be like we were before?”
“No.”
My refusal was immediate and blunt.
I may have regressed, but it was too late for that. Too many things about me were irreversible, making a return to our old relationship impossible. It was better to be clear.
“It would be impossible to go back to those days.”
We had, after all, lost the one person who had been the cornerstone of that time—the key figure who could have bridged the gap between us.
Gu Ryunghwa nodded slightly, as if she had been expecting that answer. She didn't press further.
After a moment of heavy silence, she changed the subject. “I've decided to return to the clan.”
“What?”
So suddenly?
“I thought you said you didn't want to go.”
“I don't. I hate that place. But Master said she'll go with me.”
What? The Sword Queen is accompanying her?
“…The Sword Queen is going with you?”
“She told me she has some business with our family.”
“But… why would she travel now, when she's only just begun to recover? This is the first I'm hearing of this.”
Does the Sword Queen truly have business with the Gu Clan?
“She said she would inform you of the details the next time she sees you. I'm just telling you now since I'm here.”
Having said her piece, Gu Ryunghwa turned to leave. As she reached the lodge's entrance, she spoke once more.
“Thank you again, brother, for saving my master.”
There was no resentment in her voice, but it was equally clear that she hadn't forgiven me. And that was for the best. Someone like me didn't deserve forgiveness.
-…Dad… killed Mom…?
The memory surfaced—of Gu Ryunghwa, face buried in her knees, weeping uncontrollably.
-I'm scared… Moooommmm…
I had stood by, utterly useless, as my little sister cried and wailed.
Father hadn't killed Mother.
If Mother truly was dead, then I was the one who had killed her.
-Be quiet.
-…Broootthherrr...
-Don't say a word. Just live as if you don't exist.
Back then, I hadn't known how to protect anyone. Even if I were thrust back into that moment, I doubt I would have found a way. I would have remained silent.
If my little sister needs someone to hate, it should be me, and me alone.
That felt like the only fitting outcome. I had already been half-insane at the time, so it was no wonder I couldn't devise a better solution.
But what about now?
Can a seed still bloom into a flower in soil that has long since dried up?
Wouldn't it just rot, becoming part of the sickened earth?
That was the analogy for my relationship with Gu Ryunghwa. Just as it was between my father and me, so it was between me and my little sister.
-…Can we be like before?
Her words echoed in my mind.
“…Why is everything so difficult?”
-Tap.
Lost in my thoughts, I felt a light weight settle on my shoulder. I looked to see what it was and was surprised to find Namgung Bi-ah, her chin resting on my shoulder, her eyes heavy with sleep.
“…What are you doing?”
When had she woken up? She had been sleeping so soundly before.
“At least open your eyes… Have you fallen asleep again?”
It seemed my assumption was wrong; she had simply relocated her nap, dozing off once more with her chin propped on me.
What is this?
I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Strangely, the dark, conflicted thoughts churning inside me began to recede, soothed by this simple, absurd gesture. I wondered if Namgung Bi-ah had done it on purpose, knowing it would have this effect, but that seemed highly unlikely.
I gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.
I should take her and Wi Seol-Ah down to the city streets.
It wasn't that I had any business there. I didn't. I just felt like going with them.
I pondered why I felt that way, but—no reason came to mind.
I just did.
Simply,
I just want to.