Chapter 96: Tournament (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Tournament (1)
I woke up earlier than usual, which meant I finished my morning training ahead of schedule. I’d been keeping up with these dawn sessions religiously.
Crack-!
My joints popped and cracked with every movement—a sure sign my body was in peak condition.
After the rigorous routine, I took a moment to assess myself. All the injuries from my previous fights had healed completely. Meanwhile, the Demonic Qi trapped in my dantian had dwindled to a mere trickle.
At this rate, it should be fully purified by tomorrow at the latest.
Thankfully, the purification process was still ongoing, steadily reducing the corrupt energy within me. The Plum Blossom Sword had been absolutely saturated with the stuff. Now, as it was cleansed, that energy was being converted and absorbed into my own Qi reserves.
I suppose you could call this a form of cultivation.
I was long past the point of struggling from a lack of Qi. While not every last bit of Demonic Qi would be converted, the majority was being added to my strength. It made me wonder…
How did the Sword Queen end up with so much Demonic Qi inside her?
According to the Immortal Healer, she was under some kind of restrictive formation that prevented her from speaking about the source. The very idea sent a chill down my spine.
“…Demonic Qi and a restrictive formation.”
It bore an unsettling resemblance to the methods the Heavenly Demon used to turn martial artists into demonic humans. The only difference I could see was that this seemed more… controlled. Tolerable, even.
Because of that, I wasn’t sure if the Sword Queen had actually met the Heavenly Demon. If he had been the one to inflict this upon her, condemning her to years of suffering, he wouldn’t have stopped there. Not if he was the same monster from my memories.
I also need to look into the traces of Demonic Qi in those Black Palace members.
The Mount Hua Sect was undoubtedly investigating, but I wanted to understand why the Black Palace had drained the blood of their swordsmen. A deep, ominous feeling told me this was going to be far more complicated than it seemed.
“Should I visit the hideout the Mount Hua disciples found?”
Finding it on my own would have been difficult, but since they had already located and secured it, getting there wouldn't be a problem.
I’ll take a look before returning to the clan.
The Mount Hua Sect had probably already collected any evidence left behind. But my own hesitation was starting to feel like a cage. I didn’t want to wallow in it any longer.
If the Black Palace is connected to the Demonic Cult…
They were a group destined to be annihilated by the Murim Alliance in a few years. That had been my initial assessment. But now, with the discovery of Demonic Qi…
I have to do something.
I still lacked the power to destroy the Black Palace with my own hands. They were far from weak.
But in a few years, I should be able to handle them.
Part of me knew I should carefully consider the necessity of my involvement, but I simply didn’t have the luxury of time anymore.
“I’ve already made up my mind. No point second-guessing now.”
I’d decided to stop hesitating. I couldn’t afford to waste time overthinking everything like I used to.
When I returned to the lodge, Wi Seol-Ah greeted me with a bright smile, a towel in hand for after my shower.
“You’re up early,” I remarked, my eyes catching on the hair accessory I’d given her yesterday. It was nestled in her hair. The sight instantly brought back the memory of her soft lips brushing my cheek, and I rubbed my face in embarrassment.
Her smile never wavered as she studied me. “Young Master, are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m fine.”
“Then why is your face so… red?”
“…You’re imagining things.” I quickly sidestepped her and went to my room to grab a change of clothes. I splashed cold water on my face, but the heat stubbornly lingered.
I can’t believe I’m still getting flustered over what happened yesterday.
Even I found it absurd. A stupid part of me considered using my Flame Qi to mask the blush, but that would have been a crushing blow to my pride. I abandoned the idea.
After changing and washing up, I stepped out to find Namgung Bi-ah sitting on the floor, dozing off. I was about to let her sleep, but she stirred awake. I watched her drowsy state for a moment before clearing my throat and attempting to place the hair accessory I’d bought for her into her hair.
The problem was, in both my lives, I’d never done anything like this. The result was a mess, making her already disheveled hair even worse.
“…I fucked up.”
My plan had been to leave it as a subtle gift, but now? As I fumbled, Namgung Bi-ah turned her head, rubbing her eyes as she became aware of my presence.
“Mmph…”
“…”
Her sleepy, half-lidded eyes met mine. She then gave a soft wave with her slender, milky-white hand—her usual morning greeting. The accessory dangled awkwardly from her tangled hair.
…Should I tell her? How?
I wanted it to be a secret gesture, but I couldn’t just leave it like that. While I struggled for words, she looked at me strangely.
“Uh…”
“Hmm?”
I reached out to retrieve the accessory, but Wi Seol-Ah found us before I could.
“Huh? Sis, you have the same hairpin as me!”
“The same thing?” Namgung Bi-ah finally noticed the new weight in her hair and reached up to touch it.
“Huh?”
Her eyes immediately snapped to me, full of question.
I looked at her puzzled face and answered quietly, “…It’s just something I bought.” I had meant to give it to her yesterday but only managed to give one to Wi Seol-Ah. I averted my gaze after speaking.
Why is it so hard to look at her when I’m just giving her a gift?
For the record, it wasn’t identical to Wi Seol-Ah’s. The difference was slight, but it was there. I’d initially wanted to get them different styles, but my ignorance in such matters led me to these. Why did I even bother? Maybe it would have been better not to buy anything at all. No matter how I looked at it, I regretted the entire endeavor.
After examining the accessory for a moment, Namgung Bi-ah gathered her hair into a simple style and fixed the pin in place with an elegant touch, revealing the pale nape of her neck. The slight change made her look strikingly different.
She looked at me and asked faintly, “…How do I look?”
“You look… fine.” The word ‘pretty’ rose instinctively in my throat, but I barely managed to swallow it. Thankfully, she seemed satisfied with my response and smiled.
She’d been smiling more often lately. Just seeing it made me feel that this life was truly different from my last. I couldn’t say it was exactly the life I wanted, but it wasn’t bad. It was a life worth protecting for as long as possible—maybe forever.
So that’s why…
I have to do something.
Only then could I change the dystopian future I knew awaited. I realized that the forked path that had troubled me for so long… wasn’t such a big deal after all.
I pushed down my awkwardness and asked casually, “The tournament is starting soon. I’m going to watch. Do you two want to come?”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah nodded in unison.
* * *
My original plan was to return to the clan before the tournament began, aiming for an early departure. But I decided to wait after Gu Ryunghwa expressed her wish to return with us. Besides, I now had business in Shaanxi that required a delay, so I suppose I should be grateful for the timing.
The real problem is the Sword Queen and the Immortal Healer.
These two troublesome individuals had informed me they would be accompanying us back to the clan. I couldn’t fathom their reasons, but it was undoubtedly beneficial for us.
While the Sword Queen had a somewhat awkward history with our clan, the Immortal Healer was welcomed everywhere—including the Gu Clan.
Father, though…
I wasn’t sure what he would think of their visit.
I planned to send a letter ahead, warning the clan that our party—and the Immortal Healer—might be targeted by the Black Palace on our return. Given the uncertainty around the Sword Queen’s recovery, I also requested backup in case of ambushes. The main purpose of the letter, however, was to announce our unexpected entourage.
With things having escalated to this point, I had no choice but to send the letter now.
It was around noon, with less than thirty minutes until the tournament began.
I heard it lasts two days.
The main difference between this event and our clan’s Nine Dragons Tournament was that only sect members could participate. It was a small, internal festival for Mount Hua disciples, not a collaborative event with other clans. Outsiders were free to watch the matches, but the venue posed a significant problem: the tournament was held atop the absurdly high Mount Hua.
I assumed hardly anyone would bother making the arduous climb just to watch. But the passion of the people was impressive.
“It’s crowded…?”
While the Mount Hua Sect was renowned, its grounds weren’t the most spacious. To see it completely packed… Considering most attendees were ordinary people without a hint of Qi, the climb must have been grueling. They would have had to start their ascent early in the morning. The scene drove home the immense respect and adoration Huayin City held for the sect.
The sect had clearly anticipated the crowd, given the seating prepared. Though the event’s scale was poorer than the Nine Dragons Day, the atmosphere was more vibrant.
I overheard snippets of conversation from the crowd.
“Will the Sword Dragon participate this time?”
They were talking about Yung Pung.
“He didn’t last year… so he must be this time.”
“He wasn’t the Sword Dragon back then. Who won last year? Yung… something.”
“Of course it’s someone named Yung, you moron. All the third-generation disciples have the surname Yung.”
“I believe you’re thinking of Yung Sung.”
“Oh! Yeah, Yung Sung! That was it— …And who are you?”
The man who interjected into the chatter was wearing the traditional uniform of the Mount Hua Sect. The crowd grew more reserved upon noticing it.
One man asked carefully, “Uh… Are you from the Mount Hua Sect?”
“Oh, yes. My name is Yung Pung.”
…What is he doing here?
The one who had so casually joined the crowd was none other than Yung Pung himself.
Shouldn’t he be preparing for the tournament?
“Yung Pung… Yung…! Y-You’re not the Sword Dragon, are you…?”
Yung Pung responded by awkwardly scratching his head—a silent admission.
As the man began exclaiming the Sword Dragon’s identity to the others with shock and delight, Yung Pung’s eyes met mine.
“Oh! Young Master Gu!”
The moment he saw me, he rushed over. Every eye in the crowd followed him, finally realizing who he was. I could see the awe shining in their gazes.
It makes sense. It’s not every day you meet one of the world’s greatest young prodigies.
The Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes were the future leaders of the martial world.
…And I’ve been treating this big shot Yung Pung rather harshly lately.
His peculiar personality invited teasing, but I couldn’t deny I’d been rough on him. The scene was a stark reminder of the lofty position he held in the world.
Yung Pung greeted Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah once he reached us. Looking at his robust figure, I asked, “Are you not participating in the tournament?”
“Oh, no. Only the third-generation disciples compete today.”
“Then why— …Oh.”
I’d forgotten. He’d mentioned earlier that he would be participating with the second-generation disciples.
“Has Young Master Gu come to see how Senior Sister Gu performs?”
I hesitated. I was curious about Gu Ryunghwa’s performance, but admitting I was here for my little sister felt awkward.
“Well… yes. But since it’s only the third-generation disciples, it might not be necessary for me to stay.”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah didn’t know, but I’d really come to see a specific person. If things continued like this…
“Oh, then it should be fine for you to wait,” Yung Pung said.
“Huh?”
“I heard that Senior Sister Gu is not participating today.”
I didn’t understand. “Master Yung, I was sure today was for the third-generation disciples…”
“…That is true, but…” He hesitated, seeming to struggle for an answer.
“Oh.”
Yung Pung clapped his hands as if finding a solution. “Since we still have some time… would you follow me?”
Without waiting for a reply, he led the way, and I followed silently. Soon, we arrived at the back of a building. Judging by the uniforms, it was a preparation area for the competitors.
A preparation area for the third-generation disciples.
I could see they were all around Yung Pung’s age—some slightly older, in their early twenties, others a bit younger.
But more importantly…
“Master Yung Pung…”
“Yes, Young Master Gu?”
“What are they doing over there?”
I pointed towards a row of muscular figures—some familiar faces among them. They were the second-generation disciples who had traveled with us to Shaanxi. They were hiding behind a pillar, peeking at me.
Do they really think they can hide with bodies that size?
Gu Ryunghwa had a similar habit. Did the Mount Hua Sect not teach proper stealth techniques?
Yung Pung hesitated before answering. “I believe… uh… they’re acting this way because of Senior Sister Gu.”
“…Pardon?”
Why was Gu Ryunghwa involved? Then I remembered how shocked everyone had been upon learning she was my sister during our journey.
Is she being bullied?
The thought made my blood boil, and not just because she was my sister.
I started walking towards the group hiding behind the pillar.
“Huh? Huh? Young Master Gu…! Wait a min—!” Yung Pung tried to stop me, but I ignored him.
I’m not trying to play the overprotective brother, but seeing this makes my head hot.
As I drew closer, I could make out their whispered conversation.
What are they so focused on that they don’t even notice me?
“…Why is she insisting on participating with the third-generation disciples?”
“I know. Shouldn’t we do something?”
They are talking about Gu Ryunghwa.
“All of you, quiet. She made her choice. You should respect it…!”
“Even you’re saying that? How can we trust those stinky juniors…”
“In my eyes, you’re the stinkiest of all, so just be quiet.”
“But…”
What couldn’t they trust about the third-generation disciples? What were they trying to do? I’d heard nothing about Gu Ryunghwa going through something like this.
I guess that shows how distant we are.
It was my fault, so I had no right to say anything to her. First, I needed to calm down and not act on emotion. I repeated to myself that I couldn’t afford to cause a scene here.
When I was close enough, I spoke up. “What are you guys—”
“Then what do we do if she gets hurt…!”
“…Do… ing…?”
I stopped mid-sentence, my face blank with confusion.
The second-generation disciples turned to look at me as soon as I spoke.
“Huh?”
“Huh? Young Master Gu?”
A cold sweat broke out on my back.
…What did I just hear?