Chapter 90
“Ugh...”
“Ow...”
The Nine Dragons and Five Phoenixes, knocked out by my blows, began waking up one by one. I figured Fist Dragon, with his broken arm, would harbor the most resentment...
“I'll splint it. This is gonna hurt a lot.”
“I'm ready.”
Squeeze.
Fist Dragon's face was all goofy grins the whole time Mi-bong splinted his broken arm and gave first aid. It had to hurt like hell, but the power of love was conquering it.
No wonder she's broke.
I could see why she didn't carry a wallet. Or spend on guys.
Blade Dragon glared uncomfortably at Fist Dragon getting treated by Mi-bong, pacing around like he had emotional instability issues. Finally...
“Fist Dragon. What's there to brag about with a broken arm? Master Fist King will be heartbroken.”
Fist King. The nickname for the best fist fighter in the wuxia novel world of Is This the Heavenly Demon's True Story?.
Mentioning his master got Fist Dragon riled up too.
“Typical Blade Dragon talk, relying on weapons. Bones break and heal stronger.”
“Isn't that what they say when bones weaken from breaking too often?”
“Better than someone blind to the heavens above heavens.”
“Fist Dragon. Think you can even make it to the outhouse alone with that arm?”
“No need for Blade Dragon—who can't even draw his sword with a good arm—to worry.”
Roooar—
The two men, left with nothing but petty pride, locked in a deadly staring contest.
Was this routine? Mi-bong slipped away slyly between them, while Sword Phoenix and Poison Dragon watched from afar.
“...Let's get going.”
We'd wasted too much time on Fist Dragon's arm.
“Young Master Kang. Suddenly so polite?”
Sword Phoenix teased, a bump on her forehead.
“That bother you?”
“Not really. Just makes me think all guys turn the same around young, pretty girls.”
She glanced at Mi-bong. I got it and chuckled.
“What's the point of a guy with a girlfriend trying to impress another? This is just basic manners. You, who looks down on the weak and men, wouldn't get it.”
“Maybe. But not something for Heavenly Demon's grandson—who scorns all martial artists—to say.”
Heavenly Demon. The protagonist's master. The strongest in Is This the Heavenly Demon's True Story?'s world, a force like a disaster or natural calamity.
Mao Zai possessing Heavenly Demon's body? God, no.
“You seem miffed I treat you with respect. Can you function in daily life?”
“That's why no men around Sword Phoenix.”
Poison Dragon chimed in, sneaking up assassin-like.
“Who says there aren't?!”
“Facts are facts. I guarantee it after five years together.”
“Urk!”
Sword Phoenix trembled, speechless at Poison Dragon's point.
Fun bunch.
In the novel, the Nine Dragons and Five Phoenixes were hot-blooded, but meeting them? Pure youthful vibes. If I hadn't noticed Song Seon-yeong's feelings, I'd be jealous.
Now? Serene.
“Young Master Kang. What's with that look?”
“Problem with my face?”
“Less looking down on the weak... more like pitying a lonely old man? Like my brother-in-law who married last year.”
“I see. Not my imagination.”
“No consideration!”
“Why bother?”
No reason to charm girls besides Song Seon-yeong. Especially in a dream that vanishes on waking.
Then Mi-bong, who'd been sticking close behind, spoke up.
“We're heading to watch the Sichuan Premier Martial Arts Tournament.”
“Oh! Time flies.”
Having experienced it vicariously through the novel, I played along naturally.
Sichuan Premier Martial Arts Tournament. Only fighters from sects and clans in the Sichuan Province area could enter. Tang Clan of Sichuan. Emei Sect. Dian Cang Sect. Qing Cheng Sect. They were the powerhouses; even branch members making prelims was a win. Their own league, basically!
“So Poison Dragon from Tang Clan of Sichuan's entering too?”
Poison Dragon gave a wry smile at my look.
“Going to cheer for my brother, called Poison King.”
“Aha!”
In Is This the Heavenly Demon's True Story?, Poison King dies for loving Mi-bong after the protagonist spits on her. Him being alive meant...?
Plot changed? Or pre-spit?
Worth investigating for Mao Zai's whereabouts. Best ask the love interest directly.
“Mi-bong, ever met Heavenly Demon's disciple?”
“Oh! Grandson's interested in Grandpa's disciple?”
“Obviously.”
“Yes. Cocky as hell, attitude piercing the skies. Blabbered about the honor of giving me his strongest kid.”
“Huh...?”
Not in the novel! Protagonist was a lecher, sure, but always a gentleman.
Something's off.
Sounds like Mao Zai possessing him, but intel said he was a fine gentleman like the protagonist. Probably why Mao Zai loved the novel—easy empathy and vicarious thrill.
But this...?
“Infuriating! If I'd been stronger, I'd have beheaded that pig who treats women like livestock!”
Sword Phoenix, man-hater, sighed at her powerlessness for not castrating him.
Little Demon. Protagonist's nickname.
But timing was off too.
Plot twisted.
He gets called Little Demon after beating Poison King and others publicly. Before? Hidden strength, 'Heavenly Demon's disciple' barely known.
“Sword Phoenix. Kind advice: give it up. He warned next time it's not just clothes.”
Poison Dragon reined in excited Sword Phoenix.
“Just clothes?”
Couldn't ignore that.
“Yes. Mi-bong was the one insulted by Little Demon...”
“So I should've stood by? That insulted all women!”
Sword Phoenix glared accusingly at unhelpful Poison Dragon. He didn't back down.
“Dead is dead.”
“Defending Little Demon 'cause you're both men?”
“Now that's insulting.”
“You'd still stand by?”
“......”
Done talking, Poison Dragon clamped his lips.
Whatever. Could I slice just clothes like the protagonist? Musing his skill.
Sword Phoenix's type wouldn't stay quiet after an insult. Yet unscathed, clothes only? Beyond my imitation—transcendent technique.
“Heavenly Demon's disciple must be insanely strong.”
“Yes. But Young Master Kang who crushed us lightly isn't ordinary either.”
Mi-bong praised with a crescent-moon sly smile. Fist Dragon and Blade Dragon's faces soured.
“Haa...”
“Hoo...”
Even heard sympathetic shoulder-pats sighs.
Hang in there, bros.
I couldn't relax till overwhelming neighbor prince Leon.
* * *
Protagonist's changed personality. Like Kim Eun-jeong in romance fantasy I Became the Youngest Daughter of the Count Family, Mao Zai likely possessed Is This the Heavenly Demon's True Story?'s protagonist.
No coincidence.
My start: road near the tournament city. Events drew powerhouses for connections beyond competitors.
Perfect fit.
Martial-obsessed Mao Zai wouldn't miss it.
Anyway, “Finally, decent food.”
Got bounty with Mi-bong's help at the magistrate. Sold bandits' half-moon blades at smithy. Odds and ends to a pawnshop quick.
Jingle!
Loved shaking my money pouch.
“Young Master Kang. New clothes first?”
“Hm... yeah.”
Mi-bong knew the city; easy bounty and sales. Craved street stalls, but her advice never failed.
Followed again.
“Here!”
“...Looks pricey.”
Silks everywhere in her recommended shop.
“I'll buy.”
“No money, you said?”
Lie?
“No money. But I can promo for sponsorship.”
“Aha!”
Like celeb endorsements.
“Refuse?”
“Sichuan staple shop switches. Owner won't be dumb.”
“Indeed...”
In novel, Mi-bong was naive innocent. Reality? Polar opposite.
“Hello?”
“Oh! Miss Moyong! Come in!”
Auntie at door spotted Mi-bong, gushed out welcoming.
“Clothes fitting for this young master.”
“Gifting the young master beside you?”
“Yes.”
“...Perfect pair-made set.”
“Pair?”
“Ho ho! Hoping Miss Moyong prospers. Wedding here too, please.”
“S-stop teasing.”
“How's it?”
“...Yes.”
“Ho ho! Wait a sec.”
Watched silently. Fancy silk as 'gift' incoming.
Free again...
Free's bad. No such thing as free lunch! But beggar-look invites trouble. One-off.
Flutter~
Wiped dirt with wet cloth, changed to recommended white silk.
Floral... peony?
Never if paying.
“Oh! Suits you!”
“Thank—”
Turned to voice, words stuck.
“Young Master Kang. How do I look?”
Flutter~
Mi-bong spun showing off. Blooming peony white silk and jade hairpin amplified her beauty.
“...Suits you.”
“Thanks for the pretty gaze. Worth coming.”
“How much total?”
“It's fine. If worried, wear through Sichuan stay.”
“Hm... sure.”
Left without paying.
“Come again together.”
Auntie waved happily, no loss worry. Real sponsorship?
Model life's sweet...
Even succeeding, I'd get swimsuits or gear only. Unfair world.
“Market now?”
“Yes. Know great chef spot nearby, but Young Master prefers bustling stalls.”
“Not really. Just cheaper.”
“Oh! Sorry. My mistake.”
“No prob— you bastard!”
Whack!
Kicked hard the old guy's hand snatching my precious pouch.
“Ack?!”
“Suicidal...!”
Post-convenience store part-time, hated pickpockets most. Small stuff like candies hard to notice till count mismatch; boss scolded often.
“W-wait!”
“Shut it!”
Ignored broken-wrist old guy's cry. Snap! Spinning back kick launched his jaw airborne, heel-smashed face.
“......”
Bloody-faced, out cold, no twitch.
“Um... Young Master Kang?”
“Fine. Not dead.”
“Not that... I know this thief.”
“Hm?”
“Fist King elder who unified the brigands with one fist. Sworn brothers with my grandpa; saw him since kid.”
“...Disappointing. Fist King stealing?”
“Pardon? Ah, yes. Right?”
“Let's go.”
“Can't leave him on street like this...”
“Hm. Got it.”
Hated it, but no choice.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Grabbed Fist King's arm, dragged to restaurant.