Chapter 348: A Battle of Wills-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 348: A Battle of Wills-2
"Brother, are you alright?"
After Neung So-hwa and Bukgung Yeon had completely left, Seol-hyang spoke up, her voice laced with concern.
"Uh... yeah."
Sun-woo replied with a dazed expression. He never imagined that a few words from Seol-hyang could instantly chase away those two, who had been acting like a pair of enraged wild boars.
Swish, swish.
"You don't look alright. Look at all this cold sweat..."
Seol-hyang began wiping the sweat from Sun-woo’s forehead with her sleeve.
"...Your sleeve... it’ll get dirty."
Perhaps embarrassed by her care, Sun-woo’s face flushed slightly as he spoke.
"It’s fine," Seol-hyang replied with a bright, beaming smile.
Thump, thump.
Seeing her radiant face, Sun-woo felt his heart flutter for no reason. It felt warm. Despite being younger than him, Seol-hyang possessed a certain quality that could warmly soothe one's heart.
"By the way... since when did you get so close to the Ice Palace Master?"
Sun-woo quickly changed the subject to break the shy, awkward atmosphere.
"You mean Sister Yeon?"
"Sister Yeon!?"
Sun-woo repeated her words, his eyes widening in shock. When on earth had she built enough rapport to call that prickly Ice Palace Master "Sister"?
"Yes. Actually, we had a drink together on the first day I arrived at the Ice Palace. We decided to be sisters that night."
"Just like that? Out of the blue?"
Sun-woo asked again, stunned. There was a limit to being easygoing, but this level of social butterfly energy was something else entirely.
"Sister So-hwa said she was sleepy and wouldn't play with me, and the priests and senior sisters said they wouldn't drink grain liquor at night."
"Ha..."
Sun-woo let out a hollow laugh. It was utterly absurd. Who was Bukgung Yeon? She was the Master of the North Sea Ice Palace and the ruler of the North Sea. And yet, Seol-hyang had just waltzed up to her and asked for a drinking buddy?
He knew Seol-hyang was friendly, but he never imagined she could soften up even that icy Palace Master.
"She’s a better person than I thought. She’s fun, and she’s beautiful. Most of all, I figured being close to her would be helpful later, so I made friends with her right away."
Seol-hyang added with another bright smile.
"Your social skills are truly formidable," Sun-woo remarked, genuinely impressed.
"Oh, it’s nothing. I’m actually quite picky about people, so I don’t get close to just anyone that quickly."
Seol-hyang waved her hand dismissively, looking a bit bashful at his praise.
"No, getting that close to the Ice Palace Master is definitely 'something.'"
"Hehehehe."
Seol-hyang let out a soft giggle.
"Why are you laughing?" Sun-woo asked, puzzled.
"It’s just funny seeing you find Sister Yeon so difficult to deal with, Brother," Seol-hyang said with a light laugh. "She’s not as cold as you think. She has a playful side, she’s good at joking, and above all, she’s quite soft-hearted."
"The Ice Palace Master is soft-hearted?"
Sun-woo looked at her as if she were talking nonsense. To him, Bukgung Yeon was like a cold, razor-sharp blade. She was the kind of woman who felt like she would cut you if you even brushed against her. How could someone like that be called "soft"?
"Appearances are often a facade. People frequently dress up their exterior to hide a fragile interior," Seol-hyang explained, finding Sun-woo’s reaction amusing.
"Even so, I can't believe it. The Ice Palace Master I know is a sharp, cold, and ferocious woman."
"If you give her a drink, she’ll be completely different."
"A drink?"
"Yes. Alcohol is a strange thing. It’s bitter and tastes terrible, but it has a ghostly way of breaking down the walls people build around their hearts. If you have a heart-to-heart over a drink, you’ll be able to see Sister Yeon’s soft side too, Brother."
Seol-hyang smiled brightly.
"I can't even imagine it."
Sun-woo shook his head. He couldn't even begin to picture that fierce, cold-blooded woman being fragile.
"Try it whenever you get the chance."
Seol-hyang gave a gentle smile, while Sun-woo only looked at her with deep skepticism.
*
In an empty lot on the outskirts of the North Sea Ice Palace.
Bukgung Yeon and Neung So-hwa were glaring at each other with eyes colder than the Snow Wind. Neither said a word. The silence was so heavy it felt like the eerie calm before a massive storm.
"Can you handle this?"
Bukgung Yeon finally broke the silence, her gaze fixed on Neung So-hwa.
"Handle what?"
Neung So-hwa snapped back, her eyes smoldering.
"You’re weak, aren't you?" Bukgung Yeon provoked her.
"On what basis do you say such things?"
"Has your memory started to fail at such a young age?"
"What!" Neung So-hwa’s voice rose in irritation.
"Don't you remember who it was that cut off Lee Yeon’s arm?"
"Hmph! If I hadn't drawn his attention, your attack wouldn't have even landed!"
"Don't make me laugh. I could have cut his arm off without someone like you. In fact, if you hadn't been in my way, I could have won that fight alone."
"Stop talking nonsense. I remember it clearly—the way you begged me to help you."
"Begged? Did you lose your mind after getting beaten so hard by Lee Yeon?"
"Denying it so vehemently won't change the facts," Neung So-hwa said with a spiteful smirk.
".........I’m curious."
Bukgung Yeon’s eyes turned razor-sharp.
"I wonder if you actually have the skill to back up that arrogant mouth of yours."
"I believe I have more than enough skill to teach you some manners."
Neung So-hwa refused to back down.
"We’ll see whose manners get corrected."
"Yours, obviously. I can overlook everything else, but bringing up my grandfather was a grave mistake on your part."
"Hmph, then you should have behaved yourself."
Bukgung Yeon snorted.
"As I thought, words are wasted on you."
Neung So-hwa shook her head.
"Then feel it for yourself!"
Whoosh!
Massive flames suddenly erupted from her entire body.
Fwaaaaah!
A tidal wave of fire surged toward Bukgung Yeon.
"The same goes for you!"
Bukgung Yeon shouted back, her voice rising in challenge.
Shwaaaaaaa!
She conjured a massive blizzard to meet the wave of fire.
"Let’s see that 'great' skill of yours!"
The blizzard and the fire collided with a thunderous roar. Soon, it looked as if a natural disaster was unfolding in the clearing.
*
"Ouch, ouch, ouch!! Be gentle!"
Neung So-hwa winced, her face contorted in pain.
"Stay still."
Ignoring her whining, Sun-woo applied Golden Wound Medicine to the scratch marks on her cheek.
"It hurts!"
"Then why did you two have to fight like that, pulling each other's hair?"
Sun-woo looked at her with an incredulous expression. Despite being masters of the Profound Realm, they had devolved into a messy catfight—pulling hair, biting, pinching, and scratching—just like ordinary women. It was an absurd sight to behold.
"What was I supposed to do when my internal energy ran out!"
Neung So-hwa raised her voice defensively. Their confrontation had started in the afternoon and lasted until sunset. Eventually, both of them had completely exhausted their Qi. Once their internal energy was gone, they resorted to a physical brawl using only their raw strength.
At first, they fought seriously with proper strikes and kicks, but when even that didn't produce a winner, it turned into a total catfight. They bit, pinched, and scratched without hesitation.
The result was this: swollen faces and scratches everywhere.
"So, who won?"
"Me, of course!"
"For a winner, you sure got beat up a lot."
"That block of ice is in much worse shape!"
"That’s not what I saw."
Sun-woo replied with a faint smile. Compared to Neung So-hwa, who was bruised all over, Bukgung Yeon had surprisingly few injuries. It seemed that in a messy brawl, Bukgung Yeon—who had lived a rough life as a wanderer—was superior to Neung So-hwa, who had learned martial arts like a greenhouse flower in the imperial palace.
"Ugh... you’re so mean!"
Neung So-hwa huffed and turned her head away sharply. It was her signature sign of being sulky. Sun-woo chuckled at the sight. She looked quite cute.
Grab.
Sun-woo reached out and pulled Neung So-hwa into a back hug. He could feel her warmth against his chest.
"Sohwa, don't be mad."
"...Hmph."
Neung So-hwa let out an even louder snort.
"Are you still going to be mad?"
"Fine! If you like Bukgung Yeon so much, go to her!"
"Really?"
".............."
When Sun-woo asked back, Neung So-hwa fell silent. She never expected him to actually ask if he could go.
"Then I’m really going, okay?"
He began to slowly loosen his arms.
Snatch!
Neung So-hwa immediately grabbed his arms before he could let go.
"How can you actually try to leave just because I told you to! In times like this, you’re supposed to soothe my anger!"
"I thought you really wanted me to go."
Sun-woo teased her with a smirk.
"You’re such a fool! Hug me tighter!"
Neung So-hwa swallowed her pride and demanded. Sun-woo found her so adorable that he pulled her into an even warmer embrace.
"Hmph."
Perhaps enjoying the warmth, Neung So-hwa let out a small huff but wore a satisfied smile—though Sun-woo couldn't see it.
After some time had passed...
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of footsteps reached their ears.
Click.
They heard the sound of someone placing a hand on the doorknob. Startled, Sun-woo quickly released Neung So-hwa.
".....Ah."
Neung So-hwa let out a disappointed sigh.
Creak.
The door opened, and a beautiful, cheerful young lady appeared.
"Sister! Are you okay?"
Seol-hyang cried out as she looked at Neung So-hwa.
"Ahem, I am fine."
Neung So-hwa nodded regally.
"Fine? You’ve been beaten black and blue!"
Seol-hyang pointed at the various marks on Neung So-hwa.
"That block of ice must be in a much more pathetic state than I am."
"Actually, she wasn't?"
Seol-hyang countered firmly.
"............."
Hearing Seol-hyang’s blunt tone, Neung So-hwa shut her mouth, feeling a wave of embarrassment.
"How did you get so many scratches?"
"Hmph, that block of ice must have been jealous of my beauty and tried to ruin it!"
"Wow, that’s so obnoxious."
Seol-hyang looked at her with genuine distaste.
"How can you say such a thing!"
Neung So-hwa acted as if her feelings were hurt.
"I mean, it’s not that you aren't pretty, Sister Neung, but hearing it from your own mouth makes it extra obnoxious."
"..............You’re too much."
Neung So-hwa slumped her shoulders, looking dejected.
"I’m just kidding."
Seeing her reaction, Seol-hyang gave a refreshing smile.
"Anyway, Sister, do you want to go bathe?"
"A bath? All of a sudden?"
Neung So-hwa looked confused.
"I heard from the villagers that there’s a hot spring nearby."
"A hot spring in the North Sea?"
Neung So-hwa asked in surprise. This was the freezing North Sea. How could there be a hot spring here?
"They say in the summer, the Snow Wind dies down, so the spring water doesn't freeze."
"That is quite remarkable."
"Right? It’s amazing, isn't it?"
Seol-hyang continued to chatter away.
"So, let’s go together."
"Regrettably, I cannot. I must nurse Sun-woo."
"But you’re the patient here, Sister," Seol-hyang pointed out.
"............His... his heart must be wounded."
"I think he’d be in more pain if you stayed."
"Regardless, I am not going!"
Despite Seol-hyang’s repeated requests, Neung So-hwa refused. She wanted to make a baby with Sun-woo as soon as possible. She didn't want to be distracted by something like a hot spring.
"Sister, they say hot spring water is incredibly good for the skin."
"My skin is already perfect."
Neung So-hwa replied without missing a beat.
"But it’s covered in bruises right now."
"..............."
At those words, Neung So-hwa glanced down and slightly lifted her clothing. Beneath the fabric, her smooth abdominal muscles were visible, though they were indeed mottled with colorful bruises.
"I heard hot springs are incredibly effective at clearing up bruises."
Seol-hyang added in a suggestive tone.
".........Is that true?"
"Of course. It improves blood circulation so much that they disappear in no time. Not only that, it’s good for stiff shoulders, fatigue, arthritis, cuts, burns—everything."
"..........."
"Let’s go... please? I want to go with you, Sister."
Seol-hyang pleaded.
"If it is an open-air spring, others will be there... It... it is embarrassing."
Neung So-hwa blushed and refused again. She was tempted, but as a member of the Imperial Family, the thought of showing her body to others was shameful.
"Don't worry. I’ve already made arrangements."
"Arrangements?"
"I’ve asked the others for their understanding. Tonight, only you and I will be using it."
Seol-hyang’s eyes sparkled.
"............"
Looking into those shimmering eyes, Neung So-hwa fell into deep thought. She was tempted, but leaving Sun-woo behind weighed on her mind.
Nod.
However, she eventually had to nod. She didn't want to show her bruised, naked body to Sun-woo.
"Yay! I’m so happy, Sister."
As soon as she accepted, Seol-hyang beamed and pulled Neung So-hwa into a hug. Neung So-hwa looked a bit awkward, but soon, a small smile played on her lips.