Chapter 148: Round of 32 (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 148: Round of 32 (2)
Chun-bong’s face hardened into stone.
She turned her head with a mechanical creak, her eyes radiating a bone-deep chill as she glared at Seo-jun.
“You… you absolute bastard…”
“Pardon?”
“How could you… you piece of trash…!”
Her body trembled violently, tears pricking the corners of her eyes.
Seo-jun stared in bewilderment. He had absolutely no idea what had triggered this sudden outburst.
In a fit of extreme rage, Chun-bong finally shrieked.
“…You bastard! Drop dead! I hope you become a eunuch!”
With that, she sprinted away and vanished.
“What the—Hey! Kim Chun-ppung…! Why are you being so harsh…!?”
Seo-jun called out to her desperately, but she was already long gone.
He turned to Namgung Su-ah, utterly dumbfounded.
“I mean, seriously, Noona. What did I even do?”
“Hmm…”
Namgung Su-ah looked back and forth between the gisaengs and Seo-jun, a faint smile playing on her lips.
“Who knows? But are these ladies guests?”
“Right? I was thinking of asking if we could take them in as servants.”
“Fufu, that shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Smiling, Namgung Su-ah stepped up to Seo-jun, stopping right in front of his nose.
They were close enough to feel each other’s breath.
As Seo-jun’s eyes darted around nervously, Namgung Su-ah opened her eyes a fraction wider. Her azure pupils gleamed as the corners of her mouth curled upward.
It was not her usual gentle smile.
With a gaze that radiated a strange, heavy pressure, she asked, “But… what is this all of a sudden? They look like gisaengs. You stay out all night without a word, come back, and then casually announce you’re taking them in as servants?”
Here is a question: How would a wife feel if her husband, after staying out all night without a word, suddenly brought home a group of women and declared he was hiring them as servants?
“Ah.”
Realization finally struck Seo-jun, and he smacked his fist into his palm.
“It’s a huge misunderstanding~”
* * *
Clearing up the misunderstanding wasn't difficult.
Convinced by his straightforward explanation, Namgung Su-ah offered a soft smile and guided the gisaengs to the Administrator.
This time, it was truly her usual gentle smile.
Seo-jun, who had been briefly sweating bullets, finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Phew. Hey, Kim Chun-ppung! If you heard all that, hurry up and get out here!”
As Seo-jun stood with his hands on his hips, Chun-bong, who had been eavesdropping from a distance, trudged over hesitantly.
She looked sheepish, clearly realizing she had jumped to conclusions.
Fufu, all according to plan.
Seo-jun smirked inwardly.
This was a rare case where the flawless performance of the ‘Chun-bong Lie Detector’ had actually worked against her.
While it was true he hadn't done anything untoward with the gisaengs, there was a far more terrifying secret hidden behind his night out—the matter of his identity as Baek Seo-jun…!
However, Chun-bong firmly believed the surface-level truth and didn't press him any further.
Which meant he had successfully dodged a scolding!
As Seo-jun beamed, Chun-bong fidgeted.
“I mean, honestly, anyone would have misunderstood that situation…”
“Even so, telling me to become a eunuch! This Oppa never taught you such foul language!”
“I didn't mean it!”
“Sure, sure. Our Kim Chun-ppung is such a good girl.”
“And stop making up more nicknames!”
“That is one request I absolutely cannot grant, no matter how nicely Chun-bu-i asks.”
Chun-bong pouted and glared at him.
Seo-jun gave a broad grin.
“I’ll give you a present instead to make up for it.”
“…What present?”
“Your spar with Noona is scheduled for tomorrow.”
“Huh?”
Chun-bong tilted her head.
“How do you know that?”
“I asked the Abbot. He told me straight away.”
“Really? He didn't seem like the flexible type.”
“I solved a major headache for him.”
He had paved the way for Shaolin to inspect the internal energy of the participating martial artists.
And that wasn't all. There were past favors, too.
He had readily accepted the duel with Ju Cheol-yak, preventing a massive political headache. He had also provided a moment of enlightenment to Hye-un, directly contributing to the monk's growth.
So, for the Abbot, leaking a simple sparring schedule was the least he could do.
Well, technically, all those problems had been caused by Seo-jun's own antics in the first place… but all’s well that ends well, right?
Seo-jun smirked.
“So, you can skip the Yongbong Gathering today and just go out to play.”
“Oh…”
Chun-bong licked her lips.
“There was a Mala Tanghulu I didn't get to try last time.”
“…Do you really have to eat that abomination?”
“You can eat something else. I’ll be the only one eating it.”
“Hmm.”
Seo-jun shrugged.
“Well, we’ll see.”
* * *
Time flew by as he explored the bustling streets of Henan with Chun-bong and Namgung Su-ah.
“Ah…! Aren't you that Great Hero? The Jin Gi-jae-cheon…”
“Portraits. Difficult.”
“Pardon?”
Surprisingly, quite a few people recognized him.
It was only natural, considering his earth-shattering duel with Ju Cheol-yak had taken place just a few days ago.
Fortunately, not many dared to actually approach him. It wasn't easy for commoners or average warriors to strike up a conversation with a Super Peak realm martial artist, after all.
Seo-jun chewed on a piece of Mala Tanghulu, a dead-serious expression on his face.
“Wait, why is this actually good?”
“I told you it would be.”
“This makes no sense, seriously.”
The group entered a decent tavern, each holding a skewer of Tanghulu (Chun-bong had two in each hand), and ordered their food.
“Is your preparation going well?”
At Seo-jun’s question, Namgung Su-ah offered a meaningful smile.
“Hmm… I think so?”
“Oh, really? Are you finally getting a feel for it?”
There was a specific task Seo-jun had given Namgung Su-ah: to find the direction of her Mental Imagery.
Simply put, he had told her to manifest her own unique Mental Imagery.
Since she was already at the Peak Realm, the foundation of her Mental Imagery would have been somewhat established, but to break through to the next level, she needed a clear goal.
It was like a lighthouse that would keep her from getting lost among the countless branching paths of martial arts.
“Seeing our Chun-bong use her Chun-bong Divine Art last time, it looks like she’s already found her path.”
“Mm-hmm. Reaching the Super Peak Realm will be a breeze.”
“Our Chun-bu-i is amazing!”
As he chatted with the two women aiming for the Super Peak Realm, their food arrived.
The group had claimed a table on the third floor, the highest level of the tavern. It wasn't crowded, and most of the other patrons appeared to be martial artists.
This meant there weren't many people to bother them, and even if someone tried, they were the type who would take a hint and back off at a single sharp glare.
Thanks to that, they could enjoy their meal and conversation in peace.
He wiped a smear of grease from the corner of Chun-bong’s mouth, took away the meat she was struggling to gnaw on because she found deboning it too bothersome, deboned it for her, and then force-fed her a few more pieces when she grumbled about being full. It was then that he felt a gaze fixed on him.
“What is it?”
Turning his head, Seo-jun spotted a familiar face and waved.
“You here to eat?”
Hwangbo Jun stared at Seo-jun with a complicated expression. Beside him, Hwangbo Hye-ji’s eyes widened as she scanned Seo-jun and his companions.
Hwangbo Jun waved back reluctantly, then carefully sent a Voice Transmission to Hwangbo Hye-ji.
[ Do not act rashly. Nothing good comes from catching that monster’s eye. ]
[ Ye—Yes…? ]
[ Just greet him for now, then let’s leave the tavern naturally. ]
Hwangbo Jun patted Hwangbo Hye-ji on the back.
Despite her confusion, she took the hint and bowed to Seo-jun and the others.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Senior. And the young ladies of Namgung and Geum as well. I am Hye-ji of the Hwangbo Clan.”
Seo-jun nodded in acknowledgment.
“Yeah, nice to meet you. I heard about you from Myeong-i.”
“F-from Young Master Namgung…?”
Hwangbo Hye-ji’s cheeks flushed a bright red.
Is she my future sister-in-law?
Seo-jun looked at her warmly before shifting his gaze to Hwangbo Jun.
“And you, you punk. Calling someone a monster right to their face? Do you have a death wish?”
“…What are you talking about?”
“You think I can’t hear your Voice Transmission?”
Unfortunately for the old man, Seo-jun had heard every single word.
Voice Transmission was ultimately just a technique that vibrated internal energy instead of air to send sound directly into the listener’s ear.
There was no reason Seo-jun couldn't intercept it.
In the first place, once a martial artist reached the Transcendent Realm, eavesdropping on an ordinary Voice Transmission wasn't difficult at all.
If you wanted to talk behind someone’s back in his presence, you either had to use a highly specialized method or go somewhere far, far away. Or, you could just talk trash openly and get your throat slit.
“Eavesdropping on… others’ private conversations is not an honorable thing to do.”
“What was that?”
“…I apologize.”
“I ought to just…”
As Seo-jun raised his fist in a mock threat, Hwangbo Jun slowly backed away.
“Sigh, whatever. So, what are you two doing here?”
“It is not unusual for me to go out with my grandniece.”
“Grandniece?”
Seo-jun looked back and forth between Hwangbo Jun and Hwangbo Hye-ji. Hwangbo Jun nodded.
“She is my older sister’s granddaughter.”
“What.”
If his sister’s granddaughter was already that age, just how old was Hwangbo Jun?
Seo-jun thought about the math for a second before giving up.
He had absolutely no intention of using formal speech just because the guy was old anyway.
“Well… fine. Have a good time.”
“I will do so even without you telling me.”
When Seo-jun narrowed his eyes at him, Hwangbo Jun quickly nodded.
“…T-thank you.”
“As you should.”
Arrogant prick.
Seo-jun chuckled and waved them off. Hwangbo Jun and Hwangbo Hye-ji quickly found a table far away, ate in a hurry, and left.
Is something bad happening in the Hwangbo Clan?
When he had caught a glimpse of his ‘sister-in-law’ before she greeted him, her expression hadn't looked very good.
Of course, it wasn't officially confirmed that she was his future sister-in-law, but it didn't hurt to keep an eye on the situation just in case.
* * *
The final day of the Round of 32 arrived.
Perhaps because this was the prestigious Yongbong Gathering and not some minor provincial tournament, the matches were so intense that the Round of 32 still hadn't finished.
“When is our Chun-bu-i coming out?”
Seo-jun grumbled as he slouched in his seat.
Chun-bong was second in the order today. The first match had just begun, so her turn would come right after.
— The winner is…!
About fifteen minutes later, the first match concluded.
The winner was Peng Do-jin of the Hebei Peng Clan.
Since the Hebei Peng Clan’s territory directly bordered the Black Lotus Union’s, he hadn't expected them to spare the manpower to participate in the Yongbong Gathering. But it seemed their rising stars had joined the tournament after all.
Did they intentionally keep their youths in the rear away from the frontlines?
It was hard to say. Come to think of it, he distinctly remembered someone named Peng-something being present at the alliance meeting too.
Regardless, it wasn't really his business, so he brushed the thought aside.
And finally, it was Chun-bong’s turn.
“Chun… Geum Hee, fighting!”
At Seo-jun’s loud cheer, Chun-bong stepped onto the martial arts arena with a deeply dissatisfied expression.
Geum Hee, my foot.
Chun-bong pouted.
While she had grown fond of the alias Geum Hee, she wanted her brother, at the very least, to call her Chun-bong.
Chun-bong calmed her mind as she faced her opponent.
There was nothing more pathetic than losing a fight due to carelessness.
Steeling herself, she waited for the referee's signal.
— Start…!
And the match ended in less than a fraction of a minute.
“What.”
Seo-jun couldn't hide his profound sense of emptiness. The match had ended so instantaneously that his long wait felt entirely pointless.
Even if her opponent wasn't a rising star from one of the Sixteen Major Sects and Clans, he hadn't expected the fight to end that quickly.
— …Geum Hee! Geum Hee!
— That was amazing…!
The spectators went wild over the overwhelming display of power, but for Seo-jun, the conclusion was far too anticlimactic.
“Good grief.”
Seo-jun grumbled, plopping back down into his seat.
He had even stood up to cheer for her.
Smacking his lips, Seo-jun crossed his arms and fell into deep thought. Since Chun-bong’s match was over, he needed to organize his plans while waiting for Su-ah Noona’s turn.
I’m sure a lot will be said at today’s meeting…
Baek Seo-jun, and the Black Lotus Union.
Since the territory of Shaolin—a sect considered the Mount Tai and Big Dipper of the martial world—had been so easily breached, people were bound to talk.
And there was one more thing.
Maybe that guy Jong-in will be mentioned this time too?
The Elder of the Mount Hua Sect who was suspected of colluding with the Black Lotus Union.
Seo-jun had taken his head a while ago, but strangely, there had been absolutely no mention of his death until now.
He figured the topic might finally surface now that Ju Cheol-yak was involved…
Should I just pin his death on the Black Lotus Union too?
Since Namgung Su-ah had also performed the Firmament Boundless Sword Technique at the scene, if any lingering sword qi or traces had been found, the Namgung Clan would have heard something by now.
The fact that nothing had been said meant the Mount Hua Sect hadn't found any evidence linking the scene to Seo-jun, Chun-bong, or Namgung Su-ah.
It seemed his efforts to thoroughly erase their tracks had been perfectly effective…
In that case, rather than revealing the truth, it might be much more effective to frame the Black Lotus Union for the kill.
‘The Black Lotus Union assassinated not only the General but also an Elder of the Mount Hua Sect.’
Wow, those guys are real bastards, aren't they?
Seo-jun marveled internally at the Black Lotus Union’s supposed villainy.
— Winner…! Eun Wi-ryong of the Diancang Sect…!
The third match had just ended.
Finally, it was time for the last match of the Round of 32—Namgung Su-ah’s turn.
Seo-jun jumped to his feet once more.
“Noona, fighting!”
At Seo-jun’s cheer, Namgung Su-ah chuckled and waved her hand.
— Namgung Su-ah of the Namgung Clan!
Namgung Su-ah stepped onto the arena, cradling a greatsword longer than her own height.
— Cheong-song of the Qingcheng Sect!
Her opponent was Cheong-song, a close friend of Namgung Myeong.
Standing opposite Namgung Su-ah, Cheong-song offered a bright smile.
“We meet again, Young Lady Namgung.”
“It is a pleasure.”
When Cheong-song offered a formal fist and palm salute, Namgung Su-ah gracefully returned the gesture.
Watching them from the stands, Seo-jun clicked his tongue.
“I mean, look at the age difference. How arrogant of him.”
Beside him, Hong Angae, who had been pondering something with a serious expression, looked puzzled.
“Aren't those two roughly the same age?”
“What are you talking about? He’s friends with Myeong-i.”
“What does age have to do with friendship in the martial world?”
“Uh… is that how it works?”
Now that the beggar mentioned it, it did make sense.
Seo-jun scratched his head awkwardly.
“More importantly, I’ve been thinking,” Hong Angae continued. “No matter how much I consider it, the only person who could overwhelm the General like that—and leave Henan without making a sound—is the Ice Palace Master.”
Seo-jun, feeling a sudden, sharp prick of conscience, waved his hand dismissively.
“…No, let’s talk about that at the meeting later. Let’s just focus on the match for now, shall we?”
“Well, fine. It is the Namgung Clan’s turn, after all.”
— Start…!
The match began with the referee’s booming signal.
Since focusing on the match wasn't entirely an excuse to change the subject, Seo-jun watched the arena intently.
She said she’s getting a feel for it, right?
He wondered what form her Mental Imagery would take…
He was so curious to see her progress that his hands and feet were practically itching with anticipation.