The Road to the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering
"I can't fathom how those demonic heads are strolling about so casually in a place like this."
"Who knows. We merely stopped by where people live—what's the problem?"
"You lot aren't people. You're demons."
Ha-yeon nodded inwardly. From the very beginning, they'd insisted they weren't human, and the way they carried themselves matched exactly what she'd imagined a True Human would be. She'd once thought the slave was simply someone with an overabundance of pride and self-love, but seeing this, she couldn't help but conclude that nicknames existed for a reason. How could anyone in their right mind call a perfectly ordinary old man and a young lady "demon spawn"? Even the slave had drawn his sword on her without hesitation the moment he saw her.
"So what do you want? Are you suggesting we cross blades with this old man?"
"That wouldn't be so bad. With Cheongun here, the numbers are even, after all."
"Very well. Prepare yourself, Ma-hu. Today shall be the day the great pillar of Wudang is broken."
"...Eh? Really, Old Man? If we fight, you'll get scars on your face, you know?"
The sharp exchange between the old man and the so-called Big Blue True Human was no mere bluster or empty threat. Both the elder and the True Human had their hands resting on their sword hilts, ready to draw at any moment. Ha-yeon couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh. Hadn't they just been eating peacefully moments ago? Street brawls with blades were common enough in the neighborhood, but this? They must truly despise each other to this extent.
Yet she could already see how this would end. In the end, those in high positions couldn't afford to let emotions rule them, no matter how strongly they felt. Behind them stood their young disciples, and the elders who had lived long enough had far too many things worth protecting—accumulated over a lifetime.
"That's enough, Senior Brother. Or rather, Sect Leader."
"Junior Brother."
"Wudang's disciples stand behind us. And before the Sword Demon and the Bewitching Demon Consort stands Yong Cheong, a Wudang disciple and my own disciple. Beside him are the Sword Phoenix and innocent children."
"Hmm..."
"If you truly understand propriety, Sect Leader, you cannot involve children in the quarrels of old men."
At those words, Taecheong-jinin's expression softened. The shift in his demeanor was so clear it seemed he'd been waiting for exactly that line. He then offered Geom-ma—who wore a venomous smile filled with killing intent—an expression so gentle it bordered on arrogance. As if bestowing a great favor, Taecheong-jinin waved his hand dismissively at the Sword Demon.
"If my junior brother says so, then it cannot be helped. Slaying the two demonic heads would indeed contribute to the peace of the world, but we cannot harm innocent commoners in this inn or Wudang's blameless disciples. Be gone."
This was the orthodox sects' standard manual for dealing with the unorthodox and the Heavenly Demon Cult. They wanted nothing more than to kill these people right now, but with so many bystanders present, they would show mercy this time. Next time, however, there would be no mercy. It was a formula that allowed them to display magnanimity while securing practical gains. It had worked until now, and it would continue to work—a justification that existed because the orthodox sects possessed the power and martial might to enforce their claim to justice. There was a reason the unorthodox remained unorthodox.
Any other demonic head would have hurled a few insults or provocations before retreating from orthodox territory upon encountering two Wudang elders. Something along the lines of, "You orthodox vermin are truly cowardly. If this old man didn't have urgent business to attend to, I'd have ended you here and now." But this time, they had miscalculated.
"Why should this old man do that? Let's erect a few more gravestones while we're at it."
Threats only worked when the opposing sides were evenly matched or one held a slight disadvantage. Geom-ma gripped the head of his walking staff and pushed it forward.
----!
It wasn't even the sound of metal, but an ominous scraping noise. The gap between staff and blade widened, revealing a sliver of sword edge as white as bone. Taecheong-jinin and Cheongun-jinin's faces hardened at the sight.
"You... Sword Demon."
"Try persuading me properly. Your lot's arguments and threats haven't moved me in the slightest."
"Are you truly determined to fight to the death? In a place only a day's carriage ride from the Martial Alliance's main base?"
"What's stopping me?"
--- The blade of the staff-sword slid out a little further. The rotting faces of the True Humans twisted in disbelief. But the one frowning even more deeply was Mihon-mahu, standing beside Geom-ma.
"Old Man? Can't we just leave it at this and go?"
"No."
"Really? You're actually going to fight? With the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering underway, there must be countless experts nearby."
"If you keep yapping, I'll cut you down along with the rest."
"Old Man!"
She hadn't expected him to actually attempt something like this right in the heart of orthodox territory.
"Old Man. Why are you going this far?"
"Let me ask you the opposite. Is there any reason not to?"
"What?"
"As a member of the Cult, is there any reason I shouldn't cut down these orthodox vermin?"
"Uh... I guess not?"
"See? Even you think so."
Why did the orthodox sects and the Demon Cult always fight when they met? Even Mihon-mahu, who looked bewildered yet convinced, and Geom-ma, who was calmly drawing his sword, probably didn't know the exact answer. The grudge had been twisted and buried so many times that its origin was lost. Rather than searching for the beginning, both sides had found it easier to seek an end. If they buried their enemies whenever they saw them, and the ones who could hold grudges eventually disappeared, wouldn't that be just as good?
Relationships like that had been common in Ha-yeon's old world too. Hatred and resentment passed down from ancestors had to be inherited, whether one wanted them or not. Instead of bothering to argue about who was right or wrong, it was simpler to settle things with blades. Clean. Of course, for those caught in the middle, it wasn't simple at all. It was a nuisance.
----! The blade was now drawn out to the width of a finger joint. Killing intent began to seep from between Geom-ma's wrinkled eyes.
"Yah."
Ha-yeon's hand covered Geom-ma's, which rested atop the staff's head. Without trying to shake her off, Geom-ma turned to look at her.
"Hey, Grandpa. If you're going to fight, how about doing it outside?"
"Hmm..."
"Ah, sure, sure. I get it. But spare a thought for my situation—getting dragged into a blade fight while trying to eat. Can't you hear your grandchildren at home waiting for you to come back? Here, take this money and buy them a bag of sweets on your way."
"Heh."
Geom-ma's neck tilted slightly, as if something was flickering in his mind. But soon he chuckled, accepted the money pouch Ha-yeon offered, and sheathed the pale blade. Only Mihon-mahu, who had dramatically unfurled her iron fan adorned with ink flowers as if ready for battle, looked awkwardly at Geom-ma.
"Let's go."
"Old Man? Weren't we going to fight? You acted like you were about to, then suddenly this? If I just danced with my fan for nothing, I'll end up a maiden forever."
"Just think of it as dancing. What's the harm?"
"We're leaving? Really leaving?"
"Let's go."
With those words, Geom-ma vanished. Taecheong-jinin and Cheongun-jinin could only stare after the unexpected turn of events. If they hadn't truly intended to end things here, there was nothing they could do but glare at the retreating backs of Geom-ma and Mihon-mahu as the Sword Demon tossed the woman in coarse linen clothes over his shoulder and left the inn.
"It seems the demonic head was merely putting on a show to preserve his pride."
"It appears so, Senior Brother."
"Cheongun. Look after the children and quickly warn the nearby allies. Tell them two mad demons are prowling the area."
"Yes."
Once outside the inn, Geom-ma and the Demon Consort moved to a shaded, deserted alley on the outskirts. Only then did Mihon-mahu, seemingly relieved, fold her fan and grumble.
"So. Why did you really do that?"
"You don't know?"
"How would I know what's in your head, Old Man?"
"If you don't know, then that's all you amount to."
Geom-ma stroked the head of his walking staff. The sword that might have been drawn moments ago had been revealed by nearly a hand's span—enough that blood would likely have been spilled. But he had sheathed it because he'd encountered someone worth the effort.
"Aish, really. At least give this maiden a hint. Did some Divine Monk pass by nearby?"
"Tsk. This is why I hate traveling with someone who's not a swordsman. Only when a blade hangs over your own neck do you recognize true value."
"Don't be like that."
"I encountered a truly well-honed blade after a long time. For some reason, despite possessing such fine edge, it hasn't been fully forged yet. I couldn't bear to damage its hilt."
"What?"
"And that girl has mastered the Minor Beast Art. Wouldn't it be good to at least give the baggage you brought a hint?"
"Ehhh? That pretty thing?"
With that, Geom-ma fell silent, as if he'd said enough. Mihon-mahu merely puffed out her cheeks in frustration.
"Sigh. Still, I'm glad. I never expected there to be any survivors left."
She repeated the same words.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meanwhile, Ha-yeon was absently examining the bandages wrapped around her fingers. She had only covered his hand, yet her palm and fingers had been sliced diagonally. It wasn't serious—just a shallow cut on the outer skin—but Namgung Ryeon had panicked and slathered on every ointment she could find. The girl had gone on and on about how a woman's hands were her life for over an hour, and Ha-yeon had grown so tired of listening that she'd simply let her wrap them. Namgung Ryeon, you win. You're the first woman to wrap bandages all over my body.
Anyway, the incident had passed without incident—or at least, as much as it could.
"Yes. Yong Cheong told me a great deal. So you're the child named Ha-yeon."
"..."
"You are every bit as remarkable as my disciple described. Meeting you is truly a fortunate connection. I am Cheongun-jinin of Wudang."
Now she was speaking with the slave's father—or rather, someone of that standing—someone she hadn't wanted to meet. She would have gladly welcomed a connection with a skilled swordsman and wanted to shake hands and say, "Pleased to meet you, friend." But seeing the slave desperately shaking his head behind the elder's back, she figured she should at least show minimal courtesy. Considering how much the slave usually attended to her, a bit of lip service was the least she could do.
Ha-yeon offered an awkward cupped-fist salute and greeted him demurely.
"It is an honor to meet the renowned Cheongun-jinin of Wudang. From what Yong Cheong told me, I heard you were a kind and gentle person. I'm truly grateful that you look favorably upon this unworthy junior. I look forward to your guidance in the future."
"Hahaha. Not only is the child beautiful on the outside, but her heart is lovely as well. Yes, you must have been terrified, risking your life to stop those vicious demonic heads. Worry no more. Our Wudang shall protect you until we reach the Martial Alliance's main headquarters where the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering is held."
"...Hahaha."
Even Yong Cheong, who had asked her to act this way, couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh at her ladylike demeanor. He'd heard about the earring incident before, but seeing her pull the same act even in front of the Namgung Clan head made him seriously question whether bringing this person to the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering was a good idea. Namgung Ryeon was just smirking, thinking, Our sister sure knows how to mind her manners. The twin girls simply stared wide-eyed at the martial artists filling the inn, fascinated.
"It would be rude to linger in the inn with so many people. Let us move to another location."
Taecheong-jinin wrapped up the situation. He seemed satisfied that things hadn't escalated further, even if nothing had truly been resolved. The immediate problem was handled, so the rest didn't matter. But Ha-yeon could only tilt her head. Hadn't they said the Demon Cult kids were participating in the tournament? Was this really okay? With the way everyone was acting, could they really guarantee no blood would be spilled? Especially in a tournament that involved bringing kids along. If this was how things started before it even began, she wondered how it would turn out. But it wasn't her concern. The organizers would handle their talks, and even if a bloody mess ensued, it would be entertaining enough to watch. She now had the means to extract her people if needed. That was enough.
"That aside, the child is truly remarkable."
"Ah, um. Yes."
"It's no wonder Yong Cheong follows you around. Hahaha, and with the Sword Phoenix of Namgung here as well, this year's rising stars seem particularly blessed with handsome men and beautiful women."
Dealing with this old man in front of her was far more exhausting than any of that. Noticing her expression, Cheongun-jinin chuckled. The moment they arrived at the Martial Alliance headquarters the next day, she had to listen to a disciple brag in a nearby pavilion. Who was going to comfort her feelings? If you're going to brag, at least do it over a table full of meat and alcohol, not watered-down grass tea! That's proper etiquette!
"Is it tiring to keep an old man company?"
"No, not really."
"Hmm, wait a moment. Take this."
"Eh?"
"It's good for the body, so swallow it quickly. As for Yong Cheong... I won't... say..."
He glanced around furtively before pulling something from his robes and placing it in Ha-yeon's hand. In a situation like this, it was almost certainly some kind of rare elixir, but she felt no particular excitement. What caught her attention more was—
"Why are you doing this?"
"...You... You... Minor Beast... No. Never mind. It's nothing."
When his hand brushed against hers, his face suddenly stiffened. She was curious about the reason. Was there one? Her hands were a bit paler than most, but they weren't particularly dirty.
"I, haha. I must get up for a moment. There are many people I need to meet. Get along well with Yong Cheong, won't you?"
"Sure."
"..."
Cheongun-jinin rose. Ha-yeon tilted her head briefly before tucking the pill into her pocket. She planned to split it and give it to the twins later.
"There are a lot of people."
The moment she stepped onto the main road, she was met with countless faces. It was undeniable that the Martial Alliance's headquarters was built in a central hub of goods and trade. Even before the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering had officially begun, if this many people were already here, she could only imagine how packed it would be during the actual event. Tsk. This country had several times more people than her old hometown. It had been a long time—truly a long time—since she'd walked alone with no one beside her. There was no particular reason.
While Cheongun-jinin had been holding her back, the slave and Namgung Ryeon had gone to pay respects to the Martial Alliance Lord. She'd wanted to go too, but both of them had said the Lord was quite... overbearing, and they'd only introduce her if she was confident she could maintain proper etiquette. Hearing that, she'd decided she didn't want to get involved. Oh-ryeong and Yuk-ryeong were exhausted from the long journey and had collapsed at the lodging... So here she was, truly alone.
"This feels nostalgic."
How long had it been since she'd been alone after falling into the Central Plains? There had always been at least one person by her side. Considering that she liked being alone and had a wandering nature, it was quite strange.
"Once the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering ends, where should I go next?"
Perhaps because being alone was rare, various thoughts crossed her mind. How far could she travel with the slave and Namgung Ryeon? The twins seemed to be recovering from their trauma through travel, but maybe she should send them to a decent academy. Even so, it was only right to help them gain some ability to stand on their own. After the gathering, where should her next goal be? The imperial court? That wasn't a bad option either. Such peaceful musings.
"You there."
"Huh?"
But they didn't last long. Ha-yeon's keen senses caught the scent of blood drifting from a corner of an alley. A woman with blood-soaked hands stood at the alley's entrance, staring at her.
"Do you know me?"
Silver hair, crimson eyes, and skin paler than her hair.
"I do."
"Who am I, then?"
"My subordinate. And my only remaining kin."
"...?"
The silver-haired, red-eyed woman grabbed Ha-yeon's wrist at those words. Wondering what she was doing, Ha-yeon watched as the beautiful woman kneaded her hand before nodding to herself. Then, suddenly, she pulled Ha-yeon into a hug. It was soft and pleasant, but seriously, what was going on?
"I found you. Just as the Sword Demon said—there was a survivor."
"Excuse me?"
"Don't worry. All preparations are complete. Soon, starting with killing Cheongun-jinin, the Ice Palace will be revived."