Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: The Three-Move Spar
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The banquet was temporarily halted.
The main figure, Neung Un-bi, had stepped out into the courtyard in front of the grand hall for a sparring match with Seon Hwa-yeon. It was only natural, as the retainers had flocked to spectate.
“So, just a sparring match?”
“That is correct.”
“Then you'll give me the seclusion training chamber?”
“I won't go back on my word. If the Third Young Master's martial prowess satisfies me, I shall even grant you our family's secret spirit pill.”
“A... a spirit pill?”
“Indeed.”
As Seon Hwa-yeon nodded, Neung Un-bi's eyes widened.
A spirit pill? And a secret one at that?
For the Demonic Cult, why are they so generous?
Of course, there was likely an ulterior motive to do something to him, but what did it matter?
It's a spirit pill! A secret one, no less!
It's the kind of thing that would be a huge help when I escape!
“Excellent! You promised.”
“Of course.”
Seeing Neung Un-bi's eyes sparkle, Seon Hwa-yeon couldn't hide her satisfaction.
To show more interest in a seclusion training chamber and a secret spirit pill than in birthday gifts.
Others try to find the finest things to win the Cult Leader's favor...
No, perhaps this is a better decision. For the Cult Leader, the best gift would be his disciple's progress.
Especially for a disciple she was convinced would fulfill the secret ambitions she harbored.
“What shall we use? Fists? Swords? Or perhaps a martial debate? Ah, a martial debate would be good. It's not like I'd be a match for you in a physical fight anyway.”
“Are you suggesting a martial debate with me?”
“Yes! It's cold out; is there any need to run around outside? It's not just about us; we should think of the spectators too. Why don't we go back inside?”
“Hah!”
At Neung Un-bi's suddenly proactive demeanor, Seon Hwa-yeon smiled, deep dimples forming on her cheeks.
“Third Young Master, as you know, a martial debate is a method of fighting by discussing the state of one's martial arts with words.”
“Of course, I know.”
“You know, and yet you wish to have a martial debate with me?”
“Yes!”
As Neung Un-bi replied with a confident voice, the smile vanished from Seon Hwa-yeon's lips, and her brow furrowed slightly.
What in the...
There's a limit to confidence.
Confidence that exceeds one's ability is recklessness and arrogance.
In an actual fight, a novice sometimes defeats a master.
They might overwhelm with immense internal energy despite lacking enlightenment, or land a lucky blow by exploiting a master's carelessness when they think the fight is won.
That's why the saying goes that one must do their best even when fighting a rabbit.
But a martial debate is different.
A novice can never defeat a master.
Their knowledge of martial arts is different, and the depth of their enlightenment is different.
He knows that, yet he brings up a martial debate?
Is he getting cocky after gaining a mere sliver of enlightenment?
“You are quite confident. However, a martial debate is too advantageous for me. Let's choose something else.”
“Aw, but I like the idea of a martial debate.”
Seeing Neung Un-bi pouting, Seon Hwa-yeon's gaze turned cold.
“...Instead, let's exchange blows with our bare hands, without internal energy.”
“Bare hands? Without using internal energy?”
“Using internal energy would also be too disadvantageous for you, Third Young Master, would it not?”
“Hmm...”
At Seon Hwa-yeon's consideration, Neung Un-bi squinted one eye.
Damn it, we should have just stuck with the martial debate.
Neung Un-bi had a certain degree of confidence, at least in that field.
It wasn't because he had great enlightenment. It was because when he lived as a shadow, the aspect he contemplated most seriously to face masters was 'deconstruction'.
First, before a fight, he would thoroughly analyze his opponent's martial arts, personality, and common habits. The moment he found a way to deconstruct them, he would create the most suitable environment and execute his plan.
That was how he lived as a shadow, bringing down martial artists stronger than himself.
Hence, the martial debate. If there were no time constraints, he could surely think of a way to handle it.
Even if he couldn't win, he could at least come up with a way to achieve a draw.
But in a real fight, things are different.
Where would there be time to think amidst flying fists?
He would probably be too busy dodging Seon Hwa-yeon's attacks to think.
Furthermore, he couldn't perfectly replicate his past movements, so even if he was lucky enough to find a weak point, he would be struck down before he could break through.
However, seeing Seon Hwa-yeon's cold expression, it seemed he could no longer insist.
Hesitation flickered in Neung Un-bi's eyes before being replaced by a glint of resolve.
Right, she wouldn't actually kill the Cult Leader's disciple in a sparring match, would she? She'll probably just rough me up a bit.
And she even offered not to use internal energy. What a relief.
Still, I should do my best.
A seclusion training chamber and, as a bonus, the Snow Mountain Manor's secret elixir are on the line. If I don't fight with sincerity, she's bound to notice, and then she might change her mind.
“Alright. Then you may attack first.”
“I... should go first...?”
“Yes.”
Seeing Neung Un-bi nod vigorously, the corners of Seon Hwa-yeon's eyes twitched with displeasure.
First the martial debate, and now he tells me to attack first?
“Third Young Master, it is the code of the martial world for a master to grant the novice the first three moves.”
“When did that custom disappear? If you're not going to do it, then don't. But since you, So Seol-ok-su, refused, you still have to keep your promise. Right? The seclusion training chamber and the secret spirit pill. You get it?”
As Neung Un-bi said this with a wink, the goodwill in Seon Hwa-yeon's eyes vanished, replaced by annoyance.
I thought he had changed...
How can he be so reckless?
Must I postpone my decision again after all?
“Very well. Then I shall go first. If you can withstand just three moves, you will get the training chamber and the spirit pill.”
“Th-Three moves? That's too much, isn't it?”
As Neung Un-bi grumbled complainingly, a flicker of disappointment crossed Seon Hwa-yeon's eyes.
“Instead, I shall use only one technique.”
“Oh my, well, I'd be very grateful for that! Now, come on!”
Seeing Seon Hwa-yeon with one hand behind her back and the other lightly raised, Neung Un-bi grinned.
Not only is she being considerate, she's even going easy on me. How great is that?
One technique, she said. Considering her martial prowess, it would be anything but light, but she wouldn't use her full power.
That's why I chose to defend rather than attack first. I might be able to see something.
As Neung Un-bi slowly took his stance, a strange light flickered in Seon Hwa-yeon's cold eyes.
A defensive stance, with his center of gravity shifted to the rear. And a change in his eyes.
The arrogance and recklessness from his childish words were nowhere to be seen. He even felt like a crouching tiger before pouncing on its prey.
My, my, isn't he unpredictable?
The utterly disappointing frivolity was gone, replaced by a gaze filled only with seriousness.
Her expression was cold, but inwardly, Seon Hwa-yeon was impressed as she lightly took a step.
“That's a good look in your eyes. I hope your skills are as impressive.”
Shwak!
A small step, as if gliding.
But that single step instantly closed the distance of thirty feet, and her figure appeared before Neung Un-bi's eyes.
Wha-what?!
Stunned by her speed, Neung Un-bi immediately kicked off the ground and retreated. His reaction was swift because his center of gravity was already shifted back.
But his opponent was So Seol-ok-su. Her hand was already extending in a strange trajectory, flying toward the retreating Neung Un-bi.
Her target was his waist!
His eyes wide, Neung Un-bi carefully tracked the trajectory and twisted his body.
He dodged it!
Her arm was fully extended; it was the apex. The attack was over.
But in that instant.
Chwirit!
At the end of her extended reach, Seon Hwa-yeon's hand created a faint afterimage, momentarily multiplying into several.
Huk! What is this change?
It changes the moment it's fully extended? Creating afterimages without internal energy? Son of a bitch!
It was an urgent situation, but Neung Un-bi's pupils still moved rapidly.
There were six afterimages in total. But in the heat of the moment, he couldn't tell which one was real.
In that case, I have no choice but to take a hit!
Thwack!
“Keuk!”
With a harsh impact sound, Neung Un-bi retreated, his face contorted.
“Incredible! As expected of the Matriarch. To close a distance of thirty feet in a single step of the Snow-Treading Footwork without internal energy.”
“But the Third Young Master is also amazing. To lessen the impact by retreating. Who would think he only woke from his qi deviation a year ago?”
“Exactly. To be able to stand so steadily after taking a direct hit from the Matriarch's Shattering Palm.”
“See? Was I right or what? I told you his skills improved drastically!”
As the retainers exclaimed in admiration, Wang Cheon shrugged and added his own comment.
“This isn't a sight for the eyes of rats. Everyone, keep watch. I'll go order the outer perimeter security to be strengthened.”
The Patrol Hall Master, Gam Geuk, who had been looking into the distance, hurriedly quickened his pace.
However, Seon Hwa-yeon, who had finished her attack, was looking not at the pushed-back Neung Un-bi, but at her own hand.
The sensation on her hand was... weaker than she had expected.
She hadn't used her full power, which was why there were only six variations, but she had intended to crush his arrogance...
Could it be? In that situation, he analyzed the six variations and chose to be hit by the weakest one?
“Kuh... As expected of So Seol-ok-su. My ribs nearly shattered.”
Dusting himself off and straightening his posture, Neung Un-bi grimaced and let out a groan.
Seon Hwa-yeon, who had now turned her gaze to him, had a strange curiosity in her eyes.
“My, my... am I supposed to believe this situation? To think you saw through that?”
“Aw, I can't say I saw through it, can I? You didn't even use internal energy... And I couldn't dodge it completely.”
“Hah!”
It was pure admiration.
He intended to dodge it completely?
Suddenly, she recalled what he had said before the start of the match.
His suggestion of a martial debate with her wasn't just childish bravado?
“Aigoo, my body aches. Still, I've endured one move, so are there two left?”
Seon Hwa-yeon watched with an indifferent expression as Un-bi grumbled while getting back into his stance.
The same defensive stance as before, with his center of gravity shifted back.
And the same look in his eyes.
A genuine smile formed on Seon Hwa-yeon's lips.
He definitely saw it. And he is clearly confident.
Otherwise, why would he take the same stance as before?
Towards the Cult Leader's still-maturing disciple, she suddenly felt a strange excitement.
He wasn't strong enough to be her match, yet strangely, she got goosebumps.
To the point that for a moment, she wanted to reveal all her power and crush him.
“Third Young Master, you are a far more interesting person than I thought.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“It is.”
“Then I'll take it as such and be glad. But since you're already going easy on me, could you please be a little gentler? If I get hit one more time, I think something might really break.”
Seeing Neung Un-bi grin as he said that, the look in Seon Hwa-yeon's eyes changed.
Gentler?
After so long, a thrilling excitement was bubbling up, and he wants me to be gentle?!
Pak!
Her eyes wide open, pupils clearly visible, Seon Hwa-yeon stepped forward again.
The Snow-Treading Footwork, said to glide over the snow.
However, its speed...
“Damn it! I said go easy on me!”
But contrary to his shouted protest, Neung Un-bi's eyes were filled with concentration.
As Seon Hwa-yeon's form turned into a blurry line that seemed to stretch out, Neung Un-bi put more strength into his feet.
I can't let her get too close. I need to be a bit farther away to see her movements clearly.
Neung Un-bi's gaze focused on Seon Hwa-yeon's hand.
It's just one technique anyway, so there's no need to look elsewhere.
Shwaaaak!
It was faster than the first time, so it was blurry, but he could see it.
Her target is... his chest!
Neung Un-bi quickly twisted his upper body to dodge Seon Hwa-yeon's hand.
And here's the change!
Chwirit!
The palm, once again split into six, changed direction at a right angle and aimed for Neung Un-bi.
The real one is just one, I'll ignore the rest.
Neung Un-bi straightened his twisted torso and bent his arm.
Isn't the elbow one of the hardest parts of the human body?
Crack!
“Keuk!”
“...!”
A short groan escaped Neung Un-bi's lips.
But the situation was completely different from before.
Seon Hwa-yeon had stopped. And Neung Un-bi was blocking her hand with his elbow.
“Kuh, that really hurts. I told you to go a little easy. Are you alright?”
“...”
She couldn't answer.
Her movement was at least twice as fast... How on earth?
Seon Hwa-yeon could only stare at Neung Un-bi with wide, round eyes.
It wasn't just her; everyone watching the match was the same.
Wang Cheon, the retainers—they were all staring wide-eyed, their jaws agape.
It felt like they were witnessing some kind of miracle.
Even though she hadn't used internal energy or her full power, it was a technique delivered with sincerity.
And a fresh-faced eighteen-year-old youth, who had just begun to bloom, had blocked it.
“Whew...”
“...”
“Now there's just one left.”
Taking a deep breath, Neung Un-bi smiled brightly and took his stance again.
The same stance as before.
Seeing that, Seon Hwa-yeon suddenly unclasped her hand from behind her back.
“Huh? Why the hand all of a sudden... and why are your eyes so menacing?”
“Because it seems I've underestimated you, Third Young Master.”
“Eh?”
“My apologies. It seems my unnecessary consideration has displeased you. If you felt you were being disrespected, please forgive me. Instead, I will do my best on this final move.”
“...”
This was not good.
It felt like a cold chill was emanating from her.
And the difference between one hand and two.
In an instant, Seon Hwa-yeon's presence grew dramatically.
Soon, Seon Hwa-yeon lifted her foot, smiling as if she was about to go mad with joy.
“Ah, w-wait...”
But before he could finish his words, her figure closed in with a speed incomparable to before.
Unlike before, when he could at least see a blur, now he saw nothing at all.
God damn it!
She could have just said she didn't want to give them to me!
Thinking the training chamber and spirit pill were about to fly away, Neung Un-bi retreated without even exhaling the breath he'd just taken in.
If I can't see it with my eyes, I'll have to dodge by feel!
Probably... my head?!
Neung Un-bi barely managed to twist his head and evade Seon Hwa-yeon's hand.
“Keuk!”
The grazing touch sent his hair flying wildly.
“Truly! It's been a while since I've had this much fun! To think you dodged that? I'm so excited to see what you'll show me next, Third Young Master!”
“...!?”
Having missed, Seon Hwa-yeon let out a cry of excitement and immediately changed her trajectory.
Chwiririt!
A variation following the strike.
Six, no, thirty-something... Shit, how many are there?