Chapter 46: Sword Phoenix (6)
Memories from childhood are bound to fade with time, as is natural for all humans. Even for Gu Huibi, a martial artist with profound inner strength, it was no different.
Yet, amidst the blurry recollections, there was one memory she held dear enough not to forget.
“Please take good care of Yangcheon.”
This was her warmest memory.
Whenever hardship struck, this memory would resurface, serving both as a balm and a poison to her soul.
In her recollections, she saw her as a kind and beautiful person. Unlike the fierce members of the Gu Clan, she stood alone, casting a warm, gentle light.
In a way, she was someone who loved them even more than their biological mother.
A mother who would rest her son’s head on her lap,
The one who smiled through her children’s mischief without ever losing her cheerfulness.
And the mother who seemed more pained than her children whenever they were hurt.
Mother.
She was more than worthy of that title.
Now, the mother who embraced them not through power but through kindness was gone.
Gu Huibi felt compelled to honor her mother’s wish to safeguard Gu Yangcheon.
But unlike her endlessly loving mother, Gu Huibi found herself struggling to do so.
She tried her utmost, yet the task felt inherently daunting.
Thus, she knew she had to seek another way.
Thinking she needed strength, she took up the sword.
Fortunately, she discovered she had talent for it.
However, since the blood of the Gu Clan flowed through her, the only things she learned were wild and tumultuous, adding to her fiery temperament after the departure of her mother.
Still, Gu Huibi did not forget the lessons she had learned.
As long as there is love, one can protect those cherished.
Gu Huibi never forgot how her mother had shown her that.
And she intended to carry that legacy forward as long as she lived.
“Little brother.”
She called out to her younger sibling.
It appeared that time had treated him well; he seemed to have grown taller since their last meeting.
She had noticed he lost some chubbiness, previously earned through an insatiable appetite for sweets, now showcased by the prominent cheekbones of someone who had trained hard.
She felt guilty seeing him like this, bringing some dumplings as a gesture, but it brought her joy to see him relish them.
“Hey.”
Her voice held no hint of affection.
Gu Huibi smiled — it felt amusing, like the way a kitten might playfully extend its claws.
Little Yangcheon had returned from Sichuan with a lingering energy in his body.
And in her brief moment of distraction, he had caused a ruckus again.
Despite her efforts to curtail his rebelliousness, he hardly listened to her at all.
‘How could they agree to propose a second betrothal without telling me?’
Prior betrothals to the Peng Clan, and again to the Namgung Clan, it always seemed to happen when she was away on business.
At this point, it was challenging not to feel a twinge of resentment toward her father for arranging her brother’s engagements behind her back.
Why did it always seem to coincide with her lengthy missions?
And bizarrely, he had changed so much in just a few months.
He was still her little brother, no doubt about it.
Yet, he carried himself with the demeanor of a martial artist.
Just look at him.
Normally, he would have bolted to hide in his room at any sign of danger, but now he stood boldly, unafraid even under her potent aura.
He was even searching for an opening to attack.
A chance to strike.
How should I describe this?
Is it magnificent? Or does that make me come off as a creep?
Exchanging blows with a strong adversary was always exhilarating.
No retreat, no compromise.
Yet, never had she expected such feelings to swell up within her when facing her little brother.
She often pondered what direction he would take as he resisted her advice…
But seeing him evolve in such a short time filled her with both pride and an inexplicable urge for revenge on behalf of what she had missed.
Had he retained more of his boyish behavior, she would have likely dragged him into her swordsmanship group kicking and screaming.
As it stood, it seemed unnecessary.
‘Could this be the influence of that Namgung girl?’
Whoosh—!
Overwhelmed by her emotions, her energy began to fluctuate uncontrollably.
The Tang Clan’s Military Exhibition or something? Had he met her there?
She had expected another flimsy excuse to skip this year.
I heard the Second Elder made him go, though…
She couldn’t even argue back with the Second Elder. What a pain.
That Namgung girl… I wonder if she’s pretty?
Judging from the Lightning Dragon’s impressive countenance, she assumed at least she wouldn’t be unattractive.
If only they had met before…
It seemed she couldn’t find a means to approach her whatsoever; whatever secrecy surrounded her, it effectively barred her path.
‘…The only thing I could gather about her was..’
That she was the reigning beauty of Anhui.
What useless information this was.
“Sister.”
Gu Yangcheon’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
Gu Yangcheon had settled into a fighting stance.
“What’s up?”
“I called you since it seemed like you were deep in thought in the middle of our duel.”
“Is that so? Are you worried I might get hurt? How kind of you.”
Gu Yangcheon ignored her jab, stretching his neck and body.
Every shift released satisfying pops from his joints.
While she found him amusing, she sensed that the distinctive heat of a third-circle martial artist was noticeably absent.
Why is that?
Was he gearing up for something else? Or just nervous?
“Little brother, aren’t you going to wield a sword?”
“I don’t use swords anymore.”
Gu Huibi blinked, caught off guard by Yangcheon’s admission.
He no longer wields a sword?
She vividly remembered him brandishing a wooden sword just a few months ago.
Had he put it down because he felt it was unsuitable for him?
Yet he hadn’t trained long enough to have formed such an opinion.
So, if he had simply grown disinterested, surely…
‘Shouldn’t I chastise him for that?’
But then she shook her head.
‘…He must know what he’s doing.’
There was no need to reprimand him for something trivial, after all.
After all, she wasn’t his mother.
“…Well, okay then; it’s your choice.”
She pointed her wooden sword at Yangcheon and continued, “Little brother.”
“Yes?”
“Are you not coming at me?”
“No, I’m coming.”
She got ready once more in response to his answer.
Truth be told, she hadn’t planned to take this duel seriously.
Given the entanglements of engagements made in error, she should apply some force,
But she also didn’t want to hurt him, especially considering he was already in pain.
Let’s take it easy—just enough to harmlessly spar.
Her true intention was to extract that residual martial energy woven into Yangcheon’s aura.
She had to keep that objective in mind during their duel.
It had been quite some time since she sparred with him.
Unlike Gu Yeonseo, who typically clung to her like an annoying leech, Yangcheon abhorred clashing blades with her.
So, in that sense, this was a refreshing encounter.
Let’s go easy on him.
She wanted to savor this unique opportunity.
If she inadvertently exerted too much strength, the entire duel would be over before it even got started.
And with it, her plans to clear out the excess qi would evaporate.
Gu Huibi was fully aware of her capabilities.
She believed herself superior to those who have faced her, whether they were members of the Five Dragons or Three Phoenixes. She certainly had confidence in her ability.
One could say she appeared arrogant due to these convictions, but she bore sufficient talent to back them up.
Yet, that Peng Clan lunatic…
Such a madman.
Nay, he now held the title Young Master of Peng.
Despite his eccentricity, he was undeniably committed to martial arts.
His proficiency in wielding his energy far surpassed others within his circle.
However, catching up didn’t seem beyond her grasp.
It wouldn’t take long. Gu Huibi reasoned this confidently.
“Sister.”
Gu Yangcheon’s voice halted her thoughts once more.
She realized that despite the nature of her opponent, she should never have gotten distracted.
She nearly thought about saying sorry but found herself taken aback.
Yangcheon’s proximity felt incredibly close.
“What the—”
Before she could finish her sentence, her body sprang into action.
Months of training against demons triggered her instincts; she swung the wooden sword without hesitation.
It expelled red energy, forming a half-moon arc in the air,
But there was no one in front of her.
Crash—!
Except it didn’t come from in front.
Feeling a sudden sensation from her side, she swiftly pivoted.
Bang—!
She narrowly dodged the impact.
As soon as she moved, a pulse of energy exploded where she had stood moments before.
It all transpired within the blink of an eye.
In a few quick steps back, Gu Huibi gazed at Gu Yangcheon with wide eyes.
Where she had been, Gu Yangcheon now towered.
The lightly delivered punch she narrowly escaped shimmered with a faint red aura.
Just barely, too faint to notice at first.
As she distanced herself from him, darkness reclaimed its hold on the training grounds.
But from within the murkiness, Gu Yangcheon’s stare pierced through.
His eyes glowed with a dim crimson hue.
How…?!
He had managed to envelop himself with this reddish energy.
The alteration of his physique was a transformation only conceivable once one had reached her pinnacle.
How?
She repeated the question, trying to make sense of it.
Having utilized the same martial art, she understood the nuances involved.
What he showcased was undoubtedly akin to the Blazing Flame Technique, yet something felt off.
If she were to draw a comparison, it bore resemblance to the clan lord.
His posture, his gaze, the very arousal of energy surrounding him.
In that moment, she saw the spark of a Tiger Warrior within Gu Yangcheon.
Not simply because he was the lord’s son.
It was perplexing to witness someone at the peak of martial prowess, even among the third-rankers, beginning to reflect signs of her father’s strength.
Brushing off his hands, he spoke.
“Sister.”
An overwhelming pressure weighed down on her.
She had never felt anything quite like this, not even from demons.
It wasn’t merely his power that held sway over her.
It was the unique aura emanating from Gu Yangcheon; it pressed down upon her.
As the Sword Phoenix, renowned for having reached the pinnacle of her martial arts, she was now effectively subdued.
…This is sheer brilliance.
What could have caused that child to evolve in such a fashion?
Regret washed over her for having spent months absent from his side.
She had missed out on witnessing his transformation.
That, she sorely lamented.
Glancing at her, Gu Yangcheon asked, “Are you done letting your guard down?”
“…You could say that. I did let my attention slip, didn’t I?”
If Yangcheon hadn’t called my name?
And had he aimed for my chin rather than my side?
Would I still be standing here intact?
She couldn’t be certain.
Suppressing her exhilaration, she questioned him, “Little brother, what on earth happened while I was away?”
“Quite a lot, actually.”
He replied with a displeased expression.
It seemed the happenings hadn’t been quite pleasant nor enjoyable for him.
“Oh dear… this won’t do.”
She subtly licked her lips.
Though she cherished the idea of her younger brother achieving great things, her own martial instincts urged her to conquer him.
Though she kept trying to remember her initial goal for this duel, the rising ambition was hard to ignore.
Just a smidge, will that cause any harm?
Just a fraction, surely my little brother can withstand it!
The instant her resolve firmed.
Whoosh—!
Gu Huibi set her plan into action right away.
…Is she finally coming to her senses?
I sighed in response to the much more intense energy enveloping the area.
What had she been pondering? She’d been frowning and laughing in succession.
If she had simply targeted my chin, this would’ve been a done deal; however, the true aim was to drain the lingering energy from within.
It seemed that was Gu Huibi’s goal, so she had employed a warning strike to rouse her from her daze.
At first, her intent was likely to convey something like, “Get it together! I’m strong enough to compete!”
Had she perhaps pushed her limits?
What on earth… how much had she kept hidden?
Feeling the heat brush past me made me flinch.
It was undeniably true — this was no mere manifestation of a fifth-level flame.
It must have been something even more formidable, maybe higher!
“…Sister, you’ve returned to your senses, right?”
I asked uncertainly, as Gu Huibi allowed a smirk to surface amidst her flame-infused form.
“Of course! I’m fine, truly!”
Yet, she certainly didn’t appear fine.
I contemplated what moniker suited this woman who seemed a bit off in the head.
The Crazy Flaming Sword Gu Huibi.
…Simply put, calling her a flaming madwoman was accurate.
No matter how one viewed it, the term fit her to a tee, though it felt a bit insulting.
Had I truly excited her too much?
Reaching the third tier made employing my energy feel smoother.
Thanks to that, I had successfully managed to launch a surprising strike on her.
“…Though, I do regret that choice now.”
It seemed I had unwittingly stirred the wild fire boar even more than intended.
Now, stopping her was going to be quite a challenge.
“I’m coming, little brother…!”
“…On second thought, I don’t think you should— Oh for heaven’s sake.”
Before I could complete my warning, Gu Huibi rushed at me.
And that night, the training ground crumbled beneath the chaos sparked by Gu Huibi’s rampage.
Meanwhile, during the destruction of Gu Yangcheon’s training ground…
In the Lord’s room of the Namgung clan.
“What… is this?”
Lord Namgung Jin struggled to contain his trembling eyes as he interrogated his escort.
“What is the meaning of this?”
The escort who brought the letter could only kneel in silence.
“…This is my negligence. I deeply apologize, My Lord.”
The escort’s words barely registered with the Lord’s ears.
What mattered most was the letter clenched tightly in his hand.
With shaking hands, Namgung Jin opened the letter his daughter left behind.
He scanned the brief and poorly written message before him.
The messy handwriting made it nearly impossible to decipher its contents.
Nonetheless, Namgung Jin was certain that it had been penned by his daughter.
Only she could write something so casually and still maintain such an imposing demeanor within the Namgung Clan.
“…You mean you don’t know when she vanished? ”
“That’s correct…”
The escort responded to Namgung Jin’s inquiry.
The Lord furrowed his brow in response.
Was he meant to rejoice that his daughter had slipped under the watchful eyes of the Clan’s guardians?
Had it been under any other circumstance, he might have been completely overjoyed.
Ultimately, Namgung Jin could no longer contain his fury and crumpled the letter in his grip.
“…Bring her back.”
His fierce voice reverberated throughout the chamber.
Under the weight of his commanding presence, the escort could barely respond properly.
Between suppressed cries, they nodded obediently.
Within the wrinkled letter left by Namgung Bi-ah were the hasty words inscribed:
– I’m going away to see my fiancé.
In essence,
It meant that Namgung Bi-ah had run away from home.
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