Chapter 96: Tournament (1)
I woke up earlier than usual and finished my morning training ahead of schedule.
Recently, I had been in the habit of getting up early to train every morning.
– Crack-!
Every time I moved my joints, I could hear cracking and popping sounds.
It felt like my body was finally loosening up a bit.
As soon as I finished training, I assessed my physical condition.
Thanks to my recent battles, all my internal injuries had healed completely, and only the twisted Demonic Qi in my dantian remained as an issue.
‘At this rate… by tomorrow it should be finished purifying.’
Fortunately, the purification of the Demonic Qi inside me was progressing steadily.
Because of that, its amount had decreased considerably.
The Sword Master must have had an overwhelming amount of Demonic Qi.
I could feel my normal Qi increasing, as the purified Demonic Qi was being absorbed and added to my internal reserves.
‘Well, I suppose this also counts as an opportunity for me.’
By this point, I seemed to have past my struggles of running low on Qi.
Not every bit of Demonic Qi would be absorbed, but most of it would still be converted into usable strength.
Which brought me to a question.
‘Just where did the Sword Master get this much Demonic Qi from?’
According to the Immortal Healer, she was under a spell that prohibited her from revealing the details of her condition.
Hearing that only chilled my spine further.
“…Demonic Qi and a restricting spell.”
This was almost identical to the traces left behind by the Heavenly Demon when turning normal martial artists into demonic beings.
The only difference I could perceive was that this Demonic Qi was at a tolerable level.
Because of this, I couldn’t clearly determine if the Sword Master had any encounters with the Heavenly Demon.
If the Heavenly Demon truly bestowed this much Demonic Qi upon the Sword Master, she wouldn’t have gotten off so easily.
At least not in the context I remembered.
‘I should also check on the Demonic Qi those Black Palace folks had too.’
The Mount Hua Sect was likely investigating this matter themselves, but I still wanted to uncover why they went to the lengths of draining the blood from the Mount Hua swordsmen.
A strange unease crept through me, indicating that something tangled and complex was at play.
“Should I check out the hideout found by those from Mount Hua?”
Finding the location might be an issue, but since it was already discovered and managed by the Mount Hua Sect, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
‘I’ll take a look before I head back to my clan.’
Chances were high that the Mount Hua people had already identified and eliminated any traces left by the Black Palace.
Even so, my urge to go stemmed from wanting to cut down on my hesitation.
‘If the Black Palace really has connections to the Demonic Cult…’
They were destined to become a group crushed by the Murim Alliance in just a few years.
That had been my previous thought, but considering the surprising knots entangled in everything now,
‘I’ve got to take action.’
I didn’t have the power to wipe out the Black Palace on my own.
They weren’t pushovers either.
‘But, I should be able to handle them in a few years.’
Of course, I still needed to think about whether this was truly necessary…
But I lacked the time to mull it over.
“I’ve already made my decision, so I might as well act on it.”
Having resolved to stop wallowing in indecision, I couldn’t waste time pondering like before.
When I returned to my lodgings, I saw Wi Seol-Ah approaching me with a bright smile while holding a towel.
She probably brought it for me to use after my shower.
Observing her, I asked, “You woke up early, huh?”
My gaze unwittingly wandered to Wi Seol-Ah’s hair.
She had tied her hair up with the decorative piece I had gifted her yesterday.
In that moment, memories of how her soft lips brushed against my cheek the day before rushed in, causing me to instinctively rub my own cheek in embarrassment.
With her cheerful smile still present, Wi Seol-Ah asked, “Young Master, are you not feeling well?”
“Nope, I’m fine.”
“Then why is your face all… red…?”
“…You must be mistaken.”
I hurried past her and entered my room to change clothes. Splashing my face with cold water didn’t do much to cool down the strange heat still lingering on my face.
‘Seriously, is it really reasonable for me to be acting like this because of that one incident yesterday?’
Even I found it silly.
The thought of using my Qi to hide my embarrassed flush crossed my mind, but ultimately I decided against it. The prospect of truly embarrassing myself as a man was too daunting.
After changing and freshening up, I stepped out just to find Namgung Bi-ah sitting on the floor.
More accurately, she was dozing off while seated.
I had half a mind to leave her there since it seemed she was in deep slumber, but she appeared to wake slightly.
Quietly observing her drowsy state for a while, I cleared my throat, gently tapped her shoulder, and placed the hair accessory I had prepared for her in her hair.
Unfortunately, I had never touched a woman’s hair before, so my clumsy attempt only made it worse.
“…I completely messed up.”
My intention was to gift it to her quietly, but with this spectacle… how was I to fix it?
As I scrambled to do something, a loud rustle led Namgung Bi-ah to rub her eyes and turn her head toward me.
“Mmm…”
“…”
Her half-opened eyes met mine just as Namgung Bi-ah raised a delicate, pale hand and waved slightly in greeting.
This was her customary morning salute.
Amidst it, I caught sight of the decorated accessory swaying along with her messy hair.
‘…Should I say something?’
How was I even going to approach it?
I wanted to keep it under wraps, yet I couldn’t just leave it like this.
Pondering my options, Namgung Bi-ah looked confused, wondering about my behavior.
“Uhm…”
“Hmm?”
I nearly reached out to grasp the accessory, but Wi Seol-Ah suddenly appeared, spotting us.
“Hey? Sis has the same thing in her hair as mine?”
“The same thing?”
Realizing the bizarre situation, Namgung Bi-ah instinctively pulled the hair accessory from her hair.
“Huh?”
Immediately, she turned her gaze toward me with a puzzled expression.
It was a look that seemed to ask, “What’s going on?”
Glancing at Namgung Bi-ah’s confused face, I replied quietly, “…I just bought it.”
I had intended to give it to her yesterday but could only manage to gift Wi Seol-Ah.
Shifting my gaze away, I found myself struggling to maintain eye contact.
Why was simply gifting her something so difficult?
But, as it turned out, it wasn’t an exact match to the one I had given to Wi Seol-Ah.
There was a subtle variation in design, just enough to create a difference.
Originally, I intended to get them both different accessories, but with my cluelessness, I ultimately just picked what I thought would make decent gifts.
‘What was I thinking buying this in the first place?’
If I’d just stayed silent, perhaps everything would’ve balanced out.
Regardless of how I analyzed it, it felt like a foolish decision.
Namgung Bi-ah looked at the accessory for a moment, then casually styled her hair and affixed the accessory elegantly.
Her creamy neck became visible, accentuating her graceful features.
It was fascinating how such a small change in her hairstyle could alter the entire atmosphere.
Namgung Bi-ah glanced back at me, inquiring softly, “So… how do I look?”
“You look… alright.”
A word almost slipped out—one that I barely managed to suppress.
Complimenting her by saying ‘pretty’ felt remarkably challenging.
Luckily, Namgung Bi-ah seemed pleased enough with my response, offering a small smile in return.
She had been smiling more often lately.
Just seeing her smile made me realize how different this life was from my previous one.
Whether it was the life I desired or not, I felt relieved to be free of certain troubles.
This life was comfortable enough to make me want to hold onto it indefinitely, maybe forever even.
‘So, that’s why…’
I figured I needed to take action.
If anything were to change in the gloomy future I knew of, it had to be now.
The crossroads that had long made me hesitate felt less daunting as I finally considered other possibilities.
Hiding my awkwardness, I decided to act nonchalant and asked, “I’m heading to watch the tournament soon; do you both want to join me?”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah nodded in unison at my question.
Originally, my plan was to set out before the tournament began, ensuring a prompt return to my clan.
However, upon learning that Gu Ryunghwa wished to return with us, I opted to wait.
Moreover, I needed to postpone some plans anyway since I had errands in Shaanxi, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
‘The only issues revolve around the Sword Master and the Immortal Healer, though.’
Both of them expressing their desire to travel back with us was somewhat burdensome.
I couldn’t discern the reason behind their choice to accompany us,
But from the clan’s perspective, it was certainly a good thing.
While the Sword Master might have had a complicated relationship with our clan,
The Immortal Healer was universally welcomed— even in the Gu Clan.
‘As for Father…’
I couldn’t entirely gauge his feelings on their involvement.
I planned to send a letter to the clan, reporting on the potential targeting of our party by the Black Palace.
In addition, since I was uncertain of the Sword Master’s recovery status, I included a request for reinforcements, should we face any unexpected attacks.
However, the letter would mainly emphasize the unusual entourage accompanying us.
With matters escalating to this level, I had no choice but to get that letter sent.
Around noon,
With less than thirty minutes left before the tournament began.
‘I heard it would last for two days.’
If I had to point out one difference between this tournament and the annual Nine Dragons Ceremony held by the Gu Clan, it would be that outsiders were not allowed to participate.
This was a small commemoration strictly for the warriors of the Mount Hua Sect.
It primarily served as a simple festive occasion for the clan and didn’t involve cooperation with other sects or clans.
During the tournament, outside visitors were allowed to come and go freely to enjoy the martial exhibitions.
The only downside was the fact that the site itself was located atop an absurdly high mountain— Mount Hua.
I seriously doubted anyone would go out of their way to witness the tournament given its inconvenient location.
But human passion never ceased to amaze.
“It’s packed…?”
Considering the Mount Hua Sect’s standing and reputation, it wasn’t even the largest sect.
Yet it’s filled to the brim with people…
Many in attendance were ordinary folk with no martial abilities, so climbing all the way up here must have been a monumental task for them.
Moreover, with the time of day, they’d likely need to start their ascent before dawn.
Witnessing such dedication made me appreciate just how much regard the residents of Huayin City held for the Mount Hua Sect.
Clearly, the sect anticipated their arrival, given all the designated places they had set up.
While the overall atmosphere may not have matched that of the Nine Dragons Ceremony, this event appeared to be livelier.
I could hear snippets of conversation among the crowd.
“Is the Sword Dragon participating this time?”
Were they referring to Yung Pung?
“I don’t think he showed up last year… so he must be here this year.”
“He wasn’t even the Sword Dragon last year, who won again? Yung… something?”
“Of course it’s a Yung, you idiot. Every third-generation disciple is bound to be a Yung!”
“I think the name was Yung Sung.”
“Oh! Right, Yung Sung! That sounds familiar— …Who are you again?”
One person who had unsuccessfully joined the group was dressed in Mount Hua’s traditional attire.
Upon noticing his uniform, the crowd became noticeably more cautious.
One man cautiously inquired,
“Uh… Are you from the Mount Hua Sect?”
“Oh, yes, I am Yung Pung.”
‘…What on earth is he doing there?’
The unexpected presence of Yung Pung raised questions— shouldn’t he be preparing for the tournament?
“Yung Pung… Yung…! Y-You aren’t the Sword Dragon, are you…?”
Yung Pung awkwardly scratched the back of his head at this question.
This was basically an acknowledgment of his identity as the Sword Dragon.
As the man relayed the news of the Sword Dragon’s presence, his tone was mingled with enthusiasm and shock, our eyes met.
“Oh! Young Master Gu!”
He rushed toward me at the sight of my face.
The whole crowd immediately directed their attention toward Yung Pung’s swift approach.
It seemed everyone had deduced his identity by then.
People gazed at him with excitement twinkling in their eyes.
Of course— It’s not every day you come across someone so prominent among the young elite.*
The Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes represented the future generation of martial artists.
‘…And I’ve been a bit harsh on big shot Yung Pung lately.’
His quirky nature likely added to my teasing, but I still acknowledged that I could’ve treated him better.
Watching the scene unfold made me realize once again how significant Yung Pung’s position was— not only within our world but in the heart of the people as well.
When Yung Pung reached me, he exchanged pleasantries with Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah too.
Observing his sturdy figure, I couldn’t help but ask,
“Are you not participating in the tournament?”
“Oh no. Only the third-generation disciples are competing today.”
“Then why— …Oh.”
It suddenly clicked. He had mentioned that he would be competing among the second-generation students, hadn’t he?
“Are you here to see how Senior Sister Gu performs?”
I hesitated to respond.
While true that I was curious about Gu Ryunghwa’s performance, I didn’t feel comfortable admitting I’d come for my younger sister.
“Well… yeah, but given that it’s just for the third-generation, I think my presence isn’t strictly necessary.”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah might have been oblivious, but I originally intended to show up just to see one specific individual.
“Oh, then you’re totally fine to wait.”
“Huh?”
“I heard that Senior Sister Gu isn’t participating today.”
I couldn’t comprehend what Yung Pung had just said.
“Master Yung, I thought today was the third-generation students’ turn?”
“…That is correct but…”
He hesitated, looking apprehensive about how to phrase his answer.
“Oh.”
Yung Pung snapped his fingers as if he found a solution.
“Since we still have some time… would you follow me?”
With that, Yung Pung began to lead the way down a specific path, and I silently chose to follow.
Eventually, we reached the back of the building.
Observing the uniforms of everyone gathered here, it seemed like a preparation area for the disciples.
‘So, this must be where the third-generation students gather.’
Taking a quick glance, I noticed they were either slightly older or younger than Yung Pung.
Some were above twenty, while others were near that age.
On another note…
“Master Yung Pung…”
“Yes, Young Master Gu?”
“What’s going on over there?”
As I pointed out, a cluster of muscular figures was huddled together, with familiar faces among them.
They were the second-generation disciples we had journeyed with to Shaanxi.
I could see them peeking from behind a pillar, attempting to conceal themselves.
Do they believe they can hide with those massive frames?
Gu Ryunghwa also seemed to have a talent for hiding. Did Mount Hua Sect not teach proper stealth techniques?
Yung Pung, standing beside me, faltered before answering.
“I believe… they’re probably causing a ruckus because of Senior Sister Gu.”
“…Excuse me?”
Why was Gu Ryunghwa suddenly in the mix here?
Just then, memories flashed of the surprise on their faces when they found out I was Gu Ryunghwa’s brother during our journey here.
‘Is she being bullied or something?’
If that’s the case, it would annoy me to no end.
And it wasn’t simply because of the bullying.
With that thought in mind, I advanced towards the group of muscle-bound disciples.
“Eh? Hold on, Young Master Gu…!”
Yung Pung tried to stop me, but I ignored him.
Not that I’m playing the role of an older brother, but just the sight of them stirred my anger.
As I drew nearer, I caught snippets of their hushed conversation.
What could they possibly be fixated on to not notice my approach?
“…Why is she trying to compete with the third-generation students?”
“I know, shouldn’t we step in here?”
Are they discussing Gu Ryunghwa?
“Everyone be quiet! It’s a decision she made herself, so we must respect it…!”
“Even you’re going to play the sympathy card? How can we trust those roguish junior students?”
“In my view, you’re the most suspect rogue here, so kindly zip it.”
“But…”
What secret distrust were they harboring against the third-generation students, and what were they planning?
I hadn’t heard anything about Gu Ryunghwa facing such a situation.
‘This merely highlights the distance between us.’
The blame rested entirely on me, leaving me speechless around my own sister.
First, I steadied my composure to prevent my emotions from taking over.
I kept repeating to myself that I couldn’t afford to cause a scene in this setting.
Once close enough, I interjected with the second-generation disciples.
“What’s the meaning of—”
“Then what if she gets hurt…!”
“…doing…?”
My words fell silent as confusion washed over me.
Had they heard what I said? Their eyes quickly turned to me.
“Huh?”
“Huh? Young Master Gu?”
A cold sweat trickled down my spine.
…What did I just hear?
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