Chapter: 715
After hearing the answer, Cheol Ji-seon falls silent for a moment.
Since there was an affirmation, I expected some kind of response.
I took a moment to wait, judging that.
Knock knock.
I tapped the table with my fingertips.
I wondered what Cheol Ji-seon would ask next.
Would he ask why it had to be that way?
Or would he inquire if there were any plans for an escape?
As I quietly waited for that, Cheol Ji-seon finally opened his mouth.
“… Was there a reason why that had to happen?”
It’s the former.
Instead of asking about the plan, he wanted to know why it went down that way.
Moreover, his response reflects Cheol Ji-seon’s character.
Rather than a blunt question of “Why?”, it was a way of considering the other person even in such a situation.
Of course, it wasn’t a style of speaking that suited me.
“Reason… I guess it was necessary.”
“You needed it?”
“Yeah, it was necessary.”
Dangdeok had to be caught—by the name of the Demonic Cult, no less.
If he got caught around now, it would be quite timely.
It would be even better if Ilryongdaeju, who was known for his hasty nature, went along as well.
“Then, what was the point of sending Miss Nahi…?”
At Cheol Ji-seon’s question, I tilted my head.
“What? You didn’t already know about that?”
Last time, when I mentioned sending Nahi to Hubei, Cheol Ji-seon reacted as if I were being cruel.
I thought that with some sense he could have figured it out.
“I only expected it literally. I never thought it would play out like this.”
I listened intently, as he spoke almost worriedly.
What was his intention? I was waiting for the words that would follow.
At that moment.
“No matter what, my colleague—”
“Haha.”
I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at Cheol Ji-seon’s words.
It seemed he was under a misapprehension.
“Ji-seon.”
“…Huh?”
“Who in the world is your colleague?”
“…!”
With my somewhat cold phrase, Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes widened.
“… Yangcheon-ah…? You… .”
“Don’t be mistaken. They are not colleagues.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean don’t get attached unnecessarily. Look. If you form attachments, your vision will get clouded.”
As I continued, the tremor in Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes grew.
Seeing that, I took a sip of my tea.
“Your goal and my goal. We are here together because they intersect.”
There are few people I could actually label as colleagues.
Is it alright for Cheol Ji-seon to reach that level?
That’s all there is to it.
“Ji-seon.”
“…”
Instead of responding, Cheol Ji-seon fell silent. But that was no issue.
“If you’re unhappy with this, you can either completely change your plans or rescue the guy and bring him back.”
“…!”
“If you can’t do that, then keep your useless sense of justice to yourself. It’s of no use right now.”
The destination is clear.
Even though where I wanted to go and Cheol Ji-seon’s goal differed somewhat.
We’re on a similar road, which is why he’s by my side.
“Just look at what’s in front of you. I only used them because I needed to.”
I chewed and swallowed a handful of the dry snack in front of me.
It goes down well, even without alcohol.
“…”
After hearing that, Cheol Ji-seon didn’t say anything further.
Whether it was because he had nothing to say or nothing that he could say, I didn’t care.
‘It’s right to go my way.’
Regardless of what Cheol Ji-seon thinks.
No matter how others view it, I am on the right path doing my own thing.
Yes, indeed.
‘Because I’ll bear the responsibility all by myself.’
Gulp.
After finishing my tea, I got up from my seat.
Having concluded my conversation and gotten a general idea of the local news, it was time to head back.
‘The bait has been set.’
Now it’s simply a matter of waiting for the right moment.
“I’m leaving first. You said you were going to meet with Hwangbo Gaju, right?”
“Uh, yeah…”
“Alright then, I’ll see you later.”
Knock knock.
I moved, lightly tapping Cheol Ji-seon’s shoulder as I took my leave.
As I passed by, I didn’t glance at Cheol Ji-seon to see what kind of expression he had on his face.
Two days have passed.
The first main event occurred on the second day.
Three days passed right after that.
The reason? None other than to check the condition and lessen fatigue immediately after the main event.
In other words, it meant it was a rest period.
Whack.
I walked, loosening my body as I went.
‘My injuries are all healed.’
The big stuff still lingered, though.
But my most recent injury had healed.
That was enough.
Whoosh.
I turned my head slightly as I felt a breeze.
The end of summer.
Before I knew it, the wind carried a hint of autumn’s scent.
The leaves will likely fall soon.
‘…’
It meant time was passing, not a particularly pleasant thought for me.
‘Am I being impatient?’
I brushed my hand across my chest.
Am I feeling impatient?
That’s right. I am feeling very impatient.
How could I not be impatient?
It was a life where I had to wipe away the sweat trickling down daily.
‘It’s not easy.’
Even if it’s a life I chose for myself, the suffocation still lingers.
I chuckled.
I had to at least find something to laugh about.
“Look over there…”
“They…”
I glanced forward at the sounds reaching my ears.
The streets of Hanam were still bustling with crowds.
Days had passed since the main event started, and much had already changed.
For instance.
“It’s Seomwolgeom… It’s truly as beautiful as the rumors say.”
“How can a person be that beautiful?”
The dumbfounded person walking beside me.
The number of people recognizing her has increased.
And by quite a lot.
“The match was truly spectacular, right?”
“She looks younger than my daughter… Is she really the unmanned vehicle from Hwagyeong?”
“They say using a sword reminds them of seeing the Sword Master in his youth.”
The aftermath of the duel with the dragon still lingered.
Given her looks, people had already been drawn to her. Now, a tinge of longing has blended in.
“It’s a shame… I wanted to see more.”
There were also those who lamented Wi Seol-ah’s elimination.
“What can be done? The opponent was formidable. It was the Shaolin dragon, after all.”
And some had begun to acknowledge the status of the divine dragon.
Tsk…
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
If it keeps this way, it’ll turn out just as Shaolin desired.
‘Was this problem caused by working too hard?’
The descendants of the Sword Lord were strikingly potent.
And exceedingly so.
But.
‘The dragon was even stronger.’
Because of that, the situation turned out more favorable than Shaolin had hoped.
The status of the divine dragon was now touching the heavens.
Of course, that was to be expected.
‘Even I thought he was a madman.’
There’s a saying I often recall when I see Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah.
It’s as if those two are beauty incarnate in human form.
I frequently entertained that thought in my mind.
In comparison, the dragon embodies raw talent.
‘It feels like talent formed into human shape.’
Youngpoong or Woohyuk.
‘That vague feeling also surfaced when I saw them, but this dragon was on a whole different level.’
Not just a simple appearance; this is a plane of imagination altogether.
The martial technique he demonstrated, Hwang-A Gang-Ram.
I understood it the instant I witnessed it.
‘It’s similar to my Heart Technique in principle.’
During the energy-wrapping process, it holds energy gracefully, so it doesn’t become a mess.
It was a level of difficulty that made me want to laugh out loud the moment I spotted it.
‘That’s why no one can pull it off.’
How many folks in Shaolin could wield that now?
Even if someone possesses sufficient skill, they need to be essentially at Hwagyeong level to even think of attempting it, and barely five fingers would be sufficient for a count.
‘A martial artist of such difficulty level actually utilized this technique.’
Thus, it’s only natural that such excitement erupts.
Yes, that’s a given.
So, I also refrained from acting rashly.
‘Because it was at a reasonable level.’
A tale of different circumstances from my past life.
I don’t know what occurred back then, but the current age’s divine dragon had gone far beyond the walls.
‘Just like Youngpoong, I presumed it would be akin to his case.’
Youngpoong, the frog stuck in the well.
I assumed the divine dragon would be no different.
‘What could it be?’
How on earth did he break free?
‘Was there anyone worthy of setting goals?’
Someone to keep him from being arrogant. Did such a person exist in Shaolin?
Questions arose, but I couldn’t be sure.
While meandering further, I continued listening to whispers at my side.
“Next to the Seomwol Sword… isn’t that the rumored female? The poisonous phoenix who belonged to the Tang family?”
Standing next to Wi Seol-ah was Dang So-yeol, and rumors about her were circulating, too.
By the way, just as Wi Seol-ah acquired a nickname, Dang So-yeol’s also transitioned.
That nickname is…
“Oh my. A poisonous phoenix? When did we even start talking about that?”
“That’s right. She’s no longer known as the Poisonous Phoenix….”
“It’s now the Poison Fist.”
Snap.
As the words reached my ears, I distinctly heard something—someone biting down on their teeth from somewhere.
It came from Dang So-yeol.
“… Poison Fist…? How is that even…?”
He frowned deeply, clearly unhappy about something.
With his innocent appearance, he didn’t seem intimidating.
“Seol-ah got the Seomwol Sword… Such a pretty title, but why me…?”
“Most things that are poisonous are pretty much unattractive.”
“That’s exactly why!”
Dang So-yeol shrieked at my less-than-consoling response.
“… I didn’t even use poison in the match. So why am I stuck with this poison branding…?”
“You’ll need to ask your family about that.”
Regardless of how ruined the Tang family is, they are still the Tang Family.
It was inevitable; they were the most well-known family regarding poison.
“On purpose… I didn’t even touch poison and yet… why…?”
“…”
On purpose…?
‘…Did he predict a change in his nickname?’
That’s unlikely.
Even if so, he shouldn’t have shattered the grenade launcher with just his fist.
“By smashing it with my fist like that, would I earn a pretty nickname?”
“… No, but I truly had no idea that person would be that weak.”
He spoke strangely scary words, yet maintained such a calm visage.
Suddenly, an ancient master was deemed weak.
‘Poison Fist…’
Even without that, his petite yet charming figure earned him the nickname.
That didn’t suit him at all.
It naturally invoked such thoughts.
‘But what can I do?’
It’s already gone down that road.
Once a nickname attaches, it’s hardly ever changed.
To alter it, one must perform something significant or demonstrate something.
‘Just like with Wi Seol-ah and Dang So-yeol.’
Poison Fist.
Dang So-yeol, having received that name, was fervently expressing his discontent.
While Wi Seol-ah…
“Sir, would you like some medicine? It’s delicious…!”
“…Thank you.”
She appears unbothered.
Despite gaining a nickname, it doesn’t seem to concern her much.
Even upon losing her first match, she didn’t appear regretful at all, managing to maintain a slightly bright demeanor.
It was akin to Namgung Bi-ah, yet Wi Seol-ah seems to share a similar vibe.
‘Well, it was the same in my previous life.’
After achieving great success in the Sapa subjugation operation in my past life.
Wi Seol-ah was unveiled as the disciple and granddaughter of the Sword Master and earned the nickname Sogeomseong.
Back then, Sogeomseong had frowned, displaying clear displeasure.
‘Didn’t they mention it felt heavy?’
The nickname I received felt way too weighty.
That’s what I’d heard.
‘So, is it lighter now?’
Compared to Sogeomseong, the Seomwolgeom does feel lighter.
So maybe it doesn’t weigh on her mind?
‘…If that’s the case, that’s fortunate.’
There’s no sign of that familiar expression from my past.
That’s enough.
Tap.
“Huh? Your Excellency?”
I gave Wi Seol-ah’s hair an absent-minded stroke.
Wi Seol-ah looked at me, seemingly confused, but I ignored her and continued to touch her hair.
“Hmm?”
Though my handling was somewhat rough, her silky hair didn’t tangle at all.
“… Sir.”
A low voice could be heard below me at that sight.
It was Dang So-yeol.
“… Why… are you only touching Seol-ah?”
“…Hmm?”
What?
“Could it be… you’re touching her because she’s the Seomwolgeom? Meanwhile, I’m just a dull, dark, heavy old man with a Poison Fist, so you don’t touch me?”
“…”
What kind of persecution complex is this?
It was an immediate suffocation-setting statement upon hearing it.
“I… I’m the only one…! Ugh!”
Before it escalated further, I patted Dang So-yeol’s head as well.
Only then did he quiet down.
As I wondered what kind of absurd situation I found myself in, flitting between two heads.
“…Look at that… It’s Soyeomra…”
I heard a whisper directed my way this time.
“Doesn’t Soyeomra have a Poison Fist and the Seomwolgeom…?”
“I only heard about it in rumors, but it turned out to be true.”
“They said he’s a lecher… but he doesn’t appear that handsome. Why is that?”
“I heard he’s engaged to the sword dancer from the Namgung family.”
“What…? The sword dancer named Anhui Jeilmi, is that who we’re talking about?”
“Despite that, treating women like that…”
“They’re trash.”
“That’s rubbish.”
“Trash, indeed. Probably not even recyclable.”
…Damn.
Just hearing that triggers a headache.
Why is it only my name flying around in such ridiculous rumors?
‘I feel like I did pretty okay.’
I dueled well with Uncle Poonglim, and I confirmed that rumors were trickling out in a different manner.
What’s with these rumors portraying me so negatively?
‘Why on earth am I labeled as a lecher?’
If only I had done something notable to prevent such unjust feeling. Damn it.
“Huh… Did you hear what we were saying?”
“Phew, what an ugly face.”
“That’s… the guy who burned the Sapa alive…”
“…”
I truly hope they realize.
That I’m not just out there burning Saphas to a crisp.
“Phew…”
“Are you okay, Sir?”
“I’m fine.”
I nearly committed a moment of murder, but thankfully managed to abstain.
I can’t just be killing people in plain sight.
If it were a covert operation, then that’s a different story.
I held back while moving on.
The destination was, naturally, the Murim Alliance.
“All three of you have been verified. Please proceed in.”
After completing the verification at the entrance, I took my first step.
Inside, there were fewer faces than on the first day.
‘About half.’
To be precise, it’s a tad less than half.
Some might have given up due to their injuries after two days, or perhaps they’re too worn out to continue.
It wouldn’t be precisely half.
‘So perhaps a victory without a fight might occur?’
It’s not outside the realm of possibility.
Given the ambiguous numbers, it was something likely to happen.
At that moment.
“Eh.”
I saw someone waving at us from a distance.
It was the Beaten One.
“Over here.”
Beside the Beaten One stood a somewhat exhausted Seongyul.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that sight.
“Seeing two of you makes for quite a peculiar picture.”
“Humph.”
Today marks the third round of the preliminary matches.
We eliminate contestants from the first and second days.
Another round of elimination occurs over two more days.
Then, after numerous rounds, the semi-finals will begin.
‘We’ll fight until we’re absolutely drained.’
Just the thought of it makes me tired.
I felt like throwing in the towel.
‘The others must be bubbling with excitement.’
I’m definitely feeling like quite the oddball here.
As a martial artist, I don’t really have a fondness for duels.
As I was absentmindedly surveying the area,
“What’s a guy who’s not even participating doing here today?”
Paejon, who was slightly relaxing his shoulders, asked me.
That’s true.
I wasn’t participating today.
I’d heard that my schedule was for tomorrow.
Yet here I was for some reason.
“It’s not particularly to hang around with… Confucius.”
Dang So-yeol and Wi Seol-ah said they wanted to drop by.
I came here just to see Seongyul, who mentioned he was taking part.
So, it was a bit of a double-purpose visit.
As I looked at Seongyul from that perspective,
Seongyul was fidgeting like a puppy that needed to do its business.
“Hey, why are you being so jittery—”
I started talking but then realized what direction Seongyul was staring at.
There stood several martial artists… no, scholars gathered around.
I gazed intently at their clothing.
A white robe adorned with an embroidery pattern of the wind.
A few years back, the now-deceased Cheonghae Ilgeom wore the same attire.
What this signaled was…
‘Hmm.’
They must be from the Kunlun sect that Seongyul initially belonged to.
As I surveyed them, I lifted my gaze.
It was the board where today’s match schedule was posted for the non-participating contestants.
“…”
As I quietly examined them one by one.
Several eye-catching phrases popped out.
Gwangju Jin Ga Jin Imseok vs. Jo Cheon from the Kunlun School.
‘No wonder things are like this.’
Jin Im-seok was a fabricated identity I created for Seongyul.
And Jin Im-seok’s adversary was from the Kunlun sect.
If this is fate, then yes, you could call it fate.
‘You said nothing would happen last time; what a lie.’
Seongyul’s expression was grim, prompting me to ask if anything was wrong.
He merely pretended nothing was amiss.
But judging by his reaction now, it seems like something was definitely up.
‘Tsk, tsk.’
If you’d only told me beforehand, I could’ve done something to help.
It just didn’t sit well with me.
‘Even… it doesn’t seem like it’s just Seongyul’s issue?’
Seongyul would clash with the Kunlun scholar.
As for that, I’d let him handle it on his own, but I couldn’t ignore the text that appeared much lower on the board.
It was about Paejon’s opponent.
Hebei Pengjao vs. Xianbi’s Biyin.
“…”
Paejon’s opponent was, astonishingly, the Taoist King!
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