Chapter: 721
One day, while I was training, my father said to me.
– In the Central Plains, there are beings known as Chilcheolsamkwon.
The heat is so intense it’s almost suffocating.
It seemed a bit odd to mention something like that in the sweltering training room.
– Suddenly?
It might sound like a random comment, but my father continues speaking as if it doesn’t bother him.
When training with my father, such things often happened.
He would often say things I hadn’t asked about.
Sometimes I wondered if he was a bit too chatty.
Yet, I never felt inclined to admonish him.
How should I put this?
– They were the ones who displayed their strength during the war with Sapa decades ago.
It felt like this situation wasn’t so bad after all.
– The Plum Blossom from Volcano was like that too. The swordsmen of the Wudang Sect and the rulers of Jeolgang, even the now-deceased Cheonghae Ilgeom were among them.
Other stories about different figures followed.
I sensed something peculiar there.
Plum Blossom or Cheonghae Ilgeom. I used honorifics for one other figure.
But I used a tone closer to disdain for the others in Chilcheolsamkwon.
– Their power is astonishing. Each one moves like an entire martial arts faction.
– I see.
– If you ever cross paths with them, be careful. They possess not just strength, but also deep, sharp minds.
I wanted to say, “I’m sorry, but my lord, your son isn’t lacking in this regard either.”
I barely managed to restrain myself from voicing that.
– So, are you saying they’re stronger than you, Father?
I said this jokingly.
I knew, to some extent, that we were not even close to being a match.
However, upon hearing this, my father silently gazed at me and replied.
– They might tickle a bit.
– …
The calmness in his tone made it even scarier.
Anyway.
Perhaps it’s due to this meeting that my memories of that time resurfaced.
After recalling those memories, I focused my gaze straight ahead.
Before me sat a beautifully aged old woman.
She was one of the Chilcheolsamkwon my father had mentioned.
Among them, she belonged to the Three Fists.
Powder Moon Fist Immortal.
One of the top ten masters of the Central Plains.
One of the Three Fists of Chilcheolsamkwon.
This is the true identity of the old woman.
They said she was over eighty years old, having lived through the war with Sapa.
Additionally, she was also the head of Amipa, one of the old sects.
She was a representative heroine of the Central Plains as well.
Her martial arts were characterized by a solid, heavy fist technique that reflected the essence of Buddhism.
‘From those thin arms, a fist technique?’
Even at over eighty, standing straight was impressive.
But despite the lack of visible muscles in her skinny arms, I couldn’t sense any strength.
A dignified old woman.
An elderly matriarch running a wealthy enterprise.
That’s the essence of who she was.
‘Hmm…’
As I gazed at that old woman, I secretly swallowed my breath.
Her body, seemingly just bones, and the way her frail fingers sipped tea made her look like a genuinely weak old woman.
‘But that’s only on the outside. Internally, it’s not like that at all.’
She was far from merely weak.
Do you know which types in the Central Plains are the most untrustworthy?
It’s women and old people.
Most men who stockpile martial arts without intelligence often act as if their brains and their tails are mixed up, resembling beasts.
Some who think they’re a bit sharper may resort to using honey traps.
This is why even the Murim Alliance and other sects often keep pretty handmaidens by their sides.
‘… The Guga clan is relatively sane.’
Here too, the essence remains the same. Whether it’s the Sapa or the Orthodoxy, danger lurks the same way.
For that reason, I developed a habit of being wary of women.
‘In my previous life, I didn’t hesitate to burn down anyone who stepped out of line.’
A beautiful woman approaches me, declaring her fondness?
There’s nothing more perilous and suspicious than that.
Trust? Completely out of the question.
‘In any case, before they get too close, the Demon Swordmaster already made quick work of them.’
I heard even the blind sent occasional reports, and the hostile factions kept trying.
But since all the women who approached were quickly despatched by the Demon Swordmaster, the attempts were fairly few.
By all means, in the Central Plains, particularly lovely women, are synonymous with danger.
The second reason for the danger of old age…
‘It’s simple. The older they get, the stronger they become.’
The mastery of martial arts is built on years of training.
As it requires nurturing through one’s breath, the worth of a lifetime lived translates into strength.
It’s said that a martial artist’s physical prime exceeds a person’s forties.
Betting is all about time.
Of course, one can acquire strength through chance or aids…
‘That only increases the quantity. Increasing quality? That’s a different story altogether.’
Even if the amount stays the same, the meaning contained within varies.
The life lived turns into enlightenment that seeps into one’s energy.
That energy, above all else, elevates a martial artist’s value.
‘… That’s precisely why the ten great masters and the three masters exhibit such might.’
Among those who occupy the positions now, the relatively younger Yukja rely on influence.
The ten great masters and the three great ones hold their seats purely through strength.
If you count together, there are thirteen in total.
Notably, the youngest among them is already over sixty, which speaks volumes about the dread of aging in the Central Plains.
‘But that old lady named Kwonseon fits perfectly in both aspects.’
From the beauty she possessed in her youth to the years of rich experience.
She embodies two extremely dangerous potentials.
Even.
‘Strong.’
In truth, the Powder Moon Fist Immortal was powerful.
It was evident just from first glance.
Her apparent frailty belied a core of profound strength.
‘Currently, two individuals are recognized as being close to the three among the ten masters.’
The Plum Blossom of the Volcano and the Swordmaster of the Murim Alliance.
Having faced both in person, I gained conviction.
‘That old lady is not lacking at all.’
I don’t mean that she’s not on par with the three.
It simply means she’s certainly not weaker than the Swordmaster.
‘Absolutely packed with strength.’
How such potency is contained within that petite frame is astonishing.
Even the sturdy vessel that encapsulates it is noteworthy.
‘There’s not a crack to be found.’
Even while seated and sipping tea, there’s no perceived opening.
If I were to attempt a surprise attack, would it succeed? Such thoughts raced through my mind.
Indeed, the uncertainty.
The fact that doubts arose instead of certainty while I pondered a stealthy approach was proof of the old woman’s formidable prowess.
Of course, it was me who had failed to let my guard down.
‘Hmm.’
Hardly an easy encounter.
While I was lost in these thoughts, the old woman, Bunwol Kwonseon, broke the silence.
“It’s a sudden meeting, but I’m grateful you’re welcoming me like this.”
With that, I couldn’t help but smile, responding.
“You are no ordinary guest, but the head of the Amipa. A space must certainly be made for you.”
“… Yes.”
The calmness in her voice prompted me to inquire further.
“So… why has the esteemed head come to visit me?”
How surprised I was since morning.
Just when people were crowding around, eager to find the two dragons.
In the midst of that, saying the leader of Amipa came to see me? Who wouldn’t be shocked?
‘It’s not just the elders; it’s the chief herself who has come knocking.’
Such esteemed figures seldom reveal their faces.
Given that a person of such stature appeared before me, curiosity alone compelled me to at least meet her.
gulp.
thud.
The clinking of the teacup settled onto the table as I took a sip.
In that very moment.
Phew.
An unknown energy emanated through the room.
A membrane.
It appeared Bunwol Kwonseon had unleashed her energy.
thump.
Phew—!!
Upon sensing this, I too unleashed my energy from my heart.
The aura filled the room, swallowing Kwonseon’s energy as it expanded rapidly.
“Whoa?”
Seeing this, Bunwol Kwonseon let out a startled sigh.
She must have never expected me to disrupt her energy.
“I apologize, but, this is undeniably my room, so if there’s going to be an energy familiarity, shouldn’t it be me who initiates it?”
How dare she try to spread her energy into my territory!
I held no intention of granting her that privilege.
At that moment, the expression on the woman accompanying Kwonseon twisted in displeasure.
She seemed to be Kwonseon’s guard.
“You insolent brat! How dare you—!”
Clink—
I could sense rage fueling her, and in a flash, she aimed to draw her sword.
Swish—!
“!!”
Before she could make her move, the tip of Seongyul’s blade touched her neck with incredible speed.
Fast.
This guy, his speed is no laughing matter.
I contained a snicker as I observed.
‘Right in front of us.’
Seongyul’s wall, previously in an ambiguous position, had closed in.
With just the slightest push, he was on the verge of overcoming her.
“… Gah…”
The once-confident escort turned pale as she was subdued in the blink of an eye.
She must not have anticipated that Seongyul would be faster than her.
The situation turned grim.
I promptly directed my gaze to Seongyul and commanded.
“Put her back.”
“Understood.”
At my command, Seongyul immediately sheathed his sword, while the defeated woman’s expression warped with turmoil.
The only regret was that this situation was all there was.
“Truly a disappointment.”
“What?”
The woman’s gaze shifted toward me, intrigued by my comment.
Quique.
“If you could draw your sword again, I planned to yank it out along with your arm.”
“…!”
That was undoubtedly a deeply insulting remark.
If she had any pride, she’d likely draw her sword right away.
“Thud—!”
As if struck, the woman’s body reacted instinctively, but…
Clang—!
She couldn’t complete the action.
Kwonseon had stopped her from drawing her sword with a firm grip.
“Long… .”
Crack—!
The sound resonated throughout the room.
The woman’s head snapped around violently.
‘Oh.’
I watched the scene in awe.
Kwonseon acted without moving. Yet the woman still received a slap across her cheek.
‘Did she strike with Kwonki? Or perhaps…’
Was it a heart technique?
How unfortunate that I didn’t focus harder.
‘Her heart style must not be the case.’
Had it been a heart strike, the woman’s head would’ve been smashed to pieces instead of simply turned.
“There will be no second warnings. Do not offend me further.”
“… I’m sorry…”
The woman crumpled like a wilted flower after Kwonseon’s rebuke.
I watched with interest, entertained.
“Apologies. The child acted out of turn.”
“Yes, it was a considerable breach. However, since it’s you, Jang Moon-in, I shall spare her this once.”
“…”
Kwonseon’s frown deepened at that, but it bore no weight.
“So, what urgent matter brings you here that even requires energy membranes?”
“Ha ha ha…”
Was my demeanor the issue? Kwonseon offered a brief chuckle.
Then she remarked.
“How intriguing.”
I sensed an oddity in her statement. Her tone had subtly shifted.
“What do you mean?”
“I could discern it immediately… but why are you…?”
Kwonseon squinted as her eyes narrowed.
“Why aren’t you concealing your power?”
“Hmm?”
I nodded in understanding, as though feigning ignorance.
“What’s the purpose of hiding it? It’ll get exposed eventually.”
“…”
I couldn’t grasp all the depths of her realm.
Still, I had a vague understanding.
That essentially implies.
‘The other party is no different from me.’
In essence, Kwonseon could see me as well.
If one hides, it’s bound to show.
‘At this point, I have no intention to conceal anymore.’
I didn’t need to anymore.
The time had arrived.
For the reasons, justifications.
And all I required now was determination.
In this scene, what else could possibly be hidden?
‘No.’
After burying everything that needed burying, this was simply the last aspect that required no concealment.
And so, an interlude of silence passed.
After a moment of mutual gaze, it was Kwonseon who finally spoke first.
“… Is that so.”
She nodded somewhat uncertainly.
“In a divine or fighting dragon context, perhaps I was looking in all the wrong places. The real deal indeed lies here.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. But Jang Moon-in, this is the third time I’ve asked. What brings you before me?”
“Old Sir.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve heard there’s a lady named Pi Yeonyeon in your company. Am I correct?”
Fortunately, we quickly delved into the crux of the matter.
And moreover, it was something I had anticipated.
“Ah, you are referring to Lady Pi?”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
Pi Yeonyeon.
A warrior of the Xi’an Pi clan.
Very well, this confirms Amipa’s intent to seek Bongsoon.
Now, how do I approach this situation?
This too had been decided well in advance.
“Yes, she is the young lady I have chosen to support.”
“Support?”
Upon my response, a sparkle appeared in Kwonseon’s eyes.
“I coincidentally came upon that young lady while visiting Seoan. Her talent is exceptional, yet I could not overlook the shortcomings of her background, hence I chose to support her.”
And as I continued speaking, I calculated my strategy.
‘The goal is Bongsoon, but…’
Herein lies the key question.
‘Is the intent a treasure or something else entirely… Bongsoon herself?’
That detail remained a mystery.
At that moment.
“Do you happen to know?”
Kwonseon queried.
“Pi Yeonyeon. What kind of existence is that child, I wonder?”
‘Ah.’
Upon hearing this, my mind raced.
As I urged for a swift conclusion, she suddenly escalated the stakes.
“Well then, I suppose I should respond in kind.”
“Yes, I know.”
“…!”
At my prompt answer, Kwonseon’s eyes widened in surprise.
What an amusing reaction; maybe she didn’t expect that.
“You claim to know…?”
“Yes. Well, somewhat?”
“What exactly do you know—?”
“Conversely, would you care to share what you know, Jang Moon-in?”
“…!”
“Regarding Miss Pi Yeonyeon. What knowledge do you possess?”
Two sequential inquiries.
At this point, Kwonseon’s lips sealed shut.
‘And how will you respond now?’
What thoughts have gathered in her mind?
Without a doubt, she’d be deep in contemplation, potentially struggling with this dilemma.
From the moment I claimed to know, the trajectory of our dialogue had been set.
“I know.”
If this were to be so, just what is it that she knows?
Is her knowledge aligned with mine?
Or does she harbor additional layers regarding Pi Yeonyeon?
Questions such as these loom, yet they cannot be vocalized easily.
The danger lies where one’s own responses could be trapped based on the implications of the queries posed.
‘There’s no way she’d carelessly disclose information.’
If what I know and what she knows diverge, the only party at a loss will be Kwonseon.
Such was the situation I had fostered.
“Huh… truly a snake-like child.”
Whether or not Kwonseon caught on, she infused her words with meaning.
I too chuckled upon hearing that.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“Moreover, you’re quite audacious. Knowing very well you stand before the power of Amipa, are you not afraid of facing significant consequences?”
“I often receive such remarks… But considering I’m still alive, I’d say it’s quite a reasonable approach. The others seem to have appreciated it.”
Reckless. Audacious. Incredibly annoying. Arrogant.
I’ve heard it all, yet I’ve never faced any repercussions.
Those who sought to threaten me ended up dead.
Should one not be to my liking, I would crush them promptly.
slurp.
Refilling my empty teacup, I offered.
“Care for another?”
“… Sounds good.”
Immediately after granting Kwonseon a refill,
“Since Kwonseon inquired first, I would like to ask one in return.”
Though I didn’t wait for an answer, it hardly mattered.
“Is Amipa’s goal the blood of the deceased? Or the object she possesses?”
“…”
An unequivocal inquiry.
Instantly, the atmosphere grew heavy.
Ker-chunk…
Rattle rattle rattle
The table began to shake rapidly.
“… You.”
The weighty aura brushed against my cheeks.
Kwonseon’s presence thickened, intensifying gradually.
“Well then…”
Feeling this surge, I let out a light sigh.
Why do these old-timers insist on throwing tantrums in someone else’s living space?
Whooosssshhhh—!!!
Channeling power into my heart, I activated my energy.
I began to peel away Kwonseon’s energy, overpowering her presence.
It seemed unexpected as Kwonseon’s astonished eyes widened like lanterns, her presence being suppressed.
Peering at her, I teased.
“You really don’t need to exert so much, do you? Hoping to speed through this busy schedule of yours?”
Seriously, these stubborn old-timers are the true headache.
Or perhaps it’s just the Central Plains in general?
In my eyes, it was undoubtedly both.
Whatever the case, given their aggression, a nice guy like me is always left taking the blows.
Where could I possibly retreat to feeling aggrieved?
The energy pulsated steadily, yet Kwonseon’s aura continued to deepen. My strength to compress it grew as well.
Crash.
A sound reverberated from the ceiling.
If this continues, we might just reduce this place to rubble.
If it collapses, Madam Mi might throw a fit.
From what I’d heard from Mo Yong-hee, this is one of Madam Mi’s cherished spaces.
Recalling that, I quietly sighed.
“Let’s ease up and navigate through this, shall we?”
I spoke while attempting to moderate my force.
“After all, it’s clear you have questions for me, right?”
“…”
Kwonseon’s eyes glared fiercely.
In the absence of a response, the air thickened with tension.
Wow, this old lady really has a nasty disposition.
‘Annoying, isn’t it?’
Thus, I was left with no recourse.
“How about we settle this with a proper bout? Let’s make it neat?”
“… What?”
“How about answering the questions posed by the one who loses? What do you say?”
Though I smiled, Kwonseon’s face contorted in delightful horror.
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