Chapter 147: How to Properly Dig a Grave (1)
As soon as the next day dawned, I dragged my body into the heart of the Murim Alliance.
I wasn’t the only one making my way here; many young prodigies were bound to arrive as well.
After all, the reason we came all the way to Hanam was lying in wait for us.
The Friendly Martial Arts Competition.
This was the flower of the Dragons and Phoenixes gathering and the primary purpose for the young prodigies seeking the Murim Alliance at this time of year.
Sure, the name sounds all friendly and cozy as if it’s just a fun little get-together…
But with the Murim Alliance hosting it and the gathering known as the Dragons and Phoenixes, the name held significant weight.
And rightly so, because once you make your mark here, the reputation you gain follows you into the future.
I knew this from personal experience.
Just looking at how strong the current Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes would later become tells the whole story.
‘It’s not so much that they got strong because of their fame, but rather they earned fame because they were destined to grow strong.’
In a way, that captures the essence of it.
But overall, it wouldn’t be entirely incorrect.
Gaining fame by standing out in this place means being a prodigy destined for greatness in the future.
“…Hah.”
The frustration mixed with my breath evaporated into thin air.
It felt awkward being here like this.
‘So, in the end, I’ve really come this far.’
It must have been past noon.
The sun should’ve been high up in the sky,
But regrettably, I could see nothing but white snow falling down.
Around me, young prodigies began gathering one by one, just like yesterday.
Participation in the tournament was entirely voluntary.
If one didn’t wish to partake, they were free to sit it out.
Even if it was called a “flower,” the event’s primary objective was the banquet.
Of course, no one would actually refrain from attending this.
‘Everyone came precisely for this, after all.’
Martial artists were a boastful bunch, unable to restrain themselves from showing off their prowess.
Sure, there were some quirky hermits stuck in the mountains purely focusing on their training…
But for the most part, that was the norm.
Not to mention, these were the fiery youth of the young prodigies.
‘There’s no way they could hold their horses.’
They probably wouldn’t even entertain the idea of hiding their strength.
Even Yung Pung wasn’t without an air of arrogance given his exceptional talent.
It puzzled me that three of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes had chosen not to participate in the gathering.
That could only mean they had more pressing matters to attend to.
As mentioned earlier, Gu Huibi was caught up with clan duties, and Water Dragon was likely disinterested due to his character,
But Yung Pung warranted some thought.
He seemed like the type to enjoy such events.
Did something crucial happen at Mount Hua?
‘At this time, I can’t recall anything out of the ordinary happening at Mount Hua.’
I tried digging through my memories, but came up empty-handed.
“Gu Yangcheon of the Gu Clan from Shanxi… Checked in…”
The guide choked out the words before swallowing nervously.
The reason was crystal clear.
It was likely due to the recommendation letter from the Dishonored Venerable that matched my invitation letter.
I had initially thought it would come in handy, but it turned out to be more of a burden than anything.
The recommendation letter from the Second Elder, which I thought would help, turned out to be useless.
In fact, bizarre rumors started swirling around my name.
Ridiculous ones at that.
“Young Master Gu is said to be the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable? I think I heard something like that earlier too.”
Hearing Tang Soyeol, I let out a deep sigh.
That sort of nonsense greeted me the moment I woke up.
Who’s the disciple of whom…?
“That can’t be true, right?”
“Do you think it might be…?”
When I spoke, incredulity dripping from my words, Tang Soyeol just laughed brightly.
“If Young Master Gu says no, then no it is!”
She was so cheerful.
So cheerful that it left me momentarily speechless.
“Where on earth did such a rumor even start?”
“Well, you know how news quickly spreads when someone receives a recommendation from a known figure.”
“Is it not supposed to remain confidential until the person decides to share it…?”
Recommendation letters were supposed to remain a secret unless disclosed by the person involved.
Oh, the hypocrisy of this rotting Orthodox faction!
“I’m actually more amazed that people would believe such nonsense.”
“Well, it’s not entirely unbelievable, is it?”
“Hmm?”
To my remark, Tang Soyeol tipped her head, questioning my logic.
“Recommendation letters aren’t given to just anyone, you know?”
“…Well… That’s somewhat true.”
I couldn’t dive into the specifics of the letter with her, which complicated matters.
It’d be bizarre to bring a letter written to my name that didn’t contain anything about me at all.
Especially one that’d given by a Heavenly Venerable of all people.
“The main reason this blew up was likely that martial skill you displayed yesterday.”
I had to shut my mouth for a second after hearing Tang Soyeol.
Was it really the fact that I knocked out Hwangbo Cheolwi at the banquet last night that stirred up this issue?
‘Maybe I should’ve dialed it down a notch.’
To be honest, I might have acted a bit excessively.
The first issue was that I had more or less lost control while trying to keep an eye on Jang Seonyeon.
And my second blunder had been the obsession with showing something impressive to captivate the young prodigies’ attention.
‘Did the rumors really spring up just because of that?’
If so, how did it get twisted?
My only connection with the Dishonored Venerable was that we were fellow martial artists.
This wasn’t a soaring rumor that could just run rampant.
The false claim of me being his disciple was indeed a grave matter.
It would’ve been a non-issue if I actually was his disciple…
‘But therein lies the problem: I’m not.’
This could potentially tarnish the Dishonored Venerable’s reputation, even if he were living in seclusion…
He might very well come looking for me, given that some random kid was now being praised as his disciple.
‘What if I use the Second Elder as a human shield?’
This was ultimately the old man’s fault, after all.
It also applies to the ring.
Ah damn it, the ring…
‘I’m going to lose my mind.’
How could things not resolve in even one singular way…
As I pondered with a hand cradling my head, Tang Soyeol approached me, quietly.
Then she suddenly spoke in a strangely sweet tone.
“I honestly thought you were just very handsome…”
“What…?”
“But to think you even possess such martial prowess… You’re just perfection!”
What was going on with her?
“Lady Tang, I believe it might be wise for you to consult a doctor. I know a pretty good one; should I introduce you?”
Though gruff in personality, that Immortal Healer was definitely the best doctor in the realm.
Even if he grumbles, he always makes the effort when treating patients, so it might be good for her.
After all, she looked like she needed it more than anyone else.
“Right? My Young Master is the greatest! Oh, Young Master, I even brought dumplighhh…”
I exaggeratedly pinched Wi Seol-Ah’s cheek upon her excited appearance.
I was really in need of some healing time.
“How is my life so filled with unfairness?”
It had gotten too bumpy and twisted.
I thought stirring up some chaos might be fun, but it seemed calamity lurked around each corner; Perhaps I should find an exorcist at this point.
‘Elder Shin hasn’t returned either…’
Elder Shin disappeared when my emotions spiraled out of control, and as of now, he still hadn’t appeared.
If I had to point out one difference from before…
I still felt a connection to Elder Shin as if he hadn’t completely vanished from my life.
‘Though I can’t be completely certain.’
There was an unclear sensation that I couldn’t quite express telling me that much, at least.
After all, I hadn’t felt anything like this back at Mount Hua.
Nonetheless, it did relieve some of my anxiety. That said, it would be a serious problem if it ended up being just a trick of my imagination.
“Hnghh…”
“Oh, sorry.”
Lost in thought, I had inadvertently stretched Wi Seol-Ah’s cheek for too long.
Once I let go, she rubbed her slightly reddened cheek.
“Hngh…”
“Sorry, I got lost in thought.”
“Why are you touching my cheek when you’re trying to think…?”
“…”
Sharp little one…
‘Just a while ago, she seemed so naive.’
Recently, Wi Seol-Ah had begun to pick up some sharp quips.
It’s natural for people to grow over time, so even Wi Seol-Ah had started to mature in small ways.
‘But doesn’t that take away the fun of teasing her?’
If in the future, the current Wi Seol-Ah morphs into the Wi Seol-Ah I once knew in my past life…
While it would be nice, it would also lead to a sense of loss.
There are things that only the current Wi Seol-Ah could express.
“…What about her?”
Trying to suppress an emotion I didn’t want to feel, I blurted out an unrelated question.
Even without pinpointing who, Wi Seol-Ah must have known exactly who I was talking about.
“Sis Bi-ah is sleeping back in the barracks!”
“Sleeping again…? Doesn’t she ever feel refreshed?”
Considering how often we were together, I had a front-row seat to how she operated.
Namgung Bi-ah’s usual schedule was remarkably simple.
Sleep, eat, train, and sleep some more.
Sometimes, she crawled over to me like a cat when she woke up.
Which made me wonder if something was wrong with her.
“She said she didn’t sleep well last night.”
“I don’t trust that explanation even a little.”
How could that sleepyhead not catch some good Zs?
Lost in thought, I suddenly asked Wi Seol-Ah as a fleeting idea crossed my mind.
“When you say she’s sleeping in the barrack, is that mine…?”
“Hmm? Yup!”
“…I figured as much.”
At this point, I felt like I’d resigned myself to fate.
Perhaps it was just like honey to her…
“I think we should go fetch her soon. It looks like the draw will be happening any moment now.”
Tang Soyeol suggested with a tone of familiarity for the scenario.
Namgung Bi-ah was bound to participate in this tournament, so it was essential to bring her along.
Making my way toward the back of the building, I found rows of barracks set up for the attending young prodigies.
This would serve as their lodgings for the three days of the tournament.
In the past, such arrangements were hardly visible—
‘Is this another favor of Jang Seonyeon?’
Over at Bacheonmaru and the barracks, these were all scenes I didn’t perceive in my past life.
Of course, it could’ve been that I had poorly observed them back then.
As I walked, I felt several pairs of eyes quietly fixated on me.
‘At this rate, my face might just get a hole drilled through it.’
Thanks to the rumors that sprang up in the morning and what I displayed yesterday,
People seemed to pay an enhanced level of attention to me compared to the prior day.
“…That kid.”
“Is the rumor really true?”
“Even so, could such a person truly be the disciple of that esteemed figure…”
“Though, if the rumors are indeed accurate, then it does explain what we witnessed yesterday, doesn’t it? If he is truly the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable…”
I’m not.
I’m really not, you guys…
‘I wish I could just shout out that I’m not!’
The thought of personally clarifying this absurd rumor made me chuckle.
But truly, visiting the Alliance Leader to ask him to officially clarify would likely be a better course of action.
Lets face it, I had to see him eventually because of the ring I found in my purse.
Sigh…
I released a deep sigh, overwhelmed by the annoying situation.
Ah, how I genuinely wanted to go home quickly.
While thoughts like that have crossed my mind multiple times during the trip, right now, they were intensely felt.
Ignoring the whispers around me, I made my way to the assigned barrack, and lo and behold, Namgung Bi-ah was already outside waiting.
What could that be about? I had assumed she’d be inside either sprawled or snoozing.
‘Hmm?’
My interest was quickly piqued.
Standing there was Namgung Bi-ah involved in a conversation with someone.
The Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun, that Namgung punk was right there.
“…Sister, what on earth are you doing?”
“Let me go…”
“Why are you treating me like this all of a sudden? And why are you coming here when we have our hut? Do you know you could be causing trouble for the Gu Clan?”
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah turned her head to avoid Namgung Cheonjun’s eyes, signaling her unwillingness to hear his words.
Was it due to her demeanor? Namgung Cheonjun’s face twisted into a frown.
“I don’t get what’s going on… Is this about Young Master Gu?”
As my name escaped his lips, Namgung Bi-ah’s expression subtly shifted.
“So it’s true. Is Young Master Gu the one who has changed you like this? What sort of engagement is worth altering my sister so…?”
Hearing the mention of the engagement made Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze sharpen.
This was the Namgung Bi-ah who typically wore an emotionless mask.
“Mind your words.”
“Sister!”
With a firm yank, Namgung Bi-ah protested against the grip he had on her arm.
“Mind your words, Cheonjun… and I’m sorry, but I will not go…”
With such a resolute stance, Namgung Cheonjun strained to maintain composure, gritting his teeth.
Not willing to give up easily, he attempted to grab her arm again.
“Brother-in-law, fancy seeing you!”
I called out to that Namgung punk cheerily and halted him in his tracks.
“…!”
Upon hearing my voice, Namgung Cheonjun scowled, but he guarded himself when he noticed Tang Soyeol beside me.
“Just came to hang out?”
“…Young Master… Gu.”
“Then you could have warned me. I wasn’t ready for anything.”
While others may not have noticed, I could see the storm of emotions rolling through Namgung Cheonjun’s core.
“Why are you right in front of my barrack? Got something you want to say?”
I asked cheerfully while attempting to bait him into a conversation.
But Namgung Cheonjun merely frowned, his eyebrows twitching slightly.
What was going on here? I offered kindness, yet he remained irked.
“I heard that my sister was here, so I decided to stop by.”
“Seems like you’re done here now.”
“Yes…”
He didn’t argue back because, candidly, Namgung Bi-ah’s demeanor clearly conveyed that she wanted to drop the conversation.
Namgung Cheonjun recognized this too; with too many eyes watching, he was helpless.
“…I’ll swing by next time.”
Having left himself no alternatives, he promised Namgung Bi-ah, yet she still averted her gaze from him.
Departing from Namgung Bi-ah, Namgung Cheonjun strolled past me slowly.
“Don’t get cocky.”
Of course, Namgung Cheonjun whispered quietly to me when he was close enough.
It was comical that he went through such lengths to keep it down low so others wouldn’t overhear.
“I wonder if your luck will be the same this time after pulling off that previous miracle of coincidence against me?”
I silently listened without replying.
“You might have some skills, but that’s all. When it comes to a real fight, you’re nothing. So do pray you don’t cross paths with me during the duel. If you do, I’d suggest you call it quits.”
“Why?”
“Because I have no idea how I’ll treat you.”
With that, he passed by quietly, but his words dripped malice.
Being able to spout such words while keeping his cool wasn’t a skill he had just mastered.
‘What to do?’
Originally, I intended to treat him nicely, all for the sake of Namgung Bi-ah.
But if he was going to approach me like that, I had to reassess.
“It seems the kids these days are getting better at digging their own graves.”
What a pity it was.
As I thought this through, Tang Soyeol began groaning beside me.
Could it be that she was acting this way just from seeing Namgung Cheonjun again?
If that were the case, maybe she had genuine issues.
I seriously considered taking her to the Immortal Healer.
As I shook my head, staring at Tang Soyeol…
Namgung Bi-ah approached and leaned her head against my side.
Her breath and demeanor carried a weight of exhaustion far more profound than usual.
“Are you alright?”
When I probed, Namgung Bi-ah nodded slightly.
“If you’re struggling, just say so; maybe you should skip the tournament and rest.”
This time, she shook her head.
It appeared she was insistent on participating despite her fatigue.
I marveled at her newfound ability to express her wishes, contrasting with her usual reticent nature.
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