Chapter: 150
Tang Soyeol was a late child.
You could tell just by thinking about the age gap between her and her brother, Tang Jooyeok.
And perhaps that was the reason.
Even their father, the clan leader, treated her dear daughter Soyeol tenderly, while he treated his first son, Tang Jooyeok, like garbage.
One could say Soyeol had her fair share of love.
When one observes that siblings from distinguished families typically have rather strained relationships, it’s clear this understanding helped them grow harmoniously.
The fact that she had no claim to inherit anything further made it easier for her.
‘Daughter.’
‘Yes?’
‘If one day a man you fancy shows up, make sure to bring him to your father first.’
‘Why?’
‘…Not much, just wanted to see his face first.’
Hearing her father’s words back then made Tang Soyeol swear she would never comply.
I mean, who would want to after sensing the toxic aura simmering in their father’s body? It certainly didn’t bode well.
Toxicity.
Something Tang Soyeol was oddly fond of.
It’s no wonder that alongside her abilities, she garnered much affection as the prized rose of the Tang Clan.
After all, Soyeol possessed the most remarkable physique among all Tang Clan descendants throughout history.
She wasn’t just immune to poison; she displayed exceptional talent in martial arts utilizing poison, even if her assassination skills were lacking.
Before reaching adulthood, one of her eyes sparkled with a striking green hue, proving her extraordinary capabilities.
The Immunity of Ten Thousand Poisons.
Even the legendary martial artist, Tang Jaemoon, who thwarted the Blood Demon’s massacre, never achieved that state.
Many would say this:
Tang Soyeol could very well reach such unparalleled heights.
However, Soyeol herself didn’t hold much interest in that.
She merely consumed poisonous herbs because they suited her taste.
And she reveled in poison techniques simply because she was proficient at them.
This, coupled with the elixirs her clan provided, raised her level until she was eventually dubbed “Poison Phoenix.”
But from the beginning, Tang Soyeol had no desire for martial prowess.
‘Just go with the flow.’
Living satisfactorily beneath the circumstances.
A purpose Tang Soyeol aspired to.
So when she came face to face with the Sword Phoenix and Sword Dragon, she could appreciate their towering talent without despair.
Nor did she envy the extraordinary beauty of Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah, who outshined everyone around.
She found contentment in herself.
Tang Soyeol cherished this as her own strength.
Until now.
To be precise, until the moment she met him.
Thud-!
Feeling something trickle down her chin, she wiped it clean, realizing it was blood.
Blood was flowing from her nose.
‘What was that just now…?’
Her vision wobbled.
She could have sworn she dodged that attack, so what was happening?
Tang Soyeol managed to steady her shaky sight and concentrated on her opponent.
The boy who introduced himself as the Alliance Leader’s son.
Tang Soyeol held a not-so-favorable first impression of him.
At first glance, he was not to her taste at all.
He possessed a soft appearance similar to the Sword Dragon she encountered at Mount Hua.
Yet not only did he look overly greasy, he exuded the vibe of someone who’d be a jerk behind closed doors.
‘…I already feel nauseous.’
She was well aware that her taste in men was rather peculiar.
How could she not be, when everyone around her reacted similarly, including her own crush?
But she didn’t care.
‘So what if my taste is strange? There must be someone out there who fits it perfectly.’
‘And lucky me, I found such a person…’
The challenge was that he was surrounded by powerful beauties.
‘Calm down, Soyeol.’
She shoved that thought aside. This was a martial match, after all.
Not even a quarter of the duel had passed yet.
Tang Soyeol first created some distance from him.
Her body trembled slightly. It seemed the impact hadn’t quite worn off yet.
‘Did I let my guard down?’
No, she reassured herself, she hadn’t.
After all, it was Gu Yangcheon who warned her about this opponent’s strength.
It was rather amusing how someone else’s words could make her body tense up.
Yet for some reason, his words always seemed to have that effect on her.
Tang Soyeol raised her Qi.
A wince escaped her as a jolt of pain coursed through her.
‘My insides are hurt.’
Her Qi wasn’t responding to her.
Was it due to the earlier blow?
‘What did he do?’
Tang Soyeol remained puzzled.
The sparring match commenced, and she clashed with Jang Seonyeon.
She definitely dodged that sword swipe.
Jang Seonyeon’s sword was hardly the swiftest.
The swords of the Lightning Dragon and the Sword Dragon were far faster.
She was certain of that from her own encounters.
‘But then why?’
She couldn’t afford to linger on this question.
Though it was merely a friendly duel, it needed to feel like real combat.
Realizing her Qi wasn’t cooperating, Tang Soyeol swiftly drew a small weapon and hurled it towards him.
Weapons supplied in tournaments were often subpar.
And rules forbid using personal weapons, which included hers.
This was a blow to the Tang Clan’s combat style.
It was inconvenient for other martial artists, but especially for the Tang Clan who specialized in poison and assassinations, as unfamiliar tools made things harder.
Ping-! Ping!
The daggers shot towards him, failing to land any real hits as they fell to the ground after a few swings.
None of it mattered.
This distraction was merely a ruse.
Swish-!
A green aura flickered around Tang Soyeol’s dagger.
While she couldn’t use her Qi freely, that didn’t mean she couldn’t use it at all.
So as long as she could manage even a small amount, she could still apply her martial skills effectively.
With the speed of a short arrow, Tang Soyeol surged forward.
Her movement outpaced even the blink of an eye.
Her hands moved, leaving five marks in the air.
Swoosh!
Tang Clan’s Seven Poison Fangs.
This technique was named for resembling the fangs of a snake with its seven poisonous energies.
But as Tang Soyeol was still on the novice side, she could only utilize five fangs.
Even then, it was far from underwhelming.
In fact, considering her young age, the level of ability was abundant.
Watching her green assault unfold, relief washed over Tang Soyeol.
‘I hit him…!’
He was too late to dodge, and the distance was too close for any counterstrike.
If this continued, he would be rendered helpless!
Buzz…
“…Ugh…!?”
A pained groan managed to escape from Tang Soyeol.
An immense impact struck her, disrupting her control over her Qi.
As a result, her Seven Poison Fang attack disintegrated before it could connect with her target.
Thud-!
“…!!”
A heavy force slammed into Tang Soyeol’s abdomen.
From the sensation, she discerned it was the sword’s hilt.
Her insides shook from the attack enhanced with Qi.
And as the shock hit her, Tang Soyeol’s body was hurled backward.
With a stroke of luck, she barely managed to land safely,
“Cough… Ugh…!”
But the internal injuries and her loss of Qi control were setting in.
Drip.
Blood trickled out of her mouth.
Though she attempted to rise immediately, her trembling knees failed to obey.
‘…Just now…’
Clutching her belly and groaning, Tang Soyeol stared at Jang Seonyeon, who remained motionless like a statue.
He held his sword ready but hadn’t shifted.
His face raised a hint of concern, as if he was worried about the sudden throw, yet she found it difficult to trust that expression.
Setting suspicion aside, Tang Soyeol needed to ponder the recent exchange.
‘…The sound.’
Before the hit, the sensation that disrupted her Qi flow.
It surely came from Jang Seonyeon’s sword.
‘Was that Sound Release…?’
Could it be that Jang Seonyeon had mastered the ability to create Sound Release?
She simply didn’t know.
After all, Sound Release wasn’t even a martial skill.
At least not as far as she was aware.
‘Then… was it Sound Arts?’
That was likely.
Sound Arts was the one known method to strike an opponent through sound.
Of course, it fit well since he was the son of the Harmonic Sword.
‘Is that how considerable the difference in our capabilities is?’
Using sound as a weapon is an advanced technique, meaning martial artists at lower levels couldn’t attempt it without risking their lives.
If Tang Soyeol decided to learn and attempt Sound Arts now, she would not only deplete all of her Qi but risk collapsing from exhaustion.
‘To think he could execute that during a duel…?’
Not even using an instrument but rather his own sword.
This unique synergy was one of the reasons the Alliance Leader was dubbed the Harmonic Sword.
Jang Seonyeon appeared as an ordinary boy at first glance.
Roughly the same age as Gu Yangcheon, the one she had feelings for.
But she recognized one thing quite clearly following their recent clash.
She simply couldn’t defeat him.
‘He operates on a different level…’
Tang Soyeol categorized herself within the weaker ranks of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, yet Jang Seonyeon set himself apart from even those late bloomers.
Her humility allowed her to see clearly.
Jang Seonyeon had yet to unleash his full strength.
While she struggled to stem the blood flowing from her mouth, Jang Seonyeon didn’t approach her.
‘Is he waiting for me?’
‘Though it doesn’t exactly feel like it…’
‘…Perhaps, he wishes for me to concede?’
For a martial artist, forfeiting tantamount to humiliating oneself—it meant abandoning the fight without witnessing it through to the end.
Even if it was her, the sometimes dubbed Poison Phoenix.
‘Is that what he hopes?’
Tang Soyeol had that thought flutter through her mind.
Could it have been his unassuming demeanor hiding a deeper agenda?
The sensation she had been experiencing since this duel made her reconsider if he were indeed hiding something.
Attempting to rise, Tang Soyeol wavered and collapsed back down.
Not knowing what Jang Seonyeon’s intention was, she pondered:
‘…Should I quit?’
But she knew for certain that this match was unwinnable, leading her to consider that notion.
‘Continuing wouldn’t help me win.’
Her heart filled with disappointment, but this wasn’t a match that simply effort alone would turn in her favor.
She felt nonchalant about harming her title as the Poison Phoenix.
Unlike others, it was never a title that held special meaning to her.
She diverted her gaze from Jang Seonyeon, scanning the area instead.
In the martial arena, numerous spectators watched closely.
Numerous eyes filled with astonishment at Jang Seonyeon’s prowess.
It was understandable.
Given the overwhelming nature of his skill displayed effortlessly, Tang Soyeol observed the audience’s expressions and let out a deep sigh—thinking about how her father might be saddened by today’s turn of events.
Ultimately, just as she was about to speak her surrender—
Tang Soyeol spotted someone in the distance.
Sharp eyes sharp as daggers and garbed in red uniform.
A boy stood a bit away, observing her.
‘Young Master Gu…?’
Among so many people, she was surprised to have spotted Gu Yangcheon so easily, and even more astonished at the expression on his face.
‘Why is he worried about me?’
The concern lacing his eyes was unmistakable.
Why was he?
‘A kid who seems unconcerned about anyone else is worried about me?’
That realization sent her heart racing.
Even aware that she shouldn’t be distracted during a duel.
“Phew…”
Unable to control her breath, she let it escape in a rush.
Perhaps the heat mixed within came from her body’s own reckless exertion.
‘I’m doomed… I really think I am.’
Just knowing that Gu Yangcheon concerned himself with her warmed her cheeks.
‘He could have just pushed me away completely…’
Finding it amusing that she felt resentment towards him for creating distance but maintaining a slight closeness.
Did Gu Yangcheon realize how terribly unconvincing he was at lying?
That recollection gnawed at her.
Like the time during their journey to Hanam.
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah, both alarmingly pretty and slender, made her instinctively nibble less than usual.
It seemed Gu Yangcheon noticed and confronted her one day.
– Are you hungry?
– Huh?
– You haven’t been eating as much lately.
– N-No, I’m fine. I just… don’t have much of an appetite.
– …I see.
Each abrupt end of their conversations left Tang Soyeol frustrated.
Wishing she had managed to continue conversing.
After some time had passed…
– Mistress.
– Hmm?
– This… Young Master Gu instructed me to give this to you…
After meals, her servant persistently brought her something every time.
Claiming that it was a request by Gu Yangcheon.
– Oh, oops… Young Master Gu requested I don’t mention it.
Though it wasn’t quite what he intended to convey.
Tang Soyeol considered if this reaction stemmed from their last exchange.
Later, when she asked him about it, he sighed, saying, ‘Caught, huh?’
Tang Soyeol found that side of him likable.
Gu Yangcheon had expressed his disdain for anyone going hungry.
How absurd was that? A blood relative of the Tang Clan worrying about hunger.
Whenever it got chilly, he intuitively got closer to share warmth.
Surely, that’s not what he was trained for.
Yet, whenever she met his gaze puzzled, he would merely reply:
– It’s just part of my training.
A blatant lie.
He couldn’t maintain eye contact, his voice stiff beneath the weight of his statement.
It was apparent to anyone that this was a feeble deception; just something to mask his own embarrassment.
‘I know you’re not doing this solely for me.’
Tang Soyeol realized Gu Yangcheon’s warm-hearted, albeit aloof, nature radiated toward everyone.
Conditionless kindness enveloped anyone within reach.
Despite his gruff demeanor and visible annoyance…
Gu Yangcheon’s actions matched the warmth of his martial aptitude.
‘How could I not be drawn to him?’
‘How could I not want to inch closer to him?’
Her attraction wasn’t merely stirred by his appearance.
Perhaps it rooted from the gentle warmth he exuded.
But as she finally made peace with her feelings…
Tang Soyeol chose to let go.
To bury her aspirations.
‘…To give up…’
She acknowledged Gu Yangcheon’s distant gaze toward her.
– If we ever cross paths in the arena, could you do me a single favor?
That declaration stuck vividly; how confident she had sounded.
And now, facing this situation, she felt ready to surrender.
She’d always been like this.
At first against the Sword Phoenix, then the Sword Dragon; with each experience, the sheer contrast between their abilities left her breathless.
So she retreated.
Convincing herself enough was enough. That being titled ‘Poison Phoenix’ sufficed.
She believed she needn’t aspire to become the greatest in the world.
The same principle applied elsewhere.
She relinquished that ambition since she understood she wouldn’t be leader of the clan.
Many things were given up.
Persuading herself that since they were unattainable, settling for this was acceptable.
But when it came to him, she could no longer just stand aside.
She didn’t want to run away.
She didn’t want to abandon her desires.
She wanted to stand beside him.
This led her to refuse Gu Yangcheon’s casual offer to ease their interactions.
Seeing it as unduly easy.
As a means of sidestepping a stronger connection.
The urge to concede swelled at the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it back down.
Tang Soyeol then hoisted herself from the ground.
Determined to wrestle her body into cooperation.
She hastened to wipe the blood from her chin.
“Thank you for waiting.”
Whatever the intention of Jang Seonyeon was, she needed to express her gratitude.
For he undeniably had waited for her.
Even though speaking made her stomach lurch, she had to press on.
“May I give it another go?”
She couldn’t show weakness. Gu Yangcheon was watching, so she wanted to seem fine.
She didn’t wish to appear as a burden on Gu Yangcheon.
Tang Soyeol aspired to be someone worthy of standing next to him.
Upon hearing her words, Jang Seonyeon’s expression shifted.
He seemed somewhat stunned.
“…How remarkable.”
With that, he spoke.
His tone diverged from the polite voice he used during the feast.
He corrected his stance and aligned his sword toward Tang Soyeol.
She clenched her teeth.
The clarity of his intentions was apparent; he was prepared to strike again.
And much similar to before, she injected her Qi into the dagger once more.
‘Uugh…’
Her interior cried out in agony.
Applying her Qi forcibly against its will felt as though her body was being mercilessly skewered.
The Seven Poison Fangs.
A skill from the Tang Clan she had employed before.
The green aura swirled around her once again.
Also, the warmth rising in one eye felt quite different from pain.
It felt revitalizing.
Like somehow breaking out of her shell and receiving a refreshing gust of air.
That very feeling brought clarity and strength to her Qi, more pronounced than before.
‘What’s happening?’
Just moments earlier, her Qi had resisted her commands.
And she had been faltering from prior injuries.
Yet now, her body felt sharper and more reactive than ever. It was as if the dawn of opportunity had arisen.
Steadying her breath, Tang Soyeol launched another charge toward Jang Seonyeon.
Thwack-!
But with a sudden sharp pain striking her head, Tang Soyeol fell flat on the ground.
Jang Seonyeon had swiftly approached, delivering a blow to her head with the hilt of his sword.
It all happened in mere moments, and the judge overseeing the sparring quickly reported after gazing at Jang Seonyeon.
“Victorious…. Jang Seonyeon.”
With the announcement, cheers erupted around the arena.
People often looked favorably upon unexpected outcomes.
Especially for martial artists.
The fact that Tang Soyeol, the so-called Poison Phoenix among the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, was defeated by a lesser-known prodigy held significant weight within their circles.
Yet Tang Soyeon herself found Jang Seonyeon’s cold gaze contemplating her as she lay collapsed.
Her head bowed hid every bit of emotion she might have felt.
Blood smeared across her face rendered her appearance a tad pitiful.
Jang Seonyeon continued staring until he could manage to muster a smile again and then departed.
Once the first round of matches concluded, there was a brief waiting period.
Tang Soyeol, who fainted during the duel, was promptly transported to the medical ward within the Murim Alliance.
The scene remained vividly imprinted; Namgung Bi-ah rushed over to carry her the moment that duel ended.
‘Impressive self-control.’
Watching her with clenched fists tremble while she gazed at Tang Soyeol’s battle was poignant.
Blood had thoroughly dried from Tang Soyeol’s skin as she lay unconscious.
The physician assured no lasting harm was done, and claimed she would awaken soon, so all there was to do was remain patient.
“I expected to lose.”
It was a foregone conclusion.
Tang Soyeol couldn’t possibly triumph over Jang Seonyeon.
Yet in knowing this, she couldn’t shake the last shred of hope till the very end.
‘Did she aim to breach her limits?’
The way Tang Soyeol acted in those fleeting moments captured at the end of the fight.
Unlike Muyeon or Yung Pung, she hadn’t reached this obstacle yet. Her energy, though reflected in the final moments, was akin to a brush against the threshold.
‘Although if left unchallenged, she wouldn’t have crossed it either.’
No amount of enlightenment would allow her to leap over the wall just yet.
She merely stepped onto its threshold.
Jang Seonyeon likely sensed that, thus led to a swift conclusion.
‘Not quite sure.’
Jang Seonyeon wasn’t at a stage to identify such subtleties.
He likely acted on instinct then seemed to feel an odd moment and reacted.
‘But what is that?’
Jang Seonyeon’s expression spoke volumes as he remained poised post-match.
Deep in thought, I felt soft fingers latch onto mine.
“…Young Master… Gu.”
“Are you awake?”
“…Oh.”
Tang Soyeol sat upright, nursing her head.
She glanced around before letting out a dry chuckle.
“It seems I’ve lost.”
A small, bittersweet smile shadowed her countenance.
“I didn’t think I’d be defeated in my first match… This is so embarrassing. I was confident I could reach the end.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Huh?”
“You looked great out there.”
A martial artist who does not yield deserves every respect.
Even in the past life, she was deserving of the martial artist’s title.
“…But still, since I lost…?”
As Tang Soyeol made to continue, her eyes widened enormously.
Undoubtedly, something felt off.
Unable to bear her probing gaze, I stood up.
“…Bi-ah and the doctor will arrive shortly.”
“Wait, Young Master Gu, hold on… Are you speaking informal-?”
“Take care.”
“J… Just a moment!”
Tang Soyeol rushed to grab hold of me, but I had no intention of being caught, so I closed the door behind me.
Unlike when I first began to talk casually with Namgung Bi-ah…
This atmosphere felt terribly embarrassing for some reason.
‘…’
In all honesty, I probably wouldn’t see her for a while, so it should be perfectly fine.
I strained to maintain an expression free of embarrassment.
And I adjusted my mindset regarding this tournament’s approach.
I felt that I needed to, if just a smidge…
Take this event a bit more seriously.
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