As Gu Yangcheon and Moyong Hi-ah’s duel was about to commence, the current leader of the Murim Alliance, Jang Cheon, was facing his son, Jang Seonyeon.
The teacup that had previously been filled with warm tea was now empty. Jang Cheon lifted the empty cup, feeling nothing but a void in his hand.
Silence persisted between them.
It was Jang Cheon who ultimately shattered the stillness.
“Why did you do that?”
His voice carried weight, a quiet yet powerful inquiry.
In response, Jang Seonyeon, who had been gazing downwards, lifted his head.
“Father.”
“…Yes.”
“Did you forget the promise you made with your father?”
“I did not forget.”
“Then why did you make such a choice?”
“…”
Jang Seonyeon fell silent.
It wasn’t that he had nothing to say…
Rather, it was that there were things he didn’t wish to express.
There were countless words he could utter, but he knew that voicing them would only dig a deeper hole for himself.
“Didn’t I warn you that such power is dangerous?”
Why do you think that way?
That thought lingered unspoken on Jang Seonyeon’s lips, forcing him to hold his tongue.
“Didn’t I tell you that this power is so consuming that it could lead to your loss of self?”
With those words, he felt a stir deep within.
It felt as if there was an angry response rising up in defiance against his father’s warning.
He hadn’t utilized this power in ages, yet it seemed to still be agitated, not fully at rest.
His father lacked understanding of this power.
Even though he held the title of an alliance leader, he had never been baptized in it and thus was blissfully unaware.
He likely couldn’t even sense it.
Yet, he had caught a glimpse of it during Jang Seonyeon’s display in combat.
“I stipulate that you are not to use that power until you reach the age of twenty, yet you still chose to unleash it. How do you explain that?”
Jang Seonyeon’s thoughts drifted to Namgung Bi-ah.
Why did he do so? Countless questions repeated in his mind.
However, only one answer screamed back at him.
I was afraid.
It was that simple.
Fear had driven him to resort to this power, desperate to escape from the radiance of the woman shining brighter by the second.
What a disgusting feeling.
Her incessant advance without any hint of retreat…
Her gaze scanning beyond him…
Her unwavering, confident steps…
All of it made him feel repulsed.
Even the way Gu Yangcheon glanced at him while whisking Namgung Bi-ah away…
Jang Seonyeon wondered why he had to endure this feeling.
All I did was utilize the power bestowed upon me.
Then why must I feel this embarrassing, throbbing sensation?
This power was meant to be wielded for light.
I was chosen.
Therefore, I should be the one radiating more than anyone else.
So why did that woman shine with such brilliance?
How childish of me.
The emotion roiling inside him was undoubtedly guilt.
He hated to admit it, yet reality smacked him in the face.
Perhaps it was due to the unexpected talent displayed by young prodigies?
The meteor even declared to me,
That I was the star according to the Heavenly Qi of our time.
– With two strands of blood, the flow belongs to you.
– Even time will be bypassed, how could you not become a star?
Though the meaning behind those words eluded his comprehension…
They directed their speech towards him.
It obviously had to be true.
It absolutely should be.
Without a doubt.
“I’m sorry, Father.”
Jang Seonyeon found a quiet smile as he tried to articulate his muddled thoughts.
His father remained blissfully ignorant.
Or perhaps he knew yet chose to pretend otherwise.
But it didn’t matter.
“I won’t allow your reputation to suffer any further… I won’t make mistakes again…”
After all, one day his father would surely understand him.
“…”
Jang Cheon didn’t respond to Jang Seonyeon, an oddity in itself.
Was it because he thought too highly of his talented son and thus paid him no mind?
He noticed how Jang Seonyeon’s demeanor appeared subtly changed.
Had something transformed?
Jang Cheon pondered with his eyes closed.
He decided he’d have to seek counsel from the Chief Abbott again.
The Ice Palace of the North.
A domain where, nourished by the frigid energies unleashed by the abyss, winter embraced the region eternally laden with snow and ice, reigning over this icy expanse.
Most of the inhabitants belonged to those destined to ascend the throne of the snowfields, and their martial arts were intertwined with the icy environment.
One such figure was the previous Palace Lord, the Righteous Snow King, whose mere presence commanded a shift from summer to winter with a flick of his wrist when he came to the Central Plains.
This was also the birthplace of powerful masters.
Furthermore, Moyong Hi-ah carried the blood of the Ice Palace within her.
It was attributed to the fact that her mother, the fourth daughter of the Ice Palace’s Lord, was the wife of the Moyong Clan leader.
Her father held deep affection for her mother.
This was possibly why he remained devoted solely to her, without any concubines by his side.
As the head of one of the Four Noble Clans, he declared to the clan elders his unwillingness to take other engagements or concubines.
His devotion to his wife surpassed his clan’s interests, a clear statement that he prioritized love over legacy.
Having made that choice, he unflinchingly bore the burden of all the clan’s misfortunes alone.
Until Moyong Hi-ah grew to womanhood, she couldn’t fathom her father’s reasoning.
Was love truly of higher value?
Did it justify the sacrifices made to uphold such feelings?
It was something she could not grasp, neither logically nor emotionally.
After all, their love left the Moyong Clan trailing the other Four Noble Clans.
In fact, it caused the name ‘Moyong’ to lose its maypower.
What legacy had their love left behind?
Only a once-respected glory now marred in the hands of the Murim Alliance…
Her father remained isolated after her mother’s passing…
I was left living off the remnants of the clan.
Father and Mother likely never foresaw that the child they had longed for would bear such affliction.
They surely never imagined that the blood of the Ice Palace would yield such a fate.
Not to mention, in a time when cures were abundant for many ailments…
Here I am with a disease that defies healing.
What kind of absurdity is this?
How utterly ridiculous.
Not that basking in self-pity would change anything.
The world continued on as if nothing were amiss.
Moyong Hi-ah, like many afflicted with her condition, had developed acute senses…
But such talent felt trivial compared to the suffering it brought.
Around her, countless geniuses outperformed her by leaps and bounds.
Even the boy standing directly in front of her was a prime example.
Isn’t that just a bit too unfair?
An orb of pure flame blazed brightly, seemingly gathering every spark of the universe.
Its magnificent form radiated strength, almost reminiscent of a tiny sun.
As Moyong Hi-ah beheld this sight, a mix of despair and fleeting amusement danced across her face.
Her curiosity about Gu Yangcheon’s true might, once reluctant, felt satisfied at last.
Yet the despair stemmed from the overwhelming reality— she was utterly outclassed.
Was this what his apology signified?
If so, it seemed ludicrous.
Wasn’t it all too unthinkable for him to apologize for something like this?
Moyong Hi-ah unsheathed her sword and summoned her Qi.
Though the desire to retreat pushed at her mind, she steeled herself against it.
Moyong Hi-ah could afford to back down, but the Snow Phoenix should not.
Chilled energy wrapped around her blade.
Utilizing the Moyong Clan’s signature art, the Righteous Arts, she prepared to wield the Righteous Sword.
Unlike the martial arts of other clans, where Flame or Lightning Qi gained potency with mastery…
The Moyong Clan’s connection to Ice Qi was an anomaly.
It was a trait unique only to Moyong Hi-ah.
Her dual-colored eyes hinted at something different…
And as she progressed along her path, her Ice Qi naturally grew, likely due to her lineage.
With the attempt to use martial arts, a sudden clenching cold enveloped her.
To counter it, she had to envelop herself in her Qi again.
This chill was a world away from the winter’s typical cold.
It was the biting cold, powerful enough to overwhelm her body from within.
It was an insatiable cold that no amount of thick clothing or proximity to fire could alleviate.
A cold that sealed her surroundings in icy dread, hinting at death’s grip…
Truly, it was the cold she despised most.
How unbearably cold and terrifying.
Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze fixed on the small sun before her.
The searing heat made it difficult to breathe, provoking her to grimace involuntarily.
Even as she surrounded herself with Ice Qi, Gu Yangcheon’s exuded heat consumed it effortlessly.
How could such a thing occur? Yet it felt entirely obvious.
Simply put, Gu Yangcheon’s Flame Qi burned hotter than her Ice Qi.
How is he able to wield this with such intensity?
Moyong Hi-ah possessed sharp senses.
Not only did they help her read expressions and emotions…
But they significantly aided her in discerning her opponent’s martial skills.
Though not granted by the divine, her keen sense stood above many others.
When she focused on Gu Yangcheon, describing his martial skills proved challenging.
They weren’t particularly complex or difficult techniques.
In fact, they appeared remarkably simplistic.
Yet one condition appeared exceedingly difficult to meet.
First, using such an art required an overwhelmingly vast amount of Qi.
Moreover, a reinforced body capable of controlling the raging flames was an absolute prerequisite.
She scrutinized Gu Yangcheon’s form.
It doesn’t seem like he’s undergone rigorous training.
In Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon’s physique appeared more fragile compared to other young prodigies.
His slender muscles and smaller stature contributed to this impression.
Where did that control come from, then?
To simply call it a talent felt inadequate…
But to dismiss it as otherwise offered no clear explanation.
The byproduct of an unjust world.
That was how it appeared to Moyong Hi-ah.
Having already accepted the harsh realities of life, she smiled bitterly.
“Standing before such flames still renders me cold.”
Perhaps it was the proximity to the sun, prompting such thoughts to flit through her mind.
She took her stance.
After all, the duel had commenced.
As the Ice Qi-infused blade of Moyong Hi-ah sought to pierce through the heat…
“Huh…?”
Moyong Hi-ah abruptly halted.
The flames emanating from Gu Yangcheon continued to burn brightly, yet she stood as still as a statue, seemingly unaware of the surroundings.
“Why… What’s… happening?”
In a rare moment of vulnerability, her regal demeanor faltered and stammered forth awkwardly.
But she didn’t have a choice.
Why… am I suddenly no longer cold?
The Ice Qi still flickered at the tip of her blade, and despite being flustered, her Qi remained cohesive.
She should’ve felt cold, yet the sensation had entirely vanished without warning.
She was left so flustered that her hands trembled.
After all, nothing like this had ever transpired in her experience.
Even the Tang Clan had failed to eradicate Moyong Hi-ah’s coldness, leaving a profound scar on her back as a result.
Why is this suddenly happening?
“Whether now or then…”
Amid her confusion, Moyong Hi-ah heard a voice reverberate in her ears.
“Always overthinking. And those wide-open eyes when you’re anxious about something.”
“…What do you mean?”
Moyong Hi-ah asked, curious about Gu Yangcheon’s words, but he merely frowned slightly.
“Nothing, I wasn’t addressing you— it was just someone who came to mind.”
Her hearing must be superb, I swear.
Though Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t heard his voice, she could infer from Gu Yangcheon’s lips that was what he had said.
Gu Yangcheon cautiously gazed about before continuing his remarks.
“I imagine I’ve shown enough.”
“…Young Master Gu?”
“And I’ve waited long enough.”
Following Gu Yangcheon’s instructions, the flames began to shift.
The flame orb transformed shape with a simple gesture of his hand.
Rather than changing its structure, it coiled around Gu Yangcheon’s arm, spinning hypnotically.
Just looking at it exuded an aura of danger.
It appeared ominous not just in shape, but the inherent danger felt present.
Such massive flames spiraled around one arm, signifying immense strength.
Setting aside the shocking reality that she felt no coldness…
Moyong Hi-ah couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.
Something felt terribly misplaced.
Then Gu Yangcheon queried,
“You’re not going to forfeit now, right?”
Contrasting the heavy atmosphere he had initially conveyed, his question felt startlingly light.
“No… it’s just…”
“Right, I asked something peculiar and didn’t expect an answer.”
While she pondered the absurdity of his words amidst their clash, Moyong Hi-ah was tempted to rethink her stance.
Gazing at the flames swarming about his arm made her consider forfeiting for a moment.
Moyong Hi-ah hastily adjusted her grip on the sword and repositioned herself.
Yet before she could advance, Gu Yangcheon had already made his move first.
His flaming arm waved lightly.
“It won’t hurt.”
Fwoosh.
The torrid heat enveloped the area, distorting the very air around them.
You saying it won’t hurt…?
Am I going to be left toothless if that thing hits my face?!
“Probably.”
Just as Gu Yangcheon smiled and assured her…
A towering blaze crashed down upon Moyong Hi-ah.
That was the last thing she saw before her consciousness faded.
The fight culminated in a single flame.
I had at least thought she would endure through a couple more moves, yet for some reason, Moyong Hi-ah fell after just one strike.
I’ve sensed this for a while— she always has too many thoughts swirling in her head. It’s like a flaw in her design.
What could she have been preoccupied with?
I was perpetually unable to comprehend the actions of intelligent individuals.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the judge proclaimed my victory,
Yet, as per usual, I felt an empty void inside.
Maybe I should’ve gone a tad lighter next time.
Only a fleeting sense of regret lingered within my mind.
Whenever I showcased my martial arts simply for show, I was always left with this inexplicable hollowness.
That was even more pronounced in my previous life.
I remember being excessively devoted to inflating my flames just to impress others.
I knew all too well what purpose those flames served and where they should have been aimed.
I had hoped to refrain from that in this life.
“What’s there to consider? Not a single aspect of my plans has unfolded as intended.”
Be it the regression or everything following it…
None of these paths had been charted.
So, I needed to become accustomed to this state of emotional detachment.
However…
I raised my gaze towards the heights.
I wondered who might be watching from above.
I sharpened my senses for scrutiny.
This time, I felt fine with being discovered.
Then, almost instantly, a few figures came into focus.
The Alliance Leader was absent,
And so was the Chief Abbott of Shaolin.
Did they slip away because the duel they were eager to see had concluded, or was there another reason altogether?
Regardless, tomorrow should unveil the truth.
With such thoughts swirling inside me, I suddenly recalled the words of the Second Elder before setting off to Hanam.
– If you’re going to cause a commotion, do it spectacularly.
Such raw and reckless counsel seemed too naive for an elder of the clan to suggest.
I remembered feeling that way at the time.
But looking back, perhaps it was indeed wise guidance from the Second Elder who brimmed with insight.
“I believe that’s the course I should take.”
If the mess I create proves too significant…
I could easily use the Second Elder as a scapegoat.
After all, it was his idea, and I merely followed along as the dutiful son.
I only left the arena after confirming that Moyong Hi-ah was escorted away safely.
Given how it appeared, I likely hadn’t exerted myself too vigorously, so she probably wouldn’t bear too many injuries.
But that aside, I had to head towards the Medical Room.
She was probably awake by now.
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