Chapter 32: Only Three Times (2)
Tang Soyeol had always had a unique passion since childhood.
While the children of the elite chased after cute puppies and kittens, she chased reptiles like snakes and lizards.
As time went on, she progressed to hunting beasts like wolves or tigers.
With her fierce, split-eyed gaze and a growl that commanded respect, she radiated the aura of a predator in front of vulnerable animals—she was simply mesmerizing.
That was also why she opposed the idea of her family marrying into the Namgung clan when it first came up.
Tang Soyeol couldn’t stand Namgung Cheonjun.
Despite what everyone said about his handsomeness and talent, she thought,
“He looks like a spoiled playboy.”
Every time she looked at him, his overly sweet appearance made her cringe.
Unmoved by Namgung Cheonjun’s looks, she found his oddly sinister energy to be utterly bothersome.
There was something off about him.
His overly friendly demeanor felt jarring.
She couldn’t grasp why other girls in her clan were head over heels for him.
In contrast, Namgung Bi-ah was a far better person.
Though she spoke little and showed little expression, her caring actions carried a sincerity that frequently softened Tang Soyeol’s heart—even when she was a bit tough on her.
Tang Soyeol appreciated Namgung Bi-ah for accepting her flaws without any fuss.
She was genuinely touched when Namgung Bi-ah honored her promise to attend the next Tang Military Exhibition.
But then, seeing that Namgung Cheonjun was trailing behind her made her wonder why he came along.
Wherever Namgung Bi-ah went, Namgung Cheonjun was never far behind.
Why?
From her perspective, it didn’t seem like Namgung Bi-ah liked him much.
But given her usually expressionless demeanor, it was hard to tell how she really felt. Tang Soyeol didn’t think it was appropriate to ask her.
“Right, Tangrang?”
— Grrr.
A massive wolf with a sable mane, this was Tang Soyeol’s mountain wolf, Tangrang.
How could such a fierce face be so adorable? Tang Soyeol gently petted him.
“…Oh, you cute thing, if only all men in the world were like you.”
While she wished for that, she knew it was impossible.
Just looking at Namgung Cheonjun, that brat from Moyong, and Peng Woojin from the Peng clan, they all looked like soft-hearted playboys.
“Why do they all look so much like spoiled kids?”
Moreover, there was something unsettling about the sons of the Namgung and Moyong clans—especially that last one…
“…Peng Woojin is just a weirdo.”
Thinking of the countless times Tang Jooyeok and Peng Woojin caused a ruckus together gave her a headache.
It was no surprise that she and Peng Ah-hee became friends after just one meeting; they both had the oddest older brothers.
‘I think the last time I saw her was after her engagement was called off.’
‘Who was she engaged to again? I think I didn’t catch that detail.’
All she remembered was Peng Ah-hee saying he was a total loser and feeling relieved that the engagement was canceled.
“…Are there any cool men around?”
As Tang Soyeol entered her adolescence, she was craving love.
That night, Tang Soyeol was walking by the lake with Namgung Bi-ah.
The Lotus Flower Lake, a work of art from the Tang clan, was a sacred place not to be entered carelessly without permission from blood relatives.
Although the floating lotuses looked simple, each one was infused with spiritual essence.
The lake and the fish living in it were just as precious.
According to Tang Jooyeok, it was an extravagant luxury created by the past artisans of the Tang clan.
Honestly, Tang Soyeol agreed.
It was incredibly beautiful… But honestly, it didn’t offer much else.
While strolling slowly on the moonlit path, Tang Soyeol asked Namgung Bi-ah,
“Bi-ah, was your journey here okay?”
“…Yeah, I got a bit lost…”
“…Lost again, huh?”
Namgung Bi-ah was abnormally bad with directions.
She could be going the right way one moment and veer off onto another path by herself the next.
‘Maybe her blank expression has something to do with it,’ Tang Soyeol mused.
“Well, you still managed to make it… I was worried.”
“I had a companion.”
“A companion?”
“Yeah.”
‘Could she be talking about the people from another clan who came along with her?’
Tang Soyeol had heard that they were called the Gu Clan or something similar. Honestly, she didn’t know much about them.
The extent of her knowledge included the fact that the infamous Hero was the lord of the Gu Clan, that the Sword Phoenix hailed from there, and that it was the most powerful clan in Shanxi.
Since they rarely engaged in outside activities, there was basically nothing else she knew.
It was also unusual for a blood member of the Gu Clan to attend this year’s Tang Military Exhibition.
Maybe Tang Jooyeok knew more since he was the young lord?
“Are you talking about that Gu Clan?”
“That’s right…”
‘Huh?’
For a fleeting second, Tang Soyeol could have sworn she saw a smile on Namgung Bi-ah’s face.
She had never seen Namgung Bi-ah smile before.
With that, they continued their leisurely walk, the cool breeze inviting them.
It seemed like Namgung Bi-ah didn’t want to leave after all.
Before long, they came to a stop.
They sensed a presence nearby.
“…Not my brother’s presence.”
It was two figures.
While their faces were hidden in the shadows, they definitely weren’t from the Tang clan.
“Who are you?”
Tang Soyeol asked.
They seemed surprised by her voice.
They didn’t seem like intruders or enemies; probably just guests wandering mistakenly into a restricted area.
“This place is off-limits to outsiders.”
Slowly, the moonlight revealed their faces.
Tang Soyeol caught a glimpse—especially of the boy’s face—and it felt like time itself had stopped.
Thump! Thump!
She could feel her heart racing, about to leap out of her chest.
The boy had jet-black hair, sharp eyes slightly crinkled as if irritated, exuding a wild vibe similar to a feral animal.
“I-If you aren’t going to respond, I’ll call—”
Her voice trembled; did he notice her stutter? Why was she so nervous all of a sudden?
Namgung Bi-ah quietly whispered to her, lingering near,
“He’s from the Gu Clan.”
—I am Gu Jeolyub.
The boy stated confidently.
Gu Jeolyub… his name even sounded impressive.
“Wait, what am I doing? What exactly was I saying?”
He had spoken, but in that moment, Tang Soyeol could not recollect her response.
She just wished silently for her wildly pounding heart to take it easy.
At that moment, she realized she had found herself in a big mess.
‘This isn’t good; I need to leave right now!’
The boy turned to leave just as she gathered her wits, and Tang Soyeol tried her hardest to maintain a calm facade through the night.
But in reality, sleep eluded her completely.
The following day, Tang Jooyeok announced that he had gathered all the invited youth for a meal.
Even in her state of sleeplessness, her energy surged with his words.
‘Calm down, please…’
She urged her racing heart to hushed silence, but it continued its ruckus regardless.
What if he comes?
What if he doesn’t come?
What’s next if he doesn’t show up!?
Tang Soyeol found herself ensnared in a web of contradictory thoughts she couldn’t quite decipher.
Finally, Gu Jeolyub entered the room.
For some inexplicable reason, he had his arm slung around Namgung Cheonjun’s shoulder.
Were they friends? The vibes that surrounded them suggested otherwise.
The meal had started, but Tang Soyeol didn’t even know if the food was entering her mouth or her nose.
All she could focus on was the boy.
“His eyes… are so piercingly cool!”
“Looks like he can’t handle spicy food; so cute!”
The moment she indulged in these spiraling thoughts, she found herself sitting next to the boy.
“Am I losing it? What am I doing here? Why do I feel so bold?”
She had inched closer unconsciously, and while it felt like a fine decision at first, the issue arose the moment she opened her mouth.
Tang Soyeol felt like she was losing her sanity gazing at his face as he frowned slightly, struggling to comprehend her blabbering.
Once, servants had mentioned that if someone felt too much joy, they would start shaking—a sentiment she finally began to grasp.
‘What should I even ask…?
‘Do you like poison? I’m good with daggers, want to practice some dagger techniques together?
‘That’s definitely not the right question.’
‘How about favorite food? Yeah, let’s swing for something basic.’
“Y-Young Master Gu, do you… happen to like…”
“Brother Tang, is that the training area below?”
Before she could finish her question, Namgung Cheonjun’s voice bolted through the air, cutting her off.
“Lady Tang, what did you just say?”
The boy returned Tang Soyeol’s curiosity with kindness, yet she couldn’t muster the courage to repeat her question.
She merely vowed to one day slip poison into Namgung Cheonjun’s tea.
That insensitive jerk was determined to interfere, turning his attention now toward the arena.
Suddenly, he challenged the boy to a spar.
The outlandish proposition made Tang Soyeol yell out in protest without thinking.
“No!”
What’s “no” actually referring to?
Yeah, there were age and skill disparities when it came to sparring. Sure, she could use those excuses, but—
“His face… What if something happens to it?!”
That was her primary worry.
What if that precious face marred or blemished?
What if that wild countenance bore even the slightest scratch?
At that thought, Tang Soyeol felt like she’d unleash some form of revenge on Namgung Cheonjun.
Despite her protests, the boy accepted Namgung Cheonjun’s challenge.
Namgung Cheonjun claimed he wouldn’t use his qi or one foot—but he was still the Lightning Sword.
Tang Soyeol questioned whether she could even graze Namgung Cheonjun’s clothes if they fought without their qi.
He held a prestigious reputation among martial artists.
Wasn’t it only the Sword Phoenix who could stand a chance against him?
In that context, Tang Soyeol could do nothing but watch nervously.
Should she jump in if it looked like he might get hurt? What right did she have to?
‘Yeah, what rights do I even carry…?’
Feeling lost, she glanced over at Namgung Bi-ah.
“Bi-ah…?”
Namgung Bi-ah’s expression seemed unchanged, yet she clutched her sword’s hilt tightly.
But was it just her, or was her expression somewhat different? Her breathing seemed slightly quicker.
Could she be watching her younger brother duel?
That seemed unlikely as her gaze was directed not towards him.
“…!”
Suddenly, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened. Tang Soyeol was curious about what had caused the change and quickly turned around.
“…Huh?”
Tang Soyeol was left bewildered by the sight before her.
The wooden sword rolling on the ground, Namgung Cheonjun down on one knee,
And the boy staring down at Namgung Cheonjun, looking unimpressed.
It was confusing.
Yet, it felt thrilling.
An electric sensation shot through her spine, causing Tang Soyeol to involuntarily exhale a heated breath.
Before her stood the predatory figure she had longed for in her dreams.
So what if he’s weak? That face of his… is stunning.
She thought that initially, yet her perception eventually flipped.
The boy spoke to Namgung Cheonjun with a mocking tone,
“Are you not going to pick that up?”
Taking a step closer to Namgung Cheonjun, something inside Tang Soyeol made her collapse onto her knees.
—
I can’t understand.
That was the only thought swirling through Namgung Cheonjun’s mind.
Why had he let go of the sword?
He had planned to strike after hitting the shoulder, then aim for the leg.
He was only pondering how to punish that brat, relishing in the amusing scenario—then…
“Why… why did I let go of the sword?”
His arm throbbed painfully.
His wrist was flushed.
‘Did I seriously lose grip for just that brief moment? Why didn’t I see it coming?’
“Interesting.”
A voice pulled Namgung Cheonjun’s attention.
The boy who had approached was now looking down at him smugly.
“Geniuses often have distracting thoughts during duels. In an actual fight, you’d be dead thrice by now. Do you realize that?”
Namgung Cheonjun was about to reply but quickly dodged,
as the boy swung his arm back, throwing a punch.
He managed to evade it, but due to his awkward posture, he couldn’t avoid the subsequent attack.
The kick hit his chest, sending him tumbling to the ground with a grunt.
“Ugh!”
He struggled to regain his breath, and lo and behold, the wooden sword landed before him.
“Pick it up now. You said it would be a training session for me.”
The boy clapped his hands in a mock performance.
“Oh, wait! Am I the one teaching you? If so, I’m quite confident.”
—Crack!*
His taunt emerged from the boy’s smiling face, making Namgung Cheonjun feel frustration growing within him.
Then he picked himself up and grabbed the sword.
“I was careless—”
“You’re not going to use that excuse of being careless, right? There’s no more pathetic excuse than that for a martial artist.”
Namgung Cheonjun fell silent at his reprimanding words.
He knew it was a silly excuse.
Instead, he quietly adjusted his stance.
‘…Turns out, he’s got some talent after all.’
He had completely underestimated him.
He ought to have known better, considering he was the younger brother of the Sword Phoenix.
Namgung Cheonjun took a cautious step forward and readied his sword against his opponent.
It was time to get serious.
He drew a semi-circle, then jabbed forward, drawing back the sword, repeating the sequence.
The technique had been refined over years of training.
Thanks to that discipline, he could mix firmness with seamless fluidity in his moves.
He knew he was destined to embody the swift sword art of the Namgung.
The Zenith.
That title belonged to the Sword Emperor during this era, yet Namgung Cheonjun was confident it would one day belong to him.
He had often been told that even his father, the clan leader, recognized Namgung Cheonjun’s talents.
Thus, there was no doubt that this would happen.
‘Because I am a genius.’
But here he was, perplexed.
‘Why can’t I hit him?’
How many swings had it been? How many attacks had he launched?
Namgung Cheonjun’s sword was unarguably swift.
There were no openings in his techniques, seamless as they flowed one into the other.
Amid the anger-darkened breaths, his clarity returned with each stroke.
He had no reason to lose against this brat.
But then why?
‘How on earth does he seem to know where my sword will strike?’
The boy laid low, avoiding his strikes by mere inches.
The blade skimmed his clothing, his hair, even—but there were no direct hits.
He relied on minimal movements, which kept his stamina intact.
This was an impossibility unless he was indeed superior to Namgung Cheonjun.
Then what was the truth?
‘This bastard… is he stronger than me?’
Namgung Cheonjun’s pride began to crack under the pressure of his ego.
‘…I want to kill him.’
This brat was stealing the attention of the goddess of his dreams.
This brat was dodging his sword like it was child’s play.
‘I want to kill him.’
With an uncontrollable instinct for violence, he channeled a hint of qi into his sword.
Just enough not to attract attention.
Namgung Cheonjun summoned every ounce of effort, striking what he aimed towards the boy’s head.
—Poow!*
“Urgh!”
Namgung Cheonjun gasped and crashed to his knees.
The next moment, the boy slapped him hard across the face.
With a sharp “Pa!” accompanying the blow, Namgung Cheonjun went down.
“This bastard.”
The boy, Gu Yangcheon, closed the distance, shouting fiercely.
His voice dripped with anger.
“I let you off so many times, and now you want to turn it into a battle? Look at you, killing intent included? Why? Did you want to take me out?”
Tang Jooyeok flinched as he observed the viscous flow of blood from the indefatigable Namgung Cheonjun.
“Wow, this truly sucks. Honestly, have I not dealt with more than enough crap?”
Returning to his taunts, he kicked Namgung Cheonjun’s groin.
“Agggghhh-!!!”
“Gasp…!”
Tang Jooyeok couldn’t help but shrink back at that sight.
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