Chapter: 392
The woman’s demeanor was strangely peculiar.
She was clad in a military uniform indicating her affiliation with the Moyong family.
The decorative items and the Baekcheon Sword hanging from her waist suggested that her status within the family was not low.
Additionally, the faint aura radiating from her indicated that she was by no means a weak fighter.
Her appearance seemed to be just over thirty, presenting herself as a refreshing beauty.
If you were to ask what strange feeling I got from such a figure, it would have to be this:
“A wise gentleman like you would speak nonsense to a young grasshopper like me, right?”
“…”
“If you’re going to age, at least do it with some grace, you rascal. Have you been sucking your age from your backside?”
Despite her exquisite looks and background as a person from a renowned family, her rough speech was utterly out of place.
Even her sitting posture with one leg haphazardly crossed, chewing on something indefinable in her mouth…
‘…What on earth is this mess?’
She resembled a thug you’d bump into in a dark alley by misfortune.
The contrast between her flashy appearance and those rough manners made me flinch without meaning to.
In the midst of it all, what puzzled me was that the world’s Tao King had simply closed his mouth upon seeing her.
From the redness of his face, it seemed he was furious, yet for some reason, he wasn’t easily losing his temper.
From that, it felt like Peng Ga-ju might know exactly who this woman was…
‘Who could she be…?’
A skilled woman from the Moyong family? The scope of consideration seemed quite narrow, making it not too difficult to come up with a name.
However, it felt strangely both vivid and fuzzy at the same time.
As I pondered the identity of the woman, Peng Ga-ju finally opened his previously sealed lips.
“What are you doing right now?”
“So that’s what I wanted to ask you! What are you doing right now?”
She even spoke somewhat comically, as if mimicking Peng Ga-ju’s tone.
The woman was essentially dismissing him without a second thought.
At that attitude, Peng Ga-ju’s face reddened even more.
“White Lotus Sword…! Why did you suddenly show up to humiliate me like this?”
“…!”
Only after hearing the words from Peng Ga-ju did I finally recognize her true identity.
‘That woman is the White Lotus Sword?’
I gazed at her in disbelief. Why hadn’t I thought of it before?
If we’re talking about female figures from the Moyong family, she must be the only one!
‘White Lotus Sword, Mo Yong-bi Yeon.’
She was a direct descendant of the Moyong family and a renowned figure in the Central Plains.
The reason for her fame was none other than her mastery of the sword.
When we look at some generational traditions passed down in the Central Plains, one notable custom is to inherit representative titles.
What this means is simple:
For example, one can understand it easily by looking at the title “Sword King”.
The current holder of the Sword King title is Namgung Jin.
The insistence that he be called Changcheon Sword King is proof of that.
No one else can claim the title of Sword King.
This is a kind of unwritten rule.
Apart from the current Sword King, others cannot stake a claim to it.
Of course, if someone has the Sword King title, it isn’t impossible to take it away.
One way would be for Namgung Jin to retire and relinquish the Sword King title.
Alternatively, one could challenge the current bearer in a life-or-death duel to reclaim it.
However, there are extremely few people willing to engage in such matters.
The risks are considerable, and retiring after one’s prime has become somewhat of a rule.
Much like the title of Sword King, there are several symbolic titles that have been passed down in the Central Plains.
The title of Sword Queen is also among them.
It signifies the most outstanding female figure wielding a sword.
Naturally, women skilled in sword-fighting would find that title alluring.
The White Lotus Sword, Mo Yong-bi Yeon, was one of the candidates being discussed for the title of Sword Queen.
After the previous Sword Queen, Eulryeong Sword Queen, met with an unfortunate accident, the title became vacant.
Discussions floated around about which of the top martial artists, including Mo Yong-bi-yeon, would seize the title.
She was indeed one of those candidates.
Ultimately, she did not ascend to the title, but it clearly indicated she was a notable contender.
The reason I failed to recognize such a significant figure was simple.
‘Was this what she felt like?’
The contrast between public rumors and her current appearance was stark.
“Insult? You think I’m insulting you?”
“If this isn’t an insult, then what on earth is?”
“Why can’t you say thank you? Instead, you speak like I’m your servant?”
“What?”
Although Mo Yong-bi Yeon stood tall for a woman, compared to Peng Ga-ju, she seemed quite small.
Still, Mo Yong-bi Yeon was not about to lose ground, poking Peng Ga-ju right in the chest with her finger.
“Hey, I’m saving you from embarrassing your own clan by yapping nonsense, aren’t I? So you should be thanking me.”
“…”
“Isn’t it fun to tussle with a pretty girl who looks like she’s lived a bit past her prime? No idea when you’ll wise up. I thought being the head of the household would make you better off, but tsk tsk.”
“White Lotus Sword!”
“Why do you keep shouting!”
Peng Ga-ju’s exclamations were wholly drowned out by Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s voice.
What a booming voice it was!
Unconsciously, I stepped back at the glint of madness in Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s eyes.
Even Gu Yeon-seo was quaking on her shoulders.
That’s what kept me from believing she could possibly be the White Lotus Sword.
The rumors about the White Lotus Sword that spread in the Central Plains are not very different from those regarding the current Hwasan Sword.
A good person.
One who could not ignore the cries of the people.
A rare hero willing to sacrifice for others, enduring pain to save those in peril.
Much like the current Sword Queen, who gained fame by single-handedly defending against the True Magic Sect.
The White Lotus Sword also became a topic of conversation when it thwarted a monster’s rampage to the point of sacrificing its own life.
This was the White Lotus Sword that rescued an unknown little village at the cost of its own life.
Later, when questioned why on earth she did that, she simply replied:
“The food a child offered me was delicious.”
She said it was in gratitude for a kindness shown during her brief visit.
That, in itself, was a reason enough to risk one’s life.
The White Lotus Sword was just that kind of person. At least, that’s how I know her.
‘What about in my past life?’
My memories are hazy. I wonder why it is so, and it’s simply because the White Lotus Sword hardly moved about much.
In my past life, the Moyong family did not take part in any wars.
That’s why I have minimal recollection of them.
The Moyong clan was driven to slaughter demons after Seol Bong’s death.
However, it’s said that shortly after, they took Murong Hee-ah’s body and departed for the Ice Palace.
Did Mo Yong-bi Yeon leave with them at that time? Is that why I don’t quite remember?
‘… I don’t know.’
I hadn’t thought deeply about it, and trying to recall now yields nothing concrete.
Meanwhile, Mo Yong-bi Yeon continued to chew on her words for Peng Ga-ju.
“This kid. When you used to call me ‘big sister’, why were you such a suck-up? Now with a few hats on, do you think I’m an easy target!?”
“…Huh?”
Surprisingly, it was not Peng Ga-ju who felt flustered, but rather I.
Sister?
…Does that mean Mo Yong-bi Yeon is older than Peng Ga-ju?
That was unexpected.
No matter how you look at it, Mo Yong-bi Yeon was just over thirty, while Peng Ga-ju appeared to be nearly sixty.
Had Peng Ga-ju just faced the storms of time alone?
“You must’ve forgotten all the old memories because I treated you right. You might end up with a beating.”
As Mo Yong-bi Yeon grinned, Peng Ga-ju’s expression twisted in discomfort.
“Are you not aware that the White Lotus Sword is holding back out of respect for our old bond?”
“Holding back? Then don’t hold back. Draw your sword, Peng Ga. Today, I’ll slice that rotten tongue of yours.”
No room for retreat at all from the well-regarded Taoist.
The mingling of martial energy and murderous intent thickened the air around us.
What are these crazies trying to do on these bustling streets?
With a sneer, Peng Ga-ju replied while eyeing Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
“Don’t you think it would be problematic if the Moyong clan found out you were here?”
There she was, in the middle of the street, spouting insults at Peng Ga-ju.
Regardless of the truth, this sparked a potential rift between the Moyong clan and the Peng clan.
While Peng Ga-ju tried to pressure Mo Yong-bi Yeon with political issues, she maintained her unwavering smile.
She even raised her hand to Peng Ga-ju, her grin deepening.
Suddenly, a single, thin, white middle finger popped up from her tightly clenched fist.
“Fuck off.”
“…!”
“Do you think our clan head would fear a nobody like you? If you’re going to shut your mouth out of fear, maybe you should step down from your position. What kind of nonsense threats are you blabbing about?”
Even I felt dizzy looking at it.
At first glance, she reminded me of Gu Hee-bi with her fierce demeanor.
By now, I could tell it was something more.
Is that woman truly the White Lotus Sword I thought I knew?
Seems like Mo Yong-bi Yeon didn’t even bat an eye at the surrounding gazes, urging Peng Ga-ju onward, “What are you waiting for? Draw your sword and show me what you got!”
In the heart of Hanam, tensions flared between the noble families. It appeared Mo Yong-bi Yeon truly didn’t care about the onlookers.
Instead, it was Peng Ga-ju who darted his eyes around.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon firmly grasped her sword handle, prepared to draw at any moment.
Her energy began deepening.
Peng Ga-ju’s body too started to swell, practically screaming “We’re on the edge of a disaster!”
It really felt like an accident would erupt right there amidst the compact street.
How annoying; should I just sneak away?
I figured getting caught up in this wouldn’t be beneficial.
Just as I was eyeing an escape route, Peng Ga-ju took a deep breath, addressing Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
“I will never forget this insult. The White Lotus Sword…!”
It seemed he had tucked his tail in first.
“Forget? Forget shit. Let’s resolve this NOW!”
Despite the sarcastic tone, Peng Ga-ju turned on his heel and started to walk away, indicating he was conceding.
The martial artists that seemed to belong to the Peng clan followed suit, and only after verifying this did Mo Yong-bi Yeon relent.
Did we get through this for now?
Watching Peng Ga-ju’s retreating figure, Mo Yong-bi Yeon whispered quietly to herself.
“Oh, that idiot. His body’s big, but mentally, he’s smaller than a rat’s droppings.”
I found myself nodding without thinking.
‘This feels different.’
My perception of the Taoist king shifted dramatically.
Paeng Woo-jin and Paeng Ah-hee didn’t give off this vibe; there seemed to be something haunting Peng Ga-ju.
Is it a demon of the heart?
It feels as though he’s ensnared by an incomprehensible mental torment.
When Master Il-jang met Paeng Woo-jin, he mentioned that having children can be a great thing.
Could that have been a nod to the current head of the family?
As I mulled over this, Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s gaze shifted toward me.
More accurately, she directed her attention at Gu Yeon-seo.
“Are you alright?”
At Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s inquiry, Gu Yeon-seo flinched and hurriedly corrected her posture.
It was obvious that she was on edge.
In a flustered manner, Gu Yeon-seo offered her courtesy.
“Thank you for your help, Senior… I am Gu Yeon-seo of the Gu Clan.”
Perhaps finding Gu Yeon-seo’s shyness adorable, Mo Yong-bi Yeon, unlike before, wore a gentle smile.
“What do you mean senior? Just call me unnie.”
“How can I dare…! I-I cannot do that…!”
With her face flushed, Gu Yeon-seo protested, prompting Mo Yong-bi Yeon to pat Gu Yeon-seo’s head playfully.
At the same time, her gaze dropped to Gu Yeon-seo’s chest.
There was an embroidery with the clan’s emblem, and her gaze became somewhat wistful.
Why is she looking at that?
That gaze lingered briefly before Mo Yong-bi Yeon returned to her usual demeanor and spoke to Gu Yeon-seo.
“What did that bear of a man say to scare you?”
“Not at all….”
“Nope, just think of it as stepping in poop!”
So flustered that she couldn’t even meet the gaze, Gu Yeon-seo struggled for words.
Seeing my own kin shy away felt oddly disconcerting.
I gradually loosened my grip from Gu Yeon-seo’s shoulder.
As I contemplated whether to introduce myself, Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s gaze turned toward me.
Assuming she wished for a greeting, I hurriedly prepared to bow.
“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”
Unexpectedly, the honorifics caught me off guard.
“Huh…?”
“I got angry and jumped in, but you seemed like you were about to take care of it.”
Maybe she realized I was attempting to intervene.
But why the formal tone?
“No, not at all.”
“Not at all! But seriously, I appreciate your help. It must have been a hassle.”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words invoked an involuntary bitter smile from me.
‘How did she see through my act?’
I had clearly been caught mid-conversation, trying to shield the dialogue happening between the two of them.
Feeling a bit bashful, I replied to her.
“Rather, I am thankful for your assistance, Senior White Lotus Sword.”
“Hmm?”
As she listened, Mo Yong-bi Yeon tilted her head, sensing something off.
Was she picking up on something strange?
I hadn’t really done anything peculiar, had I?
The growing curiosity in Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s expression morphed into a more direct approach.
She approached me swiftly.
Then she reached out toward my bamboo stick.
…!
I recoiled in shock, trying to grab her hand, but Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s hand was faster than anticipated.
My bamboo stick was raised slightly in her grasp, exposing my sheltered face.
“What is this…!”
Mixed feelings of annoyance and embarrassment surged as I stared at her, and it was evident that Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s eyes were shaking uncontrollably.
Wasn’t I the one who should be flustered? Why was she making that face?
Seemingly oblivious to my bewilderment, Mo Yong-bi Yeon, looking thoroughly shaken, whispered:
“…Gu… Daehyeop?”
“Excuse me?”
Her voice calling me felt painfully unreal.
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