Chapter: 684
A bright green-haired woman smiled cheerfully, while beside her stood a blonde woman who, for some reason, couldn’t lift her head.
Upon seeing Dang So-yeol and Wi Seol-ah appear out of nowhere, I merely tilted my head.
“What’s up? Why are you here?”
“I want to apply for a non-combat match!”
It was an obvious answer.
If they’re here, they must be looking to enter the tournament.
Yet…
“… Apply…?”
“Yes.”
“You too?”
“… Yes.”
I hadn’t considered that these two would want to enter.
In fact, they were even holding the wooden token, suggesting they had already submitted their applications.
‘… Were you interested in this sort of thing?’
Dang So-yeol was originally from a prestigious family and was known to attend events such as the Yongbong Society diligently, but I never expected Wi Seol-ah to have an interest in a non-combat tournament.
I thought she would be completely indifferent to such things.
Moreover,
‘There were reasons to make her uninterested.’
I had made an effort to keep Wi Seol-ah out of sight, so I was flustered to see her walk into this of her own accord.
‘Was I too uninterested?’
Recently, I had been caught up in my own issues, leaving me no room to consider Wi Seol-ah’s interests.
So did I really not know she was interested in the non-combat event?
Tsks…
This was troublesome.
I diverted my gaze and scanned the surroundings.
Just yesterday, the area around the reception was bustling with noise.
“… wow…”
“Geez…”
All that flowed now was mere admiration, with the surrounding noise thickening.
My attention was drawn.
Most gazes were turned in this direction.
‘No.’
To be precise, the focus was on Wi Seol-ah.
“How beautiful… How can someone be so beautiful?”
I felt my breath catch as if I was bewitched, unable to look away.
That was barely enough.
‘Just barely managed to suppress my own presence.’
Thanks to the training from the Dark King, Dang So-yeol’s original presence had almost vanished, while Wi Seol-ah, despite wanting to hide her presence, was still gathering gazes.
When her beauty fully bloomed, the effect was more staggering than expected.
In the end, unable to bear it any longer, I had to release some energy to overshadow Wi Seol-ah.
Huff-!
With that, her presence dulled slightly.
Even after expending a considerable amount of energy, was that all I got?
I clicked my tongue slightly.
“Where did you sell the thread?”
“… It’s a bit hot to write.”
Wi Seol-ah replied with an awkward expression.
Was that so? Rather than awkward, it felt more like she didn’t like it. Seeing this, I immediately chimed in.
“It’s not hot, it’s ridiculous. If it’s hot at your level, that’s a sickness.”
“…”
It was clear that she disliked the way her lips were moving.
I was worried for her, but why was she making that expression?
Still, with some energy applied, it seemed the surrounding responses calmed down a bit compared to before.
“… So you’ve applied already?”
“Yes.”
“That’s right. We’re going to do our best.”
So why the effort?
I held back the words hovering in my mouth.
Well, since they were both martial artists, they might want to join the non-combat event… yeah.
Going was not a major issue.
I assumed it might be so.
‘Some annoying trouble is bound to come up.’
As I recalled that thought, I shifted my gaze.
Leaving the inn, I cautiously extended my senses.
Whoosh.
I confirmed each sensation as they lightly spread out.
‘I’ve been watching them for a while.’
Currently, there were six martial artists responsible for reception.
In addition, there were about ten individuals hiding their presence and watching us.
Out of those, five appeared to be from the Wu Dang sect.
‘They’re already watching us.’
I understood that they were positioned here to block any issues that might arise.
However, it was evident that their gazes were directed at Wi Seol-ah.
That made sense.
“… The descendant of the Sword Master? Is that lovely young lady?”
“Yes, I distinctly heard that.”
“I’ve heard plenty of rumors at the Heavenly Dragon Academy… but I was not expecting her to be a woman!”
Discussions about Wi Seol-ah were already trickling out slowly.
Even if I had hidden my presence, it was too late.
Up to this point, it hardly mattered.
‘This was a tale that had to come out sooner or later.’
I should have expected this as soon as Wi Seol-ah picked up a sword.
But the fact we delayed it until now was quite something.
“Wait a moment.”
After observing this, I sighed and cautiously moved forward.
The first task was to deal with the issue at hand.
At that moment.
“Professor, professor…!”
Bong-soon, who was trailing behind, tried to shout urgently, so I spoke before she could.
“Address me properly.”
If useless chatter started here, it would be genuinely troublesome.
Correcting her speech made Bong-soon nod several times. Did she understand?
“Sir! Who were those kids just now?”
“…”
There was something off, but I decided to let it slide for now. I had grasped it roughly, and that was enough.
“They look too jewel-like! Can I bite? Is it okay to bite?”
“Why would you bite anyone?”
“They look so incredibly expensive! They’re adorable! I want to bite!”
So they look expensive…
In some ways, that was quite an apt description.
It was the latter part that was the issue.
‘If that girl bites, she’s a genuine biting beast.’
I shook my head in disbelief and pulled Bong-soon closer.
After that, Seongyul followed suit.
We soon arrived at the reception desk.
It appeared there were a few more people today than yesterday.
I pulled my hand into my pocket.
Then, I quietly activated my power.
At that moment.
Whoosh-!!
Two letters formed at my fingertip.
I grasped and pulled them out.
“Hold this and come back.”
The constructed letters were handed over to Bong-soon and Seongyul respectively.
“Okay!”
Bong-soon received the letter without a word and dashed toward the reception desk.
Seongyul took the letter and asked Guyangcheon what it was.
“What is this…?”
I nodded and replied to Seongyul’s inquiry.
“A letter of recommendation.”
“…!”
You couldn’t apply for the tournament without a recommendation from the alliance, and neither Bong-soon nor Seongyul could possibly have such a thing.
Of course, Bong-soon would be out of that line of concern. Seongyul was in a fugitive-like situation as well.
Thus, I had to mimic a letter of recommendation using my powers and hand it to both of them.
“Get it quickly and return.”
“… Understood.”
Seongyul seemed to have plenty more questions to ask but opted to head toward the reception desk first.
As I watched Seongyul leave, I thought inwardly.
‘The duration should last… at most half an hour.’
The letter wasn’t very large, but due to the dense text, the effect of my power wouldn’t last long.
Looking at the line, it seemed he would return after finishing up.
If all went according to plan, he wouldn’t be caught.
In reality, since the affiliation and names were altered, the chance of being caught by the alliance was high if they chose to confirm it.
‘But the Murim Alliance isn’t so detailed in their work.’
I trusted their lazy approach to handling matters. Sure enough, not long after, the two of them appeared holding the tokens.
It seemed they had successfully registered.
“Sir! I am Piyeonyeon!”
Bong-soon approached me holding a token, speaking excitedly.
Looks like she was happy to have a name.
“… Yes, for now, you are Piyeonyeon.”
Piyeonyeon was a pseudonym I had created.
It referred to an established family in the Xi’an region, and it was also a name I had set through Nahi.
Bong-soon should have no worries about being caught by name.
If there’s an issue here.
“Your Excellency, you must also take care for now.”
“… Yes.”
The problem was with Seongyul, who had suddenly become Jinimseok of Gwangju Jinga.
I jokingly patted Seongyul’s shoulder and quietly added,
– The Kunlun faction will arrive soon. If you run into trouble, just hide and keep moving.
“…”
Nod.
Seongyul nodded with an uncomfortable expression.
I wasn’t telling him not to go outside.
If he wanted to, there was no need to go to the tournament either.
But Seongyul would likely be in trouble if he caught the eye of the Kunlun faction.
That said, Seongyul must have known as well.
If he doesn’t enter the tournament, he won’t be able to prove his worth.
‘If you want to participate, I could probably lend you a few powers.’
I wasn’t sure it would be completely without problems.
Even if problems arose, I could still manage to smooth things over.
Squish.
I could see Seongyul gripping the wooden token tightly against his chest.
Seeing that made me chuckle to myself as I turned away.
Having finished the registration, it felt as though today’s important tasks were done.
‘Next, I should contact Pilduma and drop some bait in advance.’
It was high time to start building a foundation, so I needed to get organized and reach out.
‘Also, I need to ask the deity about some sorcery.’
I thought I could enjoy a relatively relaxed day, but looking deeper, there was always more work to do.
As always, today was just another busy day.
‘The fortunate thing here is that Beomdong hasn’t appeared since then.’
It had only been a day since my encounter with Beomdong.
What could happen in such a short timeframe, yet this was still something to watch for.
Just in case Beomdong decided to act unexpectedly, I had already put plans into place.
‘I hope he doesn’t do anything stupid.’
Things would certainly get complicated if I had to deal with Beomdong’s actions.
Thus, I was hoping he would behave.
That way, it would be easier to manage things later on.
Afterward, I took a moment to gaze at the heavens, pondering.
‘Though it’s not exactly leisure, I think there might be time to grab a bite.’
I should be able to take the kids out for a meal before my next schedule.
Would it be alright to visit the dumpling shop I went with Pang Woo-jin yesterday?
As I thought this, I made my way back towards where Dang So-yeol and Wi Seol-ah were.
“Hmm?”
I squinted slightly at what was straight ahead.
There was someone close to Wi Seol-ah and Dang So-yeol.
‘Who is it?’
A man could be seen speaking in front of Dang So-yeol.
As I slowly approached, I started hearing sounds around me.
“… That’s the Oil Bullet Sword…!”
“You said you would participate in the tournament, and that was true!”
“Are you serious? The Oil Bullet Sword is joining the tournament?”
‘The Oil Bullet Sword?’
Those words were directed towards the man standing before Dang So-yeol.
With all eyes on him, it was impossible to overlook him.
Moreover, he was quite the notable figure.
‘That man is the Oil Bullet Sword?’
Even I knew of him, given his notoriety.
The Oil Bullet Sword, Baek Cheong-shin.
He was a martial artist from the prestigious Yeolingbaekga clan, one of the figures among the top martial arts masters in the Central Plains.
He didn’t seem to be over 40 years of age, but given his martial prowess, he could be even older.
Despite appearing somewhat slippery, he wasn’t characterized as unpleasant; he had a certain charm.
A handsome, middle-aged man, perhaps.
It seemed Baek Cheong-shin was aware of these attributes, aside from his impressive skills.
‘There have been hints of him being somewhat lecherous, though.’
His numerous incidents with women often contributed to his fame.
So now, to see him approaching those two…?
I couldn’t help but frown slightly and slow my pace, straining my ears to catch their words.
First, I needed to understand the situation.
“Hey, look over there! It’s a top martial artist…!”
“That’s the Oil Bullet Sword! A master like that came to the tournament?!”
“How lucky! I never thought I’d see a top master in person.”
“That’s not what matters. The key is a top master is entering the tournament!”
The surrounding whispers were incessant.
As he absorbed their admiration, the man smirked slightly.
‘Keep praising me, you primitive folks. Yes, I am the Oil Bullet Sword.’
Baek Cheong-jin.
He tried hard to suppress his laughter as he savored their praises.
Such words were quite pleasing to his ears.
He particularly relished the veneration of others.
‘I am not someone you commonly encounter. Of course, it’s expected.’
Look closer.
And continue your praises.
The tidal wave of attention and admiration was a vital part of his existence.
“I heard the Oil Bullet Sword has reached Hwagyeong. I can definitely feel he holds a unique presence.”
“Just yesterday, I observed several masters at their peak… but Hwagyeong is unmatched.”
“Indeed, ordinary experts can’t even compare to the true masters.”
Now, those were certainly agreeable comments.
But amidst this, Baek Cheong-jin felt a pang of annoyance.
‘Comparing me to them is absurd. Tsk.’
Who dared to equate him with the rubbish of the lower tier?
He was the essence of might. How could you compare him to those youngsters who hadn’t even climbed the walls properly?
Tsk, tsk.
While he grew increasingly irritated, Baek Cheong-jin managed to maintain his smile instead of showing it externally.
He had no choice; in front of him, there was something he enjoyed even more than admiration.
Women.
Baek Cheong-jin was indeed fond of women.
Especially those who were young and beautiful.
The two before him were undeniable treasures not to be overlooked.
“I’ve heard plenty of rumors, but such insignificant words cannot encapsulate their beauty.”
Baek Cheong-jin stepped forward and surveyed the two women with his gaze.
One was a petite beauty with green hair and a striking appearance.
She was indeed among the most beautiful women I had recently encountered.
Even more so.
‘The woman behind her is on a different level.’
Behind the green-haired beauty stood another woman.
The blonde woman was the prettiest Baek Cheong-jin had ever laid eyes upon.
Just gazing at her made his mouth water.
He felt an uncontrollable urge to whisk her away at once.
‘But I must refrain.’
He suppressed the boiling emotions within Baek Cheong-jin.
What could he do?
That was poison.
A poison so exquisite that touching it would bring about his doom.
‘They said this lady is the descendant of the Sword Master.’
Just hearing that sent shivers down his spine.
Those who understood knew well the fear that the Sword Master invoked among those who had reached a certain level in their swordsmanship.
As the being who had touched the heavens, his descendants were layers to be handled carefully.
It was truly regrettable.
The longing was maddening, but Baek Cheong-jin resisted.
Yet, not wanting to squander the presence of another person before him, he pressed on.
“If I’m not mistaken, I believe you may be the youngest daughter of the Tang family…”
“…”
At Baek Cheong-jin’s words, the woman’s brow furrowed.
Even that was charming.
“Perhaps, did I err in my assumption?”
“… No. The descendant of the Tang family greets Senior Yutangeom.”
Dang So-yeol offered a proper bow to Baek Cheong-jin.
At that moment, the murmurs around began to intensify.
“If she’s a daughter of the Tang family… then she’s the Poison Phoenix.”
“Poison Phoenix? No, hold on, did someone mention the Tang Clan?”
The curiosity in the eyes directed toward Dang So-yeol increased.
Simultaneously, a sense of chill began to creep into those gazes.
“Is that the infamous clan?”
“I heard they were expelled after being caught kidnapping children for human experiments.”
“What nerve does a lineage from such a clan have to show their face here? Tsk tsk…”
The conversation shifted away from Dang So-yeol’s appearance or her nickname, focusing instead on her family background.
As those words landed, a shadow passed over Dang So-yeol’s visage.
The awkward smile on Baek Cheong-jin’s face faltered.
“Oh dear, it appears I’ve made an error. That was not my intention at all…”
“… No, I believe it is something I must contend with.”
Of course, this was not an error.
The repercussions were larger than expected, yet that was also anticipated.
Baek Cheong-jin wore a characteristic self-assured smile as he spoke to Dang So-yeol.
“I never thought I would make such a blunder on our first meeting… I truly apologize. It feels insufficient to simply say sorry…”
While speaking, he stepped closer to Dang So-yeol.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to host you for a meal at a fine place. What do you think?”
Baek Cheong-jin said softly to when addressing Dang So-yeol.
“That’s okay. Just accepting your kind gesture is more than enough.”
Dang So-yeol, with a stone-cold expression, refused his offer.
There wasn’t even a flicker of hesitation.
“…”
Baek Cheong-jin’s gaze became strained as he processed what he had just heard.
Did she just reject him?
Tch.
‘So, she has her pride, huh?’
The scion of a fallen clan was too proud for her own good, it seemed.
‘A man like me offers his kindness, yet she refuses? Impressive.’
What a foolish woman she must be.
While considering these thoughts, Baek Cheong-jin’s smile broadened.
“Haha, just your kindness? As a man, how could I allow that? There’s no need to decline.”
“It truly is fine. I worry I’d disrupt your time, Senior.”
“A disruption? How could a meal with a lovely junior be a disruption? Don’t fret and let’s just have a casual chat…”
As the conversation dragged on, Baek Cheong-jin felt annoyance mounting.
She was nothing more than a pretty face.
The audacity of a failed clan’s daughter to disobey him was infuriating.
Not to mention, the glances from those surrounding him began to change.
If he lingered too long, unwelcome complications might arise.
Eventually, unable to bear the situation, Baek Cheong-jin reached out and grasped Dang So-yeol’s wrist.
“Really, it’s fine, just stop following me around.”
His tone had grown sharper, realizing he was becoming too accommodating out of courtesy.
A delicate wrist was held. The sensation of her soft, cool skin made him drool.
He wanted to lay her down right there, but that could lead to trouble.
Even if she outwardly rejected him, if they began dining together, it likely wouldn’t take long for her to relent.
Most of the women he had encountered tended to respond that way.
Therefore, he resolved to drag her along as-is.
Yet.
Fwoosh.
“…?”
To his surprise, she didn’t budge.
‘What…?’
Baek Cheong-jin turned his head, staring at Dang So-yeol.
Despite his attempts to pull her along, she stood firm, gazing at him intently.
This puzzled him.
‘Did I exert that little strength?’
Was dragging one girl such a taxing feat?
No way. He was sure he had used plenty of force.
Caught in a moment of bewilderment, he faltered.
“… Hah…”
A soft sigh escaped his lips.
It had come from Dang So-yeol.
‘A sigh?’
Could it be she just sighed at him?
She had done that right in front of him?
In disbelief, Baek Cheong-jin stared at her, his expression shifting to one of confusion.
Dang So-yeol leaned in softly and spoke to him.
“Senior.”
“Hmm…?”
“Perhaps it’s because your manhood is connected to your brain that you’re struggling to comprehend what I’m saying.”
“Huh…?”
Baek Cheong-jin’s face turned blank at her words.
What did she just say? Did he mishear something?
It felt utterly incomprehensible.
How could he possibly understand?
“Just now… what did you say? Oh, no. What did you just say…?”
He tried to double-check, but her icy stare only grew colder.
“I’ve been putting up with this, but you seem so oblivious, so I think a more direct approach is necessary.”
As he stood there dazed, Dang So-yeol stepped closer, her look all frosty.
Then, with a chilling tone, she whispered in Baek Cheong-jin’s ear.
“… You can’t have me even if you die, so get lost you little pest.”
“…!”
At her words, Baek Cheong-jin’s expression froze in shock.
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