Chapter: 702
A situation where many people are standing in line.
A black-haired woman gazes at her hand as if enchanted. Looking at Bong-soon, Dang So-yeol asked,
“… Miss Bong. Are you feeling good?”
“Uh-huh!”
Bong-soon beamed at the question.
“It felt completely squishy-squishy! I want to touch it again. When I meet that guy, should I let him touch it again?”
“… I’m not sure about the texture, but my heart was definitely thumping-thumping.”
Even calling him “oppa.” Upon hearing that title, Tang So-yeol felt a dizzy spell wash over her.
The Divine Dragon of Shaolin.
The Generation of Meteors. He was the leader of countless geniuses and one of the most renowned martial artists of recent years.
It was already common knowledge that he had appeared, and now this girl was trying to touch the head of such a divine being.
Watching all this unfold, Dang So-yeol thought she might really faint.
…Even.
‘What possesses you to touch it?’
Shinryong allowed Bong-soon, who had dashed to him, to touch his head.
That was even stranger.
‘Is this consideration?’
To put it nicely, he’s pure.
To put it bluntly, it’s that Bong-soon is just a tad simple-minded.
Did Shinryong intentionally treat her that way?
If this was a Shaolin figure known for being benevolent, it was certainly a possibility.
‘What can I say…’
It seemed that the way Shinryong looked at Bong-soon wasn’t entirely that benign.
Compassion and consideration.
No, it felt somewhat different from that.
At least, that’s how it appeared to Dang So-yeol.
‘No, surely not.’
There’s no way.
A Shaolin figure who has given up all desires and follows the Buddha’s way wouldn’t give in to desire.
Tang So-yeol thought it was just her own misinterpretation.
“Miss Bong.”
“Uh-huh?”
“I mean, you were really lucky earlier. Asking someone with no hair to let you touch their head is exceedingly rude.”
It wasn’t about hair, but in her fluster, Tang So-yeol began to ramble.
“Got it! Understood!”
However, Bong-soon nodded with a smile, as if she understood what was being said.
Then she spoke to Dang So-yeol.
“So, I won’t kill that guy. I’ll let him live, just once. I’m grateful.”
“…”
That was an eerily chilling statement.
Even more so because it was delivered with such an innocent expression.
“Bong So….”
“It’s almost closing time! Everyone, please line up!”
Just as Tang So-yeol was about to ask Bong-soon something, a warning came from one of the blind martial artists.
“Ah! I have to go now! Sister, I’ll go ahead!”
“Wait—!”
Before Tang So-yeol could even stop her, Bong-soon dashed off toward her name tag’s color.
Seeing that, Dang So-yeol shouted,
“Don’t forget what the Confucius said! Moderation!!”
“Yes!”
Bong-soon didn’t even look back and just waved her arms in agreement.
Tang So-yeol let out a heavy sigh as she watched.
“Oh my, this is giving me a headache….”
On the very day… No, it just so happened that the preliminaries were on the same day.
She thought she understood Guyangcheon’s advice to go easy on things, but she felt more exhausted than expected.
An uncontrollable tomboy.
How did a woman like her come to know Guyangcheon?
‘What is he planning now?’
Tang So-yeol narrowed her eyes as she thought of Guyangcheon.
Three years had passed since the incident at the Tang Clan.
During that time, Guyangcheon had been incredibly busy.
Other than the time spent away for training, the time was unreasonably absurd.
Guyangcheon trained with an insane amount of effort every single day.
If he found some spare time, he would study toxins or go out.
That outing looked like a tense routine, almost as if it had some kind of purpose behind it.
Then he would return and practice again.
He hardly ever got to rest, let alone sleep properly.
As time passed, she started to see some unfamiliar faces.
All those he had brought back were broken souls, and the look in Guyangcheon’s eyes when he gazed at them was as cold as ice.
Should she say he hates them?
Or should she say it’s avoidance?
He continued to save people while revealing enough emotion to make it obvious.
What on earth could he need so many people for?
She was curious but never dared to ask.
Because she knew it would be a tough question for Guyangcheon.
There was a time filled with an overwhelming odor of blood.
At that point, Tang So-yeol couldn’t even bring herself to inquire about what Guyangcheon had been up to.
She later learned he had repelled demons while annihilating the marauding Sapha.
As for the reason, they said Gu Yangcheon said:
“I just needed to vent some anger.”
That was the gist of his response.
Even though she knew it wasn’t the whole truth, she could feel some undercurrents of sincerity in that.
It was all consuming.
As time passed daily, Guyangcheon gradually changed.
His level rose and his knowledge expanded.
The head of the Tang Clan, the Poison King, remarked that Guyangcheon was much smarter than he had thought.
People often said he had a knack for studies.
He never asked twice about any knowledge given to him and he mostly memorized what he saw once.
This was shared with him during their private conversations.
If Guyangcheon had been born into the Tang Clan, he would have easily been an elder, they said.
At least, that’s how it seemed to Dang So-yeol, who thought the Poison King’s expression hinted at more than just being an elder, but also that of the clan leader.
Perhaps he couldn’t bring himself to say that out loud because of his pride.
He was a gifted individual.
If the Poison King’s assessment was accurate, Guyangcheon had surpassed the ordinary.
Guyangcheon seemed to judge himself rather harshly.
He would say it was because he was slow-witted.
He would grumble that if he were a genius, he’d have breezed through these challenges with ease.
‘What kind of genius is he talking about?’
Who is the genius in Guyangcheon’s eyes?
Could it be the three deities in the heavens?
Or perhaps the other six Dragons and Three Peaks?
If it’s the former, it might work, but comparing with the latter seems dishearteningly odd.
‘…No matter who you pitting against him, isn’t Prince Gu more outstanding?’
Dang So-yeol was also one of the six Dragons and Three Peaks, known as Dokbong.
Whenever she thought of anyone else, including herself, Guyangcheon always outshone them.
No, comparisons could hardly be made.
Who would dare compare?
In Tang So-yeol’s eyes, Guyangcheon was a genius sent from the heavens.
His strength, wisdom, and captivating aura.
And that good-looking face to top it all off.
There was nobody in the world more perfect than Guyangcheon.
It was just that he had a bit of a fiery personality and excessive female charm.
‘Speaking of female charm…’
The thought made Tang So-yeol give a wry smile.
“Ha.”
She released a sigh that had been building up inside.
Feeling rather constrained.
‘What should I do now?’
The day Namgung Bi-ah left for the North Sea.
She still remembered Guyangcheon’s expression upon seeing that.
At that moment, Tang So-yeol was confident.
That she could never take her place.
With hellish training underway, her level soared.
And she reached the level she had only dreamed of.
‘What a pity…’
Tang So-yeol felt an inexplicable sense of regret.
She had tried her best to stay by his side, so what could possibly provoke such regret?
Now, she wondered if she was searching for something unattainable.
Though she didn’t want to think that way, she already knew.
‘Because letting go isn’t an easy task.’
Even when letting go of so many things, there are always some you can’t release.
Tang So-yeol recalled this and chuckled softly.
At that very moment.
“Tsks.”
A strange sound floated from behind.
Tang So-yeol wiped her smile clean and turned to see the source of the noise.
Not too far away, if you judge by distance.
A man, subtly garnering the attention of others, looked at Dang So-yeol.
The man was someone Tang So-yeol recognized.
His frown clearly indicated his unfavorable view of her.
The Grenade Sword.
A martial artist known for his mastery in the art of painting and his excellent swordsmanship.
He was the one who had a minor dispute with Dang So-yeol last time.
Seeing him here, it appeared he was also participating in the first round.
“…”
The gazes of Yu Tan-geom and Dang So-yeol locked onto each other.
It was truly fascinating.
The emotions that had been burning hot upon thinking about him cooled instantly as soon as she laid eyes on him.
Both her body and gaze settled down.
As she looked at Yu Tan-geom as if he were a stone on the ground, he began approaching her slowly.
The distance between them shrank little by little.
When they were a mere three steps apart, Yu Tan-geom looked at Dang So-yeol and said,
“I guess that friend isn’t here today.”
Dang So-yeol nodded at Yu Tan-geom’s remark.
“If by that friend you mean, which one are you referring to?”
“You must mean that little one called Gu’s So-yeomra, who insulted me?”
“…”
“I was so curious that I looked into who he was. Turns out, he’s better than I expected.”
The corners of Yu Tan-geom’s mouth curled up slightly.
“I kept wondering why he acted so confidently with me… I guess it makes sense that he could be so good. He was like that when he was younger too.”
Mentioning Guyangcheon’s name caused a wrinkle to form on Tang So-yeol’s forehead.
“With such talent, it’s only natural to be arrogant. I heard he’s just passed adulthood. That’s quite an immature age.”
Considering how he spoke as if he understood the situation, it seemed he had done a good bit of research.
“So, he must have believed the rumors about his abilities and acted on them.”
His skills were mere rumors.
That statement implied no different.
Few believed the tales circulating about So-yeomra.
The youngest Hwagyeong had been derided as a crackpot, and the rumor that he had single-handedly halted an advance of the Hwagyeong was surely false as well.
There had been other interventions during the Shinryongwan incident.
However, since the rumors had already spread, the alliance didn’t bother trying to quash it.
That’s the state of affairs currently surrounding So-yeomra.
Of course, due to the brief skirmish with Yu Tan-geom, it occurred that reports of his strength emerged, but far more speculated that Yu Tan-geom hadn’t fully revealed his bliss at that time.
That was to be expected.
How could the test of virtue be measured with a sword against Yu Tan-geom? Clearly, Yu Tan-geom had simply gone easy for the sake of teaching.
People believed it.
Hearing Yu Tan-geom’s remarks, Tang So-yeol responded.
“Senior, I’m curious about what you want to convey.”
She interrupted, clearly tired of the conversation.
In an instant, Yu Tan-geom’s face contorted in displeasure.
“Our Miss Dang is still quite rude. It appears that both you and your friend still don’t know your places.”
That blob of flesh with his ego lifted by frothy rumors.
A child from a noble lineage who couldn’t get over the past.
It seemed he still didn’t grasp the subject.
“Arrogance…”
Tang So-yeol pondered Yu Tan-geom’s words and laughed.
The smile was distinctly different from the one she wore when reminiscing about Guyangcheon.
This was more like a complete sneer.
“Who is speaking to whom…”
“What did you say?”
Yu Tan-geom gritted his teeth and started to retort, but Tang So-yeol was quicker.
“I believe it is you, Sr. Tan-geom, who has your eyes covered, unable to see outside. Unlike Prince Gu, you, sir, must have long passed age for naivety. How unfortunate.”
We can be foolish still, but you? At your age, doesn’t that seem a tad ridiculous? Grow up.
That meaning lingered in her words.
“Ha. This brash girl really…!”
Yu Tan-geom grasped the meaning and reached out, aiming to grab Tang So-yeol.
But.
Swish-!
“What!? ”
Nothing was in Yu Tan-geom’s hands.
Tang So-yeol had already vanished.
Where did she go?
Yu Tan-geom looked around in confusion, trying to find her.
Cluck-!
“…!”
The sudden sensation caught him off-guard.
Something was pressing against his back.
“Do you know?”
At the sound of the voice, Yu Tan-geom’s breath faltered.
It was Dang So-yeol.
Before he realized it, she had snagged Yu Tan-geom’s back.
When did she even move?
Yu Tan-geom hadn’t noticed a thing.
“The plum wine at the cinema isn’t all that great. Isn’t it curious? They tout it as a signature dish, yet it tastes awful.”
That remark was rather out of the left field, but upon hearing it, Yu Tan-geom’s body stiffened.
The cinema.
That was the name of the inn where Yu Tan-geom had been staying.
“The prices are a bit on the high side compared to the nearby options. The walls are thin, so the soundproofing isn’t all that stellar. It seems Lady Hwa-wol moans somewhat louder than Lady Yang-wol.”
“…”
Cold sweat trickled down.
Hwa-wol was the name of the courtesan Yu Tan-geom had entertained last night, and Yang-wol was her name from the previous evening’s escapade.
“What do you mean by that…?”
“I’m just expressing concern for my colleagues.”
It felt terrifying.
Yu Tan-geom already realized what was being hinted at.
“Senior, whenever you drink, you seem to do so with your left hand. It strikes me as odd, considering you’re right-handed.”
“You little….”
“You always indulge in plum wine after your training; did you enjoy it? You had two bottles two nights ago, and four bottles last night. As the martial arts tournament draws near, it might be wise to cut back on the drinking.”
Yu Tan-geom’s cheek began to twitch uncontrollably.
Though he was somewhat suppressing his energy in Haman, how long had he been under this relentless scrutiny?
“Breaking fixed habits is essential. You never know when someone might poison what you plan to drink post-training, right?”
“What—!”
He bristled and turned around in anger.
In that instant.
Thud.
Something sharp pressed against Yu Tan-geom’s heart.
It was Tang So-yeol’s dagger.
At a dangerously close distance where no one could bear witness.
There, Dang So-yeol aimed her dagger at Yu Tan-geom’s heart.
“Don’t get too many people involved unnecessarily. Cleaning up is starting to become a bit tiresome.”
Tang So-yeol whispered with a gentle breath by his ear.
“From now on, you need to live cautiously. Whatever you do, I’ll know what you get up to.”
Whether he’s going to the restroom.
Eating a meal.
Having a drink.
Or even when he’s with a woman.
I can do anything to you, so be sure to live like there’s a threat lurking around.
Yu Tan-geom’s eyes continually shook at Tang So-yeol’s warning.
Was it due to the warning?
Yu Tan-geom could no longer utter another word and merely stared at Tang So-yeol.
Seeing him like that, Tang So-yeol smiled gleefully.
“Well then, I’ll see you next time, Senior.”
After a light acknowledgment, she walked away gracefully. As she stepped away, Tang So-yeol thought to herself.
‘Should I take him down?’
It’s just getting bothersome how he keeps sticking around.
At least if he hadn’t brought Guyangcheon into this, he’d be tolerable, and because Guyangcheon was cool for trying to protect him, she would have let it slide.
‘He keeps talking nonsense for his age.’
I suppose it’s about time to clean up the mess.
With that thought, Dang So-yeol made her way toward her group.
A back alley in Hanam.
At that moment, preparations for the second preliminary round were underway within the Murim Alliance.
A figure, concealing something within their bosom, was cautiously making their way around.
“Phew… Phew.”
The figure moved slowly, slipping through alleys.
It maintained a certain interval while continuing to maneuver.
Simultaneously, the eyes roved around, brimming with urgency.
Although it appeared conspicuously abnormal, the camouflage ensured no one noticed them.
‘Hurry up…’
He needed to relay the information he had uncovered to others.
He was driven solely by that desire.
His expression showed no signs of trouble, nor did his gait.
If this continued, he could slip away undetected.
A spark of excitement danced in the figure’s eyes.
‘It’s the bloodline of the swordsman.’
The individual bit his lips, recalling the information confirmed in the alliance.
He had discovered a being who seemed to be the bloodline of the previous swordsman.
There could be no mistaking it.
While the appearance might be somewhat ambiguous, the item the child possessed was undoubtedly familiar to him.
‘I must inform him…!’
This was something he could absolutely not let slip by.
At that moment, as the individual turned back into the alley to report—
“Going around in circles much?”
Crash!
“…Cough!”
A hand shot out in front of him and snatched his neck, lifting him off the ground.
“What’s the rush? Just walk faster; you think it’ll keep you from getting caught?”
“Ugh…!”
He let out a tortured groan as his breath caught, in an unexpected situation.
He couldn’t even muster a rebellion.
In the moment his neck was gripped, the figure felt overwhelming helplessness.
Who was it?
An ally from the alliance?
The figure shifted his pained gaze towards the perpetrator.
The first thing that met his eyes was a somewhat rugged facial structure.
Then, he flinched at the sharp gaze and had double flinches at the bright eyes staring intently.
It was a familiar visage.
The being had been among those he recognized.
“Gu… Gu Yangcheon…”
The figure attempted to utter the assailant’s name.
“I thought it would take a bit longer. You bit the bait quicker than I expected. If I’d hesitated, I might’ve missed you.”
Regardless of what he said, Guyangcheon seemed uninterested, continuing with his course of tasks.
“…Alright, I’m busy, so let’s expedite things.”
With his free hand, Guyangcheon peeled off the cloth covering the figure.
As he did, the concealed face was revealed.
Despite bearing some scars, her facial features were delicate and slender.
There was no mistaking; the eyes, nose, and lips didn’t resemble those of a man at all, prompting Gu Yangcheon to smile.
“What business do the nuns of Sacheon have with our crazy woman?”
The nuns of Sacheon.
This referred to one of the nine sects made up entirely of nuns.
It was the term used to denote the Emei Sect.
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