Chapter: 711
Pashuk-!
I gripped the tournament bracket tightly.
Then, with eyes blazing with heat, I stared at a pavilion beyond the martial arts arena.
It was probably a place where the leaders and executives gathered.
Looking at it, I couldn’t help but grimace.
“These damn bastards.”
Emotions rippling in my voice, I forcibly restrained the power surging within me.
Controlling it wasn’t easy. It meant there was a lot of pressure building up inside.
Yuyeon and Wisul-ah are clashing.
Just witnessing them made it feel like thorns were sprouting in my throat.
The old tricks of the blind.
It’s laughable to witness a scene that hasn’t changed, even with a new leader.
‘Those little bastards.’
The reason for this setup is painfully obvious.
Recently, Wisul-ah has been subtly making a name for herself as the successor to the Sword Lord.
It’s all due to her distinctive features.
‘Those who learn the Moonlight Sword will gain blonde hair and golden eyes.’
This characteristic belongs to the martial arts used by the Sword Master.
And it was also officially recognized by the Sword Master himself.
Her absurd appearance must have played a significant role as well.
The martial prowess shown at the old Heavenly Dragon Academy was like that, too.
No matter how quietly one lives, the news of the successor to the Sword Master’s lineage wouldn’t have gone unnoticed.
Just look at Turyong right now.
It was only known that he was one of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes, but once people learned that Turyong was a disciple of the Great Clan, his value skyrocketed.
That was the worth that the descendants of the Three Lords possessed.
Yet, among them, the one closest to being the greatest in the world is the Sword Master.
Also, a former leader of the clan, viewed as a mountain yet to be conquered by the Swordsman.
Such a descendant of the Sword Master has now appeared at the martial arts competition.
‘Are you saying you couldn’t do anything without seeing it or using it?’
Just looking at the bracket, I can clearly see the filthy intentions behind it.
The Shaolin Dragon defeats the descendant of the Sword Master.
Which, along with boosting the current Shaolin, suggests:
‘I will erase each of the names left by the Sword Master, one by one?’
There was a conspicuous political agenda to solidify the current faction’s standing.
They crush each other’s symbols, erasing all traces.
In terms of politics, it isn’t a bad method.
The names of our forebears are always bound to weigh like a burden on the future generations.
One thing—
‘It makes me feel dirty.’
Wisul-ah has taken that position.
It’s sickening and infuriating.
So much so that I want to barge in there and wipe them all out.
Kwuk.
My clenched fist trembles.
What should I do? I can’t calm down.
At that moment—
I felt a cold touch on the back of my hand. It was Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah wrapped my hand without saying a word.
Fortunately, with her cool skin against mine, I managed to hold back, and luckily, I didn’t explode into anger.
Right, I can just endure it.
It didn’t calm down or quieten; I was just holding myself together.
‘Please, just take it easy.’
Without any mishaps. I desperately hope that nothing arises to worry you.
That’s my wish.
Otherwise—
‘Because I don’t know what I might do.’
If I can’t hold this back, I might explode and turn this area into a wreck.
I earnestly wished for it not to turn out that way.
The first round of the tournament has begun.
On the martial stage, just like yesterday, pairs of warriors started engaging in combat.
The later contestants sat peacefully in the waiting area, maintaining a quiet atmosphere.
Wisul-ah was no different.
She sat still, not moving a muscle.
Was it just her mouth moving?
Wisul-ah stuffed something into her mouth and chewed vigorously.
It was yakgwa.
The sweet flavor spread in her mouth. She felt it as she chewed slowly yet quickly.
Finishing one, she popped another into her mouth.
Even while snacking, Wisul-ah’s expression remained blank.
It was a stark contrast to the joy she had while munching in front of Guyangcheon.
In truth, Wisul-ah didn’t really like snacks all that much.
She enjoyed them as a child, but as she grew older, she lost her taste for sweets.
With time, most of the snacks turned into something she’d eat just because they were offered.
Yet, she still made a point to have her yakgwa.
Not because it tasted good… but because it evoked fond memories.
The things he took care of lingered in her mind as memories.
Eating the yakgwa was her way of reminiscing those moments.
‘It’s sweet.’
Sweet and sweet indeed.
He probably still thinks she likes snacks.
That’s why he always comes back with something whenever he goes out.
And it’s a lot.
“Hehehe.”
Thinking about that made a smile briefly break through her expressionless facade.
Maybe he doesn’t realize.
The only reason she enjoys food so much is because he gazes at her as if he finds her cute.
‘I hope he never figures it out.’
I hope he remains oblivious.
So she can stay by his side like a child.
With a somewhat selfish wish, Wisul-ah popped one more piece of yakgwa into her mouth.
Numerous eyes were pouring in from all directions to catch a glimpse of her, due to her appearance or the Sword Master’s name… but Wisul-ah remained indifferent to it all.
She had grown used to it after so many encounters.
It was merely a reminder of something she had forgotten.
‘I forgot the cotton yarn again.’
The cotton yarn he insisted she always wear.
Wisul-ah had forgotten it once again. Would she get scolded later?
Feeling slightly anxious, someone approached Wisul-ah.
“Miss Wi.”
When she lifted her head at the call, she saw a refreshing-looking beauty.
With plum blossom embroidery on her white uniform.
And an familiar face.
It was the Sword Dragon, Youngpung.
“Is that you, Miss Wi?”
“Ah.”
As Youngpung spoke with a smile, Wisul-ah nodded.
“Hello.”
“Oh, nice to meet you. It’s been so long! I think this is the first time since the Shinryong Academy. Do you remember me?”
“Yeah.”
She recalled him. He was someone who viewed her positively.
Nothing more, but nothing less, either.
“I heard that you were also participating in the martial arts competition, so I thought I’d come say hello.”
“Ah… Nice to see you.”
“It’s such a pity. If the old Master Gu were here, we could’ve exchanged greetings.”
Her expression was one of genuine regret.
“Oh, I heard the old Master Gu has done something remarkable again. He truly is amazing.”
“Right? Young Master Gu is extraordinary.”
Wisul-ah smiled. She was responding to the praise about Guyangcheon.
“Yes, he really is amazing. If you happen to see the old Master Gu… could you please let him know that I thought he was doing well?”
At Youngpung’s words, Wisul-ah tilted her head for a moment.
“You can just tell him directly.”
If you want to see him that badly, why not just go visit? What’s keeping Youngpung from seeing Guyangcheon?
With that question in mind, Youngpung replied to Wisul-ah.
“Until we meet as competitors in this martial arts competition… I’ve decided not to meet the old Master Gu.”
As if to convey his resolution, Youngpung’s expression stiffened.
“So, I hope you can at least pass on my message… I’m asking you this very cautiously.”
An emotion that was challenging to decipher.
Yet, Wisul-ah nodded.
“Alright.”
“Ah! Thank you.”
Youngpung also smiled at her response and offered a polite bow.
“I apologize for interrupting your break. Well then, I wish you great success.”
“Yes.”
After their brief exchange, Youngpung exited.
Wisul-ah gazed after him for a moment before turning away.
Just then, Youngpung’s refreshing face quickly evaporated from her mind.
She then glanced around with an air of indifference.
As she surveyed the surroundings, coincidences arose where her gaze inadvertently met others.
It was predictable, given that most were watching her.
Each time their eyes met, the reactions varied.
Some would quickly avert their gaze, while others paused, appearing flustered.
The rest were those who revealed their lustful intentions, openly expressing their admiration.
Or they wore expressions of hostility or ambiguous feelings.
Everyone had different gazes.
How can they be so diverse?
Watching all that, Wisul-ah felt a rather nuanced emotion bubble within her.
‘This is uncomfortable.’
Being in the same space as such beings.
Breathing the same air as them.
It felt oddly uncomfortable and stifling.
Why do I feel this way?
As her breath became slightly labored, she began to think of Guyangcheon.
And, she could feel herself gradually easing up.
This wasn’t normal.
Her uniqueness could make him uncomfortable.
She pondered that thought repeatedly.
‘I shouldn’t let him know about this discomfort.’
Because then he would worry.
He would look at her with overly concerned eyes and would want to do something about it.
Wisul-ah found that galling.
So, she chose to endure it.
Calming her emotions, she absentmindedly reached for another piece of yakgwa.
Almost running out of yakgwa now.
As she regarded it, Wisul-ah felt a pang of regret.
Where else could she procure more?
With that thought in mind, she scanned her surroundings, only to suddenly meet eyes with someone else.
The gaze felt peculiar.
Unlike the others, this person didn’t shy away from direct eye contact, showing emotions that starkly contrasted with those of others.
‘Who are they?’
She couldn’t quite place who they were.
With a shaved head and robes that suggested a Shaolin disposition, it seemed possible they were a member of the Shaolin Temple.
They exchanged glances silently.
A few seconds ticked by in such a manner.
Bow.
The individual politely bowed their head to Wisul-ah before redirecting their gaze away.
Seeing this, she too slightly lowered her head in acknowledgment.
It felt like a strange eye contact.
Yet, this too was forgotten quickly.
It wasn’t something she needed to dwell upon for long. Afterward, there was a prolonged period of silence.
As time passed and her turn drew near, Wisul-ah rolled her eyes and built a wall to keep anyone at bay.
When it was finally her turn, she opened her eyes.
And then, stepping onto the stage, she realized—
The Shaolin figure who had been watching her from earlier was none other than her opponent.
“I’m Yuyeon from Shaolin. Please be gentle with me.”
The very Shaolin figure who had been observing her now introduced himself as Yuyeon and offered a second greeting.
“It’s Wisul-ah.”
With the referee as the mediator, they exchanged greetings.
For some reason, the crowd felt unusually heated.
Sounds arose in the distance, yet Wisul-ah heard nothing.
It was like dogs barking in the background.
She focused entirely on her opponent before her.
Just like before.
Now that she was up close, she could feel the emotions contained much more vividly.
That’s why she couldn’t help but ask.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Yes?”
Yuyeon faltered, hesitating to respond to Wisul-ah’s inquiry.
“Why do you have that look?”
“…What…”
“What makes you feel so sorry?”
“…!”
Wisul-ah’s head tilted in confusion at Yuyeon’s response, which seemed to unravel her expression.
It was evident—Yuyeon had been caught.
“Why do you feel that way towards me? Is there a reason for it?”
A question that was innocent yet biting.
Upon hearing that, Yuyeon could only bite his lip and wear a flustered expression.
He had no idea what was going on.
Why on earth Yuyeon felt apologetic towards her was lost on Wisul-ah.
Then Yuyeon, with a slow breath, began to speak again.
“…I heard you are the descendant of the Sword Master.”
At that, Wisul-ah frowned deeply, instinctively picking up on the awkwardness of the inquiry.
“Well?”
“I’m referred to as the Divine Dragon of Shaolin.”
The Divine Dragon of Shaolin.
That was a name she had indeed heard before, albeit not in great detail.
“So there could be many reasons for why you and I find ourselves here together.”
What could he possibly mean? Her dull-witted self wasn’t following.
“I think I was a bit nervous about this and couldn’t carry myself correctly; I will take care to be more composed.”
Complex emotions and discomfort were evident in Yuyeon’s demeanor.
Even after hearing this, Wisul-ah remained baffled.
“What’s the issue with that?”
“Yes?”
“I’m not versed in these matters. So, right now…”
With her hand resting on the sword hilt, she asked Yuyeon.
“Does that mean you’re not going to fight me?”
“…”
“Regardless of the situation, if you’re not going to fight, then concentrate.”
Whether he was the Divine Dragon or whichever, it didn’t concern her.
What mattered was not how the other felt.
“In my view, that’s what’s needed in terms of apology or respect towards me right now.”
With her composed tone, Yuyeon blinked in surprise.
Was it the unexpectedness of her words? Or perhaps being addressed so candidly by a woman his age?
In an instant, the rigidity in Yuyeon’s eyes began to soften.
“…I’m sorry.”
Unlike before, he apologized again and gradually assumed a fighting stance.
Seeing that, Wisul-ah pulled out her sword as well.
Slinking-.
The sharp blade became visible to the world.
The referee nodded after confirming Yuyeon and Wisul-ah was ready.
“…Begin the duel!”
With that proclamation from the referee, Yuyeon took a steadying breath.
Yet, just like before, he hesitated still.
Yuyeon bit his lips slightly, furrowing his brow.
Then—
Crunch.
A sound reminiscent of cutting emerged from somewhere.
Yuyeon directed his gaze downward.
Something had sliced from his clothes and was fluttering towards the ground.
It was a cloth belt.
Upon noticing that, Yuyeon’s eyes widened alarmingly.
The belt fell to the ground.
“I just said that. Didn’t you hear me?”
A voice rang out from in front of him.
Yuyeon’s head swiftly turned to the source.
There stood a woman, poised with her sword drawn.
“Focus.”
In a calm manner, she held the stance as if she had never unleashed a sword before.
“Get on with it.”
Seeing this, Yuyeon felt cold sweat beginning to form in his empty mind.
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