Chapter 149

Friendly Martial Arts Tournament. (2)

A faint stirring—

The qi that had been circulating gently within my body suddenly twitched as if in a spasm.

‘What the hell is going on?’

While I understand that forming groups is unavoidable, creating the tournament brackets surely involves some degree of manipulation.

And yet, this makes even less sense.

The fact that they deliberately paired Dang So-yeol and Jang Seon-yeon together.

‘Could it really all be coincidence?’

Even though I know it’s unlikely, I can’t help but entertain the thought.

“My opponent…is that person, isn’t it?”

I shifted my gaze to Dang So-yeol’s voice and observed her expression.

It didn’t seem like this was an issue for her.

Of course not; after all, only I truly know what he’s capable of.

“Is he strong? He looks rather frail at first glance.”

He’s strong.

I could feel it when we shook hands.

“He must be. He’s the son of the alliance leader.”

That’s all I can say right now.

The cold winter weather seemed to seep into my mood, chilling me further.

“Right?”

Dang So-yeol smiled at my words.

Not because she felt no concern, but because she already appeared calm.

Judging by her eyes, she was already warming up.

‘She doesn’t seem to be letting her guard down.’

Because she doesn’t know who her opponent is, she’s being cautious.

Given that she can’t fully gauge his abilities, she must be tense.

Yet Dang So-yeol’s gaze remained composed.

She was, after all, a warrior representing a prestigious family, long before she was just a young girl.

In that sense, she was far better than those with talent but lacking in discipline.

‘And she’s one of the few who hasn’t lost their sense of propriety.’

In my memory, the woman known as Poison was someone like that.

Facing countless demonic humans alone, sacrificing herself so her blood relatives and many others could escape to Hanam.

That’s why Dang So-yeol is one of the very few people I consider a hero.

‘I don’t understand.’

I couldn’t comprehend it.

Why did she make such a choice?

Why did she say those words to me at the end?

Why didn’t she blame me?

She was someone who raised such questions.

As I quietly stared at Dang So-yeol, she turned her head toward me.

“Since we’re in different groups, it might take a while before we meet, right?”

“I suppose so.”

Dang So-yeol quietly looked into my eyes and then spoke softly.

“Lord Gu.”

“Yes?”

When I responded, Dang So-yeol shyly smiled and continued.

“If by chance we meet on the martial arts tournament stage, would you do me a favor?”

Her casual request caught me off guard.

Come on? That’s out of nowhere.

“All of a sudden…?”

“It’s a bit selfish, isn’t it? Asking for something even before we meet.”

“What kind of favor requires such conditions?”

“It’s nothing much….”

Unable to meet my eyes, she cleared her throat and shifted her gaze elsewhere.

“I’d like you to speak casually with me.”

Huh?

“To me?”

Thinking I might have heard wrong, I repeated her words, causing Dang So-yeol to flail about with gestures.

“Not…that…! Lord Gu speaks casually with Lady Bi-ah too!”

It seemed like she was trying to justify herself.

“I’ve also spent quite some time with you.”

Though realistically, it’s only been a few months.

And the actual face-to-face time has been even less.

“Miss Dang.”

“Yes, yes?”

“You know I’m younger than you, right…?”

“…”

Her face showed a slight hurt.

Ah, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

“…But you speak casually with Sister Bi-ah, don’t you?”

Well….

‘How should I explain this?’

Actually, there wasn’t much need for an explanation.

After all, Dang So-yeol and I weren’t particularly close.

If she still brought this up despite knowing that…

‘Why does she like me?’

Unlike Wi Seol-ah or Namgung Bi-ah, I don’t recall doing anything special with Dang So-yeol.

Yet I could tell she felt affection for me and consistently showed it.

This was just another example of that.

On the other hand, there wasn’t much I could offer her in return.

“…Won’t that be alright?”

With a look of fear at being rejected, Dang So-yeol asked again.

Before I could respond with reassurance, she interrupted firmly.

“…That wouldn’t mean anything.”

“What do you mean…?”

“It feels like losing.”

“Huh?”

What is she talking about now?

Even as I struggled to understand, Dang So-yeol’s gaze remained resolute.

Though, a subtle sense of relief lingered in her expression.

To confirm this, she added:

“So, you’re not rejecting me, right?”

“…Y-yes.”

While I don’t understand why everyone fixates on casual speech, it’s not that difficult a conversation.

Still, part of me felt awkward for not setting boundaries.

Unaware of this, Dang So-yeol simply smiled brightly.

“In that case, I’ll have to win for sure.”

Dang So-yeol lit up as if gaining justification from my answer, but my gaze fell lower.

‘Jang Seon-yeon.’

In the biting cold wind, I silently repeated his name.

******************

Xian’s Bi Clan, and its young master, Bi Yeon Island, had a goal.

To revive his sect at all costs.

Being a small sect in Xian, it wasn’t well-known.

Fewer disciples were joining, and as time passed, the sect was declining.

During this time, his father, the former sect leader, fled after accumulating massive debts.

Leaving his grandfather, who had hoped for a peaceful retirement, no choice but to reluctantly reclaim the position of sect leader.

At that moment, Bi Yeon Island realized.

He couldn’t let the sect fall.

He had to restore it.

But how?

With poor geographical advantages in a rural village,

and without attracting visitors unless they were of great renown like the Gu Pailbang,

it was nearly impossible.

Thus, the first step was to bring people in.

So, Bi Yeon Island traveled to Hanam.

Someone needed to visit their sect, and to achieve that,

they needed to showcase an exceptional martial artist.

Hence, participating in the Yongbong Branch Meeting was essential.

“Lianshan.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“I’m sorry to burden you with such a heavy responsibility…”

“No, no… It’s an honor to be of help.”

With a sorrowful expression, his grandfather handed him a letter.

An invitation to the Yongbong Branch Meeting obtained through hard-earned connections.

Bi Yeon Island believed in his own skills.

“If I can distinguish myself at the Yongbong Branch Meeting…”

His efforts wouldn’t betray him. Observing previous matches, he hadn’t seen anyone surpass him.

Even in a friendly tournament, winning would bring significant value.

This year’s top latecomer title and a prestigious nickname bestowed personally by the current leader of the Murim Alliance.

Plus, several spirit units.

“If I win…”

Though the spirit units and nickname were tempting, the most crucial thing was the recognition.

All for the sake of his sect!

“Third Group, Ninth Seat. Prepare.”

At the referee’s voice, Bi Yeon Island ascended the martial arts arena confidently.

From below, it seemed smaller, but upon stepping onto the stage, it was surprisingly vast.

Simultaneously, an odd tension enveloped the atmosphere.

The referee’s emotionless face and the cold winter air brushed against his nose.

This was merely the first match, and there was still a long way to go.

“Opponent…”

Tension filled Bi Yeon Island’s gaze as he looked at his opponent across the field.

A boy stood there, fierce enough to be hard to look at directly.

“Definitely from the Shanxi Gu Clan, right?”

The boy who had defeated a Huangbo clan member last night with incredible skill, becoming a topic of discussion.

“He’s a disciple of Guyangcheon, they say.”

Indeed, rumors suggested that the recommendation came directly from Guyangcheon himself, urging others to treat the boy well.

Bi Yeon Island couldn’t help but admire Gu Yangcheon from afar.

Is this boy really a disciple of one of the three venerable masters?

“Some people are trying to save a crumbling sect while others…”

Father left, the sect is buried under debt, and here he is enduring hardships at a young age.

That boy seems destined for a bright future unlike mine.

Jealousy began to creep in as Bi Yeon Island shook his head.

“Focus. This isn’t the time for that.”

Whether he’s a disciple of Guyangcheon or from a prestigious lineage, defeating him is all that matters.

Winning every battle and rising above them all is the key.

The referee glanced between them to ensure readiness.

Bi Yeon Island maintained steady breathing and drew his sword.

His opponent made no preparations.

“What’s he doing?”

Bi Yeon Island frowned at the sight.

It seemed like a blatant act of disrespect.

“So this is what it means to come from a privileged background. Is that it?”

Having already endured countless discrimination and harsh stares since arriving at the Yongbong Branch Meeting, he was on edge.

He had gritted his teeth and endured it all because of the opportunity his grandfather worked hard to secure.

“I’ll have to teach him that overconfidence leads to downfall.”

Qi flowed into his sword.

Steam-like translucent energy spiraled along the blade, catching the referee’s attention.

This indicated a level beyond second-rate, nearing first-rate mastery.

Realizing this, Bi Yeon Island’s lips curled slightly upward.

However, his opponent remained unresponsive.

“Does he not even recognize it?”

Though Bi Yeon Island hadn’t witnessed Gu Yangcheon defeat Huangbo Cheolwi last night, based on hearsay, this boy shouldn’t be oblivious.

“Still ignoring me?”

The thought angered him.

How dare this young punk disregard him?

Bi Yeon Island intensified his qi further.

He wanted to teach this kid a lesson.

“World revolves around you, huh?”

With excellent lineage and a renowned teacher, this boy must have grown arrogant.

Bi Yeon Island intended to correct that.

To show how insignificant a frog in a well truly is.

“Begin.”

The referee’s abrupt command was soft but easily heard by trained ears.

Immediately, Bi Yeon Island charged at the boy.

Basic techniques honed through relentless practice shone brightly.

Steady legs and precise strikes aimed for any openings.

Even as he approached, the boy didn’t move.

Had he given up?

“Well, in that case…”

Bi Yeon Island had to advance.

Higher, always higher.

“Avoid dangerous injuries.”

His sword slashed diagonally towards the boy.

Trailing behind the blade, the energy left a mark in the air.

A clean and accurate strike.

Bi Yeon Island was certain this single blow would end the fight.

But.

His rapidly advancing sword never reached the boy, instead swerving harmlessly to the side.

‘What?’

The boy hadn’t moved an inch from his original spot.

Neither had Bi Yeon Island’s sword wavered.

Then why did it miss?

‘Focus.’

Now wasn’t the time to dwell on doubts during the match.

Desperately shifting stance, Bi Yeon Island launched another attack.

“!”

His focus shattered.

To Bi Yeon Island, the boy seemed taller, while he felt increasingly smaller.

Struggling to move his body, which refused to obey,

he realized as he neared the ground that it wasn’t the boy growing taller.

It was his own body collapsing.

Boom!

Bi Yeon Island lost consciousness and rolled across the arena floor. Throughout this, Gu Yangcheon never once looked at him.

“Uh… wha…?”

The bewildered voice belonged to none other than the referee, who had momentarily forgotten his duty amidst the shock.

In the blink of an eye, the match was decided.

Even the referee from the Meng Swordsmanship Corps couldn’t discern how Gu Yangcheon had subdued Bi Yeon Island.

“May I leave? I’m in a hurry.”

Gu Yangcheon’s calm voice snapped the referee back to reality.

“S-sure! Winner: Gu Yangcheon!”

Upon declaring the result, Gu Yangcheon descended from the arena without hesitation.

Instead of the expected excitement, the area surrounding the arena was eerily quiet.

Many spectators who had been watching intently now stood in stunned silence.

Dozens of pairs of eyes stared in disbelief.

Yet Gu Yangcheon’s hurried footsteps betrayed no concern for their reactions.

His destination was clear—the arena of the second group.

Finding it wasn’t difficult.

Among the ten or so arenas visible, he headed towards the one drawing the largest crowd.

‘Please…’

Without realizing it, he silently prayed for everything to be fine.

Breathing steadied, among the gathered crowd, he spotted a figure with white hair.

Namgung Bi-ah had also finished her match and was looking for Dang So-yeol.

Pausing mid-step, he hesitated.

Advanced senses informed him of much.

They allowed him to hear clearly and see distant details vividly.

His gaze finally settled on the arena.

Drip… drip…

Thin streams of blood dripped from the corner of Dang So-yeol’s mouth, staining the arena floor.

One knee was bent, and blood trickled from her lips.

No obvious wounds were visible, but her internal qi was clearly disrupted, indicating severe internal damage.

Worried about the situation, he swallowed dryly.

“Phew…”

After exhaling and spitting out the remaining blood, Dang So-yeol slowly rose.

Her posture wobbled, showing her body’s refusal to cooperate.

Despite this, she didn’t fall.

Swiftly wiping the blood from her lips with her sleeve, streaks remained, but she continued speaking regardless.

“Thank you for waiting.”

A brief expression of gratitude followed by more words.

“May I ask again?”

Despite her disrupted qi likely squeezing her entire body, Dang So-yeol’s voice remained unwavering from start to finish.

Her gaze was equally steadfast.

Focused solely on her opponent, her demeanor exuded the aura of a true warrior.

Rather than a daughter of a prestigious family,

she appeared infinitely closer to a martial artist.

Turning my gaze, I looked at the person facing Dang So-yeol.

Curious about what he looked like.

Would he wear an arrogant expression, or perhaps fake sympathy for the sake of appearances?

I assumed it would be one of the two.

“Hmm?”

Upon seeing his face, I involuntarily gasped.

For there stood Jang Seon-yeon, sword drawn, staring at Dang So-yeol with a look of pure astonishment.