---

EP.32 Endure Three Times. (2)

Endure three times (2)

Tang Soyeol had a peculiar love since childhood.

While the other clan children chased after puppies and kittens, she was busy following reptiles like snakes.

Eventually, she moved on to wild beasts like wolves or tigers.

With fierce, wild eyes and a growl that radiated charm. The aura of a predator in front of fragile animals was just so impressive.

So, when the engagement talks with the Nangong family arose in the past, her biting resistance was driven by that very reason.

Tang Soyeol was not fond of Nangong Cheonjun.

Despite everyone praising his looks and calling him an extraordinary talent, she thought,

“He looks like a male courtesan.”

Every time she saw him, he struck her as overly sweet.

Not being swayed by Nangong Cheonjun’s appearance, she also disliked the inexplicable, eerie feeling that radiated from him.

He was just… strange.

Even his kind demeanor felt alien to her.

She couldn’t grasp why other late-stage talents were madly in love with Nangong Cheonjun.

In contrast, Nangong Bi-ah was a good person.

While her words were few and her expressions rarely changed, her caring actions felt sincere, and even when she acted harshly, she assumed her older sister’s burdens.

Tang Soyeol liked Nangong Bi-ah, who accepted even her flaws without any fuss.

She was genuinely touched when Nangong Bi-ah kept her promise to come to the next Tangbing Tournament.

But then she saw Nangong Cheonjun trailing behind, wondering why that guy was tagging along again.

Wherever Nangong Bi-ah went, there was Nangong Cheonjun.

Why was that?

From her perspective, it didn’t seem like Nangong Bi-ah had any particular fondness for Nangong Cheonjun.

But her sister was so unreadable that it was hard to tell. It didn’t seem like a conversation she could bring up.

“Hey, Tanglang.”

– Grrrr.

A massive mountain wolf with a black mane, Tang Soyeol’s pet.

How could such a fierce face be so adorable? Tang Soyeol gently stroked Tanglang.

“Oh, you cute little thing, I wish all men were like you.”

Tang Soyeol thought that would be splendid, but she knew it was impossible.

Just looking at Nangong Cheonjun, that brat from the Moyong family or Peng Woojin from the Peng family—all of them had that soft, pretty boy look.

How could they all resemble male courtesans?

Even the sons of the Nangong and Moyong families gave her an unsettling vibe for some reason.

‘…Peng Woojin is just a weird person.’

Thinking back to the trouble he caused with Tang Juyeok gave her a bit of a headache.

How could she have instantly befriended Peng Ah-Hee right after meeting her? That was the connection formed from having strange older brothers.

The last time they met, it seemed Peng Ah-Hee had just called off an engagement.

Where was it that she was engaged? She felt like she recalled that but couldn’t quite catch the details.

She remembered just saying it was rather fortunate that she broke off the engagement with that scoundrel.

“…Is there no handsome man around?”

Being the daughter of the Tang clan and in her adolescent phase, Tang Soyeol craved love.

That night.

Tang Soyeol was walking by the lake with Nangong Bi-ah.

The lotus lake, a work of art by the Tang clan, was a place that one could not casually enter without the permission of a bloodline companion.

The floating lotus flowers looked ordinary but were all extraordinary spiritual herbs imbued with life energy.

The lake that supported them as well as the fish living therein.

According to Tang Juyeok, it was a luxury that the old masters of the Tang clan went overboard to craft.

To be honest, Tang Soyeol shared some agreement with that view.

They were incredibly beautiful, but that was about it… nothing more.

Taking a leisurely stroll under the night sky, she asked Nangong Bi-ah,

“How was your journey here?”

“…Um, I got a bit lost….”

“…You got lost again, didn’t you?”

Nangong Bi-ah had an uncanny talent for losing her way.

She could be going perfectly fine and then suddenly take a different route. Perhaps her seemingly naive personality played a part, Tang Soyeol thought.

“But somehow, you managed to find your way… I was worried, you know.”

“I had company.”

“Company?”

“Yeah.”

Was she referring to other clan members who came along with her from the Nangong clan?

She’d heard something about the Gu clan, but honestly, she didn’t know much about it.

The only things she knew were that a transcendental being was said to be its leader and that it was connected to the Bloodline of the So Sword Peak alongside Mount Shan.

Probably due to their clan’s insular nature, she didn’t know much at all.

It was unusual for the bloodline of the Gu clan to be present at this Tangbing Tournament.

Maybe Tang Juyeok would know about it as a lesser clan leader?

“Are you talking about the Gu clan?”

“That’s right….”

What could it be? Tang Soyeol thought she saw a hint of a smile on Nangong Bi-ah’s lips.

She had never witnessed Nangong Bi-ah smile before.

With the night breeze brushing against them, they walked a bit further.

From Tang Soyeol’s perspective, it looked like Nangong Bi-ah didn’t want to go back.

As they strolled, they suddenly halted.

She sensed a presence.

“…Not my brother’s presence.”

Two presences.

Although they were shrouded in shadow, their faces were not from the Tang clan.

“Who are you?”

Tang Soyeol asked.

Her voice sounded startled.

They didn’t appear to be intruders or enemies, perhaps just guests who took a wrong turn visiting the clan.

“This place is not for outsiders to roam freely.”

Gradually, the moonlight illuminated their features as the shadows lifted.

Tang Soyeol gasped, her breath hitching for a moment as she saw the face of one boy.

Or maybe time had even stopped.

Thump! Thump!

She could feel her heart racing as if it might explode at any moment.

With jet-black hair and piercing eyes, he wore a ferocious expression as if something displeased him.

“If you don’t answer, I’ll….”

Her voice trembled, and she stumbled over her words—did it show? Tang Soyeol didn’t understand why she felt anxious.

Calmly, Nangong Bi-ah leaned closer and whispered about the boy.

He was from the Gu clan.

– Gu Jeolyub, he said.

Gu Jeolyub… his name felt cool and magnificent.

Ah, no, this isn’t what I was saying. What was I talking about?

What did he say, and what did I respond?

She couldn’t remember.

If only her wildly beating heart would calm down for a moment.

Tang Soyeol realized something was terribly wrong.

This wasn’t good; she needed to get away quickly.

The boy eventually turned and left, while Tang Soyeol tried her best to keep a indifferent demeanor throughout that night.

But she couldn’t close her eyes for a single moment.

The next day, Tang Juyeok said there was a gathering of late-stage talents for a meal, prompted by the arrival of the Gu clan members for the Tangbing Tournament.

Her sleepless body started buzzing with energy at the mention.

‘…Get it together, please.’

She pleaded to her heart, but it was as if her heart turned a deaf ear as it started thumping wildly again.

What if he comes?

What if he doesn’t?

Even she found it absurdly contradictory.

Soon, the boy from yesterday entered.

For some unknown reason, he was shoulder to shoulder with Nangong Cheonjun.

Were they close? The vibe felt oddly off.

The meal began quickly, but Tang Soyeol couldn’t focus on whether the food went into her nose or mouth.

Her gaze was solely fixed on the boy.

‘His eyes are fierce. How… so handsome.’

‘He can’t handle spicy food, huh? So handsome.’

‘Ah, he’s coughing. How cute.’

Lost in her thoughts, she realized that she had somehow ended up sitting next to him.

‘Am I out of my mind? What’s with this impulsiveness?’

Her brash boldness was commendable, but her shrunken voice felt like an issue.

It seemed he didn’t quite understand her as he scrunched his forehead in confusion, and Tang Soyeol felt like going insane.

Somewhere back in time, she had heard that if you like someone too much, you’ll start to tremble, and she finally felt she understood that saying a little.

She had to ask him something.

What should she ask…?

Do you like poisons? I’m good with daggers; would you like to practice dagger-wielding with me…?

‘…That’s definitely not it.’

Favorite food? Yeah, that’s a safe bet.

“Gu Gongja… do you perhaps have a favorite….”

“Hey, older brother, is that the training ground down there?”

The words Tang Soyeol had mustered with her utmost courage were cut off by Nangong Cheonjun’s interjection.

“Lady Tang, what did you say?”

The boy kindly inquired, but by then, Tang Soyeol could not rekindle the words she had finally tripped out.

She could only vow that someday, she would poison the tea Nangong Cheonjun would drink.

That oblivious brat continued to intrude even as they descended to the training ground.

Suddenly, wasn’t Nangong Cheonjun asking the boy for a martial arts sparring match?

At that absurd suggestion, Tang Soyeol shouted without even thinking.

“No, don’t!”

What was wrong with that?

She could point out the difference in age or skill level, but in truth, the real reason was—

‘What if his face gets hurt!’

That was the issue.

What would happen if scratches marred that noble face?

Wouldn’t everyone look down on him if even a tiny blemish graced his wild, handsome features?

Tang Soyeol felt like something nasty would occur to Nangong Cheonjun if she didn’t step in.

But even with her protests, the boy accepted Nangong Cheonjun’s challenge.

Nangong Cheonjun wouldn’t use his inner strength or one of his legs, yet—

He was still a Thunder Dragon.

Even if they called him Poison Phoenix, the question remained whether he’d even touch Nangong Cheonjun’s clothes without using any skills.

That much, one could say about Nangong Cheonjun’s reputation among late-stage talents.

Only the Sword Peak from the Gu clan would stand a chance against a Thunder Dragon like him.

In that scenario, all Tang Soyeol could do was watch nervously.

Would she have to jump in if it seemed like he would be hurt? What was her relationship to him?

‘…Indeed, what was my relationship to him?’

In confusion, she glanced at Nangong Bi-ah beside her.

“Sister…?”

Nangong Bi-ah’s expression remained the same, but she was gripping the sword’s hilt with one hand.

Or was it that her expression was subtly different? It seemed like her breathing was somewhat faster.

Was she there to watch her younger sister’s spar?

That could be the case, but her gaze didn’t seem to be fixed on Nangong Cheonjun.

“…!”

Nangong Bi-ah’s eyes widened momentarily. Wondering what it was, Tang Soyeol quickly turned her gaze back to the sparring stage.

“Uh…?”

Tang Soyeol couldn’t comprehend the scene unfolding before her.

A wooden sword rolling on the ground and Nangong Cheonjun, sitting down while clutching his wrist.

And the boy, gazing down at Nangong Cheonjun with a nonchalant demeanor.

She couldn’tmake sense of it.

But it was exhilarating.

Tang Soyeol felt a shiver running down her spine, accidentally releasing a hot breath.

The appearance of a predator she had longed for in her dreams.

What if he was delicate? His face was so stunning.

Tang Soyeol’s thoughts flipped upside down.

The boy looked at Nangong Cheonjun and said,

“Are you not going to pick it up?”

As he took a step toward Nangong Cheonjun, Tang Soyeol finally crumpled down.

An incomprehensible situation.

Nangong Cheonjun thought to himself.

Why did I lose my sword…?

He was planning to strike the shoulder next, then his legs.

How should he torment this brat? Only entertaining thoughts remained.

But why did I drop my wooden sword?

His arm felt stiff.

Before he knew it, his wrist was flushed and hot.

Did he hit it in such a short moment? But why had he not noticed?

“Isn’t this a curious situation?”

Upon hearing that voice, Nangong Cheonjun raised his head.

The boy, who had drawn near, was looking down at him.

“Those geniuses always seem to let their thoughts wander during sparring. If it were a real duel, you’d have died three times by now. Got it?”

Nangong Cheonjun was about to reply, but hastily moved his body.

Gu Yangcheong swung his arm.

He managed to dodge it, but in a tumbled stance, he couldn’t evade the next attack.

The kick to his chest sent him rolling a couple of times, and with a wheeze, Nangong Cheonjun gasped.

“Gugh….”

Coughing, he froze as he noticed the wooden sword drop in front of him.

“Hurry and pick it up. I thought this was a sparring match.”

Gu Yangcheong snapped his fingers after speaking up.

“Ah, wait, am I the one teaching you? If so, I’m not too confident about that.”

Crack.

As Gu Yangcheong approached with a bright expression, a coarse sound escaped Nangong Cheonjun’s mouth.

Nangong Cheonjun rose, gripping the wooden sword.

“…I wasn’t careless….”

“You wouldn’t say you were careless, would you? That’s a pathetic excuse for a martial artist.”

At Gu Yangcheong’s words, Nangong Cheonjun fell silent.

It was a pathetic excuse even in his eyes.

Quietly, he resumed his stance.

‘…He’s stronger than I thought.’

He underestimated him too lightly.

Nangong Cheonjun should have expected that being the brother of the Sword Peak meant he would possess some talent.

He took half a step and drew his sword directly.

He needed to do it right.

Then with a semi-circle, slowly, thrusting and slashing, recovering the sword and once again thrusting, slashing again.

The movements he’d refined over the years to strengthen his footwork.

As a result, he could create the most formidable stances while executing the basic forms.

This would become the speed sword that Nangong was proud of, and he’d infuse it with sharpness.

The world’s best sword.

Currently, it belonged to the Sword Sovereign, but Nangong Cheonjun was confident he’d inherit that name in the future.

Even regarding swords, his father, the clan leader, had acknowledged that Nangong Cheonjun’s talent surpasses his own.

So, it must be so.

He was a genius after all.

But why?

‘Why can’t I reach him…!’

How long had it been? How many rounds has it been?

His own sword was certainly fast.

There was no weakness in his basics, and his flow was unbroken.

The breaths he’d damaged due to anger now steadied as he swung his sword.

There was no reason for him to lose to the boy.

But why?!

How could the boy move as if he knew precisely how his sword would swing?

Gu Yangcheong was dancing just out of reach of Nangong Cheonjun’s sword.

His clothes brushed past him, and the hair barely slipped away.

Yet he did not get hit.

Not even a hitch in his breathing.

He was evading with the minimum necessary movement, so he likely had ample energy.

This was a situation that shouldn’t exist unless one was as proficient in Nangong’s sword path.

So then, what did that mean?

‘That brat… is stronger than me?’

The twisted circuit of his thoughts fumbled amidst the collapsing pride and self-esteem.

…I want to kill him.

The one who got my beautiful sister’s attention.

That brat who nonchalantly evades my sword.

I want to kill him.

Aside from the uncontrollable killing intent, the inner strength that had been sealed in his lower dantian spiraled around the sword.

Subtly, but undeniably.

Nangong Cheonjun swung his sword with all his might, aimed at Gu Yangcheong’s head.

– smack!

Before the sword even made contact, Gu Yangcheong’s fist landed a strong blow on Nangong Cheonjun’s face.

“Gugh!”

Nangong Cheonjun staggered and collapsed.

Gu Yangcheong followed up with a slap to his cheek.

Smack! With a sharp sound, Nangong Cheonjun fell flat.

“You bastard.”

Fury dripped from Gu Yangcheong’s voice as he approached him.

“I’ve let you off easy for long enough, now you want to make a bet? Look at this brat, even with killing intent, what’s the reason? Want to kill me?”

The blood flowed freely, leaving Nangong Cheonjun dazed.

“Ah, shit, this is getting real. I’ve been very patient with you, haven’t I?”

He spoke indiscriminately, unsure if anyone was even listening, before delivering a kick to the crumpled Nangong Cheonjun’s groin.

“Ahhhhh—!”

“Huff…!”

Tang Juyeok, who had been watching this unfold, found himself shrinking back involuntarily.

 

---