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Chapter 97: The Jehwa Contest (Part 1)

I woke up earlier than usual and finished my morning training.

Recently, I had been waking up every morning to train.

Crack! Every time I moved my joints, a sound echoed like splintering wood.

It seemed my body had loosened up to some extent.

As soon as I finished training, I checked my physical condition.

The internal injuries I had sustained during battle had all healed, and the lingering demon energy coiled in my lower dantian was the only issue left.

‘At this pace, I’ll finish my work soon enough…’

Fortunately, purification was proceeding steadily within me.

Thanks to that, the amount of demon energy had significantly decreased.

The sheer amount of demon energy the Sword Demoness possessed was staggering.

The purified energy was now being absorbed into my dantian, and I could feel my own energy increasing compared to before.

‘This could be considered an opportunity, I suppose.’

It felt like I was somewhat past the stage of struggling with my meager energy levels.

Though not completely absorbed, most of it should be stored as power.

That left an even bigger question hanging in my mind.

‘Where on earth did the Sword Demoness get this much demon energy?’

According to Shin Yi, she was under a golden binding and unable to speak.

Hearing that made a chill run down my spine.

“…Demon energy under golden binding?”

This was almost identical to what the Heavenly Demon did to create demons.

If there was any difference, it was that this demon energy was at a level where it could “endure.”

Because of that, I couldn’t be sure if the Sword Demoness had actually met the Heavenly Demon.

If the Heavenly Demon truly had bestowed demon energy upon the Sword Demoness, it wouldn’t stop here.

At least not in my understanding.

‘I also need to recognize the demon energy the Black Night Palace had.’

While the Hwasan Sect would be moving, I wanted to gather a bit of information about Gu Tae’s actions of capturing the Plum Blossom swordsmen to draw their blood.

I had an uneasy feeling like something messy was tightly tangled.

“Should I check out the hideout that the Hwasan disciples discovered?”

Locating it could be an issue, but it should be well-managed by the Hwasan Sect by now.

‘Before returning to the clan, I need to look around at least once.’

The traces of these guys would most likely be confirmed and picked up by the Hwasan Sect.

Even so, Gu Tae’s intention seemed to be a justification to reduce any hesitation at all.

‘If the Black Night Palace is indeed related to the Demonic Sect…’

I had thought of them as just another messy faction that would be destroyed by the Martial Alliance in a few years.

If there was such a tangled truth behind it…

‘Then I need to do something about it.’

I wasn’t powerful enough to erase the Black Night Palace on my own.

There was no way I could just force my way through it.

‘But I could at least stall them for a few years.’

As for whether that was really necessary, I’d have to think it over.

But I didn’t have the luxury of time for such musings.

“Though, in a way, I’ve already finished pondering it.”

Resolute now that I’d try something, I couldn’t just keep thinking.

As I pulled myself back into my lodging, Wi Seol-Ah approached with a pleasant smile, holding a towel.

She must’ve brought it for when I washed up.

I glanced at her and asked, “You woke up early?”

As I spoke, my gaze inadvertently landed on Wi Seol-Ah’s hair.

She was holding her hair up with the ornament I had given her yesterday.

That memory of her cheek brushing against mine resurfaced, making me absentmindedly stroke my own cheek.

“Do you feel unwell, Young Master?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“But why is your face all red…?”

“…It’s just a misunderstanding.”

I quickly passed her and washed up, changing clothes. Although I splashed cold water on my face, the strange heat still lingered.

‘Is it really reasonable to still be feeling this way over something so trivial?’

Even I found it ridiculous.

If it was hard to cool down my face, should I try a wager to express the heat all over my body discreetly?

However, I felt that if I went that far, I might genuinely feel self-loathing, so I gave up on that thought.

After adjusting my clothes and opening the door, I found Nangong Bi-ah seated on the floor, fast asleep.

To be precise, she was dozing off while sitting.

I considered just leaving her be, but it seemed she had woken up somehow.

As I quietly observed her, I cleared my throat softly and slipped an ornament into her hair.

The problem was, since I had never had much experience with a woman’s hair, my clumsy touches only made things messier.

“…This is a disaster, isn’t it?”

I had wanted to give it to her discreetly, but how was I going to fix this now?

As I struggled to figure it out, maybe because I made too much noise, Nangong Bi-ah rubbed her sleepy eyes and turned her head.

“Hmm…”

Half-lidded eyes met mine.

Nangong Bi-ah soon lifted her delicate, white hand and waved it gently.

This was her signature morning greeting.

In the midst of this, I could clearly see the ornament swaying in her hair with her slight movements.

‘…Should I say something?’

How should I even approach this?

I didn’t want to draw attention to it, but I couldn’t just let it go either.

Feeling flustered, I was met with a curious look from Nangong Bi-ah as she tilted her head.

“Uh….”

“Yeah?”

When I considered trying to pull it out with my hands, Wi Seol-Ah approached and chimed in.

“Oh? Are you doing the same thing as me, Sister?”

“The same thing?”

It seemed Nangong Bi-ah had caught on to the situation, as she delicately pulled the ornament out of her hair with a gentle hand.

“Ah?”

Seeing that, the chatter from before was abruptly silenced.

Nangong Bi-ah turned to me with a questioning expression of, “What’s this all about?”

I looked at her dazed expression and answered in a small voice.

“…I just bought one.”

It had been intended for Wi Seol-Ah, yet I couldn’t bring myself to give it.

As I spoke, I turned my gaze away.

Why was it so hard to meet her eyes?

Just to clarify, the one I gave to Wi Seol-Ah wasn’t exactly the same.

It was just slightly different, but enough to matter.

At first, I had wanted to get her something more distinctive, but I ended up hastily choosing something randomly.

‘Why did I even bother buying something like this to give away?’

If I had just stayed silent, things would have been at least a bit better.

I couldn’t help but think my actions were a waste.

Nangong Bi-ah silently examined the ornament and swept her hair back, securing it in place.

Her smooth, white nape was elegantly revealed, highlighting her delicate features.

It was fascinating how just pulling her hair up could change the atmosphere so much.

Nangong Bi-ah looked up at me and asked, “…How do I look?”

“It’s…nice enough.”

I nearly blurted out that it was pretty, but barely managed to hold my tongue.

It felt awkward to go that far.

Fortunately, it seemed my answer was sufficient for Nangong Bi-ah, as she smiled and tilted her head up, beaming.

She seemed to be smiling a lot more these days.

Just seeing that reminded me how much my life had changed from my previous existence.

Whether this was the life I had wished for was a different story entirely, but I wouldn’t call it uncomfortable.

If possible, I wanted to maintain this comfortable existence.

‘Which only makes it all the more…’

I have to do something.

At the very least, changing something should lead to a difference.

Tangled in my thoughts, I found it amusing that the guide pulling me away from my indecision was something so trivial.

I tried to hide my awkwardness and casually asked, “I’m heading to the Jehwa Contest; would you like to join me?”

Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah nodded in unison at my invitation.

Originally, my plan was to leave before the Jehwa Contest opened, hoping to return to the clan as quickly as possible.

But since Gu Tae mentioned he would return to the clan, I decided to wait.

Coincidentally, there were other matters to attend to on the island of Seomseo, so delays to my plans were needed, which I might consider fortunate.

‘Though the Sword Demoness and Shin Yi are a concern.’

Both females decided they wanted to go with me.

I couldn’t fathom why they suddenly chose that option, but it seemed advantageous for our clan.

Of course, the Sword Demoness could be somewhat inconvenient.

As for Shin Yi, I figured he would be welcomed not just by the Gu Clan, but by all clans.

‘As for my father…’

I was uncertain about his side.

I intended to send a letter to the clan explaining the changes in personnel and my suspicions about Shin Yi targeting the Black Night Palace.

I couldn’t discern how much the Sword Demoness had recovered, so it would request that they bolster power in case of any ambush.

While such notes were somewhat for formality, it was still essential to send it.

Come noon, there was little time left until the Jehwa Contest began.

‘Did they say the Jehwa Contest would last about two days?’

Unlike the Gathering of the Nine Dragons the Gu Clan organized, foreign participants were not allowed here.

Thinking of it as a small sparring contest held exclusively among disciples makes it easier to understand.

Even without cooperation with the Upper House, it was purely a festival of the sect itself.

During the timeframe of the Jehwa Contest, outsiders could come and go relatively freely. They could come and spectate to their heart’s content.

The problem was that the Hwasan Sect was situated atop a massive mountain.

I wondered if anyone would bother climbing this high just to see it…

After all, human passion is indeed a great thing.

“Is it bustling…?”

Considering the region the Hwasan Sect occupied, it wasn’t that big compared to their renowned status.

But it was so crowded in the center that it felt packed…

Taking into account that most of them were ordinary people without any stakes in the betting, simply reaching the site might have been a task in itself.

After all, those arriving at this hour probably had to start their ascent early in the morning.

Looking back at all this made me understand just how much admiration and status the Hwasan Sect held in Hwaeum-hyeon.

Perhaps the Hwasan Sect was prepared for the likelihood of outsiders showing up, as it seemed they had arranged various accommodations.

Though it might not have been as grand as what the Gathering of the Nine Dragons had prepared, the atmosphere here appeared to be much warmer.

Amidst this, I could faintly hear bundles of chatter.

“Is the Sword Dragon participating this time as well?”

Was that Yeongpung talking?

“I don’t think he showed up last year… but he should be here this time.”

“He wasn’t even the Sword Dragon last year, right? Who won again? Yeong… what was it?”

“Of course it was Yeong! All three great disciples are named after him, you idiot.”

“It’s probably Yeongseong, right?”

“Oh right! Yeongseong! That sounds about right… Who are you?”

Suddenly, a newcomer appeared who was wearing the Hwasan Sect’s attire featuring a plum blossom design.

Upon seeing that, the man who had been chatting shrank back slightly.

He cautiously asked, “Um… are you from the Hwasan Sect?”

“Ah, yes, I’m Yeongpung.”

‘…What’s that guy doing over there?’

The one who casually blended into the conversation was surprisingly Yeongpung.

Why was he schmoozing instead of preparing for the Jehwa Contest…?

“Yeongpung… Yeong…! Wait, are you the Sword Dragon…?”

Yeongpung scratched the back of his head, somewhat sheepish at the sudden attention.

That was a semi-admission.

As the man gasped in surprise, he started telling those nearby.

Just then, Yeongpung’s and my eyes met.

“Ah! Gu So-hyeob!”

At the sight of me, he immediately stood up and approached.

As Yeongpung moved, the attention of the crowd shifted towards him.

Since our conversation had been slightly louder, it seemed people were taking notice.

From the glint in their eyes, it was clear that seeing a representative disciple of the Central Plains was quite rare.

Those renowned names, the Three Great Disciples, weren’t easily overlooked.

‘…I had treated Yeongpung lightly lately.’

It was partly because his teasing personality was entertaining, but I had probably underestimated him.

Seeing the way he was treated now reminded me of his significant position.

Approaching me, Yeongpung greeted Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah as well.

I questioned him, “Aren’t you participating in the Jehwa Contest today?”

“Ah, no, today is a day for the Three Great Disciples only.”

“Then why… oh.”

I recalled hearing Yeongpung was supposed to be participating among the second disciples.

“Gu So-hyeob, aren’t you here to check out the contest?”

I hesitated to answer him.

While it was true I had come to see how things were going, I felt some reluctance to admit I had come just to see my younger sister.

“Well, it is indeed like that, but if it’s all about the Three Great Disciples, it seems I didn’t need to come in the first place.”

Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah might not understand, but I had planned merely to see and leave.

“Ah, if that’s the case, then you can afford to wait.”

“Excuse me?”

“I heard Gu Tae would be competing in the Jehwa Contest today.”

Yeongpung’s statement made me puzzle a bit.

“The tournament is exclusively for the Three Great Disciples today…?”

“…That’s true, but…”

He seemed to mull over something a bit awkwardly, his lips moving silently.

Ah.

Suddenly, it seemed like Yeongpung had found a way and snapped his fingers.

“There’s still time, so… would you like to follow me?”

Without waiting for my reply, Yeongpung began moving and I followed without questioning.

We ended up at the back of the building.

Seeing everyone gathered here in their uniforms, it appeared to be a waiting area for the disciples.

‘Just the Three Great Disciples gathered here?’

A quick look showed they were approximately the same age group as Yeongpung.

Those who had just passed their teenage years or were barely entering adulthood.

Regardless of that, I had a question…

“Yeongpung, what are they doing over there?”

I pointed to a bunch of burly trainers huddled together, and among them were familiar faces.

They were indeed the second disciples who had traveled with us to the island.

I wondered if they were actually trying to hide behind a pillar.

Are those huge guys trying to hide behind that little thing?

The way Gu Ryeonghwa was trying to hide reminded me of that.

Yeongpung glanced at my reaction and hesitated before speaking.

“That, well, they’re probably waiting for Gu Tae’s signal to act.”

“…What?”

Why was Gu Tae showing up here all of a sudden?

Suddenly, I recalled the shocked expression of one of the second disciples when he found out I was related to Gu Ryeonghwa.

‘Are they trying to avoid being disliked or something?’

If that were the case, I could feel a bit of irritation bubbling within me.

I hadn’t sent them off for that reason.

I turned my feet towards where the muscular trainers gathered.

“Hey! Hey! So-hyeob…! Wait…!”

Yeongpung rushed to stop me but I didn’t listen.

While not trying to take on a “proper relative” role, I felt some heat rising just by witnessing the scene firsthand.

As I got closer, I could hear their muffled voices.

What had they been focused on for this long without noticing my approach?

“…Why do we have to act among the Three Great Disciples?”

“Because if we can do something from our side, it’d matter.”

Were those comments directed at Gu Tae?

“Stay quiet, that was chosen by our disciples. We ought to respect it!”

“Are you seriously asking to trust folks that reckless?

I couldn’t tell what was untrusting about the other disciples.

Hearing those mentions only brought back echoes of my past interactions with Gu Ryeonghwa.

‘It signified how distant I was from them.’

There was nothing I could say aloud, given I had voluntarily decided to stay away from that.

Out of concern of showing too much emotion, I had to keep my expression under control.

While it wasn’t a considerable distance, the thought that there’s a place that wasn’t relevant occupied my mind as I kept moving forward.

As I reached within earshot, I opened my mouth to question them.

“What on earth is this all about…?”

“Do be careful, my dear…!”

“…huh?”

My words trailed off as they fell silent, all eyes turning toward me.

“Hmm?”

“Uh? Gu So-hyeob?”

A cold sweat trickled down my back.

What had they just overheard?

 

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