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Chapter 99: Jehwa Contest (3)

I was curious about the reactions regarding Gu Ryeonghwa mentioned during our journey to Seomseo. Seeing the current responses made me wonder if I had misunderstood something.

But then, Shin Hyeon suddenly brought up a question, saying he wanted to talk to me about it.

It was about Gu Ryeonghwa from the moment she joined the Hwasan Sect until now. And why that young girl was in such a state at the Hwasan Sect.

Shin Hyeon was both explaining and questioning me.

“Isn’t it partly because of you that Gu Ryeonghwa turned out this way?”

There was only one answer I could give him.

“Yes, it’s indeed my fault.”

For a sudden question, it contained some depth.

This was the first time I heard about Gu Ryeonghwa’s experiences after joining the Hwasan Sect.

That she cried while looking for me.

And that she had a fear of men.

At that moment, it didn’t seem like a big reaction to me, but now it felt more serious than I initially thought.

I didn’t think the Gu Ryeonghwa I had recently encountered had overcome this.

It seemed more likely she was just holding it in.

Shin Hyeon went silent after hearing my answer.

However, I sensed something uneasy from his slightly furrowed brow and somewhat roughened breath.

He seemed to be holding something back.

At first, I thought Gu Ryeonghwa was being bullied, but seeing his expression, thankfully, that didn’t seem to be the case.

In fact, it seemed she even received some affection.

‘If she was bullied, I would have been the one doing it.’

There’s no denying that fact.

With no words coming from Shin Hyeon, I asked him,

“Why don’t you ask about why it happened?”

At my question, Shin Hyeon frowned slightly.

“I thought that even if I asked you, I wouldn’t get an answer.”

As Shin Hyeon said, it wasn’t exactly something I could easily answer.

It was merely my flaw, and not something I could share with others.

“And.”

Shin Hyeon continued speaking.

“I still don’t think my eyes are wrong.”

“…”

I didn’t understand how he could think like that based solely on what he saw.

I silently met Shin Hyeon’s gaze.

While I couldn’t catch everything in his eyes, there was one thing I knew for sure.

That shallow resentment directed at me stemmed from concern for Gu Ryeonghwa, so I didn’t feel too bad about it.

It didn’t seem like Yeongpung brought me here to show this…

No sooner had I thought that than Yeongpung appeared from behind, greeting the great disciples.

“I greet the illustrious masters.”

“Greetings, Yeongpung.”

“Yes…”

“Is Gu So-hyeob the one you brought?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“You know this is a place one cannot freely come to unless you are a literary figure.”

“…I apologize. I thought it would be better to let you directly speak about the accident.”

“About the accident?”

Shin Hyeon looked at me, his gaze different from when we first met.

It must have been due to my earlier answer.

It sounded like bringing her along was not something that should have been done.

Even knowing that, Yeongpung went ahead and did it anyway.

‘He can be quite reckless.’

Though not as much as the Martial Alliance, it was known that literary figures strictly adhered to their superiors’ words. It seemed he disregarded that and just brought her along.

I let out a slight sigh and said,

“I was going to ask why my younger sibling is sparring with the great disciples.”

“Oh… that’s.”

Shin Hyeon seemed about to answer but was interrupted by another voice.

“Brother?”

At the familiar voice, I turned around to see Gu Ryeonghwa there.

She looked surprised to see me.

Then, seeing the other great disciples hiding here and there, her face quickly crumpled.

“…Elders.”

“Ah, we’ve been found out.”

“It’s because of the big brother… who would openly say something when we agreed to hide?”

“Gu Sister… this is all Big Brother’s fault; we are innocent!”

“… Immediately selling out the big brother, what a great sect this is.”

The excuses poured out smoothly as if rehearsed, while Shin Hyeon’s face turned slightly embarrassed.

Gu Ryeonghwa looked at them and softly muttered.

“I told you not to come…”

At her small lament, Shin Hyeon hurriedly defended himself.

“I’m sorry, but the elders kept insisting on it…”

“What? Why did you sell us out when you were complaining about your own situation?”

“That’s nothing new; why are you surprised? The big brother is always like that.”

As those speaking behind grew quiet at Shin Hyeon’s growl, Gu Ryeonghwa quietly observed.

She seemed to have a lot to say but was holding it back.

Then she let out a sigh and lowered her head.

“Thank you for your concern, but I hope you won’t worry too much.”

It was a rather firm statement.

Such behavior might seem rude towards those above her.

Unconsciously, I glanced at the expressions of the guys, but they weren’t angry or displeased.

What is this feeling I’m getting…? Surprise? Touching emotion? Something along those lines…?

“The Sister… thanked us.”

“She didn’t avoid our eyes or take a step back.”

“What? What’s this? Am I going to die tomorrow…?”

…This is getting scary.

What on earth is with those crazed reactions?

Shin Hyeon, seeing the almost unfocused state of the others, kicked them away and approached Gu Ryeonghwa.

“Are you… okay?”

| | …

At Shin Hyeon’s question, Gu Ryeonghwa nodded.

“As always, I respect the choices of my masters.”

“Yes… thank you.”

“It feels like the first time I’m hearing a thank you from you; it’s a strange feeling.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“The apology was made. Whether it’s gratitude or apology, I never intended to ask for any of it.”

Shin Hyeon smiled lightly while looking at Gu Ryeonghwa.

Seemingly feeling a little burdened by that gaze, she turned her head away.

“Those idiots are relying heavily on me; it seems there’s not much time left, so I hope for satisfactory results.”

At Shin Hyeon’s words, the guys behind began murmuring, but Shin Hyeon’s face turned into one like a tiger, making everyone shut their mouths immediately.

I thought he had such a friendly face, but he can make that kind of expression too… for a moment, I unconsciously shrank back a little.

“What brings you here?”

Gu Ryeonghwa called for me, shifting her gaze.

It seemed she had gotten used to calling me brother again.

That part was an issue for me.

‘Do I even have the right to hear such words?’

That was all I could think.

I quickly pushed aside such meaningless thoughts and replied,

“You’re sparring with the great disciples.”

“Ah.”

“I was just curious about it, but here I am.”

Somehow, Shin Hyeon had already dispersed and taken all the disciples with him.

Yeongpung wasn’t here either, so he must have been taken away.

Gu Ryeonghwa blandly answered my question.

“I just thought it would fit the topic to do it here.”

I understood what she meant.

Right now, Gu Ryeonghwa was vastly inadequate to compete with the great disciples.

Since most of the current Hwasan Sect’s strength was gathered among the great disciples, it wouldn’t be a match for Gu Ryeonghwa.

‘It seems even the three great disciples might have a hard time.’

Even though Gu Ryeonghwa had been consistently training, she couldn’t have been outdone by the other three great disciples.

I wouldn’t know for sure since the only one I had faced properly was Yeongpung…

Anyway, if that was the reason why she decided to face the three great disciples, there was nothing more for me to inquire.

Since it was allowed from the top, Gu Ryeonghwa must be here for a reason too.

‘Yeongpung stands on the side of the great disciples, and Gu Ryeonghwa stands on the side of the three great disciples.’

It felt like something had flipped.

If Yeongpung was the one who forced her here, Gu Ryeonghwa’s presence was by her own choice.

“…Do your best.”

The words I spilled hesitantly made Gu Ryeonghwa’s head snap up.

She looked a little surprised.

“What’s with that expression?”

“I never expected to hear such words from my brother.”

“I saw just now; it seemed you heard quite a bit of praise from the great disciples.”

I recalled the great disciples hovering around Gu Ryeonghwa, singing her praises.

“They’re just a bit eccentric.”

Gu Ryeonghwa’s expression seemed somewhat burdened.

If it were me, being surrounded by muscular men singing, ‘Our Yangcheon is the best!’ would make anyone want to hide.

Still, it wasn’t a look of outright dislike.

It was just uncomfortable.

“Anyway, I’ve seen enough. I’m leaving.”

“Hey.”

As Gu Ryeonghwa turned to leave, she called me and halted her steps.

Looking at her bewildered expression, she subtly grasped the hem of my sleeve.

I couldn’t help but be surprised by her action.

Given that Gu Ryeonghwa once had trouble facing me, it was no wonder.

“You…”

“Are you going to watch the Jehwa Contest?”

“I’m here to see it.”

“Is your sister… there?”

If she’s talking about Nangong Bi-ah, then Nangong Bi-ah would probably be sitting with Wi Seol-Ah.

I replied to Gu Ryeonghwa,

“Yes, she’s there; she’ll be seated.”

“Big Brother too?”

“I am….”

While I came to see Gu Ryeonghwa’s sparring, saying I would stay and watch felt a bit awkward. I cleared my throat and said,

“…I will watch.”

At my answer, Gu Ryeonghwa let go of the hem she was holding. It seemed still tough for her, as her hands trembled slightly.

Given how hard it was for her, why did she grasp it so firmly?

Gu Ryeonghwa stroked her trembling hands and forced a smile.

“It seems it’s still hard.”

I’m sorry. If it’s hard, don’t feel compelled to do it.

There were plenty of words I’d like to say, but I refrained from voicing them.

Young Gu Ryeonghwa was trying to carry this weight on her own.

This was much different from the past life.

“…Okay. I’ll be watching closely.”

Every time I see her in that state, it brings forth a mix of regret and resolve.

Regret for not having acted differently, and resolve to change at last.

Gu Ryeonghwa said she needed to prepare and returned to her place.

I too shifted my steps, keeping an eye on her back.

With complicated feelings, I made my way back to where the audience had gathered to find my party.

Finding them wasn’t as difficult as I thought. I just needed to look for Nangong Bi-ah.

Sure enough, there was a spot where the gaze was subtly gathering.

Even with her veil, perhaps because of Nangong Bi-ah’s unique aura, attention was slowly drifting toward her.

Nangong Bi-ah seemed to be leaning close to Wi Seol-Ah, but suddenly lifted her head and started moving around.

As if looking for something, perhaps.

The wandering gaze of Nangong Bi-ah met mine, and upon realizing it, she waved her hand.

Wi Seol-Ah beside her also waved.

‘Pretty far back, how did she find me?’

Were they using a bet?

I didn’t think so; if so, it must be a coincidence, right?

‘It must be a coincidence.’

Thinking such trivial thoughts, I walked toward them and found the adjacent seat empty. It seemed to be saved for me.

Wi Seol-Ah asked upon seeing me.

“Young Master, where have you been?”

“I went to check on my younger sibling; she said she would participate today.”

Perhaps she heard me, as Nangong Bi-ah responded from the side.

“Today… is she competing with me?”

“I heard so.”

Nangong Bi-ah seemed about to ask more, but quickly turned her head.

Her gaze was fixed on the sparring stage.

There was no need to ask why.

The noisy murmurs that had been around vanished.

Everyone’s eyes were focused on the sparring stage.

On the quiet sparring stage.

Suddenly, a rich crimson energy gathered in the not-so-high void, forming a small leaf.

The leaf, shimmering with light, swayed gently in the breeze before falling.

As soon as the leaf touched the ground—

Wham—!

The crimson energy suddenly rushed, enveloping the sparring stage.

It was evidently an overwhelming amount of energy.

The energy that crashed onto the sparring stage then spread out, leaving faint traces in the air before disappearing.

On the stage where the energy had vanished stood Maehwa Seon, the leader of Hwasan, at the forefront.

Behind her were probably the three great disciples participating in the contest.

As soon as the spectators saw that, they erupted into cheers.

…Insane.

That was probably a performance by Maehwa Seon to welcome the participants who had made their way up to Hwasan. But the fact that such a massive display didn’t even make a sound was more surprising.

When Maehwa Seon raised her hand, the crowd seemed to quiet down as if it had been orchestrated.

“Every year, I wonder why you all come up here to this small event in this sweltering heat… and I can only be grateful.”

Every step Maehwa Seon took felt like a breeze blowing.

Could this be a transformation made possible by the bet too?

“There’s nothing more tedious than a long-winded speech from an old man, so I’ll conclude my gratitude and step down now. I hope you all observe the radiant efforts made by our children.”

Truly, it seemed Maehwa Seon had no more words to share as she stepped down from the stage and moved elsewhere.

Although Yeongpung was a promising late-stage talent, Maehwa Seon was a legendary martial master well known in the Central Plains, leaving many disappointed that they could not hear more from her.

From my perspective, it was good that we could see the Jehwa Contest sooner.

As soon as Maehwa Seon sat in the elder’s gathering, the three great disciples on the sparring stage began to prepare.

Two of them stepped forward, wielding wooden swords and facing each other.

‘They’re using wooden swords?’

I had thought the great disciples would be using real swords based on what I had heard beforehand.

A man in the center, who looked like a referee, glanced at the two youths and seemed to ensure they were ready.

“…Begin!”

At the shout containing the bet, they immediately leaped forward and charged.

 

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