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Chapter 100: The Jehwa Contest (4)

The Jehwa Contest, which began after noon, had been going on for quite a long time.

The Three Great Disciples, each having prepared for this for an extended period, were all “serious.”

After all, they were disciples of the same sect, using the same sword techniques.

Because they knew each other so well, it took longer.

Though it could be perceived as a dull period, the enthusiasm of the audience didn’t seem to dwindle at all.

“The reactions are incredible.”

“It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves.”

Despite the small crowd, the excitement matched that of a tournament held by the Martial Alliance.

To be honest, I found it a bit dull.

‘… Maybe it’s because I’ve been hanging out with Yeongpung a lot lately.’

Comparing it to Yeongpung, the sword techniques on display seemed rather crude.

The unique fluidity of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique was missing, and both speed and energy application left much to be desired.

To put it bluntly, from my current level, I could incapacitate them with a single strike.

It wouldn’t just be me; Yeongpung and even Nangong Bi-ah would feel the same.

‘… So that’s why they pushed Yeongpung out of the Third Great Disciples.’

I finally understood why they made that decision.

It wasn’t that they were lacking.

They were undoubtedly disciples of the Gu Paibang, specifically from the Hwasan Sect.

While they were strong martial artists for their age…

Recently, the opponents I faced were overwhelmingly more powerful.

‘After all, being at the top at such a young age is no trivial matter.’

These current geniuses, like Yeongpung and Nangong Bi-ah, were extraordinary.

Wondering if I was the only one feeling bored, I subtly glanced at Nangong Bi-ah.

Though her veiled face obscured a clear view, there was a subtle movement I detected.

Noticing this, I asked, “Did you just yawn?”

“…”

At my question, Nangong Bi-ah flinched and quickly averted her gaze.

Her tied-back hair swayed lightly.

I casually shifted my attention to Wi Seol-Ah, who, unlike Nangong Bi-ah and me, was watching the sparring stage with bright, sparkling eyes.

“Are you having fun?”

“Yes!”

Her cheerful voice was filled with unmasked emotions.

Perhaps it was because her gaze was different from mine.

Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd, pulling my attention to the sparring stage where one side had dropped their wooden sword to the ground.

“… I’ve lost.”

“Good job.”

The victor patted the loser’s shoulder lightly.

Probably, the one who lost was younger or had only recently joined as a disciple.

I could hear comments from those around me.

“This year’s skills are much higher than last year’s.”

“Only a year has passed, and everyone has changed this much makes me proud.”

“This is the Hwasan Sect…! Absolutely!”

Indeed, their perspective was entirely different from my battered view.

Even if it wasn’t from a martial artist’s perspective, it was still vastly different.

‘Am I the one who has changed?’

Since my return, perhaps I’ve grown accustomed to thinking I’m at the same level as them.

If that were the case, I needed to rethink my perspective.

This thought could possibly lead to the path of an evil spirit.

Having experienced it before, I felt the need to be extra cautious.

As I organized my thoughts, Nangong Bi-ah spoke up next to me.

“… It’s coming out.”

With that, my eyes brightened.

The surrounding buzz became evident.

“What? There was a girl among the disciples?”

“There wasn’t one last year… Did a new one join?”

“That can’t be! The Danju of the Upper House tried everything to get his youngest son into the Hwasan Sect, but was sharply turned down.”

On the sparring stage stood a girl dressed in a white Plum Blossom costume, holding a wooden sword with an upright posture.

Her black hair, tied back to the nape, bounced as she steadied her breath before speaking.

Amidst the attention and buzzing of countless people, her gaze was calm.

Or perhaps she was pretending to be calm; inside, she might be filled with a storm of thoughts.

I simply watched.

Finally, she drew her sword and took her stance.

Before the sparring began, the two faced each other and introduced themselves.

“… I am Yeongjin, the Second Great Disciple of Hwasan.”

“I am Gu Ryeonghwa, the First Great Disciple.”

Their voices weren’t loud, but they were clear enough to draw a reaction from the watching crowd.

After the introduction, the announcer called out, “Begin.”

With an exhale filled with energy, Gu Ryeonghwa’s duel began.

– What? A Second Great Disciple? How are they this young?

– I’ve never seen that face before, but since they are saying their name, they must be a new addition without any prior honors.

The surrounding murmurs were jarring, invading Gu Ryeonghwa’s focus as she tried hard to concentrate solely on her opponent.

The expression on the Three Great Disciples showed a hint of dissatisfaction.

That wasn’t mere discontent with the duel; they likely had grievances regarding their opponent.

After all, they definitely wouldn’t take her lightly.

Their greater frustration came from having to face a young girl rather than the duel they had anticipated.

Such uncomfortable and awkward emotions lingered.

Gu Ryeonghwa let out her breath, dissipating those feelings.

– I want to compete on the first day of the Jehwa Contest.

Gu Ryeonghwa hoped to face off against the other Second Great Disciples but had to cast that desire aside.

That was merely a pitiful stubbornness.

Fueled by the pride of being a teacher’s disciple and the simmering feelings of inadequacy that came with it.

She simply relinquished that, nothing more.

Shin Hyeon asked her if she was alright, and Gu Ryeonghwa nodded firmly in response.

Shin Hyeon’s question carried a multitude of hidden meanings.

Gu Ryeonghwa was well aware of that.

Slowly, she adjusted her grip on the wooden sword, fixing her gaze on her opponent.

‘I’m scared…’

Still terrified.

I wanted to run away at any moment.

The piercing stare was dreadful, and the atmosphere was tense.

No matter how much I cried out, the back, which never looked back, suffocated me.

“Begin—!”

As the cry echoed, her opponent lunged at Gu Ryeonghwa.

As if to conclude quickly, they unleashed their sword technique.

However, the power imbued in that visible sword was minimal.

It almost seemed like they were holding back on purpose.

Seeing this, Gu Ryeonghwa gritted her teeth.

Day and night, Gu Ryeonghwa had wielded her sword.

Every single day revolved solely around cultivating the Plum Blossom.

Her palms were torn and bloodied countless times, while her nosebleeds became a part of her daily life.

All of this was fueled by the desire to see the Plum Blossom bloom.

Thud—!

Gu Ryeonghwa’s opponent, Yeongjin, faltered at the blocked sword path.

It seemed like they hadn’t anticipated being stopped.

Though the power was still feeble, rather than blocking, the choice was made to deflect.

As she skillfully drew a crescent with her sword blade, Yeongjin’s weapon was swept aside.

With her awkward posture, her upper body became exposed.

Gu Ryeonghwa swung her sword towards that opening, but Yeongjin blocked it.

‘… It’s too late.’

In an instant, hesitation struck.

The moment she feared extending her sword, that fraction of pause became an issue.

Having learned something from that singular clash, Yeongjin adjusted her stance.

It seemed she resolved to not let her guard down.

“Ha…”

Taking a deep breath, Gu Ryeonghwa still found herself trembling.

The reason she wanted to bloom the Plum Blossom was solely for her swordmaster.

Before her teacher closed her eyes, she wished to bloom the flower and grant them peace.

The reason she stayed up late, laboring over her training, was for this very reason.

But now, considering it, blooming the Plum Blossom wasn’t something you could freely command.

Moreover, with the health of her swordmaster gradually improving, Gu Ryeonghwa felt lost in her goal to let the Plum Blossom bloom.

‘Why must I learn to wield my sword?’

It was good to be able to train with a recovering swordmaster.

Yet, Gu Ryeonghwa remained uncertain.

Noticing this, the swordmaster spoke to Gu Ryeonghwa one day.

– Discovering what to contain is essential first, isn’t it?

Seek the essence.

That was the first assignment given to Gu Ryeonghwa by her swordmaster.

To look for the meaning to channel into her sword; it was the first time her swordmaster spoke of something so abstract.

Whew—

Yeongjin’s sword brushed against Gu Ryeonghwa’s hair.

Unlike before, it was filled with steady power and form.

Even if it wasn’t genuine, it seemed to have a certain sincerity.

Gu Ryeonghwa maintained as much calmness as possible to avoid being swept away by the visible sword path.

If it isn’t the Plum Blossom, then what should I imbue in my sword?

It was a dilemma I repeated thousands of times over the past few days.

What could be penned down in the place where impatience washed away?

Revenge?

The vengeance towards the family that brought forth her mother’s tragic end.

Resentment towards the brother who once attempted to abandon her.

Should that be what she channels?

“Ugh!”

Gu Ryeonghwa struggled against Yeongjin’s blade, beginning to waver under the pressure.

Immediately following that, Yeongjin launched another assault.

The swordmaster’s swordplay emphasized defense.

Even if you learn the same style, if the intent varies, your perspective will also differentiate.

Don’t panic; you can deflect.

“What…?”

Yeongjin muttered with a hint of confusion.

She hadn’t expected Gu Ryeonghwa to successfully deflect what she thought was a sure strike.

Gradually, the roughness of Gu Ryeonghwa’s breathing began to stabilize.

‘That’s not what I want to contain.’

The painful and fearful memories remained, yet she didn’t wish to choose revenge for the sake of it.

She still harbored resentment towards Gu Yangcheong.

Yet, even amidst all that, she had begun to nurture a glimmer of hope in his transformed words and presence, her gaze sought him out again.

Foolish.

Despite all the pain endured, she hadn’t changed since waiting for her brother who sat on the ground.

In a nostalgic and complicated emotional state, she reflected on the words she inadvertently let slip.

– Can we return to how we were?

That was a wish for hope.

If Gu Yangcheong had said just one word back then, she might have pretended to return to her original self.

For Gu Ryeonghwa, that would have been an evasion, a mere escape.

She thought forgetting might make things easier.

‘Would that truly make it easier?’

Surely, back then, she could have forgotten.

Perhaps she could even forget forever.

That could be a form of peace, or a comfortable place to escape.

Living in ignorance was likely to be just that.

Yet.

That wasn’t what Gu Ryeonghwa desired.

While deflecting relentless strikes, her gaze remained fixed upon the audience seats.

Finding what she sought wasn’t overly difficult.

How many people in the world had the fierce eyes and crimson attire?

Sure enough, she spotted Gu Yangcheong amidst the spectators.

Watching him evoked almost a smile even in the midst of a spar.

He seemed as if he would just observe, yet wore a truly concerned expression.

What could have transpired in the past year with her brother?

She could feel the guilt and remorse brewing in Gu Yangcheong’s gaze fixed upon her.

He wanted to apologize, but she knew he couldn’t utter the words.

Yet, Gu Ryeonghwa didn’t press on why he couldn’t speak to her.

There was a distance between them.

Gu Yangcheong likely wouldn’t try to bridge that gap.

The thought led Gu Ryeonghwa to realize what she truly desired.

Swiftly—

Gu Ryeonghwa’s sword slipped past Yeongjin’s shoulder.

Though it connected lightly, causing little damage, the significance of the offense was evident.

In turn, a fiery light ignited in Yeongjin’s eyes.

Surely, her pride must have been hurt.

Even with that intense glare, Gu Ryeonghwa remained serene.

Her own steps began to carry more weight.

The energy starting from her Lower Dantian spread throughout her body.

If there’s distance between them, she could close it.

Yes, if they aren’t coming to her, she would go to them.

If returning to how it was isn’t possible, she would meet them in another form.

She would harbor resentment, she would get angry.

She would weep for the deep scars engraved on her heart.

Yet, in the end, she wanted to forgive.

If she truly sought to embody something else within her sword, she wished to channel these feelings.

Navigating through Yeongjin’s slicing sword path, Gu Ryeonghwa moved gracefully.

The flowering of talent can be abrupt.

She’d feel the pressure from her body, even amidst the rush of skills.

Despite being overwhelmed by strength, Gu Ryeonghwa felt oddly unafraid.

She advanced step by step, deflecting the approaching strikes.

As this unfolded, Yeongjin’s expression increasingly twisted into one of confusion.

The intent to swiftly overpower her and conduct the next bout just crumbled.

Yeongjin had been genuine from the start.

‘What in the world… ‘

Such was unimaginable, yet Yeongjin had experienced something very similar.

All the Three Great Disciples, including Yeongjin, had seen and felt it.

When she was younger, Yeongpung had acted just like this.

Although she’d come in much later, the rapid progression through the Plum Blossom Sword Technique among the disciples was a source of envy.

Grudging emotions stirred as the duel became complex.

Emotions intertwined with personal sentiments became erratic.

That is precisely how Yeongjin’s swordplay appeared now.

Gu Ryeonghwa didn’t miss the chance as her opponent’s movements grew larger.

The duel against Nangong Bi-ah had helped during moments like this.

Don’t miss the opportunity.

She deflected Yeongjin’s sword to create a gap, twisting her own sword into a motion that would sweep down and strike the wrist.

“Gah!”

With a short scream, the wooden sword skidded across the ground.

Simultaneously, Gu Ryeonghwa’s sword tip grazed Yeongjin’s neck.

Silence broke amongst the watchers, only to erupt in cheers.

As the duel concluded, Yeongjin stood with a shocked expression, cradling her wooden sword while acknowledging defeat.

“… I-I’ve lost…?”

Forcing down her frustrated emotions, Yeongjin confronted Gu Ryeonghwa’s smile for the first time.

Gu Ryeonghwa was smiling brightly.

Not with the usual sulky expression.

She beamed radiantly, as if she had enjoyed every moment, saying to Yeongjin.

“Great effort!”

“Y-Yes…!”

Yeongjin stuttered in response, still stunned by the refreshing tone.

Gu Ryeonghwa walked off the sparring stage.

Yeongjin wiped the beads of sweat that had formed during their match, staring after Gu Ryeonghwa.

The radiant smile she had just seen was likely to remain in her memory, as if enchanted.

After the duel concluded, the area was already filled with applause.

The recent bout had exemplified sequences of astonishment.

“… You won!”

Nangong Bi-ah exclaimed, seemingly taken aback.

Despite not seeing her face, she must have been thoroughly surprised.

I felt the same.

Never in my imagination did I think Gu Ryeonghwa would emerge victorious.

‘What just happened?’

Considering Gu Ryeonghwa from my previous life, it was even more perplexing.

Gu Ryeonghwa wasn’t an outstanding martial artist back then.

“… But the way she fought just now…”

Anyone who had thought about martial arts a bit would have sensed it.

Just how full of potential Gu Ryeonghwa’s display moments ago had been.

To further substantiate this, the elders gathered seemed to be engaged in some lively chatter.

Gu Ryeonghwa’s performance just now couldn’t have been a feat achieved overnight.

‘It was like she had unbound something that had been restrained within her.’

From afar, I locked eyes with Gu Ryeonghwa as she descended from the stage.

Gu Ryeonghwa waved cheerfully in my direction.

In that moment, I realized something had changed within her.

Her brilliant smile felt like something long constrained in her heart began to melt away.

Just moments ago, the Gu Ryeonghwa who seemed lost had shed something in that duel.

‘While I’m still stuck despite my reincarnation.’

Unlike me, that young girl seemed to have found her own path.

Not like my ineffective brother.

“Adorable.”

Nangong Bi-ah remarked, prompting a chuckle from me.

“Out of the blue?”

“… Your smile is cute.”

“Right!? It’s like Young Master is smiling!”

“… That’s not true.”

“Hey…”

At Wi Seol-Ah’s comment, Nangong Bi-ah tactfully rebutted.

Though it was a true statement, it left me feeling rather off.

While I spoke to Nangong Bi-ah, I also waved slightly towards Gu Ryeonghwa.

‘That’s that.’

I recalled how Yeongjin, Gu Ryeonghwa’s opponent, looked on in awe after the duel.

It stuck in my mind how she had been staring at Gu Ryeonghwa just before the duel ended.

“… I need to ask Yeongpung what that guy’s name was.”

I didn’t plan to do anything in particular, but something about him just rubbed me the wrong way.

 

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