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Chapter 151: Friendship Martial Arts Tournament (3)

The Friendship Martial Arts Tournament. (3)

Tang Soyeol is the late-born child.

Just considering the age difference with her elder brother, Tang Juyeok, made it clear.

Perhaps because of that,

Even their father, the clan leader, treated Tang Juyeok like dirt, yet doted affectionately on his daughter, Tang Soyeol.

So much so that, when talks of engagement with the Nangong Clan surfaced, Tang Soyeol threw a tantrum and disrupted it.

She grew up receiving lots of love.

Given that sibling relationships in esteemed bloodlines often aren’t great, this closeness must be attributed to such reasons.

The fact that she had no claim to the succession rights surely aided that too.

“Daughter.”

“Yes.”

“Whenever a man you like appears, bring him to me first.”

“Why?”

“…It’s nothing special, I just want to see his face first.”

Hearing her father’s words made Tang Soyeol think she absolutely should never do such a thing.

And understandably so, the poison emanating from her father’s body didn’t feel like it would lead to anything good.

Poison.

It’s something Tang Soyeol was most familiar with and felt close to.

Many loved her as the precious daughter of the Tang Clan, partly due to this unusual talent.

Tang Soyeol possessed the most exceptional physique among all the descendants of the Tang Clan.

Not only did she have resistance to poison, but she also showed remarkable talent in poison-related martial arts techniques.

The evidence of this was the emerald-green glow in one of her young eyes.

At the threshold of Immunity to All Poisons.

Even the greatest martial artist in Tang Clan history, Poison Heavenly River Tang Je-mun, couldn’t attain Immunity to All Poisons.

Many say,

Tang Soyeol might reach such a grand achievement.

Truth be told, she wasn’t particularly interested in that: just that the poisonous herbs matched her taste and she enjoyed consuming them.

Her proficiency in poison techniques naturally rose with the magic pills bestowed by the clan, and she eventually earned the name Poison Phoenix.

From the start, Tang Soyeol had no desire for martial prowess.

“Just go with the flow.”

Be satisfied with what’s given.

This was the purpose of life Tang Soyeol dreamed of.

Thus, when faced with the Sword Peak and Sword Dragon, she didn’t despair upon seeing their immense talent.

When meeting Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah, she couldn’t envy their otherworldly beauty.

She was content with herself.

Tang Soyeol considered this a personal strength.

Up until now.

To be precise, until she met him.

Thud-!

As something dripped down her lips, she confirmed it was blood.

Blood was flowing from her nose.

“What was that…?”

Her vision wobbled.

She was sure she had dodged the strike. What happened?

Tang Soyeol steadied her trembling eyes and focused on her opponent.

The boy who had claimed to be the son of the clan leader from Tae Ryung.

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Tang Soyeol had a rather unpleasant first impression of him.

Starting with his appearance, which didn’t sit well.

Though he possessed a soft demeanor like the Sword Dragon she had encountered before.

He looked a bit sleazy, and there was something about him that felt shady.

“…I feel sick already.”

Tang Soyeol knew her tastes were a bit peculiar.

The reactions around her were telling, and it was impossible for the person in question not to notice it.

But it didn’t matter.

What’s important if tastes differ? There must be someone out there who matches her preferences.

She had even encountered such a person, so she was fine.

“I was indeed lucky to find him…”

The problem was that the powerful surrounding him were all women!

“Calm down, Soyeol.”

She cleared her thoughts from her mind. For now, they were in the sparring match.

She had only just begun.

Tang Soyeol first created some distance.

Her body trembled slightly. Perhaps the shock was still lingering.

Was she careless?

No, she hadn’t lowered her guard.

It was none other than Gu Yangcheong, the one her opponent had said was strong.

It was somewhat funny that she had tensed her entire body over someone else’s words.

But for some reason, his words always did this to her.

Tang Soyeol gathered her energy.

As she did, she winced at the sudden pain she felt.

“Something inside is hurt.”

The energy didn’t move as she wished.

Was it because of that recent blow?

What exactly happened?

Tang Soyeol still couldn’t comprehend.

The sparring match began, and Tang Soyeol faced Jang Seonyeon.

In the fleeting exchange of blows, she had clearly avoided the strike.

Jang Seonyeon’s sword wasn’t particularly fast.

Certainly, the swords used by the Thunder Dragon and Sword Dragon were much faster.

Having faced them before, she was certain of this.

“Then why?”

Questions shouldn’t linger for too long.

Even if it was a sparring match, it had to resemble a real fight.

Realizing that her energy wasn’t moving properly, Tang Soyeol immediately reached for her concealed dagger.

Weapons and techniques provided in the Friendship Martial Arts Tournament were often dull.

The rule against using one’s own favored weapon was included.

This was detrimental to the characteristics of the Tang Clan’s martial arts.

Others felt the same way, but for someone who used poison techniques and magical skills, unfamiliar tools were incredibly inconvenient.

Ting-! Ting!

The daggers flew at her opponent, clattering to the ground after faintly meeting swords a few times.

It didn’t matter.

It was merely a diversion anyway.

Suuuuu…

The green energy shimmered around Tang Soyeol’s dagger.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t use her energy at all.

If she could use just a little, it wouldn’t hinder her martial arts.

Tang Soyeol’s small stature shot forward like an arrow.

She reached her opponent quicker than the blink of an eye.

Her hand moved, leaving five marks in the air.

Swoosh!

Tang Clan’s Poison Seven Flashes.

The seven energies laced with poison were dubbed so because they resembled a snake’s fangs.

Yet, due to her low realm, Tang Soyeol could only unleash five.

However, even that was no small feat.

Especially considering her age, it was by far more than enough.

As she watched the green light soar, Tang Soyeol sighed in relief.

“I hit…!”

It was too late to dodge. The distance was just right to incapacitate…

Wooong…

“…Guh…!?”

A groan escaped Tang Soyeol’s lips, tinged with agony.

In that instant, a powerful impact surged through her, scattering the energy she was barely keeping in check.

As a result, Poison Seven Flashes broke apart before reaching her opponent.

Thud-!

“…!!”

Something struck heavily into Tang Soyeol’s abdomen.

Feeling it, it was surely the hilt of the sword.

She had sensed a slight energy there, as the impact jumbled her insides.

Along with the shock, Tang Soyeol’s body was sent flying backward.

She barely managed to land through her roll.

“Cough… Huff…!”

With her insides writhing and her senses spinning, as her energy dispersed, her body crumpled to her knees.

Drip, drip.

Blood flowed down her lips.

In a rush, she tried to rise, but her trembling knees wouldn’t obey.

“…Just now… just now.”

Clutching her abdomen while groaning, Tang Soyeol looked at Jang Seonyeon, who stood still in her original spot.

Though she held her sword up, there was no significant movement.

Her expression hinted that she seemed worried about Tang Soyeol flying away, but her face did not inspire confidence.

More importantly, Tang Soyeol had to recall the recent exchange.

“…Sound.”

Before the impact to her abdomen, the sensation that disrupted her energy.

It was undoubtedly from Jang Seonyeon’s sword.

“Sword Name…?”

Could it be that Jang Seonyeon had reached that level in her realm?

She couldn’t be sure.

After all, Sword Name wasn’t a martial art technique.

At least, that’s what she understood.

“Then… it must be sound technique (音功)?”

If that’s the case, it holds the highest probability.

If it’s producing shockwaves through sound, then it could only be the sound technique.

Of course, being the son of the renowned musician, it could suffice.

‘Is their level that outstanding?’

The sound technique itself had a significantly high difficulty, thus couldn’t be attempted on a low level.

If Tang Soyeol attempted to learn it now, she’d end up using an immense amount of energy and likely collapse even before mastering it.

‘Does that mean it can be used while sparring…?’

Sound emitted through a sword, this peculiar combination explained why the clan leader was known as the musician.

Jang Seonyeon merely looked like a young boy.

Surely, she hadn’t shown any difference from the likes of Gu Yangcheong, whom she held in high regard.

Through that last exchange, Tang Soyeol felt certain.

She couldn’t defeat that boy.

‘Our levels are different…’

Tang Soyeol fell under the weaker ranks of the Five Dragon Three Peaks, yet compared to other late-stage talents, Jang Seonyeon felt different.

Being humble, she could see it more precisely.

Jang Seonyeon hadn’t even tapped into her full potential.

She barely stopped the blood flowing from her lips.

During that time, Jang Seonyeon didn’t approach Tang Soyeol.

Was she waiting?

It didn’t feel like that at all.

“…Is she perhaps hoping for me to forfeit?”

For a martial artist, to forfeit was an insult that could shatter one’s pride.

It signified fleeing without a fair fight.

That, even for someone known as Poison Phoenix like herself.

“Is that what she hopes for?”

Tang Soyeol suddenly found herself pondering that.

Could it be this boy’s wish?

She felt an ill-fated notion wearing her heart thin.

While at this point, she still couldn’t figure out Jang Seonyeon.

She tried to rise again, but once more stumbled and sank back down.

Understanding what Jang Seonyeon intended to convey or not.

“…Should I forfeit?”

Knowing that no matter what, she couldn’t win, it seemed she wouldn’t mind whatever happened.

“Even trying hard leads to hardship.”

Silently disappointed, she accepted that some things just weren’t meant to be.

Even if this incident tarnished her title as Poison Phoenix, she didn’t particularly care.

Unlike others, the name Poison Phoenix wasn’t something she desperately wanted to uphold.

Casting away her gaze from Jang Seonyeon, she scanned her surroundings.

Near the sparring stage, many were already watching her intently.

Expressions of shock and awe filled the pairs of eyes trained on Jang Seonyeon.

Surely, given that overwhelming difference, it was expected.

While observing such stares, Tang Soyeol sighed heavily, thinking her father might become somewhat despondent over this.

Ultimately, as she was about to open her mouth to concede,

She spotted someone in the distance.

Crimson robe, sharp eyes.

Standing a bit away, a boy regarded her.

“Gu Gongja…?”

Tang Soyeol was shocked at how easily she could recognize Gu Yangcheong among the crowd.

She was further surprised by the worry etched on his face.

“Why is he worried about me?”

Why would someone who seemed utterly indifferent to others show concern for her?

Perhaps it was affecting her heart, causing it to race uncontrollably.

She knew she shouldn’t allow these feelings during the sparring match.

“Hu…”

A breath she couldn’t hold slipped out.

The heat mingled with her breath, probably due to her body running hot against her will.

“I’m done for… I really feel like I’m done for.”

Just discovering that Gu Yangcheong cared for her made her heat up like this.

“If that’s the case, just make him fully disregard me…”

It was amusing how resentful she felt towards Gu Yangcheong for not fully ignoring her.

Did he know how terrible he was at lying?

It reminded her of the journey to Hanam.

Both Nangong Bi-A and Wi Seol-Ah were slender and pretty, always nibbling on food.

Gu Yangcheong seemed to catch on as he asked Tang Soyeol one day.

-Are you hungry?

-Yes?

-I noticed you’ve been eating less than usual.

-Ah, no, I’m fine. Gu Gongja… I just… don’t have much of an appetite.

-…I see.

The conversation wrapped up nonchalantly, and Tang Soyeol scolded herself.

She should have continued that conversation a bit longer.

After some time passed,

– Miss.

– Yes?

– This is from Gu Gongja, asking to deliver it to you…

After mealtime, the attendant began bringing her something repeatedly.

She heard that Gu Yangcheong had asked for this.

– Ah, this… Gu Gongja told me not to mention it.

Though a bit off from what Gu Yangcheong intended to convey.

Was it perhaps from that previous conversation?

When she later inquired, he merely clicked his tongue, saying, “…I’ve been exposed.”

Tang Soyeol found that face rather charming.

Gu Yangcheong stated he hated anyone starving.

What a ridiculous thought. How much could the bloodline of the mighty Tang Clan possibly starve?

When it was cold, he would subtly draw closer to share warmth.

It wasn’t as if he had learned Fire Technique for that.

“What is this?” She would ponder, yet Gu Yangcheong merely answered with the same old line.

“It’s just part of my training.”

A lie.

He couldn’t meet her eyes, and the tone of his responses always seemed rigid.

A blatant lie to anyone’s eyes.

Just a fabricated story to hide his embarrassment.

“I know you don’t do this for just me.”

Tang Soyeol understood that Gu Yangcheong’s surly kindness wasn’t directed solely at her.

But rather, it was unconditional for all around him.

Even if his tone often dripped with annoyance,

His actions were none other than warm as his martial arts.

How could one not love that?

How could one not approach him?

What started as a simple infatuation based solely on his looks may eventually hint at deeper feelings.

But now, since she could see inside him,

Tang Soyeol relinquished the notion of holding onto him.

“…Let it go…”

She sensed Gu Yangcheong’s gaze resting on her from afar.

– If we meet on the sparring stage, could you do me one favor?

She recalled confidently saying that.

Now that this situation looms, she was ready to let go.

This was how she’d always been.

Initially, she had felt overwhelmed with Sword Peak and then Sword Dragon’s talents.

So she fled.

Thinking this would suffice. Having the title of Poison Phoenix was enough.

She didn’t need to become the best under heaven.

It was the same for everything else.

From the very beginning, she had given up on becoming clan leader, thus relinquished much.

She had accepted what she couldn’t become, deciding enough was enough.

However, in regard to him, she could no longer just let it go.

She didn’t want to run away.

She couldn’t stand the thought of giving up even more.

She wanted to be next to him.

Thus, when Gu Yangcheong casually mentioned to drop the formalities, she found herself shocked.

She had thought herself cowardly.

Achieving relationships like this was something fueling her unease.

She almost spoke of forfeiting, but swallowed the words back down.

Tang Soyeol rose once more.

Forcing her unresponsive body awake.

Wiping away the blood wetting her chin.

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

Regardless of Jang Seonyeon’s intentions, she had to vocalize this.

For he indeed had waited for her.

Even saying those words twisted her insides.

Simultaneously, her lower dantian shrieked in protest.

The energy within her felt as though it were wild, rampaging through her.

“May I ask you once more?”

She didn’t show any sign. Gu Yangcheong was likely watching. She had to show a fine face.

She didn’t want Gu Yangcheong wearing that worried expression.

Tang Soyeol wasn’t someone who wanted to cause concern to Gu Yangcheong.

She wanted to be someone who could stand proudly beside him.

At her words, Jang Seonyeon shifted her expression.

A face that was visibly taken aback.

Why wear that expression?

“…How fascinating.”

Jang Seonyeon spoke with a tone slightly different from the polite, gentle voice Tang Soyeol had heard during the event.

Before she could finish her short sentence, Jang Seonyeon shifted her stance.

She pointed her sword tip toward Tang Soyeol.

Tang Soyeol, too, clenched her teeth.

It was clear that he was about to do something, but there was no way for her to stop it.

She merely infused her dagger with energy as before.

Inside her, she screamed.

Forcing her energy that didn’t budge brought stabs of pain all throughout her body.

Poison Seven Flashes.

One of the clandestine techniques of the Tang Clan.

The vibrant green energy bloomed like wreathed mist.

Moreover, she could feel a growing warmth in one of her eyes.

Was it because of the pain?

That sensation felt different.

Above all, it felt refreshing.

Like breaking out of one’s shell, a cleansing sensation and refreshing vitality spread within her.

To validate this, her energy became clearer and firmer compared to before.

‘Why?’

Clearly her energy hadn’t moved of its own accord.

Despite sustaining that recent blow, her body still felt twisted.

But as it turned out, her senses were clearer than earlier. Somehow, it felt like she might manage something.

As Tang Soyeol steadied her breathing and prepared to charge at Jang Seonyeon again,

Thud-!

In an instant, she felt a sharp pain in her head and fell to the ground.

Jang Seonyeon had come close and struck her head with the hilt of her sword.

In a split second, the situation unfolded, and the referee overseeing the martial arts tournament quickly opened his mouth.

“The winner… Jang Seonyeon.”

With the referee’s words, cheers erupted around them.

People often welcomed such unexpected situations.

Especially for a martial artist.

Currently, it was of great significance for Tang Soyeol, who was known as Poison Phoenix among the Five Dragon Three Peaks, to have lost to someone whose name was yet to be properly spread.

Jang Seonyeon, the very person involved, looked down at the fallen Tang Soyeol with icy eyes.

With her head slightly bowed, nobody could see her expression.

Bloodied and somewhat pitiable, Tang Soyeol’s face lay collapsed.

Jang Seonyeon gazed at her for a moment until she could smile again.

After the first sparring match concluded, there was a brief waiting period.

Having been knocked out in the match, Tang Soyeol was swiftly moved to the medical room within the clan.

She still vividly felt it. Nangong Bi-A dashing off the moment the sparring session ended, dragging Tang Soyeol along.

‘She doesn’t seem to have thought of intervening.’

Drawing a furious fist, Nangong Bi-A seemed shivering in rage as she watched.

Tang Soyeol wiped the blood off her face and closed her eyes quietly.

There was no injury, and they’d told her she’d soon awaken, so all she needed was to wait.

“I knew I wouldn’t win.”

She understood.

That she wouldn’t be able to beat Jang Seonyeon.

Despite knowing this, she had harbored a small expectation.

‘Was I trying to surpass a wall?’

The last image Tang Soyeol had shown before her defeat.

Unlike Muyeon and Yeongpung, she hadn’t reached her wall yet.

Surely the faint aura that surrounded her during the final moments was reminiscent of what lay beyond the wall.

‘Even leaving it be would not have crossed over.’

No matter what realization she gained, it wasn’t a level she could reach.

She had only briefly touched the waters.

Even Jang Seonyeon surely wouldn’t have realized that quickly.

Shouldn’t she have felt something and hurriedly moved?

‘What on earth is that?’

The expression Jang Seonyeon had worn, and the sight of her standing quietly at the end.

As she pondered them, someone gently held her hand.

“…Gong…za?”

“Are you awake?”

“…Ah.”

Tang Soyeol cradled her head and rose.

Once she surveyed her surroundings, a shy smile adorned her face.

“I guess I lost.”

Her smile held lingering disappointment.

“I didn’t expect to lose from the start… It’s so embarrassing. To say I’d ascend after all that.”

It’s alright.

“Yes?”

“You were great. In your own way.”

A martial artist who doesn’t waver in spirit deserves respect.

Even in her previous life, she had been someone who was sufficiently worthy of being called a martial artist.

“…Despite losing…?”

What she wanted to say widened her eyes.

She probably sensed something amiss.

Unable to hold her gaze on her, Tang Soyeol stood up.

“…Shortly, the physician and Bi-A will be coming.”

“Wait, Gongza, just a moment… you’ve just spoken informally…”

“Good work.”

“W-Wait!”

Tang Soyeol desperately tried to grab me, but I slipped away and closed the door behind me.

Unlike when she had dropped the formalities with Nangong Bi-A, it felt significantly more embarrassing.

‘…’

After all, they wouldn’t be meeting for a while anyway.

I desperately composed my expression, which was threatening to crumble.

I also revised my mindset — intending to treat this sparring match with care.

Somewhat, just a tad bit, I felt like I should take it more seriously.

 

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