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Chapter 127: The Girl Who Is Serious About Poisonous Plants. (1)

Upon hearing that the Sword Demoness would be having a meal, Tang Soyeol’s reaction became quite strange.

Her eyes darted about and her repeated awkward coughs were certainly noticeable.

Her body seemed unable to remain still, restless as she appeared.

I wondered why she acted like this, but considering the presence of the Sword Demoness and what she represented to female martial artists, it wasn’t too surprising.

Among the women skilled in swordsmanship, aside from the Demonic Faction’s Cutthroat, she had likely reached the highest realm.

The achievements she’s made in her relatively short life were ones even other martial artists with similar backgrounds couldn’t help but respect.

Even without wielding a sword, the Sword Demoness was someone deserving of admiration.

Even Nangong Bi-ah, who seemed indifferent to the world, visibly brightened when she spoke with the Sword Demoness on the way back to the Gu Clan.

“Um, I’ve heard that the Sword Demoness has been untraceable for years…”

“They just said she went on a trip for a while.”

I had heard her health had greatly recovered, but it was hard to speak plainly about why the Sword Demoness had hidden her existence for the past few years.

So, I had to dodge the topic a bit.

“Well then, what brings you to the Gu Clan?”

Tang Soyeol, who had been observing me, suddenly perked up, her eyes shimmering with interest, bursting with questions regarding the Sword Demoness.

She seemed very intrigued and even fond of her.

There was the fact that she came along with Gu Ryeonghwa, and she probably had business with the clan as well.

Of course, I couldn’t casually relay this to Tang Soyeol.

“It might be better to ask her directly when we see her. Since it’s not my story, I have to be careful.”

“Ah…”

Upon hearing my words, Tang Soyeol whispered as if it was a difficult matter. It seemed she was wondering if it was okay to approach her.

Wondering if she was shy…? Tang Soyeol?

I felt that didn’t quite fit her personality, but if she believed so, who was I to argue?

Leaving the fidgeting Tang Soyeol behind, I looked at Nangong Bi-ah, who had burrowed herself into the corner, visibly unwell.

She didn’t seem to be okay even earlier. Feeling a need to check on her, I approached, only for her to flinch as she waved my hand away moments before.

“Are you really okay?”

•••I’m fine….

She grabbed her long hair, trying to hide her face with it.

It seemed she was aware of how red her face was at that moment.

Just as I felt we might need divine intervention, I sensed a presence at the door. As I shifted my gaze, the door swung open.

“Brother, I’m here…”

The person who stepped in was Gu Ryeonghwa, whom I hadn’t seen since her return to the Gu Clan. She frowned as she gauged the situation in the room.

Tang Soyeol couldn’t sit still, her face lit with anticipation. Meanwhile, Nangong Bi-ah remained crumpled in the corner hiding her face with her hair.

It was surely an unusual sight from Gu Ryeonghwa’s perspective. She quickly shifted her gaze to me.

“…What’s going on?”

“Seriously…. What is even happening?”

I wanted to ask the same thing. I felt it was too convoluted to explain at this point.

So, I sighed deeply and asked Gu Ryeonghwa with a tired look.

“Didn’t we say we’d have a meal together today?”

“Yeah, of course! You really had no idea? We agreed on it last time.”

“I didn’t think it was today.”

“Ah, did I not mention that? Does it matter?”

As she said, it didn’t particularly matter. We could just eat.

“More guests seem to be arriving for the meal, is that alright?”

“Who’s the guest? Sister Bi-ah?”

At Gu Ryeonghwa’s inquiry, I gestured to Tang Soyeol. It seemed she was trying to gauge who the newcomer was with slight apprehension.

“She’s my younger sister. This is Tang Soyeol.”

“Ah, you’re from the Sichuan Tang Gate?”

“Ah, hello! I’m Tang Soyeol!”

Upon hearing me refer to her as my sister, she shot up excitedly and bowed.

Then Gu Ryeonghwa hurriedly matched her formality.

“I’m Gu Ryeonghwa…”

Gu Ryeonghwa looked at me with a confused expression, probably wondering why someone from the Tang Clan was here, but there was no way for me to clarify that.

– She said she liked me and came.

It was too much to say with my situation in mind.

Both of them were staring at each other, their expressions revealing their thoughts.

Gu Ryeonghwa seemed to think, ‘For someone from the Demonic Faction, she looks surprisingly gentle.’

While Tang Soyeol thought, ‘For a member of the Gu Clan, she looks notably kind.’

In reality, the Sichuan Tang Gate was infamous for their deadly martial arts that melted flesh and decayed bodies, yet she was known for her gentle demeanor. Gu Ryeonghwa had rather soft-looking eyes for someone from the Gu Clan.

There was somehow a certain resemblance between them, which reminded me of the time Wi Seol-Ah had called Gu Ryeonghwa a squirrel. I nearly burst out laughing.

I remembered laughing then, only to get kicked in the shin by Gu Ryeonghwa for it. Suppressing my laughter as the memory popped up, I asked Gu Ryeonghwa.

“Where’s your Master?”

“Brother, why are you laughing?”

“I’m not laughing, you brat…”

“It really looks like you are.”

“I’m telling you, I’m not! Just keep your feet still!”

“Cheh.”

Talk about being quick on the uptake. Must take after someone.

[Definitely not me.]

‘….’

“My Master said they have something to do, so I’m here first.”

Looks like the Sword Demoness will be late. Gu Ryeonghwa continued and gave a glance back at Nangong Bi-ah.

“Why is that sister acting like that?”

“I don’t know, just go ask her.”

She seemed to dislike me, so I told Gu Ryeonghwa to check instead.

As Gu Ryeonghwa tried to head that way, Tang Soyeol blocked her path.

“Sister said she’s a little tired today. She’ll feel better soon!”

“Ah, I see….”

“By the way, um… is Gu Soyeol a disciple of the Sword Demoness…?”

Tang Soyeol cautiously inquired about the Sword Demoness with Gu Ryeonghwa. Gu Ryeonghwa seemed to have a moment of alarm but subtly nodded in acknowledgment.

In the past, she might have tried to hide the truth for the safety of the Sword Demoness, but these days, she seems to radiate confidence.

It might be due to Gu Ryeonghwa’s talent blossoming and the Sword Demoness regaining her health.

Tang Soyeol reached for Gu Ryeonghwa’s hand. For a moment, Gu Ryeonghwa seemed surprised by Tang Soyeol’s action but didn’t pull away.

“W-Why are you doing this?”

“Gu Soyeol….”

“Yes…?”

Tang Soyeol, who had been somewhat flustered, mustered the courage to ask, “Does the Sword Demoness perhaps have a favorite poison?”

“Eh?”

Gu Ryeonghwa looked puzzled by Tang Soyeol’s question, while Nangong Bi-ah, hidden in the corner, peeked out as if she hadn’t heard correctly.

I swept my hand across my face, finding it hard to believe how chaotic this was.

It turns out this chaos was on another level entirely.

As Gu Ryeonghwa likely arrived at the Gu Clan before the Sword Demoness, she had climbed the mountain behind the clan home.

Night had deepened, and though the rocky mountain path was rough, it was nothing challenging for the Sword Demoness, who had regained about half of her strength.

Woooo—

As she passed a certain point, a ringing noise echoed in her ears. The Sword Demoness wasn’t flustered.

This was the sensation of an Energy Barrier passing by.

To have an Energy Barrier set up midway up the mountain.

How much Qi had she used, and how much was needed for such a feat? The Sword Demoness herself couldn’t even fully comprehend.

Once she reached a blunt flatland, she found someone standing there with their hands crossed behind their back.

Seeing him, the Sword Demoness spoke.

“I didn’t expect you to arrive early.”

“I dislike keeping someone waiting.”

“That’s right; you always got here faster than us.”

Standing under the moonlight was none other than Sword Sovereign.

The Sword Demoness slowly moved her feet closer to Sword Sovereign.

“It’s been a long time since we last met.”

“Yeah… how have you been?”

It had been months since their last encounter. Sword Sovereign had been riding when the Sword Demoness arrived nearby.

There was no way the Sword Demoness would fail to recognize Sword Sovereign.

She couldn’t understand why he was driving a carriage for the Gu Clan, but she merely continued to watch him in silence.

“Great Lord.”

At the Sword Demoness’ call, Sword Sovereign smiled bitterly.

“Even Shin Yi and everyone else calls me that; I’m a mere old man now, of little consequence.”

“If that’s your wish, I’ll address you as Elder.”

“…It wouldn’t matter how I’m called now. It won’t change anything.”

“How have you fared during those years?”

Was it only a few years? At least, it was sufficiently long since the Sword Demoness had gone to the Demonic Gate before experiencing various events.

Ten years.

Or even longer.

Sword Sovereign had resigned from his position as the Great Lord and disappeared, and Gu Cheolun, who had once been the leader of the Star Dragon Faction, had dissolved the Sword Team and assumed leadership of the clan.

During that time, the Sword Demoness had headed to the Demonic Gate. She sought to discover many things, to understand many mysteries, yet—

She ended up knowing things that perhaps she should not have known, losing far more in the process.

“What did you think?”

Sword Sovereign inquired, while the Sword Demoness remained silent.

She merely continued to look at Sword Sovereign.

He had aged. The man who once seemed invincible was now nothing more than an elderly man worn down by time.

The lines of his face were deep, the shadows hinting at the hardship he must have endured.

Still, the Sword Demoness couldn’t empathize with him.

“A lot of time has passed; I’ve also grown older.”

The woman who had left to chase after the dream of settling conflicts now found herself in middle age.

“I have seen many things and learned much, but I still cannot understand the things you have done, Great Lord.”

“Even Shin Yi said the same.”

“Why did you do it?”

This was the question the Sword Demoness had long wanted to ask.

Why did it happen?

“Dozens of heroic blades who trusted and followed you lost their lives.”

The reason Shin Yi despised him was the same reason the Sword Demoness harbored resentment toward Sword Sovereign.

The annihilation of the Star Dragon Faction.

The Sword Demoness could still vividly recall that day they were dispatched to the Demonic Gate per the command of the Great Lord, when the Star Dragon Faction met their doom.

She felt deep regret over not being able to join them, and sorrow upon witnessing the youngest member of the Sword Team take their own life in the end.

“I am not here to merely discuss sacrifices.”

Sacrifices are a necessary condition. When attempting to achieve something, without sacrifices, nothing comes to fruition.

That was why they needed a cause and to hold beliefs dearly.

Everyone in the Star Dragon Faction had felt that way.

They were ready to die for their comrades rather than live for themselves.

Those willing to sacrifice for their ambitions, without hesitation, sought the path of sacrifice.

Even if the Sword Demoness had perished in the Demonic Gate during that time, she would have had no regrets.

Furthermore, when those who survived later took their own lives, the Sword Demoness did not blame Sword Sovereign.

Even when she heard the news that a reckless operation had led to the annihilation of the Sword Team, she felt no resentment toward the Great Lord.

She believed it was a necessary death, thinking that her breath was taken to achieve peace in the world—a glorious sacrifice.

That was what she attempted to convince herself to believe.

Until she learned the truth.

“So please, answer me.”

The Sword Demoness spoke while drawing her sword.

Sword Sovereign, observing her, made no move whatsoever.

“What were we meant to die for? Truly….”

The sword’s tip began to gleam with a deep crimson light.

“Was it to save the child of the Great Lord?”

At the Sword Demoness’ words, Sword Sovereign’s gaze trembled slightly.

As the shining aura deepened, light began to envelop the Sword Demoness.

“…I’m sorry.”

As Sword Sovereign uttered a powerless apology, the sword tip lunged toward him, slicing through the air.

BAM—!

With an overwhelming sound that reverberated all around, a pressure radiated in all directions, stirring up a thick cloud of dust.

What had once been a flat ground was now turned to ruins, detecting a path of razor-sharp traces left by her blade.

Trees and rocks were swept aside, broken in half.

In the wake of the Sword Demoness’ incredible might, the dust settled, revealing Sword Sovereign standing there as unscathed as ever, as he was when he first arrived.

The Sword Demoness gazed upon this scene, a bitter smile forming on her lips. Though her body had been damaged by the Impurity Qi, compared to the last time she saw him, she had grown stronger.

From that day onward, she’d committed herself to practicing her sword, relentlessly.

Not for the sake of revenge.

For she had vowed not to wield the sword against him.

Nonetheless, the gap between them felt as vast as ever.

“Do you wish for my death?”

“If that’s what you want, what will you do?”

“If I did, I would do so. I no longer believe my life holds any worth….”

“…!”

“However, for now… I still cannot die.”

In Sword Sovereign’s hands, there held nothing.

He simply stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the Sword Demoness, and yet she felt not even an ounce of hope that she could triumph over him.

His presence was not something to be earned by making bets or showing some show-off skill.

What was felt was an overwhelming energy that only those who had reached that realm could possess.

Though a difference she had never sensed before now loomed over her—a stone wall that felt insurmountable.

The Sword Demoness accepted none of it with ease.

“That is a contradictory statement.”

“I am sorry…”

“Is it because of the child?”

“…”

“I also saw the child. Such a lovely girl.”

Was it Wi Seol-Ah, the girl they said was Sword Sovereign’s granddaughter?

She was a beautiful child. Just watching her gentle nature and her care for those around her brought an involuntary smile to her face.

However, as the Sword Demoness slowly regained her strength, she began to perceive the enormous presence that the child possessed.

In another way, one might say that the child’s presence could seem entirely non-existent.

But to the Sword Demoness, it felt like the absolute opposite.

It was such an overwhelming power that nothing else could be felt.

That was how she perceived it.

Upon the Sword Demoness’ inquiry, Sword Sovereign offered no reply.

“What do you dream of?”

“…Just.”

“Do you wish for the child to be happy? Is that your dream?”

Her voice had sharpened.

“If you could dream of such things, then you should not have acted this way.”

The youngest of the Sword Team had taken her own life in the folds of the Wudang disciples, and now she cried in the Sword Demoness’ embrace.

Though past the age of innocence, she sought to protect others, yet fear coursed through her as she took her own breath away in the end.

“I don’t know what you and the Great Lord must have seen to be living like this, but it’s just an excuse for your narrow-mindedness—you’re running away.”

The great tree rooted in the Demonic Gate, even when she saw it, despair had washed over her; she too had faced death but didn’t abandon hope.

They must have witnessed something far worse than she had.

The Sword Demoness couldn’t grasp it.

“I had wished to die at the hands of the Great Lord.”

“How could…!”

“Not long ago, that was indeed the case. Yet now, no matter how I seek, I cannot find a single trace of you.”

The why behind Sword Sovereign’s sudden return, the Sword Demoness didn’t want to know right now.

“Now, after wanting to die, I’ve found a reason to live.”

The beautiful disciple grew day by day. She wished to die once but, having regained her time, began longing to live.

“I don’t know what you see and live for. I cannot bring myself to forgive you.”

She would not forgive him for her entire life.

He was not the one who owed her an apology.

“I had hoped at the very least for you not to be in such a state… yet even this expectation fell short.”

As it stood, he resembled the mighty figure who once looked down upon the world from a place far above all.

If that were the case, it might have offered her some ease.

She could have raged, resent, and sensed defeat while still wielding the sword.

“What did Taeryong say in his last moments?”

Taeryong was the name of the youngest who had perished.

“He said it was terrifying. Living, enduring.”

-Sister… I’m so scared….

The Sword Demoness nearly lost herself as her eyes filled with tears and her grip on the sword tightened.

For a moment, she sought to swing it once more but stifled her emotions and held back.

“I… Once everything is finished, I will end my own life and meet them to atone.”

“… It’s not likely I’ll come to see the Great Lord again after today.”

So did Gu Cheolun, and so Sword Sovereign too seemed to have many unsaid words and reasons.

But here they were.

No matter what stories lay hidden, the events of the past would not disappear, nor could they be justified.

For the Sword Demoness, living to seek revenge now bore something far too precious within her.

Thus, she would endure.

Sword Sovereign’s death, her own death.

It was merely a question she wished to ask, and with that, the Sword Demoness achieved her purpose.

“Was it also for that child you sought me out?”

Though Sword Sovereign did not respond, his silence spoke volumes.

How had it come to this for Sword Sovereign?

She had never believed he was such a man.

He was someone who picked up a sword for the peace of the Central Plains, holding beliefs and convictions as grand as steel hidden behind a domineering exterior.

“I do not know what has made the Great Lord so weak, but I hope you do not lose even a bit of that positivity.”

With that, the Sword Demoness sheathed her sword.

A thought crossed her mind. If only she were stronger than Sword Sovereign, would she have been able to spare him now?

‘…I don’t know.’

The inability to provide a conclusive answer only meant that she herself was not a complete person either.

She needed a target for her resentment, and after having found it, she simply poured out all the emotions she had kept bottled up inside.

“I will take my leave first. Thank you for coming out to meet me.”

Turning away, the Sword Demoness began her descent along the mountainside.

Her disciple must be waiting, and so she quickened her pace.

Left behind Sword Sovereign remained, accompanied only by the rising moonlight.

Hiding his trembling hands, Sword Sovereign knelt upon one knee. At the same time, the Energy Barrier that had spread across the mountain vanished in an instant.

“…I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

He covered his face with his wrinkled hands. No tears remained to be shed.

He could only wait for the moment he could end this useless life.

As he envisioned the moment he must end this life, Sword Sovereign quietly sobbed.

Upon arriving at the place where Gu Ryeonghwa awaited, the Sword Demoness followed the attendant’s guidance to reach a gathering of people.

She hid away all her stacked emotions and turned her expression around. She had a clever disciple; if she didn’t cut off her thoughts, the child would surely notice her abnormality.

Taking a steadier breath, she opened the door, and someone burst out from within.

“Hello…!”

At first, she thought it was Gu Ryeonghwa, but the dark green hair gave it away that it was not.

Wondering whose attire it might be (it certainly brought to mind a certain clan), she looked closely.

The girl, Tang Soyeol, shyly presented something to the Sword Demoness.

“This is medicine made from herbless grass…! It’s great for skin! Please accept it…!”

Herbless grass…?

‘…Isn’t that a poisonous plant?’

Feeling shocked, the Sword Demoness looked at Tang Soyeol, who merely smiled shyly.

Puh-wup—!

Gu Yangcheong, who had been drinking tea, spat it out.

He hadn’t expected the girl to offer actual poison.

“…Brother.”

“…Ah.”

And coincidentally, Gu Ryeonghwa, seated opposite, was drenched by the spray.

“Apologies.”

Quick as lightning, Gu Yangcheong offered a hasty apology, but already Gu Ryeonghwa’s face contorted into a ghastly sight.

At that, Gu Yangcheong nodded, confirming his realization.

Seeing that face, Gu Ryeonghwa certainly seemed to embody the traits of the Gu Clan.

‘…That’s terrifying to look at.’

“You crazy brat!”

 

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