---

The first day of the main event had ended, and night had fallen.

We arrived at an inn right after the scheduled events, and it was packed with an unusually large crowd.

“Wow… I might not even find a place to sit.”

It wasn’t usually this crowded; must be due to the martial arts tournament causing a gathering of this scale.

“Well, Moyong Soja said she’d saved us a spot, so it’s probably fine, right?”

Tang Soyeol said with a smile.

That’s true.

Since it was Moyong Hi-ah who summoned us, she must have secured a place for us without a doubt.

After all, she was a woman who disliked bustling places.

Seeing Tang Soyeol speaking amongst the crowd made me chuckle.

“You seem in a good mood?”

“Yeah? Hehe…”

Winning made her feel that good?

Tang Soyeol appeared to be radiating joy much more than usual.

Her swaying gestures were clear signs of her upbeat mood.

‘…She looked a bit scary up there on the sparring stage.’

When she was unleashing blows with Yu Tan-Geom, her expression was fierce enough to intimidate me.

I think she wore that same fierce look when Poison Empress had slain a member of the Demonic Sect in her previous life.

Even with the passage of time, that same expression seemed to remain unchanged.

And also.

‘She has grown much stronger.’

Tang Soyeol had become far more powerful than I anticipated.

I expected she would have reached the Transformation Realm, but it seemed she had surpassed that entirely.

‘She didn’t even use her martial arts.’

Poison Technique and Demonic Skills.

She hadn’t used the martial arts taught to blood relatives in the Tang Clan. The techniques she employed were…

‘The Power of the King of Demons.’

It was only the power of the King of Demons that I had seen before.

Forming a barrier of blackness that created a dissonant space within. It was definitely an uncomfortable force.

The problem is.

‘It’s hard to even call that a martial art.’

The Power of the King of Demons stemmed from his transformed being and the authority he gained from that.

Could it be that what Tang Soyeol used now is the authority of the King of Demons?

She is still human, so she shouldn’t be able to utilize such powers; how did she manage that?

While it’s certain the King of Demons possesses overwhelming mastery, the key point is that she used it.

‘Hmm.’

It didn’t feel like a straightforward use of authority. It wasn’t martial art either.

Then that leaves only one possibility.

‘Was it sorcery?’

Tang Soyeol had used the power of the King of Demons through sorcery.

It seemed fitting to interpret it that way.

Since it’s not authority, the performance wouldn’t be that great.

And because it can’t be classified as martial arts, the usage and flow of energy were different; it was undoubtedly sorcery.

‘Is it possible to leverage authority through sorcery?’

If sorcery is a technique brought forth by demons, then this might fit as well.

“Prince?”

As I was deep in thought, Tang Soyeol called out to me.

That voice snapped me back to my senses.

“Oh, sorry. Just lost in thought.”

“Are you feeling very tired?”

“Not really.”

What could be tiring? The sparring ended in a single strike.

“If anyone’s tired, it’s probably you.”

Having pounded Yu Tan-Geom, if anyone was fatigued, it would be Tang Soyeol.

“I’m not really tired either. If anything, I feel a bit refreshed.”

“…Uh… yeah…”

Could hitting Yu Tan-Geom have relieved me of whatever was burdening me?

Tang Soyeol wore a genuinely refreshed expression.

I chuckled inwardly watching her.

“Ugh…”

A groan came from behind.

It was Bong-Soon.

I frowned and asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

“…It was… boring…”

Bong-Soon sighed as she replied.

I could relate to what she meant.

‘It was indeed somewhat dull.’

While I and Tang Soyeol fought Transformation Realm Martial Artists, Bong-Soon was up against someone who had just passed the peak.

She had won so easily it hardly counted as a skirmish.

After that, Bong-Soon had become sullen.

“If you won, you should be happy, right? Why are you sulking like that? Anyone would think you lost.”

“I want to fight someone strong…!”

“You’ll face strong opponents next time. Just stop whining; it’s irritating.”

“…Hmph…”

As I spoke, Bong-Soon’s demeanor wilted.

Tsk! I clicked my tongue and turned away.

Nearby, someone shook their head at me.

“Wow, you’re really turning into a monster for her.”

The Black-Haired Prince.

Pejon said.

“If you could just be a bit kinder, it wouldn’t hurt you.”

“Yes. It does hurt. Especially to her.”

I liked being harsh, and I wouldn’t go easy on Bong-Soon either.

“By the way, Elder… what’s going on with Bi Prince?”

I almost called him an elder but corrected myself.

Because there were people around.

“Hmm? What are you talking about?”

“When did you arrive? If you’re here, how come you didn’t say anything?”

Pejon was supposed to be part of Day 1 of the main event.

I hadn’t seen him at all and thought he wasn’t participating.

Then, as we prepared to leave after the martial arts tournament, I heard murmurs.

They were saying something about the Two Dragons making a fuss.

Coincidentally, Pejon descended from the tournament.

“What is there to say? It’s not like anything significant happened.”

That was true. So I asked while looking at Pejon, “Are you actually aiming to win?”

“Well, who knows?”

Pejon grinned at my question.

Honestly, that smile was incredibly unsettling.

“I might consider it based on the circumstances.”

“…”

He clearly doesn’t intend to back down.

Hearing that made me sigh inwardly.

‘This is troublesome.’

Since this old man never does anything half-heartedly, if by some bad chance we crossed paths in the tournament, he would definitely fight seriously.

That meant I would have to think of one thing.

‘How am I going to win?’

I would need to defeat Pejon.

So my task was to find a way to do that.

That was all there was to it.

As I was lost in these overwhelming thoughts…

“…Over there… it’s So Yeomra and Poison Phoenix.”

“Indeed. That is really So Yeomra.”

Upon hearing the whispers near my ears, I instinctively heightened my sense of Qi.

“He looks younger up close.”

“Is that young man really a Transformation Realm Martial Artist…?”

“They said he has a friendship with Poison Phoenix; seeing them together confirms that.”

“Then the other two….”

The voices filled with curiosity were different from just a few days ago.

I concentrated my attention on the discussions about me, especially those concerning Tang Soyeol.

“Even from a distance, I could tell, but certainly, they stand out with their looks.”

“That slender woman wielding the Yu Tan-Geom so skillfully…”

“A great figure seems to have emerged from the Tang Clan, aside from its karma.”

There were many talks regarding my victory over the Wind Forest’s Honorary Fist.

Yet, the one drawing the most attention was undoubtedly Tang Soyeol.

It hinted at just how powerful her entrance was.

“She’s not yet reached Adulthood, but she’s already in the Transformation Realm! Could she really be at the White-Grade Master level?”

“After Shin Ryong, she’s the best!”

“…If only she wasn’t from the Tang Clan…”

Hearing all this, I withdrew my sense of Qi.

Given her performance, it’s clear she had established her reputation.

‘Soon enough, her title will change as well.’

With the commotion she caused by crushing the Transformation Realm Martial Artist Yu Tan-Geom, it would be unreasonable to refer to Tang Soyeol simply as a Late-Stage Talent.

Therefore, before the tournament ends, her title would undoubtedly evolve.

We ascended the stairs while sensing the weight of countless gazes on us.

Though the day had unfolded differently than planned, I felt more pleased with Tang Soyeol’s growth than with our carefully laid out scheme.

For reasons unknown, that feeling lingered.

Reaching the inn’s third floor, the number of guests was noticeably fewer compared to the first floor.

The third and fourth floors weren’t accessible unless under specific conditions, so they said.

As soon as we arrived on the fourth floor, we were guided by a server.

“Oh, here it is.”

Not long after, I spotted Moyong Hi-ah waving her beautiful hand.

Next to her sat Wi Seol-Ah.

From the moment I stepped in, Wi Seol-Ah was smiling brightly at me.

“Why didn’t you start eating without us?”

“I just got here a little while ago.”

“Don’t lie. You wouldn’t have arrived right on time for your appointment. You must have been here much earlier.”

“…”

When I pointed out her blatant lie, Moyong Hi-ah quickly sealed her lips.

Nangong Bi-ah was nowhere to be seen.

Though she seemed fit enough to move, I heard she was resting a bit more.

‘Even Woo Hyeok and the Young Princess haven’t come…’

They’d manage on their own, I suppose.

I wasn’t concerned about that.

Once seated, food quickly came out.

It must have been ordered by Moyong Hi-ah in advance since I hadn’t requested anything.

“You seemed quite busy today. Are you okay?”

I chuckled at Moyong Hi-ah’s question.

“You already know all too well, don’t you?”

“After all the noise, how could I not?”

“Thanks for the congratulations, by the way.”

“Ah… thank you.”

Tang Soyeol blushed at Moyong Hi-ah’s praise.

Unlike the preliminaries, the martial arts tournament attracted a huge crowd.

Thus, Moyong Hi-ah had likely gathered all the details.

“Do you think you went a little overboard today?”

“Hmm? Like what?”

“I don’t think you wanted to display yourself too much.”

The sparring session against the Wind Forest’s Honorary Fist.

That display of power alone was enough to create a commotion today.

Though Tang Soyeol aided by not drawing as much attention, it seemed to worry Moyong Hi-ah slightly.

“It’s fine. I didn’t excessively want to highlight myself.”

I was simply waiting for the right moment to reveal what I could do.

Besides.

“Honestly, I had to start showing my true abilities sooner or later.”

Even without reaching that point, there was only so long I could keep my potential hidden.

The timing for that was just right.

“I see…”

After hearing my response, Moyong Hi-ah nodded in understanding.

Though she nodded, her expression gave away signs of deep contemplation.

She’d likely figure it out on her own.

Lost in thought, Moyong Hi-ah picked up a dumpling and took a bite.

As she chewed, water filled my empty cup.

Wi Seol-Ah was carefully pouring water for me.

Interestingly, it seemed Tang Soyeol intended to do the same but missed this time.

“…Thank you.”

“No problem!”

After pouring for me, she then poured for Tang Soyeol before finally topping off her own cup.

Moyong Hi-ah and Pejon, as well as Bong-Soon, were excluded.

While I paid no mind to Pejon or Bong-Soon, I noticed Moyong Hi-ah’s eyebrows twitch slightly.

Was there something going on between them?

A strange tension lingered in the air.

“…So, are you participating tomorrow as well?”

I tried changing the subject by asking Wi Seol-Ah.

“Yes! That’s right. I’ll be out there tomorrow.”

Wi Seol-Ah was going to face the main round together with Seongyul.

‘Hmm.’

The stakes for tomorrow’s competition would probably be the real deal.

Most of the high-profile figures were scheduled for that day.

There were a few appearances on Day 1, but in terms of frequency, Day 2 was undoubtedly more remarkable.

It likely wasn’t by chance.

It must have been carefully arranged by the governing side.

“Well, good luck!”

“Thank you! I’ll definitely win. For sure.”

Wi Seol-Ah smiled as she responded to my encouragement.

Her determination seemed adorable, so I handed her a piece of food from my plate.

‘…But why is she so eager to win?’

I couldn’t quite grasp the extent of it, but her hint of joy was enough for me to let it slide.

It had been a while since we all shared a meal together.

I had been so preoccupied with tasks and relentless training lately that finding time to unwind felt impossible.

‘It would’ve been great if Nangong Bi-ah could be here as well.’

That thought lingered in my mind.

I should at least pack some food for her to take home later.

I finished my light meal while musing over that.

A day rolled by.

After finishing my morning training, I went for a walk.

Today was the second day of the tournament, and I had plans outside, so the timing felt right.

Amidst the bustling crowd.

As I strolled through, I glanced back.

“Are you okay?”

“…Yeah…”

Behind me walked Nangong Bi-ah, donning a veil.

It felt like a long time since it was just the two of us.

“Speak up if you’re uncomfortable.”

“…If I say something?”

“I’d either carry you or hold you in my arms.”

“Uncomfortable…”

“Just kidding.”

“…”

Her expression was rare as she squinted at my jab.

I found it amusing and gently pulled on her wrist.

Though she hadn’t come out yesterday, today she could move, so I took the chance to bring her out.

I wanted to include Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol, but they both had their own schedules, so I ended up taking only Nangong Bi-ah.

Our destination was, of course, the tournament venue.

We headed straight for the spectator seats.

There were significantly more people this time than yesterday. Day 1 already looked packed, but now there really wasn’t any empty space.

“…So many people…”

As she muttered that, Nangong Bi-ah drew closer to me.

I led her to find our reserved seats.

They were already booked in advance. When I asked Moyong Hi-ah yesterday, she effortlessly secured the spots.

When I asked how she managed to grab reservations so far in advance, her response was a chilling “Do you really need to know?”

I decided it was best not to pry further.

In any case… it was a good thing she managed to get them.

We finally squeezed through the throng to find our seats.

The location we ended up at was the worst among those available.

The front rows were usually filled with prominent clan leaders or martial arts sect officials.

Moyong Hi-ah could have secured us that spot if I wanted it, but I turned it down.

‘That might be a bit too much pressure.’

Just a reasonable spot would suffice.

Seated, I gazed blankly at the empty sparring stage.

The buzzing murmur of the crowd echoed from every corner, yet I remained unfazed.

My eyes were solely fixed on the sparring stage.

Perhaps sensing this, Nangong Bi-ah asked me.

“…Are you really worried about Seol-Ah?”

“What?”

That statement raised my eyebrows. When I turned to her, Nangong Bi-ah’s indifferent eyes were fixed on me.

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“…It’s just that you came here today, so…”

“…”

I couldn’t deny her observation.

To be honest, what other reason would I have for being here?

I just awkwardly smiled.

“True, but it’s not worry that brought me here.”

“…Then?”

“I’m more excited to see it.”

Yeah, excitement.

While I do worry about Seol-Ah going out to compete alone.

Ultimately, that wasn’t the core reason for my presence.

Tang Soyeol and Wi Seol-Ah:

The anticipation of seeing how they would transform, diverging from their previous lives.

I longed to witness their flight as they grew wings and soared on their own.

That desire had unexpectedly blossed.

“…”

While observing me quietly, Nangong Bi-ah lifted her hand to pat my head.

“What’s up?”

“…Just.”

It felt odd, yet I didn’t feel the need to refuse her gesture.

As we waited for a while, someone arrived to hand us something.

A few letters, likely the match brackets that had been printed.

I spread it out immediately to find our names.

‘Seongyul is… seems to have drawn a favorable match… and also, Yeongpung is here?’

The name of the famed White-Grade Master Yeongpung was listed on the sheet as well.

Besides him, several other Hwasan Sect martial artists made the cut.

Peng Woojin and Sword King were also there. But lastly.

“…Huh?”

I halted at a particular name written on the bracket.

Yu Yeon of the Shaolin versus Hwasan’s Wi Seol-Ah.

“…Hahaha.”

Seeing that on the match brackets made me burst into laughter.

That’s right; I grimaced and muttered, “These bastards.”

From the very start, I felt the sinister meddling of the governing council in the tournament.

 

---