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Chapter 96: Preparation (4)

“I’ve lost…”

Yeongpung finally managed to spit out the words after panting for a while.

The ground around Yeongpung was all dug up and a complete mess, with broken wooden swords piled up in one corner.

His inner strength was completely depleted, and he didn’t even have the strength to hold his sword.

It was only natural, considering they had been sparring since the afternoon.

“Good job.”

Yeongpung looked at the owner of the voice.

‘…Strong.’

That was his only impression.

If he remembered correctly, the young man named Muyeon, who was supposed to be the guard for Gu Yangcheong, was incredible.

With the Jehwa Contest just around the corner, it was nice to have a powerful swordsman come close while he was focused on sparring.

However, he hadn’t expected this level of skill…

At that moment, Yeongpung thought of Nangong Bi-ah.

He felt his cheeks flush red.

It was a shameful memory.

It was the reason he ended up sparring with Gu Yangcheong, and in a way, it was a memory of enlightenment that helped him gather his resolve.

But he couldn’t help but think of his immature self at that time.

‘Seems similar but… the feeling is completely different.’

He knew that Nangong Bi-ah was a direct descendant of the Nangong Clan, a pillar of the Four Great Families, but whether due to her personality or family background, she never hesitated to practice the family martial arts even in front of an audience.

Like she was saying, “Look if you want,” she displayed a beautiful sword dance.

The restrained sword path contained various elements of finesse.

In a negative sense, Nangong Bi-ah had a chaotic sword path that those who hone their skills usually possess.

However, with a flexible body and talent, her chaos became an asset.

At least, that’s how it appeared to Yeongpung.

Still, he’d lose if they fought.

‘This person…’

Muyeon, on the other hand, was the opposite.

His swordsmanship was neat and polished, solid in its fundamentals.

He was literally the epitome of a swordsman.

Yeongpung quickly analyzed the reasons for his defeat.

Muyeon’s sword did not rely on special variations or exceptional intuition; it centered entirely on basic techniques.

The reason for Yeongpung’s loss was simply that Muyeon’s sword was faster and heavier.

With that undeniable reason, Yeongpung let out a sigh.

‘The outside of the well truly has no bounds.’

Watching Gu Yangcheong shattered his arrogance about his own talent, and looking at Nangong Bi-ah made him feel humiliated, realizing his shortcomings once again.

And now, observing Muyeon brought a sense of futility.

‘There’s no room to fill my confidence.’

Yeongpung found the title of “Sword Dragon,” which had been given to him, weighing heavily on him.

Muyeon calmly extended a hand to Yeongpung.

“Thank you. I learned a lot thanks to you.”

“•••No, it’s me who should be grateful for you keeping me company all day.”

Yeongpung took Muyeon’s hand and got back on his feet.

His body was completely covered in dust, but a gentle shake was enough to get rid of it.

Muyeon looked at Yeongpung.

“It seems I’ve been out for too long. I should head back now. Are you planning to continue training?”

“Yes, I think I’ll stay for a bit longer.”

In order to calm his restless heart, he had no choice but to train.

At least, that was the only method Yeongpung knew.

Muyeon nodded at Yeongpung’s words.

After tidying things up, he headed down the mountain path to return to his lodging.

As he walked, he felt the cool breeze, yet his expression remained stoic.

It seemed to be the first time he had focused solely on sparring all day without being on guard.

‘What does this even mean?’

Like Yeongpung, Muyeon also concealed his bothered heart.

It had been a deviation in search of something, but all Muyeon felt was an overwhelming guilt for neglecting his duty.

“The guard doesn’t really do anything properly…”

Muttering these words to the wind, Muyeon was haunted by self-reproach.

How many crises had Gu Yangcheong already faced?

Had he felt too secure being part of the illustrious Hwasan Sect? Gu Yangcheong had already been in life-threatening battles against peak martial artists.

What had he been doing at that time?

He dared to contemplate any excuses, but none came to mind.

He had been careless.

That was the truth. No one but the guard could be blamed.

‘Useless.’

Of course, Gu Yangcheong was adept at avoiding his gaze and was gradually progressing to a level where he wouldn’t need a guard.

But that was irrelevant.

It was his responsibility; he was both sword and shield.

Gu Yangcheong shouldn’t suffer any harm unless he was dead. It wasn’t about passion for the clan or loyalty to Gu Yangcheong.

It was about his sense of responsibility, the essence of his character.

The moment he lost himself was the end of a martial artist.

That had been a saying left by the Sword Sovereign, one of the Three Eminent Beings, whom Muyeon respected deeply.

Gu Yangcheong was growing stronger day by day.

The boy who couldn’t even be considered a second-rate martial artist when they first met was now a first-rate contender who would soon touch the peak.

Such growth had been achieved in less than a year.

What about him?

He had spent years here without reaching the peak? Muyeon had hitherto thought that he shouldn’t be anxious.

Time was still on his side; he believed that with consistent effort, he would eventually rise.

‘…So when will that be?’

Useless.

Incredibly useless, wasn’t he?

What meaning was there for someone who trained their sword to protect, if they couldn’t protect?

Where was his sword headed?

Muyeon had no answer. He felt as though he had lost a path he had barely discovered.

What had he gained through the sparring he had conducted recently?

‘I’ve realized what potential is.’

Unlike him, he could catch glimpses of the endless brilliance in others.

Just thinking about Yeongpung was enough.

He could see that Yeongpung had grown during just a day of sparring.

The sword path that Muyeon had missed ten times, Yeongpung had begun to grasp all of them by the end of their matches.

The openings that had been apparent to Muyeon were slowly disappearing until they were nearly unnoticeable.

Yeongpung was full of self-reproach, yet Muyeon had to hide his surprise at Yeongpung’s growth.

Someday, Yeongpung might reach his level, and it might happen soon.

He was certain that there wasn’t long until that day.

‘But by that time, will I still be standing still?’

Self-reproach and insecurity.

He realized just how thick the wall in front of him was.

…

“Evil Spirit… Should this even be called an Evil Spirit?”

Before he knew it, he had stopped walking.

The blowing wind urged him to return to his lodging, yet Muyeon’s feet seemed glued to the ground, unwilling to leave.

‘Just like this…’

Just for a moment, he’d rest.

Something felt off, as if things were gradually coming apart from within.

If he just rested for a short while, he’d return to the lodging and then continue his work as if nothing had happened.

That was the promise Muyeon made to himself.

As he stood there quietly, a sound reached his ears.

-Whoosh!

-Whoosh!

“Hm?”

It wasn’t the sound of the wind.

It was a sound too familiar to Muyeon, who stood as a swordsman.

His feet, which had been stuck to the ground, began to move towards the source of the sound before he even knew it.

-Whoosh! Whoosh!

As he pushed through the bushes and moved a little, he saw someone wielding a sword on a sufficiently wide area.

‘…Why?’

He was flustered because the person training was someone he recognized.

“Wi Seol-Ah…?”

It was indeed Wi Seol-Ah.

The personal attendant to Gu Yangcheong, blessed with a pretty face, universally adored by the household staff in Gu Yangcheong’s domain, she was swinging her sword in the mountains, seemingly deserted at this late hour.

‘What in the world is she doing?’

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Though her movements were crude and haphazard due to not having received formal training, there was a strange power behind them.

‘Is she just trying to exercise?’

The only conclusion Muyeon could draw regarding Wi Seol-Ah’s actions was that.

Whoosh…

Suddenly, Wi Seol-Ah halted her swinging and tilted her head in confusion.

“Is this not right?”

“Um…?”

Was she talking to herself? Having witnessed Wi Seol-Ah’s unique and pure personality in the past, he suspected this was another one of those moments.

“It’s hard… I feel like this is right.”

As wearily as Wi Seol-Ah complained, Muyeon found himself taking a deep breath at the motion she displayed.

From the upper stance to the lower.

She simply swung the sword down lightly, but the movement was clean, and even Muyeon could see that it was precise.

It was on an entirely different level from the crude movements she’d demonstrated just moments ago.

‘What the…?’

Did he missee that? Even though he saw it clearly, he couldn’t help but have doubts.

“If I do it like this, it’s prettier and easier, so why should I do it differently?”

Murmuring those words and glancing around as if she were checking for anyone else present, she sensed no presence nearby.

“…I really don’t want to go to grandpa… No, I’m not going to grandpa. He was bad.”

With a slight frown, she got ready to perform the technique again.

Watching her graceful movements, Muyeon felt like he was about to be struck with shock once more.

Could something be that clean? It was such a simple action.

Just swinging downward and lightly slashing with the sword.

But there was something inherently different about it.

How could she do that? Unlike Muyeon’s shock, Wi Seol-Ah swiftly stopped the tip of her sword.

“I understand… I won’t do it anymore.”

As if her spirit had fled, Wi Seol-Ah returned to the crude motions that Muyeon had first witnessed.

The situation forced Muyeon to step forward.

He couldn’t just stand there and watch.

“Wi attendant…?”

“Ah! Muyeon Oppa!”

With a wave of her hand, she looked like the Wi Seol-Ah he knew.

“What are you doing here…?”

In response to Muyeon’s question, Wi Seol-Ah smiled and said confidently, “I’m learning how to wield a sword!”

“Who… from whom?”

“Uhm…”

Wi Seol-Ah, who was about to answer casually, suddenly hesitated, her eyes darting around.

…All alone.

“By yourself…?”

Her words shifted immediately.

Despite checking multiple times, Wi Seol-Ah was indeed alone. She didn’t seem to be lying.

She looked at Muyeon, who was puzzled, and asked, “Are you going home now, Muyeon Oppa? Young Master was looking for you earlier.”

“Ah…!”

Oh no…

He realized that the blunders caused by his foolishness were now catching up to him.

Muyeon forced a smile, hiding his true feelings, “I got a bit lost in training today and couldn’t focus. I’ll apologize to the Young Master.”

“Hmm? No, the Young Master is Muyeon, so I’m sure he’s doing well. He didn’t say anything while he was at it!”

With a cute pout reminiscent of Gu Yangcheong, she was undeniably adorable.

When Muyeon subconsciously wanted to pat her head as one would with a younger sister, he quickly halted his hand.

Wi Seol-Ah was friendly with everyone but had an inexplicable boundary with everyone as well.

She especially disliked actions like rubbing her head or being patted, with only Gu Noya and Gu Yangcheong being exceptions she allowed.

Muyeon understood that and withdrew his hand.

In the slightly awkward atmosphere, Wi Seol-Ah asked again, “Then are you going home now?”

Muyeon nodded.

“Yes, I’ve worked a bit too little today, so I need to head back.”

He quietly glanced at the small wooden sword Wi Seol-Ah was holding and cautiously asked, “That… Wi attendant.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you suddenly practicing with a sword?”

At Muyeon’s question, Wi Seol-Ah blinked, as if pondering her answer.

The wait wasn’t long. Wi Seol-Ah spoke as though it was nothing special.

“The Young Master gets hurt every day. I think someone is bothering him.”

From small scratches to the incident that had caused significant harm this time, Wi Seol-Ah felt a piercing pain in her heart whenever Gu Yangcheong was injured.

Though she hadn’t been in actual pain.

She hated that feeling too much.

It was far worse for her to see Gu Yangcheong hurt than to be hurt herself.

“So I’m trying to protect him.”

With a bright smile as if nothing was wrong, Muyeon was left speechless.

It was common knowledge among the servants that Wi Seol-Ah particularly continued to admire and care for Gu Yangcheong.

It was unmistakable.

Muyeon could only see this as a matter of capability.

Of course, the movements Wi Seol-Ah had shown him just prior were shockingly impressive.

‘But she is still just a servant.’

Unconsciously biting down on that thought, Muyeon realized he was underestimating Wi Seol-Ah.

Oblivious to Muyeon’s turmoil, Wi Seol-Ah merely smiled.

And then, cheerfully exclaimed, “I want to go down too! The Young Master will be waiting!”

As she gathered her small sword and skipped away, Muyeon watched her retreating figure.

‘How ugly of me, Muyeon. Thinking that no one can do what you can’t.’

Even knowing that Wi Seol-Ah’s heart was sincere, he found himself harboring negative feelings.

‘Get a grip. There’s still a long way to go.’

It was crucial not to crumble in a place like this. He got himself together.

Phew…

He exhaled along with his tightly-clenched prejudices.

Suddenly, as Wi Seol-Ah skipped away, she stopped and turned back toward Muyeon.

“…Wi attendant?”

Muyeon involuntarily took a step back.

The bright smile on Wi Seol-Ah’s face was gone, replaced with a serious expression.

“That’s enough.”

“Excuse me?”

Her voice flowed out differently, seemingly much lower than usual. What was happening?

Ignoring Muyeon’s bewildered reaction, Wi Seol-Ah simply continued.

“It seems you at least know what you should be doing, so I don’t think I need to tell you more.”

Suddenly, Wi Seol-Ah’s small, white hand touched Muyeon’s chest.

Though he tried to move, the unknown atmosphere froze him momentarily.

Without looking at him, Wi Seol-Ah continued to speak, looking at her own hand against his chest.

“Don’t get too caught up in your mold; there are times when it’s necessary to break free.”

With a gentle push from Wi Seol-Ah’s hand, Muyeon stepped back.

The sudden rebound starting from his chest reverberated through his body.

“Gah…!”

Was this an ambush…? He thought as his mind spun in confusion.

What on earth was Wi Seol-Ah doing? In the midst of the unexpected situation, Muyeon attempted to ask questions, but the sensation he felt was merely a fleeting moment.

Quickly returning to the void, Muyeon frantically rubbed his chest.

“What’s… is going on…?”

Though he wanted to interrogate her about her sudden actions, Wi Seol-Ah reverted to her previous expression, bursting into a bright smile.

“Tell him I said that!”

“…Who are you talking about?”

Wi Seol-Ah didn’t answer Muyeon’s question, promptly dashing toward the lodging.

“…?”

As Muyeon looked on, a bewildered expression flickered on his face.

Was she just joking around? It was the first time he realized she could pull off such a performance.

Exhaling a breath of relief, he found Wi Seol-Ah’s final words lingering oddly in his mind.

‘Break free from the mold.’

It was just an offhanded comment, but for some reason, it struck a chord with Muyeon.

Could it be that he found enlightenment?

He paused for a moment, deep in thought, but he quickly dismissed the notion.

“If it were that easy to find… I wouldn’t have to be pondering this.”

Nevertheless, it felt like Wi Seol-Ah’s playful prank had slightly untangled the complexity in his mind.

Satisfied with that much, Muyeon moved toward the lodging following Wi Seol-Ah.

“…What is this?”

As Wi Seol-Ah entered the lodging, Muyeon followed closely behind her.

When he asked Hong Wa, he said they had gone for a walk, and Muyeon found himself scolding them for sending a girl out alone at this hour.

Just as he was about to go out looking for them… Wi Seol-Ah appeared.

But…

“Was there something going on?”

Muyeon, who had come in behind her, appeared slightly perturbed.

His expression showed he seemed loaded with concerns…

‘Is this just a misunderstanding?’

That feeling was different from how he usually felt… Was he just fatigued?

Recognizing Muyeon’s gaze, she approached with caution.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Hmm? For what?”

“I took a break without notifying the guards. I will ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Ah, was it because he took a break today?

“Everyone deserves a day off. You’d have likely been training while saying you were resting anyway?”

“…”

“From your silence, I take that as a yes.”

Though Muyeon could see the emotions reflected on him, he had no way to assist.

‘It’s a different side than Yeongpung.’

The wall built from his pride, as it was with Yeongpung, could just be crushed by a thorough assault.

But for Muyeon, it was something he had to overcome himself.

“If there’s something complicated, take a bit more time to rest.”

“…No, I’m fine.”

“Okay.”

Muyeon expressed his intent to carry out his duties properly and hurriedly departed after finishing his greeting.

The night patrol had to be done separately, after all.

Muyeon couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned about his weary expression. Was it perhaps at a dangerous level?

‘Perhaps I should make time to try and help him.’

Though he might not be able to break through the wall entirely, he could offer a bit of assistance.

He wouldn’t have been concerned normally, but he felt that extending a helping hand to Muyeon wouldn’t be too bad.

‘It’s quite troubling for someone of that talent to fade away.’

It seemed like a good plan for the future. While sorting through his thoughts, Wi Seol-Ah walked over to him after washing up.

“Young Master!”

“…You.”

He had almost scolded her for wandering around the mountains dangerously at this hour, but he swallowed the words.

“I worked really hard today too!”

“…You did well.”

As he casually replied, he took out something from his pocket and handed it to Wi Seol-Ah.

“…Huh?”

Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes widened, seeing the item in his hand.

A hint of embarrassment washed over him, and he quickly added, “It’s nothing special; I’m just giving it to you for working hard.”

It was a hair ornament that shone with a white hue.

He had bought it when they went to the market with Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah before.

Just for the record, he had bought one for Nangong Bi-ah too, but he hadn’t given it to her yet.

“Are you… really giving this to me?”

“Don’t like it? Then I’ll just give it to someone else…”

“No, I want it!”

Wi Seol-Ah dashed towards him and snatched the accessory away.

She held the ornament close, starting to beam with delight.

Her reaction was far beyond what he had expected, catching him off guard. Was this really something that would make her so happy?

It was just a trivial piece of jewelry.

By this point, he wanted to ask Shin Noya what he thought of it.

‘…What would Noya say? Probably complaining, I guess.’

He had a strong conviction that it would be true.

Wi Seol-Ah was busy examining the accessory and, perhaps out of inspiration, she started staring him down.

Muyeon instinctively evaded the pressure of her gaze as he asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Young Master.”

“Can I give you a kiss on the cheek?”

“Huh, w-what?!”

“Thank you!”

“Wait!… I haven’t even said anything yet…!”

Now thinking back, it seemed Wi Seol-Ah wasn’t planning to wait for his response at all.

And then came the next day.

Finally, the day of the Hwasan Sect Festival, the Jehwa Contest had begun.

 

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