〈Chapter 148〉 How to Dig a Grave Well. (1)
How to Dig a Grave Well. (1)
As soon as the next day arrived, I dragged myself and found my way into the heart of the Martial Alliance.
It wasn't just me—many young talents would seek out this place.
The very reason they came all the way to Henan lay right here.
The Friendly Martial Arts Competition.
This was the flower of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, and the reason young talents visited the Martial Alliance at this time.
The name sounded like something where people would playfully bicker with each other in a harmonious atmosphere.
But with the host being none other than the Martial Alliance, and the gathering being the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, the name carried considerable weight.
It was only natural. The fame one could gain the moment they stood out here would extend into the future.
This was already a proven fact, at least from what I knew.
One only needed to consider how strong the current Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes would become in the future.
‘Rather than saying they became strong because they gained fame, it's more accurate to say they gained fame because they were ones who would become strong.’
That would be the true meaning of it.
But broadly speaking, it wasn't a wrong statement.
To stand out here and gain fame meant one thing.
That they were a talented young talent whose future was virtually guaranteed.
A suffocating feeling mixed with the breath that escaped, turning into vapor and vanishing into the air.
It was because the fact that I had come all the way here felt somewhat awkward to explain.
‘I've really come all the way here, huh.’
It must have been past noon.
A time when the sun should be high in the sky.
Unfortunately, no sunlight could be seen.
Only white snow fell endlessly.
Around the area, young talents were already gathering one by one and forming groups, just like yesterday.
The Friendly Martial Arts Competition was strictly a choice.
If one didn't want to participate, not participating was also possible.
Even if it was called the flower of the gathering, the purpose of the event was a banquet, after all.
Of course, even so, there was no way anyone would abstain, but that was just talk.
‘They came here to do this. Obviously.’
Martial artists were a breed who couldn't help but show off their strength.
Occasionally, there were reclusive masters who buried themselves in the mountains and explored only the realm of cultivation.
But setting them aside, most were like that.
Let alone young talents in their prime, brimming with vigor?
‘They definitely can't hold back. No way.’
It was an age where they didn't have even a scrap of a thought about hiding their strength.
If you looked at talent alone, even the overwhelming Yingfeng wasn't without a hint of arrogance.
In that sense, the fact that three of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes were absent from this banquet was truly a subtle matter.
It meant there was a situation serious enough to give up something like this.
As mentioned earlier, Gu Xibi was busy with the Sword Stage One, and Zhanlong obviously wouldn't come due to his personality.
But Yingfeng required a bit more thought.
That guy seemed like the type who would enjoy something like this.
Was there really something major happening at Huashan?
‘It didn't seem like there was anything happening at Huashan around this time.’
I searched through my lacking memories, but nothing came to mind.
"Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Family... confirmed..."
The guide stopped mid-verification and swallowed a breath.
The reason was obvious.
It was probably because of the Paizon's recommendation letter that would have accompanied the invitation.
At first, I brought it thinking it might be of some help.
Far from it, it was nothing more than a burden.
Elder Lee's given Paizon's recommendation letter was less helpful than expected.
Or perhaps because of it, a subtle rumor was spreading under my name.
And an absurd rumor at that.
"Young Master, the rumor that you're Paizon's disciple? I think I heard it earlier too."
At Dang Soyeol's words, I let out a deep sigh.
It was the damn talk that hit my ears the moment I woke up.
Someone's disciple, you say...?
"Is it not true?"
"Would it be...?"
When I spoke as if it was ridiculous, Dang Soyeol smiled slightly.
"If Young Master says it's not, then it's not."
How bright.
So bright that I was at a loss for words.
"Just... where exactly did it spread from?"
"Normally, word about who received whose recommendation letter spreads fast."
"If it spreads fast, isn't that normally something that shouldn't happen...?"
A recommendation letter should guarantee secrecy as long as the recipient doesn't tell anyone.
These rotten orthodox faction bastards.
"It's more amazing that someone actually believes this."
"It's not unbelievable, is it?"
"Hm?"
At my words, Dang Soyeol rather asked back as if I was the strange one.
"It's not like they give recommendation letters to just anyone."
"...That's... true."
The problem was that I couldn't talk about the contents.
Saying I brought a recommendation letter written for someone else under my name would be even stranger.
Let alone the fact that it was a recommendation letter from one of the Three Venerables of the World.
"I think the biggest reason is the martial prowess Young Master showed yesterday."
At Dang Soyeol's words, I had to shut my mouth for a moment.
Was suppressing Huangbo Cheolwi at last night's banquet really the problem?
‘Should have lowered the level a bit more.’
Honestly, there was a feeling that I had acted excessively.
Roughly controlling myself because I was mindful of Jang Seonyeon was the first problem.
And thinking that showing something definite would be better to draw reactions from the young talents was the second problem.
‘Did the rumor really spread because of that?’
If so, exactly which part?
There shouldn't be any connection between Paizon and me other than being in the same combat-oriented lineage.
This wasn't a rumor that would simply go away if left alone.
Of all things, the talk about being the successor of one of the Three Venerables spreading was a truly massive problem.
If I were actually his disciple, it wouldn't have been an issue.
‘But I'm not, so it's a problem.’
This was an issue directly tied to Paizon's fame. Even if Paizon had left the secular world to spend time alone.
He might come looking for me, making an issue of this.
Because some ignorant guy had become his successor.
‘...Honestly, if push comes to shove, wouldn't it be fine to use Elder Lee as a shield?’
Seven Harmonies... no, Nine Harmonies was at fault because of that old man, so it should be fine.
The ring too.
Ah shit, the ring...
What do I do about the ring too.
‘Going crazy, truly.’
How could there not be a single thing that resolves easily...
While I was wracking my brain, Dang Soyeol quietly approached.
Then suddenly spoke with a subtle voice.
"I just thought Young Master was only good-looking..."
"Pardon...?"
"But to have such martial prowess too... You're too perfect...!"
What's wrong with this one, seriously.
"Miss Dang... I think it would be best for you to visit a physician soon. I know a skilled physician; shall I introduce you?"
The Divine Physician had a nasty personality, but his skill was that of the foremost physician in the Central Plains.
He was someone who wouldn't refuse a patient even while grumbling, so he would do.
Dang Soyeol genuinely seemed like she needed the Divine Physician more than anyone.
"Right? Our Young Master is the best! Ah, Young Master, I brought dumplings, mehehehe..."
I grabbed and stretched the cheeks of Wi Seora who appeared looking fully excited.
It was a moment where I needed peace of mind.
"Why is there never anything smooth in my life."
It was too twisted, even for twists.
I thought I'd just cause some chaos and come back, but with disasters occurring at every step, I seriously considered going to a Daoist temple to get an exorcism.
‘Old Man Shin too isn't here yet...’
When emotions ran high, Old Man Shin who had vanished in an instant had still not appeared even after a day had passed.
If there was a difference from last time.
It was that I could tell Old Man Shin hadn't dispersed and was still connected to me.
‘It's not certain, though.’
A faint sensation that was hard to describe was clearly telling me so.
I didn't even have this feeling at Huashan.
Thanks to this, I could worry a bit less. Though it would be troublesome if it was just my delusion.
"Ehehehehe..."
"Ah, sorry."
Caught up in my thoughts, I had been touching Wi Seora's cheeks for too long.
When I quickly let go, Wi Seora rubbed her slightly reddened cheeks.
"Hmph..."
"Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment."
"When you're lost in thought, why do you touch my cheeks...?"
""
Sharp kid...
‘Until recently, she seemed nothing but innocent.’
Lately, Wi Seora had started making slightly sharp remarks.
Since people naturally mature over time, it seemed Wi Seora too was gradually, even if belatedly, maturing among people.
‘Soon it won't be as fun to tease her.’
If someday Wi Seora changed to be like her previous life self.
I would be very happy, but.
I would also feel that much regret.
Because there were things that could only be expressed by the current Wi Seora.
"...Where is she?"
To hide the emotions I didn't want to feel, I asked something completely out of the blue.
Even without specifying who, Wi Seora already knew and brought the answer I wanted.
"Bia unnie is sleeping in the barracks!"
"Again...? Does she never have a time when she's not sleepy?"
Honestly, since we spent a lot of time together, I semi-forcibly ended up seeing how she lived.
Namgung Bia's daily routine was extremely simple.
Sleep, eat, train, sleep, sleep, sleep.
Occasionally waking up and clinging to me like a cat.
At this level, I wondered if there was something wrong with her.
"She said she didn't sleep well yesterday."
"That's not a believable statement at all."
That sleepyhead saying she couldn't sleep, does that even make sense?
Saying that, a thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I asked Wi Seora.
"By the barracks you say she's sleeping in, could that possibly be my barracks...?"
"Hm? That's right!"
"...Yeah, I figured as much."
At this point, I had already given up internally.
It seemed like honey must have been spread or something...
"I think we should slowly bring her. It seems like there isn't much time left until we draw the tournament bracket."
Dang Soyeol offered her opinion as if she was used to this situation.
Since Namgung Bia had naturally intended to participate in this martial competition, we had to bring her.
Walking to the back of the building, there was a row of barracks prepared for the young talents who had gathered to participate in the martial competition.
This was also the space to be used for the three days of the competition period.
Originally, there wouldn't have been such arrangements.
‘Is this also because of Jang Seonyeon?’
The Baekcheon Pavilion, and now the barracks too. These were things I didn't particularly notice in my previous life.
Of course, it could have been because I wasn't looking properly at the time.
While walking, I could feel gazes pouring in from all directions.
‘My face is going to get holes in it at this rate.’
Whether it was because of the rumor that sprang up overnight, or because of what was shown yesterday, I didn't know.
But it was definitely true that the interest directed at me had increased dramatically compared to yesterday.
"...That boy."
"Is the rumor really true?"
"No matter what, to say he's that person's disciple..."
"But if the rumor is true, doesn't yesterday's display make sense? If he's the successor of none other than Paizon..."
It's not.
That's not true, you bastards...
‘In my heart, I want to shout out that it's not.’
But me personally going around explaining this ridiculous rumor was also absurd.
It would be better to ask the Alliance Leader for an official explanation later.
I needed to go see him once more anyway because of the ring that popped out of the treasure pouch.
"Sigh..."
I let out a deep sigh at the stifling situation.
Ah, I just want to go home quickly.
It felt like a thought that crossed my mind every time I set out on a journey, but right now, that was truly my only feeling.
Ignoring all the sounds tickling my ears, I approached the barracks assigned to me, and Namgung Bia was already outside.
How strange—I thought she'd either be lying down inside the barracks or sitting and dozing off.
‘Hm?’
The question was resolved immediately.
I saw someone holding Namgung Bia and talking to her.
The Thunder Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun. Commonly known as the Namgung Bastard, was right there.
"Sister. Why are you doing this?"
"Let go..."
"I don't understand why you're suddenly treating me worse than others. The barracks too. We have a separate place assigned to us, so why do you keep coming here? This could be a nuisance to the Gu Family members as well."
""
At Namgung Cheonjun's words, Namgung Bia turned her head away. It was a silent indication that she didn't want to hear it.
Perhaps because of that attitude, Namgung Cheonjun's face contorted.
"I don't know what the problem is... Or is it because of the Ninth Young Master?"
When I was mentioned from Namgung Cheonjun's mouth, Namgung Bia's expression changed slightly.
"As expected, did the Ninth Young Master change you like this, Sister? What's so great about that mere engagement that you go this far..."
Perhaps because the engagement was brought up, Namgung Bia's eyes seemed to sharpen slightly.
That dense Namgung Bia, no less.
"Don't... speak carelessly."
"Sister!"
Namgung Bia forcefully shook off the arm that Namgung Cheonjun was holding.
"Watch your words, Cheonjun... And I'm sorry, but I won't go."
At the words that were somewhat firm, Namgung Cheonjun couldn't manage his expression and clenched his teeth.
Unable to give up easily, he tried to grab Namgung Bia's arm again.
"Seeing you here again. Brother-in-law?"
I called out to the Namgung Bastard with a bright voice and stopped him.
"...!"
Namgung Cheonjun, who reacted to my voice, tried to furrow his face completely, but after seeing Dang Soyeol beside me, he barely managed to hold it in.
"Did you come to visit?"
"...Ninth... Young Master."
"Then you should have told me in advance. I haven't prepared anything."
Whether others couldn't see it or not, I could see it all too clearly.
Namgung Cheonjun was suppressing his swirling emotions with internal energy.
"Of all places, it's right in front of our barracks. Did you have something to say to me?"
I asked with a refreshing smile, meaning to speak comfortably.
But Namgung Cheonjun only trembled his eyebrows slightly, showing hesitation.
Why, I even gave him my best gentle expression.
"I came briefly because I heard our sister was here."
"Then it seems your business is all done now."
"Yes..."
Even if he wanted to say no, Namgung Bia's attitude already gave the feeling that she didn't want to talk anymore.
Namgung Cheonjun knew that too, so he couldn't do anything more in front of so many watching eyes.
"...I will come again next time."
With no other way in the end, he promised next time to Namgung Bia, but Namgung Bia only continued to avert her gaze.
Leaving such Namgung Bia behind, Namgung Cheonjun slowly walked past us.
"Don't be so arrogant."
Sure enough, Namgung Cheonjun whispered quietly to me.
It was absolutely ridiculous that he was keeping his voice low so it wouldn't be heard by others.
"You may have created a miracle by a coincidence of coincidences last time, but don't expect the same this time."
I listened silently without answering.
"You seem to have some skill, but that's it. In the face of a clear gap, it's always futile. So please pray. Pray that you don't meet me on the martial stage. If you do happen to meet me, just forfeit."
"Why?"
"Because I don't know what I'll do to you."
He growled softly and then brushed past me.
To keep his expression the same while spitting such rotten words from his mouth.
It wasn't a skill practiced just once or twice.
‘What to do.’
I was thinking I'd treat him somewhat kindly for Namgung Bia's sake if we met.
But if he came out like that, there was nothing I could do.
"Kids these days seem to know how to dig their own graves well."
It was truly an unfortunate thing.
As I was smacking my lips, Dang Soyeol next to me started groaning.
Could it be that she's acting like this again because she saw Namgung Cheonjun's face?
If that's the case, she did the same last time—is she really not sick?
I seriously considered whether I should introduce the Divine Physician even now.
As I was shaking my head while looking at Dang Soyeol.
Namgung Bia came over and leaned her head against my chest.
The feel of her breathing and the atmosphere showed she was much more exhausted than usual.
"Are you okay?"
When I asked, Namgung Bia gave a small nod.
"If it's hard, you don't have to participate in the competition. Just rest."
This time she shook her head.
In the meantime, she seemed to dislike this too.
Her non-verbal expressions were subtly yet firmly firm.