Tang So-yeol was a late-born child.
One could tell just from the age difference with her older brother Tang Ju-yeok.
Was it because of this?
Even her father, the family head, treated her older brother Tang Ju-yeok like dirt, but he always doted on his daughter Tang So-yeol.
Enough that when talks of engagement with the Namgung family came up, they dropped it entirely when Tang So-yeol threw a tantrum.
She grew up receiving much love.
Given that sibling relationships in noble family bloodlines were mostly far from good.
Being able to grow up so harmoniously was likely all due to this reason.
Having not even a speck of standing regarding succession rights probably helped too.
'Daughter.'
'Yes.'
'Someday, if a man you like appears, bring him to me first.'
'Why?'
'...It's nothing, just need to see his face first.'
At that time, hearing her father's words, Tang So-yeol thought she should absolutely never do that.
That was because when she saw the poison qi writhing from her father's body, it didn't seem like anything good would happen.
Poison qi.
This was what Tang So-yeol considered closest and most familiar.
As the Tang family's precious jewel, one of the reasons she received so much love was mixed with this talent as well.
Tang So-yeol possessed the most outstanding physique among the Tang family's bloodline in history.
Not to mention immunity to poison, even if her hidden weapon arts fell behind, she showed exceptional talent in martial arts that used poison.
The pale green light seeping into one eye of the girl who hadn't even reached adulthood was proof of this.
The beginner stage of Myriad Poisons Invulnerability.
Even Tang Je-mun, the Absolute Poison who was the most outstanding martial artist in Tang family history who blocked the Blood Demon's Blood Calamity, did not reach Myriad Poisons Invulnerability.
Many people say.
That Tang So-yeol might reach that great achievement.
Though Tang So-yeol herself wasn't particularly interested.
She just ate poisonous herbs often because they suited her taste.
She simply enjoyed being good at poison arts.
Combined with the spiritual pills provided by the family, her realm rose, and she eventually received the name Poison Peak, that was all.
Tang So-yeol originally had no desire for martial arts.
'Let it flow as it goes.'
Let's live satisfied with what's given.
This was the life purpose Tang So-yeol dreamed of.
That's why when she faced Sword Peak and Sword Dragon, seeing their soaring talent, she didn't have to despair.
When facing Namgung Bi-a or Wi Seol-a, she didn't have to be jealous of their otherworldly beauty.
Being satisfied with oneself.
Tang So-yeol lived considering this a strength of hers.
Until now.
To be exact, until she met him.
Drip-!
Something flowed down past her lips, and when she checked, it was blood.
Blood was flowing from her nose.
'What was that just now...?'
Her vision wavered too.
She was sure she avoided the strike. What happened?
Tang So-yeol barely steadied her wavering eyes and focused on her opponent.
The boy from the Tae-ryeong Jang family who revealed himself as the Alliance Head's son.
Someone whose first impression on Tang So-yeol wasn't very good.
First of all, she didn't like how he looked.
He had a gentle impression like the Sword Dragon of Huashan she had faced before.
But his greasy appearance was one thing, and he also gave off a feeling that something was off about him.
'...I already feel sick to my stomach.'
Tang So-yeol knew her tastes were unusual.
The reactions of those around her showed it, and even she herself couldn't help but notice the strange reactions.
Still, it didn't matter.
So what if her tastes were different, there must be someone somewhere who fits her taste.
Tang So-yeol had even met such a person, so it was fine.
'I was lucky to find him...'
The problem was that person's surroundings were filled with too many formidable women.
'Calm down, So-yeol.'
First, she erased the distracting thoughts from her head. Because she was in the middle of a match right now.
It hadn't even been half a quarter-hour since the match started.
Tang So-yeol first created distance.
Her body trembled slightly. Perhaps the impact hadn't fully subsided.
Did she let her guard down?
No. She hadn't let her guard down.
This was the opponent Gu Yang-cheon had said would be strong, no less.
It was somewhat amusing that she had tensed her whole body just from someone else's words.
But if it was his words, somehow it ended up like this.
Tang So-yeol pulled up her internal qi.
As she pulled it up, she frowned slightly at the sudden pain.
'The inside is injured.'
Her internal qi wouldn't move as she wished.
Was it because of that strike just now?
What on earth did he do?
Tang So-yeol still couldn't understand.
When the match started, Tang So-yeol faced Jang Seon-yeon.
In that momentary exchange, she clearly avoided the sword.
Because Jang Seon-yeon's sword wasn't particularly fast.
The swords used by the Thunder Dragon or Sword Dragon were much faster.
Having faced them directly before, this was certain.
'Then why?'
Doubts shouldn't be held for long.
Even if it's a match, this should still be treated like real combat.
Realizing her internal qi wasn't moving properly, Tang So-yeol immediately drew hidden weapons from her clothes and threw them.
In the Goodwill Martial Arts Tournament, many of the provided weapons and hidden weapons had dulled edges.
The rules also included not being able to use one's personal weapons.
This was detrimental to the Tang family's martial arts characteristics.
It was the same for other martial artists, but for someone using poison arts and hidden weapon techniques, unfamiliar tools were nothing but inconvenient.
Ting-! Ting-!
The flying daggers shot quickly toward the opponent rolled helplessly on the ground after a few sword strikes.
It didn't matter.
They were meant as a feint from the start.
Sweeee
Green energy rippled on Tang So-yeol's short sword.
It wasn't that she couldn't use her internal qi at all.
Still, if she could use even a tiny bit, there was no hindrance to using martial arts.
Tang So-yeol's small frame shot out like a released arrow.
Reaching the opponent took less time than blinking.
Tang So-yeol's hand moved, and then five marks remained in the air.
Shweeeeek!
The Tang family's Poison Fang Seven Reliance Divine.
It was called that because the seven qi carrying poison were like a snake's fangs.
Tang So-yeol, whose realm was still low, could only unleash five fangs.
Even so, this was not an insufficient level.
Rather, considering Tang So-yeol's age, it was more than enough.
Seeing the shooting green light, Tang So-yeol felt relieved inside.
'It reached...!'
It was too late to dodge. The distance wasn't good for counterattacking.
If she could neutralize him like this...!
Uung...
"...Keuk...!?"
A groan of agony burst from Tang So-yeol's mouth.
In that instant, she felt a great shock inside, and even the internal qi she had barely controlled scattered.
From the recoil, the Poison Fang Seven Reliance Divine was severed and collapsed before reaching the opponent.
Crack-!
"...!!"
Something bored strongly into Tang So-yeol's abdomen.
Judging by the feel, this was definitely the hilt of a sword.
Perhaps a bit of internal qi was in it, the agony shook the inside of her body.
With the impact, Tang So-yeol's body flew backward.
Tang So-yeol barely managed to land using falling techniques, but.
"Keuheok...Heoeok...!"
As her insides twisted greatly, her mind shook.
Even the internal qi supporting her body scattered, and her body kneeled powerlessly.
Drip drip.
Blood flowed freely from her mouth.
She hastily tried to stand, but her trembling knees wouldn't obey.
'...Just now... Just now.'
While clutching her abdomen and groaning, Tang So-yeol looked at Jang Seon-yeon standing quietly in his original position.
He stood holding his drawn sword, but made no particular movement.
He wore an expression as if worried about her who had been sent flying, but even that wasn't a very trustworthy face.
More than that, Tang So-yeol had to recall the exchange just now.
'...Sound.'
Just before the impact to her abdomen, the sensation that shook Tang So-yeol's internal qi.
It was definitely because of the sound coming from Jang Seon-yeon's sword.
'Sword cry...?'
Was Jang Seon-yeon at a realm high enough to produce a sword cry?
She couldn't know.
In the first place, a sword cry wasn't a martial art.
At least, as far as she knew.
'Then... Sound Arts?'
If it was the most likely possibility, it would be that.
If it was delivering impact through sound, it could only be Sound Arts.
Of course, being the son of the Music Sword, it was entirely possible.
'His realm is that outstanding?'
Sound Arts itself was a high-difficulty art, and as such was a high-level martial art that couldn't even be attempted at low levels.
If Tang So-yeol were to learn and attempt Sound Arts right now, not only would she use a tremendous amount of internal qi, but she might quickly exhaust herself and collapse.
'You're saying he's at a level where he can use that in a match...?'
Sound Arts produced with a sword, not a musical instrument.
This unusual combination was also the reason the Alliance Head was called the Music Sword.
Jang Seon-yeon appeared as a boy on the outside.
Meaning he wasn't much different in level from Gu Yang-cheon, whom she openly showed interest in.
From the exchange just now, Tang So-yeol could clearly tell.
That she couldn't defeat that boy.
'The level is different...'
She definitely belonged to the weaker side among the Five Dragons Three Peaks, but compared to other rising stars, Jang Seon-yeon felt different.
Because Tang So-yeol wasn't arrogant, she could see more accurately.
That Jang Seon-yeon hadn't even properly drawn out the power he possessed.
She barely stopped the blood flowing from her mouth.
Even during that time, Jang Seon-yeon didn't approach Tang So-yeol.
Was he waiting for her?
It definitely didn't feel like that.
'...Or, does he want me to surrender?'
For a martial artist, surrendering was something that wounded pride as much as the world collapsing.
Because it meant running away avoiding the opponent without fighting to the end.
Even more so for someone called the Poison Peak.
'Is that what he wants?'
Suddenly, such a thought crossed Tang So-yeol's mind.
That maybe this was what that boy wanted.
The feeling she'd had all along that behind his not-exactly-handsome but kind face, there was something else.
The fact that this came to mind again now might also be because of this.
She tried to stand, but tilted and sat back down.
Though she couldn't know what the boy named Jang Seon-yeon's intentions were.
'...Should I surrender.'
Knowing she couldn't win no matter what she did, it seemed like it wouldn't matter either way.
'Working hard would just be suffering.'
It was regrettable, but what couldn't be done even with effort just couldn't be done.
Even if the title Poison Peak was tarnished because of this incident, she didn't particularly care.
To Tang So-yeol, the name Poison Peak wasn't a name she wanted to protect like others did.
Taking her eyes off Jang Seon-yeon, she surveyed her surroundings.
Near the arena, many people were already looking this way.
In many pairs of eyes, astonishment and surprise about Jang Seon-yeon were full.
Naturally.
With such an overwhelming difference being displayed. Tang So-yeol examined those gazes and let out a deep sigh. Thinking that her father would be a bit sad about this incident.
Finally, just as she was about to open her lips that had been mumbling to surrender.
Tang So-yeol found someone a bit further away.
Sharp eyes and a red martial uniform.
She saw a boy standing alone a short distance away, looking this way.
'Young Master Gu...?'
Tang So-yeol was surprised at herself for being able to find Gu Yang-cheon so easily among so many people.
And she had to be surprised twice more after seeing his expression.
'Why is he worried about me?'
What was contained in Gu Yang-cheon's eyes was definitely worry.
Why? Someone who seemed to have no interest in others was worrying about her.
Was it because of that, her heart started racing wildly again.
Even knowing she shouldn't be like this during a match.
"Hoo..."
A breath she couldn't hold in escaped outside.
The reason a bit of heat was mixed in her breath was probably because her body heated up on its own.
'I'm doomed... I think I'm really doomed.'
Just knowing that Gu Yang-cheon was worried about her made her heat up like this.
'If he's going to be like this, he should have pushed me away completely...'
It was funny that she felt a bit of resentment. Toward Gu Yang-cheon, who drew faint lines but never completely pushed her away.
Did Gu Yang-cheon know? How bad he was at lying.
This was from the trip to Henan.
Namgung Bi-a was like that too, and Wi Seol-a was on the skinny and pretty side, so she kept picking at her food.
Gu Yang-cheon seemed to notice right away, and one day asked Tang So-yeol.
—You're hungry, right?
—What?
—You're eating less than usual.
—N-no. I'm fine, Young Master... I just don't have much appetite.
—...Um, I understand.
With the conversation ending seeming indifferent, Tang So-yeol blamed herself.
Thinking it would have been nice to continue the conversation a bit more from there.
Around that time passed.
—Miss.
—Yes?
—This, the Young Master Gu asked me to give to you...
After eating, the servant kept bringing something.
She heard that Gu Yang-cheon had requested it.
—Ah, this... The Young Master Gu told me not to tell the miss.
Of course, it turned out a bit differently from what Gu Yang-cheon had hoped.
Tang So-yeol wondered if this was because of their previous conversation.
When she asked later, he clicked his tongue saying '...You found out.'
Tang So-yeol even liked that appearance.
Gu Yang-cheon said he hated seeing anyone go hungry.
It was an absurd statement. How much could the bloodline of the prestigious Tang family go hungry.
When it was cold, he subtly came close and shared his body heat.
That shouldn't be the fire control he learned for.
When she looked at him as if asking what this was, Gu Yang-cheon always spat out the same answer.
—It's just part of my training.
A lie.
He couldn't meet her eyes, and his answering voice was stiff.
Anyone could see this was a lie.
A lie spat out to hide his shyness.
'I know he's not just like this with me.'
Tang So-yeol knew that Gu Yang-cheon's grumbling kindness wasn't directed only at her.
To everyone around him.
Giving without conditions.
Even with his blunt way of speaking and expression always full of annoyance.
Gu Yang-cheon's actions were as warm as his martial arts.
How could she not love him.
How could she not approach him.
The affection she had harbored looking only at his exterior was just affection.
Thinking about it now, it might not have been love.
But, from the moment she could see his inner self now.
Tang So-yeol gave up.
Letting go of him within herself.
'...Give up...'
She perceived Gu Yang-cheon's gaze looking at her from afar.
—If you happen to meet me on the arena, would you grant me one request?
She remembered herself speaking confidently.
Having said that, when this situation arose, she tried to let go right away.
She had always been like that.
First to Sword Peak, and then to Sword Dragon, she felt the gap in talent.
So she ran away.
Thinking this much was enough. That being called Poison Peak was sufficient.
It wasn't like she was going to become the best under heaven.
It was the same for other things.
Since she couldn't become the family head in the first place, she gave up.
She gave up many things.
Since she wouldn't be able to achieve it, she ran away thinking she should be satisfied with this much.
But, when it came to him, she couldn't do that anymore.
She didn't want to run away.
She hated giving up even more.
She wanted to be by his side.
That's why she refused when Gu Yang-cheon said she could just speak casually.
Because she thought it was cowardly.
Obtaining a relationship in this way.
The words to surrender rose to her throat, but she forced them down firmly.
Tang So-yeol stood up.
She forcibly awakened her disobedient body.
She roughly wiped away the blood wetting her chin.
"Thank you for waiting."
Whatever Jang Seon-yeon's intentions were, she had to convey her words.
Because it was true that he had waited for her.
Even while speaking, her insides twisted.
At the same time, her dantian screamed.
Inside her body, it was like an earthquake was causing havoc.
"May I ask you to go again?"
She didn't show it. Because Gu Yang-cheon would be watching. She had to show a fine appearance.
She hated seeing Gu Yang-cheon make a worried expression.
Tang So-yeol didn't want to be someone who caused worry to Gu Yang-cheon.
She wanted to be someone who could stand proudly by his side.
At Tang So-yeol's words, Jang Seon-yeon's expression changed.
A somewhat surprised face.
Why was he making that expression?
"...That's amazing."
Jang Seon-yeon spoke.
It felt somewhat different from the polite and gentle voice she had heard at the banquet.
Whether those short words were the end, Jang Seon-yeon changed his stance.
He pointed the tip of his sword at Tang So-yeol.
Tang So-yeol also clenched her teeth.
It was clear he would do something, but she had no way to stop it.
She just put force into her dagger like before.
Inside, it screamed.
Trying to forcibly use internal qi that wouldn't move felt like agony piercing through her entire body.
Poison Fang Seven Reliance Divine.
One of the Tang family's secret techniques she had used earlier.
Green energy rising like a heat haze.
Along with that, she felt one of her pupils gradually getting hotter.
Was it because of the pain?
It was a sensation slightly different from that.
Rather, she felt refreshed.
Feeling a refreshment and clarity as if breaking out of a shell.
As if to prove this, her internal qi was clearer and firmer than before.
'Why.'
Her internal qi definitely didn't move as she wished.
And her body was staggering from the impact received earlier.
Yet her body's senses were clearer than before. For some reason, she felt like something would work.
Tang So-yeol steadied her breathing and tried to charge at Jang Seon-yeon like before, but.
Thwack-!
With the agonizing pain felt in her head in that instant, Tang So-yeol collapsed.
Jang Seon-yeon had approached right in front of Tang So-yeol and struck her head with the back of his sword.
The situation that happened in an instant, the referee watching from the arena looked at Jang Seon-yeon and hastily opened his mouth.
"Winner... Jang Seon-yeon."
Along with the referee's words, cheers erupted from the surroundings.
People tend to welcome unexpected situations.
Especially if they're martial artists.
Right now, the fact that Tang So-yeol, called Poison Peak among the Five Dragons Three Peaks, was defeated by a rising star whose name wasn't even properly known was probably an important story to them.
The person in question, Jang Seon-yeon, only looked down at the fallen Tang So-yeol with eyes that had grown somewhat cold.
Because his head was bowed, no one could see his expression.
The face of Tang So-yeol who fainted, looking somewhat disheveled with blood all over.
Jang Seon-yeon looked at that face until he could wear a smile on his own face again, then went down.
The first match round all ended, a brief waiting time.
Tang So-yeol, who fainted after her match, was immediately moved to the medical hall inside the Alliance.
It was still vivid. The sight of Namgung Bi-a dragging Tang So-yeol and running right after the match ended.
'She surprisingly didn't try to intervene.'
I saw Namgung Bi-a watching with clenched fists trembling.
Tang So-yeol wiped the blood off her face and kept her eyes closed.
There was nothing wrong with her body, and they said she'd wake up soon, so all that was needed was to wait.
"I knew she wouldn't win."
I knew.
That Tang So-yeol wouldn't be able to beat Jang Seon-yeon.
Even knowing that, I ended up having a slight expectation at the end.
'Was she trying to cross the wall?'
The appearance Tang So-yeol showed at the end.
Unlike Mu-yeon or Yeong-pung, Tang So-yeol hadn't reached the wall yet.
The qi that faintly emanated at the last moment of the match was definitely a sensation from beyond the wall.
'Even if she had been left alone, she wouldn't have crossed it.'
No matter what realization she gained, she wasn't at a level to cross it.
She only briefly stepped on it.
Jang Seon-yeon noticed that too, so wasn't that why he ended it quickly?
'That's not it.'
Jang Seon-yeon wasn't at a level where he could see that far.
He just felt something and moved a bit hastily.
'What could that be.'
The expression Jang Seon-yeon wore, and his appearance standing still at the end.
While thinking about this and that, someone gently grabs my hand.
"...Young... Master."
"You're awake?"
"...Yeah."
Tang So-yeol covered her head and sat up.
She looked around briefly and laughed emptily.
"I guess I lost."
Her slightly smiling face was full of regret.
"I didn't think I'd lose from the start... It's really embarrassing. After talking like I'd win everything and advance."
It's okay.
"What?"
"It was cool. In your own way."
The appearance of a martial artist who doesn't give up deserves respect.
In my past life too, she was someone who could fully be called a martial artist.
"...But I still lost... right?"
Tang So-yeol, who was about to say something, widened her eyes.
Probably because she sensed something was off.
I couldn't bear her gaze and stood up.
"...The physician and Bi-a will be here soon."
"Wait a moment. Young Master, wait a moment... Just now, you spoke informally..."
"Good work."
"W-wait!"
Tang So-yeol hastily tried to grab me, but having no intention of being caught, I closed the door and came out.
Unlike when I spoke informally with Namgung Bi-a.
I felt quite embarrassed.
'...'
We won't run into each other for a while anyway, so it should be fine.
I tried hard to fix my face that kept threatening to become a mess.
I also changed my mindset of trying to do this tournament half-heartedly.
Just a little, just a very little.
I felt like I should take it seriously.