〈 Chapter 660 〉 Hands Off.
A faint current of air flowed through the gaps of the silent atmosphere.
Sharply honed blades stretched out in every direction.
They looked unstable and somewhat immature, but this was unmistakably.
‘Mind Sword (心劍).’
The realm of Unity of Spirit and Sword. It was a facet of the Mind Sword.
Things once unseen were now visible.
Normally, I would have wondered if such things even existed, but now they were visible all too clearly.
The blade intent filling the inside of the inn, that is.
Swoosh.
A floral scent permeated the flickering wind.
Smelling it, I raised my head and saw a woman standing before me.
Shining golden hair extending past her waist, and eyes resembling his.
Even though she wore red martial arts robes that didn't quite suit her, her dazzling features made one ignore that entirely.
It was an appearance that completely erased the thought I’d had just moments ago while looking at Bi Hyeonhwa, ‘Well, she’s still worth looking at.’
A devotion to beauty.
A face that had been unbelievably beautiful even as a child had fully bloomed as she became an adult over time.
‘A flower.’
A beautiful flower that seemed to be in perpetual spring.
A flower that would steal the gazes of ten thousand people had bloomed here.
I rolled my eyes and surveyed my surroundings.
The gazes that had been sneaking glances at Bi Hyeonhwa had long since been entirely stolen away.
The people in the inn were busy staring, utterly captivated.
Her cute eyes, rarely so sharp, glared fiercely, fully radiating a foul mood.
Even that appearance looked somewhat trivial in my eyes, though it probably wasn't to Bi Hyeonhwa, who was beside me.
I lightly stepped away from Bi Hyeonhwa, who had been holding onto me.
Then, I could see the energy radiating in every direction grow somewhat faint.
“Hurk… huck…!”
Only then could Bi Hyeonhwa breathe properly, gasping roughly for air.
Seeing that, I withdrew the hand that had been moving toward her throat.
‘That was a close call.’
What a relief. I’d nearly killed her without holding back, but I barely managed to keep her alive.
She was truly disgusting; I couldn't stand it.
I subtly waved my hand behind Bi Hyeonhwa's back.
Hwoook-!
Energy surged and swept through the inn.
The others might not have noticed, but since it was such sharp energy, it was better to disperse it.
Right after filtering it out and sending it outside the window.
I spoke to Bi Hyeonhwa, who was trembling violently.
“It seems my guest has arrived. I don't think I'll be able to see you off. It was a pleasure.”
Smiling broadly, as soon as I spoke, Bi Hyeonhwa sprang up as if she had been waiting and dashed outside the inn like an arrow.
Her appearance was so ridiculous that I burst into a scoff before I knew it.
‘Who knew I'd live to see that wench in such a state.’
She was one of the people I regretted not killing in my previous life, but not someone I had cared much about.
Because even without me, she had already met a miserable end.
‘What exactly was her end like again? I heard she’d been captured by the Green King's side.’
Then there was no need to see more.
Among the Demonic Cult, where there was no such thing as sanity, the Green Ghost Assassins led by the Green King were a den of madmen who tore apart everyone, whether children or women.
A righteous sect woman of outstanding beauty captured there?
That end was not something I particularly wanted to imagine.
Though Bi Hyeonhwa had disappeared, people were still looking only in this direction.
They seemed not to care at all that Bi Hyeonhwa had dashed out. Seeing this, I had to let out a deep sigh.
It seemed to have gotten worse in the meantime.
Recalling this, I looked at the woman who was looking at me.
The golden-haired beauty. It was Wi Seol-a.
‘…I don't think it’s even been a year since I last saw her.’
It was around the time I’d left Guga and moved, so it was roughly about that long.
Surely, it hadn't even been that long.
‘What got so fast.’
In that short time, Wi Seol-a's appearance had become even more resplendent.
Her face and body had matured in the time I hadn't seen her.
‘Did she grow taller?’
For some reason, she seemed a bit taller than in my previous life.
Maybe because she’s been eating well. At any rate, she seems to have been doing well, which is good to see, but….
“You… don't you remember what I told you to do when I went outside?”
“...”
When I pointed it out so abruptly, Wi Seol-a flinched and averted her gaze.
Hwoong.
At the same time, I felt energy.
The faintly leaking energy covered Wi Seol-a’s body.
Then, Wi Seol-a's presence remarkably diminished.
Wi Seol-a had killed her own presence.
“Huh…?”
“Ah…!”
Incomprehensible, regretful groans were heard from the surroundings.
Along with expressions wondering what had happened, I could also feel a primal desire to see more.
All she did was exist before them, yet to this extent? What was this, was she a human poppy or something?
‘It wasn't originally to this degree.’
For some reason, it seemed to have gotten worse than before I left.
‘Her realm seems to have risen a lot too, could that be why?’
It seemed she hadn't even touched that state of mind before I left.
“…Sit down for now.”
“...”
At my words, Wi Seol-a, having killed her presence, carefully sat across from me.
I held back a laugh at her somewhat annoyed-looking expression.
“Long time no see.”
“…Yes.”
There was a slight edge to her voice. Even that was amusing.
I raised my hand.
“Ah, y-yes!”
At my call, the waiter approached with a blank expression.
Moyong Hui-a had spent some money to open a peculiar inn, and indeed, it was certainly peculiar.
‘Who would have thought they'd dress the waiter in silk clothes.’
He was even quite good-looking for a waiter.
I almost wondered if they had brought along one of the male courtesans.
However, even such a waiter couldn't take his eyes off Wi Seol-a, so I furrowed my brows.
“Huk…!!”
Only then did he hastily lower his eyes.
“Three large plum teas.”
“Th-three cups, you say? Are other companions perhaps coming…?”
“No, she’s going to drink them all. Ah, three is enough, right?”
“...”
Wi Seol-a nodded.
She really must be in a bad mood. Normally she would drink five cups, but she said three was fine.
“…Huh?”
The waiter had an expression as if he didn't quite understand, but since it was an order, he hurriedly disappeared into the kitchen.
I cleared away Bi Hyeonhwa’s tea that had been placed in front of me.
It seemed the unpleasant fragrance still remained.
After burning some energy to erase it a bit, I looked at the silent Wi Seol-a.
“Long time no see. Have you been well?”
“Yes….”
“Have you eaten?”
“I haven't eaten yet….”
“Really? Then shall we go eat? There are street vendors selling chicken skewers outside.”
“Ah, I'll eat…!”
As if tempted, Wi Seol-a was about to speak brightly but flinched and changed her expression.
“…I… don't want to eat.”
Her voice was full of regret as she spoke.
Seeing that, I burst into laughter.
She was still the same. I laughed because I was relieved that she was.
Tap, tap.
I tapped the seat next to me with my hand.
“Come here.”
“...”
“Hurry.”
At my words, Wi Seol-a got up slightly with a sulky face, approached my side, and plopped down.
I stroked her hair with my hand.
Wi Seol-a didn't refuse my hand.
“How did you get here?”
“…By walking.”
At her curt answer, I pinched Wi Seol-a's lips firmly.
“That’s not what I was asking.”
“Mmph…!!”
“Do you know how surprised I was?”
The moment I first felt her energy, realizing what it was, my breath stopped with a jolt!
Because it was an energy that should not be felt here.
So I was about to go outside immediately, but.
I forced myself to endure against the energy gradually approaching.
“How did you get here?”
“...”
Tap, tap. Wi Seol-a touched my hand. She was still holding her lips.
When I gently released them.
“…The Lord… told me to come together, so I came with him.”
“Hm?”
My eyes widened at those words.
‘She came with Father?’
Did that mean Father had come to Hanam?
I should be surprised to hear this.
‘…Why?’
Because I had no idea why things had turned out that way.
Of course, it wasn't actually that strange of an occurrence.
Just looking outside now, people from sects or families not present in Hanam were occasionally walking around.
It was a situation where the Alliance was holding a festival for the first time in several years.
Red demonic beasts had broken out, creating cracks in the era of peace, but they were currently being blocked by swift responses.
For the Alliance to hold a festival here meant.
‘Proof that there would be no problems in the world managed by the Alliance from now on.’
Furthermore.
Tied to the great flow of a proper martial arts tournament, not the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering which had been held for the first time in years, and the subsequent establishment of the Divine Dragon Division.
For the people of famous sects and renowned families to come here meant both celebrating the Alliance's steps.
‘And taking a step toward the Alliance's will.’
It was an event that would formally show they were on the Martial Arts Alliance's side.
As such, it was a time when all sorts of people were gathering, but.
‘…but why is Father among them?’
For Father to have come all the way here was truly a strange sight.
Even in my previous life, he was someone who didn't come to Hanam unless something special was happening.
I didn't know if the Alliance had called for Guga or not.
To think that old man, who I thought wouldn't come even if they begged him to death, had come in time for the martial arts tournament?
“...”
I was slightly bewildered.
If he was arriving around now, it meant he had left quite a while ago.
Which meant….
‘…When I saw him in the Northern Sea, he wasn't in Shanxi?’
It meant Father had been called away during his journey.
No wonder his reaction had been strange; was that why?
‘And he even brought Wi Seol-a along?’
What on earth did he come here for?
‘It's not like he's trying to become friendly with the Martial Arts Alliance at this point.’
I couldn't quite guess the reason.
“T-tea is served.”
The moment I harbored such questions, plum teas came out one after another.
Handing one cup to Wi Seol-a, I asked.
“Then, where is Father now?”
If he had just arrived, he would have probably headed straight to the trading company.
That’s what I expected when I asked, but.
“The Lord has not yet arrived.”
“Hm?”
“He said there was some business in the middle, so he would be a few days late. Therefore, I arrived first.”
“Business?”
Business on the way. I suddenly recalled that Lady Mi had also said she would be away for a few days.
Could it be related?
‘…He's not someone who would get into trouble wherever he goes, so I'm not particularly worried, but.’
It was something that subtly bothered me.
‘Anyway.’
I erased my thoughts and looked at Wi Seol-a.
Since she was quietly sipping the plum tea, I lightly pinched her cheek.
Even while drinking deliciously, her scrunched-up eyes remained the same. Seeing this, I asked with a smile.
“What don't you like?”
“…There's nothing like that.”
“Then why are you making that expression when we meet after so long?”
When I pointed it out playfully, Wi Seol-a's eyes grew slightly fiercer.
“That's right… we met after so long….”
As if unable to continue the rest, she whipped her head around.
‘Hm.’
This seems like it'll last a while.
Wi Seol-a usually didn't sulk deeply, but it seemed this time was quite serious.
I awkwardly scratched my cheek.
“So, are you hurt anywhere?”
“…No.”
“You seem to have lost more weight. Are you eating properly?”
“Yes….”
“I can see you've gotten prettier, but.”
“…!”
“I need to fatten you up a bit.”
She had become excessively pretty.
At this rate, she would draw too much attention, so I felt I needed to find something for her.
However.
“...”
“Hm?”
Was it my imagination, or did Wi Seol-a's ears seem a bit red for some reason?
What? Why?
‘Why does it seem like she's slightly less sulky?’
I hadn't done anything, yet she somehow seemed that way. Could it be because she drank the plum tea?
As expected, was delicious food the answer?
“Shall I order more Yakgwa for you?”
Thinking that must be the answer, I asked Wi Seol-a.
This was an inn, but a place with more snacks than alcohol.
It was something Moyong Hui-a had intentionally created after confirming that female customers spent more money.
But.
“Ah, no. It's fine. I don't need to eat it.”
“…Huh…?”
That Wi Seol-a had refused Yakgwa. It was astounding.
I wondered if it was because she was still sulking, but the corner of Wi Seol-a's mouth was slightly raised.
It was clear. Wi Seol-a was in a good mood right now.
But I couldn't figure out why.
“Uh… okay.”
Her movements as she drank tea were light. Though she sipped it little by little because it was hot, her mood looked refreshed.
After quietly watching her drink tea like that, I asked Wi Seol-a.
“So, why aren't you asking?”
“Huh?”
Wi Seol-a looked at me, opening her big eyes even wider.
She had an expression of utter incomprehension.
“That woman from earlier. Why aren't you asking who she was?”
“Ah.”
Just an ‘Ah.’
Had she already forgotten after being furious to death just moments ago…?
“It's fine now.”
I tilted my head at her saying it was fine.
“It's fine?”
“Yes. It's fine now. Because I don't think she's someone I'll see again.”
“Hm…?”
Wi Seol-a nodded.
She truly looked not the least bit interested.
Just moments ago, she had really looked like she would kill her.
Wouldn't one normally ask why she approached me?
It would have been a hassle to explain even if she asked, but I felt subtly disappointed that she didn't ask.
And even in the midst of that.
‘…When did she finish them all?’
I'm pretty sure she was drinking her first cup.
Before I knew it, the three cups of plum tea I'd given Wi Seol-a were all empty.
We had only exchanged a few words, but it seemed she had drunk them all in that time.
It must have been extremely hot; how did she do it?
Surprised and feeling nostalgic at that, I slowly stroked Wi Seol-a's head.
As I carefully touched her like that, I saw something.
It was the hair ornament I had gifted her.
Both Namgung Bi-a and Wi Seol-a, I don't know why they go around wearing that cheap thing.
‘I'll have to look into one later.’
As I was thinking that, Wi Seol-a, having finished all her tea, looked at me.
Facing her shining eyes.
“Ah, right. Young Master.”
“Hm?”
Wi Seol-a spoke to me as if she had forgotten.
“I missed you.”
“...”
“I don't think I've told you yet.”
I flinched without realizing it.
My body stiffened.
That made it even harder to react.
“…Uh, me too.”
I creaked it out with difficulty. Because I had to say something in response.
Then Wi Seol-a smiled brilliantly.
Seeing that, I thought.
‘I really need to find something somehow.’
Why did her smiling face have to be so damned pretty?
At this rate, I felt like I would be the first to get drunk on poppies, rather than anyone else.
******************
The back alleys of Hanam.
While numerous people were roaming Hanam, the fastest route leading to the Martial Arts Alliance was quiet even in the daytime.
Partly because an incident had occurred here just a month or so ago.
And partly because the Alliance itself had blocked ordinary people from passing through here.
Since martial artists of the Alliance occasionally patrolled here, it was a place ordinary people didn't frequent, but.
From one side of such an alley.
Creak…!
A woman was repeatedly biting her nails and walking quickly.
Her pretty face was heavily distorted with a mixture of fear and rage.
‘…I'll kill her. I'll kill her.’
The woman was none other than Bi Hyeonhwa.
Unable to contain her surging rage, the veins in her eyes were bulging.
‘How dare she…!!’
Recalling the woman who had appeared belatedly, Bi Hyeonhwa glared fiercely.
Not content with stealing all the attention that had been poured onto her, that damn wench who had arbitrarily oppressed her.
On top of that.
‘That face.’
That lovely face that had brought forth a sense of defeat the moment she saw it.
The nameless woman had presented her with utmost despair; she who had been called the flower of the Alliance and the greatest beauty in Hanam.
‘That good-for-nothing man is the same…!’
The man who had been so indifferent despite her seducing him.
She had wondered why he pretended to be so fine.
‘Was it because he had such a woman?’
Had he been indifferent because he had a more splendid flower?
She didn't like it.
She had thought to extend her hand once since he seemed like a decent martial artist, but not only did he dare reject her seduction, he left her feeling this filthy.
Bi Hyeonhwa clenched her fist so hard it trembled.
‘I'll kill her.’
She would kill her by any means.
Even if she had to return to the Investigation Bureau and offer her body to the old Chiefs, she wanted to get rid of her.
She recalled her own disheveled appearance from fear and her wretched fleeing figure.
Not to mention her own appearance feeling inferior upon seeing the opponent's looks.
Unbelievable.
So by any means.
‘At least that wench.’
The man didn't matter.
Honestly, she wasn't interested. Men were a dime a dozen in this world. There were surely more capable ones among them.
So Bi Hyeonhwa resolved to get rid of the woman by any means.
If she couldn't kill her, she had to give her a big scar on her face.
That face should not exist in this place.
It meant no prettier flower should exist where she was.
‘I must trample it.’
She had to trample that brilliance before it spread.
That was all she thought about.
Her mind was already half-gone.
Chewing on her nails filled with rage and inferiority, Bi Hyeonhwa moved her steps.
Just as Bi Hyeonhwa was anxiously trying to return to the Martial Arts Alliance like that.
Plip.
The sound of water droplets falling from somewhere was heard, then.
Tap tap-!
Someone appeared behind Bi Hyeonhwa and quickly struck her back.
“...Kup!?“
Her body stiffened in an instant.
Acupoint sealing.
The Alliance's patrols were circling the area. The Martial Arts Alliance was just a few steps away.
Someone had sealed Bi Hyeonhwa's acupoints in such a gap.
As the stiffened Bi Hyeonhwa slowly rolled her eyes in fear at the sudden situation.
“Hm.”
Someone appeared in front of Bi Hyeonhwa from behind her.
Yet no footsteps were heard at all.
That made it even more frightening.
“…!!”
Bi Hyeonhwa's eyes widened upon confirming the figure before her.
The figure who had sealed Bi Hyeonhwa's acupoints was a woman with long blue-green hair reaching down to her back.
She had a rather small stature and cute features, but it was someone Bi Hyeonhwa knew well.
“Hello.”
“…!”
The woman with blue-green hair, Dang So-yeol, spoke to Bi Hyeonhwa.
Naturally Bi Hyeonhwa couldn't answer, but Dang So-yeol didn't seem to care.
“Long time no see. Sister.”
Swish.
The tips of Dang So-yeol's fingers touched Bi Hyeonhwa's neck.
Press.
Blood flowed shallowly from the skin touched by her nails, and feeling this, terror settled in Bi Hyeonhwa's eyes.
Looking at such a Bi Hyeonhwa, Dang So-yeol spoke.
“Shall we talk for a bit? There's something I want to say to you, Sister.”
“...”
“If you understand, move your eyes up and down. Ah, if you don't want to, you can move them left and right too.”
The moment Bi Hyeonhwa tried to move her eyes left and right unconsciously.
“However.”
Dang So-yeol continued.
“If I don't like your answer, I'll gouge out your eyes.”
“…!”
“You get two chances. Since you have two eyes, I'll take one at a time.”
“...”
Brutal words despite her cute way of speaking.
Immediately, Bi Hyeonhwa's pupils moved up and down.
Dang So-yeol, seeing that.
“What a relief. I was worried blood would get on my clothes….”
She smiled, stroking Bi Hyeonhwa's cheek with her hand.